The Beauty of Italy 2 – Venice - the most romantic city in Italy

Venice, Italy

image source:Arcangelo Giovanni Corelli, Pinterest

History

 The name of Venice derives from the Veneto tribe that inhabited the region during the Roman Empire. Its spectacular lagoon reaches the Adriatic sea. An independent city in the Middle Ages, Venice was a centre of commerce and the arts. Silk, grain and species are among the many commodities traded here. Because of all that Venice was one of the most richest cities. Providing military help against the attacks of Normans and Turcs, the merchants from Venice were allowed to trade in some parts of the Eastern Roman Empire.

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Venice, Italy, Piazza San Marco

image source: Lesley Stangl, Pinterest

Venice experienced zenith and became one of the leading forces at the time after the Fourth Crusade in 1204. At that time many valuable articles found their place in Venice. For example – the guilded bronze horses from the Hippodrome. They were placed at the entrance of the San Marco cathedral. After they were replaced by their copies, while the originals were placed in the cathedral itself. By the end of 13^thcentury Venice became the most prosperous European city.

Venice, Italy

image: Anna Haines, Pinterest

Later, Venice was helping Thessaloniki with ships in order to protect the city against the invasion of the Turcs. But after the conquest Venice was declared war by Mehmed II. It lasted 30 years, during that time the city lost control over most of its possessions in the Mediterranean. That was only the beginning of Venice’s decline. After, with the finding of the New World by Christopher Columbus, Portuguese sailors discovered the route to India by sea. The Venetians were no longer able to compete, to carry out long distance trips and to cross oceans, so they left behind in competition to conquer new colonies.

Venice, Italy

image: Elizabeth Britton, Pinterest

After a period of Austrian rule / Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Venice at the end of 18^th century/, followed with the Third Italian War of Independence, Venice finally became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Nowadays Venice is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Italy. It is famous for the arts and culture, known as a home of Antonio Vivaldi. The very popular and interesting Venetian Carnival is being held every year here. Venice is also known for its glass because of the technique of its processing. 

Venice, Italy

Carnival Time - It's the time of The Rio Carnival in Brazil

Hello everybody, it's such time of the year when in Brazil is getting hotter and hotter. Many Samba dance schools are seriously rehearsing for the show that is approaching. Yes, the Rio Carnival begins on Saturday, February 9 and ends on Tuesday, February 12.I just can't wait to see all the glamorous events. 

Rio Carnival, Brazil, the winner, 2012

source:http://trailsurfers.wordpress.com


 I will remind you who was the winner in 2012 Rio Carnival. The Unidos da Tijuca dance samba school were placed on the first place. Their sporting colours were blue and yellow. Those who finished second were the dancers from the Salgueiro school. 

Rio Carnival, Brazil, 2012

source:Carnivale and Carnival by Cathy Gonzales

The Rio Carnival of Brazil in photos

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, dancers, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, dancers, Brazil

source: http://www.whitegadget.com

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

source: http://apolyton.net

More photos of Rio Carnival you can see here.

Detailed information for Rio Carnival you can see here.

For information about other Carnivals you can see here.

Feel the incredible atmosphere of Rio Carnival, Brazil

One of the most spectacular events of the year is about to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil very soon.  In February you can be participating in this amazing Rio Carnival. If you have the oppportunity to travel and get there - prepare!!! This is for people with strong hearts. And the great is you can even be one of the real dancers if you like.

Rio Carnival, dancers, Brazil

Rio Carnival, dancers, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, dancers, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, dancers, Brazil

Rio Carnival, dancers, Brazil

Rio Carnival, dancers, Brazil

source: http://travelersfans.com

For more information and photos you can check here.

For information about other Canivals you can see here.

Val D’Isère, France

Val D’Isère, France

Val D’Isère, France

If you’re planning to spend your holiday somewhere you can practice skiing or snowboarding and still wonder where to do so, I propose the amazing resort of Val D’Isere in France. It is one of the most picturesque, prestigious and expensive ski resorts in Europe. It is situated in such a wonderful region - south-eastern France. Along with nearby Tignes the area forms part ofthe"l’Espace Killy", the self-titled "Most Beautiful Ski Area in the World". In the winter it is a real dream for everybody who loves winter sports. Val D’Isere and Tignes possess ski pistes longer more than 300km.

Val D’Isère, France

The resort is best known to this day for its connection to Jean-Claude Killy the 1968 Olympic Gold Medallist who grew up there and strongly represents French skiing. This resort has become famous as a place for expert skiers and some of the best runs in the Alps. You can enjoy the old village hospitality at the core of the town known as Val Village whilst relaxing in the newly built accommodation and utilising the hundreds of ski lifts. There you can find everything you could wish for on a skiing holiday, you won't regret if you choose to visit the place.

Luxury Chalet White Pearl, Val D'Isère, France

image source: http://glamorousluxurypassion.wordpress.com

Val D’Isère at night, France

You can see more places where you can enjoy skiing and others here.

The Most spectacular Carnival - The Carnival of Rio, Brazil

For all the travelers who like dances, music, entertainment and crowds of people having fun - you can be part of such event. We're talking about the Rio Carnival. This fest is held every year in february, before Lent. The Carnival of Rio is considered to be the biggest, the most famous, the most colourful in world. Every year here, in Brazil come lots of people in order to take part in this spectacular event, and luckily for them, the locals are more then willing to share the experience with tourists.

Rio Carnival dancers, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio Carnival dancers, Brazil

source:theatlantic.com

You absolutely don't have to miss the Samba Parade. It takes the central place in the Rio Canival. It's actually very seriously taken, despite looking just fun and dances. People from many dancing schools rehearse whole year so as to participate. It's a serious challenge between rival dancers. They strictly prepaре their floats, music and costumes, after having chosen a theme they will present. And the best - you can choose and join some team. They always loook for an extra dancers. Don't worry. Nothind special be be expected from you. You will just jump around their talanted dancers. Costumes can be borrowed. So.....join in.

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

 source:the-travels.com

Rio Carnival,  Brazil

Street festivals are very common. There everybody is allowed to join. The Copacabana Palace and beach is where Balls are conducted, and the Samba Parade is held in the Sambadrome.

You have to know that if you decide to experience Rio Carnival you should book a flight and hotel as soon as possible.

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival dancers, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

Rio Carnival, float, Brazil

source:crewadvantagenetwork.com

For more information for dates and events during the Carnival of Rio see here.

Sunset Tower Hotel, LA

I want to present you one really fancy hotel in Los Angeles, it's called Sunset Tower Hotel. It's situated in West Hollywood. If you wonder which hotel to choose when visiting LA, don't. This is the place Jennifer Aniston chose to live with her boyfriend Justin Teroux after selling her mansion in Beverly Hills.

Sunset Tower Hotel, LA