If you like our tips for this week you'll have wet tushy but after that you will be open for new ideas and if you like a breath of the past we will see you on our coast in Croatia, so start packaging.
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Anchorage, Alaska People who visited Anchorage in Alaska compare it favourably to any other American city. People in Anchorage are nice and helpful and when you add to that the beautiful and breathless nature you must stop, look around and ask yourself: "What else any of us need more?" God was very generous when making Alaska, creating beautiful place that embellish our planet. On the contrary to our usual suggestions, while in Anchorage, stay in The Dimond Center Hotel which is a Member of Small Elegant Hotels, luxury designed friendly hotel with reasonable rates. Homey place deserves homey staying.
Now, when you are settled, one question: When was the last time you slide down on your tushy? Probably when you were ten? If you are now thinking that you are too old for child's play I must say that men are old as how old as he feels in his heart. I guarantee you that you won't break anything; on the contrary, you will be glad that after hundreds of years somebody persuaded you to play child's games. He who feels young in his heart is young for all new ideas that shower us in everyday's business.
When you are there visit Anchorage restaurants with great seafood specialties, after that visit Denali Park, ski in nearby ski resort, and take a time for fishing and mountain hiking to make your city lungs full of fresh air. If you see a moose don't lose your head. They are friendly animals and just curious what a wet-butt stranger does in their backyard. Take the Alaska Air Taxi and see Alaska from another angle or choose catamaran excursion. Don't miss Anchorage Museum, the world-class museum in downtown Anchorage or Alaska Heritage Museum with 900 Alaska native artefacts, gold and fine art. There are really many choices, explore it.
Lovran, Croatia
Although Croatia is the small country, Croatians hardly admit, especially men, that they are the owners of anything small, including company. But for this week's issue we searched for the members of Small Elegant Hotels worldwide and we found one on the coast of Opatija Riviera in the city of Lovran, Croatia. Life can be cruel sometimes, but in this case we are glad we can invite you to the small Villa Astra Hotel situated on sea front of Lovran which offers a magnificent view of Kvarner bay. Lovran got its name by laurel that wealthy grows in the neighbourhood.
In the past, in the time of Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, Lovran was well known by "marun", a special sort of great quality tame chestnut. Today, Lovran is popular by "Marunada", the festival that take place every autumn, this year from October 10th to 26th. If you like chestnut delicacy visit Lovran those days and you will certainly enjoy in all those scents and flavours.
If you miss it, never mind. Lovran is a good host in any time of the year. For morning awaking, drink a coffee in one of small cafes and then take a walk along 12 kilometres long seafront lungo mare (The Seaside Promenade). Because of the healthy climate that whole area was known as the sanatorium and the most frequent guests were the members of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Glory vanished with years but the air is still good. Hotel Villa Astra, built in 19th century, preserved some of the atmosphere from the past and if you decided to eat in Villa Astra's restaurant, portraits of the Austrian emperor Franz Josef will be your company.
After lunch with the emperor take a trip to surrounding islands or simply find a bench and enjoy in the autumn sun. ■
