Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Downtown Los Angeles - worth seeing

Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Universal Studios are the key tourist attractions in Los Angeles.  They visit Kodak Theatre, Rode Drive and stop at one of the beaches and run to see other parts of California.  Nobody bothers to stop downtown Los Angeles and most likely they do not know it exists.
Downtown Los Angeles California

At first sight downtown LA does not seem much different from other American downtowns.  But I think it is worth stopping there for a stroll.  It is definitely a place where history blends with modernity and affluence with poverty.
Let’s start from the beginning - El Pueblo, a place closest to the first settlement. But just a few steps further there is a railway station. Union Station is known as the last of the great railway stations. The building and its interiors have been beautifully restored.  They impress both travelers and visitors.  For full history of the station, visit Amtrak Great American Stations website.

Bradbury Buildking - Los Angeles
Now let’s move to the center.  It had its best times as business, shopping and entertainment center between 1890 and 1930. Today the city is trying to restore the area to its former glory and life is slowly coming back there. Due to the restoration works buildings regain their splendor.  We can admire examples of beautiful architectural decoration of the epoch. For those interested in how interiors looked like stop by Bradbury Building.

Downtown Los AngelesDowntown Los AngelesAlso theaters regain their former function.  They serve as places for performances and movie screenings, instead of warehouses and stores.
If it is just right time for lunch, stop at the Grand Central Market.  The right place for lunch and shopping for fruit and vegetables.



Monday, May 30, 2016

Imperial Dunes - California

The word “desert” always brings an image of impressive sand dunes to my mind.  But the variety of desert landscape is much wider.  And it really amazed me how fascinating it is to watch it while driving in West Coast states.  Just a few pictures do not show the whole beauty of the area.  I can admit I have plenty of them.
California Desert
But now I realized that none of them truly pictures attractiveness of what you can see.  The only option is to “hit the road”.
California Desert

The biggest surprise of the trip was Glamis Dunes / Algodones Dunes / Imperial Sand Dunes. A strip of sand dunes appeared unexpectedly.  It stretches over 45 miles long and it is approximately 6 mile wide. The dunes are the biggest mass sand dunes in California.  It supposed to be result of Colorado River floods and flow diverted over flat area.  I seldom use Wikipedia as a reference but I could not find a better source of information on Imperial Dunes.  It is also recreational area, for sport lovers. More information can be found at the website of the deserts of the United States.
Imperial Dunes - California

Monday, May 16, 2016

Peruvian Cuisine

First time I have heard name 'ceviche' was a culinary shows. Preparation of a starter became a big challenge for the participants of the program.  And what was even worse it was one of the dishes often ordered by guests of the television restaurant. There is an educational side of the situation. I searched more information about the dish.

It turned out it was the most famous Peruvian dish.  It is made of raw white fish marinade in a spicy mixture of lime juice, onion and hot peppers. It sounded great.  Thus when I found out I was going to visit Peru to try ceviche became a must.

Not much to say ceviche is delicious dish. Of course, each place has a slightly different way of marinating fish.  But a set of basic ingredients remains the same. First we tried ceviche at one of the chain restaurants Segundo Muelle.  We were advised not to eat a random place as freshness of fish is vital. But, next time we picked up one of local bars in Barranco.  Both places served exceptional ceviche.  And I do regret that I couldn't try everything on short stay.

Some people say Peruvian Cuisine is one of the best in the world.

For those interested to visit one of chain restaurants Segundo Muelle go to website for more details.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Café Imperial in Prague

Cellars, taverns and bars are the first to think of when you search for eating place in Prague.  Interiors are rather simple, but nice. Long benches and tables make people to get together, make friends and enjoy good company.  Such places usually serve local menus with beer and knedle at the top of the list.

But if you want to experience something different, Café Imperial is a good place.  It makes part of the hotel of the same name. The fact it is a 5-star hotel may scary you a little if you are on a short side. In my opinion stopping there for coffee and unusual interiors will make for the price.

Tiled walls of Cafe Imperial make and incredible impression.  Also have a look at the toilets, where you can find custom decorations.

For more details visit Cafe Imperial website.