Friday, January 30, 2009

Shopping in Milan




Milan is a paradise for shopping lovers. All the clothes you have ever dreamed of are available in Milan. This is the home of fashion and design. It is also the home of the flagship stores of many great designers: Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Krizia, Missoni, Ermenegildo Zegna, Moschino, Mila Schön, and Trussardi among others. If you are a high priest or priestess of style, take the first flight to Milan and go directly to the so-called "Quadrilatero d'Oro" or the Golden Quadrilateral.

The Golden Quadrilateral is formed by the Via Montenapoleone, Via Della Spiga, Via Manzoni, and Via Sant'Andrea. They are the most expensive high-fashion Milan areas. These streets contain the most prestigious boutiques and showrooms in the world.

The most luxurious accessories, dazzling jewels, beautiful clothes... Everything is impregnated with ostentation in the Golden Quadrilateral. Many tourists just go to Milan to go shopping.

Via Montenapoleone is the most important street of the "Quadrilatero d'Oro." Here you'll find, amongst other things, all these boutiques: Gucci, Luis Vuitton, Prada, Tanino Crisci, Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tanino Crisci or Cartier. In Via della Spiga is the home of some other major brands such as Sergio Rossi, D&G, Krizia, Gianfranco Ferré, Tod's, Genny, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Chopard or Bulgari. Via Manzoni holds the Armani kingdom. It has a huge multi-concept store with a luxury Japanese restaurant, a show room and a cafe. In Via Sant' Andrea you can find such famous boutiques as Armani Chanel, Fendi, Kenzo, Moschino, Hermés, or Trussardi.

If you can not afford such high prices, don't worry! There are more affordable stores spread around four important streets: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Corso Buenos Aires, Via Torino and Corso di Porta Ticinese. Here you'll find the more popular stores such as H & M, Footlocker and Zara, etc

Outside the historic centre, there are thousands of fashion outlets, which sell last seasons major brand clothes at economical prices. For those who prefer the bustle of street markets, Milan not only stands out for its luxurious boutiques. It also has beautiful street markets where you can find almost everything you could wish for. Milan's largest street market is the one held on Via Papiniano: some stalls sell designer seconds clothes. There's an antiques market on Via Fiori Chiari and a large flea market, with everything from books to clothing to appliances.

Most shops open from 9:30 to 13:00 and from 15:30 to 19:30, although the bigger stores stay open all day.

Don't stay at home! Take your credit car with you and go to Milan to enjoy the most beautiful shops in the world! You will have a great time there so prepare to make your wallet tremble! Ren Milan apartments for the best accommodation.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Madrid Fusion 2009 - Creativity, Ecology and Saving For Times of Crisis



The year 2009 begins in the best possible way: once again, and for the seventh consecutive year, the International Gastronomy Summit is celebrated in Madrid. The act, which will take place from January 19th to January 22nd in the Municipal Congresses Palace, is the most important gastronomic fair in the world. There over 70 national and international chefs will meet in order to present the latest trends and new techniques on the culinary scene.

Madrid Fusion 09 premieres this year the "audiovisual cuisine", a new concept which will help to raise the discussion topics: the restaurants of the future, the restaurants service problems and the high risk dishes in vanguard. In addition, Mexico is the guest country of the year. Mexican chefs such as Bricio Dominguez ("Pre-Hispanic cuisine"), Ricardo Munoz ("Mexican soups"), Enrique Olvera, ("Contemporary Vanguard"); Mónica Patiño ("Moles") and Patricia Quintana ("Tortillas") will delight the most discerning diners with their typical dishes.

Throughout four days an endless number of conferences and round tables will be celebrated. Chefs such as Ferran Adrià and Andoni Luis Aduriz will discuss with other colleagues about topics such as molecular cuisine, environment cuisine, exotic markets or about the business models in these times of crisis. They will also discuss about gastro botany, about how to ensure the safeness of the food and about the imagination and the good humour of food (play food). They will also speak about the latest trend in U.S.A., the small plates.

Other high-level chefs, including Spaniards Quique Dacosta and Dani Garcia (with two Michelin stars each), will be speakers at the fair. Imaginative Swedish cook Peter Nilsson, as well as the British Heston Blumenthal will also be taking part.

Madrid Fusion gains relevancy year by year. This seventh edition counts on 130 exhibitors, 7.200 accredited people, 400 national journalists and 160 international ones. In addition, the Tropicana Cocktail Prize will take place.

Now take the first flight to Madrid. Can't you smell the delicious food? ? Rent Madrid Apartments to enjoy of the best accommodation in the Spanish capital. Enjoy your stay!

Paris For Children!


Paris is a fascinating city not only for adults, but for children. It is not longer the city of the lights, of love or of romance, now it is also the city of the kids! Paris has some wonderful sightseeing that kids will really love to visit. Its grandeur lends itself to playfulness. Paris is surprisingly a family friendly city! Kids have an amazing range of fun places to go to: there are beautiful parks and all kind of activities, including near the major tourist destinations.

All its major tourist attractions are well-known by just all the children: even young kids know about the Eiffel Tower! And what kid doesn't know the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Moulin Rouge? And if that wasn't enough, there are lots of museums made especially for the young ones and some café-theatres designed just for kids! There are many other funny place like the Zoos, ore the best theme parks in Europe, such as Disneyland Paris or the Asterix Parc. In addition, if Puppets turn your child on, there are plenty of puppet shows spread around the city, as they are a great tradition there.

A family walk along the Seine River is a must. Your children will enjoy of the beautiful city views! On the Right bank you can stroll through the Jardin de Tuileries, while your kids savouring a delicious ice-cream. On the other bank, your children can go to the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Go to Paris and don't visit Louvre's Museum is a crime. So, there is a family tour especially designed for children! It is called "Family Tour for Young Treasure Hunters". With this tour parents and kids will have fun together, and the little ones will learn and discover in a funny way many works of art! The younger set gets additional motivation through "Paris Muse Clues," with an educational and interactive treasure hunt. With this tour our children will discover many of the Louvre's masterpieces

There is another obligatory place to go: La Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie. This is one of the largest and most visited science museums in the world! It has special sections for children called La Cite des Enfants and Techno Cite. There's also an aquarium, a submarine, and a planetarium.
The Luxembourg Gardens are like they're made just for kids. It is the largest park in the city and full of activities for kids. There are daily marionette shows and a classic beautiful carousel, pony rides and a pond where kids can float a rented toy boat.

Finally, a Seine River Cruise would be great for parents and children. The Batobus does a cruise down the Seine. Kids will appreciate with other eyes how beautiful the city is!

Who said that travelling with children is complicated? Not in Paris! Look after the perfect accommodation and choose Paris Apartments for your holidays to make feel your children as at home.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Milan - The Design Capital of the World


Milan is the capital of the Lombardy Region, besides being the home of international fashion and design. It is also an important financial and commercial centre. This is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, full of elegant and distinct corners.

In addition, it enjoys a rich heritage that will take us thousands of years back in time because of its old monuments (such as Il Duomo's cathedral) and its beautiful art works (such as the famous painting "The Last Supper" by Leonardo Da Vinci, displayed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church).

As Milan is the design capital of the world, the main streets of the city (Vía Manzini, Montenapoleone, Vía della Spiga and Vía Sant Andrea) are the ones that house all the major brand fashion stores: Dolce&Gabbana, Armani, Gucci, Versace, Devota&Lomba, Dior... There are also many outlets which sell past seasons clothes at economical prices and many popular stores as H & M, Footlooker, Zara, etc.

Milan holds one of the most prestigious design teaching centres of Europe: the "Istituto Europeo di Design". Thousands of young artists study there in the hope of becoming a great designer. Every spring and every autumn the 'Fashion in Milan' show is celebrated. Some famous designers present their new collections here.

But the city not only stands out for being the home of fashion but for its fascinating works of art and monuments. Formerly Milan was governed by the Visconti and the Sforza families. They were patrons of some artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci or Bramante.The famous Sforzesco Castle was the Sforza family residence. Nowadays, it houses a museum which shows Michelangelo's works of art.

Il Duomo cathedral is the most important tourist attraction in Milan and a very emblematic building. It is a vast Gothic cathedral crowned with 135 pinnacles and adorned with over 2,000 different statues. Inside it has 2,000 more statues spread over 5 floors. Its highest tower holds the golden Madonina, the patron saint of the city. Il Duomo is one of the world's largest cathedrals.

But Milan is also known as the home of the Escala theatre: it is the largest Opera in the world. There Verdi, Rossini or Puccini's works are played. In addition, it has two of its own philharmonic orchestras.

Another major tourist attraction as was pointed out before is the fresco by Leonardo Da Vinci, "The Last Supper", located in the Santa Maria delle Grazie's church (to visit it is necessary to book several months in advance). The church is of Renaissance style and it was built by Bramante.

Finally, the Pazzo di Brera is another essential element of Milan's "geography": it is an art gallery, library, Astronomical Observatory and Fine Arts Academy.

You will fall in love with Milan. It is a beautiful, amazing city. It cultural and leisure diversity is suitable for all wallets, tastes and ages. Rent Milan Apartments to enjoy of the city and have a great time there.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Rome, the Eternal City


The Italian capital can be called a past, present and future city. When you stroll through the streets of Rome, you'll realize the magnificence and historic richness of the city. In fact, it is a mixture of the old Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, Christianity, Baroque, Mussolini's fascist era and the contemporary Rome we know today. But it has always preserved it eternal beauty and magic!

Rome is a suitable city for all kinds of people: for adults, for children, for teenagers, for straight people, for gays, for single people, for married people, for Italians and foreigners... Rome enjoys a perfect climate; therefore, it is the perfect city for walking around and for eating outdoors. You can enjoy a delicious pizza, pasta or some delicious cheeses and exquisite wines.

When you see for the first time the Flavian amphitheatre, better known as the Coliseum, you will be left speechless. The amphitheatre was built by Vespasian, on top of the remains of the palace of Nero. The building was not completed until 80AD, under the rule of Emperor Domitian, the last emperor of the Flavian Dynasty. The amphitheatre was used to entertain people and therefore, it was one of the most remarkable monuments of the time. You wouldn't need too much imagination to remember the fights between gladiators and the exalted screams of the Roman public!

Going on a few steps you'll find the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where Romans used to go about their daily lives: trade, business, prostitution, justice, philosophy... From a distance you can see the Campidoglio and the Circus Maximus.

Then get ready to enjoy the spirituality and the greatness of the Holy See in the State of the Vatican City. In front of Piazza San Pietro, designed by Bernini, there is a huge dome by Michelangelo. It has a few arches and statues that will leave you impressed. The Basilica is a must: inside it, you feel like you were immersed in another world. Do not forget to visit the Vatican museums: Raphael's rooms, The Sistine Chapel or the maps gallery.

In Rome there are plenty of tourist and non-tourist trips to join. The historic centre is the most beautiful part: from the Piazza Spagna to the Piazza Navona or the Agrippa Panthenon. The Jewish Quarter is interesting too, and it is considered a very alternative neighbourhood.

The Via del Corso is the most important street in Rome; there you can buy anything you want in the most famous stores of Italy: Prada, Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Christian Dior to name but a few. Of course, there are shops with lower prices! Via di Ripetta is also a highly regarded street by the Romans. If you still have time, have a long walk through Villa Borghese, one of the most beautiful parks in Italy.

As you see, Rome is still a wonderful city. Its greatest charm is that you will always find something new and amazing to see. Rent Rome Apartments to have a rest and enjoy your stay there!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Seville has a special colour!


Seville is a very special city. It is more than 2,000 years old and it is famous for having a great, distinct and joyous personality. It is the largest town in Southern Spain and the capital city of Andalusia. The Sevillians are known for their sparkle and wit. It has the largest of Europe's historic quarters, full of churches, convents, monuments and Moorish buildings. In addition, it’s the home of the most deep-rooted Andalusian traditions: flamenco, the tapas, sevillanas and of course, bullfighting. Seville also has the most passionate Easter Week, the most festive April Fair and a lively nightlife. If you would like to discover the popular customs and enjoy pleasant weather, you should visit it in springtime (in summer the temperatures can reach some 50°C). Seville certainly is one of the most beloved destinations of the tourists that go to Spain.

The city of Seville is worldwide famous because of its festivals: the Easter Weak and the Seville April Fair. The Holy Week is a religious festival that dates back to 16th century when the Catholic Church decided to present the Passion of Christ. During the Holy Week there beautiful and colourful processions are organized. Some huge wooden Saintly figures are carried by hooded penitents during the processions. Those processions leave deep impressions on the spectator and thousands of tourists come to Seville each year at Easter to see this.

During the April Fair, people set up some casetas (tents - booths) where they spend a whole week dancing, eating, drinking, and socializing. The fairground streets are also decorated with colourful hanging lanterns. Traditionally, women wear elaborate gipsy dresses and men parade around on their beautiful horses. Almost from the very beginning, bullfighting has formed an integral part of the Feria de Abril

Putting the city's festivals on one side, Seville is an equally impressive city that is still worth visiting. It lays on the Guadalquivir river banks and it has a wonderful historical centre full of important monuments. For example, Seville's cathedral is the third-largest in the world. It is a vast Gothic Cathedral with a worldwide famous minaret, the Giralda, where you can enjoy great views of the city. Another beautiful monument is the Gold Tower. It was originally part of the town-walls along Guadalquivir River. Very close by is the royal Mudéjar palace known as the Alcázar.

Seville has hosted two international exhibitions (1929 and 1992). The quarter of Triana on the other side of the river, La Macarena, Santa Cruz and San Bartolomé, the street of Las Sierpes, plus La Maestranza bullring, María Luisa park and the riverside walks are all representative images of Sevilla and a must see for any tourist.

Do you need any other reason to visit Seville? It is one of the most charming and beautiful cities in Spain and maybe in the world. Rent Seville Apartments to enjoy the perfect stay!

 
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