Pages

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Pitti Palace - Florence - Italy



The Pitti Palace is a huge Renaissance palace. It was erected in Oltrarno (west bank of the Arno River), near the Ponte Vecchio.

The construction of this building, serious and severe, was commissioned in 1458 by Luca Pitti, a Florentine banker, adherent and associate of Cosimo de Medici. The early history of the Palazzo Pitti is a mixture of facts and myths. It is said that Pitt and had instructed that the windows are wider than the door through which one entered the Palazzo Medici. The art historian Giorgio Vasari in the sixteenth century assumed that Brunelleschi, assisted by his pupil Luca Fancelli, was the architect of the palace, but today it is considered that Fancelli was the real architect.


While it is extraordinary, the original palace cannot compete with the Florentine Medici residences, neither height or in content. Whatever may have been the architect of the Palazzo Pitti, it goes against current trends. The rustic stone work gives the palace an austere and powerful impression reinforced by the three sets of seven arched openings, reminiscent of a Roman aqueduct. The Florentines of the time, fans of a new style all'antica are delighted by this architecture inspired by ancient Rome. This original design has withstood the test of time, repetition of the facades are included with each new addition adjoining the palace and found their influence in several times or imitations of sixteenth-nineteenth century.


The 140 rooms open to the public are part of an interior, designed mostly later than the original part of the building, and created in two stages, the first and second in the seventeenth to the early eighteenth century. In 2005, the discovery by chance, bathrooms of eighteenth century reveal remarkable examples of plumbing whose style is quite similar to those in the bathrooms of the twenty-first century. The Pitti Palace is the residence of the Holy Roman Empire and later
Napoleon used the palace during his control of Italy.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The resorts of Rome Sperlonga



The sun can be merciless in Rome in summer.And since everyone wants to go spread her towel, it is sometimes difficult to find a nice beach. But after much research, you come to Sperlonga.

Sperlonga is fifty minutes drive south of Rome and the city is easily reachable. After taking the shuttle from the station of Sperlonga. You could found yourself in a pretty village. The first thing you will notice is that Sperlonga looks like Greece. Sperlonga’s narrow streets and houses next to each other lightened by the sun and balconies overlooking the sea shore.

After a few minutes’ walk to the village, you will hear the waves calling you. Once you are on the sand, you will notice at the price of rent umbrellas and chairs. The city of Sperlonga has few public beaches but you better rented an umbrella. Indeed, the sun can be hot and dangerous. Sperlonga beach is fantastic, and everyone knows it: so expect to pay an average of 16 Euros for two sun beds and an umbrella (the price depending on the location of the umbrella from the periphery of the water).
The sea is beautiful; the water is clean and transparent. From the coast you can admire a beautiful view, no matter which direction you look, the white cities on the hills or the sparkling sea. However, I have a few recommendations to make, especially for your wallet. The city is beautiful but very small, which means expensive. I advise you to buy something to eat before leaving Rome, and keep your money to buy a cool drink on the beach.

You cannot miss Sperlonga, sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the view that awaits you at the top of the hill. If you need a place to cool off and relax, do not hesitate to go to Sperlonga!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Most Beautiful Moscow Metro


For most tourists visiting the capital of Russia, the Moscow metro is certainly the most beautiful in the world. Some of its stations are in fact real art galleries, an underground palace.

The Moscow Metro was put into operation in 1935 and today, after Tokyo, the largest in the world for the amount of passengers with its 165 stations and 12 lines borrowing some 293 km of tunnels.

It surpasses them all by the incredible beauty of its stations, a beauty that would rather encourage travelers to miss the first train to continue to admire the scenery.

The first lines are the best because it was during the ancient time architecture that efforts have been made. The famous resort Novoslabodskaya particular, built between 1949 and 1954, features 32 stained glass windows painted from sketches by the painter Korin.

At the resort Kiyevskaya we discover a representation that symbolizes the reunification of Russia with Ukraine, the friendship between the two.

Through the station Belorruskaya it feels like to walk between the columns of a palace. We see the mosaics dedicated to the people of Belarus and Oprishko painted statues supporting the arms of the former Soviet republic. Komsomolskaya station is also very impressive with its finely decorated arches and 72 columns. The scenes represent the Russian people's struggle for freedom. There will also discover 9 huge chandeliers and mosaic panels. Station Park of Culture, near Gorky Square, famous Soviet youth through sports.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Six Romantic Travel destinations


An excellent opportunity to bring your beloved to a place where romance reigns supreme.
Where to get your feelings into words better than a very special place? Journey to the High North and declare your love at the sight of the magical Northern Lights. Or search the Caribbean sun and treat each other with romance on a paradise beach.


Tänndalen, Sweden


Take your loved one to the far North and experience collectively the beauty and magic of the Swedish wilderness untouched. Pull on skiing in the mountains or explore the vast natural winter by snowmobile or dogsled. Behold the nocturnal northern lights and then find tranquility in a stylish cozy cabin where the fire crackles.

London, England


Go sniff royal romance in London. The British capital is still one of the hottest weekend destinations with numerous historic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, trendy hotels and intimate restaurants. Are you looking for a special place with spectacular views over the city, then take your love along to the stunning Kensington Roof Gardens or take a spin round the London Eye.


New York, USA


The exciting New York is home to many romantic places. Take the elevator to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building and live together romantic scenes from the movie "Sleepless in Seattle". Make the evening a unique cruise around Manhattan and take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge with its spectacular skyline views of the "city that never sleeps."


Marrakech, Morocco


Experience together the tale of a thousand and one nights. Go stroll through the narrow alleyways of the Medina and visit the Djemaa el Fna square with its fire eaters, snake charmers and storytellers. Pull on an adventure to the magnificent Atlas Mountains, relax in a traditional ham am and spend the night in a tastefully decorated riad.


Ibiza and Formentera, Spain


Leave the tourist spots for what they are and discover the hidden gems in Ibiza. Share and enjoy the sun on idyllic beaches like Cala del jonc and go wandering through the narrow streets of authentic whitewashed villages. Would you do merge, then make the crossing to the unspoiled Formentera. Explore the island by bicycle or scooter and finish the day in beauty with a beautiful sunset in Cala Saona.


Antigua, Caribbean


Travel to the Caribbean and find a piece of paradise on earth. The white sandy beaches and secluded coves of Antigua are a wonderful backdrop for romance. Go snorkeling or diving and admire the colorful underwater world, or go together lazing in a cozy hammock. Stroll along the beach and enjoy a spectacular sunset and a starry sky.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Health Coverage Abroad


In today's globalized world, we can all be called to become globetrotters. The trip over the border is almost a truism. Everyone is in a routine manner whatsoever for work, business, tourism or even studies. Accustomed as we are to our social security in concrete, we often ask ourselves how we covered during our travels. The French state has thought of his countrymen in all eventualities. French Social Security offers health coverage to the minimum by foreign countries that visit and purpose of travel (tourism, study or work).

Health Coverage in Europe

If you are traveling in a country of the EU Economic Area European or even in Switzerland, no worries. Your health problems will be supported by local health departments if you have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The application of this map is at least 15 days before your departure from your Health Insurance Fund. This card is valid for one year. If you were unable to apply on time, your body will give you a temporary certificate valid for three months.

The management of medical expenses is one of two ways:

* (i) You advance medical expenses and are reimbursed on the spot by the local social security agency (under the laws of the country where you are);

* (ii) You do not have to pay in advance and all expenses are borne by health services.