Travelocafe Travel Blog

Photo Of The Day: Horse and Carriage Rides In Seville

2012-05-10T00:11:00.001+02:00

What gondolas are to Venice, the horses and carriages are to Seville. Today we spotted them lined up around the Cathedral and in Plaza de España and I have to admit they really add to the charm of the city... I wonder if they are the same ones that parade during the April Fair... However, I feel sorry for the poor creatures, having to endure the Sevillian heat all day long with a piece of metal in their mouth. Well, al least they can enjoy some gorgeous views whenever a client comes along, though I'm not sure they care about the beauty of Seville...

Have you ever took a horse and carriage ride? Do you find it romantic?

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Photo Of The Day: Costa Rican Oxcart

2012-01-07T00:15:00.000+01:00

Costa Rican oxcart by Ben Beiske

Costa Rica didn't get my attention up till the other day when I read an article about it being the greenest and happiest country in the world. Not only that, but it's government has plans for Costa Rica to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2021. I mean, wow! I know smaller countries are easier to manage, but this is quite an achievement.

Then I found this amazing photo of this beautifully painted oxcart. It's not like decorated horse carriages are new to me or anything, but this came in as a lovely surprise. Historically, Costa Rica has been relatively impoverished in the area of native arts and crafts, as its relatively small and heterogeneous pre-Columbian population was devastated at an early stage, without leaving behind a unique cultural legacy that could spark a creative synthesis with the modern culture.

However, back in the good old days, at the peak of the coffee boom and before the construction of the Atlantic Railroad (that was roughly at the end of the 19th century), some 10,000 carts become fashionable vehicles used to transport coffee beans and other agricultural products. The oxcarts, with their 'invented in Costa Rica' wheels (a cross between the Aztec disc and the Spanish spoked wheel), were ideally suited for crossing the country’s mountains and dirt roads, as it took the farmers up to 15 days to get their products from the central valley to Puntarenas.

In their heyday, the oxcarts had a significant impact on the local economy; creating the need for highway guards, inns, smithies, teamsters, and work crews to maintain the roads. Nowadays their impact might be smaller, but they are nevertheless part of the touristic offer the country has, and Costa Rica vacation rentals are springing around the country to accommodate the curious and the crafts lovers. After all, the oxcarts are somehow synonymous with Costa Rica.

The man who came up with the idea of painting the oxcarts was an Italian artist who immigrated to Costa Rica. He decorated the oxcarts with bright colors and geometric patterns. But soon creativity was given free rein and flowers, faces, miniature landscapes, jungle scenes and wild animals were painted on the oxcarts' wheels. Each cart was also designed to make its own "song", a sound as unique as a fingerprint. And so the oxcarts became every farmer's source of pride.

Nowadays, however, the oxcarts seem to be less practical and more decorative. They became Costa Rica's “National Labor Symbol” portraying the countries peaceful traditions (Costa Rica abolished its army permanently in 1949). The oxcarts now serve as liquor bars, indoor tables, garden ornaments or to simply accent a corner of a home, and they are still being crafted in the small hillside village of Sarchi. I must admit, I would love to have one in my garden, even knowing that a finely made reproduction oxcart can cost up to $5,000. Anyone cares to buy me a gift?

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Photo Of The Day: Deadvlei. The 900 Years Old Tree Graveyard Of Namibia

2011-12-14T22:12:00.000+01:00

Deadvlei, Namibia

One doesn't see very often 900 years old dead trees still standing. Let alone in the middle of the dessert. That's why Deavlei is such a special and alien place and Flickr user gregw66 did a great job at photographing the white clay pan, located near the more famous salt pan of Sossusvlei, in Namibia. Deavlei was formed when a nearby river flooded, creating pools, which allowed vegetation to grow. Then, 900 years ago, as the area was hit by drought, beautiful red, orange and pink sand dunes encroached on the pan, cutting off the trees from the river. The Deadvlei pan is arguably surrounded by the highest sand dunes in the world and it is estimated that these acacia and camel thorn trees last lived when William the Conqueror invaded England. The trees died, but they didn't decompose. They simply scorched black in the sun and became monuments to their own destruction. But, as always, there's more than meets the eye, and some species of plants and animals adapted even in this harsh life conditions.

Have you taken any great shots in your travels? Why not adding them to our Travelocafe group on Flickr? We might just pick one of your photos for our next Photo Of The Day post.

Photo Of The Day: Sand Castle

2011-11-30T13:22:00.001+01:00

Sand castle by the beach in Valencia

I was taking a walk on the beautiful promenade Valencia has by the sea the other day and I spotted this sand castle. Usually people build sand sculptures on the beach in summer, when there are more spectators around to admire the ephemeral masterpieces. However, it was a nice surprise to find this winter castle next by the Mediterranean Sea on what was still a pretty warm end of November day. I loved the tree with the huge surface roots by the steps of the castle, but I simply couldn't make sense of the Sponge Bob plastic character and some other blue little fellow that were guarding(?) the castle.

If this is your first time here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Stumbleupon to get regular updates. Thanks for visiting! Laura

Photo Of The Day: Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra

2011-11-02T11:10:00.000+01:00

Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, Portugal

I took this picture of Quinta da Regaleira in December. I have no idea if these plants were supposed to be in bloom or not, but they so nicely enhanced my photo!

Quinta da Regaleira is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of a beautiful palace and chapel. What impressed me most, however, were the out-of-this-world terraced gardens, featuring lakes, wells, fountains, grottoes, bridges, benches, and a vast array of exquisite constructions. Quinta da Regaleira is a luxurious place, without a doubt, and we had no previous idea about its existence. Luckily, my husband and I stumbled upon in on our way to the world famous Pena Castle.

Photo Of The Day: Knocking At The Apostles Gate

2011-10-26T11:59:00.000+02:00

The Apostles Gate, one of the three gates of the Valencia Cathedral

What makes the Cathedral of Valencia so special in my eyes is its outstanding architecture and the mixture of styles it was built in. The main entrance is Baroque, the Apostles Gate (in the picture) and the interior are predominantly Gothic, and a third, overlooked gate and the bell towers are Romanesque.

However, for the many pilgrims who come to Valencia, the Cathedral stands out because it hosts the Holy Chalice, on display in one of the chapels. Though the Cathedral of Valencia is not the only place of worship to claim having the authentic cup used at the Last Supper, it seems to be the one that got the most support from the Christian historians.

I've seen the supposed Holy Chalice a couple of times myself, but I don't believe a bit this is the one Jesus used two thousand years ago. Why? Because this dark red agate cup with details in gold, pearls and precious gems looks so sophisticated and expensive that simply doesn't fit the Last Supper story. I never imagined it as a fancy dinner and Jesus and his fisherman friends never seemed extravagant people to me. What do you think?

Photo Of The Day: A Sea Of Poppies

2011-06-25T09:51:00.000+02:00

A sea of poppies in the German countryside

It's hard to imagine this kind of sceneries exist outside the pictures. Yet, this is how the real world German countryside looks like and Flickr user redstarpictures knows it best! The random sunlit patches of the field are like highlighting the best poppies out there while the soft, sleepy light in which the beautiful blood red poppies live their scarce existence reminds me of the Wizard of Oz.

Your photo can be the next 'Photo of the Day'. All you have to do is upload your photos to Travelocafe's Flickr pool. Only the best photographs will be featured on Travelocafe website.

Photo Of The Day: Valencia Sunset

2011-02-04T11:06:00.000+01:00

Valencia Malvarrosa Beach sunset

Yesterday evening I had a magic moment, just me and the sunset... After the exams I thought of going to the beach for a relaxing walk. Little did I know there was a strike and that I would have to wait for the metro and the tram almost one hour. So instead of getting to the beach while it was still warm and sunny, I got there just in time for the sunset. But, oh my! What a lovely surprise the sky had prepared for me!

Malvarrosa Beach is the most famous beach in Valencia with a magnificent sea-front promenade great for walking, roller skating, jogging and people watching. Along the promenade there are lots of restaurant serving anything from Spanish cuisine to more exotic dished. Each restaurant has a beach-front terrace where you can enjoy an ice cream, a glass of Spanish wine or a Mojito.

Photo Of The Day: Stilt Fishing In Sri Lanka

2011-01-15T14:17:00.000+01:00

Stilt fishing in Sri Lanka by kukkaibkk

Now this is a test of one's patience! Stilt fishing in Sri Lanka is a tough job and therefore a dying tradition. Up on their uncomfortable stilts in the wee small hours of the morning, they wait and hope for the little fish to fall prey to them. They sell each fish for about 2 cents and that determines if there will be food on the table for dinner tonight. The stilts are planted into the coral reef and the fishermen sit for hours in a row at 2 meters above sea level. It's not an easy life these people have... The stilt fishing tradition has been passed from father to son for generations now, but there aren't many families who build their lives around this type of job anymore. The profit is low, the conditions are harsh, and the tourists are scaring the fish away. The stilt fishing is all about not disturbing the fish and about humans and nature coexisting. It is also an amazing sight that makes one wonder how far the instinct for survival can carry us. Many thanks to Flickr user kukkaibkk for adding this image to the group.

If this is your first time here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Stumbleupon to get regular updates. Thanks for visiting! Laura

Photo Of The Day: Snow Family

2010-12-23T11:38:00.000+01:00

Snowfamily by virginhoney

This is the funniest and the most ingenious snow family I've ever seen. I used to do the carrot nose too, but I have to admit I've never thought about the clothespins hair.

Have you noticed that each member of the family has a different personality? Daddy is all content and relaxed (probably enjoying his beer while watching a football game), mom is freaking out (the guests will be here any minute now and the cookies are not ready yet. Chewing nails) and the snow baby is a bit lost (isn't it a bit too early to realize that men are from Mars and women are from Venus?). Ladies, we really have to change this image; we need to relax and realize there are more important things in life than dinner.

However, there's one thing I love about the psychology of this family. Mom and dad stay next to each other, like the pillars of the family. The baby is placed in front of them (not between them), representing the future generation, but also that the couple stays together even after the children are gone. There's one important thing people often don't realize, but this snow couple knows. Children come and go. They are not supposed to be the glue that keeps the family together but the result of the love between two people. Many thanks to Flickr user virginhoney for presenting us a beautiful family with a very healthy attitude. It is always a pleasure to meet open minded people.

Have you taken any great winter shots lately? Why not adding them to the Travelocafe group on Flickr? I might just pick one of your photos for the next Picture Perfect post.

If this is your first time here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Facebook or Twitter to get regular updates. Thanks for visiting! Laura

Photo Of The Day: Smilling In The Rain

2010-12-14T13:59:00.000+01:00

Smilling in the rain by don.wright

I can see a whole world on those faces. A world so far away from the one I live in, so different and so full of contrasts that I could cry. The two women were walking about selling bananas and posing for photos even though it was pouring cats and dogs on the streets of Hoi An, tells us Flickr user don.wright. Every wrinkle on their faces tells a story and it is difficult for me to guess their age. I've always found the toothless smile of the less fortunate fascinating. There is a hidden force inside these people that allows them to smile in spite of all the sufferings and misfortunes. Whatever their secret, be it embracing the present moment with pure desperation like the last resort left in their world or unconditional surrendering to whatever comes their way, I find it refreshing. I believe there's something to be learned from every single being we encounter. I would love to know what feelings this portrait evokes in you too.

Have you taken any great shots lately? Why not adding them to the Travelocafe group on Flickr? I might just pick one of your photos for the next Picture Perfect post.

If this is your first time here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Facebook or Twitter to get regular updates. Thanks for visiting! Laura

Photo Of The Day: Winter Wonderland

2010-12-11T13:38:00.000+01:00

Rott, Germany by redstarpictures

I haven't seen, touched nor tasted snow in years. And I miss it so badly. I never liked the cold; but the snow... who can possibly not like the puffy white dust that melts on the tip of your nose? This postcard like pic Flickr user restarpictures added to our pool reminds me of childhood. The fence opens like a gate towards this marvel village that can be spotted afar and I organically know that grandparents are waiting inside cozy homes that smell like roasted apples. The huge old tree stays tall and mighty and protective over the houses asleep in their snow blanket and the stillness is bliss. Thank you for delivering to me my childhood wrapped up in fog. Time is our eternal enemy. But I wouldn't have it any other way...

Have you taken any great winter shots lately? Why not adding them to the Travelocafe group on Flickr? I might just pick one of your photos for the next Photo Of The Day post.

If this is your first time here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Facebook or Twitter to get regular updates. Thanks for visiting! Laura

Photo Of The Day: French Coastline

2010-10-04T19:19:00.000+02:00

Rocky Bretagne coast

Don't you just love it when millions of buckets of water become restless in an almost unsuccessful attempt to escape the big bucket? I like the music of the sea in off-season, when the noisy crowds are gone and the waters are free to make love with every single rock they encounter. Just look at the white foam drops dancing in the air, enjoying their brief moment of freedom. This image is full of poetry. And it brings back memories. I love the vastness of the sea during the cold season, when the winds play with the waves and the beaches are savage and deserted. I have a confession to make: I prefer the sea this way. It's like after the long sleepy summer days when the beach parties had stolen the show, the life finally gets back into the sea. Flickr user redstarpictures took this photo at the beginning of September. The summer days were already a memory in Bretagne by that time...

Have you taken any great shots lately? Why not adding them to the Travelocafe group on Flickr? I might just pick one of your photos for the next Photo Of The Day post.

Photo Of The Day: Tad Fane Waterfall

2010-09-18T10:29:00.000+02:00

Tad Fane Waterfall

Flickr user Ben was kind enough to upload his photo of Tad Fane Waterfall on our Flickr group. As I love thick green vegetation and as I miss it every single moment here in Spain, I thought of looking up for more information about this place. Tad Fane Waterfall thunders 200 meters down on the Bolaven Plateau, formed by an ancient volcano in Southern Laos. Beyond the waterfalls stretches the extensive jungle of Dong Hua Sao, one of the 18 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas in Laos. This is an eco-tourism destination! Overlooking the waterfall, there is a resort that pretty much caught my attention. I would so much love to go spend a few relaxing days there, listening to the birds singing, exploring the nature trails, maybe even going all the way down to the bottom of the waterfall where wild animals like to gather, though getting there seems a bit dangerous for the untrained. Oh, well, maybe in March or April, when temperatures reach almost 27ºC. Now it just seems cold and rainy there and I can get all the rain I want here too, no need to spend money for that. Actually last night it rained cats and dogs and I barely slept because of the thunders. I read a lot last night. Almost finished a book...

Have you taken any great shots lately? Why not adding them to our Travelocafe group on Flickr? We might just pick one of your photos for our next Photo Of The Day post.

Photo Of The Day: Lake Baikal

2010-09-09T00:11:00.000+02:00

Ice Labyrinth, Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia

Lake Baikal is the oldest, the deepest and most voluminous freshwater lake on Earth. Its clear waters offer sanctuary to more than 1700 species of plants and animals, two thirds of which are endemic. Lake Baikal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. During winter the regional temperatures reach -19ºC and as the lake freezes, the ice cap gets thick enough to support pedestrians and snowmobiles.

Thanks to Flickr user BaikalNature who submitted this amazing photo to Travelocafe Flickr group. I love the glossy green and blue shades of the ice labyrinth and how out of chaos a new order of things is being born. I always find it fascinating to see how nature gets playful for our amusement.

Have you taken any great shots lately? Why not adding them to our Travelocafe group on Flickr? We might just pick one of your photos for our next Photo Of The Day post.

Photo Of The Day: Vorovoro Island

2010-08-28T11:43:00.000+02:00

Vorovoro Island, Fiji

When I first saw this photo from Vorovoro Island by Flickr user Nienke Krook, some comparisons crossed my mind. Like this tree, Vorovoro Island is situated in a blissfull quiet place and it is somehow lonely, as not many tourist make it here. The island is well off the beaten path, thought it has gorgeous white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters; so clear in fact that you can see the colorful starfish swimming around. Vorovoro is pretty rocky and it might be difficult to walk around but it has some good fishing spots and it offers plenty of privacy and a relaxing atmosphere. The island is also home to Tribewanted - the experiment to set up a sustainable village and online community.

Have you taken any great shots lately? Why not adding them to our Travelocafe group on Flickr? We might just pick one of your photos for our next Photo Of The Day post.

Photo Of The Day: Amsterdam Reflections

2010-08-17T16:16:00.000+02:00

Amsterdam reflections in a puddle

I love this unedited mobile phone shot of a girl on her bike in Amsterdam. Bikes are an important part of the Dutch lives and a rush hour in Netherlands can also be a bicycle rush hour. Flickr user Amstersam caught the passing of time reflected in a puddle. The photo has something special and sweet in it's composition that makes me think about how we sometimes reflect in other people eyes like distorted images in an old mirror and how this is the cause of so many silly misunderstandings. The Royal Palace in the background was built as city hall during the Dutch Golden Age and in the 17th century it was the largest secular building in Europe.

Have you taken any great shots lately? Why not adding them to our Travelocafe group on Flickr? We might just pick one of your photos for our next Photo Of The Day post.

Photo Of The Day: Arches National Park

2010-08-07T23:51:00.000+02:00

South Window Arch, Arches National Park (USA)

Flickr user Further to Fly captured a perfect moment in time. I love the colors of the new day being born over the Arches National Park from Utah. The eroded monoliths proudly raise their heads over the dramatic landscape. The clouds look like from Turner's paintings. The dashes of green over the salmon and orange of the dessert tells us a story about the desperation with which life fights death. The national park lies atop an underground salt bed deposited here some 300 million years ago when a sea flowed into the area and eventually evaporated. It seems to me that nature had a master plan for this region ever since.

Tip: Arches National Park together with more than 100 other national parks all over USA waive entrance fees on specific weekends throughout the year.

If in your travels you surprised nature at its best, don't forget to add you photos to our Travelocafe group on Flickr? Your shot might be the next Photo Of The Day.

Photo Of The Day: Tennessee Aquarium

2010-08-03T11:23:00.000+02:00

Jellyfish at Tennessee Aquarium

This amazing jellyfish photo was taken by Flickr user cosmosjon at Tennessee Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in the USA. The Tennessee Aquarium is home to a richly diverse living collection of the world’s most fascinating animals, from colorful frogs, playful penguins and giant catfish to prehistoric-looking sturgeon, toothy sharks, mesmerizing jellyfish and thousands of colorful reef fish.

This species of jellyfish is called Chrysaora, a name inspired from the Greek mythology and meaning “golden sword”. Chrysaora live in the Pacific Ocean and their maroon tentacles and lacey white oral arms trail 12 to 15 feet behind, stinging and collecting a wide variety of zooplankton. But not all jellyfish in the world sting. Did you know that the Jellyfish Lake in Palau hosts millions of stingless jellyfish and you can actually go swim with them?

Have you taken any great shots in your travels? Why not adding them to our Travelocafe group on Flickr? We might just pick one of your photos for our next Photo Of The Day post.

Photo Of The Day: Yamdrok Yumtso Lake

2010-07-27T11:08:00.000+02:00

Yamdrok Yumtso Lake

Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is one of the three largest holy lakes in Tibet. Surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and fed by numerous small streams, Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is believed to be the transformation of a goddess. The Yamdrok Yumtso Lake has some beautiful and vivid names like Coral Lake, derived from its irregular shape or Green Jade Lake implying its beautiful appearance with smooth and clean waters. Like mountains, lakes are considered sacrosanct by the Tibetan people, as it is believed that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers. Every year, many followers from Tibet but not only would come here for pilgrimage. It is said that if Yamdrok Yumtso Lake's waters dry, Tibet will no longer be habitable. Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to protect nature more and consider it holy, be it for not so scientific reasons.

This wonderful Yamdrok Yumtso Lake picture was brought to our attention by the Flickr user zwz64. Thank you and happy travels!

Have you taken any great shots in your travels? Why not adding them to our Travelocafe group on Flickr? We might just pick one of your photos for our next Photo Of The Day post.

Photo Of The Day: Hawaii

2010-07-20T10:24:00.000+02:00

December Hawaii sunrise

Many consider Hawaii Heaven on Earth. Hawaii’s natural beauty, warm tropical climate and active volcanoes made it a popular destination for tourists and scientists alike. This photo was taken in Kāhala, Honolulu, one of the upper-class districts that feature some of the most expensive beachfront properties in the city. I love the colors of this December sunrise captured by Flickr user ashmieke. It gives me a feeling that nature paints its ways with or without human presence. The sun lounges sleeping on the beach, the lazy waters of the ocean, yet in this entire serene atmosphere there is so much going on quietly on the background. It looks to me like nature is self-sufficient. Only man tries to rise above nature but in the end we are all star dust and we all have out special relationship with the Universe.

Have you taken any great shots in your travels? Why not adding them to our Travelocafe group on Flickr? We might just pick one of your photos for our next Photo Of The Day post.

Photo Of The Day: Taj Mahal

2010-07-13T10:23:00.000+02:00

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is probably the most famous mausoleum there is. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died during the birth of their fourteenth child. Poor woman! Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, one year after her death and was completed 21 years later. Located in Agra, India, Taj Mahal is a white marble structure considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Islamic, Indian and Persian architectural styles. Taj Mahal is one of the New 7 Wonders of The World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This photo was taken by the Flickr user Dennis Jarvis while visiting Taj Mahal. Dennis loves to travel around the world and he takes lots of great photos. He believes pictures are meant to be shared and enjoyed by everyone who likes them. Thanks Dennis for uploading this lovely Taj Mahal photo to our Flickr group.

Have you taken any great shots in your travels? Why not adding them to our Travelocafe group on Flickr? We might just pick one of your photos for our next Photo Of The Day post.

Photo Of The Day: Neuschwanstein Castle

2010-07-06T22:27:00.000+02:00

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle, the castle that inspired Walt Disney when he designed Cinderella’s Castle, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. Situated on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria, also referred to as the "Mad King", as a retreat and as homage to Richard Wagner, the King's inspiring muse.

I took this photo from the all squeaky two person wide old wooden bridge called Marienbruecke that lays across the way deep rocky gorge behind Neuschwanstein Castle. I have to admit I was quite afraid as the bridge was moving every time the other visitors were walking on it. But the amazing views of the castle and its surroundings were worth it.

Your photo could be the next Photo Of The Day. Just upload your travel photos to our Flickr group. The best photos will be featured as "Photo Of The Day". If we do use your photograph, you will be given full credit in the article, including a link to your site, if provided.