Text by Michele Moricci

It is easy to become lost in Firenze’s small streets. They are so full of history! The great churches and the elegant, city centre, buildings are surrounded by venerable nooks and crannies. The restaurants overlooking the streets are sure to captivate you while your sense of smell will be drawn to the scent of typical Ribollita or Lampredotto. As you stroll around, you are likely to have the feeling of being in the biggest open air museum that one could imagine.

What with the shops and old-fashioned Botteghe, you just won’t be able to resist the pleasure of popping in. And once in town, there is a special place you should not miss. A few steps away from Ponte Vecchio, on Lungarno Acciaiuoli and overlooking the Arno, there is Botique Nadine: a small boutique in the heart of the (old) city which is run by a Florentine couple with a complete fascination for fashion, their passion. To the sound of some jazz music, between precious vintage pieces and a cozy retro atmosphere, you will find the perfect combination of the best Firme d’Epoca (vintage labels) together with the refreshing creative craftsmanship of modern vintage style. The ideal place to track down unique pieces or to get hold of the inimitable style of such big names such as Balenciaga, Chanel, Pierre Cardin, Pucci, Valentino, Ferragamo or Gucci.

And if this wasn’t enough, as you leave the Basilica of Santa Croce in Via De’Benci, there’s Modern Boutique Nadine store. Between old trunks, silk clothes and a warm parquet you can choose papers, sumptuous pins and emerging designer clothing with retro influences for men and women.

Of course, a long shopping spree deserves to be brought to a close with a good Tuscan wine and a tasty Panini, stay tuned and take note while planning your trip to the city. Dive into a unique and sophisticated experience. Rediscover the pleasure of rural craftsmanship surrounded by the vibrant and lively Firenze lifestyle.

Text by Michele Moricci

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The Ramones is the most famous punk group of all times and its rebellious and non-conformist image will always be related to the city of New York and the CBGB, the down-at-heel club that shot them to fame in the middle of the 1970s. But the musical world turns in many ways and thanks to a quirk of fate, we have found out that the only museum in the world dedicated to the legendary group of Joey, Johnny, Tommy and Dee Dee is in fact in the back room of a bar in Berlin.

This adventure of epic proportions can trace its roots back to almost two decades ago, when Flo Haylerdecided to invite the public to view his collection of Ramones photos and t-shirts to the public. He never thought that such a kitsch idea would turn his dining room into an “official” museum and that he would be visited by tens of thousands of fans from all corners of the world.

But what can you see in this museum? In short: everything and more. You will learn about the history of the Ramones from their beginnings to their break up through hundreds of photos, videos and a host of posters from their tours. In addition, the permanent exhibition has the attraction that it mainly concentrates on the tours the band did in Germany and the famous visit they made in 1989 that coincided with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Also worth a mention is the small stage where rock concerts are held and its bar is a regular haunt of famous musicians passing through the city (including: Pearl Jam, Social Distortion, The Subways and many more).

By David Moreu

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On winter, the urban heart of A Coruña changes the aspect to become a Christmas paradise out of a fairy tale.

Despite the cold and the short days, for a few weeks A Coruña shines with warm Christmas lights that illuminate this beautiful city to make us forget the winter inclemency.

From November 28th to January 2nd, María Pita Square – one of the most beautiful and known spots in the city – becomes the Christmas village, with traditional wooden houses with snow on the roof and paths surrounded of firs that seem like the Christmas markets in the rest of Europe.

This place has lot of magic and fun opportunities for the kids, who could enjoy attractions made for them. Leisure activities, stalls for wishing well – benefits go to local charities from the city – and Santa Claus house, where Santa receives the kids and answer their wishes.

This is an activity for all the family, with more than a 100 workshops to learn how to design a Christmas tree or Christmas Cards, among others. These workshops take place daily in the afternoon (from 17:15 to 19:15h.).

For any age there are activities night and day, two or three daily music performances, in the stage in front of the City House.

Near the Christmas village, at the exhibition room of the City House, there is a traditional nativity scene, with the classic reproduction and including other famous people from the history of A Coruña, distributed on 100 m².

To the most remarkable dates of the holidays, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the hospitality in A Coruña offers many activities to enjoy with your friends. And, of course, on January 5th by the afternoon, the activities are for the kids: the Three Magic Kings parade around the city for the enjoyment of everyone.

With this variety of offers, is not strange that every year thousands of tourists go to A Coruña and the Christmas village of María Pita to enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Picture from entrelazosyabalorios

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Buildings that challenge gravity with their inclination always cause profound impact, though this peculiarity that makes them famous also can totally destroy them. Pisa has its Leaning Tower and Venice had the San Marcos inclined hasbell – rebuilt after collapsing the original construction in 1902 – Bologna has many inclined medieval towers, one of the most characteristic elements and icons of the city, who have defied earthquakes, bombings and, in general, neglect of man.

The history of these towers is very curious. The most conservative estimations counts about 100 towers crowding the medieval city of Bologna, some of them could even reach 100 meters high. These towers were built for the purpose of demonstrating family lineages’s power; the richer the family lineage, the higher was the tower. As time passes by, the towers were demolished or collapsed and the ones which still stand, were taken for other uses – prisons, homes or shops.

Among the most significant towers that still remain include the towers of Garisenda and Asinelli. Those towers are mentioned by Dante Alighieri, who lived in Bologna, in the Divine Comedy. You can visit Asinelli tower ascending its 500 steps. It has 97.6 meters in height and 3.2 meters inclination while Garisenda tower, which is on its side, is 48 meters high and a lower inclination.

Picture by Onanymous

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