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Travel insurance: Covers by Covid

Travel insurance: Covers by Covid

It is always advisable to take out insurance when we go on a trip, especially now around the pandemic. It is important to see the coverage when reserving it since there are variations with respect to Covid.

 

Travel insurance:

  • Travel insurance It is something totally necessary and essential when we go on vacation, Although many times we do not use it, we enjoy the tranquility of being covered if something unforeseen should happen without having to pay an excessive amount of money that many times we do not have. When traveling it is necessary to hire the best travel insurance, that covers not only medical coverage but also lost luggage, cancellation and / or repatriation expenses or early return.
  • In some countries medical expenses can exceed and double the total amount of the trip and not to mention if we add to this hospital admission or medical examinations. Contract travel insurance gives us guarantees because with just one call we can cover our unforeseen, taking into account the discomfort of the situation. Depending on where we are, we can go to a member center or a private center with the peace of mind that international insurance will take care of all expenses when returning from the trip or at the time depending on the situation. It is important to reflect in the case of a critical situation in which we lose our nerves and do not know how to act, This generates a speed to the management in case of emergencies and relief to face the case.
  • We often think that taking out insurance is unnecessary because what is going to happen to us?! Nothing has ever happened to me! The most convenient thing is to hire it together with the confirmation of the trip, in this way the cancellation costs will be covered, as well as all other coverages in advance. Also, Currently with the pandemic situation some countries request insurance as an essential to enter as tourists, with a minimum of medical coverage to cover all the needs in case of contagion by Covid-19 during the trip.
  • We just need not to hire you to have a setback, an allergic reaction, a sudden heart attack, or just a silly fall that ends in a fibula fracture. Sometimes we are not aware of our fragility when it comes to health, We must also take into account the annoying events that can occur during a trip such as flight delays and loss of connections, inconveniences with luggage such as breakage or loss of the suitcase, Although the airline must be responsible for it, the insurance serves as a backup in terms of monetary coverage and compensation.. And take into account cancellation costs if a close relative dies before leaving or while traveling, or being less tragic they enter you seriously, we have a car accident, etc. there are thousands of causes and advantages to take out insurance.

 

 

 

 

 

  • It is important to highlight the destination where we are traveling to decide what type of insurance to hire for medical coverage, Since, as is the case in the United States, where health care is very expensive, it is highly recommended to take it and for that reason some insurances do not cover that destination., that is to say, It usually includes a supplement, as is the case with cruises that carry special coverage, since medical care on board is private and expensive.. It is also the case of some Asian countries that have only private healthcare, where we can suffer decompensations more easily due to food and climate, in fact some recommend taking mandatory vaccines. There are also destinations where it is requested international insurance mandatory at the entrance of the country as is the case of Cuba, for example.
  • If we talk about insurance prices, there are many, differ in their coverage and franchises, Although there is insurance that covers everything if the franchise is a very low price (amount for which the passenger is covered) will be of less value like this for example: If we contract a standard full insurance, the coverage for cancellation costs will be 50% of the amount of the trip, on the other hand, more complete ones will cover the 75% or the 80% or in some cases until 100% as long as it is a justified cause. The price also varies depending on the days of contract, so, for example, the price for a trip will not be the same. 1 week to a trip of 1 my, That is why it is often advisable to take out annual insurance that covers all the trips you make in 1 year and may be cheaper than hiring it in the singular.
  • Today, due to the global health situation due to Coronavirus, the insurance coverage has been re-raised to provide the passenger with new services and thus be able to travel with more peace of mind if the destination allows. In the insurance comparison section we indicate which are the best insurances that cover all the unforeseen due to Covid reasons, as well as the most important companies with the best coverage in value for money.

 

Insurance comparison:

  • Regarding coverage for Covid refers to the best insurance on the market are:
  • Bujaldon that has a range of insurance both individually and in groups with Assistance and / or Cancellation by Covid.
  • Innovac who have a selection of vacation insurance with coverage for Covid, in addition to covering other areas such as home, automobiles, etc.

 

  • Other insurances are:
  • Mapfre: has a wide variety of unique insurances in its coverages depending on the circumstances such as adoption travel; camps and colonies for children or erasmus for adolescents who are going to study abroad. Its most generic product is the Temporary Vacation.
  • In the case of insurance Axa specializes in the Schengen zone in particular and Europe in general, although it also has global insurance such as Axa Premium world.
  • On the other hand, Here owns a product called Estrella Premium which is the most complete covering from trip cancellation to advance of funds.
  • In the case of Interworld Although it has some specialized insurance, it offers the alternative of contracting a global product such as Gama Totaltravel, valid worldwide, customizable and with 3 different modalities: Totaltravel mini; Totaltravel and Totaltravel Premium.

 

 

 

 

  • It is very important to know how to detect the value for money according to the coverage, since sometimes we can take out insurance that is very well priced, but at the moment of truth it does not cover almost anything or the franchises are very low, which is the same for that matter, so, We must take into account and read the fine print when it comes to insurance so as not to regret it later.

 

Daiam I.

 

Civitatis travel insurance

Posted by daiam_illa in Destinos
Spas: Arabian Hammam

Spas: Arabian Hammam

Ending the summer, During the autumn-winter season the spas are the most sought after as they invite you to relax and unwind in a warm and welcoming environment.

It is a good excuse to take a weekend getaway and counter the cold. Also, there are people who come to do treatments with a professional follow-up either for beauty or health. There are spas with natural hot springs that provide various properties to treat chronic diseases such as: rheumatism; osteoarthritis; arthritis; etc.

Inside the Spas, the so-called Hammam are found in the south of Spain. Mainly in Granada, Here we tell you what it consists of and which are the most important…

Arabian Hammam:

What is the Hammam?

It is an Arab bath or also known as a Turkish bath that consists of a steam bath for cleansing the body and mind in a relaxing environment. It consists of swimming pool baths with different temperatures meanwhile, it is recommended to hydrate the body with water or tea.

Hammam in Granada:

For the Arabs during the kingdom, body care and personal hygiene were very important while Christians believed that the use of water was wasteful for this reason, The vast majority of the buildings built during the Arab reign were destroyed in Spain, leaving only a few that have been restored to recover this tradition..

Bathtub:

There is a free museum that reflects the tradition, dates from the 11th century and was part of a Mosque, They were public baths where the population met at different times, one shift for men and another for women, which can be accessed through a Christian house that was built later.

One of the oldest and most complete buildings in Spain that was restored in the 20th century for public access, allows you to appreciate the original architecture of the Hammam declared a Site of Cultural Interest in Granada, an essential place to visit.

Different Hammam options in Granada

The most prominent is the Hammam Al Ándalus which has been built on the ruins of an ancient Hammam dating from the 16th century, located at the foot of the Alhambra evokes history inside along with bathroom experiences.

On the other hand, is the Aljibe de San Miguel where you can also stay at your hotel and eat at your restaurant.

Other hotel Macià Real de la Alhambra that offers the services of bathrooms resembles the Palace of Comares, although with a more modern look.

By last, Aquaterm Spa Urbano that has 18 circuits of different themes.

Daiam I.

Posted by daiam_illa in Destinos
ANDALUSIA, The Golden Triangle

ANDALUSIA, The Golden Triangle

Slocated in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia south of Spain, known and recognized worldwide for the Alhambra which is a must if you go to the city of Granada.

Its proximity to the cities of Córdoba and Sevilla allows you to visit the area taking advantage of the picturesque charm of Andalusia if you have several days. Also, They have options at any time of the year because in winter they can ski in Sierra Nevada Meanwhile in summer can enjoy the beaches in the Tropical coast just a few miles away.

How to get:

There are medium and long distance trains, as well as birds (high speed trains) and coaches from the rest of Europe or any city of Spain, It is a good option for those who want to skip air controls or who are afraid of flying and do not want to drive.

In turn by road the cities are divided by about 200 km. away from each other. There is no excuse to visit the 3 cities do have some days ...

The city of Córdoba owns airport, although it has almost no operation since it is overshadowed by the airports of Sevilla and Granada that are more important and that are only a few kilometers away. For this reason the best option is to arrive by train, by car or coach.

In the case of Granada they have several options, by car on the road, by plane arriving at the airport called Federico Garcia Lorca that is to 17 kilometers from the center, has a special bus at a good price, as well as taxi service. To get to Sevilla, it is possible through the airport called Seville-San Pablo. It has a special bus line to get to the city center either by Ave or coach, as well as car.

Warm welcome:

The highlight of the area is its people, cozy and cheerful wherever they go. Invites you to stay to belong for a few days to that relaxed and festive environment. The best option to feel it is to enter the most remote places visiting its neighborhoods in emblematic places where you can learn about history and culture. In I am Experiential Travel we prepare the best itinerary that suits you.

For its pleasant climate, it is possible to visit them throughout the year. The average temperature is 30ºC in summer and 12ºC in winter, November being the rainiest month. The most recommended months for travel They are from April to October.

How to get around Granada:

There is a tram or light rail that crosses the entire city from north to south, some stops are underground while the rest are outside. Also, there are minibuses to reach the pedestrian areas, as well as line buses with different connected routes. It is very easy to move in Granada since you have several inexpensive options and with little waiting time.

Visit the Alhambra in Granada

Without a doubt the city of Granada is known worldwide for Alhambra what is its main attraction, declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco in 1984.

He Generalife Palace, he Carlos V Palace, The Palacios Nazaríes, The Alcazaba, The Medina and Iron they make up a unique and unrepeatable historical-cultural monumental complex in terms of architecture and botany.. It was built in a geographically strategic location on a hill surrounded by mountains and forests on the banks of the Darro River in the mid-13th century as a military zone where the Nasrid kingdom was later established.. Over the centuries high walls and towers were built named as the military zone o Alcazaba, as well as the Palacios Nazaríes that occupied the area of ​​the medina or palatine city. He Palacio Carlos v It was built by the Catholic Monarchs at the request of their grandson the emperor. By last, he Generalife It is a palace surrounded by gardens and orchards that was a recreation home for the sultans of Granada.

The visit can last from 3 a 5 hours and it is essential to reserve the ticket in advance since there may be a waiting list for some dates or full capacity, It is advisable to make the reservation with 3 months in advance of the travel date as travelers from all over the world come to see this show. It should be noted that it is several hours walking, going up and down stairs, it is important to wear comfortable shoes and be physically fit for the occasion.

Places to visit inside the Alhambra:

PALACIOS NAZARÍES: Cformed by 3 called palaces The Mexuar, The Palace of Comares The Yufuf and the Palace of the Lions. Decorated inside with ornamental architectural elements of hand-carved walls with the introduction of patios and gardens as well as marble fountains that represent Persian and Muslim inspiration..

The Mexuar: Also called the Hall of Justice, it is an oratory where the sultan listened without being seen and observed the audience through lattices..

The Palace of the Lions: Nasrid naturalistic art containing a Christian influence, constituted the private rooms of the royal family. With a central courtyard surrounded by corridors with columns, in the center the Fountain of the Lions great image and main attraction of the Alhambra.

The Palace of Comares The Yufuf: Its decoration is very rich with ceramic baseboards, plasterwork and wood. Here is the largest room in the entire Alhambra called the Ambassadors Hall with natural lighting coming from small windows cut into the wooden ceiling perfectly calculated that represent the 7 skies of the Islamic cosmos that the believer must traverse to find Allah.

THE MEDINA: It made up the houses of high officials and court servants as well as workshops and public baths.. Currently only the foundations of the buildings can be seen, the wall and its towers were rebuilt after the War of Independence which left the buildings in ruins.

PALACIO DEL GENERALIFE: It has an amphitheater at its entrance where shows are currently held in summer created in 1952. Made up of beautiful gardens of fragrant shrubs and magnolia trees, walk of the cypresses and walk of the oleanders. It has its own hydraulic system called Los Albercones which consists of channeling the Darro river to the Generalife which it supplies through an aqueduct to later enter the Alhambra.

THE ALCAZABA: It is a fortified military compound from the 11th century. Formed by the Plaza de Armas, The Torre de la Vela which is the most symbolic of the Alhambra, the Tower of Arms and the Gardens of the Adarves.

PALACE OF CHARLES V: It was built at the request of Emperor Charles V as a residence in the Alhambra, The construction went through several stages until due to lack of funds, the works stopped, leaving its construction incomplete.

IRON: Royal cemetery where the remains of Granada's princes rested, recently restored.

Albaicín neighborhood:

One of the neighborhoods with more history to see in Granada, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1984, during the same year as the Alhambra.

It has a range of stories from many of the civilizations that settled in the area such as the Greeks; Phoenicians; romans and arabs. Located at an altitude of 700 a 800 meters above sea level, Being a high-rise neighborhood occupied by different towns, it was detached from the city, considered in its day as a suburb. Maintains the urban fabric of the Nasrid period, with narrow streets and the type of traditional house called Carmen, composed of a free-standing house surrounded by a wall that separates it from the street with an orchard or garden.

Very characteristic for the channeling and distribution of drinking water through cisterns, some of which are preserved, but they are not in use due to deterioration due to time. Its maximum splendor was during the last years of Nasrid rule with a population of 40.000 inhabitants and 30 mosques. Later the Christians drove out the Muslims by demolishing mosques and building churches under their belt.. Surrounded by a wall dating from the 11th century, that runs through the entire neighborhood and reaches Sacromonte.

Centro de Granada: tapas and teas.

Tapas in Granada:

In all the traditional restaurants you will find "The almond soup" and "The beans with ham and egg". In the center you can find most of the restaurants that combine Mediterranean cuisine with Arabic and Moroccan as a cultural influence from the neighboring country. On the other hand, the Granada tapas It is a classic if you visit the city that you cannot stop trying, famous for its quantity, many say that with 2 canes and dinners because they are usually succulent and at a good price, although quality may vary from site to site, It is important to know that in some bars you will not be able to choose the tapa, They will simply serve what is coming out in order, while in others they will be able to see and choose from a tapas menu. The best area for tapas is around Plaza Nueva, in Elvira street and Navas street. You can also find many places along the Paseo de los Tristes.

Most of the pubs are located on Pedro Antonio de Alarcón street., bars and tapas places to go out at night which is the main area for university nightlife, while in the area of ​​the Catholic Monarchs you can find a more adult and sophisticated environment.

street of tea shops:

In the historic center, the streets are cobbled and narrow for pedestrians, which inspires a warm atmosphere, feeling the aroma of tea. Walking along Elvira street you will reach Caldedería street, you can find all kinds of exotic tea shops to drink and take away. With Arabic style in its decoration inspired by the Muslim influence through history and proximity. Also, They can take the opportunity to buy handcrafted souvenirs such as Arabic-style colored lamps and leather crafts. Enter these streets to disconnect and get lost for a while, the different aromas and flavors that accompany you to enjoy the mixture of fragrances in a tea accompanied by a typical sweet and smoking a hookah while playing guitar music is a highly recommended experience.

Sacromonte neighborhood: Caves and viewpoints.

It is a neighborhood with a rich ethnic variety made up of Jews, castellanos, arabs and gypsies. The area stands out for its viewpoints and cave-shaped dwellings where the gypsies settled in the 15th century., who have preserved their identity and culture over time around singing and dancing. What Federico García Lorca described in one of his books.

caves:

Caves arose for the marginalized in the 16th century, the Muslim and Jewish population that was expelled from the city, These are joined by the gypsies of nomadic customs who began to build on the hills to live since they would be outside the administrative control and ecclesiastical order. There is a legend that revolves around the origin of the caves called the Barranco de los Negros. It tells that when Muslims were expelled from their homes, those who had wealth and black slaves, They buried their belongings in the ravine to go to Almuñécar and return for them when they were settled, leaving their slaves free since taking them involved spending more money, These without having a place to live went to dig in the ravine to find the wealth of their bosses without finding anything, although little by little they were building the caves where they would live. You can currently visit the area.

The dwelling caves are grouped around the ravines forming streets with different styles, whitewashed facades and interiors. The best known with the Zambras, decorated as well as spacious located near the Sacromonte road with easy access. Cradle of art and place of inspiration, where you can find flamenco and gypsy zambra shows composed of music and dance. Towards the upper area are the humblest and smallest caves. They are not comfortable buildings, although if insulating from the outside temperature, so, keep warm in winter and cool in summer.

Viewpoints:

There are a variety of viewpoints, here are some of the most symbolic.

Sacromonte Caves Museum Viewpoint:

Inaugurated in the year 2002, the ethnographic and environmental museum of Sacromonte, put value to the heritage legacy through cultural and educational activities. Recreating life in caves and the trades of its inhabitants in ancient times such as, for example: basketry; loom; ceramics. They are conserved 11 caves-dwelling in their original state open to the public that occupy 4.800 square meters of land around the Darro River Valley declared a Site of Cultural Interest since 2016.

San Miguel viewpoint:

It is the highest of the viewpoints of Granada, before the Hermitage of San Miguel Alto. Place to which the neighbors pilgrimage each 29 September to bring out in procession an image of the Archangel Saint Michael. Unlike others that are located in the city, this one is peculiar because it is on the periphery and is less urban and more natural, so, It provides more tranquility to contemplate the views where the sunsets are spectacular, with reddish and yellow tones from there you can see the Alhambra and a panoramic view of Granada with its hills in the background. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and a bottle of water as there is nothing around to buy.

Sacromonte Abbey:

Built in the 17th century, where relics and testimonies about the first Christians of Granada. Inside it houses an important library with numerous manuscripts, currently closed. Besides being an impressive monument, has great views, The Abbey is the canonical seat of the Brotherhood of Gypsies and they celebrate Mass every Sunday. Next to the Abbey are the catacombs or holy caves where different chapels are preserved.

Realejo neighborhood (Jewish quarter of Granada)

It is a cosmopolitan neighborhood where people of different origins coexist with lifelong Grenadians. From Torres Bermejas to the royal gate and from the promenade of the living room to the Darro River, Realejo stretches between the two rivers of the capital where multiculturalism and tradition coexist.

Before the arrival of the Muslims, the Jews were already settled in the area.. They were mostly artisans, merchants and merchants. They had a great culture with knowledge of medicine and several languages. They established a series of discriminatory rules for protection until the Christians arrived and began to be persecuted. This is how little by little they destroyed the synagogues and began to repopulate the neighborhood with Christians.. The Realejo neighborhood was named, who underwent a profound remodeling after the abandonment of the Jewish people culturally speaking while maintaining its old urban layout. You can get there by minibus, You can find a large number of bars and taverns specializing in Granada tapas.

 

Sevilla:

As the song of Los del Río says: "Seville has a special color" because it gives off a unique charm that can only be appreciated when walking through its streets and enjoying its aromas and its people. streets lined with orange trees, bathed by the Guadalquivir River. A city that exudes culture and history in every corner, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage and go back to the Sevilla Antigua or sailing by boat on the Guadalquivir River to see the sunset on board.

Points of interest:

tower of Gold:

Albarrana tower with dodecagonal plan, of 36 meters high. It is possible to visit its interior with the payment of an entrance, it is worth it since it owns

el Museo Naval de Sevilla where valuable documents related to the conquest of America lie and it is also possible to go up to the viewpoint from where you can appreciate incredible views. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1931.

Cathedral of Sevilla:

Declared a World Heritage Site, It is the world's third largest temple and cathedral in the Gothic style. Made of 5 naves and several chapels where the tomb of Christopher Columbus lies and is surrounded by several small squares where people gather to listen to its chimes, has 11.500 square meters of surface. In its surroundings there is a great variety of street vendors who are quite insistent.

Santa Cruz neighborhood:

It occupies the old part of Sevilla, Jewish quarter of the city full of monuments, museums and palaces that make history as: The Royal Alcazar; Indies Archive; Cathedral; Plazuela Santa Marta; Yard of Flags; water street; Plaza de Santa Cruz and Calle de las Cruces among others. Walled pathways of narrow streets, mostly stone pedestrian. With a wide variety of souvenir shops, chocolates and nougats that are typical of there.

The Giralda:

Tower that crowns the cathedral, with 800 years of history in his legacy. Stomach 101 meters high. It has 24 bells, 18 they are turning and 6 clapper. It is the Cathedral of Spain with the largest number of bells, restored in 1998. It is possible to visit it upon payment of the corresponding entrance.

Mushrooms of the Incarnation:

Metropol Parasol of the Encarnacion, it is a mega-gastrobar and an underground museum. avant-garde construction, work of Jurgen Mayer. It consists of 6 umbrellas or parasols that resemble a sea sponge. With great movement both day and night. It is located near El Rinconcillo and Plaza de San Pedro.

Sevilla is the delight of the senses with its gastronomy and the relaxation of a hammam bath in the surroundings of old palaces that also host seminars, conferences and large events that promote innovation in infrastructures. With an agenda of culture and leisure made up of music sessions, theater and cinema. In addition to the popular festivals in different seasons and dates that proclaim them such as Holy Week where processions and pilgrimages take place with the willingness of the locals to make the visitor feel at home..

Córdoba:

Its history dates back to the 2nd century BC when it was founded during the Roman Empire., Later it would be the capital of the Emirate of Córdoba during the Muslim domination and with the arrival of the European Middle Ages it would become the most opulent city in Europe. Córdoba It is the city in the world that has the most World Heritage titles declared by Unesco.

The best thing to do is to walk to enjoy its narrow streets and browse the patios of the houses that are open to the public to be visited., It is also important to note that many of the areas are pedestrianized and cannot be reached in any other way., he historic helmet of Córdoba It was declared in its extension a World Heritage Site by Unesco, one of the largest areas of the world

yes. You can ride a horse-drawn carriage through the historic center, although there is also the option of public transport to travel to more distant areas and the tourist bus service with a tour of the main monuments for those who do not want to walk. At the same time, the use of bicycles is increasing due to the construction of bike lanes for both tourists and city dwellers.

Places of interest:

Mosque, Cordoba Cathedral:

One of the most important monuments of the Islamic West with Umayyad style, Gothic, renaissance and baroque. It was shared for a time by Muslims and Christians, hence the influence of the different styles in its construction. Rectangular in plan, it consists of 2 different zones, the porticoed courtyard or sahn where the minaret stands under the Renaissance tower and the prayer room or haram with columns and two-tone arcades with great chromatic effect.

The enclosure is divided into 5 zones that correspond to each magnification:

1.1 The mosque of Abderraman I

1.2 The first enlargement (821-852)

1.3 the second enlargement: (X century)

1.4 the third enlargement (987)

1.5 Cathedral

Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs:

It is a military building located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, It was constructed in 1328 Sober Mudejar style inside and outside with patios and gardens.

It was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1931 and is part of the historic center of Córdoba, also declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1994.

There are 4 towers that make it up and give the building a square shape:

1- tower of tribute. 2- tower of lions. 3- Inquisition Tower. 4- Pigeon Tower.

Roman Bridge of Cordoba:

Located on the Guadalquivir river, it joins the neighborhoods of Campo de la Verdad and Barrio de la Catedral. Also known as the Old Bridge, It was the only bridge that the city had until the 20th century when the San Rafael bridge was built. In the 2008 was last remodeled, although in the past it was rebuilt several times, especially in the Caliphate era, after the Reconquest and at the beginning of the 20th century, because it has been the scene of battles and revolts. In 1931 It was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest as well as being part of the historic center that was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1994. It has a length of 331 meters and is composed of 16 arches. The historical set includes: he viaduct, the gate of the bridge built in 1572 and the Calahorra Tower, built during the centuries of Muslim occupation. Also, owns the statue of Archangel Saint Raphael in the middle of the bridge built in the 17th century after finishing an epidemic. In the year 2004 it became a pedestrian bridge vetoing the passage of motorized vehicles, although previously it had been the passage of the national route N-4.

The area around the bridge presents a unique situation because it is located in a small nature reserve for birds that are currently in danger of extinction called Sotos de la Albolafia. Several mills in the area also stand out, such as the Molino de la Albolafia, which was recently restored..

Cordoba Jewish Quarter:

From the era of Augustus is when the walled perimeter of the city is extended to the south and the Jewish quarter begins to organize and urbanize.

After the conquest of Córdoba in the year 711, the area continued to have relevance with a large part of the public buildings such as the Civil Palace (currently Episcopal Palace) and residences, at that time the Jews who were located in the Medina, they began to occupy the neighborhood that is currently known as "La Judería" until their expulsion by the Catholic Monarchs.

In the heart of the Jewish quarter is the Plaza de Maomónides, formerly known as Plaza de los Armentas, Later it was called Plaza de las Bulas or also Plaza del Arcediano. It currently houses the city's Bullfighting Museum.

Tiberias Square is of less proportion, Although very attractive, a sculpture of the philosopher Musa Ibn Maymun or Maimonides stands out.. You can usually find Cordovan musicians playing music and it has become one of the most visited places in the city..

The streets of the Jewish quarter are presented in 2 differentiated axes, the first is parallel to the old wall, Jewish street and Tomás Conde. The second is made up of Almanzor and Romero streets, which make up a network of narrow streets., some dead ends of islamic medieval urbanism.

alley of flowers:

It has become a must for tourists, typical postcard to photograph. At the end of the alley, it opens onto a small square that was actually a neighborhood patio in which house number 2 stands out., famous for its hundreds of pots that in spring are filled with colorful flowers, In the center of the square there is a fountain that was made by an old neighbor, its current state is due to a reform in the last century where the pavement was replaced by the Cordovan cobblestone based on boulder.

Currently the houses of the old neighbors have been replaced by souvenir shops that live off tourism, trying to keep the same pattern.

synagogue of cordoba:

It is a Jewish temple located on Judíos street in the Judería neighborhood. It is the only synagogue that exists in Andalusia and the third in Spain, It has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1885 and is part of the historic center of Córdoba It was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1994.

After the expulsion of the Jews it became a hospital, later it was used as a hermitage and in the 19th century they began to use it as a nursery school. went up 1884 when they discovered Hebrew inscriptions and a year later they declared it a National Monument. It went through several restorations, the last in 2017 due to humidity problems, reopened its doors in 2018.

Viana Palace:

It represents the typical patios of Córdoba, of Roman and Arab tradition passing through the neighboring patios of medieval origin to the Renaissance patios as a symbol of power and lineage. Palace where several families lived throughout history, transforming into different shapes depending on who inhabited it. Heirs who were passed from generation to generation accumulating fortune and property titles. Originally it was a medieval house, the first stage and the longest. It was occupied by 7 different owners who transformed it into a Renaissance palace. in the second stage, It was occupied by several marquises, including a woman who in the 18th century was the protagonist of a great reform, created the dependencies to house the historical archive of Viana with noble documentation from Spain. Also, remodels the Patio de la madama and builds a baroque patio. in the third stage, it was occupied by marquises and counts as a consequence of this the extension of the palace is doubled incorporating the plots that today occupy the Garden and the patios of the Pool, the hole, The gardeners, the Chapel and the Gate. in the fourth stage, His heir was the promoter of making the Palace a house-museum, worrying about acquiring valuable collections of tiles or leather, personally directing the works to exhibit them.. He was commissioned to make a set of postcards of the palace and its courtyards in order to disseminate them. Later another Marquise de Viana widow was responsible for the current appearance of the palace, incorporating the service patios in the 19th century with a stately appearance adorned with archaeological objects. in the fifth stage, the news was released that the marquises had been trying to sell the palace abroad for years, When the news reached Córdoba, the people of Córdoba proclaimed the palace as patrimony of the city, Finally, an agreement was reached with the current Marchioness and the Caja Provincial de Córdoba (current Cajasur) in july 1980. He 31 October 1981 opens its doors to the public who had never seen the interior of the palace, It was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1981 and Artistic Historical Garden in 1983. Currently it is still managed by Cajasur as a tourist resource and cultural heritage of Córdoba.

Corredera Square:

Located in the center of the city, The Plaza de la Corredera is named after the bullfights that were organized there. It was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1981, It is one of the essential places to see in Córdoba.

Until the fifteenth century it is said that the Plaza de la Corredera was only an esplanade outside the walls of the Medina. In the 17th century, a rectangle of 113 meters long by 55 meters wide, due to lack of funds, the neighbors had to take over the facades of their houses, acquiring the meters of facade that they wanted for their corresponding balconies. The High and Low arches were built as the entrance to the square. Among the buildings that give shape to the square were the Corregidor Prison, mannerist style built in the years 1583 and 1586. The prison, which at that time was in the basement and remained there until 1821 when it was transferred to the Alcázar Cristiano. In 1846 businessman Sanchez Pena bought the building from the town hall and set up a hat factory that would later become a market. By last, the houses of Mrs. Ana Jacinta that are located in the southwestern part of the square and that are a reflection of the urbanism of the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 19th century, a building was built in the middle of the square to house the food market inaugurated in 1986 giving a concession to a company during 50 years for its exploitation. Until the 20th century, the square was a high commercial enclave, although 1951 notified of the hygienic conditions of the market, in 1959 the demolition of the market was approved to carry out another one in the basement of the square. In 1986 the last rehabilitation of the square was agreed, ending in 2001.

Courtyards of the Old Alcazar:

One of the main attractions of the city, Cordovan patios that transport to unknown worlds, to the history and art of the city. Based on the solidarity of the neighbors who open their houses to teach people who come from different parts of Spain and the world to see a tradition that is still alive thanks to the collaboration and maintenance of this popular culture.. The Alcázar Viejo neighborhood also known by the name of San Basilio, Almost completely pedestrian, it is the heart of the Cordoba patios. Located next to the Juderías neighborhood, the first patios arose in the 13th century when Fernando III recovered the city, However, It was not until the fifteenth century when the urbanization project began where houses of 2 plants around a central courtyard. Over time, these patios became a meeting space between the inhabitants of the house and fulfilled the function of bringing the fresh. No one knew they would become the trademark of the city. During your visit you will be able to find the owner of the house who will explain in detail the care of his gardens and the history of the neighborhood and its customs.. Above all, what you will find is kindness and good predisposition of your hosts. The Patios route is made up of 5 a 7 from them, indicated by paying a joint ticket at a time established according to the time of year, guided tours are held in autumn and december, as well as in spring without coinciding with the Municipal Courtyard Contest in the month of May, although you can also enter for free some days a year that are available. You can also visit the courtyard of the Association of Friends daily and free of charge. The most recommended month to visit the patios is in April, since they are at their maximum splendor for the season and without so much accumulation of people.. jasmine, ivy, rosales, carnations, cypresses, etc. All kinds of trees and flowers that give off aromas in the streets of Cordoba. Unesco has recognized them as Intangible Heritage of Humanity, since the practice of floral and botanical art stems from Egyptian and Babylonian cultures that later spread among the Greeks, Romans and Arabs with the aim of refreshing their homes.

Plaza del Potro and Las Tendillas:

Plaza del Potro:

It owes its name to an old inn, now disappeared where colts and mules were sold. Located very close to the Mosque-Cathedral, going down Cardenal González street until you reach an open space presided over by the Triumph of San Rafael.

At first, the Plaza del Potro was a closed quadrangular space and not rectangular and open as it is now, product of the needs of the city that they have had to cover over time. The first restructuring was the creation of the Hospital de la Caridad de Ntro. Lord Jesus Christ, which today houses the Museum of Fine Arts and the Julio Romero de Torres museum. Later it was knocked down on the side facing the river to facilitate the passage to the riverbank., there the Triumph of San Rafael was installed. It has a fountain that dates from the reign of Felipe II and was built to improve the water supply in the area.. It should be noted that both the fountain in the Plaza del Toro and the fountain that used to be in the Plaza de la Corredera were fed by the Maimón Spring., located on the outskirts of the city. Ancient Roman aqueduct from the time of Emperor Augustus. The fountain has an octagonal plan with a meter high steps, where the foal is held and the water flows around it.

Square of the Tendillas:

At present it is the axis where commercial life is developed and organized, being a connection between the main avenues such as the streets of Foro Romano and Gondomar.. It marks the limit between the historic center and its most commercial area. It gets its name from the small artisan shops that were located there years ago.. Currently it is surrounded by restaurants and cafes as well as historical buildings. Previously the Swiss hotel was located there, which was shot down in 1924. There remained a large area to which little by little buildings were added.. In 1999 It was reformed for the last time eliminating road traffic being almost entirely pedestrian. It is an emblematic place in the city at the end of the year where all the inhabitants of the city gather around the clock that was inaugurated in 1961 whose sonería replaces the usual bells with soleares chords, recorded by flamenco guitarist Juanito Serrano. Now it is a traditional festival to eat the grapes to the sound of the original clock. Christmas markets are also installed every year.

Andalusia is synonymous with art, culture and leisure thanks to the events organized throughout the year: flamenco, ballet, concerts that are complemented with a visit to numerous museums and for nature lovers can visit the Cordoba patios with its colorful gardens.

It is not only to see but also to feel, its culinary wealth, crafts and contact with its people who leave us a great lesson in integration and reinvestment in cultural coexistence, racial and multilingual giving importance to the Muslim and Christian influence as well as the new refugees who have restructured the city and the urbanism that is determined by its glorious historical past. The warmth of its people and their joy is contagious everywhere with that tone of friendship with which they speak and the simplicity with which they show themselves, there is no person who resists the shine that it gives off Andalusia.

Daiam I.

08/06/2020

It is an irresistible experience...

Posted by daiam_illa in Destinos
Travel in times of Coronavirus…

Travel in times of Coronavirus…

How could it be otherwise with my condition of inveterate traveler, a global pandemic had to find me traveling of course…

Although I must say that it was one of the worst trips that I have lived, luckily the stay was not so bad after all and it has helped me to understand and tie up many loose ends with respect to our society and the culture that today dominates everything., that of consumerism and banality. Even so, There is also the help and selfless collaboration of good people who with their company make the world a little better ...

It all started the week of 9 of March, I had planned to make a trip to Uruguay (my natal country) to carry out some procedures that cannot be postponed, also take the opportunity to visit the family and take a vacation at the end of the month and even spend Easter there. That week passed normally, It is true that there were fewer people in the streets and the alarms had gone off in Italy and China, but at the moment no one gave it too much importance.

As the days went by, things were getting worse and serious, so I had to define what to do with the trip, weigh the time and inconvenience it would have, although I never thought that I would face a global pandemic in less than 3 days and seeing that there were already countries that closed the borders for people from risk areas such as Spain, Italy and China I was encouraged and bought a ticket for the 13/03/20 with peace of mind since Uruguay did not have any cases so far and it was working normally, I also went to my country of birth, although I have lived in Spain for many years and have dual nationality, I thought that I would always be welcome there despite everything ...

That friday 13 March I was preparing everything to leave for the airport when they call me and tell me that the president is speaking in a conference, was declaring the state of alarm for the health crisis caused by Covid-19 that would become official from the next day 14/03. At that time my decision was to continue with the plan since taking into account the situation I could not travel for several months and I could not postpone it, so I went to the airport, there I would find out if the flight left or not. Everything was working normally except that most of the people were already wearing masks and gloves, the flight left on time for a stopover in Madrid, where I did not know if it was possible to continue my journey. I swear it was the most uncertain trip of my life, because I have had delays, cancellations, emergency landings, etc. but the closing of borders due to a pandemic??!! It was totally new to everyone ...

Airport

Arriving in Madrid, the airport was practically empty except for the passengers of the flight that arrived in my plane and curiously it was full, many people returned on vacation to Uruguay where they lived, others went for various reasons as in my case, to visit a family member or on vacation. During the trip there was tension, we commented on what we were going to find when we got there, mi familia me avisó mientras estaba en Madrid a punto de despegar hacia Montevideo que el gobierno de Uruguay tenía previsto cerrar fronteras y que estaban haciendo las gestiones. 12 hs. Traveling without knowing if we were going to enter the country or what they were going to do with us ... During my trip, they had already been detected in Uruguay 2 first cases of Covid-19 that set off all the alarms, which is why the border closures because they wanted to act quickly and that the same thing as Italy or Spain would not happen.

We arrived in the morning, We landed and they had us on the plane for almost an hour to check that we were all in optimal sanitary conditions to get off the plane, some suspicious passengers took them out through another door of the plane and took them to carry out other types of more exhaustive controls. The rest in passport control urged us to quarantine 14 isolated days to avoid any type of contagion. In my case, I was going to do paperwork, I needed to move and I couldn't stay 15 days locked up I felt angry, discriminated against and plagued by coming from a risk zone. Like they took it for granted that we were all infected, while here in Spain they were forcing the population to stay in their homes thus dictating the first mandatory confinement of 15 days. At that time he could not comprehend such magnitude and neither could the isolation, in a fit of not disturbing my family who was uncomfortable with the situation, I went to a hotel to spend the days there, but the next day they told me that the hotel was going to close due to preventive measures and that I had to leave, so I had to go back to my family's house, always taking all the precautions away from safety, face mask, gel alcohol, etc. in case I was infected, although I had no symptoms.

Meanwhile it happened 1 week and I had progressed with my paperwork despite the fact that everything was practically closed and I could not leave, in Uruguay they dictated voluntary quarantine for prevention since there were few cases and the population being small except in the capital Montevideo. The rest of the country does not usually have crowds of people like the big cities, for that reason there is less risk of contagion, I must also say that the population collaborated by staying at home of their own free will, taking into account the risk. Something that we here did not do I guess we did not believe it could be true until the worst came, dead and dead that add up.

The great challenge, having closed the borders both Uruguay and Spain, was to return home, I contacted the Spanish consulate in Uruguay to ask for information and they responded quickly. At that time a rescue flight was being organized with the collaboration of the Iberia company, the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry and the Spanish government to repatriate Spaniards stranded in Uruguay who were near 500. The next day they called me from Iberia to confirm the ticket and be able to go home, on a full flight with 286 passengers returning home, most spanish, Uruguayans established in Spain and the rest of Europeans from other countries who arrived here to make a stopover. When they gave me the news I burst into tears of emotion because I was coming home, even though I knew that I came to be locked up in quarantine, I just wanted to go home. After so much tension, so much uncertainty and not knowing every day what would happen to my life I had a certainty, thanks to my family I had the necessary restraint to withstand such pressure because despite the situation they were the best hosts when I stayed in their homes.

Airplane

The return journey started when I arrived at the airport and a long queue awaited me until boarding., the airport was closed it only received rescue flights organized by the government so it was not possible to check-in online and the controls were very exhaustive, we had to sign an affidavit making ourselves responsible that we were traveling to a risk area.

While I was in the queue that lasted more than 2 hours. I had the opportunity to observe people and listen to conversations ... while I was scared and suffered by what we were living, there were people who were relaxed and seemed unaware of the situation. Taking selfies with the mobile and without any type of protection, others buying souvenirs in the shop that was rarely open, I think at that time they were not aware that this is a before and after for humanity.

Already in Madrid it was very distressing to see the airport completely empty and closed, as well as the deserted city of Barcelona, ​​however there was something positive in that image and that we are all collaborating to get out of this pandemic. I'm home now!Covid-19

We have to wake up to stop living in banality and realize that we are fragile and that we are far from invincible ... now we know that we still have a chance to reverse all this, Let's not let her escape and when we have the option to leave, let's do it with conscience or else we will be worse again., Let's try to collaborate with each other from the depth of getting ahead as humanity and not as individuals because in the end we are social beings and we need each other, This has shown that we are all weak in the face of the threat of death, regardless of nationality, neither race nor social class so let's get the message of the universe to improve!

Daiam I.

14/04/2020

Posted by daiam_illa in Destinos
What does a Retreat bring us?…

What does a Retreat bring us?…

In the world where we live in a daze with noises that come from everywhere and an excess of information that haunts us, concerned about wifi and the inevitable connection to every place we go.

It's time to do a STOP!

Silence

Silence

Our body asks us because we get sick, we get stressed and in a bad mood, also our mind and our essence need to reconnect with ourselves from time to time, know what we do and where we are going.

It is very important to be clear about our short-term objectives or else we will go aimlessly, adrift like many of us following the mass. Doing what everyone else does ... is it that you ever sit alone in silence to connect with your being?…

Journey to Silence Retreat

Retirement

When was the last time you thought of yourself selfishly without taking into account your loved ones or daily duties?…

Surely a long time ago, maybe when you were a boy or a girl because this is the purpose of the retreats.

Take some time for ourselves, away from everything including our closest environment and connect with our divine essence, improve our capacity for patience and sanity with others and fill ourselves with energy through the most sacred and primitive nature.

Understand your existence through silence, there you will find many answers and also you will purify all the load that you carry inside.

To start you can practice inner silence every day for a few minutes. They will be a great investment, a few moments of connection with your inner guide that will allow you to be more serene and find answers and solutions to any complex situation that comes your way.

In this way you can get on the road to retreats.

There are variety of withdrawals: Silence; Yoga; Mindfulness; etc. Each discipline organizes activities according to the theme through transformation and personal growth workshops, in order to learn to listen and know each other…

To be

To be

Daiam I.

12/03/2020

 

“Who does not know where to go, necessarily goes astray”…

Posted by daiam_illa in Destinos
Belgium, the country of chocolate…

Belgium, the country of chocolate…

Here I tell you everything you need to know about Belgium, the country of chocolate and beer with much more to see ...

Some believe that there are not so many attractions to know next to powers like Paris, Berlin or Amsterdam and they take it into account only in passing when visiting the area. Nevertheless, I can affirm that Belgium It deserves to make an exclusive trip to go deeper because it has an immeasurable wealth in relics that remain almost intact, also its mixture of cultures makes it a very attractive place to discover…

Known in the world for being the headquarters of the European Union located in its capital, Brussels where its greatest heritage is found in museums and works of art. With a variety of languages ​​throughout the country, like flamenco, French and German influenced by neighboring countries and their closeness. The climate is temperate maritime, mild winters and mild summers with significant rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures range from 3ºC on average in winter to 23ºC on average in summer, motif that allows to see Belgium in any season.

Used

I will focus on detailing the attractions of its capital, Brussels Although it has other charming cities such as Witches, Ghent or Antwerp in case you have more time. Witches, It is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world where you can go for the day with a private transfer or an organized excursion as well as on your own and you can stay 1 night to enjoy the city at all hours. Its canals at sunset deserve several photos and are worth seeing…

Other recommended cities are Ghent and Antwerp, picturesque and very culturally rich as well as Witches where you can see its buildings from the Middle Ages, as well as the rhythm of today.

How to get:

To get to the city they can do it by plane, to the International Airport of Brussels or also called Zaventem which is located 14 km away from the center. It is easy to get to the capital because there are several options or, in private transfer, by train or bus, as well as by taxi.

There is another airport that is somewhat further away, It is called Charleroi where low cost companies operate and it is an alternative to get to the city for good prices, it is located in the Brussels-south area 55 km away from the center, with private transfers or shuttle bus available.

It is also possible to travel to the capital by train or bus from any other European city in the area such as Amsterdam The Paris or by private car. It is a very well connected destination which allows you to have several options when choosing according to the time and budget you have.

Brussels

Brussels:

It has a mixture of the old and the modern with more than 80 museums that coexist in the center of the city, the buildings stand out for their varied architecture with medieval styles such as the Grand Palace or the avant-garde building of the European Union and some of the Flemish or Neo-Baroque style.

To move around, the best option is to walk and thus be able to see every corner of the Belgian city, although if you do not want to walk a lot the next option is the bicycle since, there are some places with pedestrian zones that can be reached more easily, although there is also public transport.

Places to visit in Brussels:

1- Manneken Pis:

Bronze fountain with a peeing boy, Although it seems strange, it has become a modern identifying symbol for the inhabitants of the city. It is located in the historic center, has a collection of costumes that are on display at the Museum of the City of Brussels, They are used to disguise it on the occasion of different celebrations, those in charge of doing it are the "Friends of Manneken Pis" a non-profit association that manages the occasions that are accompanied by a music band and a ceremony in which the water jet is connected again as a result of the pressure splashes the public that enjoys and participates enthusiastically in the tradition. The perfect souvenir from this city is the miniature of the Manneken Pis made of chocolate or metal.

 

2- Atomium:Atomium, Brussels

It is a modern monument built for the Expo of 1958 that has 103 meters high and 9 spheres of 18 meters in diameter each una connected by tubes with escalators, these represent the 9 Belgian provinces. El material que se utilizó para its construction was steel and aluminum. It rests on 3 large towers that act as pillars and represents an enlarged atom 165.000 million times. At the time it was planned that he would remain for 6 months on display, However, quickly became a tourist attraction. Diseñada por el ingeniero André Waterkeyn y los arquitectos André y Jean Polak. It is located in the park of Heysel a 6 km from the historic center of Brussels, se puede get there by taking a walk 1 hour approximately or by public transport in 30 minutes, in the same area is the Parque Mini- Europe, el Planetario de Bruselas y la Expo. If you are going to enter the venue to climb to the top of the monument, it is important to know that there are long queues, así como también entradas que se combinan con el Parque Mini-Europe. It is also worth seeing it at night as it is impressive when illuminated.

3- Grand Place of Brussels:

Beautiful cobbled square where the Town Hall is located and several 16th century buildings among them, the city museum, which were rebuilt after a bombing in 1695 produced by the french army. Declared in 1998 UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3.1- City hall: It is a medieval building in Brabantine Gothic style, It dates from the 15th century when Belgium enjoyed economic prosperity, which explains the sumptuousness of its civil buildings and homes.. The building is asymmetrical in shape as a result of the scattered modifications that were made over the years and due to space limitations.. The façade is decorated with numerous statues representing nobles, saints and allegorical figures. The original sculptures are currently in the City Museum for better conservation. It did not always fulfill the function of City Hall, but had different destinies in history, during World War I it served as a makeshift hospital, during the Belgian Revolution it was the seat of government and in 1914 it was occupied by the Imperial German Navy. It was finally named a historical monument in 1936.

3.1- Brussels City Museum: It is located right in front of the Town Hall, formerly called Maison du Roi or House of the King that today houses the Municipal Museum of Brussels, It is a baroque-style house that was originally the home of the bakers' guild. After the bombardment of the French troops, the house was rebuilt and began to be used as the administrative office of the Duke of Brabant, hence it is known as Casa del Rey.. The origin of the Museum is from 1887, when you begin to collect the information and objects of the history of Brussels. It is dedicated to exposing the heritage and history of the city as well as its urban development.

4- Royal Palace:

It is the official palace of the Belgian kings, current seat of the monarchy where the King performs his duties as Head of State, in it are installed the offices of the kings, some ministries, meeting rooms and guest rooms for heads of state. It has been no longer used as a royal residence for more than a century, the King lives with his family in the Royal Castle of Laeken on the outskirts of the city.

The Palace is located south of the Royal Park, in the upper part of the city in front is the Federal Palace of Belgium, these 2 buildings represent the government of Belgium which is the constitutional monarchy. Since 1965 opened to the public, can be visited during the summer when the king is not in the palace, from july to september. You can access some rooms of the Palace and exhibitions that are held there.

In a protocol and traditional way, when the King is in the palace, the inhabitants are notified by raising the flag of Belgium.

5- Mini-Europe:

It is a park that houses the exhibition of models of 80 European cities made to scale with more than 350 buildings and monuments known as the Grand Place in Brussels, stand out for their quality with costs of €300,000 per model and up to 20.000 working hours invested.

It is located next to the Atomium monument, in Bruparck and was inaugurated in 1989, occupies an area of 24.000 square meters built with an initial investment of 10 millions of euros. The built monuments were chosen for the exhibition based on their architectural quality that entails a greater challenge or because of their symbolic character for Europe.. Many of the monuments have been financed by the countries and regions of Europe.

The monuments are surrounded by gardens with a variety of traditional flowers and shrubs to brighten up the walk. More than 350.000 visitors per year, It is one of the main attractions of Brussels. Ideal for families with children and schools as they also have educational activities backed by the European Commission and Parliament to publicize through games, the common market and the functioning of the institutions. There is a guide-catalogue that is given to each adult at the entrance that tells all the anecdotes, each region and each building detailed in addition an exercise book on the functioning of Europe and is in several languages. The visit can last from 2 a 3 hours.

6- chocolate and beer:

The passion for cocoa can be found in any corner of the Belgian city, pioneers in the invention of chocolates. Some of the major stores are: Godiva, Nehaus, Pierre Marcolini, Leonidas. Tasting a typical beer from there such as "Lambic" with factories dating from the 1900 and breweries that have the largest variety of beers in the world such as Cantillon, a family brewery or Delirium.

In summary, to visit Belgium will enrich the senses of each one in its path, they will be able to see and learn about the art that emerges in harmony with their culture and history through characters known worldwide such as Tintin and the Smurfs, a country that demonstrates its identity supported by the symbol given off by the Manneken Pis or the Atomium. With great building wealth and a great European reference that represents the European Union in the world.

 

A very interesting and complete destination in all aspects.

Daiam I.

12/02/2020

Posted by daiam_illa in Destinos