New Year in Berlin | Travel blog Barcelona, Berlin, Paris and Madrid

New Year’s Eve in the German Capital of Berlin

Dec 23rd, 2009 by apartmentblogger

The countdown has started and 2009 is almost over. Everyone is making plans for how to celebrate this special last night of the year. And you are racking your brains at home and have no idea what to do on New Year’s Eve. But what you do know is that you want something special and not the typical New Year’s Party at a friend’s home. No way! The year 2010 should start more spectacularly. We have the perfect solution for you! Travel to one of the sexiest capitals of Europe, Berlin, and celebrate the beginning of the New Year with more than 1.000.000 people just in front of the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate). Sounds exciting, right?

Each year, Berlin welcomes its inhabitants, German citizens and all the visitors from different parts of the planet to the biggest New Year´s Open-Air Party. Last year more than one million people celebrated New Year’s Eve here together. You can already imagine the impressive atmosphere which is in the air. New Year’s Eve parties at home are completely old-fashioned. Berlin will show you how to party and enjoy life. The two kilometres party will be extended over the area from the Brandenburger Tor, passing the famous street Strasse des 17.Juni till the Siegessäule (Berlin Victory Column). In this area your heart will be undoubtedly beating faster. You won’t get bored at any moment because there’s a huge assortment of shows, concerts, international stars, highlights, laser and light animations and a lot more spectacular events. Even your belly will be satisfied with the many food stands which represent the authentic international character of the German capital. You will be pampered with all the culinary delights of the world. And of course, you won’t die of thirst.

But that’s not all. The Germans know how to begin a new year in a very spectacular way, because at midnight Berlin’s sky will be converted into a sea of lights, colourful pyrotechnical figures similar to real works of art. This special moment of “3, 2, 1…Happy New Year!!!” will be celebrated with breathtaking fireworks which guarantees you strong and emotional feelings. But that won’t be the final act of the evening, because after midnight the open-end party goes on until the morning so that you start the year with a very authentic hang-over.

But before the party can get started, the people of Berlin will demonstrate their social commitment and organize the traditional New Year’s run (Silvesterlauf des SCC Berlin). Whether you are old or young, just about everyone can participate in this event divided into different runs depending on the age and level of difficulty. Entertainment, sport and fun, what else do you want?

Are you curious now? Come on, encourage yourself and leave your own four walls. Whether with friends, family, partner or alone, the New Year’s Eve in Berlin will be undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. Don’t worry about the accommodation: you only have to rent the cheap and comfortable Berlin apartments and celebrate the start of the New Year!

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The single life - a 21st Century Plague? | Travel blog Barcelona, Berlin, Paris and Madrid

The single life, a 21st Century Plague?

Dec 22nd, 2009 by apartmentblogger

In Europe divorces are becoming more and more recurrent. The marriages last less years and people marry later: since 1960 the marriage rate has dropped from 7.8 to 5.9 marriages per 1,000 inhabitants, and the average age for marriage has risen from 25 years in men and 23 women, to 27 and 25 respectively. To make matters worse, the out of wedlock births have multiplied… So, what? It’s clear! The single life is more fashionable than ever.

Are the old social values breaking up? Nowadays, most of the people in their thirties, after having married for the first time, are getting thrown back to the pool of the single people again. It seems that married life is not made for the XXI century, where celibacy has become a more contagious virus than the famous swine flu.

Nowadays people’s objectives and goals have changed. One’s own self is the most important thing. But what’s so strange? A person who is over thirty years of age usually has economic stability, a steady job, independence… Suddenly, he is married, with serious responsibilities and children and he see his possible future, at least, black, boring and monotonous. That’s why couples do not last. The patience and the obligations have vanished, and nobody is willing to stand his or her partner for their entire life.

If we think it carefully, people are not halves, but whole beings, so we do not need a couple to be happy. Single people can enjoy a tremendous sense of freedom: they direct their lives as they wish and they can understand and pamper better themselves. In addition, they can enjoy an uninhibited sexual life with as many people as they want. Where are the limits? They choose them!

If you are someone who can not live the life of a single, remember that things like enjoying the whole bed to yourself, crying over Bambi, leaving the toilet seat up, wearing cucumber masks or wearing the slippers of your great-grandfather without people laughing at you is absolutely priceless!

Self-pity is not valid for the modern times, and single people no longer feel that they are worth less than the couples. Quite the opposite! Who has ever thought: “If I were single…” The desperate search of a partner is no longer an obsession, although some people still can not live without a mate. The new single people are rediscovering themselves and find in their marital status the perfect situation to expand their horizons: new habits, new friends and a new life! Anything goes! A singles trip can not be absent from all these activities. The Spanish capital is the perfect place to enjoy your single life. Rent Madrid Apartments and celebrate your independence with the best accommodation!

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Myths and Realities of The Orgasm | Valencia Blog

The Orgasm, the great mystery - myths and realities

In western societies any satisfactory sexual relation has a clear and unique purpose: to reach a pleasant and, if possible, long orgasm. No matter whether it is when masturbating or when having sex; the orgasm is so significant in the western world, that some people argue that a relationship without an orgasm is not satisfactory (although it should constitute only a part of the intercourse). Let’s analyze more closely the great world of the orgasm, its myths and its realities.

All human intercourse is divided into four phases: excitement, culmination, orgasm and resolution. During the orgasm, which is the third phase, both women and men experience muscle spasms, high blood pressure, palpitations, rapid breathing, twitching, and a sudden discharge of sexual tension. But at the end, an orgasm is a very individual experience to which no theory can be applied. Each person feels it differently, and each time it is unique.

One of the biggest mysteries about the orgasm regards to the female orgasm. Is there a vaginal orgasm? It has always been an eternal debate about whether the vaginal orgasms are possible and if so, whether they are different from those obtained by stimulation of the clitoris. Prestigious researchers and sex therapists say there is only one kind of female orgasm, regardless of whether it comes from the clitoris, the vagina or it is a combination of both. In contrast, other researchers argue that women reach three types of orgasms: the vulval, produced by stimulation of the clitoris; the uterus, caused by vaginal or G spot stimulation and the mixed orgasm, produced by a combination of all three. While the experts do not agree on the types of female orgasms, they agree in reducing importance to the orgasm itself and giving more importance to the ability to express and enjoy sexuality as a whole.

But the female orgasm is not the only one that raises doubts, false beliefs or myths. Also the male orgasm is a very complex world to discover. In general, people tend to think that the male orgasm and the ejaculation are the same, but it isn’t. One thing is to ejaculate, and quite another to have an orgasm. This way, it is perfectly possible to have an orgasm without ejaculating, or vice versa. While it is true that the most common thing is that they happen simultaneously, one can learn how to separate them. Hence, it is very common to confuse the two things with the same phenomenon. Another of the misconceptions has to do with the male multiorgasmia. Many people think that immediately after an ejaculation the erection is lost, but it is not. It is perfectly possible to maintain the erection if the excitation does not diminish, so the man is equally capable as that the woman of having coitus after the ejaculation, and even of reaching an orgasm a few minutes later.

Another of the great myths of orgasm is the simultaneous orgasm. Cinema has to take a lot of the blame for this where the couples always seem to climax at the same time.. But in real life, few couples have simultaneous orgasms. This requires a great coordination, a great self-knowledge and also a great knowledge of your partner. Trying to achieve simultaneous orgasms as a rule can bring serious problems to the relationship. However, if it is only a game, it can be very satisfying and exciting.
Discover the best of you and your partner in a Mediterranean capital. Rent apartments in Valencia for the best comfort and enjoy!

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Christmas Fairs in Berlin | Berlin blog

Mulled wine and waffles - Welcome to the Christmas fairs in Berlin

Finally it has arrived. We could say that the best month of the year has started: the time when we can stuff ourselves without getting a bad conscience, or when we can just relax for a few days and forget about all of our daily routines and problems. Finally it has arrived, the Christmas time! But you don’t have to wait until the 24th of December; you can already get into the right mood with the romantic and enchanting Christmas fairs in the spectacular German capital of Berlin. Hohohooo!

If the Germans can be proud of something then it will be because of their well-developed sense for a romantic Christmas time full of traditions and their love for the smallest of details. This special character is very unique in the world. German Christmas Fairs are famous in the entire world. That’s not surprising because who doesn’t like putting winter clothes on, strolling through a Christmas fair with friends, family or partner, holding their hands, smelling the sweet and tempting aromas of the Christmas food, hearing nice but, of course, a little bit kitschy music booming from the loudspeakers, and drinking some delicious mulled wine, which certainly also exists without alcohol, for warming yourself in the cold winter temperatures. Hearing all this, our heart starts beating faster, right? But drinking mulled wine isn’t very common in a lot of countries, so for example a Spaniard could be react very strangely at people heating up their wine. But each culture is different and celebrates Christmas with its own traditions and rituals. That’s exactly why we should love the cultural diversity.

Like every year, Berlin will pamper its citizens and visitors from all over Germany and the entire world with uncountable Christmas fairs spread out through the city. Berlin will be transformed once again into an authentic Christmas winter paradise. The most special thing is that all those fairs are celebrated at historical important places in the most spectacular of sceneries. So for example, until the beginning of January you have the possibility to stroll along the traditional Christmas fair next to the Gedächnitskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church) where you can find more than 100 different stands with numerous ideas for Christmas presents such as decorations, toys or delicious almonds, and variations of mulled wine. Or what about some Christmas feeling in front of the Schloss Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg Palace)? More than 250 international Christmas stands give the whole palace and the park area a very special atmosphere. Despite these culinary highlights, they will offer you special events and guided tours through the palace. At the Henriettenplatz am Kurfürstendamm you will find a historic craftwork Christmas fair where you can see the most creative creations of glassworks and ceramics etc. As well in the KPM Welt your eyes will be get illuminated, because in the antique porcelain factory of Berlin your belly will be get pampered with the most delicious pralines and Christmas cakes and of course, a cup of mulled wine shouldn’t be missed. The different amazing products of porcelain are another highlight of this fair. Other Christmas fairs you should visit are at the Gendarmenmarkt, Alexanderplatz or the fair in front of the Rotes Rathaus (Berlin’s townhall)

Everywhere you see, you find a little enchanting Christmas fair. This tradition dates back to the year 1529, when the first fairs were celebrated in the old town of Berlin. Of course, the character and style of the fair has changed during history, but it is still very authentic.

What? You still aren’t in the mood for Christmas? That has to be changed! Put on your winter clothes and discover Christmas time in Germany’s capital. Rent the best Berlin apartments and enjoy economic and comfortable accommodation.

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Edible Lingerie and Undies in Berlin | Travel blog Barcelona, Berlin, Paris and Madrid

Edible Lingerie

Dec 18th, 2009 by apartmentblogger

Does your life as a couple suffer much because of the daily routines? Would you like your sexual relations to be livelier or spicier? You need something that stimulates all your senses: sight, smell….and especially taste! You can surprise your partner with some original pieces of lingerie. But we’re not talking about the traditional black lace, sexy bras, or transparencies for girls or the ridiculous shorts with pictures for boys. Have you ever thought about taking off his/her underwear by eating it?

Taste is one of the five senses that humans develop very early in life and it plays an important role in the sexual sphere. So why not try to stimulate it further? There are many different types of edible underwear and not just sweet or candied either! Have you thought about the fact that someone has dared to create ham panties! And don’t think that these items are difficult to purchase. You only have to take a look at some Web sites and you’ll see that some providers offer you the possibility of ordering special sizes, too although in this case the price may increase a little. In this sector you’ll also find the prêt-à-porter and haute couture garments!

Take a look at the new models of bras; see if you can awaken your imagination. The most classic is the bra made of candy. If you choose those without sugar they can be a dietary choice so you’ll not have to worry about your figure. You also can choose the one made of chocolate – delicious! There is a type of candy for everyone: there is red candy lingerie, perfect for the lovers of the colour red, or more “traditional and serious” lingerie, made of black colours - made of blackberry jelly, for example. The bra can be bought already prepared and packed with gift wrap included. If you have some practice in cutting and sewing with a needle and thread it will be a child’s play to create candy lingerie according to your and your partner’s tastes.

The sweets or chocolates may be appropriate also in the creation of pants, shorts and tasty and original slips. Do you like the liquorice wheels? It also may be a great idea: they are a very special flavour for boxer shorts! There are also those with aromas of fruit and chocolate.

Would you like to taste new flavours? Why don’t you go to any amazing place to enjoy this new experience with your partner? The German capital is one of the most sensual and stimulating cities in Europe. Buy a ticket for both of you and rent the best Berlin apartments, it will be an unforgettable and tasteful experience!

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Esquí de Sierra Nevada, Málaga | Que visitar en Malaga

Sierra Nevada te espera

December 17, 2009 By: malaga Category: Malaga

¡Ha llegado la temporada de nieve! ¡Por fin toca vestirse como una cebolla! Excepto tus ojos, que podrán contemplar unas los maravillosos paisajes montañosos. ¿Listo para disfrutar de unos días de locura en Sierra Nevada? Esquí de noche, snowboard, raquetas, trineo, patinaje y mucho más te espera para poner a punto las 115 pistas pensadas para ti. También puedes venir a tomar el sol en una terraza, sacar fotos de las líneas dibujadas sobre la nieve, dar un paseo: toda una serie de divinos placeres invernales…

La Estación de Esquí de Sierra Nevada está situada en el municipio de Monachil, una zona septentrional europea donde se goza de muchas horas de luz. Es aquí, en el macizo montañoso de mayor altitud de toda Europa Occidental después de Los Alpes (3.300 metros de altura), donde podrás disfrutar de inmemorables jornadas, a solamente una horita de las playas de Málaga.

La estación está dividida en seis zonas: Veleta, Laguna de las Yeguas, Borreguiles, Loma Dílar, Parador y Río. Además, dentro de la zona de Borreguiles, están el Parque de Nieve “Sulayr” para la práctica del snowboard en estado puro y el “DreamLand”, donde los pequeños están bienvenidos a resbalar sobre ese tesoro blanco de la naturaleza que es la nieve.

Si eres un iniciado al esquí, aunque tengas cuarenta años, empieza por una de las 16 pistas verdes. ¡Si consigues guardar tus nalgas en el telesquí claro! Poco a poco, tendrás ganas de probar las azules (40), rojas (50) y las muy difíciles negras (9). Dejarse llevar por los esquís o el snowboard, la nariz rojita en el viento, respirando el aire fresco de las montañas, es sencillo pero es un lujo que tienes que experimentar una vez en tu vida y el simple hecho de encontrarte rodeado de nieve hará que todo te parezca mágico.

También está el área recreativa de la Fuente del Mirlo, donde se hace todo menos esquiar: pista de hielo, alfombra mágica, toboganes de 130 metros, silla-esquís, bici-esquís, bici-slalom…Toda una serie de actividades que te garantizan diversión y evasión. ¡Ya sea con amigos, tu pareja o en familia, la estación de Sierra Nevada te encantará! No te olvides la cámara de fotos, con ese majestuoso paisaje blanco y vuestras caras de felicidad, lograréis unas imágenes únicas.

Las energías gastadas, alguna que otra caída y las carcajadas están aseguradas. seguro que ahora tu único deseo es lanzarte en la nieve o acomodarte en una silla de las terrazas. ¡Respira, la montaña es preciosa!

¡Y que buena es la sensación de quitarse los zapatos de esquiar! Parece que nuestros pies vuelven a vivir bajo el gordo calcetín húmedo. Después de tanta actividad física y fuertes emociones, lo mejor es saborear un chocolate caliente, comerse un buen plato y relajarse acostado en un sofá debajo de la mantita. Recordándose las locuras en las pistas, contando los moretones o las mejores caídas del día.

Con los apartamentos en Málaga, estarás tan a gusto como en casa. Son económicos y confortables, lo que necesitas para pasar una estancia inolvidable a la montaña.

via whattovisitinmalaga.com

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Skiing in The Sierra Nevada Malaga | what to visit in Malaga

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The Sierra Nevada awaits you

December 17, 2009 By: malaga Category: Malaga

Now is the season of snow! You are finally ready to put on those layers and layers of clothing. Are you ready to enjoy a few days of winter madness in Sierra Nevada? Night skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, skating and much more is waiting for you to tune the 115 ski slopes that are designed just for you. You can also come to sunbathe on a terrace, take pictures of the lines drawn in the snow or going for a walk. These are just a few of the divine pleasures that winter brings each year.

The ski resort of Sierra Nevada is located in Monachil, a municipality of Granada where you can enjoy many hours of daylight. It’s here in the highest mountains of Western Europe, after the Alps (3,300 metres), where you can enjoy some great skiing and which is only one hour is from the beaches of Malaga.

The station is divided into six areas: Veleta Laguna de las mares, Borreguiles, Loma Dílar, Parador and Río. Moreover, within the area Borregulies you’ll find the Snow Park “Sulayr” is just great for snowboarding in its purest form and “Dreamland”, where kids are welcome to ski and play around on this winter wonderland.

If you are a beginner to skiing, even if you are forty years old, you can begin with one of 16 green runs if you can keep your bottom on the ski lift of course! Gradually, you will want to try the blue slopes (40), the red slopes (50) and finally, the very difficult black slopes (9).

Skiing or snowboarding, a red nose in the wind, breathing the fresh mountain air, it’s simple but a luxury that you have to experience once in your life. You’ll be surrounded by snow and everything will seem just magical.

There is also a recreational area of La Fuente del Mirlo, where you can do anything but ski: ice rinks, magic carpet rides, 130 metres slides, ski-bicycles, ski-chairs and bike slalom….a series of activities that will guarantee fun and enjoyment. Whether with friends, your partner or family, you will love skiing in the Sierra Nevada! Don’t forget your camera: with the majestic landscape and happy faces, you will be guaranteed some unique pictures.

What a great feeling it is to take off our skis and relax. After a lot of physical activity and great fun, it’s good to take a sip of hot chocolate, eat a good meal and relax on a sofa under a blanket remembering the madness on the slopes, counting the bruises or the best falls of the day. With Malaga apartments, you will feel like home. They are economical and comfortable, and you will spend an unforgettable holiday in the mountains.

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Getting married young - a good idea? | Seville Blog

Getting married at 20 - a happy ending?

Posted by seville | seville | Thursday 17 December 2009 11:20 am

Does age really matter when you get married? Why are we surprised when a girl of 22 wants to marry a boy of 35 who she has only known a year? It is often said that what really matters is real love and honesty with oneself, but it seems that marriage is something very serious: some people see the wedding as the final trial that will take you to hell or to paradise. So, why do the people get married?

At age of 20, the most natural thing that people want to do is have fun, to experience new things, to travel, to study, to have the dream job, to make a lot of money, and so on. Some may even want to get married and, why not? Normally, at this age most people still don’t have a job, money and their own home. Love is what justifies it and moves the world. Would it be then be crazy or even suicide?

People often say that marriage is not a game and that young people have no idea of what they are doing when they want to marry so soon. But then again, love doesn’t understand about ages. Is marriage synonymous with tying down oneself for life? Once the ring is on the finger, are you imprisoned? No! You are as free as when you were single!

What can be dangerous is to have doubts, or to feel an attraction for another person. If getting marriage is such an important decision, it’s best to be 100% sure because it can cause great harm to both if it all goes wrong. The marriage goes beyond the white dress, the party, the new washing machine and the great sex. Have you seen the movie Match Point by Woody Allen? Are you thinking about getting married? If you’re young and you have doubts, think twice!

People get married because they love each other, because she is pregnant, because they are afraid of being alone, because he has no legal documents and believes that marriage will solve everything… there are so many reasons!

As you know there is no silver bullet, you have to find the right situation and the experience and feelings will help you to find that although youth is not always synonymous with inexperience. One must act in accordance with oneself. When is one ready for being in love? The only good advice is that you have to be honest with yourself.

Now take your partner to a beautiful and exotic place. Take advantage and get to know each other better. Discover Seville with your lover, and rent Seville apartments: you’ll love it!

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We all make up the Inland Revenue | The Word Monster

We all make up the Inland Revenue

Do we all really make up the Inland Revenue or the IRS? They try to convince us about it, but most of us don’t agree. We all fear when April comes as we have to do our income tax returns. Those who pay low taxes will surely be hit hard in April and those who paid their taxes wait anxiously for the return of their money.

We all ask… Where does all this Money go to? The government says it goes to the schools, the universities, the hospitals and to improve the infrastructure of our cities! Then we notice that our children don’t have the right materials or books because the schools don’t have enough resources and the students complain because the government doesn’t give out enough grants. When you go to the dentist from your insurance cover he wants to take all your teeth out, trying to suck as much money as possible in the process. They have already dug the street up 5 times so far this year, why don’t they do all the work together to avoid digging up the street so many times?

The Treasury Department fined me for not declaring the 400 € of work I did for my cousin. Then, influential politicians defraud the local councils of billions of euros and they let them get off free: this is the case of the former mayor of Marbella, Spain Julián Muñoz. Also in Spain one of the two major parties (Partido Popular or PP) has been involved in money laundering and in numerous fraudulent bank operations…

So the Spanish people wonder… Is it worth to be legal and to pay my taxes? Is it worth trying to sneak a few euros here and there? Who controls all this? Why is the income tax so complicated? Do the rich people pay their taxes or is it just the poor ones who pay for everything? Is there a Robin Hood of the XXI century? Do ministers do their income tax or are they exempt from paying it?

If you don’t want to get down, forget about your finances and prepare an amazing holiday. Go to Rome and remember that they also pay their taxes…Rent the best Rome apartments and enjoy your trip!

via thewordmonster.com

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Heaven in Venice - A Pixies Tribute | Venice blog

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A Tribute to The Pixies

December 16, 2009 By: venice-apartments Category: Venice

In Heaven everything is fine
You got yours thing and I got mine

In Heaven everything is fine
You got yours thing and I got yours

In Heaven everything is fine
I got yours thing and you got mine

In Heaven everything is fine
You got our thing and we got yours

In Heaven everything is fine
The knowledge is ours and we got the knowledge

In Heaven everything is fine
The love is ours and we got the love

In Heaven everything is fine
The knowledge is love and love is the knowledge

If there is a city that can be compared with heaven that it will be Venice. Venice the city of painters, sculpturos, musicians and writers. Venice heavenly city. Find out for yourself and rent apartments Venice to feel like in heaven

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Being gay without being gay | rome blog

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Being gay without being gay

December 15, 2009 By: romeblogger Category: Rome

People say that being gay is fashionable. But is it possible that ones sexual orientation may just be a fad? It seems that the sexual openness and tolerance is increasing in our society. In most developed countries being gay is no longer a major problem. Many people, especially the young ones, come out of the closet without complexes or subterfuge. But what about the people who practice homosexual sex and declare themselves as straight? On the one hand, bisexuality is a trend that has increasingly gained new adherents. The sexual desire and the fact of fulfilling ones own sexual fantasies means that gay sex practices have become more frequent among non homosexuals.

Orgies, threesomes, swinging: anything is possible! Straight people are tired of boring sexual practices. Today, many women report having practiced homosexual sex or feeling attracted to other women, without being lesbians. It is not the same with the men, who don’t want to recognize that they would practice these kinds of sexual games if they had the opportunity.

The swingers clubs are an ideal place for having sex with persons of your same sex without feeling the social pressures. Here anything is permitted; including watching how your partner enjoys having sex with another man or woman while you stimulate yourself alone or with another person, regardless if he or she is male or female.

We all can give and receive equal pleasure from both genders. Because, if you think about it, who will better understand the benefits of our body than a person of our own sex? Many people, after having practiced gay sex for the first time are so pleasantly surprised that they want to repeat the experience. This is not incompatible with a straight life or with a straight couple. Just open your mind a bit and be led by your carnal instincts. If your partner is as tolerant as you, he or she will explore new worlds.

What about the orgies or the threesomes? It’s an exchange of pleasure where everyone gives and receives. Forget your complexes and your prejudices! Unleash your sexual appetite in the Italian capital of Rome. Rent apartments in Rome and give free rein to your imagination. There is a world of possibilities open to you!

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Our photography memories | Travel blog Barcelona, Berlin, Paris and Madrid

Say cheese! Photography Memories

Dec 15th, 2009 by apartmentblogger

Say “cheese!” or “look at the little bird”… Today, these expressions seem very archaic. Now we all have digital cameras, but when we were children we all had a throw away camera. And how proud we were with our little flash, with the 36 pictures or with our submersible cameras! Then you had to wait about four days to have your pictures developed, put a cross if you preferred them in shiny or matte finish, double copies and finally you had them in your hands. It was a kind of magic ritual.

A rainy winter afternoon, you decide to organize those piles of printed photos that you have accumulated in various folders and albums. You put them all on the floor and organize them by subject and each one awakes in you a special feeling or reminds you of a person, place or past time. You kept the negatives just in case you needed more copies. Do you remember?

The best photos are those taken by children: they feel very happy because they suddenly feel very responsible and capable of carrying out this task. But then you see the photos and the child has turned into a type of samurai warrior because he’s cut half of your head off, or the photo is tilted and out of focus or even caught the exact moment in which you adjusted your panties! A picture is not just an image, it also tells a story. Maybe one day you’ll have to explain to the coming generations how the old photographic process was carried out.

We all still take bad pictures, but it doesn’t matter now because thanks to programs like Photoshop, we can do miracles. We have created a new art: the art of re-touching photos. Now we only print photos for those special occasions because the tradition and the charm of developing them has all been but lost. If you look at the tourists, you’ll realize that they don’t look at what they photograph: that is, they see the beautiful facade of the Casa Batllò in Barcelona, look through the lens, click the shutter and keep on walking. They rarely stop to contemplate the whole picture.

Although today the way of taking pictures is a little more robotic, people can appreciate photojournalism and its great photographers throughout history. Whether they are naked scenes, street scenes, landscapes, portraits, details, black and white or colour pictures, with a Polaroid or with a digital camera, the chances to experiment with your creativity are endless. And what a nice feeling when someone likes your photo! Robert Capa used to say “If your photo is not good is because you’re not close enough.” A picture is especially good when it stirs emotions.

As we all take photos, anywhere and at any time, perhaps the magic lies in being original. If you miss the nostalgic dimension of photography, just say: look at the little bird!

Barcelona may be an ideal spot to take pictures. The Catalan capital is an outdoor, colourful museum. Enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, Las Ramblas and take as many pictures as you can! And while you are there, why not rent apartments in Barcelona to find the best accommodation.

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World conference on climate change | Madrid travel blog

World conference on climate change – saving the world or more political babble?

Once upon a time there were a lot of important personalities of the international political landscape who met first in Rio de Janeiro (1992) for passing the first United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Later they assembled again in Kyoto (1997) for negotiating the famous Kyoto Protocol and showing the world how brave they all are. After that the conference was held in The Hague in 2000 where the negotiations were a complete failure. A lot of more important conferences then followed where everyone tried to be the hero saving the world. What will happen at this year’s world conference on climate change in Copenhagen? Will those strange men in their black suits finally reach an agreement or will they just continue waffling on?

Each day we can see it in the press: natural disasters, flooding, increases in the sea levels, the poles are melting, hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes. Nature seems to be going crazy, but we aren’t as innocent as we may seem. Although we think about acting environmental friendly as we go by bike to work instead of taking the car, we don’t really help very much our nature with our behaviour. At the moment there seems to be only two little devils in the world regarding pollution: USA and China. Both countries are competing for the title for who can emit the greatest quantity of carbon dioxide into the earth’s atmosphere. The two countries produce together over 40% of the global CO2 emissions. Just looking at this scary figure makes it difficult for us to breathe!

And like in every bad Hollywood movie the villain denies everything and tries to escape secretly and silently out the back door. That was exactly what the USA and China tried to do at this year’s forum of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) where both states put the blame on each other and nobody dared to take the first step. The behaviour of the politicians was very similar to that of young children playing in the garden “Come on, you have to start, if not, I don’t want to any more”. Very embarrassing, isn’t it?

However, the debates are going on at full stretch in Copenhagen. And they aren’t really peaceful and pleasant. They are debating primarily about money and the level of CO2 emissions. The developing countries are apparently ignored and Barak Obama has to protect his new climate politics in his own country which criticizes and fears that its new president could promise too much at the conference in Copenhagen. As you can see, there is more aimless chatter on the agenda and a good and appropriate rescue plan for our planet seems to be very far away.

Don’t get depressed by those politicians and just try to be a good example for society. Although you may feel alone in this matter, each citizen of the world can participate immensely to stop or slow down the global warming. Don’t give up! What about some healthy and eco-friendly holidays in one of the most enchanting European cities? Rent the best apartments in Madrid and enjoy an economic and environmental friendly accommodation. Discover the green side of Spain!

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Lisbon gifts and travel | Lisbon Blog

What to give for Christmas?

It’s time to turn your brain on to choose Christmas gifts! You don’t know whether to give something functional, beautiful, classic, funny or original. Don’t worry; here are some clues for some cool ideas to make your shopping a pleasure instead of a nightmare. And if you’re too lazy to fight it out with the myriads of hungry Christmas shoppers, you can stay at home and buy everything online. With a dose of imagination, patience and love, your friends and family will love your surprises.

Some people have the gift of giving incredible and original presents: “What a great idea! You know me so well! You always guess what I need!” And there are others who always fail with their gift ideas! It is not so easy to choose a good gift! Here are some very original ideas that do not require being a millionaire, just a bit creative…so take notes!

How about a relaxing massage gift, a  bottle of champagne, a Spaghetti gauge or a Bonsai? Stranger gifts are the anti-seasickness wristband, the key locator, the skin analyzer or a traffic light to avoid crashing every time you park in your garage.

For the travellers, a universal adapter is a great idea. For wine lovers, the open magnetic bottles will be very helpful. It is also possible to name a star or give a cup that changes its colour when you drink tea or coffee. A special meal, a CD, a pillow or a shirt with a printed photo are also some good ideas. There are even special gifts for each zodiac sign.

If you can avoid the classics such as perfume, books or socks, even better! But there are no rules, so if you can find the perfect gift, even a classic one can be a success. The secret lies in knowing how to choose something according to the person we have in mind.

If you don’t have enough money to give something to all your family, but you are a creative person, you can prepare or make something yourself, with your hands and your imagination. During your family holidays, you can take some pictures and send them a small album. They will surely love it.

For lovers, a bag full of kisses and hugs will be enough! Maybe the perfect gift is something you can both take advantage of such as erotic underware, a massage or a trip. What counts is our good intention!

Spending a few days in a European capital is original and unforgettable. Lisbon is a very romantic destination, surrounded by nature. For an incredible Christmas, have an incredible stay in the best apartments in Lisbon, the last days of 2009 will be just perfect.

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Laughter is good therapy | Valencia Travel | Valencia Blog

I Laugh, You Laugh, He Laughs

Hey, whether you are happy or not, please smile! Everyone knows that our daily lives are not always full of funny things and that we all have our own problems. For these reasons, you should laugh about 30 times a day, according to the experts. You will not only avoid a permanent serious mask on your face but you’ll enjoy both physical and mental welfare as laughter provides numerous advantages. Life is a tragicomedy in which you play the role of Dr. Humour, whose goal it is to spread the good energy of laughter to others… Let’s smile!

Around 400 muscles are activated when you laugh: so the torso, the shoulders, the arms, the abdomen, the diaphragm, the legs and stomach all get a little workout. When you laugh, you release endorphins, dopamine, serotonin and adrenaline, a hormone of happiness that removes stress and tension. Laughing has a long list of advantages and it’s totally free, the best thing for this time of crisis! It is so rewarding to see how a baby smiles, or to make a woman laugh to seduce her.

The only negative sign of a laugh is found hidden in our dreams. If you dream that you are laughing, it may mean that something affects you. In fact, the laughter works as a type of escape valve and in our dreams it means that something negative is happening. If you suffer from insomnia, laughter will ease your dream. No matter if it’s fake, spontaneous, shy, sincere or sarcastic; its effects are so powerful that five minutes of giggling are equivalent to 45 minutes of exercise.

If you have to relearn how to laugh – over the years sometimes we lose that spontaneity, laughter therapy courses are a great option. These laughter groups try to awaken the happiness hormones through group exercises and games. It overcomes blockages and takes advantage of a few situations to make us laugh as if we were small children again. Rather than buying wrinkle cream, laugh a lot and try to smile all day long because it’s free, invigorating and rejuvenating.

The prefrontal area of the cerebral cortex is the most evolved and this is where the laughing area is found. According to the experts, it is where creativity along with our ability to think about the future and our morals are located.

Surely a nice weekend break or a relaxing holiday will put that smile back on your face! Go far away with your partner or your friends and forget your everyday worries. Let the good vibes invade your body! Rent apartments in Valencia, they are so comfortable and cheap that your face and your mood will be beaming with joy.

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