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Dublin: Favorite art galleries, from classical to contemporary
2012-01-06 10:56:00
By Jessica Colley— Of all Dublin ’s renowned art genres – literature, music, theater – visual arts usually takes a back seat. Yet beyond famous theaters, bookstores, and traditional music sessions, there is also a great art scene to be found in Dublin. From the Irish masters to more contemporary galleries, art aficionados will find plenty to explore. Here are a few of my favorite spots for art in Dublin, from the classics to the contemporary. The Chester Beatty Library Web site Many first-time visitors to Dublin wander through the grounds of Dublin Castle, but don’t make it as far as the Chester Beatty Library. It’s tucked in the back of this complex, away from the main historic structure. This free museum has an impressive collection of Egyptian Papyrus texts, European medieval manuscripts, and temporary exhibitions too. Currently a series of photographs of China from the late 19th century are on display through February 2012. The museum has a great rooftop space for lou...
More About: Classical , Galleries

Eurolines: International coach journeys in Europe
2012-01-05 12:37:00
Last month, EuroCheapo chief Tom Meyers popped the train versus plane question…. does the savvy traveler fly or take the train around Europe ? But it is not a straight either / or choice. Many leisure travelers, and many business types too, realize that long-distance coaches present a credible alternative to air or rail travel on many itineraries. The Eurolines network The most convenient network of services for travelers looking to travel around Europe by coach is coordinated by Eurolines. This is not one company but a strong alliance of coach operators who coordinates their timetables and provide integrated ticketing for international journeys across Europe. This gives a continent-wide brand for marketing purposes and allows passengers to plan complicated itineraries that criss-cross Europe. There are of course many long distance coach services in Europe that are not part of the Eurolines network. For example the Czech company Student Agency runs some two dozen routes from t...
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Europeans in the US: Seeing things from their point of view
2012-01-03 19:19:00
By Bryan Pirolli— We always experience culture differences as foreigners in Paris, and I’ve written about it before. (See my previous post “Are Parisians Rude?”) But what about the other side of the coin? How do Parisians react when visiting the States? During a holiday luncheon with some Parisian friends while in New York, we Americans were allowed a rare glimpse into what the French find striking about our own culture, from tipping to the color of our money. Money, money, money My French friends first discussed the differences in money issues. Why are American bills all the same color? How much do you tip a cab driver? Why are telecommunications so expensive? They marveled at the things that we take for granted (after all, the euros do feel like Monopoly money to us sometimes). At the end of the meal, willing but frustrated with trying to calculate the absolutely un-Parisian gratuity, they just said, “Tell us what we owe,â€� and the bill was settled by the Am...
More About: View , Things , Point

Barcelona: 5 hotels with amazing locations
2012-01-02 10:50:00
By Regina W Bryan in Barcelona — Not all hotels in Barcelona are created equal when it comes to location. While it’s true that some of the cheapest rooms can be found outside of Barcelona’s city center, this isn’t always the case. There are some great hotel deals to be had right in the center of the action. Here are my “Top 5 hotels with amazing locations,” in no particular order: 1. Hostal Galeria Malda Del Pi 5 1/1 Doubles: €20 Read review I’m partial to Malda because I lived right across the street from it for a year on C/ del Pi. This area is about five minutes by foot from Pl. Catalunya, which is where you’re going to come in from the airport if you take the airport bus or train/metro combo. So it’s convenient. However, I don’t recommend hotels that are right on Pl. Catalunya because they are noisy, pricy, and surrounded by touristy restaurants and bars. At Malda you get the close proximity to the center, but also Gothic Quarter charm an...
More About: Hotels , Amazing , Locations

Amsterdam: 5 late-night snacks for Cheapos on the prowl
2011-12-30 21:49:00
By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam — There is so much nightlife in Amsterdam that “sightseeingâ€� bars and coffeeshops can lead to late hours wandering the streets in search of cheap eats. You should know your options before ducking into a take-away joint or pizza bar. Here is my advice for Amsterdam’s best late-night cheapo snacks: Classic frites with a choice of sauces at Chipsy King. Photo: Martin Palmer King of fries: Chipsy King Chipsy King, the classic frites stand, has three prime Amsterdam spots: Dam Square, Red Light District, and Leidseplein. Open until 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (3 a.m. otherwise), Chipsy King is a perfect pit stop for fries that are filling and come with an array of sauces to choose from. And for just a few euros, it’s the best deal out there. Bitter ball IN Pubs usually serve bar snacks until late, and the usual buy is the bitterballen. They come in servings of six balls, battered and fried, with meat purée and seasoned roux inside. Expect ...
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European Travel in 2011: A year of surprises
2011-12-28 22:18:00
Travel is all about surprises, about serendipitous discoveries and transcending expectations. And, yes, we’ve been surprised in 2011. We were startled to move so quickly from serene and sunny spring back to deep midwinter when in March we traveled by train from the shores of the North Italian lakes to eastern Switzerland. The little train of the narrow-gauge Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn fought its way through virgin snow over the Oberalp Pass in a wave of spindrift. And then just a week or two later we were struck by the warm hospitality we encountered in Macedonia, most conspicuously in Tetovo, where we met Abdulmuttalip Bekiri, a Bektashi Dervish who can tell a tale of two of Tetovo life. Harz Mountain Railway. Photo © hidden europe magazine Traveling through Karelia Spring comes late to northern Europe, so we did not venture to Karelia until May. And the big surprise there was that a landscape which many might judge to be unremittingly monotonous was in fact evocatively beautiful....
More About: Travel , European

London: Which neighborhood is right for your trip?
2011-12-27 14:10:00
By Nina Derham in London — Choosing accommodation in London can be tricky. The city is so vast that if you are on the hunt for cheap accommodation, you run the risk of ending up a long way from the main sights and spending the majority of your visit battling with the Tube! Trust me, nobody wants that, so I’ve summarized my favorite central London neighborhoods for a smooth stay in the capital: Best for night owls: Soho If you want to limit the need to use public transport and really immerse yourself in London’s buzz then Soho is your place. The neighborhood comprises the streets running behind Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus and up to Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road and it buzzes day and night. The area used to be renowned as a somewhat seedy, red light hub, but it has cleaned up its act and today trendy restaurants and bars stand alongside cabaret clubs and drag shows, giving it a truly unique vibe. It is certainly lively and staying here will not guarant...
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Best Paris movies, books and music of 2011
2011-12-26 15:26:00
By Theadora Brack in Paris — According to my movie producer pal, George, the world boils down to two basic categories: the best and the worst. Anything in between isn’t worth talking about. Mediocrity is a crime, he often quips. As you can well imagine, his dinner parties in Paris are always quite lively, dramatic and informative. So as a nod to my opinionated crony, I’ve decided to round out 2011 with a list of my favorite Paris-related music, movies and books. By George, this one is for you, Cheapos. Without further adieu, here’s my Ab Fab, crème de la crème raves. Envelope, please! Best Music Video “Someone Like You” by Adele Adele pont-ificates on Pont Alexandre III. Click to watch the video. Shot in black and white by director Jake Nava, Adele’s “Someone Like Youâ€� video is an epic weepie. Both Adele and the Pont Alexandre III have never looked more gorgeous. Try watching this moody-bluesy breakup song without crying, singing along, and then hitting re...
More About: Movies , Books

Florence: Cheap souvenir ideas for everyone on your list
2011-12-24 15:12:00
By Marc Justin— With the crazies of the holiday season upon us, our minds turn to those uber-important consumer questions: What will I bring home for my aunt so-and-so? What will hard-to-buy-for brother actually enjoy? What about Mom who’s awaiting both my present and my presence? Hey, you’re in Florence , consider this a good thing! Do not waste this unique opportunity to pick up some great souvenirs! Here’s a quick guide to gifts that will fit many a Cheap o budget: Food & Wine Why beat around the bush? Your tummy is getting a lot out of this trip and you’d like to share some of the yummy treasures with your loved ones back home. Problem is, a Florentine tripe sandwich doesn’t travel very well. But, confection food does! Those olives you had with your aperitivo? They were from a glass container! That ball of mozzarella that balloned over your pizza? Comes in sealed plastic! Those sundried tomatoes? They’re, um, dry so they actually travel quite well...
More About: Ideas , List

Dublin: A full day in Dublin for under €20
2011-12-22 14:20:00
By Jessica Colley— A single €20 note can be stretched pretty far in Dublin . Unlike other European cities where transport can be a drain on your budget, Dublin is a compact, walkable city. As long as you have an umbrella for those impromptu showers, it is easy to spend an entire day in Dublin without using public transport. The key to sticking to your budget is finding affordable places to eat and free things to do. Keep reading for a full itinerary on a 20-euro Dublin day. Breakfast at the Queen of Tarts. Photo: Spinksy BREAKFAST Start your day at Queen of Tarts, one of the best known bakeries in Dublin. You will have many choices for €5 or less here, including homemade apple scones with raspberry preserves (€2.95) or hot oatmeal with apple compote and maple syrup (€4.50). Order at the counter and you won’t have to worry about leaving a tip (read more about tipping in Dublin). MORNING ACTIVITY Breakfast at Queen of Tarts will place you right at the far edge of Temple Bar...
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European Rail Strike Update: Which trains are affected?
2010-10-27 16:38:00
By Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries— Europe has enjoyed or endured, depending on how you view these matters, a festival of rail strikes this past week or two. And yet, by and large, business and social life continues. The impact of rail strikes varies enormously from country to country. Nationwide standstill in Belgium When a Greek rail strike takes place, as one is this week, the entire network shuts down and virtually no trains run at all. And so in Belgium, where rail strikes are happily less frequent, but where a strike generally means a total network shutdown. Belgium had a one-day strike on October 18, 2010, the first nationwide stoppage since a one-day strike in November 2009, and that did lead to the cancellation of all trains. Even Eurostar, which has famously managed to maintain a full service from London to Paris during the recent extended wave of French strikes, was defeated by Belgium. Brussels-bound trains from London ran only as far as Lille, with passengers heading...
More About: European , Trains , Update , Rail

Madrid: Free art gallery tour in the Lavapies neighborhood
2010-10-26 21:10:00
By Nina Derham in Madrid —  Madrid’s Golden Triangle of art museums is world renowned, but there is much more to the city’s art scene than the Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia. So when you’re all Prado-ed out hit the streets of Lavapies to experience Madrid’s art and culture in its most eclectic, current and raw form.  Lavapies is the city’s most diverse neighborhood and it serves as inspiration for a whole host of artists, actors, writers and musicians who are all in search of that laid-back bohemian vibe that is so apparent throughout the area. Tucked away amongst the curry houses and tapas bars you will find endless artistic enclaves from cultural centers, dance studios and ceramic workshops to tiny art galleries, inspirational bookshops and art cafes–all begging to be explored.  Click for a larger map image.  1. La Fabrica Galeria C/Alameda 9, 28014 Tuesday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.-8.30 p.m.  Web site  Start your tour just outside Lavapies at L...
More About: Free , Gallery , Tour

London: Vintage clothing shops and markets in London
2010-10-26 17:07:00
By Neha Gadhvi in London — Every now and again I catch my breath going through a pile of crumbled clothes in a damp smelling sea of castoffs at one of London’s vintage or charity shops. Who knows where it’s been? Or what sort of person had worn it? How did it make them feel? And most importantly: Will it fit and how much is it? Vintage dressing in the heartland of trendy London districts has been hot fashion property for quite some time now. Sadly as a result, “vintage” doesn’t always mean “cheap.” However, London is still bursting with secret little finds where one can find jaw droopingly beautiful clothes from yesteryear at reasonable rates. Begin with a market rummage From Whitechapel Market, where one can find colorful scarves and sparkly slippers to Portobello Market where there are several first-class vintage shops and stalls, a walk around London’s many markets is well worth your vintage mission. These markets are a good place to start wi...
More About: Clothing , Markets

Strategy: How to not get stuck with the worst room in the hotel
2010-10-25 20:36:00
By Tom Meyers— I had a bad feeling when I checked into my second hotel in Lisbon earlier this month. I was in town for the week to review about 50 hotels for our Lisbon guide, and I’d be spending three nights at this hotel. I had just spent three nights at another hotel, the Metropole, several blocks away. My room had been wonderful—a spacious double on the fifth floor, with a small balcony opening to sunny city views. (And yes, it was quite affordable, given the off-season rates.) But as I checked into this second hotel rather late in the afternoon, I grew nervous. The receptionist tapped away at his keyboard, apparently trying to find something open for my three nights. He frowned a lot. Finally, he handed me a keycard with a sigh and said, “I’m sorry, but this is the only room available.â€� Minutes later I opened the door (which banged into the bed) of a very small room that hardly offered enough room to enter. It goes without saying that there was no desk (a...
More About: Strategy , Hotel , Room

Paris: Where to find free Wi-Fi in Paris
2010-10-25 17:27:00
By Bryan Pirolli in Paris — If you’re visiting Paris and need a wireless network, the first place you’ll probably turn is your hotel. These days, even cheap hotels have begun offering free Wi-Fi. However, sometimes hotels charge a ridiculous amount and sometimes they don’t offer a wireless network at all. Luckily, there’s no need to overpay for the service, as wireless internet service is offered almost everywhere in Paris. Here’s a quick overview of where to find a cheapo-friendly wireless network: 100% Free Wi-Fi Wi-Fi in Park Montsouris. Photo: Fred Panassac Without dropping a dime, Facebook addicts can access city-provided Wi-Fi networks in over 260 public parks, civic centers, and libraries. Access is provided by the city of Paris for free and unlimited for anyone. Once you’re ready to start, just click on the “Wi-Fi ORANGEâ€� network, fill out an online form (which simply involves creating a username and password), et voilà, you’re ...
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Rome: Understanding soccer in Rome — and how to get tickets
2010-10-22 19:07:00
By Nicole Arriaga in Rome — Ask almost any Italian and they’ll tell you there are only two things in life that they cannot do without: coffee and calcio (soccer). Right up there with coffee, calcio in Italy is definitely much more than a game. It’s a passion. Italians eat, breathe and live soccer. There are radio and TV shows dedicated to it. There are even newspapers concerned solely with the subject. Not to mention, it’s the favorite topic for coffee talk at the local bar, where at the crack of dawn Italians engage in heated discussions about last night’s game. Contrary to many sports in other countries, soccer season in Italy lasts a whopping 10 months each year. That’s a whole lot of calcio! Romans are especially passionate about soccer. In fact, Rome is host to not one, but two teams: A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio. A.S. Roma Francesco Totti. Photo: PrettyFriendship A.S. Roma, or simply “La Roma,” was founded in 1927. The team is also known as &ldqu...
More About: Soccer , Tickets

New York: Cheap tickets and discounts to classical music concerts
2010-10-22 17:04:00
By Desiree Browne in New York — With temperatures dropping in New York, free outdoor concerts are going into hibernation. No need to fear, however, as you can still land free or discounted tickets to world-class music throughout the city. Here’s a quick overview of where audiophiles can enjoy classical music on a shoestring budget: Carnegie Hall 881 7th Ave (at 57th Street) (212) 247-7800 Web site Music lovers in New York must make a pilgrimage to Carnegie Hall. Happily the world-famous music hall provides several options for ticket discounts. Starting at 11:00 a.m. on the day of concert (noon on Sunday), the box office sells “Public RUSH” tickets in the balcony for $10 each (limit two per person). This offer is valid for all Carnegie Hall presentations in the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, and excludes gala events and family concerts (which are already cheap, at $9-20 per ticket). Students can also pick up $10 tickets to select shows with their student IDs at...
More About: Concerts , Classical

4 Cheapo Questions for Darren Cronian from Travel Rants
2010-10-21 18:37:00
By Pete Meyers— Today we continue our “4 Cheapo Questions ” interview series by catching up with Darren Cronian, founder and editor of the Leeds-based website Travel Rants .   We first came across Darren’s site several years ago when Travel Rants received the “Best Consumer Website” award from Travolution, a trade magazine and website that covers the movers and shakers in online travel. Since then, we’ve been avid readers of Travel Rants and appreciate the direct, uncompromising manner it approaches the challenges facing consumer travel. A sampling of recent headlines include “Should alcohol be banned on airports and flights?,” “Thinking about long term travel,” and one of our faves, “Hotel star ratings are useless to consumers.” But enough with the intro, let’s meet Travel Rants. 1. Tell us about yourself. What led to the creation of Travel Rants? Did you have a particular experience that triggered your ...

Spain: A trip through the Basque region
2010-10-21 16:42:00
By C H Kwak— Madrid’s museums, Barcelona’s nightlife and Andalucia’s architecture attract throngs of tourists to Spain . The Basque region, on the other hand, has curiously remained off the tourist radar outside of Europe. Gorgeous landscapes, sumptuous food and unique cultural heritage are but just a few of the reasons to trek up north. I spent two glorious weeks in September traveling through the Basque country. Here are a few highlights. San Sebastian's harbor Donostia/San Sebastian The stunning seaside town of San Sebastian is a true gem that deserves every praise it gets. The city of 180,000 radiates from the conch-shaped bay filled with crystal-clear water. Delightful green squares dot the narrow streets and pedestrian zones. Getting around is a breeze, as the city has a good public bicycle rental program and extensive paths. When you’re ready to take a break, take the funicular to the top of Monte Igueldo, from where you’ll have a breathtak...
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Florence: Vegetarian, vegan and kosher restaurants
2010-10-20 17:27:00
By Laura Mongillo in Florence — Even though Florence is the home of the “bistecca fiorentina,â€� a steak that is sold by the kilo and never to just one person, the city is quite welcoming to vegetarians, vegans, people who eat kosher and various other diets. Oddly enough, almost all of the vegetarian and vegan fare that Florence has to offer in centered around Piazza San Marco.  So if you are planning a trip, try to find a hotel in that area to make it easier to find meal and snack options.  Here is what the city has to offer in terms of vegetarian, vegan and kosher restaurants and markets, which often also specialize in organic and fair trade food. Il Vegetarian o Via delle ruote, 30r http://www.il-vegetariano.it/ This is the best-known vegetarian restaurant in Florence, literally named “The Vegetarian.”  The prices are pretty low, starting at €4-6 for “primi piatti” (light dishes), and €8-9 for “secondi piatti” (main dishes). They pr...
More About: Restaurants , Vegan

Madrid: Top five Cheapo-friendly restaurants
2009-09-22 17:12:00
Cervecería 100 Montaditos serves cheap sandwiches. Photo by Infollatus. By Cynthia Kane in Madrid — Although Madrid is a pricey city, there are still many restaurants that offer up great food at a low, low, price! From €1 sandwiches to prix fixe Argentinean dinners under €20, Madrid has your tastes (and your wallet) covered. Below you’ll find five of our favorite cheap Madrid restaurants. Glorieta de Montera Caballero de Gracia, 10 1- 3:45 PM & 8:30 - 11:45 PM Telephone: 91 523 44 07 Metro: Gran Via Glorieta de Montera, along with its sister restaurants La Finca de Susana, Bazaar, and Ginger, strikes an ingenious balance between fine dining and cheap eats. All three Mediterranean restaurants have classic, white, minimalist décor injected with just enough creativity to keep them from teetering into the banal. Polite staff and an ample, interesting menu may lead you to believe you’re going to get whopped by the bill, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised: fettuccini with...
More About: Restaurants , Friendly

Paris: Underground artists go mainstream at 59Rivoli
2009-09-21 16:38:00
A mural inside 59Rivoli. Photo by Liz Webber. By Liz Webber in Paris — Back in Picasso’s day, many Paris artists took up residence in a tenement in Montmartre called “Le Bateau-Lavoir.â€� More recently, cash-strapped artistes have resorted to squatting in abandoned buildings, in search of a cheap place to live or work. What happens when someone comes in to kick out the squatters? In the case of 59Rivoli, the French government took over and eventually gave the building back to the artists. Happily for art lovers, the location officially reopened to the public at the beginning of September 2009, offering free entry to the artists’ world. Renovating the “aftersquatâ€� In 1999, the artists who squatted at 59 Rue de Rivoli had to sneak into the building through a window in the back. Then the government bought the building in 2002, and after pouring in 5.5 million euros in renovations, reestablished the space as an artists’ workshop. Since the building is no long...
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London Day Trips: Tips for countryside walks
2009-09-18 17:07:00
Signs guide the way outside London . All photos by Justin Bergman. By Justin Bergman in London— Getting out of London is remarkably easy. Sure, unless you’re taking a train, you do have to wind your way through the endless suburbs first. But once you cross the busy M-25 ring road, the scenery changes dramatically. Suddenly, you’re in the English countryside of Jane Austen novels. The best way to explore the bucolic rolling hills, sheep farms, and stone villages outside London is not behind the wheel of a car, but on foot. I had my first experience with country walking last weekend. My boyfriend and I rented a City Car (London’s version of a Zipcar) and drove about an hour to the west to the Chiltern hills, where I’d read there was good walking. We grabbed a footpath map and walking directions at a shop in the village of Hambleden and off we went. Seven miles seemed like a good enough challenge. We’d be back before dinner, no problem. I should have known it wasn’t going...
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Rome: The 2 best espressos in Rome, steps from the Pantheon
2009-09-17 17:05:00
Il Caffé Sant Eustachio. Photos by Claire Chaffey. By Claire Chaffey in Rome — When it comes to coffee, the Italians pretty much have it down pat. Like fashion, food and football, coffee is an art, a matter of national pride, and a daily ritual which is taken very, very seriously. It is actually quite hard to find a bad coffee in Rome. What is more difficult, however, is determining which is the city’s best. Ask the locals and you’ll discover that there seems to be two distinct leaders in the coffee stakes, both located remarkably close to the Pantheon in central Rome, and both just as frequently declared the home of Rome’s best espresso. So, before you leave the Eternal City, head for the Pantheon, prepare for the rush, and lean on the bar in at least one of these places. Or “make it a double,” and lean on both bars! Sant Eustachio – Il Caffé Grancaffe at Sant Eustachio. Piazza S. Eustachio, 81 It is no exaggeration to say that Il Caffé is an institution. ...

Free Bag Contest: And the mystery film is…
2009-09-16 20:54:00
What suspense! Thanks for all of the responses we received to Monday’s Paris film quiz. (If you haven’t read the clues yet, read the post before proceeding!) The quiz was a real doozy, but we did have a winner. Here’s an explanation from our correspondent and quiz-master Theadora Brack: “As with any mystery, the clues don’t always add up. In this case, the fact that the cast included: David Compton played by Clive Brook (male lead in the 1923 version), Vesta Compton played by Juliette Compton (supporting actress in the 1929 version), Davie Compton played by Georgue Billings (supporting actor in the 1929 version), and Deloryce/Lola played by Betty Compson (female lead in both the 1923 and 1929 versions) led to the kind of confusion that causes eye witnesses to send innocent people to the electric chair! Yes, we have a winner. Thanks to the smart sleuthing of “Poetloverrebelspy” the mystery now has been solved. 1. Who was the Assistant Direct...
More About: Contest , Film , Free , Mystery

Berlin: The fall of the wall, 20 years later
2009-09-15 17:19:00
A stretch of the wall at the East Side Gallery. Photo by Franz Patzig. By Susan Buzzelli in Berlin — On November 9, thousands of Berliners, visitors, and VIPs, including Kofi Annan and Mikhail Gorbachev, will gather at the base of the Brandenburg Gate to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall . But you don’t have to wait until the action-packed Fest der Freiheit (Festival of Freedom) to pay tribute to Germany’s division into East and West between 1961 and 1989. Dozens of exhibits, concerts, tours, readings, and more related to life and times on both sides of the Mauer are dominating the Berlin’s cultural calendar this fall. Seeing Red Information about Wall-related happenings isn’t hard to gather. Painted a jarring shade of tomato red, the Infotreppe (Info stairs, Washingtonplatz, U- and S-bahn: Hauptbahnhof), a staircase parked in front of the Hauptbahnhof (central train station), offers a multimedia exhibit and tips about how to celebrate the Wall d...
More About: Years , Fall

Moving to Madrid: 8 tips for before the move
2009-09-14 21:55:00
Shopping in Madrid . Photo by Van Swearingen By Stephanie Corral— (Editor’s note: Stephanie is moving to Madrid from Los Angeles in one week. EuroCheapo will be checking in with her before and after she makes the big move.) You have a travel visa and you’ve booked your flight. It’s official: You’re moving to Madrid. If you’re like me, you want to have everything figured out before you land at the Barajas airport. Thanks to the Internet, you just might. With enough research and preparation beforehand, moving to Madrid will be less stressful and overwhelming. So whether your move is temporary (like mine) or for good, here are eight things to keep in mind so your transition into Spanish life is a smooth one. 1. How’s your Spanish? Brush up on your high school-level Spanish. Having a basic grasp of the language will make it much easier to contact potential employers and find an apartment. Some easy ways to do this include watching Spanish news and opting for Spanish s...
More About: Tips , Moving , Move

Sephora Bag Contest: Guess the Paris film and win!
2009-09-14 17:19:00
The Moulin Rouge, a setting for the mystery film. Photo by Theodora Brack. By Theodora Brack in Paris — We’re in need of a detective, see. Be the first Cheapo to answer the film-related questions below correctly, and we’ll give you a real swell Sephora Film Noir Black Lace travel bag! First, the clues: 1. The film takes place in Paris. 2. The wife of New York City mayor Jimmy Walker has the leading role. 3. She had once been a Ziegfeld Follies dancer. A major star. 4. Then she was the mayor’s mistress. 5. Then his wife. 6. Her name was Betty. And she was a looker. 7. The Assistant Director was an unknown. At the time, that is. 8. He was 23. This was his first major break. 9. He agreed to co-write the screenplay. 10. After the art director backed out, he designed the set, too. 11. A red-haired beauty appeared on the set. 12. She got hired as editor. 13. And then she got to him. The Assistant Director, that is. 14. She got to him good. 15. “I began by admiring her from afar,â...
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Rome Cheap Eats: Dine like a local at these affordable restaurants
2009-09-11 17:27:00
Dining with the locals at Al Peperoncino. Photos by Claire Chaffey. By Claire Chaffey in Rome — When in Rome, want to eat like an Italian with the Italians? Want to escape overpriced tourist menus? Want to experience authentic Italian cuisine at the right price? Well, why not take the metro out of the historic centre and dine in the spots that only the locals know about! Here are three absolute gems that are less than 10 minutes from Termini Station. All of these spots offer authenticity at the right price, with a three-course meal, wine and coffee coming in at around 20 €. Pizzeria Dal Bersagliere Via Gino Capponi 16 Great dining on Via Appia Nuova. The fabulous little Pizzeria Dal Bersagliere in Furio Camillo is apparently, if you look at the photo above the cash register, good enough for James Bond. Sean Connery used to come here, it seems, and we can understand why! The restaurant offers an extensive menu including pasta, meats and salads, but the real reason to come here...
More About: Restaurants , Dine , Local , Cheap

Amsterdam: Celebrate “Open Heritage Day� on Sept 12-13 with free events
2009-09-10 22:03:00
Amsterdam's Royal Palace will be open for free. Photo by vgm8383. By Amy Goemans in Amsterdam— Every September, Amsterdam celebrates its cultural heritage with gusto. Usually set on the second weekend of the month, Open Heritage Day is a two-day event offering various attractions and a glimpse of Dutch heritage for free! This year’s celebration, set for September 12-13, 2009, will open about 4,000 attractions all over the Netherlands. Here are some highlights from Amsterdam: Royal Palace Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147 Opening Hours: 12 – 5 PM, closed Monday Official website If you love sneak peeks at the inner life of nobles, the Royal Palace is the place for you. This town-hall turned royal palace from the 17th century is one of various buildings allocated to the Dutch royalty. However, a few areas are designated open to the public, and visitors can check out everything from the intricate interior décor to the exquisite paintings. Interesting attractions include scu...
More About: Events , Free , Celebrate , Amsterdam