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Friday, March 25, 2011

Incredible houses worldwide



Bjarke Ingels Group’s Walter project in Prague



The Iceberg project in Denmark

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Hungary


            There is no place like Hungary (Magyarország). Situated in the very heart of Europe, this kidney-shaped country can claim a unique place in the continent's soul. Doubters need only listen to the music of Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók, view the romantic Danube River as it dramatically splits Budapest in two or taste the nation's unique (and paprika-infused) cuisine to be convinced. Hungary's impact on Europe's history and development has been far greater than its present size and population would suggest. Hungarians, who call themselves Magyars, speak a language and form a culture unlike any other in the region - a distinction that has been both a source of pride and an obstacle for more than 1100 years.
Hungary is the best place to enter both Central and Eastern Europe. While some of its neighbours may have more dramatic scenery or older and more important monuments, Hungary abounds in things to see and do, and those with special interests - fishing, horse riding, botany, bird-watching, cycling, thermal spas, Jewish culture - will find a treasure-trove here. Under the old communist regime, most of the government's focus and money went to Budapest. As a result, foreign visitors rarely ventured beyond this splendid city on the Danube River, except on a day trip to the Danube Bend or to Lake Balaton. These places should be visited, of course, but don't ignore other towns and regions off the beaten track: the tanya világ (farm world) of the Southern Plain, ethnically rich Northeastern Hungary, the Villány Hills in Southern Transdanubia covered in vineyards and the traditional Őrség region in the far west.
The '90s were not a stellar time for the reborn republic. Its economic development was in limbo and serious economic problems affected all aspects of daily life. Thankfully, those days are past and many now view Hungary, with its intelligent, hard-working populace, and rich and vibrant culture, as the star performer and most interesting destination of the new Europe.

 


Saturday, March 19, 2011

Marmaris - part 2


Here is something more about Marmaris from my personal experience. First of all, I would always suggest it as a perfect place for vacation. Main reasson is because it is not so large place but on the other hand there is enough stores, bars and people that you can never get bored. I must mention that next to Marmaris is another, even smaller place Icmeler, which is a copy of "older brother" Marmaris. Little bit later abour it more.
Beach in Marmaris can not be considered as perfect in any case but beaches around which you can reach easily by boats which are everything but expensive are so beautiful that you will be more then excited. Small, completely out of sight and city, with sand so white and water so clear that on the moments you will think that you are in hotel pool. It's that kind of beaches which you see in postcards (if someone is still using them) and on desktop wallpapers. There are so many little and bigger boat cruises which can get you there very easily and in short time.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Cuba


Cuba is an incredible destination. Visitors are greeted with the impressive colonial architecture of Havana, a relaxed atmosphere and rumba rhythms. Sip daiquiris and listen to the salsa while watching 1950s American cars chug by, or get out and see Havana's crumbling facades. 

A sharp contrast from Havana is Varadero, a resort of modern hotels boasting one of the Caribbean's best beaches with 12.5 miles of white sand and turquoise waters. You will also find fabulous beaches in the Cayosand Holguin province, especially Guardalavaca which has swiftly become a favorite with tourists.


Although Cuba is opening up and changing fast, visitors should have an open mind and be prepared to accept a few hiccups, from capricious power supplies to the 'speed' of service. The Cubans are still getting used to the impact of tourism, so a little patience will ease your way. But these are minor inconveniences, compared to the exuberant music and excellent beaches. Come and discover this intoxicating island!