2009 November
Nov 30

The sound of the rushing sea, waves, blue sky, intensive wind – it makes our heart beat faster, doesn’t it? Welcome to the fascinating and emotionally charged world of sailing which will show you the incredible power of nature.

laser-championship

But sailing doesn’t only consist of expensive yachts and incredible modern ships like we see in the famous America’s Cup. The most authentic sailing regattas are without any doubt Europa, Laser or Optimist where small sailing boats with only one or two sailors participate. In each little village dotted along the Valencia coast you’ll sailing clubs which make every sailing fan very happy. The first time that you notice the power of the wind in the sails of a ship, you will be completely astonished and left breath taken.

We could even claim that the love for the sea and sailing sport is an essential part of human nature. Without the passion for sailing the oceans, or without the thirst of adventure and curiosity for discovering something new, the history of humanity would have been very different. The tradition of sailing is a real voyage through world’s history. Starting with the first fishing boats, to the first trading and war ships…sailing ships have always been the main protagonists of important occasions. All sailing fans can discover the tradition of this sport while sailing with the famous latin-rigs. According to some sources, the origin of those rigs goes back to the banks of the Nile where the sailors started their trips to the Mediterranean Sea and far beyond. The romantic picture of a lonely sailor on the coast during the sunset is still present in a lot of Mediterranean harbours.

Nowadays, sailing as a sport has a lot of fans and admirers all over the world. Although it isn’t really true, but sailing is considered to be an elitist sport. Perhaps it’s because of the famous skippers who have been converted into real celebrities. Although they haven’t the talent or the technical capacities, many sailing fans dream of the charm of a real ”lord of the sea”, like the Swede Magnus Holmberg or the American Paul Cayard. More and more sailors adapt themselves to the style of the most famous skippers in the world.

There is no better way to feel close to nature spending a holiday on a romantic sailing ship… We shouldn’t forget the environmentally friendly aspect of this means of transportation. Why don’t you start your sailing trip in Valencia, the city of the famous America’s Cup? This amazing Spanish city is perfect for combining sea, entertainment and important monuments. You only need to take care of an economic and comfortable accommodation: what about the best apartments in Valencia? Spend some unforgettable holidays on the Spanish coast of Valencia.

Nov 23
You, a Deserted Island and an Object
icon1 valenciablogger | icon2 Valencia | icon4 11 23rd, 2009| icon3No Comments »

We tend to imagine it round, green and surrounded by a water so blue that no one dares to set a foot on it… We idealized it without dangerous animals, with something to build a hut, with some food and above all, with something something to keep us entertained. If you had to carry a single object to a desert island, which one would you take with you?

Deserted Island

A mobile phone or a computer do not have eternal life, and soon the battery will die, so forget the technology. Where are you going to plug them in? Bad idea, so be realistic! Some people would take with them their cat, some a toothbrush, a mirror, others a boat to escape, a guitar, a bottle in which to write their S.O.S message, a photo, a book or even some tweezers! Everyday objects invade us via the media and advertising and we think that everything is very useful to us. Then we become accustomed to having them with us and when we forget them at home we lose our head. The novels, movies and TV characters have portrayed it for years: to live on a desert island is sheer suicide! You had better stay at home with your music, your bed, and your favourite objects.

Survivors Island, Koh Lanta, The Beach, Robinso Crusoe, Alone in the World, Lost, etc, are some of the fictions created by man and his imagination. But there are real things that will leave you open-mouthed: Do you know that Vatu Vara Island in Fiji is the most expensive in the world? It costs $ 75 million, almost 52 million euros. Giving a price to a piece of land, how does it work? Anyway, if you have enough money to buy it, your neighbour will be Mel Gibson, who owns Mago Island. Even the city of Valencia has created a project called ‘La Isla Luna Artificial’, a giant urban complex, like any big city but surrounded by water and with many leisure activities just like in a theme park. Meanwhile, the Balearic Islands are famous for their festive atmosphere and their wonderful beaches. Take advantage and go to Valencia on holiday! Enjoy its great parties and its beautiful beaches ; try the succulent paella, the horchata, and go cruising to Mallorca or Ibiza.

Now let’s be a little more realistic. Buy your ticket and take with you your favorite object and travel to Valencia to enjoy a real paradise. Rent apartments in Valencia and enjoy a day cruise to the Balearic Islands.

Nov 11

Atkins, weight watchers, detox, macrobiotic…our society is obsessed with healthy food and dieting. But a lot of times these diets are too demanding for our body, or even unhealthy. But what if we tell you that there is diet, a lifestyle even, with nothing but positive effects? Welcome to southern Europe, embrace the Mediterranean way of life!

the-mediterranean-diet

Experts, nutritionists and scientists all agree: the Mediterranean diet, the typical food of Spain and Greece, is one of the healthiest in the world. Are we ready to talk numbers? You are 30% less likely to develop depression and the risk of cancer is reduced by 22%. It protects you from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, helps to slow Alzheimer’s, and has a positive effect on children who suffer from asthma and allergies. So what is it exactly that these people eat?

Rule number one: replace butter with olive oil. 2 tablespoons a day already reduces the risk of a heart attack. If you ask a Spaniard why he doesn’t cook his salmon with butter, he’ll throw you out of his kitchen immediately. Fish is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, and is usually grilled with olive oil.
Another important element is fruits, vegetables and nuts. A Spanish specialty is gazpacho, a cold tomatoe soup, which is healthy because raw vegetables contain more enzymes. Grilled red peppers, lentils, green asparagus and mushrooms are frequently on the menu. Also, Spain produces a lot of fruit,that is very sweet and juicy thanks to the climate.

Seafood is very popular and is cooked in a different, healthier way. Sepia or squid is grilled in olive oil (a la plancha), just like the gamba’s or shrimps. Mussels or mejillones are steamed instead of cooked, and even white fish such as cod is boiled rather then baked. People do eat red meat of course, but much less than people in colder countries.

Olives; another delicacy. It is highly recommended to eat 7 olives a day. They are antioxidants, full of vitamin B and magnesium. They come in over 90 varieties, so surely there will be at least one type you like. Olives are also a traditional tapa, just like anchovies. They do contain a lot of salt, but the omega makes up for that.

But what about alcohol? It’s full of sugar and bad for you, right? Well, it depends. Studies proved that one glass of red wine per day raises the good cholesterol level and thins the blood, which is good for the hearth. Spain is the 3rd largest producer of wine in the world. So sit back and enjoy a good glass of crianza or reserve.

So what do you say? The food is delicious and healthy; you will be more fit and full of energy. You can try all the recipes in your own kitchen, but why not first go see how the professionals do it? Take a break in Valencia, enjoy the Spanish rhythm, the good weather and great food. And for a relaxing stay, rent the best apartments in Valencia.