Testaccio

The popular Roman spirit, including football fanatism, still lives in the Testaccio area where the traveler can still enjoy perfumes and tastes of the so called ‘poor’ cooking: from tripe, to sweetbreads, liver, heart etc. To tell the truth this food was already a favorite dish of Pope Paul V Borghese. And in the Testaccio area, which until 1965 housed the slaughter house, you can find quite a few ‘trattoria’ where you can try this food. Honestly they are now more sophisticated restaurants or wine tasting places, rather expensive. But if you ask an inhabitant of the area, he/she will for sure indicate a true Roman trattoria not tourist-oriented. By the way in the old slaughter house you now have concerts, plays, cultural events and last but not least gastronomic opportunities. The name Testaccio derives from the artificial hill that owes its shape to the pieces of textae (or broken crockery) used in the nearby river harbour at the times of old Rome. After a typical roman food, do not forget to walk!

Jordan, an extarordinay desert for nature lovers: Wadi Rum

Jordan. To explore the protected area of Wadi Rum you have more options  which go from an off-road car to a camel.  Mountain lovers will certainly  be stimulated by the almost 1000 meters high tops: after  such a climb the peace of the landscape, the silence of space ed the vew of incredible rocks will be the best reward.

After the spring rains hundreds of plants will turn the color of the rocks into a splendid green in contrast with the multicolored sandstones.

Try the experience to admire a sunset at Umm Sabath in winter or the daybreak at Tell Hassan, the nabatean temple, Lawrence’s spring, to explore the Siq (canyon) and the archeological rests of Rakehbtel al Wadak.

You will discover rare plants and , if you are lucky, some of the animals that inhabit the desert, like the Blandford fox, the sand cat and the ibex.  For birdwatchers some 120 different species. 

One hour drive from Wadi rum and you’ll find yourself swimming in the gulf of Aqaba among corals and multicolored fishes. But this is another story.

Portugal – Azores Islands – Green island: Sao Jorge

There is an island which will bring you closer to nature: Sao Jorge,  one of the nine Azores islands, that although have always been part of Portugal, have today an Autonomous  Region staus with their own Assembly and Government.

Halfway between Europe and North America,  Azores  were first discovered by the Portuguese in 1427 and for quite a few centuries  their geographical position was pivotal for the navigation  between old and new continent and the Orient.

Each of the islands has its own character, that’s why nature lovers choose Sao Jorge, dominated by wide green pastures. The vegetation covers hills and valleys and islands walks are a must because  they are a voyage of discoveries, peace and tranquillity.

The lush green of the flora on land  is not the only dominat colour of Azores  because a secont colour dominates their  landscapes, the vivid blue of the surrounding ocean and sky. The still unspoilt landscapes of the islands make them timeless islands and  and whatever you experience, you will always feel that you have taken part in their life.