Destination: Villarluengo, a beauty in the Maestrazgo.

At the heart of the Maestrazgo, province of Teruel, Spain, is standing right on the edge of a mountain a beautiful little town, full of charming and authentic atmosphere, Villarluengo. 

I have an special relationship with this place, as it is my grandmother's home town. Here still is living some of my relatives, I will say that they are almost the last ones keeping this town alive, as many have left to the big cities during the last 60 years. Right now there are around 180 people registered in this town, And during summer time and Festivities of San Marcos ( at the end of April) the population doubles. 

Land of farming, shepherds and rangers, I proudly introduce you to Villarluengo.

To get there from the coast, you have to take a road that always is full of exciting moments, wonderful views and nice spots to stop for a while, one of the most expected moment is the climbing up to Ares, The road is been fixed many years ago, but I still remember how was the old one, and how you almost wanted to jump out of the car and kiss the floor once reaching the top!.

Nowadays is really easy the trip, The roads have been fixed nicely, still, the last km until Villarluengo are mountains roads, bit narrow, but in my opinion very good. The best thing, the views.

After around 3 hours from Valencia, and with the mandatory coffee break, we reach the town. 

Rigth on top , looking at the wonderfull valley.

The " Lavadero" where the women used to gather together, clean the clothes and chat away, still has the original look.

The small chapel is located just in the outskirts of Villarluengo. Is close to visitors, but the surroundings are outstanding. Around the town there are 2 small hermitages, that can be visited, and open their doors during the festivities.

                                   
The views from " el balcón de los forasteros" .

The church is one of the few ones with two towers in the area. The town has a beautiful streets, narrow and built in the Aragon style, mixing textures, as stone, wood and iron. 

Most of the people live from the land or the farming, Sheeps, pigs, and bulls can be spotted all around. We even got fresh goat just milked in the morning.
Casa Josefina is definitely the place to stay overnight. Amazing organic food, from their own farm. and the most wonderful people!

From Villarluengo there are many different excursions to take. Visit the nearby towns, the " Hostal de la trucha" visit the Montoro organs, and walk all around the mountains from the routes that are suggested.

The mountains, rivers, sky that we enjoyed during this trip are just unforgettable. I strongly recommend  a weekend of peace, nature and just full treat for oneself.
More info here www.villarluengo.net.
Until next post!

Destination: Sagunt, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain

October has been this year my month of going South, have quality time with family and friends and do a bit of tourism around my city, Valencia, Spain.

40 minute by car heading North from of Valencia, we find this one Town named Sagunto. Is one of the ancient towns in The Valencian County, and has very nice surprises while travelling with kids.

There we can find a Roman Theater, restored and still in use, A Medieval Castle, That can be visited during the whole week ( Sundays closed at 2 pm) , An Old Town full of nice narrow streets from the Jewish times, and a Gothic Cathedral.

We parked by the old town main square, and climb our way up to the Roman theater, and the Castle. From there, you have very nice views to the town, and easily go down though the mountain, to make it more fun.

In Sagunto We find rests of great civilizations, from the Greeks, to Romans and medieval era with the Jewish neighborhood and the Arab influences.

Sagunto Cathedral is beautiful in the outside. Details are everywhere. The inside is kind of overwhelming, Very dark and high walls, Mixed in Valencian Gothic style. The restoration work in the inside of the Cathedral is not finished yet, so some work is in process.

During Summer time the city is also receiving the visit of those who also want to enjoy the nice and clean waters of its coast. Pueto de Sagunto is the main beach there, and been know for its quality.
Until next post!

Helsinki Design Week 2014

Until the 16.9 we had had the Design Week in Helsinki.
As last year we have been seeing  the latest designs and work from the youngest in the field and also from the oldest.
This year the Event took place at Teurastamo area and Kellohalli restaurant. Also at the Kaapelitehdas we had the weekend market.
Has been a quite intense days here in the Capital, but it was as always worth it.
We saw the new projects from Sebastian Jansson, Iittala, Sanna ja Olli, Upload audio,, and many more interesting designers and schools as the Lahti School.
During the closing weekend we had the children party were we found Lego and Liikuvalinna workshops and the fashion show organized by Kiddo magazine.
For more info visit the website of the event here. Till next year!

Niamh&David

This summer I had the honor to photograph this International wedding in Helsinki. The couple and family were from Ireland, and the guests from all over the world.

I have to say that i fell in love with the vibe that the wedding day had. Such a friendly, lively and warm atmosphere!

I was documenting the ceremony and the portraits afterwords. 

The wedding took place in the lovely inner yard of the Cafe Engel , in the very center on Helsinki. A Historic building and location. 

Was absolutely beautiful, and the family took part by playing typical Irish music.

Niamh and David, I wish you all the happiness in the world!

 

Ceremony: Cafe Engel, Helsinki
Venue: Restauran Sunn
Judge: Johanna Viitanen
Niamh dress: Armani
David suit: Strellson
Flowers: Marquet square and Srockmann
Rings design by Tina Aspiala

Seurasaari

There is one place in Helsinki where you can go back in time, and be surrounded for a while by lovely buildings and nature, Its the Museum Island of Seurasaari, a 20 min from center of Helsinki by bus. There is also a sand beach and a nudists beach for those in deeper contact with nature.
I recommended a visit there, Also I discover this time the very nice building of the Urho Kekkonen house from the early twenty century, now a days a Museum and a restaurant-cafe.