Friday, March 21, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Visit Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata - Riu Merengue
I am very enthusiastic when I visit a new country. This was my first time in Caribbe and I was day dreaming to endless white beaches with turquoise water.
We headed to Puerto Plata, the north part of the Dominican, quite close to Haiti border. This is a great little city, with some of the most well known attractions in the area. Ocean World, Car cable or Teleferico and a famous rum distillery are the main tourist targets.
Usually, the hotels are providing high quality services, but I believe that the human factor is the one that makes the difference. Maybe the furniture needs improvements and the towels are not in your favorite colour, but when you are greeted with a big smile and when you are told "welcome home", it's definitely something nice .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt1vc0egPNY - See a small video with Dominican Republic
Dominican hospitality is amazing. Food variety, the abundance and choices seem endless. We tried some delicious dishes from the traditional cuisine, but also international recipes. The restaurant in this hotel deserve 5 stars, they are doing a brilliant job.
The entertainment team is outstanding, with no hesitation on fulfilling guest requests. Those people are permanently in good mood, happy to help, to dance and play, to joke and chat. They are very good athletes, playing almost every team or individual game, but also very gentle and caring at childrens activities. The shows, the cabarets and dancing evenings were such a delight.
We enjoyed the view, the sunset and the beautiful beaches. It was such a pleasure to admire the nature and to hear in surdine the rithms of inconfundible latino music.
People are very friendly and they have a healthy sense of humor. Their lough is caching and their optimism is so inspirational.
We liked Dominican and create a bond with this country. Looking foward to go back and discover more.
Usually, the hotels are providing high quality services, but I believe that the human factor is the one that makes the difference. Maybe the furniture needs improvements and the towels are not in your favorite colour, but when you are greeted with a big smile and when you are told "welcome home", it's definitely something nice .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt1vc0egPNY - See a small video with Dominican Republic
Dominican hospitality is amazing. Food variety, the abundance and choices seem endless. We tried some delicious dishes from the traditional cuisine, but also international recipes. The restaurant in this hotel deserve 5 stars, they are doing a brilliant job.
The entertainment team is outstanding, with no hesitation on fulfilling guest requests. Those people are permanently in good mood, happy to help, to dance and play, to joke and chat. They are very good athletes, playing almost every team or individual game, but also very gentle and caring at childrens activities. The shows, the cabarets and dancing evenings were such a delight.
We enjoyed the view, the sunset and the beautiful beaches. It was such a pleasure to admire the nature and to hear in surdine the rithms of inconfundible latino music.
People are very friendly and they have a healthy sense of humor. Their lough is caching and their optimism is so inspirational.
We liked Dominican and create a bond with this country. Looking foward to go back and discover more.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Visit Dracula homeland! Go Transylvania!
In the night darkness we can barely see our way to the Castle. Our accommodation is very near to Dracula home, so we guide our self in the same direction.
In the heart of Romania, in Transylvania, time seem to go backwards when you look at the Castle and walk thru the forest at the night time. Long shadows come along with us, wooden bits break under our steps and we could even hear wolfs. It's winter and temperature is way below 0 Celsius.
We can't wait to get to our warm accommodation and still, we can't help falling in love with the place.
There is a strange feeling about what you rationally know that is only a story and the fact that you could nearly feel an unnatural presence around you.
We make jokes and play tricks on each other, but I'm sure we all feel an excitement as we get closer to the Castle. High on the hill, Dracula home is surrounded by forest and the moon seems to send her light right over it.
Thankfully, our host is waiting for us with warm homemade food and a great mighty bottle of palinca (a strong local drink).
We love the smell of fire that burns with bright orange flames. The wooden floors are making a funny noise and from the walls, Dracula portrait is staring at us.
We chat with our welcoming host for few minutes and then, very tired we go to our beds.
The room is simple, very nice decorated and at the windows we have few chains of garlic, just to keep us safe.
I don't know when, amused by the story of Count Dracula, I put my head down and start dreaming.
All what I remembered before falling to sleep, was big snowflakes rolling soft on the windows.
This trip to Romania was one of the most beautiful experiences we ever had. In the quietness of the nature, with many unspoiled places, here - in the heart of Transylvania, I found a story that has to be told again and again.
It's something about this place that can't be described. It's still has a touch of magic atmosphere from the old times combined with beauty that you can't resist.
Please come and experience that yourself; you will have moments when your heartbeat will go mad with emotion and moments when your breath will stop by seeing what beauty Transylvania has.
I will post again my thoughts from Dracula homeland, but in the mean time, you should pack your bags and don't hesitate - this is a trip that you will never regret.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDTkDDbJwR0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_97pOFYvdgI - See Dracula home in this video
In the heart of Romania, in Transylvania, time seem to go backwards when you look at the Castle and walk thru the forest at the night time. Long shadows come along with us, wooden bits break under our steps and we could even hear wolfs. It's winter and temperature is way below 0 Celsius.
We can't wait to get to our warm accommodation and still, we can't help falling in love with the place.
There is a strange feeling about what you rationally know that is only a story and the fact that you could nearly feel an unnatural presence around you.
We make jokes and play tricks on each other, but I'm sure we all feel an excitement as we get closer to the Castle. High on the hill, Dracula home is surrounded by forest and the moon seems to send her light right over it.
Thankfully, our host is waiting for us with warm homemade food and a great mighty bottle of palinca (a strong local drink).
We love the smell of fire that burns with bright orange flames. The wooden floors are making a funny noise and from the walls, Dracula portrait is staring at us.
We chat with our welcoming host for few minutes and then, very tired we go to our beds.
The room is simple, very nice decorated and at the windows we have few chains of garlic, just to keep us safe.
I don't know when, amused by the story of Count Dracula, I put my head down and start dreaming.
All what I remembered before falling to sleep, was big snowflakes rolling soft on the windows.
This trip to Romania was one of the most beautiful experiences we ever had. In the quietness of the nature, with many unspoiled places, here - in the heart of Transylvania, I found a story that has to be told again and again.
It's something about this place that can't be described. It's still has a touch of magic atmosphere from the old times combined with beauty that you can't resist.
Please come and experience that yourself; you will have moments when your heartbeat will go mad with emotion and moments when your breath will stop by seeing what beauty Transylvania has.
I will post again my thoughts from Dracula homeland, but in the mean time, you should pack your bags and don't hesitate - this is a trip that you will never regret.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDTkDDbJwR0
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Travel tips for Dominican Republic.
If you are visiting Dominican Republic, please consider my advice.
It could help make your adventure in Caribbean more enjoyable and you will be better prepared for "unexpected" factor.
First, with few weeks before your departure, discuss and check your immunisation with your doctor.
You should allowed approximately 6-8 weeks before your flight schedule. There are not major health concerns in Dominican Republic, but vaccins like Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus are recommended. It's not compulsory, but is less worries if you have a travel insurance, in case you need medical assistance.
Please check if you need visa before departure or if you can get it at the airport, once you reach your destination. In the case of receiving your visa in Dominican Republic, is better to have the right change and currency with you, usual 10 $. Make sure you fill and hand the emigration forms from the plane. When you leave the country, you have to pay around $20. Kids under 2 years of age don't pay.
American dollars are very popular and widely accepted in most of the shops, museums, attractions. You can also use dominican pesos, but you may not find a good exchange rate. Better stick with US dollars and take small notes (1$ / 5$), as you will find this handy for tips.
If this is your first time to Caribbean, I have to warn you that you will see poor people too. The average salary is around $200, so please help if you can afford.
Avoid tap water, in case you may get an upset tummy.
Food is delicious. We never had any problems regarding food quality in Dominican Republic. Try a bit of everything.
People are very nice, usually loud and exuberant, but very friendly. They speak spanish. Not many understand english.
From the safety point of view, just be cautious, like you will be in any other touristic area. Don't flash your jewelries, phones and avoid carrying large amounts of money with you.
Try to stay away of problems, conflicts and don't get involve in anything that is illegal. Police procedures are very much time consuming. Always have your national Embassy telephone number and details, in case you will need them help.
I also don't recommend renting a car and driving. Traffic rules are not followed and most of the cars are in disrepair condition.
In case that you want to use your card, cash machines are easy to locate.
Attractions and museums are quite expensive for what they offer (especially Ocean World), but the experience is nice.
Dominican Republic is very beautiful and you will find numerous things to explore.
Ocean World quick view https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbVT8Fy8WY
Car cable view https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-GBfaC59Zc
Have a fantastic time and enjoy the sun!
It could help make your adventure in Caribbean more enjoyable and you will be better prepared for "unexpected" factor.
First, with few weeks before your departure, discuss and check your immunisation with your doctor.
You should allowed approximately 6-8 weeks before your flight schedule. There are not major health concerns in Dominican Republic, but vaccins like Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus are recommended. It's not compulsory, but is less worries if you have a travel insurance, in case you need medical assistance.
Please check if you need visa before departure or if you can get it at the airport, once you reach your destination. In the case of receiving your visa in Dominican Republic, is better to have the right change and currency with you, usual 10 $. Make sure you fill and hand the emigration forms from the plane. When you leave the country, you have to pay around $20. Kids under 2 years of age don't pay.
American dollars are very popular and widely accepted in most of the shops, museums, attractions. You can also use dominican pesos, but you may not find a good exchange rate. Better stick with US dollars and take small notes (1$ / 5$), as you will find this handy for tips.
If this is your first time to Caribbean, I have to warn you that you will see poor people too. The average salary is around $200, so please help if you can afford.
Avoid tap water, in case you may get an upset tummy.
Food is delicious. We never had any problems regarding food quality in Dominican Republic. Try a bit of everything.
People are very nice, usually loud and exuberant, but very friendly. They speak spanish. Not many understand english.
From the safety point of view, just be cautious, like you will be in any other touristic area. Don't flash your jewelries, phones and avoid carrying large amounts of money with you.
Try to stay away of problems, conflicts and don't get involve in anything that is illegal. Police procedures are very much time consuming. Always have your national Embassy telephone number and details, in case you will need them help.
I also don't recommend renting a car and driving. Traffic rules are not followed and most of the cars are in disrepair condition.
In case that you want to use your card, cash machines are easy to locate.
Attractions and museums are quite expensive for what they offer (especially Ocean World), but the experience is nice.
Dominican Republic is very beautiful and you will find numerous things to explore.
Ocean World quick view https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbVT8Fy8WY
Car cable view https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-GBfaC59Zc
Have a fantastic time and enjoy the sun!
Monday, March 3, 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Travel with babies on the plane
Traveling with babies is not easy, but I have few tips that may save your nerves and may avoid a lot of stress.
In this scenario, preparation is the biggest part of success. Of course, there are things that we can't control all the time, but you can only hope for the best.
I know preparation is quite complex and you pack a consistent bag every time you get out the door...milk bottles, wipes, nappies, snacks, changing clothes, antibacterials, toys...I know, I know.
For myself, the idea of traveling with two infants for a long journey on the plane, was quite scary.
Please consider my advice as I've been thru this situation many times, but always try to adapt this to your child requirements and personality, everybody is different and nobody know your child better than yourself.
To make your life easy, get a light, simple to operate stroller. It makes such a difference at the airport when you have your hands full.
Have an organised bag with essentials. This will include milk, wipes, nappies, water and other "must have" things.
Very important, take some calming remedies from the chemist and have them handy. Get some plastic bags in case of vomiting episodes. It could happen with the little ones and you should try to minimise the factors that could trigger that. Try not to feed them when plane decollate or landing, as they may feel uncomfortable and get sick.
This days, for the long haul flights, you have a good choice of tv/media entertainment options. A good video game or watching cartoons, may save you and keep the peace for a while.
When all this doesn't work, be prepared to offer a toy or game that will get their attention. If they like books, even better.
Also, their favorite snacks should be available.
A lot of control is in your hands, so be calm and prepared to intervene whatever the situation.
Have ready and easy access to passports, money and all necessary documents.
You can do it, just try to be very organised and keep calm.
In this scenario, preparation is the biggest part of success. Of course, there are things that we can't control all the time, but you can only hope for the best.
I know preparation is quite complex and you pack a consistent bag every time you get out the door...milk bottles, wipes, nappies, snacks, changing clothes, antibacterials, toys...I know, I know.
For myself, the idea of traveling with two infants for a long journey on the plane, was quite scary.
Please consider my advice as I've been thru this situation many times, but always try to adapt this to your child requirements and personality, everybody is different and nobody know your child better than yourself.
To make your life easy, get a light, simple to operate stroller. It makes such a difference at the airport when you have your hands full.
Have an organised bag with essentials. This will include milk, wipes, nappies, water and other "must have" things.
Very important, take some calming remedies from the chemist and have them handy. Get some plastic bags in case of vomiting episodes. It could happen with the little ones and you should try to minimise the factors that could trigger that. Try not to feed them when plane decollate or landing, as they may feel uncomfortable and get sick.
This days, for the long haul flights, you have a good choice of tv/media entertainment options. A good video game or watching cartoons, may save you and keep the peace for a while.
When all this doesn't work, be prepared to offer a toy or game that will get their attention. If they like books, even better.
Also, their favorite snacks should be available.
A lot of control is in your hands, so be calm and prepared to intervene whatever the situation.
Have ready and easy access to passports, money and all necessary documents.
You can do it, just try to be very organised and keep calm.
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