For Real Daredevils – The Most Dangerous Eco-Trails in the World
Do you like nature? Do you regularly hike in the mountains?! Eco-trails are your passion and the hours of walking and climbing do not scare you?! Think twice! Why? We are going to show you some eco-trails which are incredibly beautyfull, but real dangerous for the physical health of the visitors, too.
Top 3 of the Most Dangerous Eco-Trails in the World
Huashan Mountain, China
Unique place of great religious significance for more than 2 millennia. The first Taoist temple was built there 2300 years ago and since then the place and its surroundings have been among the favorites of travelers. There are many temples, but the most impressive is the network of long and dangerously steep paths leading to five peaks arranged in the shape of a flower.
And if you do not believe that it can be dangerous, we will note that in some places there is no real path, but just stiff wooden boards and carved grooves in the rock to support the legs. The only security is sticking to slightly rusted chains attached to the stone. So in case you are afraid of heights and you are not among the most careful people in the world, you better not go there.
The Way of the King (El Caminito del Rey), Malaga, Spain
So beautiful, but just as dangerous route, which was created in 1901 to provide access to hydropower workers to two waterfalls. Construction was completed in 1905. However, the path did not get its name until 1921, when Alfonso XIII passed through it.
Over time, the path became very dangerous, which is why the authorities decided to block access to it. It has been rebuilt and secured since April 2015, after being closed for more than a decade due to multiple deaths. It winds on dangerous rocks 100 meters above the river Guadalorse and is 3 km long (its width is only a meter).
Angels Landing, Utah, USA
One of the most popular trails in Zion National Park in Southwestern Utah in the United States. In ancient Hebrew, “zaion” means a sanctuary, a temple, but the place is more for lovers of strong adrenaline, rather than for meek religious people.
The eco-trail is about 4 km long and for the most part is not so scary. Towards the end, however, things change dramatically. Continuing means walking on a steep and narrow ridge with dangerous ravines on both sides. A set of chains are placed to help tourists, but even they can not bring you peace of mind. However, those who dare to cross the dangerous terrain receive an indescribable reward – one of the most stunning views in the world.
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The situation this year is not the most suitable for such distant destinations, but if you have a job in Sofia, we will be waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona. With us you will not raise the adrenaline as with the most dangerous eco-trails, but you will satisfy your need for art experiences with our designer rooms. In addition, you will feed your eyes and stomachs with the amazing offers of the Simona restaurant. And, of course, everything is in line with the new conditions and safety requirements!
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Hotel for You
As with everything else, we choose the hotel according to our capabilities and needs. However, in order to feel as comfortable as possible, it is not the lowest price that should be our guide, but our overall sense of the place. So first answer a few very important questions, and when you do, we believe that it will be much easier for you to choose the most suitable option for you.
Important Questions Before Each Trip
What is the Most Important to You?
We are aware that you may not know exactly what you want from the hotel to make the right choice. That’s why we come to the rescue with a little advice. Before you start your search, make a quick list of things you need for a more enjoyable night. For example, free breakfast, personal attitude, modern interior, delicious food…
At What Price Should the Night at the Hotel be?
And in the beginning it is good to set a budget within which you can fit. Or be aware of what you are willing to compromise on.
What Amenities Do You Want?
Internet, TV, free parking, free breakfast?! Or do you want to pamper yourself with a spa and pool or take care of your good shape in the hotel gym?! It is good to know that in some hotels the extras are included in the price per night, but in others they are paid extra. So it’s not bad to check.
How Big Should Be the Hotel?
People are different – some feel comfortable in cozy small hotels, others prefer the anonymity and most of the capabilities of large hotels. So do not ignore this question, because it is essential for your pleasant stay in the chosen place.
How Many Beds Do You Need?
Where and how we will sleep is not an insignificant issue at all, so be sure to provide beds for children if you travel with them. The quality of sleep has no way not to affect your overall feeling during rest.
Tips for Choosing the Right Hotel:
- Browse the hotel’s website, as well as its presentation on social networks;
- Pay attention to the photos and videos to get a better idea of the place;
- Check the location if it will be convenient for you;
- Review guest ratings, especially those from the last year;
- Also read the negative reviews;
- Call the selected hotel to inquire about the facilities and get an idea of the staff.
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And if you have a trip to Sofia, do not wonder where to spend the night! Welcome to one of the design rooms of Art Hotel Simona! Here we pay special attention to all the important details for you to make sure that your stay with us will be unforgettable.
Adventure During Pandemic (5 Safety Tips)
The pandemic continues to be among the top topics in the news programs around the world and in our country, too. We already know that we must learn to live somehow in the new reality and to be more responsible for our health and that of others. And yet, in the last half year, one of the questions that has plagued us is whether we should travel for pleasure. In the current situation, do we need to minimize the joy of meeting new places and people ?! What do you think?!
The world has gone through similar trials before. But total social isolation is not a good option according – neither for our mental nor physical health, much less for our financial stability. But this is a broader topic, we will focus on some valuable tips from Forbes magazine on how to travel safely during a pandemic.
Rules for Responsible Tourists
Travel with a Car
Of course, we know this is not always possible, but when it is do it. Also, choose destinations that are not far from your home so that you do not have to use public toilets.
It is a good idea to prepare something to eat and drink from home to save on stops at restaurants and shops. Get napkins, utensils and anything else you might need. Also, don’t forget to charge your equipment or equip yourself with a car charger. The idea is that you don’t have to stop before the end point. If you need to refuel, put on gloves and a mask and pay with a card, but you already know this.
No Food Indoors
In many places, eating indoors is not an option, but even so, choose to eat outdoors or take it home (like in the Simona restaurant, where we offer catering, as well as a great summer garden). Why?! Even if the space is large and well ventilated, consider the risks. So you can support local restaurants without endangering yourself and their staff.
Check the Hygiene in Your Hotel
We will repeat, but the new conditions require special attention to hygiene. That is why Art Hotel Simona has developed its own cleaning program to ensure compliance with safety requirements. When traveling, make sure the hotel of your choice has done the same.
Skip Some Procedures
Yes, we know that hotels need to provide our comfort, so we expect someone to clean up after us. But think do you need a new towel every day (for example)?! It is also good to ask about the necessary consumables in advance so as to reduce the visits to the maid.
Bonus Tip
Because times are really complicated and difficult, the opportunity to clear your mind somewhere far from home is associated with a great responsibility of choice. But you can still enjoy the pleasure of traveling if you are vigilant about everyone’s safety. Moving during a pandemic just requires a little more planning and time, but this attention is good for everyone in the long run. And it will also allow you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
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We are waiting for you in the design rooms of Art Hotel Simona and the wonderful summer garden of the Simona restaurant, where we strictly follow the hygiene and disinfection. We insist on thorough cleaning to be safe for the health of our guests and employees.
The Secrets of the Perfect Barbecue
We are at such a time of year that it smells like barbecue everywhere. No matter how much you like meat, this aroma will not leave you impartial. We have to admit that it is very tasty, and it is easy to prepare. However, there are some subtleties that are good to know when you cooking barbecue food to make sure you get the best results. We from Art Hotel Simona and Simona Restaurant have collected some tips and we are happy to share them with you.
Before that let’s go back into the time and trace the history of this way of cooking meat. People have used it since 1.8 million years ago, according to Planet Barbecue (Workman Publishing, 2010).
Briefly About the Appearance of the Barbecue
Well, in the form in which we now know the barbecue – grilled meat or oven, covered with spices and sauce, it is assumed that the tradition originated in the Caribbean. The first drawings of such cooking are by Spaniards who arrive in the Caribbean and discover that the locals roast the caught fish and game on fire, placed on special wooden panels. They themselves called the method “barbacoa”.
According to a legend, the man who carried the idea into European cuisine was the sailor Christopher Columbus. He arrived in these lands in the 15th century and was amazed by the cooking of the local tribes. The taste left him speechless, because he had never tried anything like it before.
Whether the story of Columbus is quite real, we can not be sure, but the reason for baking at low temperature for a long time is crystal clear. Wild meat is tougher and therefore needs longer heat treatment.
Modern Version of the Barbecue
In the current version, the barbecue comes from African slaves in the United States of America, who were given the worst part of the meat. That’s why they had to somehow prepare it to soften and make it more juicy. It turned out that barbecue is the most suitable option.
Tips for the Perfect Barbecue
Do not Use a Gas Barbecue
There are different ways to cook a barbecue, but most experts recommend not using a gas grill. With this type of barbecue you get the necessary heat, but the taste is completely different.
Do not Increase the Temperature
The right way to cook a barbecue is at a low temperature and slowly, so be patient.
Marinate the Meat in Advance
Prepare your favorite marinade sauce and let it stand for a few hours or even overnight. If you do not have that much time, you can speed up the process by leaving the meat out of the refrigerator. At room temperature it will taste and flavor much faster.
Cut Just Before Serving
After roasting the meat, also let it stand for a while – a few minutes. Cut just before you start eating to keep it juicy and tender.
Air Circulation is the Main Secret
The meat should not touch anything other than the grill, ie. the fire must be low. Bake on a flameless embers.
Prepare the Grill So That the Meat Does not Stick
It is good to grease it a few minutes before putting the products on the grill. Red onions also work.
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If you want to eat something tasty and you don’t want to prepare it, welcome to Simona Restaurant. Here we approach cooking as an art and always try to offer our guests uniquely delicious culinary masterpieces.
Top 5 Most Famous Beaches in the Cinema
It’s a summer and probably everyone is making plans to collect some tan by the sea. That’s why we ranked our top 5 on the popular beaches in the cinema. Here are some locations that are not only preferred by millions of tourists each year (even in the new reality), but are also among the favorites of the representatives of the Seventh Art.
Top 5 of the Famous Cinema Beaches
Petit Tabac, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The Caribbean paradise on Earth – exotic with turquoise lagoons, dazzling white sand, huge palm trees, coral reef and wild beaches… What more do you need?! Well, maybe Johnny Depp to make you feel like in the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
We will not go into details about the history of this beautiful place, discovered in 1498 by Christopher Columbus. But let’s get back to cinema. The exact location where most of the footage for the various episodes of “Pirates of the Caribbean” was taken is Wallilabou Bay, on the northwest coast of St. Vincent. There, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) found himself in the company of Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley), but their stay was not at all romantic, especially after the beauty set fire to the hideout with rum.
Laughing Waters Beach, Jamaica
Fans of the Agent 007 series have probably heard of this beach, especially fans of older episodes. A private exotic place that became famous after the shooting of the first James Bond movie. There, Ursula Anders (one of the girls of the agent) appears from the surf. Her photos from the production can be seen at the local restaurant.
GoldenEye is the most famous address in Jamaica, which is a magnificent high-end resort, including a lagoon and a private beach. There is also the villa where Ian Fleming writes all his James Bond novels.
Mónsul Beach, Almeria, Spain
Captivating beauty, incredibly fine sand and crystal clear water appear in many movies and commercials. One of the favorite destinations of directors of western, military and fantasy films. Among the most popular titles are Lawrence of Arabia (1962), A Fistful of Dollars (1965), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). Lucky Luke (2004), Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) and others.
Undoubtedly, the charming nature is not the only reason why this is a preferred destination. Costs here are often significantly lower than in the United States. And another plus – the desert is close to all the amenities of the big city, necessary for the film crew. Just 30 minutes away are the fantastic natural beaches of the Mediterranean – Cabo de Gata Nature Park.
Capriccioli Beach, Sardinia, Italy
Another location of Agent 007 from the time of the incarnation of the late Roger Moore (1977). Some of the shots were taken in one of the most expensive hotels in the world – Cala Di Volpe, a favorite of many celebrities. It is located in Porto Cervo, one of the most luxurious resorts in Sardinia. Most of the film was shot south of Porto Cervo and around San Pantaleo. Somewhere here is shot the white Lotus Esprit “jumping” into the ocean.
Ko Phi Phi Le, Thailand
Unearthly beautiful, exotic and devoid of the vulgarity of the commercial world. This is exactly the beauty we see in the thriller “The Beach” with Leo DiCaprio. The Hollywood star walks around this fine sand and trembles at the terrifying sharks. But don’t worry, on-screen marine predators predominate in movie production, so if you get a chance to bounce to this beautiful beach, don’t worry about your life.
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And if you have to travel to Sofia and are wondering where to stay, we are waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona. The artistic atmosphere of each of our six themed art floors, the incredibly delicious food and the special attitude towards each guest will make your stay an unforgettable experience.
5 Tips for Healthy Eating During the Holidays
It is clear that summer is the holiday season – there is no dispute on this issue. But during our travels and entertainment we often forget about our healthy diet. If you still stick to proper nutrition and you are wondering exactly how to combine it with your plans for sea or mountain adventures, maybe these few tips are just for you.
How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays?
Make a List With Forbidden Foods
Something very valuable, especially for people with digestive or gastric problems. They certainly understand well what we mean, but we will explain to everyone else. And in the beginning we clarify that we do not need to be very drastic to eat relatively healthy, even when we are out of town.
The easiest way is to make a list of foods to avoid. This does not mean that we will deprive ourselves, we will just be careful. This list is good to include fried and greasy things, as well as very salty packaged products and sausages. And if you’re wondering why it’s so important, it’s good to know that it won’t hold water or fill you with toxins.
Think About Places to Eat in Advance
When we go to the sea or the mountains, we choose a place to sleep in advance. At the same time, however, inquire about the places where you will be able to eat. If you prefer and have such an opportunity, you may prepare your own food. In case you are going to eat in a restaurant, ask in advance where delicious and quality dishes are offered.
Don’t Hurry – Positive Emotions Will Not Escape
Clearly, adventures can’t wait, but you don’t need to rush all the time. Take enough time for breakfasts, lunches and dinners, because they are valuable both for energy and for sharing time with loved ones and friends. And if you’re still in the rhythm of the big city, slow down a bit, eat something tasty, take some drink and enjoy the company.
You Have to Limit Fizzy Drinks
We know very well that gin goes with a tonic and rum with a cola and we do not say that they are forbidden, but we do not need to pour carbonated drinks from morning till night. We will save you explanations of how harmful they are to your health, because we believe you are aware. We just want to point out that there are healthier and more enjoyable alternatives. Think about them!
You Don’t Overdo With Sweets
It is true that the vacation is time for relax, but you do not want to try to lose the extra pounds next two months, right?!. Not to mention the harm to health from excessive amounts of jam… So you better sweeten your life with some fruit or dark chocolate.
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And for those who have a trip to Sofia – no matter for work or just for a walk, know that Art Hotel Simona can offer unforgettable experiences in an artistic rooms at reasonable prices. And all this 3 km from the city center and with impeccable hygiene measures, as the new reality requires. And for gourmets, the Simona restourant has a wonderful list of specialties that you will find hard to resist.
We are expecting you!
