This former warehouse located at one end on the island of Nantes is a key point in the city nightlife. The name, Hangar à Bananes, is no accident. Since 1929 bananas were downloaded here arriving from the Netherlands and Ivory Coast, and stored to let mature. But with the independence of these colonies, traffic began to wane and eventually, the hangar was abandoned until it regained space because of the contemporary art biennial Estuaire 2007.

Taking Navibus that crosses the Loire, you get to this area where you will find a wide selection of stylish bars, restaurants, exhibition halls and nightclubs, as AlterCafe or Icone. Perfect to go any day of the week to eat or drink in the sunny terraces and enjoy a nice drink by the river Loire. In addition, the hangar environment preserves some interesting traces of its industrial past and other new works as the 18 rings by artist Daniel Buren, that light up in different colors at nightfall.

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A forty-minute by bus ride from Palermo takes you to the Cathedral of Monreale. This cathedral was constructed during the reign of William II of Normandy, between 1172 and 1190, and is a living example of the fusion of cultures and religions that existed in Sicily during that period. It boasts a syncretic style as it was built by combining Norman architecture with aspects of Moorish art. It consists of a main nave with two wings and an apse. The most surprising features are the interior walls, as they are covered with more than 6,000 m2 of Byzantine gold mosaics inspired by those in the Palatine Chapel in Palermo. The mosaics recount episodes from the Bible, from the creation to the passion of Christ in chronological order from left to right. An impressive Christ Pantocrator crowns the apse leaving visitors speechless.

Adjacent to the cathedral can be found the cloister and its 228 columns, each one supporting a different ornament, along with a number of Arab-inspired arches.

You can travel to Monreale by bus (number 389), which passes by the Piazza Independencia in Palermo. It costs nothing to get into the cathedral but you can hire an audio-guide for 5 euros. Entry to the cloister costs 6 euros.

Image:Urban

By Isabel Romano from Diario de a bordo

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Located in a charming valley close to the village of San José in Ibiza, La Casita Verde is a small nature and education centre run by volunteers that opens to the public every Sunday and where visitors can discover, in a direct and entertaining manner, that a more sustainable way of life is within reach of everyone.

The buildings that comprise La Casita Verde are made from such recycled materials as bottles, tin cans and wood. They include such alternative living spaces as a house in a tree, a house made from bottles and house built inside a lime oven. What’s more, the place makes daily use of alternative energy sources, such as the sun and the wind, and grows medicinal plants and herbs. That is why La Casita Verde exists as an educational tool to demonstrate alternative living techniques.

Besides being amazed by a pure hippy atmosphere, visitors will be able to enjoy some of the activities on offer: the chance to observe the preparation of healthy vegetarian food, learn how to prepare natural juices from local products (including aloe vera), take a one-hour tour around La Casita Verde, listen to (often live) atmospheric music, receive “natural beauty” treatments with masks made from aloe vera harvested from its own fields and many other interesting things.

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Words by Magda Albis from METAL

Santa Catalina, a few meters away from the sea, is one of the most emblematic and dynamic neighborhoods in Palma. Which once was the fishermen’s suburb, has now turned into one of the city areas with more character and personality. The Market acts as heart and hub of the district with a great number of attractive shops and restaurants filling the city streets.

One of these enchanting corners is Frida Watson, a cosy shop selling vintage furniture. Original pieces from the 50s, 60s and 70s land in Mallorca coming from all sorts of places worldwide and in perfect condition. Dressers, center tables, couches, as well as different decoration elements, are all collected and arranged along the various rooms that make the establishment. The carpets made by the brand Brita Sweden, produced in vinyl and with geometric patterns, are simply irresistible, together with the retro futuristic lamps imported from Denmark. A warm space were one can find classic design pieces and functional works of art, were one only feels like getting an “Old-Fashioned” cocktail and settle to live in.

Mon-Fri/ 10.00 am-2.30pm, 3.00pm-6.30pm, Sat /10.00 am-3.00pm

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Words by Magda Albis from METAL