Many books have been written and many films made with the city of Berlin as the backdrop, whether they concern the days of the Second World War or the subsequent Cold War . In all these stories, the wall that divided the city appeared as an undeniable symbol of those years of chaos that changed the world for ever. But if you had to choose one place that summed up the paranoia experienced in the German capital up until 1989, it would undoubtedly be Checkpoint Charlie: the most famous border crossing of all the checkpoints along the wall that used to separate the zone controlled by the USA from that controlled by the Soviets (where today it joins the districts of Mitte and Kreuzberg).

As a memorial to this recent past and the history of the German capital throughout the 20th Century, today you can find a replica of the border checkpoint booth standing in its original position. As a result, tourists strolling down the central avenue of Friedrichstraße can appreciate what it felt like to make the crossing from East Berlin to West Berlin and everything that this meant during those days of political tension. Furthermore, next to Checkpoint Charlie you can find the popular museum dedicated to the history of the Berlin Wall and the Cold War. A chaotic place (as its own history tells), but full of fascinating objects and images, such as a t-shirt signed by Keith Haring or the homemade ultralights that were made to fly over the wall undetected by the soldiers.

One interesting fact to tell you: this border post was christened Charlie as a result of the phonetic alphabet used by NATO. As it was the third checkpoint in the city, it corresponded to the letter C (as the first two were Alpha and Bravo).

By David Moreu

Doesn’t this make you want to take a trip to Berlin? Have a look at our flights here!

The Stockholm Vasa Museum could be a good metaphor of what has happened today in Spain: a country that is sinking as a result of having failed to take care of what matters, how to sustain itself. The Vasa warship did not even manage to make it out of port. Loaded with 700 sculptures, 64 canons, 300 soldiers and 130 sailors prepared for their first voyage to dominate the Baltic Sea on 10 August, 1628. And it wasn’t even necessary to fire one shot at them, not even cross paths. The wind battered its sails just a few metres from the port and it slowly began to sink in full sight of the people and King Gustavus Adolphus II who had commissioned its construction. 333 years later, she was found intact submerged in the mud, still blushing from the insults of all the enemies of Sweden and the anger it arose in the Royal Family. She now rests in the same place as from where she started out, in the port of Smörland, and is the only conserved warship from the 17th Century and the perfect excuse to get to know the Scandinavian capital. In Piedra de Toque we take a trip to Stockholm to discover the other face of different European capitals with My Vueling City.

Stockholm is a city divided into thirds: one third fresh-water, one third sea and another third city. Made up of 14 islands it has more than 100 museums and among these is the highlight, the Vasa: constructed to dominate the Baltic and sunk beneath its own weight the same day as its launch.

Image: Holger.Ellgaard

By Iñaki Makazaga from Piedra de Toque

So you feel like visiting Stockholm, do you? Book your flights here!

1 – A few pintxos through the old town

Yes, accompanied by a zurito and taking our time, a requirement. Walking from the port to the square of the constitution we can test any of these delicious miniatures as cod fritters, squid-in-its-ink croquettes , stuffed aubergines …. the list is endless and there is something for everyone.

2 – Palacio de Miramar

Located in one of the most beautiful places in the city, this English-style old building that used to house the Spanish royalty we can enjoy from one of the best views of the bay of San Sebastian and
its gardens.

3 – Kursaal

One of the most emblematic buildings of the city where (among other events) the famous San Sebastian International Film Festival is celebrated. An impressive building of translucent cubes, work of Rafael Meneo, facing the sea. It is also located in Gros, the surfer neighborhood, so if you like surfing, you can always go down with your board to practice.

4 – Playa de la Concha

It is one of the most famous beaches in the country for a certain reason. Summer or not, admiring the island of Santa Clara as you walk , you ride your bike , or even surf the waves is another delicacy that San Sebastian offers. Do not struggle , you’ll end up falling in love with her.

5 – Igueldo

With an endearing wooden funicular that we can take very close to El Peine del Viento, in this magical corner we can see the best view of the city, Concha bay and the island of Santa Clara.

Besides enjoying the beauty of the natural environment, the amusement park and the old lighthouse that oversees city are some of the best kept secrets of the place.

Image: Mikelo

By Isabel Sánchez

Why not take a trip to San Sebastián? Have a look at our flights here!

By Laura Sam

A big wooden table on one side, a comfortable sofa on the other and a great choice of spectacles around,you have entered Simon Lauzier and Boris Vicard’s Les Lunettes de Marius.

Located in the touristic area of Vieux Lyon, Les Lunettes de Marius is not like other optical and traditional shops. “We’re selling a dream, pieces of jewellery. Glasses are like a fashion item, not something we have to wear but we want to. An exclusive piece,” says Simon Lauzier. The choice of glasses and sunglasses offered in the boutique shows it – great quality and design and all from independent brands including Claire Goldsmith, Isson, Lafont, L.G.R., Sashee, Persol and Masunaga, with most of it being handmade in Europe or Japan. And the owners know how to greet their customers, they will offer you tea or coffeewhilst discussing with you about their products. More than just a spectacles shop, it feels like home. If you want more, they also do exhibitions and events around art, fashion and design. And they are open seven days a week! There is no reason not to stop by, you can go in with your eyes closed.

Photos courtesy of Les Lunettes de Marius

Les Lunettes de Marius

1 Rue Marius Gonin, 69005 Lyon 

Phone: (+33) 09 50 53 57 17 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9am-8pm; Sunday to Monday 2pm-7pm


Why not take a trip to Lyon? Have a look at our flights here!