BerlinWide range of possibilities

Travelling with kids

Theme parks

the paradise everyone’s talking about

Asturias

DesTinaTionsibizaasturiasCoasts of spainpyramids of güimar

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reative advertising people are doing justice to their profession lately, especially those dedicated to tourism and travel. In one of the TV commercials broadcast recently, the company being advertised is portrayed as a

pioneer project, looking for volunteers to implant memories. The allusion to a movie is obvious in the approach. Another spot focuses on the moment the parents tell their children that they are going to go on a trip. At that precise moment the adventure begins.

The values communicated in both cases are obvious, and invite reflection. It is true that when we travel we enjoy the moment intensely, but the sensation is limited to the duration of our holidays. On the other hand, the experiences are not lost, rather they are saved in our memories and will continue to give us satisfaction when we evoke them.

The other example also shifts the time of enjoyment. In this case, it focuses on the period prior to leaving. We still haven’t begun our trip, but we are already producing endorphins that make us feel good. Anticipa-tion is also a part of the holiday.

Ultimately, the goal is to make our enjoy-ment of the trip last longer, by extending it at both ends. The ideas are brilliant, and for this reason we thought we should mention these messages in this editorial. The experi-ence isn’t limited to the moment the action happens. When we travel, we accumulate memories that last forever. In addition, simply knowing what is about to happen gives us pleasure. How long do our holidays last then?

CHOW lOng

THe VAcATIOn reAlly lAsTs

editorialPublished by Distribuidora Mediterránea, Paseo de reding, 43 1º IzqTel +34 952 12 19 50Fax + 34 952 21 43 88

FeATUresManaging editor : carlos VerdierWriters: cristina Toledo, sandra Zúñiga, laura ruedalayout: María José gavilán

Advertising sales:ePH BarcelonaAngel somoza – Director Tel / Fax 93 311 21 84Movil 628 343 581somoza@hispapublic.com

Málagacsr Francisco Bueno – Director of salesfrancisco@csr71.comTel +34 902 36 57 01Fax +34 952 21 43 88

content syndication: rights syndication s.l.info@magazinerights.com

PrInTeD In sPAInl.D. MA-1234-2008

Travelling with Kids Magazine (TWK) is wholly protected by copyright. Partial or whole reproduction of the material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form, without permission.While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or inaccuracies. Opening hours, prices, room rates and restaurant menus may change without notice. It’s recommended to check with the tourist information office or the venue in advance. editorial material and opinions expressed in Travelling with Kids Magazine (TWK) do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or the publisher. The publisher can-not be held responsible for the advertising content.

VCH

Feature TWK TURIN

Suitable for everyone

TurinLocated at the foot of the Alps and on the bank of the River Po, Turin is a true pleasure for the whole family, whatever the season.

ISABEL KATTO

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PHOTO: VERÓNICA ROSSI

Asturieneveryone says so

turinitalian character

swiss AlpesVisual appeal

ibizAthe best activities

Vilniusthe baroque capital of the east

estoniAMix of cultures

turkeyexoticism in europe

theMe pArks

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REICHSTAG. Seat of the German Parliament, built between 1884 and 1888, this is one of the symbols of Germany. Wonderful views of the city can be enjoyed from its impressive dome, designed by Norman Foster.

berlinin the heart of the continent

pyrAMiden Von GüiMArthe most mysterious park

Betweenthe coastand the sea

The best beaches ofSpain and PortugalPortugal’s long Atlantic coast gently blends with the warm and tranquil waters of the Spanish coast, forming a beautiful blue landscape that invites both relaxation and leisure. Don’t hesitate, get your bathing suit and the kid’s floats, and into the water!SANDRA ZÚÑIGA

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landscapes TWK The besT beaches

The PorTuguese CoasTThe AlgArveGolden sand and crystal-clear water are the main features of the Algarve beaches. The coastline has over 150 kilometres, and is especially known for its diversity. Relax in the cool breeze of Cape St. Vincent or head over to Lagos to savour exquisite fish. Swim with the kids, sail or just have a quiet dip. The beaches have lifeguards and flags that tell you how safe it is to swim and the water quality. The Algarve also has other attractions for kids such as the zoo or amusement parks.

liSbon The coast of Lisbon is one of Portugal’s main tourism centres. It has a gentle climate, many hours of sun and countless beautiful landscapes. Costa Caparica is one of the places most visited by locals and tourists alike; the best way to travel around Lisbon and to beach areas such as Cascais, is to take the train. At Cascais, as well as the beach you can also take a bicycle ride on the endless

bicycle lane that goes all along the playa Guincho coastline. The Maçãs Beach is a great leisure centre for bathing and sun-bathing, and an excellent place from which to admire the view between the mountains and the Atlantic. One of Portugal’s most beautiful places that should not be missed is the famous Cape Roca, the most western point of continental Europe and Lisbon’s most famous tourist attraction.

AlenTejo Discover the beaches of Porto Covo or Almograve, a quiet and isolated area where you can get away from it all. Another para-disiacal corner is the Zambujeira beach, a long stretch of clear water and golden sand, where all sorts of amenities are pro- vided. You can also practise sports like surf, thanks to the waves in some areas, or even scuba diving in the waters of Comporta or Santo André. There is kayaking at the Melides Lagoons or you can alternate bathing with excursions on horseback or on foot, admiring the coast.

Surrounded by cliffs, the Zambujeira beach is one of the loveliest corners of Alentejo.

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landscapes TWK The besT beaches

One of Portugal’s most beautiful places that should not be missed is the famous Cape Roca, the most western point of continental Europe

and Lisbon’s most famous tourist attraction

Beaches on the Algarve are quite diverse, shallow, deep, calm, deserted or packed, there is something for everyone.

Tourismin PorTugal

Tourismin SPain

You can find information on the coasts of Portugal on the official Portuguese Tourism website www.visitportugal.com. Plan your trip and find out all that you need to know on the best destinations and what to visit.

if you want to know more about the Spanish coasts, you can check out the official Spanish Tourism website www.spain.info/Tourspain, where you will find all the information you need on the beaches and coasts of all of Spain, from north to south and from east to west. You will also find information on all of the Spanish communities, as well as recommendations and places that you should not miss if you travel to Spain.

The sPanish CoasTs in SouThern SPAinThe southern coast stands out thanks to its richness, diversity and the many blue flags that are a guarantee that the beaches fulfil the requirements of quality, safety, health and wellbeing for bathers. The Costa de la Luz is a great example, it goes from Tarifa to Ayamonte and if you are looking for exotic landscapes, this is your best option. The dunes are the main attraction on the Huelva coast. At El Rompido, a small fishing village, there is a sandbank running parallel to the coast for 10 kilometres. Cadiz, on the other hand, attracts younger tourists, thanks to the waves rustled up by the Gibraltar Strait winds. As for the Costa del Sol, its excellent climate and lack of wind affords many enjoyable beach days. The western area is more cosmopolitan, with towns such as Torremolinos, Marbella, Fuengirola or Estepona, where-as the eastern area attracts more rural tourism, ideal for family

and traditional holidays, with top quality amenities, such as Ner-ja, Torre del Mar and Torrox. Regarding gastronomy, delicious fried fish is the typical fare at the beach restaurants. Between the Costa del Sol and the Coast of Almeria you will find the Costa Tropical, in Granada, an amazing stretch of beaches, coves and crystal clear water that is perfect for swimming with the kids.

CoSTA brAvA AnD CoSTA DAurADA The Costa Brava borders onto the Mediterranean and the Pyre-nees, and it belongs to the province of Girona. Its climate, nature, history and the blue waters on its beaches attract thousands of visitors every year. Get ready to delight in lovely beaches with golden sand, surrounded by unique land-scapes and offering all sorts of amenities for the whole family. Its modern tourism infrastructure makes the Costa Brava one of Spain’s main tourist destinations.

One of the largest beaches in Cadiz is Tarifa, sandy beaches and transparent water, thanks to the meeting of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

The Bil Bil and the Arroyo de la Miel beaches, on the Costa

del Sol, are visited by thousands of tourists in summer.

Cambrils, in the middle of the Costa Daurada, next to Tarrago-na, is another ideal destination for the family. Its gentle orogra-phy makes it recommendable for the little ones, as it is easy to keep an eye on them while they run up and down without any danger. The water at L’Horta Santa María Beach is calm, pro-tected by breakwaters out at sea. Another good option is the Regueral beach, only a few metres from the city centre. This is an important surf area that also has a nautical centre and sports zone with kids’ play areas. L’Ardiaca, la Llosa, La Riera, el Esqui-rol, Vilafortuny and Cap de Sant Pere are all beaches along the gentle line that separates Cambrils from the sea. They are all equipped with boardwalks, showers, lifeguard, signs advising

of the swimming conditions, access for disabled persons and buses to get there.

The gAliCiAn CoAST The Galician coast is over 1,600 km. long, and contains many cliffs and beaches. One of the main attractions of the Galician coast are the Rias Bajas, which occupy the western coast of the La Coruña province and the whole coast of Pontevedra, from Cape Finisterre to the Portuguese border. Of course, we can not forget the Cíes Islands, in the heart of the Rias Baixas, forming a natural barrier between the Vigo Ria and the sea. A paradise to be discovered with the family.

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Nautical cenTreS

Gibraltar,To The SouThof euroPe

if the sea fascinates you, the Spanish nautical centres offer fun activity programmes for any time of the year. You can practise any type of water sports, regardless of your expertise. Kayak, jet-skis, surf, parasailing or kitesurf are some of the activities offered. relaxation is also very important, therefore fifteen of the twenty-one nautical centres offer spa amenities. Most of the centres also have activities on land, such as golf, trails on horseback or 4x4 and hiking. You will have a great time with the kids.

Further Information:www.estacionesnauticas.info

gibraltar’s tourist attractions are concentrated on scarcely 6 square kilometres. it is surprising to find british exactness in Southern europe, and this contrast is a magnet for visitors. no one should leave gibraltar without having had the experience of riding on the cable car, visiting the top of the rock and seeing the monkeys, the star attraction, because gibraltar is the only place in the world where these animals live wild. The San Miguel cave, the Alameda botanical garden and dolphin watching are other activities that should not be missed. remember that the currency is the gibraltar Pound.

Ria de Arousa Bateas

The Matalascañas beach, on the Costa de la Luz in Huelva,

is 4 kilometres long and is ideal for a family holiday.

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Ibiza/Elvissa is the island of light, freedom and magic and is a little world of its own that offers many kinds of contrasts and possibilities to enjoy a memorable trip. The island surprises visitors with its very rich culture, history and nature, which gained it international recognition and in 1999 it was nominated as a world heritage site by UNESCO.

A trip organized for you

reportaje TWK IBIZA

he climate of Ibiza allows us to enjoy the island at any time of the year. We even suggest travel-ling to Ibiza any weekend during the low season. This way you can experience the true feeling of

Ibiza. The peace and tranquillity of interior and rural Ibiza, beaches with clear and crystalline water, lovely landscapes and many hundred-year old traditions like the folklore, gastronomy…

TravEl IS alwayS aN advENTUrE ThaT lEavES US wITh INdElIblE mEmOrIES For kids the holidays are an inexhaustible source of emo-tions and knowledge. Their drive to discover is innate, like their judicious mix of fantasy and reality.

In Ibiza/Eivissa you can have a lot of fun in a nice environ-ment for the young and the young at heart. You can follow walking routes through Dalt Vila, dramatised visits to the old town and of the necropolis, the city of the dead, and you can learn about what life was like during the time of the Phoenicians. You can also take part in many activities, tours and workshops, designed for families, visit the interac-tive spaces where you can learn how the city walls were built, play theatre games and take advantage of the many water sports available (diving, kayak, windsurf, sailing…) to enjoy the beautiful beaches, relax with a good book, listen to music, sports… All these activities will make your stay unforgettable.

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IBIZA

ThE UNESCO dEClaraTION INClUdES CUlTUral aSSETS aS wEll aS NaTUral rESOUrCESThe walled town of Dalt Vila, the Phoenician and Punic Necropolis of Puig des Molins (the most important in the Mediterranean), the Phoenician village of Sa Caleta (8th century BC.) and the meadows of Posidonia oceanica (seaweed) in the nature reserve of Ses Salines are only a few of them.

ThE ClaSSIC rOUTEWe recommend starting with a walk through the walled district of Dalt Vila (16th Century) that can be reached after passing through the main gate, El Portal de les Taules, with its drawbridge and coat of arms of Felipe II, reminding us of the year of its construction, 1585.First, the visitor will come to the Patio de Armas (parade ground), a singular place with ten semicircular arches where for many years the first hippy market of the island was held.

The cultural side of Ibiza

BAluArte de SAntA lucíA

Other plAceS Of IntereSt

IgleSIA de SAntA dOmIngO

cApIllA de SAnt cIrIAc

muSeO puget

cASA de lA curIA

cAthedrAl

muSeO ArqueOlógIcO

AyuntAmIentO de IBIZA

mOnument Of guIllem de mOntgrI

This is one of the biggest bulwarks. From the esplanade, there is a view of the coastal area and the port of Ibiza.

This baroque church was the headquarters of the Dominican monks. Built during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The chapel of Sant Ciriac commemorates an important event: According to legend, here is the exact point where the troops of King Jaime I penetrated the enclosure and captured the town in 1235.

The Puget Museum is located in the Can Comasema, the house of a noble family of Dalt Vila. The oldest part of the house dates from the 15th century.

The House of the Curia is a building from the 13th century located on the main street. In the past it was the headquarters of the court and notaries. Today it’s occupied by the Centro de Interpretación (Interpretation Centre) Madina Yabisa. The centre uses audiovisual technologies to show the history of the city, especia-lly from the days when the city was ruled by the Muslims.

This gothic cathedral from the 14th century was renovated in the 18th century and adopted a baroque style. The exterior is severe and sober, with strong but-tresses.

The Archaeological Museum was the headquarters of the university, a political institution of the government of Eivissa, from the 13th to the 16th century. The museum also maintains very interesting Prehistoric, Punic, Roman and Islamic collections.

The town hall of Ibiza occupies part of the old Santo Domingo convent. The ple-nary hall, the cloisters and the painting collection are of special mention. At the Plaza de España you have to take a break to gaze at the sea, the numerous small islands and the Botafoc lighthouse.

In 1235 King Jaime I occupied Ibiza with an expedition organized by Guillem de Montegri.

The walled parts of the town are of cultural interest and give a good idea about the cultural heritage of Ibiza.

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reportaje TWK IBIZA

Transportation by plane is the most popular because Ibiza has scheduled flights to the most important cities in Spain, as well as to Mallorca. The airlines flying to Ibiza are Iberia, Air Europe, Spanair, Vueling and Ryanair.If you choose to travel by ferry you can take a ferry to Ibiza in Barcelona, Valencia and Denia. In summer the ferries depart daily. The shipping lines connecting Spain with the island are Trasmediterranea, Balearia Eurolines Maritimes and Iscomar Ferrys. The Island is also connected by ferry with Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca.

How do you get there?

discovering the seabed is one of the most exciting activities.

ParadISIaCal bEaChESIn Ibiza you will find paradisiacal and desert-like beaches and bays where you can have a lot of fun with your family in a relaxed and pleasant environment. Crystal clear water, fine and golden sand and a quiet sea is the standard pat-tern of Ibiza’s coast.

bEaCh Of TalamaNCaTalamanca beach, located in the bay of the same name, is protected from wind and the water is shallow. For this reason the beach is perfect for the kids. The beach is made of fine and natural sand and is close to the centre of the city, which makes it easy to reach the beach by public bus or bicycle. You can also enjoy sports like sailing or take a ride on the Talamanca boat to enjoy beautiful views over the sea and Dalt Vila.

bEaCh Of SES fIgUErETESMany people consider this beach to be the beach par ex-cellence of the city because it’s located in the part of town that is the closest to the centre and is easy to reach by public bus, by foot or by bicycle. It’s perfect for sunbathing and safe swimming because the wind isn’t strong and waves are almost nonexistent. In this part of Ibiza the seabed is shallow and sandy in some places and rocky in others. Near to the coast runs the Passeig de Ses Pitiüses a pedestrian street with many hotels and shops that attracts thousands of tourists.

bEaCh d’EN bOSSaAbout 700 metres of this 2.700 metres long beach belong to Ibiza. This beach is a continuation of the Ses Figueretes beach and it, too, is perfect for sunbathing and safe swim-ming. With easy access and a wide range of services offered, the beach is perfect for people looking for sports activities and there are tourist accommodations to suit all tastes. The water remains shallow, with a sandy seabed and a depth of about one metre, 50 metres from the shore. .Your children can build sandcastles at the water’s edge, while you relax with the sound of the waves. This will be an unforgettable image of the perfect summer.

“...In Ibiza you will find paradisiacal and desert-like beaches and bays where you can have a lot of fun with your family ....”

The natural ibiza

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

fOr mOrE INfOrmaTION nWeb: www.ibiza.esE-mail:informacioturistica@eivissa.esPhone: +34 971 399.232

rOUTE Of bUlwarkSThis route offers a complete view of the part of town surrounded by a city wall. altogether there are 7 bulwarks and two of them, the bulwarks of Sant Pere and of Sant Jaume, are used as museums. This route also offers visits of interac-tive spaces where you learn how the city walls of Ibiza were built and what kind of weapons were used during the renaissance.

dramaTISEd vISITS Of ThE NE-CrOPOlIS Of PUIg dES mOlINSguided tours to learn how the people lived in the Phoenician period. Throughout the year; last weekend of the month; mono-graphic museum of Puig des mo-lins; via romana 31, Ibiza. Phone: 971301771, 971311771; mail: maef@telefonica.net; website: www.amaef.org

dramaTISEd vISITS IN dalT vIlawith the help of the explana-tions given by the guides and the dramatisation we go back in time to better understand what kind of society lived in earlier times in the town and what kind of dangers existed for the town. altogether we learn how the life was in this place of the mediterranean in the 16th century. Throughout the year; reservations are neces-sary. reservation and prices: 971399232; infomacioturistica@eivissa.es; www.eivissa.es.

a famIly-frIENdly mUSEUm This museum offers a range of family-centred activities, guided tours and workshops. Themed workshops are available for fami-lies consisting of at least one adult and one or more children ages 5

to 12 years. They take place in the Can Porxet farmhouse, a per-fect setting in the Necrópolis de Puig des molins. Every workshop involves different activities and explores multiple techniques so that each day is new and exciting.museo monográfico de Puig des molins, via romana 31, Ibiza, Phone: 971311771, mail: maef@telefonica.net, web: www.amaef.org.

mEdIEval EIvISSaThe old town of the city gets transforms into a medieval mar-ket at the second weekend of may. The streets of dalt vila are adorned with fabrics and flags and street vendors, aristocrats, fakirs, snake charmers and jugglers fill the streets with life that evokes medieval Eivissa.

SaTUrdayS aT ThE Old markETfree activities for kids. The scheduled activities for kids are workshops with puppets, mobiles, painting, design and toys, always under the supervision of reci-clown. for musical entertainment there is a varied repertoire, includ-ing presentations of jazz, gospel, rock… during march, april and may.

Activities at the beachesbEaChES Of ThE 21ST CENTUryDies bedeutet Gratisaktivitäten an den Stränden der This means free activities at the beaches of the municipality of Eivissa. In April, May, October and November, Talamanca and Ses Figueretes beaches offer activities to enjoy the beach and the sea in a natural environment of incompa-rable beauty. The activities we suggest and that take place at weekends are: kayak for beginners, excursion with jet-ski, yoga and chi-kung classes, clowns, etc.

vISIT TO ThE POSIdONIa fIEldSPosidonia is not an algae, it’s a plant, an endemic flowering plant that grows on the sea floor, forming dense meadows. On Ibiza its state of conservation is very good and for this reason we recommend getting to know and enjoy the oceanic posidonia during sports, cultural and leisure activi-ties. Canoe excursions or snorkelling with an underwater camera - if you want to – are only two of many possibilities. Kids can participate in workshops and interactive games at the seaside. An annual exhibition and contest featuring projects from the workshops and photos of the aquatic and terrestrial environment is held here. We shouldn’t forget to mention the monitors and instructors.From May to October ; Saturday mornings; Time: 10.00; Place: Playa de Ses Figueretes and Talamanca; Duration: 2 hours; Max. 20 persons; Reservations are necessary.

The beaches of Ibiza are of the highest quality and the organized activities also.

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It’s no secret that Asturias is a natural paradise but it’s also true that most people aren’t aware that Asturias is a cultural paradise.

Everyone says so

reportaje TWK asturias

ASTURIASwheRe mUSeUmS AboUnd

sturias is one of the places in Spain where, in addition to the delicious cuisine and privileged natural landscape, culture abounds. Asturias’s rich cultural heritage can be discovered alone,

as a couple, with friends and, why shouldn’t we say it, with kids.

Yes, we are really saying with kids. Of course we know that most of us are reluctant to visit museums with our kids, but there are a lot of museums in Asturias that are a lot fun for even the youngest in the family. Let’s take it one step at a time, starting with the most recent additions. First of all, and as an incomparable architectural work, we would like to mention the recently opened Centro Cultural Interna-cional (International Cultural Centre) Oscar Niemeyer. It all began in 2006 when the winners of the Príncipe de Asturias Awards prepared the commemoration of the 25th anniver-sary of this award. It was then when the last of the great ar-chitects of the 20th century decided to give a gift to Asturias, to be more precise, to Aviles, and offered to build one of his

works. “I’m an architect and, therefore, what I know how to do is to design buildings, and that’s what I will do, I will design a building…”, said Oscar Niemeyer. Just like this, in such an easy and natural way the genius offered the best of all pos-sible presents.

This present transformed the skyline of Aviles and of As-turias. This building is the only work by Oscar Niemeyer in Spain and, as he states himself, of all the works he carried out in Europe, it’s the work he likes most. Not only has the artist shown his satisfaction with the result of his work, a cultural temple of a beautiful and balanced simplicity, but also person-alities such as Woody Allen, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Alejandro Amenazar, Vinton Cerf and Fatima Mernissi have already visited Aviles and stated their admiration for this project.

For all these reasons, we suggest not waiting any longer. The building alone is worth a visit and perhaps if you’re lucky, your stay might coincide with one of the many activities scheduled this year. There are exhibitions, jazz concerts,

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ASTURIASwheRe mUSeUmS AboUnd

conferences, cinema, theatre, dance… All kinds of art are welcome in this cultural temple. The concert hall, the cupola, the lookout tower, the multipurpose building and the square, are spaces which are supposed to be “a big space open to all the men and women of the world, a grand theatre box over the Ria and the old town of Aviles”. Let’s continue our journey, but not without stopping at one of the museums the kids like most: the Museo de Jurásico (Jurassic Museum). This museum welcomes us with huge reproductions of the inhabitants of the Jurassic period. And what child hasn’t dreamt of what it would be like to be next to one of the big Diplodocus’ (27m long and 5m high) who live together with Littlefoot and his friends in the Big Valley. With each step we draw closer to the Rasa of San Telmo, situated between the towns of Lastres and Colunga and where the museum lies, we also get closer to the fantasy and fiction world Spielberg created for us.

The museum is a place where the imagination is inspired by the reproductions of all the dinosaurs of this era. During the visit the kids will learn what the dinosaurs looked like, what they ate and why they became extinct. The most adventur-ous can continue the visit with a walk along the coast looking for the three-toed tracks these animals left behind for posterity.

As we make our way, we will travel through time, not much though, only about 145 million years until we reach 15.000 – 10.000 BC. But, don’t worry, by road the journey isn’t that long. Only 30 km away is Ribadesella. The Tito Bustillo Mu-seum recently opened its doors there, boasting a facility that is a leading “Rupestrian Paradise”.

An enormous “black box” with an area of almost 2000 square metres allows us to delve into the fascinating world of human beings from the Superior Palaeolithic age. To com-plete the tour you should also visit the glacial fauna interpre-tation room in Onis, the Karst interpretation centre and the rock country in Amieve, the Idolo de Peña Tú interpretation centre in Llanes and the caves of El Buxu, El Pindal and La Loja. Another option for visitors who don’t have a lot of time is the Parque de la Prehistoria (Prehistoric Park). The park is surrounded by beautiful scenery in San Salvador de Alesga, Teverga. The Parque de la Prehistoria is a unique place to dis-cover the Palaeolithic art of the Atlantic Arc: Niaux, Lascaux, Altamira and Tito Bustillo each have their place in the Parque de la Prehistoria. We promise that the kids will also enjoy the areas created especially for them. The fire, hunting and painting workshops are only a few of the surprises the park has in store for us.

As we’ve said, this small territory offers the opportunity to do almost anything, so if we continue our travels we will come to the Museo de la Mineria (Mining Museum). Have you ever imagined what it would feel like to climb into a cage and descend more than 500 m beneath the surface of the earth? The mining museum shows us the equip-ment, support devices, mineral extraction system, transport, machinery… and we can also enter a coal mine at a depth

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reportaje TWK asturias

of several hundred metres. For many people it’s an unknown world, but, over several decades, this world was the motor of the economy, progress, transport and the industrial revolu-tion in this region of northern Spain.

Now let’s continue our journey. As we mentioned earlier, there are many museums. In Oviedo we can visit the museo arqueológico (Archaeological Museum) and the museo de bellas artes (Museum of Fine Arts), in Gijón the museo del ferrocarril (Railway Museum) and in Nava the museo de la sidra (Cider Museum). There is also the radio, the country school, the gold, the sea, and the giant squid museum – for sure many readers of the book 20.000 Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne never imagined that the huge cephalopods that attacked the Nautilus could really exist. There are also the iron and steel industry museums and finally, the most popular with visitors, the ethnographic museums.

There are several museums in Porrua, Quiros, Rozadas (Boal), Somiedo, Gallegos (Mieres), Esquios (Taramundi), etc, but, without a doubt, the star of them all is the Museo Etnográfico de Grandes de Salime. This museum is situated

in the southwest of the little town of Grandes de Salime and gathers, safeguards, preserves, transmits and disseminates the physical and the immaterial ethnographic legacy of Asturias. It is a successful attempt to capture the past and to freeze time and sensations. It is a temple of memory where you feel calm, comfortable, well treated and informed. A fragment of memory and dreams.

So, if you’ve been inspired to visit Asturias, and to take a look at our more recent past, you should also make time to get to know rural Asturias. Ethnographic places like Teixos (Taramundi), Mazonovo (Sta. Eulalia de Oscos), Meredo (Vegadeo), the ecomuseo del pan (bread ecomuseum in Vil-lanueva de Oscos and the Casa del Marco (House of Marco) in Villarquille of San Martin de Oscos will transport you to times gone by, though still present in the memory of some, to a magical world where culture and nature meld together to offer a unique experience that will leave you with unfor-gettable memories.

DON’T FORGET, ASTuRIAS IS A CuLTuRAL PARADISE, EVERYONE SAYS SO. COME AND DISCOVER IT FOR YOuRSELF.

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Fascination with pyramids has inspired many books and even today causes a mystical attraction to these structures. But you don’t have to travel to Mexico or to ancient Mesopotamia to experience the magic of pyramids. In Güimar, close to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we can visit several pyramids thanks to the Parque Etnográfico de Güimar (Güimar Ethnographic Park).

A very entertaining mystery

reportaje TWC Pyramids of Güimar

Pyramids of Güimar

bout 30 kilometres away from Santa Cruz de Tenerife we have the opportunity to get to know some amazing buildings. The pyramids of Güimar are shrouded in mystery as structures of this type often are. The ethnographic park is

excellent and gives us the opportunity to learn many things about the pyramids. Altogether the park occupies 64.000 square metres and has a variety of facilities. There is a museum, an exhibition, lecture halls, a botanical route and a leisure area. Various cultural events and activities are offered here, as well as guided tours for schools, associations and other groups.

ThE orIGIn oF ThE PyraMIdSBefore we talk about the details of the park, we should focus on the main attraction. The pyramids of Güimar sparked the interest of Norwegian anthropologist Dr. Thor Hederdahl after he read an article published in a local Tenerife newspaper. The researcher, who is internationally known for his transoceanic expeditions with prehistoric boats and his theories of human migration , carefully explored the pyramids and put forth the hypothesis that the pyramids were built according to the architectural principles of the old and the new world. In this sense he connected the pyramids with famous buildings from Sicily, Mexico, ancient Mesopotamia, Polynesia and Peru.

The truth is that nobody knows the true origin of the pyramids. There are various theories in this regard. Some researchers propose that they are only cairns gathered by farmers cleaning the terrain for its future cultivation. Following Thor Heyderdahl’s research, some archaeologists started to relate the existence of the pyramids with ancient civilizations. An illuminating finding is the orientation of the pyramids. Researchers at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias discovered that the pyramids are astronomically aligned with the summer and winter solstice.

“...the park occupies 64.000 square metres and has a variety of facilities....”

aThere are different theories regarding the origin of the Canary Islands pyramids.

The auditorium illustrates the investigations undertaken into the pyramids.

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EnTErTaInInG and EduCaTIonalThe ethnographic park was the answer to town planning that endangered the conservation of the pyramids. Thanks to this effort, we can enjoy these entertaining and educa-tional facilities with our children. As soon as you arrive, you will be offered the possibility of using modern audio guides, which explain the different theories in an entertaining and educational way. The audio guide is available in 7 languages.

ExPoSITIon In ThE MuSEuMThe Museum is one of the key features of the park and is located in the old Casa Chacona house, that was renovated according to the traditional architecture of the Canar-ies. The different rooms contain exhibits that reproduce the cultural vestiges of the old and new world and that provoke questions about the possible cultural contacts between the two coasts of the Atlantic.

The exhibition displays the results of the different archaeo-logical excavations carried out at the pyramids and in their surroundings. The archaeoastronomical research on the alignment of the main pyramid with the summer and winter solstice is explained and there is a lot of information about primitive navigation and the global use reed boats and one of the largest collections of examples of step pyramids in the world.

After visiting the museum, our route leads us to a pan-oramic terrace where we have a scenic view over the pyramid complex.

Also of great interest is the auditorium, located in a newly built semi-subterranean building, designed with the aim of not harming the environment. The hall has a capac-ity for 164 persons and shows a documentary about the investigations into the step structures in Güimar and the exciting transoceanic crossings with primitive boats made by Heyderdahl. The documentary is shown continuously in six languages. In the auditorium there are replicas made to scale of the different reed boats used by Heyderdahl and a visual diary of his life that is part of the permanent exhibi-tion “Thor Heyderdahl: the man, the myth”.

a walk aMonG ThE PyraMIdSLeaving the Auditorium we will experience one of the most exciting parts of the park, we will finally see the pyramids up close. The landscaped path passes between the pyramids and gives us the opportunity to observe the structural de-tails like the meticulously carved volcanic stones and their precise archaeoastronomic alignment.

There are still more surprises in store. The Chacona cave lies exactly underneath pyramid number 1 and was discov-

reportaje TWC Pyramids of Güimar

“...The ethnographic park was the answer to town planning that endangered the conservation of the pyramids...”

The Chacona house was renovated according to the traditions of Canaries architecture.

More possibiliTies

The Pyramids of Güimar Ethnographic Park offers, in addition to everything already mentioned many more options so we all can have an entertaining and enjoyable day.

•The park has a playground so the kids can complete their visit with some healthy and fun activity.

•There is also a well-appointed bazaar where you can choose from a wide range of souvenirs, textiles, games, books and typical handicrafts of the Canaries.

•The number of events in the park is constantly increasing with the celebration of cultural meetings, conference series, special exhibitions and activities like the celebration of Canary Islands’ Day, the international museum day, etc. An offer with special prices for schools, associations and other groups.

•The educational environment of the park has been very successful with schools, which has culminated in an ever-increasing number of guided tours for school groups. During their visit, students take part in educational workshops and activities. At the end of the tour a photo is taken of the class that is later sent on to the school as a memento of the visit to the Pyramids of Güimar Ethnographic Park.

•Another attraction for the pupils are the different contests organized annually by the park. Contest entry requires pupils to complete a class project. This is very important for developing creativity and teamwork. At the beginning of every school year contest information is sent to the different schools.

“...The different rooms contain exhibits that reproduce the cultural vestiges of the old and new world...”

ered by a team of archaeologists from the Canary Islands and from the United States. Archaeological remains of the Guanches were found here and carbon-14 testing revealed that they are from the years 680 – 1020 AD.

The gardens are one of the biggest attractions of the park with 20.000 square metres of botanical areas and land-scaped terraces. Plants native to both the Canary Islands and other parts of the world are represented. They are labelled with their common and scientific names and their place of origin. Additionally, there is a botanical route with information panels that describe the most representative species of Canary Islands flora. We can also take the expor-tation route which provides details on the products of vital importance for the economy of the archipelago throughout its history.

The museum exhibitions give us the opportunity to ask some questions about the connections be-tween the old and the new world.

Reichstag. seat of the german Parliament, built between 1884 and 1888, this is one of the symbols of germany. Wonderful views of the city can be enjoyed from its impressive dome, designed by Norman Foster.

BaBy Berlin A weekend in one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals

Given its impressive cultural background, one would think that Berlin would not be for kids, but this is a brief summary of the few things that we had time to visit and of the many things that the city offers for children.

landscapes TWK BaBy Berlin

Berlin is one of those cities that seem to be a pending subject on my list of travels. The first time I went, I was not able to get to know the city and left it for sometime in the future. The guidebook, purchased

quickly at the airport, was placed on the bookshelf at home, unopened. This year, it was my husband’s turn to have to plan a trip to Berlin. The kids and I managed to convince him to invite us for the weekend in Berlin.

THE FIRST DAY, A MARATHONOur wonderful weekend began very early at the Brandenburg

Gate, as it is the symbol of Berlin. It was very cold so we de-cided to go to a nearby café to warm up. The Berlin pastries de-serve a special mention, because they are delicious. We stuffed ourselves with sandwiches, croissants and pastries dunked in hot chocolate. As if we were planning a military campaign, we decided which places to visit and which to leave out, because we had very little time and we wanted everyone to be happy.We walked to the Reichstag, which is only a short distance from the Brandenburg Gate. The building is magnificent, although we decided not to go in because there was a long queue. We then took a tour of the city to see the main places. This tour

BRaNdeNBuRg gate. Located at the Pariser Platz, the gate was on no-man’s-land for years, because it was the division point of the two germanys. it marks the end of the unter den Linden or Linden flower Boulevard and the beginning of the tiergarten, Berlin’s lungs.

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takes about two hours if you stay on the bus, but it is also pos-sible to hop on and hop off at the specified stops, which is very convenient if you do not have much time. The price for this tour is around £17.Kurfürstendamm, better known as Ku’Damm by the Berliners, is the city’s main shopping street and was our first stop. A short walk took us to the Kaiser-Wilhelm Gedächtnis-Kirche, a Roma-nic tower that was destroyed during the World War II bomb-ings. Ku’Damm leads to Tauntzienstrasse, where the KaDeWe department store is located, offering an impressive variety of goods. Shortly after noon, we took the bus that left us at Potsdamer Platz, one of the most modern places in the world. Here we ate in one of the restaurants located under the large dome that represents Mount Fuji in the Sony Center, Sony’s European headquarters. One of the things that we loved was that the restaurants and cafés have heaters on the terraces as well as small red blankets on the chairs for customers, so it is a

pleasure to eat outside. There are also shops, the German Cinema Museum, IMAX cinema and loads of interesting things. The kids barely ate, not because they did not like the food, but because they were impatient to get to the last stop of the day: Legoland Discovery Centre, right there at Potsdamer Platz. As soon as we had settled the bill, they ran excitedly towards the huge giraffe made out of Lego blocks that guards the entrance. Tickets for kids under 11 cost around £10 and for adults £13. If you buy the tickets online at www.legolanddiscoverycentre.de they cost a bit less. At the reception desk we were greeted by Einstein, and as it was close to Halloween he had spiders all over his face. I honestly don’t know who enjoyed it more, the kids or us. It was the perfect ending to our first great day.

A MORE RELAXED SECOND DAY No longer having the tourbus, we took the U-Bahn or subway, which left us at the Zinnowitzer Strasse station close to the Natural History Museum at Invaliden street, where dinosaurs

PotsdameR PLatz. the world’s first traffic lights were installed here and it was levelled during World War ii. Re-born from its ashes, the square is now a recreation area for all seasons.

Nothing better than this card, which is valid

for 48 or 72 hours, for getting around the

city at a good price. You can find them in

the Berlin Infostores, hotels and stations and

they afford access to the city’s entire public

transportation network. The 72-hour card

costs 24.50 Euros and is valid for one adult,

a maximum of three children between 6 and

13 years old and it covers the Berlin zones

ABC. The cards include a pocket guide

and the participating companies provide

good discounts and offers. It is important

to validate the card the first time that you

use it in one of the machines located in the

subway or urban train stations.

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landscapes TWK BaBy Berlin

Natural History MuseuM Brachiosaurus Brancai, the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton, at the Natural history museum

Labyrinth Kindermuseum: Interactive exhibitions ideal for pre-school children. Puppentheatermuseum: Kids can direct their own shows in this puppet museum. Zoologischer Garten: One of the largest in Europe, it holds around 1,500 species, a must in summer. Water tours: Different companies offer rides on the river Spree, lasting about 2 hours. Kids Tour Berlin: Exclusive tours for kids, without parents. They offer programmes suited to the ages of their young clients.

Other activities WiTh Kids

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awaited us. The kids were most excited, obviously, about the Dinosaur World. The piece de resistance is the Brachiosaurus Brancai, the largest dinosaur skeleton ever put together. The collection comprises five skeletons and numerous fossils. The kids could not make up their minds what they liked best and they kept running back and forth, sharing their exten-sive knowledge with their admiring parents. “This is a Stego- saurus, Mommy, but no, because it has spikes on its tail,” my eldest told me. The creature was of the same family but it was called Kentrosaurus. Our visit ended outside of this world, in the Cosmos and Solar System room, which taught us about the origin of the planets. After eating close to Alexanderplatz, we went up to the televi-sion tower to admire a panoramic view of the city. The last visit was nearby, at Kindercity in the Alexa shopping centre, where the kids had a great time pretending to be top-level mechanics and chefs. On our last evening in Berlin we celebrated at an excellent Ital-ian restaurant on Ku’Damm. Italian food is delicious in Berlin thanks to the large number of Italian immigrants in Germany.

SUNDAY, GOOD-BYE BERLINBefore leaving, we decided to give ourselves a last gift, a vis-it to Sea Life and its wonderful AquaDom. After touring the aquarium’s different settings, we ended up in the AquaDom, the world’s largest cylinder aquarium. More than 900,000 litres of saltwater were required to fill it, in order to hold some 2,600 fish of 56 different species. A central elevator goes through it so that visitors can admire this technological wonder. Still in awe, we then made our way to the Alexanderplatz station to catch the train to the airport.

On the map there are many places to visit and many kilometres still to be toured. Every city holds a different world but we are convinced that Berlin, so near to us, is a city that we will return to in the near future.

irreverently known as hollow tooth, the ruins of the Kaiser-Wil-hem-gedächtnis-Kirche are kept as a reminder of the horrors of war.

uNteR deN LiNdeN oR LiNdeN FLoWeR BouLeVaRd. this traditional boulevard that begins at the Brandenburg gate has been restored to its former splendour.

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Suitable for everyone

TurinLocated at the foot of the Alps and on the bank of the River Po, Turin is a true pleasure for the whole family, whatever the season.

ISABEL KATTO

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Photo: Verónica rossi

Turin, capital of the Italian Piedmont, is simply mag-nificent. Its important role in the past as centre of the Italian unification with the Savoy and in more re-cent times as an industrial city with the founding of

Fiat, has afforded it architectural and cultural treasures of great beauty and aesthetic value. Neither children nor adults will have time for boredom, as there are activities for everyone.

GeTTinG ARound in The ciTy Turin is ideal for walking, its 18 kilometres of galleries, of which almost 13 are uninterrupted, allows for pleasant strolls through the historical centre. We recommend that you purchase the Torino + Piemonte Card, which allows free access to urban transport and to more than 160 cultural sites. The card also provides large discounts on tickets to shows, car rental with Hertz and Avis and guided tours. The options are from two to seven days and prices range from £17 to £31. The card is valid for one adult and one child under 12. The 2-day Torino + Piemonte Junior Card is ideal for those under 18 and costs £8. You can buy the cards at tourist information kiosks around the city. TuRin foR kids There are so many things to do in Turin, but these are ideal for young travellers:

Turin

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Museo nazionale del cineMathe spectacular 63-metre-high dome holds a lift that takesyou 160 metres up to the very top of the Mole antonelliana.

The chocolate tourTurin was the birthplace of chocolate as we know it today. The Choco Pass allows visitors to enjoy 22 tasters in the historical cafés of the city, within a period of 3 days. It costs £10.50 and you can buy it at the Torino Tourism offices. Museo EgizioThe largest collection of ancient Egypt artefacts, after the Cairo Museum, can be found here, the only European museum dedicated entirely to Egyptian culture. Children will have a great time amongst mummies, papyri and sarcophagi. Tickets: Normal £6.50; Reduced £3 (18-25 year olds and teachers); Free for children up to 18, seniors over 65 and disabled persons, and for holders of the Torino+Piemonte Card.Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6 - 10123 Turin; tel.+39 011 561 7776 www.museoegizio.org Museo Nazionale del CinemaLa Mole Antonelliana is the seat of this museum, which more than a museum is a theme park based on cinema where you can spend hours interacting with its permanent collection. The lift, rising through the centre of the tower and leading you to panoramic views, is a glass cubicle that seems to float

on nothingness. Willy Wonka’s elevator automatically comes to mind, from the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie.Tickets: Museum + panoramic lift = £7 (adults); £5.7 (Children over 11 and seniors over 65); free for children under 11 and for holders of the Torino+Piemonte Card.Via Montebello,20-10124 Turin, Tel +39 011 813 8560 www.mu-seonazionaledelcinema.itParque Valentino and Villa MedievalThis beautiful park on the bank of the River Po is the locals’ most beloved park. Its main attractions are the medieval village and castle, which, incredibly, are fake! The village, built in 1884, recreates a town from the Italian Middle Ages and is free to visit every day from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in winter and until 8:00 p.m. in summer. The castle can be visited every day, except Tuesdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the tickets are £4.5 normal and £3.50 reduced.Viale Virgilio 107, Tel +39 011 443 1701/02 www.borgomedie-valetorino.itParque de la MandriaThis 1,600 hectare park, 16 kilometres from the city, takes a whole day to visit. It is a UNESCO World Heritage and can be

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ArOund TurInIf you have the time, visit the surrounding areas of the city, you will find good entertainment options at any time of year. Winter sports are practised at the installations of the 2006 olympics at Alta Val susa. in spring, summer and autumn you can breathe in the pure air of the national parks in the region of canavese and Valli di Lanzo. The region has no less than 10 parks and natural reserves, among which is La Mandria, ideal for sports, excursions, savouring local food, purchasing handicrafts or learning history. More information at www.turismotorino.org

lo statuariothese two rooms are a true Who’s Who book of ancient egypt.

visited on foot, on bicycle, on horse, by carriage or on the park’s train. There are unique tours offered, such as the night tour, where you can see animals living in the wild or the exclusive tours for families on special dates. You can get to the park on the express bus from Turin, from Tuesday to Sunday. The ticket is £2.50 one-way and £4.5 return. Free for holders of the Torino Card. For more information on schedules, activities and prices: www.parcomandria.it and www.comune.torino.it/gtt/avvisi/ve-naria2

TuRin foR GouRMeTsChildren will have no problem finding something to their liking in Turin at mealtimes. It is impossible to resist a good plate of spaghetti, a crispy pizza or some delicious ravioli because eating well is almost a religion for the people of Turin. It will be practically impossible to pry the kids away from the multicolo-ured window displays of chocolate, sweets and every flavour of ice-cream.The “Merenda Reale” recreates the ritual of the house of Savoy of the afternoon snack with hot chocolate. Many places offer delicacies of local patisserie and cakes with a delicious cup of

hot chocolate. It is essential to book the day before at the Tori-no Tourism Office. Check on prices, places and times at www.turismotorino.org/merendareale as this programme is not offe-red all year round.

The city also has a tram restaurant, a historical-gastronomic tour, and a place that vindicates “slow food”: Eataly, a mar-ket selling top quality Italian gastronomic products and fres-hly made food. Those who love good food should prepare to spend large amounts of money, because it is easy to go wild amongst such excellence. ciAo ToRinoWith more than 40 museums, 13 historical cafés, parks, mar-kets, plazas, the famous Turin Shroud, the Palazzo Reale, the Teatro Regio, Art Nouveau buildings, famous designer shops, river tours and its rich historical past, the problem with Turin is to manage to make the most of your time on a short stay. But we are sure that it will be unforgettable because the city is perfect for all audiences and visitors will always want to return to get to know it a bit better.

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uSEfuL InfOrmATIOnit is easy to get to Turin from the uk at good prices. Turin is also a large railway hub with fast connections to the rest of italy and some european cities.it is not recommendable to rent a car unless you are planning to travel outside of the city. Many of the centre’s streets are pedestrian and, although there are plenty of parking houses, the cost is quite high.Public transport is recommended, tickets can be purchased in the tobacconist shops.There are no conductors on the buses, but if you are caught without a valid ticket, the fine is over £175. The website www.gtt.to.it has information on the city transport network as well as on the river and gastronomic tours. Before travelling check the www.turismotorino.org website to find plans and offers for visitors, or ask for information brochures in the tourism offices located at Piazza Castello/via Garibaldi, Porta Nuova train station or caselle international airport.

the river Po provides endless hours of fun for the turin inhabitants

Adventure in the heart of Istanbul and Antalya

When I was assigned an article on Istanbul and Antalya I could not begin to imagine what I was about to discover. Antalya holds in itself a whole crossroads of civilizations, whereas Istanbul envelopes visitors in the richness of its culture and heritage.

Turkey

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There are already numerous books that explain in full detail everything you need to know about the Turkish heritage, artistic features or the construction style of the Blue Mosque or the Roman Theatre of

Aspendos. Therefore, this article is to help families with chil-dren enjoy their trip to Turkey to the fullest, telling you about the experiences and adventures that my family and I had dur-ing our trip.

IstAnbul, A fAmIly destInAtIon If you are planning a family trip, Istanbul is an ideal destination. IIf you are planning a family trip, Istanbul is an ideal destination. It is true that on trips with children you have to balance activities that are probably boring for them such as visits to monuments, with other fun activities, but on a trip to Istanbul there are places that you can not miss, such as the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, which can be great fun for the kids. It also has some exhibition rooms that may arouse their interest: the room showing arms of the different armies of the Ottoman Empire, the kitchen with all its utensils and the treasure room holding one of the world’s largest diamonds. I am sure that your kids will not be bored. Istanbul has many attractions and inter-esting places, but it all depends on how many days you have and how accustomed your children are to seeing monuments and enjoying art.

shoppIng At the grAn bAzAAr This is a safe and lovely place that should not be missed. You can find anything here, from street vendors to the most luxurious boutiques, but if you are partial to shopping or easy to convince, you will surely overspend. It is very important to watch the price of everything that is being sold to you. However quick we are mentally changing currency, the bazaar ven-dors are much quicker than we are, so if you try to con-fuse them and get a better price by changing currency, it won’t work, they are faster.If you finally give up and are willing to purchase, for about £12 you can find small suitcases with wheels to put everything in.

The Gran Bazaar looks like Aladdin’s cave, rugs, pottery and beautiful pieces in silver and copper are perfect gifts.

Tips when eaTingWhen eating out, be careful with the spices in some dishes, because the kids might not like them. We advise you, depending on how the kids take to hot spices, to be more or less insistent on this matter when eating in turkish restaurants. In Antalya they go a bit easier on the spices than in other areas, possibly because they use more fish. the main ingredient in traditional dishes is the area’s delicious fish, both sea and river fish. regarding meat, lamb is another thing to take into account. In turkey and all that part of the world, lamb is mostly mutton. It is an older animal and the flavour is a bit stronger. Keep this in mind when ordering for the kids, because the meat will have a stronger taste.

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If the Gran Bazaar overwhelms you by its size, the Spice Bazaar is an option for small gifts and inexpensive purchases. There are also a few jewellers’ shops. If you are knowledgeable about gold and jewellery, you can find good bargains, but if you are not, like me, it is best not to venture there.

IstAnbul for KIds If you think that Istanbul is only for seeing monuments, shops and other adult activities, think again. As well as all that, there are places especially dedicated to kids.The Toy Museum, one of the best and cutest in the world, is located in the Asian section of the city. This museum still has not been included in the usual tours and excursions offered to tourists, but if you request it, the kids will love you for it. Another place meant for kids is the “Miniaturk”, the Miniature Park of Turkey. This is a small themed park where you can see miniature reproductions of all of Turkey’s monuments. There are also reproductions of some of the country’s uniquely beau-

tiful natural areas, and some constructions that, although they are outside of what is now Turkey, were built by Turks in the different countries that were under its Empire. Without a doubt Istanbul is a city to see, to live, to feel and to visit. After getting to know it for a week, you are left with the desire to return and see it in more detail, especially with the kids. outdoors In AntAlyA Antalya is in the Turkish Mediterranean region, it enjoys more than three hundred days of sun per year, and so is an ideal place for a nice holiday with the family and, especially, for outdoor activities such as swimming, water sports, hiking or horseback riding. If there is a coastal region that is best visited in Autumn, that is Antalya. The area is eminently maritime and its beaches are famous throughout Turkey. The Turkish coasts are seeing an increasing influx of recreational boats and small passenger yachts; all types

Immerse yourself in the mistery of Yerebatan Sarnici, the Byzantine cistern goes back to the 6th century.

Kids inTurKeyKids are always well received and well treated, therefore travelling with kids to turkey is easy and pleasant. however, it is very important to keep an eye on them at all times. there is a downside to Istanbul: traffic, you have to be careful with the kids, as most turkish drivers do not heed the traffic signs. turkey is also a country where children are free to go out and about, it is common to see children between 8 and 10 years old playing in the street, and this, for example, means that the hotel mini-clubs in turkey are much more permissive than in europe, kids can come and go as they please, without the parents having to collect them.

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UsefUlinformaTion• How to get there: the easiest transport is by airplane. turkish Airlines operates daily flights from london (heathrow and stansted), and manchester to Istanbul. united Airlines and british Airways only fly from heathrow.• Language: you will not have any problems. english is the country’s second language, as well as german. • Currency: new turkish lira: £1= 2,45 turkish lira.• Electricity: 220 V 50 hz• Climate and clothing: the climate is usually mild all year round. In summer, very light clothing, a jacket for the evenings, especially in the interior. In winter take warm clothes and it is best to carry an umbrella. • Time difference: +2 hours

of vessels and mini-cruisers can be seen, handled by fishermen who in the tourist season change the tuna fish for tourists.

nAturAl excursIons There is great interest in the preservation of Antalya’s natural resources. The Düden waterfalls are an amazing sight, even during dry seasons. The Higher Düden waterfalls are formed by a park with semi-caves, and the falls of the outlet are on an impressive cliff over which the water gushes. All of the rocky formations and practically unexplored caves that are dotted along the coast are quite interesting to explore and, although I am not a diver, I have friends who are, and they consider these coasts a wonderful place to enjoy.

AntAlyA’s monuments Turkey has been in the middle of every important historical event. All of the civilisations have been through it, when they did not originate from Turkey. Alexander the Great, Constantine, the great Turkish sultans, the Ottoman Empire, the Hittites, the Persians, even Iraq and Iran border with Turkey.In Antalya we can visit mosques, archaeological museums, Ro-man theatres, etc. Even if it is unfair to highlight a single mon- ument, my favourite was the Roman Theatre of Aspendos. As soon as I laid eyes on it, I was fascinated, in addition there is a

spectacular Roman bridge and an aqueduct that looks as if it had been recently inaugurated. The truth is that it was one of the constructions that most impressed me.In short, Antalya and the whole Turkish Mediterranean region is a very interesting area, just becoming a popular tourist attrac-tion, and the autumn and spring months are the best time to visit and enjoy all of its charms.

turKIsh culture It is true that if you have never travelled to a Muslim country, the first time that you hear the call to prayer, you are a bit sur-prised. But as my eldest son commented: “it’s like the bells on churches”.On the second night of our trip our guide, who saw that we had eaten lamb in the four previous meals and that we would like to vary a bit, took us to eat fish in a typical fishing neighbourhood. It was a very homely area, packed with bars with showcases full of fish. Our guide ordered a “tasting menu” and we enjoyed squid, fried fish, salad and grilled prawns. We also tried the typ-ical national drink, Raki, which is similar to anis but the Turks drink it with their meal, mixed with cold water. Interesting for the kids’ learning experience are the guide’s ex-planations at some of the monuments, it is a way to make them see that the trip can be educational and fun at the same time.

Elaborate and beautiful Byzantine mosaics are to be seen in St. Sophia’s interior.

Turkish Embassy: 43 belgrave square. london Telephone: +020 73 930 202 Web: www.turkishembassy-london.com

British Consulate-General: mesrutiyet caddesi no.34. tepebasi, beyoglu. pK 33 Istanbul 80072 Tel.: +(90) (212) 293 7540 Fax: +(90) (212) 245 4989Email: brcgist@verisoft.com.tr comsec@escortnet.com.tr Web: www.britishembassy.org.tr

For Further informaTion

In Demre or the old city of Myra visitors are impressed by the tombs carved on the rocks above the Roman amphiteatre

We also tried the typical national drink, Raki, which is similar to anis but the Turks

drink it with their meal, mixed with cold water.

SwiSS freedom Freedom Pass, the Alpine alternative for families

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The Alps are a great alternative for the holidays, far from the overcrowded European beaches. Visitors will find themselves in a dramatic and healthy natural setting in which to inhale pure

fresh air, away from the city traffic, pollution and noise. Villars-Gryon and Les Diablerets are in the western part of Switzerland, just 120 kilometres from the Geneva airport.

From day oneVillars-Gryon is a tourist complex that blends tradition with modernity in its infrastructure. It is built on a natural bal-cony facing the Alps, exhibiting a spectacular horizon, from

Lake Geneva to the Mont-Blanc, bathed by the shining southern light. In the heart of the Vaudoise Alps is a typical little mountain village impassive to time: Les Diablerets. An impressive glacier covers this mountain range, which reach- es up to 3000 metres. These two wonderful lodgings are open to the whole family with the Free Access Card, with it you can travel from one to the other and take advantage of all the numerous permanent activities during your stay. From the first to the last day of your holidays.

How to get it?It is a treasure for tourists and we have the map for

It is time to see the cows and to explain to the kids that part of their breakfast comes from these quiet animals.

The more adventurous can trace the Alpine horizon on a mountain bike.

MoneyMatterSwhen you plan your holiday in the alps, just think of the accommodation, food and drinks, and the three euros that the Free access Card costs. all of the activities and transports are totally free. the price of a hotel for a week for two adults and two children is around 170 euros per person and day, including breakfast and taxes. an apartment for the same number of people, for a week, costs around 600 euros. Check the web for special offers.Both in Villars-gryon and Les diablerets the tourism offices offer help in finding the accommodation best suited to your needs. they will also inform you on all of the events and activities available in the region.

european families will be able to enjoy, from July to october 2009, a wonderful holiday in the Swiss alps thanks to a new revolutionary product, the Free access Card or the Freedom Pass, with which users only pay for meals and accommodation.

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feature twK SWISS FREEDOM

finding it. In order to obtain The Free Access Card all you have to do is choose on the web your ac-commodation from the three beautiful Alpine villas at www.villars-gryon.ch and www.diablerets.ch. Reserve the option you prefer (hotel, apartment, apart-hotel) and you will automatically have a free access card for all the mem-bers of your family. This card will allow you to use up to 20 local mountain transports (3 gondolas, 2 Alpine trains and 7 mountain trains) without limits. The car stays in the garage during your holidays, and so you help preserve the natural beauty of the Alps. Likewise, all of the leisure and sports installations: tennis courts, swimming pools, archery, ice-skating, guided excursions and

the amazing golf course with views to the Mont-Blanc. An adventure trek and a miniature train for the kids are a fun way to acquaint yourself with the surroundings.

PLan your PerFeCt dayThe Free Access Card allows you to change your plans and programme next day’s family schedule taking into account the weather as well as everyone’s energy and wishes. For example, the day could begin with an excursion to the top of one of the mountain ranges, taking the gondola up to about 2000 metres above sea level, from the villa. You can return strolling through a pathway winding between cows, flowers and mountain lakes. It takes no longer than

The Free Access Card allows you to change your plans and programme next day’s family schedule

At the end of your holiday in the Swiss Alps the kids will be sporting this huge smile. You will be back.

an hour and is recommended for the whole family. To get everyone’s strength back we recommend you have lunch when you return, at home or on a terrace at one of the restaurants. While you enjoy the typical Swiss cuisine (don’t miss their cheeses and their chocolates) this is the ideal time to plan the afternoon with the family. A dip in the swimming pool, where the kids will have a blast on the slide, a game of tennis or mini-golf, or a ride on the miniature train, after which the moon announces the end of the day, and all you have paid for was the food. This and the sun- shine over the Alps is all that remains the next day, because then you can enjoy it in a totally different way. Something for everyone’s taste.

For nature entHuSiaStSThe area offers 300 kilometres of well-conditioned trails that will allow you to discover all the beauty of the Alps, far from the noise and pollution of the big cities. Mountain bike enthusiasts have 100 kilometres of perfectly signposted paths that are free from danger. One way or the other, you will explore Alpine meadows that trace an intensely green landscape, lush forests and wild summits. The mountain train and the gondola cable cars complete the combina-tion for reaching the summit with the whole family. The Free Access Card is your key to a world where Nature shows both a kind and wild face. Open the door and enter the Alps with your whole family, you will not regret it.

SpecialiStS infaMily touriSM the Swiss tourism Board named Villars-gryon and Les diablerets places where the whole family is always welcome. this means a full commitment to reasonable prices, special services and programmes to satisfy families’ requirements. For example, the tourism office offers a series of low-cost family programmes, restaurants with children’s menus, establishments where waiting is not a problem and play areas for the little ones. all this every week.

You will soon find that it is impossible to be bored in Villard-Gryon and Les Diablerets

Another way to have fun is to take a trip on board the Mountain Train.

After so many activities, it is time to have a dip and to enjoy the spectacular views.

VilniusA trip to the Centre of europeThe capital of Lithuania is the geographical centre of Europe, European Capital of Culture 2009, Europe’s greenest capital and the Jerusalem of the north, but none of these terms express the delight of strolling through its baroque streets. Come discover this small Baltic gem with us. Isabel Katto

Sigita

S Platuk

iS.

Saint anne’S church. legend has it that napoleon was

so fascinated with the beauty of this church that he wanted to

take it to Paris. all seasons.

landscapes TWK VILNIUS

Vilnius should be explored leisurely, in order to savour every corner, because the city has many faces that are revealed to visitors with every step you take. This cap-ital of what used to be the largest state on the conti-

nent, with borders that stretched from the Baltic sea to the Black sea, can not be discovered in just a short visit.

A ThousAnd yEArs And morEThe first written record of Lithuania dates back more than a thousand years. A thousand years is a long time for history, and more so when the walls and streets of the city have seen the presence of Christians, Orthodox, Jews, Tartars and have also undergone sieges, invasions and dominion by Crusaders, Pol-ish, French, Germans and Russians. All of this history remains and can be seen in the unusual architecture of the old city, the best preserved baroque ensemble of the whole centre and east-

ern part of the continent. If you want to see it all, go to the Ge-dimias hill, where the High Castle was built to defend the city from the Crusaders. The tower, symbol of the city, now holds a museum. Or if you want a better panoramic view of the city you could go for a ride in a balloon. Vilnius is the only capital in the world where balloons take off from the centre of the city it-self. For £115 you will not only have a wonderful hour-long flight, you will also receive a certificate, a baptism ceremony, cham-pagne, and more. www.oreivystescentras.it

dEvoTion in viLnius Churches and more churches, that is what you can expect on a visit to the capital of Lithuania, which is a bit ironic considering that Lithuania was the last kingdom in Europe to accept Cathol- icism. As if the Lithuanians had wanted to settle their debt with God, they filled the city with the best and most beautiful exam-

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SaintS JohnS’ church. a perfect example of baroque architecture within the university of Vilnius.

ples of the religious architecture catalogue, from the Middle Ages to today. A walk through Vilnius should start at the Cathe-dral, the country’s main catholic temple and the resting place of key figures of Lithuanian history such as Vytautas the Great, Lithuania’s most popular leader. Personally, I loved the Saint Anne church, a jewel of the late Gothic. The red of its thirty-three different types of brick has mellowed over time to a soft pink. The church of the Holy Spirit is the main Orthodox church of Lith-uania, but the Holy Mother of God was the first one. Whether you are a follower of the Virgin Mary or not, you should go to Aušros Vartai, or Gates of Dawn. This is the only surviving door of the ten contained in the defence wall, and it holds the painting of the Madonna of Vilnius, which is considered to be miracle-working. The painting is beautiful, but aside from the aesthetic value, there is an aura of deep devotion emanating from this place that will surely move you.

Saint Casimir, the country’s first baroque church, with its black dome and red tower, has quite a history: restored in the 18th Century after a fire, it was a grain silo during Napoleon’s march to Russia, it was an Orthodox temple in the 19th Century and even a museum of atheism during the Soviet period. There are many more churches with interesting stories, which highlights the open and multicultural spirit of Vilnius.

“EvEryonE hAs ThE righT To BE hAppy” This is one of the declarations of the Constitution of the Repub-lic of Užupis, the bohemian and artistic quarter of the city. Fre-quently compared with Montmartre, this original and amusing incubator of artists is one of the city’s oldest quarters. It has its own anthem, president, bishop, its own guardian and, as can be seen on a wall of Paupio street, its own Constitution. To reach this area, you have to cross the bridge over the Vilnele river, where

Lithuanian gastronomy is simple, without fanfare, down to earth, and easily accepted by children. most restaurants also offer children’s menus so that eating is not a nightmare. make sure to leave room for desserts, because they are delicious and the chocolate is famous.

GasTronomy

ant

anas

Var

anka Užupis, which

means “beyond the river”, is

guarded by this copper angel.

Vilnius should be explored leisurely, in order to savour

every corner

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you will see many engraved locks, symbol of love and union for couples. It might be a good idea to take your own and leave a mark of your visit to Lithuania. Of course, there is also a church, the city’s smallest, on Užupio street.

EvEryonE hAs ThE righT To hAvE fun With so much green around, the parks should be enjoyed. Kids will have a great time on the wooden structures in the SereikiškiPark, or climbing on the sculptures and structures of the Pasak ,or fairytale, park. Lithuania is cold in winter, but you won’t have

to wait for the rivers to freeze over to skate on ice. All year round there are ice-skating rinks at the Ice Palace and the Akropolis shopping centre, where the whole family will have fun trying to keep their balance. To warm up afterwards you can go for a snack in the café Nykštuky pasaulis or dwarf world, a charming place on the Laisvés avenue that is a large aquarium with play areas. It is normal to find many cultural activities for everyone in the European Capital of Culture 2009. Several theatres in the city have specialised in children’s shows. You can see a pup-pet show at the L l puppet theatre on Arkliv street, or a bal-

The whole family will have fun trying to keep their balance on the ice-skating rinks at the Ice Palace and the Akropolis Shopping Centre

in Vilnius there are street markets where

you can find souvenirs for

everyone.

The Užupis mermaid is the

loyal guardian of lovers’ promises.

let show, or maybe even an opera at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre.“Fashionable” parents will find brand name shops on Vía Didžioji and on Corso Gedimino street; however, it is unforgiv-able for you to return without an article of amber jewellery or linen clothing. The Amber Museum Gallery is on number 8 Via Šv. Mykolo; its prices are a bit higher than on the street markets, but the design is worthy of the extra cost, and you will receive a certificate with your purchase. A walk down Pilies street, the oldest in Vilnius, is also a must. Take the chance to visit the mar-

ket that is set up at the end of the street, where Pilies becomes Didžiojiya street. Here you will find paintings, handicrafts, amber jewellery and linen clothing.

Vilnius is an amazing city, with everything it takes to make it a great place to visit and enjoy. Don’t be fooled by the reduced proportions of the old city, as there are secret nooks and cran-nies to be seen and stories to be heard around every corner. Let yourself be enchanted by the song of the Vilnia river mermaid and fall in love with this beautiful baroque gem.

there are several options for guided tours in english

around Vilnius, discover-ing its baroque charm and beautiful hidden corners.

The Cathedral, the belfry and the square comprise the heart of the old quarter.

How to get there: There are flights from

London with the companies finnair and

Czech Airlines, with stopover in helsinki

and prague.Currency: £1=3.75 litas. Banks open on

weekdays until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. The

branches in the shopping centres usually

operate during the weekends.

Visa: Eu citizens do not require a visa,

only a current passport or id.

Language: Lithuanian. English is also

widely spoken. Time: +3 gmT. Shopping: shops are open from monday

to friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Akropolis shopping and Exchange

Centre-via ozo 25 from monday to

sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

vilnius vartai shopping Centre-via gyn j

14 from monday to friday from 11:00

a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and saturdays from

11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Europa - Corso Konstitucijos 7A from

monday to sunday from 08:00 a.m. to

10:00 p.m.Tourism information:

www.vilnius-tourism.it

vilniaus street 22- Tel +370 5262 9660

didžioji street31 – Tel +370 5262 6470

Constitucijos Ave. 3 – Tel +370 5211 2031

UsefUl informaTion

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EstoniaAn idyllic week in the Baltic area

A medieval fairytale city, friendly people, infinite forests and a wonderful sea are only a few of the charms offered by this small country on the Baltic Sea.

fotografía: rubén rueda

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LLast summer, on a friend’s advice, we decided to get away from the usual beach destinations and head to the Baltic. After a flight of almost three hours from London, we arrived to this country of kind people, where history

is in the air and nature is an integral part of people’s lives.

Tallinn, medieval ciTyThe most outstanding feature of this city is the perfect conserva-tion of its Historical Centre or Old City. The capital of Estonia is a small, but perfect, example of medieval architecture, German baroque and Czarist Russia. The children felt as if they were in a fairytale while walking through the cobbled streets and medieval buildings of the lower part of the Old City. We chose to eat at the Olde Hansa, a great restaurant that recreates a fifteenth century tavern, with a somewhat different menu, as the recipes are ancient. The chil-dren, in awe, had no complaints. The problem was that I had to make a tremendous effort to climb the Short Leg of the To-ompea hill to the top of the city with an overloaded stomach thanks to the restaurant’s generous portions! My wife went into

every shop, fascinated with the hand-painted silk scarves, the amber jewelery and ceramic objects. I am not a great shopper, but I couldn’t help but admire that the Estonian souvenirs were exquisitely made. The top is adorned by the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a magnificent example of Orthodox cathedral, with rounded domes. The inside is richly decorated with icons and it also boasts the largest bell of Tallin. The hill has outlooks from which to enjoy superb views of the city, the harbour and the sea. The following morning flew by visiting the Saint Bridget convent and the Kumu Art Museum, an avant-garde building that does not clash with the natural environs of the Kardriorg park. This park contains the Kardriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great and today presidential residence. The park is an ideal place for strolling and breathing in fresh clean air. What we were deeply impressed with was the cheerfulness shown on the Tallin people’s faces. The Es-tonians are not boisterous, but they are very friendly.

TarTu, playful like a ToyThe evening saw us driving towards Tartu, a small city in Southern Estonia, where we arrived at nightfall. This city is like a beautiful

Stallholders of the different food and souvenir stands, dressed as in medieval times, bring alive the fantasy of living in a fairytale.

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toy, and the fact that it is home to the country’s main university gives it a happy and light-hearted character. We went for a short walk in the environs of the hotel and had dinner in a cheerful tavern with a somewhat baffling menu, but ideal for the kids: breaded chicken strips, chips, chicken fajitas, hamburgers and other Tex-Mex dishes. The following day we visited the Tartu Toy Museum, a house full of antique toys, puppets from many different countries and models that were used for filming children’s series. Afterwards, we went to the Craft Guild, whe-re my wife took pleasure in purchasing small gifts for everyone: ceramic, glass objects, hats, handmade notebooks. This associa-tion holds a festival in December every year, selling items like in a

medieval market. The craftspeople wear the typical dress that has barely changed since medieval times and they hold big celebrations throughout the streets of Tartu. Over midday, we were invited to go for a cruise in a traditional boat on the river. Unfortunately, one cannot do this privately, as it can only be hired if there is a group of twenty. On our cruise we saw bathers basking in the sun on the small sandy beaches on the river banks, and people rowing. Estonians love the sun and they take every chance they can to enjoy it. advenTurerSOur itinerary took us further south and we headed to Otepää,

The Old City is divided into the lower area and upper area. Climbing the Toompea hill has its reward in the magnificent views from the top and the monuments found there.

Feature TWK ESTONIA

a small village situated in one of the areas of the country most visited by tourists. Snow is anxiously awaited here, as this is an important centre for winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and ski ramp jumping. Slope ski is not practised here, as the land is quite flat. The Otepää Adventure Park, next to the sports complex, is open during good weather months. This park’s five routes are suspended amongst the trees, with different levels of difficulty. Suspended logs, bridges and rope ladders are some of the obstacles to be overcome, but the most impressive is a long and very tall zip line which to me seemed endless but which my twelve year old and fourteen year old enjoyed immensely. Having overcome the obstacles and still with a thumping heart,

we set off for the hotel, a lovely building on the lakeshore. The landscape in this area is dotted with lakes and its forests attract many families for trekking. We felt as if we were in a dream. The hotel network is perfectly prepared for receiving guests in the area year round. In summer, trekking, and in winter snow sports are practised.

Once back in Tallinn, we decided to have another walk through the Old City before catching our flight back to London. This country has a peculiar charm, and although we did a lot in a short period of time, we left with the feeling that in order to truly enjoy it a longer visit is required.

INTERESTING PLACES AND ACTIVITIES

n oTepää advenTure parkOpen from the 1st of May to the 31st October. Adults £18, children £7 approx. Anyone taller than 1.15 metres can do the first two routes. You must be 1.40 metres or over to go on the Blue, Red and Black routes. Children under fifteen must be accompanied at all times by a participating adult. It is essential to respect the safety rules and always watch over the smaller childrenwww.seikluspark.ee

n Tallinn Zoowww.loomaaed.ee

n Tallinn BoTanical Gardenwww.tba.ee

n BarGe SocieTy (TarTu): cruises along the emajõgi river on a traditional boat. info and bookings+372 55 18 386, tanellaan@gmail.com

Crafts are outstanding thanks to their careful manufacturing. Ceramic objects, hand-painted silk garments, amber and silver jewelery and wooden and cloth toys are some of the things travellers cannot resist taking home.

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i Tallinn TouriST informaTion cenTre

eSTonian TouriSmKullassepa 4/Nuguliste 2, turismiinfo@tallinnnlv.ee www.tourism.tallinn.ee

info@visitestonia.com www.visitestonia.com

uSeful informaTion

Estonia

tallinn

n VisaEU citizens do not need a visa n How to get thereEstonian Air has direct flights from London, and flights with stopovers from Manchester and Birmingham.n CurrencyEstonian Kroon / EEK. £1 is approximately 17 EEK.n RestaurantsIn Tallinn, open from 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Kitchens close at 11:00 p.m. It is always possible to find something that the kids will

like, as food is varied. n HotelsEstonia has a good hotel structure, both in Tallinn and inland.n Shops10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, 1000 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Most shops in the Old City open on Sundays.

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Alexander Nevsky Cathedral The “russification” of Estonia, begun with Peter I and it is noticeable in the architecture of some of its best monuments

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Theme Parks TWK

LimiTLess funand fanTasy

The first time that I went to a theme park was quite late in life, I was still not an adult as such, but neither was I a child. I still remember that day as one of the best of my life.

Years later, I have been to different theme parks with my children and I must say that these experiences were much better than when I was a teenager out with my friends. There are many reasons why, but mainly because of the children’s excitement and joy at the entrance and their endless comments that go on for days afterwards.

There is a wide offer of theme parks in Spain and each one of them is ideal for spending a family day out or several days if you are visiting the area. As happens everywhere, we must keep in mind safety precautions and if you go in summer, remember that the sun in Spain is harsher than in the UK and that children should be kept hydrated and with sunscreen at all times. Keeping these precautions in mind, all we need is the en-thusiasm to have a good time and to return to our childhood through our own kids.

THEME PARKS

CRISTINA TOLEDO Located in San Martín de la Vega, only a few kilometres from Madrid, the Parque Warner offers shows that surpass any seen before. Roller coasters, fun cinema studios and many surprises will amuse the whole family. Your kids will enjoy the company of Tweety, Sylvester and their friends. What more could you want?

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We’re in the movies!

Your visit to the Parque Warner will not leave you indifferent, it is renowned for the shows it puts on and, especially, for its roller coasters. There are all kinds, classical, wooden, through water…

The kids can watch different shows in each theme area and they will feel like they are in a different world. Here they are one by one:

AMeRicAn STYLeOn Hollywood Boulevard there is a great variety of restau-

rants and shops, you will feel like you are in classical Hollywood. One of the most impressive shops is the “Great Warner Bros. Park Store”, where you can find a large assortment of gifts for people back home. After shopping, we had tea at the “Beverly Hills Bakery”; delicious cakes! And my kids danced with Daffy Duck and the Roadrunner in the “Hollywood Dancers” show.

cARToon ViLLAgeWhat child wouldn’t love to visit Bugs Bunny’s house or have

The Hollywood Dancers show has live music with actors, dancers and, of course, your favourite Looney Tunes characters.

Theme parks TWK parque Warner

a go on the Daffy Duck ride? Tom and Jerry’s roller coaster, the capture of Gossamer or the fun water games in Cartoon Village attract thousands of little tourists. You can relax a bit in the Looney Tunes theatre after so much excitement and enjoy the adventures of their favourite characters. There is also a “Cow and Chicken” ice cream parlour, all themed around these likeable characters.

WARneR BRoS STudioSThere are continuously shows on in this area. One of the most amazing is the Police Academy Stunt Show, with ex-plosions and surprises and even a helicopter, which will amaze the younger ones. If you want to find out all the se-crets from behind the scenes, you can at the Hollywood special effects show. “The Haunted Hotel” is another of the star attractions, here you will be both terrified and surpri-sed, thanks to the setting and a few frights here and there. In addition, the Lethal Weapon show gives you the chance

to experience cinema-style chases and skirmishes. It really is worth seeing.

A fAnTASTic WoRLd Anything can happen in Super Heroes World. Movie super-heroes like Batman or Superman put on their shows with fantasy-filled sets as backdrop. There are two huge roller coasters, Batman, “The Scape” and Superman “The Steel attraction”, to test those nerves of steel. Nevertheless, bad guys also win so there are areas dedicated to characters like Lex Luthor, Joker, Enigma or Mr. Freeze. One of the most exciting moments is the fight between the Joker and Bat-man and Robin; suspense will take hold of kids and adults alike.

TRiBuTe To The fAR WeSTYou will feel like a real cowboy in the Far West with these cinema-quality sets. One of the shows in Old West Territory

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Let your adrenaline flow on any of the spectacular world-famous roller coasters.

is “The knife thrower” where Ali will challenge you to take part in his show, making you protagonists. There are several water rides such as “The adventure of the Rio Bravo” in an old goldmine or “The wild waterfall”, where we got soaked! But what my kids most enjoyed was the roller coaster themed in the Wild Wild West style.

uSefuL infoRMATionWe recommend that you arrive early so that you have time

to enjoy everything in the park. You can buy roadrunner bracelets, which allow fast access to most rides, avoiding long queues. This is a good option, especially if you travel with kids. If you like excitement you can buy the season pass for 2009 that provides, in addition to entrance to the Warner Park whenever you want, discounts for Terra Mítica, Isla Mágica or Port Aventura. For the 2009 season there are new benefits, such as special prices in restaurants, shops or even for the Madrid Zoo and Selwo Marina.

If you want to find out all the secrets from behind the scenes, you can at the Hollywood special effects show

The park’s main street turns into the perfect setting for shoeshines, waiters and policemen to become true music-hall artists.

fuRTheR infoRMATionn Web: www.parquewarner.com n Telephone: +34 902. 024. 100Address: Carretera M-301, kilómetro 15, 5, 28330 San Martín de la Vega

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USEFUL INFORMATIONHoW To geT THere?it is easy to get to the Parque Warner from Madrid, you can go by local train or bus, it’s up to you. if you choose to come by train, take the c3 line from Atocha towards Aranjuez and get off at the “Parque de ocio” station. on Saturdays, Tweety and his friends will share your ride on a direct train that leaves from chamartin station. if you prefer the bus, line 412, “the fast line” will take you to the park from Plaza Legazpi.

ApproxiMATe priCeSone-day tickets for adults are £22 and for kids £14.50, if they are under 4 years old entrance is free. over-60s have a reduced ticket for £14 and disabled people pay £9.50. There are also special offers and discounts, for example for large families.

Cartoon Village is the World of the famous Looney Tunes characters, you are sure to feel like a real cartoon for a few hours.

With this cinematic welcome you know that you have entered a world of fantasy, inside a movie, where you are the star.

n Web: www.parquewarner.com n Telephone: +34 902. 024. 100Address: Carretera M-301, kilómetro 15, 5, 28330 San Martín de la Vega

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CRISTINA TOLEDO Port Aventura is an amusement park that has become the main destination on the Mediterranean for family holidays. Located on the Costa Daurada, between Salou and Vila-seca, the climate is pleasant throughout the year. There are few places in the world where you can have so many adventures and such excitement, so enjoy!

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AdrenAlin100x100

Much more than just an amusement park this the-med complex comprises an amusement park, Port Aventura, and a water park, Caribe Aquatic Park. Through the different themed areas you

will discover the mysteries of Imperial China and explore the Polynesian forests. We took a tour through the exotic Aztec Mexico, we earned the respect of the Far West and we had a great time with the quaint stories of the most welcoming

fishing community of the world, the Mediterranean.

RiDeS foR eVeRyoneAt Port Aventura you will find rides both for the brave of heart and for those not so brave. Don’t miss challenges like the legendary Dragon Khan, emblem of the park since it opened, which reaches speeds of up to 110 kilometres/hour and has eight loops. Its exciting reptile sound is one of its

PORT AVENTURA

They say that in ancient China, a prince tried to dethrone the Emperor and therefore he was condemned to become a giant dragon who would wander for centuries, the Dragon Khan.

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distinguishing features, as well as its bright red and white coloring, so it can be seen from anywhere in the park. Our adrenalin level shot up on the Hurakan Condor freefall, we had to be quick, we were almost back on the ground before we had time to scream! One of the kids’ favourite areas is the China Children’s Area, a park set up to look like Imperial Chi-na, ideal for enjoying activities and shows. Your family will be the main characters of the craziest invention ever on Furious Baco, this roller coaster will take you through vineyards and many other surprises.

ShowS AnD PeRfoRMAnCeS The surprising shows are the most amusing way to immerse yourself in the culture of each themed area. Proof of this is China Town, where the best acrobats show off their talent, leaving everyone in awe. Your kids’ imagination will have no limits at the Makaku Theatre, with Birds of Paradise from different exotic places around the globe; parrots, macaws, cockatoos or cassowaries will all earn the children’s applause.

CooLing off The Caribe Aquatic Park is a water park set up in Caribbean style. Distributed in two areas, one indoor and another outdoor, you

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AdrenAlin

ROLLER COASTER pARADISEPort Aventura has many attractions, but it is known in Spain as roller coaster paradise. There are now many parks and many roller coasters but, when Port Aventura opened, its visitors were in for a surprise. Last summer we were in the area and decided to spend a day at the park. My brother-in-law, who was travelling with us with his family, developed a sudden passion for culture and decided to go see the Roman ruins in Tarragona, leaving his 12 and 14-year-old sons with us. i should have known that something was afoot then, because someone whose comment on the ruins of the Roman Coliseum is “it’s all so run-down!” is not one to exchange lightly a day of fun for cultural tourism.

I, being a pacific man, had to overcome my fear to heights in order to go with my kids… and nephews, on all the roller coasters that they wanted to try out. i must say that i was on the brink of a heart attack more than once, but luckily, everything works like clockwork at Port Aventura. They are totally unyielding in matters of safety, if you can go on a ride, you get on, if you do not meet the requirements, tough luck. Moreover, on the ride, any violation of safety rules leads to expulsion. i fully agree with this, because fooling around cannot be allowed when you are quite a few feet above the ground.

food at Port Aventura is good everywhere and prices are in accordance with the difficulty of its preparation. if you like fast-food, there are different kinds, at good money value. if you are looking for a more elaborate meal, you will also find variety at reasonable prices.

Port Aventura has entertainment enough for two action-packed days. So depending on your itinerary, the season and your preferences, you have different accommodation options. you can stay in the Park’s hotels, in Salou or even in Tarragona. This will depend on what you prefer, proximity, beach or culture and monuments.

Port Aventura offers children’s and family rides, and others that are pure adrenalin. This park offers the largest selection of all Europe.

have two options, either have a great time on the thrilling water attractions or get a sunbed for a bit of R&R. There are also play areas, restaurants and spectacular swimming pools that perfectly imitate the Caribbean atmosphere. Children will love the indoor area with the exciting water slides of this unique paradise.

eVen MoRe ChoiCeS The Beach Club, across from Playa Larga in Salou, brings the family closer to nature and offers direct access to the beach. There are seven different water areas, where adults and kids can relax or practise water sports. A visit to the Lu-mine restaurant is a must if you want to have a great meal; we had the chance to savour signature cuisine with unique views to the Mediterranean. It specialises in Mediterranean Haute Cuisine based on fresh seasonal products and, not to worry, they have an assortment of children’s meals so the kids will also enjoy it.

PoRT AVenTuRA goLfThis is the ideal place for golf enthusiasts and also for those seeking a first contact with golf; both you and your children can enjoy this area within the amusement park itself. Port Aventura Golf has three areas, the north course packed with excitement, the centre course, which offers the most fun, and the south course where you will face great challenges. Moreover, the landscape is beautiful and our guide explained that the golf park was designed by the Australian golfer Greg Norman and Green Project.

¿wheRe To STAy?If you don’t want to miss anything that Port Aventura has to offer, the best option is to stay in one of its hotels. Four-star accommodation, with exclusive rooms from the select Club San Juan, and a host of services in each for a full enjoyment of your stay. You can choose the hotel that best suits your needs; the Hotel Port Aventura recreates the charm and ro-

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manticism of a Mediterranean village and is ideal for a romantic getaway. The Hotel El Paso, in colonial Mexican style, offers shows and activities for all ages. And for an unforgettable stay, the Hotel Caribe has the largest swimming pool

surrounded by white sand and a dreamlike setting with palm trees and gardens. The children will have the vaca-tion of their life at the Woody & Friends Club, with very special fun-filled rooms.

Your family will be the main characters of the craziest invention ever on Furious Baco, this roller coaster will take you through vineyards and many other surprises.

foR fuRTheR infoRMATionn Web: http://www.portaventura.es/Telephone: +34 902. 202. 220

HOw TO gET THERE?Port Aventura is located to the south of Barcelona, ten minutes from the Reus airport, in Tarragona, with direct flights from London and Birmingham. it also has its own train stop with connections to the main stations. So, whichever route you choose, it is easy to reach the amusement park.

Thanks to the recently opened Port Aventura Golf, the amusement park is a complete “vacation and leisure city” ideal for families.

Greg Norman, the renowned Austra-lian golfer, con-tributed his ample experience to the development and design of the Port Aventura golf courses.

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Theme parks TWK TERRA MÍTICA

Terra Mitica, in Benidorm, is a theme park situated in an idyllic environment, as the gentle Mediterranean climate allows for a visit in any season.

A trip through time and history

Synkope is pure thrill which will render even the bravest breathless, going up to 35 metres and 90 kilometres per hour.

CRISTINA TOLEDO

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A unique environMenT If you like Western history, this is the best chance to get to know different cultures and traditions, because Terra Mitica is themed on the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean. Divided into five theme areas, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and The Islands, each section has its own rides, which are sure to leave you breathless. There are different categories: infants for the little ones; gentle or medium for those who want to have some fun; and intense for those who want unlimited thrills. Which one will you choose?

rides for everyone The traditional roller coaster meets the latest technology on the “Magnus Colossus”, a very original wooden roller coaster and on “Tizona”, which is similar but upside-down. The kids were screaming on the top part of the ride, but they couldn’t wait to go back on it. For those who do not suffer from vertigo, “The Flight of the Phoenix” is the ideal place to enjoy pano-ramic views of the whole park. “Synkope” is the most thrilling ride, where your adrenalin levels will surge. On summer days get ready to have a very refreshing adventure on “Triton’s Fury” where vertigo and mythology are the protagonists.

Leisure AreAs for AdvenTurers Ocionia is Terra Mitica’s new amusement area with rides such as “Infinnito”, Benidorm’s highest lookout tower, or “Queenwater” where children will be amazed by an enter-taining water and multimedia show. My husband and I da-red to go on the karts and play paintball, where we laughed non-stop playing against other families. My children went on the horror dark ride and they had a ball, we could hear their screams while waiting for them! Afterwards, we went for a boat ride on the lake to relax, we needed a break! Atalaya is the most impressive area, decorated with wooden construc-tions; it also has sections that are ideal for the braver souls, such as the Himalayan Bridge, the Monkey Pass, the Ziplines

A trip through time and history

Everything looks spectacular from the 100-metre-high Infinnito, especially if you see it while you are turning and going up. You have never been this close to touching the sky.

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or the Assault Lines. If you want to test your skill, strength and dexterity, these are definitely for you.

¿WhAT Are iTs AdvAnTAges?The first advantage when travelling to an amusement park is that you will spend a different kind of day, full of excitement, entertainment and shows and the kids will thank you for it. However, Terra Mitica has much more to offer as an ideal des-tination for a family holiday, as we saw first-hand. For example, the park layout has different large areas divided by themes, which is quite interesting for adults and children. You can start wherever you want; we recommend that, after looking at the maps and show times, you start on the right-hand side and go up to the back, because if you stay at the beginning you will have to endure longer queues.

eATeriesLunchtime is not a problem because Terra Mitica has the best restaurants and services. One recommendation, when you arrive, decide where you will eat and as soon as possible book a table. Even if it does not seem important, this will save you a lot of time and you will not have the unpleasant surpri-se of having to wait when you are exhausted and ravenous. The gastronomic offer is quite varied, there are meals for every taste, from restaurants like Luxor, in Egypt, where you must try the Hummus or Lamb Tajin; to Via Apia, in Rome, with its exquisite Venetian style cod. If you like Andalusi art, don’t forget to go by L’Almadrava in Iberia, a replica of the Alhambra’s Patio de los Arrayanes, offering a delicious assortment of fish and rice dishes. No one will go hungry!

The kids were screaming on the top partofthe ride, but they couldn’t wait to go back on it

Inferno, in the Roman area, is a very special roller coaster which, in spite of not being very big, provides intense thrills in just a few seconds.

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for More inforMATionn Web: www.terramiticapark.com Email: callcenter@terramiticapark.comTelephone: +34 902. 020. 220

100% adrenalinThe best descriptor for this park is “multipurpose”; whatever adrenalin level we seek can be found here. But, let’s face it, we don’t need to be macho man. if a ride is labelled as “intense”, it really is intense. you should not go on these if you are really not into this type of rides; you can always use the cervical-neck pain excuse, since a lot of people have neck pain, you won’t stand out.

Terra Mitica offers a large variety of interesting and unusual food. for better or for worse, they try to recreate food from all over the world and/or from other times. The good thing is that this variety can also be found in all price scales, which is quite refreshing because in most places if you don’t want to spend a fortune you have to make do with the usual rubbery hamburgers.

Terra Mitica’s shows are always interesting because they are inspired in ancient times; this originality is a bonus for visitors.

Public transport to Terra Mitica from Benidorm is not bad. This is important because if you are staying in Benidorm and have managed to overcome the challenge of finding a parking space, it is not worth moving the car and losing the space just to get to the park.

When you begin planning a visit to the park, it is a good idea to check the websites of different hotel chains, or even individual hotels, in Benidorm. Many of these companies have agreements with the Park and the tickets are cheaper or they may even have Accommodation + Tickets packages at good prices. These companies change every year, so you should look for updated information.

The main civilisations of the Mediterranean are perfectly represented at Terra Mítica, where you will see the traditions and customs of ancient people.

very year Terra Mitica increases its number of visitors, especially in summer, as it is the perfect complement to Valencia’s tourism attractions.

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Theme parks TWK isla mágica

i s l a m á g i c aExcitEmEnt-packEd surprisEs

hat is the park like?Isla Mágica is the first Theme Park to be situated within a city. It recreates the set-tings and society of the 16th century, a

time when new unexplored worlds were being discovered. The surprise factor is key, because when you least expect it you might run into a pirate who is fleeing, terrified, or a damsel from the Middle Ages strolling through the gardens. My younger son had a great time trying to hide from the pirates. In addition to the performances, shows and activi-

ties, it offers many water-based rides, ideal for cooling off on those hot sunny days.

street parades A succession of theatre and entertainment performances, which are renewed every year, constantly march up and down the streets. The whole family can become part of the Isla Má-gica shows and we saw this as soon as we went in. “Los Mo-distillas” surprised us by giving us advice on the garments we should wear, and we laughed a lot. Our first stop was the

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The Falcon Flight is a very special carrousel, where you can rise and feel that you are flying while enjoying panoramic views of the whole park.

CRISTINA TOLEDO isla Mágica is a theme park designed for adults and children, the only thing required from visitors is the will to have a good time. located on the isla de la Cartuja, in seville, it is a place where anything can happen, full of magic and excitement everywhere, and you are the main character.

i s l a m á g i c aExcitEmEnt-packEd surprisEs

Puerto de Indias, a representation of the Seville of the 16th Century. We went directly to the Corral de Comedias where magic and theatre shows are performed, to the fascination of the younger ones. However, if you prefer legends of ships and treasure chests, you can start at La Guarida de los Piratas (Pirates’ Den) where there is a frigate turned into a stage for “El Matasanos” (The Quack) or the classic “El Motín” (The Mutiny). You will see thrilling fight scenes, acrobatic pursuits, jumps and skirmishes, with a grand finale bursting with spe-cial effects.

the Fountain oF YouthThis space is especially for the younger ones, full of animals, waterfalls, caves, mysterious corners and even dragons, in short, a different world. There are different attractions such as “Chrysallis” where my kids rode in a gondola or the “Jumping Frog”, a small gravity-defying free-fall tower. “The Spring wheel” was the ride that the kids liked best, a Ferris

wheel with different fun-shaped seats. Puppet and musical shows are a great attraction at The Fountain of Youth, as they tell, for example, the adventures of Pinocchio and other characters.

MuCh More than just MYsterY One of the most popular rides is “The Fury of the Gods” in the Quetzal area, where the bravest explorers will enjoy a wonderful trip through the Mayan world. The object is to overcome ten daunting challenges imposed by the gods; will you succeed? We did! At the Fuerte de San Felipe, lo-cated in La Puerta de América, we had lunch while watching musical shows. Afterwards we went to the “Potosi Train” a children’s family roller coaster where we discovered the fa-mous Potosi coalmines. Another corner that attracted our attention was Amazonia, with thick vegetation and themed with wooden cabins representing a native village. Here you can find, for example, “The Jaguar”, Spain’s first upside-

HOw DO I gETTO ISLA MágICA?the park’s location comprises a good communications network, featuring the motorways that link seville to the remainder of spain and to portugal. only a few minutes from the park is the santa justa railway station with the high speed train. there are also direct flights with different companies from London to the san pablo international airport, only 15 minutes away from isla Mágica.

The Pirates’ Den is one of the kids’ favourite areas, as these seafaring thieves have loads of fascinating stories to tell.

down roller coaster, so if you are brave, get ready for 360 degrees loops and great fun. The tracks run above wooden cabins and different pathways, without a doubt the park’s most spectacular ride. However, as well as amusement there is also an instructional aspect for our children. An example is the Balcony of Andalusia, where you can stroll through a scaled model measuring 10,000 square metres, showing the 100 main landscapes and monuments of Andalusia. Without a doubt, an unforgettable experience to be enjoyed by the whole family.

CineMa like You’ve never seen it The El Dorado area is a meeting point for the best acrobats, where they put on a lovely circus show. We were all pleasantly

surprised by the birds of prey exhibition and the visit to the temples and ruins. However, we still felt ready for some action and the Orinoco Rapids and the Falcon Flight were the perfect combination. El Dorado also offers the magic of audiovisuals, with the “Cinemotion” show, where we were the protagonists thanks to a semi-spherical screen and the seats coordinated with the picture and sound. We also went to the “Dimension 4”, which combines 3D effects with smells, movement, the im-pression of being underwater, gusts of wind and even lightning. If you want more excitement, you can find it at “El Capitan Ba-las” where you will have the chance to use a laser gun to shoot at the bulls’ eyes on the set and accumulate as many points as possible to beat your opponents. We split into two teams, parents and kids, but the kids won by a landslide!

Puppet and musical shows are a great attractionat The Fountain of Youth, as they tell, for example,the adventures of Pinocchio and other characters.

The fun water rides are the most appealing to visitors to Isla Mágica in summer

For Further inForMation n Web: www.islamagica.esTelephone: +34 902. 161. 716. Adress: Isla de la Cartuja, 41092 Sevilla

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On a visit to the Rio Tinto Mines in Huelva, at the end of the mining train ride you can go down to a bend in the river and see the red water that is contaminated since centuries due to the mining works. My husband and one of my children wave to the camera, against the backlight on the River Tinto.Inmaculada García Guiral

We decided to travel to Spain this summer, to the lovely city of Malaga. My youngest daughter is in the picture, on the beach in Maro, where she played all day with her cousins. We will be back next summer.Charles Rush

This picture is a memento of our ride on the boat through the huge port of la Valetta, capital of the island of Malta. There were Spanish and German families, and the information on the city’s history was given in both languages. Guillermo Portillo Guzmán

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NOTAS DE VIAJE

InvIsa Hotel Club Cala blanCa

buffet

InvIsa fIgueral resort - MInI Club

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AWhite sand beaches, crystal clear Water and dreamlike sunsets. all this and more is yours on ibiza, and to fully enjoy it choose invisa hotels, especially invisa figueral resort, consisting of invisa hotel club cala blanca and invisa hotel club cala verde. the mediterranean, ibiza and the finest accommodation: the perfect combination for this summer.

resort

InvIsa fIgueral resort

T h e p r i v i l e g e o f e x p e r i e n c i n g i b i z a

n exquisite beach on ibiza, es figueral, lies before us offering us stunning views from this privileged posi-tion. only invisa ho-tel club cala blanca

and invisa hotel club cala verde give us the opportunity to enjoy one of the prime spots on the island. and this is just one of the many possibilities. invisa figueral resort is much more than excellent accommodation. it’s perfect for families, not only because of the configuration of the rooms, but also because of the varied activities and superb facilities the resort has to offer.

Isla PIrataour children will have a lot fun in the new isla pirata aquatic recreational area. Together with the mini-club and its new attractions, isla pirata boasts more than 5.000 square metres of play area, including a great pirate Ship with slides, water cannons, thousands of litres of water and a lot of enjoyment in an exotic environment.We will also enjoy an exciting circuit of adventures, where we can climb trees and use ropes and lianas. it’s a refresh-ing place where adults can relax with a cold drink on the terrace, while kids enjoy the fantastic isla pirata.

More entertaInMentWe’ve already mentioned the mini-club. here, children can participate in an entertainment program suitable for all ages. This summer they will also have a great time with our new mascot, invi. Sports, dancing, games and themed days are only a few of the activities designed for children ages 3 to 12 years to enjoy, always under the supervision of experienced profes-sionals to guarantee their safety and entertainment.The recreational facilities include swimming pools, terraces and Jacuzzis. for the adults there is the outstand-ing new buda chill out area with a tranquil oriental atmosphere including a swimming pool, where you can enjoy delicious cocktails and fresh fruit juices, while you relax lying on a sun bed.

InvIsa FIgueral resort rooMsWe’ve already mentioned that dif-ferent room layouts are available. all rooms have a bathroom and amenities include air conditioning, balcony, satel-lite television, telephone, mini fridge, safe and kettle.Double room: Spacious rooms with air conditioning offer either sea, swimming pool or garden views. These rooms accommodate a maximum of four persons with two individual beds, a

InvIsa fIgueral

www.invisahoteles.com

barCo pIrata

MInIClub

sofa bed and the possibility of a fourth bed. all in one bedroom.Double premium: Double rooms fully renovated in 2011 in a contemporary style. We can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea, swimming pool or gardens. rooms have a terrace and are fully equipped with 20-inch flat screen tele-visions with satellite, safe, mini fridge and welcome package.family room: rooms with air condi-tioning, perfect for families with kids, offer greater comfort and more space. all family rooms have a bedroom, sitting room with sofa bed and bath-room.Junior Suite: fully renovated in 2011 featuring contemporary, stylish and functional decor. The Junior Suites have a bedroom, sitting room with sofa bed, double bed and the possibility of an additional bed, bathroom and terrace. They are fully equipped with a 32-inch flat screen television with satellite in the sitting room, a 20-inch flat screen television with satellite in the bedroom, safe, mini fridge, coffee

machine, teapot and welcome package. Sea views. one bedroom apartment: equipped with all the amenities, spacious yet cosy, these rooms feature a separate bedroom, kitchen, sitting room with sofa bed, bathroom and air condition-ing.Two bedrooms apartment: very spacious and comfortable, with two separate bedrooms, sitting room, kitch-enette, bathroom and air conditioning.

FIrst class servIceThe invisa figueral resort experience is complete with an appealing array of services such as the Star all inclusive, offering themed breakfasts, lunches and dinners, served in the buffet-show cooking restaurant. This offer also includes premium brand cocktails and soft drinks. other useful services include a meeting room, foreign cur-rency exchange desk, car rental desk, baby-sitting, Wifi internet access, medi-cal service, bus and boat service.

invisa hotel club cala verde

invisa hotel club cala blanca

nPlaya de es Figueralsanta eulalia Ibizatelephone: 971 335 111Fax: 971 335 061e-mail: cverde@invisahoteles.com

nPlaya de es Figueralsanta eulalia/Ibizatelephone: 971 335 100Fax: 971 335 040e-mail: cblanca@invisahoteles.com

“...great pirate Ship with slides, water cannons, thousands of litres of water and a lot of enjoyment ....”

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The adventurer Ramón Larramendi is the inventor of the polar catamaran, a boat pulled by kites to “sail” through the most inaccessible areas of the South Pole. It is really two sleds that become, in just a few seconds, a canoe-catamaran, ready to sail through polar waters over long distances but which, when it is back on ice, easily goes back to the original sleds to continue with the voyage. Incredible but true!

The history of the Casa-Palacio de los Picos (Palace-House of the Spikes), in Segovia is unique. Seemingly, its first owner, a rich Jew converted to Christianity, was tired of having his house referred to as the “Jew’s house”, so he decided to cover it in spikes, so that people would call it something else. And he succeeded, in addition to it having quite an original aspect, it then became the “spike house”, as it is still known.

He finally managed to cHangeits nickname!

The Mariana Trench, in the Pacific Ocean, is the deepest and lesser-known area of the earth’s crust. Because the pressure on the bottom is 1,000 times more than on land, no human has been able to go there, although several vessels have collected samples of the sediment and have proven that a species of plankton unknown in any other part of the planet lives there. Measuring 2,550 kilometres long, this area is permanently in absolute darkness.

nobody Has been down tHere

a boat tHat sails… on snow!

The women of Zamarramala (Segovia) have the privilege of officially being in charge for two days every year, in a festivity held in honour of Saint Agueda. This celebration dates back to 1227, seemingly thanks to the important role of the women in the reconquest of the Alcazar, thus they were granted, as acknowledgement, a series of special rights. Ever since then there are several days per year when they officially hold all of the governing posts.

Power to tHe women

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Bhuddists and Hinduists are convinced that the best way to purify the soul and atone for sins is to go on the Kora, a journey under extreme

weather conditions to the sacred Mount Kailas, which they consider to be the representation of the gods on earth

because it holds the source of the four main rivers of India. It is located in the Himalaya mountain range, some

5,600 metres above sea level and currently, due to the danger it entails, climbing it is forbidden.

The rafflesia, considered the world’s largest flower, was discovered in 1818 in a Sumatra forest and it measures approximately one metre wide. It may weigh up to 7 kilograms, it has a reddish colour and its main feature is that it gives off heat and smells like rotten meat, something that, according to the Science magazine, can be a way to attract insects to pollinate it. Several of them have been found in the forests in southeast Asia, although Borneo holds the largest number of them.

We are still in Japan and from the family rucksack we now proceed to insects: Japanese engineers have created what they call the cyborg cockroach. The reason is to take advantage of this insect’s mobility and add to it micro-robotics to capture as much information as possible in the case of a disaster striking. To this end they have replaced their antennae with micro-cameras, among other devices, that will allow the location of survivors in places where a human would be unable to reach. However, this is still a pilot project that is still in the stages of improvements.

Due to its geological features, Japan is a country that is prone to earthquakes. Therefore its buildings are the best built in the whole world for withstanding the tremors. Even so, the Japanese are convinced that there will be an earthquake, which they call The Big One, that will level the whole country. Therefore, most families have a rucksack packed with the basic utensils and some provisions for surviving it, if it ever should come.

tHe world’s largest flower stinks

anti-eartHquake cockroacHes

Like many of the place-names that have survived time, Machu Pichu has its own meaning in the original Inca language, and it means old mountain. This construction, considered by the Peruvians as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, is also one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions.

old mountain

an eartHquake rucksack

Purification of the soul

FUN FACTS

ne of the recurring questions our friends ask us when we travel to more or less exotic countries, with the word ‘exot-ic’ encompassing a wide range of destinations depending on

who is speaking, is about food safety.It’s already a classic. When we return from a trip, questions like “How was the food?”, “Was it difficult?” etc. are like a mantra repeated over and over by our friends.The more unusual or far away the country we travel to is, the louder their tirade about how absolutely irrespon-sible we are for exposing our kids to God only knows what kind of food calamity.It doesn’t matter that my children aren’t fat, that they don’t have poor eating habits and that they are used to eat healthily, thanks to our efforts as parents. And it doesn’t matter that in four years of travelling around the world our children haven’t suffered from even mild diarrhea (For this reason the anti-diarrheal medicine in our first aid kit always expires unopened). To pay for my university studies, among other jobs, I worked in various open air restaurants and bars. For me, the look of a plate, a waiter or a table is all I need to judge the level of risk we are taking. It is not at all odd for me to have a beer and an appetizer at one restaurant and suddenly decide to leave and go to another place to eat.

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SAFe eATInG

reviews VCH

IF you Would lIke Some AdvIce, reAd on. Hot, scratched plates or glasses mean the dishwasher gets a lot of use. I don’t know about you, but boiling hot water is something I like for the tableware and the cutlery I use to eat. If the cook is bad tempered with the waiter, and both towards everyone in general, then it is better to find another restaurant. When employees don’t like their work, hygiene suffers.Although my father always said that the best dishes came out of the dirtiest kitchens, if we can see grime in the small part of the kitchen visible to cus-tomers in the majority of restaurants, just imagine the condition of the rest of it, and act accordingly. order dishes that have a high turnover. If not, you may end up eating food cooked days or even weeks before.In closing, something a bit unpleasant: prawns and similar items have only one head and, for this reason, you should be careful with soups and other dishes with a disproportionate amount of them. I think there is no need to explain the reason.

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«AVRUD» was established in 2002 by selecting the direction of its activities to the individual tours. For

travelers, opened a new opportunity – not to be bound rigid framework of a group trip, and by the

amount and schedule a tour by choosing the most comfortable stay.

Nowadays our company promote the tours for individual travelers in Central Asia and Transcaucas. At

present, working with professional partners in many cities and regions of the Central Asia &

Transcaucasia, we are pleased to offer our customers a wide range of tourism services, combined with a

high level of personal service.

«AVRUD» has a deserved reputation as one of the most high-tech and professional companies in our

market. Full computerization and organized system of working to prevent loss of information. This

allows us to smoothly and accurately handle tourists even in the high season.

Contacts

Tel.: +998 71 150 35 15

Tel.: +998 71 252 34 77

Fax.: +998 71 252 61 84

Mob.: +998 90 904 57 07

Mob.: +998 90 348 59 49

E-mail: anna@uztravel.uz

Skype: annula841

ICQ: 559 709 609

The Hotel Aparto Suites Muralto is located right in the commercial and business centre of Madrid, only a few metres from the Royal Palace and the Plaza de España, close to the University Campus and only a short walk from the main musical and theatre shows. Muralto is the perfect option for business travellers and tourists who wish to stay in the city centre, in one of the most typical districts of the Spanish capital.

Its location affords easy access by any transportation (underground and bus are right next to the hotel), as well as pleasant walks through the historical centre and surrounding parks, where you can practise your favourite sports.

The hotel has 73 apartments of up to 42 square metres, sound-proofed, with air conditioning and heating, fully equipped kitchen and large bathroom, Wi-Fi and DSL, international TV channels, Digital + and electronic safe large enough for a laptop to fit inside. Tranquillity, proximity and experienced staff are the trademark of Muralto.

Thanks to the spaciousness of the rooms, families of 3 or 4 people enjoy a pleasant and comfortable stay. The policy for children includes free accommodation for the first child under 12, staying with 2 adults.

The tourism advisory service at reception will help you to purchase tickets for current musicals and theatre performances, museums

and leisure centres that the city offers every day of the year. You can also purchase tickets for the Warner Amusement Park right at the hotel, thus avoiding long queues. Business centre open 24 hours with internet access and printer. Underground parking for hotel guests. Breakfast buffet from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. Sala Liébana equipped with full services: DSL internet and Wi-Fi, 42” TV, connection for PC-Video etc. Á la carte services such as hostesses and translations, secretaries, printing, fax, scanner, courier service, microphones… Room Service Telepizza available.

Through the hotel’s website you can locate it on the map and plan your itinerary, add its coordinates in your GPS device or even send us your opinion on your stay.