Vieux Nice (Old Nice), France: Part 1 - Adjacent Areas and Cours Saleya

The original idea behind this photo gallery had much larger scope. I wanted to create a comprehensive photo guide to Vieux Nice (a.k.a Vieille Ville or Old Town Nice). However, the lack of time and proper organization of my effort resulted in something more modest. Still, I believe with the material I have it is possible to convey the atmosphere and environment of the Vieux Nice - area where the city of Nice (Nicaea) was probably founded around 350 BC by Greeks. See also Vieux Nice (Old Nice), France: Part 2 - The Heart of Old Town 02/16/2010 by Bysilot

Vinturi - Red Wine Aerator

It is a fact of life that wine requires breathing (oxygenating) to improve its taste. Actually, this may be an understatement since some wines simply do not taste good when just opened and are very unpleasant to drink. Most red wines, especially full body ones with higher content of tannins, become more enjoyable and less hash with tannins softened. Oxygenating can be done by using decanters, or directly in your glass. The problem, or rather inconvenience, is that it may take from 15 to 30 and sometimes even 45 minutes (and even more) before the wine takes enough oxygen. To accelerate the process you can use wine aerators - one of them is Vinturi Red Wine Aerator. 02/14/2010 by Val

A Stroll around Buckingham Palace and Its Garden, London

No doubt, Buckingham Palace is one of the most interesting things in London to explore. State rooms, Royal Mews, The Queen's Gallery are usual tourist destinations. However, just walking around Buckingham Palace and Its Garden can be as interesting as visiting places mentioned above. Walking tours give a chance to get familiar with real life and its pulse with streets, people, buildings, parks, traffic, restaurants and bars, shops and their windows... You walk at your own pace observing and watching things that you will miss in museums and formal exhibitions. So, why not to spend several hours and explore what's outside Buckingham Palace - it's free, and you are not constrained by Buckingham Palace's rules and schedule. 02/11/2010 by Myrka

The Old Bank of England - Pub in London

The Old Bank of England, although it looks from inside like a traditional London pub, in reality is almost a newcomer - it was opened in 1995. However, this traditional feel and look is not accidental. It is located in a building where The Bank of England had been trading for 87 years, until 1975. When the bank branch closed its doors, after a series of deal, almost 20 years later, the lease was acquired in 1994 by London brewers, Fuller, Smith and Turner Plc. which had big plans for the prime location of the building. What used to be the Law Courts' branch of The Bank of England is now The Old Bank of England pub. 02/10/2010 by Serge

London Pubs for Dummies, Part 1: A Biased Opinion

When I travelled to London for the first time, I was so enthusiastic about having an opportunity to visit this mecca of brewing industry with it hundreds and hundreds of pubs. Well, as often the case, especially when expectations are too high, the reality makes you put everything into perspective.
London Pubs for Dummies, Part 1: A Biased Opinion
London Pubs for Dummies, Part 2: Vocabulary and Tips
London Pubs for Dummies, Part 3: Pubs Mentioned in Article 01/24/2010 by Serge

Hôtel de Crillon Paris, France

If you want to find a place to stay in Paris during your vacations and stay there in style, Hotel de Crillon is a perfect place to do it. Located in the very heart of Paris and overlooking Place de la Concorde with Avenue des Champs-Elysees, Rue Saint-Honore and Louvre in a minute walk distance, this hotel is an answer to all tourists dreams. 01/19/2010 by Val

Tai Kai Lok Restaurant in London Chinatown

This brief posting is more a tip than a review. If you are in London, most likely you are going to visit its Chinatown. Do yourself a favor and visit Tai Ka Lok, a tiny Chinese restaurant specializing in Cantonese roast duck, roast and crispy lean pork, suckling pigs, soy chicken and some other yummy stuff. It will not score high points for cleanliness and decor. But food is fabulous. I can guarantee that once you have tried them, you will never forget the deliciousness of mouth watering dishes you find here. 01/16/2010 by Myrka

Parc du Château, Nice, France - History and Surroundings (Part I)

La colline du Chateau (Castle Hill), considered to be the birthplace of the town of Nice, is an old fortified site that was occupied by Celtic Ligurians. During Middle Ages, the whole area became a formidable stronghold, Château de Nice, with mighty walls surrounding the lower part of the town (known now as Vieux Nice or Old Nice). The castle was dismantled in 1706 when, during the war of Spanish Succession, the area was occupied by France. It was converted into a park at the end of 19th century. Visit this photo gallery with brief historic notes, tips and area information. Part I of the photo gallery focuses on history and surroundings; Part II is dedicated to the park itself and Château de Nice. 01/03/2010 by Bysilot

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