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Benalmádena: A Ride in the Sky

Mar 9

Posted by Vera Schroepel in visitalltheworld | No Comments

The cable car in Benalmádena

Views from above are always stunning. To see the roofs of city buildings make you feel like you’re on top of the world and to look down the valley from a mountain top let’s you believe the whole country is yours.

In Benálmedena there is a way to experience this sensation, with one considerable twist: you are in a cable car and, if you are lucky, you even get to see the coast of North Africa. The cable car in Benámadena starts in the Arroyo de la Miel, one of the three urban districts of the municipality of Benalmádena that is also home to the Tivoli amusement park. This experience will let you enjoy a ride of about 15 minutes up to the summit of Mount Calamorro, one of the highest viewing points of the Costa del Sol with a height of nearly 800 meters above sea level. The cable car cabins hold 4 people each, making it the perfect excursion for a family or group of friends. If you don’t have any fear of heights, this is an incredible experience. As you dangle above the ground you have spectacular views not just on the town of Benálmadena. And on top it’s even better! Here await breathtaking panoramic views of the Costa del Sol, the Sierra Nevada, of Malaga to the east and Fuengirola to the west. And with a little bit of luck with the weather you are guaranteed to spot Gibraltar and the Moroccan coast; even letting you sneak a peak on a different continent!

At the summit of Calamorro mountain you can also find a bar and restaurant for some up-in-the-sky refreshments. And you can learn and discover more about different birds of preys in the exhibitions with hawks, eagles, owls and vultures. There are some surprises in store for the traveler of the Monte Calamorro except for the extraordinary scenery: Sometimes there are even falconry shows and horse-riding exhibitions, whose incredible backdrop is the sky and the Mediterranean. If you think you are not high up in the sky enough, there are also several hiking paths up to the top of the mountain and leading to different viewpoints.

One of the most original leisure facilities on the Costa del Sol, the Teleférico is definitely worth a ride. You have absolutely exceptional views on the Costa del Sol and a fun ride in the sky at that.
Can’t wait to ride up the sky with the cable car in Benalmádena? Come have a look at our apartments in Benalmádena to get started!

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Porto: A Meaty Nickname

Mar 9

Posted by Vera Schroepel in visitalltheworld | No Comments

The Porto style Tripas are famous in the whole country

Did you know that the inhabitants of the Portuguese city Porto are called “tripeiros” – tripe eaters? And if you did, have you ever wondered why?

Well, the roots of this nickname go a while back. Legend has it that all of this originated in the 14th century, when the city was home to the Portuguese navy. At this time Prince Henry the Navigator wanted to support the caravels leaving to conquer the city of Ceuta in North Africa and therefore sailed to points in the South, giving the ships huge quantities of only the best meat to feed his sailor. After asking his people to victual the vessels, the people of Porto immediately sponsored their quality meat, being left with only the trimmings and innards for themselves. With only tripe left, they did what they could with it, which evolved into the famous dish of Tripas à moda do Porto – tripes Porto style. This is a slowly simmered casserole or thick stew of tripe, chicken, smoky sausages, a good dose of spices like curry, cumin and clove, and one more crucial element was added: white beans. This ingredient is so important because later on, the same man who had been responsible of the provision, discovered new parts of the world and came back to introduce the new ingredient of the butter bean. This was of course added to the historic dish and since then, the meal became part of the history of Porto; characterized not only by its rich recipe, but also by the nice gesture in a decisive moment of the nation of Portugal.

Whatever the truth, since then the dish has been so woven into the fabric of the city’s history that the people of Porto have been known as tripeiros, the people who eat tripe. Dobrada is another Portuguese dish with tripe, but the Tripas à moda do Porto are by far the most famous version. It is considered the traditional dish of Porto and can still be found everywhere in the city today. It is also a great example of Portuguese cuisine in general: rich, filling and full-flavored dishes that are closely related to Mediterranean cuisine but are characterized by Portugal’s former colonial possessions through the wide variety of spices used.

A great restaurant to try this famous dish is the O Restaurante Tripeiro, as the name might suggest. The chef actually won a competition in France for his tripe recipe, and it has been considered by local gourmands to be the best Tripas à moda do Porto in the whole city.

Sounds delicious, right? Come and try this famous Portuguese recipe and stay in one of our great apartments in Porto!

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Sardinia: A Colorful Tradition

Mar 8

Posted by Vera Schroepel in visitalltheworld | No Comments

Sant'Efisio is probably the most colorful festival in the world

The best way to truly understand a region and its people is always to witness one of their sacred traditions, to be a part of something that means the world to them and has been passed on from one generation to the next. In the small city of Cagliari on Sardinia the Sant’Efisio processions offer such insight to any visitor who wants to catch a glimpse of the real Sardinia.

While the rest of Italy celebrates Labor Day on May 1st, the people from all over the island of Sardinia come together on this day to commemorate someone who is very special to them: Sant’Efisio. According to tradition a terrible plague struck the island in 1652 and killed half the population of Sardinia. More than ten thousand died alone in Cagliari and the survivors turned to Saint Efisio to save the city. When the epidemic passed in May 1657, the people who were spared kept the promise they had made and honored the martyred saint who had saved them, by carrying his sacred image in procession from Cagliari to Nora, the city where he had been executed. This started the age-old tradition that is now claimed to be the biggest and most colorful religious procession in the world.

A magical celebration of folklore and faith, as well as the sacred and the profane, the 1st of May unites people from all over the island in Cagliari to take part in the procession. More than 5,000 take part in the procession, and all are dressed in traditional costume, making this the island’s most authentic festival. The procession starts by the church in the Stampece district where the statue of the saint is kept; and then follow 4 days of procession through different towns and villages on Sardinia until it reaches Nora, where Sant’Efisio was killed. Carried on a 17th century gold-plated coach drawn by oxen, the statue is accompanied by “Guardiania” and the music of the traditional Sardinian pipes “launeddas”. Thirty ox-drawn “traccas” lead the way with the spectacular horsemen who are dressed in the colors of their district. Entire families take part in the procession and they all wear their authentic traditional costumes from head to toe and proudly show their beautifully decorated carts with hand-made rugs and blankets and the oxen adorned with garlands and flowers. The more than thirty communities throughout Sardinia are represented in theses colorful carts. The most famous part of this procession is probably when the statue passes the flower-lined street Via Roma in Cagliari (this ritual is called “sa ramadura”) where thousands of red, orange and yellow rose petals cover the whole avenue and their scent are filling the air.

After the saint has reached Nora on the 4th of May, the statue starts to make its way back to Cagliari, to be kept save until next years celebrations. Being one of the largest and most colorful religious festivals in the world, the Sant’Efisio procession is a unique opportunity to understand and get to know today’s Sardinia. This festival with traditional dress, customs and habits allow us to glimpse into Sardinia’s past and help us understand the beautiful island. Come and stay in one of our apartments in Sardinia to experience the real essence of the island!

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Milan: Fashion, Style, Armani

Mar 8

Posted by Vera Schroepel in visitalltheworld | No Comments

Giorgio Armani is universally known as stylish fashion designer

“Style is the only luxury everyone can posses, and with very little money at that!” Although this quote by Giorgio Armani is still to be proved right, there is a store in Milan that truly makes you believe this statement and that radiates, well, style. Coincidentally, this luxury store was built by the exact same person who believes the accessibility to style doesn’t require many worldly possessions. Giorgio Armani has always been known for his impeccable sense of style, particularly in men’s wear, and his understanding of fashion in today’s world. In his personal mall in the fashionable Via Manzoni 31, he combines just about any excellence you can imagine to one big store. In addition to his requisite Armani clothing store, you can also find Armani Dolci for chocolates, Armani Libri for books, Armani Fiori for flowers, Armani Nobu for Japanese food, and Caffè Emporio Armani for an unforgettable lunch. This incredible array of Armani products can be found in the huge 6000 squared meter historic building in the old town center of Milano, spread out over three floors that offer you really just about anything luxurious you might be looking for. With a commitment to maintain style throughout the project that clearly carries the Armani touch, the building and interior design itself is a work of art. With a harmonious contrast of materials of different consistencies and hues, the interior is clever and impressive. In the minimalist design of the spacious complex everything is functional, and not the tiniest bit is left to chance here. The project was realized for Armani’s 25th year in the company, and was long time dream harbored by the designer.

The Spazio Armani, how they call it, offers everything in signature Armani – except for the Japanese Nobu restaurant. You might have heard of this famous restaurant before, as it was opened in New York City with the help of Robert de Niro and is a huge hit in all of the parts of the world it has opened in. The other restaurant is on the second floor and is absolutely perfect for an aperitif or one of the other artistically arranged dishes that the chef prepares. Both of the Spazio’s “food options” also reflect Armani’s unique and well-defined taste. But this is obviously not only visible in the gastronomical part of the mall. As you wander seamlessly from household accessories and furniture to the Emporio and Jeans lines, to the perfumes and accessories, you get a clear idea of what Armani meant when he said that the Spazio Armani is meant to “sell style”. The designer even has a new idea for the upper floor: he is thinking about installing a luxury hotel, in high-style Armani-style of course.

Milan, renowned as fashion capital, has many designer boutiques all over the city, but if you just want to see one, the Spazio Armani has to be it. Shopping here is a pure pleasure in itself and is truly an experience.

If you want to see the Grand Central of Italian fashion, visit the flagship Armani store on Via Manzoni 31. Don’t know yet where to stay? We are soon opening new apartments in Milan!

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Mallorca: Indulgence And Relish

Mar 5

Posted by Vera Schroepel in visitalltheworld | No Comments

La Bodeguilla is a stylish bodega in Palma.

When you’re on vacation you are probably in the mood to be a little more extravagant than usual. You maybe treat yourself to the small extra that you normally wouldn’t, you splurge a little in the boutiques or go for another round of ice cream, although you know you shouldn’t. In particular the atmosphere in Mallorca can touch you in that way: as if the white and sandy beaches or the alluring small villages weren’t enough, you want treat yourself to absolute perfection. Especially the cuisine is a way like no other to indulge, to truly enjoy and let yourself be taken away by the flavor of excellence. It is hard to find a good restaurant in the tourist-trap-studded Palma de Mallorca, but there is one restaurant off the beaten track, that combines luxury, outstanding food, and decent prices like no other.

Situated in the heart of Palma in a side-street next to avenue Jaime III in the historical Majorcan city centre, La Bodeguilla means pampering, but at an economic level which is truly hard to find. With a wine list of over 300 different wines, ranging from a Château Pétrus 1999 for 1,450 euros to affordable locally produced organic vino tintos, and a menu that combines traditional Spanish dishes with an avant-garde touch, this restaurant is truly a gem. The red and black décor is appealing and radiates a tranquility that is unusual for Palma. They have a small private wine cellar, where the seats are actual barrels (but glass-topped), which add to the cozy atmosphere, and farther in is the extensive cellar for more formal dinners. Here you can enjoy stylish tapas, amid hanging wine bottles and contemporary décor.

The cooking here is truly first class. The “menu de tapas” is more than affordable and features some of their outstanding favorites: black pudding ravioli, for example, that melt in your mouth. Then there is the grilled baby lamb which is predictably delicious, as well as the delicious octopus carpachhio or fried squid that let you taste the delicacy of the ocean. In general, this is multiregional Spanish cuisine with an avant-garde touch. And since everything is home made – really everything: bread, petit fours and desserts included – you can expect only the best quality of ingredients and cooking. With traditional Spanish dishes from various regions like the bacalao al pil-pil (cod with garlic and chilly pepper), from the North of Spain, or Andalusian fresh anchovies, this restaurant also lets you try some of the country’s most famous favorites.

And let’s not forget about the wine to wash all of these delicacies down. With more than 200 wine references (the great majority coming from Spanish regions) you have an extensive variety stocks to choose from, with a selection that is constantly changed. In the Bodeguilla, tradition and modernity are combined to perfection, and it is the ideal restaurant to go to, if you really want to treat yourself to something special.

Can’t wait to try La Bodeguilla? Come and stay in one of apartments in Mallorca!

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Marbella: Sphere It

Mar 5

Posted by Vera Schroepel in visitalltheworld | No Comments

Sphereing is an exciting adventure sport.

Do you remember how much fun it used to be to roll down a hill as a kid; without a care in the world, just letting yourself be taken by gravity? Well, there is an adventure sport offered in Marbella that comes very close to this feeling – but multiplied by 100 and maybe just a little bit crazier: sphereing. In this exhilarating activity you are literally strapped inside a big inflatable ball that will, with you inside, roll down a giant hill. Sounds exciting right? Well, you have two options: harness sphereing or aqua sphereing.

Harness sphereing is the more “normal” of the two options, if you can really call it that. You and a friend climb inside this 12 foot inflatable ball, or 4 meter diameter sphere, get strapped in there with a harness, and are then pushed down a giant 150 meter hill, reaching a speed of up to 30 mph! Hill rolling at this speed is fast-paced, exhilarating and maybe also a bit terrifying. With your fellow friend by your side you are close enough to see the deranged excitement in his eyes but also to hold onto each other for dear life.

Aqua sphereing goes for a different kind of experience. Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be stuck in a washing machine? Well now you have the chance to try it! The inflatable ball stays, but now a substantial liquid is added: 50 liters of water share the space with you. So you are really swishing in and around tons of water. Without the harness you are completely free in the ball as you slip and slide inside the see-through plastic ball with water splashing right beside you. This wet and wild experience lets you literally ride the water – it’s like a giant water slide but a lot more fun. This is a truly unique experience, and unlike anything you have done before. It’s a fantastic way to really be upside down for a bit, it’s a way to get your adrenaline pumping and try something different and truly adventurous. You might have tried sky diving, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but sphereing is completely different from other adventure sports; if you are willing to try something radical, it’s perfect for you.

Each roll lasts around 30 seconds (and really, that’s enough!) but the whole experience is an activity of 1 hour that you can enjoy with all of your friends. That is, if your friends are equally daring, free-spirited, adventurous and maybe a little mad. Sphereing is a truly exhilarating experience that lets you enjoy the unique sensation of defying gravity like never before.

If you think you are ready for this crazy adventure, come stay in one of our apartments in Marbella and you can sphere all you want!

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Mykonos: An Unusual Celebrity

Mar 4

Posted by Vera Schroepel in visitalltheworld | No Comments

Petros the Pelican

The USA has a bald eagle and Germany a black one, England has the lion, Spain a bull, and India their tiger, but none of these country’s national animals can compete with that of Mykonos: this Greek island’s mascot is a pelican – and they affectionately call him Petros.

Petros is the official mascot of Mykonos, as he plays an integral part of the island. But how did this ordinary pelican rise to such fame? Legend has it that in the 1950s a Mykonian fisherman found a wounded pelican off the coast of Paranga. The man was so moved by the dying animal that he decided to take it home and managed to nurse the bird back to health. Supported by the locals, the animal regained his strength after some time and was set free. But as a big surprise to everyone, the Pelican did not want to leave his newfound home of Mykonos and decided to stay on the island. They islanders soon lovingly named him “Petros” and up to this day the Pelican is the mascot of the island. The “original” Petros lived on Mykonos for more than thirty years but in 1986, to great disappointment of locals and tourists alike, the famous Petros died. The loss of such a strong personality was deeply felt bike Myconians and visitors. The whole island mourned deeply after the original Petros passed away after his residence of so many years on the enchanting island. Subsequently, successors had to be found to replace him; one of them was honorifically given the name Petros. Rumor even has it, that the compassionate Jackie Kennedy-Onassis donated another pelican to the island, Irene, in order to come to the rescue to the island’s grieving populace. Nowadays three new pelicans live in around the main town of Mykonos. You can get a glimpse of one of them wandering about Mykonos’ harbor or just strolling in the charming city of Chora. The pelican attracts all eyes on the island of Mykonos and as far as the inhabitants are concerned the saga of Petros lingers on. The city’s many alleyways and waterways provide the cute creature with the perfect setting to leisurely stroll around in unhurried pace and frolic around the harbor and inner city. Residents and visitors alike can’t seem to get enough of the pelican, and Petros seems to enjoy the attention that he receives as well. He is a true celebrity on the island and even the fisherman of Mykonos keep some fresh sea fish that they bring home after the day’s catch to offer their beloved mascot.

If you visit Mykonos you are sure to run into one of the Pelicans that still run around on the island. Come have a look at our list of apartments in Mykonos, that are right in the city center – so perfect for some celebrity pelican watching!

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Garda Lake: Adventures For Everyone

Mar 4

Posted by Vera Schroepel in visitalltheworld | No Comments

garda lake is perfect for watersports

Some people come to the beautiful Italian Lake Garda to just relax on the beach or take some time out in nature. But there are also some remarkable travelers that go beyond the calm vacation, really push the boundaries, and explore the area they are visiting by exercising some of the most extreme sports that exist. The Lake Garda seems so calm and tranquil, but you would be surprised of the wide range of adventure sports that can be practiced here.

There are some modern adventure sports that you are not allowed to practice without professional guidance, one example being Canyoning. In this sport courageous people put on some wetsuits and crash helmets, and throw themselves roped down waterfalls and follow down the river wild streams. This is sure to be an adrenaline rush for just about anyone! A good place to do this exciting sport is in the canyons by Torbole, on the North shore of the lake.

If day trips into the mountains, hiking through the hills or walking along the shore are your thing, you will hardly be bored at Lake Garda. For hikers the summit of Monte Baldo, of course, is one of the highest goals to reach. And on the west shore, above Gardone, you can also reach up to lofty heights. The world-famous rock climbing event in Arco in mid-September, in which the world elite of free climbers gather to compete, is also an exciting spectacle not only for the participants!

How strong you can scrape up in the mountains around Lake Garda is also shown by the fact that Italy’s most famous mountain biker, the double Olympic champion Paola Pezzo trained here. For the ambitious cyclists, the North is the most popular area for this intense sport. Around Riva the famous Bike Festival takes place in late April / early May. Highlight of the event is strenuous bike marathon. More than 5,000 mountain bikers participate in this event and struggle to win in the high mountains. If you really want to challenge yourself – try Monte Baldo, it is the season’s most coveted goal for the fittest cyclists out there.

Surfing is without a doubt the ultimate water sport experience on Lake Garda. It began in the seventies as a kind of a socio-cultural phenomenon: for the first time a generation of young people had a sport that they did not learn from their parents, but from their friends. The lake is so suitable for surfing because its northern part grows out of a narrow mountain valley, and the regular and sometimes very strong winds blow through there. In general, Torbole on the north shore is the mecca of surfing. With the start of the strong winds, the sea is so full of boards that it sometimes seems like you could walk across the water!

Although surfing made the lake known among young athletes, sailing has been here for much longer. Famous is the Cento Miglia; this is a hundred-mile race that starts on the second September Saturday in Bogliaco. It is one of the most prestigious inland lake regattas en Europe!

Last but not least, diving enthusiasts are also not be neglected. Most people dive for sunken galleons, coral reefs or colorful fish, but instead, here in the Lake Garda, the attraction is an illuminated statue of the Madonna: The 3 m high, enlightened figure, was placed on the bottom of the lake by the Brenzone because of the initiative of a diving club. Diving centers with courses and dive trips to be found in Riva, Salò, Torri del Benaco and Desenzano.

Sounds exciting, right? Take a look at our apartments in Lake Garda to get a head start and book your accommodation!

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Seville: Paradisiacal Princess Park

Mar 3

Posted by Vera Schroepel in visitalltheworld | No Comments

This park is one of the loveliest parks in all of Europe.

If Seville doesn’t already make you feel like a princess, you can complete the sensation by taking a break in one the most beautiful city parks in Europe. The María Luisa Park in Seville is not only the perfect hideaway in the very heart in the city; it is also the former home of a princess, and the current home to a stunning collection of beautiful buildings from the end of the 1920s. The park was named after the Duchess of Monpensier, Princess María Luisa de Orleans, who partly donated the ground of her home, the Palacio de San Telmo, to the city in 1893.

Then, when the city of Seville was redirecting the Gudalquivir and building their new port and factories, the Sevilleños decided the host the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929. Landscaped by Jean-Claude Forestier, the large green area now served as grounds for the international expo and with an energetic burst, the entire southern end of the city was turned into grand boulevards and charming gardens. The center is this Parque, with its flower beds, ponds, hidden bowers, Mediterranean pines and the paradisiacal avenue of palms and orange trees. The countries participating in the Expo included Latin American countries and other associated nations like Portugal and Morocco, and each built a pavilion for their exhibitions. This resulted in an amazing collection of beautiful buildings, as each built edifice is based on their home country’s local architectural heritage. The barroco-sevillano style Plaza de España, the Hotel Alfonso XII and the mudéjar revival stylistic Pabellón Mudéjar are the buildings that Seville itself contributed to the international mixture of buildings. The Expo in 1929 was meant to bring Andalucía and the city of Seville back on the global map, but since it coincided with the Great Depression that same year and the year that followed, it was sadly only somewhat a success.

Seville was left, however, with one of the loveliest parks in Europe and an amazing international collection of buildings that now serve as museums or consulates. And the Royal Tobacco Factory, which is now part of the university, is also nearby.

With its gorgeous Art Deco buildings, charming fountains sculptures scattered throughout the whole park, leady shade trees, ponds and lakes, the María Luisa Park is the perfect getaway for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you will find the Sevillians jogging or walking, seating on a blanket with a nice picnic or playing guitar. And if you are lucky, you might even spot a white pigeon – those were a gift by the Philippine people for the 1929 Expo.

Feel like relaxing in paradise? Look at our apartments in Seville to get started!

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Amsterdam: Art Deco Movie Watching

Mar 3

Posted by Vera Schroepel in visitalltheworld | No Comments

The Tuschinski Movie Cinema is built in incredible Art Deco style.

If you are planning on seeing a movie in Amsterdam, or even if you have no intentions of watching any of the latest flicks, you should not miss your chance to visit the Tuschinski cinema by the Rembrandtplein. The building is so sensational that the movie, at least at your first visit, is more of a minor matter. Built by the polish immigrant Abraham Icek Tuschinski in 1918, this is a huge Art Deco cinema palace that remains until today one of the most cherished buildings in Amsterdam.

Tuschinski arrived at the beginning of the 20th century in Rotterdam and, taken away by the new cinema craze, managed to open four cinemas in Rotterdam in a relatively short period of time. Then, after a move to Amsterdam, he decided to construct the big cinema in the city, which cost him the for that time unbelievable amount of 4 million guilders.

The Cinema building is an unbelievable architectural cocktail of the Dutch Amsterdam School style, the stylish Jugendstil, Art Nouveau and Art Deco style, as well as Tuschinski’s own style. The spectacular mix of styles developed because the original project was made by the young architect Hijman Louis de Jong, but Tuschinski fired him before the end of the construction, so two other architects completed the interiors.

With its two towers on both sides, rising above the neighborhood, the big theatre can already be seen from far away. Then, when getting closer, the imposing Art Deco façade will make you feel like you stepped back in the 1920s. Entering the building you find yourself in the incredible entrance hall, furnished with original Art Deco interior, standing on a beautiful 150 square metered hand stitched Jugendstil carpet. Walls are covered by carvings in glazed tiles, dark wood and bronze elements. And then there are the fantastic big yellow Art Deco lamps that give light to the plush and imposing room.

The Tuschinski is also the theatre that serves for all red carpet premieres in Amsterdam. Stretched limousines bring all the famous celebrities to the entrance of the extravagant Art Deco building. In this unbelievably beautiful and architecturally daring building artists like Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf or Josephine Baker already performed on the huge stage.

The gigantic main auditorium of the Tuschinski has 740 seats and can easily compete with the size of the old theatres and opera houses. It even still has private wooden boxes and love seats to sit in and marvel at al the extravagant Art Deco wood interior. Splurging on one of those plush love seats is definitely worth it though: for 30 Euros you get a private lounge for two people, personal wine and small meal service inclusive – it can’t really get better than that! A visit to the Tuschinski definitely has more style than that to any other cinema complex. It is an unbelievable world cinema palace that not only serves for watching your favorite actors on the big screen – a visit here is truly an extraordinary experience!

If can’t wait to watch a movie in this unbelievable building, come have a look at our apartments in Amsterdam to secure your accommodation!

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