Looks like my Italian (mis)adventure may turn into an adventure, after all. :)) The credit card company went out of its way to issue a new card and send it overseas on time which was fantastic. The flight carrier, however, went out of its way to make my life difficult. This is the first and last time I fly low cost, I promise. I don't even know why I decided to try this. With all the taxes I'll have to pay for changing my reservation, I'd have successfully bought two tickets at regular price from any carrier around Europe. But... It's a done deal. Adding the distance I'll have to drive from Forli to Pisa and back, the problems with booking a child safety seat and the fact that I have absolutely no idea of the road... Typical. Very typical of me. :))))
Anyways, birthday in Italy is in the cooking. Pinocchio Park as well. Also, Butterfly House, the town of Luca and some coast driving. My friend told me the beaches will be empty at this time of the year which is great. I love autumn beaches. A bit more than a month left and counting. :) I only recommend checking twice before you decide to book a low cost flight. It may end up as a very high cost one.
Showing posts with label family travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family travel. Show all posts
Friday, September 21, 2012
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Conquering the past
I haven't had much time to write since we moved back to Europe in August. At first, I needed to recharge my batteries and spent long weeks at the seaside. Then I had to help those I care for to adjust. And finally, I'm at the stage where it seems I have to conquer my past. It feels quite strange, like I've never been away from here... but I'm a stranger. Things I've forgotten, years that seem to have disappeared, friends which are no more around, yet the buildings and the trees are the same... It's such a surreal feeling. I've always believed moving backwards is a huge mistake but this time I don't feel like I'm moving, I'm an icicle waiting to fall but spring is far.
Meanwhile, as each time I'm back in Europe, my suitcases remain packed and the longing to travel doesn't let me sleep. I didn't go to Prague because my favourite team didn't qualify for the finals and the travelling plans were cancelled. This only led to even worse travelling obssession. LOL I literally can't stay here. I know all these lovely places are just an hour flight away and I hardly manage to keep myself at place. But I'm totally planning London for Christmas just because to me Christmas is London, don't ask me why. Each fall I start thinking "London-Christmas" like I have this chip in my head that is programmed to turn on at this time of the year and it has only one program installed. :)
However, I don't really see in my mind all those glorius London lights and the crowded streets... No, I see this quiet, unusually snowy picture, the empty street and the dim street lights... May be I'll hear the steps of a late walker or the distant laugh of a couple going back home after seeing this fabulous new play... May be the wreath on someone's door will fall and the decorations will spill on the snow and spark like jewels. Or I'll go to my hotel without seeing and hearing anything and will paint and write till the morning takes away the mistery of the holiday night. May be.
*Photo courtesy of GemBem75
Meanwhile, as each time I'm back in Europe, my suitcases remain packed and the longing to travel doesn't let me sleep. I didn't go to Prague because my favourite team didn't qualify for the finals and the travelling plans were cancelled. This only led to even worse travelling obssession. LOL I literally can't stay here. I know all these lovely places are just an hour flight away and I hardly manage to keep myself at place. But I'm totally planning London for Christmas just because to me Christmas is London, don't ask me why. Each fall I start thinking "London-Christmas" like I have this chip in my head that is programmed to turn on at this time of the year and it has only one program installed. :)
However, I don't really see in my mind all those glorius London lights and the crowded streets... No, I see this quiet, unusually snowy picture, the empty street and the dim street lights... May be I'll hear the steps of a late walker or the distant laugh of a couple going back home after seeing this fabulous new play... May be the wreath on someone's door will fall and the decorations will spill on the snow and spark like jewels. Or I'll go to my hotel without seeing and hearing anything and will paint and write till the morning takes away the mistery of the holiday night. May be.
*Photo courtesy of GemBem75
Friday, May 13, 2011
Prague for volleyball lovers
Prague is a destination well known but this year the Czech Republic shares the honour with Austria as a host of the European Volleyball Championship. It adds to the natural charm of the city for all volleyball lovers who, like me, are planning to go and watch the games of their favorite team. The tournament will start on September 10th and will end on September 18th in Wien where the final game will be played. Here is a detailed schedule of all stages from the official championship website: http://www.volleyeuro2011.at/en/schedule.html . On the home page the hosts have started offering accommodation packages as well: http://www.volleyeuro2011.at/index.php . You can also purchase tickets via the website partners, click Tickets at the left menu. However, I spoke to friends of mine in Prague who are well experienced volleyball travellers :))) and they said tickets were always available prior to the games even if they were not for the best seats in the venue. It's up to you to decide if buy well ahead or go and check when already in Prague. I personally choose the second option because it gives me flexibility to combine sightseeing with watching volleyball.
The games in Prague will take place in O2 Arena: http://www.o2arena.cz/O2arenaEN/default.aspx . Unfortunately, it's not a central venue and it's a bit challenging when one wants to explore the river banks and the old town during the same visit. However, there is regular bus, tram and subway transportation to the hall, I'm told by friends. The website offers good info on how to get there too: http://www.o2arena.cz/O2arenaEN/docDetail.aspx?docid=19033722 . The picture above is courtesy of another great website offering lots of info about the venue (and other things): www.livenation.co.uk .
In addition to the accommodation offered on the championship website, you may want to check again the home exchange websites (if you have a home to offer to Prague residents and exchange) or, which is my choice, to rent an apartment. I've said it before, to me the best way to visit a place is to have a "home" of my own, even only for a week. It also matters that I'm a parent and it's much more comfortable to me to cook my son's favorite meals and spare myself browsng the restaurants for appropriate food, if nothing else. And in general, I feel more relaxed when renting. Some options to rent can be found here: http://www.praguecentralapartments.com/ or here: http://www.homesweethome.cz/en/ .
Prague has also tons of hotels, pensions, and hostels. You can go to any big and popular website and find both good and not so good offers. In my opinion, the city has become quite expensive lately compared to about five years ago. One more reason for me to rent - the rent of the apartment won't be much cheaper than a cheap hotel but you can save the food cost. Also, if you travel with more friends (we'll be four or five people) or children, the rent of a big flat with 3-4 bedrooms divided between all of you will actually come quite cheap. A website I liked with many hotel and other accommodation options is this one (aside from the most popular ones): http://www.tvtrip.com/cih9Cc4-prague-hotels . It checks a couple of big websites for you, like Venere, Booking, etc. Another good website is the one the picture above belongs to: www.hotelprague.us .
A couple of official tourism websites: http://www.praguewelcome.cz/en/ , http://www.czechtourism.com/Homepage.aspx , http://www.pragueexperience.com/information/tourist_information.asp - this one offers tons of info and useful tips, as well as this one: http://www.prague-guide.co.uk/ . The expats in Prague website http://www.expats.cz/ is another interesting destination and offers a different look at the city, quite useful for other people who come from abroad. Finally, this interactive guide can cover almost all your needs, including tickets for sightseeing and events: http://www.allpraha.com/ .
Tips and hints: don't rent a car except if you are a very experienced driver, the traffic is huge and parking spaces hard to find; don't exchange money outside banks regardless how tempting the rate seems; change your debit/credit cards PINs to four digits, many ATMs in Europe don't accept longer PINs; don't forget the unified 112 emergency European number where you can talk to an English speaking operator; don't eat anywhere and anything, especially dairy and meat, cook or eat at the hotel is safest; if you're into calm and quiet vacation, Wenceslas square may not be your first choice; the peak season in Prague lasts till October, book and plan in advance; for sightseeing and events, use an online or local tourist agency/website to get your tickets.
I hope you find these useful. I'm already planning my trip but will welcome any inside information, if you'd like to share. :)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
What's in your suitcase?
There are two cities of those I know that scream "spring" to me! Paris and London. Don't ask me why. It may be the love I remember, it may be the cafe au lait or the red double deckers, or the parks and the lush green, or the castles where I could still hear the hoofs of a cavalier's horse rushing for a midnight date... Whatever it was or is, I go to both places as often as I can and I do it in spring. As a woman of style :)))) I tend to pay much attention to what goes in my suitcase. After all, it's Paris or London or both, one should respect the beauty of the place, right? Here is what I'm packing this spring. :)
My Paris choices:
The forever trench coat, make it a spring one, make it Parisian, make it pale pink! A Burberry smashing piece
Acne.com booties for a pinch of style
The ever lasting floral scarf - this one by H&M
Classic - Victoria's secret French white shirt
GAP casual pants in beige, light grey or white
The irreplaceable floral dress for those late afternoon Paris dates... by Azalea from http://www.justlastseason.co.uk/en/
My London choices:
Burberry, my love! LOL Trench in pale grey, so English!
Acne.com booties for those rainy, yet inspiring days
H&M bag, suitable for the travelling woman, neutral color, lots of space
GAP dress, as simple as it is beautiful!
Lili Rose scarfs, who said rainy London is dull? Brighten it up!
Lace... English style from Victoria's secret
And a romantic floral tunic, Victoria's secret again, to knock down those fine English gentlemen :)))
Wherever I go, I take these with me:
Boyfriend jeans, those by H&M
New Aura comfy eco booties for long walks and still stylish appearance
Estee Lauder DayWear SPF 15 tinted moisturizer - no make up needed, let your skin breathe the fresh spring air and glow!
Umbrellas, umbrellas... by Totes!
Coach New Poppy Newsboy hat - charming, eh?
Love your trip, ladies, what's in your suitcase? ;)
My Paris choices:
Acne.com booties for a pinch of style
The irreplaceable floral dress for those late afternoon Paris dates... by Azalea from http://www.justlastseason.co.uk/en/
My London choices:
Wherever I go, I take these with me:
Love your trip, ladies, what's in your suitcase? ;)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Spring, spring, spring...
*Photo courtesy of www.inthehoopdesigns.com
Monday, May 10, 2010
New discovery
I have spent many happy days in the United Kingdom but only today found a website about the Isle of Lewis and fell in love! Check it out: http://www.isle-of-lewis.com/
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tarot for places - Charente-Maritime
As promised, I will continue with this series. It's fun and helps me find a way to write without following anyone's structure. ;) I am using my Harmonious Tarot again. So, from the Charente-Maritime post I have these places to ask about:
La Rochelle - The Devil http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/16 - ah, surprise, the old guy showed up! LOL On the other hand, the card is spot on - it shows a castle, a keep which La Rochelle is. Spooky? No, not the kind of Scottish castle where ghosts stroll the corridors but the kind of a place with tough and often tragic history (check the Wiki article). There was certainly lots of fear and fire, and battling happening in La Rochelle in the past. The card describes the historical side of the city well enough. In addition, you may wanna be careful at night, don't trust strangers, especially dressed up women ;), don't overindulge, focus on the sightseeing and do less bars. :)))
Gemozac - 9 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/59 - wonderful! A place where one is advised to overindulge! Good food, even better drinks, the chefs are top notch or at least one of them, so make an effort and find the best place to eat. The houses are apparently nicely maintained and decorated, you may wanna take your time and choose the best accommodation of many. People are welcoming, women are polite, and the geese are huge! LOL
Royan - 5 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/55 - hmm... Brides in this city are not always present at their weddings! :))) Seriously, lots of alcohol, even on the floors, be careful to not slip and break your legs. For safety reasons, drink at the hotel or gite. There are nice natural surrounding, forests, lush green fields, the mansions are in top condition, the gardens - well maintained. I'd suggest you leave any designer clothes at home and especially head accessories. Go bare foot and loose your hair. ;) Be aware that fights and disagreements may accompany your trip. If you are experiencing heart pain or have recently broken up/divorced, etc. you may wanna consider Royan to heal your wounds. :)
Beneze - 3 of Pentacles http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/25 - lovely, comfortable, artistic, beautiful gardens with stone benches and rose bushes. Very nice place to go if you're attached - both of you will have a bliss. Conversations will be entertaining, art and creativity will be abundant, and shared comfort will strenghten your connection.
Saintes - 7 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/57 - um... It makes me an impression many of the cards are similar to those I drew for the Loire Valley. It basically describes the unity of France as a destination nicely. Here we have another nice spot for couples if only they leave any serious issues and doubts at home. You shouldn't allow your inner insecurity to spoil your vacation. In Saintes you will have many choices to enjoy yourself, choose wisely and avoid excessive drinking or you won't like your reflection in the mirror next morning. LOL
St Jean d'Angely - 10 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/60 - Oh wow! The ideal spot for families with children. Probably the residents enjoy celebrating too. You may find yourself involved in all kinds of activities - from car races to carnivals and harvesting. Put your nice dresses in the suitcase and add a couple of fancy hair accessories. men, don't forget the "official" suit. Tell the kids to not steal other people's shoes and hit the road to St Jean dAngely, it seems you're gonna have a blast. :)))
Rochefort - Knight of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/62 - oh ho. Any single ladies around? Head to Rochefort and don't think twice! Go tot eh Royal Rope Factory and take long walks in the garden, then stroll along the harbour, you never know who will join you. If he carries a glass or invites you for a drink - that's it. Now, you still want to investigate the guy carefully - look for a Knight, not a robber, but love is definitely in the air!
Île d'Aix - 2 of Wands http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/66 - spot on - it's an island, of course. The waters are calm, the beaches - beautiful. The place offers an opportunity for serene vacation. Listen to the sea birds, surrender to the waves, and indulge yourself in the gardens. Leave the shoes at the hotel and stroll the beaches bare feet. Pick up flowers, shop at the local market, smile, and feel the absolute freedom of your body and mind. If you're creative, you may have a couple of new ideas to work on there.
Île de Ré - The Chariot http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/8 - another ideal spot for couples and families - the blissful travel destination. All is there - the historical sights, the nature - although as it is an island, you may find it a bit bare at times and too sandy, the romantic spots, the dusty roads calling for a lazy stroll on a summer afternoon. Ideal for honeymoons too. There are celebrities there, in case you don't know, but they will most often pass by in their cars leaving clouds of smoke behind. Still, be careful on the small roads - some of these drive too fast. It's a heaven for bicycling - there are many areas where this is the main transportation. Otherwise - get your best clothes and enjoy the romantic atmosphere. Don't forget hats, there is plenty of sun and sometimes scorching but tie them well because the island is notorious for the breeze.
Île d'Oléron - Strength http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/12 - yes, it is strong in terms of being the biggest French Island after Corsica. It is also much greener and wooded than the ones described above. Plenty of fruit trees and beautiful flowers. Be careful for any accidents including snakes, cliffs and rocks, especially if you are travelling with children. The local markets are abundant, the vegetables and fruits - heavenly. Men are strong and adventurous - sea wolves. An exciting spot for single ladies. The famous Fort Boyard from the reality show is half way between Oleron and Ile d'Aix. The island is most colorful - the flora, the fauna, and even the houses are showing the burst of creativity of the population.
Cognac - King of Swords http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/album/389/Harmonious#photo=50 - business place these days. Many of the world renowned cognac producers have their stores and tasting facilities there. On the other hand, seems a good place for single gentlemen. You will feel empowered, attractive (probably the local women will love your posture and outfits!), you may even discover a new side of your own importance as a resident of the Earth - self discovery that is. Good place for writers, philosophers, thinkers, teachers, professors, and students - your mind will be sharp and clear, you may succeed writing your thesis in no time while enjoying the beautiful nature at the same time. Plenty of historical sights too. Not a good place for party goers and those in search of a blast. :)
La Rochelle - The Devil http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/16 - ah, surprise, the old guy showed up! LOL On the other hand, the card is spot on - it shows a castle, a keep which La Rochelle is. Spooky? No, not the kind of Scottish castle where ghosts stroll the corridors but the kind of a place with tough and often tragic history (check the Wiki article). There was certainly lots of fear and fire, and battling happening in La Rochelle in the past. The card describes the historical side of the city well enough. In addition, you may wanna be careful at night, don't trust strangers, especially dressed up women ;), don't overindulge, focus on the sightseeing and do less bars. :)))
Gemozac - 9 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/59 - wonderful! A place where one is advised to overindulge! Good food, even better drinks, the chefs are top notch or at least one of them, so make an effort and find the best place to eat. The houses are apparently nicely maintained and decorated, you may wanna take your time and choose the best accommodation of many. People are welcoming, women are polite, and the geese are huge! LOL
Royan - 5 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/55 - hmm... Brides in this city are not always present at their weddings! :))) Seriously, lots of alcohol, even on the floors, be careful to not slip and break your legs. For safety reasons, drink at the hotel or gite. There are nice natural surrounding, forests, lush green fields, the mansions are in top condition, the gardens - well maintained. I'd suggest you leave any designer clothes at home and especially head accessories. Go bare foot and loose your hair. ;) Be aware that fights and disagreements may accompany your trip. If you are experiencing heart pain or have recently broken up/divorced, etc. you may wanna consider Royan to heal your wounds. :)
Beneze - 3 of Pentacles http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/25 - lovely, comfortable, artistic, beautiful gardens with stone benches and rose bushes. Very nice place to go if you're attached - both of you will have a bliss. Conversations will be entertaining, art and creativity will be abundant, and shared comfort will strenghten your connection.
Saintes - 7 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/57 - um... It makes me an impression many of the cards are similar to those I drew for the Loire Valley. It basically describes the unity of France as a destination nicely. Here we have another nice spot for couples if only they leave any serious issues and doubts at home. You shouldn't allow your inner insecurity to spoil your vacation. In Saintes you will have many choices to enjoy yourself, choose wisely and avoid excessive drinking or you won't like your reflection in the mirror next morning. LOL
St Jean d'Angely - 10 of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/60 - Oh wow! The ideal spot for families with children. Probably the residents enjoy celebrating too. You may find yourself involved in all kinds of activities - from car races to carnivals and harvesting. Put your nice dresses in the suitcase and add a couple of fancy hair accessories. men, don't forget the "official" suit. Tell the kids to not steal other people's shoes and hit the road to St Jean dAngely, it seems you're gonna have a blast. :)))
Rochefort - Knight of Chalices http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/62 - oh ho. Any single ladies around? Head to Rochefort and don't think twice! Go tot eh Royal Rope Factory and take long walks in the garden, then stroll along the harbour, you never know who will join you. If he carries a glass or invites you for a drink - that's it. Now, you still want to investigate the guy carefully - look for a Knight, not a robber, but love is definitely in the air!
Île d'Aix - 2 of Wands http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/66 - spot on - it's an island, of course. The waters are calm, the beaches - beautiful. The place offers an opportunity for serene vacation. Listen to the sea birds, surrender to the waves, and indulge yourself in the gardens. Leave the shoes at the hotel and stroll the beaches bare feet. Pick up flowers, shop at the local market, smile, and feel the absolute freedom of your body and mind. If you're creative, you may have a couple of new ideas to work on there.
Île de Ré - The Chariot http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/8 - another ideal spot for couples and families - the blissful travel destination. All is there - the historical sights, the nature - although as it is an island, you may find it a bit bare at times and too sandy, the romantic spots, the dusty roads calling for a lazy stroll on a summer afternoon. Ideal for honeymoons too. There are celebrities there, in case you don't know, but they will most often pass by in their cars leaving clouds of smoke behind. Still, be careful on the small roads - some of these drive too fast. It's a heaven for bicycling - there are many areas where this is the main transportation. Otherwise - get your best clothes and enjoy the romantic atmosphere. Don't forget hats, there is plenty of sun and sometimes scorching but tie them well because the island is notorious for the breeze.
Île d'Oléron - Strength http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/photo/389/12 - yes, it is strong in terms of being the biggest French Island after Corsica. It is also much greener and wooded than the ones described above. Plenty of fruit trees and beautiful flowers. Be careful for any accidents including snakes, cliffs and rocks, especially if you are travelling with children. The local markets are abundant, the vegetables and fruits - heavenly. Men are strong and adventurous - sea wolves. An exciting spot for single ladies. The famous Fort Boyard from the reality show is half way between Oleron and Ile d'Aix. The island is most colorful - the flora, the fauna, and even the houses are showing the burst of creativity of the population.
Cognac - King of Swords http://taroteca.multiply.com/photos/album/389/Harmonious#photo=50 - business place these days. Many of the world renowned cognac producers have their stores and tasting facilities there. On the other hand, seems a good place for single gentlemen. You will feel empowered, attractive (probably the local women will love your posture and outfits!), you may even discover a new side of your own importance as a resident of the Earth - self discovery that is. Good place for writers, philosophers, thinkers, teachers, professors, and students - your mind will be sharp and clear, you may succeed writing your thesis in no time while enjoying the beautiful nature at the same time. Plenty of historical sights too. Not a good place for party goers and those in search of a blast. :)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The not-so-usual way to travel
Good morning all! It was Twitter that brought this remarkable website to our attention: http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/support/ . The Art Of Nonconformity offers so much information and great articles that we actually read only half of them before deciding to feature it here. The reason we are doing so is hidden in the unusual, funny, innovative way the website looks at life and travelling. We hope you enjoy reading it too.
On our usual subject - what are your top three unusual ways to travel on a gloomy, rainy, autumn afternoon? Here are ours:
1. Trip to the backyard - for all those who have a backyard with trees and flowers, don't forget to enjoy it! We put on our rain coats and rubber boots, and went for an expedition in the backyard. It all looks so different after the rain! We looked at the drops on the petals, followed the ants searching for food, climbed our big tree and listened to the water whispering in the leaves. We got all muddy, there is hard-to-clean stuff under our nails, our child covered his face in black earth and resembles a SWAT member. Our little basket is full now with treasures: coloured leaves, dried flowers, one or two herbs that survived the cool weather, a feather left by a bird, fruits from pine trees and oaks. Our afternoon will be spend arranging a "wish board" - we will put all these treasures in an old frame, top them with glass and save them forever.
2. Trip to the park - for those who live in apartments, enjoy the park folks! It offers almost the same if you only leave the alleys and hit the small roads among the trees. We watch the birds leaving or still looking for food in the lake. The squirrels get their breakfast from our bags and come so close to us! We make photos of the branches with the rain drops and red-yellowish leaves. We investigate the hidden roads, never really knowing where we're going to find ourselves in one hour. Civilized as it looks, the park still offers secrets to the searching eye. We eat there, climbed on a tree and listening to the wood. It is a different world in the heart of the everyday world we are so bore of sometimes.
3. Trip to the gardens - you know those various gardens they make in the big cities - the manicured ones with fancy plants, either botanic gardens or just designer gardens. We found they could be a hidden spot. Fewer people go there in the fall and especially when it's wet. But this is really the time when you can inhale the aroma of the foreign petals, whisper to them your winter dreams and wishes, breathe deep the humid, enriched air around these travellers who came from all parts of the world to your city. Celebrate them for their beauty and courage. Our favourite thing to do - take some great music with us, sit under the majestic plants on the wet ground, and listen.
The most important thing: make it look like a trip! Pack your sandwiches, get the picnic basket, blankets, clothes, etc. Even a trip to the living room can be exciting on a gloomy afternoon. We are currently setting our small tent in front of the TV, I will make the food, all packed in little boxes, the movie will be shown in one hour, the blankets are to be on the floor, the little one is stuffing his backpack with toys... :) We are setting off to the living room!
On our usual subject - what are your top three unusual ways to travel on a gloomy, rainy, autumn afternoon? Here are ours:
1. Trip to the backyard - for all those who have a backyard with trees and flowers, don't forget to enjoy it! We put on our rain coats and rubber boots, and went for an expedition in the backyard. It all looks so different after the rain! We looked at the drops on the petals, followed the ants searching for food, climbed our big tree and listened to the water whispering in the leaves. We got all muddy, there is hard-to-clean stuff under our nails, our child covered his face in black earth and resembles a SWAT member. Our little basket is full now with treasures: coloured leaves, dried flowers, one or two herbs that survived the cool weather, a feather left by a bird, fruits from pine trees and oaks. Our afternoon will be spend arranging a "wish board" - we will put all these treasures in an old frame, top them with glass and save them forever.
2. Trip to the park - for those who live in apartments, enjoy the park folks! It offers almost the same if you only leave the alleys and hit the small roads among the trees. We watch the birds leaving or still looking for food in the lake. The squirrels get their breakfast from our bags and come so close to us! We make photos of the branches with the rain drops and red-yellowish leaves. We investigate the hidden roads, never really knowing where we're going to find ourselves in one hour. Civilized as it looks, the park still offers secrets to the searching eye. We eat there, climbed on a tree and listening to the wood. It is a different world in the heart of the everyday world we are so bore of sometimes.
3. Trip to the gardens - you know those various gardens they make in the big cities - the manicured ones with fancy plants, either botanic gardens or just designer gardens. We found they could be a hidden spot. Fewer people go there in the fall and especially when it's wet. But this is really the time when you can inhale the aroma of the foreign petals, whisper to them your winter dreams and wishes, breathe deep the humid, enriched air around these travellers who came from all parts of the world to your city. Celebrate them for their beauty and courage. Our favourite thing to do - take some great music with us, sit under the majestic plants on the wet ground, and listen.
The most important thing: make it look like a trip! Pack your sandwiches, get the picnic basket, blankets, clothes, etc. Even a trip to the living room can be exciting on a gloomy afternoon. We are currently setting our small tent in front of the TV, I will make the food, all packed in little boxes, the movie will be shown in one hour, the blankets are to be on the floor, the little one is stuffing his backpack with toys... :) We are setting off to the living room!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
From movies to reality - home exchange/swapping
Do you remember "The Holiday" movie where two women exchanged homes for a hopefully quiet vacation away from ex-boyfriends? When I saw it some years ago, I thought the idea was simply hilarious and clever plot wise. I couldn't imagine people would risk having complete foreigners in their homes although it would be the same for the foreigners having other foreigners, and so on. :)) However, over the past few months I've been researching extensively home exchange websites, blogs and articles as it became one of the hottest trends worldwide.
With the global recession knocking on many doors and the never disappearing longing for vacation, home swapping proved to be the right answer to thousands of travellers. Considering the average price of accommodation in Western Europe, even the owner's direct prices, the amount saved via home exchange would be not less than 350-400 Euro per week, and this is a very conservative approach. This money could easily buy two low-cost (last minute) tickets to major European city, or ten lunches for two in South Western France, or five pairs of designer shoes on summer sale in August. Not bad, eh?
There are hundreds of home exchange websites available on the net but I'm giving you some of those I have checked myself:
http://www.homeexchange.com/ - probably one of the biggest
http://www.ivhe.com/?gclid=CIuhrLi855sCFSMeDQod1UWB5Q - advertised as luxury but you can find everything there
http://www.homelink.ca/?gclid=CLTqgt-855sCFRPyDAodBwxQ6A - this website is 50 years old already!
http://www.seniorshomeexchange.com/ - especially for seniors
http://www.homebase-hols.com/ - Lois Sealey is a Canadian living in London, very personal and helpful
http://homeexchangetravel.blogs.com/ - this is Lois's blog which provides very valuable information, tips and hints
http://www.homebase-hols.com/news44.shtml - a great newsletter by another of the big websites
Finally, never forget to leave an extra pair of keys to a friend/neighbour; sign after you have read well a written agreement; arrange carefully pet care, appliances repair, etc. No doubt home exchange can be an unique way to get close to the local people and culture while saving a lot of money, but you can make it an easy way too by preparing your trip carefully thus avoiding troubles for both yourself and your partners in this adventure. Enjoy with a bottle of good red wine and, who knows, you may even meet Jude Law! :)
Friday, July 17, 2009
Virus week
Yep, unfortunately it's been a week to catch any passing virus, including the nasty stomach one who made me look like a model in no time but also affected badly my already skinny toddler too! Now I'm facing the challenge of feeding him better than ever, promoting a business, developing a business, working my day job, and last but not least - studying for exams... When does a modern woman get a break? How do you do it ladies?
I've always admired women who manage to have family time, a career or their own business, and time for themselves as well. I constantly feel like losing it. Somewhere between the healthy meals that require regular shopping for fresh food, the maintenace of a website, the tweeting/blogging/reading/following, playing and enjoying family, etc., I get lost. One of these always has to be sacrificed in my messy everyday life. Today it was the studying that had to be neglected, so I can sit here and have a nice little writing session. :)
Still, I have some interesting links for today. As you know, I get the Forbes newsletter and I always follow their Life section with interest. I found out that they have extensive archive and here is Forbes' Destination Of the Week for the past few years: http://search.forbes.com/search/storyTypeSearch?storyType=Destination+Of+The+Week
And here is another of my favourites - Elite Wine, Food and Travel magazine: http://www.elitewinefoodtravel.com/magazine/
I have always found particular meals remind me of places I have visited, and it is not mandatory that the meal originated from the place. Sometimes the association is unclear even to me. It's like perfumes which I smell on the street and turn immediately because my brain has connected the aroma with a powerful memory of a person, occasion, event. I find this beautiful. And because I'm thinking of the sea these days, and my feet can almost feel the tender sand, I made fish, potatoes sote and a big salad for supper. The white wine is cooling down in the fridge. I guess it's time to cool down the "little grey cells" too. :)
I've always admired women who manage to have family time, a career or their own business, and time for themselves as well. I constantly feel like losing it. Somewhere between the healthy meals that require regular shopping for fresh food, the maintenace of a website, the tweeting/blogging/reading/following, playing and enjoying family, etc., I get lost. One of these always has to be sacrificed in my messy everyday life. Today it was the studying that had to be neglected, so I can sit here and have a nice little writing session. :)
Still, I have some interesting links for today. As you know, I get the Forbes newsletter and I always follow their Life section with interest. I found out that they have extensive archive and here is Forbes' Destination Of the Week for the past few years: http://search.forbes.com/search/storyTypeSearch?storyType=Destination+Of+The+Week
And here is another of my favourites - Elite Wine, Food and Travel magazine: http://www.elitewinefoodtravel.com/magazine/
I have always found particular meals remind me of places I have visited, and it is not mandatory that the meal originated from the place. Sometimes the association is unclear even to me. It's like perfumes which I smell on the street and turn immediately because my brain has connected the aroma with a powerful memory of a person, occasion, event. I find this beautiful. And because I'm thinking of the sea these days, and my feet can almost feel the tender sand, I made fish, potatoes sote and a big salad for supper. The white wine is cooling down in the fridge. I guess it's time to cool down the "little grey cells" too. :)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The hidden jewels to discover
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:
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!
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