Blog Posts
What Do Theater and Computer Games Have in Common?
We must admit that there are some positive aspects of the pandemic. Yes, it shook our lives, but it did make us extremely resourceful. Every day we discover new opportunities for communication, work, study and entertainment. We present you another interesting idea for art lovers – live theater play from home, combined with a computer game.
Theatrical Computer Game Live from Home
You can find out exactly how it is from Homecoming on October 24 (Saturday) at 13:00. However, if you are busy during the day and miss it, you have another option – at 21:00. The whole experience lasts 2 and a half hours and is part of the program of AST Festival for Free Theater. All you need are tickets and an internet connection.
The Story
When we know everything that happened to us this year, we will hardly surprise you that the pandemic is also “involved” in the plot. The story is about a young woman who returns to her home village because she can no longer afford to pay the rent in the big city. At the same time, the agency sends thick letters to all European households to assess the resilience of the population during the crisis. And a movement is emerging on the Internet that praises voluntary self-denial as a way of life alternative to the longing for relaxation.
Concept: machina eX
Director: Yves Regenas
Performers: Anne Aigner, Jan Jaroszek
Text: Clara Ehrenwerth
Dramaturgy and game design: Matthias Prince
What is Machine eX?
This is the intersection between theater and computer games. The idea has emerged and developed since 2010 and includes a seven-member media and theater team – Clara Ehrenwert, Anna Freese, Robin Hedike, Lasse Marburg, Matthias Prince, Yves Regenas and Philip Steimel. The band united during their studies at the University of Hildesheim and have since produced an interactive game theater. Their idea combines modern technology with the means of classical illusionist theater. The result – interesting theatrical performances to play, which are both computer games, which are entered.
3 More of the Most Uniquely Strange Hotels in the World (Part 2)
We have already “taken” you to several strange hotels in different parts of the globe – with a virtual “night” in Finland, New Mexico and Japan. In the first part of this curious series, we presented great, but not very traditional sleeping places that we believe you liked. We continue the tour with the help of National Geographic with 3 more similar spaces in which you will “fall in love”.
3 More Hotels in Unusual Places
Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
It may be a cliché to want to be on a lonely island, but the island of Pemba (very close to the island of Zanzibar) gives a new meaning to this worn-out phrase with the help of the resort of Manta and the unique beach villas. There you can indulge in sea adventures surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and the colorful fish in the beautiful coral reef. And all this at your fingertips… And at night you can turn on the lights under the windows, which attract fish and octopuses. Do you need anything else ?!
Even if that is enough for you, we have something to add. The hotel has three floors – terrace, dining room and bedroom (underwater). From the first two floors you can admire the great sea view and the sky during the day and night, and the third (bedroom) takes you directly to the water world. Of course, this pleasure is not cheap at all, but we guarantee that it is worth the money.
Dromen Aan Zee, Harlingen, The Netherlands
This is what it is called a non-standard hotel and it is not that far from us – it is in Europe. The hotel offers three unique renovated spaces which are 17 meters above the ground at the port quay in Harlingen, the Netherlands. Just for the record, we will note that the quay was active for landing ships until 1996. To date, however, it has a much more curious purpose.
The port offers three great places to spend the night. The first is created in the middle of a moving crane that you can turn by hand. It also has a great terrace to relax on. The lifeboat provides comfortable accommodation for all who prefer lower spaces. You can also hire a private captain to take on a two-hour trip. The third space, transformed into a sleeping place, is the headlight, which after many years of work is no longer needed with its original purpose.
Hotel Costa Verde, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
And the third offer is an old Boeing 727, which has been transformed into a luxury two-room hotel. In the 1960s, it carried passengers, but now is an attraction in the famous Costa Verde resort of Costa Rica. It is set on 15-meter stone columns to reveal amazing views of the ocean and jungle. There are wooden terraces located on the wings on both sides of the plane to make the adventure greater.
In appearance it is an airplane, but inside the interior has been changed beyond recognition using natural materials – teak, which grows in the area. Each of the bedrooms has a private bathroom. There is also a living room with plasma TV, kitchenette, dining room, terrace, additional exit to the slope, a spiral staircase.
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Well, this is it… If you are looking for an unusual place, you have a choice. In case you prefer a cozy artistic space for sleeping near the center of Sofia at reasonable prices, we are waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona.
3 of the Most Uniquely Strange Hotels in the World (1 Part)
The complex situation we live in probably makes you crave more and more adventures. We will help you to travel more – virtually (with the help of National Geographic). We will visit some of the most unique hotels in the world. Their locations and appearance are not the most traditional, but this is what makes them very interesting spaces.
Golden Crown Levin Iglut, Levi, Finland
Remarkable glass igloos that allow visitors to admire the warmth of the Northern Lights phenomenon in all its glory. They are less than 10 km from the Finnish ski resort of Levi and, along with the captivating view, you also receive some bonuses. They include an outdoor jacuzzi, free parking and Wi-Fi, as well as an individual kitchenette, a bathroom and a double bed with an adjustable backrest for even greater comfort. The windows are well insulated and heated so that they do not freeze, and if you still want a little intimacy, you can use the curtains.
Kokopelli’s Cave, Farmington, New Mexico
In Bulgaria you can find huts in caves, but a whole hotel… There is one in Farmington, New Mexico. In fact, his original idea was to serve geological surveys in the area, but now it is an attractive place for travelers. It is located more than 20 meters below the surface of the rocky plateau. Inside, you enter through an entrance carved into the rock, and although reminiscent of the ruins of the Anasazi tribe, we can not miss the modern additions such as Jacuzzi, shower, bath, carpets, electricity and comfortable furniture.
Book and Bed Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
It never occurred to you that you could sleep in the library, but if you are a fan of reading, you will definitely like the idea. In fact, the place is more like a bookstore where you can sit comfortably and look at the offers. Well, with the difference that in Book and Bed Tokyo you can spend the night. It is a 4-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station and has over 3,000 books in English and Japanese. The beds are compact and have individual contact and lighting, as well as a curtain to ensure privacy. The only drawback is the shared bathroom, but this is not such a problem.
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In case you have a job in Sofia and would like to stay in an artistic place, welcome to Art Hotel Simona. In our designer rooms you will satisfy your need for art experiences, and in our cozy Simona Restaurant you will enjoy the culinary art. And, of course, everything is in line with the new requirements for even more impeccable hygiene.
We are expecting you!
Tips: How to Look Better in the Photos
The summer vacation season is over, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to end the journeys. Every season hides a charming beauty, so maybe it’s time to plan an autumn adventure. And the trip usually involves a lot of photos, so it won’t be bad to know the secrets of how to look flawless every time.
And don’t worry, if you’re not one of the most photogenic people in the world, that’s not such a problem. Follow our tips and you will keep the failed photos to a minimum. Just enjoy the holiday and don’t worry about what you will share with your friends on social networks.
How to Look Better in the Photos While Traveling
Take a Good Look in Your Old Photos
A great way to remember great moments from previous trips. Along with this, you will find out which poses, facial expressions, clothes and accessories make you look more attractive. When you have an answer, you will be much more prepared for the next travel photo shoot.
Practice
Even the greatest beauties can look bad in a photo, just if they are “caught” at the wrong time. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with exercising different body positions, as well as smiles that you have noticed give you a more attractive appearance. Start by trying out poses you liked from previous photos. Once you are in the right position, add a smile and also try different options until you find the right one for you. Most people look better with slightly tilted heads, which gives depth to the features.
Choose the Right Lighting
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to know that it’s not a good idea to shoot against the light. So windows are not a good choice for a background when you are striving for the best results. And one more thing, you may think that sunny weather is more appropriate, just so you know that cloudy conditions are better. Why?! The sun can create unpleasant shadows on your face if you are in the wrong position. And when taking pictures indoors, do not stand directly in the light, as this will have the same effect. Try facing a natural light source like a window instead.
Use Phone Apps
Well, we are in the 21st century, and if a photo doesn’t turn out exactly as expected, we don’t mind correcting it with a photo processing program. You have countless options to achieve a clearer and more expressive photo even with the help of a mobile application.
Wear the Right Clothes
When preparing for photos, it is essential to consider what you will wear and choose a remarkable option. Part of that is knowing what works well for you and what doesn’t. Choose shapes and silhouettes that suit your body type and colors that complement your skin tone.
Put on the Right Make-up
For the ladies, this point is very important, because the right make-up will definitely contribute to an even more great look. Keep in mind that the flash and lens can make make-up look different than in real life. Because cameras make a two-dimensional image, it’s important to use make-up to emphasize your face.
Bonus Tips
- If you have your eyes closed in many photos, blink just before the camera clicks and open them slowly.
- To avoid a double chin, straighten your neck and push your face forward, tilting your chin down slightly.
- Emphasize the most attractive parts of your body with the help of accessories.
- For ladies: Don’t forget to wear heels to look slimmer and taller.
- We are sure that everyone has at least one photo with red eyes. They usually appear in low ambient light. If you find yourself in such conditions, look straight at the light just before taking the picture to shrink your pupils and avoid this unattractive effect.
Fairyland: Hobbiton (PHOTOS / VIDEO)
Even if you’re not a fan of fantasy adventure stories like The Lord of the Rings, you will agree that such titles show some pretty beautiful places. Extremely impressive is one of the locations used for the filming of The Hobbit. And although many of the shots look unimaginably unique, we will tell you that they are not the work of an artist, but of the nature. It’s a real place in the middle of New Zealand.
The plot
The films from the “The Hobbit” trilogy based on the novel of the same name by J. R.R. Tolkien traces Bilbo Baggins’ experiences in Middle-earth. Fans of the author are probably aware that the events here take place 60 years before those in The Lord of the Rings.
The beginning
It all started in 1998, when the team of New Zealand director, screenwriter and producer Peter Jackson began researching for suitable locations. They discovered a unique 1,250-acre sheep farm in the heart of Waikato, New Zealand (10 km southwest of Matamata). The unique hills and lush green pastures were strikingly similar to those described by the author Tolkien, and the cinematographers immediately realized that this was the right place to shoot.
Attraction
And to date, this is a real tourist attraction, where you can see 44 traditional cave houses with the same fantastic details of the film production. To screen the history of Tolkien, the caves are decorated with beautiful round windows and doors and lined with wood. Just as we remember them from the screen – without right angles and with carefully maintained gardens. And especially for the people who want to relax like in a movie theater, the Green Dragon Inn now also functions as a landmark and visitors can have a drink there.
The Best Places to Sleep Under the Stars (Part 1 – Africa)
Nature is unique – an incredible combination of colors, captivating views and charming sounds. We will never stop enjoying every opportunity to be as close to the nature as possible, even though modern life is moving us further and further away from this beauty.
And what about one night under the stars?! No, we are not talking about a holiday by the sea or in the mountains in a tent. We mean top luxury ideas – both offering luxury and an escape from urban chaos. Here are some interesting suggestions.
Beds Under the Stars in Africa
Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge, Hotel South Africa
In the middle of the wild nature of the protected reserve Madikve is nestled a very luxurious place – Sanctuary Makanyane. There you can sleep under the captivating starry sky, surrounded by incredible beauty and sounds. The bed is placed on a raised platform, and the lanterns around create additional romance.
Nkwichi Lodge, Hotel Mozambique
Secluded luxury eco complex on the eastern shore of Lake Malawi. There are 6 bungalows and two private houses from which to admire the pristine natural beauty – the total opposite of the hectic world in which we live.
Mukokoteni in the Chalby Desert, Kenya
You will hardly find a person who would not want to wake up in such a place every morning. And the uniquely designed outdoor bed, made of a handmade wooden platform, is the final touch to the details.
Sanctuary Baines ’Camp, Botswana
Another hotel for connoisseurs – 5-star luxury and design rooms, as well as the opportunity to spend the night under the open African sky. Especially for those wishing to enjoy the night outside, the hotel team offers to move the beds to private wooden terraces overlooking the glistening waters of the Boro River.
Bonus: Bangkok Tree House, Thailand
And an additional offer from Asia. Guests at this hotel have the option to book a room view. And what they will get is a stylish bamboo platform about 7 meters high. They will feel like in fairy tales, and to complete the picture there is a terrace nearby for romantic evenings.
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The fact is that most of these stunning places are in Africa, but there are similar ones in Europe and soon we will present some of them. Expect another “portion” of virtual trips, and in the meantime if you have to stay in Sofia, we are waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona. Here we will take care of your unforgettable stay, because satisfied customers are what make us happiest.
