Travel Journal Anse Source D'Argent
One of the most common questions after having visited a high profile tourist attraction is “Did it live up to the expectations?”. The answer should be “It depends on what sort of expectations you have created.”. It is best that when creating expectations about something (place/event/person), to have in mind that there are external factors which cannot be controlled e.g.: the weather, someone’s mood or attitude, the general setting, etc. It should all depend on what type of experience you set your mind upon having and stick to it.
My false fear concerning Anse Source D’Argent was that of the beach not looking like in the photoshopped desktop picture that I had on my PC when I was in high-school. So I tried to erase that image from my mind and think of it as one of the must see beaches in Seychelles.
As you probably know, the beach is located on La Digue, one of the 115 islands belonging to Seychelles. You can reach it by ferry following the route Mahe – Praslin (change the ferry) – La Digue. Ride your way towards L’union Estate Farm, pay the 100 SCR entrance fee and continue your tour through the beautiful park enjoying the coconut and vanilla plantations.
Don’t forget to stop and admire the mountain formed over 75 million years ago by the magma from the active volcano, and the Aldabra giant land tortoises near the granite boulders. Secure your bike at the marked parking spot and start walking along the one km long Source D’Argent shoreline.
So how was it? The walk through the surreal granite boulders, add coconut trees and turquoise water, was unlike any other things that I had experienced. It was that sort of experience that you want to lock in a box and treasure it the rest of your life.
The Fruita Cabana bar in front of the Source D’argent snorkelling place was the cherry on top of this whole experience. We have enjoyed one of the most refreshing and tasty cocktails while watching the beautiful bay.
We went late in the afternoon and caught the high tide, but we managed to catch a glimpse of the sunset.
The view was amazing either way, so we could not stop taking pictures. We really wanted to come back early in the morning the next day, but the access was possible starting 8 am, which was too late for what we had in plan of doing the next day. To be continued in a future post. 🙂
anse source d’argent
Photos via Pomegranate Juice
Dear Summer Festival Season
Dear Summer,
This is not one of the thousands of love letters that you receive daily. I was pretty worried in the last few weeks. I thought that you were never going to come back and visit us. I started wondering if I did something wrong last time we talked. Maybe I stayed up too long and lost time listening to my favourite bands. It’s true that I tend to lose track of time when I attend a festival, but can you blame me for trying to make the most and the best of the short time that I have with you?
Perhaps I ate too many of your fruits! I am sorry that I did not share the strawberries and cherries with my other colleagues. It’s just that I cannot stop eating them once I feel their taste in my mouth. You know that nothing compares with the taste of the fresh strawberries from my grandparents’ garden! You’ve also tried them. So this cannot be the reason.
I know! It’s because I had lain too much in the Sun, when you warned me that it’s dangerous. You asked me to go to the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon and I stayed all day. Sorry but once I get on the beach, I cannot leave until the Sun sets. And no, you cannot blame me for eating too much gelato. I saw you eating all the passion fruit and mango buckets last year.
I even tried to visit you in your residential park back in April but you were so busy with your work that you did not have time to receive me. I must admit that I enjoyed spending time in your residential area but I don’t think that I would be able to live there. So I perfectly understand that you want to travel around the world. I know that you only have time to visit us for 3 months but I really wish that you would stay longer. So please come back soon, so we can have a proper conversation.
Yours truly,
Pomegranate Juice
P.S: I love you
Travel in Fashion - Puglia & Cult Gaia
You can check my comprehensive guide to Puglia in my other article!
Travel in fashion – Puglia & Cult Gaia, is the first part of a series that will combine uprising brands with ‘hot’ travel destinations. Before I started writing this series, I was thinking that it would be nice to share with you information about interesting brands from all over the world that I had came across.
But soon afterwards I realised that nowadays it is a pretty difficult task for one to share new information concerning anything, because everything is just one click away, thanks to the internet. So I want to make it more interesting by associating the “newfoundbrand” with a travel destination.
Cult Gaia
I have chosen the L.A. based brand because ever since I found out about it I could not help imagining how all the bags and clothing items would fit in a Puglian landscape, more exactly a Puglian Masseria. Seeing them, I remembered about our holiday in the aforementioned region of Italy, when we were lucky enough to stay for three nights at Masseria Corte Degli Asini (Link). At first I was not sure if I wanted to give up on the comfort provided by a hotel or something similar, but when I started reading more about the italian ‘Masseria’, I regretted that we could not stay there more. FYI, a masseria is a restored farmhouse from Puglia, similar to a “hacienda”. You can find more information here: Link
Tip 1: If you want to spend your holiday in the northern part of Puglia, you should choose an accommodation with a swimming pool, as the shores are pretty rocky and if you are visiting in July-August, the small beaches will be over-crowded like you’ve never seen before.
Tip 2: If you are looking for an over the top accommodation, I recommend a stay at the magnificent Borgo Egnazia: Link
Masseria Corte degli Asini (Link) has the perfect combination for a traditional Puglian experience: amazing architecture and furnishings, a beautiful swimming pool; a delectable green garden; an inside garden where you can organise events like engagement/birthday parties, weddings, special celebrations; free bikes that you can ride through their olive trees plantations, etc.
You can also have access to a typical Puglian culinary feast, if you let them know beforehand that you will serve the meal at the Masseria. Beware that there will be a lot of delicious food involved! Breakfast is served in the refurnished old mill where the assinelli were putting the wheels in motion in order to turn olives into oil. Also, if the sky is clear you can see the Adriatic Sea in the distance.
Masseria Corte Degli Asini is a great base for exploring the surrounding attractions such as: Alberobello (Trulli Land), Martina Franca, Cisternino, Locorotondo or Ostuni (the White City from the top of the hill, a real gem for any tourist. If you want to have dinner in any of its beautiful restaurants, you need to make a reservation a few days ahead.). Also, Masseria Corte Degli Asini is situated 8 km from the sea, and the beautiful beach of Rosa Marina.
Let’s talk about Cult Gaia. I think that there is no better way to describe them than what is written at their “About” section: Cult Gaia designs beautiful heirloom items that will live in your closet forever. I look up to the fashion brands that have a clear vision on what they want to create.
Cult Gaia rose to fame in 2016 by creating an item that was instantly hunted by almost everyone in the fashion world, the Ark bag. Priced at 128$, the bag was considered an affordable luxury item, so it became an instant hit. The next year, the bag was reinvented by switching from bamboo to acrylic. Their ready to wear collection is pretty new, dating from spring 2017.
The items that really caught my eye were the most recent ones from spring 2018 and some from the fall 2017. I have a feeling that this is only the beginning of something beautiful and that their collections will get better and better each season.
N.B.: I am not sure if the shooting of the most recent Cult Gaia collection took place in Italy, but the background resembles an Italian farmhouse.
Finally, why associate Cult Gaia with a Puglian Masseria?
1. The earthy colours resemble the rich brown and red soil found in the region;
2. The orange and yellow items remind you of the warm rays of sun that embrace the rough shores;
3. The navy pieces are perfect for exploring the sea and its secret coves;
4. The green combinations not only remind you of the magnificent olive trees plantations, but are the perfect outfits for a romantic dinner by the sea.
5. The rattan accessories (bags, bracelets, earrings) set the mood for the beautiful sand and stone painted Masseria setting.
So, if you are thinking of visiting Puglia anytime soon, any of these items will get along harmoniously with the surroundings.
Photos via Cult Gaia, Borgo Egnazia, Pomegranate Juice.
Good things are happening in Oradea - Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Note: Check the attached link for further information regarding the mentioned sights and places to visit.
Go directly to Restaurants and Cafes: Link
The city center palace: Black Eagle Palace
Located in Unirii Square, the Black Eagle Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in Oradea and a proper example of the Oradea architectural Secession style. Besides its beautiful exterior, the palace is known for its stained glass designs, one of them representing the Black Eagle.
The Episcopal Palace and its Church
Also known as the Baroque Palace, the building is a great example of the late Austrian Baroque style. We went there thinking that we were going to visit the Crisul County Museum, but we found out at the entrance that the museum had moved to a different building and that we could not visit the interiors at all. Hopefully the owners of this wonderful construction will take care of it and give us the chance to visit it in the future.
The museum: Crisul County Museum
The “Museum of the Three Rivers Land” had recently moved to a different location (The School for Cadets), so we were not able to see all of its exhibits (available: tapestry, sculpture and paintings). We will probably return during our next visit as the description of the entire collection seems impressive.
The City Hall Tower
This is a must see, if you want to have the best view of the main square and the Crisul Repede river. There are a few steps to climb, but the view at the top should be worth it.
The Old Fortress
The Oradea Fortress is one of the historically most significant buildings in the whole country. It has been attentively restored and it now holds several events and fairs, one of the most important being the Christmas Fair. Inside its walls you can also find a hotel and a nice Bistro, called BastiOr.
The Moon Church is one of the main attractions in Unirii Square. Its name derives from the moon installed on its facade, that indicates the moon phases. You can read more about this interesting mechanism and the church here.
The Neolog Synagogue ‘Zion’
Dating back to 1878, the Zion Synagogue is a beautiful example of a Neolog Temple. It will surely impress you with its colourful ceilings and and walls. The light slips gently through the windows only to reflect elegantly on the walls.
Mushroom Hill/Dealul Ciuperca
Also known as “Oradi(e)a’s Hill”, this is the best place to watch the sunrise/sunset, if you are a romantic at heart. The view from the top will emphasise the beauty and tranquility of the town. Bonus: you can also have a romantic dinner at the restaurant from the top of the hill.
Must try local food: Langos
Places worth visiting: Darvas-La Roche House, closed for renovation until 2019.
Noteworthy buildings: Astoria Hotel (Sztarill Palace), Oradea State Theatre, Moskvits Palace
Go directly to Restaurants and Cafes: Link
Good things are happening in Oradea - Restaurants and Cafes
RESTAURANTS & CAFES
Note: Check the attached link for further information regarding the mentioned sights and places to visit.
Go directly to Sightseeing: Link
The upper street coffeeshop: Ristretto
Well positioned on the main pedestrian street in the old town, Ristretto has one of the best coffees in town. As a bonus, the products that we ordered looked exactly like the pictures from the menu.
The river restaurant: Rivo
This restaurant deserves its place in the top 5, although it was not our favourite based on what we tasted and where we had the chance to go. I would love to visit it during the summer, as the outside terrace looked really nice, and I had one of the best Gin Cocktails I ever tried. It is perfect for a romantic dinner or a family reunion.
The winner restaurant: MEATic
MEATic was definitely our favourite restaurant. We went there twice, ordered something different (except the dessert, dreamy cheese dumplings!) and enjoyed it equally much. Our dream of finding reinvented Romanian recipes that could make us fall in love again with our local cuisine came true.
The friendly coffeeshop: The Spot
If you want to relax after admiring the beautiful buildings surrounding Unirii Square and maybe visiting the City Hall Tower, you should pay a visit to this coffee shop and its friendly personnel. Besides good coffee, The Spot also serves yummy raw-vegan desserts made by Sweet Magnolia. I also tried a delicious Masala Chai.
The wine bistro: Rewine
Although the establishment is recommended for serving wine, we went there for breakfast and coffee, and we were not disappointed. We would have wanted to come back for a glass of wine and some pinchos, but the time spent in Oradea was too short.
The brunch restaurant: Baraw
They say that you should save the best for last, and apparently we did so with our last breakfast in Oradea. One delicious granola for me and maybe one omelette croissant for you. They also serve a large variety of burgers, the perfect option for a nourishing brunch.
The cool coffeeshop: Snoozz
Situated next to the Traian Park, Snoozz has the same atmosphere as our favourite coffeeshops in Bucharest. You can also enjoy a yummy bagel next to your choice of coffee. We can not wait to go back when we return to Oradea!
The fancy restaurant: Spoon
Spoon reminded me of the fancy places surrounding Herastrau Lake in Bucharest. If you want to relax with your friends in the weekend, this is the place to go.
N.B.: Reliva restaurant seems like a nice option for a romantic dinner. We wanted to make a reservation for Sunday but it was going to be closed so we did not have the chance to taste the menu.
Restaurants worth trying, although not tested: Allegria, Via29, The Hub, Rosecas.
Coffee to go: Street Coffee Roasters
Future coffee place: The Dripper
Go directly to Sightseeing: Link
Good things are happening in Oradea
happening in Oradea
Good things are happening in Oradea. What makes them this way are the people. You don’t get the chance to meet positive, optimistic, enthusiastic people that often. At least not in Bucharest. I enjoyed my time in Oradea, but what I liked most was meeting its residents. I’ve felt like I was visiting an old friend to whom I had not spoken in a while, but who still treated me like we met last week. If you want to rebuild your trust in people, I recommend a city break in Oradea.
Good coffee and good food. When you have the both of them, what more could you ask for from a cool getaway? Well, a handful of interesting sights and some fancy art nouveau architecture. Oradea has them all.
Hop on and check them out:
Go directly to Restaurants and Cafes: Link
Go directly to Sightseeing: Link
Note: Check the attached link for further information regarding the mentioned sights and places to visit.
Recently it has become a lot easier to visit Oradea. The airport suffered some changes and there are quite a few direct flights to the city. I’ve bought my ticket from TAROM for only 40€ during the Black Friday offers, but there are flights also available from Blue Air and Ryanair.
happening in Oradea
happening in Oradea
happening in Oradea
The Greatest Joys in Life
The greatest joys in Life are the ones that cannot be measured. They are like the drops of water in the oceans or the grains of sand in the deserts. Let us not confuse them with measurable possessions. Most of the time we are not aware of their presence, or at least not until something extraordinary happens. For some it might be the colour of the trees in the autumn, the smell of coffee in the morning or the gentle embrace of someone you love. Which one are you?
Not Just A Blog
My name is Pomegranate Juice
… and I am happy to meet you. I hope that I am not late. I have been