The origins of Anglo-Saxon Easter and other mysteries

Easter? ¿What kind of name is that Rabbits? Why the rabbits? Why the painted eggs? There are too many unexplainable things around Easter. So, just like the searching and inquiring creatures that have become the symbol of Anglo-Saxon Easter, we will jump, jump and enter the rabbit hole to discover the ancient mysteries of this peculiar festivity.

The origins of Easter

Easter, perhaps the most important date on the Christian calendar, is known in much of the world as the holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent, which is the period of 40 days until Easter Sunday, is a time of self-reflection that is supposed to reflect the time Jesus spent in the desert.

In the Hebrew Bible, the Jews refer to the Passover season as Passover, which symbolizes the liberation of the Hebrew people from the bondage of Egypt.

If we dig a little deeper, it seems that the first commemoration of this time of the year goes back much further back in time than modern religion. The Easter date falls at a key point in the solar calendar: the spring equinox, the moment when there are finally the same hours of light as of darkness. In the north, the arrival of spring was celebrated with great joy.

The hypothesis is that the first celebrations of spring began as an ancestral spiritual festival that honored the cycles of the earth and the moon, as well as the appearance of the first crops and flowers after the long winter. Without a doubt, there is something mystical and virtuous in the connection of Easter with the sun, the solar system and the flowering of life on our planet, do not you think?

Where does the name come from?

It is believed that the name given to Easter in the Anglo-Saxon countries, Easter, refers to Ostara (in ancient English, Eostre), a former pre-Christian goddess of spring and fertility. Bede the Venerable, an old monk with a long beard who was nicknamed "The Father of the History of England," wrote about her more than 1300 years ago. You are imagining Professor Dumbledore right now, why?

The Easter rabbit does not make much sense. Where does it come from?

It seems that the rabbit and the hare have their origin in a pagan ritual. It was known that they were especially fertile, so they were associated with the time of Easter rebirth. In German folklore the rabbit was related to the concept of the eternal life of Christian Easter, since they were born with open eyes and people believed that they had been awake all the time.

The Easter Bunny tradition was introduced to the United States by German settlers who arrived in Pennsylvania in the 18th century.

And of course, that's where the chocolate rabbits' tradition comes from nowadays. Currently, more than 90 million of these small chocolate animals are produced each year in the United States.

Why the eggs?

Let's see where the obsession with these oval objects comes from.

Like the Easter rabbit, the eggs represent the new life. In fact, the egg is in itself a symbol of the mystery of life. It has been the center of philosophical debates of famous scholars, such as Plutarch, who reflected on the famous dilemma "What came first, the chicken or the egg?".

The tradition of decorating eggs is part of the celebration of this concept of new life and, once again, it predates Christianity. It has its origin in the Nowruz , the ancestral Persian festival of the new year.

A few years later, in 1873, the chocolate Easter egg appears in the British industrial factories. Since then, people have gone crazy with these chocolate marvels. In 2011, the highest Easter egg in the world was made in Italy. With 7200 kg, it weighed more than an elephant and had a height of 10.39 meters.

There I leave you, with the thought of eating an oval and enormous construction of delicious chocolate. To enjoy!

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The 10 best places to travel in 2018

It's the beginning of 2018 and you already know what it means, "New year, new me!" But how about «New year, new places»? Yes, the growth and personal development is not only given in the gym or after a cleaning based on juices, also in travel. 

And although the world is full of incredible places to visit, here are the best places to travel in 2018:

1. Petra, Jordan

   
   

The Middle East is full of wonders, and Jordan is no exception. You can float without exerting yourself in the Dead Sea or make a getaway to the desert and visit the Wadi Rum, although Jordan is best known for its architectural masterpiece: Petra. Built on a rock wall, this UNESCO World Heritage site was carved in 312 AD and rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss traveler. If you like history and archeology, Petra should be at the top of your travel list for 2018.

2. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Off the Queensland coast of Australia are the more than 1400 miles (2253 kilometers) of the largest coral reef system on the planet. It is obvious that this should be on your list of must-sees. Known as the Blue Outback, this World Heritage Site has thousands of species of fish and mollusks, hundreds of species of birds, sharks, rays and dozens of species of dolphins, whales and porpoises. I feel overwhelmed writing this. Can you imagine what it would be like to see it in person? If you do not know how to dive, do not worry! The surface diving is enough to enjoy one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

3. Kauai, Hawaii, USA UU

Kauai takes the medal to the rainiest place on earth. And although the rain is not the best for curled hair, so many precipitations make it a tropical paradise. Think of walking routes through spectacular sites, indigo blue pools, beautiful bike rides and fascinating dives in colorful coral reef ecosystems. For me, and also for the Huffington Post , the best hiking trail in Hawaii is the Awaawapuhi Trail on Kauai. The route passes over huge cliffs on the Pacific Ocean, with one of the most impressive views that can be found.

4. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

If you go to Victoria Falls, you will visit two countries for the price of one. Known as the "smoke that thunders", this magnificent fall of water separates Zambia from Zimbabwe and, although it is not the highest or widest cataract on the planet, the combination of the two dimensions makes it the largest in the world. Supposedly, the Zimbabwean side is prettier, but why not check it from both sides and decide for yourself? If you are hunting for emotions, go to the Victoria Falls Bridge, you can cross it in a zip line, bungee jumping from it or swing over the Zambezi River. You only live once, right?

5. Zhangye Danxia, ​​China

When you think of China , you usually think of the Great Wall and the giant pandas, but that is because you have not heard of the Rainbow Mountains. While weathering and erosion generally tend to be quite slow and boring issues, in this case they have created gorgeous strips of colors on the slopes of the Zhangye Danxia Mountains. And although it is not that you are going to find there with unicorns, seeing mountains of red, green and yellow colors is already quite impressive.

6. Yosemite National Park, California, USA UU

When people think of California, they always tend to think of sunny beaches bordered by palm trees and full of celebrities. I understand, the lifestyle of sunny California is fantastic, but I assure you, if you dare to look beyond that scenario and climb the Sierra Nevada mountain range, you will see a California you never imagined. One of those places is the Yosemite National Park. Bounded by granite rock skyscrapers, whispering waterfalls and endless forests, Yosemite is a mecca for rock climbers, hikers and campers. The North Face brand, which was founded in San Francisco, has based its logo on the famous outline of the Half Dome of Yosemite. With hundreds of hikes and climbs to choose from, the park not only has routes for all levels, it is also incredibly photogenic. Take a look at #yosemite on Instagram to get an idea of ​​the beauty of the park.

7. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

I admit that I am an enthusiast of nature and hiking, so I have to add another national park. But hey, it's 2018, right? Surely, one of your resolutions for the new year is to get fit, so here you are, you will thank me later. Anyway, you should know that, in the Magallanes region of Chilean Patagonia, you will find more sheep than people, emerald green valleys, vigorous rivers, crystalline lakes and a world of ice in the form of glaciers and icebergs; it is wonderful. It is also a hard, implacable land, and it is considered to be one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. That's why I recommend you schedule your visit for January or February. At any other time of the year the weather is probably too cold, wet, windy and, in general, miserable to make it fun.

8. Rome Italy

Although many people consider that Paris is the "City of Love", I prefer to think that it is Rome, because if the letters of the word Rome are read back, "Love" is read. Apart from that, can there be something more epic than being known as the Eternal City? It is not only one of the oldest cities in Europe, but it is also considered the cradle of Western civilization. There is so much history here! The Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain (one of my favorite places, the Plaza de España, the Colosseum, and the Vatican.) In just a few hours, you can see some of the most iconic architectural sites in the world and, after visiting the Vatican, you can go back home presuming to have been in the smallest country in the world, and all that without mentioning the delicious gelatos and carbohydrates that you will eat along the way.

9. Costa Rica

There is no better way to try to sleep than with a herd of howler monkeys to your window. But hey, sleeping is not the main reason to travel to Costa Rica, right? You can surf in the surf breaks of Tamarindo, point of reference for surfers, zip-line through the humid forests of Arenal and tour the dense jungles of Corcovado National Park; the action never ends in Costa Rica. With an incredible natural biodiversity, hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, surfing and beaches, Costa Rica is on the list of the 10 best places to visit in 2018 for many reasons, but most of all because of Costa Rica's national motto , «Pure life», a way of life that drives the Costa Rican people. It is used as a greeting and farewell, and refers to a lifestyle that values ​​people and things that really matter. With that in mind, surely a couple of weeks living in the Costa Rican style would do us all a lot of good.

10. Mauricio

As I write this, slush is falling outside, so it is likely that this will influence my desire to go to warm tropical places, but, in fact, it is not valued as it is due to Mauricio. Often overshadowed by the Seychelles and Maldives, the beauty of Mauritius is indescribable. With magnificent white sand beaches, fantastic places to surf and dive, and sunsets that will totally surprise you, Mauritius is a truly magical place. And African sunsets are famous for something. To the south, you will find great places to do kite surfing and hiking. Mauricio was also very influenced by the British, so do not get confused when you see yourself driving on the left. I mention this because I recommend renting a car to get away from the coast and go inland, where you can enjoy meals that are 25 times cheaper and 10 000 times more authentic and delicious. What more could you want?

Greetings to the new year and happy trips!

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9 reasons to travel to Malta | EF Blog

It is impossible not to fall in love with Malta. The sun shines all year, there are more beautiful beaches than you could wish for, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of options for sports and adventure. Here is a list of reasons to travel to Malta. This list will make you wonder why we do not all live in Malta. Really.

THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES

One of the reasons to travel to Malta more important: the good weather. This Mediterranean country enjoys a very long summer of eight months, so it is never a bad time to enjoy the rustic charm of these islands. From April to November, Malta enjoys temperatures above 30 ° C for much of the year. It is also one of the sunniest places in Europe, with more than 3000 hours of sunshine each year. Even in "winter" you can take a dip in its crystalline waters, or tan on any of its immaculate beaches.

THE BEACHES ARE BEAUTIFUL

Malta has beautiful beaches, too many to mention here. You can bathe in the San Pedro Pool, or have a party with your friends in the golden sands of Ghajn Tuffieha, on the islands of Malta you will find the perfect beach for you. The only problem is that once you have enjoyed the Golden Bay or the isolated inlet of Mgarr ix-Xini, it will be almost impossible for you to leave.

THE BLUE LAKE IS THERE

Malta is made up of three main islands. Enclosed between the two main islands, Malta and Gozo, lies the small island of Comino. The rugged island has a population of only four permanent residents, but it is a favorite spot for locals and tourists looking for pristine landscapes and hidden coves. No trip to Malta is complete without enjoying the blue and lush waters of Blue Lake cumin, one of Malta's many natural pools.

A FIRST NIGHTLIFE

Another one of the Maltese likes to enjoy the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle during the day, but do not make the mistake of thinking that Malta has a quiet nightlife. Not much less. Look beyond the old facades and you will discover that the Maltese know how to make parties with important international DJs, such as Tiesto, who makes passes on the island. One of the places brimming with nightlife is San Julián, an important tourist spot.

OLD HISTORY

The first signs of human life and culture on the island of Malta date back more than 7000 years, before the Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China. It's no wonder that the charm of its streets makes the island look like a picturesque open-air museum. The walled city of Mdina is imbued with a rich and colorful history, dating back some 4000 years. The capital, Valletta, is so beautiful that the entire city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

THE PLACES ARE CHARMING

If you are staying with a Maltese family, you will not be a guest, you will be one of the family. The Maltese population is one of the most welcoming on the planet. They also love languages, English and Maltese are the official languages. A third of the population also speaks Italian.

AND THE FOOD IS THE BEST

Everyone knows that Mediterranean food is one of the tastiest there is. Maltese dishes are a fascinating mix of all the countries that have influenced Malta over the years. Maltese prides itself on its delicious cuisine, in which exquisite dishes based on fish predominate.

COMPACT

One of the advantages of visiting such a small island is that you are never too far from the next adventure. The stunning beaches, the vibrant nightlife and the quiet coves are always within reach and within walking distance. Malta may only be 27 km long and 14 km wide, but it holds a lot of wonders in such a small space.

AND FULL OF ADVENTURES

The cozy waters of Malta make it one of the best diving spots in Europe. Dive through the caves and reefs of Comino to experience the waters of the Mediterranean in its best turquoise blue. Malta is also a paradise for other water sports, such as windsurfing and water skiing. If you are able to get out of the water, you can also do horseback riding and epic mountain biking routes.

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10 movie spots in New York - EF Blog

Last month, I finally visited New York. It was a dream come true. And even though I wanted to see a few old friends, the main objective of my stay was to take a tour of film and television locations and get to know all the movie shooting locations in New York. 

Many of my favorite movies and series were shot in the Big Apple, and I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my favorite actors. Here you have a list of all the places I visited and some tips to make the most of the trip.

1. Skating Rink Wollman Rink, Home only 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Great ideas are born in creative environments, and what could be better than planning your ice-skating strategy? It worked for Marv and Harry. But for this occasion, it is better that you take your scarf.

Address: 830 5th Ave, Central Park, New York

Tip: Today, the entrance costs 40 dollars, and this place is usually full of people (especially at Christmas). If you want something similar to half the price, walk 20 minutes south until you reach the Bryant Park track.

2. Coffee and diamonds, Breakfast with diamonds(1961)

It's still the most elegant opening scene in Hollywood history, it's impossible to see Breakfast with diamonds without feeling a little envious. Upon entering the Tiffany store in New York, you will imagine what it must have been like to feel like Holly Golightly.

Address: Tiffany's, 727 5th Ave, New York

Tip: If you want Audrey's picture, pose like she did. The shooting of the scene was made on a very early Sunday morning. Do not forget the coffee and the Danish cake!

3. Nightly Conversations, Manhattan (1979)

«This is a great city. I do not care what others think. It's so extraordinary ... " This scene is one of the favorites of everyone and takes place after a long and witty conversation, when the character played by Diane Keaton asks Woody Allen if he wants to take a walk on the river. It ends with the famous scene under the bridge.

Address: Sutton Place Park, near the Queensboro Bridge, New York

Tip: The bridge scene was shot around 4 or 5 in the morning. If you do not want to freeze, leave your nighttime conversation for the summer.

4. Pastrami sandwich, When Harry found Sally(1989)

"I'll take the same as her." Who can forget the famous interpretation of Meg Ryan with the pastrami sandwich in the Katz? I am vegetarian, so I would skip the sandwich, but for those who eat meat, it is a must in the visit to this location of the film.

Address: Katz's Delicatessen, 205 E Houston Street, New York.

Tip: The table on which they sat is distinguished by a sign that says " Where Harry met Sally ... Hope you're having what she had! Enjoy»(Where Harry met Sally ... We hope you'll take the same as her!

5. Hot chocolate ice cream, Serendipity (2001)

Two strangers meet fortuitously at Bloomingdale's and then go together to drink hot chocolate ice cream. If you want to see the table on which the actors sat, ask for the «Star table».

Address: Serendipity 3, 225 E 60th Street, New York

Tip: The place opens at eleven o'clock in the morning, although if you want to avoid the queues and get the best possible picture of the place, it is better that you go something before.

6. The only one, FRIENDS (1994 - 2004)

The best. Situation comedy OF THE HISTORY. Although it was filmed in a studio, the exterior of the building where Monica and company lived was a shot of a real building. It is worth visiting if you grew up with the series!

Address: 90 Bedford Street, New York.

Tip: The best photograph of the building can be taken from the opposite side of Grove Street, next to the lamp post.

7. Bane against Batman, The dark knight: The legend is reborn (2012)

I love this movie, mainly because Bane is a magnificent villain. Of all the melee battles between him and Batman, my favorite is the one that takes place on Wall Street, with his gang and Gotham police.

Address: Wall Street and William Street, Manhattan, New York.

Tip: However, the building with large columns in which Batman and Bane fight is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The scene was filmed at the entrance of the Mellon Institute (Gotham City Council).

8. The floor of Kathleen Kelly, You have an e-mail(1999)

I've always been a big fan of the role of Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kelly, maybe because having a library seems like a good plan, and maybe also because Meg Ryan loves it. Either way, the exterior of Kathleen's flat is a must see.

Address: 328 West 89th Street and Riverside Drive, New York.

Tip: If you also want to know Joe's flat, do not be fooled by the movie. The building is at 210 Riverside Drive.

9. The stairs of the Met, Gossip Girl (2007 - 2012)

«Seen on the stairs of the 'Met', a struggle for power between S. and B.». Going to New York and not visiting the Gossip Girl locations is simply unforgivable. To begin your redemption, there is no better place than the emblematic stairs of the Met (Metropolitan Museum). Be careful not to sit on any step that is above Blair and his subjects, that could end your social life.

XOXO, Gossip Girl

Address: Metropolitan Museum, 1000 5th Ave and 82nd Street, New York.

Tip: Buy a coffee at Dean & Deluca at 85th & Madison to feel like the real queen B.

10. The big stage

Whoever you are -fan of the Godfather ; a Carrie, a Samantha, a Charlotte, or a Miranda; Woody Allen enthusiast; admirer of Audrey Hepburn; Wall Street geek-, New York is the perfect place to see the backdrop of your favorite scenes.

Tip: If there is something that can be learned from Begin Again (2013), it is the power that music has to transform New York. Make sure your playlist is ready before you pack your bags.

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8 Reasons to travel to Cape Town in Winter

While here the days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky, in Cape Town the days are long, the sun is shining and the summer has only just begun. Here are 8 reasons to travel to Cape Town in winter.

1. Endless summer

In Cape Town you will have the summer weather that you miss so much. If you could not enjoy a warm summer at home, do not risk it happening again. If you visit Cape Town in December, January or February, you will have virtually guaranteed your dose of vitamin D.

2. It is a time of braai

This South African tradition consists of grilled meat, cold drinks and a beautiful sunset. Similar to the word " barbecue ", " braii " is a noun and a verb. For example, you can make a " braii " on the beach and, since you're there, you can " braai " a chop.

And although English is a widespread language in South Africa , the country currently recognizes 10 other official languages: Afrikaans, Ndebele, Sesoto, Sesoto Sa Leboa, Suazi, Tsonga, Setsuana, Banda, Xosa and Zulu. The only common word among all these languages ​​is " braai ".

3. Mediterranean climate throughout the year

When the northern hemisphere is under the dark, stormy skies of winter, Cape Town is in its summer heyday. But not only good weather during the summer. Thanks to the moderate Mediterranean climate of Cape Town, temperatures range between 23 degrees Celsius in February and 13 degrees in June, July and August, making Cape Town an attractive place for travelers throughout the year.

4. Learn to surf

One of the best reasons to travel to Cape Town in winter; Surfer culture Whether you're starting out on a long board or practicing with a short board, the spectacular capes, caves and beaches of Cape Town are perfect for surfers of any level.

5. Penguins

If that is. Penguins in summer. On the beach. Go to Boulder Beach to sunbathe and take a few pictures worthy of Instagram with the only penguin species on the African continent.

6. Outdoor markets

In case you did not know and as another reason to travel to Cape Town in winter, South Africa has become a gastronomic focus, and Cape Town is at the center of it all. The artisanal markets of Cape Town - with the freshest aromatic herbs, vegetables, meats and seafood from across the African continent - are places where you go to inspire and eat.

If you like to get up early, do not forget to visit the Neighborhoods Market, the Oranjezicht City Market or the Earth Fair Food Market. Do you want to eat well to start the night? Go to the Hout Bay Market.

7. Visit the Bo-Kaap neighborhood

Cape Town is not just a culturally dynamic city, it also has the most colorful neighborhood in all of Africa: Bo-Kaap. With houses painted in bright pastel colors, this colorful neighborhood is the best place to lift your spirits and take some pictures.

8. Rugby season

Rugby is the favorite sport of many South Africans. Buy a ticket to see a match of the Stormers of Cape Town and meet a stadium with a public capable of leaving in evidence the hooligans of English football.

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