Jimmy40

After checking and comparing dozens of rental companies, whether they were well-known chains or local agencies, RentalCars has always allowed me to choose exactly what I wanted in terms of service (insurance, mileage...) and price.

I discovered some deals on Funbooker to access Center Parcs pools for the day without having to pay for an exorbitant stay in one of their cottages. It is a super great tip because these places are truly heavenly :) There is one right near Disney for example, at Village Nature ;)

I went there based on the recommendations of Algerian friends who came along with me. This is a real art museum, with a lot of paintings and sculptures to see. Traditional European artists are exhibited there, but also, what I found interesting, Algerian artists like Mohamed Racim. I felt that my friends were proud to show me local creations. I am thrilled that Algeria takes care to value its artistic heritage :) Good to know: The signs describing the artworks are written in Arabic and French. Go take a walk on the terrace, the view of the Jardin d'Essai and the Martyrs' Memorial is splendid.

What a change of scenery to spend a few days in this lunar landscape. Mountains that look like giant chimneys, a silent atmosphere where you can really find yourself, clean air, and a horizon that stretches for miles (very little humidity in the air).

I was pretty surprised to learn that a part of the mosque is open to the public, meaning to non-Muslims. I took advantage of it and I am happy with my choice. It is brand new and elegant, but above all, you can go up to the top of the minaret and have a spectacular view of Algiers.

An entire army made of terracotta, it is impressive! Not all the explanations are known yet, and we happened upon a guide who did not give us much info. In any case, the archaeological digs at the site are still going on. It has not revealed all its secrets yet. Heads up, it is pretty far from the center of Xi'an. Between the round trip and the visit, expect to dedicate a full day to it if you go with an organized tour group.

Have you heard of Stendhal syndrome? I can reassure you that I didn't have the same experience as the famous author during my stay in Florence. I can, however, understand what he wrote. The city is a painting. You would think it was drawn by an artist, right down to every detail. I especially love walking around the Arno, where you sometimes stumble upon open views that highlight the Florentine architecture.

Everything is in the title, the history of the city commands the greatest respect. This history is relatively well preserved and I suggest you see as much of it as possible, provided you are a bit curious. At every street corner you run into a building or a monument that has a story to tell. However, I didn't find Rome all that pretty. The guidebooks are a bit exaggerated from that point of view.

If I had to choose a city to live in Spain, it would be Barcelona, without hesitation. Leisure, work (everything being relative), climate, natural surroundings, urban setting, a cosmopolitan population from all 4 corners of the world, gastronomy, it has it all :)

New York life moves at 100 mph and never stops (ah, those subway lines that run all night!). It is truly an experience apart, a different way of life. A must see! But I admit I was a bit disappointed by some things. In no particular order: the nightlife atmosphere is rarely dance-focused and a bit stuffy, the overall architecture is not actually that spectacular, and the people are pretty distant...

Huge nights out! The parties start early, the bars close early, but there are always clubs open to keep the party going. The vibe inside and out on the streets always stays positive. For the rest, it is pretty expensive and it is not necessarily a beautiful city.

Like I say in my travel journal ( https://www.avygeo.com/fr/carnets-voyage/7-decouvrir-bruges-lautre-venise-du-nord ), I absolutely loved my short trip to Bruges. This pretty little town crisscrossed by different canals really earns its title of Venice of the North :)

At first, I thought this would just be a place paying tribute to the Allied soldiers who died during the D-Day landings in Normandy during World War II. That is indeed part of the memorial's mission. But it is more than that. It is also a kind of museum that helps you understand the history of various 20th-century wars a bit better and invites you to reflect on the value of peace.

History says it took 107 years to build Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Given the scale of the work, that seems completely justified to me. Whether looking at the big picture, the dimensions, or the details, finishes, and decorations, the structure is very impressive, both inside and out. Finding yourself on the banks of the Seine and getting a full view of the cathedral is without a doubt one of the most beautiful sights in Paris. After the fire, it took years of renovation (for hundreds of millions?) to see this monument reopen. That should happen in December 2024. Not to be missed!

Architecturally speaking, this stadium isn't spectacular. On the other hand, the atmosphere you feel on match nights is unique. When all the fans sing You'll Never Walk Alone, it really got to me, and I shed a tear thinking about the loved ones I've lost.