A world without Internet, the most important invention of the 20th century, would be unimaginable. The World Wide Web doesn’t only bring together the continents, but it unites as well the people from all the different countries. And what’s more…. the famous cybersex has already become a normal part of the sexual life of many users. Whether it’s chats, games, videos or online striptease, the Internet has a lot to offer for every kind of taste and preferences. The inventions of the various possibilities of the virtual erotic world overflow the cyber landscape. The technical aspect is especially confronted with new challenges for making the cybersex even more real.

Have you ever heard something about the High Joy Enabled iVibe Controller? Sounds quite freaky and it really is. It’s a kind of love set with a vibrator for her and a special one for him. Sounds very normal, but the set also contains some software and a USB cable. What is that all for? Well, you just have to connect the equipment to your computer, find a willing “chat partner“and then the party can get started. Due to the program the computers are connected with each other, so that one of the chat partners can control the sex toy of the other person. With a few mouse clicks the partner produces certain vibrations and pleasure for the other one. This invention with the support of a webcam can really rescue a lot of long-distance relationships or bring together love pairs from different parts of the world. Orgasm by a few mouse clicks, sounds easy!

Another version, but without annoying cables in the genital area, is the so called “OIOO”. With this special set the two sex toys are connected via Bluetooth. Via an internet telephone, sexual pulses will be transmitted which will be decoded in the artificial genitals into vibrations. With this technique you don’t have to concentrate on making mouse clicks for satisfying your partner. Now you only need some candle light and romantic music, and the date would be perfect.

Of course, the moral questions exert a certain influence in this matter. Is it really healthy to achieve an orgasm with some latex, silicone, mouse clicks and a fast internet connection? But undoubtedly those new inventions of the progressive technology will make a lot of lonely hearts beat faster. But you should try to spend fewer hours in front of the PC and get out and date some real people.

If you want to spend some breathtaking romantic holidays, than you only have to visit the city of love and lights. The French capital has a lot to offer you, so that you won’t need any kind of technology. Rent the best apartments in Paris and enjoy some economic and comfortable accommodation.

The Shadow of the wind, the bestseller of Carlos Ruiz Zafón conquered the hearts of readers all around the world. It is set in Barcelona, in the years after the Spanish Civil War and shows us a mystical Barcelona full of dark alleys, hidden places and intriguing inhabitants. Join us on this journey; follow the footsteps of Daniel Sempere and Fermín as they try to resolve the mystery of Julián Carax.

We start down at the old port, where the modern Maremagnum shopping centre is. When Clara didn’t show up at Daniels birthday party, he stormed out of the house and wandered through the streets, before he finally sat down at the steps by the water. It was here that Laín Coubert first approached him. You can see Montjuïc from here, though the cemetery where Daniel’s mother is buried lies more to the west.

Head down the Ramblas, until on your left side you see the beautiful Plaza Real. In the middle you’ll find an emblematic fountain, surrounded by palm trees. The square is always bustling with people, since there are numerous restaurants and bars to be found. But it’s also the place where the wealthy Barceló and Clara used to live, in their spacious and luxury apartment. And on a dark and rainy night, it was below the arches of this square that Daniel met the drifter Fermín, who would become his good friend.

As you continue along the Rambla, imagine what it must have been like in these days without the souvenir shops, street actors and entertainers. It was on a misty morning at the beginning of the summer of 1945 that 10 year old Daniel followed his father to the cemetery of forgotten books. Sadly, even the ‘large door of carved wood’ that gives access to this mythical place was invented by the author, but those of you who are suspicious can go see for yourselves in the Calle Arco del Teatro.

Almost at the top of the Ramblas, on the right side is a busy shopping street, the Calle Santa Ana. Nothing to see but big chain-stores such as H&M, but in this very street used to be an old and dusty bookshop, specialized in collector’s editions and second-hand books. Sempere & Sons, the lifework of Daniel’s father and their home. At the end of this street, turn right towards the cathedral. It dates back to the 13th century, and on its steps is where the parents of Julián, Antoni Fortuny and Sophie Carax first met.

A great part of the novel takes place in Tibidabo. The famous ‘Avenida del Tibidabo’ was constructed in the 20th century, and soon it became a neighbourhood for the upper class, who contracted the best architects to build gorgeous modernist houses. The old blue tram that Daniel takes (under the watchful eye of the conductor) is still running. Could it be that one of these fairytale houses is the Angel of the Mist, where the remains of Pénelope Aldaya lie? Was it here that the final battle between Julían Carax and inspector Fumero took place? Is there a house somewhere with a fountain in the garden, the hand of an angel emerging from the water? Who knows?

Now, let’s return to the barrio gótico to end the day with a drink and a snack in Els Quattre Gats (Calle Montsió) where, according to Fermín, they serve the best ham sandwiches in a 3 mile radius! It is also the place where Barceló held his literary meetings, and where Daniel’s parents first met in 1932.

Want to experience a different Barcelona, see with your own eyes where Julian Carax became Laín Coubert? Rent the best apartments in Barcelona, and experience the love story of Daniel and Bea all over again.

Are you a passionate lover of jazz music? Have you ever thought that the Iberian country could also be one of the nerve centres of your favourite music? Jazz is a music style imported from the United States. Jazz music has ardent fans among the five continents. We don’t have to tell you that Spain, as a country that is rich in tradition, this type of music has been able to take root. Not only the music but: various groups have fused jazz with other musical genres that are typical to Spain, such as flamenco.

Barcelona has always been at the forefront in terms of musical events and therefore, it has always promoted local artists as well as world-renowned ones. One of the historical places with a long tradition of jazz concerts is the Jamboree, which is located on the emblematic Plaza Real, very close to Las Ramblas. Here, great artists as Tete Montoliu, Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker have performed.

Another place with a great history is the Harlem Jazz Club that offers daily live music, not only jazz but also other types of music. Other important institutions include clubs like Jaz Sì, or il Bel.luna Jazz Club. Don’t forget that Barcelona also has many specialized music stores where you can find jazz records and books dealing with all aspects of this genre. Don’t miss this opportunity if you want to expand your collection.

Why don’t you combine an an immersion in the jazz world with an unforgettable visit to the Catalan capital?

Autumn is the best season to make this trip. At this time two major festivals take place in Barcelona, hosting the best artists from around the world: the Terrassa Jazz Festival and the 41st edition of the Voll Damm International Barcelona Festival with the saxophonist Wayne Shorter. This artist played in the 60s in the famous Miles Davis band. Some concerts will take place in historic buildings: Jimmy Cobb, for example, will be shown at the Palau de la Musica, one of the most emblematic buildings of the Catalan Modernism.

Barcelona is waiting for you this Autumn full of culture, entertainment and jazz. Don’t waste your time and rent Apartments in Barcelona for a comfortable and cheap stay.

While the European Union aims to be a community whose member states should implement the same rights and similar laws, the different policies of each European governments differ in countless matters of great importance. One of the issues that most debates, demonstrations and controversy has caused, especially in the last decade, is the legalization of the gay marriage. For some people this is a secondary issue, but for many others this directly impacts on their life quality.

First we have to carefully define what we mean by gay marriage: this distinction recognizes the social, cultural and especially legal coexistence of two persons of the same sex who enjoy the same conditions, effects and rights as straight marriages. However, in most European countries, there are different denominations and additional civilian institutions, under which gay couples can register as “unmarried partners”, “civil unions” or “cohabitation” among others. But these denominations cannot be compared in any way with the real gay marriage that would have to correspond to the “normal” marriage. The gay comunity considers these civil institutions as apartheid institutions, because they do not give the same rights as straight marriages.

If we take look at the countries around the world, there are only a few where gay marriages are legal, as in the Netherlands (since 2001), in Belgium (since 2003), in Spain (since 2005), in Canada (since 2005), in South Africa (since 2006), in Norway (since 2009), in Sweden (since 2009), and in six U.S. states, like Massachusetts (since 2004), Mainde (since 2009) and so on. So, very few European countries have legalized the gay marriage, while most other states have implemented civil laws that can not be compared with the real rights the gay people should have.

The debates and movements continue to divide the nations. The religion and the culture bent a great influence on the opinion of each affected person. Another issue thet also raises great controversy is that of whether a homosexual couple can have children or are allowed to adopt them. Still, the society has changed over time, and we hope that soon it becomes more humane and tolerant.

If you want to know a tolerant, open mind and charming city, why don’t you spend yourd holidays in the Spanish capital? Madrid is the gay capital par excellence. Gay marriages are legal there! To enjoy a comfortable and economic stay, rent the best apartments in Madrid!

If you think that Barcelona only offers you beach, sun and a relaxed atmosphere, then you’re completely wrong. The weekend of November the 7th and 8th will be very special, because the Catalan capital will organize for the very first time the breathtaking LG Snowboard FIS World Cup. To the passionate extreme sport fans among you: you shouldn’t miss this amazing event!

Soon it will be snowing on Muntjuïc. The Olympic stadium (Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys) will be transformed into a real winter paradise in November. So you’ll enjoy the best ski and snowboard riders of the world who will take your breath away showing you their newest and spectacular moves and talents. The Snow Show in Barcelona offers you the highest ramp in Europe in regard to a Snowboard World Cup event: the 35 meters high Big Air. Impressive international snowboarders like Isaac Vergés (Spain), Mathias Weissenbacher (Austria) or Niklas Asmyr (Sweden), as well as spectacular ski riders, like Xavi Bertoni (France), Paolo Martignolo (Italy), Paddy Graham (GB) and a lot of more talented pioneers of extreme sports will captivate you with their fantastic tricks on the ramp.

But that isn’t all! In addition, the Olympic stadium, a real architectural masterpiece, offers you different areas which will guarantee you very entertaining days. In the Commercial Village you can dive into the shopping world of uncountable stalls with the newest and coolest products of these adrenaline sports. In the stadium the organizers will set out as well different bars where you can have some drinks and delicious snacks. With this huge offer of uncountable activities and workshops, you won’t get bored at all. Entertainment, sport, party, new people…sounds good, doesn’t it?

If you are searching for comfortable and cheap accommodation, than you should rent the best apartments in Barcelona. So, come to the Catalan capital and discover one of the most spectacular events of the year!

One of the most important along with one of the most difficult decisions is without any doubt the question of coming out of the closet or not. Thousands of persons have been hiding their sexual orientation and with it, their real personality for years. However this little secret can make their life a lot of more complicated and they let themselves be locked into their own little world where they can’t enjoy one of the most appreciated values of humanity: liberty. It’s up to each person, but finally everyone comes to the conclusion that coming out of the closet liberates them from inner tensions and social oppression.

Some persons disclose their sexual orientation just after noticing it, and others, including the majority of homosexuals, don’t have the courage to make this big step and they wait until they can’t stand it anymore. In the end, opening oneself up to the family and friends can involve two different parts, a negative and a positive. The good news is that “coming out” doesn’t have to be so traumatic as most homosexuals think and furthermore, it’s something that can be done. The bad news is that since the first coming out you have to out yourself to all new and important friends and colleagues, etc. However, as time passes, the “coming out” will be getting more and easier and it will be less difficult to talk about his sexual orientations without having to talk about the details.

Nowadays, homosexuality is an essential part of society and is mainly accepted. Throughout history more and more famous personalities have outed themselves as homosexual or bisexual, like for example Elton John, Pedro Almodóvar, Jodie Foster, Freddie Mercury, Wolfgang Joop, Megan Fox, Leisha Halley, George Michael…All of those who are still hiding their secret should act like the celebrities who although are always at the centre of attention and the press is continuously hunting them for new scandals, they disclose their sexual orientation and remain faithful to themselves.

The gay community however, still has to fight against a lot of cases of homophobia in their work place or private life. Society still has a long way to go to reach the total acceptance of homosexuality. The best example in this context is the legalization of homosexual marriages, which is forbidden in many countries or even punished by death.

One of the gay capitals par excellence is without any doubt Madrid. This wonderful cosmopolitan capital has changed a lot during the last few decades. Nowadays it is considered one of the most tolerant and open minded cities in Europe. Why don’t you spend an unforgettable vacation in the Spanish capital and feel completely free? Rent the best apartments in Madrid and enjoy an economic and comfortable accommodation.

Once again one of the most famous fairs of the Catalan capital Barcelona, the Manga Fair, is celebrating its fifteenth edition. This year it pays tribute to the recently deceased Yoshito Usui, one of the parents of Manga and the creator of the mischievous, but lovable character of  “Shin Chan”.

But there are many undiscovered works of this master in our country. Thanks to this tribute  comic lovers may get to know his less known work among other things. In addition, the event organization, along with Planeta DeAgostini and Luk Internacional, will offer a presentation on Shin Chan with graphic material and other products.

The fair will take place from October 29th to November 1st in La Farga de L’Hospitalet (C/Barcelona, 2), where there will be macrospaces for video games, all kinds of stands, assembly halls, traditional Japanese games workshops, manga workshops and exhibitions, mangateka, Japanese workshops, press room, restaurant areas and a centre for guest authors to sign autographs.

Enthusiasts of the Manga world will have three spaces to enjoy the best of the genre. Also, there will be a free service of “Mangabus”, which will shuttle them while the fair is open.

Besides La Farga, where the principal activities will take place, the other two enclosures are the Poliesportiu of Centre (C/Riera de l’Escorxador, 15), where the Cosplay contests, the Karaoke, the musical performances and the demonstrations of Japanese culture will take place; and Centre Cultural Barradas (C/Ravine Just Oliveras, 56), where anime projections will be held.

This year prizes will be awarded to the best anime and manga works published in Spain between September 2008 and August 2009. Although they have no monetary award, they confer a great prestige to the winning works.

The tickets will cost € 6 and 4 € with the official discount (only with TR3SC card and Carnet Jove card). But those visitors who come to the fair dressed up as a manga or anime character on 30th october (Friday) will be able to enjoy free access. Furthermore, and if this were not enough, all the attendees will have a manga gift.

Do not miss the most famous fair in the city. Thousands of people travel to Barcelona to attend to this fair. Rent Apartments in Barcelona if you want the best accommodation and enjoy it!

Internet has changed the world. We download music, post videos on youtube and read e-books online. Unfortunately, royalty management organisations and cultural lobbies are threatening this form of cultural exchange, “in the name of the artists”. But now, the artists say NO. Culture shouldn’t have a price, everybody needs to be able to have access to information, and nobody should hold a monopoly. Ladies and gentlemen, for the second year running, Barcelona proudly presents: The Oxcars 2009.

Starting from 29th October, Barcelona will become the world capital of shared and free culture for an entire week. The Sala Apollo will be the venue for this extraordinary event, with an award ceremony and all kinds of events. Let’s take a look to see what’s on the program.

Who doesn’t know film directors Ridley Scott (Bladerunner, Alien) and Tony Scott (Topgun, Beverly Hills cop)? Together with independent studio A8 they created the project Purefold, short episodes to which everybody has free access. But of course there will also be attention paid to the smaller fish. Do you know Malviviendo? No? These 4 youngsters couldn’t find a decent job after their studies. And instead of settling for less, they decided to realise their own series with a budget of 40 euro per episode. And let me tell you a secret: This year, ‘Malviviendo’ wins the oxcar in the category ‘Unforgettable series’!

Even literature is represented. Alberto Vázquez-Figueroa, a Spanish writer from Tenerife, will present his novels from now on in 3 formats. A fancy hardcover edition, a paperback, which will be cheaper, and a free version that you can download on internet. This shows a very positive signal towards the idea of free culture, if you ask us; this deserves an Oxcar!

Of course there’s also music! The Original Jazz Orchestra worked together with some local composers to create a more personal style. But don’t worry, that will not exclude the traditional bigband performances such as Duke Ellington.

Another highlight is the special tribute that will be paid to Merce Cunningham (1919 – 2009), a dancer and choreographer from the United States. Everybody is invited to use or reproduce his project ‘Loops’ in other works, which made him a pioneer for the good cause.

Support this philosophy of a free culture for everyone and stand up for your rights. Join us at the Oxcars awards 2009, or participate in the forums that will be organized the week after. A perfect excuse for a trip to Spain, and to get the most out of your holiday, rent the best Apartments in Barcelona.

It’s not that Barcelona is a dangerous city. Of course, like in any other big city there are pickpockets who focus especially on tourists. But with a little common sense and precaution, nothing will happen. Here are some guidelines to help tourists visiting Barcelona feel and be more safe!

• The classical one: try not to act or to look like a tourist. A camera around your neck is like a big sign on your forehead, people with bad intentions will spot you immediately.

• Buy a Spanish newspaper or find one of those free copies that they hand out like Adn or 20 Minutos. A simple trick that keeps you low profile. Of course you might want to hide your fancy digital camera as well.

• As for the ladies, don’t be too casual with your handbags. Why not choose a messenger bag that you can cross over your body? This way it’s not easy for someone to grab it and run.

• Keep your eyes open on the public transport and on the metro in particular. Avoid the crowded carriages, since this is where pickpockets, usually in pairs or even small groups, have the perfect opportunity to snatch your belongings without you even noticing it. You might find yourself caught in a crowd of people who are a little pushy trying to get on or off, only to find out later that your purse or wallet is gone.

• Nowadays there are a lot of human statues and actors on Las Ramblas – one of Barcelona’s most famous streets. Some of them are quite popular and attract a big crowd – and thieves as well. They act like spectators and while you are focussed on the performance, they take off with your belongings before you know it.

• An old time favourite, especially on the Ramblas is the Shell Game. There’s a small ball and three beakers or matchboxes or even bottle tops. The only thing you have to do is guess which one the ball is under. Piece of cake, right? Wrong. It’s a scam and moreover: illegal. Usually the trick is performed by immigrants from Eastern Europe. The operator always has accomplices who pretend they are playing the game; they hand over 50 euro notes like its monopoly money and of course always win. However, if you make a bet, the ball will never be under the cup you point to. It’s like a magic trick, a very expensive one.

• And as we said before, a ‘show’ like this is a perfect place to be mugged while you are not paying attention to people around you.

• Since you are a tourist, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to show any other tourist the way. So be suspicious when someone comes up to your table while eating at KFC or just sitting on a terrace. They ask you for directions and spread out their map, and only when they are gone you will think: Hey, didn’t I have my mobile laying here? Trust your instincts: a gypsy will probably not be here for his holidays.

• To all the men, here’s a simple hint: don’t do anything you wouldn’t do back home. The neighbourhood that borders La Ramblas on the right is El Raval. Things can get a little tricky at night, and there are many African prostitutes. First they’ll be friendly, trying to seduce you, to persuade you. Just walk away. Not only could they rob you, when their pimp shows up, it could get ugly. Do you really want to tell the cops what you were doing while being mugged? Not to mention explain it to your wife.

• The last warning: Careful with taxi drivers. Sometimes they sort of make up their own rules. After a concert or big event they triple their prices. To avoid such rip off, discuss a price before entering.

Hope we didn’t scare you too much; just remember that most unpleasant situations can be avoided with some logical thinking. Barcelona is indeed a wonderful place; make sure you come and visit soon! And if you are looking for affordable accommodation, rent the best apartments in Barcelona!

Do you have a favourite place building you love in a particular destination? There are beautiful cities around the world which differ from the others by its magnificent architecture. This is the case of Madrid.

The Caixa Forum is another fantastic piece of architecture from those wacky folks at Herzog & de Meuron. Based around the Central Electrica de Melodia, an old electrical power plant, it is now a cultural centre that holds exhibitions, musical concerts and conferences. The interior is futuristic in blazing Clockwork Orange-style white, while the outside is a wonderful game of two halves: the red, clay-coloured side of the main building and the extraordinary wall garden on the other side.

One of the aspects of the facelift Herzog & de Meuron gave the Central Electrica de Mediodia in 2008, was removing the stone base that originally supported it giving the building an eye-popping, levitating look that really makes it stand out.

Caixa Forum is a Spanish foundation with different branches around the country, especially in Catalonia: Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, Lleida and Tarragona. It defends equal opportunities for all kinds of people, fighting against inequalities and social injustices. It struggles for social and professional inclusion of disabled people, for the comprehensive care of elderly patients, the insertion of immigrants, the social rehabilitation of prisoners, for the education of children, for scholarships and affordable housing for young people.

It also presents a host of cultural activities: among others, music, theatre, art, and so on. Now the Caixa Forum Madrid hosts the “Palladio the architect (1508-1580)”exposition from October 2009 to 17th January 2010.

Contemporary of great Renaissance artists like Raphael and Michelangelo, Palladio practiced architecture as a profession of special significance. He democratized the architecture to vindicate the supremacy of domestic structures, pointing out that any building could be beautiful without the need to use expensive materials.

Through more than 200 works, this exhibition traces Palladio’s career since his time in Padua as a teenage stonemason until the time he became an intellectual and favourite architect of the Venetian state, aristocrats and religious leaders. It also emphasizes the commitment of the architect with humanism, which fuelled his determination to forge a new architectural language appropriate to the age. The exhibition explores the impact he has had on later generations of architects like Arata Isozaki, David Chipperfield, Richard McCormac, Toh Shimazaki or Jiménez Torrecillas, among others.

Don’t miss such an incredible exposition in one of the most amazing buildings in the Spanish capital. Rent Apartments in Madrid for the best accommodation.