Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante

This quite town located in Liguria between Genova and Riamaggiore deserves more credits for its beauty. This small fishing town has a quite big history lying at it’s hills and serenity at the sea side.

1) Bay of Silence: As you walk through the town first it’s T-shape structure surprises you but this shape helps to a hide the Bay of Silence. This small bay has a tiny sandy beach opposed to other beaches in Sestri Levante. Although it’s quite known by tourists as well the crystal clear waters and the surrounding colourful buildings gives a comfort and peace. You may find some local places of the classical Italian cuisine. 

2) Gelato and more Gelato: Although the town is quite small it has more gelateria shops and most of towns in Italy. I would recommend Tema Gelati e Molto di Piu. There are many different flavours to be tried!

3) Capuccini Monastery: This monastery dates back to 1688 and it is located in a fantastic location, a bit uphill on Baia del Silenzio, with stunning views on the bay. The convent is still active and there are a few monks "Cappuccini" living there, celebrating a public Mass every day.

View from the church

4) The Castle and San Nicolo Church: There is a small castle, whose foundations date to about 1089 AD overlooking Sestri Levante. During the ensuing decades, like other towns and villages along this coast, it was subjected to brutal raids by Saracens and pirates.  The Castel was extended and fortified in 1145.  The town itself was also encircled with walls containing four gates, cirtually none of which remain today.  Inside the walls, between 1151 AD and 1190 AD, the first major church, Chiesa San Nicola, was built.  It remains in sacred operation to this day.  Further fortifications, in the shape of two other castles were built, one in 1310 AD, and the other, the Castle of the Eagle, in 1440. 

San Nicolo Church

5) City Center: The city center is constituted by one main street which is “XXVI Aprile” which is full of shops, small cafes and ice cream shops. There are may tiny streets crossing the main street. As you walk in the city center remember to look up to colourful buildings surrounding you. 

View of Old Town

Barcelona Vol.2

In my previous post I have listed the top touristic places to see since Barcelona is hosting many artwork many artist such as Gaudi, Picasso. However there are much more to do and enjoy the city like a local.
Top 9things to do in Barcelona to enjoy the city:

1)     Wonder in the streets of El Gothic. To reach these two areas you can take off at the metro stop Jaume 1. As you get off from the metro you find yourself in a little piazza, take the first left, there is a shop called Incas at the corner and walks the tiny street where you will see the old city walls. Back at the time the city was only that big in order to be able to protect the city. Now some towers are inhabited without destroying the façade.

Old city walls

Street view 

If you continue the street you will find the big gothic church which is just too beautiful. A little bit further in the piazza there is the writing of Barcelona from iron.

2)    Baixada de Santa Eulalia: 13 year old Roman Christian virgin who suffered martydorm in Barceolna during the persecution of Christians in the reign of emperor Diocletain.

The Street where they rolled her in the barrel

        For refusing to recant her Christianity, the Romans subjected her to tortures. First they put her into a barrel with knives stuck into it and rolling it down a street, then they cut of her breast followed by crucifixion on X shaped crossed and finally decapitation. Her tomb is now in the cathedral in El Gotic. 

Her tomb

3)     El Born: This neighborhood is so lively. Tiny streets are full of shops, cafes and bars. As you wonder around you will lose track of time. It’s a very lively neighborhood during night as well. 

Street art in El Born

Colors rule the streets in this area

4)     Passeig de Gracia: This long street full, trees planted on both sides has many shops, restaurants and one of Gaudi’s houses. But if you continue this street till Gracia you end up in a more alternative street which is quite nice to wander. It’s a good alternative to mingle with some locals. 

5)     Barcelonata: This place is known for its beach, bars and night clubs. Both locals and tourists are attracted to this side of the city. While you are here enjoy the long side walk. If you don’t want to look like a tourist you can hire rollerblades or a skateboard. Enjoy the view of the sea and the sand sculptures done by various artists, no matter the season. If you like gambling there is a quite big casino here.

6)     Bogatell: If you choose the summer season to visit Barcelona, be aware of the crowd in Barcelonata beach. However if you go a bit further from Barcelonata to Bogatell (15min walking or you can take the yellow metro line), you have the exact same sandy beach, only a less crowded place with a cleaner water.

7)     Montjuic: This little hill with a flat top overlooking to the harbor could be reached by a funicular. On the top of the hill there is a fortress from 17^th century.  It served as a prison, often holding political prisoners, until the time of General Franco. Now it offers an amazing view. There is also National Palace, some remaining venues from 1992 Summer Olympics. The slopes are covered with well attended gardens.

8)     Tibidabo Hill: This is the greenest place of Barcelona. The houses are more luxurious, the atmosphere is very relaxing. There is a church "Temple de Sagrat Cor" which was built in 60 years from 1902 to 1962, an attraction park with full of tools, it's super exciting enjoying a roller coaster from 500m higher and lastly "Torre i Mira dor de Collserola" which is 288m long and its 10th floor is the highest spot where you can watch over Barcelona.

9) Arc de Triomf: In 1888 Barcelona hosted the Universal Exhibition. The Arc de Triomf was built as the gateway to the fair which was held in the Parc de la Ciutadella. The monument is classical in shape and proportions and features ground-breaking sculptural and decorative finishes replete with symbolism. It has become one of the city's iconic landmarks.

Paris

Paris

Is there anyone who went to Paris and not fall in love with the city? This was my 5th time in Paris and once again I was amazed by its charm, elegance and beauty... 

Here are some tips where you can enjoy the see both as a tourist and a local

Must see museums

Top two is always obvious: Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. These two huge museums are the top two visited ones. In order to avoid the queue online ticket is an option another option is to go during lunch time around 14.00. This trick definitely worked for me! I just waited for 15min and voila I was inside the museum!

View of Louvre

Musee d'Orsay

Third museum to go and my favorite was Centre Pompidou. This modern museum is composed by a library, two big galleries and exposition areas. If you love Kandisky, Chagal, Matisse and many more you can spend hours without noticing!

Must Walk & See

Champs-Elysee is not the one I’m sorry. It’s unnecessarily to crowded and redundantly popular. I suggest St.Germain area. Every street ends up in another street such as Rue de Sevres, Boulevard Raspali, Rue des Rennes, Rue de Vuagirard and many more. Walking in Paris is a must to feel the vibe of this amazing city.

St.Michel area is one of the most popular places. There are many second hand bookstores where you can find books both in English and French. While you are there take a short walk to Quartier Latin and eat a crepe there(salty/sweet)

Le Marais: My favorite area for sure! Previously dominated by Jews is now transformed to an area of shopping and eating. Jews are still there with their traditional restaurants, dishes and bakeries. While you are in Le Marais you must try falafel, too good.

Pigalle- Sacre Coeur-Montmarte- Moulin Rouge: Start you tour to Scare Coeur from Pigalle, head to Sacre Coeur and then head down to Montmarte where you will see many souvenir shops, cafes to chill and painters who will want to paint you! Unfortunately they are not very talented or very expensive so I suggest you to skip this option! Finally you will see Moulin Rouge to be honest I was expecting something much more spectacular however it’s just a red building with a mill. Moulin Rouge was my only disappointment in Paris!

Quai de Seine: Just walk along the Seine river look at the book shops along the river, pass from Ponte des Arts(where they have removed the love locks instead there are graffitis), the area around Ponte des Arts has many art galleries every nice walk. If you are in Paris during summer you can enjoy Plage sur Seine where there is sand and chaise with umbrellas along the river. It’s an amazing place to have some peace and enjoy summer

Canal St.Martin: This small canal is so bohemian and less touristic. There are many cafes and shops around it. You can easily reach by metro (metro stops: République,  Jacques Sergent, Parmentier)

Canal St.Martin

Opera Area: The opera building is just amazing, walking up behind the Opera you arrive at Boulevard Ousmann, the most crowded and touristic part of Paris where Printemps and Gallerie LaFayette is located

Cathedral Notre Dame and surrondings: Situated on this small island in the middle of  Seine, it’s possible to reach Notre Dame from Pont Neuf, Rue des Bernardins, boulevard St.Michel or by metro (Cite, St.Michel) walk around in this small island and enjoy the view. Then pass to Hotel de Ville.

Hotel de Ville Area: situated at the heart of the city there is always an event in this neighborhood. During summer there are free concerts and during winter there is an ice skating area. If you are walking around the city this will be one of the spots that you will pass by.

Eiffel Tower: If it’s your first time in Paris of course it’s interesting to go and see Eiffel Tower. You have two options to reach by metro either you stop at the Eiffel Stop and reach at the gardens lying in front of it. This is a better option if you wish to go up of the tower. If you want just a photo you can take off at the Trocard stop and see it from a bit further. It’s possible to reach to tower by walking form this station as well

Avenue Victor Hugo: Walking around in these rich neighborhoods of Paris will make you feel just happy. The architecture will amaze you till your core. And at the end you reach Champs-Elysees

Relax here

Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin de Luxembourg : Located in the heart of the city between Boulevard St.Michel and Boulevard Raspali is a huge garden to relax on the grass or on benches and enjoy the sun and summer

Jardin de Tuliers: after a fulfilling tour in Louvre this garden will feel amazing. Just lay on the benches and chill.

Eat & Drink

Parisians are very into their comfort and they love food of course French cuisine is one of the best cusisnes. In Paris you have many options every restaurant/café/bar is just too beautiful. Each of them have their space at the outside with little tables and chair and almost all of them make you feel Parisian and you feel like you belong to the city.  

St. Germain Area:

Café Flore and Les Deux Magots: Located in the heart of St.Germain, these two cafes are the oldest. If you want to feel old Paris you must go here. They were the preferred cafes of Hemingway and many more artists.

La Moccha: This cafe is a must go place to feel that you are in Paris. It’s situated in St.Germain and very close to Musee d’Orsay

Canal St.Martin:

Ponte des Arts

La Marine: Situated by the canal this typical Parisian café offers amazing food. If you aren’t hungry then definitely try Kusmi Tea.

Comptoir Generale: This terrace bar has very nice cocktails with a spectacular view. It’s one of the must-go places while you are in Paris

Le Marais

Le Voyagier: one of the best cafes among many others in Le Marais. It’s one of the best places to feel the vivant vibe of the quartier and watch people while enjoying lemon tart with ice coffee.

Le Marais is also very vivant at night Yono and Éclair de Genies are bars with tasty cocktails and cool atmospheres.

Les Philosophes Café is one of the popular cafes on Rue du Vielle Temps where you can enjoy traditional French cuisine.

Dinner

George’s: Situated at the terrace of Centre Pompidou, this restaurant offers delicious food with a breath taking view.

View from George's

Ralph’s: Located in the courtyard of Ralph Lauren store in St.Germain, this resto is preferred by tourists and locals. Food is amazing; the best is the burgers for sure. You need reservations for dinner and lunch

L’Avenue: Located on the side street of Champs Elysees offers one of the most expensive yet delicious food. If you have no budget concerns try this restaurant where you may see many famous people then continue your night at Lark. One of the best night clubs in Paris. Make sure you have reservations!

Breakfast:

Eric Kayser: Although it’s pain au chocolat is a bit heavy its croissants are delicious. They have many shops around Paris.

KGB, Piaglle

Lili’s Brownies: This cute place is located in rue de Dragon where you can taste delicious cakes, muffins and brownies.

KGB: located in Pigalle, this  hipster café offers you different cakes,tea and coffee options

Carretta: If you wish to have pleasant yet a bit expensive breakfast with the view of Eiffel, try this place! (metro stop: Trocard)