Bergen - Norway

Bergen and the Fjords – Norway

Post published:21 April 2013
Post category:Europe Northern Europe Norway

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The door to the Norwegian Fjords

One of the most seek destination across Norway, Bergen, it is not always the easiest and the cheapest place you can find a nice flight deal. Then knowing about the remaining expenses as hotel, rental car and food, we knew this trip was not going to be anymore on budget but a be very pricey considering how short it was, merely a weekend. Nevertheless, considering how beautiful is this city and the incredible region surrounding it, returning is not even questionable, it is a reality.

Bergen is the door to the fjords. If you are coming here it is likely that you will be either taking a tour, (there are many), from half a day, one day or the longer ones, getting on a cruise; or you will be driving on your own around. Whichever the option it does not matter. But getting a rental car and be free to do as you wish for as long as you want, no hassle of running from one place to another and no one rushing you is simply ideal.

A weekend is really enough to do both the fjords and Bergen, if you cannot have any longer that that. But of course I am only talking about the most notorious sights and places, as otherwise one can be in this region for weeks every day in a different place.

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Zaragoza - Spain

Zaragoza – Spain

Post published:17 March 2013
Post category:Europe Southern Europe Spain

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Roman Caesaraugusta, Moorish Saraqusta

Completing a guide for another great city in Spain, it’s time for Zaragoza. One of the long pending guides for a proper upgrade and revamp since it was one of the first generation bunch of blog entries when I started this site; now there was no further excuse after the most recent trip here, in coincidence with one of the largest festivities across Spain, El Pilar. Already the 4th time in the city, and for sure not the last. Nowadays it’s not any longer about sightseeing there, but visiting my great friends the priority in this case.

It was back in the year 2002 when I first came to Zaragoza, to visit and to be with friends, and of course, enjoying El Pilar party. Returning for a couple more times in between, and 17 years after the first time, the most recent trip here. That’s a long time for a city to reinvent itself and showcase more than ever the architectural wonders and countless sights so neatly restored and refurbished. Plenty of new areas and revamped streets, modernised and pedestrianised after the re-introduction of the tram through the core of the historical centre and beyond.

New landscaping and re-structure of some buildings, squares and streets led to the discovery and recovery of more Roman remain now beautifully set on display for anyone to enjoy. Let’s not forget an entire Roman city lies beneath the current modern layout of Zaragoza. That’s the ancient Caesaraugusta.

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Granada - Spain

Granada – Spain

Post published:10 March 2013
Post category:Europe Southern Europe Spain

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The Moorish Jewel at the foothills of Sierra Nevada

Finally reaching one of the most spectacular cities in Spain, Granada and it’s most precious sight, the Alhambra. Coming here from Malaga was easy, in fact we decided to get the hotel in Granada instead of Malaga in order to have the most of the day for visiting Granada before heading back to Malaga and make our way back home. Unfortunately this time, we really run short of time to visit such impressive city. Quite severely to be honest, plus the bad luck with the pouring rain later in the afternoon that made us retreat from continuing any sightseeing. Not to worry much, I know I will return and enjoy it bigger time soon.

Although not a big city, it’s packed with places to visit, not to mention these sights are located on each hill of the city, making it pretty hard and tiring if you want to get on foot, or even using the public transportation, as it all takes longer than originally expected. If you have a rental car instead, then you will be much better off saving you lots of time. Still no matter whether you have your own transport or not, you should at least plan 2 full days in here. An entire weekend would be ideal.

One of the main reasons to come to Granada is actually quite self-explained. The world renowned complex of palaces within the castle and fort of Alhambra. This unique, greatest Moorish piece of architecture is listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1984, and one of the most celebrated and finest tourist destination in the whole of Spain. Entering through its doors is like appearing anywhere in Morocco, especially Marrakech, Fez or Meknes. Luxurious courtyards, gardens with ponds, fountains, sculptures and statues perfectly designed; impressive palaces and buildings so incredibly well decorated and all so impressive and painstakingly restored. Lets not forget it was here from where the Sultanate of Granada was governed, one of the most powerful back in the days of the Muslim occupation of Spain.

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Budapest - Hungary

Budapest – Hungary

Post published:5 March 2013
Post category:Eastern Europe Europe Hungary

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The Heart of Europe, Pearl of the Danube

It always feels great to return to a city you love so much before. This was about the right time to enjoy once again the stunning Budapest. And for sure it will not be the last and won’t pass many years either to step back in its pavements. It keeps impressing me as for the first time for its elegance and great planning of urbanism with so much to see and do everywhere and the amazing food.

It is really unbelievable the fate the city had for the past centuries. Destroyed many times, being the most recent the great destruction suffered during WWII, it has always recovered from the rubble, and thanks goodness it kept, retained, and rebuilt after the war most of the incredible Austro-Hungarian impressive constructions. Only Vienna (as the capital of the Empire than once was) can rival with such elegance and opulence, but Budapest does not come short. Both cities have always competed with each other in having the best and grandest of them.

This is therefore not a city you can visit in a short weekend time. It will need at least 3 full long days or otherwise you won’t be able to enjoy the countless sights and attractions. It is also a city that requires public transport in order to get to the different areas of the city as it’s quite a large city with very spread tourist sites. A 4 days city break would be ideal in this case.
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Lisbon - Portugal

Lisbon – Portugal

Post published:3 February 2013
Post category:Europe Portugal Southern Europe

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The City of Seven Hills

The capital city of Portugal is perhaps one of my favorite across all Europe. Lisbon has something special wherever you go, and no matter how many times you return, it is almost certainly guaranteed you will enjoy as the very first time. So much to see and to do, that every time is different. But its charm will enchant anyone who visit it, that being for its colours, its grand and elegant boulevards, the historic ancient trams or even the mosaic pavements not to mention cuisine and nightlife. And overall, its location between the many hills and the Tagus River waterfront.

Lisbon is a large city, where a weekend break is simply not enough. Feasible in merely 2 days but not so much enjoyable as at least 3 full days, or ideally 4. The good news is the little occasions you will need to take any public transport to move from one place to another, unless of course a ride in the trams or for reaching Belem which would be a long walk otherwise across some districts of no interest. The downside? The many hills, quite steep to be honest, but easily solved if you take any of the many old funicular lifts.

The city is clearly divided into very well marked districts, each of them having its own personality, history and sights. The most noticeable are Barrio Alto, Alfama, Mouraria, Baixa or Chiado to name a few. And for sure you will want to visit them all. The old tram line 28 will help you to move between all of them, but the same that it does to you, it does for the hordes of tourists wanting to do the same. Never mind how busy the trams can be, it is well worth it for its unique trip through incredibly beautiful narrow and bending streets packed with sights.

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Marrakesh - Morocco

Marrakesh – Morocco

Post published:27 January 2013
Post category:Africa Morocco

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The Red City, The daughter of the desert

Another of our winter, low season trips take us this time to one of the most historical cities in Morocco, ancient Marrakesh; and what is best, for such a great air fare deal. I keep recalling on this, honestly, if you are the kind of person who loves culture and sights rather than relax and beach only, consider visiting countries such as Morocco during the low season, this is, during the European winter months, when everything is way cheaper and you get to enjoy the cities without the hordes of tourists. Yet also, it’s a nice treat escape the cold January days for some 25 degrees and sun.

On this occasion I will be quite honest and direct to the point. Marrakesh was not a city that will leave some legacy in my list of great destinations. Instead, I was quite surprised to find quite a dirty place but worst of all, the annoying people everywhere trying to sell you anything, pushing you, grabbing and touching you to drive attention to what they have to offer. Noticeable in the main market square, and towards the evening, if you are looking around for a restaurant, you will not have a second of peace and silence. You will be surrounded by one after another “restaurant waiters” trying to get you on to what they claim “the best ever restaurant”.

Learn to send them away, say no, don’t worry even if this means no eye contact, and have your time to check the menus by yourself. Don’t hesitate in needing to say no rudely to whoever comes from the restaurant nearby. You must be really tough and direct. This people don’t listen until you really use a stronger vocabulary. As opposed, everywhere else we’ve been in Morocco is the antipodes; so polite, so nice and so easy to communicate and immerse into their culture.

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Grand Canyon National Park - USA

Grand Canyon – USA

Post published:18 September 2012
Post category:North America USA

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One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

Heading to the west and after having an incredible view from the plane from Chicago over Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah and Nevada, we land in Las Vegas. And mere few minutes right after that we picked up the rental car and drove directly to the Grand Canyon West National Park. This is the nearest spot to Las Vegas from where to enjoy this incredible mother nature sight, and although quite a pricey one, it is nevertheless, spectacular in every inch and you are guaranteed to feel the enormous majesty of the place.

Starting with the approach, you will enjoy for sure the desolated road and that you can stop along the way to make pictures, either from the empty infinite long roads, or maybe of these cactus trees, the desert, dust and the emptiness. Just a little piece of how gigantic the country is, and how much more to offer everywhere you go. After all, such landscapes are something we have all seen in the movies and somewhat, are now very familiar to be honest. The big lorries eventually coming and going let’s you remember you are in the USA for sure.

Now, for someone coming from Las Vegas, highly likely your same circumstances, remember it will take you most likely the whole day. Fair enough once you return back you will still have plenty of fun and time to watch some of the spectacles along Las Vegas Strip, nice dinner and perhaps some gambling; but the drive to the Grand Canyon, the tour, and back it takes all good time hence do not rush it. It is already quite incredible to reach this place, more even to enjoy as it deserves. Easy and straightforward too. (more…)

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Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said - Tunisia

Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said – Tunisia

Post published:7 May 2012
Post category:Africa Tunisia

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Liberty, Order, Justice

Tunis, a vibrant modern capital city growing constantly in the shadow of its rich ancient history; beautiful, elegant, organised and safe yet often bypassed by the tourists seeking the resorts along the coast such as Sousse, Monastir or Djerba; however it really deserves a special mention and visit. This is a place where you will fill at times as if you were anywhere in France while at the turn of a street, in the middle of an Arabian Night tale, all in perfect harmony coexisting each others with care and respect. No wonder why Tunisia has gained its reputation as one of the most open and respectful country among the Arab world. A mosque, a Catholic church or a Synagogue on the same street? no problem, everyone is welcomed.

Having been a French colony, the architecture and language is clearly part of its heritage. French and Arab is understood and spoken across the nation, not so much with the English for what a little bit of French would help you going further and getting better deals when bargaining the shops of the bazaar in the Medina. While this is a maze of labyrinthine narrow streets completely filled with shops along both sides of the road, traditional Arab architecture in the mosques, houses, schools and palaces all of which now listed an UNESCO World Heritage Site; in the other hand, and side by side, is the Ville Nouvelle. The new city created by the French with planned tree-lined wide avenues and squares built with the architectural styles of that era. Expect to see mostly art-nouveau and art-deco.

Visiting the city, both the Medina and Ville Nouvelle is easy and straightforward. An entire day is generally a good calculation. Certainly less than that will be pointless to be honest, 2 days would be ideal, but any longer is unnecessary. Still, you need to include in your plans Carthage and Sidi Bou Said (explained later), and this means an extra day. Now if you ask me if the city and these places can all be visited in a weekend trip, then yes, but only if knowing how to move from a place to another without losing any time. But in a country where you can have some great beers and wine in nice bars (it is allowed to drink alcohol), with that many incredible coffee and shisha places, restaurants and shops, don’t rush this too much, 3 days is the ideal.

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