Monday, December 29, 2008

Merry Christmas From Paris!


If Paris is an amazing city throughout the year, at Christmas it becomes a spectacular place. During this festive season the French capital gives honour to its name - the city of lights. Thousands of bulbs adorn the streets, granting the city a unique appearance. Everything is flooded with light and the city shines awaiting Santa's arrival.

Paris is the perfect city to spend the Christmas holidays. It looks like a fairy tale. Not only the lights decorate the city, but thousands of Christmas trees, nativity scenes and shop windows give it a magical touch. In addition, some big wheels and ice skating rinks are installed in order to give the children an unforgettable Christmas. The colourful Christmas lights adorn especially the three major Parisian department stores - Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and Bon Marche. Even Santa Claus stays in Paris a few days before Christmas Eve to enjoy its charm!

While the entire city is splendid at Christmas, it's worth visiting certain places at this time of the year. And what better way to start than by strolling among the Champs Elysees, one of the most beautiful avenues in the world, especially this festive season. The Notre-Dame cathedral is another key place to go at Christmas time. Every year a huge Christmas tree with red ornaments is installed in front of the main entrance. In addition, on Christmas Eve the celebration of Midnight Mass is held here. The Trocadero Gardens are the perfect spot to see the iconic Eiffel Tower. It illuminates every hour for five minutes with thousands of golden lights. It is an amazing spectacle! Parisian people celebrate a special dinner the day before Christmas. The menu consists of fresh oysters, foie gras, smoked salmon, goose, turkey or roast chicken; then, they eat one of their exquisite chocolates such as the Bûche de Noël with Champagne.

There are two famous Christmas Markets: Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Sulpice. Both offer beautiful Christmas crafts and decorative objects, in addition to regional culinary specialties from all over France.

Travel to Paris this Christmas! No corner of the city will leave you indifferent. To enjoy of the best accommodation, rent Paris Apartments.

Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Madrid's Gastronomy


Diners! - To the table! Spanish cuisine is world famous for being one of the most delicious and healthy. Among its many variants, you'll find Madrid's cuisine. This one is tasty and varied. Due to its geographical location, its dishes have been influenced by other areas of Spain and abroad. Although Madrid's cuisine is a clear example of the culinary mixture of cultures that Madrid represents, it does have its own identity: the tapas or the squid sandwiches are as authentic as the Puerta Del Sol"!

The Spanish emigrants' influx filled Madrid's dishes with many shades and textures. They have Moorish and Hispanic - Roman touches. In addition, the extreme temperatures have also influenced their recipes, which adapt to the different seasons: in winter, dishes such as the vegetable soup or the stew are the main protagonists; in summer, the cold dishes such as chickpeas vinaigrettes are the favourites.

Madrid is the epicentre of the tapas. This is a widespread custom in Spain. Among the most common ingredients you'll find sea food, sausages and cheese. There is a huge variety of tapas in Madrid: Spanish omelette, vinegar anchovies, pig's ear, squid, hot spicy potatoes, croquettes and octopus. Almost all the popular establishments serve tapas. Any neighbourhood is good to taste them, but Huertas and La Latina are the most authentic.

The most famous dish is the typical Madrid stew. It is a stew made of chickpeas, meat (pork, chicken or veal), sausage and vegetables. It used to be served in three dishes: first the soup made with the broth, then legumes and vegetables and finally the meats and the sausages.

Other typical dishes are tripe, made with lamb or veal tripe, cow leg and knob, sausage and puddings; chicken casserole, a stew made of hard boiled eggs, almonds and chicken; snails served with a spicy sauce, baked sea bream, and the "starry" eggs (you should taste them in the Casa Lucio restaurant), pig's ear, garlic soup, Spanish Omelette, the famous squid sandwiches, meatballs, garlic shrimps and mushrooms, the hot spicy potatoes and cod. The most famous drinks are the Chinchón and anise liqueur.

The backing of this tradition of Madrid is a major pride for its inhabitants. Many of the cakes are linked to religious traditions or some type of holiday: On November 1st, the fritters and the Huesos de Santo; at Easter, the French toast; in San Isidro, the donuts; in San Antón, the bread rolls and on January 6th the King's Cake (a large ring-shaped cake). Throughout the year you can taste the tejas and waffles. In addition, you can also taste the worldwide famous hot chocolate with Culin fritters.

Madrid's cuisine is delicious and varied. Do you want to taste their most typical dishes? Then travel to the capital and stay in Madrid Apartments for the perfect accommodation! Let your palate enjoy the most delicious gastronomy!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Paris Surroundings - Versailles and Saint Michel


Paris is a fascinating city. The French capital has captivated generation after generation, both old and young people. Who does not know its most famous monuments? The Eiffel Tower is a worldwide symbol; the Notre Dame Cathedral holds one of the most world famous legends thanks to Victor Hugo's novel, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"; the Louvre Museum is one of the most famous and important in the world ... Probably you'll need more than a week to know in depth all its charms. But the Parisian surroundings are also noteworthy, especially Versailles and Saint Michel Mont.

Versailles

Just thirty minutes from Paris you'll find the city of Versailles. It is famous for hosting the splendid and spectacular Versailles Palace. This elegant city is placed so near to Paris, that we could almost confuse them. Versailles is a beautiful city with a traditional bourgeois taste. It is full of great avenues, historic buildings, antiques and art. The Saint Louis neighbourhood is the historic centre: its streets have been preserved since the eighteenth century. The French Revolution began and developed in Versailles. In addition, the famous Treaty of Versailles was signed here, which effectively ended the First World War.

The Versailles Palace is the main symbol of the city and of the French kings' absolutist power, especially of Louis XIV. Initially, the Versailles Chateau was a simple country house built by Louis XIII. The, Louis XIV ordered the transformation of the house into a spectacular palace. With that he provided a wonderful legacy such as the Hall of Mirrors, the Chapel, the Opera, the Peace and War Halls, the king and the Queen Rooms and the Queen Chamber, which has been conserved just as Maria Antoinette left it when she abandoned Versailles in 1789. Also the Palace gardens are a real treasure with perfect symmetry, floral designs, ponds and fountains spread everywhere.

The Saint Michel Mont

The Saint Michel Mont is one of the most visited monuments in France together with the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Sacre Coeur. It is considered World Heritage by the UNESCO since 1979. This mount is an island joined to the continent by a road. There raises a beautiful abbey with Gothic and Romanesque elements. It was built in the seventh century, when St. Michael archangel appeared to Abbott bishop. The abbey has been one of the most important pilgrimage places in France.

Once on the road, the view of the island is a great spectacle, especially if the tide is low and the sides of the Mount turn into giant lakes of mud and quicksand. Thus this place is unique and magical. Once we are inside of the citadel, we go back to the past due to its labyrinthine streets, which are preserved as they were centuries ago.

After having visited two of the most beautiful enclaves of the Parisian surroundings, you will want to rest and to relax. And the best way to do it is renting Paris Apartments. Stay in an apartment and enjoy all the comforts and facilities it offers.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Berlin's Gastronomy



It is almost lunchtime and you've walked more than four hours through Berlin's streets. Suddenly, your stomach is rumbling and your mouth waters. Now you smell typical German food everywhere you go. Are you hungry? Discover what's cooking in Berlin's kitchens and as they would say, ¡Guten Appetit!

Berlin's cuisine is diverse, multicultural and of course, delicious. It has Turkish, Indian, Pakistan, Polish and Czech influences. In addition to enjoying the best "Haute Cuisine" (as in any other big capital), Berlin offers many popular and cheap dishes. It is the German city with the largest number of prize-winning restaurants: if you're a cuisine sybarite, this is the perfect destination for you. But if you prefer the popular and affordable cuisine, don't worry as you'll find suitable food for all tastes and wallets.

If you want to eat the typical German fast food, go to a classic "Imbiss". This is a street stall where you can buy some fast food, such as Berlin's "Bulettes", all kinds of German sausages or a Turkish Döner Kebab. The Boulette and Döner Kebab arrived in West Berlin in the 60's with the influx of immigrants. Currywurst sausag, with a lot of ketchup and curry is typically of Berlin, but is consumed across all Germany.

The traditional Berlin cuisine is rustic and substantial: normally, you'll find homemade recipes served in family environments. In addition, they serve abundant dishes with a variety of ingredients: potatoes, cabbages, cucumbers, vegetables, fowl and pork are the base of most recipes.

Traditional dishes include pork knuckle (Eisbein) with cabbage, cabbage (Sauerkraut) and mashed peas; beef (Rinderbrust) with horseradish, smoked pork (Kasseler); roast liver with apple; mashed potatoes (Stampfkartoffeln) and roast goose. In many of Berlin's restaurants you'll find a daily menu, called "unter de Woche". Normally, they serve dishes with sauces, potatoes, puddings, leberwurst (a sausage based on liver mash), mashed potatoes, Königsberger Klopse (meatballs with mustard sauce), hamburgers with Kartoffelsalat (cooked potatoes with many ingredients) and apple puree (Apfelmus). Also, they are used to eating herrings (this is the favourite fish in Berlin), which can be cooked in many different ways.

If you want to eat in cheap and good restaurants, go to the Kreuzberg and Neukölln neighbourhoods. If you don't have cash, ask if they accept credit card, because not all the city's restaurants have this service.

The typical drink of Berlin is beer. There are all kinds of beers in Berlin: lagers, black, red, wheat ... There is even a special beer for breakfast called Molle! The Molle is a Pils beer that comes from the most traditional breweries in Berlin. Beer with lemonade (shandy) is called Radler and beer with cola is called Diesel. The Berliner Weiße is a typical Berlin beer. The best locations to enjoy a good beer are the Biergarten, which are beer gardens or outdoor patios where you can have a drink and something to eat.

Now, after eating the best meal in your life, you're probably going to need to rest up a bit. Rent Berlin Apartments and give yourself this genuine experience!


Friday, December 5, 2008

Happy Christmas, Madrid!


Christmas time is here! In the distance people can perceive the jingle of the reindeer flying over Madrid. When December arrives, the city prepares to transform its habitual image into another much more dynamic, lively and bustling one. The capital's streets put on their best face in order to receive the long awaited event: the lights, the nativity scenes and the Christmas decorations give Madrid a unique and magical touch at Christmas time. In addition, the white holidays bring with them a huge range of activities designed for all kind of people. Christmas in Madrid is a beautiful spectacle that nobody should miss!

The lighting up of the Christmas lights each Nov. 28th provides the starting signal for the Christmas holidays. With all these lights Madrid looks like a princess, splendid and full of jewellery. Once again, worldwide famous designers and architects are responsible for adorning the city. Oscar Mariné has been chosen to light the famous Gran Vía Street, based on peace and tranquility. Teresa Sapey and Delfín both make their debut this year with original proposals such as eyes or simple beautiful lines. On the other hand, Juan Duyos, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Elio Berhanyer, Amaya Arzuaga or Francis Montesinos repeat for the second consecutive year. In addition to street lighting, there will be up to 25 giant Christmas trees dotted throughout the city; they also have been designed by design gurus such as Devota & Lomba.

Once again, the City Council has set up "the Christmas bus", a bus that travels throughout the main streets of Madrid to show the Christmas lights and decorations of the city. The ticket costs one euro for adults and free for children under the age of seven. This special line will circulate between December 6th and January 6th, from 18:00 to 22:00 hours among the Colón square, the Cibeles fountain, the Gran Vía street, the Oriente Square, the Mayor's street, the Puerta del Sol and the Neptuno fountain.

For the second consecutive year, the Colon Square will host the "City with Kids". Every type of workshop imaginable is organized here, from story telling to games for the very young. In addition, King Esplanade will host an ice rink of 800m2, where both grown ups and little people will have fun together.

The next December 23rd, the City Council will celebrate Christmas time with the Madrileños and the tourists with fireworks and a light show on the façade of the Cibeles Palace.

One of the great innovations this Christmas is the exhibition of ice sculptures. More than 60 international artists have created ice monuments in order to reproduce famous Madrid monuments and places such as the Puerta de Alcala or the Santiago Bernabéu stadium which is home to Real Madrid football club.

There will be also 25 nativity scenes spread throughout the city, with the star attraction to be held at the town hall (designed by the sculptor José Luis Mayo), which debuts with a new location: the Cibeles Palace.

As usual, thousands of Spaniards will say good bye to the 2008 year eating 12 grapes when the clock strikes 12 in the Puerta del Sol. Finally, on January 5th 2009 the traditional Parade of the Three Kings will take place.

Christmas time in Madrid is very special! If you want to spend these beautiful days in the Spanish capital, rent Madrid Apartments and enjoy of the best Christmas in your life.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

¡Feliz Navidad, Madrid!


¡Por fin llega la Navidad! A lo lejos se percibe el cascabeleo de de los renos sobrevolando Madrid. Llegado el mes de diciembre, la ciudad se prepara para transformar su imagen habitual en otra mucho más dinámica, alegre y bulliciosa. Las calles de la capital visten sus mejores galas para recibir tan esperadas fiestas: luces, belenes, abetos y multitud de adornos navideños profieren a Madrid un toque mágico e inigualable en Navidad. Además, las fiestas blancas traen consigo un enorme elenco de actividades pensadas para todos los públicos. ¡Y es que la Navidad de Madrid es todo un espectáculo que nadie debería perderse!

El encendido de las luces de Navidad cada 28 de noviembre da el pistoletazo de salida a las fiestas. Con él, Madrid se asemeja a una princesa llena de alhajas. Una vez más, diseñadores y arquitectos de renombre mundial son los encargados de adornar la ciudad. Óscar Mariné ha sido el elegido para iluminar la famosa Gran Vía, basándose en el silencio y la calma. David Delfín y Teresa Sapey debutan este año con propuestas originales como ojos que se cierran y se abren o líneas sencillas, pero no exentas de belleza. Por otro lado, repiten grandes nombres como Juan Duyos, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Elio Berhanyer, Amaya Arzuaga o Francis Montesinos. Además de la iluminación de las calles, habrá hasta 25 gigantescos abetos repartidos por toda la ciudad y también diseñados por maestros como Devota & Lomba, al que ha sido encargado el de la puerta del Sol.

Una vez más, el Ayuntamiento ha puesto en funcionamiento “el bus navideño”, un autobús que recorre las principales calles del centro de Madrid donde la iluminación y los adornos son un verdadero espectáculo. El billete cuesta un euro a los adultos y es gratuito para los menores de siete años. Esta línea tan especial circulará entre el 6 de diciembre y el 6 de enero, de 18 a 22 horas, y pasará por Plaza de Colón, Cibeles, Gran Vía, la plaza de Oriente, la calle Mayor, la Puerta del Sol y Neptuno.

Por segundo año consecutivo la plaza de Colón será la sede de la llamada Ciudad con Niños, donde se realizarán todo tipo de talleres, cuenta cuentos y juegos pensados para los más pequeños. Además, la explanada del Rey acogerá una impresionante pista de hielo de 800m2 donde grandes y pequeños podrán divertirse juntos. Allí mismo se realizarán múltiples actividades para todos los públicos como exhibiciones de patinaje, funciones teatrales, canto de villancicos, gospel o jazz e incluso emocionantes partidos de jockey.

Al igual que el pasado año, el próximo 23 de diciembre, el Ayuntamiento felicitará la Navidad a todos los madrileños y turistas que se acerquen a la capital con un espectáculo de luz, pirotecnia y magia sobre la fachada del Palacio de Cibeles.

Una de las grandes novedades de estas Navidades es la exposición de esculturas de hielo, donde más de 60 artistas internacionales han creado monumentos de hielo para reproducir espacios tan representativos de Madrid como la Puerta de Alcalá, o el estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Por si fuera poco, se podrán ver hasta 25 belenes repartidos por toda la ciudad, como protagonista el del Ayuntamiento (diseñado por el escultor José Luis Mayo), que estrena una nueva ubicación en el Palacio de Cibeles.

Como de costumbre, y para disfrutar de unas fiestas típicamente madrileñas, la Puerta del Sol despedirá el año al son de las doce campanadas, donde miles de españoles se reunirán para comer las uvas de la buena suerte.

Como colofón final, el día 5 de enero de 2009 tendrá lugar la tradicional Cabalgata de Reyes, donde sus Majestades los Reyes de Oriente saludarán a miles de niños que tendrán que acostarse temprano si quieren recibir sus regalos al día siguiente.

Como ves, las Navidades madrileñas van a dar mucho de sí. Si quieres disfrutar del encanto de las fiestas blancas, alquila apartamentos en Madrid y déjate contagiar por el espíritu navideño de la capital.


If there is something that Berlin can be proud of, it is its hectic nightlife.

Berlin's nights set trends around the World. Together with New York and Madrid, Berlin has become a reference point for party-goers. Berlin is in fashion! The night owls will always have a place in the German nightlife, full of offers for all tastes and wallets.

Those who already know the German capital will recognize that it is a dynamic and wild city: its out of control architecture is a clear example! Its chaotic neighbourhoods give it an alternative touch to its cultural and social life. Its bars and nightclubs can also attest to this and give the city an open-mind, cosmopolitan, heterogeneous and indomitable spirit. The Berlin nightlife has resurfaced since the Wall's fall. In the German capital cabaret and techno music were born. Nowadays, it is a reference of the electronic music and the hardest sounds.

Any place is a good place to go and party in Berlin, but these neighbourhoods are in fashion: Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain. Friedrichshain district is the most progressive at the moment. After German reunification, many artists and students moved from West Berlin to Friedrichshain. Every Friday and Sunday evening, lots of teenagers and friendly punks fill the Friedrichshain squares until the early hours, bottles in hand. (In Germany it is not forbidden to drink in the streets). Friedrichshain is the cheapest neighborhood to party in Berlin. Mitte is the most visible face of the "new Berlin" and it is constantly evolving. It is also the most touristic neighbourhood and it has all kinds of bars and establishments. Prenzlauer Berg is one of the most complete neighbourhoods of the city to go party! It is an alternative quarter due to its bars, its little cafés, its concert halls and its designer shops.

Lately, there have become fashionable the so called After-Work-Clubs: there you can have a drink and dance with your colleagues after work! The best bars in the city are Die Bar and Morena in Kreuzberg, and Pinguin Club, Zoulou and Fischlabor in Schöneberg. The classic Harry's New York Bar and Bristol Bar are quieter and more sophisticated. The most famous clubs are the cosmopolitan Annabelle's, the huge Metropol and Tränenpalast. In addition, there are the legendary discos such as the Sage Club or the Kit Kat Club.

If you want to enjoy the most amazing nightlife of the old continent, Berlin is the city you're looking for. Rent Berlin Apartments to spend the perfect holidays and enjoy the night!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Berlín, capital europea de la vida nocturna


Si de algo puede jactarse la capital alemana es de su ajetreada vida nocturna. Las noches de Berlín marcan tendencias en todo el mundo, ya que junto a Nueva York y Madrid, se ha convertido en un punto de referencia para los amantes de la fiesta. Berlín es noctámbula y está de moda. Los trasnochadores siempre tendrán un hueco en la noche berlinesa, llena de propuestas para todos los gustos y bolsillos.

Quien ya conozca la capital alemana, sabrá que se enfrenta ante una ciudad dinámica y salvaje. Sus barrios y arquitectura descontrolada son testigo de ello, lo cual le dan un toque alternativo a su vida cultural y social. Sus bares y discotecas también dan cuenta de ello y le otorgan un espíritu abierto, cosmopolita, heterogéneo e indomable. La noche berlinesa ha resurgido desde la caída del Muro. En Berlín nació el cabaret y más recientemente el techno. Hoy en día, es referente de la música electrónica y los sonidos más duros.

Cualquier lugar es bueno para salir de fiesta por Berlín, pero los barrios de moda son Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg y Friedrichshain. El barrio de Friedrichshain es el distrito más progresivo del momento. Tras la reunificación de Alemania, muchos artistas y estudiantes del Berlín Occidental se trasladaron a Friedrichshain. Se trata e la zona más barata de Berlín. Por las noches, las plazas del barrio se llenan de adolescentes que comparten la fiesta con punks amigables hasta altas horas de la madrugada botellín en mano. Y es que, en Alemania no está prohibido beber por las calles. Mitte es la cara más visible de “la nueva Berlín” y está en constante evolución. También es el barrio más turístico y está dominado por locales de todo tipo. Junto a Friedrichshain, Prenzlauer Berg es uno de los barrios más completos de la ciudad en lo que a la noche se refiere. Tiene un toque alternativo con muchos bares, pequeños cafés, salas de conciertos y tiendas de diseñadores locales que han convertido el barrio en un motor dinámico que no duerme de día ni de noche.

Últimamente se han puesto muy de moda los After-Work-Clubs, unos locales de ambiente relajado para reunirse después del trabajo para tomar algo y bailar. Entre los mejores bares de la ciudad se encuentran el Die Bar y Morena, en Kreuzberg, Pinguin Club, Zoulou y Fischlabor, en Schöneberg. El clásico Harry´s New York Bar y Bristol Bar son más tranquilos y sofisticados. Están en el Grand Hotel Esplanade y en el Bristol, respectivamente. Las discotecas más famosas son la cosmopolita Annabelle´s, la gigantesca Metropol y Tränenpalast. Además, están los clubs legendarias como el "Sage Club" o el "Kit Kat Club.

Si quieres gozar de la juerga más alucinante del viejo continente, Berlín es la ciudad que estás buscando. No disfrutarás tanto de la noche en ningún otro sitio como en la capital alemana. Alquila apartamentos en Berlín para hacer de tu estancia unas vacaciones inolvidables.

 
Blog Information Profile for fernandoseo
Bookmark and Share Add to Technorati Favorites