Paris Apartments

Top Ten Authentic Chinese Recipes

2011-12-14T03:05:00.001-08:00

Chinese food products are a delicious way to expand your personal recipe book, particularly if you feel affection to utilize simple, fresh ingredients with short cooking hour.

These top ten dishes are famous worldwide, and so are must-haves within your collection of Chinese recipes.

Fried Rice - A preferred item in Chinese restaurants, fried rice is your ultimate Chinese food, and may be the single most flexible within your cookbook because you could use leftover rice and ingredients for making it. Of course, you should use fresh ingredients but it's recommended to use rice having been placed in the fridge overnight for best results. Ingredients usually involved in making fried rice are eggs, spring onions, diced meat of either beef, chicken or pork, ham, prawns and vegetables comparable to bean sprouts, peas, celery, corn and carrots. There are plenty of varieties of fried rice but the more famous ones are classified as the Yong Chow and Fukien fried rice.

Kung Pao Chicken - Kung Pao chicken or Kung Po chicken is usually a Chinese dish from Szechuan cuisine and it is considered to be a delicacy. The recipe just for this savory dish commonly needs diced chicken that could be pre-marinated and fast stir-fried with unsalted roasted peanuts, red all kinds of peppers, sherry or rice wine, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and chili peppers. Alternatively, you need to use shrimp, scallops, beef or pork rather than the chicken.

Moo Shu Pork - This is a dish of northern Chinese origin as well as a favorite of many. Ingredients inside a Mushu pork recipe usually involve green cabbage, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, bean sprouts, scallions, scrambled eggs and day lily buds. Sweet peppers, snow pea pods, celery, onions, Shiitake mushrooms and bok choy are sometimes used. The vegetables are cut into long and thin strips before cooking, together with the exception for bean sprouts and day lily buds. Fried Mushu pork is wrapped in moo shu pancakes that's brushed with hoisin sauce and eaten by hand. Moo shu pancakes are thin wrappers manufactured from flour that may be handy in supermarkets and steamed immediately before eating.

General Tso's Chicken - General Tso's chicken is really a Hunan cuisine which tastes spicy and sweet and of course popular in Chinese restaurants in Canada and America where it's often marked as a "chef's specialty". General Tso's Chicken recipe commonly involves battered chicken deep-fried and marinated with ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine or sherry, sugar, scallions, and hot chili peppers.

Spring Rolls - Spring rolls make fabulous snacks and appetizers. They're just like egg rolls, but are slightly different to its cousin. Springs rolls are have less filling than egg rolls, is smaller in size and its skin is thinner. To make a spring roll, minced meat and thinly cut strips of vegetables are rolled and sealed in a square or circular rice paper. It truly is then deep fried till crispy and golden brown. Serve this crowd pleaser piping hot.

Chinese Dumplings - Chinese dumplings absolutely are a fabulous addition in your home-made foods, and might be made simply and quickly using just a a few ingredients. Important when making an excellent dumpling is usually to confirm that any of your ingredients are finely minced, to make sure that each one of the dumplings are steamed within a equivalent time.

Beef and Broccoli - The vital key to cooking up a delicious Beef and Broccoli dish in your home would be to make a good sauce made up of oyster sauce, light soy sauce, thick soy sauce and cornstarch solution. Marinade the meat before stir frying with sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch solution, soy sauce and sugar.

Sweet and Sour Pork - This savory-sweet highly popular Chinese dish is of Cantonese origin. It is a good dish to organize if you find yourself planning on having guests, who will be wildly impressed with the cooking skill. When it comes to other Chinese food recipes, the significant key to deciding on a great Sweet and Sour Pork dish is present in the sauce made from sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, and soy sauce. Its ingredients include pork, pineapple, bell pepper and onion cut into bite size pieces.

Chow Mein - In American Chinese cuisine, Chow Mein is known as a stir-fried dish consisting of noodles, meat such usually chicken, shrimp, beef and pork, cabbage along with vegetables.

Chop Suey - Chop suey or "za sui" or "shap sui" literally means 'mixed pieces' is an American-Chinese dish usually contains leftover meats and vegetables stir fried quickly inside a sauce thickened with starch. It is a great dish when you need to expend the last of yesterday's chicken or pork roast and may incorporate meats out of any kind for example fish, chicken, shrimp, pork or beef and various vegetables from celery to bean sprouts and cabbage. Chop Suey will often be eaten with rice.

Author Resource Box: Authentic Chinese Recipes is an online recipe and cooking website offering of free oriental recipes and Asian recipes for you to try out at home and amaze your family and friends.

GPS and auto navigation systems have many talents

2011-11-11T02:26:00.001-08:00

Today's auto navigation systems aren't just for the car, truck, or SUV. More and more manufacturers are discovering that offering drivers the option of taking their navigation systems off road is an incredible boon to sales. With this realization they are delivering on many levels previously unheard of. There are even GPS and navigation systems that are designed in order to assist in finding a great catch. Perfect for the fisherman in your life.

Seriously if you're looking for creative ways in which to justify the expenditure of an auto navigation system, perhaps the following activities and ideas can help:

1) Biking. Biking isn't limited to sidewalks and roadsides any more. People are becoming much more adventurous and demanding of their bicycle travel today and taking the tour off road. This means that there isn't always a clearly defined path to guide you to your destination or even to find your way back to civilization. A good GPS or auto navigation system like the garmin forerunner 305 can help you find your way back home no matter how far you've strayed.

2) Geo Cashing. This is a relatively new pass time activity that seems to be taking on a life of its own. For those who enjoy this activity I am sure you are well aware that it occasionally takes you well away from the ordinary beaten path. Not all of us are as observant as we should be while looking for something and discover all too late that we have no real clue as to how to get back to the point we began. You will use your GPS system for the purpose of geo caching, but if you purchase a minor upgrade you can also use it to guide you back to your point of origin should you find yourself lost in the woods.

3) Hunting. There is no rule anywhere that even remotely indicates a necessity for navigational skills in order to make an excellent hunter. In fact, I've known more than a few hunters who have a difficult time finding their way home some days. For these fellows and femmes, there is hope and a way to save face. Navigational assistance is a great way to discover where you are, where you've been, and get your where you want to go.

4) Boating. If you've ever been in the open sea I'm sure you'll understand what I am saying when I say it is very easy to become disoriented as to where you are headed. Now, those who are seasoned at navigation will tell you it's a piece of cake. I'm here to tell you that they must have learned it at their daddy's knee because I certainly tried to learn as an adult and it still seems completely Greek to me (of course, perhaps it is, I've heard that the Greeks are phenomenal sailors). Regardless, GPS and auto navigation systems can make your journey by sea a much safer experience while helping insure that you reach your destination, preferably without incident with any sandbars in the region.

By car, land, bike, and sea auto navigation systems have a great deal to offer the savvy consumer. Take the time to study the many options for GPS equipment and find the one that will suit the inner explorer in you. You will find it is well worth the investment if you use it often and use it well.

Garmin Forerunner 305

Bicycle Urban Wear Style

2011-11-09T06:18:00.001-08:00

Many think that urban fashion is street wear. It is not. Although, the streets are major elements that comprise of present urban wear. Looking closely at how people from the streets dress themselves and comparing their outfits to commercial brands and I'm sure you can see some similarities in their designs. But today's urban wear are becoming more and more sophisticated. From their grungy and hip hop beginnings, urban fashion has evolved to include not only the teens but the young professionals as well. Take for instance the bicycle urban wear style. This particular fashion style has developed into something quite popular not only for cyclist but for non-cyclists as well.

People, nowadays, are opting for a healthier lifestyle. More people are into healthy foods and working out has become part of their daily routine. The streets, similarly, saw this transformation as more people are becoming more environmentally conscious. From the kind of fuel they used to the type of vehicles they prefer (hybrid and electric cars), people are slowly changing their ways and doing their part not only for the planet but for healthy living as well. This is maybe the reason behind the sudden surge of bicycle popularity.

But before, it was only the bicycle messengers that have to maneuver the traffic-clogged streets. They are often preferred by courier services in metro cities due to their ability to move through traffic and deliver mails and small packages in a more or less predictable time. The bicycle messenger has become an iconic symbol in some cities. Stories have been written about them and bicycle messengers have been featured in various television series and even in the big screen (the 1986 movie Quicksilver comes to mind where Kevin Bacon portrayed a bicycle messenger). And today, the influences of bicycle messengers have gone to another commercial endeavor: fashion, more specifically urban fashion.

One of the more obvious influences of bicycle messenger to urban fashion is the assortment of messenger bags available in the market today and has become one of the most seen accessory in urban fashion. The single strapped messenger bags are used by teens and young professionals alike and most of these people don't even ride bicycles regularly. Backpacks are also part of the messenger's tool kit but are not quite popular when it comes to the urban fashion scene.

Bicycle urban fashion styles also incorporates the idea that clothing should be light and must not restrict the person's movement. Anything that could get caught in the bicycle's chains or pedals are out. Shirts with stylish designs, edgy messages and bright colors are normal urban wear where influences of the bicycle messengers can be seen.

Urban fashion is never restrictive. It can go as far as your imagination and creativity can take it. Bicycle urban wear style is a good example of how urban fashion is influenced by what it happening in the streets. This fashion style has all the components of good urban wear design: practicality, durability and aesthetics.

Taylor Guitars

Top 5 Holiday Activities In Marbella, Spain

2011-11-02T05:10:00.001-07:00

For some people the ideal holiday is to spend one to two weeks on the beach catching a suntan and not really moving at all apart from to go to the bar. This is great for some people however many other people like to venture around a bit more and soak up some of the history, scenery and nightlife that Marbella Spain has to offer tourists. Firstly there are many good areas with quality hotels in Marbella and one area that is worth mentioning is La Alameda Park hotel.

La Alameda Park hotel is very beautiful and some of these luxury Marbella hotels are positioned right next to the deep blue Mediterranean Sea which is ideal for anyone on a summer holiday. Outlined below are 5 good holiday activities that you can do in Marbella Spain if you want to be a bit more active than just sun bathing.apart from a hotel a lot of people are trying Marbella apartments these days as it's a good cost alternative to a decent hotel.

1. Water Sports - A bit of an obvious one being so close to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea but the quality of some of the water sports available is well worth the trip and the money. The choices are very wide from water skiing, banana boats, jet skis, paragliding and many more.

2. History of Marbella - There is some fascinating history and century old buildings that are well worth taking a day trip to go and see. Marbella has a long history before it became a holiday destination. The Phoenicians had a small settlement that was enlarged by the Romans. Under the Nazri rulers Marbella became a fortress. Take a look at the stonework at the bottom of the walls near the Plaza de la Inglesia for example.

3. Shopping In the city of Marbella - there are some amazing shops for anyone who likes to shop. They range in prices from trendy affordable clothes to very high end shops that include makes such as Louis Vitton. This is position very close to the Cathedral mentioned above so again ties in nicely for a good day trip.

4. Nightlife Marbella - Marbella is renowned for having excellent nightlife from the young 18 to 21s scene in Marbella to the more trendy 25 plus bars and clubs in Puerto Banus. No matter what age you are there is something for you in majorca with many ports and rows of bars all over the island.

5. Golf & Tennis - Whether you are just a beginner at either golf or tennis, there is no better place to play than in the glorious sunshine of Marbella. There are plenty of tennis courts and clubs all around the the area and also some beautiful golf courses as well.

Cocktail Recipes - The Intellectual Property Debate

2011-10-28T05:55:00.001-07:00

The issue of trade marks for cocktail recipes reared its head again in May of this year with the opening of a new cocktail lounge named Painkiller in Manhattan. The bar was threatened with a cease and desist order or injunction if it did not stop using the cocktail recipe for the Painkiller.The recipe for the Painkiller had been trademarked in about 1989 by Pussers, a Navy proof rum distillation company based in the British Virgin Islands. The bar was threatened with having to change its name in addition to ceasing the use of the recipe for the Painkiller cocktail. The threat was by and large ignored and the bearer of the glad tidings removed from the premises.

History has shown that it is impossible to stop others using cocktail recipes once they are out in the public domain and readily available.An oft quoted case is that involving the purported trade marking of the cocktail recipe for Dark 'n Stormy. Legal folk will tell you that at a certain point when a cocktail recipe is in the public domain it becomes public property. The real question is when does that occur?

The cocktail bar industry is a huge one and everyone wants to share in the action. Eben Freeman, creator of the legendary smoked coke and solid cocktails urges that the only way to protect ones intellectual property is to safely guard your cocktail recipes.The only problem with this is that it flies in the face of the idea of sharing which many (if not most) bars foster and encourage.

Recently at a convention in New Orleans, Freeman led a workshop on the protection of intellectual property by bartenders. Freeman was joined in a panel discussion by a representative from the trade mark office and a lawyer with a practice focusing on the hospitality industry as a whole. The panel discussed the thorny issue of a bartenders intellectual property and who is at liberty to use it.

Freeman openly admitted to one source that his motivation for the workshop had been his sense of aggravation at others regularly using, taking credit for and profiting from his cocktail recipes. One example which Freeman cited was fat washing, a technique where a spirit can be infused with another substance such as bacon. This concept was developed by Freeman in co-operation with others and yet, is often claimed by others or at very least, attributed to others. Freeman feels strongly enough on the subject that he was quoted by one source as saying that "someone needs to get sued to set a precedent"

He is also quoted as saying "In no other creative business can you so easily identify money attached to your creative property," Freeman went on. "There is an implied commerce to our intellectual property. Yet we have less protection than anyone else."

So, after considering all that, the question still remains to be answered can a cocktail be copyrighted? It seems that the answer is no. Whilst it may be possible to protect the publication of a cocktail recipe, the idea behind the cocktail recipes cannot. It is for this same reason for example, that a musician cannot have proceedings issued against them for covering another musicians song during a live show. Many bartenders prefer to protect their intellectual property rights by passing on their cocktail recipes orally and not publishing them.

According to Freeman, a part of the problem historically has been the habit of using bartenders and mixologists as brand ambassadors. This is when a liquor company engages a profile bartender or mixologist as a spokesperson for their brand image. In such situations the ambassador is expected to promote the brand as a strong advocate and also create signature cocktail recipes using the principals product range.

The biggest problem these days is that the practice has become so prevalent that liquor companies have been tapping virtual unknown's on the shoulder to act as their brand ambassador. This has then meant that these inexperienced young bartenders simply do not have the experience to effectively create their own signature cocktail recipes. The trend has become for these inexperienced brand ambassadors to tweak well known cocktail recipes they have gleaned from a mentor or from a simple Google search.

Cocktail Resources: cócteles - cocktails, tragos y chupitos

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4986309

The Gouthier Oyster Restaurant in Barcelona

2011-10-17T12:16:00.001-07:00

It is said that Giacomo Casanova, writer and diplomat who ended up being famous for his countless conquests, was so convinced of the aphrodisiac power of raw oysters that every day for breakfast he ate at least forty. It is also said he would share the taste of oysters with his lovers, offering this delicious seafood mouth to mouth as part of the foreplay …Some question the aphrodisiac qualities of oysters, but what is certain is that had he lived today in Barcelona, Casanova probably would be ruined within a few months. And, although it is inexplicable that in a coastal city with port as important as Barcelona, good quality oysters at a good price are difficult to find. Luckily, a few years ago Thierry Airaud an importer and distributor of French oysters had a good idea …

A very interesting concept has existed for years in various European cities: a mixture of a store and restaurant specializing in oysters, usually known going by the name of oyster bar. Good quality oysters could be found in Barcelona in restaurants (like Vascelum, Bilbao or the Va de Vi), but the concept did not exist until an oyster bar opened a decade ago as the first establishment of this type. Airaud opened his first in the district of Sarrià, (Flaquer Mane Street, number 8 right next to the Plaça Sant Vicenç) Baptized as Gouthier, this oyster bar has become immensely popular over the years, becoming a clear example that they can offer quality products at a reasonable price. The Gouthier Oyster Bar Barcelona certainly aims to please.

more here

Practical Wedding Favor Ideas

2011-10-15T12:49:00.001-07:00

A considerate bride and groom may want to think about giving out wedding favors which are practical instead of simply easy, inexpensive or suitable for the theme of the wedding. This is important because favors which are given for other reasons may not be valued by your guests. In fact they may be quickly discarded soon after your wedding and will not serve as a reminder of your wedding. However, if you make the decision to give out favors which are more practical in nature your guests are more likely to appreciate and cherish the favors which you give out on your wedding day. These favors may not be the most romantic but they are much more likely to be appreciated by your guests than more whimsical items such as figurines and potpourri. This article will offer a few tips for practical wedding favors you can give to your guests on your wedding day.

Coasters are one idea for wedding favors which can be romantic or suit the theme of your wedding but can also be very practical. You can purchase coasters in a variety of shapes including hearts to provide for your guests as wedding favors. Heart shaped coasters will be ideal because they are romantic and convey the sentiment of love but they are also something your guests can really use. Another option for using coasters as wedding favors is to give out coasters which match the theme of the wedding. For example you can purchase coasters with pictures of sand or the beach to go with a beach themed wedding. You can also give out coasters with room for the guest to insert a picture. You can include a picture of the bride and the groom in one of the coasters and leave the rest of the coasters in the set blank so your guests can use their own photos if they wish.

Key chains are another example of wedding favor ideas which can be both romantic and practical. Hearth shaped key chains or key chains in the shape of wedding bells or other items related to love or wedding are a good idea for favors. You can select an elegant key chain which is sturdy so your guests will want to use but that is also very romantic and will remind your guests of your wedding for years to come.

Another very practical wedding favor idea is a gift of candles. Whether you choose to give tea light candles, taper candles or candles of another style it is very likely that your guests will be able to use these favors. Most people already have at least a few candles in their house but they can always use a few more. Candles are very versatile. They can be used to set a romantic mood but can also serve other purposes as well. For example in the event of power outages, candles can be used to provide lighting. With so many uses for candles it is no surprise that if you give your wedding guests candles as a favor, they are likely to use the candles in the future as opposed to setting them aside and forgetting about them which might happen with other less practical favors.

Wine charms in a shape such as hearts or another romantic theme are also very practical favor ideas for a wedding. Wine charms by themselves are somewhat romantic but when they are designed in shapes such as hearts, wedding bells or other romantic shapes they are very appropriate for a wedding. They are also a very practical favor idea because many people will not have this type of item but can really use a set of wine charms. Wine charms are simply small charms which can be placed on the wine glass to distinguish one glass from another. This is useful in a party situation where guests may be mingling and may set there glass down for a minute or two while chatting and then become confused about which glass is theirs. Charms which distinguish the glasses help to eliminate this problem.

History Of Urban Wear And Hip Hop Fashion

2011-10-15T03:45:00.001-07:00

Hip hop, since 1980s, was able to influence fashion and attitude among its followers. One of the successful descendants of hip hop was the emergence of urban wear or clothing. For the past years, personal style and clothes speak about the person wearing it. It has become more than clothes but more of an attitude and culture.

The 80's

It was the 80's when the world witnessed hip hop and its fashion. The early half of the decade was ruled with tracksuits, bomber jackets, sneakers with oversized shoelaces, large eyeglasses, name belts and multiple rings for accessories. Jewelry for men are usually in heavy gold chains while it is large gold earrings for women.

In the late 80's, MC Hammer style was one of the biggest fashion influences during this time. Remember his baggy pants? Most of the clothes and accessories during this time are largely influenced by the African culture. Different hip hop artists were wearing and promoting such designs.

The 90's: Entering the New Decade

It was more of a continuation the 1980s fashion. But new fashion trends still emerged during this period like bright colored baseball caps, oversized shirts for women, pants, starter jackets, and sneakers. Eventually, brands and designers were already showing their hip hop designs.

High fashion was not excluded from the urban influence. Isaac Mizrahi, a known high fashion designer and now creative director for Liz Claiborne, was among those who showed hip hop and urban influence in their fashion lines. This just showed that urban clothing could cross cultural and socio-economic barriers.

Soon enough, another change in urban fashion happened. Many were wearing silk shirts, double breasted suits and alligator skin shoes as an influence of classic gangster movies. Clothing brands like Tommy Hilfiger who were selling sportswear also became popular. Other brands became associated with great urban and hip hop clothing like FUBU, Reebok, Adidas, Ecko, Rocawear and lots more.

Before men and women were sharing their passion for loose and baggy clothes. During the 90s, women urban fashion was becoming more feminine and body hugging. Urban clothing brands were now focusing on women and how to accentuate their femininity with hip hop touch.

The New Millennium

Nowadays, urban clothing has fully crossed barriers. It has become popular not only in the United States but also in different countries. Rappers and hip hop artists are not the only people who are wearing urban clothing. Even successful businessmen and influential people are seen sporting casual urban look. Currently, urban designs are retracing its roots, since most current fashion are trends since the 80s and 90s.

Urban outfit has become accessible since numerous brands have emerged. Not only can it be bought in ground stores, but online stores are providing consumers choices which cost lower. Common critique on urban and hip hop fashion and accessories is that it could be very expensive. There are hip hop artists who are trying to don simple and not that expensive urban wear to make a statement against materialism.

Urban wear could have changed much over the years, but one thing remains: showing yourself and identity through clothing. Expensive accessories and clothes is not what urban wear is, it is about attitude.

Wedding Speech Tips

2011-09-28T11:45:00.001-07:00

The wedding speech is essential for the occasion as an opportunity to let the feelings of the speaker is known for the bride and groom. However, some people do not know how to make a good wedding speech.

Here are some of the most valuable advice wedding speech, you can use to create your own messages without any outside help.

Wedding Speech Tips: The main message

First, you need to know the exact message you want to convey to the bride and groom. Your message should be a main theme. If you would like to thank the couple to invite you? Will you let them know how you feel about marriage? It is important that you know what you mean, because you will remember the words you want to say, even if you do not remember your speech word for word.

The second point is to remember the things you should avoid during your speech. Here is the list of things you should avoid while you say your speech:

Revelations of commitment

Under advice wedding speech, you should avoid compromising revelations during your speech. Compromising revelations, we mean something that can harm the reputation of the couple. You should be careful when phrasing your words so you can not inadvertently reveal relevant information about the couple that gets into trouble with their parents in the future.

Usage of extreme jokes of a sexual nature

Jokes of this nature should be reserved for the hearing and private only. You can make fun comments about the honeymoon or a lot of small children, but anything beyond that would be embarrassing for the couple and the people in the reception room as well.

You should also avoid making your wedding speech, when you are full. Tell your wedding speech will help you sober choose the right words to say about that. You'll also avoid embarrass you in front of many people, if you do this.

One of the suggestions talk of marriage is that it is important to remember to write down the important points you want to say something discreet. If you have trouble remembering your speech, what would you do, so you can write a small piece of paper or the palm of your hand. In this way, you have easy access to the speech without remembering all the words.

Wedding Speech Tips: other issues

You should also remember to speak from your heart. It 'very important that you say what you feel and feel what you're saying. This way you can think of right words to use without much effort. These tips will help you find groom wedding speech the right words to say when you are faced with a large crowd.

What to Do in Barcelona Spain

2011-09-28T11:32:00.001-07:00

If you are lucky enough to visit sunny Spain, then you want to visit Barcelona, as there are many things to see and do in this part of the country where you never get bored.

Some of the events in Barcelona and want to explore during your visit to Barcelona Spain are as follows.

The Asian Film Festival

During the last weekend in April through the first weekend in May, you can see the annual Asian Film Festival, which occurs at the Cultural Center of Contemporary Barcelona. This event explores and celebrates Asian cinema. There are several awards for best film in different categories. This is an important event for those involved both as a participant.

Magic Mountain Juice Fountain

This fountain, which began to charge in 1929, is an event that occurs regularly throughout the year. During the summer months, the light source during the weekend nights. If you want to see the true beauty is a place you want to visit and the lighting of the fountain is an event not to be missed when you are in Barcelona.

Open Sabadell Atlantico

If you like tennis, so they do not want to miss the annual open games that take place in the Real Club de Tennis on the last weekend of April. This event is an annual tennis event, and includes some of the biggest names in tennis. If you like sports, visit the Real Tennis Club last weekend of April, the best that Barcelona has to offer.

Brazil Art Fest

If you experience a touch of Brazil when in Barcelona, be sure to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Festival Brazilian Art in February each year. This annual event celebrates not only the art of Spain, but also the art of Brazil.

Barcelona, Poetry Festival

Each year during the last weekend in May brought together poets from all over the country to celebrate poetry in Barcelona. It is an event that is dedicated to the written word and features workshops, readings and poems. This event takes place throughout the city of Barcelona at the weekend and almost every where you look, you will see verses. You can celebrate this annual event easily by simply coming out of coffee, each of them to participate in the annual festival of poetry.

Palau de la Música concert series

The annual series of concerts that take place during the month of October at the Palau de la Musica is an event that any lover of classical music are sure. This annual series presents the best of Barcelona when it comes to classical music. You can also see international artists at this annual event which takes place during October. If you are in Barcelona in October, be sure to take in one of the concerts that take place every Thursday though Sunday at the hall.

Classical music, art and poetry, Barcelona is full of culture, history and fun for all ages. So come and see. You might even want to rent an apartment in Barcelona too!

Berlin Marathon

2011-09-23T02:01:00.001-07:00

This year Berlin will present the Marathon in the 38^th version on Sunday, September 25, 2011. Around 15000 runners are expected to be present before the massive crowd of 50,000 spectators. The event is expected to get bigger and popular, with the finishing line Brandenburg Gate, which is the true symbol of German unity, getting more and more addictive. One of the fact associated with this event is the crazy competition between men and women. Till now seven world records have been created in this marathon, out which four are for men and three are for women. So this time girls will try to level the scores and thus there would be stiff competition between the two. Also world record holders Haile Gebrselassie and Irina Mikitenko will run in the marathon, giving a strong competition to each other.

This is amongst the fastest and most famous marathons in the world which find its place comfortably through the Berlin streets. The event provides the true sight of the vast Berlin city and one can feel the rich customs and traditions of the city through the entire event. The BMW Marathon is awarded the special title ‘The Marathon of the Decade’ by the International Marathons Association and this has put the seven stars in the hat of this event. Every time thousands of athletes from different corners of the world visit Berlin to participate in the festival and embark their name in the glorious history of this refreshing event. A record number of registrations for wheel chairs, hand bikes and runners have been noticed in the previous year and the numbers are still on a sharp rise.

The course of the marathon ranges from 30 to 40 kms which is unstoppable and unforgettable too, both for the audience and participants. The playing of Orchestras in the background further makes it more enjoyable. Nearly a million spectator visit Berlin to see this special event and also to motivate the participant athletes. A special enchanting and breadth touching atmosphere prevails over the entire event which is enough for people to take over their sorrows and enjoy the event in their own ways.

Tronco de Navidad

The Art Of Wine Tasting

2011-09-20T06:27:00.001-07:00

Even though many just assume that wine tasting is sipping, swishing, and swallowing - many are amazed to find that it's actually a bit more. Wine tasting is more of an art, an art that is used to distinguish the taste of fine wines. Wine can be a tasty and refreshing drink - if the bottle was stored correctly and aged properly.

Wine tasting begins with the swishing. The reason why wine tasters swish the wine around in their mouths is to get the taste. Both the front and the back areas of the tongue contain taste buds, although neither one has any distinct sensation in taste. Taste buds can detect food and liquid that is bitter, salty or sweet, without a problem. To get the proper taste from wine however, you need to swish it around in your mouth and allow your taste buds and sense of smell to bring out the unique and fine flavors in the wine.

When you have a cold however, the wine can taste very different. When tasting your wine, your sense of smell has a major impact on the taste. What many fail to realize, is that over 75% of our taste is due to our sense of smell. When we have a cold, our sense of smell is affected. Therefore, when eating or tasting wine with a cold, the taste will appear different. Wine tasters all over the world will tell you that tasting wine is more about a sense of smell than the actual taste buds.

The art of wine tasting is indeed an art. Wine tasters do however, follow some general guidelines and rules that judge how great a wine is. These techniques can help you bring the most out of your wine, providing you follow them and know how to bring out the taste.

The first thing to do with wine is to look. With wine, you can tell quite a bit about it by looking at it. You should always start by pouring the wine into a clear glass, then taking a few minutes to look at the color. As far as the color goes, white whines aren't white, but actually yellow, green, or brown. Red wines on the other hand are normally a pale red or dark brown color. Red wine gets better with age, while white whines get more stale with age.

Next, is the smell of the wine, which you should do in two steps. You should start with a brief smell to get a general idea of the wine, then take a deep, long smell. This deeper smell should allow you take the flavor of the wine in. The more experienced wine tasters prefer to sit back a bit and think about the smell before they actually taste the wine.

Last but not least, is to taste the wine. To properly taste the wine, you should first take a sip, swish it around in your mouth, and then swallow. Once you swish the wine around in your mouth, you'll bring out the rich and bold flavors of the wine. After swallowing, you'll be able to distinguish the after taste of the wine, and the overall flavor.

Once you have looked at the wine, smelled it, and finally tasted it, you'll be able to evaluate the wine from a taster's standpoint. This is the easiest way to determine the quality of the wine, and whether or not it has been properly stored and aged. As with all things in life - the more you taste wine - the better you will get at distinguishing the unique flavors.

buy online wine

Making Red Wine

2011-09-20T05:06:00.001-07:00

Among the many types of wine available, red wine is among the best. There are many types of red wine available, although most are made using the same methods. This very exhilarating type of wine is made from black grapes, drawing their color from the skins of the grapes.

During the beginning stages of making red wine, the grapes that have been picked are put into a crusher. Here, the crusher will gently break the skins of the grapes. Depending on what type of wine is being made and the tannin that ís required, the stalks will either be used or discarded at this point. Next, the grapes are put into a fermentation vat with the skins. This can be a long process, taking several weeks to complete. If a higher temperature is used, more tannin and color will be extracted from the grapes.

When making soft wines, the whole grapes are fermented using sealed vats. The carbon dioxide that becomes trapped in the sealed vats ferment the grapes under pressure, which is normally a quick process, taking only a few days. Keep in mind, the color and tannin content of the wine is based on how long the fermenting process takes. If the fermenting process takes a long time, the wine will generally hold more flavor and color.

The remaining bulk of the grapes will go through a press, being crushed to create a tannic wine. Sometimes, this tannic wine is added with a free run wine in order to add a bit more structure to the wine blend. Both the press and vat wine are then mixed and transferred to either tanks or barrels for a second fermentation. The second fermentation will take the longest, although it brings out the quality and taste from the wine.

All types of fine red wine will spend a minimum of a year in the barrels. Some types of red wine will spend a lot more time in the barrels, possibly several years. Red wine is also fine tuned with egg whites, which will suspend the yeast and other solids found in the wine downwards, before the wine is racked, filtered, and eventually bottled. Once the wine has been bottled, it is then shipped off and sold. Some wine however, will be stored for a period of time in the bottle before it is offered for sale.

The time a wine spends in the bottle is very important, although not every wine needs to spend a lot of time in the bottle. The more complex and more expensive types of red wine will benefit the most from aging in the bottle, to preserve flavor and color. The simple types of red wine however, don't need to spend much time at all in the bottle.

online wine store uk

Barcelona and Hermeticism

2011-09-14T06:45:00.001-07:00

In his admirable and perhaps not well understood book Modelo de espaldas, Samoan writer Albert Hanover wrote his book in exactly seventy-three pages, which is the number of names of God according to the Kabbalah, including the secret name which gives access to the real world and true life and according to Hanover, can also be found hidden somewhere in the work of Cervantes, LXIIII chapter of the second part of the ingenious Don Quixote, in which he is defeated by the false knight of the white Moon, who had previously presented as a false knight of the mirrors on the beach of Barcelona Spain.

For Hanover it is not a coincidence that the fateful battle that took place in Barcelona, and he has no hesitation in supporting that fact on a rich analysis that introduces a full text book in the Renaissance Hermetic tradition in the telluric properties of Barcelona, favored without doubt because of its privileged location between sea and mountains, as described in prehistoric times through dolmens and megaliths carefully placed at points particularly suited for flows and electrical transmissions, and whose most unique modes of expression are streams groundwater that fed more than eight hundred wells that the city had.

Although the efforts of Hanover can be described as eccentric and parodic – despite the inveterate affinity of many of critics for interpreting the writer of Samoa, perhaps too literally – it is clear that Barcelona is given a wonderful path for all kinds of hermeneutical, prone to magic and mystery that insist on presenting it as one of the greatest cities on the map, painted with secret fire of the alchemical tradition. From the rare vitality of the secret of the Catalan Rosicrucian societies -connected with Gnostic cabalistic and traditions of the nearby Girona and Provence – the amazing symbolism found in modernism, reaching the sublime to the shocking bestiary and enigmatic and sinuous forms of the Gaudí architecture, to the intriguing octagonal design of the blocks of the Eixample designed by the franc-masón Ildefonso Cerdá. It is no possible to deny the arguments to support that Barcelona could seem hermetic for anyone.

original here

International Literary Festival in Berlin

2011-09-03T07:47:00.001-07:00

Every time about 7000 people visit the festival and the numbers are increasing rapidly. The Literature festival continues for 12 days and nearly 300 + events are celebrated which are enacted by about 100’s of renowned poets every year. The numbers above itself proves the craze of this festival among the people and therefore people from different part of the world visit Berlin and register their presence every time for this special event. The main aim/concern of the entire event is to present and promote the Literature of the Eastern Europe among the interested public.

This is the 11th version of this festival and the main focus would remain on Asia and Comics during the entire event. The participants of the event are fairly selected by festival management itself whose board comprises of a network of senior international curators, renowned judges and some other experts in the field, making it a totally different and difficult process.

The budget of all the events combined in the Literature festival crosses the record 1.4 million mark. This event is regularly celebrated on an annual basis since 2001 seeing the popularity it is gaining amongst the masses. It is organized under the directorship of Ulrich Schreiber since it’s birth. Youth Literature and Children, memories of past legends, reflections of different sections of society are amongst the famous cultural events which are celebrated in this festival. Comida tipica de Mexico .Other famous events include Catalog (Katalog Der), which present biographies of poets which take part in this festival. In the International Division program for children which is celebrated here, authors and illustrators present their novels from around the world. They also present stories, poems, and illustrations and also attend workshops, school projects and other family events. The most important event of the whole festival is the choosing of 99 poems which are then resided in their own language or the German language.

original here

Sancerre Wine Region in France

2011-08-26T08:50:00.001-07:00

The Loire Valley in France is the spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc, and Sancerre is its most famous wine. With delicious floral notes and its typical thirst-quenching citrus flavours, this is a terrific wine that offers fantastic value for money.

Storage Instructions This elegant wine can be drunk now but will further improve if carefully stored for up to 1 year Delightfully crisp and elegant this superb Sancerre has the classic aromas of goosberry and freshly mown grass, gorgeous citrus and rhubarb flavours and a lovely steely finish. Splendid with seafood but great to drink on it own. An absolutely delicious dry white wine. Why not try a bottle of Sancerre Feuille de Vigne today

Jacques Léonard Barcelona Gypsy

2011-08-26T05:56:00.001-07:00

L’Arxiu Fotogràfic of Barcelona exhibits a selection of photographic works by Jacques Léonard entitled Barcelona Gypsy. In the framework of the exhibition, which will be on display until the 14^th of January 2012, the documentary Jacques Léonard, el payo Chac, directed by Yago Léonard and produced by Curt Ficcions Pruduccions, will be also presented at the French Institute of Barcelona.

This important archive is organized with around 18,000 negatives, 3,000 of these are about the Gypsy community in Barcelona Spain ranging from the late fifties to mid-seventies. These images are a unique document about life and all kinds of activities that identify the Gypsy culture of those decades.

For 15 years the photographic archive remained in forgotten, despite its historical and aesthetic significance. This exhibition rescues the memory of that time, aculture and an artist whose life mission was seeking to make a segregated community visible forever.

Jacques Léonard was born in 1909 in Paris. Son of a wealthy family in the wine regions of Jurançon, he grew up in a 40 rooms house, among fine horses and haute couture fine Parisian silk workshops owned by his family. He was horse trainer movie film editor, photographer, writer, designer, dreamer and adventurer. There was no creative activity Léonard didn’t enjoy.

His love for Gypsy people started when he discovered that his father belonged to that community, although he kept it in secret and had fully assimilated into Frenchculture. Aware of the changes operating in the post-war European society that condemned the extinction of the nomadic gypsy culture, he began his works and moved to Barcelona.

There he fell in love with a gypsy woman who worked as a model for painters and lived in the barracks of Montjuic. Her name was Rosario Amaya and was famous for her beauty and expressiveness. It was a lightning love. He left all the comforts of his lifestyle and moved to barracks of Montjuic.

Dances, dirt roads, slums and cooking stoves are some of the issues that describe the life of the Gypsies from the post-war photography humanistic perspective, in which poverty and marginalization are topics that inspire many filmmakers and photographers.

The stories that decorate the Léonard´s archive reveal his character and his passion for life. From engaging to transfer people fleeing the Spanish Civil War through the uncertain routes in the Pyrenees, to being a spy during World War II and moved to Australia with a contortionist circus, are some of the stories that you’ll see in the documentary that gave life to this exhibition at L’Arxiu Fotogràfic of Barcelona.

original here

Daniela Ortiz exhibit in Barcelona

2011-08-23T06:22:00.001-07:00

ACTE 20: Daniela Ortiz, Black Round Table” is the presentation that Zero Level of the Suñol Foundation in Barcelona Spain will exhibit. This project was the winner of the 3rd edition of the scholarship held annually in conjunction with the institution Can Xalant Creation Centre of Mataró.

What Daniela Ortiz has done in her productión “Black Round Table” is a documentary which aims to make a utopia of what Gassama did, an important artist from Senegal who settled in Barcelona and goes from the concepts that existed in the forefront of the Soviet Russia to modern architecture that currently exists in the West, this way Ortiz looks at the fragmentation, the instability and the location of objects of that time and she links them with today.

In the documentary you can watch and enjoy some of the most important art works that were made during the twentieth century. Among them are some of Le Corbusier, Miles van der Rohe and the Russian vanguard of El Lissitzky and Rodchenko. The criticism of “Black Round Table” is centered in Barcelona, which is shown as a city taken as object of consumption and the story of Gassama, a Senegalese immigrant who set up his workshop, which also functions as a home on Caputxes street in the Born neighborhood.

Gassama, beyond living in a society that has stunning urban buildings, continues to create his own structures, furniture and houses with his own hands, creating in this way, his own utopia.

Daniela Ortiz was born in Cuzco in 1985 and is only 25 years, little by little, she is finding her place in the world of art. She has a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Barcelona and held several exhibitions in her native Peru, Spain and the United States.

original here

Dansalona 2011 in Barcelona

2011-08-22T09:18:00.001-07:00

Inaugurated not long ago, Dansalona has become one of the main international dance events in Barcelona Spain. This great cultural event will exhibit the best of the corporal movements accompanied by music and art as an expression of effort to share experiences in the universal language of dance.

The second edition of Dansalona has as its main objective to consolidate the festival as an artistic reference event in Europe, as well as attracting tourism that’s interested in international culture.

Referenced by the excellent results obtained in the first edition, this year the festival includes a wide range of presentations that will take over the theatres and various public spaces in the city. Dansalona is so popular tthat it will even be an integral part of traditional festivals such as the Gràcia Festival and the Sants Festival, which will take place in August.

This year, the festival has the fortune of having the backing of the Theatre Companies Association of Catalunya, ADETCA, who will perform the organisation of the events in the public spaces and theatres. The places that will become venues will be, among others, the Mercat de les Flors, Poble Espanyol and, of course, the Gran Teatre del Liceu.

With a series of works of renown artists both local and international, Dansalona offers a wide range of shows that include explorative works of cultural identity and lifestyles of today which are of global reach and that encompass classic and contemporary dance.

This festival is definitely one of the best activities this summer in the Catalan capital. So if you’re a fan or a professional of dance, you’ll enjoy observing the most aesthetic, passionate and sensitive movements or, if you just want to get out of your routine and go to a festival that will take your breath away, Dansalona is your best option. If you want, you can also bring your family, these shows are thought for young and not-so-young so there’s no excuse to miss out on this magnificent event, unique in its type.

original here

La Publicité Recycle l’Histoire in Paris

2011-08-22T09:04:00.001-07:00

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris is exhibiting ‘La Publicité Recylcle l’Histoire’ until the 28th of August. The Museum investigates the manipulation that advertising design makes through the use of history and the historical characters during the 20th century, and for that they’ve selected files and films from the collection of the museum which are presented in interesting formats.

The Museum has prepared an interesting programme for young people of in between 18 and 25 years old in a nocturnal timetable. For children in between 7 and 10 years old they’ve prepared the programme History Figures and Advertising Stars, where they’ll be able to entertain themselves with amusing games and advertising objects creations with great historical characters.

Despite one thinking that advertising is not even two centuries old, history tells us that the Egyptians already worked with precarious forms of advertising on papyrus paper that today are property of the British Museum in London. The papyrus was a warning that requested information for a runaway slave, offering a reward for who brought him back to its owner.

Maybe it was precarious but it had all the elements that the most simple of adverts requires, which is a warning. Ancient Greece wasn’t far behind. In 480 BC propagandistic means appeared which promoted the laws of Solon in the altarpieces that were axons, which maybe were the predecessors of political advertising.

In Rome the first billboards appeared, which consisted in enormous boards that were used to keep the officials informed in a permanent way, which were known as ‘alba’. Also, there were the ‘Libelli’ which are known as posters today and that had the same purpose: selling slaves, selling objects, house renting, promoting shows, etc.

That way and to the extent that commerce transformed itself into a fundamental economic activity, advertising followed its course. The birth of print would mark the limit of modern advertising. In 1711 the owner of The Spectator newspaper discovered that selling warnings increased the income and allowed the growth of printing, opening an important space to advertising that, with time, has transformed into a fundamental source of economic sustainment of the media.

Barcelona Spain

original source here

Martin Parr Photography Exhibition in Madrid

2010-07-02T04:14:00.001-07:00

Matin Parr’s work is characterized by its criticism and analysis of different social classes and social values. This British artist uses irony and humor characteristic when to represent the harsh reality of the working class. In the 80’s, during the height of the Thatcher years, turned his eye and camera to the English middle class, families vacationing on the beach, with kids swimming and playing with garbage, on dirty and damaged beaches.

Some describe his art as insensitive while others appreciate his unsparing depictions of modern life. He studied at Manchester Polytechnic and in 1994 became a member of the international photographer´s collective Magnum. He has received awards, such as the Erich Salomon prize or in PhotoEspaña. He has published several books and has had numerous exhibitions mainly in Europe.

Posted via email from barcelona apartments

Le blog de Betty and Zara

2010-06-29T03:22:00.001-07:00

Have you heard of the beautiful French blogger Betty and her controversy with Zara? Wake up, before you miss out on this phenomenon… Betty is a 27 year old Parisian who shares her passion for fashion through her blog, which is visited about 40,000 times a day. The saga began 2 years ago….

The queen of Parisian fashion

On 22 May, Betty received over 700 comments for her new post “Zara, We Have a Problem”: fashion brand Zara was inspired by a photo of Betty taken in Miami, and used it as the basis for a drawing used for a t shirt. A dark-haired girl, looked over her spectacles, while wearing a jeans jacket, drinking through a straw and making a peace sign with her left hand….Just like the photo of Betty … what a mystery. But perhaps there is no problem, as since then, the French blogger has been working with lots of top fashion brands …

Posted via email from barcelona apartments

The Spectre of War

2010-06-28T03:07:00.001-07:00

Dominating the galaxy typically evokes visions of science fiction stories and the delusions of grandeur of a depraved human race, who want to control the rest of humanity and all living things. The interesting thing is that science fiction is not always so unrealistic. The utopian or apocalyptic images serve as a warning, or as a way to express and reflect fears and anxieties of the present moment.

If we think about it, there seems to be more world domination than we would like to admit. In short, under the Bush administration, the United States decided to take armed control of space. The documentary Pax Americana, which opened in March this year, eloquently and concisely explores this controversial topic and sheds light on the goings-on that have allowed the greatest superpowers to secure their dominion over space.

Posted via email from barcelona apartments

Young Fashion Designers

2010-06-25T03:51:00.001-07:00

First there was Tavi Gevinson, the 13 year old style guru who conquered the US, Paris and Japan. But the story of Cecilia Cassini is even wackier. This cute teenager with her long blonde hair is not just obsessed with fashion – she also designs. She even sold her collection to the exclusive Fred Segal store in California! So how old is she? 17? 16? No! In fact she just turned 10. Please, she’s not even in Junior High yet!

She’s been called the new Donna Karan and teenage star Miley Cyrus confessed to be an enormous fan of Cecilia’s designs. Seriously, I always thought you had to study design or at least have a major in fashion. Apparently all you need is to ask your parents to buy you a sewing machine (she got one when she was 6 years old), some talent, and a lucky scrunchie.

Posted via email from barcelona apartments

The Javier Krahe Trial

2010-06-25T03:43:00.001-07:00

A busy housewife in the kitchen pulls a Christ from his cross, washes it under running water and puts it in a baking tray, accompanied by potatoes and butter. The voiceover explains that after three days of cooking at moderate temperature, the Christ will walk out of the oven all by himself!

This short film is called “How to Cook a Christ” and is barely a minute long. It was made by singer Javier Krahe in the late 70s, and sprang out of the atmosphere of freedom, rebellion and provocation that followed the end of the Franco dictatorship. Krahe could hardly have imagined that this short was going to cause him problems more than thirty years later!

In 2004 the singer was interviewed by a Canal + program, which screened a few frames of the film during the interview. This outraged some Catholic viewers, particularly those associated with the Thomas More Law Center, which denounced Krahe and the program for “attacking religious sentiment”.

Posted via email from barcelona apartments

Solidays Festival in Paris

2010-06-22T04:48:00.001-07:00

Get ready to rock and roll for a good cause and enjoy the music in Paris during the Solidays festival 25 until 27 June. 10 years ago, that this festival began to bring together some of the most interesting musical offerings at a good price. The festival is an incredible bargain and features concerts by more than 80 artists over three days for only 49 euros, and even better, profits go to charities for the fight against AIDS. More than the typical festival of drunkenness and flirting, it’s a “militant festival”, which supports social solidarity.

Previous editions have had more than 100,000 attendees, and the stars and talent present this year should attract similar crowds… There will be concerts by Florence and the Machine, Local Natives, NERD, Brother Ali, Femi Kuti, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Crookers, Wolfmother, Kasabian, Delphic, Staff Benda Bilili, the Toots and the Maytals, Vanessa Paradis, Archive and Wax Tailor, just to name a few.

Posted via web from Justine in Camden

Georg Baselitz and Benjamin Katz Exhibition in Helsinki

2010-06-22T04:42:00.001-07:00

The friendship of the German artist Georg Baselitz and Belgian photographer Benjamin Katz began more than four decades ago and is now commemorated with an exhibition in Helsinki, which not only shows the last work of this neo-expressionist artist, but also will dedicate a space to Katz´s portraits of Baselitz, made in the last twenty years.

Sons of modernity, these two fascinating figures have always been linked by having the courage to find their own path and their faith in change, as well as their incessant interest in the past. Baselitz, for example, has always been attracted to the darker parts of German history of as was, as well as the darkest parts of his own history. Katz, on the other hand, started in art by opening his own gallery, and then devoted himself exclusively to photography

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Tina Modotti Exhibition in Vienna

2010-06-17T04:13:00.001-07:00

Museum Kunst Haus Wien in Vienna hosts a historical exhibition of the work of Tina Modotti, noted Italian-American photographer. The exhibit runs from July 1 until 7 November. It will include her famous series “Women of Tehuantepec” as well as studies of plants, pictures and rare photos.

The path of Tina Modotti, who was born in 1896 in Udine, Italy, was filled with intrigue and suspense. She died in 1942 in Mexico, after having crossed the world to create art and to promote her radical political ideals. As a teenager she had immigrated to the United States with her family, and it was there she would meet Edward Weston. She was his model, assistant and lover for many years; perhaps part of the reason her work did not receive the attention it deserved for many years. Art critics dismissed her as just another muse. Today, we recognize that she was much more.

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Marrakech Popular Arts Festival

2010-06-04T04:09:00.001-07:00

Every year around June or July the city of Marrakech becomes a little livelier for the Festival Nacional des Arts Populaires. This year, the 45th edition Marrakech’s Popular Arts Festival will take place from the 16th until the 24th of July. As one of the most popular events in Marrakech, this festival features entertainers and all sorts of artists from across Europe and Asia and combines modern entertainment with old traditions.

But this event doesn’t only stand for internationality. This event is a melting pot for the cultures of Marocco’s various regions and creates a unique experience of sounds, color and rhythm. Ancient folkdances, traditional Berber musicians and the enchantment of belly dancers are some of the traditional highlights this event has to offer. One of the most popular features is the ‘fantasia’, a choreographed trick horse-riding spectacle held each evening in a field near the Bab Jdid just outside the city walls. Some of the main events will take place on the city’s main square, Djemma el Fna.

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Travelling Smart in Barcelona

2010-06-04T04:00:00.001-07:00

Barcelona is certainly an exciting place to be, but together with that buzz come a few more unsavoury angles, including the problem of pickpockets.

Tourists in all parts of the world are continually advised to take precautions when travelling, not only about shopping around for a travel insurance quote before they leave home but also about taking care where they go whilst abroad and the need to keep a close watch on their possessions.

Already the Telegraph, Times and Daily Mail newspapers in the UK have published stories about the problem of pickpockets operating in Barcelona, with two of them alarmingly calling the city the pickpocket capital of the world. Many of Europe’s big tourist cities like Rome, Madrid, Prague and Amsterdam also have issues with pickpockets and it’s a problem that is difficult to solve without the combined action of the police together with tourists taking adequate precautions themselves.

more here on Travel Smart Barcelona

Posted via web from Justine in Camden

Maximal Festival: Techno Music in Milan

2010-06-04T03:51:00.001-07:00

Get your glow sticks ready for the second edition of Maximal Festival, where you’ll be able to dance for a marathon 12 hours to electronic music outdoors on June 12 in Milan. This event promotes the culture of electronic music in Italy, and will take place in the ParcoEsposizioni Novegro. It has a diverse line-up of some of the best and most celebrated artists in the world of Trance, Drum’n'Bass, Techno and Hard techno. Some of the artists confirmed include Eddie Halliwell, Danilo Vigorito, Scan 7, Sean Tyas, Monika Kruse, Juan Atkins, Noisia., Renato Cohen, Underground Resistance, Alessio Mereu, Play Paul., Alan Oldham and Bhonz. Of course, the presence of Juan Atkins from Detroit promises to be quite an event and deserves special mention.

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

What's in the food we eat?

2010-06-04T03:46:00.001-07:00

It’s been more than 20 years since both obesity and the number of diets to follow both increasing We’ve gone from demonizing fat, to sugar, to too much meat and animal products, to carbohydrates, or blame our parents for having transmitted the gene for obesity or having taught us poor eating habits. To Marion Nestle, nutrition professor at New York University, however, the culprit is actually food industry itself.

The truth is that few people know what to eat. And apparently the food industry knows very well how to take advantage of this ignorance, promote dubious truths about food to encourage consumers to eat up more of these nutritionally bankrupt new products, which have been invading the supermarkets in recent years. Nestle wants to shed light on the ins and outs of the food industry, because she is fed up with the lies and manipulation of an industry which, honestly, cares far more for their money than our health. Here are some rules that will help you make healthy choices when going to the market.

barcelona reformas

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

How about making love in the hot tub?

2010-06-01T04:50:00.001-07:00

Exciting, relaxing, comfortable and…Hot sex in a hot tub may turn out to be the perfect choice for couples looking to have sensual, wet sensations. Don’t bother worrying about the myth that men’s fertility may be damaged by overheating their testicles in the tub, and start preparing for a hot night. Add some spark to your sex life with more than just naughty toys, you can try new positions and look for new places to practice your fantasies.

What a thrill!
Having sex outdoors is always thrilling and stimulating. If you finally decide to end an evening outside in the hot tub, its powerful jets, bubbles and a glass of champagne will increase your desire to make love to your partner.

catalonia

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

What is the Forever 27 Club?

2010-06-01T04:46:00.001-07:00

Membership of this club will make you a legend. You will influence generations of music-lovers, who worship you. You’ll have the status of a semi-god, surrounded by mystery and intrigue. But this is the club no-one wants to be in. The Forever 27 club is dedicated to influential rock and blues artists who all died at the age of 27, under mysterious circumstances.

The first one to go, in 1969, was Brian Jones – the founder and guitarist of the Rolling Stones. He was found death at the bottom of his swimming pool after a party. Three people were present at the time (including his girlfriend Anna Wohlin), and though the autopsy showed heavy liver damage there were no indications of intoxication. Suspected is that he was murdered by Frank Thorogood. At his funeral, neither Keith Richards nor Mick Jagger bothered to show up.

learn spanish

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Closed Society - A Very Special Club

2010-05-26T03:50:00.001-07:00

In Barcelona and Madrid there is a curious paradox: despite their deserved reputation of being cosmopolitan and modern cities, it is not easy to find places where one feels truly free, and doesn’t have to bow to current trends or the demands of “up-standing” citizens. That is why when one finds an oasis of freedom it’s worth exploring and promoting it … Following this spirit, allow me to talk about the colourful events of the “Sociedad Cerrada” (closed society).

These encounters were born years ago in Berlin, under the name of geschlossene Gesellschaft, as a private party between friends, and have grown in popularity and attendance. In Barcelona there have already been eleven editions of Sociedad Cerrada (usually one or two each year). These parties are designed as a space for free artistic, musical and visual expression, in which guests can indulge their own fantasies in an atmosphere, which despite being crowded, is warm and welcoming.

english in barcelona

Crime and Punishment at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris

2010-05-26T03:35:00.001-07:00

The Musée d’Orsay is undoubtedly one of the Parisian museums worth more than just one visit. The building itself is an old railway station, built for the world’s fair of 1900, and its successful transformation into a museum was carried out by a team led by Game Aulenti, which alone should arouse your curiosity. The exhibition area occupies 16. 853 m², and there are 80 galleries and rooms housing the museum’s collection, with works from the period 1848-1914, as well as exhibitions.

The novel by Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky “Crime and Punishment” gives the title to this original and interesting exhibition, which opened on March 16 and runs until June 27, 2010. Crime and punitive systems, and their political, legal and social implications constitute an interesting thematic framework for this curatorial exploration, which will surely give rise to much discussion. Crime literature is also one of the genres most appreciated by readers worldwide.

The exhibition offers a historical and artistic vision of crime and its punishment, worth visiting for its perspective on issues which continue being important in the present day. To take advantage of the city to rent apartments in Paris, where you can relax just like at home.

SEO Barcelona

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Tentesion - Fetish and BDSM Photographer

2010-05-19T03:23:00.001-07:00

Leather, latex, ropes, heels, corsets, whips, uniforms … These fetish subculture icons are visually arresting, and yet there are very few photographers really able to capture images which show their true sensuality, elegance and eroticism. The photographer called Tentesion in Barcelona is undoubtedly one of them, and thanks to his unique point of view he has become one of the most respected Barcelona fetish photographers.

Some of his most famous images can be found on book covers of various volumes by publisher Bellaterra dedicated to the world of sadomasochism, such as ” Dominación sensual “, ” Armarios de cuero ” or “BDSM. Estudios sobre la dominación y sumisión.” That same editorial has also published a beautiful book of photographs called “Miradas” absolutely essential for any lover of alternative sensuality. This book collects Tentesion´s most powerful images of everything from outdoor rope suspensions to simple but impressive nude and glamorous erotic shots.

reformas en Barcelona

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

The Lake Bodom Murder Mystery

2010-05-17T04:39:00.001-07:00

This year, on the fourth of June, is exactly 50 years ago since 4 teenagers were brutally attacked at the peaceful nature site of Lake Bodom in Finland. Fifty years later, the murders remain unsolved. The Finnish metal band ‘Children of Bodom’ took its name from the murders, and dedicated several songs to the victims. But what happened that fateful night, 50 years ago?

Four teenagers decided to go camping near Lake Bodom. The girls Anja and Maila were 15 years old, and the boys Seppo and Nils were 18 years old. They had fun, set up their tent and went to sleep. But somewhere between 4am and 6am, the Grim Reaper appeared. An unknown person surprised the teenagers in their sleep and they were stabbed to death. Only one of them survived: Nils Gustafsson, who was severely injured. Over the years there have been many theories, and the German Hans Assmann confessed the murders on his deathbed. No proof was ever found and the police claimed he had an alibi.

Probably this is one of those mysterious cases which will never be solved. The Finnish Lake Bodom is beautiful, but I wouldn’t dare to go out there camping at night.

seo en Barcelona

Frida Kahlo Exhibition in Berlin

2010-05-12T04:02:00.001-07:00

The German capital just recently inaugurated an retrospective dedicated to legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), one of the most controversial and mythic figures of this central American country, and one of the most relevant representatives of feminist art in the early 20th century.

Kahlo lived through and era full of radical social and political changes, which conditioned both her personal and artistic life. She crossed paths with such figures as Leon Trotsky (who lived in her house from 1937 until1939) or the photographer Tina Modotti. However the encounter which most marked her life was meeting Diego de Rivera, another very important figure in Mexican art.

Only Berlin

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Monet and the Abstract in Madrid

2010-05-07T03:35:00.001-07:00

Youth tends not to be a fan of anything academic, preferring to reinvent the wheel with its own style and unique vision. This desire to innovate pushed painter Claude Monet to develop his brush-strokes and gave rise to abstract landscapes free of the artistic conventions which reined supreme during the nineteenth century. This key figure of the impressionist movement revolutionized the manner in which reality was represented in the visual arts to such an extent that we can now talk about abstraction.

The exhibit “Monet y la abstracción” which occupies several rooms in the Museum Thyssen and also Caja Madrid will be on display until the 30th of May, and proposes taking a fresh look at the work of this important figure in art history. His landscape of the port, Impression, Sunrise (1872) gave rise to the name of the impressionist movement. The critic and humorist Louis Leroy ironically defined this painting as impressive in a review for the journal Le Charivari.

catalonia barcelona

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Shopping in Florence

2010-05-07T03:31:00.001-07:00

All the most important Italian cities have many historical monuments and art works, as well as countless opportunities to go shopping…

The capital of Tuscany is a must-see destination. Apart from the areas around Via Vigna Nuova, Via de’ Calzaiuoli or Via Tornabuoni, where you find all the latest fashions and accessories as well as big boutiques of all the top Italian brands (Dolce&Gabbana, Versace, Gucci, Armani etc.), you owe it to yourself to stop by Ponte Vecchio. This bridge over the river Arno is a tourist attraction itself, seen on thousands of postcards and one of the most visited and photographed locations in Florence, and also home to the best jewellers in the city. During the age of the Medicis, it was where all the goldsmith shops were.

Authentic Chinese Cooking

Man Ray and Robert Mapplethorpe: Two photographic geniuses

2010-05-04T03:40:00.001-07:00

The Marconi Modern and Contemporary Art Foundation in Milan has for years been a referential institution for lovers of photography and modern art, and stands out for its rigorous efforts and initiative. It organizes conferences, seminars, exhibits and events to popularize the arts. This year they have curated an exhibit featuring works from two stand-out American photographers Man Ray and Robert Mapplethorpe.

This exhibit covers two multi-faceted artist-photographers who were active in different moments. Man Ray worked from the 20´s to the 70´s and Robert Mapplethorpe from the 70´s until his death in 1989 that have left an indelible mark on the world of art and photography.

Reformas

Addicted to Love

2010-04-28T03:16:00.001-07:00

You are absolutely convinced that he is the one, the man of your dreams, your prince charming, you can’t live without him, a perfect man who fulfills all your needs. But is it love? True love? For me it sounds more like a drug. Stop thinking about him for a second and try to analyse your situation.

Be honest with yourself!

How did it all begin? Was it one of those parties where your best friend’s boyfriend came with his cousin, a shy sexy guy attracting glances from all the single girls? Hours passed by like seconds and you just couldn’t take your eyes off of him. Finally he came to you and mentioned he had seen you looking at him all night and asked for your phone number. You realized he was not such a shy guy and fell for him. Days went by, you became lovers and you showed him you were ready and willing to do everything for him.

Barcelona Apartments

A Roy Lichtenstein retrospective

2010-04-28T03:13:00.001-07:00

You’ve surely heard of Lichtenstein, noted friend of Andy Warhol. Together they participated in the first big exhibit of Pop Art in 1962 in New York. Lichtenstein was fascinated by the universe of comics, and he explored them through various formats, which you can see for yourself if you visit the “Meditations on Art” exhibit on display until the 30th of May in the Milan Triennial.

Composed of paintings, drawings, collages and sculptures, the exhibit features more than 100 large-scale works in which yellows, reds, blues, black and white dominate. This is the first time such a retrospective on this fabulous New York artist has been organized, and it’s waiting for you in Milan. Take advantage and pay a visit! If you have been in Barcelona Catalonia, perhaps you are familiar with one of his sculptures near the port “Head” (1991-1992), which was inspired by architect Antoni Gaudí´s aesthetic and commissioned especially for the Olympic Games.

Now Whey Protein

Cevahir Mall in Istanbul

2010-04-28T03:07:00.001-07:00

The Cevahir Shopping Centre in Istanbul is the largest one in Europe. The constructed area is nearly 108 acres and currently there are 343 shops, spread over 6 floors. And don’t think that shopping is all it has to offer. There are also 48 restaurants, a cinema complex and a covered theme park called Atlantis. Pretty amazing huh? It’s ranked as the 6th largest shopping centre in the world.

The number one is occupied by the South China Mall. In theory. Besides fancy decorations such as a 25 meter high replica of the Arc the Triumph and a 2km long Venetian canal with gondolas, it also has space for 2350 shops. Again, in theory. Because 5 years after its grand opening, more than 99% of the space is still empty. The few employees they have are sleeping their way through the day. It is basically a desolate piece of concrete.

Human anatomy courses

Louise Bourgeois

2010-04-28T03:04:00.001-07:00

Today let’s talk about this amazing Paris born artist, who began her career studying math and geometry but later dropped out to study art in various Parisian academies, the academy which is part of the Louvre. In 1937 she married Robert Goldwater and immigrated to the US, where she had 3 children. Her parents worked restoring tapestries, and she always helped them to work on the drawings. She once said her art began when she grabbed a piece of bread and began to sculpt the figure of her father, who she was trying to avoid. Once she finished the sculpture, she amputated all its limbs. From this moment forward she knew that this rather morbid act would define her future career.

Her childhood was difficult. Her father always boasted of her achievements, yet also belittled her, and generally made his children feel miserable. He cheated on her beloved mother (who Louise took care of until her death) with her governess. Her childhood is reflected in many of her works.

original here at Louise Bourgeois

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Drink spiking is still going on

2010-04-16T03:53:00.001-07:00

Spring and Summer are on their way, which means the European party season kicks in with a vengeance. It is the sad reality for travellers and locals that this also increases the rate of drink-spiking and the new and imaginative ways it can happen. This doesn’t mean anyone should be paranoid (after all, it kind of kills the fun if you’re constantly watching out for freaks with Roofies in their pocket) but it does mean it’s a good moment for a reminder of what to watch out for.

The good news is that drink spiking methods haven’t really changed much. The bad news is that drink-spiking is still common.

Alcohol is by far the most common drink-spiking substance. It’s not as confusing as it sounds. You order a standard shot and get a little more (three or four times more) than you bargained for. Five or six drinks over the course of an evening and you’re in no position to know where you are or who you’re with. And the kind new friend you’ve made who’s been buying your drinks all night is in a prime position to take advantage. Guys, we’re not just saying ‘take advantage’ as a nice way of talking about date-rape here: Men are almost as commonly victims of drink-spiking too. The motivation may not always be the same (yep, sex with a person who is too out-of-it to really consent) but mugging is the number-one reported summer crime, especially in a social situation. That cutie who has has been hanging out with you all night – and watching your drink while you hit the bathrooms – may be after more than just your good looks and charm.

the rest is here at : drink spiking

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Life in the 70’s – An Exhibition in Seville

2010-04-16T03:47:00.001-07:00

I was crazy about that ‘70’s show. Hyde was my favorite character, with his eternal sunglasses and sideburns. The show talked about everyday life of a bunch of teenagers in the seventies. About how badly Eric wanted a cassette player, about going to the drive-in movies, the fight Donna had to put up to get the birth control pill, the time when all the boys were obsessed with Star Wars and of course baking brownies with marihuana.

Of course it’s only a TV show. You want to know how life really was in the seventies? Then you should definitely pay a visit to the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (CAAC). They present the exhibition “The 70’s” (until 25th of April 2010), with photos from Karen Knorr, Laurie Anderson, Ed van der Elsken and David Goldblatt among others. Look how the society changed and how the invention of things like calculators, Polaroid cameras and microwaves had an impact on people’s life. And don’t forget all the crazy new food: cocktail wieners, baby corn, meat on a stick,… Gaze at the classic hairstyles, the hideous wall paper and old skool furniture. This exhibition really shows the emerging of a new generation.

original post here at: the 70s decade

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Atelier Van Lieshout – Exhibition in Vienna

2010-04-14T04:06:00.001-07:00

AVL, artist’s collective whose interventions touch on art, design and architecture was founded by the Dutch artist Joep Van Lieshout, born 1963 in Raventein, Holland. Principally the group is known for its large scale portable sculpture designs. One of my favourite works is their “Wellness Skull” (2007), a giant skull made for rest and relaxation (see photo). The neck contains a small bathroom, and the head a sauna which releases vapour through the eyes when in use.

See the full gallery on posterous

Another of their famous skulls is called the “Sensory Deprivation Skull” (2007), constructed after careful study. It is built so as to take up a minimum of space, while allowing for sufficient space to relax. Here one can forget about all noise and bother from the outside world.

Beauty sizes up

2010-04-09T07:33:00.001-07:00

Spring is here, and the moment for flimsy clothing and baking in the sun has arrived. Once again women’s magazines feature headlines like “operation bikini” and women start driving themselves crazy about their bodies. But did you know that real curves and leaving a bit to the imagination can really turn a man on? Clearly, the most important thing is feel comfortable in your own skin, but please, do me the favour of being faithful to your form, and don’t turn yourself into a hollow skeleton with nary an inch of flesh left to discover. You’ll see how good it feels when a man catches hold of your waist when there is something to hold on to

¿Fashion Show or Freak Show?
After the Cibeles fashion show in Madrid and the Milan Fashion Fair, controversy broke out about the upsettingly emaciated physique of some of the models. While not a new subject, it broke into the news when one of the designers, Angel Schlesser, dared to say: “I don’t feel like I encourage anorexia. Anorexia is caused by drunk or neglectful mothers”.

original post here: plus size models

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Semen based recipes

2010-04-09T06:33:00.001-07:00

If I start talking about the nutritive properties and delicate flavour of my sperm, your first reaction would probably be suspicion. Lots of couples have started this kind of talk only to end up with the outraged scream “whatever you say, I’m NOT swallowing it!”. But in this case, let me assure you that my intentions are honest and pure: I only want to tell you about one of the latest sensations in the world of international cooking, that is… Semen-based recipes.

After the initial shock and hesitation, you may start to consider that using sperm as an ingredient has some very logical advantages. It is incredibly easy and cheap to produce (you can find a viable producer in almost every home), it has lots of protein and intense organoleptic qualities (that is, a surprisingly good smell and taste). Semen has a very dynamic taste, meaning that there will be subtle (or not-so-subtle) variations in its taste depending on a lot of factors like the “donor” regular diet, health habits, or even what did he eat the night before of the semen extraction.

original article here: Semen Recipes

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Tao Beliefs - the way of the Tao

2010-04-07T07:48:00.001-07:00

When we talk about the duality of the Yin and the Yang, we refer not only to the attraction and repulsion of opposites but a whole philosophy and religion from China called Taoism. The Tao, Wu-wei, Fu, Ch’i, Acupuncture, Feng Shui and several martial arts define this wisdom taught by Lao Tseu centuries ago. We take this exceptional exhibition in Paris, ‘The way of the Tao, another path to being’, which brings together 250 works and unedited pieces, to open the doors of the Eastern spirit.

The Tao is emptiness, absence and the source of all existence. It is also the road, route, or the way. It is expressed in nature, thus, to enter into connection with it, you have to be in harmony with Mother Earth. Its symbol is the Taijitu known as the Yin and Yang, the feminine and masculine, the possible and real. This discipline is primarily focused on the individual, in his spiritual life and consciousness. It is also said that its roots have to do with shamanism - a practice that is becoming increasingly appealing to Westerners.

more here at: Tao Beliefs

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Harmless Fetishes – or the weird and funny stuff that turn us on

2010-04-06T08:04:00.001-07:00

We all have things that turn us on, but when a turn-on becomes an obsession about an inanimate object, it qualifies as a fetish. Yes, there are weird and kinda scary fetishes but there are a LOT of harmless and funny fetishes in the world too. Here are just a few of the things that some folk go crazy for. You may not have heard of them before, but if you have – and your fetish is on the list – it might be nice to know you’re not alone!

Balloon Popping Fetish
This one is a distant cousin of the latex fetish, and either involves popping balloons (often by crushing them between the legs) or just getting off on watching them being inflated. Usually the inflating is done by mouth, but for some people a balloon-inflating machine is enough to get them all tingly! A further step to the balloon inflation fetish is riding the balloon (think slow-rolling rodeo ride and you get the picture).

The Foot Fetish
A foot fetishist doesn’t necessarily need the foot to be involved in the sex act, although a ‘foot job’ here and there doesn’t go astray. Watching, touching and fantasising about feet is often enough to trigger arousal. In fact, a foot fetish model can take home US$100 or more per hour simply for letting a client ogle, stroke and fondle his or her feet.

Read more of this post here: Harmless Fetishes

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Miss Prussia 2010 - The Story of Prussia’s most beloved queen

2010-04-01T04:40:00.001-07:00

Do you remember that there once existed a kingdom in Europe called Prussia? It’s capital was Berlin, and it included parts of modern day Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. The state became abolished alter World War II, since it was seen as the source of all evil. In Germany, people from the south sometimes still use the word Saupreiß (literally: Stupid Prussian) to refer to inhabitants of the North. But that doesn’t mean that all history should be forgotten. This year, it is the 200th anniversary of the death of Prussia’s most beloved queen: Luise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1776 – 1810). In her honor, the Charlottenburg Palace presents the exhibition ‘Luise. The Life and Legend of the Queen’.

Luise was said to be extraordinary beautiful, and when she was 17 years old she married the crown prince of Prussia: William Frederich III. Their life was far from easy, since at the time of her reign Prussia was at war with France. They had to move from place to place, while the Prussian army was fighting Napoleon. Luise had 10 children, of whom 3 died in childhood. Her daughter Charlotte was to become the next Empress of Russia.

original here at - Miss Prussia Berlin

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Art & Beer Exhibition in Madrid

2010-04-01T04:36:00.001-07:00

Art does not always have something to do with abstract and incomprehensible figures. On the contrary! Especially visual arts use everyday objects to create real masterpieces. Precisely this idea, which seems very simple at first, is what drove the Gaugi gallery in the Spanish capital. They present you with one of the most freaky and fascinating exhibitions in the world: “Art and Beer“! Fancy a drink?

“Art and Beer”, the organizers could not have chosen a better title for this exhibition. Under this motto, several creative artists got carried away by their imagination, with the full support of national and international beer brands. Surely they worked with a brush in one hand and a cold beer in the other. Can’t be bad for the creative process! In the old days, the muse of an artist was usually a voluptuous woman, today they are inspired by beers. How quickly things change, right?

more here at Art and Beer Exhibition Madrid

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Would Manga Survive Without Eroticism?

2010-03-30T04:40:00.001-07:00

Who would have thought that Japanese with their lustful minds despite their gentle but cold appearance, would plan to censor manga comics due to their high amount of sexual content? Well, that is exactly what the Tokyo assembly wants to do: to restrict comics and animated images that contain sexually provocative depictions of “nonexistent minors” – an ambiguous concept that is concerning main characters that people could reasonably assume to be minors, based on their appearances.

An institution in Japan
Manga in Japan is truly a phenomenon. It constituted an annual 406 billion yen (approximately $3.6 billion USD) for the publication-industry by 2007. As you scan imagine, people of all ages and all kind of social class read mangas, not only young people. Japan also has manga cafés, or manga kissa, where people drink coffee and read manga, and sometimes stay overnight.

So, for now, your perverted minds still can enjoy seeing Akane’s knickers, the girl in Dash!! Kappei, Ranma’s boobs or those tiny school-uniforms that appear in Sailor Moon. If I were you, I would book the ideal accommodation on Apartments in Lisbon and, after visiting city’s treasures, I would devour the last manga issues before it’s too late and you are not able to get horny with these stories.

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Istanbul Internacional Film Festival 2010

2010-03-30T04:35:00.001-07:00

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. Today, we find normal that all human beings are equal, and we become indignant when we hear about racism. But not so long ago, the world was a very different place. Things have changed since then but, truth to be told, when it comes to equal human rights – there is still a lot of work to do.

Organizations like Amnesty International do their part, but also small initiatives can help. Just like the Council of Europe Film Award, for example. On the Istanbul International Film Festival they will hand out a special award to a film that raises public awareness and interest in human rights issues. President of the jury is Marco Bechis, who won the award last year for a movie about the Guarani Indians, called ‘BirdWatchers’.

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

Woody Allen and his new muse - Carla Bruni

2010-03-19T05:24:00.001-07:00

Unbelievable but true! The French first lady is not only a model and a singer, but now wants to be the focus of the camera of our beloved filmmaker Woody Allen. Sarkozy is going to be so happy to be the partner of a multidisciplinary artist’s career! This news may cause many French people to faint because they don’t like to boast too much of their presidential couple. So we have two obvious questions: ‘What do the French think?’ and ‘What led the talented Woody Allen to choose Carla Bruni as his new muse when there are plenty of good actresses available?

Well, Woody is right when he says that Paris is a very inspiring and magical city, full of beautiful women! You can also discover the immortal charms of the French capital and the best bet is to rent Apartments in Paris: they are cheap and comfortable, all you’ll need after a long day of tourism.

Article source: Carla Bruni and Woody Allen

Posted via web from barcelona apartments

The best Turkish and world cuisine in Istanbul

2010-03-16T05:27:00.001-07:00

his year, Istanbul has been designated as European Capital of Culture, a chance to showcase its cultural life and development. So, one of the numerous activities planned for this year is the 8th International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival that will be held between the dates 18-21st of March.

article source: Istanbul Gastronomy Festival

Are you gonna miss this chance to savour delicious cuisine? Just taking a walk through the exhibition site perceiving dishes’ scent must be a delight for senses. Yummy! Imagine yourself tasting dolmaks (vine leaves cooked with olive oil and stuffed with a rice-spice mixture, meat or vegetables), the famous Turkish pizza or Lahmacun and as a dessert a delicious baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo, accompanied by a good cup of çay (Turkish tea).
What else can you ask for? Yes, one more thing: visit Apartments in Istanbul and book the ideal way of accommodation.

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Do you know those hospital gowns that show your backside?

2010-03-16T05:17:00.001-07:00

There are two unforgettable scenes in cinema history that have been nailed to the viewer’s retina… One appears in the delightful Argentine film ‘The Son of the Bride’ starring Ricardo Darin. After suffering a heart attack he walks disoriented along the hospital corridor, and when he turns around, we see his backside, thanks to these very embarrassing hospital gowns. In the ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ movie, Jack Nicholson, who plays a womanizing sixty-year-old man, lets us see his ass because of the same hospital gown open in the back.

article source: Hospital Gowns

We sincerely hope that you do not have to go to the hospital when you go to the Spanish capital, but include a pyjama in your luggage… so you will avoid showing your backside. Enjoy your visit renting Apartments in Madrid, a different way to find the best accommodation.

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

The Annual Sitges Vintage Car Rally

2010-03-12T08:04:00.001-08:00

It’s that time of the year when Sitges holds its annual Sitges Vintage Car Rally. It will be held on 20th, 21st and 22nd March and is certain to draw a huge crowd. The cars that partake in the Sitges Vintage Car Rally usually date before 1924 and they parade along the Catalonian coast for the many spectators who love these vintage vehicles.

The cars start out in Barcelona and race for around 45 kilometres before ending up in Sitges at the port in Aiguadolç. The race starts at Plaza St Jaume in Barcelona at 11:00 a.m on Sunday 21st but you get a chance to view these beautiful works of art on Saturday 20th where they will be on show to the public at the Parc de la Ciutadella.

This will be the 52nd Sitges Vintage Car Rally and is certainly an event to look forward to especially if you are into vintage cars. They really are works of art that have been lovingly restored by their owners and it’s an event that is not to be missed.

original source here at Sitges Vintage Car Rally

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Strange Customs from Around the World

2010-03-12T07:59:00.001-08:00

If you thought your family was weird, try going to a wedding in Scotland, where the bride is saturated in tea, eggs, custard, tar, anything gloopy and disgusting, and then paraded through all the local pubs. You may also attend the birth of a Masai baby in Kenya, when the newborn is passed around all the other women in the birthing hut so they can spit in its mouth.

Here you can enjoy a few of the other strange and wonderful customs from around our tiny planet.

Cheese-Rolling in Gloucester, England
This particular oddity has been held for the last 200 years. On the last Monday in May, contestants stand at the top of Coopers Hill (see photo above) and wait for an enormous wheel of Double Gloucester cheese to be rolled. The idea is to race the cheese to the bottom of the hill. Weirdly, the cheese almost always wins, sometimes reaching speeds of over 100 km/h.

Original source: strange world customs

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Best of the Darwin Awards

2010-03-12T07:55:00.001-08:00

If you haven’t heard of the Darwin awards, don’t go to sleep just yet. This is not a boring scientific seminar. A Darwin Award is given to a person after they die. The reason they are awarded one is because they were polite enough to remove themselves from the gene pool. In other words, people who die in really stupid ways.

There have been hundreds of these given out, and they are hotly contested (even though the contestants have no idea they will be in line to win!). Still, there are a few classics, so here is our pick of the Top Five Darwin Award Winners of all time.

1982: An Arizona man decided to take on a cactus with his handgun. After firing two shots at the 27-foot tall prickly giant, he began to shout “Timber.” After only making it through the first syllable, he was crushed to death by the falling cactus. The moral of the story: If you’re going to make a cactus mad, at least step aside.

more here at Darwin Awards

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Cut Me Burn Me Make Me Beautiful

2010-03-12T07:51:00.001-08:00

Tattoos are not the only form of skin art. Branding and scarification (when the skin is cut in ways that produce particular scar patterns) techniques have been around for a while but are now beginning to catch on in a big way.

Scarification has been around for about ten thousand years. Different tribes around the world use scars for beauty, and to signify different stages of life: In some Pacific Island tribes, scars were given to girls at puberty to show they were now able to bear the pain of childbirth.

If the idea of permanent branding or scars is a little too much, try a Henna tattoo in Marrakech. Renting apartments in Marrakech is one way to save on accommodation, freeing up more cash for body art experimentation.

original source : Scarification Tattoos

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Too Much Internet Information

2010-03-12T07:43:00.001-08:00

We are more connected than ever before. The internet has represented the biggest shift in communications since our ancestors first figured out that one grunt can sound different from another. Information technology means that around four exabytes of information will be generated this year – which is more than the previous five thousand years combined.

The number of Facebook users is 360 million, and growing. If Facebook were a country, it would be the third-largest in the world, behind China and India. One in eight couples who married in 2008 met online. We have five times as many words in the English language as we did in Shakespeare’s day, and we are now faced with an amount of information in one single day that our great-grandparents would have faced in an entire lifetime.

Relaxing and taking a break from it all can be as easy as renting apartments in Malaga, the idyllic get-away location.

original source: Information Overload

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

The Oscars 2010

2010-03-01T08:02:00.001-08:00

The countdown begins for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards of Hollywood, that will take place on March 7th at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. This year there are a few novelties in that two actors will host the show: Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, who had already presided two ceremonies. At last year’s ceremony, Hugh Jackman set very high standards with his talent for dancing and singing, portraying himself as a real showman. Let’s see if this couple matches up to him.

Are you a film fanatic? If you are then I’m sure that you’ve been following the Goya Awards and the Berlinale. The city of Berlin is precisely one of the most cinema going cities in Europe. Rent apartments in Berlin and enjoy one of the most culture filled cities in Europe.

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Erotic Beer - Hopf Erotik Bier from Bavaria

2010-02-09T05:30:00.001-08:00

One of the latest inventions to increase sexual desire is believe it or not….a beer! An aphrodisiac beer! This peculiar beer comes from Germany and has been invented by a gentleman named Jürgen Hopo, whose secret is to prepare it at night dressed only in his underpants. Even Viagra is out of fashion due to this new Hopf Erotik Bier. And what’s his secret? It’s pure luck and the modus operandi.

You see, this beer has obvious erotic properties, and if you add yours, it’s a total boom! The Italians and Germans are crazy about it! And its inventor is no longer married. He has become the Don Juan of Bavaria!

Why not try out this amazing brew. Discover the amazing German capital and ask for a Hopf Erotik Bier with your partner. And for a comfortable stay, why not rent Apartments in Berlin.

learn spanish online reviews | fine wines uk

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

The Metrosexual Man of Today

2010-01-18T08:20:00.001-08:00

“Honey, where’s the conditioner? The one which smells so good! And my face foam made of chamomile and grape seeds? I need a haircut, now I can’t comb it… and it is so dry…” Oh, boy, how funny you are when you worry about your body! Increasingly, most men are caring more about their physical aspect: their face, hair, fingernails… The savage man is no longer fashionable and 2010 heralds a time when the clean, elegant, masculine and strong man is the perfect ideal. Thanks to the increasing offer of products, aesthetic treatments and massages, many men can not resist trying them. And the girls aren't complaining!

The Marlboro Man, the metrosexuals, the übersexual, etc: they all care about their appearance – much more than using just soap, shampoo and shaving cream. They are more flirtatious and they realize that dedicating just five minutes a day to their skin, it will thank them in the long run. Among the new products that have invaded the men’s bathroom, there are scrubs, conditioners, moisturizing cream, UV Sunscreen for lips, and body creams to name but a few. A completely renovated bathroom cabinet!

Now that you are more handsome than ever, take your partner to one of the most romantic destinations in Europe: Malaga, Pablo Picasso’s land but do not forget your beauty products! And for an unforgettable and sensual stay, rent apartments in Malaga, you will not regret it.

reviews of learning spanish programs

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Just Madrid Festival - a Festival for Emerging Artists

2010-01-18T07:49:00.001-08:00

While some 40,000 visitors will attend the fifth edition of the Modern and Contemporary Art Exhibition in Madrid, a new exhibition will be presented: this is Just Madrid, whose goal is the promotion of international emerging artists. From 18th to 21st February, the Lonja and the Nave de Terneras, two industrial spaces made of metal, brick and glass will embrace this new cultural event. If you want to discover the new geniuses of the artistic creations, we recommend a stroll through its 25 galleries. If you are interested in contemporary art, you can not miss this first edition – innovation is always something fascinating.

The fair is focused and directed to the emerging artists on the international scene (70% come from foreign galleries) and the Spanish scene. This is a small fair, but with quality and careful artistic selection; Just Madrid invites you to stroll through some innovative and dynamic galleries. Maybe these new artists will become famous in the near future! The exhibited works will be specially designed for the stands of the fair, under three main concepts: innovation, risk and new formats.

And for a truly memorable stay, rent Madrid apartments, they are cheap and comfortable and will allow you to relax after a hard day walking around the museums or a hard night of partying!

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Colour and Psyche

2009-12-31T07:13:00.001-08:00

You have just moved into a new apartment and your partner offers to paint the room in bright red? Does the idea not convince you? It is well known that this is the colour of strong feeling and life force. It would therefore be ideal as a stimulant for nights of passion, but it is right to rest well, since it has an effect that induce sleep. To achieve this end, it’s better to choose a blue or yellow pastel.

Each colour has certain reactions and emotions…in fact; each of the colours that the human eye can see is electromagnetic radiation emitted by a particular wavelength of light. These are perceived by photoreceptors in the retina and reach the brain as electrochemical impulses. It appears that colours can be perceived even by the blind. The vibrations of the electromagnetic radiation would be well received through the skin.

Colours influence our mood and our mind. But does it depend only on the objective characteristics of each colour? It seems not. The associations that certain colours trigger in us and connect them to certain concepts have been handed down through time long with the traditions and cultural values of the environment in which we grow up in. In Japan, for example the target does not have the same meaning as in the west, where the white colour symbolizes death. Often those who see the world from a certain viewpoint can also lead to their preferences for colours or colour combinations by their ideological beliefs.

more here at colour psychology

learning spanish online reviews

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

searching for the perfect aphrodisiac

2009-11-26T02:31:00.001-08:00

9 red rose petals, 1 pinch of rosemary, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 2 black cherries, 4 drops of blood, 1 drop of amber oil, a piece of tree bark and some dragon saliva! Is this the recipe for the ultimate love potion? Will this bring you your true love or make you a sex goddess? Well no. For thousands of years people have been brewing love potions and eating strange animal parts in search of the perfect aphrodisiac. Instead of hunting down a dragon to try the recipe above, here are some things that do work.

Oysters! Not only are they delicious, they are one of the most effective aphrodisiacs. The word itself comes from the Greek goddess Aphrodite, who was born in an oyster shell off the island of Cyprus and immediately gave birth to Eros. And doesn’t the shape remind you somehow of a vagina? Oysters are high in zinc, which improves the production of sperm. They also increase the production of testosterone, so in theory this means they also increase the libido. It is said that Casanova used to eat 50 oysters a day!

Nowhere in Europe does the fruit taste sweeter then in Spain. Though hopefully you won’t go looking for Spanish fly, you can be sure to find some tasty oysters and chocolate. Why not spent a holiday in Andalusia? Rent the best apartments in Seville, it’s balmy nights, stirring flamenco and culinary aphrodisiacs will guarantee you some passionate nights.

read the original post here

source: Seville Travel Blog

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Custo Dalmau's psychedelic fashion - Customania

2009-11-13T03:00:00.001-08:00

You can recognize his dresses and shirts at a glance. With those acid colors, strong contrasts and geometric shapes, the cloth and those ultra original animal prints, this brand has a unique and personal style. Custo does not go unnoticed!

The Custodio Dalmau Salmon style draws inspiration from Barcelona, the city where the Catalan designer grew up and began his amazing creations. The Catalan capital has always enjoyed the reputation as an international center of new artistic trends at the forefront of the latest inventions. Discover the colorful shop window and the psychedelic Custo models while you take a stroll through Barcelona, one of the most exiting European cities.

Like many other nice stories, the Custo Dalmau story begins with a fabulous trip. He and his brother David, went on a motorcycle trip to California in the late seventies and he fell in love with the surfer fashion, especially their shirts! At this time the fashion in Spain was not very popular.

Do you want to know the best about Custo? In Barcelona there are six different stores, one of them located in the charming Rambla which goes down to the sea. Take a walk along the most famous avenue of the capital of catalonia spain to take a look to the psychedelic Custo clothes. Rent the best apartments in Barcelona and discover the Customania!

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Cybersex, orgasm with a few clicks of your mouse

2009-11-10T01:54:00.001-08:00

A world without Internet, the most important invention of the 20th century, would be unimaginable. The World Wide Web doesn’t only bring together the continents, but it unites as well the people from all the different countries. And what’s more…. the famous cybersex has already become a normal part of the sexual life of many users. Whether it’s chats, games, videos or online striptease, the Internet has a lot to offer for every kind of taste and preferences. The inventions of the various possibilities of the virtual erotic world overflow the cyber landscape. The technical aspect is especially confronted with new challenges for making the cybersex even more real.

Have you ever heard something about the High Joy Enabled iVibe Controller? Sounds quite freaky and it really is. It’s a kind of love set with a vibrator for her and a special one for him. Sounds very normal, but the set also contains some software and a USB cable. What is that all for? Well, you just have to connect the equipment to your computer, find a willing “chat partner“and then the party can get started. Due to the program the computers are connected with each other, so that one of the chat partners can control the sex toy of the other person. With a few mouse clicks the partner produces certain vibrations and pleasure for the other one. This invention with the support of a webcam can really rescue a lot of long-distance relationships or bring together love pairs from different parts of the world. Orgasm by a few mouse clicks, sounds easy!

more here at cybersex, orgasm with a few mouse clicks

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Festival of Lights Berlin 2009

2009-10-13T05:08:00.001-07:00

Berlin increasingly surprises us with its incredible unprecedented events. Although the summer has already left Germany, this charming and cosmopolitan city welcomes the romantic autumn with one of the most captivating festivals of the capital: Festival of lights 2009, a veritable lights symphony in Berlin.

Between 14th and 25th October he German capital will present its most luminous and impressive face. For two weeks, the Festival of Lights will turn Berlin into the most colourful, glamorous and elegant city in Europe. This way, the great historical importance monuments and buildings, such as the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate), the Siegessäule (the Victory Column), the Fernsehturm (the TV tower), or the Berliner Dom (the Berlin Cathedral) will be special illuminated for the occasion. Apart from the symphony of lights, the Festival will offer wide range of cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, museum nights, and many other activities related to the lights and special effects. Are you going to miss it? But it is not necessary to walk all the day long to enjoy the colourful performances, since one of the festival strengths are the different bus tours (light-liner), ship trips (light-ship), velotaxi trips (light-veil), limousine trips (light-smooth) or “per pedes trips” (light-walking, Light X.Plorer or Lights Sightrunning). You’ll have a myriad of different possibilities to discover this amazing festival.

Do you want to welcome the German Autumn? Come to Berlin and find out what one of the best European capitals can offer. Rent apartments in Berlin and enjoy a pleasant and memorable stay. Discover Germany, the multicolor country!

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Natural remedies and trends in health and beauty in Madrid

2009-09-29T03:04:00.001-07:00

The summer has just passed and the holidays have come to the end. The endless working hours, the arduous housework and the rushes come back. From zero to a hundred in a few days! Stress can take its toll on us. To avoid overloading our body we should to take it easy and practice some natural therapies, the latest trends as far as health and beauty treatments are concerned.

The floating therapy is a great way to relieve stress and its consequences. When we drive our body to the limit it suffers and it launches unequivocal signs from which it needs a respite: severe headaches, hair loss, insomnia, etc. Now imagine a huge rectangular bath of about 2.5 m long and 1.6 m wide where 90% of the signals that are sent to the nervous system are excluded. In the bath the person floats and receives no sensory input from the outside: there is no light, no noise, you do not feel cold or heat – because the water temperature is 36 ° C, the same as your body’s temperature. In addition, you will float effortlessly thanks to the 300 kilos of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) that the water contains, as in the Dead Sea.

But these are not the only natural treatments that exist. Today, beauty centres and spas offer so many alternatives to the client that it is difficult to choose just one: phytotherapy, aromatherapy, Bach flowers, the list is endless. The big capitals are the cities where there are more demand for these treatments because of its fast-paced rhythm. Rent apartments in Madrid and discover the benefits of floating or a Chocolate Massage Therapy. You’ll want to repeat it for sure!

original source

Natural remedies in Madrid

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Extreme body art and decoration

2009-08-26T03:33:00.001-07:00

When there are still people who see tattoos and piercing as an aberration and a way of bodily injury, new extreme aesthetic trends that few dare to wear appear: the scarification, the implants and the mutilation. These techniques of body decoration are the most modern practices that adorn the human body; however, some of them have their origin in the most ancient and faraway civilizations of the world. In some big cities like Berlin they have been introduced gradually. Probably, as it has happened with tattoos and piercing, they will gain a wide acceptance in record time.

In the process of scarification, scars are formed by cutting or branding the skin. This technique is as old as the Mayan civilization, which used scarification for aesthetic purposes. Some African and American cultures also see these tattoos as a way of beauty. Today, people see the scarification as a simple aesthetic issue, but there are those who think that this is merely a way of self-mutilation.

Do you like these new ways of decorating the body? You should travel to the German capital and discover all these new trends. To have a comfortable stay, rent Apartments in Berlin and enjoy a great European city.

source: Tattoos Berlin

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Nudist Beaches in Barcelona, Spain

2009-08-24T03:10:00.001-07:00

Naturism is winning followers throughout the world. Some people see it as a way of life, some people think of it as an aberration and yet others see it as a great business. In any case, it seems that this phenomenon does not stop spreading. Despite this, naturism is still seeking its place in a society that seems increasingly tolerant.

Countries like Germany have a long naturism tradition. In the case of Spain, it is a more recent phenomenon. Only two decades have passed since the crime of public scandal was abolished, a law inherited from the Franco regime that could be applied in case someone offended “decency or morality with scandal or acts of grave importance”. But years have passed and nudism has been implemented gradually. For example, in Barcelona Spain, there is a long list of naturist beaches. Today the law protects Spanish nudity on the beaches and the city itself is a nudist town. One can go without clothes in the street if they so wish.

Do not wait any more to discover this new way of life! Feel freer and more connected with nature by practising naturism! Stay in apartments in Barcelona for a pleasant and cheap stay!

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Rome's underground mysteries

2009-08-21T08:43:00.001-07:00

Rome, the Eternal City, is one of the most fascinating cities in Italy. It is full of glory and grace. It has always been a destination visited by millions of people because of its extreme beauty. Rome is an outdoor museum with many things to see: the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman walls, the Pantheon, etc.

But we don’t have to focus only on what we see at first glance, since it has many hidden mysteries. This city has an endless hidden wealth of historical and cultural value. The increasing urbanization of the Roman territory, as well as the promotion of the mining exploitation, has allowed the extraction of many buried ruins.

The door of Villa Albani was hidden for centuries. At first the archaeologists thought it was a catacomb, or something else that was used to communicate with the nearby catacomb of S. Happiness. They also assumed that it was the mysterious mausoleum of Lucilio Peto, a circular tomb built in the time of Augustus. However, the direct exploration revealed that this was a type of mining cave. They found many amphora fragments, pieces of tiles with animal representations, beautiful embroidery, gold buttons and so on.

In the late nineteenth century, during the work on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, many Roman remains were released, but unfortunately they were destroyed. Of those which were saved; Templi dell’Area, Sacra di Largo, di Torre Argentina and the remains of the Domus Romana ai Baullari. Undoubtedly, it is worth visiting these places!

Rent apartments in Rome, you’ll be amazed by its beauty. You’ll have a comfortable and cheap stay and be able to enjoy underground Rome to the full!

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Rome's underground mysteries

2009-08-21T08:32:00.001-07:00

Rent apartments in Rome, you’ll be amazed by its beauty. You’ll have a comfortable and cheap stay and be able to enjoy underground Rome to the full!

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Fiesta de Gracia | Fiesta Mayor Gracia | Gracia Neighbourhood Barcelona

2009-08-17T03:44:00.001-07:00

Barcelona will soon celebrate one of its most fantastic festivals: the famous and important Fiestas de Gracia. Gracia belongs to the most beautiful districts of Barcelona and will enchant you with its many comfortable bars and pubs, little streets and romantic squares. The Fiesta de Gracia will be celebrated between the 14th and 22nd of August. It’s just an amazing festival which stands for the creativity and commitment of the citizens who transform the district into a paradise of decorations. This year, most of the events take place during the day, because the organizers want to prevent accidents during the night, as they occurred in last year’s edition.

During the Fiestas de Gracia 2009 you can enjoy one of the many concerts of different kinds of music styles, as well as spectacles, workshops and typical Catalan attractions. Fantastic Catalan music groups of Rumba will cheer their audience up. Famous musicians, like Marina Rossell, Joan Isaac, Maria del mar Bonet and Luis Eduardo Aute, as well as classical music groups like Manel, Cuidado con el Perro or Cochambre Hotel, are just waiting for you. Furthermore, they will organize culinary activities, like the “Tasta Gràcia” at the Plaza Manuel Torrente. In the magician’s area “Área de la Magia” at the Plaza del Norte professional magicians, as well as beginners in this magical art, will astonish you with all their exciting magic tricks.

The Fiesta de Gracia is for everyone: both young and old alike. Unforgettable days full of entertainment for you and your friends will be guaranteed. Why don’t you rent the best apartments in Barcelona and spend a relaxing and fun filled holiday in the beautiful capital of Catalonia Spain?

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

The Crazy Horse Cabaret in Paris

2009-08-07T02:17:00.001-07:00

Paris, city of love, of Glamour and of… cabarets! As soon as 1881, this entertainment tradition starts in France with the opening of the first cabaret by Rodolphe Salis called the “Cabaret Artistique” soon renamed Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat).

But one of the most famous cabarets is without a doubt the Crazy Horse Paris show. It opened in 1951 on the George V avenue and is known for its nude female dancers chosen to be indistinguishable on stage in height and in breast size and shape. The cabaret came out of the mind of Alain Bernardin who wanted to put magic on stage. He created a wonderful universe of sparkle and glitter and beautiful women. Along with its dancers, the Crazy Horse has also been a popular venue for other artists, including magicians, jugglers and mime artists.

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Natural Madrid

2009-08-05T02:39:00.001-07:00

Madrid is not just culture, tourism and nightlife. The capital offers a host of healthy activities to do. Nature lovers will enjoy hundreds of sports, games and activities such as agritourism in farms, hiking, climbing, paintball, horseback riding, biking, canoeing, or just enjoying a delicious and relaxing picnic. The contact with nature is always direct and totally respectful with the environment.

Do you need some more reasons to convince you? Madrid is nature! Learn how to live the greener side of the Spanish capital. To find cheap accommodation, take a look at these Apartments in Madrid and enjoy the Madrid nature.

Read more here at Madrid nature

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Barcelona Summer Week 2009

2009-07-31T07:49:00.001-07:00

The incredible summer of 2009 in Barcelona goes on, after the spectacular Sonar Festival, the city hosts many other events like the Barcelona Summer Week 2009, a new and important music event. This is a great festival, where the best international DJs will play electronic music for a whole week. The nights will be hot and you will have a great time! Barcelona will be yet again the cradle of dance music for a few more days! Come on and party!

Come and enjoy this fantastic spectacle called Barcelona Summer Week. Submerge yourself in these summer musical rhythms and rent apartments in Barcelona. Here you will find what you are looking for: comfort, economy and lots of fun.

original post at: Barcelona Summer Week

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Berlin's 48 Hour Film Project

2009-07-15T05:03:00.001-07:00

Houston, we have a problem!’ Hollywood is flooding us with its high budget productions full of all the megastar actors, who are either members of a sect or spend all their money on cosmetic operations. The American film industry is flooding us with its super movies and special effects and it appears that breath-taking explosions of big buildings or spectacular highway pursuits are more important than offering the spectator a good and meaningful story. Do you want to liberate us from this disaster? Why not participate in the 48 Hour Film Project in Berlin and enjoy really good films!

Between the 17th and 19th of July, the German capital is celebrating the third edition of this international and well known 48 Hour Film Project.

via berlinapartments.me

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Museum Island in Berlin Germany

2009-07-13T03:13:00.001-07:00

Museum Island Berlin

Jul 13th, 2009 by apartmentblogger Edit |

Each time we go on holiday we have the same problem. Before going on your trip you make a well thought list of all the museums, monuments, castles and sights that you would like to visit. But the list seems to be infinite and all the attractions are spread out through the whole big city. I’m sure that your feet will go on strike. However, Berlin seems to pay attention to its visitor’s well-being. The German capital offers you a spectacular Island where you don’t have to walk thousands of miles to discover the world of culture, history and the most important monuments of humanity: Visit the Museum Island in Berlin!

This unique island is situated in the northern part of the Spreeinsel, the famous island on the river Spree, in the centre of Berlin. The Island owes its name due to all the prestigious museums there. This piece of land enjoys a kind of historical importance: in former times it was the residence dedicated to “arts and science” from Frederick William IV of Prussia around 1841. Over the centuries under the rule of different Prussian kings, the art collection and archaeological treasures became more extensive. Finally since 1918 they belonged to the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (Stiftung Preuβischer Kulturbesitz).

via blogonlyapartments.com

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

U2 to be fined in Barcelona for being too loud

2009-07-08T04:45:00.001-07:00

It looks like the Irish superstars of U2 are being fined by Barcelona’s City Hall for being too noisy. Call me old fashioned but isn’t that what a rock concert is all about? Bono and the boys were able to organise a video conference at their first gig to the International Space Station as part of their launch of their 360º World Tour which kicked off in Barcelona last week but have fallen foul of Barcelona City Hall’s greedy councillors. It is also reported that U2 also held rehearsals without permission from the City Hall.

Local newspaper El Punt have reported that Barcelona City Hall is to fine the band because their concert was too loud, above the 70 decibel limit, and also for holding a practice session without permission at the FC Barcelona stadium until midnight, when 10pm is the limit. The size of the fine has not been disclosed.

This harsh measure which can only be described as greedy as well as stupid comes despite U2 leader Bono thanking local residents for their patience in putting up with the noise from rehearsals, at the start of the first concert.

To make matters worse the rather pathetic and almost inexistent public transport after the first gig in the city which finished at 12:20a.m proved a big problem for the 90,000 fans at each of the two gigs played in the city last week. Thousands of pedestrians trying to find their way home caused considerable disruption to drivers in the district, while local greedy taxi drivers were charging between 30€ and 60€ to get back to the plaza Catalunya and the centre of town.

Getting to the metro on Thursday, the second gig was a joke. There were thousands of U2 fans all heading towards the Collblanc station. Once there you couldn’t even make out the station and people slowly poured inside once they found the mouth of the metro. Once inside the metro station, the heat was stifling and hundreds of fans found themselves queuing up for a ticket! A rather ridiculous situation if you ask me. I mean, a supergroup comes to the city, brings in lots of money and they couldn’t be bothered to waiver the price of a ticket and let the passengers through for an hour or so. That’s greedy Barcelona City Hall for you! Even the metro employees were looking to see if you had validated your ticket!

Anyway, to end a on a good note it was one of the best concerts I’ve seen in a long while and having Snow Patrol on first was the icing on the cake. Well done Bono and the boys from U2.

via lifeincatalonia.com

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Lisbon Fish and Flavours 2009

2009-03-25T09:13:00.001-07:00

From 18th to 26th of April, the second edition of the tastiest festival of all time called the “Festival Peixe em Lisboa” or “Lisbon Fish & Flavours 2009” will take place in the Portuguese capital. Here, prestigious chefs will present their dishes, based on fish and seafood (specialities of Lisbon) along with a tasting of some of Portugal’s finest wines.

The event will take place in the Pabellón de Parque de las Naciones de Portugal which will count on the participation of the best restaurants and around 20 of the most renowned chefs, both national and international. Here you can taste Brazilian Carla Pernambuco’s food along with delights from Portugese gastromomer Enrique Sá Pessoa (who works in the famous “Alma” restaurant) as well as a visit to the restaurant of Joaquim Figueiredo, one of the most influential chefs in Portugal.

During the event, you will not only taste food such as fish and seafood, but you will also be able to try many more typical foods of the region of Lisbon such as: olive oil, bread, cakes, and the Ginginha (typical Lisbon drink) or Sour cherry liquor. The organization has also reserved a special place for the different types of drink such as: wine, beer, still drinks, sparkling drinks and coffee. There are also plans for the projection of films with a culinary theme throughout the festival.

In the next month, Lisbon will be turned into a city for lovers of good food. Rent Apartments in Lisbon and enjoy the spring days tasting the latest gastronomy of the Portuguese capital.

via lisbonapartments.me

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Things to do and see in Berlin

2009-03-16T04:05:00.001-07:00

There are uncountable things in Berlin that you can discover: the Brandenburg Gate, the rest of the Berlin Wall, or the best shopping streets “Kudamm” and the “Friedrichstraße”. You shouldn’t miss the Museum Island, especially the Pergamon Museum, as well as the Berlin Cathedral and the Tiergarten, a big park in the centre of the city.

Berlin is also the city of music. Indeed, the Berlin Philharmonic is called the best symphony orchestra of the world. In Berlin there are a lot of theatres, for example the well known Berliner Ensemble and the Deutsche Theatre. Berlin is a real paradise for lovers of orchestras.
Do you want to have a fantastic vacation? Rent one of the best apartments in Berlin and discover the thousands of different faces of the German capital. Dive into the world of culture and art! Don’t miss this unique chance and organize your trip to Berlin!

via Apartments blog

The Paris Book Fair 2009

2009-03-13T04:20:00.001-07:00

From 13th March to 18th March it will hold at the Porte de Versailles the 29th edition of the Paris Book Fair with Mexico as honoured country. The fair, which receives over a thousand publishers and around 3,000 writers per year, is one of the major European cultural events open to the public.

Mexico, as honoured country, will show up to 22 thousand titles representing different literary genres, books, films and documentaries. This is the first time that a Spanish-speaking country is the honoured guest at this Book Fair.

Under the slogan, “Mexico, a diversity mosaic“, the public is invited to browse through the Mexican literature margins. You should discover 36 authors, read or reread before meeting and hearing them in person, assist to 14 round tables, hear 38 interviews to different national writers by renowned French critics or to enjoy the projection of the documentaries ” From forgetting to not remembering”, ” The Cheno grandfather “, “Today ” and ” The inheritors “, besides the movie “Babel”, by Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu. On the other hand, they’ll present an exhibition called “The French Literature in Mexican cinema”.

Among the most famous Mexican writers who attend the event, have been invited Homero Aridjis, Álvaro Enrigue, Guillermo Fadanelli, Gonzalo Velorio, Carlos Fuentes, Margo Glantz, Daniel Sada, Martín Solares, Alberto Ruy-Sánchez, David Toscana or Jorge Volpi, among others. These have been chosen under the following scale: they have, at least, one published book and translated into French, they had been nominated by their Francophone editors and they have been selected by the French National Book Center.

On the other hand, a meeting will be held with Spanish and Mexican editors, a journey with specialists in indigenous Mexican literature and languages, a reading with Mexican poets in indigenous languages and calligraphy workshops. Also there will be a space dedicated to children’s and juvenile literature and a representation of the show “The sound of water says what I think,” adaptation of three folk tales from Africa, Turkey and the Celtic region.

Are you a great lover of literature? Travel to the city of lights and immerse yourself in the largest book’s fair in Europe. Rent Apartments in Paris to spend every night reading your favourite book.

via parisapartments.me

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Renting apartments in Europe including Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Berlin and Rome

2009-03-10T04:10:00.001-07:00

Passion for Football: Real Madrid and Barça – The eternal rivals

Mar 10th, 2009 by apartmentblogger Edit |

The fact that football raises passions is no big secret. It’s such a strong feeling, that it is considered the most popular sport in the world, with approximately 270 million fans. In Spain, this king of sports moves millions of Euros just in advertising, being Real Madrid and Barcelona the clubs with the highest advertising revenue in the league. They are also the teams with the highest number of fans. The football players become media stars – they become the prey of journalists and are gods for their fans.

via blogonlyapartments.com

Posted via web from barcelonaapartments's posterous

Valencian Fallas

2009-03-03T02:28:00.001-08:00

One of the most popular festivals in the world has already begun, the Valencia Fallas. Starting from today, lights, fire and noise will seize the whole city. After the Cridà (the opening speech) of the Fallera Mayor, the masceltàs (an explosive barrage of concussive effects of co-ordinated firecracker and firework displays), the parades, the fireworks and the concerts will begin.

read more about the Valencia Fallas 2009 here

Urban Tribes in Madrid

2009-02-20T03:55:00.000-08:00

Urban tribes are not new, but a very fashionable tendency. In fact, they date back hundreds years: concretely to the 18th century in Madrid, where there have been some references identifying them in paintings by Goya or Atienza.
Read more here about Urban Tribe Culture

Lomography Barcelona

2009-02-10T02:39:00.000-08:00

What is Lomography and what are frogeye and fisheye cameras? Discover what a Lomographic camera is and the impact it has made on history.

Read more about this interesting subject here:

Lomography Barcelona

El Matadero in Madrid

2009-01-28T03:21:00.000-08:00

In 2006 the City Council decided to give the old cattle slaughterhouse in Madrid, which was built in 1910 by architect Luis Bellido, a complete facelift. The council decided to turn it into one of the most avant-garde centres of contemporary art of its time.

Read more about this cultural centre at: El Matadero in Madrid

Bread & Butter 2009

2009-01-22T04:11:00.000-08:00

Barcelona will once again host on 21st, 22nd and 23rd January the most important trade fair for street fashion and urban informal wear worldwide. Wednesday will open the season of autumn and winter with Bread & Butter and thousands of visitors from around the world will flock to the city to not miss out on the trendiest show at the moment. Many repeat their visit and it is the most important street and urban wear trade fair in this particular sector.

Read More about the B&B trade fair here: Apartments blog

Plane crashes into the Hudson river New York

2009-01-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

A plane carrying at least 150 people has crashed into the Hudson River in New York City.

The plane had only been in the air for three minutes after take-off when it went down.

The US Airways Airbus A320 passenger plane was flight 1549 from LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte.

Officials have claimed that everyone on board survived the crash.

Fox News has also quoted passengers as saying that everyone from the plane had escaped alive.

Airline investigators have blamed the crash on bird strikes, which apparently disabled two of the plane's engines.

Because the plane is partially submerged in water, rescue boats have been picking up passengers who managed to clamber onto the plane's wings.

Apartments blog

The Berlin Film Festival 2009

2009-01-09T04:53:00.001-08:00

Berlin is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city and as such, every year (since 1951) it celebrates one of the most important film festivals in the world: The Berlin International Film Festival, this year being its 59th edition. More than 19,000 film professionals from 120 different countries will gather in the German capital next February (5th to 15th) to celebrate this epic event.

With more than 200,000 tickets sold, this festival is much more than just a film event. During these two weeks, art, culture and the most glamorous and fashionable parties will take place here in Berlin. Parallel to this year’s event is a festival of films for children, an international youth cinema forum and another event showing German films.

Read more about The Berlin Film Festival here

Paris, the cradle of Haute Cuisine

2008-12-31T02:07:00.000-08:00

France, and more in particular Paris, is the birthplace of the Nouvelle Cuisine and the perfect dining experience. It is also the birthplace of some of the most important chefs in the world. Some delicacies such as the foie, crêpes or Camembert cheese are French products that have been exported to the rest of the world. Undoubtedly, one of Paris’ main attractions is its refined and exclusive gastronomy.
Read more here - Apartments blog

Flea markets in Madrid

2008-12-24T04:43:00.000-08:00

Flea markets are deeply rooted in centuries of history and this is one of the traditions that we can say remains faithful to its origins has been preserved over time. If we go back two hundred years ago, we will notice just a few differences between a modern flea market and an old one: noisy, crowds everywhere, sellers shouting, and all kinds of stalls… In Spain the markets have a long and popular tradition, maybe because in a flea market the products are cheaper than in the traditional shops. Madrid can boast of being one of the cities with most flea markets in Spain. In addition, it hosts the most famous flea market in the country: the Rastro Market.

Read more here about markets in Madrid

Squatters in Berlin

2008-12-16T05:27:00.000-08:00

The squatters’ movement was born in England in the 60s, but soon it spread to other European cities such as Berlin. This is linked to the punk and underground culture. While almost everywhere squatting was considered an illegal movement, in Germany it was legalized from the 90’s and because of this Berlin became the capital of the squatting movement. It adopted the name of “Instandbesetzen”: it is the union of two words that mean to renew and to occupy.

Read the rest here: Apartments blog