Barcelona 3D video

For anyone interested in Barcelona for whatever reason, a holiday, business trip or absolutely anything else, then Oh-Barcelona.com have created an exciting and innovative 3D video just for you, to make your planning that little bit easier.

The city comes to life in 3D right before your eyes from the comfort of your own home. Explore some of the city’s most popular attractions including the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Camp Nou without even leaving your chair.

The full length video is approximately 10 minutes but is also available in a shorter clip. Both are easily accessible through the Oh-Barcelona blog. As well as a fantastic look at the city, the video also provided me with relevant information on each point of interest featured and makes refreshing change to the usual guide books.

See the extended video’s version

© oh-barcelona.com

Famous People Buried in Paris

Paris is the most romantic city in the world. You would have never thought of Paris as one of the cities where several rich and famous from across the world are buried. Several famous people throughout the years have been attracted to Paris and have expressed their wish to be buried in this beautiful City of Lights.

In Paris, the most visited burial site is of Jim Morrison. He was the guitar god of one time and all rock music lovers consider this to be a religious shrine, almost. Morrison actually died in a bathtub in Paris and his grave site is visited by thousands of his fans. Morrison's fans bring beer and cigarettes to leave at his grave.

Napoleon Bonaparte is a very popular person in world history. It is quite surprising that a French Emperor should be buried in Paris.  Most of all Napoleon was known for his huge ego. However, his grave site has a huge tomb built inside. It is a historic site.

Frederic Chopin, a composer and musician, is also buried in this city. Most of his admirers bring flowers and bouquets to decorate his grave and to pay their homage.

Louis Braille is known for the world's greatest contribution through his uniquely designed Braille system. It eventually helped the visually challenged to study and learn. Even his grave is engraved in the Braille system. Louis Braille was a carpenter and used to work with his fathers tools. He lost his eyes while working with the wooden tools. This incident prompted him to come up with something that visually challenged people could use.

Marie Curie, Louis Pasteur and several other historic famous people are buried in Paris.

Berlin’s Gastronomy

It is almost lunchtime and you've walked more than four hours through Berlin's streets. Suddenly, your stomach is rumbling and your mouth waters. Now you smell typical German food everywhere you go. Are you hungry? Discover what's cooking in Berlin's kitchens and as they would say, ¡Guten Appetit!

Berlin's cuisine is diverse, multicultural and of course, delicious. It has Turkish, Indian, Pakistan, Polish and Czech influences. In addition to enjoying the best "Haute Cuisine" (as in any other big capital), Berlin offers many popular and cheap dishes. It is the German city with the largest number of prize-winning restaurants: if you're a cuisine sybarite, this is the perfect destination for you. But if you prefer the popular and affordable cuisine, don't worry as you'll find suitable food for all tastes and wallets.

If you want to eat the typical German fast food, go to a classic "Imbiss". This is a street stall where you can buy some fast food, such as Berlin's "Bulettes", all kinds of German sausages or a Turkish Döner Kebab. The Boulette and Döner Kebab arrived in West Berlin in the 60's with the influx of immigrants. Currywurst sausag, with a lot of ketchup and curry is typical of Berlin, but is consumed across all Germany. 

The traditional Berlin cuisine is rustic and substantial: normally, you'll find homemade recipes served in family environments. In addition, they serve abundant dishes with a variety of ingredients: potatoes, cabbages, cucumbers, vegetables, fowl and pork are the base of most recipes.

Traditional dishes include pork knuckle (Eisbein) with cabbage, cabbage (Sauerkraut) and mashed peas; beef (Rinderbrust) with horseradish, smoked pork (Kasseler); roast liver with apple; mashed potatoes (Stampfkartoffeln) and roast goose. In many of Berlin's restaurants you'll find a daily menu, called "unter de Woche". Normally, they serve dishes with sauces, potatoes, puddings, leberwurst (a sausage based on liver mash), mashed potatoes, Königsberger Klopse (meatballs with mustard sauce), hamburgers with Kartoffelsalat (cooked potatoes with many ingredients) and apple puree (Apfelmus). Also, they are used to eating herrings (the favourite fish in Berlin), which can be cooked in many different ways.

If you want to eat in cheap but good restaurants, go to the Kreuzberg and Neukölln neighbourhoods. If you don't have cash, ask if they accept credit card, because not all the city's restaurants have this service.

The typical drink of Berlin is beer. There are all kinds of beers in Berlin: lagers, black, red, wheat ... There is even a special beer for breakfast called Molle! The Molle is a Pils beer that comes from the most traditional breweries in Berlin. Beer with lemonade (shandy) is called Radler and beer with cola is called Diesel. The Berliner Weiße is a typical Berlin beer. The best locations to enjoy a good beer are the Biergarten, which are beer gardens or outdoor patios where you can have a drink and something to eat.

Now, after eating the best meal in your life, you're probably going to need to rest up a bit. Rent Apartments in Berlin and give yourself this genuine experience!

10 of the best things to do in Paris

Paris. Considered by many as the most beautiful city in the world, trying to condense the French capital into a list of '10 things to do' is one of life's impossibilities. So as to avoid insulting your intelligence, boring you, or writing the same article as every other online guide to Paris, the Eiffel Tower has been emitted from the list. Because, let's face it, we know you're going to visit the Eiffel Tower. You're in Paris; it's the law. But if you're stuck for a few other ideas, then try this list for starters.

1. The Louvre

Yes, it maybe just as cliched as the Eiffel Tower, but leaving it out would simply be unthinkable. Not only is The Louvre one of the world's finest palace's and a breathtaking example of French architecture, it also just happens to contain some of the world's finest artwork. Established in 1973, the Louvre represented to the public everything that was good about the French Revolution, and has been drawing in tourists and admirers ever since, with recent figures suggesting well over 5 million annual visitors. And with pieces such as Da Vinci's renowned Mona Lisa, it should come as no surprise. If you're in Paris for the week, although it may not be practical, the Louvre could probably entertain you for the full seven days. And if a week long art binge doesn't exactly constitute fun for you, visit for the day at least, even if it is only to re-enact your favourite scene from the Da Vinci Code, usually much to the embarrassment of the rest of your party.

2. La Promenade Plante

it is widely acknowledged that a trip to Paris does wonders for your calves, with extensive walking unavoidable. And 'La Promenade Plante' doesn't do much to prevent this. At 4.5km long, it is the world's only (and therefore longest) elevated park, and is perhaps the most imaginative and picturesque way of dealing with an unused railway line. The walkway is lined with flowers, and provides brilliant and often intrusive views into the local neighbourhood. And in true Parisian style, the arcades below were not left to be vandalised by graffiti writing hoods. No, they were transformed into arts and crafts workshops. A beautiful afternoon's entertainment for all.

3. La Grande Arche de La Defense

In stark contrast to the classic architecture of the Louvre is 'La Grande Arche', a 110m high homage to the French's heroic (yet failed) resistance of the Prussians in 1870. The structure consists of mainly concrete although is covered with marble and glass for an ultra-modern feel, and a glass elevator will take you straight to the top. From there, panoramic views of the city provide priceless photo opportunities of the distant Arc de Triomphe, the model for La Grande Arche's construction, and the Louvre itself, although those a little conscious of heights may find themselves quickly calming their nerves in the hotel bar. Best seen by night when the city is at its twinkling best, it's a dazzling way to spice up a day of navigating through the tight streets of the old city.

4. Sabbia Rosa

A city with a street dedicated to underwear shopping would usually be considered a little out of the ordinary, but we're talking about Paris here, where the unexpected is always on the menu. So if you find yourself on La Rue Des Saints P'res, then prepare to flash the plastic and overhaul your underwear draw completely. If there's one thing the most romantic city in the world does better than anywhere else, it's make knickers. And in madam Sabbia Rosa's, you have one of the best in the business. She was sewing lingerie before you were even thought of, so its no surprise she attracts customers such as Madonna and Kate Moss on a regular basis. But with that clientele, Madame Rosa can afford to set prices a little higher than the normal shop sale, so make sure you've got your chequebook before you start trying things on.

5. Cruise on the Seine

We've established that walking and Paris go hand in hand, but there is a slightly more luxurious (and lazy) way to see the city in its full glory. A cruise down the River Seine, often accompanied by a high quality meal and an equally high quality glass of wine, is a brilliant and unique way to admire the city's often stunning architecture. With views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and Notre Dame as well as the added bonus of not actually having to move very far, it all makes for a delightful evening's entertainment.

6. Arc de Triomphe

Situated at the top of the Champs-Elysees, you would do well to miss the Arc de Triomphe, perhaps Paris's most famous sight after the Eiffel Tower. This architectural masterpiece was built in recognition of the French's military victories during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods, the names of which are engraved across the Arch's summit. A small museum inside details the history and construction of the Arch, the biggest of its kind in the world, and also provides access to the top where the views of the city are worth the entry fee alone. Avoiding the Arch on July 14 would be advisable as it is the starting point for the Bastille Day parade, as would  steering clear on any Sunday of the same month, allowing you to avoid the flurry of tired cyclists completing the final leg of the Tour de France. But perhaps the greatest thing about the Arch, what makes it so iconically French, is that it was commissioned by Napolean in honour of himself. And you were always told the French were arrogant.

7. Les Catacombes

It's probably a little more than just a coincidence that the junior members of your party, those who complain about walking to the car, will surprisingly ask to pick up the pace as you tour 'Les Catacombes', the underground network of Roman passageways converted to accommodate millions of corpses as Parisian cemeteries became saturated in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Les Catacombes consists of no fewer than six million skeletal beings, who will watch you every step of the way as you go. It is also the spot the French Resistance chose as their headquarters in World War II, although it probably did little to lighten the mood set by the swarms of advancing Germans. For an alternative peek into the city's history, Les Catacombes is a must see, although it may be the stuff of nightmares for those with a slightly over active imagination. Or those who find 6 million pairs of hollow eye sockets staring in their direction a little disturbing.

8. The Night Clubber Special

For those who think anywhere outside of their local is an adventurous Saturday evening, the Eurostar Night Clubber Special might not be for you. But for the rest of you eager party animals, it most definitely is. Like a modern Cinderella story without any glass slippers and set to a lot of dance music, you'll have to leave London after 4.30 pm and be back before 10.30 am the following morning, often sleepless and linguistically confused. When in Paris, try clubs such as Queen and Redlight for a more mainstream insight into the local scene, and the Sunday morning 'after party' sessions will take you right through to your train home. And at a very reasonable £35 for return tickets, booking in advance is the only way to secure your seat for this unique clubbing experience.

9. Notre Dame

If this list was to be written in any specific order of importance, then Notre Dame cathedral would feature much, much higher. Commissioned by Bishop Maurice de Sully in 1163, Notre Dame is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe today, and recent restorations mean it's looking as good as ever. Oh, and it also happens to be the religious centre of the city and home of Paris's Archbishop, hence deserves an absolute double underlining on your itinerary. The gargoyles are as leering as expected, and often even the most adamant of atheists comment on the inexplicable and eerie atmosphere of calm and hush which hits as you enter. Notre Dame may not be for the children (unless of course yours are into Gothic architecture and intense religious feelings), but must not, at any cost, be missed out on your trip. And if your kids complain, sit them in Berthillon over the road and let them loose on Paris's most famous ice cream parlour, where asking for 'chocolate flavour' is like asking for alcohol in an off license.

10. Wine tasting

Like their lingerie making and their building designing, there are things the French do better than anybody else. And fortunately for you, winemaking is one of them. There are numerous places across the city where you can learn about and more importantly sample some of the country's finest wines, straight from the vineyards of Burgundy and Champagne. Places such as O'Chateau are great for a day out with friends or even corporate events, and they usually let you take home a few bottles of what you sampled. And what's more, you will now be able to make very loud statements in your local off license about how the '72 has much more je ne sais quoi to it than the 73', only this time you'll actually understand what you're talking about.

WIN a 3 night stay in a Top Paris apartment

All-Paris-Apartments.com paired up with France Magazine, Britain and North America’s best selling magazine about France, to gives his readers the possibility to win a 3 nights stay in a Top Paris Apartment in the Montmartre.

All-Paris-Apartments.com is taking the motto “Paris is always a good idea” seriously and is sending 2 lucky winners on a “Parisian holiday”. The winner will be accommodate in a Top Paris at the foot of ‘la Butte Montmartre’, right in the heart of the artists’ neighbourhood, and just a few minutes from the ‘Place du Tertre’, the ‘Sacré Coeur’.

What can be better then enjoying the city of lights and your accommodation is already paid for.
Winning is dead-easy. All you have to do is poof your Paris knowledge in our cross word puzzle and tell us the winning word. Or if you recognised our Paris quote above and can tell us the name of our mystery movie you can win right away.

To find out more about our BIG Paris Competition visit us on France Magazine.

Watching Barca Win The League

A few weeks ago I got to experience something special – watching FC Barcelona become champions of Spain once again.

Luckily, I bought my ticket for the final match of the season about 3 weeks before, as they had sold out by the time it was confirmed that Barcelona would need to win to be crowned champions. Thanks to the guys at Oh-Barcelona.com for letting me know how to get a ticket for the game!

I arrived at the Nou Camp stadium around 3 hours before the start of the game, and already the atmosphere was heating up – quite literally with all the fireworks going off. Finally kick off time arrived and Barca won the match 4-0, meaning that the party could begin (as if it already hadn’t!)

The stadium was a colourful sight, but nothing compared to when we got back to Placa Catalunya, where fans had gathered to celebrate with songs, fireworks, and other passionate displays of affection for their team. Unfortunately, some trouble did develop after midnight, but the party will live with me forever.

The Brandenburg Gate – symbolizing the reunification of a nation

One of the most famous monuments in Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate. This monument is located a few meters away from the downed Berlin Wall, a structure that not only in the city of Berlin, but also the world, divided people into opposing ideologies. There are still some areas up, and they now serve to symbolize the reunification of Germany.

From the Brandenburg Gate, we have Unter den Linden, the main boulevard of the city. This starts at the square on the east side of the Brandenburg Gate, where the art academy, the famous Adlon Hotel and the French Embassy are located. From the square it is 1.5 km east to the so-called Scholossbrücke (bridge) which connects the Museum Island in central East Berlin, where we can go to Alexanderplatz.

Alexanderplatz is located in the historic center of East Berlin, where the communist GDR government clearly has left its stamp on. Near the square is the television tower (Fernsehturm) of 368m high, almost from anywhere in the city can be admired. The tower was built in 1960 and has a panoramic restaurant swirling around and in the shape of a circle from which there is a wide panoramic view of the city.

Near Alexanderplatz is full of monuments and grand old buildings, squares and all sorts of shopping. Among these monuments are the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) and the Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus), the most notable thing is that both buildings have distinctive architecture. The Catholic cathedral in Berlin, dedicated to St. Hedwig, is somewhat further down the Unter den Lindenlaan just between the Opera House (one of three of the town), and the building known as the Kommode.

On the other side of town, in the heart of West Berlin, is the Potsdamer Platz, in the '20s one of the most popular places in all of Europe. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall the square was to become part of a huge construction project, where today many modern skyscrapers and shopping malls are located in the new area Berlin.

The Magic Fountain of Montjuic

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is also known as Font de Montjuic is a giant fountain with a circular shape. It is approximately 12 m in diameter and can expel water at 4 feet high. This wonderful source has integrated several lights with changing colors and ambient music to create a show that is known around the world.

Was built for the Universal Exhibition of 1929 by Carles Buïgas in the place where they were located the Four Pillars of Josep Puig demolished in 1928. Construction work lasted less than a year.
The magic fountain is the main element of a set of plays of light and water that is developed around the axis from the "Palau Nacional" to the Plaza Espanya, including waterfalls and ponds and in the bottom rows of the columns on both sides of the avenue.

The show kicks off in beautiful fashion as we can see the water moving to the beat of the melodies that have transpired over the decades. We can see the shapes and colours that dance impressively to the music with a dance. At night it is also possible to see how this source moves to the sound of classical music.

 
There are two times in which you can see this fountain in action. During the winter season the fountain works on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9. During the summer time we admire this magnificent show from 7 pm to 10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Located on the Avenida Maria Cristina, to get there just take the metro L1 (red line) or L3 (green line) and get off at "Plaça Espanya". The fountain is difficult to go unnoticed so you need no further directions.

This is one of Barcelona's tourist attractions that is quite simply a must see.

Poble Espanyol – the whole of Spain in the centre of Barcelona

The Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol in Catalan) is an open-air museum which has an area of 42,000 m2, where there are many houses built to meet the main characteristics of the people of Spain at different times. Each house has a Spanish family coat of a great tradition.
It was built in 1929 for the International Exhibition which was to be held in the city.

Each of these houses is really a craft store various types, we can find crafts of glass, wood, paintings and jewelry of gold and silver.
Many of the houses where they sell glass handicrafts also have workshops, where demonstrations are carried out of how artists shape the glass, is truly special and unique. We can attend these workshops at no cost but if you prefer you can work with the artisans.

Another of the houses is a modern art museum, displaying the works of many local and international artists. This mini-museum has three floors and in 30 minutes you can see everything.

It is strange to see in a place where old buildings represents a system as modern as they have to give access to all people in wheelchairs.
Poble Espanyol also has many restaurants with terraces which are perfect for a beer, wine or water while enjoying a fabulous place.

One of the major tourist attractions of Barcelona and a visit here is really great to take a look at the history of Spanish architecture.
To reach the Poble Espanyol must take the metro L1 (red) or L3 (green) and get off at Plaza Espanya, after the street should follow Avenida del Marques de Comillas which crosses right in front of the Magic Fountain.

The barrio of Santa Cruz – bringing colour to Seville

The district of Santa Cruz is one of the oldest in the city and is located in the old part of Sevilla. Its history and beauty make it one of the most emblematic barrios.

People in Seville live in apartments very close to each other, which makes for an endless number of narrow streets that give visitors a precious shade that mitigates the summer sun in Seville, also known as the oven of Europe.

Simplicity is the main feature of the landscape of this neighbourhood and is the combination of brightly coloured houses with wrought balconies hung with flowers like bougainvillea, which makes this a pleasant place to be lost for hours.

Within the district there are some special attractions such as: the convent of the Teresas Hospice and venerable priest, although I am convinced that the main attraction is walking aimlessly through its colourful streets.
The tangled streets of the quarter often end in places where you can find historical monuments, terraces, bars and more. Here is a list of places to visit in the neighbourhood and what it was that I found in them.

Plaza de los Venerables: A square full of bars and terraces where you can take a break and spend some quiet moments with a beer and tasting some of the famous tapas from Seville.

Plaza de Santa Cruz: Has a locksmith cross dating from the seventeenth century monument is a very different and very Andalusian which is worth a visit.

 
Plaza de las Cruces: It is a small square where you will find three columns ending in crosses. It is not as spectacular as the Plaza de Santa Cruz, but it is a place that lends itself to taking photographs.

Plaza de Dona Elvira: A place where full of orange and adorned with the very traditional tiles, is a very colorful place with a central fountain where you can spend a few moments crying if they wish.

This neighborhood has a myriad of interesting places and each has things to admire, after visiting for the first time I wonder if they ever will know all its secrets.

Berlin Carnival 2010 – celebrating cultures since 1995

Berlin Carnival is a parade of carriages, each representing the cultural diversity of Berlin.

It was created to combat the prejudice of immigrants caused by the strong economic and social conflicts that arose in Berlin after the Wall fell.
While these conflicts occurred, the artistic and cultural life in Berlin grew and the carnival was born in 1995, aiming to celebrate the rich culture and promote art in the city.

Since then it has been widely accepted by the public and the media. Each year there are more viewers than its predecessor and even more and better carriages, representing any form of culture that is in Berlin.
In 2008 1.5 million visitors celebrated in the streets and the festival had 4500 professional and amateur actors of all ages, accompanied by 100 carriages of various shapes, sizes and colours.

This festival lasts four days, and anyone who wants to can participate in it to express their culture or identity.
It contains traditional and contemporary elements expressed in many ways like traditional clothes, dances, music, singing. And only in this great European metropolis can you see this magnificent gesture of acceptance and understanding for the cultures that are part of the city.
It is certainly one of the great events taking place in Berlin every year. It is a unique experience for a unique city in addition to being fun, creative and informative, helping us to understand how Berlin society has erased their prejudices through the years to become a multicultural society.

This year the carnival will begin on May 31 at 12:30 pm in "Hermannplatz" and all carriages will travel along the roads of "stressenumzug" and "hassenheide." The best place to look is in the the park known as "Volkspark hassenheide".

The 17th International Semi-Marathon of Nice

On your marks, get set, and let’s go because the 17th International Semi-Marathon of Nice is about to begin! Last year there were more than 7,600 runners representing 29 different countries and crowds of over 30 thousand spectators. It is simply a must see event!

There are big things expected from the 2008 race with an estimated 8 thousand participants, including a good percentage of foreigners, as every year amateur and professional runners from all over Europe join the International Semi Marathon in Nice!

During the 3 day-Marathon there will be organized other events organised such as shows, treasure hunts and numerous concerts…

The most important races are:
1. the famous 21.1 Km (a must).
2. The 10 km (alternative)

3. Free Races: - 2 Miles Défi Running Collège open to children from 9-15 years. -- 3 km race Nice Court Tout Contre le Cancer du Sein where part of the inscriptions funds will go to the association Résiste 06.

To subscribe to the races you can visit the website: http://www.nicesemimarathon.com

Registration may also be in place on 18 and 19 April (Saturday!). However, remember to bring proof that you’re fit as fiddle such as a medical certificate! There is a cash prize of 100 euros for the man who finishes the 21.1 km course in under 1h 09 and for the woman who crosses the line under 1h 29.
The start line will be on the famous Promenade des Anglais.

The route passes by some of the most beautiful areas of Nice: the old castle, the port, the beach of Angels, all the beautiful buildings, villas… A really interesting and unique way to discover Nice’s sights, without hanging around!

Berlin Jazz Festival – bringing the heart of Jazz to the German capital

For over forty years, Berlin has been the host of the November jazz festival. Berlin is recognized as the city festival of jazz because all the various and different styles of jazz represented. The full and varied program is also traditional and progressive and has in the past received particular attention focused on big band music.

The Berlin Jazz Festival has a long and beautiful history. It started in 1964 and is involved in presenting some very interesting concerts. The Berlin Jazz Festival has become more popular over the years and this is related by Mr. Joachim, who gained the nickname "Jazz Pope". The main reason why the Jazz Festival was more dynamic was because he introduced jazz musicians from around the globe to be brought onstage. As a result they created an undeniably special blend for the art form that is jazz.

The Berlin Jazz Festival takes place in a period of four days and its legacy at the same level, the Jazz Festival today still hold a special mix and blend of music combining jazz musicians from around the world. Besides the great American performances, the Jazz Festival in Berlin presents more and more artists from around the world. Artists whose music gives special attention to the man that crosses between local and global music traditions and trends.

This is an important aspect as this is the reason why the Jazz Festival attracts many people because his music sounds not only for jazz fans is intended. It is therefore recommended that all your accommodation in Berlin and plans in advance and time to settle so you can avoid unexpected inconveniences.

 
Today, the Berlin Jazz Festival regional priorities and put here as a result has gained more reputation and became known as the Forum of European jazz. In relation to the Berlin Jazz Festival structure, it includes performances from jazz to become intercultural mergers including a six-piece African drumming group. As we can see, the Berlin Jazz Festival itself extended to the musical tastes of his audience and to include the more reason that the Berlin Jazz Festival also will find fun even when you're not a jazz lover.

Hostels in Paris – to stay, or not to stay?

Do you have a small budget and want to visit Paris without breaking the bank? Staying in a hostel is certainly the most economic solution when travelling alone. If you bring a group of friends, I advise you to opt instead for an apartment in Paris, so you can take advantage of cheaper rates, and sleep in a much more peaceful and comfortable environment.
Hostels however are a great solution for young people wishing to spend a weekend in Paris.

The advantages of choosing the hostel:

· young and festive environment

· the breakfast is often included in the price

· Hostels often organize parties or events

· practice foreign languages

· easier to build relationships and friendships when you share the same room

The disadvantages of choosing a hostel:

· sometimes noisy, it all depends on with whom you share the room

· less comfort than an apartment of hotel

· sharing a room with other people can sometimes be embarrassing

In Paris, there is a large selection of hostels that you can find on websites such as http://www.parisinfo.com/hotels-paris/pour-les-jeunes/. These rooms are usually 3-15 beds, but some also offer double rooms at higher rates, but still cheaper than a hotel. Most of these hostels include bed linen and breakfast in the price, and have a common kitchen to cook a meal in the evening after a day of sightseeing.



In an international atmosphere, young and friendly with high security, staying in a hostel will certainly leave you full of memories to share when you return from your vacation.

The Rome Colosseum – A trip back in time

Everyone has heard about the famous Roman Colosseum that has inspired writers and filmmakers to capture on paper or film the gory stories of very famous fighters of this particular story.

The first time I saw the front of the colosseum was during the day and I must say that is extremely impressive. However, it is at night when this ancient building seems even more beautiful thanks to the many lights that illuminate every detail.

Just before beginning the tour, you can see a lot of people buying souvenirs or being photographed with gladiators (it is ironic that a couple of players try to create a comic in what has been one of the most bloody and cruel stories of all time.)

Passing the gates, you will find a huge queue to pay and start the tour, it can last more than 15 minutes but is certainly well worth it, because after the security check you can walk through the corridors which were once the symbol of the most powerful empire on earth.

Corridors, steps made of stone, and every detail of the Colosseum cannot hide his age. The atmosphere inside it is dark but it is also very interesting to walk around and look at the cages where the animals and gladiators would fight, many times the unfortunate gladiator being beaten.

The difference in ability between the Colosseum then and the current stage is very small. It could hold 50,000 Romans at a time. This is an impressive figure considering that 1900 years after its construction many stadiums do not have that capability.

A visit is really a journey through time. If you stop to look at the Colosseum in silence, I still think that it is possible to hear the cries of the crowd and feel the vibrations caused by the brandishing of swords before the battles began.

It is a very interesting tour and without it, a trip to Rome would not be complete. But after all the smiles from curious tourists, you should never forget the history that this building has and how it represents the darker side of a great empire.

The Arabic Royal Alcazares – an Arabic history in the centre of typical Spain

The word comes from Arabic Alcázares القصر to qasr, which means strength. Today the monuments resemble more a luxurious palace. When you admire their beauty for the first time it will not leave you in any doubt as to why it is still used as a royal residence.

Its importance and strategic location within the city has meant that great battles have been fought using the castles and they even played a key role in building up the legend, importance and history of this place.
Entering immediately I noticed the combination of elements from different nations and times in history, as the various tile images clearly illustrated in Spanish as a galleon or a lion with a crown framed by the beauty of Arabic letters engraved on many of the walls of the enclosure.

All of the rooms that make up the palaces are special and have unique shapes and forms of their own kind. However I think the most spectacular area is the courtyard of the maids, a rectangular courtyard with double arches on marble columns. Even the smallest detail is engraved in letters and figures which clearly allude to the time when the Arabs ruled the land.

It's really amazing to think that these luxurious palaces full of art were regarded as the royal houses of different empires and there is no doubt that the leader who was resting there could show off his wealth and power
The royal palaces are located in the city centre just opposite the cathedral and are very easy to get to, which means that it is a must do during a visit to Seville. When you plan your visit I recommend devoting at least three hours to visit this magnificent place.