Hotel Reservations

It's incredible. Nowadays internet has really become a part of our life. Thanks to the net it's possible to do nearly everything. But it's not always easy to understand the importance of such an instrument. Extremely revolutionary. Internet is useful in many ways. For studying. For working out of the office. For the entertainment. But also for other interesting purposes.

Travels could be a good example. Not so many years ago to plan a trip was, without a doubt, linked to travel agents. It was almost impossible to book a flight or an hotel in a different way. Not today. Thanks to the net nothing could seem easier. And cheaper. Yes cheap. Because to book trough internet web site could be a real bargain. The internet era has made possible the start up and the development of many low cost flight companies. And if this has also boosted the collapse of many gigantic, and old, airlines doesn't really matter. What is really important is that for almost any destination is possible to find the best and more competitive solution both for flights and hotels directly from the sofa.

I had recently the proof of it. The reason was a business trip to Dubai and India. But not Delhi or Mumbai. No. My destination is a not so known place. Hyderabad. Deep south of India. After booking the flight I was just thinking on where to go to sleep. With a really low confidence I have started to search the web for an hotel in Hyderabad. In just a bunch of minutes I have found out a really interesting site for the ones who needs to book an hotel. And not only.

Just after putting the keyword Hyderabad in the search engine I was provided with a lot of results. From 5 stars Hotels to very budget ones. With everything in the middle. And I also had the chance to see all details. From prices to descriptions to pictures of the place. Great. I have solved my problem in a very short time. And at a very good price too.

With a lot more confidence I have tried to search again. For a Caribbean resort this time. I have found great opportunities in Bahamas islands. I have also tried to organize a week end in London. And also this time I have been impressed by the available choice.

Ok. If I was looking for the proof that internet is not just sex and music I have it. To plan a trip has never been easier. So I'm really happy about the revolution. The digital one at least!

Shantaram - An Indian tale

I remember with pleasure the summer break. Far away from the school. A little less the homework. Saved for the last 10 days of holidays. I remember about book reading assignment. Two, three or four books to be chosen from a list of classics. Normally the criterium of choice was just the number of pages! During those days to read a 200 pages book seemed almost impossible.

After some years I have luckily grown a true passion for books. Now the choice is a little bit more serious and based on the argument of the book. But again, for some strange reason, I'm a little bit scared by bigger books. To start the reading of over 300 pages volume I still need to be really excited by a review or by its introduction. If the excitement is not sufficiently high I prefer to swap it with a lighter, at least from a physical point of view, one.

It could be a little strange but I have decided anyway to read Shantaram a 1.200 pages story about the true experience of the author. Just to hold the book could be difficult. But as long as you read the very first rows you understand that this is a jewel. This book is about a big part of the (real) life of the author: Gregory David Roberts. The story is mainly based in India. And probably this is the reason of that kind of magic that characterizes any page of the book.

The book starts with the arrival of Greg in Bombay, India. Here he tries to restart his life from scratch. Trough many experiences, also very hard ones, Greg learns again to love himself. And the others too. He will become many person: a tourist, a doctor in a slum, an actor for Bollywood, a member of the local Mafia, a criminal and finally the defender of the weak. In this extraordinary trip Greg learns how to be an Indian. He learns to love Indian people. But more than all he teaches to the reader to like this unique and full of contrast country.

Shantaram. The size of the book could be scarring. But to read it is really easy. G.D. Roberts has been able to drive deep emotions along with his writing. The passion is deeply present in any page. It's not a case if Johnny Depp, one of the most intelligent actors from Hollywood, has bought the rights to produce a movie. It's not a case if the direction of it has been given to Mira Nair, an Indian director. No one else could describe better the magic about India, its people and the amazing story of G.D. Roberts, named Shantaram, man of peace, by his own Indian friends.

Some (un)usual things to do in Paris

For sure Paris is one of the most fascinating city in Europe. Probably in the whole world too. It's rich. It's wide. It's modern and ancient. In one word it is simply wonderful. Paris could be really expensive. If you are looking for hotels in Paris you must be ready to pay higher rates than in other European cities. Anyway, using some web sources, it's not so hard to find cheap hotels with a good level of service and comfort. After having found out a good place to sleep in the city it's time to go. You can live Paris as a common tourist. Take a look at it with one of those nasty Sightseeing Bus. Or you can choose differently. You could try to live Paris in a slight different way. Maybe with the help of a local. Or at least you could try to do both. Visit the main tourists attractions. And then spend some time to discover hidden or just unusual places.

For the institutional part of the trip it's wise not to forget a visit at the Tour Eiffel. Nothing is more tourists related than taking a picture of the tower. But anyway this is a true symbol of Paris and it would be a real madness not to take a close look at it! At least one time in a life it's a must. Another special place, packed with tourists, is the Louvre Museum. No one while visiting Paris should miss this place. Just to have a look at the outside of the building and at the broad square where it was built is simply a breathtaking experience. If you want to deeply visit the exhibition it would take 3 to 5 days. Too much. Just skip anything but the Mona Lisa. It would be perfect if you have recently seen the Da Vinci code movie. Visiting the Louvre will be a completely different trip! To conclude the first part of the itinerary a quick visit to Notre Dame Cathedralis just perfect. Stop here. Nothing more. This would be enough to tell your friend about usual Paris.

Let's now start with the fun. Or at least with the less usual track. The starting point could be a free walk in the Marais. It's very nice to walk within this district without a goal apart the building-watching. It's amazing to breathe the special atmosphere propelled by the crowd of young crazy designer and their ateliers. After this could be really nice to stop in one of the thousand Cafè just to relax as a real Parisienne drinking a cup of coffee.

For the night, if the budget is not a problem, a valid option is a dinner at Buddha Bar. One of the most glamorous restaurant in Paris. Anyway a visit for a drink to see the place is strongly recommended. For a 5 star experience a glass of a vintage champagne at the Hotel de Crillion is a very luxury way to treat yourself. After dinner and till late the right place is Harry's Bar. Just say "Sank Roo Doe Noo" to the taxi driver and you will reach a real piece of the history of Paris. Have some fun with a jazz gig in the lower level and prepare yourself for a real French night.

Last place to conclude the unusual tour of Paris is Pere Lachaise. It's a little bit strange place to visit. Pere Lachaise it's a cemetary. But really unusual. It's made in a very strange way. It's like a garden with a lot of sculptures inside. It's a nice place. But the thrilling thing is that it's populated by the graves of many famous persons like Chopin, Proust, Bellini or Modigliani. More than other two graves must be visited. The one of Oscar Wilde. A big squared block of stone covered by thousand of kisses left by the fans with their colored lipsticks. And to finish the one where Jim Morrison is buried since 1971. Probably the most visited grave in the whole world. A real mystic trip for any rock'n'roll lover.

Paris is unique uncomparable and probably forever unbeatable. A trip to Paris it's always a special adventure anyone should have.

Royal Enfield - myth and history on two wheels

Modern bikes are perfect. Maybe too much. Every year the manufacturers reach new goals. Japanese are now building two wheeled rockets that could run over 100 km/h with the first gear! Able to go faster than 300 km/h with the sixth. Modern bikes are really powerful and light. Real masterpieces of technology. During the '70 Norton Commando and Triumph Bonneville were the names for superbikes. Very uncomplicated bikes. With their simple frames and almost ridiculous brakes. Very fast. I mean for the seventies. Like a scooter. For the modern times. But so gorgeous.

Anyway time has been on their side. After more than 30 years it seems that a new fever for those classic bikes is rising. Still today those bike are pure jewels. On the one side brands like Triumph and Kawasaki are producing again their [modern] classic bikes (no oil leaks and powerful brakes). On the other side a bunch of brave bikers (probably a little bit snob) is fighting trying to catch the last "original" bikes still available. But in between there is a third way. Just in the middle. And probably as usual "in medio stat virtus" (in the middle stays the good).

It's crazy to think about it. Anachronistic. It's a paradox. Today anyone could buy a 50 years old bike. New. Brand new. Maybe it's better to say that anyone could buy a bike that for 50 years has never changed. It's obvious: it's a Brit bike. Almost. It's a bike that was developed and built in England more than 50 years ago. But more or less at the same time of the British bike industry crash the production has been moved to that magic place called India. There the history and the production of this bike had been frozen so the modern one is just unchanged since 50 years ago.

This bike has a name: Royal Enfield Bullet. A paradox. Like many things arriving from India. But with a lot of charm. Like everything arriving from there. Bullet reminds speed. Power. But to be honest this bike cannot beat any kind of modern bike. This is the paradox. In an industry where maximum speed is a must the Bullet makes its strength in being always the same lazy slow classic bike. To ride a Royal Enfield is like start a trip with a time machine. Is possible to rediscover the pleasure of riding. Of the journey. Of the adventure. Thanks to the low speed is possible to fully enjoy the landscape. Far from the freeway. The pleasure of riding in the country roads. The trip becomes the real target instead of being the medium to reach it. Unfortunately not everyone could enjoy the pleasure of riding a Royal Enfield. Small things. Like forget the time running. Ride really slow with a cigar in the mouth. To travel without a place to reach, slow, with the wind gently blowing on the face. Only the ones with passion could fully enjoy it.

The Captain is a perfect example of insane passion. A romantic Man from older times. For the love of those angloindian bikes he has left a good safe job. He has dived in a such illogic adventure (from a financial point of view). Yes illogic but too fascinating. The Captain has opened the first Italian Royal Enfield exclusive dealer. It's in Bologna. A land of passion and engines. And the Captain probably has too much passion. About bikes. He strongly believes in his ideas and feelings.

With some sadness the Captain reminds me another incredible Man. Carlo Talamo. The crazy project of the Captain is really similar to the one that Carlo had with his Numero Uno Harley Davidson store. To sell old bikes that no ones want. Carlo Talamo had the ability to restart the passion (but also the fashion) in many bike lovers. He has created a real success. I hope the Captain could do the same. The first step is done. The first special bike is yet ready. Many other will come. Soon. Captain probably you will find storms and hurricanes during you sailing but please keep on fighting. All of us need it so much!

Madrid, Madrid, Madrid !!!

It’s quite normal to think about Barcelona as a lively city. And it's true. No doubt about it. It's also normal to think about Madrid as a less funny place. Well, this was at least my impression. And it's false. The truth is that Madrid is a never sleeping city !!! And, still against the idea of mine and many others, it's very nice and packed with a lot of amazing spots.

One of the best secrets ever to deeply live a place is to visit it with a local. Also for a non tourist journeyman it's almost impossible not to be caught in the net of some tourist-buster (fake local restaurant, bars or night venues...). Unfortunately is not possible to have a local friend in every place. Sometimes we must do everything on ourselves trying to skip all the tourist-buster.

Fortunately I have a lot of friends all around Europe & the World. And one of my best friends has lived in Madrid for more than four years: she is a crazy Mexican with Italian blood in their veins and in Spain she has found the perfect mix of USA & Europe. And a couple of hundreds of friends too. What else can ask for a short trip to Madrid ?

My expectations have been fully satisfied. Madrid is really wonderful. The locals are fantastic. I have felt strange and mixed emotions during the trip. The place could be modern and old at the same time. After a long walk in the commercial district around Puerta del Sol I have found myself having lunch (at 4 o'clock p.m., very normal here in Madrid) in a old restaurant where the time seems to have stopped 50 years ago!

Probably its useless to give a list of the best places to see. Any kind of travel book (Lonely Planet it's always the best) can provide all the details. Much more better than me. But for sure I can give some advice to avoid the "tourists route". To sleep a good place is the Room Mate Mario Hotel. There are many belonging to the Room Mate brand in Madrid. I have choose the Mario one, very close to the Opera. Great position. Sophisticated with a nice touch of design. Very nice boutique hotel at affordable prices (135 EUR for the wide junior suite). Very close to the Hotel it's possible to find a great Mexican restaurant. The name is Entre Suspiro Y Suspiro. It's a real Mexican restaurant, not a Tex-Mex. Food is great but a little expensive (40/50 EUR each). The place is really nice, elegant but not overcrowded.

During the night Madrid never sleeps. It's impossible not to find something to do. A wonderful idea is to have a couple of drink on the roof garden of the Melià Hotel situated in Plaza Santa Ana. This Hotel used to be the place where the toreros spent the days and nights prior to the "Corrida". Now it has been completely refurbished. It's a very chic hotel and on the roof top you can find a bar and have the best glance of the city at night. Very exclusive. It's worth a visit for a couple of drink. To continue the party it's a must to move in La Latina, a part of the city crowded by locals drinking and having fun in one of the thousands bar spread all over the area.

Late night it's absolutely necessary a stop at Cock bar. A very famous place where many famous writers, artists and filmmakers meet all together for a drink and a chat. Very peculiar. Surrounded by clouds of smoke (yes, in Madrid is still possible to smoke in public areas) is possible to have a drink in this fashionable and elegant bar and talk about the Movida with the ones who started it. I had the chance to drink a very good Mojito while my friend (at 4 o'clock a.m.) was talking with a smiling Pedro Almodovar. For the one really full of energy I suggest a visit at Toni 2 (Toni Dos). Possibly after 4 o'clock in the morning. It's an unbelievable place. Ladies and Gents from 30 to 80 years old meet together in this bar and sing all night long with the help of a piano player and tons of cigarettes and alcohol. Very strange but absolutely a piece of everyday life in Madrid.

Last but not least it'n wise to have a lunch (from 3 to 5 p.m., not before) at a marvelous Taberna (old restaurant). Don Paco. It's in Caballero de Gracia, near Plaza de Cibeles. It's a musuem of the Corrida and with a few money you can have incredible food & drinks. It's almost impossible to find a tourist here. It's a real Spanish restaurant. With great feelings. It smells Spain in every corner. Don't loose it!

Madrid is much more than one could imagine. Having the chance to visit it (at least in part) with the eyes of a local makes it even much better.

100 to Delhi

100 to Delhi. It's self explaining: it means 100 kilometers to reach Delhi. This simple text message has kick started my imagination just a couple of days ago. For sure that's enough to start dreaming. The word Delhi itself is enough to ignite wonderful fantasies. India. Magic India. A world apart. Made with contrast. Full of glam and rich in culture. Cradle of the civilization and probably, according to someone, the place where everything has started. The number zero. The chess game. Just to tell some.

100 to Delhi. I think it's probably one of the most exciting message I have ever received. A friend sent it to me exactly 100 km "only" from Delhi. The truth is that this trip is almost a never ending one in India. Together with a previous text message this one sounds even more ridiculous: "...I'm on a taxi 280 km from Delhi. In 10 hours my plane leaves. Not so sure I'll get it". To analyze to simple phrases, filtered with out everyday experience, could make us smile. Probably we just cannot understand. Such a distance in the "civilized" part of the world can be done in a couple of hours. In India the only certain thing is that nothing is certain! Even 10 hours couldn't be enough to cover such a distance.

100 to Delhi. Any time I read it I think about this friend of mine. The overloaded backpack. The dust. The bloody heat. The sweat. The screams driven by the tension. An Indian cab-driver smiling for my friend's fear. He simply doesn't understand him. He sweetly smiles while moving the big head showing his few teeth and the white big eyes. The joy in the deep of the heart of the western guy. After all in just few hours everything will be so sad. Because he will miss the plane that should takes him home. Or maybe because he will get it. Leaving besides him all the magic of this land and its people.

100 to Delhi. 100.000.000 between East and West.