Competitours

If you’re the type who goes for adventure travel in Europe, how about considering Competitours for that next trip? This isn’t for those who just want to hang out the entire day at the museum or go shopping for hours. There are activities you need to accomplish within a certain time frame and this goes on for 14 days. Play against other competitive couples for an actual prize!

First prize is worth $4000! Take note, the tour costs roughly around $2650 per person. And unlike other travel companies, you don’t need to pay months before you depart. Your credit card will be charged after you get back from your trip.

The trip goes around popular European cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Florence and Barcelona. What makes this fun is that you get to document your trip with videos and photos which you upload! That alone is a challenge since I am such a procrastinator in that department!

The exact dates for 2010 have not yet been finalized but there are plans for May, June, July and August.

Wouldn’t this be a great idea for a different kind of vacation?

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Simply beautiful items at Landelijke Boerderij

One of my weaknesses (or strengths) is visiting markets. I just prefer going around when the day is sunny or at least dry. It’s pretty optimistic to want to have sunny days in the Netherlands, so when the sun shines, I’m in my market visiting mood. We’ve just moved into a new home, so I am on the look out for some previously loved pieces.

I’m sure other women out there feel the same. A visit to your nearby flea market or a Dutch farmhouse can be such a treat! Tiny treasures are there — waiting for you to take them home. Just make sure that these are not purely impulse buys. Hang around and caress the items that seem to call out your name. Ask yourself if you’ll cherish them for a long while or think of someone you know who wants it. This could make a good friend or sister very happy. And while you’re there, soak in the creative atmosphere and the energy of a simpler life. Very refreshing!

In the Netherlands, there are cozy farmhouses (boerderij) that sell antiques and other great finds. Even second hand wedding dresses. It’s a different feeling entering one that just going to the website and buying something with a click of the button.

The Landelijke Boerderij sells wonderful pieces! They have an ongoing selection of items for sale online. Check out their photos! It’s worth a visit when you’re in the area — they’re open on Sunday afternoons only.

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Shopping in Rome

by Guiseppe Mancuzo

One of the big attractions for anyone on a visit to Rome is the shopping, and there are plenty of attractions for tourists. If you love shopping but don’t know where to start when it comes to Rome, here are some options.

Campo de Fiori The oldest market in Rome is Campo de Fiori, held in the Piazza of the same name where it’s been held for almost a hundred and fifty years. Specializing in food and flowers, the market is open weekday and Saturday mornings and is surrounded by bars and restaurants.

Eco Solidarity Market An antique and used clothing market in the Via Ostiense, the Eco Solidarity market can be a fun trip.

Mercato delle Stampe This excellent location is great for used book lovers – check out this market in Largo della Fontanella di Borghese for prints and engravings, old books and antique periodicals. Open Monday to Saturday, early morning to afternoon, this market is full of treasures.

Mercato di Testaccio Unlike many Roman markets, this one has a permanent structure in the Piazza Testaccio. Here you’ll find butchers, fish sellers, cheese and milk sellers, as well as purveyors of the best fresh vegetables Rome has to offer. Food lovers shouldn’t miss this shopping experience.

Porta Portese Between Porta Portese and Stazione Trastevere on the Tiber’s left bank, there’s a Sunday morning street market each week. There are mostly clothes at this market, but they range from the latest fashions to second hand stalls, so there’s something for everyone.

Via Frattina, Via Condotti and Via Borgognona These three parallel streets start near the Piazza di Spagna and run all the way to the Via del Corso. These are the most famous fashion streets anywhere in Rome, worth a look for anyone who’s interested high end clothing, even if you only do a little window shopping at the most famous stores.

Via dei Coronari Another street known for its antiques, along with Via Margutta, via del Pellegrino, Via Giula and Via del Babuino

Via dei Gigli d’Oro For those who love the art of ancient Rome, this street offers reproduction mosaics that are worth a look.

Via dei Sediari This very famous street has been providing quality household items and furniture for centuries.

Via Margutta This is a small street in the Campo Marzio region, featuring art galleries, restaurants and antique shops. Plus, in the fall and spring, the Cento pittori Via Margutta group use the street as an open air gallery.

Via Sannio Near the San Giovanni subway station on Rome’s A line, this market sells fashionable clothing and accessories. The middle of the market is covered, but surrounding streets feature uncovered stands. Open in the morning on weekdays, this is a great place to look for clothing.

Of course, that’s not all you’ll find when in comes to shopping in Rome, just some of the most popular and well known locations. Be sure to check them out and find out more about this great city when you visit!

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Enjoying the morning at Enschede's cultural market.

Two activities I enjoy when I take off with girlfriends. When I find a gift I think a friend will enjoy, I buy it, have it wrapped and wait for the right time to make her happy. The activity of spotting something special for someone else makes is fun! It tests how well you know your friends.

The activity of eating is something you might call sacred to me. I just don’t break bread with anyone. It has to be with someone I like. We’re sharing our food and time together. If I don’t really like the person, I don’t get an appetite.

It’s the same when I take a weekend off or an entire month. I choose whom I spend my time with. The sharing of experiences is made more meaningful when it’s with people who make you feel good.

Don’t get me wrong, I love visiting museums and bookstores plus wandering the streets of cities and towns… trying different experiences. It’s just that, when I do some travel planning, I always think of what there is to buy (I’m no shopaholic but I love looking at lovely things) or what local food I can try.

The above photo was taken during the Enschede Cultural Market. This is where all types of food from different parts of the world are sold at very affordable prices! Pictured above is spicy Thai fried rice.  A friend and I also tested out the German pork knuckles (we ate it right away, we forgot to take the picture)! You all recognize the Belgian waffles.

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