Belem, one of the most charming neighbourhoods of Lisbon
Are you one of those who don’t like to spend the holidays in big cities full of people, traffic and bustle? But you also don’t feel like staying in the countryside or somewhere really peaceful or a place where you can’t do anything? In this case, you should go to Lisbon. Yes, you have read it well: although the Portuguese capital belongs to the category of “big city”, you’ll be captivated with a charming, quiet and relaxing atmosphere. One of the most fascinating neighbourhoods is, undoubtedly, Belem. Do you dare to submerge yourself in a trip through this beautiful neighbourhood? It will tell you the history of the city, of Portugal and also of the whole world.
Belem neighbourhood in Lisbon is a real witness of the most important events of the world history. The area lived through the golden era in Portugal from whose port the famous caravels set sail in search of new lands. In 1755 a terrible earthquake destroyed nearly half of the entire city and more than 100,000 people died. However, it seemed that Belem was protected by supernatural powers because it was not as affected as the rest of the city. Because of that, many of the monuments and tourist attractions of Lisbon are located in Belem’s neighbourhood. All these places have an indescribable cultural importance that you should not miss.
You’ll enjoy a very special and charming atmosphere in Belem! There are many places to see in Belem, but some stand out for their great beauty and history. They are located around the Praça do Imperio, a huge square with a large central fountain that was built for the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940. The Mosteiro os Jerónimos, a huge and beautiful monastery which lies close to this square. This is a true symbol of the Discovery Age and it is considered one of the most prestigious monuments of Portugal. It was built on the wishes of Manue 1st in honour of Vasco de Gama and his crucial trip to the Indies. For the same reasons the famous Tower of Belem was built, which in 1983 was declared cultural heritage by UNESCO. In the same place you will find the interesting National Museum of Archaeology, the Maritime Museum and the spectacular Planetary Calouste Gulbenkian.
If you are walking along this beautiful neighbourhood, you will enjoy delicious aromas: either the wind of the Atlantic Ocean or the river Tejo, or the seductive aromas from the famous bakery Pasteis Casa de Belém. The Belém Pastry Shop (opened in 1837) it’s a mandatory stop: you must taste the delicious Belem cakes. Although you love your grandmother’s cakes, you’ll love these delicious cakes, too.
Some other interesting places are the impressive Belem Palace, the Discoveries Monument, the Folk Art Museum, the Sao Jeronimo Hermitage, the Igreja da Memoria, the Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, the Palacio Nacional da Ajuda and the Jardim Agricola Tropical. There is an endless list of places to visit.
Surely now you’ll want to know more about this incredible neighbourhood. Come on, you will find a very quiet and charming place. Rent Apartments in Lisbon and find the cheapest accommodation!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Belem neighbourhood in Lisbon, Portugal | Lisbon Blog
Gaudier Brzeska | henri gaudier brzeska exhibition | Apartments Blog
Henri Gaudier Brzeska Exhibition in Paris
Aug 4th, 2009 by apartmentblogger
Once again, The Pompidou Centre in the Beaubourg district of Paris gives us a chance to rediscover an artist whose work and personality have influenced many generations.
From June 24th until September 14th, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in this unique exhibition and (re)discover a major artist of the beginning of the XXth century: Henri Gaudier-Brzeska. Born near Orléans in 1891, Henri Gaudier decides to go to England to try and become an artist. Along with him goes a Polish writer by the name of Sophie Brzeska.
Although he never received any artistic training, Gaudier-Brzeska fell in with the Vorticism movement of Ezra Pound and Wyndham Lewis, becoming a founding member of the London Group. This movement is considered to be the only significant British movement of the early 20th century but lasted fewer than three years. Often referred to as the English version of futurism, its real goal was to capture movement in an image. Admirer of Rodin, he became a supporter of direct carving which involves sculpting marble or stone directly through his contacts with Jacob Epstein and Constantin Brancusi.
He was enrolled in the French army in World War I and was killed at the age of 23 after fighting bravely.
The Centre Pompidou offers this summer a wonderful exhibition in cooperation with the Museum of Fine Arts in Orleans where some of the masterpieces of the artist are kept. You’ll get to see many sculptures but also drawings made by Gaudier Brzeska.
You’ll love this trip to the past at a time when art was constantly changing and the avant-garde scene was trying to change mentalities. This young man has contributed to our artistic heritage in only 4 years of practice.
Come to the Beaubourg district and enjoy one the most fascinating exhibitions of this summer: Henri Gaudier Brzeska. Rent apartments in Paris, you’ll be surprised at just how affordable it can be.
Fetish Berlin | Fetish Clubs in Berlin | Apartments Blog
Fetish clubs in Berlin
Aug 6th, 2009 by apartmentblogger
Fetish clubs are an emerging phenomenon in Berlin and are getting very popular among people of 30 years of age and above. People there are tired of going to clubs just to dance and get drunk. In the German city of Berlin the fetish clubs are very popular.
A fetish club is a club orientated to the obtaining of certain sexual pleasures. Normally, the club has several rooms. It has a dance floor like in any other club, a rest room for having a drink and to chat and talk with people and a room to have sex which is the most interesting one. This room is oriented towards several different sexual tendencies. People often misinterpret the sadomasochist trend, confusing it and thinking that in these places a few strange people feel pleasure through physical pain. But this is quite wrong. If we study this compound word we will see that it comes from two philosophers: Leopold von Sacher-Masoch and the Marquis de Sade.
Masoch was an Austrian philosopher who wrote several books and articles relating to sexual pleasures. His philosophy involves many issues and tendencies, but to summarize in a few words we will say that that the person who is a masochist is the one who likes physical pain inflicted on his person. This in the sadomasochistic world is known as a “submissive person”. How can a person feel pleasure through physical pain? For the experts it consists on dominating the torturer through this pain.
Sade was a French philosopher who spent most of his life imprisoned for his libertine and sexual life and for his controversial writings. The most controversial are those against the Catholic religion and the Government. The essence of his philosophy is to obtain sexual pleasure causing physical pain to others. In the sadomasochistic terminology this is known as the dominant person. A sadist is someone who also knows the human nature and knows how to turn pain into pleasure. Therefore we have the dominant master or mistress who is in charge of inflicting pain on others and we have the submissive one or slave that receives the punishment or pain. Both seek sexual pleasure along with their intellectual, moral and sexual capacity development.
In these Berlin fetish clubs there are all kinds of people: people who want to have some fun, sex addicts and curious people who just want to be part of the club. Usually there are security personnel that ensure that no one bothers them. There must be assent on both parts for any type of sexual game. Respect is the fundamental principle of these clubs.
If you are curious about these topics and want to try a fetish club in Berlin, why not rent apartments in Berlin. Other major cities where there are many of these clubs are Barcelona and London.
The Latin Kings of Catalonia | Apartments Blog
From Latin Kings to Cultural Association of Latin Kings and Queens of Catalonia
Aug 10th, 2009 by apartmentblogger
Evidently it is known that Barcelona is a cosmopolitan and open minded city. Over the last few years Barcelona has undergone major changes. Catalans are tolerant people and they demonstrated it in 2006 when they legalized in Catalonia the Latin Kings. Currently they are known as the “Cultural Association of Latin Kings and Queens of Catalonia”.
Unfortunately, the Latin Kings were announced in 2003 in Barcelona by the murder of the young man Ronny Tapias because of the settling of a score . The attack was aimed at another person and mistakenly they killed a poor innocent bystander: from this moment on the Ñetas and the Latin Kings became very famous due to their violent acts. They were two enemy Latin bands who were continually brawling.
The “Latin Kings” were born in Chicago and New York in the 40s, and quickly spread to the rest of U.S., Latin America and Europe. They used to call themselves an association in defense of the South American youth, but some of their members were condemned for theft, murder, violation or drug trafficking. In the mid-’80s two of its members created a manifesto, “The King Manifesto”, where all the rules, behaviours, prohibitions and so on were redacted. Its main distinguishing mark is the five-pointed crown, each one with a meaning: love, respect, sacrifice, honour and obedience. Five is the number of the Latin Kings. They also like yellow / gold colours: black in reference to Latin American history and death, and gold / yellow in reference to the future and life. They also use other symbols such as the lion for strength, the circle for perfection and diamonds because they are beautiful. They always greeted with three fingers with crown form, and are Rap and Kingdism (a kind of religion that mixes rap with prayers) lovers. They have a female version: the Latin Queens, so far, the only band made up of only women.
Both the Ñetas and the Latin Kings wanted to disassociate itself from its reputation of a violent band and they began negotiations with the Barcelona city hall. After months of discussions, the Latin Kings registered as a legal association of the Justice Department on July 31st, 2003 under the new name of “Asociación Cultural de Reyes y Reinas Latinos de Cataluña (Cultural Association of Latin Kings and Queens of Catalonia). They try to publicize the Latin culture and to promote the integration of young migrants in society.
Over the time they have demonstrated that with desire and determination they can get away from violence and that they can promote good values. Discover the capital of tolerance and mixture, travel to the Catalan capital and stay in the best apartments in Barcelona.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Venetian Gastronomy
The delicious Venetian cuisine is often eclipsed by all the wonders of the city. You all heard of the Carnival, the gondolas and the romantic feel but who ever talks about the Gastronomy of Venice? Venetian food is traditional, varied and delicious. Venetian people have a Mediterranean diet based on fish, meat, veggies... and pasta!
Venice's reputation is to be outrageously expensive when it comes to eat out. Truth is, you need to know where to go and what to eat o avoid tourists' traps. Stay away from the San Marco Square. The farther you get from the centre, the better chance you have to eat well at a decent price. Don't fall for the tourist menu: often drinks, deserts and silvers are not included... trattorias are a much better option if you're looking for reasonably priced quality food. Or you can just buy slices of pizza from little shops on the street.
One of the most typical dishes of Venice is the "cicchetti" which is a lot like Spanish tapas. The most common are: octopus y sobrasada with polenta, meatballs, dried tomatoes, and fried crab claws, fried veggies, salt cod toast with butter, eggs with anchovy, and sardine with onion and vinegar.
Other specialties such as risottos made of rice and cuttlefish, crawfish or meat. The most famous kind is the "risi e bisi", served with ham. And obviously, pasta with all kinds of sauces and toppings. Try the famous "pasta e fagioli" (beans), very comforting in winter. Fish is also very common such as eels and monkfish. If you're into meat, have some Venetian style liver (cooked in onion).
Italy produces wine therefore you'll see many Venetians drinking a glass of Prosecco de Conegliano or Custoza al Amarone with their meal. Also try grapa and the "sgroppino" (lemon and Prosecco sherbet).
If you still have room for desert, you should know that Venice is famous for its "patisserie": pies, ice cream... taste the local tiramisú, the "zaeti" (galletas biscuits made of grape and Polenta flour) or some bussola buranelli (butter biscuits shaped like crowns).
Not hungry yet? Come visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world and rent an apartment in Venice to rest after eating so much.
Diana Roig
If you want to taste the best Ventian gastronomy you just have to take the first flight to this beautiful Italian city, all these great Venice Apartments are waiting for you!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Madrid is Nature
If you ask people to describe Madrid in a few words, chances are « Nature » won't come up often. Maybe you'll get "traffic" or if you're lucky "culture" to sum up the Spanish Capital. Most people don't even know Madrid as a green city. Not only the surroundings are real green paradises but also inside Madrid you'll find wide natural spaces. A good example of it would definitely be the Retiro Park and the Casa de Campo; should you do, you'll also get to see the Lagunas del Sur, the Cumbre Natural Park, Sierra de Guadarrama Natural Park and the Hayedo de Montejo.
Madrid is more than just culture, tourism and nightlife. Nature lovers and sport addicts will be able to go hiking, climbing, do some agro tourism and paintball, go cycling, horseback riding and kayaking.
One of the most amazing green areas of the capital is no doubt the Cumbre Natural Park, the Circus and Lagunas de Peñalara. The top of the Penarla is the highest point of the Sierra de Guadarrama with 2.430 meters of altitude. The whole area is full of glacier lagoons such as the Laguna Grande or Pepe Hernando and hilltops like Las Dos Hermanas (The Two Sisters).
The Hayedo de Montejo is definitely one of Madrid's natural treasures. We're talking about a huge forest of beech trees spread out on some 250 square meters located in the Sierra de Ayon. It has been declared Natural Site of National Interest in 1974; some of the trees are over 250 years old! You might see foxes and wild cats as well as wild boars, otters and aquatic blackbirds...
But there's no actual need to leave the heart of the Capital to find green spaces. Check out the Casa de Campo, it's the main public park of Madrid. It is 1 722 hectares big. There, you may jog and you'll find a lake and picnic areas. It is considered to be Madrid's main lung with the Retiro Park. You'll see poplars, Holm oaks, pine trees, plane trees, chestnut trees, willows, ash trees and many aromatic plants.
Now you understand better how Madrid can be Nature. Come and see the greener side of the Spanish Capital. Rent the best apartments in Madrid and experience living in harmony with Nature. Rent Madrid Apartments for the best accommodation.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Campus Party in Valencia 09
The 13th edition of the Campus Party has just started and it’s the largest festival of technology, creativity, leisure and culture in the digital network world. From Monday to Sunday, more than 6,000 participants coming from all continents have gathered in the “Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe de Valencia” with their computers. After 12 years of history, it has become a prestigious event in the computer world, both for users and for businesses.
This edition has over 30 sponsors and partners, which is a luxury in these times of crisis, since the lack of sponsors usually prevents the celebration of such important events. Telefónica is the main promoter and it provides the entire infrastructure necessary for the cyber party. The operator has deployed 8.5 Gb of bandwidth; a breakneck speed that allows the download the Wikipedia’s content in all the languages in only 30 seconds!!
Posted via web from barcedona
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
World Championships in Athletics Berlin 2009
Berlin is preparing for the World Championships in Athletics 2009
Every passionate fan of athletics, PREPARE YOURSELF! You don’t have to wait desperately for three long years for the Olympic Games in London to start. One of the most important sporting events is coming soon to Berlin: the World Championships in Athletics 2009.
Do you want to experience the Olympic spirit in Berlin? Then come to the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics Berlin and rent apartments in Berlin – by far the best alternative for having cheap and comfortable accommodation.
Posted via web from barcedona
Monday, July 27, 2009
Venice Islands
Venice is famous for its canals and gondolas and for being the city of love. All those that can pride themselves on saying that they've been there, must know St Mark's Square and its beautiful carnival. Tourists and locals fall in love with its magic and charm, but some people do not know that this magic reaches all the little islands too. They are as exciting and romantic as the city itself.
The islands around Venice were the refuge for thousands of people who were fleeing from the war. Nowadays, many of them are totally empty, but others like Murano and Burano have prospered and have become famous for its lace and crystals. Some have become university islands such as San Servolo and even cemetery islands or hospital islands.
The island of Lido is one of most known of the archipelago and characteristic for being the only one that does not have channels. This is a 12km sandbank that represents a natural barrier between Venice and the sea. It is so small and accessible, that the most common form of transport is the humble bicycle. There are hundreds of them, without ever tiring, clogging the streets of the island.
Some of the most popular attractions in Lido are the fortress of Sant'Andrea, in the San Nicolo neighbourhood and its monastery and church; in addition to its famous beaches, which constitute the main interest point of the island.
Burano is the most charming island of the Venetian lagoon. It has become very famous for its beautiful embroidered lace. Burano has a colourful and peculiar landscape: its houses are painted in garish colours following a specific system originated in the Golden Age. If any neighbour in the area wanted to paint their house, the government would give them a series of colours which to choose from! This curious rainbow reflected in the canals, gives the island a magical aspect. The famous Galuppi lace Museum and the Santa Caterina church are two mandatory stops if you happen to visit.
Who has not heard about the glass of Murano? This island has become famous worldwide through its glass manufacture. In 1921 the Government forced all the glass manufacturers to move to the island to avoid possible fires in Venice; hence, its glass tradition. The Santa Maria church, with its Byzantine mosaics, and the San Pietro Martire church are two interesting attractions.
Sant 'Erasmo Island, Pellestrina Island and Treporti Island are other treasures of the archipelago. Discover the hidden mysteries of the islands... Book Venice Apartments and enjoy your holidays!
The Venice Biennale 2009
Very often most art exhibitions are based on only one kind of art and offer you, for example, either paintings or contemporary works. Unfortunately we can barley enjoy a mix of different artistic styles. It seems to be that Venice, one of the most important romantic cities in Italy, keeps all your cultural and artistic preferences in mind and offers you one of the biggest and most extensive art festivals of the world: The Venice Biennale 2009.
The Venice Biennale 2009 shows you a completely new world full of creativity, emotions and unknown feelings. Let yourself be guided by your instinct and rent comfortable apartments in Venice. Your holidays will be an unforgettable experience.
Posted via web from barcedona
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Cruising in Madrid - gay cruising madrid | Apartments in Spain
Have you ever heard the Pope talk about cruising? No? Well, it makes sense. This English word covers a wide concept that is nowadays part of the gay community. Nevertheless, this word of “cruising” still has a negative connotation and sounds like something wrong and forbidden. But really, it is a very common practice and quite understandable within the gay community and it deserves to be more respected by heterosexual people. If you have no clue what I am talking about, come to Madrid, the star city of cruising!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A Midsummer Night's Dream in Rome | rome blog
A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Summer Festivals in Rome
Summer has finally arrived and with it the desire to have fun. Can you think of any better way to spend the summer than by going on holiday to Rome? Here you will find all the entertainment and culture that you want. In summer, Rome offers music, dancing, nightclubs along with many places to eat and drink etc.
Everything starts on June 21st with the Traditional Music Festival, the event that marks the beginning of summer. It is a popular exhibition in which artists, musicians, music schools, associations, record labels, national and international cultural institutions. Do not miss these events in the name of fun and music! It lasts from June to September. The most important celebrations of the summer are: the Jazz Festival in Villa Celimontana, the Fiesta Capannelle, the Estate Forum in Rome and the Villa Ada festival.
Curiously, the Opera Theatre offers this summer events until September 30th in the Caracalla’s Thermal baths: The fairies and elves of the ballet “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - “Sogno di una notte di Mezza Estate” will dance to the music of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1st - 8th July) and after, the music of Giacomo Puccini and Georges Bizet will be enjoyed in the form of the two heroines “Tosca” and “Carmen.”
On summer nights the beaches and the city are completely transformed, giving a more active nightlife. There are many places that offer all types of music: Ostia is one of the best places close to Rome to have fun and spend all night. If you prefer the more elegant bars and clubs, Fregene is the best option. But if you do not want to move from the city centre, a good alternative are the summer concerts that are held in different locations, such as the Circus Maximus. To spend a quieter evening there are several open air cinemas.
The drink “grattachecca” is a veritable institution in the city. Born in the 30s, the “grattachecca” refreshes the palate with thick crushed ice. It is prepared with different lemon juices and syrup. Before starting the party, many of the Romans meet together on summer nights to enjoy this famous beverage. Something to be tried!
In the Eternal City you can live life to the full. Rent Apartments in Rome and enjoy your vacation. You will love it!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
FIB Heineken 2009: Internacional Benicàssim Music Festival
As every year in these dates, we count the days in order to celebrate one of the best music festivals on the world: the Internacional Benicàssim Music Festival FIB Heiniken 2009. It comes with the best alternative music.
From 15th July to 19th July the Festival will held its 15th edition in Benicàssim. With nearly 200,000 people, this year's crowd will beat the all time attendance record easily surpassing last year's 52,000 attendees. In fact, tickets and passes were sold out two months before the festival its celebration.
Located at Km 986 of the N-340, the FIB enclosure measured 120,000 square meters. It will host various cultural and musical areas as the necessary facilities for offering a comfortable and safe stay for the audience. There will be four stages in which up to 100 concerts will be held: the outdoor Escenario Verde, which is the largest one; and the Fiberbib.com, the FIBClub and the Pista Pop, all located inside different marquees. In addition, extra musical parallel activities will be held. Also, large areas with spacious lawns and trees for sheltering against the hours of strong sunlight will be setup. They will also feature a varied gastronomic offer and Official Stores to buy the official merchandise of the different bands.
This year a high quality program has been specially designed to overcome the crisis. Oasis will open the festival with the presentation of their latest offering, 'Dig out your soul'. Other great bands are: Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, Kings of Leon, Russian Red, Magazine, Cooper, Maximo Park Spanish bands as Christina Rosenvinge, La Bien Querida, Cooper, The Unfinished Simpathy, Oblique, Nacho Vega o Fangoria. This year the festival seeks to recover its national audience, relegated in recent years owing to the avalanche of Anglo-Saxon'fibers'.
Come to the most amazing music festival of Spain! Rent Valencia Apartments and don’t miss the FIB Heiniken 2009!
The Henri Matisse Exhibition at the Thyssen Museum in Madrid
Henri Matisse along with Pablo Picasso is without doubt one of the central figures of modern art today. The Thyssen Museum in Madrid is holding an exhibition of his work, namely the central period when Matisse was in Nice between 1917 and 1941.
The exhibition will be held at the Thyssen - Bornemisza Museum in Madrid from June 9th to September 20th gathering around 80 of his works including drawings, paintings and sculptures. These works are gathered from around 50 museums worldwide including private collections.
This wonderful exhibition seeks to breakdown the works of Matisse in the period that is marked by the end of World War 1 and the beginning of World War 2. By the year 1917 Matisse found himself losing clients and therefore had to redirect his painting towards a more recipient public replacing huge works such as The Dance by smaller works using easels. Thus the painter moved to Nice.
With the returning to easel painting Matisse could now centre on the weight, density, depth and pictorial language of his figures. Therefore the exhibition aims to cover the period in which Matisse delved into the relationship between colour and size thus avoiding anything to do with Cubism and its traditional flat shapes and perspective.
After 1930 a new vigor and a bolder simplification started to appear in his work and American art collector Albert C. Barnes convinced him to produce a large mural for the Barnes Foundation, The Dance II, which was completed in 1932.
The exhibition has been designed so that each stage of the artist's life is reflected under the following headings: "Painting and Time", "Landscapes, Balconies and Gardens", "Intimacy and Ornament", "Figure and Background", "Form" and "Une sonore vaine et monotone ligne"
Why not take this pleasant opportunity and visit the Thyssen Museum in Madrid and discover one of the greatest painters of the twentieth century. Rent Apartments in Madrid and immerse yourself in the wonderful art of Henri Matisse.
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