by simeon | Feb 16, 2022 | Sights, Travel Experience
A trip to Italy usually reminds us of the picturesque Venice, the historic Rome or the majestic Milan, all three cities you must visit at some point in your life. Of course, as in any country, there are other, smaller cities that most visitors overlook in the face of destinations that are considered more important to visit. We talk about cities full of treasures that you had not noticed before.
The Italians have given three nicknames to Bologna. The Educated (La Dotta), the Fat (La Grassa) and the Red (La Rossa).
No matter what you think of Bologna now, after spending a few days wandering its narrow streets, you really won’t find more apt nicknames to give it than these three.
La Dotta
Bologna is home to the oldest university in the Western world, from which-among others- Dante Alighieri, Leon Battista Alberti and Copernicus have graduated, and some of them have been professors. The alma mater studiorum was founded in 1088 and to this day is the first choice of study of thousands of students from around the world. L ‘Archiginnasio, the ancient seat of the university, is located in the historic center of the city and is one of the most legendary buildings in Bologna. MAMbo, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bologna, hosts every year a plethora of exhibitions by promising Italian artists, organizes exceptional tributes to the work of great artists and has a rather impressive permanent collection. The Museum of the History of Bologna (Museo della Storia di Bologna) is also a must-see! It’s a modern museum that is based almost entirely on the interaction of visitors with the exhibits.
La Grassa
As you may have guessed, “Fat” refers to the delicious cuisine of the city, about which Pellegrino Artusi, the famous author of the equally famous cookbook “La scienza in cucina e l’arte di mangiar bene,” said “When you hear them talking for the cuisine of Bologna, you should take a bow!”. Thanks to the agricultural wealth of Emilia Romagna, Bologna stands out for its handmade tagliatelle and tortellini, its mortadella and, of course, its adored Bolognese, the famous pasta sauce to which it gave its name. Tortellini, on the other hand, were first made in Bologna. According to the legend, the goddess Aphrodite once stopped at a hostel between Bologna and Modena and the chef, enchanted by her beauty, tried to create a pasta that would resemble the shape of her navel. And so the first “tortellino” was created, as a tribute to the goddess of beauty and love.
La Rossa
A look from above is enough to understand why one of the three nicknames of Bologna is “red”. The shade of its roofs and the vast majority of its buildings surround the city in a rust red color, a truly unique spectacle that you can enjoy in all its glory either from the hill of San Luca or the Asinelli Tower in the center of the city, right next to the main square of Bologna, Piazza Maggiore. But Bologna is also called “red” for another reason. This isn’t but the fact that, except for a few short periods in its history, the city was and still is politically aligned with the Left, with all its mayors coming from the left and communist parties.
by simeon | Feb 16, 2022 | Museums, Sights, Travel Experience
Moscow is the capital of Russia. It’s the largest city of the country and is located on the banks of the Moskva river. Moscow is an industrial city as a great percentage of its industrial production is being produced there.
The Moscow Kremlin
The Kremlin is a historic fortified complex of administrative buildings. It’s part of the complex of the famous sights of the city such as St. Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square and Alexander Garden. It includes four palaces, four cathedrals and twenty towers that reinforce its wall. It’s undoubtedly an imposing building that carries a long history on it, a definitely “must-see” attraction in Moscow.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral
It is a majestic Russian Orthodox cathedral located in the Red Square and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It has been operating as part of the State Historical Museum since 1928, and in no case should you miss the opportunity to visit it, as many consider it one of the symbols of the city of Moscow.
The Red Square
Red Square is the central square of Moscow and is therefore considered the central square of the whole of Russia. Another important “must-see” spot in Moscow, which hosts thousands of tourists who come to see it every year. The Red Square is used in many cases as a place for events and big concerts.
Lenin’s Mausoleum
The Mausoleum of Vladimir Lenin is situated on the Red Square and houses the embalmed body of the leader of the Soviet Revolution. Visitors should respect the protocol of the Mausoleum, and therefore no cameras, indecent clothing or inappropriate behavior are allowed. It’s definitely a special experience and the structure of the building is also impressive.
The Bolshoi Theatre
The Bolshoi Theater is the most historic theater in Moscow and was designed by the famous architect Joseph Bove to host ballet and opera performances. It offers unique performances from the best ballet academy in the world. The Bolshoi Theater is in full operation nowadays and it would be a great omission not to visit it. That’s why you should truly try to assist in one of its performances which will definitely be a unique experience!
by simeon | Feb 16, 2022 | Travel Experience
Beautiful, easily accessible and authentic, Larnaca is the oldest city of Cyprus with a long history of thousands of years. Larnaca is the third largest city of Cyprus and is a thriving and modern european city that offers its visitors a mix of traditional and cosmopolitan facilities, as well as fascinating monuments and museums, wonderful beaches, a wide variety of shops and a extraordinary nightlife culture corresponding to all age groups. Let’s see below some unique options offered by the city, which are mainly economical but also very interesting.
Excursion to the Aliki Salt Lake in Larnaca
It’s an important wetland protected by the Ramsar Convention and the NATURA program. You’ll find it in the southwest of the city, east of the villages of Meneos and Dromolaxia. In fact, Aliki is a complex of four lakes, the largest of which you’ll encounter on your way to/ from the Larnaca airport.
The picturesque alleys of the city
Wear comfortable shoes and wander the picturesque alleys of the city to explore its beautiful corners with its colorful spaces, and visit the local shops.
Sport and Activities
You have many options in Larnaca. From watersports like water skiing, wakeboarding, bodyboarding, jet skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and kitesurfing on the beautiful Faros beach in Perivolia or Mackenzie, to cycling on the wonderful coastal road with its amazing part of Finikoudes and diving in the wreck of “Zenobia”.
Walking on the coastal pedestrian street
Finikoudes, the most central and busy coastal pedestrian street of Larnaca, is parallel to Athens Avenue and is the classic promenade of the city. The Palm trees on the left and right side of the street will bring you to mind something from Los Angeles but of course, with a Mediterranean climate. Here beats the heart of the city and it’s here that you’ll make your romantic walk starting from the Medieval Castle and ending at the beautiful marina with the unique sunset.
The sunset in the marina of Larnaca
Late in the afternoon after having walked on the coastal avenue, go to the marina to relax, to watch yachts and sailboats but also to take a souvenir photo which will be your romantic memory from Larnaca, or maybe even to kiss!
by simeon | Feb 16, 2022 | Fun, Sights, Travel Experience
Phuket is a village in Thailand. It’s a world-famous tourist destination and its economy relies mainly on its visitors from all over the world. In recent years the attention of the whole world was turned to it because of the devastating tsunami that resulted in the death of many people and the destruction of many infrastructures. However, the material damages were re-constructed and Phuket managed to get back on its feet!
Phi Phi islands
If there is a paradise on earth, the Phi Phi islands are probably the closest one we can think of! These small islands in Thailand became famous from the movie “The Beach”, which was shot in Phi Phi Leh. The Phi Phi islands are connected to Phuket by small boats that cover the distance in about 45 minutes. Your hotel in Phi Phi Don can arrange your transfer from Phuket to its facilities.
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is a bay in Thailand that has gained fame from the James Bond movie and has been described as the island of this fascinating character. Cruises on the island are being organised daily. So, it’s quite easy to go and see it, as well as take beautiful photos in this beautiful landscape. It has a very interesting scenery and is definitely worth a visit by booking a fairly cheap cruise.
Siam Niramit Phuket
It’s a spectacular show and a “must-see” in Phuket! Excellent actors and dancers give performances showing the traditional culture of Thailand. The performance includes animals, making it even more amazing. The place in Siam Niramit is wonderful and very nicely decorated and the spectacle is worth watching. You can also visit the small village which is quite close and enjoy local food and its very beautifully decorated settlements.
by simeon | Feb 16, 2022 | Fun, Sights, Travel Experience
Paris, also known as the city of light, is the most popular destination in the world.
Paris is the second largest city of western Europe and perhaps, the city with the most attractions.
Parc Astérix
Parc Astérix is the second largest theme park in Paris. It’s a wonderful amusement park for all age groups, inspired by the popular comic book series “Asterix”, and it receives an average of 1,8 million visitors each year. It’s located in the northern part of Paris and can be reached by car and bus. The park consists of various roller coasters and playgrounds, while the visitors can have a tour of the village of the proud Gauls, enjoy storytelling, play and be photographed with the famous comic book heroes. Asterix Park is divided into 7 different areas: – The main entrance of Parc Asterix where you can find various souvenir shops and restaurants – The Roman Empire– Ancient Greece– The village of the Vikings– Back in time– The village of the Gauls and the forest of Idefix (dogmatix) – Ancient Egypt. To book your tickets you can visit the official website of the park or book them through an authorised travel agency.
