All posts filed under: Travel to Mars

Lanzarote itinerary

3 day Itineray + map in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Published by From Madeira to Mars

Lanzarote, you either love it or leave it…

The first time I went there I was surprised by its landscapes. They looked apparently lifeless, too arid and wild. But as the days passed, the lunar views punctuated by small white houses with green windows (they’re all similar in their own way), with their cactuses and palm trees, became a passion.On this island, declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, there is a happy coexistence between nature and human creation. It looks pristine though contrived.

Visit Sistelo, a wonderful village of Portugal!

Published by From Madeira to Mars

Visit Sistelo, a wonderful village of Portugal! This article is the testimony of my last trip to the North of Portugal. “Writing & travelling Atelier – four days trip with the Portuguese author Raquel Ochoa“. “I finally arrive at Sistelo. A cat walks around my legs as if he was greeting me home. The sheep approach the Largo of the illustrious Viscount of Sistelo and look at me curiously as if to pose for the photograph. With about three hundred inhabitants, there is no day there that hasn’t got a story to be remembered. In the bar, a woman straightens the chairs already leaning against the rain. The neighbour on the side opens the door with a loud “Bom dia!”. Good morning was not the best word to describe that day because rain was pouring down, but the joy of the arrival of our group fills the day with hope. Even the sun seems to break through the clouds, even if just for a few seconds. As I walk through the streets, I see the …

Cool Hotels in Europe

Published by From Madeira to Mars

Have you ever visited a destination because of a particular hotel? Do you think that staying in a cool hotel is halfway to enjoy a city? I believe so. I think much of a good travel experience depends on how we feel and are welcomed. I do not want to say with this, that only if we stay in 5-star hotels can we have a good experience. My concept of a good hotel has nothing to do with the number of stars or price per night. I like places that surprise me with originality. I like a friendly and informal service. I like to feel at home, or better! I like hotels that make me laugh. I like gifts on my cushion. I like unique tips and hotels that mix locals with tourists. I like themed rooms. Check out the list of cool hotels that follow and visit them if you have the opportunity. (Click on the names of the hotels to check their prices!) Daniel Hotel, Viena Estive em Viena há alguns anos e …

Two weeks in Mozambique with the SPAY SISTERS

Published by From Madeira to Mars

I still find it hard to put into words how much I enjoyed my last trip to Mozambique. I will try my best. (8 min read) As some of you might know, besides being a travel blogger, I am a vet, so this trip was not the typical tourist escape… In the last two weeks, I joined the UK charity SPAY SISTERS, founded by three incredible vets including my dear friend Ella Stekly, who I met in Madeira 10 years ago. How do SPAY SISTERS work? Spay Sisters started in June 2006. The aim of this charity is to sterilise as many animals as possible throughout the world. They intend to save a few dog, and cat lives leading them to a healthier existence by the control of reproduction. Post operation the animals become calmer, fight less, get fewer diseases and naturally don’t produce vast quantities of kittens and puppies each year. A single cat or dog can be responsible for 20,000 descendants in five years – just a reminder. SPAY SISTERS original trustees are …

Family Guide to Denmark – Legoland

Published by From Madeira to Mars

We finally made it to Legoland! The excitement was in the air … After spending years playing with legos, idealizing houses, cars, people, animals, planes and imaginary worlds … we were now in Billund, where it all started in 1935. The word Lego comes from the Danish words “leg” and “godt” which means “to play well.” The concept of this toy is to combine pieces, forming different structures, stimulating concentration and creativity. It was created by a carpenter from Billund, Ole Kirk Christiansen, who created these pieces (first made of wood and later of plastic) to offer toys to his son. Europe’s leading Lego factory is located in Billund, and produces around 72 million pieces daily! Here you can also discover the amazing Legoland Hotel and Legoland Theme Park. Hotel Legoland Arriving in Hotel LEGOLAND was an amazing experience. At the reception, we were greeted by Star Wars team … This 4 star hotel has needs no introduction. It is the official Lego Brand Hotel and has a private entrance to the theme park. All the …

SKAGEN & FARUP SOMMERLAND

Family guide to Denmark: Skagen and Farup Sommerland

Published by From Madeira to Mars

Family Guide to Denmark – Skagen and Farup Sommerland  – If I was you I’d be very excited to go to Skagen! – said our taxi driver as he dropped us at the Europcar car rental office.     Our family holiday in Denmark continued… After leaving Aalborg, we had great expectations about visiting the northernmost point of Denmark – Grenen along with the seaside “city of light” – Skagen. Skagen is Denmark’s main fishing port renowned for its beaches, painting courses and bohemian lifestyle.  It became a popular holiday destination, towards the end of the 19th century when many painters came to spend their summer in this region. They were looking for inspiration on this special retreat surrounded by beautiful seaside landscapes and the perfect sun light. There’s a beautiful legacy of art in Skagen. One of my favourite painters is Peder Severin Krøyer. We could admire some of his paintings in the Skagen Art Museum such as the famous “Summer Evening at Skagen. The Artist’s Wife and Dog by the Shore”. It took us …

Aalborg

Family Guide to Denmark: Aalborg

Published by From Madeira to Mars

Aalborg – art, vikings, beer and friends. We visited Aalborg, on the 4th day and 5th day of our stay in Denmark. We took the train from Aarhus and the journey took us about 1 hour. Aalborg is a developed, industrial and lively city by the sea. Among its many attractions, you’ll find an outstanding collection of urban art. When walking through the city streets, we could hear the clinking of beer mugs on the terraces and see people with white foam mustaches turning into smiles. There’s a young and vibrant atmosphere in the air. Bicycles are always present and cool shops too.   As in Aarhus, summer is the time to enjoy life outdoors, to attend concerts in the city squares, to relax and feel the blessed sun. We enjoyed the ambience and beers too! One of the breweries,  we visited was called Sogaards Bryghus. It is located in a cozy square called ‘C. W. Obels Plads’. The restautant and pub are on the top floor, the brewery is in the basement. “Missing Bell Brewpub” …

A family travel guide to Denmark – Aarhus

Published by From Madeira to Mars

Part 1 – Aarhus. ‘BACK TO THE FUTURE’   Denmark, Aarhus. Words that always stirs up great emotions. While talking about Aarhus this destination with my friends and family, I could always expect the following reactions: – Seriously! I would love to visit Denmark … “ – ‘Oh … my girlfriend’s is always begging me to go to Denmark… tell me all about it.’ But what is all this fuss about Denmark? What is so special about this country? Last month I went with my family to Aarhus, Denmark to investigate. I was really keen to know more about the Scandinavian culture; their daily routines and lifestyle: that was my motivation. We chose not to visit the capital, Copenhagen. We wanted to experience the ‘Denmark of the Danish’, away from the usual tourist itinerary. On a 9-day journey, we went to the east and north of Jutland, including the cities of Aarhus, Aalburg, Blokhus, Skagen (the most northerly point of mainland Europe) and Billund (the capital of the children and Legoland). Day 1- Funchal – Billund We arrived in Billund …