Bob Travel

There is no question that among all the world’s 5-star hotels, Mallorca is in a class all by itself.  One of the most luxurious islands in the world, and home to one of the world’s most fabulous tourist destinations, Mallorca is famous for its incredible beaches and enviable night life.  The hotels are a reflection of the place, with amenities to suit any traveler, and a sense of elegance that is only found here on Spain’s largest island.  Guests looking to hide from the world and rejuvenate their senses will be well-rewarded here.

Mallorca has an amazing history, and some amazing people.  One of its current favorite sons is the young motorcycle rider, Jorge Lorenzo.  Although he just turned 21, the rider has already turned heads all over the world with his skill at riding on two wheels.  Born on May 4th, 1987, in Palma de Mallorca, Jorge Lorenzo began riding when he was just three years old.  He started competing at a young age as well.  In 1998, he won the Aprilla 50cc competition, even though he was only 11 years old.  The Spanish government gave him a special dispensation to compete in the 125cc race in 2000, which he also won, making him the youngest motorcyclist to win a European race.

He has since graduated to the 250 cc class in 2004, and 2006 and 2007 saw some of his most amazing wins.  He won world titles for both years, with nearly 20 pole positions to his impressive resumé, and in 2008 became the Rookie of the Year from MotoGP.  His reputation as a skilled rider is sometimes preceded by his reputation for spectacle, and a tendency to celebrate with an intense lust for life.  Jorge Lorenzo crashes well, and recovers spectacularly, and does everything with a panache that is unmistakably Mallorcan.

With beautiful beaches, incredible weather and a vast array of luxury hotels, Marbella is becoming the favorite destination for the rich and the famous, as well as the not so.  This village in Spain, some calling it the Spanish answer to St. Tropez, has gone through some changes, one of which is due to the previous mayor Jesus Gil.  Gil did what Daley in Chicago did, sponsored a massive project to upgrade the landscaping of the city, and the result is stunning.  And even though this has become a hot-spot for celebrities, there is still a side of Marbella that remains real, and down to earth.  Just walking throughout the alley ways and the back streets will illustrate that this is one town that holds onto and values their own particular individuality.

Orange Square is one spot that tourists will come upon during a walking tour.  This is said to be one of the most beautiful squares in the city, also home to the tourist office and the town hall.  Detailed maps are found here that will guide one on the rest of their journey of the streets of Marbella.  This area is also home to many art galleries, bistros, coffee shops and bars.  The activity in this square is happening day and night.  And should one visit at just the right time, when the trees and the flowers are in bloom, the colors contrasting against the blue sky will amaze and astound.  Many have chosen to make Marbella their permanent residence after a visit or two, especially those in the field of the visual arts, be they painters or photographers, once they leave they just think about coming back, and eventually just move here.

Coming off the square like spokes of a bicycle wheel, are smaller streets and alleys.  This area gives one the feel of being in tiny village, rather than a cosmopolitan city.  There are restaurants and local hangouts where one can strike up conversations with the locals.  Again, it is no wonder that artists find refuge, in the quiet and the creative inspiration, that is also located to a bit of action and life.  For all one needs to do should they desire a bit of modern interaction, is to take a stroll down the Avenida del Mar, where skyscrapers and classy nightclubs line the Costa, and the feeling in the air is celebratory and exciting.  In all this small town of Spain offers everything to the modern traveler, beauty and excitement, luxury and realness.

The Robeco Summer Festival of concerts, and the Grachten Festival are about to begin in Amsterdam.  Many festivals, music, art and culinary, occur throughout the summer months, and this is just two of many that will entertain locals and tourists staying in the five star Amsterdam hotels throughout the months of July and August.  The Dutch culture and the Dutch people are long known for their love and support of music.  Many musicians have come out of the Netherlands, and some of the best orchestras and symphonies have their homes here and perform regularly at the Concertgebouw, a theater known to be one of the best in the world for the acoustics.

The concerts scheduled during the summer months are often theme-based, with various series, even the smaller festivals, encapsulated under the same theme.  Often times the themes will include the birthdays or the anniversaries of the deaths of composers throughout history, with the focus being placed on their works.  There are also concerts specially designed for audiences of children, or high-lighting the music of international composers.  The music in this series is presented just about every night of the week throughout the months of July and August, beginning each night at just past 8 pm.

The Grachten Festival celebrates the music of the symphony and the opera, the classical side of the industry and the art.  In 2007, Nelly Miricioiu–famous opera singer, not only performed heart wrenching pieces each night, but also offered workshops and seminars.  Teaching and coaching the works of Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini opening up a world that may be unfamiliar to the general public or to young singers, along with the opportunities to witness these pieces performed each night.  Along with the classes, she spoke of her experiences, which is interesting to those wishing for a career following in her footsteps.  For music lovers around the world, this is one of the best times to be in Amsterdam.