Places in the south...

While searching for our best vacation spot this summer, I found lots of places and websites which I'm sharing here for you to use, if you wish so.

Airplane tickets, hotels, etc.:
http://www.farecompare.com/
http://www.skyscanner.com/
http://www.rumbo.com/
http://www.edreams.com/
http://www.cheapoair.com/
http://www.onetravel.com/
http://www.lowcostholidays.com/


Spain - from Almeria down to the Malaga region, this is all Andalucia:
About Almeria: http://www.tucotours.co.uk/almeria_information_flights_carhire_hotels.htm#Hotels%20in%20Almeria
Almeria and Andalucia: http://www.andalucia.com/
Almeria: http://www.expedia.ca/daily/enc4105/destinations/insiderContent.asp?TAID=187429&categoryId=s2&categoryName=Background&mcicid=dest.More.BeforeyouGo
Traditional house for rent in Almeria: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p606135a
More vacation rentals: http://vacationrentals.travel.yahoo.net/listings/location-Almeria-Spain
Aparthotel in Almeria: http://almeria.torreluz.com/en/apartahotel
Hotel: http://www.citymar-hoteles.com/es/reserva-menu?county_hotel_select=c_117&action=result&county_id=117&inday=25&inmonthyear=2010-08&outday=4&outmonthyear=2010-09&adults=2&children=1&user_language=es
Andalucia: http://www.andalucia.org/
Holiday rentals Almeria: http://www.spain-holiday.com/rentals/spain/holidays/areas/12/Almeria/0/Almeria/0/Andalucia/Almeria.html
One of the best hotels in Almeria: http://www.hotelcatedral.net/en/desayunos.html
Good one too: http://www.hotelcostasol.com/en_habitaciones.html
About Almeria: http://www.idealspain.com/pages/places/almeriaprovince.htm
Holiday rentals in Roquetas de Mar: http://www.spain-holiday.com/advancedsearch.aspx?&&PageId=1&SearchId=-491159174
Car rental: http://www.goldcarrental.com/
More rentals in Aguadulce and Roquetas: http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/roquetas-de-mar.htm
Again: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/roquetas-de-mar/
Good hotel in the very beginning of Roquetas de Mar: http://www.hoteldonangel.com/es_roque/index_roque.php
Aparthotel in Aguadulce: http://www.venere.com/serviced-apartments/aguadulce/serviced-apartment-aguadulce/?sd=05&sm=09&sy=2010&ed=15&em=09&ey=2010&pval=2&rval=1#information;eur;swa20100905,20100915,2,1
Car rental: http://www.carhire3000.com/
Costa Almeria rentals: http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/Spain/Costa-de-Almeria/r335.htm
Local news in English: http://www.euroweeklynews.com/news/costa-de-almería/
More rentals: http://www.rentalia.com/holiday-rentals-almeria/
And more: http://www.rent-holiday-homes.com/Vacation-Rentals-Almeria-rr489_p1.html
Rental cars: http://www.holidaycars.com/
More cars: https://www.economybookings.com/33/index
And more: http://www.solmar.es/carhire/booking.php
Almeria B&B: http://www.madrugada.org.uk/
Accommodation in Nerja, an amazing place to visit: http://www.hotelopia.com/spain/costa-del-sol/nerja/
Beautiful hotel in Nerja: http://www.hotelparaisodelmar.es/en/contact
Hostels in Nerja (if you need WiFi, hostels are your best bet): http://www.hostelbookers.com/results/index.cfm?intCountrySelect=45&intDestSelect=2868&intpeople=1&straccommodationtype=hostels&hasSearched=true&intCountryID=45&intdestinationid=2868&intpropertyid=-1&strSearchType=freeText&strkeywords=Nerja%2C+Spain&fuseaction=accommodation.search&dtearrival=06%2F09%2F2010&intnights=9&languageid=1
B&B Malaga region: http://www.tapaluz.com/contact.php
Hostel in Torremolinos: http://www.venere.com/hostals/torremolinos/hostal-los-geranios-del-pilar/?ref=1276871&#information;eur
Holiday rentals (scroll down): http://www.bbqspain.com/
Andalucia B&B directory: http://www.allbedandbreakfast.com/bed/towns.php/region/Andalucia/country/Spain
B&B Malaga region: http://www.cerrodeloshigos.com/
Another one: http://www.casaannabedbreakfast.com/bed-and-breakfast-prices.php
Another: http://www.casa-colina.co.uk/#/food-drink/4532736004
More: http://www.papajohnsplace.co.uk/default.htm
More: http://www.homelidays.co.uk/EN-Holidays-Rental/es_andalucia_malaga_es/hote_comares_r13.htm
Villa and B&B: http://www.villaandalucia.org/rooms.htm
One more: http://www.bedbreakfasttraveler.com/Spain-bed-and-breakfasts/Escuela-La-Crujia_Velez-[-]-Malaga.htm
More: https://www.bedandbreakfastrooms.com/Europe/Spain/Malaga/2521/email/
http://www.bedandbreakfastrooms.com/Europe/Spain/Malaga/1739/
http://www.elazulspain.com/
Hotel in a traditional Andalusian village: http://hotelbandolero.com/?page_id=30
Another one: http://www.posada-laplaza.eu/index.html
Cheap hotel in a nearby resort, Torre del Mar: http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Hotel-Miraya/Torre-del-mar/7171
About Torre and other resorts in the area: http://www.absoluteaxarquia.com/areas/torredelmar.html
Good value in Rincon de la Victoria resort: http://www.hostelbookers.com/property/index.cfm?fuseaction=accommodation.search&isdynamic=1&strsearchby=destination&straccommodationtype=hotels&intdestinationid=9146&strdestination=rincon-de-la-victoria&strdestinationparent=&intnights=9&intpeople=1&dtearrival=05/09/2010&fromPropertyNameSearch=0&intpropertyid=19854
B&B in Torrox: http://www.spain-holiday.com/rentals/accommodations/properties/4085/Torrox/6/Malaga/0/Andalucia/Torrox.html
Very cheap hostel in the resort of Benalmadena: http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Hotel-La-Plazoleta/Benalmadena/12077
B&B: http://www.finca-bonilla.eu/index.php?page=definca&lg=uk
Hotel: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.hotelmoclinejo.com/ing/instalaciones.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmoclinejo%2Bhotel%26hl%3Den&rurl=translate.google.ca&usg=ALkJrhgrgBSgkaKt5Mm7pNZlr42XosC5Yw
About Malaga and the region: http://www.malaga.us/towns-cities/almayate.asp




Spain, Costa Blanca
Alicante, Gandia: http://www.alicante-spain.com/gandia.html
B&B: http://www.villavista.eu/index.php


Spain, Balearics
Menorca rental: http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p449779


A little Italy :)
Viareggio: http://www.belvedere-albergo.com/eng/offers.html
Holiday rentals: http://www.lillymare.com/en/marina-di-massa.php
Villa: http://www.villabagnara.it/B%26B_/inglese_1.html
Villa and B&B: http://www.villa-flora.it/villaflora/
Liguria holiday rentals: http://www.blumenriviera.co.uk/Italy/Italian_Riviera/Recherche.php?spr=2
Sicily vacation rentals: http://www.worldescape.com/sicily-vacation-rentals/
Hotel in Florence: http://www.venere.com/bandb/florence/bandb-the-five-star-villa/?ref=750723#information;eur;swa20100905,20100914,2,1
B&B in a little known area: http://www.venere.com/bandb/fasano/bandb-masseria-casanostra/?ref=750723&sd=05&sm=09&sy=2010&ed=14&em=09&ey=2010&pval=2&rval=1#information;eur;swa20100905,20100914,2,1


That's all for now, folks. :))))

Summer heat

*Photo courtesy of www.campeole.com

I blame the heat for my restlessness these days. I don't see for my eyes are blurry of sunlight, I don't sleep for my heart booms in the silence of the night, and I don't work for my feet linger the sand. Summer is coming, I feel it on my skin. The desire to sense different air is growing. Are you on your way yet? Did you plan your escape from the ordinary? Did you buy an impossibly gorgeous swimsuit? I haven't yet but it's on my list. :)) This summer is going to be our summer - mine and my son's. A luxury, spoiling, rich, and disturbingly beautiful summer.

*Photo courtesy of www.lafrancedunordausud.fr

I am going to get back to the land of lavender and comfy lunches lasting for hours. I want to visit Lourmarin again. http://www.theluberon.com/lourmarin.htm I love its calm and relaxing atmosphere, the secret turns of the narrow streets, the squares occupied by colorful chairs and shiny umbrellas, the gites with their swimming pools and iron wrought beds... But most of all I love the scent of warm earth and the song of the crickets in the nights when the kids are asleep and the wine is still cold.

* Photo courtesy of www.vacances-lagrange.com

Then I'll drive back to the Mediterranean which I left two years ago unwillingly. I'll spend sunny afternoons in Gassin and Ramatuelle - two of my favorite spots. http://www.francethisway.com/places/gassin.php The view is breathtaking, the food - impossible to resist. Thankfully, Gassin still remains relatively calm except during the peak month of August. http://www.art-concept.net/gassin/

*Photo courtesy of www.charlesnealselections.com

Further we are heading to the place where I wish I have a house one day - Cassis. http://www.beyond.fr/villages/cassis.html Nudists are still tolerated on the rocks, just so you know. :)) The port is adorable, the heights, where the villas are located, offer some of the best views of Cote d'Azur. Wine is a religion here and has been made for more than fourteen centuries. It certainly leads to long evenings and vivid conversations. The wine carnival is in September, the fishermen's fete is in June. Both are worth seeing. http://www.ot-cassis.com/index_us.php If you can afford it, stay in Chateau de Cassis - a former castle, now 5-star hotel. You will have a blast! http://www.hickerphoto.com/chateau-de-cassis-france-14234-pictures.htm

*Photo courtesy of www.lafrancedunordausud.fr

When I wake up I want to see this.

*Photo courtesy of www.telegraph.co.uk

When we reach the Atlantic ocean one month later, I want to have my evening wine looking at this. :)









A couple of websites for all fellow summer travellers. :)

Gap Adventures has a 15% discount on Europe tours - http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/promotions/yolo-europe-15/?utm_source=btg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl-051310-amazon-yolo-award

Wonderful website with (not only) luxury offers - http://www.luxuryexplorer.com/luxury-hotels.html

Accommodation rentals - http://www.interchalet.co.uk/holiday_homes_cottages.cfm?apartments=cottages&t=Agay

A website full with treasury destinations and clever ideas - http://www.bugbog.com/european_countries/france_travel_guide/cote-dazur-beaches.html

Enjoy the heat! :))

Some really good links for travellers

Good morning to all the world or Salut tout le monde! :)
I happened to read Independent today for some travel news and found a very helpful article which lists the 50 best travel websites in the world - great stuff! http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/the-50-best-travel-websites-1644467.html?action=Popup
Then I couldn't help it but visit virtually my all times favourite Provence in her warm heart where the Luberon mountain lays. http://www.theluberon.com/ The website is a very neat and very user friendly way to get an idea about the places, attractions and lifestyle, together with some really impressive accommodation deals. Check it out if you're thinking of a true Provencal vacation.
Finally, the blog that supported the above mentioned website: http://provencediary.typepad.com/. It is idle now but many of the articles are actual and describe the Provence area in a way only an insider who lives there could do.

I don't think I have mentioned a country I've lived at for five years until now. Greece - the core of the mythological tale of ancient Europe. As a person born in the area, I have never been able to ignore the whispers from old times. I highly recommend Greece, and especially the Northern part around Kavala, to those who are seeking emerald waters and still not well known beaches in small fisherman villages. In the mornings you will get your fish straight from the boats, or you can later visit one of the small restaurants across the beach and try out one of the most delicious cousines in the world, in my humble opinion. Here is an article, bright new, on Greece islands: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/try-some-vintage-greek-islandhopping--jump-aboard-the-first-ferry-out-1752133.html

The hidden jewels to discover

* Photo courtesy of Kelby Carr, About.com

I'm in the mood to cheer up myself and all fellow travellers today. I'd like to share with you the South West corner of France where prices are far from the Provencal, the wine is great, the nature - beautiful, the climate - fantastic, and the sea/ocean is still there. If you are looking for a warm spot in Europe where you can relax to the fullest watching the burds and wild animals in the Pyrenees, or stretching on the beach, then check it out:

http://www.vintagetravel.co.uk/aquitaine_area_information.cfm

Of course, there are many more websites you can find and look at. This is only one of my favourites as I like their approach toward travelling - an old fashioned, slow and delightful way to explore far from the crowds and all inclusive resorts. The departments you may want to look at are Pirenees Orientales (coast on the Mediterranean sea) and Pyrenees Atlantique (coast on the Atlantic ocean). Now, I know many people who prefer the beaches on the Atlantic. However, my personal preferences are towards the more intimate Mediterranean. It is all up to you.

This corner of France, two corners actually, have lots to offer and are still calmer and cheaper than the trendy Provence and Var. You won't be able to completely avoid celebrities, especially if you choose the Atlantic coast, but the number will be significantly lower. Paparazzi falling from the tree tops are not common in difference from the Cote D'Azur. Rental accommodations are at reasonable prices, food is abundant and restaurants are not expensive.

A good website to look at French departments and get an idea where they are located is this one: http://flagspot.net/flags/fr(dep.html . All are clickable which is very helpful and provides good information.

And don't forget to check our travel clipping service at http://www.youruniquevacation.com/ - we can help you save money and stay away from troubles via extensive vacation research!

A vacation project in progress and sleepelss nights

Well, I'm on my way to finish a business project through the website - a vacation research and planning for an old lady, willing to travel alone... Sounds sad in the beginning but on afterthought, why not? Isn't travelling alone a special, dedicated journey? I can relate to that 100%. My best travels, those that left lasting memories, were the travels I undertook alone. It may be only me, it may be the way I see things where everyone else doesn't see anything, but I loved my travelling alone and was never lonely.

Paris was such a travel - the first time. It was then that I found the bookinists, the artists in Monmartre, the little Moroccan restaurant which I still visit regularly, the Italian pizzeria where the wine gets better each year, the buses to take me to Versaille and Fontainebleau, the squares where the Three Musketeers spent restless nights having duels, the paved narrow streets with wooden doors in stone walls behind which I could clearly hear the whisper of long women dresses...

I think it is the perception. We are all so different. If the person we are travelling with doesn't see the same things or at least similar, the trip can easily turn into a nightmare. A fairy tale lover travelling with a master of logical thinking? I've been there. It doesn't work.

Anyways, I'm happy. The old lady is going to a quiet Provencal mansion where she will enjoy home made food, nice little excursions, village market, some wine tasting, and even sunbathing. All this in the company of a few American ladies around her age. I would have arranged some Spanish time for her too, or Portugal but it's too hot and heavy for her. The pine trees next to the Mediterranean will be better. I did such a good job, very proud of myself :))

And it's already Canada Day, so happy one to all celebrating out there! I'm off to finish the "One Year In Provence" by Peter Mayle. Being on the last few pages, I find "A Good Year" much better although my favourite book related to South France remains "Chocolat" by Joanne Harris. She should have stopped there. "The Lollypop Shoes" was not good enough, in my humble opinion.

Good night to all the world, sleep well and dream of moonwalks, waves, and secret paths in night gardens.

Promoting via today's social media and my memories

Just wanted to share a great meeting I had with the even greater Shesconnected staff. You can see the link to the website on the left panel. It is a place where busy women can connect with other busy women. Very comfy and relaxed environment which I prefer to the more hectic and frantic Facebook or MySpace. Just my preferences, of course.



After I met with these nice and smart people, I couldn't help but think how much promotion has changed since I graduated (I know, I sound like my grandma!). We were wowed by Internet then and now everyone is clicking, chatting, twitting, etc. while walking, running, eating, and so on. While I appreciate the enourmous freedom it gives us, I'm also a bit concerned for human communication. Maybe because I'm a person of the south and what I love are the long suppers, even longer drinks after sunset, and of course - the meaningful or funny conversations. Hopefully, my son will have the chance to learn the same.



Anyways, my point was Shesconnected is a very nice place, and it gives me the opportunity to share without being attacked. :))) Check it out.



And last but not least, have I ever shared how I felt the first time my feet touched the fertile land of Provence? No? Then I'm sharing it now - I was breathless. The air wouldn't leave my lungs and I felt it painful. That's how I remember my Provence - like a sweet pain. Then I threw myself between two rows of lavender and my father took a picture of me. You know, they say a picture takes away your soul. It is true - my soul remained there, in this lavender field forever. My biggest problem - I can't forget it nor can I stop longing for it. Reminds me of a first love. Never consumed, ever desired.



For more lovely pictures of France and all over the world, visit this website (where this photo is taken from): http://www.voyagevirtuel.co.uk/provence-riviera.en.php You can even send any of these photos like a postcard for free.



I'm celebrating this memory today with



Eggplants in tomato sauce



2-3-4 eggplants (choose deep coloured but still hard ones)

1 kg tomatoes (preferably the plum ones)

2-3 cloves of garlic

fresh parsley

all purpose flour

1 teaspoon of sugar

salt



Cut the eggplants into circles half an inch thick. Salt them slightly and roll in flour, they should be well covered. Bring oil (preferably olive oil) to high heat (5-5.5 on my stove) and fry the eggplants. Never deep fry vegetables. Use really high heat and keep the eggplants or any other vegetable in it only for 5-7 minutes. This will keep the vitamins inside and the fattening oil outside. The eggplants are ready when they turn golden, don't wait till they become brown. Meanwhile stew the garlic in some olive oil (4-5 tablespoons), add the grated tomatoes (I use my blender to turn them into puree). Bring to boil. Add the sugar and the salt, wait to boil again and finally add the parsley. Now remove the lid and let it boil at low heat for at least half an hour, it should thicken.

Put the fried eggplants on a big tray and pour the sauce on top of them. let it rest for about an hour. Run to the bakery for some warm baguettes and enjoy with many friends, on an outside table with cold white wine!