Travel for Pennies

In an area of the city best known for its Medieval Architecture, The Meseu Picasso can be found. This neighborhood is a short walk from the top Barcelona hotels.

A visit to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is essential for understanding the formative years of Pablo Ruiz Picasso. The genius of the artist is revealed through the more than 3,800 works that make up the permanent collection and illustrate the artistic evolution from the time of his early works.

The Museu Picasso, which opened in 1963, also reveals his intimate relationship with the city, a permanent relationship that was shaped in his adolescence and youth, and continued until his death. Picasso lived in Barcelona during his formative years and most important, during the years of his apprenticeship as an artist. He established and maintained strong links to the city throughout his life and it was here where he wanted to leave the imprint of his art.

Because of Picasso’s opposition to the Franco regime, it was impossible to open a museum bearing his name. This explains why the original museum was opened under the name of the Sabartés Collection.   The collection at the time of the opening in 1963, was comprised of Sabartés’s personal possessions and the Picasso works from the Barcelona Museums of Art. Thanks to the wishes of Picasso and his friend and personal secretary, Juame Subartes, Barcelona now exhibits the earliest work of one of the twentieth century’s most significant artists. The collection, which includes watercolors, oils and other medium, spans from 1896 to 1969.  Highlights include a Portrait of the Artists Father, Still Life, Harlequin and Las Meninas. There is a very large print collection, which is now displayed in the rooms opened in the beginning of 2008.

Picasso would always keep his ties with Barcelona despite his having lived in other European countries for most of his life. The Museu Picasso in Barcelona is the ultimate expression of his strong links with the city and was created according to the personal requirements of Picasso.

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Tags: barcelona, hotels, top

The celebration of Carnaval has been around for centuries. The festival traditionally occurs around the days before Lent and ushers in a time of revel, chaos and abandon. The annual celebration in Barcelona certainly fulfills this. The two-week mega party in Barcelona usually takes place in February though sometimes it runs later into March. It is almost an understatement to say that streets are crowded during this time, it’s actually more like they’re inhibited. Costumes are popular with the old and young, and everyone in-between. Many tourists from out of town flock to the Barcelona boutique hotels and the rooms fill quickly.

Carnaval had been banned in Spain in 1938 by the dictator Franco and it remained illegal to celebrate this time-honored event for 40 years. It was only reestablished in 1981, though it lost none of its gusto and significance in that time. Barcelona quickly stepped right back into step and each year the locals take to the streets in costumes that are typically associated with Halloween. One of the original intentions with the parade was to make fun of or laugh at that which was typically grotesque or frightening. This included the archetypical characters of demons, devils, witches and more, which is the reason for the continued use of costume.

Another important aspect of traditional Carnaval celebration is the turning upside down of standard order and social roles. It is a time when anything goes and there is a huge focus on sexual expression and licentiousness. Nothing lasts forever though, and this includes the mayhem of Carnaval. The indulgences culminate in a frenzied party on Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras. The following morning marks the beginning of Lent when the party stops. In Barcelona there is another ceremony to mark this transition, El Entierro de la Sardina “the burial of the Sardine.” This is a symbolic reference as it alludes to the burial of the decadence and a return to order. It also represents the period of eating fish instead of meat.

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Tags: barcelona, boutique, hotels

The 6th World Chambers Congress (WCC) will be held in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, on June 3 -5, 2009.  Organized by the International Chambers of Commerce’s World Chambers Federation(WCR) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, this 6th biennial congress will atract companies and industries from at least 100 countries.

This international forum is open to over 12,000 chambers of commerce from across the globe. It is designed to bring together chamber and business leaders  to “get to know international peers and share experience and best practice on grassroots issues that have a direct impact on the chamber of commerce community.”

Conferences and exhibitions such as this are becoming vitally important to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that rely on tourists and business travelers. With the state of the world economy slipping, the hospitality and tourism industries have been hard hit.

This year’s WCC will focus on “Leading Sustainable Growth and Change.” Organizers see the Congress as a perfect opportunity for communities to find the tools “to survive and emerge even stronger than before,” according to Mustafa Mansur, President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. Topics will range from the current financial crisis to energy, food, and climate changes.

This is the first time the WCC has been held in Southeast Asia.  1,300 participants are expected to attend the June event.

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Tags: Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, hotels, International Chambers of Commerce, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, World Chambers Congress, World Chambers Federation

Of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, Ibiza has the reputation of the place to go for the 24 hour party vacation.  However, the Summer Solstice Celebration taking place this June, is about much more than partying ’til you drop.  The weekend celebrating summer begins June 19th with a hike of three, of the many, beautiful beaches on the island’s coastline.  Tour guides will provide healthy drinks adn wholesome treats along the way.  The hike ends with yoga on the beach.  That evening, the organization Greenheart, will have members speaking about the goals the group has for the island and details about the projects they are working on currently to reduce pollution and promote sustainable living on the island. Shankara will provide live entertainment for the close of the evening.

The next day will bring people to the largest open air market on the island, San Jordi.  In the section with five star hotels, Ibiza merchants offer the best in artistic goods and bargains.  The spirit of the market is joyous and colorful.  There will be tours offered later in the afternoon to one of the most pristine and unspoiled beaches on the island, Salinas, the area that is protected from development and a reserve for the indigenous plants, animals and marine life.  There are a few relaxing cafes and restaurants along the reserve where one can continue relaxing and socializing after a day spent hiking, swimming and scuba diving in the lagoons.  There will be an organized cleaning session for the beach with members from Greenheart, with a party for all those involved to follow, celebrating the care of the environment and those taking part in doing so.

The final day of the three day celebration begins with pilates on the beach.  La Casita Verde is the home base for Greenheart, and there will be performances and art exhibits all day.  One of the projects the group continues is the Aloe Vera plantation.  There will be seminars on the health benefits of the plant and the various recipes one can utilize.  There is also an organic farm located on the property and the meal provided that day will be organic and vegetarian , with specialty juice drinks available, coffee made from carob, and a variety of health conscious deserts.  As the progresses there will be film festivals and workshops relating to climate change and the dangers of not stepping up to protect the environment.  All is not instruction however, as there will be various stages with performances by dance companies, and music, with a drumming workshop intended for all to participate.  And in the tradition of the island, the party will continue on into the evening, but with just a bit more awareness, to the planet and to one’s own physical well-being, than is what one experiences in the dance clubs and bars.

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Tags: five, hotels, Ibiza, star