Iceland - the fantastic place

September - end of the season? No way...Iceland is an amazing place to stay!

One week before our Icelandic trip, we spent few hours googling and planning our 6 days trip around Iceland. We were hesitating if to do only the southern part of the island, only the triangle or to do the whole island. And you know what? We have managed to travel around the Iceland in 6 days!!

Yes, we booked the car with the Green Motions, then we calculated distances for 5 days, we have chosen top places and lagoons to see, then we booked accommodations...and finally we packed our two luggages and the whisky (in case):).

From Keflavik to the Golden Circle

OMG, it was so windy! when we arrived to Keflavik. The car rental company the Green Motion was very organized. They picked us up at the airport and they brought us to the office. Then we could start our road trip. The trip started with the famous Golden Circle. 

Gullfoss waterfall was really worth to see! It was really amazing place... And of course you should not miss on the way the Geysir spring area. 

The night under the Skogafoss waterfall

We have booked the accommodation right under the waterfall. It was a nice morning there. We could see the green nature with the cup of the coffee in our hands (very relaxing). We have manged to climbed it as well:)

Icelagoon

Oh we were so looking forward to this trip. We took the bout trip on the glacier lagoon so we could see and touch the 1000 years old icebergs:). The excursion took us about 40 minutes and included an English speaking guide who explained the facts of the lagoon. Then we spent quit time to take some nice pictures. Really beautiful place to stay. Do not forget to dress the warm clothes:) winter jacket is fine to have.

Bluelagoon

We have spent couple of hours in the few lagoons on the Iceland. The last day before our flight we have enjoyed the time in the Blue lagoon. I do not have to comment on this spa and treatments. You will see when you experience it. You should definitely not to leave the Iceland before this relax. And!! You can book the dinner at the LAVA restaurant, as we did before our flight back home. The food is delicious. We have ordered 4 courses tasting menu which was really amazing.

Akureyri

Akureyri is the town with a soul. We met amazing people there. Thanks to Iceland family, we could experience the history, art and the life differently. And we could see the aurora:) so the mission was accomplished:)).

Reykjavik

I was nicely impressed with the town and its streets and shops. I loved it! especially to walk in the evening...

Internet and payments

This is the fact to mention. We did not bring any local cash. Everywhere you pay by cards ( I mean even in a little shop in the middle of the nowhere:). We booked some attractions a night before, again internet is everywhere accessible...

Istanbul the mystical city

Arriving to Istanbul

We have arrived to Istanbul!!...On the day called Big Friday (April). It was getting dark and it started to rain...It took us about one hour to arrive by bus to the harbor...then finally we got on the ferry passing through the Bosporus to reach our apartment in the old city...it was a nice start with a freshly squeezed orange juice which gave us the energy while travelling by the ferry! We felt great and amazed with the atmosphere of mystical city...If you lived in Rome, then the old city will give you the impression of being there...

The First late dinner

Yes, at 10 pm we had finally our first dinner...we wandered a bit to find the nice one...and it did not take us too long. We entered into a small restaurant where one lady was making a bread behind the window..It was family-owned restaurant where the owners served us the typical home made food...I would say, if you ever had an opportunity to eat typical Sicilian food, this is what you would taste. :) 

Morning

The first morning we did not wake up with the muslim singing lessons (as we would expect)... This came later :) while we were having our morning coffee on the terrace. Family owned apartments had the one advantage: locals served us a typical breakfast, the local cheese and the Arabic bread..which was all cooked together...after the breakfast we ran into the city, and you can imagine what followed...yes yes touristic photos in the amazing places:)

 Hagia Sophia

When you wander around the old city, after a while you realize that all beautiful historic places are not that far from each other...anyway, one minus score to the signs in the city!...Sometimes you do not know where is a main entrance, where is only a museum and where is a real HAGIA Sophia:) we actually stayed very close to little Hagia Sophia, we entered into the museum of Hagia Sophia and finally we managed to see the real Hagia Sophia:)

Grand Bazar

Yes, this is something we came to Istanbul for :) but very tricky..prices in Grand Bazar are three times higher than around the main historical places:) so Imagine...why would we pay for souvenirs 5 times more when people were not even willing to negotiate...this made us to move further to more local markets...we finished with lots of bags in our hands:). If you would like to take some local textile made of Turkish cotton, then we recommend it.

Kebab

I give 10 points out of 10 to local Kebab:) we tasted Kebab with a beef which was really tasty...I had a feeling that the meat was tasting somehow different than the one you get in our old Europe...please, let me know if you had the same experience...

One day in Abu Dhabi

If you get bored in Dubai, take a taxi and drive to Abu Dhabi. This is how it happened to us....

We grabbed a taxi at the hotel in Dubai after we managed to negotiate one day private tour price for Abu Dhabi (It was not very difficult, negotiations run faster than in other countries). Our main intention was to see famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque which was really beautiful and astonishing. Due to the mosque manners, we had to get dressed in long black clothes. This ensured our proper look according to the environment and traditions. 

I remember, it was some Bank holiday, and we could not see other mosque on our way because it was closed to public. Therefore, poor our taxi driver had to bring us to some other place...and it was Emirates Palace Hotel where we spent couple of hours including eating in one of the restaurants - Diwan L'Auberge -with a beautiful view on the beach...we somehow became addicted to Lebanese food on our trip in Emirates, so we were happy to enjoy little dishes again...

Rhodes Trip

It was my friend's birthday and one Bank Holiday in our Diary.  We decided to fly to Rhodes...

Thanks to my friend and her searching skills we had perfectly organized trip - half  all inclusive and half the gypsy style:). 

Prasonisi heaven

We were driving to the most southern part of the Island. Prasonisi was the place which we wanted to reach - with two bays and two seas! It was probably one of the most impressive parts of the island.

It was beautiful to watch these windsurfer and waves itself. However, it was very windy. 

Greek Hospitality

This is what I always like about the Greece, it is the hospitality. It is something special about Greek people and the way how they interact with you. The meal has even better taste with the human touch and jokes they make. ,, Everything and nothing,, became slogan of this trip:).

The top highlight was night skinny dipping in the sea....I still remember this beautiful moon:).

Easter in Moscow

What could be better than spending a few hours in the traffic jam while travelling for Easter to see your family. This what we decided to do  - go to Moscow!

Luckily we had very early morning flight from Vienna which guaranteed the arrival at 4 am to Moscow. This means nothing opened apart from the MC Donald's. Our early experience was getting lost in the Tube and heading direction away from the city center and central station (and this happened because I pretended to be able to read the signs). I still remember these Russian faces, tired, sitting or standing on the train, getting ready for the work and not talking. But who cares it was 5 am in the morning....

Apart from having a weird feeling from the city, huge and smoggy, we managed to stay at the nice neighborhood in the Hotel California. ...and our culinary trip started every morning in a French Bistro where we enjoyed nice teas and tasty morning dishes. Then, thanks to our Russian friends we could taste typical Russian meals as well as Easter traditional sweets. Also, since cultures are quit mixed there, we had to taste also Georgian food which was very delicious. 

...well, we found our way of enjoying this city...

Couple of times during our trip we landed at the Red Square which you can see also from the roof of the Ritz Hotel. It is easily accessible, you just get into the lift and go to the top floor of the Hotel. We were lucky to join some private party, but I guess it was only a good luck:)

Four amazing days in Dubai

It was my birthday and I promised myself a nice trip to a warm country. Dubai was a perfect place to spend time with friends and not sacrificing days off from the work. So we went for a longer weekend, coming back with the feeling that instead of four days we were there one month. We had no plans of course before our trip, we decided to take it easy.....

Our daily schedule was visiting nice beach clubs, suntanning and tasting various not European dishes....Starting with this list of infinitive pools in Dubai, continuing with the night life in various clubs. We did shopping in Dubai Mall which was very fascinating because we could shop till 3 am.

During the evenings we had nice dinners in Lebanese restaurants or in Burj Kalifa with an astonishing view. I cannot forget the most ridiculous night in Cavalli Club where we could not get in because of flat shoes (of course ladies must be dressed with high-hills). However, lady with the Russian accent got us in - by telling us to wait a while at the corner...anyway it was nice to see such a club, but I would not come there again:).

Dubai was a great choice to celebrate my birthday, get out of the work for couple of days. I would definitely come back to this city. From Europe it takes only few hours and it can easily become a weekend destination for Europeans. I was told by people that food is not cheap, however I had a feeling that it was ok as well as taxis are not expensive as well. One more thing you have to watch out...Do not trust any information you get, everything was different compared to what locals told us:) By this, I mean taxi drivers or hotel staff:).

Two days in Tangier

From Spain to Morocco 

It was July, nice and sunny day when we left our car in Tarifa and took a boat to Tangier. Tangier is very easily accessible by ferries from Spain, you can combine your trip with Andalusian adventure as well. If you get lost in narrow streets, do not get scared, you will find your way:). Get some Dir-hams before getting to Morocco (you can change Euros while you buy your tickets for the ferry, they will exchange your Dirhams again for Euros when return back).

Getting on the ferry

Before getting to our selected destination, we communicated through the e-mails with an older lady Maggie who was the owner of a small B&B in Tangier (exactly in Medina - aciant part of the city). Since she was an expat in Morocco, we had the privilege to meet other expats in town and experience Tangier in different way.....

The first impression

When we got off the ferry, Maggie stopped a blue taxi to bring us to her home. We were lucky because during this time period she has just newly opened her DarNell B&B. Therefore we could chose the room in her house...

Our choice was a nice apartment with a little balcony and view on the sea. You could also see the endless white houses around :)

Tiny twisted street

The house was located very close to Socco Chico in old town (Medina). The streets in town were very tiny and people were selling everything everywhere. We had to be very resistant to locals and not to stop and buy everything. Shoes were the local specialty to sell.

The first evening Maggie took us to a nice French restaurant which was probably one of the best in the town. The food was served in pots and  it was very delicious (imagine the meat which is cooked long and properly in a nice stew). We could also order the red wine (this could not happen in all restaurants). Later we found nice shops where we could buy also local wines.

Breakfast

Our breakfast was lookig like for a royal family served by Moroccan lady (she served first to man than to lady). Apart from this, our favorite dish was a green pea soup served with Moroccan special oil (it gave a proper taste to this soup).  

Local markets

This is what you cannot miss in Tangier. Local markets and the taste of all kind of spices...

Although you will see chickens or fish hanging around (without ice or fridge), you feel hungry and amazed. In the heart of Tangier you will find Grand Socco where all locals meet to hang out. Everywhere you will see blue taxis, and surprising is that more than three people can fit at the back seat (it depends on price you pay).

Cafe Hafa

It is little walk from the town but really worth to see it! We got a lift from our expat friends, therefore we cannot say how long it can take there by walk from Medina (maybe 20 minutes). However, you can get an amazing view from terraced seats on the Mediterranean Sea. They will serve you a mint tea.

Medina was the stunning and exotic place to see and to experience. We would definitely recommend Maggie's B&B and her hospitality in Tangier. We will not forget her gin and tonic afternoon drink with her friend. This makes to remind us of her:). 

Jediný portrét svetového maliara, šľachtica Pavla Szinyei Merse v kaštieli Fričovce

Pavol Szinyei, ovládal prípravu tokajského vína, bol málovravný, veľmi tažko získaval modely k maľbe, pretože medzi dedinčanmi žila povera o tom, že koho namaľuje, ten za krátko zomrie. Kritici mu vyčítali krikľavosť farieb, kompozičné nedostatky a všednú tému. Avšak po viac ako 20 ročnom neúspechu sa mu nakoniec dostalo uznania.

Svoje najznámejšie dielo Májový výlet zadarmo ponúkol Národnému múzeu v Budapešti, ktoré ho odmietlo. Balzamom na jeho psychické traumy z nepochopenia jeho diela bola spoločnosť jeho manželky Žofie Probstnerovej. Tu zobrazil, ako dámu vo fialovom šate v roku 1874, rok po svadbe. Tento obraz popri Majálese sa pokladá za jedno z najdokonalejších diel Szinyeiho tvorby z týchto čias.

Žofia mu porodila päť detí, avšak manželove tragické životné údely zo straty blízkych a neúspechov v umeleckom dianí ho doviedlo k rezignácii. Žofia ho nakoniec opustila pre lásku s Imrichom Ghilányim, ktorý si ju odviedol do kaštieľa Fričovce. Po dvojročnej nečinnosti, svetlo do jeho umeleckého života opäť priniesol umelec Teodor Zemplényi, ktorý ho povzbudil k ďalšej tvorbe. Neuplynul ani rok, keď celá krajina spomínala jeho meno. 

Okrem krajinomalieb Szinyei namaľoval svoj Autoportrét vidieckeho gazdu v koženom kabáte, ktorého jediná kópia visí v kaštieli Fričovce. Autorom tohto obrazu je akademický maliar Štefan Filep. Originál zdobí jednu zo siení Gallérie degli Uffizi vo Florencii. V rokoch na prelome 19. a 20. stor. sa zúčasňuje výstavy v Paríži, Mníchove a Talianskej Venezii, kde sa Szinyei stretáva s veľkým úspechom. Na svetovej výstave v Paríži r. 1900 za Topenie snehu dostal striebornú medailu. V roku 1901 v Mníchove získal zlatú medailu za jeho najvýznamnejšie dielo Majáles. 

20. februára 1920 slávny maliar umiera v náručí svojej dcéry. Jeho bývalá manželka Žofia sa dožila 101 rokov.

Raro esemplare di Ginkgo Biloba nel Kastiel Fričovce, Slovacchia

Il parco del celebre Hotel Kastiel Fričovce, tra le tante varie specie di piante, vanta un albero straordinario. Si tratta del Ginkgo Biloba ed è l’unico esemplare esistente in tutta la Slovacchia orientale. Sono infatti solo due gli alberi di questa specie in Slovacchia, l’altro si trova nell’arboreto di Mlyňany .

L’età dell’albero in Fričovce è di circa 160 anni, essa coincide, infatti, con la ricostruzione del castello e con la creazione de parco, a cura di Ghillányi Earl Joseph.

Il Ginkgo Biloba è una quercia cinese. Esso è anche chiamato albero “serpente" o albero "nonno e nipote".

Il periodo di crescita è molto lento : affinché si possano vedere i primi frutti, può richiedere fino a tre generazioni. Spesso, l’albero vive fino a mille anni. Tali motivi spinsero Charles Darwin a definire nel 1859 questa pianta come “un vero e proprio fossile vivente”.

Mansion Fričovce . . . a perfect romantic setting for an unforgettable Slovak wedding!

Would you like to sink into the Slovak Renaissance architecture while celebrating your wedding? In the mansion Fricovce you can experience wedding of your dreams. Imagine this fantastic scenery: a charming place where you can celebrate your wedding followed by a reception where you and your guests will delight the typical refinements of the Slovak cuisine…All at one place, from cuisine, decoration and music to a pleasant atmosphere. You can even get married in the chapel of Fricovce located just next to the park of the mansion. The breathtaking beautiful saloon with its view towards the park can seat one hundred fifty guests. For a smaller event, the hunter’s lounge or musician’s lounge can be a perfect place for a banquet or celebration. This air of exclusivity extends to the four Apartments on the top floor of the mansion, which, with its antique or period furniture, is a perfect location for the luxury retreat.

Professionals and companies are also welcomed to experience the Renaissance world while sharing their ideas in one of the seminar rooms. The dedicated team at the mansion Fricovce can help with planning every aspect of your event.

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How to spend a time in-between meals in Rome?

Happy hour in Rome

Some of you might argue that Rome is a romantic place with plenty of restaurants where you can eat all day. For most of us, Rome became a city where you need activities to occupy the time in between your meals. Some tourists have reported that although restaurant dining was an important feature of their daily activities, they enjoyed wandering around in the streets, visiting galleries, museums and going shopping. It is easy to wear out your shoes in the majestic streets of Rome. Perhaps this is a little exaggerated but this certainly contributes to more frequent coffee breaks and developing a passion for food. When staying in Rome, do not forget to taste the authentic Roman dishes in a local osteria or trattoria instead of visiting expensive restaurants in the city center. For young explorers, we recommend happy hours which became popular among natives when hanging out with friends. Whereas you are a culinary tourist or a marketer, keep in your mind that your restaurant is a part of your experience package.

Paddywagon Tours in Ireland

Who would not like to see Cliffs of Moher at least once in his life?

This is what I could not skip on my road trip in Ireland. I was googling and planning how to get to the Cliffs of Moher. The first option was to rent a car with my friends and drive there.... but then this is what I have found - Paddywagon Tours. ...  and it was the best choice (value for money and great Irish experience)...

We got on the 4 days tour of South Western Ireland (Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Kerry, Dingle and Blarney). I guess this could be the best organized tours for backpacker in Ireland......

When we reached the West coast, we could not stop taking pictures of an amazing view on cliffs - 214 m high. 

3 Months in Dublin

When I got an internship in Dublin after my graduation, I packed my one suitcase and I moved to Dublin. 

My days looked perfect... starting work at 10 am and finishing at 4 pm which means having time for myself and my travels. Actually, I found a room in Irish family house which was the best for knowing the culture. Apart from the food (which was far away from my needs), I enjoyed little pubs and beer gardens after  my work. Since I worked in marketing in travel industry, I could work and match my private interests as well. This means having free accesses to Jameson distillery, Guiness Storehouse, The National Gallery of Ireland or Hop on Hop off Bus. 

Every Thursday I found shocking since everybody went out after the work and buses were full of people at 3 am (people dressed in business suits).  I had also funny morning experience seeing drunk man breaking the window on the bus at 2 am. However, what was surprising is how fast police and the bus company managed the situation, changing our bus within 20 minutes. Further, very interesting activity of Dubliners after the work was to go swimming in the sea...

Gaelic language

I was staying in the family with two kids who were able to speak Gaelic as well...They were studying Irish Gaelic at the school. The signs of Gaelic phrases and streets you could find everywhere. Some of those I learned as well:).