During our Holiday at Andalusia â?? Spain, we, Guido and Monique, choose for a walk in the beautiful Natural Park, El Torcal de Antequera
Just 13 km away from the town Antequera, 40 km from Malaga, lies the National Reserve of the Torcal which is an extensive area covering 20 km of rocks, carved into unusual shapes by natural winds.
Upon arrival we visit the information centre where we became a geological explanation as to how this area became what it is today. The winds of thousands of millions of years have made their mark on the limestone giving rise to natural sculptures. The area is one of the regionâ??s most important natural places and as a result it was declared a natural park in 1979 in order to protect the wide array of natural fauna and wildlife. More than 100.000 people visit El Torcal every year. It is possible to either take an organised walk around El Torcal or make your own way. We make our own way.
In spite of the high temperature (35 degrees) we walked several hours through this dreamlike and surreal landscape. The The richness of fauna and flora completes the singularity of a unique natural spot in Europe. We saw a wide selection of wildlife such as rare birds and several Spanish ibex.
It is said that more than 20 species of mammals reside in the park. More than 600 varieties of fauna have been counted, including 30 species of wild orchids, 6 of which are exclusive to El Torcal. The stunning lunar landscape is ideal for walks and rock climbing. To do this trip safely, we gave you a few recommendations:
- Use rubber-soles shoes and try not to step on wet rocks since you may slip
- If there is fog, do not abandon the established route; otherwise, you may get lost
- Do not come near pits or holes in the terrain, you may fall if you approach too closely
- Take enough water with you!
Donâ??t forget your camera so you can make such beautiful pictures as we did. Have a nice and safe trip!!
With 8 girlfriends I visit the Cemberlitas Hamam in Istanbul to enjoy the traditional style of Turkisch Bath.
The Cemberlitas Bath is a still-functioning historical public bath that was built in 1584. It was commissioned by the foundation of Nurb�¢nu Sultan, the wife of Sultan Selim II and the mother of Sultan Murat III. The bath is one of the most important works of 16th century Ottoman architecture and was built according to a plan drawn/up by the legendary Turkisch architect, Mimar Sinan.
The Cemberlitas is open from early morning (6 AM) to midnight throughout the year. This is a two/chambered bath, with separate, but identical, bathing sections for men and women. Each of the separate sections is also further divided into different functional areas. The first is the dressing room-locker area. After undressing, you can store your clothes and valuables in your own locker. You then wrap your body in a the large �´pestemal�´, a traditional towel that is provided to you, before walking to the hot bathing area. The hot area contains a large heated marble platform that you may sit or lie on to help your body begin to perspire.
After 20 minutes a Turkisch lady or men (depending on which section you are) starts to wash your entirely body and gives you an skin rubbing. After the heavy skin rubbing, you will be massaged, if you so desire. The usual bath session lasts about an hour or an hour and a half, but there are no time limits and after you receive your massage you are free to rest on the platform for as long as you like before completing your bath.
We all enjoyed this Turkisch Bath! We never felt so clean and smoothly before.
So when your are visiting Istanbul, go to the historical Turkish bath and enjoyed it all the way.
The Cemberlitas Hamam is easily to find. It is situated in the centre of Istanbul, nearby the famous Grand Bazaar.
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