Tag Archives: Ecotourism

Nazaré, Portugal: The Biggest Wave in The World

Posted on January 5, 2014 | Leave a comment

Onda da Nazaré, the biggest wave in the world !

And extreme surf ! Yes, Nazaré ! Do you remember in 2011 the feat of the Hawaiian Garrett McNamara who surfed a wave of 23.77 meters high ? The biggest wave ever surfed … Until he established a new world record in January 2013 and this time with a wave of more than 30 meters! Welcome to Nazaré, Portugal … 1h30 drive north of Lisbon.

Stunning panorama of Praia do Norte (North Beach) from the old lighthouse. The wind is cold, mild euphoria, I do not feel the cold, warmed up by this amazing winter sun. Azure sky, incredible brightness ! Surf waves break a few meters below. No wall of water today, from time to time some powerful waves, Atlantic Ocean. Whenever I discover a legendary surf spot is flat LOL! Two three surfers in the water, a photographer with his assistant and a tripod …

I can spend hours and hours looking at the ocean, endless beach. And we head to the beach. No real path, the descent is steep, very steep . Large sandbar that stretches out of sight . I’m deafened by the noise of the wind and waves. Also surprised that despite a strong wind, the sand doesn’t fly unlike Guincho, another famous surf spot in Portugal. Time flies, we must go back, I feel boosted. A last glance towards the beach (photo 9). To be continued …

Areias do Seixo: A Room With A Small Fireplace

Portugal: Comporta, Miles of Pristine Beaches

DESTINATIONS

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Italy, Viganella: Dinner at the Casa Vanni’s Restaurant, La Cucina

Posted on December 22, 2013 | Leave a comment

This post that may inspire you

if you miss idea for the dinner. I’ve never eaten as much as during this short stay in Piedmont! Fortunately there is hiking to compensate! Food is excellent.

And our dinner at La Cucina, cooked by the manager of the beautiful Casa Vanni, is just spectacular (photo above)! now I understand why the Slow Food is an Italian concept. Freshness of the ingredients of the valley, fine flavors and generosity.

We feel that our hostess wants to make us happy. The meal is orgiastic with a great presentation and eight dishes! Yes! Hence many giggles, because all three of us feel out just lunch (few hours before in Antrona!). Mamma mia!

For Gourmets, Here Is The Detailed Menu

1. Primosale alla piastra con melassa / Primosale to the plate with melass. 2. Tartina di segale con lardo di Antrona / Rye sandwich with the bacon of Antrona. 3. Fritelle di verdure con passatelli di ricotta Ossolona / Vegetable pancakes with Ossalona ricotta passatelli (not on the pictures). 4. Insalata di farro con ratatouille / Farro salad with ratatouille. 5. Crespelle con ricotta ed erbette di campo / Crepes with ricotta and herbs of the field. 6. Filetto di trota salmonata con peperoni friggitelli / Salmon trout fillet with friggitelli peppers. 7. Tagliere di formaggi nostrani / Platter of local cheeses (not on the pictures). 8. Tortino di cioccolato fondente con cuore morbido / Dark chocolate tart with soft heart. Last picture (below) : the amazing breakfast the next morning! But impossible for me to eat or drink more than a cup of tea (LOL!).

Informations

CASA VANNI

Related posts : DESTINATIONS, HOTEL REVIEWS & LIFESTYLE

Areias do Seixo: A Room With A Small Fireplace

Posted on December 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

Superb design hotel with a unique service and entirely nature oriented

I was invited by the Areias do Seixo to spend the weekend with a friend. This eco-luxury hotel is 1h drive from Lisbon! An unforgettable experience : I’m more and more sensitive to innovative initiatives that put the environment at the center of their concerns. The subject fascinates both owners Marta Fonseca and Gonçalvo Alves I had the opportunity to meet !

What a great surprise to discover our spacious room, bathed in natural light! Concrete walls and floor, a mini glass fire place with black metal, placed on a concrete table (picture 10). Excellent homemade crackers on a metal tray. Very few elements, two chaises (picture 4), hints of colors, beautiful handmade mirrors, wicker baskets, wooden lamp and input tagged with chalk (last photo) door. Two comfortable twin beds (picture 1) facing the bay window overlooking the garden, the vegetable garden and path leading to the dunes, miles of beaches and cliffs in the wild part of the Costa de Prata (pictures 2 & 7).

Plus an amazing giant bathroom extremely comfortable, length mirrors on pebble walls and a large shower in the center of the room (pictures 6 & 9). Unfortunately I didn’t have time to try the deep tub in concrete dug into the ground. Another great detail that I liked very much : no TV in the room. Falling asleep flipping Attitude, the excellent Portugese design magazine, or watching the fire to crackle!