Archive for December, 2010

29
Dec

Arbanassi – Konstantsaliev’s House

Posted in Destination Tips  by ed on December 29th, 2010

Konstantsaliev's HouseThe houses of Arbanassi are unique in their eternal architectural style and cannot be seen anywhere else in Bulgaria. Each house of Arbanassi was surrounded by high and thick walls that also served as a defense against enemies and all of them had their own hidden place. The windows at the walls are small and studded with solid iron bars. They resembled tiny models of fortresses. On the other hand they were luxuriously decorated by attractive wood-carving/ fretworkover the ceilings, doors and windows.

One of the brightest examples of the authenticity and magnificence of the Arbanassi houses is the Konstantsaliev’s house. It is located just opposite the Kokona fountain in the central part of Arbanassi and was most probably built at the beginning of the 18th century. At first it was owned by the family of Kokona Sultana and later on it was purchased and restored by Leon Philipov and transferred to the museum. The Konstantsaliev’s house and its enormous yard are encompassed by solid walls. There are two ways to enter the house – the central entrance which is bigger and is on the south-west side of the yard, and the smaller one – at the north side.

The Kostantsaliev’s house has two floors with spacious and cozy rooms. The first floor consists of rooms for the guards and the servants, stock rooms, a cellar and a covert. The second floor is composed of a winter and a summer bedroom, a sitting-room, a kitchen and service rooms. The way the house is decorated inside with wood-carving, wall paintings and decorations is evidence for the unlimited creativeness of the Bulgarian masters. Inside the house there is a variety of dishes retained in a good condition, items and possessions of the former inhabitants, which nowadays are of a great interest and show us the ordinary Bulgarian’s lifestyle.

26
Dec

Planning A Last Minute Overseas Trip

Posted in Destination Tips  by ed on December 26th, 2010

Planning A Last Minute Overseas TripPlanning an overseas trip can be very confusing. There are so many things you need to consider. Missing items can turn an exciting time into a frustrating experience. Traveling overseas can be very expensive so it’s important to arrange for tickets for events at your destination well in advance in order to get the best prices. Wherever you go, you will need days to explore the cities and find out what makes each city special. That’s not the time to be looking for hotel deals. Do it now.

The problem is intensified if you are traveling at the last minute. In this hectic time, it is easy to forget passports, airline tickets and other important items that should be obvious. Arriving at a destination late can affect car schedules, rental schedules and hotel bookings. Forgetting to pack necessary items can take a lot of enjoyment out of a trip.

If you need to plan a last minute overseas trip, here are a few tips to think about:

Your first task should be to make a list. Airline pilots go through a checklist before departing and so should you. Sit down and make a list of everything you need to bring from passport to toiletries.

Don’t underestimate the value of your travel agent. She can provide lots of last minute advice and may already have a list of discount hotels at your destination.

You can find many overseas hotels and other lodging online. If you research them in advance, you may be able to sign up to be notified of any deals they offer.

You may have access to benefits you aren’t aware of. Some credit card companies offer discount packages. Car insurance companies sometimes have specials too. It doesn’t hurt to check with them.

Always check for the address of your consulate or embassy in the country you are going to. Have their telephone number with you and leave it with someone at home.

A last minute trip doesn’t allow time to learn much of the language of the country you are visiting. However, there are websites that offer survival language help, such as survival Spanish phrases. In a short time, you can learn enough phrases to help you with currency exchange and ask questions at the airport, hotel, taxi or restaurant.

23
Dec

Things To See On A Superb Holiday In Switzerland

Posted in Destination Tips  by ed on December 23rd, 2010

Superb Holiday In SwitzerlandIf you have ever thought about visiting Switzerland with your wife you could in no time find out why this sensational area is regarded as one of the most lovely countries in the world. Several holidaymakers go to Switzerland on family holidays and rent self catering vacation homes. Switzerland has a interesting landmass. Due to this fact you and your folks could notice that all its interesting attractions are at a stone throws distance from one another. One of the most fantastic things of being a magnificent ski location is that as well of being home to some of the most amazing ski chalets it also has a marvellous range of old buildings and beautiful scenery

You and your folks will fall in love with the terrific museums and brilliant choice of of luxury holiday homes in the ski resorts. A number of families visit here on a family break because it is one of the safest areas in the world to come to due to lower crime rate. Whenever you and your family visit the sensational Jungfrau Region you will soon like it because it has some of the best ski slopes in Europe. There are some great skiing homes in this location and they can be found on the web. Scores of holidaymakers stay in these skiing cheap rentals and learn how to the various outdoor activities.

Your husband can spend a few hours exploring the renowned Montreux town that lies in the centre of the Swiss Riviera near the stunning Lake Geneva. Make sure that your family have the time to explore the old Chillon Castle that can be seen by going on long strolls on the lakeside. Seeing the ancient courtyards of this 11th century castle would also be a lovely trip. This astonishing historic building is the most popular architectural castle in the country. Going on relaxing strolls around the lake front or taking a trolley would keep your relations happy.

It is possible to hire self catering vacation accommodation in this country and use them as a base to experience the local towns and get a feel of the llocation’s local food. Many of the cafes stay open late into the night and you and your partner can experience a candle lit meal looking onto the beautiful scenery. Families time and again visit here when they have a break to Switzerland. When you visit on a self catering vacation to Switzerland you and your friends ought to make time to experience the amazing resort of St.Moritz as it is one of the most beautiful and well known in the world.

Whenever you come here you will be astonished by the great selection of luxury accommodation and cheap self catering homes available to lease as holiday homes. For many years holidaymakers have come back to this good holiday rental destination to experience some of the best skiing that is available any where in the world. Good quality food, excellent holiday apartments and brilliant skiing conditions make this resort such a big hit with people of different ages who enjoy to go on skiing holidays renting self catering vacation rentals.