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Blog

Your Honeymoon in Tuscany Region, Italy

7/30/2018

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The Tuscany region is one of the most gorgeous places you could visit in Italy. The Tuscany territory is full of hills and mountains: the Apennine mountains travel across the Lunigiana, Garfagnana, Mugello and Casentino hollows.
 
Get lost in the wonders of its undulating and green territory, while listening and enjoying the Tuscan dialect, in which Dante Alighieri wrote his marvelous novels. Did you know that Tuscany is the Italian dialect that most closely resembles Latin?
 
The places that you can’t miss while visiting this wonderful region are: 

​Siena
Siena is one of the most famous cities in the Tuscany region. You can get there taking a train from any other Italian city. On July 2nd and August 16th, Siena celebrates el palillo, a horse race that originated in medieval times, in which every district of the city participates.
 
This city, which was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, has a lot of history and  stunning architecture. It’s delightful to walk through its streets, lined with tourist attractions, not leaving behind the gastronomy, that will be a delicacy even to connoisseurs of fine cuisine
 
San Gimignano
This is one of the places with the most tourist activity inside the Tuscany region; it’s known as the Medieval Manhattan due to its towers. To get there, you need to take a train to Poggibonsi, the nearest train station (because the town doesn’t have one of their own), and from there, take a bus to San Gimignano, which takes about 25 min.
 
At San Gimignano you’ll enjoy  their impressive architecture and their exquisite gastronomy. In this town you can find restaurants and ice cream shops on every street, where you can taste whatever you want, wherever you are.
 
Something we recommend to couples, is to walk through the town during the sunset, going through the 13 towers that defeated time, it is an enchanting and romantic experience.

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Montepulciano
 
Rising over the landscape, the beautiful Montepulciano stands out, a city you can visit departing from Siena; the bus trip takes about 2 hours. Once you’re in the city, give yourself the time to visit places as lovely and outstanding as the Piazza Grande, the Cathedral, the Palazzo Bucelli, the Sant’Agnese Church or the Sant’Agostino Church; symbolic monuments from one of the most beautiful cities in the Tuscany region.
 
Volterra
 
Nowadays it is one of the most known cities from Tuscany because the well known movie saga Twilight was recorded there. Sadly, it doesn’t have a direct train connection, but it’s near the Pisa airport, being only 39 miles apart.
 
The city is surrounded by the Etruscan walls, which are older than the Roman ruins, and it has an impressive archeological museum, a fortress and a Roman theatre. All this wonderful architecture is interspersed with a green countryside, which splatters the city with vivid colors.

Lucca
 
This city is between Pisa and Florence; it’s protected by the imposing wall that surrounds Lucca, which is one of its distinctive characteristics. This wall was built in the 16th century and remains intact to this day in spite of the long time.
 
We invite you to explore its medieval streets, its antique Roman churches and its elegant handicraft shops. You can find many important places in Lucca that you can’t miss. Within these places, you can find: the city walls, the Palazzo and the Guinigi Tower, the Basílica of San Frediano, the Lucca Cathedral, or the Tower of Hours.
 
One of the places with the most tourist activity is definitively Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, placed over the ruins of the old amphitheatre with an oval shape that made it seem very unusual. In the city, you can also enjoy its restaurants, coffee shops, markets and stores.
 
Some hotels that we recommend to you in this region are Fonteverde, Bagni Di Pisa and Grotta Giusti, in which you can enjoy magnificent spas, restaurants, bars and shows to make your honeymoon unforgettable.
 

Reference
La Toscana http://blog.global-exchange.com/la-toscana/
 Wikipedia https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toscana#Etimolog%C3%ADa


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The Royal Romance: Your honeymoon in Scotland

7/30/2018

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Every day more newlyweds from the U.S.  are choosing a love nest in the U.K., and Scotland for their own royal honeymoon: 
 
Near the Heaven
Immerse yourself in the rugged peninsular landscapes of the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands. It is a 3-day trip from Edinburgh. During your visit to Scotland's wild northwest coast, you’re driven through the Highlands, including stops at Glencoe and Loch Ness. You can eat breakfasts in the harbor town of Portree, where you’ll find local pubs and have plenty of time to explore the Isle of Skye with your guide. Numbers are limited to 16 people on this small-group tour, ensuring a personalized experience.

​Royal Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh without the stress of public transit and massive crowds on this hop-on-hop-off bus tour. With your 48-hour pass, hop aboard the double-decker, open-top bus for a panoramic sightseeing excursion. You can choose route options with dozens of strategically placed stops, and if you want the added bonus of free entry to royal sites like Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You and your loved one will be feeling like the king and the queen here.
 

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Navigate by the Exciting Jacobite History
Take a tour of the Scottish Highlands that features historic locations linked to the Jacobite movement of 18th-century Scotland. Visit the village of Dunkeld, drive through Cairngorm National Park to Loch Ness, and stay overnight in Fort Augustus. You will have an exciting ride to Mallaig aboard the Jacobite steam train, featured as the Hogwarts Express in the popular Harry Potter films. Along the way, hear tales of battles fought by the Jacobites — supporters of the exiled King James II.

THE EVENTFUL OCCASION
Why not plan your honeymoon around one of Scotland's top events or festivals?
        The Highland Games: Traditional heavy athletic events like tug-o-war and the caber toss, as well as Highland dance competitions, track and field events, and piping, the games are a spectacle like no other. And it all takes place against a scenic Scottish backdrop. 
         
        Hogmanay & New Year In Scotland: Hogmanay is what  Scots call New Year's Eve - 31 December - the big night that marks the arrival of the new year. Its origins reach back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Vikings with wild parties in late December.  But whatever the scale of the event and wherever it's held, Scotland's Hogmanay celebrations guarantee a warm welcome and more new friends than you ever knew you had, all in a frenzy of goodwill! For an unforgettable Hogmanay break, it's got to be Scotland.
         
        Edinburgh International Festival And Summer Festivals: Over the summer, the Edinburgh festivals bring a wave of color and soaring excitement to the city. Seven spectacular festivals proudly serve up the most incredible smorgasbord of culture you could ever imagine, filling the city's performance venues and event spaces in late June, July, and August.
​
Reference
https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/christmas-winter-festivals/hogmanay/
 



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"Lomo Saltado" Famous Peruvian dish recipe

7/30/2018

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Lomo saltado is a popular, traditional Peruvian dish,  typically served with white rice. The dish originated as part of the "chifa" tradition, the Chinese cuisine of Peru, though its popularity has made it part of the culture. Like many others dishes in Peru, it is one of the favorite ways to mix cultures that influence  Peruvian cuisine . As a Peruvian it is one of my favorite dishes and the best part  is that I can prepare it here in the USA where I have lived since 2004.

Ingredients
  • 1 (16 ounce) package frozen French fries or 2 or 3 big potatoes cut into equal size canes fried in vegetable oil
  • 1 pound beef tri tip, sliced 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large onion, sliced into strips
  • 3 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and sliced into strips
  • 1 yellow chili pepper (I replace this one with habanero or jalapeno)
  • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 dash soy sauce to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Add all ingredients on list together

Directions

Prep
30 m
Cook 20 m
Ready In 50 m
 
  1. Fry the potatoes and salt the fries as soon as they come out of the pan. This helps to absorb the surplus oil and remain crispy or prepare the bag of French fries according to package directions.
  2. While the French fries are cooking, heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Season the sliced meat with salt and pepper to taste. I like to add some oregano too.Fry the meat until just cooked, and the juices begin to release.
  4. Remove the meat from the frying pan, then cook the onions, with additional oil if needed, for 2 or 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the habanero or jalapeno pepper; for 2 or 3 minutes.
  6. Stir tomatoes and cook for a few minutes, they should not be undone.
  7. Pour in the vinegar and soy sauce, add the meat. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with chopped parsley to serve.
  8. To serve put the french fries in the base and add the meat with the onion and tomato. You can add a little white rice.


References

Peruvian Lomo Saltado
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/40083/peruvian-lomo-saltado/
 
How to make Lomo Saltado
http://www.cocineroperu.com/como-hacer-lomo-saltado/





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How to choose the perfect bouquet

7/17/2018

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Your wedding is composed of many things, and flowers are an important ingredient. They can create a warm, beautiful and spectacular environment. In order to make the right selection pay attention to these tips:
 
●      Language of flowers, every flower can say a different thing. Start your search by taking a moment to look through the different meanings behind flower varieties. For example gladiolus symbolize strength and moral integrity. Calla Lillies symbolize magnificence and beauty, Chrysanthemum symbolizes fidelity, optimism, joy and long life. A red chrysanthemum conveys love; a white chrysanthemum symbolizes truth and loyal love while a yellow chrysanthemum symbolizes slighted love, Daffodil symbolizes regard and chivalry. It is indicative of rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life, Daisy symbolizes innocence and purity, Gardenia symbolizes purity and sweetness. They indicate secret love.

●      Size, One of the most important considerations in choosing a bouquet is getting the size right. A small bouquet is ideal for a pleasant sentiment while a large bouquet expresses a explosion of sentiments, in an exuberant manner. It is important to know, modern bouquets tend to be a bit smaller and less packed, while, traditional weddings will call for a larger, more sumptuous bouquet. A larger dress will probably look better with a larger bouquet as well, but it also depends on the style of the dress, just like the style of the bouquet.

●      Shape is another thing worth considering when choosing a bouquet. Popular shapes are round, symmetrical designs, long crescent designs, or cascading designs. Crescent designs have longer pieces that shoot out from one side as opposed to the other, while cascading designs have long pieces that hang down to the bottom of the bouquet.

●      Color is another important factor in choosing a flower arrangement, and is heavily dependent on the sentiment you want to convey. Color choice and type of flower go hand in hand with the purpose for your bouquet, so give each equal consideration.
 
●      Some colors meanings are:

○      Red is the color of energy, passion, action, ambition and determination.
○      Orange is the color of social communication and optimism.
○      Yellow is the color of the mind and the intellect. It is optimistic and cheerful.
○      Green is the color of balance, growth, and self-reliance.
○      Turquoise is communication and clarity of mind.
○      Purple is the color of the imagination. It can be creative and individual.
○      Pink is unconditional love and nurturing.
○    Magenta is a color of universal harmony and emotional balance. It is spiritual yet practical, encouraging common sense and a balanced outlook on life.
○    White is color at its most complete and pure, the color of perfection. The color meaning of white is purity, innocence, wholeness and completion.
 
●      Price may also be a consideration in the selection of the size of the perfect bouquet, although it's also important to consider the destination. Therefore, don't choose something too large and difficult to transport.
 
I hope this information will be helpful for you!
 
 
Reference
How to pick the right bouquet
https://kabloom.com/how-to-pick-the-right-bouquet/
 
Meaning of colors
http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/meaning-of-colors.html
 
Flower meanings
https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/aboutflowers/flower-meanings

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Start planning your Honeymoon on exotic destination: Peru

7/3/2018

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Peru, land of the Incas, has a large history of ancestral cultures like Paracas, Chavin, Mochica, Wary and Inca among others with much wisdom and mystery that will transform you. Peru offers newlyweds luxury hotels on beautiful beaches, the exotic jungle and the majestic Peruvian highlands,´Sierra´. 
 
If you are an adventurous couple you can maximize your adventure and fun during your trip with  sports like Biking, Ziplining, Rafting and Hiking with exotic and spectacular views. If you like to eat, Peru has one of the best cuisines in the world.
 
Start your Love History  in Lima
I recommend spending a couple of nights in Lima to get to know ´The Kings City´ and its wonderful cuisine. You must visit Miraflores and Barranco district, enjoy the views of the Pacific ocean. Don't miss "El Circuito Magico del Agua", the perfect setting for a romantic evening stroll, Lima’s Magic Water Circuit located at the "Parque de la Reserva", is a great spot to visit in the evening with all of its flowing fountains alight with iridescent colors and accompanied by music and a laser show. For lodging, we recommend Belmond Miraflores Park in the district of Miraflores with its many amenities and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. In the morning go to historic Lima, the downtown, and visit the Cathedral, the catacombs at San Francisco church, try the famous "Chifa" Peruvian Chinese food at China town in Capon Street.
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The Exotic and Sensual Amazonia
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From Lima, you might be taking a short flight to the city of Iquitos, Peru`s capital of the Amazon Rainforest for a luxury honeymoon. Cruise down the Amazon River: the MV Aqua, Aria Amazon or the M/F Delfin Cruises, based in Iquitos, are five-star river cruise small ships furnished with deluxe suites that include huge picture windows. You can watch the river go by from the comfort of your California king-sized bed. These cruises feature cuisine made from fresh local ingredients prepared by internationally recognized chefs. Discover and marvel at the exuberant nature, taking excursions. Regular excursions to see wildlife are taken from small launch boats that include comfortable padded seating. These cruises even feature a jacuzzi on its observation deck!
 

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The Millenary Machu Picchu
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without the “Imperial City” of Cusco and the “Lost City” of Machu Picchu.  You can choose any luxury Hotel in Cusco like Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Inkaterra in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Many of them have a blend of rustic and colonial architecture, great food and many amenities, including a luxury spa for couples to enjoy.
Cusco is a beautiful city which mixes the Inca archeology with the colonial, you can go to the artisan neighborhood, do adventure sports and much more. And not to mention the magic, mystery, and majesty of Machu Picchu, where you can transport yourself to Incas time.
 
​Romance on the Beach
Another exciting option for your honeymoon is Peru`s northern beaches for a visit to the beautiful and warm sandy beaches of Mancora. We recommend Arennas Mancora, a luxury hotel. Try the exquisite northern cuisine (one of the most recognized of Perú), and splendid beaches. Activities include surfing, water skiing, horseback riding, or just lying around on the beach. Mancora is a truly romantic destination for honeymooners with its warm tropical ocean waters, and exquisite ocean sunsets. Excellent to rest and spark your romance, before starting the return home.
 
 

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    Author Rossana Jeri

    Bilingual English -Spanish Travel Agent

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