You might be surprised to learn about one particular flip side of Firenze. Different to what many people would think, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, this open-air museum where realness, visual arts and aesthetic beauty mesmerize our senses has, sadly, little shady zones where personal belongings – specifically related to means of transport – are an easy target.
Is a friendship measurable? I have a theory. If you ever lost a truly beloved one try to remember the ones that attended the funeral service. When my mother passed away, not only did I count on my better half’s unconditional support (which I cannot live without) along with his wonderful family but also on friends who wouldn't be anywhere else but there, by my side.
Have you ever heard a song that reminds you of something that you’ve never experienced before? A song that makes your thoughts travel through someone else’s past? Even though it’s hard to explain such an odd feeling, this is exactly how I feel whenever I listen to the former and extraordinary French singer, Charles Aznavour.
It's likely common sense that Amsterdam is one of the world's most authentic cities in part because of its permissive approach towards cannabis use. However, despite all efforts to advertise uncountable wonderful qualities the Dutch nation has to offer, the Netherlands is far from being the country where people smoke weed the most.
In many cultures there is a suggestion to believe, since childhood, that death should be rejected as it is intertwined with fear. They grow up absorbing this as a concept intrinsically related to destruction and suffering. Therefore, when it's time for a beloved one to depart, even the most peaceful or necessary goodbyes are seen as the worst thing that could happen.
When exploring the Asian countries for the first time I think both our mind and heart can become really overwhelmed, not only because of their habits, culture and lifestyle but, especially, in my opinion, because of the everlasting spirituality. There's a spiritual vibe in Thailand's atmosphere that draws our attention that we simply cannot be oblivious to.
"I must help place Brazil on the world's cocktail industry map", says Brazilian bartender, Neli Pereira, whose mission is to preserve her home country's native ingredients and put them in the spotlight. Actually, this isn't a motivation we manage to see that often in Brazil, which is why Neli can be considered one of the few who is still enduring this challenging path.
I put a short list together of my favourite museums in Amsterdam that certainly cater to different tastes. I have been to some of them countless times. When I love a museum, no matter how many times I go: it seems that on every new occasion a whole different perspective rises in my mind.
Even if you don't live in the Netherlands, it won't take long until you notice, when you visit the country, that the main vehicle used by its citizens is something much more than just a means of transport to go from A to B: it's a lifestyle, something so personal that ends up becoming a companion for life. It's part of what being Dutch means.