NEW ORLEANS, THE CITY OF MYSTERIOUS LOVE

It is very different from other American cities. The rhythms here are slow (they call it “the big easy”), in a typical of southern states such as Louisiana. Esoteric rites, colorful alleys and music: a truly original destination.

New Orleans is one of the most unique and fascinating cities in the United States. Famous above all for its music (which envelops the entire French Quarter all day long), the Creole architecture, its picturesque Mardi Gras, the carnival that has nothing to envy to that of Rio del Janeiro, and for the aura of mystery that surrounds it because of its ancient traditions, still very rooted, and linked to the years in which the first slaves arrived from Africa and set foot on this southern strip of land.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which destroyed half of New Orleans, the city now seems to have forgotten this tragedy and has returned to normal, with new buildings (increasingly taller), but also a new waterfront along the Mississippi River, as well as parks, cycle paths and museums that tell the story of a city full of contradictions that fascinate anyone who visits it. The French Quarter is certainly the most touristic place in the city. Among the narrow streets and the colorful houses richly decorated in wrought iron of the neighborhood, it will seem like you are walking in a corner of Europe. It is here that one comes to try the typical Creole cuisine of New Orleans and to listen to jazz music. The same one that Louis Armstrong, originally from New Orleans, played in all the bars in the area, from the most elegant to the bad clubs. Those with a passion for local gastronomy can follow a cooking class organized by many of the restaurants

Island Hopping Among The Pontine

Off the coasts of the Gulf of Gaeta, in Lazio, the Pontine Islandsor Ponziane - offer panoramas and sunsets that remain etched in the heart. To get to know these small islands, you can take a boat tour from Palmarola, a true naturalistic Eden, and navigate between rocks and stacks that emerge from the sea - the Spermaturo, the Stacks of Galere, the Stacks of Tramontana, the Stack of San Silverio (sacred place for Ponza fishermen), the Faraglione Pallante (the elephant) and the mighty Faraglione di Mezzogiorno, with its impressive cave to be crossed by boat. There is also time to relax on the Cala del Porto beach and admire the white cliff that plunges from 200 meters into the turquoise sea at Cala Brigantina.

Info: www.leisoleditalia.com/

THREE PEAKS OF LAVAREDO, ICON OF THE DOLOMITES

The Three Peaks are the symbol of the Dolomites which is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 for the “unique mountain landscapes of exceptional natural beauty”. However, it’s not easy to be able to admire them as a whole if you’re not climbing to the top. It is possible, however, by walking along the beautiful path that goes from the Auronzo refuge in the Belluno Dolomites (at an altitude of 2,333 meters) to Forcella Lavaredo (2,454 m) with a memorable trek to the Cima Piccola (2,857 m high) which appears in all its splendour as well as the Cima Grande (2,999 m) and the Cima Ovest (2,973 m). A once in a lifetime trip. Info: www.auronzomisurina.it in the city.To immerse yourself in the culture of New Orleans, you certainly shouldn’t miss a tour of the city’s cemeteries, starting from the St. Louis Cemetery, which was the set of many films including “Easy Rider”. In front of the tomb of Marie Laveau, the “Voodoo Queen” of New Orleans, one must make a wish (voodoo is still widely practiced today) or from the cemetery of Lafayette # 1, nicknamed the “little city of the dead”. Ghost tours and voodoo tours are also organized in the evening, to immerse yourself in the disturbing atmosphere of this incredible city.

But a new and modern New Orleans is developing around the historic district, made up of elegant districts of villas and design shops, art galleries and European-style cafes and skyscrapers overlooking the great river. It’s worth a walk in the Garden District to discover the splendid private residences built by Americans enriched by the slave trade and now inhabited by film and TV stars, such as Sandra Bullock, and used as sets for films and TV series, such as mansion where “American Horror Story” was filmed. Getting there is very easy, just get on one of the old trams that run around the city or rent a bicycle to ride along the many cycle paths that lead everywhere.

Info: https://www.neworleans.com/ SiViaggia: https://siviaggia.it/viaggi/new-orleans-9-coseinsolite-da-fare-nella-citta-del-voodoo/144273/