Daily Archives for July 23, 2012

Awesome Bars in Barcelona

Europe - Ross French - July 23, 2012

7 Sins Lounge 7 Sins Lounge

Barcelona is known as one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, if not the world is a beautiful place to visit. Historically established as a roman city, it’s has a long established reputation as one of the most incredible cities to have a good time! Staying in an apartment in Barcelona will leave you with a more private accommodation and walking distance to all the bars.

During the day, a vast amount of beaches and incredible culturally important locations are available to you. Combined with the wealth tourist-friendly places, you’re bound to end every single day with lasting memories. But once you return to your hotel room at the end of the day, worn out for a day’s trip, it’s then time to freshen up, unwind and prepare to head out and explore Barcelona’s vibrant and eclectic night life!

7 Sins Lounge

7 Sins Lounge

There’s something for everyone in Barcelona. Whether you want to party it up, or just relax with a few drinks.

The 4 Gats is an ideal place to head to. Decorated in pure Spaniard style, bringing you closer to the comforts Barcelona has to offer. For those who like to bathe in culture, The Gats is heavy into the arts. With famous artists such as Picasso frequenting the place in its 100 year history!

In the Eixample district, you’ll find the hard to miss 7 Sins Lounge. For those who wish to enjoy themselves in a more seductive and flirtatious setting, this lounge boasts an all-red interior that is hard to be indifferent to. There are delicious cocktails, a dance floor, lounging area and even a kitchen serving anything from local cuisine to a good old fashioned hamburger!

If a typical Catalan bas is what you’re after, Andu may be just what you’re looking for! This isn’t so much a place for wild nights out, but a more a place to experience the true Barcelona lifestyle. It is frequented more by the locals than by tourists. Here, you will get the honesty and authenticity you won’t find everywhere else. An inviting place as a whole, don’t be fooled by the homey feel; it serves some of the best food and strongest drinks in the city!

Aurora is as atypical as you get. Although almost effortlessly classy and refined, it’s also a very eclectic and unique place to be, attracting an artsy crowd from the surrounding region. You’ll find a peculiar décor embellished with a fun-loving Spanish crowd, embodying the party-loving attitude of a nation. Open till dawn on weekends, it’s a definite place to stop by before you leave.

For the epitome of all things modern and to truly bathe yourself in Barcelona’s most trendy crowd, head to the Bambu Lounge in the later hours of the evening. Set in the Gracia district, it has rapidly become well known for it’s oriental interior, relaxed atmosphere and chill out music for those who just want to relax. With its erotic ambiance and drinks that people come far and wide to have a taste of, this bar is a definite must have stop for all visitors to the city!

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5 Amazing Museums in Rome

Europe - Ross French - July 23, 2012

Rome is rich with culture and history, it’s famous museums are some of the most popular in the world. Because of it’s artistic atmosphere and multitude of museums, it can be hard to decide where to go in Rome. With an array of hotels and apartments in Rome, you can get somewhere not too far from all the beautiful sites.

We’ve listed some of the most amazing museums in Rome so you don’t have to decide on your own. To name but a few, Palazzo Altemps, Galleria Borghese, Capitoline Museum, Galleria Doria Pamphilj and Galleria Nazionale d`Arte Mordena. Incase you are searching for an educational yet fun experience, consider these 5 awesome museums in Rome.

 

1. Palazzo Altemps
This is a Renaissance palace which was initially a museum. It was opened up in the year 1997 and is now considered to be a perfect venue for art lovers visiting Rome. Inside, you will come across a number of classical sculptures such as Ludovisi Ares and Ludovisi Gaul. You will also find Grande Ludovisi which is the best piece in this particular museum. This museum also hosts Egyptian collections which are from Museo Nazionale Romano. In addition, you will find interesting collections such as The Drago and Mattei Collection.

2. Galleria Borghese
This museum is truly a hidden treasure in the city of Rome. It is home to important sculptures and paintings by Caravaggio, Peter Paul Rubens and Raphael among others. Tickets to this amazing museum are usually booked advance via the internet, you simply visit their website.

3. Galleria Doria Pamphilj
This is a museum hardly gets overcrowded which is quite unfortunate. However, it has lovely paintings which are a wonder. The most famous painting is `Pope Innocent X` by Diego Velasquez. Other attractions in this museum are Caravaggio paintings and Bernini sculptures. It is only a matter of time before this museum attracts more visitors. Hence, don`t miss visting this museum because you will be amazed by the collection you will findb there.

4. Capitoline Museums
These museums host great works of art which originate from ancient Roman times. They are located in Campidolgio square which is on Capitoline Hill. The museums owe their origin to Pope Sixtus IV who donated ancient bronzes for public viewing in 1471. He placed the bronzes in a structure on top of Capitoline Hill. Inside, you will find pieces that are over 2,200 years of age. You will be amazed by a popular statue representing Romulus and Remus who are the founders of this city.

5. Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna
This is an important art museum which is home to incredible pieces. On display, you will find paintings by famous painters such as Renoir, Goya and De Chirico. You will also find sculptures alongside these romantic paintings. Since this museum is devoted to modern paintings, you will not be disappointed by the collection that you will find inside.

Rome will give you a sneak peak into the past and a chance to view great works of art by renowned painters. You will find the entire experience quite breath taking and certainly unforgettable. Remember to book your tickets in advance where neccessary to avoid any last minute hassles.

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Welcome to Miami

North America - Ross French - July 23, 2012

miami Miami Coast from My Plane

I’ve flown over and into Miami more times that I can remember. Honestly, anytime someone even utters the name of this destination, the freshest of the fresh princes in the world echos in my mind, “Welcome to Miami…”

The second thing that my brain associated with Miami is Pitbull and Carnival celebrations. It has to be a pretty rad place with the amount of artists that sing about it. Thirdly, all the sexy people with smoking hot bods, palm trees and aqua blue beaches. I have had some of the best holidays in Florida visiting my parents though, which I associate with relaxing by the pool.

miami

Miami Coast from My Plane

I even met LL Cool J on a flight from Miami. Although I’ve hit up Miami airport and taken pictures of it’s beautiful coastline from a plane, I’ve never actually explored the destination. Infact, I associate it with a few odd end pop culture aspects, but I really know nothing about Miami. So I decided to do a little bit of research and found out some funtastic facts about this place. The following can give me more of a reason to travel to Miami rather than being able to play a Will Smith song while I’m in the destination he’s singing about…

1. Miami used to be a hang out for pirates at sea (sexy, right?)
The would visit and bury their treasure. Gold and silver have been uncovered off land in the Miami area. Not just any pirates have hit up Miami, famous ones such as Blackbeard and Lafitte who made regular calls to the area. (I can’t help but make another pop culture reference… errr Pirates of The Caribbean anyone?).

blackbeard

What’s Up Blackbeard

2. Suntan lotion was invented by a Miami Beach pharmacist
Word up, Miami. In 1944 this dude made suntan lotion in a pot on the stove that belonged to his wife. My skin thanks him on a daily basis.

3. Far back, it was law that Miami citizens were not allowed to mimic animals
This could or could not be true, I was unable to confirm it, but I couldn’t help but include it in this list. Imagine that? Getting arrested because you barked like a dog. HA!

5. Miami is known for its wicked diving
This lovely destination has more than fifty wreck sites. This includes ships, army tanks, oil platforms and the Miami Boeing 727 jet which was sunk to create reefs for marine life. Although I have an abnormal fear of sharks, I have been diving before and seeing some of these wrecks would be super cool.

6. The first automated bank machine installed in Miami was made especially for rollerbladers
Fer serious, friends. This is the 100% truth, I did my research. People want to get cash and exercise at the same time! What could be better?

Well there you have it. My reasoning for going to Miami is no longer Will Smith, but to find me a sexy pirate husband, some homemade suntan lotion and rollerblade which cachinging some bills from a bank machine.

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