What you need to know before traveling to Italy

July 3, 2012 by Tian Ke in antipasto, cell phone, Food and Drink, gelato, international SIM, International SIM Card, Italian food, Italy, italy SIM card, leisure, Leisure travel, summer vacation, Travel | Leave a comment

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A country with an abundance of art, food, history and a fiery team in the 2012 Euro Cup, Italy is a travel destination that promises not to disappoint. Maximize your experience by planning ahead, learning some Italian food phrases and getting an Italian SIM card.

Buon Appetito

One of the many delicious Italian dishes can be found while feasting on a plate of antipasto. It is generally the first course of a meal consisting of cheese, vegetables and pickled meat. This is the best time to chat with friends over prosciutto (cured ham), marinated olives, and even figs on mozzarella. Finishing up the meal with an espresso or cappuccino is perfect preparation for a late-night snack of pistachio flavoured gelato.

Gelato (Italian ice cream) is a famous dessert not only recognized in Italy but also worldwide. In Italy, many people come on the streets late at night to have gelato with family and friends. Next time, why not try the pistachio flavour?

Affogato is an Italian beverage usually consisting of vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso. The ultimate two-in-one coffee and dessert!

Exploring the Past

When visiting Italy, make sure to add the lost city of Pompeii to your itinerary. Almost 2000 years after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, the city still acts as a reminder to the great forces nature holds over humans.

While the gondolas were traditionally used as a means of transportation, today it is a great way to explore the city and sometimes used for rowing races. For about 40 minutes, you will be serenaded while enjoying the view of the Grand Canal.

Other places that you cannot miss:

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Took about 200 years to build).
The Coliseum of Rome (Built in 70 AD).
The Amalfi Coast (Beaches, mountains and fjords).
The fashion capital – Milan (Make sure to shop on Via Monte Napoleone – this street houses some of the top designers).

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Holiday in Spain

June 6, 2012 by Tian Ke in Bullfighting, Canary Islands, International SIM Card, La Tomatina, Leisure travel, Madrid, roaming charges, Spain, Spain SIM Card, Summer, Travel, vacation | 1 Comment

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Summer of 2012 means another shot at picking the perfect vacation. This year, what’s more perfect than immersing yourself in Spain’s culture and food?

There are many tapas bars scattered in the streets of Madrid. After tasting the pickle skewers, deep-fried chili peppers and Iberian ham, you may find yourself at the hotel with no internet and outrageous rates for calling back to your loved ones in North America. So much for emailing them the pictures you took today or even giving them a five-minute greeting from the capital of bullfighting.

Don’t waste time searching for an internet café. Before leaving home, find a Spain SIM card with a data plan. Sharing your real time vacation photos with your Facebook friends will become easy and affordable. (99% cheaper than your carrier’s roaming rates.)

Things to do in Spain (and some fabulous photos):

The Canary Islands is a must-see when you visit Spain. Whether it is exploring the volcanoes, underwater diving, or stargazing under one of the most cloudless skies in the world, the Canary Islands definitely has a niche for every type of traveler.

La Tomatina is an annual food fight festival in Spain that has been around for about 70 years. Join in this summer for the biggest tomato food fight you’ll have in your life.