PEREGRINACIÓN A “EL ROCIO”

El Rocío es una aldea que pertenece a Almonte (Huelva, Andalucía, España).

Cada año, a los 40 días de semana santa se celebra la peregrinación a la Virgen del Rocío, situada en la aldea que su propio indica.

La leyenda dice que en el S.XV “Don Gregorio, el cual apacentaba su ganado en la villa de Almonte, exactamente en La Rocina, se quedó impresionado al oír el ladrido de sus perros, acercándose hasta donde estaban éstos y encontrándose con la imagen en el tronco de un árbol de la Virgen del Rocío ó también llamada la “Blanca Paloma”, vistiendo ésta una túnica blanca y verde. El hombre intentó bajar esa bella imagen al pueblo para que todos los almonteños fueran testigos de esta belleza, pero a pesar de sus intentos, quedó dormido. Cuando éste despertó la imagen había desaparecido, pero penetrado de dolor volvió al lugar donde la había encontrado primeramente, allí la encontró de nuevo. Don Gregorio se dirigió a Almonte y refirió todo lo sucedido con la cual noticia salieron el clero y cabildo de esta villa y hallaron la santa imagen en el lugar y modo que el hombre les había referido, notando ilesa su belleza, no obstante el largo tiempo que había estado expuesta a la inclemencia de los tiempos, lluvias, rayos de sol y tempestades.

Poseídos de la devoción y el respeto, la sacaron entre las malezas y la pusieron en la iglesia mayor de dicha villa, entre tanto que en aquella selva se le labraba templo. Hízose, en efecto, una pequeña ermita de diez varas de largo, y se construyó el altar para colocar la imagen, de tal modo que el tronco en que fue hallada le sirviese de peana. Aforándose en aquel sitio con el nombre de la Virgen de las Rocinas».

La peregrinación es realizada por personas de todo el mundo. La mayoría de esta gente tiene nacionalidad española, y son procedentes de Andalucía. Realizan ésta peregrinación a través de las llamadas “carretas” que no son más que remolques adornados normalmente con telas y papeles, haciendo diversas formas y con múltiples colores, y también con caballos, haciendo este camino a través del Parque Nacional de Doñana. Podeis visualizarlo en el siguiente link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM5EQHZK38o.

La vestimenta es muy peculiar, ya que las mujeres van vestidas con el traje típico de Andalucía, el “traje de gitana”, y los caballeros van vestidos con el llamado “Traje de corto”, y los llevan durante toda la peregrinación que dura unos 3 ó 4 días, dependiendo desde donde la realicen. Podeis ver en el siguiente enlace algunos de los desfiles de estos trajes de gitana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1YSyDqx3Ck.

En la aldea del Rocío hay varias casas, perteneciendo cada una de ellas, o bien a hermandades (reunión en torno a una advocación religiosa de un conjunto de hermanos) o bien a casas privadas.

Muchas de estas hermandades o casas tienen una gran capacidad para albergar a muchas personas, ya que dentro de éstas la gente come, canta, bebe y duerme durante la duración del Rocío, durando ésta casi una semana.

Muchas de estas personas ahorran durante todo el año para poder peregrinar y estar acompañando a su querida “Blanca Paloma”. También hay gente que no se lo puede permitir, y que simplemente van un solo día, en ese caso, las distintas hermandades o casas deben de estar dispuestas a ofrecerte comida y bebida para aquellas personas que no tienen, por así decirlo, “nada”.

El cante típico son las sevillanas, saetas, fandangos, acompañado todo de palmas, e instrumentos musicales como la guitarra española. Lo podeis escuchar en el siguiente enlace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u71QroSZjZI&feature=related.

El baile más bailado en esos días son llamadas “sevillanas”. Lo podeis ver también en el siguiente enlace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPwB5pJ9JSw.

También, durante esos días se saca la virgen de la ermita de “El Rocío” y se pasea, siendo seguida, cantándole a la vez, por todos los peregrinos.

El último día se realiza el llamado “Salto de la reja”, aquí dejo una explicación e imágenes de ello: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvwuiOh_emM&feature=related

World’s top 10 Caribbean Destinations: 1. Jamaica

Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island and tourists visit the island in abundance every year. Studded with sensuous beaches, skyscraping mountains and lush landscapes, it's a vacation destination for those in search of pure relaxation. A visit to Port Royal will open a treasure chest of the island's hidden history. The city was a refuge and port for many of the real pirates of the Caribbean. Legendary men like Henry Morgan and Blackbeard made frequent stops at the city that used to be known as the "wickedest city on Earth." Another region of the island with a mysterious attraction is the small village of Bath, which is home to the oldest and most cherished secrets: natural healing springs. The sulfur in the water is said to have therapeutic and restorative powers.

There are many quiet and peaceful vacation spots, like Negril, Navy Island, Hellshire Beach, Fort Clarence and Ocho Rios. Besides relaxing on the beach, Jamaica holds a vast variety of activities to do around the isle, enjoy golf, tennis, polo, bicycle racing, cricket, soccer, water-sports, horse racing, rafting and mountain climbing. Jamaica also offers a wide range of food preferences. A spicy, colorful mix of cuisine includes ackee and salt fish; rice and peas; jerk chicken, fish and pork; curried goat; pepper pot soup; roasted yams; banana fritters; salads; fruits and exotic desserts.

One cannot visit this paradise without listening to the country’s music, which consists of folk ballads, work songs, revivalist hymns and, of course, reggae. Or enter a world of creations in straw, clay, fabric, shell, wood and semi-precious stones. Crafts are influenced by African, Indian, European and Arawak cultures and they depict life and landscapes featuring bright colors and bold lines. Another popular activity is the theater: From the 19th-century Ward Theater innovates little theaters and thriving centers for drama in Kingston, Jamaica features a broad range of theatrical treats. Plays depict a variety of Jamaican experiences.

Jamaica is not just a place of beautiful beaches but there is so much to see and do in Kingston, such as going to Coconut Amusement Park, The Bob Marley Museum, Little Theatre, (where Pantomimes are shown), Brunch at Devon House or just taking a leisurely stroll along King Street. Make your next vacation spot the beautiful Island of Jamaica and to help you find the most affordable prices please visit:

www.medestino.com

Venet indetermine Versailles

Après Koons, Murakami et Veilhan, c’est au tour du sculpteur Français d’exposer 7 de ses œuvres dans la résidence royale. L’art contemporain ré arpente le domaine, soulevant une fois de plus le débat sur la légitimité de cette cohabitation.

Depuis quelques années, le Château de Versailles est le site privilégié des artistes contemporains avare d’une certaine sur reconnaissance. Témoin de l’engouement post-exhibition : les prix des œuvres qui flambent chez Christie’s quelques mois plus tard.

C’est dans ce climat, que le milliardaire français Pinault (PDG de Christie’s via PPR, ndlr) réaffirme son amour pour l’art moderne en exhibant le sculpteur/plasticien Bernar Venet, cet exilé français dont la notoriété n’est plus à faire.

De Provence jusqu’aux quartiers huppés de New York, il est passé du statut de  précurseur en art conceptuel dans les années 70 à effigie de l’art contemporain. Bien loin de ces débuts radicaux (toile de déchets, peinture au goudron…), il manie à présent les lignes et les axes dans un formalisme empreint de mathématiques complexes. Il joue avec les formes et les axes, dans le strict de l’acier rouillé - ou plutôt « weathered » selon lui- qu’il décline depuis plusieurs années dans des villes différentes. Du cours de l’intendance Bordelais, à Nice, en passant par la Californie, Séoul et encore bien d’autres, il a su exposer son imaginaire aux yeux de tous.  

Versailles et sa mégalomanie se rencontre donc pour quelques mois, sous l’œil critique (ou non), de visiteurs de plus en plus accoutumés au métissage artistique des monuments français.

Jusqu’au 1^er Novembre, pour plus d’information : www.chateauversailles.fr

Venet indetermine Versailles

Venet indetermine Versailles

Après Koons, Murakami et Veilhan, c’est au tour du sculpteur Français d’exposer 7 de ses œuvres dans la résidence royale. L’art contemporain ré arpente le domaine, soulevant une fois de plus le débat sur la légitimité de cette cohabitation.

Crédits photo : Jean-Christophe MARMARA/Le Figaro

Depuis quelques années, le Château de Versailles est le site privilégié des artistes contemporains avare d’une certaine sur reconnaissance. Témoin de l’engouement post-exhibition : les prix des œuvres qui flambent chez Christie’s quelques mois plus tard.

C’est dans ce climat, que le milliardaire français Pinault (PDG de Christie’s via PPR, ndlr) réaffirme son amour pour l’art moderne en exhibant le sculpteur/plasticien Bernar Venet, cet exilé français dont la notoriété n’est plus à faire.

De Provence jusqu’aux quartiers huppés de New York, il est passé du statut de  précurseur en art conceptuel dans les années 70 à effigie de l’art contemporain. Bien loin de ces débuts radicaux (toile de déchets, peinture au goudron…), il manie à présent les lignes et les axes dans un formalisme empreint de mathématiques complexes. Il joue avec les formes et les axes, dans le strict de l’acier rouillé - ou plutôt « weathered » selon lui- qu’il décline depuis plusieurs années dans des villes différentes. Du cours de l’intendance Bordelais, à Nice, en passant par la Californie, Séoul et encore bien d’autres, il a su exposer son imaginaire aux yeux de tous.  

Versailles et sa mégalomanie se rencontre donc pour quelques mois, sous l’œil critique (ou non), de visiteurs de plus en plus accoutumés au métissage artistique des monuments français.

Jusqu’au 1^er Novembre, pour plus d’information : www.chateauversailles.fr

Journée de grève nationale en Grèce

Suite aux problèmes économiques du pays liés à la crise mondiale, une journée de grève nationale a été constatée aujourd'hui en Grèce et particulièrement à Athènes. Les syndicats ont appelé à une grève générale des administrations et des transports afin de paralyser le pays durant toute la journée.

Le premier ministre George Papandreou a en effet proposé un plan de relance de 5 ans basé sur l'augmentation des impôts, la vente d'actifs publics et la réduction des dépenses publiques afin de rembourser les prêts nationaux envers le FMI et l'UE.

Plus de 1 500 policiers ont été mobilisés pour tenter de maîtriser une foule de 20 000 personnes partagée entre colère et incompréhension. Le mouvement s'est  déroulé sans encombre majeure. Les trompettes et les sifflets sur la place du parlement ont retenti une bonne partie de la journée pour tenter d'empêcher le vote d'un plan de rigueur qui divise de plus en plus le pays et un gouvernement qui ne fait plus l'unanimité face à la montée des conservateurs.

La situation est donc critique pour le pays entre un peuple en colère, un gouvernement qui doit obtenir des aides pour relancer l'économie et faire face en même temps  aux révoltes de sa population, et des créanciers qui ne savent plus de quelle manière aider le pays tout en étant certain de récupérer leur argent. 

Agiotfest 2011 Blog

Agiotfest is an annual festival in Agios Ioannis, Corfu ( Greece ) on the 26^th and 27^th of August. Every year it brings back the soul music to the island of Corfu, and this year is going to be no different. This year’s main act will be the soul legend ‘Jimmy James and the Vagabonds’, but there are also many local talents, who are back on popular demand, such as George Trifonas & the Rebellions. Other bands in the lineup are Outboys and the Cukes from the UK.

To help you organize your trip you may book your tickets on the official website for 20 euro’s ( Children under 12 for 10 Euro’s  & toddlers for free ) and for accommodation be sure to check out our online brand Medestino, whose located in Corfu town, just 15 minutes away from the festival. 

The Slovenian Las Vegas

200 years ago adventurers from all across Europe went to California searching for luck and wealth. Nowadays, instead of going to Nevada, they try their luck in a small country in the middle of Europe – called Slovenia. The Casino industry in Slovenia has been flourishing for the last 20 years. In the beginning it was attracting mostly Italian gamblers, but today even the Chinese gamblers are consider to try their luck in the Middle of Europe.

After the Second World War, the Allies together with Yugoslavia proposed few proposals for the new West Slovenian (at that time Yugoslavian) border with Italy. At the end the French proposal prevailed and the border was drawn in more or less same way as it still is now. After the place new border was decided, the town of Gorica (today Gorizia) was left to Italy but the suburbs of the town stayed in Yugoslavia without political or economical center. After facing the problems that come with having no political, economical or cultural center, the Slovenian communist authorities decided to start a constructing a new city next to the border, because they wanted to show the West the success that they where having trough the Communist Regime. The construction of the city started in 1947. Working brigades from all across Yugoslavia flowed into the area and started what you can call now the lighthouse of Slovenian urbanism.

Since the Slovenian independence and after Slovenia changed from economical system, Nova Gorica was left to itself for economical recovery. The development of tourism started and because of the border with Italy and high purchasing power of Italian customers, little business started taking over. For example: a small café shop became a huge business in a few years, operating with the biggest casinos in Slovenian. The company is today known as Družba HIT d.d.

The casino and hotel industry in Nova Gorica is attracting thousands and thousands of tourists from Italy, Austria and the rest of Europe. One of these casinos, internationally known is Hotel Perla operated by HIT d.d. and owning around 1138 slot machines and 87 playing tables, followed by Hotel Park owning 789 slot machines and 25 gaming tables.

Because the town is located in the middle between Venice and Ljubljana, you can make a stop there and try your luck! If you do not feel like making a gambl, you can go to the Slovenian seaside (45 min of driving) or to Slovenian sky trails (1h of driving).

If you are planning on visiting Slovenia, book your trip at: www.medestino.com

La spécificité de Genève aux yeux du monde et de la Suisse? Son rayonnement international, bien plus important que celui de n'importe quelle autre ville de 200'000 habitants.

Genève est le chef-lieu du canton de Genève et la deuxième ville la plus peuplée de Suisse, avec 191 237 habitants en mars 2011. Son aire métropolitaine forme une agglomération transfrontalière, le bassin franco-valdo-genevois, qui s'étend sur le canton de Vaud et les départements français de l'Ain et de la Haute-Savoie, pour un total de 1 240 000 habitants. L'arc lémanique est l'aire urbaine située autour du lac Léman — deux pôles principaux, Genève-Annemasse et Lausanne, distants de 60 km ainsi que les villes de Vevey-Montreux et Thonon-Évian — et s'étendant jusqu’à Annecy au sud. Depuis le 1^er janvier 2010, à l'image du Greater London ou du Greater Zurich, la région a vu la naissance du Greater Geneva Bern area, un espace économique regroupant 2 800 000 habitants.

Genève est une ville-monde. Sa taille – à peine 200'000 habitants - n’a certes rien à voir avec celle des autres métropoles d’Europe, mais Genève n’en reste pas moins une grande ville, ouverte sur le monde, consciente des enjeux internationaux actuels. Son degré d’ouverture à la fois culturelle, économique et sociale puise en partie ses sources dans ce que l’on appelle la Genève internationale.

Aujourd’hui, Genève abrite une vingtaine d'organisations internationales sur son sol. Les missions permanentes de plus de 160 Etats représentent leur gouvernement auprès des organisations et conférences internationales. Genève partage avec New York le statut de «premier centre de rencontres et de conférences au monde». Chaque année, elle accueille plus de 170'000 personnes participant à 4500 réunions internationales. Plus de 2500 réunions sont convoquées par des ONG.

Parallèlement à cette ouverture économique, les organisations qui régulent le commerce international choisissent aussi Genève pour s’installer.

Genève, c’est aussi un pôle culturel :

L’offre culturelle à Genève est débordante : opéra, théâtres, galeries, spectacles, concerts, stages et 36 musées, la plupart gratuits. En été la Ville organise plus de 200 concerts, un grand nombre dans des parcs où les gens prennent place sur les quelques chaises comme sur la pelouse ou sur les généreuses branches des arbres séculaires.

Genève, c’est également une mine de créativité avec notamment:

·       La plus vieille manufacture horlogère du monde avec Vacheron Constantin ;

·       Rodolphe Töpffer, considéré comme l’inventeur de la bande dessinée: en 1827, il recourt au dessin qu’il agrémente d’une légende pour raconter les péripéties de Monsieur Vieux-Bois

·       Le CERN situé aux abords de la Ville, centre européen de recherche nucléaire qui a abrité dans les années ’80 Tim Berner-Lee, jeune chercheur à l’origine de l’invention du web et de l’hypertexte.

Don’t wait ! If you want to visit Switzerland, book your trip on www.medestino.com

The Akropolis Rally in Greece

In a little more than a week from now,  on 16 – 19 June, the Akropolis rally in Greece will be starting in Athens.  Drivers will race through Athens, Loutraki and Kamena Vourla. After the great success of the rally of 2009, and the absence of the rally in 2010, one of the most iconic events of the sport is expected to draw a lot of attention. Greece’s dusty & rocky roads, as well as the hot temperature, combined with a bumpy road should provide it’s visitors a rare and exciting day. For a full program we’d like to send you to the official event program. We would also like to point out the safety regulations for the rally.

If you are looking for accommodation during your stay near the rally please take a look on our website Medestino for hotels  in Greece, but also for other destinations across Europe & the world. We hope you have a lot of fun at the rally and to see you on our website.

Travel in Style

As the weather warms, you begin to feel that familiar yearning to pack a bag and take off for a weekend. There is something so glamorous about immersing yourself in a foreign environment, dressed in your favorite pieces and showing a very chic bag around. Most people, especially women love to travel, however not everyone knows what to pack and dress for a few days of sun and sea. Where ever your destination lies be always prepared with some good tips.

In many countries the first impressions mean a great deal and looking good has a lot to do with that. Taking leads from the local style does more than make you more comfortable, it also protects you. You want to dress as close to as the locals do if only as to not be targeted as a tourist with a nice camera and wallet full of money and credit cards.

A big no-no is travelers that tend to take their athletic shoes everywhere they go. True, they are comfortable but you can also easily wear flats that are as comfortable and will get you in more places. As a whole, Europeans dress in an extremely high-end and tailored fashion way. In a warm climate always bring clothes with wicking capabilities (fabric that pulls moisture away from skin) that is also fast drying. You might also want to bring a mix of clothing from dressier pieces to more casual. Don't be afraid to mix these together as it epitomizes the casual chic look. Be sure to pick comfortable stretchy fabrics when packing.

Packing light is key and mixing and matching your outfits is the biggest tip to looking great while traveling.

The main thing to remember when dressing fabulous while traveling is to be comfortable and confident with what you are wearing.

Wherever your destination you can always find the best fashionable destinations on Medestino.com

Aachen

Aachen

From Brussels, the high-speed Thalys provides a rapid route into Germany, but most train travellers head straight through to Cologne without considering stopping off in Aachen on the way. They don't know what they're missing. Like a lot of Rhineland cities it's been knocked about a bit, but its historic core makes it a fascinating place to spend a few days.

Aachen is in Germany, but only just. From the suburbs it's a short walk into Belgium or the Netherlands. Lots of locals criss-cross these borders every day, and this border-hopping lifestyle gives Aachen a cosmopolitan flavour - which is fitting since it used to be the capital of most of Europe. The Romans founded Aachen as a spa town, on account of its hot sulphur springs, and 800 years later King Charlemagne came here looking for a cure for his rheumatism, and made Aachen the capital of a kingdom that stretched from Hamburg to Barcelona.

A city bombed to bits 65 years ago will never be uniformly beautiful, and a lot of Aachen's rebuilt city centre is uninspiring, to say the least. Yet in its reconstructed side streets, you can still sense its remarkable history.

  

WHERE TO EAT

Ratskeller Aachen (00 49 2413 5001; www.ratskeller-aachen.de): modern food in a traditional setting is the house style of this sleek restaurant in the ancient cellar of Aachen's city hall. Dutch chef Maurice de Boer has created a light international menu that reflects his cosmopolitan background and the proximity of the border.

Van den Daele (00 49 2413 5724; www.van-den-daele.de): in the heart of the restored old town, this cosy café is especially popular for Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake), the German equivalent of high tea. The business was founded in the 19th century but the building dates back to the 1600s. Be sure to try some Printen, the delicious local gingerbread.

WHERE TO DRINK

Side by side on the Markt, Aachen's medieval marketplace, the Goldener Schwan (00 49 2413 1649; www.schwan-ac.de) and Zum Goldenen Einhorn (00 49 2413 2693; www.zum-goldenen-einhorn.de) are two historic inns where you can enjoy a stand-up drink or a wholesome sit-down meal. The local brew is Kölsch, a light aromatic lager served in a dainty 200ml glass.

WHAT TO SEE

 Apart from the cathedral, Aachen's main attraction is its imposing Rathaus, built in 1350 on the site of Charlemagne's palace. It's more stately home than town hall, an impressive sight inside and out. The stairwell is lined with portraits of the winners of the Charlemagne Prize for European Unity, including Winston Churchill, Edward Heath and Tony Blair.

Book your trip to Aachen at www.medestino.com

Paralympics 2012

 Paralympics 2012

While the final preparations for the Paralympics of 2012 are being made, and some athletes are already exploring the new stadiums, it is important for you to start preparing as well for the 2012 games. It would be smart to book your hotel and your tickets in advance as there are millions of expected visitors.

Tickets for the Paralympics will be on sale soon, since 9 September, but you may prebook them here in order to be sure you are one of the first to receive your tickets. You will be notified from the 24^th of June. There are a number of events that do not require a ticket, including Athletics – Marathon, Athletics – Race Walk, Cycling – Road (Road Race), Cycling – Road (Time Trial) and the Cycling element of Triathlon. Some viewing areas will be ticketed and these are indicated in the full competition schedule.

When traveling in and around London during the games you need not to be worried. The English government has invested billions of pounds to improve their public transportation especially for this venue and hopes that everyone will use public transport to get to and from the Olympic and Paralympic venues. They are even offering you special Game Traveltickets which provides you with tickets to get to and from games easily and cheaply.

We also recommend you to not wait a lot longer with booking a hotel as last minute bookings at important venues like these will only be more expensive and extremely hard to get. We’d also like to recommend our own online booking website, Medestino which may help you find cheap accommodation in London during the games as well as other parts of the world.

www.medestino.com

The Slovenian Monte Carlo

The Slovenian Monte Carlo

A mix of hot weather, dream beaches and casinos make Portorož an attractive destination during all the year. For Portorož the word “touristic season” does not exist, the town and its surroundings are lively and full of tourists all year long.

Portorož is the brightest point on the coast of the Slovenian Bay of Piran. The city is located in the most popular part of the Slovenian coast, not so far from the historical city of Piran, which should be considered as a contrast to Portorož vivacity.

It seems unbelievable that the city which was in the past a religious site, is today a gambling place, attracting hundreds of thousands tourist every year. In the 12^th century there were four monasteries and a dozen of churches, the Benedictines moved into the area at that time and started to produce medicines from the salt mud as well as taking the benefit from the healthy air. One of the oldest churches was “Sancta Maria Roxe” which gave the name to the bay »Portus sanctae Mariae de Rosa« and later to the place.

The development of the city as a touristic destination started later in the 1879 when a Piranian doctor discovered the power of salt mud for curing rheumatism. From 1880 the tourists started coming from all across the Austro-Hungarian Empire. And the bankers and businessman from the region started to build villas and resorts. In the 1890's the idea to build a larger hotel, the ancestor of today’s Hotel Palace, arose. Portorož got her current image in the 60s and 70s, but is still growing and developing, for example with the latest diamond among the hotels, Hotel Kempinski.

Portorož is a strategic city with its own Marine and even with its own airport. It is also well connected with the rest of the Slovenia. And when you have explored about everything Portorož has to offer you can just lift the anchor and sale to towards Venice (98km) or Pula (92km).

Book your Trip to Slovenia at www.medestino.com