Summer holidays in the Alps: the best - in the mountains!

What to do in the summer - again, lying on the beach? More and more Russians refuse to 'vegetable' rest, preferring relaxation - changing activities, seat in a lounge chair - long walks, the bustle of the tourist centers - crystal clear air and recreational areas, stiff muscles - the joy of movement.

Extra weight gained in the "all inclusive" are no longer synonymous with wealth and a sign that life is good. From vacation now fashionable not only back tanned and fit, cheerful, open up new horizons. But where to go? Where to find pristine nature and with the first-class service, without which it would like to do?

Such places are, and they can afford as a capricious individual, and economical mass tourist with his family. Alpine resorts where skiers used to ride in the winter, summer is an extraordinary beauty and possibilities of sight. Russians to it is almost not involved, but the Europeans have long and tenderly loved.

On March 30, the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held Workshop, where representatives of the Ministries of Tourism of two alpine resorts - Valle d'Aosta   and Chamonix - Voiced the slogan "Let's go to the Alps in the summer! "And Russian tour operators -" Ascent Travel "," Jet Travel "and" Herzog "- and voiced their support of the program package for summer 2010. The price of these starts from 640 Euros per person per week.

The programs include short and multi-day trips to the National Alpine reserves with overnight stays in mountain chalets, climbing ascents, rafting, kayaking, paragliding and hot air balloon, adventure parks, horseback riding, trout fishing and many other attractions for the whole family.

Two of these heavenly places are very close to each other and surrounded by the highest mountains, among them - the highest point in Europe - Mont Blanc (4810 m). but Valle d'Aosta   - A Italy and Chamonix   - France. They are united by a unique combination of untouched nature, the European service and of a rare warmth of hospitality of the inhabitants, which was first rated English tourists in the XVIII century.

Alps - is active and the mass of the dizzying experience, at any level of fitness. Hundreds of kilometers of marked roads, comfortable shelter, infrastructure to make holidays Chamonix   and Valle d'Aosta   nezabvaemym and experienced ekstremalschiki maniacs and adrenaline (for them are climbing, long hikes and climbs, snowboarding on the glaciers and biking - in the mountains), and for people cautious and family. For them - a lightweight version of hikes, trips, entertainment, golf, trips to the nearby ancient cities - Turin, Lyon, Geneva, Annecy - and heady gastronomic discovery.

"The most important thing - we can now offer Russian tourists guides speaking in Russian, - said the manager of the office of Tourism of Chamonix Agnes Dyukroz. - In the mountains of the guide figure of great importance, and the language begins to play a leading role. "

Valle d'Aosta is, as the Roman area (the main town of Aosta founded in 25 before our era), has so many ancient castles, ruins, castles and other attractions on its territory, to see them all at once is unrealistic.

"This is my home - says a representative of the Ministry of Tourism of the region of Valle d'Aosta Anna Soden - but even I do not know all of our sites."

A taste of the local wine, cheese, cured meats and the famous legends of fat - so the tourist program includes obligatory tasting.

Those who can not imagine a vacation without bathing, will find clear mountain lakes and hot springs in Chamonix, or can combine holiday in the Valle d'Aosta to stay on the Ligurian coast of Italy.

Winter in Chamonix and Aosta Valley there are about seven thousand Russians. But in the summer - only a few hundred. And all because even a few of our fellow citizens have seen that hide under a snow. Edelweiss, small villages, alpine meadows, beautiful waterfalls and mirror lakes - all this will become the property of those who come here in the summer. Truly, they are to be envied.

Leisure & SPA

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Travel to the city of gingerbread

Gingerbread town in the north of Belgium, the capital of West Flanders, officially recognized as one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Walking through the old Bruges - a real pleasure.

The famous Bruges

The first information about Bruges   It appeared in the III century BC, but, of course, since then nothing left - no buildings, no manuscripts. However, from the VII century, Bruges   It became the main city of West Flanders, and from that time began its prosperity.

One of the most famous "residents" is considered Till Eulenspiegel, the hero of the novel by Charles de Coster. Well, today the name of the city glorified film director Martin McDonagh, whose 2008 film "lie low in Bruges "Colin Farrell in the title role was nominated for an Oscar.

To go to the first

Entrance to the old town begins with a sumptuous old park Minnenwaterpark, which surrounds a very romantic place - the Lake of Love. On its banks leisurely walk in the incredible number of swans, why all the grass is densely covered with white down like snow. Here, near the lake - horse "parking lot." In Bruges you can ride in a carriage or stroller: price, depending on the route varies from 20 to 50 euros. By the way, the horses rush through the narrow streets at high speed, so be careful and do not yawn at intersections.

The second option: you can hire a bike (if you are traveling alone, take a tandem), it is quite cheap, but you get the opportunity to travel around the city entirely: many streets in the center are closed for car and for equine movement, but a bike can be to get anywhere. Veloparkingi stand on every street corner, near all cafes and restaurants, so the problems with this transport you will not have any.

The third option: to sail the canals by boat or tourist boat. It is worth the walk, depending on the boats, from 8 to 20 euros, but be sure to bring a windbreaker: blowing strongly over the channels.

However, if all modes of transport you prefer to own feet, go straight to the Market Square (where the market is long gone, but karuselkah and cafes were) because it's best to start from here.

Begin with a tour of the city from the top of the Belfry (the tallest building in Bruges). Climb the tower is not easy, the old stone stairs sometimes rubbed up holes - in the literal sense, but the panorama of the city, which opens to the upper observation deck is worth the effort. After going down, drink the local beer (it describe below) and go further ...

Where to eat and drink

Whatever migration route of Bruges you choose (and get around in a single day all the museums and cathedrals is impossible - stop, perhaps, at the Museum of Salvador Dali Museum Groningen and the Church of St. Anne), you sometimes have to make a "technical pause" .  Snack in Bruges almost every corner .  If you regret the time the seat in the restaurant (although service is very fast and good), can be purchased at the kiosk plate fries drizzled with mayonnaise, and move on, eating on the go: so do many Europeans .  But it is better to go to a restaurant to taste the most famous local dish - mussels, roasted on the fire in a cast iron pot .  They certainly will be served a plate ... no, still, perhaps, a small bucket of fries (it's everywhere, it seems, just do not give her the ice cream!) And a lot of lemon .  Happy drinking, usually beer - and the usual bright and traditional Belgian fruit: cherry, raspberry, currant, blueberry .  Often it is slightly weaker - the alcohol content of 2-3% .

A snack, go to the next museum or shopping.

What to buy

Since Belgium as a whole - a paradise for the sweet tooth, then Bruges entices its confectionery shop windows. Chocolate and sweets are produced here, crazy. Especially candy with a praline filling - in fact they come up here! From chocolate make houses, rabbits, birds, flowers, ordinary chocolate sets, liqueurs. You can buy Easter eggs to half a meter in diameter, the chocolate part of the human body (made at times very naturalistic) toy furniture ... And in general - Chocolate Bruges - the best gift to friends and relatives.

Belgian second miracle - it certainly lace. Stores and shops selling them are on every corner. However, they are not cheap: if a souvenir picture with a tiny lace flower or SEAL can still be purchased for 4-5 euro, then something like a woven collar will cost about 20 euros, and the tablecloth -more 100. The most popular of most tourist souvenir - little lace parasol.

We are returning to the beer. Special beer stores more like a museum: this diversity is not only varieties, but also beer accessories in conventional supermarkets to be found. There is a bottle volume of 150 ml to 3 liters, beer champagne glasses natipohmelnye, automatic equalizer gait, all kinds of glasses and mugs funny shapes.

Not too well known Belgian such things as clothing and accessories from the brightly colored wool, dishes, stylized mediaeval (crumpled copper kettles and pots, tripods for cooking pots), as well as exquisite leather handbags and purses.

Lovers of antiques can go to the flea market (incidentally, one of the biggest in Europe): it is located on two streets, going straight from the Market Square. What is there just no! Clothing centenary (literally) years ago, dishes (I personally bought a large plate 1924 release, and only 7 euros!), Lovely ladies stuff released in post-war Europe - metal powder boxes, jewelry boxes, tortoiseshell combs ... bargain at the flea market is not It accepted, but not smoking, especially if you want to buy a few items.

Leisure & SPA

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Netosklivaya Tuscany

In Italy, there is no edge more gracious than Tuscany amid the burned fields, whose yellowness dilutes the green cypresses and poppies Alost, twisted road - past the villages, sheep herds, vineyards ...

And now one can see Pisa and Florence, which are rich in masterpieces of the Renaissance. However, Tuscany is capable of not only inspire, but also healthier.

The hot springs have made the region a major Italian health resort and its most famous SPA-Resort - Montecatini Terme. This is a quiet small town, set in lush gardens, where the hotel even more than the homes of ordinary Italians.
It is not surprising that there is big set of shops, restaurants, bars and discos that literally come to life in the evenings under the influx of tourists from around the world. However, despite the seeming democracy resort still retains the patina of elitism - in the second half of the XIX century Italian aristocrat, obediently following the fashion of treatment on the waters that swept Europe, settled in Montecatini. The streets of the town still remember the great Italians such as Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi, Luigi Pirandello - the list is endless. There were here and monarchs - for example, Grace Kelly with the royal family of Monaco. And in the most luxurious hotel in Montecatini Grand Hotel & La Pace died Christian Dior.
By the way, in the Grand Hotel & La Pace Nikita Mikhalkov were filmed "Dark Eyes" with Marcello Mastroianni in the lead role. Guests are taken now. However, many hotel interiors have been preserved in its original form, as well as the facade - a magnificent example of Art Nouveau, which is dominated by the architecture of Montecatini Terme and its appearance gives its own unique charm.

Living Water in the heart of the city

Yet the history of the resort began long before the appearance of Art Nouveau in architecture and art .  Ask an indigenous person, where the historic center of Montecatini and it will show you on a nearby hill, like a crown surmounted by a small medieval fortress .  Behind its walls hides the eponymous town of Montecatini, only to the definition of the Alto, which translates from Italian as "Supreme Montecatini" .  It was there, on the hill where today you can climb the historic funicular, first settled montekatintsy: nisin was heavily waterlogged, and despite the healing springs, completely uninhabitable .  Everything changed in the second half of the XVIII century, when the Grand Duke of Tuscany Pietro Leopoldo of Lorraine undertook irrigation bogs .  He not only sponsored the study of treatment options, but also on their funds organized the construction of baths, one of which - Terme Tetuchchio - became a symbol of both the Montecatini and Europe as a whole hydrotherapy .  At the same time around the term it was defeated prominent park area exceeds 460 thousand square meters - a truly green heart of the city, whose vessels poured living water .

Dirt with chocolate

The secret of the miraculous source, making their way to the surface from a depth of almost kilometer through the deposits of limestone, clay and jasper, hidden in a unique combination of different salts and trace elements. The water temperature ranges from 24, 5 to 33 ° C, 5 ° C
However, the drink and its refrigerated - depending on the medical requirements. The range of diseases for which a use montekatinskih water is very wide: it is a problem with intestinal motility and the outflow of bile, dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, metabolic disorders, arthritis, dermatitis, disorders of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Thanks to them, cleans, restores electrolyte balance of the body.
But the magic is not only drink mineral water - baths in Montecatini offer a range of treatments based on it: baths, showers, massages, body wraps, inhalations, aerosols. Excellent proven itself and the local cosmetology. A particular success using anti-aging program: the mineral substances contained in the water, promote the rapid regeneration of skin cells and saturate it with oxygen.
Montecatini is 11 thermal spas, and each has its own specialization .  Those who come here are not treated, but simply freshen up and cool off, choose "Excelsior" - one of its four floors allocated for SPA-procedures .  The center boasts not only the palace interiors and outstanding facade in the style of Belle Epoque, but also the presence of the indoor pool, filled with thermal water, saunas and a whole gallery .  Purely montekatinskie "ingredients" - mineral water and dirt - are combined with essential oils, algae and sea salt .  Sweet tooth probably will like SPA-program "Chocolate pleasure", which includes peeling on the basis of chocolate mousse, face mask of tiramisu serum and body wraps from certain varieties of Italian chocolate (250 euros) .  Here you can taste and exotic massages - such as Hawaiian, or "Lomi Lomi": in particular it will be appropriate after a busy day of sightseeing tours in Tuscany, since fatigue and tension in the joints, while providing a relaxing and invigorating effect (EUR 70) .  For complete relaxation accept ozonated thermal bath, which normalizes blood circulation
circulation and eliminates stagnation of fluid in the tissues (25 euros).

Painful delight

In Montecatini easily turn into sybarite .  The reason for that, and pleasing to the body and soul SPA-procedures, and abundant Tuscan cuisine with the renowned Chianti (red wine), and the general atmosphere of relaxation - so long, and lose waist .  So do not be lazy - go on excursions: What is a day spent in Florence - from the main cities of art .  "Flower" capital of Tuscany is peerless: there were more than 100 cases of so-called "Stendhal syndrome", who first described the disease state of delight caused by the architecture and the city museum collections .  The pulse quickens at the sight of Florence Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, both grand in scale and sophistication in the details of external decoration .  A narrow streets of the city-museum - a revived Renaissance: Dante lived there, worked there Michelangelo here - Boccaccio .  The queues at the Uffizi Gallery, of course, make you nervous, but still worth seeing "Spring" by Botticelli with his own eyes, and then come out with a clear conscience on the embankment of the Arno and make a lovely picture of the Ponte Vecchio - Old Bridge, built in the XIV century jewelry shops and workshops several floors .

Field of Dreams

You can not escape and Pisa - for at least the 'classic' photos with the world famous tower. At the cathedral and baptistery, it forms the magnificent architectural ensemble - no wonder the area in front of them is called the Square of Miracles! By the way, with the field of miracles in the fairy tale about Pinocchio this place has nothing to do. Or rather - stories of Pinocchio: the wooden boy was Italian! Not only that - the Tuscans, and very close to the town of Montecatini Terme is Collodi, where he was "born." And if you are traveling with children, be sure they were brought back: amusement park "Pinocchio" you see a performance in the theater of puppets, look in the shop for their production, to ride on the old carousel and visit the house of butterflies.

Raznotsvete cities

"Mash" can be in and around Montecatini Terme to go swim in the Tyrrhenian sea, play golf among the olive groves and even participate in the race. But with a strong desire - to go to the very north of Tuscany, and to look into other Italian region of Liguria, where there are an amazing place - the Cinque Terre, which is little known Russian tourists and a group of five miniature multicolored cities, some of which huddle on the rocks, others come close to the sea. Do not forget comfortable shoes to stray on the streets and mountain paths, - however, it is enough to admire the stunning views of the Cinque Terre from the hill, and then relax on the beach.

Where to live?

Home comfort
Hotel La Pia (50 euros) at home simple and cozy, despite the proximity to the central quarter of Montecatini Terme, always quiet; of the views of the tiled roofs of the city, the blue sky and the hills surrounding the thermal spa. There is nothing superfluous, and at reasonable prices.

Shine Center
Hotel Columbia (from 80 euros) Located on the main shopping street of Montecatini, earning it four stars - behind the facade in the style of the classic Art Nouveau hides elegant interiors, everything sparkles, including smile and courteous staff. At the hotel is a wellness center.

Ease of savings
Surrounded by green gardens, unfussy, but nice and cheap hotel Parma E Oriente (from 39 euros) located within walking distance from the thermal SPA-centers of the city and major attractions. Incidentally, the hotel has a swimming pool.

Source

Industry News

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Mike Tyson has passed tests by using an artificial penis

The famous boxer Mike Tyson made a sensational confession of how he was able to successfully pass the tests for drugs in the blood. For these purposes, the world champion used an artificial penis.

Mike Tyson

In the biography of a multiple world champion heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson   It had a lot of shocking, and once this athlete, even in prison, serving time for rape. But he again managed to shock the American television audience one of the channels and host Chelsea Handler, when he told how to take tests for drugs.

Mike Tyson

It took a boxer is fatal for him in 1991 when he was accused of raping a 18-year-old Desiree Washington model. From the suspect was required, inter alia, to pass urine for drugs. If it found illegal drugs, that Tyson might expect a more serious punishment. But actively used in drugs while the champion managed to bypass the police. To do this, he needed a special tool.

"I used a fake penis - frankly Mike Tyson . - It does not work as you might think, but it allows you to pass the drug test. However, for this to be installed with another urine bag, of course. And try to make sure that was not the urine of some of the pregnant woman. "

Although it is necessary to pass a urine test in the presence of a police officer or an employee of the laboratory, usually strangers turn away when the suspect unzips his pants to extract therefrom genital organ. This happened in the case of Tyson. "It is enough to produce the sounds of flowing urine, and all of it is completely satisfied - admitted boxer. - And then you give the capacity for analysis and sent home with a calm heart." (READ MORE)

Industry News

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The division of household chores - the secret of marital happiness

If you want your marriage lasted as long as possible, be sure to share household duties with her husband. That is the conclusion American researchers have come.

family happiness

Scientists from the University of Illinois studied the level family well-being   220 recently formed couples. It was found that those the couple, who continue together to perform housework , Feel much happier than those who moved the most duties to one of the spouses. This division of household duties more important for women's marital happiness than for men, as scientists have found.

But do not think that in families where the wife dragged on itself the house lounging men feel happy - this is also not It happens. It turned out that this kind of happiness would not last too for a long time, especially after having children. According to author of the study Professor Brian Ogolski, a clear separation Home Affairs   between husbands and wives in the first two years of marriage is of great importance, because otherwise arise on this occasion quarrels and conflicts will grow like a snowball.

This study is interesting by the fact that earlier researchers observed by level Family Welfare   one of the spouses, and now they were able to trace how both partners are satisfied with their family life. Wherein it is important that husbands and wives have implemented their own ideas about how to be to share in the family responsibilities. If the wife thinks that household chores should be engaged together, following the "traditional model" of the family, with whose economy has been a woman, he is unlikely to bring her happiness. (READ MORE)

Psychology

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To improve health, you need to ... sing!

Scientists have discovered in research that the usual singing, and especially if it's singing in the choir, can save people from many chronic diseases.

In the UK, traditionally there are different types of choirs, so scientists specialists carried out their research in this country.

It turned out that people who suffer from lung disease, have the opportunity to completely get rid of this disease, just visiting them regularly one of these singing circles. And most importantly, singing effectively eliminates people from all sorts of symptoms of depression and stops the development of the existing body of various chronic diseases.

Research with all certainty been able to prove that singing activates blood circulation, improves memory and concentration, mental condition stabilizes to normal, strengthens the immune system as a whole.

In its recommendations, the scientists advise to sing in any comfortable setting, a duet, a chorus, taking a shower, cook. If physicians prescribed medicines instead of the usual singing, it would bring much more benefit. Physical therapists and yoga teachers use technology, which included singing, in order to help the body to relax - in the process of singing is an active generation of endorphins, which weakens the tension, increases the body's defenses and significantly reduces the pain threshold. Dr. Gertraud Berka-Schmid (Gertraud Berka-Schmid) expressed on this issue its opinion in these words: "Singing brings into balance the autonomic nervous system, brings relaxation and peace." Perhaps that is why many singers among centenarians.

Treatment and prevention

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Sing the stomach to give birth without pain

At first glance it seems a funny whim women experiencing severe emotional distress in connection with pregnancy. But in fact, singing his own belly, which is not yet born baby, could benefit and mother and child.

Pregnant women gather in a circle, close their eyes and start to execute the melodic song in the style of folk. As the performance of many women instinctively stroking their tummies. This is not the center of a new wave of births, and one of the busiest hospitals in London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Expectant mothers participate in the group help women in labor, in which women before delivery   preparing for this wonderful event of their lives with the help of singing.

The course, called Wombsong (can be translated as "Songs for the uterus"), the first of its kind, was launched for public money. However, the country already has many such groups, classes are taught by mothers for money. Proponents of this treatment claim that singing before delivery   not only helps to relax the pregnant releasing hormone into the blood portion of pleasure endorphins, but also strengthens the bond between the mother and her unborn child.

Allegedly, the baby hears the voice of mom, learns and remembers it. Finally, with the help of a woman singing learning to breathe correctly, that it can very much be useful in terms of pain relief during natural childbirth. "Singing allows you to control and slow down breathing, - says the head of the course Wombsong Maya Waldman. - Using this technique of deep and slow breathing during labor, you will be able to calm the muscles and body."

Lessons in these classes begin with a warm voice and body. After that, women begin to sing a song Polynesian oarsmen, which was chosen for its wonderful melody and simplicity. Many women after raspevok during tea break is recognized that singing really allows them to relax, get genuine pleasure from pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Gynecology

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