The flea market of Saint-Ouen in Paris

Saint-Ouen flea market

Why do we call that kind of open-air market, where we can buy goods of little value, sometimes even barter, flea market? Because it was easier to find fleas in carpets and clothes bought in the flea market, that really is a bargain, at least when this kind of markets began to spread to Paris.

Saint-Ouen flea market

The oldest and most famous flea market in Paris, which attracts annually more than 11 million visitors, is the Saint-Ouen flea market, although technically Saint-Ouen is not Paris, but a town administratively autonomous, just outside the old city gates. Continue reading “The flea market of Saint-Ouen in Paris”

The green lung of London – Hyde Park

hyde park london

If the people of New York go to Central Park for rest and relaxation, those of London go to Hyde Park. It is the great green lung of London, a patch of brilliant color that stands out among the stormy gray London sky and the walls of stone palaces. If you go on a visit to London, a trip to Hyde Park you should definitely do it: here there are many monuments and places of interest to visit and photograph.

hyde park london

Hyde Park is one of the largest and most famous parks of central London and also one of the Royal Parks. Hyde Park is divided into two equal by the artificial lake Serpentine Lake and in continuity with the Kensington Gardens (parks are two distinct, though being in continuity many consider them the same entity). Continue reading “The green lung of London – Hyde Park”

The most beautiful beaches, Praia da Marinha in Portugal

Praia da Marinha

The Praia da Marinha in Portugal to fame is accustomed. As beautiful as that a major publishing company of tourist guides has put on its cover of the Guide of Portugal; in all of Portugal.

Praia da Marinha

The images of the orange cliffs, eccentric rocks that rise from the bottom of emerald green waters, a small beach between chiseled cliffs, are the passport to a small paradise near Lagoa, in the Algarve, Portugal. As cute as the Michelin guide has quoted between 1-10 most beautiful beaches in Europe. Continue reading “The most beautiful beaches, Praia da Marinha in Portugal”

Poppies at the Tower of London to remember the Great War

Tower of London

This is not a photo-montage, but a real artistic installation created by Paul Cummins, entitled “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red”.

Tower of London

888,246 ceramic poppies which filled the moat of the Tower of London, until you arrive on the walls; one for each of the Allied soldiers who died during the conflict. From now on each of these ceramic poppies is on sale at 25 pounds, 450,000 have already been sold by reservation. Continue reading “Poppies at the Tower of London to remember the Great War”

Why You Should Enjoy a Family Holiday in Scotland

holiday in scotland

Taking the kids on vacation isn’t an easy task, especially when you have a whole brood under eight years old. It’s even more of a hassle when you have very small ones to take care of. Strollers, diaper bags and little hands are difficult enough to handle when you’re just going to the store. But some time away as a family can do wonders for your health and happiness, and it’s great to give your kids a chance to see the world from a young age. The UK is a great place to take the kids, and Scotland is perfect for family fun.

holiday in scotland

Dimitry B

City or Country?

The great thing about Scotland is the diversity of destinations. You could spend your time on the coast, enjoying seafood and getting out on a boat. Or you could get in touch with nature in the highlands, taking a break from busy cities. But if your kids need lots of activities to keep them entertained, you can visit Edinburgh or Glasgow, where there’s always something happening. Summer in Edinburgh is an especially amazing time, when the Edinburgh Festival has kids’ shows and activities for the entire month of August.

Family-friendly Accommodation

Whether you spend your time in Edinburgh or the highlands, there are lots of options for family-friendly accommodation. Your own private cottage could be the perfect place to stay, with quaint decor and kitted out with cribs, high chairs and other items. Hire a car so you can stay somewhere remote, or stay in the city where you can easily get around with public transport. You can stay in family-friendly hotels too, where you will be provided with all the kids’ hotel essentials. You can even have a lovely kids’ afternoon tea at some hotels, with menus specially tailored for little ones.

Things to Do

When you have a gaggle of little ones with you, it’s best to keep vacation activities short, with frequent breaks. One great thing to do if you’re staying in a town or city is take a tour on a bus. Kids will love riding a big red Edinburgh Bus Tours bus around the city center. Or you could get out on a boat for fun sailing the seas. Kids will love glass-bottomed boats, which give them a chance to marvel at the wildlife below. There are always family events on too, from walks and ghost tours to museums and parks.

holiday in scotland

Food and Drink

Getting your kids to try the local food can be difficult when you’re on vacation. They’re used to what they get at home, and many little ones are reluctant to try new things. Plus, taking the kids out to dinner can be a hard task. No one wants to be embarrassed in the middle of a restaurant by their noisy children! But there are plenty of family-friendly food and drink establishments in Scotland. Kids will love trying fish and chips or munching on a sweet scone.

The Rheinturm Dusseldorf, the largest digital clock in the world

largest digital clock

Completed in 1981, then more than 30 years ago, The Rheinturm Dusseldorf (i.e. Rhine Tower, the historic river of Germany, which “starts” with the spectacular waterfalls of Schaffhausen in Switzerland) is a monolithic tower that stands on the profile of city, which in addition to an obvious practical use for broadcasting TV, radio and more, has a playful side.

largest digital clock

The tip of the tower is about 240 meters, while the top floor viable (at least for normal people) is only 174 meters. Not unexpectedly, the tower has a plan for observation, which offers panoramic views of Dusseldorf, 600,000 inhabitants just 40 kilometers away from the beautiful Cologne Cathedral. The Observation Deck is open daily from 10 am until 11:30 pm. Continue reading “The Rheinturm Dusseldorf, the largest digital clock in the world”

Destination: Gold Coast in Australia

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is for Fun! The Gold Coast is made for fun, is the advertising of this wonderful natural playground, Australian grown dramatically in recent years, thanks to the tourism industry, which in these parts has been developed since the 20s around a haunted hotel, needless to say, by surfers.

Gold Coast

We are in Queensland, the land of the Queen, and today Gold Cost City is the second city in the state, after Brisbane; and all thanks to tourism. Continue reading “Destination: Gold Coast in Australia”

The five most romantic Florida beaches

romantic florida beach

Have you ever wondered what are the most romantic beaches of Florida? Let’s say that in Florida there are lots of beaches, but these are the ones most suitable for lovers.

romantic florida beach

For many people, an uncrowded beach is the key to a romantic trip: if you are a loving couple, want peace and tranquility in your elopement, not a super beach crowded with tourists, with children chattering and sellers of hot dogs around every corner. That’s why today we’re going to see what the five most romantic beaches in Florida are. Notwithstanding that Florida is chock full of beautiful beaches with pristine dunes, forests along the coast, tidal habitats rich in fauna and flora. But here we will focus on the most romantic beach. Continue reading “The five most romantic Florida beaches”