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Ponte degli Scalzi

Designed by Eugenio Miozzi and completed in 1934, replacing an old Austrian iron bridge, this is one of the four bridges over the Grand Canal in Venice. This is the first bridge you will see in Venice, since it is the one built right in front of the train station. The bridge connects the sestieri (local urban subdivisions) of Santa Croce and Cannaregio.

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Ponte Tron or Ponte de la Piavola

Ponte Tron is one of more than 400 bridges that connect the archipelago of  118 islands divided by 150 canals in the Venetian lagoon. Although the constructors used the same salt-white Istrian stone one can see everywhere in Venice and vase profiles on the balustrade, due to its small size, the bridge is also called la piavola, the “doll’s bridge” in Veneziano.

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Ponte della Liberta

Not very impressive in style or history, this bridge connects Venice with the mainland, the city of Mestre. Designed in 1932 by the same Eugenio Miozzi and opened by Mussolini in 1933, the bridge became a symbol of the end of the Fascist dictatorship. Being 3.85 kilometers long and having two lanes each way, it was the biggest bridge in Italy when it was finished.

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Ponte di Rialto

The oldest bridge across the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge was completed in 1531. The two ramps of the bridge lead up to a central portico and there are no less than three walkways: two along the balustrades and one between two rows of shops. The bridge is 48 meters long, 22 meters wide and its arch is 7.5 meters long. The whole structure stands on 12,000 wooden pilings even today, after more than 400 years.

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Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs)

Probably the most famous bridge in Venice, Ponte dei Sospiri was built in 1602, of white limestone. It passes Rio di Palazzo and it connects the old prison with the interrogation rooms. This was the last view that convicts saw after the imprisonment and it is said that they would sigh at the view of beautiful Venice. Legends say that kissing in a gondola at the sunset will lead to eternal love.

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Albert Cuypmarkt (Albert Cuypstraat)

This might be the perfect stop after visiting museums nearby Museumplein. It’s the Netherlands’ greatest outdoor market and some say it is Europe’s biggest, as well. Albert Cuypmarkt is a great Bazaar with cheap clothing, traditional herring and fresh cheese that hides behinds its stalls delicious restaurants and shops. Located in Amsterdam’s Quartier Latin, this is a great spot for all those tourists that like to taste the nightlife scene of a city.

Houseboat Museum (Prinsengracht 296 K)

Located on Hendrika Maria, a former commercial carrier built in 1914, the visitors of this unusual museum can acquire information regarding the nature of this special lifestyle in Amsterdam – living on a boat that never sails. The old structure of the house is still preserved and the original configuration of the ship is presented on the tour.

Smallest House (Singel 7)

180 cm wide, less that the average height of a Dutch house – this is the length of the narrowest house in Amsterdam. In the past, the property taxes were set on the width of a building, therefore the owner had in mind to cut some costs. Nowadays, the house is still inhabited, so do not expect to get an inside tour.

Het Concertgebouw (Concertgebouwplein 10)
What’s so secret here? The neoclassical concert hall built in 1888 hosts free lunchtime concerts in the summer months. The Concertgebouw is the home of the Royal Dutch Orchestra, that enjoys a worldwide reputation.

Cine Tuschinski (Reguliersbreestraat 26-34)
A flamboyant cafe located in the main lobby of the theater is a perfect stop if you don’t want to see a movie. Built in Art Nouveau and Art Deco, in 1921, the whole building was recently renovated in its original style. The most splendid movie theater in the Pathe chain of cinemas.

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Belden Place

Some call it a street, others call it an alley, one thing it’s for sure – this is the hub of the French American community of San Francisco. The area was the home of the 3,000 French people that moved here at the end of the Gold Rush, in 1851. Nowadays, the street is packed with the city’s best French and Italian restaurants and cafes.  Belden Place is a pedestrian area, therefore you won’t be needing your car to explore this marvelous street.

The Castro Street

The street, as well as the district, is a well known gay neighborhood, a famous location for all the LGBT events and activism. The street originates at the Divisadero and Waller Streets intersection and its name comes from a leader of the Mexican opposition to US rule in the 19th century. A movie palace built in 1922, Castro Theater, Twin Peaks Bar – the first gay bar in San Francisco and probably in the United States and the Pink Triangle Park – are just several attractions located on this legendary street.

Grant Avenue

It’s one of the oldest streets in Chinatown that runs on a north-south direction, starting at Market Street and ending past Francisco Street. Originally called Calle de la Fundacion (Spanish for “Street of the Founding”), on the days when the city was named Yerba Buena, the street got its actual name, after the president Ulysses S. Grant, in the re-construction of the city that followed the 1906 earthquake. The street is lined with dragon entwined lamp posts and hundreds of shops with food, fabrics and furniture from China and Taiwan.

Montgomery Street

The “Wall Street of the West” was once a waterfront street of San Francisco, sometime in the 1840s. Between 1849 and 1852, the waterfront advanced four blocks. Nowadays, Montgomery Street is no less than seven blocks away from the water. Some of the world’s largest financial institutions and major American banks have their headquarters here, especially between Market Street and Sacramento Street.

Lombard Street

Dizzily hairpin turns for one block and a steep angle – that is something you’ll never see anywhere else not just in San Francisco, but in the whole world. On the Russian Hill, between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, the road has eight sharp turns that made the street “the crookedest street in the world”. The hairpins were designed to reduce the hill’s natural 27% grade, which was too steep for most vehicles to climb. On this section, the speed limit is just 5 mph (8 km/h).

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Melbourne International Comedy Festival (24th March – 18th April 2010)

It’s one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, although it was launched 23 years ago. For three and a half weeks, Melbourne becomes the capital of laughing in the whole world. But the Comedy Festival is not just about a huge program of stand-ups. Cabaret, theater, film, television, radio, street performance and visual arts – they are all part of this massive amusing event.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival ( 1st – 8th May 2010)

More than 55 jazz events in less than 10 days – it’s a heaven for all jazz lovers. Melbourne International Jazz Festival got to the 12th edition and like every year, every iconic place of Melbourne will celebrate the universal language of jazz. The streets, concert halls, clubs, bars and galleries will host in 2010 some of the best jazz performers in the world.

Moomba Festival (5th – 8th March 2010)

This is a unique and colorful celebration of Melbourne city life and of the multicultural aspects of the community. With 55 years of history behind them, every year Moomba creates new memories about carnival rides, impressive fireworks and vibrant parades. Since it is free, more than 700,000 visitors admire the festival every year.

Melbourne International Film Festival (22nd July – 8th August 2010)

MIFF is Australia’s largest film festival and one of the most prestigious and one of the largest public events in Melbourne. Year by year, the festival gathers about 200,000 spectators that admire pictures from more than 50 countries. The acclaimed festival was founded in 1951, making it one of the oldest in the world.

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (12th – 23rd March 2010)

Imagine Victoria’s best quality produce, the most talented chefs, a crowd of cuisine gourmets and loads of delicious dishes. You’re now imagining the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Every spring, Melbourne becomes the most appetizing city in Australia. This is definitively a must-see and a must-taste for all the gourmands out there.

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Hotel des Arts, Montmartre (5, rue Tholoze, 75018 Paris)

This hotel is the perfect accommodation if you’re interested in the Montmartre life. It’s a convenient location for Sacre Coeur, Moulin Rouge and good cafes and restaurants. The hotel is also well connected with the underground transit system, therefore you can easily get everywhere in the city. It’s a typical Parisian hotel, with an artistic atmosphere, perfect for couples.

Hotel Chopin (10 blvd. Montmartre, 75009 Paris)

A great location and a Metro station steps away, the Hotel Chopin is clean and comfy. Tucked in a arcade (Passage Joffrey) full of great shops and with good sized rooms, the hotel reminds you of 19th century Paris. The hotel is listed as a historical monument and once you get to the reception, you can understand why.

Hotel Favart (5 rue Marivaux, 75002 Paris)

Right in the heart of Paris, this hotel has an amazing view of the Opera Comique. Situated within walking distance from several attractions (Champs Elysees) and a block away from a Metro station, the Hotel Favart is conveniently situated. The area of the hotel has a certain class and sophistication that is exactly what will you find in Favart.

Hotel Beaubourg (11 rue Simon-Le-Franc, 75004 Paris)

Just across the street from Centre Pompidou, and situated within walking distance from the Louvre and Notre Dame, one can find a picturesque and clean hotel, yet inexpensive. The rooms are larger than the usual three-stars accommodation units and they are freshly renovated.

Hotel St Jaques (35, rue des Ecoles 75005 Paris, France)

A charming hotel in the Latin District that will remind you of the Belle Epoque. Main attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Pantheon and the Luxembourg Gardens are located nearby. Some of the rooms’ balconies can provide really memorable views.

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Built by the later Maurya rulers in the 7th century on a 180m high hill, Chittaur sprawls over 700 acres. The fort has four main gates: Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and Ram Pol and many impressive monuments, some of finest examples of the Rajput architecture. Located in the Southern part of the state of Rajasthan, near the Gambheri River, the fort is 112 km from Udaipur and 182 km away from Ajmer.

Three major sieges took place between AD 1303 and AD 1567. More than 13,000 women and 32,000 Rajput soldiers died in the last siege. The third and final siege of the fort was also the moment when Jaimal and Kalla, two Rakput generals, became part of the fort’s history, by defending it to their own death. This represents a saga of valor, tenacity and sacrifice. The whole history of Chittaur is a tribute to the nationalism and courage, exhibited by the Mewar rulers.

The Chittorgarh had about 84 water bodies, out of which just 22 exist today. Talabs (ponds), kunds (wells) and baories (stepwells) – they can all be found in what is also called “The Water Fort” and they cover almost 40% of the total surface. The average depth is about 2 meters and all the reservoirs can store no less than 4 billion liters of water. After a more than average raining season, the water could sustain an army of 50,000.

Year by year, the fort and the city beneath it host the biggest Rajput festival, the “Jauhar Mela”. It celebrates one of the jauhars, which was a form of voluntary death of men and women in order to avoid capture by their enemies. The festival commemorates the bravery of the Rajput ancestors.

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The region includes several islands, the most famous one being the so-called James Bond Island, an islet located in the region’s bay. The 20 meters high rocky monolith was featured in the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”, in 1974 and rapidly became one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions. Some of the sights are said to have inspired James Cameron’s movie Avatar.

The Similian Islands are also part of Phang-Nga and they are some of the best waters for scuba-diving. The underwater scenery is purely fascinating – you can find many rock formations you can swim through, coral reefs and a marine life variety you can’t find anywhere else. The islands form the National Park established in 1982. The Similian Islands are also famous for the unspoiled natural beauty which you can’t miss.

The Phang-Nga Bay is situated between the island of Phuket and the mainland. A big part of this stunning bay is represented by the Ao Phang Nga National Park, shelter to over 28 species of mangrove, seagrass beds and coral reefs. In the bay one can also find some amazing limestone cliffs with caves, as well as many archaeological sites that can be explored by motor boat or sea canoe. In the bay area you can also find Ko Panyee (the Sea Gypsy Island), a spectacular village on stilts you should include in your tour.

Most of the others islands in the bay are uninhabited but can be reached with an inflatable kayak. Some fascinate their visitors by the ancient drawings on their rock walls, other have limestone caves waiting to be explored by night, under natural starlight.

The perfect destination for nature lovers is the Phang Nga West Coast, where the turtle conservation site is located. The West Coast is home to the Leatherback Marine Turtle, the world’s largest living reptile, a species declared globally endangered since the ’70s. Many hotels in the area are committed to helping the turtles make a comeback by holding a fundraiser every March.

Phang-Nga offers you a unique experience – natural and unspoiled – where you can find supreme relaxation in a serene paradise. It’s the trip of a lifetime and an adventure to remember.

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Large museums, impressive churches, old and stylish buildings, shiny beaches, amazing restaurants and lovely terraces – this is just a little part of what Marseille has to offer. Since one of the things that made Marseille famous was its harbor, visiting le Vieux Port (the old harbor) is a must. Besides landmarks like the lighthouse of St. Mary, Canebiere – a historic avenue of the city and St. Victor’s Abbey – one of the oldest Christian worship places in France, you just have to see the sailors trading their fresh stock and to enjoy the colors of the sky in the evening.

Notre Dame de la Garde overlooks the whole city. This wonderful Neo-Byzantine church stands over the city at the highest natural point of Marseille – 162 meters. Being 60 meters high, the construction of the church took five years, starting with 1853 and it required 23 shiploads of Italian marble and porphyry (almost 170,000 tons of material). The fishermen used to have their boats blessed in the church.

If you feel trendy, try visiting the most trendy place in the city – Cours Julien, packed with bookstores, cafes and fountains. Other walkways include la Corniche, a road by the sea, la Place Castellane – a roundabout with a grand fountain and Boulevard Longchamp – an impressive boulevard with upper class buildings.

Le Panier is the oldest part of the town. Until the Second World War, the narrow streets, steep steps and historical houses formed an authentic Old Center, but the Nazis blew it up. Nowadays, there are several ancient hotels and museums in the area, but the most impressive structure is the Vielle Charite, now hosting exhibitions and museums.

Plan your trip to Marseille in the long sunny summer – there’s nothing better than to wander around the streets of this wonderful city or just to stretch under the sun.

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Edinburgh International Science Festival

Europe’s largest celebration of science and technology takes place every year in Edinburgh. Between the 3rd and 17th of April 2010, you can meet Asimo – world’s most advanced humanoid robot or several award winning writers and scientists from all over the world. During the last 20 editions, more than 68,000 visitors enjoyed the Edinburgh’s original science jubilation. Why won’t you be a part of the next count?

Beltane Fire Festival

A procession of fire and drumming takes place on the 30th of April on Calton Hill, in Edinburgh. More than 12,000 spectators enjoy the intense show of lights and colors. Although the roots of the ceremonies stretch through the ancient Celtic world, the first edition of the festival took place in the mid 1980s.

Edinburgh Art Festival

Although relatively a “young” festival, since it was established in 2004, celebrating the visual arts has never been more festive in Scotland’s capital. This year, the Art Festival takes place between July 29th and September 5th and it will highlight the very best of Scottish, British and international art.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

From 6th August to 28th August, enjoy one of Scotland’s most emblematic events. The unique mix of military theater and music, nearby the Edinburgh Castle gathered more than 12 million people, since the first edition, in 1950. Representatives of 40 countries and a show that you will remember for the rest of your life – that’s what the Military Tattoo is all about.

Edinburgh International Film Festival

The best new films around the world, some of the biggest movie stars in Europe and America and exclusive premieres – it will all happen this year at Edinburgh, between June 16-27. EIFF was one of the first film festivals in the world and it was first held in 1947.

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Several centuries ago, spices were more valuable than gold or silver, being used for medicines, perfumes or added to food or drinks. It was said that “No man should die who can afford cinnamon.”

The most ancient quests – the Egyptians‘ expeditions for spices were recorded as early as 2000 B.C. Documents mention several spices such as anise, caraway, cassia, cardamon, mustard, sesame, fenugreek or saffron used by Egyptians as medicine and later on for flavoring their food. Today, you can find almost every speak you can think of in the Cairo Spice Bazaar. There are literally hundreds of kilograms of spices at affordable prices all for the taking.

Mexico was also a popular destination for colonists looking for new flavors to take back home. In Mexico, you can now find probably the hottest foods in the world and some of the most unique spices. Apart from the usual spices such as garlic powder, Mexican oregano or cumin, there are a few ones you can’t find anywhere else. Epazote or “Mexican tea” is a rare herb used to flavor beans, that soothes digestive pains. Chili powder is another popular Mexican spice, made of various chilies. Also try the allspice, a dried, unripe berry also known as Jamaican Pepper; all these spices can be found in the many spice markets across Mexico.

Apart from the superb beaches, Malaysian cuisine with its exotic flavors is a destination in itself. You will often find lemongrass, turmeric, Kaffir Lime leaves, Wild Ginger Flower Buds, Ginger or Cinnamon Sticks in spice shops or typical Malaysian foods. Traditional spices are used in conjunction with Indian and Chinese spices such as cardamon, pepper, star anise and fenugreek.

While in Asia, don’t hesitate to taste or buy saffron, a spice with a honey and grassy aroma original to Southeast Asia. It takes 75,000 blossoms or 225,000 hand-picked stigmas to make a single pound of saffron, making this the most expensive spice in the world.

Another popular cuisine famous for its use of spices is India. Historically, Indian spices are some of the most sought after trade commodities. The country produces a great variety of spices, many of which are native to this part of Asia. Typical Indian spices include chili pepper, black mustard seed, jeera, turmeric, coriander, ginger and garlic.

Istanbul, Turkey’s capital, is what some may call “the spice capital of the world”. Istanbul’s exotic spice markets sells tens of spices, dried fruits, sweets, teas and nuts. Try to buy spices that are wrapped beforehand because many of them lose their flavor in time. Other spices are not what they appear to be; for example, Turkish saffron is not actually saffron, but dried safflower. Bargaining is part of the Turkish way of thinking so always try to get a better price for what you buy in these bazaars.

There are probably tens or hundreds more spice markets all over the world, apart from the ones listed here. Which one would you add?

Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6