The Wailing Wall, Jerusalem, Israel

rose Leave a comment

The Wailing Wall, or Western Wall or HaKotel and El-Burak, is a retaining wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem located in the Jewish quarter of the old city dating from I century BC and since the seventh century, it incorporates the walls of the Temple Mount, very close to the Holy of Holies (located on the Temple Mount) so that the Jews consider the holiest place for prayer. The pan (57 m long) is just a part of the western wall (497 m long). The rest of the wall is used as a fourth wall by the adjoining houses in the Arab neighborhood; the rest is underground. The Wailing Wall is an Israeli national symbol as well as a Muslim one because it supports the esplanade where are built the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque (the third holiest place in Islam). You enter the square in front of the wall with a door wall, the door Mughrabi or Garbage, where police has strict controls. The esplanade has 3 parts; one that is open to the public, the other two, separated by a partition, are for people who want to approach the wall, one for men and one for women. There are holy arches in underground rooms that line the men’s section where we find the Torah scrolls that are used during prayer services that take place throughout the day.

Tips

If you want to approach the wall, or put small pieces of paper with wishes or prayers in the cracks and crevices, either to pray or put your hand on the wall, you must enter the section that suits you by walking on your front to the wall and to leave the place, walking slowly backwards because you can not give your back to the wall.

mur

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

rose Leave a comment

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second largest city after Sao Paulo, world famous for its carnival, beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon) and the statue of Christ the Redeemer on the Corcovado. 20% of its inhabitants, the cariocas, live in favelas (poor district on the slopes of hills (morros) and unfortunately it is the serious urban problem of the city. Rio has more than 90% of its territory covered with tropical forests and the best known is the Foresta de Tijuca which is even inside the city.

Tips

If you want to have a wonderful view of the beaches and even of the Christ, go to the Pao de Açucar (Sugar Loaf; rocky peak of almost 400 meters).

If you want to do a little road to get a good view, cross the Rio-Niteroi Bridge (13 km) you will see the Guanabara Bay and the city of Rio and its beaches. If you have a little time, Nitéroi has also beautiful beaches to spend the day.

Even though there are 2 subway lines, the best way to get around is by bus or taxi. Always ask the driver for the price because they will usually charge you a fixed price for tourist destinations. For safety, ask a taxi in the reception of your hotel. Generally, you can arrange with the same taxi to pick you up at the end of your visit.

If you like the beach, Ipanema and Leblon are more beautiful than Copacabana and a little quieter.

If you want to know a favela there are guided excursions that will allow you to know a little more of the inhabitants of the city. For your safety, do not try to go alone.

Pastry Roberto, Taormina, Sicily

rose Leave a comment

Pastry Roberto is known as the best place to eat cannoli in Taormina filled at the tmoment. The store is managed by Roberto Chemi and son and it is visited by tourists from around the world. When you ask a resident of Taormina where to find this local delicious product, you will always get that answer first: With Roberto. The place is not on a main road and it gives it even more charm to find because you should walk through the narrow streets to get there. Once you get there, you will not know where to look and what to try, there is not just cannoli but also delicious little pastries made with almond paste stuffed with various fine fruits; marzipan, nougat, etc. All products are made on site and you can eat them there or take them out. I visited the place at 3 different times and the production does not stop, customers go in and out at any time and Roberto and his son give their best at every moment. I found smiling people proud of their profession, very kind, I saw the production of goods and I have tasted many. I loved it and I arecommend to visit this place which has become a must in Taormina. The place is also very, very clean.

Tips

The shop is open from early morning until 22:00. If you want to take the confections as a souvenir for your loved ones, they will enjoy them a lot. Remember that the cannoli can not be taken away because they are stuffed with ricotta prepared and filled at the moment but you can eat all that you want during your stay in town.