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.