Summer 2018 has come to an end!
Time to head back...
Friday, August 31, 2018
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Summer vibes in Ibiza
Friendship and a magical moment
How can you resist a dip?
Local art
Bikes for sale
Where is Meryl Streep?
A day's sailing
Ibiza's wild side
A late night boogie
Sophisticated poolside chilling under a full moon
A moment of prayer
Romantic dinner for two
Ibiza we'll be back
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Happy Hour in Ibiza
Happy hour in Ibiza is very straight forward with four simple ingredients:
music, a beach, a cocktail and a sunset!
Chiringuito = beach bar = chilling
The simpler the better
Decision of the day: Mojito or Sangria
Makes me smile every time
What was your question?!?
Exotic limoncello seems like sunset in a glass
Monday, August 27, 2018
Tania, Ibiza's Goddess
There are many places to view that most sublime of Ibiza visions, the magnificent sunset. Ibiza's entire west coast is bathed in a beautiful and some say magical glow that has been inspiring visitors for quite literally, thousands of years. Interesting that today, this fascination with the sun continues, with tourists from all over the world coming to experience a small slice of this daily cosmic moment.
Rewinding to a few hundred years before Christ, the original settlers of Ibiza, the peaceful, prosperous and pagan Phoenicians worshipped the sun. The male sun god was Baal and his female partner, associated with the moon was Tanit, a warrior goddess of dance, fertility, creation and destruction. She's the protector goddess of Ibiza and there was once a temple dedicated to her on the same site the cathedral now stands.
Some say that Tanit, protector of women still watches over Ibiza island and that her place of residence is the west coast, home of the sunset, in particular the area around Atlantis and the mystical Es Vedra. It is said there are many island residents who still to this day, worship Tanit, who was once described cheekily as "a good time girl with a gun."
Taint was definitely present this evening...
Rewinding to a few hundred years before Christ, the original settlers of Ibiza, the peaceful, prosperous and pagan Phoenicians worshipped the sun. The male sun god was Baal and his female partner, associated with the moon was Tanit, a warrior goddess of dance, fertility, creation and destruction. She's the protector goddess of Ibiza and there was once a temple dedicated to her on the same site the cathedral now stands.
Some say that Tanit, protector of women still watches over Ibiza island and that her place of residence is the west coast, home of the sunset, in particular the area around Atlantis and the mystical Es Vedra. It is said there are many island residents who still to this day, worship Tanit, who was once described cheekily as "a good time girl with a gun."
Taint was definitely present this evening...
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Exploring Ibiza's beaches
Ibiza may be a small Balearic Island but when it comes to beaches it certainly kept me on my toes. From white sandy coves ideal for catching the sunset, to abandoned bays steeped in fabled myth, the White Isle has something for everyone but especially for a devoted beach lover like me.
The Ibiza Tourist Board officially claims 56 beaches from North to South but... oh, there are so many more coves and bays to explore if you just step off the beaten track.
Here to prove that there’s more to Ibiza than just nightlife, below are some of the best beaches we discovered while exploring the island. Some abandoned even in the month of August others where we were literally stepping over each other... but hey, it's all in the spirit of Peace and Love!
The Ibiza Tourist Board officially claims 56 beaches from North to South but... oh, there are so many more coves and bays to explore if you just step off the beaten track.
Here to prove that there’s more to Ibiza than just nightlife, below are some of the best beaches we discovered while exploring the island. Some abandoned even in the month of August others where we were literally stepping over each other... but hey, it's all in the spirit of Peace and Love!
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
In search of Atlantis
Feeling adventurous and fit this morning I decided to take a break from the beach and head off in search of Atlantis. My Ibiza guidebook made it sound so easy: head towards the tower "Des Savinar" and then follow the little path to the left that leads steeply down the hill.
20 minutes later I was suppose to have stumbled upon a stunning quarry area at the edge of the sea with cut-out and rectangular pools in the stone, here rocks were cut and transported by sea to build the Cathedral of Ibiza, a World Heritage Site. A small jewel was to be found where ancient stonemasons took refuge years ago and was baptized by the name of Atlantis by hippies from the decade of the 50’s and 60’s. The original name of this hidden treasure is Sa Pedrera.
Well, after a 10 minute walk we reached a clearing with a magical view onto the Es Vedrà island; legend says it is the third most magnetic spot on earth. Another 10 minutes up a very steep and stoney path leading up from the cliff edge to reach the Pirate's tower... to discover an even more spectacular view onto the seashore ... but no little path down the other side of the mountain!
Even though we could spot Atlantis way below at the bottom of a scary looking drop, the ascent did look a shade too big a challenge given it was past noon on a hot and sunny summer day!
So, Atlantis will keep its secret for a little while longer until we return to conquer the mountain and the slope down to the ocean.
20 minutes later I was suppose to have stumbled upon a stunning quarry area at the edge of the sea with cut-out and rectangular pools in the stone, here rocks were cut and transported by sea to build the Cathedral of Ibiza, a World Heritage Site. A small jewel was to be found where ancient stonemasons took refuge years ago and was baptized by the name of Atlantis by hippies from the decade of the 50’s and 60’s. The original name of this hidden treasure is Sa Pedrera.
Well, after a 10 minute walk we reached a clearing with a magical view onto the Es Vedrà island; legend says it is the third most magnetic spot on earth. Another 10 minutes up a very steep and stoney path leading up from the cliff edge to reach the Pirate's tower... to discover an even more spectacular view onto the seashore ... but no little path down the other side of the mountain!
Even though we could spot Atlantis way below at the bottom of a scary looking drop, the ascent did look a shade too big a challenge given it was past noon on a hot and sunny summer day!
So, Atlantis will keep its secret for a little while longer until we return to conquer the mountain and the slope down to the ocean.
View from the "Mirador de l'Illa d'Es Vedra"
Climbing all the way to the top of the mountain...
The Pirate tower was finished in 1763 and it was designed to have a couple of cannons,
but the heavy artillery never arrived!
Can you spot the quarry all the way at the bottom?
Atlantis is calling.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Sunday, August 12, 2018
The path of Marvels: traces of Ticino's past
The Trail of Marvels is a circular itinerary that starts and ends in Novaggio. Along the marked path that winds through the valley of the Magliasina-river between Novaggio, Ponte di Vello and Aranno, there are several attractions of historical, natural and scenic interest: from the evidence of human activities to a wetland environment abounding in several noteworthy species of flora and fauna. Among the wonders of this trail there are the remains of an old castle and the mines where gold was once extracted.
This trail in the Malcantone region is suitable for families. The entire excursion takes place in the wood, is 7 km long and can be completed comfortably in 4 - 6 hours.
Thirteen markers provide information on a plethora of sights such as:
- the dry-stone walls, which were originally built to denote boundaries and are now redundant
- the Vinèra mill, the traces of the gold and silver mines, which provided employment for a considerable number of people until just before the end of the 19th century
- the terraced fields which were mainly used to grow rye
- the remains of the Miglieglia castle, the Aranno forge, the La Monda mine (Aranno), which mainly contained zinc and sulfur
- the Aranno mill, where locally grown grain and chestnuts were ground
- the Ponte Aranno mine (Novaggio) and the kiln, where tiles and bricks were produced in the past
You can even bring a souvenir home: typical local products at Azienda Agricola Masseria al Ronco (Novaggio) and Azienda Agricola Celso (Miglieglia) are on offer. Should you wish a tour of the mill (Maglio di Aranno) contact Signor Daniele Borin directly at +41 (0)79 609 15 60
Click here for detailed info in English:
http://www.luganoregion.com/media/5463129/sentiero_delle_meraviglie_en_s.pdf
Click here for a detailed map and video:
https://www.ticino.ch/en/explore/excursions/itinerary/itineraries/details/The-path-of-marvels-the-traces-of-the-past/138378.html
This trail in the Malcantone region is suitable for families. The entire excursion takes place in the wood, is 7 km long and can be completed comfortably in 4 - 6 hours.
Thirteen markers provide information on a plethora of sights such as:
- the dry-stone walls, which were originally built to denote boundaries and are now redundant
- the Vinèra mill, the traces of the gold and silver mines, which provided employment for a considerable number of people until just before the end of the 19th century
- the terraced fields which were mainly used to grow rye
- the remains of the Miglieglia castle, the Aranno forge, the La Monda mine (Aranno), which mainly contained zinc and sulfur
- the Aranno mill, where locally grown grain and chestnuts were ground
- the Ponte Aranno mine (Novaggio) and the kiln, where tiles and bricks were produced in the past
You can even bring a souvenir home: typical local products at Azienda Agricola Masseria al Ronco (Novaggio) and Azienda Agricola Celso (Miglieglia) are on offer. Should you wish a tour of the mill (Maglio di Aranno) contact Signor Daniele Borin directly at +41 (0)79 609 15 60
Click here for detailed info in English:
http://www.luganoregion.com/media/5463129/sentiero_delle_meraviglie_en_s.pdf
Click here for a detailed map and video:
https://www.ticino.ch/en/explore/excursions/itinerary/itineraries/details/The-path-of-marvels-the-traces-of-the-past/138378.html
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Join the TEDxLugano Team
Do you also find TED Talks inspiring and....well just cool.
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com.
TEDX
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
Do you want to be part of the team that will organize TEDxLugano in 2019? They are looking for Italian/English speakers with professional experience that would like to volunteer to cover the vacant positions; see following link for details.
http://jobs.tedxlugano.com/#join-team
Please apply by sending the Lugano TEDxLugano team a private message to info@tedxlugano.com or to their Facebook page presenting yourself and motivating your application for a specific position.
Check out last year's TEDxLugano edition: http://tedxlugano.com/wordpress/2017/
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com.
TEDX
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
Do you want to be part of the team that will organize TEDxLugano in 2019? They are looking for Italian/English speakers with professional experience that would like to volunteer to cover the vacant positions; see following link for details.
http://jobs.tedxlugano.com/#join-team
Please apply by sending the Lugano TEDxLugano team a private message to info@tedxlugano.com or to their Facebook page presenting yourself and motivating your application for a specific position.
Check out last year's TEDxLugano edition: http://tedxlugano.com/wordpress/2017/
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Expat with Kids Recipes
My friends know I have a passion for blogging. My Paris blog is a home for all my photos - because you cannot stroll though Paris without taking pictures - as well as an outlet to share my Parisian adventures with the world.
To keep a close link to Switzerland I have also continued my original Lugano blog Expat with Kids, a funky lifestyle website for the English speaking community in Lugano that began back in 2010 as the first English online Ticino guide.
Only few know, that tucked away I own a third blog called Expat with Kids Recipes. I adore recipes and have been collecting them since my teens. A giveaway to my Swiss upbringing is that I have been a loyal subscriber to Betty Bossi since 1996. My recipe blog came to life since I decided to have all my favourite recipes in one place and available online to wherever I travel.
As of late, I have decided to blow some wind into its sails and have revamped the site entirely.
Expat with Kids Recipes are a mix of origins true to my own heritage and travels. You'll find Swiss, American, British, Italian and French recipes. My faible for the Caribbean is also quite apparent in my choice of exotic recipes.
The one thing they all have in common is that they are easy and fast to prepare. Simple ingredients and straight forward directions keep it hassle free and tasty!
My biggest success is definitely the Italian Tiramisù recipe. So, tell me, which is your favourite?
To keep a close link to Switzerland I have also continued my original Lugano blog Expat with Kids, a funky lifestyle website for the English speaking community in Lugano that began back in 2010 as the first English online Ticino guide.
Only few know, that tucked away I own a third blog called Expat with Kids Recipes. I adore recipes and have been collecting them since my teens. A giveaway to my Swiss upbringing is that I have been a loyal subscriber to Betty Bossi since 1996. My recipe blog came to life since I decided to have all my favourite recipes in one place and available online to wherever I travel.
As of late, I have decided to blow some wind into its sails and have revamped the site entirely.
Expat with Kids Recipes are a mix of origins true to my own heritage and travels. You'll find Swiss, American, British, Italian and French recipes. My faible for the Caribbean is also quite apparent in my choice of exotic recipes.
The one thing they all have in common is that they are easy and fast to prepare. Simple ingredients and straight forward directions keep it hassle free and tasty!
My biggest success is definitely the Italian Tiramisù recipe. So, tell me, which is your favourite?
Friday, August 3, 2018
Monte Carasso and the Tibetan bridge
On a hot summer day, escape to the valley and discover the unexpected highlights in the forests above Monte Carasso. Visit the restored village of Corte di Sotto and the Romanesque mountain village church of San Barnàrd. Don't miss the vertiginous crossing of the 270-meter-long and 130 meter-high Carasc suspension bridge, one of Switzerland's longest Tibetan bridges.
Curzútt (Corte di Sotto) lies hidden in the chestnut woods above Monte Carasso. A second highlight is close at hand: the former (now disused) Romanesque mountain village church of San Barnàrd. Sumptuous frescoes depicting the "Madonna del Latte" adorn the squat interior of this small place of worship.
The route now climbs well over 150 m to the next highlight: the spectacular Carasc suspension bridge over the Sementina Valley high above Bellinzona (the entire hike has signage with the name Sementina Gorge). The bridge connects Curzùtte S. Bernardo to the Via delle Vigne; permitting pleasurable hikes amid chestnut woods in a historic, scenic and beautiful region known for excellent food and wines on reaching the other side. The suspension bridge is easily accessible with the Monte Carasso-Carzùtt-Mornera cable car – the valley station for which is located on the outskirts of Bellinzona.
After passing the upland plain of San Defendente with a late mediaeval oratory, the route follows the old stone path that descends very steeply to Sementina and Monte Carasso. At the end, walkers will see the "Fortini della fame" (circular "hunger" towers) on the left, the Dufour defence line and the SS. Trinity church.
Starting point: Curzútt (Corte di Sotto)
Destination: Monte Carasso
Getting to the starting point: take bus/car to Monte Carasso; continue up Monte Carasso – Mornera cable car; Curzútt is a midway station on the line
Back from the destination: catch bus/car to Bellinzona and Locarno
Technique: easy
Difference in elevation: ascent 270 m, descent 600 m
Hiking time: 2h 40m
Note: at the cable car valley station, ask for the large key to enter San Barnàrd church.
Curzútt (Corte di Sotto) lies hidden in the chestnut woods above Monte Carasso. A second highlight is close at hand: the former (now disused) Romanesque mountain village church of San Barnàrd. Sumptuous frescoes depicting the "Madonna del Latte" adorn the squat interior of this small place of worship.
The route now climbs well over 150 m to the next highlight: the spectacular Carasc suspension bridge over the Sementina Valley high above Bellinzona (the entire hike has signage with the name Sementina Gorge). The bridge connects Curzùtte S. Bernardo to the Via delle Vigne; permitting pleasurable hikes amid chestnut woods in a historic, scenic and beautiful region known for excellent food and wines on reaching the other side. The suspension bridge is easily accessible with the Monte Carasso-Carzùtt-Mornera cable car – the valley station for which is located on the outskirts of Bellinzona.
After passing the upland plain of San Defendente with a late mediaeval oratory, the route follows the old stone path that descends very steeply to Sementina and Monte Carasso. At the end, walkers will see the "Fortini della fame" (circular "hunger" towers) on the left, the Dufour defence line and the SS. Trinity church.
Starting point: Curzútt (Corte di Sotto)
Destination: Monte Carasso
Getting to the starting point: take bus/car to Monte Carasso; continue up Monte Carasso – Mornera cable car; Curzútt is a midway station on the line
Back from the destination: catch bus/car to Bellinzona and Locarno
Technique: easy
Difference in elevation: ascent 270 m, descent 600 m
Hiking time: 2h 40m
Note: at the cable car valley station, ask for the large key to enter San Barnàrd church.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
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