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Add Romance in Your Life!
June 28, 2009 by Helen
A romance is something that can be created. It is not only a lighting of a candle or writing poems, drinking wine or eating chocolate, having a dinner near the see…Here are more romantic ideas to be added to your life!
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Dance the Night Away
Isn’t that romantic to go dancing together? In bar, disco, on the street, dancing opens emotions and refresh feelings!
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See a Ghost
The Phaaantom of the Opera! You can visit one of the greatest Opera Houses in London, Milan, or Vienna and enjoy the magnificent atmosphere of the stage performances!
Walk on the Beach
Sometimes the best things in life are the simpl
iest: hand in hand, walking on the warm sand, listening to the soothing sound of the surf… It can be Greece, Spain, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Caribbean islands… no matter where you go, just enjoy being together!
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Take a Cruise
No, not the predictable one…It can be a canal cruise in Amsterdam, city of unique architecture and magnificent sights. You can visit the Van Gogh Museum and its immense collection of more than 800 works by the most influential of all contemporary painters. Do not, however let passion take to the extremes: It is Amsterdam! Good option for lovers is charming Venice, where you can enjoy the beauty of the unique town, have the canal cruise in canoes, and fall in love again!
Have a Ball
Speaking of tailor-made, a masque or gala ball would seem in order. Did Strauss invent the walz or the walz invented Strauss? Look for the answer in Vienna, the only city in the world where balls, as opposed to smaller modern dancing dinners, still rule the social life of winter. The ball of balls is the annual Vienna Opera Ball, held on February 19th at the Vienna Opera.
Do you like this post? Subscribe to RSSWhere to Go in Summer – Greece!
June 6, 2009 by Helen
When thinking about summer holidays, many people try to distinguish where they want to go, and here we have one option to be advised- Greece…Numerous islands, amazing nature, crystal water of the sea, delicious food and welcoming Greek people- isn’t that all you need for a fabulous vacation?!
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Few visitors to Greece willingly miss Santorini, the most mythical island in the Cyclades. Once a round, ordinary island, an ancient volcanic explosion left nothing but a crescent-shaped rim around the underwater caldera. The volcano that erupted still smoulders, and the intrepid traveler will want to take a caique to the island of Thirassia, and to the Kamenos, a new island group which has slowly emerged from the waters over the past three thousand years. In geological time, this makes them the new kids on the block. Sulphurous emissions and the occasional red glow remind visitors that Santorini’s fiery dragon is merely sleeping. Ruins, including the volcanic ash- preserved town of ancient Akrotiri, amaze those with a bent for ancient history.
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Except volcanic remains Santorini also offers abundant beauty for visitors. The steep cliffs left from the eruption are banded with brown, black, and white layers, making for a striking appearance, particularly if you arrive by sea.
Santorini’s nightlife has become as hot as its volcanic past. Santorini’s nightlife is centered around Fira and, to a lesser extent, Oia. The crowds are very bad in July and August, which are also the hottest months in terms of temperature.
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Santorini is an odd island and its food is a combination of climatic factors and the tastes of those who have occupied and lived on the island. Greek cuisine has four secrets: fresh ingredients of good quality, proper use of herbs and spices, the famous Greek olive oil and its basic simplicity. I’m sure you will enjoy a glass of ouzo or wine, accompanied by barbecued octopus or any other Greek dish, while sitting beneath the shadow of a tree, at a small tavern by the sea. I bet that when you go back home, you will try to repeat that experience by preparing the same dish and serving the same drink. No matter where you decide to have it, you will soon discover that it does not taste the same. Do not try again. There is nothing wrong with the delicacy of your palate or your cooking skills. The Greek meal experience, namely the combination of what you eat and where you eat it, cannot be repeated, exported or duplicated. It is something you can only find, taste and enjoy in Greece, like the blue of the Aegean Sea!
Do you like this post? Subscribe to RSSLviv
May 25, 2009 by Chanterelle
Lviv is one of the fascinating cities of the old Europe.
It is mixture and variety of different styles of all epochs starting from the 13th century that are reflected in the grey-stoned buildings.
Gothic and baroque, Renaissance and Romanesque, modern eclecticism and constructivism are combined in the unique architectural ensemble.
“Zamkova Hora” or the City Council “Ratusha” will show you unforgettable panoramas of the city.
Historic center of Lviv is included into the World Heritage of UNESCO. Theatres, Churches and Cathedrals, castles, libraries, parks and even graveyards should be kept for the future generations. Its history goes back to the 5th century, moreover in different ages Lviv was a part of Halyck-Volyn Principality, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Austria-Hungary which influenced greatly its culture and architecture.
Integral part of the city’s culture are numerous coffee houses, each has its unique design, atmosphere, heart and soul. They vividly reflect the city’s history and spirit:
You should go through the gate way to find the coffee house “Pid Synioyu Flyazhkoyu” which is not so easy from the first time. It is located in the house, built in 1501 by Galich Armenian Vartanovich. Mediaeval atmosphere, brick walls, dim light of candles, antique furniture, it is even said, that the ghosts inhabit this building.
In the coffee house “Gasova Lyampa” you may observe more than 200 kinds of gas lamps of various epochs. Friendly salesman will show you souvenirs and tell some interesting stories. Gunpowder firing on bar, klaxons in the water closet and extremely home-made alcoholic drinks based on honey, caraway, horse-radish are specific features of this bar.
In “Kryivka” you will be met by a very serious man dressed in military uniform with a gun whose greeting is “Slava Ukraini”, expecting a password from you. When the password is correct you will be offered 50 grams of sweet and strong alcoholic drink – “Medovuha”. National Ukrainian coloring is the specific feature of this place.
In the café “Staryi Tramvai” you should buy a ticket first and then you may drink coffee or something else.
The name of “Von Mazoh” café explains itself. Surrealistic monument of conceptual writer, piquant souvenirs, citations of Leopold von Zaher Mazoh on the walls, waitresses dressed in leather totally reflect the style of the café. At the end of your visit the bill will be put into a shoe.


Lviv is the place to return over and over again because you are totally captured by the spirit of ancient history and charming beauty of the old center, extraordinary atmosphere of narrow streets and stone block pavements, indescribable panoramas and magnificent view sights.
Do you like this post? Subscribe to RSSWhere To Fall in Love?
May 21, 2009 by Helen
There are many romantic places in the world, but to fall in love I would definitely chose Italy!
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Italy is often considered to be The Mecca of lovers and it boasts a numerous romantic places. Italy itself is synonymous to romance and has a tradition of higher love and romance. With such a reputation, romantic places in Italy are the dream honeymoon destination for many couples or nice route of getaway for those who want to fall in Love… to fall in love with a person or with Italy itself!
Romance is filled in every look and corner of the Italian peninsula. Its very location, with the Alps, Dolomite and the Seas surrounding it makes it one of the most beautiful countries of the world. The beautiful landscape is teemed up with the old town charm which has a language of its own. This romantic evocative ambiance is what Italy truly is. Some of the most romantic places in Italy include:
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Venice
The floating jewel of Italy is perhaps a perfect incarnation of romance. One of the most romantic places in Italy ,Venice has its own distinct charm and a romantic tale to tell, which is timeless. The Romantic appeal of a Gondola ride under the moonlit sky is perhaps unique to Venice, one of the most appealing places in Italy.
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Rome
Of all the romantic places in Italy Rome has a different kind of charisma. Not just its natural beauty, the antiquity of the place has a romantic feel that is beyond description. The eternal city, Rome has winding lanes and the ruins of the glamorous and prosperous Renaissance Rome can actually take you back to the medieval era.
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Amalfi and Capri coast
The Amalfi and Capri coast is sea side honeymoon destination and definitely one of the most romantic places in Italy . With slow rhythmic life this romantic and stylish has been a favorite since the ancient times.
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There are limitless possibilities to spend time with flavor of romance, so it is up to you to decide where to go and what to do, but the only tip I can give: ”…Italy!”
Do you like this post? Subscribe to RSSExplore Europe:Prague!
May 15, 2009 by Helen
Opened to the West after 1989’s Velvet Revolution, Prague is a breathtakingly beautiful city. The center, a UNESCOdesignated World Heritage Site, boasts a fairytale castle, plus a profusion of golden spires, Gothic churches and Baroque and Renaissance buildings that contrast with an abundance of cubist and ultramodern architecture from the city’s more recent past.
The legacy of 14th-century Charles IV lives. Charles University and the Charles Bridge were built during his reign. Today the Charles Bridge fills to capacity with tourists and the wonderful spectacle of the artists and musicians who make a living from entertaining them.
The city, once home to Dvorak, Kafka and Ivana Trump, boasts hundreds of concert halls, museums, galleries, movie theaters and music clubs, including the gorgeous National Theatre, Estates Theatre and State Opera. Prague’s compact core, and its efficient and inexpensive transportation system, make discovering this magical city’s charms a breeze year-round, even through cold winters or the often rainy days of summer.
Top 10 Attractions
- Church of St. Nicholas (Chram svateho Mikulase), Malostranské nám. 1
- Charles Bridge (Karluv Most), Between Mala Strana and the Old Town
- Strahov Monastery (Strahovsky klaster), Strahovske nadvori 1/132
- Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock (Staromestska Radnice), Staromestske Namesti.1
- Museum of Communism, Na Prikope 10
- St. Vitus Cathedral (Chram svateho Vita), Prague Castle
- Prague Castle (Prazsky hrad)
- Lobkowicz Palace, Jiˇrská 3
- Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti)
- Old Jewish Cemetery (Stary zidovsky hrbitov), Siroka 3
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Do you like this post? Subscribe to RSSExplore Europe: Vienna!
April 13, 2009 by Helen
Visions of Hapsburg grandeur are usually what compels travelers to Vienna, and happily, they won’t be disappointed.
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Ornate palaces, modern art complexes, delectable pastries and opera await. Those journeying in the winter will have the added treat of the Lipizzaners at the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys’ Choir.While the warm, sunny summers are the most popular tourist season, autumn is also a romantic—and less crowded—time to visit. Cold, snowy winters bring skiers and winter camping enthusiasts, while spring is the perfect time to beat the crowds. The charms of the city have long lured artists and intellectuals.

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Composers Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms, artists Gustuv Klimt and Egon Schiele, architect Adolf Loos, father of modern psychiatry Sigmund Freud and author Joseph Roth have all called Vienna home. And they have left their mark upon the city in the architecture, the museums, the music halls—in the very culture of Vienna.
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Navigating Vienna is made simple by excellent public transportation. Most visitors will remain within the boundaries of the Ringstrasse, the boulevard circling the Inner Stadt (the city center), leaving only to visit the Prater and Schonbrunn.
TOP 10 Attractions
1. St. Pe.ter’s Church (Peterskirche), Peterplatz, 1 533 64 33
2. Schonbrunn Palace (Schloss Schonbrunn), Schönbrunner Schloss-Strasse, 1 811 13 0
3. St. Charles’s Church (Karlskirche), Karlsplatz, 1 504 61 87
4. State Opera House (Staatsoper), Opernring 2, 1 514 44 22 5
5. Naschmarkt, Between Karlsplatz and Kettenbruckengasse
6. St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), Stephansplatz 3/4, 1 513 7648
7. Imperial Palace (Hofburg), Michaelerkuppel, 1 533 75 70
8. Clock Museum (Uhrenmuseum), 2 Schulhof, 1 533 22 65
9. Kapuziner Crypt (Kapuzinergruft), Tegetthoffstrasse 2, 1 512 68 53
10. Museum Quarter (MuseumsQuartier Wien), Museumsplatz 1/5, 1 523 58 81
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Do you like this post? Subscribe to RSSExplore Europe: Barcelona!
April 11, 2009 by Helen
With stunning beaches, world-class museums, bountiful
shopping opportunities, sizzling nightlife and the uniquely preserved medieval Barri Gòtic, Europe’s best preserved Gothic quarter, vibrant, chic Barcelona is the epitome of European cool.
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With so much to say about Barcelona, it’s little wonder there are two official languages: Catalan and Castilian. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Spain’s second-largest city attracts millions of tourists each year. Hot summers and cool, but not freezing, winters make Barcelona a year-round destination.
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With the explosion of budget airlines, the city that Gaudí,Picasso and Miró called home has become Europe’s favorite weekend break destination. Antoni Gaudí’s legendary buildings are not the only masterpieces found in the Catalan capital. Famed for “market fresh” Mediterranean cuisine, often from the colorful Boqueria market, the city boasts some of the country’s top chefs, and restaurants offer everything from traditional fare to edgy, experimental cuisine.
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TOP 10 Attractions
1. Magic Fountain, Parc de Montjuïc
2. Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, Plaza de la Boqueria, 933 182 584
3. Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Musica Catalana), Carrer de Sant Francesc de Paula 2, 932 957 200
4. Guell Park (Parc Guell), Carrer Olot
5. Casa Batllo, Passeig de Gràcia 43, 932 160 306
6. Church of the Sacred Family (Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia), Plaça Sagrada Família, 932 080 414
7. National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – MNAC), Parc de Montjuic, 936 220 360
8. El Xampanyet, 22 Carrer Montcada, 933 197 003
9. La Pedrera – Mill House (Casa Mila), 92 Passeig de Gràcia, 902 400 973
10. Bus Turistic, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 662, 933 187 074
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Do you like this post? Subscribe to RSSSkiWear
January 22, 2009 by Olgita
Skiwear Buying Guide
Care to choose quality skiwear when going to ski, as you will need to be protected from the cold and wind. When choosing ski wear, you should look for the following features:
- Go for fabrics that are waterproof but offer ventilation – well designed ski jackets, salopettes and ski suits retain bodyheat and defend you from the elements, whilst allowing water vapour to escape. If wind or water are allowed to penetrate you will get cold, but without ventilation, your perspiration cannot evaporate.
- Lots of pockets – you will need places to store your ski-pass (some jackets and suits have special attachments for ski passes), your money and your apartment keys.
- Layer your clothing for optimal warmth and dryness. Layering systems incorporate three layers which include the base layer, middle layer and outer layer.
- The base layer should keep you dry – avoid cotton because cotton retains perspiration, choosing instead fabrics such as silk or synthetic, purpose designed polyester fabrics eg CoolMax, which disperse moisture to the outer surface. The base layer may consist of thermal underwear.
- The middle layer is the insulating layer which will help retain heat. Polyester fleeces are ideal for this, well known brands include Thinsulate and Polartec. Fleece is good because it is lightweight and breathable, yet retains heat well for its weight. It also dries out quickly.
- The outer layer should protect you from snow, rain and the wind. It should retain your body heat whilst allowing perspiration to evaporate. If the outer layer is not properly ventilated, your persiration will condense on the inside of your jacket. The outer layer should also be roomy enough to accommodate the other layers and not restrict your movement.
- Look out for reinforced knees and elbows, zipper flaps and sealed seams.
Headgear
Children should wear helmets to give them enhanced protection if should they fall, and it’s not a bad idea for adults to wear them too. If helmets are not worn, hats at least should be worn as 33% of a person’s body heat escapes through the head.
Gloves
Specialist gloves are essential for keeping your hands warm and they offer protection in the case of a fall. They should be waterproof, with added grips for holding onto skis or lifts. Frostbite can result if inadequate gloves are worn (eg thin wool gloves that become wet from the snow).
Goggles and Sunglasses
It is essential to have adequate eye protection. This is because the sun is reflected off the bright white snow, making the ultra violet light harmful to your eyes. Goggles are a better choice than sunglasses because they are more securely attached to your head and offer better visibility and eye protection.
Whether you choose goggles or sunglasses, make sure they have full Ultra Violet (UV) protection.
Do you like this post? Subscribe to RSSGetting ready for traveling?
January 17, 2009 by Olgita
Getting ready for traveling? These tips will make your traveling more comfortable and safe.
- Start with planning. Determine your destination, budget and time-frame of your trip.
- Find out if you need health insurance, perhaps you’ll need vaccination.
- Do you need any travel partners? Sometimes it’s fun to travel alone, but usually it is nicer to travel with a company.
- Make a list for buying things you might need on your trip. If you don’t know where to start, you might use this packing list as an example.
- Plan your arrivals, departures and packing to conform with new security procedures.
- Are you going to travel by air or by sea? Maybe train? If you choose air – check the online rates and/or call the major airlines and compare prices. Most large carriers have toll-free numbers. Ferret out that lowest fare before you visit a travel agency as agents often promote one airline over another and that may cost you considerably more.
- Choose your travel agency carefully. Double-check traveling plan, all places. Search for the feedback from other people who have been to those locations, lived in the same hotel, used same service providers.
- Organise your documents. If traveling abroad, double-check foreign document requirements.
- Pack your luggage thoroughly and wisely to make it lighter, but remember to pack small but useful things. Buy travel sized toiletries at the drugstore, or purchase small plastic containers to hold your favorite lotion or shampoo. If you travel with glasses or contacts, always bring a backup. Pack small and fragile items inside your shoes. This helps save space in your bag, and will offer better padding for breakables.
- Stay in touch. Before you start your trip, make sure you let people know that you will be away and how they can contact you while you’re away.
- Ask for help. There is a number of wonderful resources in the Internet, where you can find many stories about trips, as well as great tips and hints. For example, you can have a look at these web-sites – http://www.bestwestern.com or http://www.travellerspoint.com
Do you like this post? Subscribe to RSSSafety Tips for Women Travelers
January 16, 2009 by Olgita
Traveling or sitting safe at home? It’s a fact that women need to travel with a little special care; horror stories do exist and women, taught to have a care in life in general, can toss cares to the wind on vacation (like all travelers can) and lose that finely tuned caution edge that they keep honed on their own city streets. Don’t let concerns stop you, though – just remember to follow the same basic street rules you would at home (or learn them)… and, in the words of veteran female traveler Zahara Heckscher, “Stay safe but don’t stay home!”.
What are main issues you should always be careful about? Let’s list them and think how we can avoid any threat.
Common Crime
- Never wear anything that projects affluence. No gold chains, expensive watches and rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia should be in easy view. Better yet: leave your jewelry at home.
- Do not flash your passport in public. Discreetly show important documents to officials only.
- Watch for scams on the street. Children working with adults are notorious as pickpockets.
- Never flash your money in public. Exchange funds with reputable and recognized exchangers only.
- Carry important papers with you; NEVER check anything that you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.
Sexual harassment
- Women particularly should never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
- Learn the local dress code as soon as you arrive; buy appropriate clothing locally if neccesary.
- Do not use unmarked taxi cabs.
- If traveling by taxi, sit behind the driver so you can see him, but he cannot see you.
- If attacked, run, fight, and yell as loud as possible.
Illness
- Bring along a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, alcohol packets, dramamine, pepto bismol, diarrhea medicine, etc.
- Going to Asian or African countries, care about doing immunization to avoid getting local illnesses.
Don’t let all this scare you away from international travel – you’ll doubtless be perfectly safe. Being young and female is great – enjoy it!
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