Bob Travel » Europe

Learning French Vocabulary for Paris

admin — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:28:38 +0000

You may have heard that languages are best learned young. Certainly, two year olds intuitively pick up the intricacies of language, but the farther we are from childhood, languages seem to become increasingly difficult. Imagine you were planning a trip to Paris and needed to pick up some French vocabulary , where would you turn?

If you can’t pick it up at the Sorbonne , then the internet has a variety of places to improve basic language and arithmetic skills, like the kind you might find at dynamo.dictionary.com , where you can choose to study a number of subjects, languages and tests.

If you’re planning a family vacation to a foreign country, then everyone can brush up on their language skills. While it’s true that most of tourist spots in Paris will be English friendly, there are out of the way cafes and parks where a command of a few simple French phrases will be appreciated and come in handy. You might think you can get along with such terms as “oui” (yes) and “merci” (thank you), but how does one say “excuse me” properly in French. The answer is, it depends. To ask for someone to tell you more about something you don’t understand, you might say, “Pardon.” To ask for something that’s an inconvenience, or if you’re brushing past someone on the street, you might say, “Excusez-moi” (also vous avez l’heure s’il vous plait). If you want someone’s forgiveness and wish to appear contrite, you may say “Pardonnez-moi.” The point is that there is usually not one way to say a thing, no matter what language you’re using; therefore, it’s important to be able to apply context which we get through understanding the culture.

Culturally, it’s usually deemed a compliment to learn the language of the country in which you’re visiting, and almost universally appreciated. Even in Paris, those living in the city will understand you’ve taken some time and effort. If they know English, they may switch to it fairly quickly, for convenience sake, but you’ve already made a better impression than if you simply expected others to know the language with which you were raised.

With such sites, it’s possible to either test your skills (or to learn from scratch) the words you’ll need when you arrive in France, no matter if you’re staying for a week or a semester abroad.

Learning French Vocabulary for Paris is a post from: Bob Travel

Le French May Arts Festival

The Hótel Brimnes in Iceland

admin — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:29:01 +0000

Iceland should really think about changing its name; sure it can get a bit cold in Iceland but not like Greenland, which ironically is covered in ice. Iceland has got to be losing millions on tourism because of the assumptions that people probably make about it because of its name. In reality, Iceland is hardly icy at all, and is actually covered in lush green hills and mountains. In a way Iceland is like the European version of Colorado. Among the rolling green hills and snow capped mountains of Iceland sits the Hótel Brimnes. The Hotel Brimnes is located in the small Icelandic town of Ólafsfjörður and what separates the Hotel Brimnes from other generic hotels is that guests can choose to stay either in the main standard hotel facility or in Finnish style bungalows that sit at the edge of Lake Ólafsfjarðarvatn . In truth, the main Hotel Brimnes facility is quite average so if you really want to have an unforgettable stay in Iceland then go with the cottages. Each of the Hotel Brimnes’ eight wood cottages has a hot tub, kitchen, and a lounge in addition to the usual bedrooms and bathrooms. Cottage accommodations range from the small four bed cottages to the large 6 bed family cottage. The main Hotel Brimnes facility has eleven double rooms and like the cottages, have a great view of Lake Ólafsfjarðarvatn and the surrounding mountains and countryside.

If you’re staying at the Hotel Brimnes and you see a series of bright green lights coming from outside your hotel or cottage window at night then don’t panic. It’s not the Icelandic police: they use blue lights. In fact, what you are probably seeing is the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is nighttime display of lights in the sky which is caused by ionized particles impacting the Earth’s magnetic field. The Northern Lights are only visible in Polar Regions like Iceland and are truly a sight to behold.

Alright, the Northern Lights are great and all, but what are you going to do during the day? Well why not go for a drive and explore some of Iceland’s natural beauty? Just stop by one of the many off-roading rental companies operating in Iceland and to explore the countryside. You’re going to want a real study vehicle that has some all terrain tires and some study wheels though because Iceland definitely has some rugged terrain. Drive to the newly formed town , Fjallabyggð or visit the fjords of the Tröllaskagi peninsula. Or if you’re daring, travel to the famous and difficult to pronounce volcano, Eyjafjallajokull, which that erupted in 2010. The volcano is pretty safe now, and it’s just one of many areas in Iceland you might want to explore. Maybe a name change isn’t necessary but in any event, Iceland seriously needs to work on its image problem because the country is gorgeous. Find out more about the Hótel Brimnes at their site here.

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Strang (USAF) & Rögnvaldur Jónsson

The Hótel Brimnes in Iceland is a post from: Bob Travel

The Chambers hotel in New York

Historic Architecture of Lisbon

admin — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 02:10:00 +0000

Lisbon is one of the world’s beautiful cities and it is full of incredible architecture and buildings that date from various periods and eras in history. It is the capital and largest city in Portugal and it has played an essential role in the country’s history, which can be traced through some of the buildings and amazing cultural attractions that are located there. The city is an extremely popular tourist destination, and while the visitors have different reasons for staying in a Lisbon hotel , almost everyone of them is stunned by the amazing beauty of the city.

Among some of the more popular cultural attractions is the are also some of the great visual landmarks. Incredibly buildings from the Romanesque , Baroque and Gothic areas line the cityscape and create an atmosphere of historic significance as well as amazingly beautiful backdrop. They also house some of the city’s great performance arts organizations like the opera house Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos and the Centro Cultural de Belem. These are just a few of the amazing establishments that exist in the city and provide great entertainment options for the residents as well as the tourists. Visiting Lisbon can be an incredible journey through history, though it is also an amazing contemporary cultural experience.

Historic Architecture of Lisbon is a post from: Bob Travel

London’s Oxford Street

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:10:00 +0000

The Westminster part of London has some of the most iconic landmarks and it also has one of the biggest, busiest shopping streets in all of Europe, Oxford Street . There are over 548 shops, filled with everything you could imagine, lined along this historical street. It runs for a mile and a half between Hyde Park and Marble Arch. In the early days, it was one of the main routes in and out of the city. It also became known as the route taken by prisoners who were on their last journey. They were taken from Newgate Prison to the the gallows, near Marble Arch at Tyburn. In the 19th century the street became known for the many shops that were established.

Today, there are some grand hotels in London near Oxford Street and give a easy access to the real shopaholic tourist. Pick a category, any category and you will find a shop to accommodate your interests. How about hitting the hot sports store of Nike Town . That will keep the sports enthusiasts geared up for the long walks around the city. Check out the famous John Lewis department store. They have a few departments stores with House of Fraser, Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, Bhs and Selfridges.

They have some shops to stop and beautify such as the hair dressers in the local Saks or Toni and Guy. So leave your kids over at the Disney Store and check into an afternoon with a cut and color. This will lend you the chance to hit a night on the town in style. Oxford Street has some good nightlife with restaurants, bars, Music and other entertainment. Maybe one just needs a nice beer at the Tottenham Pub

London’s Oxford Street is a post from: Bob Travel

Menorcan Horses in Manchester

admin — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:25:19 +0000

This month the people of the city of Manchester, England got quite a treat, quite a show. As part of a three day festival, that brought the Balearic Islands to Albert Square, the legendary Menorcan Horses of Spain gave the people a small glimpse into their beauty, the skill of the riders and the culture of this small island in the Mediterranean Sea. For close to fifty years, the British have made up a large segment of the population of European tourists who have made the Islands their favorite destination for relaxation in the spas of the best Balearic hotels, dancing in the trendy clubs, and walking on the pristine beaches. However, tourism in the Islands has dropped substantially during the economic crunch, and so the Islands were brought to tourists.

These horses have been important throughout Menorca’s history, having been pivotal and necessary during times when the island was defending itself, and during times of celebrations. This is a very unique breed of horse, with only 1,500 animals registered with the Horse and Breeders Association. This breed rivals that of the Arabian Horse, as in appearance they are exquisite creatures. Their coats are black and they have billowing manes. And much as with the Greyhound racing dogs, they are proportioned with incredible necklines, they are extremely muscular, and are well known for their sober demeanor and consistent character. They are tireless when it comes to performing, either for the shows or for their owners.

The shows are extraordinary in part due to the skill of the riders, and in part due to the fact that this breed is not only beautiful, but extremely smart as well. They have been gaining the reputation as the best breed for training, for riding and for their ability to interpret the intricate commands the riders makes using the harness. They are well known and loved on the Island, and after the performance they gave in Manchester two weeks ago, they are well loved internationally now as well.

Menorcan Horses in Manchester is a post from: Bob Travel

Restaurant Sa Capella

admin — Sat, 16 May 2009 09:34:17 +0000

Ibiza is an extremely vibrant island, full of diverse scenic views, outdoor activities and water sports, as well as many cultural heritage icons. One of the essential aspects of the inhabitants’ daily lifestyle is also a tremendous bonus for vacationers. They have an excellent and diverse selection of dining and restaurant options. They cater to tastes for foods from around the world and also special in local favorites. Restaurant Sa Capella is one of the beautifully quaint Ibiza restaurants that serves as an historic landmark as well as a place to enjoy great food. It is located near the popular town of San Antonio, though it is far enough removed from the city that its natural scenic elements are preserved.

The restaurant was originally constructed as a church. It was built in the late 16th century, and retains much of its historical feel. It was built from stone, roughly hewn and is unique looking, particularly from a modern perspective. Its high ceilings, vaulted limestone archways and alcoves lend to its mysterious ambiance and give the patrons the sensation they have stepped back in time. There are also iron chandeliers and wooden beams that add to the rustic feel. The menu is made fresh daily, and includes selections of fresh fish, and the best meats in deliciously delicate sauces. Some of the more popular items include salt encrusted salmon and the baked cod in garlic sauce. There is also a savory desert menu that includes tempting pastries, a unique strawberry soup and coconut mousse. Summer is the busiest tourist season for the island, and many guests enjoy a fabulous appetizer while relaxing on the garden terrace. The specialty is the Belotta Ham, which is the meat of free roaming pigs that were fed on acorns; it is served with a tomato bruschetta. This is definitely one of the more romantic locations to enjoy a sensual Mediterranean twilight.

Restaurant Sa Capella is a post from: Bob Travel

Celebrating the Singapore Restaurant

Sculpture Promenade at the Fitzwilliam Museum

admin — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:06:08 +0000

On April 28th, 2009 the new sculpture garden at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge will open to the public. The most accomplished and well respected artists alive and working today, will have their work displayed. Helaine Blumefield, a sculptor herself, and Timothy Potts, the director for the museum selected works that will be exhibited and will commemorate the first annual show of contemporary sculpture. The show will take place on the beautiful lawns of the museum, and is destined to become the heart of dynamic contemporary art in all of Cambridge, England. The anticipated show is expected to draw art lovers from all over the world, which is great for the museum itself, the artists, and the businesses, including the restaurants and Cambridge hotel in the surrounding neighborhoods. This is also expected to animate and enhance the historical architecture of the buildings with new life and create the energy that modern art is so known to do. It will draw people inside the museum as well, as the beautiful works on the lawn will serve to create curiosity and interest of the treasures contained inside. It will promote the philosophy of the museum that is, past works and modern works are equally appreciated and admired.

The exhibit is free to the public. Their are eight contemporary artists with works in the show, including Diane Maclean, Terry New, and Wu Wei-Shan, to name a couple. Administrators of the museum are thrilled at the prospect of exposing the public to the beauty and craft of the art of sculpture, and to creating a greater awareness of the medium of clay, stone and bronze. The project has been made possible by the collaboration of the museum with the Royal British Society of Sculptors. An organization with same philosophy and ethos as the museum. The previous exhibition was that of the works of Henry Moore, which had been on display for the last three years. This show will be the largest and the most significant to date. Of interest is the juxtaposition of the contrasting neo-classical architecture of the museum and the modern and contemporary works installed on the grounds. This will become one of the must-see destinations for the city of Cambridge and will generation attention from the art world, and the world in general.

Sculpture Promenade at the Fitzwilliam Museum is a post from: Bob Travel

The Heart of Madrid

admin — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:22:42 +0000

Traditional dance of the gypsies in Madrid, and throughout all Spain, is the Flamenco. Originally from the southern part of the country, Andalusia to be specific, this art form has Moorish roots, as well as gypsy and Andalusian. What started as entertainment on the streets and cafes and five star Madrid hotels, this dance of music, ‘baile’ has become one of the most popular forms of expression and music. The song, or the canto, is the soul and the core, meant to express and to evoke passion. The music is often exuberant and lively, with a bit of seriousness thrown in for good measure and balance. Songs are either light, or grand, depending on the style of the musicians. Thought to have roots from East India, the more rhythmic and danceable tunes often employ the use of castanets, which are not from Spain, but most times associated with the music from this region.

Many people choose to experience the music and the dance of Flamenco at a “tablao”, which is a bit like a cabaret style of theater. Shows in venues such as tablaos are very intimate ways to take in the traditional shows. Seated at a table one can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine, most restaurants offer a food menu, and the show is performed on a small stage. Some say this is more of a tourist attraction, but it is the traditional prototype for how shows have been put on for years. These tablao restaurant shows are also a bit on the expensive side. There are many neighborhood bars that feature Flamenco shows as well, often times much more casual and inexpensive. The shows put on in the various bars and cafe range from improvisational to authentic to performance art fusion. More likely as well, these are not the touristy type venues and are often at out of the way joints. There are also big theatrical productions put on in the grand theaters such as Teatro Albeniz or Teatro Real. The Corral is a theater located in the middle of the city, and is the most famous spot around the world for Flamenco, often called the Heart of Madrid. Performances here happen nightly with shows starting at 10 PM. This has been a draw for many years, attracting not only the locals and the tourists, but the rich and famous as well. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary and shows will be more spectacular than ever before.

The Heart of Madrid is a post from: Bob Travel