It’s called Kopi Luwak, and it’s the most expensive and bizarre coffee in the world

It’s called Kopi Luwak and it’s the strangest coffee in the world, drinking it will be a real experience of taste and courage.

The name of the coffee itself refers to its main raw material or better to those who procure it: if Kopi can be translated with coffee, Luwak refers to a small carnivore very similar to an Asian wild cat.

Its diet includes the intake of coffee berries , but also of insects, small mammals, eggs and small reptiles. But what does Luwak have to do with our coffee?

The main ingredient of the drink is the faeces of this animal . Since the Luwak cannot digest the internal coffee berry, the digestive enzymes concentrate only on the outside, eliminating all traces of bitterness, providing a taste of chocolate and caramel.

The main islands involved in the preparation of this coffee are Sumatra, Java, Bali and Sulawesi and for them it is a real fortune. We are talking about one of the most expensive and delicious drinks in the world , there are many admirers of this product.

It’s called Kopi Luwak, and it’s the most expensive and bizarre coffee in the world

In the United States, Europe and Japan, a kilo of Kopi Luwak can cost as much as $ 1000 , so to try defecated coffee, you could even pay $ 70 for a cup.

The high cost of the product, also depends on its production, which as can be easily guessed, can become complicated, given the dependence on the physiological needs of the carnivorous animal.

However, those who have tried it admit that this is by far the best coffee in the world with a unique aroma.

However, the production of Kopi Luwak, however, brings to light another problem, namely that of the creation of intensive breeding in Indonesia of small Luwaks by companies willing to do anything to create the magical coffee.

Everything you need to know about Cala Liberotto

If you are looking for emerald-colored water and a dream beach in Sardinia , which is easily accessible and where you can relax with the whole family, the Gulf of Orosei and Cala Liberotto , on the northern coast of the island, in the Nuoro area, are your destination.

Of course, every small beach, every cove of this coast kissed by God offers sensational landscapes and a perfect sea, clean, crystal clear and iridescent, but the beach of Cala Liberotto , located about fourteen kilometers from Orosei, is really a small paradise of which it is impossible not to fall in love.

Cala Liberotto: how to get there and features
Cala Liberotto is located along the SS 125 heading south to meet it before the town of Orosei . It is a collection of small emerald bays surrounded by clear rocks and coarse golden sand. A short distance from the shore, three large rocks emerge, which can be easily reached thanks to the shallow and gently sloping seabed, which gives a particular exotic touch to this all-Italian gem to be discovered.

Behind the beach of Cala Liberotto we find the pine forest , ideal for the afternoon rest of the little ones, but also for the grown-ups and the luxuriant nature of the Mediterranean islands and the beautiful Sardinia: a pond edged with reeds and agaves houses numerous species of birds and it is all a flowering of myrtle, prickly pears and dwarf palms; a paradise also for naturalists.

The services of Cala Liberotto
This beach is easily reached from the road and has ample free parking . It is easily accessible to people with limited mobility and is perfect for those seeking relaxation with children in tow. It is well served and you can rent umbrellas and deck chairs. If you love tranquility, we recommend that you settle in the part of the beach furthest from the campsite that is usually the least crowded.

One of the undisputed advantages of Cala Liberotto, for those who love the sea but also animals, is that it is one of the beaches where dogs are allowed ; therefore relaxation for the whole family, including Fido. Moreover, thanks to the nearby village of Cala Liberotto , the town of Sos Alinos, which is located just a stone’s throw from the sea, is full of kiosks, restaurants and places to stay.

Archaeological sites to visit in Mexico

In addition to postcard beaches and tourist resorts, during a trip to Mexico you can visit some of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In fact, the country has around 200 sites that can be visited , places that allow you to discover the ancient pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located mainly within the Yucatan peninsula and in the regions of Chiapas, Campeche and Oaxaca. Here are the best archaeological sites not to be missed in Mexico .

Journey to Yucatan: on the trail of the Maya in Mexico
The Mayan peoples lived in many areas of central and southern America, especially in Mexico in the Yucatan and Chiapas, but also in Guatemala , Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. The Mexican town with the most famous and most visited pre-Columbian remains is the Yucatan , where you can find some of the most beautiful and evocative Mayan sites in the country. Looking at the map of Mexico, the Yucatan appears as a peninsula located in the eastern part , a flat area covered by a dense tropical forest.

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The archaeological itinerary between Yucatan and Chiapas is a classic path of the Maya of Mexico, a journey certainly challenging but exciting, to discover sites to see such as Tulum, Palenque and Mitla, among breathtaking landscapes , history, art and wonderful exotic beaches. Those who want to visit the region alone, by renting a rental car, can consult and download the map of the Mayan riviera in Yucatan on the official website of the Mexican Tourist Board , where you can find all the maps of Mexico and detailed information on archaeological sites.

Maya, Mexico: discovering Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán is the most famous and visited archaeological site in Mexico, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, an area of ​​great historical value located about 50 km from Mexico City . The area experienced its period of greatest splendor from the III to the VII century AD, when it established itself with one of the most important political and commercial centers of the region. Today it is possible to visit the remains of the buildings along the evocative path of the Calzada de los Muertos , climbing to the top of the beautiful Pyramid of the Sol and admiring the splendid Pyramid of the Moon.

Archaeological sites in Mexico: Chichén Itzá
Coming down from Mexico City and entering the Yucatan peninsula , the site of Chichén Itzá is found near Valladolid . The visit takes at least 3-4 hours, so you have to try to get there early, especially if you have to continue your journey and then reach another location. This Maya complex has its main place of interest in the Pyramid of El Castillo , the main building, and you can also see the engravings in the Temple of the Warriors and in the Wall of Skulls .

Mexico, the most beautiful places of the Maya: Cobá
Among the sites to be seen in Mexico is the archaeological area of ​​Cobá , a place rich in history and charm located less than 50 km from Tulum. Very interesting is the wonderful Pyramid of Nohoch Mul , 42 meters high and scalable climbing the steep steps of the front facade, to admire an exciting panorama of the surrounding area. The area can be crossed on foot or by bicycle in about 2-3 hours, visiting the site alone or contracting a local guide on the spot, to learn about the history of Cobá and some unpublished details.

What to do and how to get to the Palagruza Archipelago in Croatia

The small archipelago of Palagruza in Croatia is the furthest place from the continental homeland. Indeed, by observing the maps, one realizes that the islands that form it are actually closer to Italy than to Dalmatia, although from the administrative point of view Palagruza is part of the Split-Dalmatia district.

Probably these small islands in the middle of the Adriatic are the most enchanting part of Croatia , an oasis of peace, tranquility but also adventure. It obviously depends on your personal inclinations. The largest island in the archipelago is Vela Palagruza, which is 52 nautical miles (95 kilometers) from Peljesac, 34 miles from Lastovo and 28 from Italy. The other islands that form it are Mala Palagruza, Kamik and Galijula.

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What to see in Vela Palagruza
The island of Palagruza does not reveal its secrets to a distracted first glance, but it is full of hidden wonders. For example, its beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea, some of which are inaccessible. Coming from the sea, from two small beaches you can go ashore and then climb to the upper part of the island. The main summit has an elevation of only 103 meters, but right there rises a beautiful lighthouse built in 1875, which is certainly one of the attractions of the place. Among other things, you can spend the night there; and we assure you that sleeping in a lighthouse is a most unique and rare experience.

Lighthouse apart, the beauty of Vela Palagruza lies above all in its wild and luxuriant nature. Furthermore this piece of land gives visitors the warmest climate in Croatia. Another undoubted element of charm of the main island of the archipelago is the fact that it is practically uninhabited, since the only permanent resident is the lighthouse keeper.

And then of course there is the sea, crystal clear, very clean, wonderful, a sea that invites you to dive, to swim, to do underwater fishing, to go sailing. A sea that if we were not in the northern Adriatic we could call Homeric, with that light and those colors that only the Mediterranean has and that have been flowing in it for millennia.

Speaking of myths, legend has it that Diomedes , king of the Greek city of Argos, is buried right here. Although this is a rather unlikely story, this does not mean that the island Diomede was actually found on the island.

Hapsburg and Mediterranean. 8 things to see in Trieste in a weekend

The huge church of St. Antonio Thaumaturgo is situated at the northern end of the Canale Grande. Its neo classical front facade and the cupola represents one of the emblems of the Trieste, city and seaport in northeastern Italy, Europe.

Its being a Hapsburg city but at the same time Mediterranean makes Trieste a unique place, rich in history and interesting places to discover. Ideal for those who love the sea and culture, you can also visit in a weekend.

For those planning a trip for next spring, some ideas on what to do and what to see in a couple of days in the capital of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

1 – Visit the castle of Miramare

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Miramare Castle, Trieste
The imposing building, overlooking the sea, is about ten kilometers from the center of Trieste. It was built in the mid-1800s at the behest of Duke Ferdinando Massimiliano d’Asburgo. The interiors of the building, perfectly preserved, can be visited throughout the year. Tourists can immerse themselves in what was the daily life of the duke and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium.

The part of the castle that does not face the sea is surrounded by a park of 22 hectares, where vegetation alternates with small works of art. Inside the huge garden there is also the castelletto, a reduced version of the main residence, in which the original owners of the estate lived for a short period, between 1859 and 1860.

The castle of Miramare, for its location and its peculiarities, is a must for those who go to visit the city.

2 – Go up to the top of the San Giusto hill to see the cathedral

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Facade of the Cathedral of San Giusto, Trieste
The Cathedral of San Giusto was built, some years after 1300, on the top of a hill. A Gothic double-wheel rose window dominates the facade of the church. Inside there are frescoes dating back to the XIII century; on the floors, traces of the mosaics that once characterized the building.

The church is open throughout the year. Next to the cult building, you can visit the remains of an amphitheater from the Roman era. Who wants, then, can also enter the Castle of San Giusto , another symbol of Trieste: from the outer spaces of the fortress, built right on top of the hill, you can see the whole city.

3 – Walking in Piazza Unità d’Italia

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Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia
Coming down from the hill of San Giusto you arrive in the largest and most famous square of Trieste. Some say it is the “living room” of the city; it is certainly a place much loved by the inhabitants of Trieste, but also by tourists who visit the capital of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The buildings that face Piazza Unità d’Italia are today the headquarters of the town hall, the Region and the Prefecture. If you turn your back on the elegant buildings you can see the sea just a few steps away. Piazza Unità d’Italia – which took this name in 1955 – is in fact the largest seaside square in Europe.

4 – The daring pier

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Overview of the city from the Audace pier
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After a long walk through the streets of the city, even the most tireless tourist will need some rest. The options, then, are two: sit in one of the many historic cafes that are located in the center of Trieste, or stop for a few minutes to watch the sea, on the Audace pier. It is a walkway about 200 meters long, close to Piazza Unità d’Italia. In the past the ships were mooring right here; today, however, the pier is the favorite destination for those who love walking, smelling the sea or admiring breathtaking sunsets. To see the boats approaching the pier you have to wait for the period of the Barcolana , the famous regatta that takes place every year in the city. In 2017, around 2100 boats participated in the competition; a record for the regatta which, for this reason, is considered the most crowded sailboat race in the world.

5 – The Grand Canal

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The one crossed by the navigable watercourse that after cutting the Borgo Teresiano in two flows into the sea is one of the most evocative areas of the city. On the two banks of the canal are anchored small boats and along the way – via Gioacchino Rossini – it is easy to find stalls selling food. On the Red Bridge, which crosses the canal, the statue of the writer James Joyce was installed in 2004 . Within walking distance is the Berlitz School , where the Irish author taught for a while.

A walk along the Grand Canal is pleasant at all hours of the day, but the time when you can appreciate the beauty of the place is certainly that of sunset.

6 – The Jewish ghetto

In Finland there is a small island where only women are allowed

There is a small island off the coast of Helsinki, Finland, where only women will be admitted. A luxury retreat, nestled in the woods, away from the chaos of the city (and men), which will allow you to unplug, to focus only on meditation, healthy food, physical activity. This is the paradise that is about to open Kristina Roth, an American entrepreneur, recently struck by the beauties of Finland.

On the island only women will be admitted, but this, according to Roth, is not to do a wrong to men: “It might seem that you hate them instead is not so – he told the New York Post , who reported the story. On the contrary, I realized that during the holistic retreats, men are a source of distraction for women, which is why I thought of devoting an entire island to ourselves and our wellbeing “.

It is likely that in the future the island will open its doors to the male gender, but for now yoga classes, cooking classes and spas in the woods are all for use by women. “Women need to spend time with other women – said the entrepreneur at the Independent – they need to nourish each other’s desires and dreams”.

To access the island, at the moment, are only the friends of Roth, who bought the island together with his Finnish companion. In June, however, the paradise will be officially launched. It will be attended mainly by the group of women enrolled in the “SuperShe” association. To be part of it – and therefore have the chance to take advantage of the beauties of the island – you need to send your “application”, register and send a motivational video on why you are so enthusiastic about becoming a member. The costs of a possible stay on the island have not yet been made public: but for a small corner of the exclusive world it is likely that they will not be very low.

The 3 reasons why everyone should go to live in Finland (according to the “Guardian”)

A group of amateur athletes bring their hands together in a show of unity and sportsmanship before playing a friendly game of basketball outdoors.

“We can talk about a Finnish miracle”: the Nobel Prize winner for economics Bengt Holmström does not use the words to describe the country that gave him birth and that he deserved a special mention of the Guardian , who described him as ” the most free, safe and happy of the world “. The Anglo-Saxon newspaper, in fact, started from the most recent and disparate indices published in recent years and then asked scientists and experts of international importance, all to try to understand what is the success of the Scandinavian nation and how did Finland to earn the approval of 100 studies on his state of “health”.

Only 150 years ago, moreover, Finland was simply a remote region of the Russian Empire, where the living conditions of the majority of the population were very bad. Then the country gained its independence and in a century and a half the historical circumstances, the local population and a series of enlightened governments have made the 5.5 million inhabitants of Finland one of the most envied in the world.

Needless to say, even the Scandinavian country has its limits – starting with the climate that is anything but mild – and that the golden age is only mythology, but living in Finland can greatly increase the perception of one’s quality of life, by experiencing a feeling of well-being that is difficult to experience elsewhere. Here, then, the reasons why – at least according to the Guardian – we should all think of going to live north of the 60th parallel.

1. It is the safest country in the world

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Security is a fundamental aspect for the quality of life of citizens, especially in a period of intense tension and continuous terrorist threats such as the one the West is going through. To make Finland a flagship in terms of protecting the population is above all the efficiency of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. The judiciary, in particular, is judged by sector reports as the most independent and free from political constraints in the world, thus allowing citizens to be judged for their actions in a transparent and fair manner. Moreover, the police have succeeded in guaranteeing high levels of national security in recent years and in the country there is the lowest rate in the world of organized crime.. It should be noted, however, that on August 18, 2017, the city of Turku was the scene of a terrorist attack in which two people lost their lives.

2. Social and gender equality

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According to the Guardian , according to the World Economic Forum , Finland is third in the global ranking for guaranteed gender parity and has had to leave the scepter to two very close countries: Iceland and Norway. After all, since 1906, women can be included in the electoral lists to be voted, in a time when this was not allowed anywhere else in the world, and today the Finnish parliament is composed of a female quota equal to 42%. “Women in Finland take their rights seriously and men accept it” is the comment of former Prime Minister Tarja Halonen at the English newspaper.

Differently from the ancient societies of other European countries – such as France, England, Spain and Italy itself – then, since the proclamation of independence from Russia, in 1917, it became clear that “the gap between the various social classes it was smaller than usual. […] Even today, on the streets of Helsinki you can walk alongside the richest boy in the country without realizing it, “reads the Guardian .

3. Cooperation

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There is a precise word to indicate the Finnish spirit to help each other for the common good: it is “Talkoot”. “It means working together, in a collective way, to reach a specific goal. […] The key is to cooperate, all together, equally”. According to former Prime Minister Halonen, says the Guardian , the climate typical of those areas of the planet has tempered the Finnish mentality: “We live in a cold, stiff and remote place.Everyone has to work hard for himself and sometimes this is not enough. help each other to make it “. “It’s a cultural fact”, added Ambassador Bruce Oreck. “But now it’s part of our chemistry”.

Valentine’s Day in Courmayeur to end the winter between adrenaline, taste and solidarity

Slalom in Courmayeur to spend these last weeks of winter in the enchanting scenery of Mont Blanc. The first event, twice good, starts tomorrow with the return to the Valle d’Aosta pearl of Chef in common , the social table of Courmayeur that sees master chefs involved in an important charity project that until February 17 offers eight dinners for 16 guests in a unique setting, the Council Chamber of the town of Courmayeur that turns into an exclusive restaurant wrapped in an enchanted forest.

The table has always been a place of sharing, exchange and comparison. Through food we share passions and emotions, knowledge and flavors, “because cooking is first of all a gesture of love”, as Massimo Bottura likes to call it, godfather of the first edition.

Love that in Courmayeur takes on a special meaning at the next party of lovers. Known above all for being the gateway to an iconic and spectacular territory such as that of the granitic Monte Bianco (the highest peak in Europe, 4810 meters) and a sports destination par excellence, it heats up in a particular way for San Valentino that is the winter patron of the town. Starting from next Wednesday, February 14th, in fact, with the sunny days that stretch and begin to light up the country (usually in the afternoon darkness during the winter) even in the afternoon, passing high above the summit of Crammont, Courmayeur offers to lovers a series of dedicated events.

What is more romantic than a picture in the snow to take a hug on the “selfie station” bench in the shape of a heart? Enjoying one of the theme desserts created for the occasion by the pasta factories of the center? And more passion in the themed parades of the folklore groups Badoche and Beuffons, typical of the tradition, in addition to the romantic proposals for two of shelters, hotels and restaurants.

Love and solidarity towards the children then season the “good” dinners on stage from tomorrow with the initiative Chef in common, whose proceeds will be donated to the association Dynamo Camp onlus that offers free recreational therapy programs to children and teenagers from 6 to 17 years old, suffering from serious and chronic diseases, their families and healthy brothers and sisters.

Guest chef of the 2018 edition is the Australian Dave Pynt of the barbecue restaurant of Singapore Burnt Ends among the 50 Best restaurants of Asia and winner of the “Chef’s Choice Award”: the waiting list to taste his specialties on the grill it’s a long month. Dave offers a balanced cuisine centered on cooking on the grill and in the wood oven, strongly convinced that the fire and smoke give a magical touch to food, an added value that can hardly be explained in words. In fact, in this edition of “Chef in common”, Pynt will valorize with its personal techniques the food and wine excellences of the territory provided by local producers, such as goat meat, trout, hazelnuts, vegetables accompanied by craft beers and bubbles.

Cycling along the disused railways: 5 itineraries in Italy

San Remo town and coast, italian riviera landscape, Liguria, Italy

The decommissioned railways in Italy are dozens. The train no longer passes over over 7,000 kilometers of tracks. However, more and more initiatives are being put in place to recover these assets and turn them into green tourism destinations . So far, the projects, realized or to be realized, concern about 1,300 km of disused railway line. In these places, where the train first whistled, today we hike or cycle.

There are many examples of railways turned into cycle paths. Among these there is the line that connected Spoleto to Norcia , in Umbria. The route is among the routes mentioned in the ‘ Atlas of travel along the disused railways, published in the autumn of 2017 by the State Railways. Closed in 1968, the railway that connected the two Umbrian towns was considered a small jewel of railway engineering. Along the route, nowadays dedicated to bicycle lovers, there are 19 tunnels and 24 bridges and viaducts.

From 2016, once a year on this circuit is organized Spoleto-Norcia Mountain Bike , an event open to anyone who loves to ride a bike. In fact, the routes are four and have different levels of difficulty. One of these, the Family , can also be done by children with their parents.

A shorter and less known route than Spoleto-Norcia is the one that connects Fiuggi to Paliano , in Lazio. The bike path traces a stretch of the Rome-Fiuggi-Alatri-Frosinone railway line and is part of the EuroVelo circuit , a network of about 70,000 km that allows you to discover Europe by riding on two wheels. The path winds, on a slope, between the white of the limestone rock walls and the green vegetation.

Some define it as the most beautiful cycle path in Lazio; there was, however, also those who complained that maintenance was scarce along the way . Other cyclists who have crossed the Fiuggi Paliano, however, recommend to follow it , even to enjoy a unique view, along a circuit that is far from the most frequented routes by those who love green tourism .

In Liguria, however, there is a cycle path, built on a former railway track, which runs along the sea. This is the western Ligurian cycle path . Born along the route of the San Lorenzo – Ospedaletti railway , it covers 24 of the 60 km that once were crossed by the tracks.

The Telegraph exalts the Via Francigena: “Tuscany is as beautiful as a photograph: Central Italy is full of treasures”

Country house in Val’Orcia (Tuscany). Italy, 2017. Landscape format.

“A land full of treasures”: this is how the Telegraph defines Central Italy in a long report explaining to Anglo-Saxon tourists how to enjoy a nice holiday on the Via Franchigena with their own bicycle. To convince Adam Ruck, journalist who mainly deals with travel, it is above all the natural beauties of the Peninsula, as well as the possibility to go mountain biking a route of almost one thousand kilometers that crosses as many centuries of human history. We do not struggle to understand why the English correspondent has been enchanted by it.

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From the hills of the Great St. Bernard to Rome, the Via Francigena was traced in 990 AD by the Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury and led the faithful on a pilgrimage to the Papal States, constituting for centuries an almost inevitable obligation for every Christian. Despite the passage of time, the route has preserved all its charm, also enchanting Adam Ruck, but he wanted to take a much shorter path than that of the pilgrims of the past, starting from Tuscany to head in the heart of Lazio.

The journalist has relied on a travel agency to let himself be immersed in the magic of the Via Francigena and in his article describes in detail every detail of the trip, from the equipment of the bike companions to the meals. Instead of the Alps, the group moved from San Gimignano: “Tuscany is as beautiful as a photograph”, the correspondent writes in what can be defined as a real travel diary. “The meadows are uncultivated and not yet dry, the spring fills the landscape with green and poppies.The cypress trees trace the road line and adorn the horizon like a Renaissance painting”. These are the words of a tourist in love.

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“Tuscany is full of wonders and our arrival in Siena is anticipated” continues Ruck in his story. “We have pushed our bikes on the most beautiful non-square in the world, piazza del Campo”. But the journey of the journalist and of the other cyclists has not stopped and, after the wonders of the UNESCO site of the Val d’Orcia , for Adam it’s time to enter Lazio. The Lake of Bolsena, for the journalist, is a “resplendent mirror”, while refreshing itself on Montefiascone’s belvedere becomes a real panacea.

Even if the holiday at the Via Francigena was not perfect – the correspondent, for example, felt a moment of discomfort when the carabinieri prevented the group from having lunch in the historic center of Viterbo -, the majesty of places like the Etruscan amphitheater of Sutri have repaid it all.