Secretplaces.com

by Karen Walrond on

So, the other day, I mentioned I’d stumbled across Unusual Hotels of the World — a website featuring … well, unusual hotels of the world.  Well, I found a similar site, with more of a niche market:  Secretplaces.com.

This website features beautiful little hideaways in five countries:  Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and Morocco.  According to the site, the founders, Michael Bendixen and Beatriz Parra Stucky, profile “a superb collection of hotels that stand for something very special, be it their excellent service, tasteful decoration, singular architecture or beautiful surroundings.”

Definitely worth a look if your next vacation will be taking you to one of these five countries. 

Wildest Cities

by Neil Woodburn on

When I read the Men’s Journal headline, World’s Wildest Cities, I thought it to be
yet another ranking of the best places to get drunk and fall down.  Wildest, however, in Men’s
Journal jargon apparently refers to the outdoors. 

The article suddenly appeared much more interesting. 

Rio de Janeiro is mentioned for their fantastic beaches (Ipanema!), mountains, outdoor sports, and flirting. 
Cape Town is praised for much of the same, in addition to diving and canyoneering.  San Francisco makes the list
for its bevy of parks, biking trials and water sports (wet suits required).  A nod is given towards Sydney for its
fine surfing, great beaches, and “beer-fueled karaoke.”  Bringing up the rear is Barcelona.  As
much as I love this city, I was surprised to find it on the list.  Included due to its “celebration of life
outdoors,” the city boasts, in my opinion, some mediocre beaches, some mediocre bike trials and some amazing
outdoor cafes and plazas in which to partake in the other wild activities for which the town is so well
known. 

Word for the Travel Wise (04/19/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Here’s a pretty cool event to pencil in this summer if
you’re anywhere in or around Sonoma this July. Gloria Ferrer Winery will celebrate 20 years of making world-class
sparkling and still wines during their Catalan
Festival. Featuring food, wine, entertainment, music, and dancing with a whole lot of Catalan flavor visitors can
get small taste of Spanish culture during the two day bash. Specific details for the July 22-23, 2006 event are still
in planning stages, but if last year’s festival sounds mouth-watering enough go ahead and get your tickets now. It’ll be a great place to
practice your Catalan to be used later on in the big trip to Spain.

Today’s word is a Catalan word used in Spain:

Em dic… – My name is…

You would think this would be pretty similar to the "mi llamo…" used in Spanish to provide another with
your name, but it’s quite different. So now you know. Practice, practice at the wine festival or anywhere for that
matter, then take it to the Spanish streets on a summer night for the full effect. Just remember not to spill your
wine.

Resources on the web are many for Catalan. Check out Ominglot first for history and a fantastic list of links to keep
you chugging along in your studies. Some of the best in my own opinion include this Intercat site which has a University conversation guide with
audio, a section titled " 30 Tips Catalan
in Catalonia," and other additional tools. BBC has a short summary about
Catalan and a few helpful phrases.

Past Catalan words: sisplau

Disney Cruises to Set Sail in Europe

by Karen Walrond on

From CNN.com:  Starting in May 2007
through August 2007, Disney Cruise Lines will begin sailing to Italy, France and Spain, in an attempt to "chart
new waters."  The cruise line will offer 10- and 11-night cruises starting in Barcelona, and traveling to
eight European cities.  The news comes in at a time when the industry is soaring, and is predicted to reach
pre-September 11th highs.

"The cruise takes care of [guesswork associated with traveling Europe with
small children] and people trust Disney. At the end of the day you know you’re coming back to the ship and having
five-star dining, great entertainment and you know your kids are going to have a good time,"  said company
President Tom McAlpin.

Update: Before you book, you may want to check out this report on cruising with young
children from Blogging Baby.

Photo of the Day (4/10/06)

by Karen Walrond on

There’s something about European cities at night.  I don’t know what it is — the old architecture, the
brilliant way they’re lit — there’s just something magical about them.  They seem like something straight out of
a childlike fantasy.  And today’s picture of the day, the Palacio de Communicaciones taken by wongoz, truly captures that feeling of enchantment.  It’s sort of
hard to believe that this is Madrid’s central post office — it makes the small one in my neighbourhood seem downright
dowdy and institutional!

If you’d like one of your travel photos to be featured in our Image of the Day, be
sure to visit our Flickr Pool, and upload your best shots
there.  Every day we’ll pick one to be featured here on Gadling.  Thanks!