The capital of Hungary Budapest has many attractions, historical landmarks and cultural sites of great diversity near your Budapest apartments. It also has almost a hundred museums, which offer interesting exhibition during the entire year. The city has many large museums with important and large-scale exhibitions, but also has many smaller museums too, which are also worth the visit. The tickets to the state owned museums in Hungary are cheap and most of the museums offer good discounts. People who are in the age 62 – 70 pay half of the entry fee, while those above the age of 70 get a free entry. The children under 6 years of age also get free entry. The same is valid for the disabled people and the ones that escort them. Another good discount is offered to the holders of the Budapest Card. The museums in Budapest city are usually closed on Mondays or on Tuesdays and one should check this before the trip.

This photo of Budapest

Among the most popular museums in Budapest is the Hungarian National Museum, which is the biggest museum in the country. It occupies an area of 8000 sq.m. and offers free entry to the permanent exhibitions, among which are the Crown of St. Stephen and the Coronation Jewels. The next museums that is of a great importance are the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Applied Arts where one can see rich collections of paintings, textiles, furniture, ceramics, woodworks, etc.

The other museums that should not be missed are the Budapest History Museum with its Gothic statues, the Hungarian National Gallery of Hungarian fine arts. Quite interesting is the House of Terror, where one can learn about the Nazi regime and the Communist era in Hungary. There is also a Museum of Ethnography in Budapest, which is the largest of its kind in Europe and is just opposite the Parliament in Budapest. It is about the Hungarian folk culture, and the exhibitions display the farm and village life, as well as the folk art of the country. Also interesting is the Hungarian Natural History Museum, which is the largest natural history museum in the country and has a permanent exhibition Man and Nature. This place is good for kids, as there are some interactive displays that will entertain them. The rest of the places that keep the interest of the travelers are the Aquincum Museum and the Budapest Memento Park, which presents huge monuments from the communist regime.

This photo of House of Terror

Besides these large museums, the city of Budapest also offers some smaller museums, which often have unusual settings and offer some intriguing exhibitions. Among these are the Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum, and also the Ferenc Hopp Museum of Eastern Asiatic Art with its great collection of art from the Far East and India; the Kiscell Museum with an exhibition of the history of Budapest in modern times. The other small museums to check in Budapest are Béla Bartók Memorial House and the Nagytétény Castle Museum, as well as the Bath Museum, and the Jewish Museum. Especially interesting is the Museum for Families and Children.

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The trips to Northern Spain are always associated with the walking pilgrimage on the Camino Santiago road, which is among the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world. It is an interesting fact that pilgrims have been walking the road towards the small town of Santiago, which is placed in Galicia province for more than a thousand years now, in order to worship the tomb of Saint James the Apostle. There are several routes that go through the countryside of Spain and some of its major cities.

The most difficult of the Camino routes is the route Camino Frances, which is the most popular one and it begins in southern France, in the city of Saint Jean Pied-de-Port. In the very first day, the route crosses the Pyrenees Mountains and also the border with Spain, making a very nice journey through Northern Spain. Usually, most of the pilgrims are making the trip during the months June to September, so in case that you want a more intimate experience, better make the route in another period of time.

This photo of Saint Jean Pied de Port

The entire trip of Camino Frances route covers 800 kilometers. This is a kind of a straight route across Northern Spain into the town of Santiago. Usually, the pilgrims make the route for four or five weeks. There are also people who make the trip into several annual events, and they complete certain stretches during their holiday until they reach the final point. The cities in Northern Spain, which are covered during that route include Leon and Pamplona, Burgos and Ponferrada, though most of the road leads into the open countryside, many small villages and farms, as well as vineyards. There are many accommodation places along the road, like hostels, pensiones and dorms, as well as rural houses. The route is worth to me taken due to its historical importance, the many cathedrals and abbeys and all the nice people, who are so accustomed to the pilgrims.

There is yet another route to Camino Santiago and this is the road Camino del Norte or the coastal route, which goes along the coastline of Northern Spain. This route is longer with 25 km from the Camino Frances route or it is 825 km. It starts at the French border in the town of Irun and covers the Spanish cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao, and also Santander before it joins the Camino Frances route in the town of Arzua. This route is more for pilgrims in search of solitude. There are not many accommodation places here, though there are some. This route however is very beautiful. Among the loveliest scenes here are the views over the Biscay Bay, many historic churches and monuments. This route is also good if you want to spend some more time at the Basque region, which has an interesting and vibrant culture. Even if the terrain here is a bit difficult with many descents and ascents, the route is worth the try.

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When many think of St. Lucia, the majestic twin peaks of the Pitons is what come to mind. These incredible dormant volcanoes rise out of the blue-green seas on the island’s western coast and reach defiantly towards the clear blue Caribbean skies. It is a stunning sight. But St. Lucia offers much more. There are tropical rainforests, sulphur springs, beautiful beaches and scenic seascapes. Luxury hotels in St. Lucia provide outstanding lodgings in some of the islands most stupendous locations. Luxury hotels offer clear views of quaint colourful fishing villages and private white sand beaches where you can relax safe in the knowledge you have found your slice of paradise.

This photo of St. Lucia

This photo of St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a mountainous volcanic island bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. While it comprises only 620 square miles, it has some of the most startling land forms in all the Caribbean. Named after St. Lucy of Syracuse by the French who discovered the island and made a treaty with the local Caribs in 1660, St. Lucia is part of the Lesser Antilles. It is blessed with the cooling northeast Trade Winds. This makes for great weather and means your stay at the luxury hotels in St. Lucia will be even more pleasant.
This photo of St. Lucia

This photo of St. Lucia

This photo of St. Lucia

There are numerous luxury hotels in St. Lucia. They place people on holiday in some of the most heavenly locations on the island. There are luxury hotels in the shadow of the Pitons with three walls and stunning views of these magnificent mountains. There are luxury hotels overlooking gorgeous bays where sailors and yachtsmen hold regattas several times each year. There are luxury hotels in St. Lucia mere steps from pristine white sand beaches with swaying coconut trees and beautiful blue waters. These hotels help people on holiday to lose themselves in the sublime experience of relaxing in paradise.

A trip to St. Lucia offers access to rare natural phenomenon. One of St. Lucia’s rare gems is the so-called ‘Drive in volcano near the city of Soufriere. A dormant volcano which has a caldera with boiling water, steam and numerous minerals, the area is prized for its healing mineral baths which has been reputed to clear up numerous skin ailments. The volcano is connected to the sea because volcanic activity increases during high tide and full moons. The sulphuric smell is weak during the day and much stronger at night. Visitors can drive right through the caldera and see the bubbling pools of steam, water and sulphur. There are also a rainbow of colour on the surface of the land and water caused by the presence of copper oxide, iron, sulphur, calcium oxide, magnesium, carbon and other minerals.

It is a short ride from many of the luxury hotels in St. Lucia to Pigeon Island National Park, the home of the colonial British military base called Fort Rodney. Marigot Bay, Gros Islet, the Botanical Gardens and the breeding grounds of the endangered leatherback turtle at Grande Anse can all be explored on tours organized by luxury hotels. Settle into one of the luxury hotels in St. Lucia and enjoy a slice of paradise.

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My business visit to Madrid

My very first visit to Madrid was ten years ago, while me and my close friend were still kids and our dad and mom brought us on a family journey with the car. I had some obscure memories, but appreciated the enjoyable feeling and therefore when my ceo informed me I needed to go on a business travel to the Spanish main city; I jumped with joy… even though I didn’t show it while in front of him!

The office manager in our company arranged my plane tickets and told me she arranged my Madrid apartment, which at first sounded strange and I asked her why not a hotel apartment. She revealed that she used this sort of Madrid lodging when she went on her honeymoon last year and that she was very pleased with the amenities and the discounted rental price tag.

Like she stated, the Madrid apartment she picked for me was simply marvelous. I stayed in the middle of the urban center, had immediate link to the commercial zone where I was supposed to educate my regional co-workers and meet the management and had every one of the conveniences I needed.

Paza Mayor Madrid

Probably the most captivating thing of all was that I was accommodated very close to the Plaza Mayor location, which I think is the most inspiring spot in Madrid. I had time to take pleasure from the sculpture of King Philip III, the architecture of Casa de la Panaderia and the marvelous Arco de los Cuchilleros. In the evenings I went for an evening meal at the open-air eating places at the square. I was by myself but never felt lonely there, as Madrid has that great cosmopolitan atmosphere, where one could never feel bad after being between so many hospitable people. Then I returned to my Madrid apartment for a good night rest as I had to be ready for the following day.

My business trip was going just like planned, I was able to organize all my work tasks and still to get time and relax in the Madrid apartment I have booked. On the 3rd day of my trip to Madrid I had a free afternoon and a regional co-worker proposed to bring me to the El Retiro Park. I’ve by now seen the place as it is very near to my Madrid short stay apartment but haven’t had enough time to explore it. Thus, when my co-worker offered a nice hours under the open sky I did not wait whatsoever, we bought chocolate and sandwiches and we went to the park.

El Retiro Park Madrid

I was surprised to find out later that the park is overwhelmingly huge, covering an area of 12 hectares. My colleague informed me that first it was organized as an Italian park in a baroque style, later to become rearranged like French gardens. These days, the El Retiro Park provides a huge artificial lake where one could rent a boat at a reasonable price. My personal favorite spot however was the Rose Garden with the statue of the Fallen Angel, while my colleague said she liked most the Paseo de las Estatuas or the Statue Walk.

Museo del Prado Madrid

Plaza de Colon Madrid

We ate our sandwiches and went to Plaza de Colon to get some nice ice-cream. The place is placed between Paseo de la Castellana and Paseo de Recoletos and has a good area referred to as the Gardens of Discovery with its cascading down fountains, etc.

Now that I think about it, I was fortunate to be with a local as I got a lot of info for the city and we talked a lot about how the locals live. Once we parted, I headed right away to my Madrid apartment where I had a long shower and went to bed earlier.

As I slept in a furnished and holiday Madrid accommodation in the center of the Spanish main city throughout my business trip, I was capable to investigate the Puerta del Sol area, that is a favorite place for the visitors and the locals. The area has a wonderful zone where today are celebrated different events such as the New Year’s Eve. Here is also located the symbol of the city, that looks like a bear sculpture of bronze that climbs a strawberry tree. I did some photos of this sculpture, but also managed to capture the people of the square, that were having tea, having ice-cream or snacks or simply sitting and looking at the life going by.

Puerta del Sol Madrid

This photo of Santa Barbara

This photo of Santa Barbara

The Madrid holiday apartment was furthermore near several of the nicest dining places and bars in Madrid. It was challenging for me to get used to the late dining hours here as the restaurants were open for visitors after eight and sometimes also after nine o’clock. The night clubs however were open until the morning of the following day. Several of the finest dance clubs I learned about were placed along the Plaza de Santa Barbara where except cafes and bars, one could find takeaway food restaurants. I read that the districts Moncloa and Arguelles are usually chosen by the University students and I didn’t went there. Rather I selected a bar in the Malasaca area, where I met a group of people from my home town and they took me with them to Pase de la Castellana where we went to another popular night club. Then I was so exhausted that I called it a night and went to my Madrid accommodation were I went to bed. On the next morning I took a quick shower, enjoyed a hot cup of tea and ordered a taxi to the airport as my business trip was over.

Thirty days ago I won a unique reward from work, which included a free of charge vacation to the Scottish capital for me and an individual I pick to go on with. The whole thing was organized from the secretary at the office, so me and Mark took the airplane tickets and the directions on how to get to our Edinburgh vacation flat once we land at the airport terminal.

We got accommodated and I was happy with all the conveniences I found in the serviced apartment in Edinburgh that people were booking. Because this was our very first time to the Scottish capital, just before the trip I made a good research on the web and created a plan of exactly what we are to see. For the very first day of our stay Mark and I got on the sightseeing buses, to get to know the town and to choose the sites we wished to go back to on the following days. We covered all 4 bus tours offered and we did some good photographs.

Edinburgh

Palace Holyroodhouse Edinburgh

Hyde Park Madrid

The following day, as we woke up in our huge cozy bedroom, we had tea and some fresh fruits and left our Edinburgh flat for a walk to the Royal Mile area where are located the majority of the historical monuments in the city. We spent an hour exploring the Edinburgh Castle and then we went to the Holyroodhouse Palace on the other side, while along we appreciated some other historical sites such as the Cathedral St. Giles and the House of John Knox, had a tea and purchased a few souvenirs. I was pleased I had my comfortable walking shoes on, as we walked a lot.

Our next sightseeing day ended with a visit to the Arthur’s Seat, wherefrom we could take pleasure in some great views in the direction of the city, before we had a nice dinner at a bar near our Edinburgh vacation flat.

Mark woke up very early on the following morning, therefore he went outside our Edinburgh accommodation for a good breakfast and a paper, then made the capuccino and woke me up. We’d a few quiet hours and then went to the first of the many monuments I had on my catalog.

This photo of Princes Street Gardens

The one nearest to our serviced flat in Edinburgh turned to be the National Museum of Scotland, and then we went to the Royal Museum with its Millennium Clock. Mark insisted on seeing the National Gallery of Scotland as he is a serious lover of fine art and after that he dragged me to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

I wanted some air and right after our visit along the museums, I persuaded Mark we had enough for this day and we headed towards the Princes Street Gardens where we made a picnic. The recreation area was packed with moms and dads with their children and they all seemed happy.
This photo of Princes Street Gardens

After dark we headed to the Leith district, which hasn’t been that close to the Edinburgh vacation apartment we were residing at, but was so wonderful that we couldn’t resist. We went to the Britannia Royal Yacht, which is on dock there and then we headed towards the Shore, which is a region of fish and chip shops, curry houses and elegant fish eating places, along with traditional Scottish bars. I picked a good brasserie called A Room in Leith, which had a waterside position and we got a good Scottish dinner.
This photo of Royal Yacht Britannia

Then Mark was the person to choose the pub we went to right after dinner and he selected The Kings Wark on the coast, which turned to be a conventional pub on the water. There we had some ale and snacks and stayed really late until we eventually got a taxi to our Edinburgh accommodation.

We had 2 more days in the Scottish main city and were quite pleased that they coincided with the start of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Mark was thrilled that the majority of the alternative performances were to be arranged near our Edinburgh journey accommodation and we actually handled to go to several of them.

Edinburgh Castle

To be in the Scottish main city during the most significant arts festival in the world begins was very fascinating and we actually noticed just how the inhabitants doubled when all the artists and tourists arrived to take pleasure in the event! The city was full of students, thrilled to show on stage what they are able of.

Mark and I loved the outdoor street event along the Royal Mile and some free performances too. Mark loved most a play we saw, while I enjoyed best a dancing theatre. Throughout the very first evening of the event we’d a dinner and then travelled to a good club where we attended a unique evening show.

On the final date of our vacation in the Scottish main city, we woke up early, stuffed our suitcases to be ready and left it in our Edinburgh residential home, after which we went to see 2 comedies that we truly had fun with.

There after we still had time and funds to had a salad and some delicious food at the Hendersons bar, which was well-liked among the vegetarians. The atmosphere was great and we were happy that we really had the chance to see the main sites of the Scottish capital and also to see some of the Fringe Festival activities.

Henderson's Wharrf Inn

I purchased a lot of candy and small souvenirs for my colleagues at work, while Mark purchased souvenirs for our two families. Then we went straight to our Edinburgh lodging, grab the baggage and took a cab to the airport.

I came in the British main city in the late afternoon last Thursday for an extended weekend and went straight away to my London vacation residence. I intended to see a good friend, but her air travel was appointed for a later hour, thus I had some time for a shower and some rest in front of the TV set. When my buddy eventually showed up, she placed her suitcases in her bedroom and we didn’t waste a moment yet ran outside to enjoy the city.

This photo of London

Prior to my trip I attempted to make a study about which are the best pubs in London, but was really confused. There were so many responses and so many testimonials by travelers, that I decided we’ll visit the bars near to our vacation apartment in Edinburgh and try to stick to our instincts. We made a visit to the Last Drop Pub, since we were intrigued by its long history, then we’d some beers at the Sandy Bell’s Pub in which we listened to some folk music.

Henderson's Wharf Inn

Next we headed towards the Portobello area that was far from our serviced flat in London but was a fascinating area as we were told. We stood for half an hour ay the Malt and Hops Pub where the beer selection was overwhelming, then we went to the Sogo where we were offered the best beer for the night.

The Malt and Hops Pub London

We were in a great mood and we met some new friends, who were eager to find out about our countries and home towns and we exchanged our emails to keep in contact once back at home. The time was flying and so Marta and me and we agreed to return to our London lodging and get a good sleep, as we had quite a lengthy plan for the next couple of days.

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