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Uncovering Tokyo's Hidden Gems

Uncovering Tokyo's Hidden Gems

UNCOVERING TOKYO'S HIDDEN GEMS

Tokyo is known for its bustling streets, bright lights, and lively atmosphere. But beneath the surface of this vibrant city lies a world of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. These hidden treasures are not your typical tourist attractions, but rather unique and mysterious places that offer a glimpse into Tokyo's rich history and culture.

One such hidden gem is the abandoned train station of Yamanote Line. This station was once a bustling hub of activity, but it has since been left to decay. Despite its dilapidated state, the station remains a popular destination for urban explorers who are drawn to its eerie atmosphere and abandoned platforms.

Another hidden gem is the Akasaka Palace, which is the official state guest house of Japan. This grand palace is open to the public on a limited basis, and visitors are able to tour the stunning gardens and interior of the palace. The Akasaka Palace is a true testament to Japan's rich cultural heritage, and it offers visitors a glimpse into the world of Japan's elite.

For those who love nature, the Todoroki Valley is a must-see destination. This peaceful oasis is located just a few miles from the city center, and it offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the valley and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding hills and forests.

 

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku is a must-visit. This futuristic restaurant is a feast for the senses, with flashing lights, loud music, and giant robots serving up delicious food. It's a truly unforgettable dining experience that you won't find anywhere else in Tokyo.

Finally, no trip to Tokyo would be complete without a visit to the Golden Gai. This narrow alleyway is located in the heart of Shinjuku, and it's home to some of Tokyo's best bars and restaurants. The Golden Gai is a unique and eclectic destination that offers a taste of Tokyo's vibrant nightlife.

In conclusion, Tokyo is a city full of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. From abandoned train stations to grand palaces, there's something for everyone in this mysterious and fascinating city. So, the next time you visit Tokyo, be sure to venture off the beaten path and explore the city's hidden treasures. You won't be disappointed.

Must-see experiences

Get Lost in the World of British Modern Art at Tate Britain

Get Lost in the World of British Modern Art at Tate Britain

One of the largest museums in the country, Tate Britain, should not be a place to be missed on your visit. The gallery is situated on the site of the former Millbank Prison. Since its opening in 1897 the museum housed both British and modern collection, but since the launch of Tate Modern, the gallery displayed only modern collections from the Tate network of galleries. Download the Tate Britain Travel Guide and Offline Map to get to more about this iconic museum.

1.     Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais

Millais’ depiction of the Shakespearean heroine is almost as iconic as the museum that houses it. It captures the moment from Hamlet when Ophelia goes mad after discovering that her lover has murdered her father and drowns herself in a stream. The model fo the painting, Elizabeth Siddal was required to pose over a period of four months, lying in a bath of water.

2.     Chair by Allen Jones

Ever since the launch of the British pop artist’s controversial ‘furniture’ series in 1970, it has since caused outrage for its fetishisation of the female body. The Chair, along with the Table and Hat Stand, presents full-sized, busty mannequins in erotic poses. Some people claim that it symbolizes female oppression, while others view it as an important object in the canon of art history.

3.     The Angel Standing in the Sun by JMW Turner

As Turner became preoccupied with the notions of death during his final years, he became fascinated with biblical stories of righteous retribution. The painting combines his glorious mastery of light and color. The painting showcases Archangel Michael wielding his sword, ready to smite the sinners below.

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The Spellbinding Museum that is the Science Museum of London

The Spellbinding Museum that is the Science Museum of London

Here you’ll get hooked with seven floors fulls of interactive and educational exhibits. Wether you’re an adult or child, you will for sure be completely mesmerized. The museum covers everything from early technology to space travel. One the most famous exhibits is Exploring Space, a gallery featuring genuine rockets and satellites. Visit this epic gallery with the Science Museum of London in hand.

1.     BepiColombo

See the a full-size engineering model of the European Space Agency’s first ever spacecraft to explore Mercury. This model of the spacecraft was used to test BepiColombo’s resilience during its seven-year journey to Mercury. The journey is considered to be the most challenging planetary missions ever launched.

2.     Superbugs

This new exhibit showcases how antibiotics have enabled us to combat diseases that were once untreatable and how bacteria has evolved into superbugs resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics. It explores how society is responding to the enormous challenge of antibiotic resistance. See real bacteria and discover the innovative technologies being used to make superbugs a thing of the past.

3.     Dream Big

Explore our beautiful world and our ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small. Hear inspiring stories of human grit and aspiration as the 3D film reveals how engineers push the limits of innovation. From the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings to underwater robots and solar-powered cars.

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Explore Nature at its Finest at the Natural History Museum in London

Explore Nature at its Finest at the Natural History Museum in London

As one of the three major museums on Exhibition Road, its exhibits focus on a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. The museum comprises of 80 million items within five major collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology. It is also a center of research specializing in taxonomy, identification, and conservation. Discover mother nature’s beauty with the Natural History Museum Travel Guide and Offline Map.

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1.     Origins

The first floor exhibits showcase the origins of species and explores natural selection and Darwin’s theories. ‘Our Place in Evolution’ exhibits the remains of “Lucy”, the Australopithecus discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 and believed to be between 1.5 and five million years old. While the Mineral Gallery contains some 130,000 specimens representing some 75 percent of the world’s known minerals.

2.     Mammals

There is also a section that is dedicated to mammals which includes a 91-foot-long life-sized cast of a blue whale as well as casts of extinct mammals. The lower floor showcases land mammals, including elephants, hippos, giraffes, and their early relatives. And the lastly, the upper level is dedicated for mammals living in water.

3.     Earth

The gallery focuses on an extensive collection of material on the geology and minerals of the world. There are lectures and film shows on particular subjects. In the main hall, stands a six-feet diameter rotating globe that serves as the museum’s purpose to the the story of the Earth. The gallery also includes a simulation of an earthquake and a collection of gems.

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Fulfill Your Caribbean Dreams in Puerto Rico

Fulfill Your Caribbean Dreams in Puerto Rico

Haven’t got plans for a long weekend? Why not travel to Puerto Rico satisfies both the beach bums just looking for place to relax and chill and the adventure seekers looking to tackle big waves. We’re for sure its long stretches of sand will entice you to stay and leave you Caribbean blue once you leave. Download the Puerto Rico Travel Guide and Offline Map to jump start your next travels.

1.     Playa Flamenco

Sheltered inside a horseshoe-shaped bay, Playa Flamenco’s mile-long stretch of white beach is hailed as one of the finest beached in the Caribbean. The name comes from the flamingos that flock inside the bay during Winter. The iconic rusting tank is at the beach's western end, a legacy of when US troops practiced invasions here.

2.     Isla Culebrita

When you’re itching for some island hopping, we highly recommend hiring that water taxi and head for Isla Culebrita. This small island to the east of Playa Zoni is a part of the national wildlife refuge. With its six beaches, tide pools, reefs, and nesting areas for sea birds—there’s for sure plenty to do here. The north beaches, especially the long crescent of Playa Tortuga, are popular nesting grounds for green sea turtles.

3.     Bahia Mosquito

About two miles east of Esperanza is a designated wildlife preserve that has the highest concentration of phosphorescent dinoflagellates in the world. The magnificent bay of Bahia Mosquito is nothing short of psychedelic with hundreds of fish whipping up fluorescent-blue sparkles below the surface as your kayak passes by.

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Heaven on Earth: Visiting Mauritius

Heaven on Earth: Visiting Mauritius

Mark Twain once wrote, 'Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius'. It’s hard to imagine a more compelling visage of heaven than Mauritius: sapphire-blue waters, powder-white sand, and a front row seat to one of the most beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Download the Mauritius Travel Guide and Offline Map and experience heaven on Earth for yourself.

1.     Rodrigues

Barely touched by commercialization one would think they’ve traveled back in time on this tiny volcanic outcrop 600 kilometers away from the mainland. As the locals wold often tell you,”It is Mauritius of 25 years ago”. Here you’ll experience what true island time means and its time-warped vibe. It is beautiful forgotten world in some of the most remote corners of the globe.

2.     Eureka

There’s no better place to learn about Mauritius’ rich colonial history than in Eureka. The perfectly preserved Creole mansion was built in the 1830’s and stands today as a museum. Visiting Eureka is like stepping into a time machine and gives you incredible insight into the island’s vibrant plantation past.

3.     Vallée de Ferney

This 400-year-old forest is an important habitat for the Mauritius kestrel—one of the world’s most endangered raptors and visiting here is probably one of your best chance in ever seeing one. The guides take you along a 3-kilometer trail and at noon the staff feed the wild kestrels at the trailhead. As an important habitat for endemic species, Vallée de Ferney promises to be an important conservation and ecotourism area in the coming years.

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Discovering Playa del Carmen, Mexico's Next Big Thing

Discovering Playa del Carmen, Mexico's Next Big Thing

Playa del Carmen's popularity is growing more and more each year. It now ranks as the third-largest city in Quintana Roo and competes with Tulum as one of the Riviera's rendiest cities. The town is ideally located: close to Cancún’s international airport, but far enough south to allow easy access to Cozumel, Tulum, Cobá and other worthy destinations. So If you're looking for your next tropical destination download the Playa del Carmen Travel Guide and Offline Map now!

1.  Cenote Diving

What’s a cenote you ask? It’s an underground cave filled with fresh water. The Yucatan has tons of them—sinkholes that open up into underground rivers with the clearest water you’ve ever seen. If you have your PADI license, you can go scuba diving in these caves with a guide. Because there’s daylight near the entrance a more technical cave diving license isn’t required. Not a diver? No problem. You can also go snorkeling at most cenotes.

2. Visit Mayan Ruins

The ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum are located South of Playa del Carmen in the town of Tulum. A must-visit if you’re in the area.

Tulum was once a small but important port city for the Mayans. Along with impressive structures on the edge of a cliff, it has a beach below where you can swim too. Because Tulum is so popular, it can be crowded unless you arrive early in the morning. Coba is another Mayan site near Playa del Carmen which sees less visitors. You can still climb the pyramid there too.

3. Swim With Sea Turtles

Who doesn’t want to swim with sea turtles? I’ve always wanted to, that’s for sure. I got my chance at Akumal beach, 30 minutes South of Playa del Carmen. The shallow blue-green water here is home to Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead sea turtles that you can swim with.

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Reasons Why Italy is the Capital of European Summer

Reasons Why Italy is the Capital of European Summer

Italy’s great food, beautiful countryside, fabulous wine, and long history make it an excellent country to visit. I fall in love with it every time I go. The vineyards in Tuscany, the history of Florence, the ancient streets in Rome, the laid back nature of Southern Italy, the gorgeous Cinque Terre, and the romantic canals in Venice all make the country irresistible. Italy leaves no one underwhelmed and, with so much to do and see, you better download the Italy Travel Guide and Offline Map to help you plan your trip.

1.  Tuscan Hills

Tuscany has a timeless familiarity with its iconic Florentine cathedral dome, gently rolling hills dipped in soft morning mist and sculptural cypress alleys. Get out, explore, hike and ding your bicycle bell, as this rousing landscape demands. Then there's the food. No land is more caught up with the fruits of its fertile earth than Tuscany, a gourmet destination whose residents spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about, discussing and consuming food and wine.

2. The Ruins of Pompeii

The ghostly ruins of ancient Pompeii make for one of the world's most engrossing archaeological experiences. Much of the site's value lies in the fact that the town wasn't simply blown away by Vesuvius in AD 79 but buried under a layer of lapilli (burning fragments of pumice stone). The result is a remarkably well-preserved slice of ancient life, where visitors can walk down Roman streets and snoop around millennia-old houses, temples, shops, cafes, amphitheatres, and even a brothel.

3. Venetian Grandeur

The Grand Canal, reflects the glories of Venetian architecture lining its banks. At the end of Venice’s signature waterway, the Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di San Marco add double exclamation points. But wait until you see what’s hiding in the narrow backstreets: neighbourhood churches lined with Veroneses and priceless marbles, Tiepolo’s glimpses of heaven on homeless-shelter ceilings, and a single Titian painting that mysteriously lights up an entire basilica.

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Hong Kong Disneyland: the Perfect Destination for Children and the Children at Heart

Hong Kong Disneyland: the Perfect Destination for Children and the Children at Heart

This whimsical wonderland on Lantau Island is a prized gem for fans of all ages, from anywhere and everywhere! From the new Star Wars makeover of Hyperspace Mountain to unique attractions like Mystic Manor that are found exclusively in Hong Kong Disneyland, the park is a dreamlike paradise that’ll send you on a nostalgic trip back to your favorite childhood shows. Download the Hong Kong Disneyland Travel Guide and Offline Map now.

1. Toy Story Land

This may seem like a no-brainer, but set out early and start queuing before the park opens! The relatively late opening time of 10am should give you ample time to get to the park’s entrance from whichever part of Hong Kong you’re staying at. We suggest arriving at least 45 minutes before the gates open, keeping in mind that you’ll have to first buy or collect your physical tickets in a separate queue.

2. Fantasy Gardens

Meeting the Disney characters is insanely popular in Hong Kong Disneyland. After all, how often do you get to take a photo with your childhood TV heroes? The most reliable place for character meet-and-greets is the Fantasy Gardens, a picturesque lawn with meandering paths leading to gazebos where your favorite characters will be waiting for a photograph.

3. Watch the Incredible Shows and Parades

From the daily Flights of the Fantasy Parade to Mickey’s PhilharMagic and the dazzling “Disney In The Stars” Fireworks, chances are that you won’t be able to cover every single show in Hong Kong Disneyland. As such, plan ahead and pick the ones that you’re most interested in!

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Reasons to Visit the World’s Most Famous Park, Central Park in New York

Reasons to Visit the World’s Most Famous Park, Central Park in New York

Central Park is packed with amazing features and it's truly no wonder why it's one of the most famous and most renowned parks in the world. Central Park comprises 843 acres of rolling meadows, boulder-studded outcroppings, elm-lined walkways, manicured European-style gardens, a lake and reservoir—not to mention an outdoor theater, a memorial to John Lennon, an idyllic waterside eatery and a famous statue of Alice in Wonderland. Download the Central Park Travel Guide and Offline Map to plan your next picnic at this wondrous green space.

1. Central Park Zoo

This compact zoo within Central Park is just small enough for a short, hour or two visit, but just large enough that everyone will seriously enjoy the exhibits. The children’s zoo, included with your admission, is hands-on and oh-so-fun, while the red panda exhibit will draw out every adorable “ahhh” from your vocabulary. this small zoo is home to penguins, snow leopards and lemurs. Feeding times in the sea lion and penguin tanks make for a rowdy spectacle.

2. Take a Stroll

It may seem obvious, but one of the best things to do while visiting Central Park is to just stroll through the beautiful grounds. With over 58 miles of trails, plenty of open spaces, stunning vegetation, animal encounters, rocks to climb, and sights to see, taking a walk through Central Park is the epitome of a New Yorker’s park experience. Be sure to wear comfy shoes, dress in layers, and plan on tackling one section of the park at a time.

3. Loeb Boathouse

Enjoy the park from the waterfront with rowboats (or gondolas) on the lake at the Loeb Boathouse, open spring through fall. This perfect warm-weather activity is a photo-op jackpot, so be sure to dress the kiddos in cute clothes. Loeb Boathouse also has a restaurant for one of the most idyllic settings for a meal in Central Park. Don't forget to try out their crab cakes--we hear they're exceptional!

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Things You Must Not Miss at the American Museum of Natural History

Things You Must Not Miss at the American Museum of Natural History

History buffs look no further, if there’s a one stop site for everything about history then the American Museum of Natural History is it. A wonderland of more than 30 million artifacts including tons of dinosaur skeletons, a cutting edge planetarium—the Rose Center for Earth & Space. And if you plan on visiting between October to May, the museum house a Butterfly Conservatory. Download the American Museum of Natural History visitor guide and learn more about this must visit in the USA.

1.     Lucy

In the Hall of Human Origins you will meet Lucy. She is one of the most complete skeletons of early hominids ever found. The remains were found in 1974 in Ethiopia. She’s known to be over three million years old, but her age and completeness aren’t the only reasons why she’s so important. Her knees show us that she walked upright.

2.     The Great Blue Whale

No list of things you can’t miss at the American Museum of Natural History would be complete without the Great Blue Whale. Located in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, it is 94 feet long and weighs 21,000 pounds. It’s a great reminder of the majesty and beauty of the blue whales, which unfortunately have been hunted to near extinction in the wild.

3.     Dinosaur Skeletons

The dinosaur skeletons at the AMNH are pretty amazing to say the least. There are two different halls in the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing: the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs and the hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs. The saurischians are characterized by their grasping hands, in which the thumb is offset from the other fingers: think of T-rex. Ornithischians on the other hand, are known for having enormous stomachs to digest massive amounts of vegetation they ate.

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Top Three Destinations in the Marvelous City of Rio de Janeiro

Top Three Destinations in the Marvelous City of Rio de Janeiro

Welcome to the Cidade Maravilhosa where the beaches are golden, the mountains lush, and the nightlife is filled with samba. This city certainly does not disappoint, but don’t take our word for it, go see it for yourself. Lushly forested mountains fringe the city, shimmering beaches trace the shoreline and a string of tiny islands lie scattered along the seafront. So download the Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide and Offline Map and start your adventure now!

1.     Ipanema Beach

Ipanema Beach is so famous that a song was named after it. Here you’ll enjoy a clearer and cleaner beach compared to that of Copacabana. The word ipanema is an indigenous word for “bad, dangerous waters”, which is not far off given the strong undertow and often oversized waves that crash onto the shore. The long stretch of sun-drenched sand is demarcated by posts, which mark off subcultures as diverse as the city itself.

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2.     Parque Nacional da Tijuca

The 39-square-kilometer tropical jungle preserve is extremely rich with what mother nature has to offer. It filled with beautiful tress, waterfalls, mountainous terrain, and high peaks. It’s hard to imagine what this place once was as Tijuca is all that’s left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded Rio de Janeiro. Serious hikers are very fond of Tijuca as climbing the 1,012 meter summit of Pico da Tijuca offers you a majestic view.

3.     Cristo Redentor

Of course, we can never leave out the famous Christ the Redeemer. Standing atop Corcovado, the massive statue of Cristo Redentor gazes out over Rio. The mountain itself rises straight up from the city to 710 meters and at night the brightly lit 38-meter high open armed statue is visible from nearly every part of the city.

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From Sleepy to Metropolitan, Booming Portland

From Sleepy to Metropolitan, Booming Portland

What once seemed like a sleepy town, Oregon's largest city is now booming with rich advancements any metropolis would envy. The grubby dive bars have been replaced by coffee roasteries and craft breweries on just about every block. And the food carts--more and better than ever. If it sounds like Portland has become a concrete jungle, fret now. There is an abundance of natural beauty – perfect parks with leafy trees and a view of Mount Hood on the horizon. Download the Portland Travel Guide and Offline Map and go see for yourself!

1.  Pittock Mansion

This grand and beautiful 1914 mansion was built by pioneer-entrepreneur Henry Pittock, who revitalized the Oregonian newspaper; his wife, Georgiana, also a pioneer, started the earliest of Portland's annual Rose Festivals. Guided tours are available, but it's also worth visiting the grounds simply to have a picnic while taking in the spectacular views. If you're up for a wander, the mansion lies along the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park, with dozens of miles of connecting trails branching off it.

2. Forest Park

Abutting the more manicured Washington Park to the south is the far wilder 5100-acre Forest Park, a temperate rainforest that harbors plants and animals and hosts an avid hiking fraternity. The Portland Audubon Society maintains a bookstore, a wildlife-rehabilitation center and 4.5 miles of trails within its Forest Park sanctuary. It's worth visiting the grounds just to check out the spectacular views – bring a picnic.

3. Pioneer Courthouse Square

One of Portland's grandest Victorian hotels once stood here, but it fell into disrepair and was torn down in 1951. Later the city decided to build Pioneer Courthouse Sq, and grassroots support resulted in a program that encouraged citizens to buy and personalize the bricks that eventually built the square. Names include Sherlock Holmes, William Shakespeare, and Elvis Presley. Across 6th Ave is the Pioneer Courthouse. Built in 1875, this was the legal center of 19th-century Portland.

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Why You Should Never Miss the Guggenheim Museum When Visiting the Big Apple

Why You Should Never Miss the Guggenheim Museum When Visiting the Big Apple

The Guggenheim Museum in New York houses works by art heavyweights such as Kandinsky, Picasso and Jackson Pollock. But the real draw is the temporary exhibitions by some of the great visionary artists of today. Not to mention the stunning conical white spiral in which these great artworks are displayed is reason enough to visit. Download the Guggenheim Museum Travel Guide and Offline Map to help your art outing.

1.  Woman Ironing by Pablo Picasso

During Picasso's Blue Period, he famously depicted peasants, laborers, beggars and other downtrodden folks in shades of blue. Though this long-limbed, hunched woman is shown in grays and blacks, she represents that same period of gloom. It's a kind of metaphor for the poor in general, the forever oppressed.

2. "Untitled” by Mark Rothko

This classic Mark Rothko piece was painted between 1952 and 1953 and features his iconic large-scale blocks of bright colors. Rothko, an American artist, is one of the central figures of the New York School, who creates his abstract pieces to illicit “basic human emotions — tragedy, ecstasy, doom, and so on,” from the audience, according to Rothko himself.

3. “The Renowned Orders Of The Night” by Anselm Kiefer

Anselm Kiefer was born in Germany just before the end of World War II, and many of his artworks explore the themes surrounding war, as well as the rise of fascism. This piece, entitled “The Renowned Orders Of The Night,” features the artist himself lying on a bed of dry, cracked earth, as if he were a corpse, under a vast starry sky. In his later artworks, Kiefer became obsessed with the night sky, and he created a few different artworks exploring its beauty.

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Top Three Reason Why the Greek Islands is the Ultimate Summer Destination

Top Three Reason Why the Greek Islands is the Ultimate Summer Destination

It's hard to imagine a more picturesque destination for your European Summer adventures than the Greek Islands. Laced with wondrous ocean landscapes, delectable food, unique architecture, and myths any history buff would want to discover. You can never contest how it has become the continent's most popular destination. Enjoy the island breeze and sip wine in one of the many local restaurants while enjoying one of the most stunning sunsets in the world. So what are you waiting for? Download the Greek Islands Travel Guide and Offline Map now and let the adventure begin!

1. Santorini

Although there are plenty of islands to choose from, Santorini is considered to be the most spectacular. Its cliff-side homes with their iconic white and blue color combination are very symbolic of Greece. Catch the sunset in Oia, visit the many historical sites, and go for a winery tour--Santorini offers so much more than just great sceneries. It may be touristy but the prices are surprising low which makes it possible for you to soak up the sun on this beautiful island even longer.

2. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

People flock to Crete for many reasons, but one thing is never missed while spending time here--visiting Greece's second largest and most important museum. The two-story revamped 1930’s Bauhaus building makes a gleaming backdrop for artifacts spanning 5,500 years from Neolithic to Roman times, including a Minoan collection of unparalleled richness. The rooms are color-coded and displays are arranged both chronologically and thematically and presented with descriptions in English. A visit here will greatly enhance your understanding of Crete’s rich history. Don’t skip it.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus

While you are walking about Athens, this is an incredible archaeological site to stop at. This temple is massive and took over 700 years to construct (dating back to the sixth century). A can't-miss on two counts: it's a marvelous temple, the largest in Greece, and it's smack in the center of Athens. The temple is impressive for the sheer size of its 104 Corinthian columns, of which 15 remain – the fallen column was blown down in a gale in 1852.

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What to See in London's Renowned Tate Modern

What to See in London's Renowned Tate Modern

This modern and contemporary art gallery is known to be one of London's most amazing attractions. What used to be Bankside Power Station on the South of the Millenium Bridge was revamped into what is now known as Tate Modern. The mesmerizing synthesis of modern art and industrial brick design brings about an extraordinarily successful in bringing challenging work to the masses. Download the Tate Modern Travel Guide and Offline Map now and start exploring.

1. Marilyn Diptych

Andy Warhol is a household name in the world of art, and this piece on Marilyn Monroe is eerily more relevant in today’s picture and pop-obsessed culture than ever before. Made in the months following the star’s death, Warhol combines ideas of finitude and the cult of celebrity by repeating the same image of the starlet with a gradual fade out that hints at mortality as it is contrasted with the acid bright images on the left.

2. Nude Woman With Necklace

One of Picasso’s best-known works, this colorful portrait bursts with unbridled energy and life. It depicts Picasso’s second wife, Jacqueline Roque, and her enigmatic facial expression is full of enough mystery to rival the Mona Lisa – she is at once vulnerable and defiant. The complexity of her portrait and the chaotic figuring of the body as simultaneous landscape and natural energies encapsulate the turbulent nature of their marriage.

3. Spatial Concept ‘Waiting’

Modern art famously challenges traditional artwork, forcing the viewer to scratch the surface and consider the true nature of artistic representation. Perhaps no work does so more simply and effectively than Spatial Concept ‘Waiting’, which presents the viewer with a boldly slashed canvas and asks them to reflect on the nature of the image and the materiality of the painting.

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Why You Should Visit the Largest Ancient Castle in the World in Prague

Why You Should Visit the Largest Ancient Castle in the World in Prague

The castle has always been the seat of Czech monarchs as well as the official residence of the head of state. Looming above the Vltava's left bank, its serried ranks of spires, towers, and palaces dominate the city center like a fairy-tale fortress. Its history begins in the 9th century when Prince Bořivoj founded a fortified settlement here. It grew haphazardly as rulers made their own additions. Download the Prague Castle Travel Guide and Offline Map and make your way there now.

1. The Crown Jewels

Stowed away in a chamber of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Bohemian Crown Jewels include the St. Wenceslas crown, royal scepter, and coronation cloak. And the Republic isn't taking any chances with their safekeeping. Both the chamber door and iron safe inside have seven locks, the keys to which are held by seven people, including the President, Prime Minister, and Prague Archbishop. The President typically puts them on display every five years. When he does, all seven key holders must head over to the Castle for the unlocking process.

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2. Its History

A crucial Holocaust organizer, Reinhard Heydrich held court at Prague Castle starting in 1941. Terrified Czechs nicknamed him The Butcher of Prague. But a group of exiled Czech government officials decided to take action. Two Czech soldiers parachuted back into the country and headed for Prague, where they hopped on bicycles and rode toward the Castle. When they spotted The Butcher in his Mercedez convertible, they made their move, shooting and tossing grenades his way.

3. The Largest Castle in the World

The Prague Castle complex is enormous, with an area totaling of 753,474 square feet. That makes it the largest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The complex extends down to the Lesser Quarter or Mala Strana, where several chateaux and palaces are found. Wallenstein Palace, for one, is home to the Czech Senate and includes 26 houses and six gardens.

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Malta, Paradise Found at the Center of the Mediterranean

Malta, Paradise Found at the Center of the Mediterranean

This tiny archipelago may be small but it packs a punch when it comes to glorious landscapes. It boasts prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs, hidden coves, and thrilling scuba diving. Its cuisine also should not be overlooked; traditional Maltese food mixes Sicilian and Middle Eastern flavors while making use of local ingredients such as rabbit and honey. If that's not enough to make you book that ticket Malta, we don't know what will. While you're at it download the Malta Travel Guide and Offline and start exploring.

1. Valletta

The capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is often dubbed as "one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world". It was built by the Knights of Saint John on a peninsula that's only 1 kilometer by 600 meters. It retains its 16th-century allure and elegance to this day.  New museums, restored golden-stone fortresses, and new hotels ushered Valletta's status as European Capital of Culture for 2018.

2. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon in Comino is one of the island's biggest draws. It is a sheltered cove between the western end of the island and Cominotto--an uninhabited islet. It's famed for its white-sand seabed and clear waters. The blue is so bright and intense that you would think a real-life Instagram filter was used. There are top-notch swimming and snorkeling here, plus you can swim over to Cominotto.

3. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Hypogeum, from the Greek, meaning underground is a subterranean necropolis, discovered during building work in 1902. To visit is to step into a mysterious and silent world. Its halls, chambers, and passages, immaculately hewn out of the rock, cover some 500-square meters; it is thought to date from around 3600 to 3000 BC, and an estimated 7000 bodies may have been interred here.

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Germany, More Than Just the Land of Beer

Germany, More Than Just the Land of Beer

Germany definitely goes beyond its big city reputation to many beautiful landscapes that look like came out of a story book, romantic castles fit for fairy-tales, and half-timbered towns. Still need convincing to go? Experiencing Germany through its food and drink will add a rich layer to your memories and stomach. You'll quickly realize that there's so much more than just pretzels, sausages, and beer to good old German cuisine. So what are you waiting for? Download the Germany Travel Guide and Offline Map now!

1. Berlin 

Being such a multicultural metropolis, local place great emphasis on their mantra 'live and let live' and put greater emphasis on personal freedom and a creative lifestyle than on material wealth and status symbols. Cafes are jammed at all hours, drinking is a religious rite and clubs keep going until late. Size-wise, Berlin is pretty big but its key areas are wonderfully compact and easily navigated on foot, by bike or by using public transport.

2. Schloss Neuschwanstein

Appearing through mountaintops, Schloss Neuschwanstein might look familiar to majority of visitors. This wondrous palace was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. King Ludwig II planned this fairy-tale pile himself, with the help of a stage designer rather than an architect. He envisioned it as a giant stage on which to recreate the world of Germanic mythology, inspired by the operatic works of his friend Richard Wagner.

3. The Wild Life

The Black Forest or popularly known has the forest where Hansel and Gretel encountered the wicked witch got its name from its dark canopy of evergreens. The vast expanse of hills, valleys, rivers and forests stretch from the swish spa town of Baden-Baden to the Swiss border, and from the Rhine almost to Lake Constance.

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Pack Your Bags, Georgia is Calling

Pack Your Bags, Georgia is Calling

Georgia is the stuff that mountain scenery dreams are made of. From green valleys to sprawling vineyards to its old churches and watchtowers, it is a favorite among hikers, horse riders, cyclists, photographers, and travelers of every kind. But the view isn't the only thing that makes Georgia so special, its proud, high-spirited, cultured people is one of its best assets: guests are considered a blessing and hospitality is their way of life. Download the Georgia Travel Guide and Offline Map now and experience it for yourself.

1. Tbilisi

Tbilisi in all its picturesque glory sits on a deep valley of the Mtkvari River. Filled with colorful architecture that is partnered with a lively arts and culture scene, this city is a must-visit when visiting Georgia. Prepare yourself for a plethora of inviting cafes, funky bars and clubs, spruced-up museums and so much more. Modernized transportations make it so much easier and fun to go around the city.

2. Vardzia

This remarkable cave city was built by King Giorgi III as a fortification in the 12th century. His daughter, Queen Tamar, established a cave monastery that grew into a holy city housing for some 2,000 monks. It is a cultural symbol for all Georgians and a spiritual bastion of Christendom’s eastern frontier. This rock-hewn dwelling ranges over 13 floors and spans over 400 rooms, 13 churches, and 25 wine cellars, and to this day more are still being discovered.

3. Stepantsminda

Imagine a valley town with the famous hilltop Tsminda Sameba Church and surrounded by the snowy cone of Mount Kazbek. What used to be known as Kazbegi is now officially named Stepantsminda is a great must-visit for hikers and mountain-bikers alike for its rich scenery and fresh air.

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