Since Italy hosts over half of the world's great art treasures, any lover of art and history is assured of a richly rewarding experience, which will be all the more rewarding and less frustrating if you know a few things first. As with any country, there are local customs, traditions and ways of doing things that can seem a little strange to the unwary visitor. But importantly, as visitors, it is our responsibility to know as much as possible beforehand so that we don't risk causing offence unnecessarily.
Pay To Sit - You're Kidding Right!
One of the first things I noticed once we'd arrived in Milan and went into a cafe wishing to eat and drink, was that the vast bulk of the patrons were casually standing at the cafe counter consuming their toast or biscuit and coffee. Without even thinking, we assumed they were just in a hurry or something. But over the week, as a pattern seemed to be emerging, it became clear that they were standing for some other reason. But what? A sign in another less used cafe cleared it up for us. The sign read "No charge for sitting" - in English. A little more investigation confirmed what we thought. Your coffee will be 1Euro if you stand, or E1.50 if you sit.
Pay For A Guide - Seriously
For many people, paying for a guide seems an unnecessary expense. But if I may suggest, I would seriously encourage you to ALWAYS pay for a guide in the language of your choice at an attraction in Italy, or anywhere else. When visiting the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Catacombs and countless other places, the information and stories the guides shared with us was enormous, and we would have missed out on so much fascinating detail had we not had a guide.
The things these guides know would take you months to research, and is far too valuable to miss out on for the sake of a few measly bucks or euros. I have been seriously impressed by all the guides I've ever had, and I've never once felt it was wasteful in any way. But another huge benefit of employing a guide is that usually, YOU SKIP THE QUEUE. This will save you hours of standing around in the rain/heat/fog.
Closed For Business - Every Monday
Whilst in Italy, plan to do something other than visit a museum on Monday. This one day each week, all year round, museums are closed to allow the staff to clean, tidy and renovate. It was brought home to me on my first trip to Milan. I just had one day there and the family wanted to go shopping - again. I talked them into coming to see Da Vinci's Last Supper with me. I knew museums were closed on Mondays, and today was a Monday, but the Last Supper was housed in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Or so I thought! It kind of is, - but isn't. It's actually in a little room just adjacent to the church, and this one roomed building is known as a 'museum'. So it was closed. And the girls didn't go shopping, and I'm still hearing about it now.
Beggars and Vagabonds
I'd read about the antics of some of these types. And they are there, so it pays to be wary. They seem to be mostly eastern European immigrants and they will ask you for money. They usually position themselves in places where what they do is not blatant outright begging - more of a swap of services. Let me explain. We were in the metro train station in Milan having a heck of a job figuring out how to use the ticket machines. When all of a sudden along comes a young lady beggar and shows us in moments how to do it. Easy! So we gave her a couple of euros for which she was extremely grateful, and so were we for the assistance.
So be aware, there are beggars and they don't always have something to exchange like this one did. In fact you'll hear all manner of stories about them dumping babies in your arms whilst asking for help. Then while you're left literally holding the baby, their guys are rummaging around your pockets or camera. Beggars attempted this on my next door neighbour when he holidayed there, but he knew how they work and was onto it immediately.
Lured Into Restaurants - But Then No Service
This was such a frustratingly regular ritual each evening that it became plain annoying after the first two or three times. The restaurant owners or their staff stand outside the restaurant every evening and their mission is to put bums on seats. This means that each person will hassle you to get you to use their bar or cafe. If you have a street full of eateries, this can get very tedious. But if that weren't bad enough, once you go inside to eat, the service pretty much gets forgotten about and they've lost interest. I've had to ask repeatedly to get things moving. And frankly I found this one single thing the most annoying for me. Unfortunately, it was the most consistent too.
Brollies - Or Sunnies
These guys are amazing. If it's raining, they have a whole bunch of umbrellas to sell you. But if the rain stops and the sun comes out, then the brollies disappear magically and out come the RayBan look-alikes. The thing is, I never saw a single one of them actually doing the change-around of goods. They just seemed to 'happen' magically. But anyway, they ask politely without necessarily hassling you. And all it takes is a polite 'no thanks' and they quit asking.
So there you have it, - a few tips and pointers to prepare you for your trip to Italy. It is a wonderful place, so whatever you do, don't be put off by these things. That is definitely not my aim. Buon Viaggio
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Destination Tips
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Best of Bali: Top Five Places to Visit in Bali
There are several reasons to visit Bali as there are heavenly lights on a starry night. Being a small island off the coast of Indonesia doesn't set this hotspot for natural and cultural sights back one bit. In fact, you can actually drive up and down the coast in a single day and can still look forward to new and exotic experiences in the next several months. There's no doubt about it. Bali is a mixed bag of idyllic countryside, crystal-clear beach water teeming with colorful marine life, mystic temple ceremonies and a fascinating culture native to the island.
If you're planning to fly to Bali anytime soon, don't forget to check out at least one of the following sights. Some of them are made for tourists, so expect a number of fellow sightseers trying noisily to get some pictures of the place. Others aren't as developed as the typical jet-setter would like, but they are perfect for finding peace and relaxation amidst the busy island whose economy depends much on the presence of visitors.
Kuta
Kuta is the budget traveler's go-to destination. Although things have quieted a bit since the bombings in 2002, Kuta still remains one of the top spots for backpackers and families on vacation. Expect a bit of heckling from sidewalk hawkers and shopkeepers selling fake surf gear and pirated DVDs, but a small "No thanks" can shoo them away. Kuta completely redeems itself as you walk towards the coastline, which is still one of the best sights in the entire island, with pearly-white sea foam pounding on shores of fine golden sand.
Ubud
If you're raring to get away from the frantic beach scene in Kuta, drive to central Bali instead and bask peacefully in the cultural wonders of Ubud. All around the locality, you can visit Hindi temples, museums and the palace of the Balinese royal family that feature Ubud's historical and architectural significance to Bali. You can also purchase a seat at one of the numerous dance-and-music shows followed by a sumptuous and healthy meal of Balinese dishes made from ingredients bought at the local market. Although Ubud is quickly growing to absorb neighboring places, there are still a lot of sleepy little villages nestled quietly in the midst of lush rice fields.
Nusa Lembongan
Become a beach bum for an entire week at Nusa Lembongan, a relatively less developed island off mainland Bali. Little has been done to transform Nusa Lembongan into the tourist haven that is usually Kuta and Ubud, which makes it the perfect place for hanging out by the seashore without having to dodge hawkers and street vendors. The sand is powdery-white in Nusa Lembongan and the water is a clear aquamarine, making swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving the best activities in this part of Bali.
Gunung Agung
Towering into the clouds above Bali is Gunung Agung, an active volcano and the highest peak in the island. The mountain's western façade is flanked by healthy greenery thanks to the rainwater brought about by the west wind, but the eastern side is a bit dry and barren. Near Gunung Agung's summit is Pura Besakih, known as the mother temple and the most important Hindu shrine in the entire Bali. To Pura Besakih there are various routes that can be taken, but only those who are physically fit are rewarded the breathtaking scenarios that wait at the top of the mountain.
Seminyak
Luxury is the name of the game in Seminyak. What was once a sleepy backwater village has evolved into the preferred Bali destination for Hollywood royalty and the rest of the rich and famous. Prices are, inarguably, steeper in this part of the island, but are still cheaper than anything you can spend on luxury abroad. The place is teeming with world-class restaurants offering exotic international cuisines, high-end shop boutiques selling big-name brands and upscale spas and health centers that provide a variety of services, ranging from the traditional Balinese massages to newer, hipper treatments.
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If you're planning to fly to Bali anytime soon, don't forget to check out at least one of the following sights. Some of them are made for tourists, so expect a number of fellow sightseers trying noisily to get some pictures of the place. Others aren't as developed as the typical jet-setter would like, but they are perfect for finding peace and relaxation amidst the busy island whose economy depends much on the presence of visitors.
Kuta
Kuta is the budget traveler's go-to destination. Although things have quieted a bit since the bombings in 2002, Kuta still remains one of the top spots for backpackers and families on vacation. Expect a bit of heckling from sidewalk hawkers and shopkeepers selling fake surf gear and pirated DVDs, but a small "No thanks" can shoo them away. Kuta completely redeems itself as you walk towards the coastline, which is still one of the best sights in the entire island, with pearly-white sea foam pounding on shores of fine golden sand.
Ubud
If you're raring to get away from the frantic beach scene in Kuta, drive to central Bali instead and bask peacefully in the cultural wonders of Ubud. All around the locality, you can visit Hindi temples, museums and the palace of the Balinese royal family that feature Ubud's historical and architectural significance to Bali. You can also purchase a seat at one of the numerous dance-and-music shows followed by a sumptuous and healthy meal of Balinese dishes made from ingredients bought at the local market. Although Ubud is quickly growing to absorb neighboring places, there are still a lot of sleepy little villages nestled quietly in the midst of lush rice fields.
Nusa Lembongan
Become a beach bum for an entire week at Nusa Lembongan, a relatively less developed island off mainland Bali. Little has been done to transform Nusa Lembongan into the tourist haven that is usually Kuta and Ubud, which makes it the perfect place for hanging out by the seashore without having to dodge hawkers and street vendors. The sand is powdery-white in Nusa Lembongan and the water is a clear aquamarine, making swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving the best activities in this part of Bali.
Gunung Agung
Towering into the clouds above Bali is Gunung Agung, an active volcano and the highest peak in the island. The mountain's western façade is flanked by healthy greenery thanks to the rainwater brought about by the west wind, but the eastern side is a bit dry and barren. Near Gunung Agung's summit is Pura Besakih, known as the mother temple and the most important Hindu shrine in the entire Bali. To Pura Besakih there are various routes that can be taken, but only those who are physically fit are rewarded the breathtaking scenarios that wait at the top of the mountain.
Seminyak
Luxury is the name of the game in Seminyak. What was once a sleepy backwater village has evolved into the preferred Bali destination for Hollywood royalty and the rest of the rich and famous. Prices are, inarguably, steeper in this part of the island, but are still cheaper than anything you can spend on luxury abroad. The place is teeming with world-class restaurants offering exotic international cuisines, high-end shop boutiques selling big-name brands and upscale spas and health centers that provide a variety of services, ranging from the traditional Balinese massages to newer, hipper treatments.
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5 Distinguishing Characteristics of Spanish Cuisine
There is little doubt that the world truly has a lot to offer when it comes to culinary goodness. Whether it may be in your home town or a totally different country, there will always be an abundance of really delectable food that will have you begging for more. One of the most sought-after cuisines these days is Spanish food. It is often labeled as the "people's cuisine", mainly for the reason that it possesses a down to earth goodness, and is also generally very easy to make. What makes it even more popular with a lot of folks is the fact that its ingredients can be obtained either regionally or locally.
One may notice that every region in Spain has its own unique brand of signature dishes. This is because of the fact that it was difficult to travel from one region to another until the late 20th century. The area is filled with mountains which run in different directions, making it somewhat of a challenge to cross over to another area. This caused people to concoct their own recipes for foods we know now recognize as Spanish cuisine. Even up to now, a lot of the recipes are still cooked very much the same way they were several hundreds of years ago, while there are some which have notable influences from other cultures, say American, as well. Despite all this, there is little question that the food in Spain will always be tasty and delicious. Below are some of the unique characteristics which best describe Spanish cuisine:
· Many of the dishes in Spain make use of olive oil. This is due to common knowledge in the region that olive oil can offer a lot of health benefits, even more so than vegetable or corn oil.
· For the most part, Spanish dishes are known for their Mediterranean roots. What this means is that there's a good chance you'll be getting dishes which are filled with seafood for ingredients. One fine example of this is Paella.
· Most people often mistake Spanish cuisine for Mexican. However, both of them could be further away from each other. One example of this is the fact that you'll be expecting bread to be served with your dishes. If you order tortillas, you'll be treated with an omelet instead.
· Generally speaking, Spanish cuisine mainly consists of tapas. The food prepared is usually for large groups of people, unlike other countries that serve for one person.
· Unlike other countries, Spanish food offers a lot of variations, especially from region to region. The northern regions of Spain often incorporate meat and chicken in their dishes, while the southern parts are all about shellfish and other types of seafood.
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One may notice that every region in Spain has its own unique brand of signature dishes. This is because of the fact that it was difficult to travel from one region to another until the late 20th century. The area is filled with mountains which run in different directions, making it somewhat of a challenge to cross over to another area. This caused people to concoct their own recipes for foods we know now recognize as Spanish cuisine. Even up to now, a lot of the recipes are still cooked very much the same way they were several hundreds of years ago, while there are some which have notable influences from other cultures, say American, as well. Despite all this, there is little question that the food in Spain will always be tasty and delicious. Below are some of the unique characteristics which best describe Spanish cuisine:
· Many of the dishes in Spain make use of olive oil. This is due to common knowledge in the region that olive oil can offer a lot of health benefits, even more so than vegetable or corn oil.
· For the most part, Spanish dishes are known for their Mediterranean roots. What this means is that there's a good chance you'll be getting dishes which are filled with seafood for ingredients. One fine example of this is Paella.
· Most people often mistake Spanish cuisine for Mexican. However, both of them could be further away from each other. One example of this is the fact that you'll be expecting bread to be served with your dishes. If you order tortillas, you'll be treated with an omelet instead.
· Generally speaking, Spanish cuisine mainly consists of tapas. The food prepared is usually for large groups of people, unlike other countries that serve for one person.
· Unlike other countries, Spanish food offers a lot of variations, especially from region to region. The northern regions of Spain often incorporate meat and chicken in their dishes, while the southern parts are all about shellfish and other types of seafood.
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Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Beyond Kilimanjaro Trekking: 5 Fabulous Sights in Tanzania
With its richly varied geography, ecosystems and cultures, Tanzania has much to draw the adventurous spirit to its mountains, grasslands and forests. Kilimanjaro trekking is one of its foremost attractions, but by no means the only one - here are five of the other most incredible experiences the country has to offer.
Mount Meru
As those who embark on a Kilimanjaro trekking journey will be aware, acclimatisation is all-important. Many people opt to prepare themselves for the main ascent by climbing Mount Meru (4,562 metres) first - but that's not the only reason to explore this striking mountain, which has its own beauty and richness. The tenth highest mountain in Africa, this gracefully sloped stratovolcano sits at the heart of Arusha National Park, providing a home for numerous species of plants and animals on its fertile flanks - including leopards, monkeys, and a hundreds of bird species.
The Serengeti
There are many wonderful wildlife watching options for those who want to combine Kilimanjaro trekking with a safari. Among the most exciting is the chance to watch the great wildebeest migration across the Serengeti - the largest migration of mammals to be seen anywhere in the world. Also to be found in these stunning grasslands are gazelles, zebras, buffaloes and lions.
Ngorongoro Crater
Considered by many to be among the best places to see wildlife in all of Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater lies in the sweeping plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest intact crater on Earth, and its unique size and shape make it the perfect natural wildlife enclosure. This is the East African ecosystem in miniature, with almost every species represented, including elephants, zebra, lions, and the rare black rhino.
Oldupai Gorge
One thing that becomes apparent to those who choose to explore it is that Tanzania is a truly awe-inspiring place - from the breathtaking heights that can be reached when you go Kilimanjaro trekking, to the dizzying sense of ancient history imparted by the prehistoric discoveries at Oldupai Gorge. Also called Olduvai Gorge, this is one of the most legendary archaeological sites in the world: investigations made down this steep ravine have revealed some of the oldest known human remains and stone tools, earning it the nickname 'The Cradle of Mankind' and providing significant evidence for the theory that humans evolved in East Africa.
Zanzibar
For a completely different experience in East Africa compared to Kilimanjaro trekking and wildlife watching, head to Zanzibar. The archipelago, made up of a scattering of Islands in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Tanzania, is a semi-autonomous zone known for its flawless beaches, spice trade, and complex, layered history. From its lush jungles hosting rare species, to the gorgeous heritage sites of the old capital Stone Town, this is a place that visitors will find hard to forget.
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Mount Meru
As those who embark on a Kilimanjaro trekking journey will be aware, acclimatisation is all-important. Many people opt to prepare themselves for the main ascent by climbing Mount Meru (4,562 metres) first - but that's not the only reason to explore this striking mountain, which has its own beauty and richness. The tenth highest mountain in Africa, this gracefully sloped stratovolcano sits at the heart of Arusha National Park, providing a home for numerous species of plants and animals on its fertile flanks - including leopards, monkeys, and a hundreds of bird species.
The Serengeti
There are many wonderful wildlife watching options for those who want to combine Kilimanjaro trekking with a safari. Among the most exciting is the chance to watch the great wildebeest migration across the Serengeti - the largest migration of mammals to be seen anywhere in the world. Also to be found in these stunning grasslands are gazelles, zebras, buffaloes and lions.
Ngorongoro Crater
Considered by many to be among the best places to see wildlife in all of Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater lies in the sweeping plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest intact crater on Earth, and its unique size and shape make it the perfect natural wildlife enclosure. This is the East African ecosystem in miniature, with almost every species represented, including elephants, zebra, lions, and the rare black rhino.
Oldupai Gorge
One thing that becomes apparent to those who choose to explore it is that Tanzania is a truly awe-inspiring place - from the breathtaking heights that can be reached when you go Kilimanjaro trekking, to the dizzying sense of ancient history imparted by the prehistoric discoveries at Oldupai Gorge. Also called Olduvai Gorge, this is one of the most legendary archaeological sites in the world: investigations made down this steep ravine have revealed some of the oldest known human remains and stone tools, earning it the nickname 'The Cradle of Mankind' and providing significant evidence for the theory that humans evolved in East Africa.
Zanzibar
For a completely different experience in East Africa compared to Kilimanjaro trekking and wildlife watching, head to Zanzibar. The archipelago, made up of a scattering of Islands in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Tanzania, is a semi-autonomous zone known for its flawless beaches, spice trade, and complex, layered history. From its lush jungles hosting rare species, to the gorgeous heritage sites of the old capital Stone Town, this is a place that visitors will find hard to forget.
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Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Discover Islamic History When You Travel to Burma
Throughout the bustle of its cities, where monks are part of the daily crowds and the expanses of lush countryside are interspersed with golden temples, those who decide to travel to Burmaare often struck by images of Buddhism. As the country's predominant religion, it is woven through the fabric of life - but in such an ethnically and culturally diverse country as Burma, that same fabric of life is made up of many other traditions and religions. One that is not much written about is the role of Islam, which has had a significant presence in Burmese history and continues to do so today. To learn a little more about the history and traditions of Burmese Islam, read on.
The Beginnings of Islam in Burma
The Ayeyarwady River delta is known to historians of the region as the cradle of the first Burmese empire, which was established in 1055 by King Anawrahta. Alongside the unification of the country as a Buddhist kingdom, there were well-established Muslim communities in the same area, comprising settlers who intermarried with the Bamar and other local ethnic groups. These first settlers came from Persia and, while trying to reach China, began to travel to Burma, with some opting to settle there; their numbers were added to over the centuries by seamen and merchants, soldiers, refugees, and prisoners of war. The chronicles of the Bagan period record stories of certain Muslim individuals playing important roles in the history of that period. Most notable are the Shwe Byin brothers, who served the king as warriors and secret agents. Despite being later executed they were believed to have become Nats or deity-like spirits after their deaths - the spirit palace built in their honour, Taung Byone, is still the site of an annual festival.
Development of Modern Burmese Islam
In the 17th century and onwards, Burmese Muslims played an important role in the trading ports along the country's coast, controlling trade and building mosques that also served as temples for local Buddhist, Hindu and Chinese communities. These coastal towns and villages continue to this day. Elsewhere in the country, Muslims - who had long made up portions of the various armies that had been warring over parts of the country - became part of the social makeup of new communities and cities; in 1857, several quarters of the newly-founded Mandalay, and space to build mosques, were provided for Muslim citizens. Later still, the Indian diaspora under British rule meant a significant increase in the numbers of Muslims who would travel to Burma and settle there.
Islam Here Today
The official government figure for Muslims in the population is 4%, while Muslim leaders put the figure as high as 20%. As with the country in general, the cultural and ethnic makeup of the Muslim population is very diverse, made up of many different communities with different roots, and different ways of connecting to other local religions and customs. Those who travel to Burma with open eyes and mind will see a variety of ways in which these communities contribute to this fascinating country's social and cultural life.
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The Beginnings of Islam in Burma
The Ayeyarwady River delta is known to historians of the region as the cradle of the first Burmese empire, which was established in 1055 by King Anawrahta. Alongside the unification of the country as a Buddhist kingdom, there were well-established Muslim communities in the same area, comprising settlers who intermarried with the Bamar and other local ethnic groups. These first settlers came from Persia and, while trying to reach China, began to travel to Burma, with some opting to settle there; their numbers were added to over the centuries by seamen and merchants, soldiers, refugees, and prisoners of war. The chronicles of the Bagan period record stories of certain Muslim individuals playing important roles in the history of that period. Most notable are the Shwe Byin brothers, who served the king as warriors and secret agents. Despite being later executed they were believed to have become Nats or deity-like spirits after their deaths - the spirit palace built in their honour, Taung Byone, is still the site of an annual festival.
Development of Modern Burmese Islam
In the 17th century and onwards, Burmese Muslims played an important role in the trading ports along the country's coast, controlling trade and building mosques that also served as temples for local Buddhist, Hindu and Chinese communities. These coastal towns and villages continue to this day. Elsewhere in the country, Muslims - who had long made up portions of the various armies that had been warring over parts of the country - became part of the social makeup of new communities and cities; in 1857, several quarters of the newly-founded Mandalay, and space to build mosques, were provided for Muslim citizens. Later still, the Indian diaspora under British rule meant a significant increase in the numbers of Muslims who would travel to Burma and settle there.
Islam Here Today
The official government figure for Muslims in the population is 4%, while Muslim leaders put the figure as high as 20%. As with the country in general, the cultural and ethnic makeup of the Muslim population is very diverse, made up of many different communities with different roots, and different ways of connecting to other local religions and customs. Those who travel to Burma with open eyes and mind will see a variety of ways in which these communities contribute to this fascinating country's social and cultural life.
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Discovering the Cuisine of Rome
Planning to visit Rome? Celebrate your love of food with some of the best and most highly recommended restaurants of the city.
A destination many people dream of visiting, not only is Rome teeming with stunning cultural heritage and magnificent artwork, it also offers a fine selection of restaurants serving authentic Italian culinary masterpieces.
If your dream of staying in a Rome luxury hotel becomes a reality, then make sure that aside from regaling your eyes of the city's beauty, you also delight your palate with delectable dishes from some of these highly recommended restaurants.
Enjoy the Heady Taste of Italy
Like many European destinations, the city wonderfully showcases its culinary specialities and it's famous for providing among the finest dining experiences in the world. The best way to get the undiluted taste of Italy is to eat in places the locals frequent and recommend.
Since it is a fairly small city, staying in any Rome luxury hotel will give you easy access to some of the most excellent restaurants. Here are some key points to remember.
The Best Way to Enjoy Pizza
Since this city is the capital of Italy, you shouldn't miss out on enjoying authentic pizza - one of the world's most loved culinary masterpieces, celebrated in many different forms. The best time to enjoy pizza is during the evening meal. This is because most of the quality restaurants spend most of the day getting the right oven temperature.
Many locals would agree, Da Baffetto, which is situated along Vie del Governo Vecchio is most definitely the best place to enjoy this popular Italian repast.
Discover their Version Of Happy Hour
You will discover that an important part of the city's social scene is 'l'aperitivo', a variation of the happy hour. It is mostly devoted to socialising with colleagues and friends after work, typically between 7-9pm. Many restaurants feature a buffet of appetizers, which helps infuse conviviality to this custom.
Among the highly ideal venues for enjoying l'aperitivo, for those who want to see and be seen, is Crudo - located on Via degli Specchi. Another wonderful place to check out is Société Lutece, nestled cosily on Piazza Monte Vecchio - a place often frequented by a colourful mix of young professionals and bohemians.
If you prefer to join the livelier, younger crowd, the Salotto 42, which you can find on Piazza di Pietra is the best way to go. Other favourite places of professionals and university students are the Café Friends, Bar Gelateria Pompi, and Momart Café. Just ask the concierge of your Rome luxury hotel for directions to these places.
Formal Dining Destinations
Treat yourself to an authentic fine dining experience, Italian style. Here are some of the most famous and highly recommended places to eat in the city.
Agata e Romeo (Via Carlo Alberto, 45). This is easily one of the best-loved restaurants in the city. It features charming decor that presents the perfect backdrop to the simple yet elegant food - elevating the dishes to an entirely different level.
Antico Arco (Piazzale Aurelio, 7). This one is a hip restaurant widely frequented by stylish, younger clientele, situated close to Janiculum Hill. Founded by friends who share a passion for great food, Antico Arco is best known for its culinary inventiveness. Dining at this restaurant may require booking ahead as it is usually packed.
Boccondivino (Piazza Campo Marzio, 6). You can find this restaurant at the heart of the historic city, probably a mere stone's throw from your Rome luxury hotel. It offers sumptuous dishes served against a charming backdrop of modern art and marble.
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A destination many people dream of visiting, not only is Rome teeming with stunning cultural heritage and magnificent artwork, it also offers a fine selection of restaurants serving authentic Italian culinary masterpieces.
If your dream of staying in a Rome luxury hotel becomes a reality, then make sure that aside from regaling your eyes of the city's beauty, you also delight your palate with delectable dishes from some of these highly recommended restaurants.
Enjoy the Heady Taste of Italy
Like many European destinations, the city wonderfully showcases its culinary specialities and it's famous for providing among the finest dining experiences in the world. The best way to get the undiluted taste of Italy is to eat in places the locals frequent and recommend.
Since it is a fairly small city, staying in any Rome luxury hotel will give you easy access to some of the most excellent restaurants. Here are some key points to remember.
The Best Way to Enjoy Pizza
Since this city is the capital of Italy, you shouldn't miss out on enjoying authentic pizza - one of the world's most loved culinary masterpieces, celebrated in many different forms. The best time to enjoy pizza is during the evening meal. This is because most of the quality restaurants spend most of the day getting the right oven temperature.
Many locals would agree, Da Baffetto, which is situated along Vie del Governo Vecchio is most definitely the best place to enjoy this popular Italian repast.
Discover their Version Of Happy Hour
You will discover that an important part of the city's social scene is 'l'aperitivo', a variation of the happy hour. It is mostly devoted to socialising with colleagues and friends after work, typically between 7-9pm. Many restaurants feature a buffet of appetizers, which helps infuse conviviality to this custom.
Among the highly ideal venues for enjoying l'aperitivo, for those who want to see and be seen, is Crudo - located on Via degli Specchi. Another wonderful place to check out is Société Lutece, nestled cosily on Piazza Monte Vecchio - a place often frequented by a colourful mix of young professionals and bohemians.
If you prefer to join the livelier, younger crowd, the Salotto 42, which you can find on Piazza di Pietra is the best way to go. Other favourite places of professionals and university students are the Café Friends, Bar Gelateria Pompi, and Momart Café. Just ask the concierge of your Rome luxury hotel for directions to these places.
Formal Dining Destinations
Treat yourself to an authentic fine dining experience, Italian style. Here are some of the most famous and highly recommended places to eat in the city.
Agata e Romeo (Via Carlo Alberto, 45). This is easily one of the best-loved restaurants in the city. It features charming decor that presents the perfect backdrop to the simple yet elegant food - elevating the dishes to an entirely different level.
Antico Arco (Piazzale Aurelio, 7). This one is a hip restaurant widely frequented by stylish, younger clientele, situated close to Janiculum Hill. Founded by friends who share a passion for great food, Antico Arco is best known for its culinary inventiveness. Dining at this restaurant may require booking ahead as it is usually packed.
Boccondivino (Piazza Campo Marzio, 6). You can find this restaurant at the heart of the historic city, probably a mere stone's throw from your Rome luxury hotel. It offers sumptuous dishes served against a charming backdrop of modern art and marble.
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Engage Yourself in a Wide Array of Attractions of Taipei
Taipei is the city that can take you on a joy ride which you would cherish for years to come. Its highlights are simply irresistible and can't afford to be missed.
So, what have you decided? Where do you want to take a trip to? Well, there is a plethora of tourist hotspots on Earth which are worth exploring and they take you on a joy ride as they are dotted with a number of mind-blowing attractions. We would like to express our gratitude as you have chosen the destination of Taipei to take a tour to. Taiwan truly can be contemplated to be "The Heart of Asia." Recognized as the capital of Taiwan, Taipei is the largest city other than being its economic, political and cultural center. If you want to feel the exuberance of Taipei, you can grab flights to Taipei and feel the difference. It is a contemporary metropolis that has a vibrant and diversified face.
Taipei is a city of smiles. You can take a glance at one of the tallest buildings of the world to the largest collection of Chinese art. How about discovering the heart of Asia in stunning Taiwanese capital? It is the city where you come across a number of places of interest, interesting museums and contemporary shopping complexes. The fun and entertainment options would not come to a close. It as a matter of fact is a "must stop" destination for all those holiday-makers who are expecting some thrill from their trip.
The city offers a wide range of events and festivals right through the year to the visitors. You would be amazed to find out that Taipei is a unique fusion of Taiwanese folk cultures, Chinese classical culture and modern culture that has been influenced by the Western. You can take an expedition to the city of smiles where you find out numerous heritage sites for which the country is known the world over. Admire revealing the hidden tales of the ancient epoch? You find a number of buildings that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
So, don't let the time pass by and grab cheap Taipei air tickets so that you can visit the art galleries of the National Palace Museum, which hold one of the finest and striking collections of ancient Chinese artifacts. Here, at this museum, you can find 3,000 works of art that has been created by local artists.
If you like shopping, there are a number of shopping places where you can get your hands on almost everything that is economical and easy on your pockets. You can make your way to Dinghao market, Shihlin night market and many more.
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So, what have you decided? Where do you want to take a trip to? Well, there is a plethora of tourist hotspots on Earth which are worth exploring and they take you on a joy ride as they are dotted with a number of mind-blowing attractions. We would like to express our gratitude as you have chosen the destination of Taipei to take a tour to. Taiwan truly can be contemplated to be "The Heart of Asia." Recognized as the capital of Taiwan, Taipei is the largest city other than being its economic, political and cultural center. If you want to feel the exuberance of Taipei, you can grab flights to Taipei and feel the difference. It is a contemporary metropolis that has a vibrant and diversified face.
Taipei is a city of smiles. You can take a glance at one of the tallest buildings of the world to the largest collection of Chinese art. How about discovering the heart of Asia in stunning Taiwanese capital? It is the city where you come across a number of places of interest, interesting museums and contemporary shopping complexes. The fun and entertainment options would not come to a close. It as a matter of fact is a "must stop" destination for all those holiday-makers who are expecting some thrill from their trip.
The city offers a wide range of events and festivals right through the year to the visitors. You would be amazed to find out that Taipei is a unique fusion of Taiwanese folk cultures, Chinese classical culture and modern culture that has been influenced by the Western. You can take an expedition to the city of smiles where you find out numerous heritage sites for which the country is known the world over. Admire revealing the hidden tales of the ancient epoch? You find a number of buildings that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
So, don't let the time pass by and grab cheap Taipei air tickets so that you can visit the art galleries of the National Palace Museum, which hold one of the finest and striking collections of ancient Chinese artifacts. Here, at this museum, you can find 3,000 works of art that has been created by local artists.
If you like shopping, there are a number of shopping places where you can get your hands on almost everything that is economical and easy on your pockets. You can make your way to Dinghao market, Shihlin night market and many more.
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