Archive for June, 2011

There is no secret that I have a crush, but the crush is on a hotel and not a person!  In May, I had the honor of staying at Hotel Moreno (you can read about my stay here and here) and when my flight last week was changed unexpectedly and I found myself with an extra night in Buenos Aires, there was no other choice in my mind but to stay at Hotel Moreno yet again.  It amazes me that this strikingly modern hotel with such surprisingly affordable rates is not the hottest place to stay in the city right now.

The attention to details is dazzling, but my favorite thing about Hotel Moreno, which sets it apart from every other boutique hotel, are the antique elevators.  As you step inside, you feel as though you are being transported back in time to bygone era.

As I ascended the floors, passing by beautiful stained glass windows each telling a different story, I become more and more eager to see what my room would look like this time around. . .

 If you should choose to stay at Hotel Moreno in the future, email General Manager Jeremías Meinardi (jeremias@morenobuenosaires.com) and mention my name and/or my blog and a special discounted rate will be given.

This post was sponsored by Cheap Flights.  Flight Centre is Australia’s leading travel agent and offers everything you need for travel including domestic and international flights, holiday packages, cruises, ski holidays, last minute hotels and offers, travel insurance and much more.

If there is something outstanding in Berlin, apart from its beer, it is street art.  And this is due, thanks to the reunification of the city, when young artists felt free to show their creative ideas.  They were tempted by bizarre post-communist locations, like the Wall, cheap rents, and ramshackle buildings; which gave rise to a vibrant street art scene that also attracted young artists from all around the world.

You can find samples of this creative movement everywhere in the city if you pay a bit of attention, though I recommend you rent one of the apartments in Berlin and like this bohemian atmosphere do it in the districts of Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, or Friedrichshain, as these are the hot spots for street art.  Actually, there are many street paintings which have also become famous worldwide, but I would like to show you some of the most unusual or the ones with political and/or social content:

A useful option, if it is your first time in this city, are free tours organized by volunteers who are only paid by the tips tourists give them.  Their secret is that they have a passion for the city and it shows in their tours — making them amongst the best tour services in Europe!  Moreover, they will offer you a personalized tour, depending on what you are most interested in.

Finally, in case you are not very good at cooking in your Berlin apartments, here is a great place to eat: the first Thai restaurant in Europe called Edd’s Thailändisches Restaurant (Lützowstrasse, 81). However, if you are looking for something more affordable, there is a Maybachufer Turkish market at the Kreuzberg district where you can eat cheaply and enjoy a show of people shouting out load and live music.

Maria Climent is a 26-year-old Catalan lady.  After studying translation, she decided her life was odd enough to became a humor scriptwriter and by default, a blogger.  This is how she is now a mother of no one and a better person.  She also cooks her meals.

While Andi is busy traveling the world, I thought I would share my own recent beautiful adventures.  I am Australian, living in Berlin for a little over a year, working and traveling.  I set myself the reachable task of seeing a new country every month, even if it is just a weekend away to Prague or half a week to Barcelona.  I feel as though I have a lot of catching up to do since I have been so far removed from the rest of the world until now.

About three months ago I began to crave for longer and more challenging traveling experiences.  Instead of taking the plane, I wanted to find a group of people to hire a van with.  Thus, I looked into caravan sites.  I began reading more travel blogs like this one and thinking up all sorts of out-of-body and mind experiences.  Raised interests in Jewish history then led to tickets booked to Israel.

My good friend/sister/part-time-wife and I booked the cheapest tickets in order to see as much as possible in the 11 days we were there.  We flew from Berlin to Geneva, stayed over a night with a friend, then Geneva to Sharm el Sheikh. W e rested in the cesspool of needy Egyptian men for a night before taking the bus to Taba the next morning.  Happy to get out of the Sinai, we strolled across the border and caught a taxi to the Eilat bus station.  Quickly we were on a bus to Jerusalem and contacting our first couch host.

Over the next week and a half we stayed with various hosts and explored the underworlds of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.  Day by day we were welcomed warmly, continuously ending in random on-the-spot drinking opportunities with locals. Despite technically being part of the Middle East, and engaged in war with Palestine, Israel feels like a place more at peace than most areas I have traveled to in Europe.

Eager to experience more, I have booked tickets for Sylvester, which is Israel’s New Year’s Eve, and will be joining a family in their celebrations.  I feel like I have started something I will never be able to finish!

Currently working in marketing in Berlin, Claire is an creative theater producer and director from Australia.  As a result of producing arts festivals and events over the years, she has an ample knowledge of music, theater, visual arts, and fashion. Usually writing for print media, with the occasional website copy, she relishes in the open landscapes of the blogging world.

I was given a sneak peak at some of the pictures that the incredibly talented photographers, Frances and Duff, took of the day I surprised Lucas from start to finish.  I decided to share the pictures with you, but I am not going to explain what is happening in each one.  That I will save for when I have all of the pictures!

The best is yet to come. . .

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurprise I am in Buenos Aires, Argentina!!!  You did not think there was any way in this big, beautiful world that I was going to miss my husband’s Birthday did you?  Thanks to one of the most generous women alive (she knows who she is) I was gifted a plane ticket to surprise Lucas for his Birthday.  I had the entire event documented by 2 photographers, Frances and Duff, and a videographer, Diego.  I cannot wait to show you Lucas’ reaction to seeing me (he had absolutely no idea) and the unforgettable evening that my bestie, Julie, and I planned in honor of his special day.  While the artists are working on editing the photos and video, I will leave you with a sneak peak as to what I wore for the occasion!

More to come soon and I promise you are going to love what I have to share!  Both the photos and video will truly take your breath away.  Oh, and remember that Kiwi Collection property that I said I would be staying at, well I can now reveal that we are staying at the uber-chic Home Hotel in the barrio of Palermo Hollywood.  Our loft is to-die-for and I cannot wait to share photos.  But for now, I am going to disconnect and enjoy every.single.second I have with Lucas before we have to say goodbye again on Tuesday.  So, chau for now!

As you can see, I have interrupted my Wedding and Honeymoon posts, with a new adventure (do not worry, I will resume the posts next week starting with the highly anticipated wedding photos)!  I am leaving tonight on a top secret trip that only my closest family and friends know about.  I wish that I could share the details with you, but it would ruin a gigantic surprise, one worthy of the title, “ Surprise of the Century!”

I will give you 3 clues though and I would love to read your guesses as to where I am off to.  You might not be right, however you could possibly inspire me with an idea for a future trip. . .

1. Clue 1: I need my passport and a visa to get there.
2. Clue 2: I am staying at a Kiwi Collection property that starts with an H.
3. Clue 3: I have been to this country before (hint: check out my countries visited page).

Stay tuned for the BIG reveal on Saturday!!!

As a Canadian, who has lived in England for many years, I have grown accustomed to the nation’s many cultures, cities, and people.  While the sights and sounds make me feel truly at home, sometimes it is nice to go back to Canada to explore a different side of this great planet.  Last summer I had the opportunity to do just that and a friend decided to come along for the journey.

Being a native who has lived in Ontario, Canada for the better part of his life, I have seen everything there is to see, several times in fact.  A self-described expert, I wanted to show my friend the best parts of Ontario within a reasonable budget.  Planning things out strategically, I departed from my family home in London, Ontario (not the UK!) to see everything we could on our journey north through the country.

The first stop on our journey along the 401 was the famous Niagara Falls located between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York.  Taking a blanket and some sandwiches, we had a lovely picnic in one of the parks flanking the whole waterfall.  Finishing up and eager to explore, we decided to go on the Maid of the Mist, a ship that travels up into the waterfall, completely drenching you in water.  Costing around $20, it is a fantastic experience, even for those that have done it 5 times before!

We got back onto a different highway and stopped off at the largest city in the province: Toronto.  Packed with enough activities to fill weeks of time, I decided to take my friend to the CN Tower, one of the tallest towers in the world with an observation deck from which you can see all of Toronto and, on a clear day, into the United States.  I would recommend booking in advance or coming early in the day as it can get quite busy during the summer.

Feeling a little hungry, I called a friend who lived in the city to ask about a good place to eat.  He instantly recommended the Craft Burger on King Street.  With a truly North American feel, the little dinner had a range of gourmet burgers priced between $5-14.

Traveling higher up north using the 401 once more, we decided to stop off at Kingston for the night.  There is a huge assortment of Hotels in Ontario and the Seven Oakes Motel is quite a nice choice for the budget traveler.  Costing around $56/night, it is clean and has a very friendly staff.  Tell them Mike sent you and you may just get a discount!

Finally, we made our way to the final destination of the trip, Ottawa, the nations capital.  The length of the trip made us appreciate the vastness of the Province.  A great historical city, we went straight to Parliament Hill, the main political building of the country.  You can tour the magnificent place for free, my favorite part were the wondrous statues of prime ministers.

However many times I have seen it, Canada never ceases to amaze.  Like the provincial motto, Ontario is “yours to discover.” It is definitely a life changing experience that you will remember forever.

Michal Kniec, after completing a History degree in Canada, decided that a little change of scenery would do him some good and moved across the world to Manchester. Now studying law, he loves to write, cook, and travel as much as possible on this pale blue dot.

If you have always fantasized about booking yourself into one of the most exotic luxury spa breaks in the world, then continue reading for inspiration.  Here we have compiled the top 5 worldwide spa breaks in some of the most exquisite wellness centers ever to have graced our planet (several can even lay claim to regular visits from the likes of Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campbell, and Donna Karan)!

Terme de Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort, ITALY

Incorporating diamonds, gold, and Antarctic ice into their facial treatments, this Tuscan wellness center is divinely exotic in every way.  Located right beside an ancient thermal spring said to have healing powers, this spa is surrounded by rock pools, waterfalls, and majestic Roman baths.  Treatments on offer include: micronized nasal showers that alleviate nasal obstruction and breathing difficulties, as well as craniosacral therapy, which realigns the body and treats stress, back and neck pain, migraines, and chronic pain conditions.

Located in Maremma, one of the most idyllic corners of Tuscany, the medieval town of Saturnia is the perfect location to embark on a full relaxation program.  With 2 restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, countless treatments, and 53 treatment rooms, this spa has everything a wellness seeker could wish for.

Single occupancy rooms (with breakfast) start from around £250 per night, with treatments booked separately.  If you are looking for spa breaks in Italy, this would be the one to look out for.

Como Shambhala, BALI

While this spa offers all the treatments you would expect from a beauty resort, therapists at this beautiful Balinese wellness center concentrate their efforts towards inner well being; reassuring guests that none of their holistic therapies treat the exterior without also exploring the interior.  The resident Psychologist here will help visitors gain mental equilibrium, while the treatments and surroundings will further aid de-stressing and relaxation.

Single occupancy rooms (including breakfast) start from around £120 per night, with treatments booked separately.

Sha Wellness Centre, SPAIN

The brainchild of the Bataller Parietti family, this Oriental-inspired spa resort is a minimalist macrobiotic marvel, and the only one of its kind in the world.  Diagnosed with a stomach tumor nearly 12 years ago, father Alfredo took up a macrobiotic diet, which meant cutting out red meat, dairy, and eggs and eating only vegetables, soya, grains, and seaweed.  His tumor eventually receded and disappeared.  Likewise, his son, Alejandro, followed suit in an effort to cure his chronic migraine suffering and that disappeared as well.

The treatment plan here centers on delicious, healthy cuisine and holistic therapies (like Reiki for example).  In between eating and treatments you will find yourself gravitating towards the center’s giant rooftop infinity pool.  If you are looking for spa breaks Spain, this would be the one to look out for.

Single occupancy rooms (including all meals) start from around £170 per night, with treatments booked separately.

Six Senses Destination Spa, THAILAND

Located on the beautiful island of Phuket, this spa offers integrated health programs that focus primarily on preventive wellness and education, teaching guests how to enhance their lifestyles and invest in a healthy and stress-free way of life.  This recently opened resort is laid out in the style of a Thai village and has been built with sustainability and environmental impact fully in mind.  The dedicated staff truly inspire positive lifestyle change in their guests, helping them transform their lives and nourish their souls.

Single occupancy rooms (including all meals) start from around £370 per night, including all treatments.

Ananda In the Himalayas Spa, INDIA

Set against the verdant Himalayan backdrop, this stunning destination spa is located on Maharaja’s palace estate.  With treatment programs centered on yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda (the 5,000-year-old “science of life”), the center offers its guests some truly unique workshops, tutorials, and private sessions.

With the promise of being taught by the resort’s ‘Masters of Well Being’ (each of whom visit from all over the Asian continent), people come here to acquire specialist knowledge about holistic well being for the body, mind, and spirit, and to achieve balance through one of its many treatment programs.

Single occupancy rooms (excluding meals) start from around £230 per night, including yoga and meditation classes, use of wet spa areas like sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, and scheduled hiking trails into the Himalayas.

As a wedding present to Lucas and I, my friend/wedding videographer Kirsten, offered to do a mini-engagement shoot.  We were of course elated, as there was no other way for us to have had one since up until our wedding week we had been 5000 miles apart.  By now, most of you have already seen the photos.  If you have not, you can see them here and here.

A lot goes into making a photo shoot perfect.  After you have thoughtfully planed the location, date, and time, then you must style it.  We wanted our travel themed e-session to reflect Lucas and I’s exact personality, thus I chose to wear a gown while he chose to wear a shirt and jeans.  That is just so us!

My go-to hair and makeup guru in Buenos Aires used to be Kelo.  Unfortunately, while I would love nothing more than to sing his praises, since he really is a genius with his hands, he deeply disappointed me like so many of my wedding vendors when it came to my Big Day.  I will not go into the drama that he caused, but I will say that I no longer recommend him.  Having said that, I have still decided to take you behind the scenes before our shoot in his studio.  I told Kelo I wanted a Brigitte Bardot inspired look and that is exactly what he gave me.

I am delighted to announce that UPrinting has offered one of my readers the opportunity to win 100 postcards!!!

I have no doubt that my travel obsessed readers would love the chance to print their favorite image on postcards to send to their friends and family during their adventures around the world.  If I had to pick my favorite photo from the shoot to put on a postcard, while it it would be a difficult decision, I think I would choose the following:

Giveaway Information:

1. Leave me a comment describing the image you would choose for your postcards.
2. For an extra entry leave me a comment telling me that you have followed me on Twitter.
3. For another extra entry leave me a comment telling me that you have friended me on Facebook.

I will announce the winner on Friday, June 24th, 2011.

Postcard Information

• 100 Postcards for 1 Winner
• 5″ x 7″
• 14pt Cardstock Gloss
• No Folding
• Front and Back Printing
• 2 Business Day Print Turnaround Time
• Restriction: Limited to US Residents 18 Years Old and Above Only

This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, an online printing company, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive postcards for hosting. See more information about postcards and available postcard designs on UPrinting.com.

I do not know whether you are aware of this little fact or not, but just in case you have planned to visit the heart and the south of Spain this summer, pay attention and read carefully: it is hot!  If, for example, you have apartments in Seville, you should take a look at this survival guide, unless of course you feel like dying from dehydration.

• Rule #1: Never move more than 50 meters away from a fountain unless you bring some water with you.

  

• Rule #2: Never fall asleep at the beach.  That is suicide; spontaneous combustion!  Well, a night in a hospital at least.
• Rule #3: You have to be really mad to go for a walk between 12-7pm.  There is an extreme risk of being stuck to the asphalt if you do.
• Rule #4: Who minds if hats were never your thing?  Your brain sure is and you would like to continue to use it, do you not?  So, protect it!
• Rule #5: Take advantage of the evenings.  Nothing is quite like a Spanish summer night.  Before those delightful hours it is almost impossible to speak.
• Rule #6: Have you ever heard of pescaíto frito?  You cannot abandon this world without having eaten it with an ice cold beer.  Thus, you are only allowed to leave your apartments in Seville at midday if it is for this reason alone.  But, make sure you take a fan and the bar where you will be has a spot in the shade for you.  Otherwise, your ice cold beer will turn into soup in about 3 minutes (and the fish will be over-cooked).

  

• Rule #7: Remember sun screen is your best friend.
• Rule #8: Do not be ashamed of sweating, everybody does it here.
• Rule #9: Do not go into the water when you are drunk.  Yes, I know is tempting, however you can be embarrassed the rest of your life in a matter of seconds when you realize that an old lady has saved you and you are naked in front of the eyes of dozens of people.
• Rule #10: If you have been clever enough you will have chosen your Seville apartments with a terrace.  So, it is a must to enjoy a sunset barbecue with your friends on said terrace before leaving.

Maria Climent is a 26-year-old Catalan lady.  After studying translation, she decided her life was odd enough to became a humor scriptwriter and by default, a blogger.  This is how she is now a mother of no one and a better person.  She also cooks her meals.