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larapiegeler

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Member since
18th May 2007

Born in England under a curious star, Lara can usually be found in front of her computer or with her nose in a book, getting enthusiastic about something obscure. When it comes to treats, novelties and objects of desire she is decidedly unpatriotic, and instead of trusting Selfridges, prefers to trawl the globe for traditional, bizarre, rare, nostalgic or delicious items, each with its own story, to give her something to talk about at dinner parties. Exploring the new has always been her favourite game, whether during her travels in Romania, Poland, France and Germany or at home in Richmond, Surrey. There is only one thing she will never try, and that is a diet.

larapiegeler's activity

  1. 18 Jun 2009

  2. larapiegeler reviewed Cours Saleya in Nice, France

    The Cours Saleya is Nice's favourite street for those who want to meet for a chat or just enjoy a wander to nowhere specific; gift shops, pavement cafes and restaurants sit side by side all along both sides of this pedestrianised thoroughfare, but it's t…"

  3. 11 Mar 2009

  4. larapiegeler reviewed The Gettysburg Battlefield in US East Coast, United States

    The defeat of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia on 3rd July, 1863 followed a campaign of battles fought at Gettysburg, climaxing with the Battle of Gettysburg itself, which resulted in more deaths and casualties than any other…"

  5. 21 Jan 2009

  6. larapiegeler reviewed Badger Watching in Crawley, United Kingdom

    One of Britain's largest land carnivores, the secretive badger inhabits that nocturnal woodland world of owls and foxes, sneaking out for moonlit foraging and playing when we're not around to watch - but, of course, we really should be. A well-organised …"

  7. 03 Dec 2008

  8. larapiegeler reviewed Sorrento in Naples, Italy

    To describe a place as one of the highlights of the Amalfi Coast is a grand accolade indeed, but Sorrento carries the epithet with ease. Settled serenely along a broad stretch of pine-clad cliff next to the Amalfi Drive, it leaves the honour of keeping l…"

  9. larapiegeler reviewed Saranda in Albania

    As yet, the ancient port city of Saranda is relatively unspoiled by the tourist industry and gazes proudly out onto the Ionian Sea next to its long-ruined sister, Butrint, inhabited since pre-history. Fringed with cream-coloured sand, clusters of palm…"

  10. larapiegeler reviewed Meze in Cyprus in Limassol, Cyprus

    Meze – gastronomic heaven for the indecisive – is as widespread a concept in Cyprus as it is in the rest of the Eastern Mediterranean region. The traditions associated with the serving of a sequence of little 'finger food' portions of numerous dishes var…"

  11. larapiegeler reviewed Troodos Mountain Villages in Cyprus

    Mount Olympus, at the centre of Cyprus, is the tallest mountain in the Troodos range, and an ancient, 'men-only' temple to Aphrodite crowns its peak. The other mountains, though, are rather less forbidding. Quiet villages, little, terraced fields, orchar…"

  12. larapiegeler reviewed Pitsilia Wine Route in Limassol, Cyprus

    Throughout the mountains of Madari and Papoutsa, and in parts of Machairas, the rambling patches of pine, olive and bay trees are interspersed with pretty villages of white-and-terracotta houses, and these are home to the Cypriot vintners of Pitsilia, wh…"

  13. larapiegeler reviewed Grotta la Porta Cave in Naples, Italy

    The charming, elegant town of Positano has lots of stories to tell of writers and movie stars, but its ancient Grotta la Porta cave, located just inside the harbour, tells one that could only have been revealed by archaeologists. Many centuries ago – dur…"

  14. larapiegeler reviewed Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Naples, Italy

    Located at the hub of the fantasy Campanian seaside town of Positano, on the tiny Flavio Gioia square, Santa Maria Assunta is a bright, detailed gem of a church. Decorated throughout with ornate gold stucco on white, and topped with a majolica ceramic ti…"

  15. 02 Dec 2008

  16. larapiegeler reviewed Vienna Rathausplatz Christmas market in Vienna, Austria

    The enormous Christmas market that takes place in Vienna’s Rathausplatz is the city’s largest and oldest, dating back to 1296, when small, local traders would supply groceries, textiles and practical items along with a few festive pastries to shoppers in…"

  17. larapiegeler reviewed Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market in Vienna, Austria

    The imposing, symmetrical Maria-Theresien-Platz hosts a pretty Christmas village during November and December each year, just a short walk away from Vienna’s largest Weihnachtsmarkt (outside the City Hall). The 64 decorated chalet stalls encircle the …"

  18. larapiegeler reviewed Belvedere Palace Christmas Market in Vienna, Austria

    Commissioned by Prince Francois-Eugene of Savoy and built during the first half of the 18th century to a lavish baroque design, the two-part Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s outstanding beauty spots. Set in an immaculately kept French formal garden…"

  19. larapiegeler reviewed Vienna's Spittelberg Christmas Market in Burgenland, Austria

    A little way out from Vienna's centre, Spittelberg is a relaxed, somewhat bohemian area that was once regarded as a poorer suburb but has since evolved into a fashionable district of craft shops, galleries, design houses, bookshops and cafes. Its narr…"

  20. larapiegeler reviewed Michelstadt Christmas Market in Germany

    A medieval gem set in a modern city and surrounded by miles of fairytale Odenwald forest, Michelstadt's Old Town is one of Hesse's best-preserved and most historically evocative places, with its timber-framed houses, old city wall and Gothic church. T…"

  21. larapiegeler reviewed Dublin Docklands Christmas Market in Dublin, Ireland

    The theme of the '12 Days of Christmas Market' at George's Dock in Dublin is described as a 'chance to re-live all the best bits', and indeed, you'll discover hot chocolate, mince pies, crepes, apple punch, brass bands, face painting, art workshops, toys…"

  22. larapiegeler reviewed Dinkelsbuhl in Bavaria, Germany

    Quite possibly the prettiest town on the Romantic Road, Dinkelsbuhl is a walled Medieval fairytale setting for the Spitalhof Christmas market – rows of glowing chalets set out beneath spreading trees in the enchanting main square. Enjoy gluhwein and a…"

  23. larapiegeler reviewed Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market in Bavaria, Germany

    There are very few places that look so much as though they've been lifted wholesale from a fairytale, and when the Reiterlesmarkt is taking place on the Marktplatz of this beautiful Medieval walled city, it's probably the closest you'll ever get to stepp…"

  24. larapiegeler reviewed York St. Nicholas Fayre in York, United Kingdom

    York is charming at Christmas anyway, with its quaint medieval streets and tiny 'snickelways', old city walls, traditional market places and fabulous Gothic cathedral – but the St. Nicholas Fayre just about perfects it. Sitting alongside a variety of oth…"

  25. larapiegeler reviewed Lincoln Christmas Market in Lincoln, United Kingdom

    Lincoln's Christmas market is promoted as the largest of its kind in Europe, with more than three hundred stalls, but it loses none of its traditional festive atmosphere for all that. Set within the confines of the city's ancient, cobbled Minster Yard wi…"

  26. larapiegeler reviewed Leeds Christmas Market in Leeds, United Kingdom

    The historic city of Leeds boasts one of the UK's longest-established German-themed markets, comprised of almost forty wooden chalet stalls set out on the central Millennium Square. Besides the customary toys, gifts, decorations and greetings cards on of…"

  27. larapiegeler reviewed Christmas at Hestercombe Gardens in Taunton, United Kingdom

    A wonderful 18th century landscape garden which has been successfully restored to its former glory, Hestercombe is now home to Somerset's most popular Christmas market. Set amongst forty acres of beautiful terraces, walled gardens, woodland, follies and …"

  28. 26 Nov 2008

  29. larapiegeler reviewed Caerphilly Medieval Christmas Market in Cardiff, United Kingdom

    By its very nature, a Christmas market generates a sense of nostalgia. Simple pleasures – a hot drink on a cold night, woolly mittens, traditional snacks, a glimpse of the red-and-white-suited man himself... So the aim of Caerphilly's Christmas market or…"

  30. larapiegeler reviewed Belfast's Continental Christmas Market in Belfast, United Kingdom

    Named the 'Continental Christmas Market', Belfast's festive shopping area in the grounds of City Hall takes inspiration from its European counterparts as many in the UK now do, but this one is divided into specific national sections, with corresponding t…"

  31. larapiegeler reviewed Hafnarfjordur Christmas Market in Reykjavík, Iceland

    This isn't just a good one to visit if you want to be sure of snow. Hafnarfjordur constructs a whole Christmas village to celebrate the season, with free festive entertainment and thousands of fairy lights, and it shines like a beacon in the volcanic lan…"

  32. larapiegeler reviewed Basel Christmas Market in Basel, Switzerland

    Basel has its own special Christmas route – the longest in Europe - which runs from the Messeplatz via the Mittleren bridge, all the way down to the Aeschenplatz. All the businesses that line it engage in a window-dressing competition and over a hundred …"

  33. larapiegeler reviewed Llubljana Christmas Market in Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Lubljana is definitely a good choice if you're looking for a truly traditional Christmas market. Not quite a stag party destination yet, the city retains a great deal of its traditional, local charm and you'll find yourself wandering through romantic lit…"

  34. larapiegeler reviewed Stuttgart Christmas Market in Stuttgart, Germany

    A total of around three hundred stalls ramble across the squares of Stuttgart's old town, their charmingly festive backdrops ranging from the dramatic 18th century New Castle and the 10th century Old Castle through rows of colourful Medieval houses to th…"

  35. larapiegeler reviewed Rome's Piazza Navona Christmas market in Rome, Italy

    The Piazza Navona Christmas Market is like a concentration of the duality that makes Rome itself so exciting: the vivid presence of history and tradition thriving and growing amongst everyday 21st century life. Some of the city's most spectacular ancient…"

  36. larapiegeler reviewed Munich's Marienplatz Christmas Market in Munich, Germany

    The fabulous New Town Hall, conceived and built during the Victorian Gothic Revival, towers over Munich's Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt and casts the wonderfully dignified shadow of history over the huge swathe of stalls, which offer a mixture of crafts, …"

  37. larapiegeler reviewed Dresden Christmas Market in Dresden, Germany

    Dresden has so many stories to tell, with its lovingly restored baroque buildings, its proud artistic and musical history and its network of rich pine forest and parkland patches, which spread between the Medieval streets and down to the romantic Elbe Va…"

  38. 24 Nov 2008

  39. larapiegeler reviewed Cape Gkreko National Forest Park in Cyprus

    An area of astounding natural beauty, comprised of dense, lush forests, rushing waterfalls, secluded places to paddle, towering cliffs and inspiring history, Cape Gkreko National Forest Park is a fantastic place to go to for outdoor pursuits. Fishing, di…"

  40. larapiegeler reviewed Bellapais Monastery in

    Set in the peaceful hillside village of Bellapais, this intriguing building dates back to the year 1200, when it was established by an order of white-robed Augustinian monks as St. Mary of the Mountain. Rumoured to have served as a reliquary for a fragme…"

  41. larapiegeler reviewed Mellisani Underground Lake in Central Greece, Greece

    More than just your average ‘blue grotto’, Lake Mellisani has an eerie beauty all its own. Twenty thousand year old stalactites and stalagmites arch above and below, forming the huge cave in which it’s concealed. The lake itself is around four kilometres…"

  42. larapiegeler reviewed Corfu Archaeological Museum in Ionian Islands, Greece

    "Corfu scores at least as many points for archaeological interest as for beaches, and if you’re of the ilk that likes one just as much as the other, you could do worse than have a poke around in the island’s Archaeological Museum. It was only founded in 1…"

  43. larapiegeler reviewed Navagio Beach in Ionian Islands, Greece

    Also known as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio is indeed satisfyingly like the beaches you imagined being accidentally washed up on as a child. It’s only accessible via a choppy boat ride round the headland from Anafotiria village seafront, so despite its fame, …"

  44. larapiegeler reviewed Creuze Tapestry Museum in Limousin, France

    The Aubusson area of Creuse has been famous for its fine tapestries and carpets since the 14th century, a reputation which peaked when settlers arrived from Flanders during the Eighty Years’ War in the late 1500s, bringing their weaving skills with them.…"

  45. larapiegeler reviewed Uzerche in Limousin, France

    Tucked into a picturesque elbow-kink in the peaceful Vezere river, Uzerche is an elegant, romantic cluster of granite houses, sculpted around the sides of a hill, which peaks with the imposing Roman Abbey of Saint Pierre. You'll find an 11th century cryp…"

  46. larapiegeler reviewed Chateau Villemonteix in Limousin, France

    Surrounded by patches of ancient woodland and empty meadows, Chateau Villemonteix is an striking set of mismatched fairytale towers and turrets which date back to the 15th century. It’s special for the combination of luck and care that have gone into pre…"

  47. 31 Oct 2008

  48. larapiegeler reviewed Flamingo Beach in San José, Costa Rica

    "This gorgeous beach more than lives up to its tropical-sounding name. Its sands are clean, golden and powder-textured, the sea matches the cobalt blue sky, and the backdrop one of soaring mountains and lush forests. Renowned for its blue flag status, Pla…"

  49. larapiegeler reviewed Playa Conchal in Costa Rica

    This seaside fantasy beach is made entirely of crushed seashell shingle – fragments of pink, white and yellow – and curves gently inside an arm of tropical woodland, sloping down into a calm, protected blue bay. It's perfect for snorkeling and swimming, …"

  50. larapiegeler reviewed Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica

    Hermosa's smooth, greyish sand and shallow, safe crystal waters are gentle on the eye and the vibe at the family end of this blue flag beach is equally laid back. Fringed by many species of trees and famous for local wildlife conservation efforts, it's n…"

  51. larapiegeler reviewed Langosta in Costa Rica

    "Close to the bustling little town of Tamarindo, Langosta Beach is good for surfing and very popular, but large enough so that parts of it comprise a peaceful marine wildlife reserve, and non-surfers can easily find an empty patch all of their own. Good s…"

  52. larapiegeler reviewed Playa Negra in San José, Costa Rica

    "Ginger-brown sand that glows in the sunshine and stretches far into the shallow, warm pacific water makes up Playa Negra, one of Costa Rica's most celebrated beaches. Famous as a surfer's paradise, with one of the best breaks in the country, this idyllic…"

  53. larapiegeler reviewed Avellanas in Costa Rica

    Playa Avellanas is excellent for surfing and popular with locals, and connects with other nearby beaches all along the coast so you can walk as far as Tamarindo – some ten kilometres away – on foot in the soft, pale sand. The water is shallow and also go…"

  54. larapiegeler reviewed Mahaulepu in Hawaii, United States

    Several soft vanilla spreads of sand tucked into indentations in jagged, dark rocks, Mahaulepu's beaches are clean, wild and spectacular. There's plenty of clambering about and exploring to be done, a wealth of rock pools and great surfing to be had, but…"

  55. 30 Oct 2008

  56. larapiegeler reviewed Berry Pomeroy Castle in West Country, United Kingdom

    A romantic ruin sprung straight from a Gothic fairytale, 13th century Berry Pomeroy Castle is now nothing more than the outer shell of what once formed the beginnings of a luxurious mansion converted from the original defensive structure, but it was aban…"

  57. larapiegeler reviewed Llancaiach Fawr Manor in Rhondda, United Kingdom

    This expertly-restored Welsh manor house, with its warm, golden stone walls, leaded-light windows and carefully re-imagined 16th century ornamental gardens, stands peacefully in the Nant Caeach valley next to a small stream and is as inviting as a pictur…"

  58. larapiegeler reviewed Culloden Moor in Scotland, United Kingdom

    The 1746 Battle of Culloden was the final, spectacularly violent and muddy, rainy fight between the Hanoverians and Jacobites, which ended in triumph for the government's army, led by the charismatic Duke of Cumberland, who sent troops back to the battle…"

  59. larapiegeler reviewed Pendle Hill in North West England, United Kingdom

    Forget Salem; if dark shapes, poltergeist activity, disembodied screams and oppressive clouds of anger and evil indicate anything, it's Pendle in Lancashire that's rife with the restless spirits of people condemned to death for witchcraft and murder. On …"