medestino.com travel blog

2011-12-16T16:50:00.000+02:00

Old Orhei

Old Orhei is one of the most beautiful places and rocky monasteries inMoldova. This archaeological complex is an open-air museum situated between thevillages Trebujeni and Butuceni 60 km North East from Chistanau.

The name Orhei means “fortification”. Earlier atthe beginning of the XIV century the Golden Horde conquered this territory. Butlater inhabitants moved 18 km to the North, to the new Orhei and since then thatmedieval city Orhei was named «Old Orhei».

Themuseum complex Old Orhei is a system of historical monuments and naturallandscapes. It consists of few promontories. The central promontory in OldOrhei is called Pestere. Its name derives from the many caves carved in it('Pestere' is translated from Romanian as 'caves'). The Butuceni headlandcontributes to the Old Orhei very well. Together with the Pestere promontory itforms complete complex harmonizing from all points of view. The Butucenipromontory is great from both geological view and the view point of uniquescenery. It has tens of calcareous slates, spacious caves, small grottos. Thewonderful view and ancient traces impress every guest of this place.

Old Orheiis famous for the cave monasteries located there. This zone was ideal for theprimary monasticism of early Christian community. It was isolated from theouter world. At the time when Christians came here there must have been smallerand bigger caves in the calcareous rocks cut by pre-historic tribes living onthis territory. Christian life in the Old Orhei caves became eternal and saint.In the medieval period monastery life intensification made monks to deepen thecaves. There also appeared new caves. Nowadays some caves are preserved well.Others were damaged, mainly by earthquakes which are frequent in this area. Theresearches show that tens of monasteries fell into waters of Raut River.However still many complexes are in good condition.

Anotherconstruction of great interest is the Turkish bath. It appeared when the Golden Horde conqueredthis territory. The city existing here was turned into oriental one with thename Shehr al-Cedid.

Adapted from:

http://www.worldofmoldova.com/en/attractions-of-moldova/old-orhei/

http://micora-tur.md/Moldova.html

http://dzeso.livejournal.com/274734.html

http://www.photoforum.ru/photo/404672/index.ru.html

2011-12-16T16:23:00.002+02:00

SZIGET FESTIVAL

"Anelectronically amplified, warped amusement park that has nothing to do withreality”[1]

Location: Óbudai-Island, Budapest, Hungary

Official website: www.szigetfestival.com

Szigetoffical: http://www.youtube.com/user/szigetofficial

SzigetFestival is one of the biggest music and culture festivals in Europe. It isgrowing year by year giving home to more than 1000 performances in 2011. Since2002 it is called Sziget Fesztivál, but before it was called Diáksziget andPepsi Sziget. All the events are taking place on an island surrounded by DanubeRiver, which also contribute to the festival’s exclusive atmosphere.

There are numerous stages, party halls, installations,chilling tents and bars all around the area, so everybody can find the rightplace for himself! Most of the people arrive here with tents and live on thisunique amusement island for one week. The performing music bands are varyingfrom rock through jazz to electro and national folk groups. During the day foodstands, hi-tech games, competitions, handmade product shopping, sunbathing andcultural events are in focus, and after the sun goes down the party nightbegins with concerts of the most popular singers, DJs and bands from all aroundthe world. For 7 days in every August the place becomes ‘an island which neversleeps’.

Not only for Hungarians is the festival a belovedspot, a great number of English, French, German, Italian, Irish and Dutchpeople also come to visit every year.

The upcoming Sziget will be held between 6-13, in August 2012, and since thefirst festival was held in 1993, this is going to be the 20^thbirthday of the event!!!! Don’t miss it!! Come to Budapest, Hungary in August,believe me you won’t regret it!!! ;)

[1] http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sziget-Festival/104125199624946

Photos and article adapted from:

http://www.festivals2go.com/en/galleries/galleries-detail/images//sziget-festival-2010/-/1/

http://www.beoclick.com/clanak/Karte-za-Sziget-festival

http://sziget.hu/festival_english/news/date_nr._20..12655.html#.TudSorK8tWg

2011-12-14T14:12:00.003+02:00

Potala Palace Tibet

The Potala Palace, located in Lhasa, Tibet AutonomousRegion, China, was the residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14^thDailai Lama fled away. The construction of the palace started in 1645, as anadvice of Konchog Chophel, saying that the site was ideal as a seat ofgovernment. The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Listin 1994. Today the palace is a museum.

The White Palace is a part of Potala Place. It was also theliving area of the Dalai Lama. It was originally built during the lifetime ofthe 5^th Dalai Lama in 1649. Then it was extended to its size todayby the 13^th Dalai Lama in the early twentieth century.

Rapid modernization of this area became a concern forUNESCO. Thus the Chinese government responded by enacting a rule preventingbuilding any construction taller than 21 meters. The number of visitors to thepalace is strictly controlled, which was 1600 a day, and now around 6000visitors would descend on the site during the peak period. Thus it is better tovisit the palace during the period from July to September.

Article and photos adapted from:

http://www.nipic.com/show/1/62/70c593ba7d83adfc.html

http://htoto.tuchong.com/152030/

2011-12-09T16:56:00.001+02:00

Night in Belgium

There are a lot ofwonderful places in Belgiumthat are worth to visit.

One of them is Ghent. Small, student townby the river, with a lot of bars and restaurants. There are some specialtieslike the liquor “jenever” also called Dutch gin for aperitif and spare ribs fordinner. In Belgium all restaurants close very early, Belgian people seem tolive a healthy life and do not eat after 6 pm. So hurry up to book a tablebecause in some spots in Ghent you may stand for hours in line, waiting for thetable. Nevertheless you won’t regret any minute of it – meal will be delicious,beyond your every expectation. After dinner it is time to go to a small andcozy bar, they are so different and each of them has something special.

The time here ispassing slowly with no hurry in the air.

Night sightseeing in Ghent will bring you manypleasure minutes. It feels like you are in the town from a Fairy-tail…

2011-12-09T16:21:00.001+02:00

Cricova

Cricova is a nice small town, not so far away from the capital ofMoldova Chisinau. But what is it famous for?

Cricova is also the company of wine production, there are the 2 largestwine cellars after Milesti Mici in Moldova, which makes it very attractive forthe tourists. The cellars are 120 km of labyrinthine roadways, versus MM's 200 km; the tunnels haveexisted under Cricova since the 15th century, when limestone was dug out tohelp build Chișinău. They were converted intoan underground wine emporium in the 1950s. Half of the roadways are used for winestorage. The roads are named by the wine they store. This "wine city"has its warehouse, tasting rooms and other facilities underground. It goes downto 100 metres (330 ft) below ground and holds 1.25 million bottles ofrare wine. The oldest wine dates backto 1902. The temperature is maintained at about 12 °C (54 °F) all year round (which is perfect for wine).

Cricova is one of thevery few wineries in the world that produce sparkling wines in accordance with the classical French method,purportedly invented centuries ago by the monkDom Pierre Perignon- "Methode Champenoise".

Cricovamakes a unique sparkling red wine, kodrinskoie-sparkling, made from cabernetsauvignon stocks and marketed as having a 'rich velvet texture and ablackcurrant and cherry taste.

The"Grand Cellars of Cricova" house a remarkable collection of wines –The National Oenotec. However, the pride of the Oenotec are, first of all, thewines bearing the name "Cricova", which brought the winery acollection of national and international tasting awards. As of 2008, thecollection consists of over 70 silver, gold and Grand Prix awards.

VisitMoldova Cricova with Medestino.com!

Photos and article adapted from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricova_(winery)

http://allmoldova.com/uimg/Cricova/cricova180810_2.jpg

http://blogovine.ru/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/cricova-wine.jpg\

http://discovery.md/wp-content/gallery/cricova/cricova.jpg

http://discovery.md/wp-content/gallery/cricova/img_6591.jpg

http://globus-tur.md/ckfinder/userfiles/images/cricova-cellar.jpg

2011-12-09T16:10:00.001+02:00

SAPA – “Thetown in fog”

Threedays traveling in Sapa brings you a little of different feelings from the otherparts of Vietnam. The climate is moderate, cool in the summer, foggy and coldin the winter with occasional snowfalls due to the geological high mountain andthe close proximity to the border of China. In the spring time whole Sapa isblanketed soon by thickening fog and cloud, which makes the town look moremysterious.

Thisis, actually the great land to have a memorable vacation, which adding morecolor to your journey with Sapa’s hidden values, admiring beauty of the richnature, sharing understanding of locals and even your interesting personal experienceand cultures.

SaPa is a quiet mountain town and home to a great diversity of ethnic minoritypeople: Hmong, Dao, Tay, Kinh… Most of them live in small villages and hamletsscattering in valleys and mountains. Luckily, in spite of all fast changestaken place in recent years, the ethnic minority people in Sapa still maintainwell their colorful and unique culture. One of the attractive things of Sapa isthe ethnic market. Even though, minority people live their life in self-subsidiarystyle, the need for exchanging their products is always strong. Moresignificantly, this is a chance for everyone to meet others when they live inremote and isolated villages. The market, especially, is the place foryoungsters to make friends and seek for love! Perhaps because of this reason,tribal people always dress up in their best colorful traditional costumes to goto the market like attending a festival.

Allshould be realized in a proper way as what you wish and do not forget to bringthe gifted handicrafts of Sapa, which are made by skillful hands of the locals.

Article and photos adapted from:

http://www.sapa-vietnam.com/sapa-information/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa_Pa#Topography

http://www.dulichag.com/Du_lich_Sapa.asp

http://sapaviettravel.com/photos-gallery/

http://blog.allpointseast.com/2011/03/enterprising-hmong/

2011-12-09T15:02:00.001+02:00

The most beautiful riverin the world – "river offive colors" Caño Cristales

Caño Cristales river flows in Colombia. The name of the river means"crystal creek" or"crystal river." Itsunusual appearance resembles canvas of impressionists. Locals call this river"River of five colors."

Caño Cristalesoriginates from the southern part of the country in themountain chain called theMacarena and flows to the East until its confluence with the famous river Guayabero. CañoCristales looks like an extraordinary series of rapids, valleys and waterfalls.

The water of Caño is veryclean, if you look closely - youcan easily see the bottom.It consists of several colors: red, yellow, black, blue and green. All thesecolors are the product of life of a large number of algal, colors change in everyseason.

Travel with medestino.com and discover the world!

Photos and article adapted from:

http://www.factroom.ru/facts/9179

2011-12-09T13:09:00.001+02:00

The Natural Ink Lake

http://www.factroom.ru/facts/7151

This uniquenatural phenomenon is located near the town of Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria. There are no fish or plants, only ink! The black ink the lake is filled instead ofwater is toxic to living organisms and is suitable only for writing.

This phenomenon was a mystery for scientists fora long period of time. However, recently it became clear, why such an unusualsubstance appeared.

It turned outthat two rivers flow into the lake. Oneof them contains a lot of iron salts. Thesecond contains a variety of organic compounds from swamps. Interacting with each other, the waterof these rivers as a result of chemical reactions constitutes the ink.

http://ladieshealth.net/news/89.html

There are alot of legends and mysteries about this lake among the local residents. Some consider it a work of Satan andkeep away it, while others are actively benefiting from it. The ink of the lake can be purchasedat office supply stores like Algeria and other countries. The lake has a lot of wondrous names. The most popular of them are - Ink, TheEye of the Devil, Black Lake.

If want to explore more secrets of nature,medestino.com invites you to make a trip of your lifetime!

Adapted from: http://ladieshealth.net/news/89.html

2011-12-09T11:46:00.001+02:00

Fish with Soy Sauce (Hongshaoyu)

Ingredients:

Fish fillet
Soy Sauce 250 ml
Sugar
Pure lemon juice
Spring onions
Rice
Courgettes
Peppers

Fish with Soy Sauce:

Step 1

Chop spring onions into long pieces
Put the fish and sunflower oil in a frying pan
Add pure lemon juice to the fish and fry it as long as it loses its smell and water

Step 2

Take out the fish and clean the frying pan
Prepare a glass of water in case the fish gets burnt
Fry the chopped onions in a lot of oil
Put the fish on the top of onions and fry it
Add soy sauce to the fish and taste whether it is salty enough
Add half handful of sugar to the fish and fry it for another couple of minutes

Rice with courgettes and peppers:

Step 1

Put rice into cold water and start boiling
Blend it regularly
Taste after 5 mins of heavy boiling and if too sticky add some water

Step 2

If rice is wet put into microwave on max power for 5-10 minutes
Taste it and if it is soft and dry enough then proceed to step 3

Step 3

Fry courgettes and peppers in a frying pan and add salt
Add oil and the rice and fry for 1 minute

2011-12-09T11:19:00.001+02:00

Prague time!

The Christmas iscoming and there is festive spirit in the air. Everywhere.

All the capital citiesin Europe are preparing for this beautiful and warm holiday.There are some placeswhere the magic of Christmas stays for the entire year. For clarifying, thefairy-tail’s spirit follows you all along your stay in such city as Prague,Czech Republic.It is always a good decision to come for acouple of days to Prague. And if you have a big dream, there is a chance that itwill come true when making a wish on the Charlie’s bridge.

The Czech Republic’scapital city is always pleased to have visitors and offers a big amount ofdifferent interesting architecture, amazing view on Vltava river from thebridges, tasty food (as gulash (cz. Gulaš) with traditional bread dumplings “knedliky”),mulled wine on the street when it is coldoutside it is a really good and warm idea.

For those who are going to spendmore time in the city it would be interesting to visit Prague’s opera whereopera singers from all over the world show their beautiful talents.

Long, narrow streetswith cozy little shops, a lot of tourists everywhere, the smell of grilledsausages in the air, various kinds of beer – this is the spirit of the oldestand most beautiful capital city in Europe.

This is the place thatshould be on everybody’s “must see” list.

2011-12-08T16:03:00.001+02:00

Koninginnedag and Orange craze

Queen’s day, orKoningnnedag, is the national holiday in The Netherlands. However, it has gonefar from the traditional meaning of national holiday. Queen’s day is one of themost unique national holidays in the world because it brings a fresh excitementand attracts around 700 thousand visitors every year.

The biggest celebrationtakes place in Amsterdam, starting from the night of 29^th April andthe whole day of 30^th as a carnival-like festival. On this day theDutch celebrate the birthday of the Queen of the Netherlands. What is specialabout the Queen's Day is that it includes all elements of the huge party. It is combined with the market in the streetsof the whole city (in Dutch: Vrijmarkt) and all kinds of activities and parties.Almost all kinds of activities for festivals and events can be found on Queen’sday. The dress code on Queen’s day is orange – the Dutch national color.

The Queen’s day has beencelebrated all over the Netherlands for more than 50 years. As a matter of factthat Amsterdam is the capital and the biggest festival takes place there, yearby year, the popularity of the event has been growing fast. You can find anytype of exciting elements with this holiday, from the Free market traditionaltrading, Queen’s night party, Queen’s day party, Rock and DJ party to Gayparties.

Despite theovercrowding, the atmosphere on Queen’s day is fantastically relaxed andenjoyable. It is said that the Queen’s night is the time to be in Amsterdambecause most people will go out on this night. All the clubs across the countryhave special events, especially in the crowded Amsterdam. The celebration startsat around 7pm until early hour of the Queen’s day.

The Rock concertstarts at around 11am on Queen’s day on Museumplein and attracts thousands ofyoung participants. Other places you can find live music at are Leidseplein andStoperaplein (at the Waterlooplein). Across the city, the canals are full ofboats with loud music to enhance the lively atmosphere. If you are a fan ofTiesto, you must enjoy the celebration more since you get the chance to watchhim perform live for free on Queen’s day. All clubs in Amsterdam organizespecial programs and different kinds of music as well.

Amsterdam, beingfamous as a city with exceptional charms like Red light districts, coffee shopsand gay bars all around the central area, celebrates Queen’s day in its ownway. Usually a big open-air party for gay and gay friendly people is held onthe Westermarkt at the Homo Monument (beginning at 11 a.m. on the Queen's dayuntil late in the afternoon), and another one at the Reguliersdwarsstraat, in a10 minutes walking distance from Leidseplein. Gay bars and clubs also holddifferent kinds of events on this day.

Though the mainactivity for this event is to party, you should have your accommodation bookedas well since you need a place to rest in between. Party, sleep, party, sleepagain & party, that’s the way it should be on Queen’s day.

Seeyou on Queen’s day in Amsterdam!

Photos and article adapted from:

http://www.koninginnedagamsterdam.nl/queensday.html

http://www.amsterdam.info/queensday/

http://blog.easytobook.com/tips/ultimate-amsterdam-queens-day-guide/

http://decktheholidays.blogspot.com/2011/04/queens-day-in-amsterdam.html

http://www.po-ferries-uk.co.uk/blog/po-ferries/queen%E2%80%99s-day-in-the-netherlands/

http://www.justin-klein.com/queens-day

2011-12-08T15:56:00.001+02:00

The Natural Ink Lake

http://www.factroom.ru/facts/7151

This phenomenon was a mystery for scientists fora long period of time. However, recently it became clear, why such an unusualsubstance appeared.

http://ladieshealth.net/news/89.html

If want to explore more secrets of nature,medestino.com invites you to make a trip of your lifetime!

Adapted from: http://ladieshealth.net/news/89.html

2011-12-07T12:54:00.001+02:00

Aalborg – a more than 1000 year oldcity

Thecity of Aalborg is suited in Northern Denmark, with more than 100,000inhabitants being the 4^th largest city in the country. Aalborg has along history, since the earliest settlements date back to around AD 700.Limfjord is crossing the city making it an important harbor and commercial spotfrom the very beginning.

Nowadays Aalborg ischaracterized by being an industrial and educational center. As a matter offact De Danske Spritfabrikker – Scandinavia’s largest producer of spirits(Aalborg Akvavit) – and Aalborg Industries – the world’s biggest manufacturerof marine products are headquartered here.

The city’s majoruniversity is called University of Aalborg, with more than 14,000 students. Itis not surprising that the city, which accommodates this many of students, hasa versatile and diverse nightlife as well as a variety of programme offerings.One of the best known places here is JomfruAne Gade giving place for cafés, restaurants, clubs, discos, bars andconcerts. Scandinavia’s biggest carnival; AalborgCarnival takes place in May, when the whole city becomes just ‘crazy’;after the procession of professional performers and dancers, the locals andtourists march through the streets with creative, usually hand-made costumes.The whole event ends in a huge park, with spectacular fireworks at night.

Thistime of the year there is a wonderful Christmas spirit hovers over the city.The annual Christmas market opens up its gates on the 25^th ofNovember and stays open until the 23^rd of December. The entire citydresses in Christmas lights, with nicely decorated trees all around. There area number of entertaining activities, which the visitors can try out, such as;the ferris-wheel in the city center, ice skating rink on C.W. Obels Square or a ride on the white Christmastrain. For children probably the most attractive event is on the 26^thof November. On this day Santa Claus arrives to Aalborg directly fromGreenland, taking a sleigh ride through the city, arriving to his cozilyfurnished house on Gammel Torv, in the middle of the city’s Christmas market.

No doubt, the Christmastime in Aalborg would be an unforgettable experience both for youngs andadults!

photos adapted from:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/olemik/5290963837/in/photostream/

http://www.visitaalborg.com/international/en-gb/menu/tourist/oplevelser/events/events-hihtlights-aalborg/produktside/gdk030065/santa-claus-visit-aalborg.htm?CallerUrl=1

2011-12-05T11:56:00.001+02:00

Peking duck

Peking duck, or Peking roast duck, is one of the most famousChinese foods with a long history dating back to imperial era. The dish,renowned for crisp duck skin, is served with pancakes, spring onions, cucumber andsweat bean sauce.

Cooking

Ducks are plucked, eviscerated and rinsed in water. Air ispumped under the skin through the neck cavity to separate the skin from thefat. The duck is then soaked in boiling water for a short while before it ishung up to dry. While it is hung, the duck is glazed with a layer of maltosesyrup. Having been left to stand for 24 hours, the duck is roasted in an ovenuntil it turns shiny brown.

The notable restaurants in Beijing include Quanjude,Bianyifang, Changan Yihao, Beijing Xiaowangfu and Dadong Tuanjiehu Kaoyadian.

Now the Peking duck is also adopted in new recipes such assushi.

Adapted from:

http://www.jhtodayhotel.com/5icode_UpFile/Cp/201025143449.jpg

Wikipedia.org – Peking duck

http://ytrbll.com/exhview.asp?id=173

2011-12-02T15:33:00.001+02:00

密歇根湖畔的明珠——芝加哥

瓦蓝瓦蓝的密歇根湖、耸入云霄的Sears tower、笔直的密歇根大道、各种各样的博物馆、经典的“大蚕豆”、千禧广场、Water tower、Navy Pier…

芝加哥，这颗密歇根湖畔的明珠，用它独特的魅力吸引着各国游客。

人们都说，一个城市与水结缘，一切都变得灵动了。芝加哥就是这样一座灵动的城市。作为美国第三大城市，它现代但不喧嚣、它大气但不张扬。漫步密歇根大道，就像漫步家乡小巷般舒适。

今天，就让我们沿着密歇根大道朝着芝加哥河走去，慢慢的感受这座城市的美好吧！

从地铁站Roosevelt出来，朝着密歇根大道的方向走去，仅仅200米左右，就能进入密歇根大道了。大道的右侧是芝加哥的中心广场，广场的旁边就是密歇根胡了，很多朋友用“爆蓝”来形容那湖水，虽然用词不太书面，但足以表达大家的惊叹。

沿着密歇根大道往前走，您将经过罗斯福大学。每到星期天，大学的礼堂就会成为虔诚的基督徒做礼拜的固定场所。接着，您将发现你的右手边就是著名的“大蚕豆”和千禧公园了。“大蚕豆”的设计者是英国的Anish Kapoor，它是用不锈钢打造，表面采用镜面处理，所以当你站在它的面前自己和四周的建筑融合在一起

再往前走，您会看到两栋像玉米一样的大楼。值得一提的是“玉米大楼”18层以下竟然是螺旋而上的多层停车场，上面的40多层是一个个形如玉米粒的房间，创意十足吧！

再走几步，右手边就是芝加哥河了，选个阳光充足的午后，搭乘游轮，在芝加哥河上听导游讲述这座城市的历史，会是非常好的选择之一。

到了芝加哥，一定别忘了去尝尝Chicaogo Style StuffedPizza，也名厚盘PIZZA，厚厚的比萨里可以选择加入不同的馅料，表面再铺上厚厚的芝士和番茄酱，绝对的回味无穷！

美景，美食，再带上你的好心情，好好欣赏芝加哥吧！

2011-12-02T14:51:00.001+02:00

A winter wonderland - Lapland

Lapland (in Finnish: Lappi)is the largest and northernmost of Finland on the border with Russia, Sweden andNorway. More than its geographical location, Lapland is one of the most populardestinations for winter holidays in Europe. The reason is really simple, it hasall the elements of the winter that you can think of: snow (a lot of snow, forsure!), skiing, snow-boarding, Santa Claus and all.

Finland is named as thecountry of Santa Claus, and in Lapland, you will find “The Santa Claus Village”in Rovaniemi where children have the chance to meet Santa Claus and hishelpers.

Nature is an essentialpoint when mentioning about Lapland. The large expanses of wilderness forestsare characteristics of Lapland. Here you are able to explore 7 out of the 35national parks of Finland and expansive river waterways. But when it comes tothe name Lapland, the most famous thing is the Northern Light. Lapland isrenowned as being the land of fells and northern lights, and definitely, if youcatch the opportunity to see the aurora, you will be charmed by its great beauty!

For people who lovewinter sports, Lapland is a nice place to go because you can participate in thecross country skiing program. Spring in Lapland is the most popular time forskiing. The cross-country skiing trail networks are in excellent condition andready to enhance mind and body. Otherwise, there are various skiing trails allover Lapland for beginners or families to enjoy the winter atmosphere. Moreover, thereare more types of activities you can experience in the land of winter, such asvisiting Snow Castle, having a husky or reindeer ride, snow motorbike route…

Lapland’s night iscovered with a magic dark blue color. Just in Lapland you are able to have realwinter experience, from sports, food to lifestyle. Prepare your trip to Laplandand you will find yourself standing on the fantastic winter wonderland!

article and photos adapted from:

http://www.laplandfinland.com/In_English.iw3

http://www.lapland.fi/en/living/housing/renting

http://www.laplandfinland.com/In_English.iw3

http://citerterkini.blogspot.com/2010/07/8-amazing-auroras-seen-on-earth-and.html

http://www.hilfertyphotography.com/-/hilfertyphotography/gallery.asp?LID=&photoID=11361124&cat=155761