BY LAURA CANEPA

Maybe Phil Collins didn’t sing about the Inca, but in the days that mountains possessed both body and spirit, the immense Tunupa volcano was then a splendid woman who fell in love with Cusco, a strong and beautiful mountain: they decided to marry, and in brevity their first son was born.

However, the joy did not last long as Cusco had fallen into the seductive grasp of Cosuna, the fascinating adjacent mountain. When Tunupa discovered the betrayal, he became enraged and wanted revenge – thus striking out at the most important and beloved thing to Cusco’s heart, their recently born son.

In her despair and with a breast swollen of milk, she dug a basin in the valley and slowly poured the milk in, creating the “Salar de Uyuni”. The world’s largest salt lake.

Salar de Uyuni is a visually captivating place, one of the most stunningly beautiful places you will ever come across in South America.

Covering an area of over 12,000 square km, some 40,000 years ago the region was covered by the giant salt Lake Minchin and nowadays is a reserve of 10 billion tons of salt.

The desert can be crossed by 4×4 and, necessarily, with a guide (my suggestion is Mister Epi employed by Cordillera Traveller, based in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile), where during a trip of 3 days you will pass by surreal visions created by amazing geological formations, geothermal springs and brine coloured lakes. This S. American adventure looks something like this.

1st Day. Departure from San Pedro de Atacama at 08:00 AM – by minibus – to the Bolivian border (at 4.400 m above sea level) where the 18 passengers are shifted to three 4WD jeeps.

During the first day the group is in the Bolivian high plain visiting such wonderful places as Laguna Verde (an incredible green lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (white lagoon), located at the bottom of Licancabur Volcano, continuing to Daly Desert where it’s possible to admire a surrealistic landscape, thermal water pools, Sol de Mañana geysers –intermittent springs coming up at a 90º C– and fumaroles, and cracks with emerging volcanic lava.

The first day’s journey ends up at Laguna Colorada (coloured lagoon), the main nesting centre for more than 30,000 pink flamingos of 3 different species. The night is spent in a “folk” building (rooms for 6 people/each) in the middle of what can best be described as nowhere: a brilliant experience that you share with the other global trekkers.

2nd Day. During the second day the trip includes the Siloli Desert and the Stone forest, high plain coloured lagoons, Chiguana salt flat, ending the day in Chuvica village where you’ll find the De Sal Hotel – a hotel completely built out of salt, furniture included.

3rd Day. Finally the incredible salt desert! After visiting Pescado (fish) Island – located in the middle of the salt flat with a formation of chalky rocks, coral and seashell traces – and Pueblo Chico – located at the limits of the Uyuni desert – the tour then winds up at Uyuni City, a typical Bolivian village famous for its colour filled market.

That’s it, tour of the Salar de Uyuni over? Not really, at this point you have 2 options: a) go to Macchu Picchu, in Peru or b) head back to Chile but with a different itinerary, if b is your choice of choice, try spending the night in a surrealistic village named Villa Mar.

Either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy it.

Pamplona City Square

BY RICK WOOD

Pamplona or Iruña as it’s known in the local Basque tongue is a city known for the running of the bulls where each year slews of American tourists wind up hospitalized and partially tax the Spanish health care system. Oh wouldn’t San Fermín be proud.

But aside from all the bull(s), Pamplona is a great town to get lost in for a weekend, so before heading out pick up a Hemingway Novel – get drunk on words and then get drunk on cider for which the Basque country is know for.

The old city is magnificent, a mixture of Franco-Iberic Architecture, and being perched atop a hill makes the vistas of the surrounding areas worth taking in. The Casall palace is most amazing, as is the old fort which is worth a visit. As is the Pamplona Cathedral and the San Lorenzo Chuch which are all withing walking distance of the city centre. There is also a monument and if I’m not mistaken, a museum, or centre devoted to the victims of terrorism. You’ll find that many directly oppose ETA, and think it’s harmful to their land, but still, tread lightly.

And although Pamplona has only recently started growing into a larger city, it’s metropolitan area only encompasses 300k residents. Meaning a two day relaxing escape to the city is more than sufficient, if you have three days however, or four, it’s highly recommended to head up to majestic San Sebastian which aside from being a great surfing spot is absolutely and unconditionally breathtaking.

In terms of eats, the  Basques eat a bit different than the Castillians (Madrileños), and the feat to eat is typically Pintxos, little pieces of baguette, with some kind of yummy foodstuff on top skewered with a toothpick (hence the name pintxo), these are typically eaten standing up with a bit of local cider, bitter but yummy. Should be noted, that you pay per skewer.

Aside from that, there is a specific specialty to Pamplona, this is Txilidron, or in Castillian Spanish, Cordero al chilindrón, a lamb type dish which is simply del-icious. And once you’ve eaten to your hears desire, I’d recommend checking out two last things, one being the bull rink (below), and some of the statues, and other material devoted to Hemingway – that is – if you’re a fan.

The Last thing you'll see before you're trampled

BY YETUNDE OSHODI

Coming to Paris often means having to possibly do some serious saving or some serious compromising when it comes to accommodations. Hotel prices can be hefty if you want a little more than a box to sleep in. Even some of the higher priced hotels may still only offer beautiful but tight spaces.

However should you wish to consider an alternative to hotels that will let you have more space, more freedom and truly feel like a local for a brief period of time, why not check out short-term apartment rentals as a great alternative and here’s the rub, you are certainly not spoiled for choice.

In the Parisian market we feel that one small company stands out primarily due to its amazing service. This gem is called “Feels Like Home in Paris”.

Started in 2005, Feels Like Home in Paris has been offering vacation rental apartments ranging from studio to 2 bedrooms located mainly in Montmartre, Paris’ Bohemian northern district as well as properties in the 9th, 10th and 11th district.

Here’s what Feels Like Home has to say about themselves: “The Feels Like Home in Paris method of hospitality comes with a personal touch – From the email correspondences to the meet and greet, you’ll be sure to feel the difference. Our hope is that we somehow manage to transfer our passion for what we do and where we live, to help set you off on the right foot to a wonderful holiday in Paris.

Your stay in Paris starts off with an introduction to your comfortable, relaxing apartment by a local (that’s us), to help you feel like a native. From finding the local boulangerie or utilizing the bus instead of just the metro, you will feel at ease after the brief but thorough orientation.

Our welcome book has all the information you will need about food shopping, local restaurants and more. We provide you with a welcome basket full of special goodies to get you started on an enjoyable Parisian experience – wine, French biscuits, jams, coffee and more.

We hope to be able to provide you with the opportunity to create long-lasting memories here in Paris, as we have.”

Long story short, the guests seem to have a similar take on the service. i.e.

The service is superb, the agency people are very nice, the apartment is well equipped and had a fantastic view. This crew really deliver their promise: we felt home in Paris! - Jeroen

After trolling through the myriad of websites of Parisian accommodation, I came across the Feels Like Home website and knew immediately they had what we were looking for. The French Flair apartment was perfect for our 2 day stay in Paris! – Celia

But don’t take it from us, check out Feels Like Home in Paris for your next trip to the city on the Seine.

BY TANIA HOROUPIAN

During your next stop in Lausanne, Switzerland, take a gastronomic trip around the world with a visit to Kai Zen Restaurant. Open since May of 2007, Kai Zen is located in the heart of the city and offers a menu and wine list with flavours from some of the world’s most exciting destinations.

What can you expect? A laid-back start to your night with a drink in Kai Zen’s “see and be seen” lounge. With a backdrop of music ranging from lounge to nu-jazz, funk to house, it’s the perfect way to start your evening with friends, work colleagues or that “special someone”. Enjoy a beverage from the elaborate drink menu that provides a great choice of traditional classics, signature cocktails, beers and wines (Mission Reserva – Carmenere from Chili is a personal favourite…). For those of you who prefer your drinks non-alcoholic, there is also an extensive range of options for you, such as the Paris (raspberries, strawberries, lemon and cranberry) or New York (white peach, lemon and red bull) Coolers. After your apéro, head into the red-themed dining lounge, where you can watch the talented kitchen staff at work through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall and enjoy a décor of unique artwork hanging on the walls (yes, available for sale). For your meal, pick a selection of entrées, main courses and desserts from one of the five themed menus, where the options are based on traditional flavours and favourites from New York, Paris, Rome, Tokyo or Bangkok. Or – if you’re feeling adventurous – shake things up by mixing and matching from the different menus. How about an appetizer from Bangkok, an entrée from New York and a dessert from Paris? Author recommends the Yam Kung Ya (gambas salad with nuoc mam vinaigrette – hard to pronounce but incredible to eat…), the “Giselle Bundchen” burger (a delicious ratio of beef and bun and also – let’s face it – the closest you’ll ever get to her…) and the Fondant au Chocolate (flowing dark chocolate and a layer of raspberry. Enough said). Top off the night with a digestif and you’re officially set for the rest of your evening in the night scene of Lausanne.

Have two nights in the city? Head over to Le Bedroom, Kai Zen’s brand new sister restaurant, located in Lausanne’s trendy “Flon” district. Opened in late 2009, it features the same sexy décor and atmosphere as Kai Zen, with the added feature of large couch bankettes and oversized pillows, where you can enjoy a cocktail, live music and the company of friends before sitting down to a great meal of international tapas and a range of classic and innovative entrées.

Add some flavour to your next visit in Lausanne with a trip to Kai Zen. Your tastebuds, friends  – and wallet – will thank you!

Contact:

Rue Pépinet 3, 1003 Lausanne
T: +41 21 310 8484
F: +41 21 310 8481

Photo by Tullia Vitturi-Lochra

BY PROJECTRAVEL

As some of you may have seen, we launched two new blogs yesterday, Rio de Janeiro, and San Francisco, and as such we’d like to introduce you to our two new bloggers.

Nara vidal is writing about Rio de Janeiro and the surrounding areas, and you can find her first post here.

Is it late to wish you a happy new year?

After a number of consecutive NYE celebrations in Europe, it came as a refreshingly good idea spending NYE in hot Rio de Janeiro. And so I did. And it was as wonderful as I thought it was going to be.

No, it was not my first Rio NYE. I am Brazilian after all! I lived in Rio for a long time. Not long enough to stop me going back with nostalgia and thirst to be a carioca again. The special element of this NYE was the fact that we were celebrating the arrival of 2010.

Yes, nothing new about that. However, I was in Rio when I was celebrating the arrival of 2000. Then I remember asking my private gods and angels to give me a future somewhere distant, places to travel and a love from far away. Of all new year’s resolutions, I suppose finding a new love is the one everyone secretly hopes for, but they cite shaping up instead, so they do not look like total losers when the year ends and they are still single or with an empty heart – worse than being single. (read more)

——-

But what about San Francisco? Well what about it? Here’s an excerpt from the San Fran blog’s first post.

Photo courtesy Wikimedia

The City That Knows How

San Francisco has earned itself countless nicknames throughout its 230-year history (“Paris of the West”, “Baghdad by the Bay”, the cringe-inducing “Frisco”), but perhaps none quite so vague as William Taft’s “The city that knows how”.  What Taft meant at the time, I haven’t a clue, but no title more specific would succeed in capturing the broad and elusive nature of the city.

The variety of rich subcultures of food, art, literature, music, and more, that thrive within the city’s 49 square miles, allow for a largely subjective experience.  In search of solace, it is home to the warmth of independent coffee shops and musty second-hand bookstores. (read more)

And with that, happy reading.

BY JACINTO VIDRÓ

Cradled away at the foot of the Pyrenees lies the small village of Rupit, but unlike other Catalan villages in and around the foot of the mountains Rupit is truly a unique piece of rock.

Why rock? Well, because most of the village is carved out of it, simply put the streets are carved out of the side of the mountain and the medieval buildings that compromise the hamlet are picturesque, as is the hanging bridge that gives you access to the town.

Many of the shops in town are filled with varying local delicacies and the mountain cheese and regional sausages are of absolutely the highest quality.

The church of Sant Joan de Fàbregues and its castle are documented from the year 968. The church, which was the main church of the municipality, is located about 3 km from the castle. In the XII century, the town grew around the castle of Rupit. Noble families built a new church, Sant Miquel, where they had built their houses. This church now is the parish church.

In 1959 the municipality was officially named Rupit. In 1977, the hamlet of Pruit was united with Rupit village.

In origin both the hamlet of Pruit and the village of Rupit already shared the same jurisdiction under the viscount of Osona. According to the tradition, he lived in the castle of Rupit before moving to Cardona.

Nowadays Rupit is best known as a tourist town, because of its medieval appearance, stone houses and street made of natural rock. There are also interesting walks and sightseeing around the village and nearby cliffs.

The “Riera de Rupit” is a small river running through Rupit and forms the Sallent waterfall when it meets the cliffs. There is a hanging bridge which provides access the center of the village.

Getting There: The best way to get to Rupit is to drive, don’t take local busses don’t take coaches from Barcelona or Girona, hire a car and drive. The road to the village is beautiful, but windy, so do be caregul.

Staying There: There are a number of local B&B’s in and around the town, but we’d like to recommend Hotel Estrella – a wonderful place, with a friendly staff, and great service.

What to do: Rupit is by no means a large town, and can easily be seen in a few hours, as such we recommend using what the nature around you has to offer. If you go during the summer, you can always go hiking in the mountains o visit the lake at Puigcerda, in the winter, skiing is just and hour away, and the scenery covered in snow is absolutely breathtaking.

After all is said and done, I wouldn’t recommend staying in Rupit any more than a weekend however, while it does have something very special to offer, it is small, and during certain seasons can get packed with tourists which in all can make your stay less than enjoyable. But as a weekend getaway during the right time of year, it just can’t be beat.

BY PROJECTRAVEL

Barcelona Clubs have grouped together to help the people of Haiti. As we are all aware by now the earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale struck the Carribean Island Causing devastating damage, and killing thousands of people.

In an effort to help those affected by the quake Barcelona nightclub owners, led by Grupo Foc together commited to donating the 10% of their turnover for January 20th towards Haiti Aid. Grupo Foc, the concept creators have also pledged to donate € 1 for each person who becomes a member of the Barcelona for Haiti Group and comes out on the 20th to support the cause. As such, if you’re in BCNa and have a Facebook account, please join, and please help.

As of Saturday, the 16th of January 2009, the following nightclubs have committed to the aid movement for the 20th.

They Include, Foc, Gran Foc, Shoko, Magnolia, Q-Bar, and Bar 15.

Taking the call of this initiative, Plain White Paper, Limited, our publisher and that of F3Fundit has decided to donate 5% of it’s revenues from the 20th of January to the ICRC.

So if you’re in Barcelona this coming week, we urge you to go out and support this noble cause. All the same, please consider donating to any of the following organizations.

1. UNICEF has opened donations specifically for those affected by the quake. For more information, please click here.

2. The ICRC and the Red Cross were one of the first non governmental organizations to extend aid to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The ICRC has also been working in Haiti without interruption since 1994 and their long standing presence in the country makes it one of the top options for donation.

3. Intermon Oxfam has always been at the forefront of Global Aid, and you can donate to their operation for Haitian relief in various international currencies by clicking here.

4. Like most other major aid organizations the Mercy Corps has developed a site specifically for the Earthquake victims, the donation page can be located by clicking here.

5. Wyclef Jean’s Yéle Haiti Organization is another organization that is collecting public money in order to bring aid into the country; for Earthquake Specific Donations – please click here.

BY NARA VIDAL

A lot has been written and said about how to beat the winter blues with beautiful turquoise water and hot sun over your naked shoulder somewhere tropical. All well and good, but most times this means spending money. What about those poor souls with no cash to spend on a pick me up sunny retreat? Do they suffer from winter blues less than the wealthier people out there in the Caribbean on a break? Chances are, that we all are a bit low and bit sad these days, when the cold and darkness invade not only our towns but also our souls. Well, you sad and cash limited people out there, worry no more. The way out this winter depression is to find somewhere hot in the cold city. We came up with a list of piping hot things to do that will not break the bank and will not require a passport.

Fancy a Brazilian?

Check out Saturday night in Guanabara. No, we are not suggesting you jet off to Rio. Instead head off to Covent Garden and check out this hot venue with some first quality music and dance. The bar is open from Monday to Sunday, but Saturdays are the days you can meet the Brazilians who seem to go there in search of warmth and some good flirt. Try a caipirinha or two, if you can afford it, and get into the samba with friends or with the friendly faces that will probably smile at your lack of rhythm without caring too much. Don’t forget that throughout this month you get 2 drinks for the price of one!

If you fancy a bite to eat, try the tapas style food like coxinhas and pão de queijo. In one of my trips there, I tried the à la carte food and was slightly disappointed. Perhaps I was expecting to be transported into a beach in Copacabana, perhaps it was not a good day for the chef, who knows! Guanabara still is, however, a great option if you want to avoid the same old pub and spice up your Saturday night.

Guanabara is a short walk from Holborn or Covent Garden tube stations at Parker Street WC2B 5PW

If you feel a bit more adventurous and would like to see something more artistic and edgy find your way to Favela Chic Bar in Shoreditch.  A slightly pretentious but fun venue, featuring its fair deal of shabby chic, this bar is a melting pot of Brazilian popular culture items and definitely good enough to eat.  Described rightly as a menagerie for its fusion, Favela Chic is inspired in Brazilian slums and bohemian Parisian life. The result is a messy and exciting place to hang out that brings alternative films and exhibitions as well as some fantastic cocktails made by the gorgeous Sagatiba cachaça – Brazilian spirit made by sugar cane. Beware of the Lagerinha, a combination of beer and cachaça, and only drink it if you have the whole of the next day off. If you don’t believe me, try.

For a detailed look at what is on – and there is a lot going on there! – visit www.favelachiclondon.com

Chic and Civilized

If you have in mind something a little less exotic and that does not involve dancing in front of strangers, then a great and very civilized option to get entertained is to explore some of the wine tasting places on offer in London. There is little originality about the idea, but depending on how you plan it out or make it an event with friends, this can be a guaranteed winter blues remedy.

Vinopolis www.vinopolis.co.uk is a great place for a fun afternoon or evening out with your mates if you are wine experts or simply curious about the basics. Located a few minutes from London Bridge tube station, Vinopolis offers master class courses or simple wine tours that can be a lot of fun.

If wine is then the way to warm up in the frosty winter, then a more serious but very informative alternative is to visit the wine tasting sessions at the Institute Française at 17 Queensburry Place. An absolute indulgence for the palate, the classes are run by some of the best wine connoisseurs in London who introduce you to the wonders of types of grapes in France and its regions.  Attention also to the fantastic wine and cheese tasting, which is a true treat to your senses. The wine sessions cost £29 and are held once or twice a month in the beautiful wood panelled library.  Catch a lesson on the 25^th of January and learn about southern France wines. More details on www.institut-francais.org.uk

If however, you don’t feel like dancing or drinking, then you can always jet off to a tropical paradise, if money is no objection. If you don’t feel like dancing, drinking or jetting off, you can always sit and wait for the summer.

Have fun this season!

Here at ProjecTravel we usually don’t slam establishments, instead we try and offer you insight into the places that are exceptional, more fun, and all around set a high standard of quality or offer something special, but when Javier sent us in this review, we just had to publish it as we’re 100% on board when it comes to his take on this Barcelona establishment.

BY JAVIER TORRES

Barcelona is filled with good nightlife, and there’s undeniably a place for everyone in this city, but one place stands out from among the rest, however not in the good way, this place is Otto Zutz, located on C/ Lincoln 15 in the area that borders Gracia & St. Gervasi.

From the outside you’d think it to be like any club out there, except that once inside it’s total utter rubbish. Where shall we start to defame this “legendary” Barcelona institution.

Let’s start with the operations. If you call ahead, you get on the “VIP” list and enter free, if you don’t expect to pay up to €20 a pop for entry depending on how the guy at the door feels about you. Acceptable behaviour for a place such as 1OAK in NYC, or even Sutton on C/ Tusset here in BCN, but to fully understand why this price is ridiculous for Otto’s let’s talk about the music, the clientelle, and service.

The DJ’s at this establishment are reminiscent of Top 40 radio, included in this are poor transitions from song to song, where you the patron are left for sometimes up to half a minute listening to silence, if you’re lucky though, the DJ will make a comment about the next song set and why he thinks it a good idea to switch from house to Green Day, and then Alice in Chains before moving into Wold Come On by Bob Sinclair. Simply put it can be a cacophonous disaster.

Moving on, while on occasion you may stumble into the occasional “pijo” (preppy person), the majority of the crowd is just random, it doesn’t really fit in anywhere, very much like the music that this joint plays.

Then you’ve got the VIP area and service. Like most establishments they have a VIP area, and sure enough you can get a few bottles etc… but what’s funny about this VIP is that like the clientele it’s random, very random, from people in their 40’s and 50’s to your late teens. All those allowed in who are not bottle buyers are seemingly chosen at random. I remember an example when a few years back we wound up in the place, and my friend and I were heading to the VIP area as some friends were there, both of us had on flip flops, the bouncer let me in, but not my friend, why? His flip flops didn’t have the toe divider, they were flat, and the bouncer decided that he had on Shower Shoes, whereas I was ok to continue. Prepostrous to sat the least.

Finally, let’s get to the prices. Mind you, it’s not about paying for service, you do, CLDC, Elephant, Ribelino’s are all pricy, but they have something to offer, a good ambiance, a good DJ, and a relaxed and fun crowd. This place lacks all of those and charges prices on the same level if not in excess of the other clubs, the drinks are weak, and served in plastic cups.

I’m a lifelong Barcelona resident, and I have to say, I’ve never understood the appeal of this place.

BY PROJECTRAVEL

As many of you know Haiti was recently hit by a 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake and we feel a Social Responsibility to the three million affected souls to help spread the word on how we can help the people in this, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the people of this Caribbean country need outside help now more than ever. So please consider donating, we know it’s tough out there for everyone at the moment, but every £, €, $ helps.

1. Considering that children are the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster UNICEF has opened donations specifically for those affected by the quake. For more information, please click here.

2. The ICRC and the Red Cross were one of the first non governmental organizations to extend aid to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The ICRC has also been working in Haiti without interruption since 1994 and their long standing presence in the country makes it one of the top options for donation.

3. Intermon Oxfam has always been at the forefront of Global Aid, and you can donate to their operation for Haitian relief in various international currencies by clicking here.

4. Like most other major aid organizations the Mercy Corps has developed a site specifically for the Earthquake victims, the donation page can be located by clicking here.

5. Wyclef Jean’s Yéle Haiti Organization is another organization that is collecting public money in order to bring aid into the country; for Earthquake Specific Donations – please click here.

What makes this tragedy even more upsetting is that the Haitian government after years of coups and turmoil had taken prominent step towards stabilizing this country on the island in Hispañola, and had attempted to reinstate a proper democratic government, curb drug trafficking from South America, and forecasts indicated that one of the poorest countries in the world had the worst behind it.

With this quake all the work that had been put into the stabilization of Haiti has been effectively rendered moot.

For more information on Haiti, please head over to the country’s Wikipedia page.