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Ronaldinho’s Brazil

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Ronaldinho

Brazil is famous for many things: long stretches of sandy beaches, sexy women in thongs, sporty beach volleyball players and most of all, football (or soccer). Brazil is almost synonymous to football – having won the World Cup several times in history. And let’s not forget, Brazil is home to some of the most famous footballers in the world.

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, more commonly known as Ronaldinho, is one of the popular Brazilian football players of all time. He’s been awarded FIFA World Player of the Year twice in a row (2004 and 2005) and he’s played for several outstanding football clubs such as FC Barcelona and AC Milan. He was also named in the FIFA 100, a list of the greatest footballers compiled by fellow countryman Pelé.

Originally from Porto Alegre, Ronaldinho was born in a family of soccer addicts who lived in a wooden house in a favela. Under the influence of his father, he played a lot of football as a a kid and at a young age, he showed plenty of talent. He soon signed a contract with FCC Gremio, and at the age of 13, he made a name for himself when he scored all 23 goals in a 23-0 victory against a local team. As he said in an interview, ““Football for me is pleasure, joy, my life. The happiest moment of my day is when I am with the ball, training. Being a footballer is still the best job in the world.”

After several years of playing in Europe, Ronaldinho is now back in his home turf, playing for Flamengo and the Brazilian national team. The world-famous football player loves nothing more than being around his family. It’s obvious that this humble player stays true to his roots and the beauty of Brazil probably has something to do with it.

Photo | JanS0L0

When you visit one of the Iberostar Hotel’s in Bazil; You’ll never know who you might run into.

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Expat in Montenegro: Ernst Stogmuller

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Montenegro

 

When Ernst Stogmuller and his wife sold their hourse in Wales and moved to Croatia and eventually Montenegro, they knew this would be the best decision of their lives. In 1999, the couple retired from their jobs as professional pilots and decided to become expats and pursue an exciting life as retirees abroad. They sold their property and bought a house in Croatia but eventually, they made Montenegro their permanent home.

Why Montenegro? Ernst didn’t make this decision overnight – he’d done plenty of research to make sure that Montenegro would be a suitable place to retire and relax.

With the Adriatic Sea on the south west and Croatia to the west, Montenegro is a beautiful country that’s known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and warm sea. For eight months each year, the weather in most parts of Montenegro is sunny and warm, around 25 degrees Celsius, perfect for t-shirt and shorts. Ernst particularly enjoys sitting out on his terrace and having lunch at least twice a week, even in the coldest months of January and February.

In Montenegrin, the country is known as Crna Gora or Black Mountain. The mountains of Montenegro include some of the most rugged terrain in Europe, reaching heights of around 2,000 metres. The country is also home to diverse and stunning landscapes: from the karst region of Mount Orjen to the Zeta River Valley. As outdoor lovers, Ernst and his wife loves to go hiking to explore the nearby countryside and its flora and fauna. Even at the height of winter, the hills are blanketed in bright yellow mimosa trees and other endemic flowers.The great outdoors are right at his doorsteps and pollution-free air welcomes him every morning.

But these are just the fundamental attractions of Montenegro. For expats, there is a whole world of advantages that would appeal to retirees, vacation home owners or simply location-independent professionals. Montenegro uses the Euro, which is a stable currency. As compared to Western Europe, it is also a relatively cheap place to live and travel, with budget flights servicing the nearby Dubrovnik International Airport in Croatia (only 68km from Budva, Montenegro). Other practical factors include cheap and developed medical treatments and facilities and good banking systems. EU citizens can even have their medical expenses incurred in Montenegro reimbursed by their national health services.

So if you’re considering relocating abroad, be sure to check out Montenegro – Ernst is pretty sure you’ll fall for it too.

Photo |Milachich

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts’ Montenegrin hotel invites you to discover history, culture, and tradition that only this country known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean could produce.

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An American in Spain

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Ronda, Spain

 

When Christine Medina first moved to Spain in 2009, she had no idea that three years later, she would still be here and absolutely in love with her adopted country.

Christine’s love affair with Spain started out serendipitously. She’d graduated university at the height of the recession – and when her dreams of becoming a corporate slave evaporated before her, she decided to fulfill her other dream: to see the world. So the young Seattleite found work as an au-pair in Spain, packed her bags and ditched her life back at home to embark on this adventure.

Spain just does that to people. It has the power to captivate and then get you hooked to its charms. After almost three years of living in Spain, Christine now works as an English teacher and freelance writer. She shares details of her unconventional life with readers on her website, ChristineinSpain.

La Vida Loca

When asked what she likes most about living in Spain, she said, “I think most people move to Spain for the same reason: the lifestyle. There’s a reason why it’s a lifestyle envied worldwide–Spaniards know how to eat well, drink well and live rather than just exist.”

Christine is based in Algeciras, a port city in the southernmost tip of Spain. It’s just a 1.5-hour drive from the popular beach city of Malaga, which makes it a great place to explore during your Iberostar vacation. Algeciras is also the gateway to Morocco, as it’s just 14km away by boat from the exotic African continent – so if you’re planning to hop over to Morocco, you’re sure to make a stopover here.

On weekends, she’s usually found hiking around the area, meeting friends for tapas or going on short trips to nearby cities. Since moving here, Christine has explored many parts of Spain, her favorite parts include “the landscapes and food of Basque Country, the cosmopolitan-quirk of Barcelona and the rich Moorish history found in Andalusia.” Christine is also a huge fan of San Sebastián as it combines her love for great food, beautiful beaches and chic urban living all in one.

Photo | Nellie Huang

It’s said that Spaniards know how to eat well, drink well and live rather than just exist. When you visit an Iberostar hotel in Andalucía Spain, you will experience the best of Flamenco, gazpacho, and the very best olive oil. Live rather than just exist!

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Albert Memmi’s Book on Tunisia

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Tunis

 

Situated in the heart of Tunisia, the capital city of Tunis is a metrópolis that straddles between the past and present. From the city’s old medina to the suburbs of Carthage, colonial architecture and traditional Arabic edifices are on full display. In the new town, or Ville Nouvelle, modern skyscrapers run along the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba – a stark contrast to the historical quarters. As the capital city of the country, Tunis is the country’s political and administrative hub.

Past vs Present

While the city’s new town is rapidly expanding due to modernization, the country and its people continue to hold on tight to its past. One of these people include Albert Memmi, a distinguished Tunisian author who has written numerous titles on life in Tunis during its days as a French colony. His first novel, The Pillar of Salt, published in 1953, was particularly recognized.

Born in 1920 into a poor Jewish family living in the Jewish ghetto of Tunis, Memmi wrote about his childhood, growing up in a whirling world of contrasts and the effect of these contrasts on the protagonist who subsequentlys flee the realities. Memmi writes with a searing honesty of his struggle to attain a sense of identity. This quote from his book is a great descrption of how he feels, “I’m a Jew! My home is in the ghetto, my legal status is native African. I come from an Oriental background. I’m poor’. But I had learnt to reject these four classifications.”

In addition to all the problems he grew up with, Memmi plunges the reader deep into the chaos and tragedy of World War Two and the effects of the German presence on the Jewish community in Tunisia. In the concluding chapters of The Pillar of Salt , he describes the hardships endured in the German labor camp and the final escape back to Tunis.

The Present Tunisia

Luckily, Tunisia has come a long way since those days. Having gained independence in 1956, Tunisia has since developed into a safe and historically-rich country. Besides the intriguing capital city of Tunis, there is also a whole world to explore around the country: from the fascinating island of Djerba to the beaches of Hammamet and the Star-Wars-inspired Tozeur. Wherever you choose to go in Tunisia, you’ll be surprised to find a country extremely rich in history and culture.

Photo |Tab59

Whether you’re looking for an adventure vacation or a relaxing break, Tunisia has enough history and diverse natural beauty for everyone. If you want to visit this amazing country book your room at one of the Iberostar Hotels!

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Wedding Bells for Jennifer Aniston in Mexico

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Cabo San Lucas

Rumour has it that Jennifer Aniston, the star of “Friends” and her boyfriend, Justin Theroux plan to get married soon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. “Jennifer goes to Cabo very year. She thinks that is the ideal place for her wedding,” shares one of her close friends, according to hotonline.net.

“Jen loves the idea of just taking of to Cabo and getting married in a sundress barefoot on the beach,” the insider explains. It’s undeniable that even Jennifer has fallen for the charms of Cabo San Lucas. And she’s not the only one – George Clooney was recently seen vacationing there, while Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba are also some of the frequent visitors.

Like thousands of other tourists who visit this part of Mexico each year, they are drawn to the 365 days of sunshine and miles of beautiful beaches plus world-class dive sites. Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, Cabo San Lucas is just 1,000 miles from the US/Mexico border, making a short trip here a breeze.

Mexico’s Allure

With a whole flurry of natural attractions and world-class restaurants and hotels, it’s no wonder Cabo (as it is affectionately known) makes an ideal vacation spot. For outdoor lovers, there’s a whole list of natural sites to explore in the area, such as El Arco (the arch), a natural rock formation in the shape of an arch that lies adjacent to Playa Del Amor (Lover’s Beach). The scenic Tourist Corridor is eighteen miles of pristine bays, sun-swept shores, and dive sites. Cabo is also the gateway to cowboy central – the colonial San Jose del Cabo provides miles of backcountry roads, trails and secret springs to explore.

But Cabo is just one of the many beaches in Mexico – there is whole world of wind-swept beaches and turquoise shores that are worth exploring if you’re looking to kick back and have a barefoot wedding just like Jennifer. Cancun is probably one of the famous spots in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with hundreds of beach resorts and malls to entertain young travelers. Isla Cozumel is another great island boasting fantastic dive sites and even opportunities to swim with whale sharks. For those seeking a vibrant nightlife, head down to the energetic Playa del Carmen for some action. Whichever part of Mexico you choose to explore, Iberostar will be there to make it a vacation you won’t forget.

Photo | Jeff Gunn

In Mexico there’s a whole world of wind-swept beaches and turquoise shores that are worth exploring. Whichever part of Mexico you choose to explore, Iberostar will be there to make it a vacation you won’t forget!

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A Love Story in Spain: Erin Ridley

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Who would have thought a 15-minute conversation in a Madrid bar would change Erin’s life forever? Over five years after the first meeting, Erin Ridley no longer lives in San Francisco, but in Madrid, Spain, with that same Spaniard with whom she had that brief conversation.  And she is living the adventure of a lifetime, exploring new corners of Spain every weekend and writing about it on her blog, La Tortura Viajera.

As an expat in Spain, Erin is now living a life she loves, teaching English and writing about her adopted country for travel magazines and websites. She speaks fluent Spanish, cooks Spanish cuisine and she’s also visited all  the states in Spain, from Andalusia in the south to Galicia at the country’s northern edge.

Adventures in Spain

Erin started her blog as a personal diary for herself to keep track of her time in Spain, but now it’s become a very informative source for readers who are visiting Spain. On her website, you’ll find anecdotes from her adventures all over Spain: from celebrating Las Fallas festival in Valencia to sampling pintxos in San Sebastian and visiting villages in Catalonia. There are also city guides, récipes of typical Spanish dishes and tips and tricks for travelers visiting Spain.

The Best of Spain

As Erin says, Andalusia is her favorite region in Spain, although Galicia comes in at a close second place. “Nothing is more Spanish than the South – the weather, the food, the architecture, even the people . Andalucia is the source of Flamenco, gazpacho, and the very best olive oil.” Indeed, Andalusia epitomizes Spain at its most authentic. Wander through the Moorish palace of the Alhambra in Granada, head on down to the beaches of Marbella, or watch flamenco dancers kick up a storm in Seville – Andalusia is sure to surprise you.

Erin also worships Galicia, the offbeat region located in northwestern Spain. “With the ample supply of rain, and its location so much closer to the more northern countries of Europe, you may not even recognize it as Spain at first.  The landscape is vibrantly green and overflowing with life, while the music you hear will often be filled with bagpipes.  In Galicia they also speak their own language – a hybrid of Spanish and Portuguese called Gallego.  It’s a wonderful world of its own.” We can’t agree more.

Photo | Nellie Huang

When you visit an Iberostar hotel in Andalucía Spain, you will experience the best of  Flamenco, gazpacho, and the very best olive oil.

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Morocco’s Latest Fashion Guru: Laila Azhar

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Chaotic squares, colorful souks and elaborate mosques often come to mind when you think of Morocco. The North African country is almost always associated with spices, waterpipes, traditionally Arabic culture, and nomadic Berbers. Fort he uninitiated, it almost represents an enigmatic land lost in time.

But if you dig alittle deeper, you’ll find that there’s much more to Morocco beyond the deserts, markets and riads. While these are important reminders of Morocco’s past, its present is starkly different – the country now boasts vibrant urban vibes in its major cities, rich café culture, and most of all, an explosive fashion scene.

Morocco’s New Fashion Era

No longer is the traditional djellaba a fashion statement –  these days you can often spot young fashion-forward Moroccans dressed to the nines, adorning the latest in fashion from head to toe.

Laila Azhar is one of the most popular Moroccan fashion designers at the moment – the force behind this fashion wave that has swept through Morocco. Born in Morocco, Laila had moved to the United States at the age of five, spending her childhood between Morocco and Washington. Her interest in fashion design started during her modeling career and after graduating, she launched her own label, which was immediately well received by experts around the world.

Laila’s contemporary designs are created with the sophisticated and independent women in mind.  Today, she is one of the biggest names in Hollywood and her dresses are worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Lucy Liu and Khloe Kardashian.

Fashion is now a big part of Morocco and if you’re keen to discover more about fashion when visiting the Iberostar Hotel in Morocco, be sure to check out the boutiques in Marrakech or downtown Rabat. With a beautiful blend of traditional Arabic styles and modern Western designs, these new fashion brands in Morocco will sure to entice you.

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Kate Moss Honeymoons in Greece

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After a lavish three-day wedding in England last July, world-famous supermodel Kate Moss and  new husband, Kills rocker, Jamie Hince went on a whirlwind honeymoon through the Mediterranean. Onboard a luxury super-yacht, they sailed through Portofino, Italy; Saint Tropez, France; and  docked close to the Greek island, Kefalonia. Rumor has it that Kate even talked to a real estate agent about possibly buying a summer house on the island.

Kate and Jamie are clearly not the only celebrities drawn to Greece – the country has attracted a whole series of world-famous stars: David and Victoria Beckham vacationed at Costa Navarino with their children last summer; Julia Roberts holed up on the island of Patmos with husband; while Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt sailed on a private yacht close to the island of Symi.

They’ve all been drawn by the sun-kissed islands, perfect Mediterranean weather and most of all, wild, rugged beaches. Greece truly makes a perfect vacation spot: from visiting historical sites in Athens to indulging against the romantic backdrop of Santorini island to lounging on the pristine beaches of Crete.

Under the Radar Kefalonia

It’s easy to see why Kate and Jamie had picked Kefalonia – as trendsetters, they’ve obviously set their eyes on this isle as it is one of the up-and-coming islands in the tourism industry. Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands in Western Greece, yet it has successfully escaped mass tourism. The island was featured in the movie, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, starring Nicolas Cage – Kefalonia is not going to be a secret for long, so be sure to head there soon!

When in Kefalonia, be sure to rent a car as it’s the best way to explore its unusually-shaped inlets and stunning bays. Go beach-hopping along its northern rocky coastline or hike in Mount Ainos in the south e south with its tallest peak reaching up to 1626 metres. One of the most famous attractions on the island is the Kefalonian Cave, filled with multi-coloured stalactites and stalagmites that had formed over thousands of years ago. With the Greek islands of Lefkas, Zante and Ithaca  just a hop away, you can also take a ferry, motor-boat, or yacht to explore the surrounding Ionian shores. With so much to see and do here, Kefalonia definitely makes for an interesting part of your Iberostar vacation.

Photo | borosjuli

Greece has attracted a whole series of world-famous stars – drawn by the sun-kissed islands. You can always feel like a star at the Iberostar Creta Marine Hotel.

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Cuba in Andy Garcia’s Memories

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Andy Garcia, one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, is best known for his portrayal of legendary mobster roles – such as those in Godfather Part III and Oceans Eleven. wonder where he got that cool mobster attitude? The suarve and charming actor has his Cuban heritage to thank.

Born in Cuba, Andy uprooted to the United States with his family when he was five. Due to an illness in high school, he ditched his dreams of playing basketball professionally for a career in acting. He started acting in university and upon graduation, he moved to Hollywood and achieved success rather quickly. Although Andy has never been back in Cuba, he remains proud of his roots.

Once here in Cuba, it’s easy to see why. Cuba is a country rich in tradition, and packed with unexplored beaches, mountains and virgin forests. For first-time visitors, a trip to the Cuban capital, Havana, is essential. Wander through psychedelic Che Guevara murals and see vintage Cadillacs whizz by in old town Habana Vieja; stroll along the beachfront malecón and take in the laidback vibes.

Then continue to Viñales, a quiet town characterized by calm streets and relaxing vibes. This is an excellent place to get a peek of the rural Cuban lifestyle and make a local friend or two.  For some adventure, head on to Pico Turquino, Cuba’s highest mountain, to thoroughly soak in the natural beauty of Cuba. Start your trek from Alto del Narango near la Plata until you read Las Cuevas, where you’ll be greeted by the turquoise coastline that hug this mountain.

Finally wind down in Varadero, home to some of the most popular beaches in Cuba. The setting is magnificent and the atmosphere sensual. A stay at the Iberostar Varadero would be the best way to end your journey through Cuba.

Photo | dneuman

Varadero is home to some of the most popular beaches in Cuba.  A stay at the Iberostar Hotels & Resorts hotel would be the best way to start your journey.

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Salma Hayek and Her Mexico

Posted by Nellie Huang in Local Characters - (Comments Off)

Vivacious, sexy and multi-talented – Salma Hayek is not just one of the biggest names in Hollywood these days but possibly one of the most famous Mexican celebrities of all time. Born in the oil town of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, Salma had always wanted to be an actress, especially after watching movies in local cinemas.

From Local Actress to Hollywood Star

The Mexican actress became a star in her home country when she landed a leading role in the successful soap opera, “Teresa”. In 1991, she left the show and her native Mexico for opportunities in Los Angeles. For years she was only cast in small parts, although she eventually landed roles in movies like “Desperado”, “Once Upon A Time In Mexico”, “Fools Rush In” and “Wild Wild West”. In 2002, she finally produced and starred in her dream movie – “Frida”. The blockbuster was an autobiography of the legendary Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, whom Salma had admired all her life.

Humanitarian Ambassador

Despite her worldwide success, Salma stays grounded and continues to participate actively in charitable work. She has joined numerous campaigns to promote awareness on violence against women and discrimination against immigrants in the USA. In 2006, she also donated $25,000 to a shelter for abused women in her hometown of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. Since the birth of her daughter, she also worked with UNICEF and Pampers to help other mothers in developing nations. In 2010, Hayek’s humanitarian work earned her a nomination for the VH1 Do Something Awards.

These days, Salma can be found shuttling between Los Angeles and Mexico. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of her, head on to the vibrant capital city of Mexico City or the turquoise beaches of Cancun where she vacations. From the golden sands of Playa Paraiso to the palpitating nightlife of Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a hot vacation spot not just for Salma, but also a whole string of celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney and Leonardo Dicaprio. And if you’re wondering what’s so special about the Mexican coast that has Hollywood stars including Salma going drawn to it, then be sure to head there for a visit.

Photo | Nellie Huang

Want to catch a glimpse of Salma Hayek? Visit the turquoise beaches of Cancun where she vacations and you just might get lucky!

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