Weekend!

Well I do not have so much things to talk about so I am going to explain my last weekend.

On Tuesday I met with my sister and her friend. We went to dinner to “Ca la mama” one place where a tapa and a pint of beer cost 3 euros. We started to drink and party came to us, so we went to a pub. Here we danced and had a great time.

Friday I met with my friends for going to my beach house. We took eggs, onions and potatoes (amongst other things) and cooked a Spanish omelet. We had dinner all together and talked about everything because, like we all study in different cities, we had so much stories to tell.

Finally, on Saturday I had lunch with my family. We went to a restaurant, food was really good but we ordered too much starters. Then I went to my house and I did some homework. Finally, like my parents went to my other house for spend the night, I invited my friends. We saw a film and at 3 o’clock in the morning I said goodbye to my friends and went to sleep. 

Bullfighting

Today I’m going to talk about one current them which concern everybody: the bull fighting.

The “art” of bullfighting started on Bronze Age like a demonstration of courage. And his development continued since turn into a tradition or art in some countries like Spain. However, nowadays, that “national party” is in danger.

During years the bullfighting has been the center of many controversies, because no everybody thinks the same about it. At one hand, lots of people feel bullfights, and all thinks it means, as a tradition and something which represents the country. On the other hand, there are people who do not conceive death and suffering of animals like something positive, on the contrary like a murder. So, we have to open our eyes, we live in XXI century and it’s time to evolve. People can’t cling to consider that fact as good just for being a tradition, because a tradition was too the gladiators fighting and nowadays it doesn’t exist anymore, or art, because it is so relative.

Actually countries which continue practicing the bullfighting are criticized by the others. And I think it is normal because the rest of people see that “art” like a murder of an animal. It is not the same to kill for survive that to kill for entertainment and that is that bullfighters do. People can’t move on if they are still in the past.

The end

I have not visited more cities out of Spain so it is the end of my travel guide!

Florence

I was in Florence when I went to Rome, my family and I contracted an excursion and spent here one day. Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany.

We wake up at 7:00 morning and one bus came to pick up us. The hotel prepared us a bag with the breakfast and we could have breakfast on the bus. Our first stop was “Piezza de la Republica” a square close to Florence where we could take beautiful photos, because from here you could see Florence entire. Then we went to the Academy Gallery where we saw Michelangelo’s David, amongst other buildings and pictures. The David is spectacular, because I did not expect that it was so big. Moreover, it is unbelievable that one man could do that alone, it has all the details. Then, we went to “Palazzo Vecchio”, the actual City hall seat. It is famous for his tall bell tower. Moreover next to it is the famous Baptistery door built by Lorenzo Ghiberti. It is so famous because apart from it is enormous it is made entirely with gold. After visited these places we went to “La Piazza di la Signoria” which is the biggest square of Florence. Here is the Neptune font and some imitations of famous sculptures, like Michelangelo’s David. Because, originally the David and other buildings was here but people and climatic conditions broke it. For example, the hand of Michelangelo’s sculpture was smashed. That is the reason why they now in a museum are. After that we tried to go to “Galería Uffizi” but we could not enter because it was being repaired. So we walked for “Ponte Vechio” and for the historic center of the city; it was declared World Heritage by UNESCO and I understand it. We bought some scarfs in a street market and went to see a furrier, because in Florence people work a lot with pelt. They are experts on it. Finally we returned to the hotel. I was here only per one day but it was enough for seeing everything and for can say that Florence is really beautiful!

LONDON

I went to London few weeks ago, during "La Magdalena". I really liked it, because it is so different to all cities I’ve ever seen.

I went with two university friends; we arrived to London Stansted airport so we had to go by bus to the center of London. Once here we lunched and immediately went to Oxford Street and Picadilly Circus. We walked and saw shops; one of my favorites was a toys shop which is enormous, it has 5 floors and shop assistants are proving the toys and they let you prove too.

I went to Hostel Generator which is a modern hostel for young people. Here I and my two friends put our names for a free walking tour. A Spanish guide showed us all beautiful things we wanted to see in London. We met with the guide and all persons who come too in Wellington Arch. When everybody were ready we started the tour.

We first go to Buckingham Palace, where lives the queen. And the guide explained us that originally the palace was not a palace, it was a bourgeois house. The king went to visit him and felt in love with the house, so he bought it. First of all that house was only used for the queen; she came here to relax for that it acquired the name of the Queen’s House. But when the Queen Victoria was proclaimed queen she decided that the Queen’s House must have been the official residence of monarchy. So she ordered to do an extension on it and the Queen’s House was transformed in Buckingham Palace. Nowadays it continues being the official house of the Queen Elisabeth. Moreover, when we were here the queen was in her palace. We could know it because of the flag. There are two flags since Lady Di’s dead, when one the Queen is at palace and other when she is not here. Here we could see too the Changing of the Guard. It is amazing, horses walking in the street and cars passing next to them.

Then we passed through Hyde Park until arrive to Trafalgar Square. It is a square built to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. Here is a Nelson’s Colum on memory of the Captain Nelson, the captain who directed seaworthies to victory. The day of the battle the Captain was so sure of their victory that he put a red suit. His companions advised him but he ignored them so he was the first dead on the battle. Thanks to color, enemies could recognize him easily. On the way at home seaworthies put the body of the captain inside a whisky barrel for avoiding the decomposition of it. But, they spent three months on the ship and they were so happy for the victory; they drunk the whisky of Captain Barrel. Finally when tribulation arrived to London said that the Captain was so drunkard that even dead he had been drunk all the alcohol. That is the reason why the Captain Nelson known as a drunk is.

Finally, we arrived to the Houses of Parliament. Here is the Clock Tower usually known as “Big Ben”. But the Big Ben is not the tower it is the bell of the Clock Tower. The Houses of Parliament or Westminster Palace and Big Ben are an iconic landmark of London. Moreover, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

With the tour we see too St. Jame’s Park, where seagulls eat cock pigeons, Wellington Arch, Whitehall, 10 Downing Street, the place of social clubs for rich people, Churchill’s War Cabinet Bunker, St. Martin in the Fields and Westminster Abbey.

After had finished the tour we went to lunched. Then we went to Camden Town, an amazing and peculiar street market. It is amazing; shops which are of shoes have in their front an enormous shoe and gothic shops have a gothic doll in their front. Facades of the shops advertise you what you find inside are. Moreover here are all kind of cloth and people. Lots of girls were orange hairs and snakes in her necks. And no one see it strange.

The last day we went to see the Tower of London, but we did not enter because the ticket was so expensive, and the Tower Bridge. Then we went to the National Gallery which is free and saw the Van Gogh’s Sunflower amongst other famous pictures. After lunched we went to Hyde Park and gave food to squirrels. Finally we went to Harrods, the most luxurious and big shop center seen ever.

Cruise!

Last summer I did a cruise for my end of school-year trip. I went 10 days with the company MSC and I visited Dubrovnik, Venice, Athens, Argostoli, Pireo, Corfu and Kotor. My companions and I passed a great time because we saw so much different cities and we had lot of funny. The boat was amazing, it had 10 floors where were lots of tourist attractions including swimming pool, Jacuzzi, disco, shops amongst other things. Moreover here we met persons from all over the world, we made so many friends.

My high school is on the outskirts of my city, Elche. So we met here and go by bus to Valencia’s airport. We went by plane to Venice and in that city we catch the cruise. The first day we did not see anything, we went at swimming pool and nothing else. My classmates and I had a target with which we could buy all the food and drink we wanted. Moreover, the food was really good because the company of the cruise is Italian and generally they cook so well. At dinner we had a private room where we sat all together and could make all noise we wanted.

Our first stop was Dubrovnik (Croatia). Dubrovnik is a little city surrounded by walls, here people speak Croat and their money is Kunnas. It really surprised me because I did not expect that Croatia was so beautiful.

Our bus picked up us and took us to the center of the city. We had a local guide and she explained us all the history of Dubrovnik. She told that, after the war, a big part of Croatia had to be restored, including Dubrovnik. But it did not affect to it, because it maintains his historical and old ambient. We walked for the historic center and then we visited the Cathedral. After the guide had left us my friend and I went to the port and appreciated the amazing views. Finally we saw shops and bought natural lavender soap, because the lavender is typical from Dubrovnik. I have to say that it smells great.

The second day we went to Argostoli. Argostoli is the capital of Cefalonia, a Greek island. Here I did not see so much things, I only went to see a Monastery and then I spent all the morning on the beach. I swung in the Ionian Sea and I only can say that it was amazing. It is so different to our sea.

Our third stop was Pireo, which is a little city using like port of Athens. We stopped here because our ship couldn’t stop in Athens. So, we went by bus to Athens. I have to say that the port of Pireo was so much beautiful that all Athens. I am disappointed with that city because it gave me the impression that streets was a mess, buildings were dirty…I do not can explain how I felt, but it did not like me so much... Well, it is true that I did not walk a lot for Athens because we spent almost all the morning in the Parthenon. The Parthenon is the most important building of Classical Greece. Our guide explained us that, contrary to so many people think; it is not a temple, but rather was used to store raw gold from tributary states and dedications to Athena. I was built for the Greeks in dedication to the Greek goddess Athena, who people of Athens considered their protector. That construction is enormous and really amazing, walking for it you feel like living on the Greek time. In conclusion, Athens city, in my opinion, do not deserve your time but the ruins of it yes. The city is not all beautiful it should be and probably disappointed you like it did to me, but the Parthenon won’t do that. After backed to the cruise I had been in the Olympic stadium.

The stop of our fourth day was Corfu. It is a beautiful Greek island, the most important of Ionian Islands. It is not so big, has 120.000 inhabitants, but you have so many staffs to see here. We first went to a wine tasting, where we could prove all typical Greek wine and many people bought bottles like presents to their family. Then we went to the most beautiful thing I have seen even. It was a cave where we had to go with a little boat; it had crystal clear water surrounded by huge rocks cover with plants. And when I looked up I saw the skies. That place is awesome I recommend it to everybody! Finally we went to beach and we swung again on the Ionic sea. It is dark, clean and cold. After we returned to the boat we stopped in the beach most photographed in the world. It is one of the hundred amazed.

The fifth day we went to Montenegro. It is a little country of Europe Southeastern, at the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It has 630,548 inhabitants and they speak Serbian. Lot of celebrities, like Nicolas Cage, have houses here. It is one of the reasons why Montenegro is winning popularity and nowadays his number of visits is growing a lot. Moreover two places in Kotor and Durmitor, two Montenegro cities, has been declared Worl Heritage by UNESCO.

 I only could visit Kotor and I can say that it is really beautiful. First I went to see the Monastery; you only can arrive to here with a boat because it is on an island. The Monastery is spectacular but the views are awesome. Then I walked for the city which is formed by old houses and streets. Here is a mysterious, dark and ancient ambient which involves you.

The sixth day stop was Ancona, an Italian region situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Honestly I do not remember so many things about Ancona because that day I was so tired. Moreover I came here on Sunday, so almost all places were closed and empty. My companions and I went to a Cathedral, which was very beautiful and then we walked for streets. We bought an ice cream and spent here the afternoon.

Our last stop was Venice before backed home was Venice. It is an amazing Italian city known as Canal City. Here we did not have guide we went alone because Venice is not so big and almost all things to visit are close. We first went to Sigh Bridge; it was the Bridge for where, years later, the prisoners condemned dying passed through in their way to die. It was the Bridge which connected the prison with the abattoir. Then we went to San Marc Square, it was very beautiful but were lots of people. We took a photo on the San Marc Bridge, with canals on background. But, we did not get on a gondola because it was so expensive. So we walked for the entire city and lunched in a typical and beautiful restaurant.

I recommend everybody to do that cruise because we saw so many new places and the majority are amazing. Moreover, apart from travel and to know different cultures you passed a great time. We were all nights to the disco and danced and met new people. We went too every afternoon or in the morning to the swimming pool. It was a fantastic travel I would repeat without doubts!!

ROME

My second place to recommend is Rome. I was here on September 2009 for my 50 mother’s birthday. We walked so much but I would back delighted.

Important things to know about Rome:

Rome is the capital of the Italian Republic which has 4.330.000 inhabitants in total. This European city is considered one of the birthplaces of Occidental civilization and the spiritual center of Catholicism. Rome streets contain so much history; in his historical center are remains of nearly 3 millennia. For that and for his beauty every year Rome receives 3 millions of tourists.

Here goes an advice: if you go to Rome you must take comfortable shoes! Because it is a city for walk and enjoy of every spots. But, don’t worry about it, all places are near and public transport is so easy to use. Finally you will be grateful.

Places to visit:

Colosseo and Roman Forum.

The Colosseo was the old place of battles and entertainment; gladiators fought here. It is probably the building more representative of Rome. In 1479 Benedict XVI declared it sacred because people by the 15^th century stool stones which formed the Colosseo for build their houses. However, it hasn’t lost his historic importance.

The Roman Foro was the old meeting place of Romans, where they went to shop and talk. It was the civic heart of the Republic of Rome, so if you want to know Rome you must walk for all the Foro.

Moreover, between these two places is the Constantine Arc, a wonder you should see.

You must visit these places together, for this route one morning is enough time.

Spanish Steps and Piazza del Poppolo.

The Piazza del Poppolo was built when Agrippina, who killed her enemies with poison, decided to put her tomb here. Moreover, it is famous too because until the XIX century were executed prisoners under sentence of death penalty. The Piazza del Poppolo communicates with Via del Corso one of the streets with more shops of Rome.

Nearly that square is the Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti (Spanish Steps). It is the most famous square of Rome. Here is the Spanish embassy and if you go up the 135 steps you will arrive to Trinità dei Monti’s church and to the Fontana della Barcaccia.

The Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

The Pantheon is a temple consecrated for every gods, it is characterized because is circular in shape and because everybody can enter. You can go to visit it after had lunched in surrounding of Piazza Navona, where is the font designed by Bernini, because two places are near.

Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain)

The Fontana di Trevi was designed by Nicola Silva, his construction took few years. It is the biggest fountain in Rome. The Trevi Fountain represents, among other things, the God Neptune and The Health. Legend tells that if you throw a coin in the fountain, you will back to Rome. I threw a coin and I haven’t yet backed but I will back, I promise!

Vatican City

It is the world capital of Catholicism, here lives the Papa, ecclesiastic posts and priests and nuns from all over the world. The Vatican City is a state totally independent; they have their own mail, television and radio. Here is the Basilica di San Pietro, the most important church in the world. It is amazing, in his construction contributed artists like Bramante and Michelangelo. Moreover, inside the church is Michelangelo’s Pieta, a spectacular built (in my opinion, a bit small) and Bernini’s baldacchino that rises above the papal altar. The Basilica di San Pietro is in Piazza San Pietro, a magnificent square designed by Bernini. Here is too the Sistine Chapel, you can’t come here and don’t see it.

All these monuments are spectacular you must come here instead you are not a believer. Moreover you can go easily using a bus. 

PARIS

My first destination in that exciting tour is the City of Light (la Ville Lumière) Paris. I went here when I was 9 with my family and 5 five years later for a study trip.

Important things you need to know about Paris:

Paris is the cosmopolitan capital of France, so here people speak French. It is one of the cities more populated of Europe with 2.2 million inhabitants in the dense central city. The City of Light is situated in the north of the country on the river Seine and has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities. Moreover it is the Capital of Fashion; it is home to the world's finest and most luxorious fashion designers and cosmetics, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L'Oréal, Clarins, etc. In conclusion Paris is a city full of culture, love, mode and good food.

 Places to visit:

1.       Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

It is the most important and emblematic building of Paris. The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel because of the World Exhibition of 1889. Initially artists and writers of Paris disapproved it but finally it turned in the symbol of Paris. The Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument in the world. It is an obligatory stop, up or not is your decision but views are amazing.

2.       Notre Dame de Paris.

Notre Dame is located at the center of Paris and distances from Paris to all parts of France are calculated from the center of the plaza. It is one of the most ancient gothic Cathedrals of France and it is situated on the banks of the Seine. The facade is divided neatly into three levels, with three overwhelmingly carved portals guiding your entrance.

Notre Dame is famous too for Victor Hugo, a poet who wrote a story on which a hunchback, Quasimodo, lived here.

Don't forget to walk around the cathedral to see the array of flying buttresses supporting the choir.

3.       Musee du Luvre.

That museum is the world’s largest museum and one of the most important in the world. The Louvre's collection contains more than 35,000 pieces, with paintings, drawings, sculptures, antiquities, furniture, coins, etc. Although the most important work of art is the Giaconda, of Leonardo da Vinci, and pieces of universal Art like Nile’s Venus. It’s impossible to see the entire museum in one day, but don’t worry about it.

4.       Arc de Triomphe.

The Arc de Triomphe sits at the western end of Champs-Elysees. It's the biggest triumphal arch in the world, about 164 meters high. Napoleon ordered to build the arch after he had won her battle on Austerlitz (1805). Names of 558 Generals of France’s imperium are written here.

Moreover the Champs-Elysees are the bigger avenue on Paris. All famous shops are here.

There are lots of places you can and should visit on Paris like Montmartre, Les Invalides, La Defense, La Villette, Saint Louis Island and Latin Quarter but the most basic and important stops are these. If you go with children it is necessary you go to Disneyland.

Finally I have to say that Paris is a beautiful city, everywhere you go it will seem you spectacular.

Here is me in Disneyland!

SECOND SEMESTER

Here starts my new blog. It will be a travel guide, I’m going to give advices and opinions about places I’ve been.