The beautiful Belize, between Maya and Caribbean

Belize

Belize is one of the countries with the highest rate of biodiversity in the world: more than 90% of the territory is covered by pristine forests and boasts the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. And in addition, most interesting and fascinating Maya palaces are surrounded by picturesque scenery.

Belize

Among the attractions of the only english speaking country in Central America (it was a British colony), Placencia, a peninsula at the southern end of the country; palm trees that shade the white sand and Caribbean sea. An hour and half boat ride from Placencia, the splendor of Glovers Reef, a World Heritage Site, which many consider one of the most beautiful dives of the western Caribbean. Continue reading “The beautiful Belize, between Maya and Caribbean”

Flying during pregnancy, until may a pregnant woman?

flying during pregnancy

They call it “the sweet waiting”, but then actually not all pregnant women want or can remain in sweet doing nothing for nine months. Consider then that many who need to move, to travel, for business or for leisure, with the plane. The question that then arises is: to what stage of pregnancy you can travel by plane?

flying during pregnancy

If you ask anyone and the network is full of forums and tips on travel at high altitude during pregnancy. Here we describe all the things that you need to know for pregnant women who face a trip by plane. Continue reading “Flying during pregnancy, until may a pregnant woman?”

The Royal picture gallery Mauritshuis reopens in the Hague

Mauritshuis

After a two-year renovation, The Mauritshuis will reopen to the public from June 27, 2014. Its famous collection of paintings, including Girl with a Pearl Earring, will be back exposed to the Mauritshuis, now renovated and expanded. For this event, and after the official opening day, the Museum will be open for visitors till midnight.

Mauritshuis

The renewed Mauritshuis sees a doubling of the surface due to underground expansion that extends up to the building in front of the museum. In this way we wanted to preserve intact the character and appearance of the original museum. In the new section, called Royal Dutch Shell Wing, are the exhibition space, a bar and a museum shop, as well as the teaching laboratory, library and lounge events. Continue reading “The Royal picture gallery Mauritshuis reopens in the Hague”

The most beautiful castles, Trakoscan in Croatia

trakoscan castle

In an hour’s drive north of Zagreb, The Trakoscan castle is a fortress of the thirteenth century, which was part of the Northwest Croatian Defence. Today, the castle, the park, the lake and the forest that surrounds it, is one of the few buildings in Croatia which preserves the original architectural features.

trakoscan castle

Dropped in ruins after the Second World War, in recent years has been the object of restoration and restoration, which brought to the ancient splendour. Inside a museum with a collection of books, paintings, furniture and weapons. All are very interesting, and romantic. Continue reading “The most beautiful castles, Trakoscan in Croatia”

Must-see places in Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia

In today’s post we want to take you to Barcelona to mention to the must-see places that you will consider essential in any visit to Barcelona.

La Sagrada Familia
This building, located in the center of Barcelona (although somewhat away from other points of interest), has become one of the hallmarks of the city.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a church built by donations of the people, which was initiated in 1882 from a design by the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, but soon (as of late 1883) went to Gaudi, which was in charge of the work until the day of his death in 1926. Unfinished since then, several architects have continued the construction work trying to follow the original idea of Gaudi.

Its 8 imposing towers lifted from the 18 which project Gaudi and Gloria impressive facades, the Nativity and the Passion, inviting the traveler to visit the inside from where you can climb some of the towers by elevator (one on each facade), to see a beautiful view of the city.

Guell Park
More than one century ago Eusebi Guell commissioned Gaudi to do an exclusive development for wealthy families in an area known as the Montana Pelada. Thus, in 1900 work began on the development of which, in 1914, were already raised most of the public areas and two stately homes (of the 60 originally planned, which was for the Guell and Gaudi himself); however such an exclusive character of the community that the project did not take off and finish the works were abandoned in 1914.

The park thus became a large private garden, which yielded Guell occasionally for public events. After the death of the promoter was purchased by the City Council in 1926 and opened as a city park. The house was fitted Guell family as a public school and home of Gaudi was turned into a house museum in memory of the architect.

The little success that the private sector had contrasted greatly with the acceptance that, as a public park, won the Guell Park, which was much appreciated by the locals and gradually became one of the attractions most visited by tourists. In fact, it was recognized as an artistic monument in 1969 and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.

Wander around the Gothic Quarter and discover Barcelona Cathedral
On the remains of Old Roman Barcino, lies the medieval Barcelona with narrow, winding streets where centuries churches and Gothic palaces (which caused the disappearance of most of the Roman remains) were raised and which today is a pleasure to walk.

In fact, the Cathedral City stands there. Also known as the Santa Eulalia is a great example of Catalan Gothic architecture of the fourteenth century.

Passeig de Gracia
The Passeig de Gracia is one of the shopping streets of Barcelona par excellence, however, it not only gives but also it has some of the most important modernist buildings in the city, the two jewels made by Antonio Gaudi: Casa Batllo (one of the most representative works of Catalan modernist architecture that was built between 1904 and 1906) and La Pedrera (residence of a bourgeois family in the early twentieth century).

Tibidabo
The Tibidabo Mountain is the highest peak in the Sierra de Collserola and is also known as Magic Mountain, as one of the best viewpoints on the city to watch.

There is the amusement park is more ancient of Spain (opened in 1899), the spectacular Gothic temple of the Sacred Heart (whose top you can climb through elevator), the primitive Hermitage of 1886 (to the right of the Temple), the Collserola Tower, built on the occasion of the Olympic Games in 1992 and the Fabra Observatory, built in 1901, to carry out scientific research on meteorology, seismology and astronomy.

Montjuic
Used since ancient times as a military outpost, Montjuic is the mountain which protects Barcelona through its southern part.The work carried out for the Universal exhibition of 1929 and 1992 Olympics made that tourist places arise in Montjuic such as:

  • The Magic Fountain of Montjuic: where holding a beautiful show of light and water (after more than 80 years in operation).
  • The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), with a nice collection of Romanesque art.
  • The Spanish people: A place designed for the International Exhibition of 1929 to illustrate the different architectural styles used in different regions of Spain a maze of streets with artisans, restaurants, cafes, etc.
  • The Montjuic Olympic Ring, which was executed on the occasion of the 1992 Olympic Games.
  • The Montjuic Castle: at the top is this former military strength that can be climbed on foot or by cable car.

Palau de la Musica
The Palacio de la Musica Catalana, designed by Domenech i Montaner, is one of the more special concerts in the world and one of the most representative of the catalan modernism. Declared National Monument in 1971, is an impressive building that not only features a striking exterior endowed curious architectural elements but also has excellent acoustics.

Camp Nou
Opened in 1957, the stadium of FC Barcelona’s, Camp Nou stadium is the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Beloved and hated both, it is clear that the local football team has a huge reputation worldwide and will not be a few who want to see the legendary stadium out or even make a tour to see first hand the changing rooms, tunnels and field of their football team; although we will not deny, the ideal would be to attend a party.

It’s spring, start visiting the Borromean islands

borromean island

More and more beautiful Borromean islands, thanks to the restoration work, which continue and that are intended to make it increasingly accessible and attractive (if necessary) the Islands.

borromean island

Thanks to these works, on isola Madre was reopened the Berthier Wing, the one with the wonderful art gallery and the Throne Room, and then, roofs aside, has been completely restored the exterior of the building, including frescoes, marble and thousands of square meters of ancient mortars. Continue reading “It’s spring, start visiting the Borromean islands”

The Caribbean islands with the best beaches

caribbean beach

Basically if you go to any island in the Caribbean will be waiting for a great beach. However, there are some islands that propose beaches truly beautiful and impressive, so special as to be almost useless. But no, they are just true, it’s just the nature that gives the best of himself to the delight of tourists who can make spectacular photographs and spend unforgettable vacation. So if you have to make a trip to the Caribbean, write the name of these islands with unforgettable beaches.

caribbean beach

The best beaches of the Caribbean islands
We start from Anguilla, a small island, but from the endless beaches. Here you will find crystal clear waters and corals to no end and on the beach there are certain places where experimenting with live music and barbecue. In reality it is still a quiet place, not suffocated by the crowd and with a good chance to do some snorkeling. Do not miss Rendezvous Bay and Dune Preserve, but can also pose as castaways for a day in the two small islands of Scilly Cay and Sandy Island … shipwrecked luxury, given that both islands have a restaurant on the beach and a boat shuttle for guests. Continue reading “The Caribbean islands with the best beaches”

Opens in May: 9/11 Museum in New York

September 11 Museum

With a few years later, and after much controversy, finally next May will open the September 11 Museum, the place where before that terrible date of 2001, were the twin towers.

September 11 Museum

Many of the difficulties that could explain the delay in the completion of the work, beginning with those related to financing the work to get to those on the choice of the final project. To these were added the climate-related difficulties, since New York, between storms, snow and sand, you’re not missing anything made in recent years. Continue reading “Opens in May: 9/11 Museum in New York”

Where to go in Central Park, Manhattan, New York

central park manhattan

One mistake that is often made by visiting Manhattan in New York is to be taken lightly Central Park. The first time I visited the city, young and inexperienced, I entered a “stroll” in my list of things to do in New York City, without thinking too much about. “It’s just a park. A short stroll to understand as it is, two photographs and then off on Fifth”. Wrong!

central park manhattan

Central Park is big, very big. 10 minute not enough, as not just half an hour. Central Park has many parks together, so if we do not organize, focus on what we really want to see, we run the risk of being disappointed. Central Park changes skin throughout the year. Overactive in the spring, sleepy in summer, romantic in autumn, “thoughtful” in the winter. Central Park attracts people from across the city and around the world, each with different interests and expectations.

Even just to make a nice photo of the park with a backdrop of skyscrapers, we need to be organized and prepared. And then, a good place to start, is the official website of Central Park, between the pile of information, also has a section dedicated to the tour.

Guided tours for a fee, free DIY tours, technological tour conducted by a apps to download on our smartphone, and tour for groups. To study also the Events section of the site, because we never know, and our New York visit could coincide with a free concert in Central Park. One of those those are ready for framing. In short, it is worth studying the site, before landing in Central Park, Manhattan, New York.

The strangest monuments: Krusevo Makedonium in Macedonia

Krusevo Makedonium

The Ilinden-Preobrazhenie uprising – in August 1903, recalls the uprising of the community pillar in between Bulgaria and current Macedonia, against the Ottoman rulers. A revolt ended badly, but remembered by the Macedonians, as one of the founding acts of their modern state.

Krusevo Makedonium

The Makedonium, as you call this monument, is located on a hill that dominates Krusevo, just over 5,000 inhabitants for the highest town in Macedonia, and is reached by a chairlift. Continue reading “The strangest monuments: Krusevo Makedonium in Macedonia”