Genoa - A Quick Guide

Immagine da Genova - piazza De Ferrari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Massimo Viola

Similar to Liguria, Genoa extends on a long and thin strip of land, for a distance of 30 KM from the westernmost to the easternmost spot. The historical city developed in the space between the two valleys Polcevera on the west and Bisagno on the east. This is the central and the thickest part in the town, characteristically fan-shaped, descending towards the sea from the fortresses and the walls on the hills.

Top 8 Sexiest Cities In The World

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Author: GGadmin

Top 8 Sexiest Cities In The World
"Sex Sells"….. We have all heard this term and see it every day, whether if we're watching television, listening to the radio, browsing the internet or looking at a magazine, it's around us 24/7. When using the word "sexy" we are usually relating it to a person or article of clothing but in this case, I am relating it to some of the sexiest cities around the world. What makes a city sexy? It's a quality that transcends the mere physical beauty of its inhabitants. We are talking about those special places that make you feel incredibly alive, whether it's the people, food, music or atmosphere. There are countless reasons why we love cities, many of them admirably linked to the environmental advantages and sense of community that arise when people live in close proximity. Yet they also fascinate us for reasons that are less virtuous, but which help explain the enduring appeal of urban life through the centuries. Cities, in short, are sexy. The seductive quality of some places fills us with longing in the same way as a wink from an attractive stranger. Below are 8 amazing cities that make you want more once you have visited. I'm going to start you off in the west with some Latin flavor then escort you across the Atlantic.

Holidays in Caserta, Campania, Italy

Image via WikipediaBy Phil Hanlon

Caserta is the name of a province in the north of the Campania region, and also the name of its capital city. This small area is mainly residential, though it has one major tourist attraction that is popular with Italians and foreigners alike; the opulent Royal Palace of Caserta and its spectacular gardens. If you enjoy history, art or walking in beautiful natural surroundings, then the Royal Palace will have something that you will enjoy.
Royal Palace of Caserta

Ten beautiful places to buy or rent a house in Italy

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Author: Massimo Viola

Anyone who publishes a list, for example a Top 10 list,, should answer a couple of good questions: why that number and why those items were chosen.In this case, answering the first question is easy. Obviously the choice of a number is always arbitrary and ten is a very small number for a task like this, but it is so well referenced from so remote time, that I can go straight to use it. On the contrary, the second question deserves some more explanation. All the places below have been chosen thinking about a foreigner who wants to find a home for leisure in Italy. I cared to avoid cities. I also avoided places so famous to be almost impossible, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo, Portofino, Chianti region, Amalfi, Capri and so on. Everyone already knows these places, so adding them to the list would be of no help to the reader. I have selected the ten places below having in mind these two simple objectives: they had to be affordable (no stellar prices) and, on the whole, representative of the most typical aspects of Italian territory. I hope to have accomplished this task at least in part. My true opinion is that every selection of this kind should be taken with a bit of scepticism. Far from being definitive, it is just intended to arouse interest and stimulate further exploration.

Art Retreats in Italy

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By Constance Grayson

The setting was tranquil for a marvelously rewarding art retreat in Italy. The light in the Umbria region of Italy has excited artists for centuries. The distant snow-capped mountains were gorgeous. Most important of all, the energy being created within the studio was radioactive. Artists from different geographic homes, worked in different media, reacted differently to the serenity of the setting-the energy created was palpable. Brenda from Arkansas was working mainly in acrylic and collage. Phyllis from Tennessee was working with monoprints. I from Kentucky was experimenting with various mediums and scribbling furiously in a journal in a stream-of-consciousness attempt to create a written record of what she was seeing and feeling.

Holidays in Saone-Et-Loire, Burgundy, France

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The area of Saone-et-Loire in southern Burgundy is named after the two rivers that flow through it. Visitors can hike on the riverbanks of both the Saone and the Loire and even enjoy a swim to cool off. It is possible to hire canoes to get a different perspective on the scenery and there are other organised boat trips, if you want to learn more about the natural environment from a local expert. Hire bicycles or take a horse ride around the countryside to see as much as possible in one day or you could splash out on a hot air balloon ride to see the landscape of the two rivers spread out below.
Going Underground
Saone-et-Loire is home to a number of spectacular prehistoric caves. The caves of Aze, near the town of Riverolles, include many underground waterfalls, lakes, fossils, and even bear skeletons! Meanwhile, the caves of Blanot feature a huge collection of the underground features stalactites and stalagmites and the path descends to a depth of 80 metres. The caves, near the town of Le Bourg, also have a museum detailing local archaeological history and showing fossils and items that were found there.
Chateaux of the Region
There are many chateaux in the region, from small buildings that have now been converted into guesthouses and hotels to impressive medieval fortifications and beautiful country homes. The chateau of Berzes is famous for its 13 towers and the strong and well-preserved 13th century fortifications. Meanwhile, the chateau of Cormatin is much more luxurious, the country home of a marquis built in the 17th century. The main attraction is a spectacular 20 metre stone staircase and the impeccably laid-out gardens. If you like your historic buildings, the Saint Lazare cathedral is also worth a visit. Dating from around 1130, the cathedral is known for the impressive carvings both in the exterior and inside.
Ancient Macon
The main town in Saone-et-Loire is Macon, a settlement that dates from the 2nd century BC. To make sure you don't miss anything, you can download a trail written by the local tourist office, which guides you round the historic streets and provides information on the sights. There are a number of Romanesque churches in the city including the church if St Clement, which has recent been excavated. You can visit the archaeological site by prior arrangement with the town hall.
The Author writes for Holiday Home Rentals who have a selection of Villas in Saone-et-Loire and Villas in France which can be rented direct from their owners.


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Top Reasons to Go to Germany

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Germany is a place of wonder. Dotted with an impressive array of cultural and historical attractions that range from old churches and museums to medieval villages and castles, this country has so much to offer to any visitor that there is no way you should pass on this when you go on a vacation to Europe. Here are the top reasons why it is a must to go to Germany.
World War II Landmarks and Memorials
Even though most countries have World War II landmarks, nothing can compare to those that Germany has. One of the most distinguished landmarks is the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. Apart from that, you would also want to visit the memorials in the German concentration camps, Eagle's Nest, Military Museum in Dresden, the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, and the Jewish Museum.


Beer
Germans are known to be beer lovers. Beer, which is the world's alcoholic drink, is plentiful in this country. The close association is despite the fact that beer did not originate in Germany. Even so, over 1,300 breweries are located in the country, and over 5,000 brands can be tasted here. If you're a beer lover, you should definitely attend the annual Oktoberfest in Munich, which is held usually during the last week of September up to the first week of October.
German Castles
Another famous landmark that Germany is known for are its castles. Some of those worth checking out include Castles Along the Rhein River, Heidelberg Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, and the Salzberg Castle.
Pollux Parker is an adventurer who loves discovering secret island getaways in each country he visits. Pollux also likes to collect German flag and buy German flag for sale.

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Brussels and Its Cultural Monuments

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Brussels is a recognized center of European culture as the city has numerous historical monuments. However, currently the capital of Belgium is more known for the high development of modern science and art. The symbol of Brussels is the famous Manneken Pis, The Peeing Boy, a fountain dating back to early 17th century, centrally located a few steps from the main square. Julien, as they call the sculpture of the boy is often decorated in various ways. To give him a dress is a particular honor which is only awarded to distinguished guests of the city.
In the historical center of Brussels there is the Grand Place, considered by many people as one of the most beautiful squares of the continent. Around it you can find the town hall, built in the Gothic style from 1401 to 1455, the so-called King's House (1515-1525), the House of Guilds (1696-1720). Nearby sits the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint-Michel-et-Gyudyul. Its construction took over 200 hundred years, from 1226 to 1490. Truly, it is a remarkable monument of the Gothic architecture. Around this spectacular building the business districts of the capital are located. They are surrounded by numerous shopping areas and very interesting and picturesque boutiques.

The upper city was built after the historical center. Yet, it has many architectural monuments belonging to the 18th and 19th centuries, including the ceremonial ensemble of classic Plaza Royale (1774-1780) and the Place de Martyrs (1772-1775). This neighborhood can be called a City of Palaces. You will find here the Palace of Justice (1866-1883), The Royal Palace founded in the 18th century and rebuilt several times, the last renovation was done in the 20th century. Other interesting palaces include the Houses of Parliament (1779-1783), The Palace of Fine Arts (1922-1928), The Palace of the Century (1935) which was built to commemorate the anniversary of independence of Belgium.

The architectural appearance of the capital is not just shaped by individual monuments of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and modern times. The uniqueness of Brussels is all about the organic combination of antiquity and modernity. Some of the buildings constructed after the Second World War became landmarks of the city as they harmonically fit in the surrounding neighborhoods. First of such is the Central Station (1953) and two buildings dating to 1958, when a World Fair was convened in the capital: the Social Security House and the Board of the Bank Brussels Lambert.

The city has a great number of museums. Of particular interest are primarily those where you can see the paintings of the old Flemish artisans, and the heirs of their glory, the Belgian avant-garde painters. The paintings of the past centuries and the present time are widely represented at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and municipal Museum of Fine Arts.

Belgians are keen to preserve historical roots, both of their own country and other countries. The richest collection of archaeological and ethnographic finds (including Egyptian antiquities) is the pride of the Royal Museum of Art and History. The extensive material collected by Belgian scientists during expeditions to the African Continent is on display at the Royal Museum of Central Africa. The majority of the exhibits was brought to Brussels from Congo when this country for several decades was a colony of Belgium.

The proud status of the European Capital is maintained by the appearance and look of Brussels. One interesting place definitely worth visiting is the museum of 'Small Europe' in the open air. It displays copies of the most prominent buildings and monuments in major cities of Western Europe, each 1/25th of the original size. A pride of Brussels is the Royal National Library, with over three million titles in stock.

Numerous educational and scientific institutions include the Brussels University, founded in 1834, the Free University established in 1970, the Geographic Institute, the Graduate School of Political and Social Sciences, the internationally renowned Pasteur Institute, and the Royal Institute of Natural History. The capital also hosts the National Academy of Sciences and Arts. The conservatory was founded in Brussels in 1832, and the Royal Theatre de la Monnaie opened in 1700.

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Barcelona, Spain - Catedral

By Harry Preston
One of Spain's finest cathedrals, this Gothic masterpiece towers over the heart of the Barri G6tic and remains a magnet for visitors, with its bell tower, high altar and arches. Officially named Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia, it's affectionately known as "La Seu" after the otece in which it sits, or simply "Catedral".
As a site of worship, the cathedral was predated by a basilica built during the Roman Empire, followed by a mosque and then a 11 th-century Romanesque cathedral. Construction on the present building began in 1298, during the reign of Jaume 11, when most of the existing structure was demolished. The main building was completed in 1460, with the Gothic facade added in the 19th century and the central spire in 1913. Highlights include the tomb of Santa Eulalia, Barcelona's martyred patron saint, which can be found in the crypt. The daughter of a wealthy Barcelona family, Eulalia was crucified by the Roman governor Decius for refusing to denounce her Christian beliefs. Her story, from torture and crucifixion to resurrection, is told in high relief sculptures visible from the front entrance to the cathedral.

The shaded 14th-century cloister also draws visitors, with its central pond and fountain, palm-lined courtyard and its famous white geese. The 13 geese, now reduced to half a dozen, are variously described as each representing a year in the life of Eulalia,or one for each of the tortures she suffered. In legend, they are said to descend from the geese of Rome's Capitoline Hill, who protected the city from attack by the Gauls.

The fountain of St George is worth a visit on Corpus Christi day, for the "L'ou com balla" or "dancing egg", where an egg is placed in the fountain jet. Tradition has it that good fortune will follow in the coming months if the egg does not break.

There are two dozen chapels in all, including the Capilla de Lepanto, which has a 15th-century wooden sculpture of Christ, and the Santa Llucia Chapel - all that remains of the previous Roman structure from which the cathedral was built. Dating from 1268, it can be reached from the cloister and honours St Llucia who also suffered at the hands of Decius, plucking out her own eyes to repel the governor's advances. Such was her purity, new eyes miraculously appeared. She is represented over the altar, offering Decius her eyes on a salver.

An elevator takes visitors to the roof for great views of the Gothic quarter (€2.50 per person), and on Sundays at noon you can see Catalans dance the traditional folkloric Sardana in front of the cathedral. Evening organ concerts are also held inside throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to attend Mass, held in Spanish and Catalan, hourly on Sundays and throughout the day during the week. During renovations visitors were invited to "adopt a stone".

For more information about Barcelona, Spain visit GuidedTourBarcelona.com.

For more information about Reykjavik, Iceland visit GuidedTourIceland.com.

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5 Historic Places to See in Madrid

Image via WikipediaBy Sam Cassidy
Madrid, the beautiful capital city of Spain is and features numerous charming historical places to visit. Madrid is Spain's largest city and a large number of tourists visit the city each year. When visiting Madrid these 5 places are definitely worth a look:

1. The Royal Palace is the largest and one of the most impressive palaces in Europe. It has over 2000 luxuriously decorated rooms. After the fire that destroyed the old Alcázar of the Habsburgs during Christmas 1724, Philip V commissioned the Italian architect Filippo Juvara (1678-1736) to design a new palace. Visitors to the palace get to view 50 of its 2800 rooms. It is situated on the east of Madrid's historic centre. The palace is still used for head of state visits and other ceremonies.The palace is built entirely of stone consisting of granite from the Sierra de Guadarrama and white Colmenar stone. Colossal foundation walls support the building on the steep slope down to the Manzanares which is laid out in palace's gardens. It looks truly magnificent.2.The Plaza de España is one of Madrid's largest and most popular squares. On a sunny day it is filled with street vendors, tourists and sunbathing locals. The square is situated at the end of Gran Via, which is one of Madrid's popular main avenues. The square features a huge fountain and famous statue honoring the well known Spanish writer Cervantes.The square dates all the way back to the 18th century, when military barracks mainly occupied it. Today it is a popular spot for sunbathing and a vast number of street vendors on warm days.3.Gran Via is an absolutely beautiful street that showcases early 20th century architecture. The street is extremely lively and is one of the city's most popular shopping areas.Gran Via is composed of a vast number of hotels and movie theatres. The architectural design is rather elaborate particularly with the larger buildings. While in the square you can admire the beautifully decorated grand 'edificios' which is a street comprised of tall buildings including the landmark building Edificio Metrópolis.4.Theater Royal, Madrid is a beautifully built building. It is situated in the Plaza de Oriente facing the Palacio Real, was built in 1818 after the demolition of the Caños del Peral Theater. The young Queen Isabella II inaugurated the theatre in 1850 with a performance representing Donizetti's opera "La Favorita".
Located on the Plaza de Oriente, numerous European opera singers of the 19th and early 20th century appeared on stage at this grand theater and, for decades it was at the centre of Madrid's cultural scene. The theatre became extremely famous for performances of Verdi and Wagner operas, works by Stravinsky and Russian ballet.
5. Las Ventas is situated in the east of Madrid. It was constructed in 1929 and houses the most important bullring in the world. The first bullfight was in 1931. Each year thousands of people come to watch bullfighting, an event considered controversial to say he least around the world.Las Ventas has a very interesting style of architecture referred to as the Mozarabic style. This particular design is comprised of horseshoe-shaped arches and ribbed domes. This building also features pottery "incrustations" representing the shields of all the provinces of Spain.Madrid has a wonderful transport network and makes it easy to get around seeing all the attractions.NominalDesignHotels.com is a regularly updated global hand picked selection of design, boutique and eclectic hotels all around the world for a budget of around US$150 a night and under.Featuring hotels all around the world, including the Hotel El Coloso in Madrid, Spain.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Cassidy


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Your Italian Holiday in Milan

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Milan, one the largest cities in Italy, is situated in Northern Italy and is the capital city of the region of Lombardy. It has a population of more than one million and is a great place to start your Italian holiday with some culture and shopping.

The oldest shopping mall in the world is said to be the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II which was designed and built in the 19th century. It features a glass and steel arch covering a street and in the centre a glass dome. You can shop for anything here, including haute couture and the world famous fashion houses. There are also plenty of restaurants where you can get a bite to eat and a drink and sit and watch the world go by for a while. The mall leads to two of Milan's most famous edifices, the Duomo and the Teatro alla Scala.

If you want to include some culture in your Italian holiday, then the Duomo is where to start. The residence of the Archbishop of Milan has incredible Gothic architecture and plays a major part in maintaining and spreading the Catholic faith. If you take a guided tour of Milan, this is sure to be included.

The Teatro alla Scala was built late in the 18th century after a fire destroyed its predecessor. The rich used to gather here but there was a gallery above the boxes where the poor were permitted to attend the opera. It has recently been renovated very sympathetically ensuring the preservation of the historical details.

The Castello Sforzesco or Sforza Castle is another landmark of Milan, home of the Sforza family who ruled here in the 14th and 15th centuries and surrounded by a walled hunting park. There are several museums, one of which is home to an art collection which includes Michelangelo's last sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà, Andrea Mantegna's Trivulzio Madonna and Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Trivulzianus manuscript.

No Italian holiday in Milan would be complete without seeing Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper which is a mural measuring 450 × 870 centimeters (15 feet × 29 ft) and covering the back wall of the dining hall at Santa Maria delle Grazie.

So, whether your preference is art and architecture or shopping for high fashion, you couldn't choose a better place for an Italian holiday than Milan.

For more hints and tips on how to make the best of an Italian holiday, click here.

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Orvieto, Umbria

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By Marcus Smith
You realize you are visiting somewhere a bit special even before you enter Orvieto. The town sits in a dramatic location on the cliffs above the surrounding plains of the Umbrian countryside - a position that lent itself well to meeting the defensive requirements of an early Italian town. On entering Orvieto you will head first to the main square, which includes the substantial cathedral, a couple of impressive palaces, and a sprinkling of interesting museums.

Orvieto cathedral is the highlight of your visit. The ornate exterior, with carved stone arches and various painted decorations provides, is impressive while the interior is covered on almost all available surfaces with paintings and frescoes dating from the 14th century. These continue into the chapels of the cathedral - note particularly the painting called 'The Damned' in the Chapel of San Brizio, for example. Of the museums, the 'Opera del Duomo' is perhaps the highlight and features many important works of art by local artists from the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries, many of them noteworthy for their use of colour and light.

Elsewhere in Orvieto, head next to the northern part of the town to follow the narrow streets that wind through the old town passed medieval townhouses and palaces, revealing occasional glimpses of quiet courtyards and decorative features that will entice you to explore further.

Orvieto also has a couple of underground secrets - a large number of passages have been carved into the soft rock to create an underground 'city' while the deep and ornate well that was once used to store water for the town is also a remarkable achievement. Stepping further back in time you can see the remains of the original Etruscan defenses for the city, built more than 2000 years ago. The Albornoz fortress and the 14th century 'Palace of the Captain of the People' are other unmissable highlights of your visit.

Be sure to allow plenty of time for your visit and to explore the town, and then to sit quietly in a cafe people-watching, ideally early in the evening and with a glass of the highly regarded local Orvieto wine to enjoy - at the same time as watching the world go by and reflecting on the many inhabitants who have passed along the same streets over the last 2000 years.

Learn more about Umbria and the fascinating historical towns before you visit. Orvieto is just one of the fascinating places to explore here - one of the other popular historical towns can be seen at Todi a little way to the east.

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Beat the Job Seeking Blues and Teach English Abroad

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Beat the Job Seeking Blues and Teach English Abroad
The economy is rough right now. If you're like nearly 10% of Americans in the United States who are currently unemployed, you may be struggling to find a job. One of the biggest reasons many applicants get turned down for jobs is because they lack experience, so why not add valuable experience to your resume while exploring the world and experiencing opportunities of a lifetime? Teach English abroad!

Teaching English abroad is an incredibly rewarding opportunity that allows people of all ages and backgrounds to live in another culture, travel, and gain professional paid work experience. If you can't find a job in the U.S., there are many options to teach English abroad, so what's stopping you from getting paid to create your own unique, international adventure?

I Don't Know Chinese/Spanish/Italian, Etc.

You don't need to know another language. Most jobs teaching English abroad are for all-immersive programs, meaning the students only speak English and do not speak their native language in the classroom. In addition, most programs will require that you are TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certified, so you will learn the most effective English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching principles and techniques, and will rarely need to speak the local language unless you are out exploring your surroundings. Lastly, some programs will provide you with basic local language courses to help you acclimate to your environment, and most teachers find they pick up the language quite rapidly.

I Don't Want To Be Away From Home For A Year

While many programs will require a commitment of one year, there are also plenty of volunteer programs and opportunities that allow you to teach English overseas for just two or three months. These programs won't offer full immersion into the culture of your host country, but they still offer a wonderful opportunity to work in a beautiful country such as Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam (just to name a few).

If you do opt for a whole year's commitment, it's easy to keep in touch with your friends and family. E-mail access is available through most Training Centers and usually at schools, and there are many inexpensive internet cafes throughout all countries. Calling cards are also a great way to keep in touch via phone.

I Don't Want To Go To China/Spain/Italy, Etc.

When you teach English abroad, you're not required to go anywhere you don't want to. You select your host country, and there are many, many countries to choose from. Some of the top countries currently in need of English teachers include: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Ecuador, Mexico, China, Prague, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Peru.

I Don't Have Any Money

While TESOL certification programs and teaching English abroad are not free, they are surprisingly affordable. And once you complete the program, you can generally earn enough money teaching English overseas to cover your preliminary costs, and then some (depending on which country you are teaching English in).

Don't let your lack of employment discourage you from pursuing your dreams of teaching English abroad. There couldn't be a better time to go! What other point in your life would you have the time to take a year off and live in a fun, exotic international location? You will gain valuable experience for your resume, create great memories that will last a lifetime, and have tons of fun when you teach English abroad.

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