The Dopios Blog

dopios, a global travel community that connects Travellers and Locals all around the world! Insights, unique experiences, tailor made requests, customised advice curated by the real experts of a destination, the locals! www.dopios.com

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Explore Greece with dopios

Vodafone is proud to launch Vodafone Explore Greece, a travel application for your complete guide to a fantastic holiday in Greece!

A personal interactive guide, available in 4 different languages, to help you explore the beauties of ancient and modern Greece.

Dopios, the travel community that strives for authentic travelling through connecting travellers with locals around the world, provides Explore Greece app some awesome experiences around Greece, in exclusive prices, only for Vodafone's customers.  

Nature lovers that find themselves in Athens and care for some mild outdoor activity around the city, can enjoy a great hiking tour in one of the most scenic mountains of Athens, Parnitha, along with the local experts Kostas and Greg. 

For all those travellers who find themselves in the capital of Greece and care for great writers and especially greek litterature, Matta, a book lover local, offers an insightful tour to remember!

Choosing a greek island is a tough decision, way beyond raki vs wine. Dopios has selected some gorgeous islands with amazing locals to offer some unique travel experiences to Vodafone's customers, and more specifically to travellers who use Explore Greece app.  

Maria, a sporty local in Chania, Crete offers surfing or kite surfing lessons in unbelievably beautiful spots of the island! 

Irene, a dopios in Thessaloniki, is taking travellers, as well as fellow locals, on a great excursion in the Thermal Spa of Lagadas. A soothing and relaxing experience for any kind of traveller. 

Maria, an extremely passionate member of dopios community, will welcome you in the island of Rhodes and offer you a local experience to remember. A visit in a picturesque monastery, followed by a stroll in a traditional food feast will definitely blow your mind! 

As far as wine lovers and lovers in general are concerned, Santorini, the most famous island of Greece is waiting to be explored. Dimitris is taking visitors to the award-winning volcanic wines of Santorini, around the most distinct wineries of the island on a 4-Hour tour in the countryside! 

Enjoy your holiday, Explore Greece with dopios and Vodafone! 

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A Monumental Capital

Monuments, memorials, museums, excellent food, art and nightlife scenes. Washington is more than the political heart of the US. Take Joseph's crash course and explore some lesser-known gems.

1. How would you describe Washington in 3 words?

Young. Diverse. American.  

 2. What is your favorite spot in town?

No matter how many times you've been past it, the United States Capitol never gets old. Making the walk from the National Mall to the Capitol on a nice night is hard to beat. Honorable mention goes to Roosevelt Island just outside of town.  

 3. How would you describe a perfect night in Washington?

DC is a town obsessed with Happy Hour, so I'd suppose you might start there. Every outfit in town offers drink specials in the early evening during the week, and if you pick the right spot, you could be rubbing elbows with US leaders. Next, I'd head to one of the countless hip restaurants in Logan Circle for dinner. Most of these restaurants have outdoor seating, an excellent option if the weather permits. After a post-meal espresso, I'd venture out to find some live music. DC has a few excellent intimate music venues where you can catch emerging artists for less than $20. It also has Mr. Smith's Piano Bar in Georgetown, if you're just looking for someone who will play the hits. 

4. What advice would you give to travelers visiting Washington?

Looks can be deceiving, especially when it comes to DC restaurants. There are plenty of excellent restaurants with unassuming facades, and even more middling restaurants occupying beautiful spaces. Do your homework before heading to dinner if possible. 

 5. Can you tell us a secret of the city?

Knowing when to use the Metro and when to take a cab can save a ton of time and trouble. During typical work hours, the Metro is more efficient than traffic-laden streets. Any other time, the Metro is nearly useless. Use that time saved to visit a few extra Smithsonian Museums, they are free after all. 

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The City by the Bay

What do you know about The City by the Bay? Visit the sites that even few locals know about, and experience San Francisco like a native with Johanna Lehmann.

How would you describe San Francisco in 3 words:

Fantasyland

Surprising

Multi-Cultural

What is your favorite spot in the City?

Golden Gate Park. I can’t visit this urban park that is supposed to be larger than New York’s Central Park often enough. Each time I go there, I discover something new. Last time it was the Murphy Windmill that provides irrigation for the park.

The park is home to 6000 different varieties of plants, has eleven lakes, three museums, two stadiums-- and a family of bison. I love the Conservatory of Flowers, a botanical garden showcasing rare and exotic plants; Stow Lake, the largest manmade lake in Golden Gate Park, which has a waterfall that flows from the tallest part of the park.

The park is also where numerous free events are held, including the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, and the Turkey Trot, a brief race on Thanksgiving morning.

How would you describe a perfect day in San Francisco?

It would definitely start with breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square. You have to be an early riser to get a table there, but it’s worth it for the Dungeness Crab and Spinach Benedict. After breakfast I would be off to visit the Legion of the Honor art museum, which has Monet’s water lilies, in Lincoln Park. In addition to viewing the great art inside the museum, there’s a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge from there.

 In San Francisco, however, you don’t even need to go to a museum to see great art; in Chinatown you can see the street paintings of the famous graffiti artist, Banksy, whereas in the Mission you can see murals along Balmy Street and Clarion Alley.

Next I’d go to Point Lobos, the Sea Lion Point, and if it suddenly got chilly, as it can in San Francisco, I’d stop for hot chocolate at The Cliff House. There’s a great view from there, too.

By this point I’d be ready to stroll along the restaurant-filled Promenade of the Embarcadero and stop by for a coffee at the Blue Bottle Coffee Shop. This wasn’t even a pedestrian area before 1989 when the Loma Prieta earthquake destroyed the multi-lane freeway that stood in place of the Embarcadero. After that catastrophe, the city reclaimed the space and replaced the fast cars of the freeway with nostalgic streetcars. (Speaking of which, the Cable Car Museum on Washington Street is where you can see the original, antique cable cars and learn how they worked.)

San Francisco has lots of great restaurants, but an unusual and very inexpensive one is Delancey Street Restaurant  The wait staff is made up of people of former offenders,  who have endured hardships due to drug problems or money or relationship issues; the Delancey Street Foundation gives them a second chance.

End the night at Tosca Café, a bar frequented by Sharon Stone and other celebrities who live in San Francisco.

What advice would you give travelers to San Francisco?

To appreciate Sa Francisco, you need to experience it like a native. The best way to do that is to visit the different neighborhoods. Each has its own personality, and many have their own ethnic fare. .Visit Chinatown, Sunset, Japantown, or little Saigon to experience Asian culture and food; the Misson for Latino fare; and North Beach or Little Italy for that Italian flavor.

Can you tell us a secret of the city?

San Francisco has many secrets, but here’s one: The Bourbon & Branch bar at the edge of the

Tenderloin district has a secret passageway hidden behind a bookshelf that leads to a whole other bar: the Russells Room, just like in The Great Gatsby.

It’s a great city, I promise. If you need some further validation, just visit my San Francisco video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQWjqAHBua4

About the author

Johanna Lehmann is a San Francisco based writer, and the founder of the Indiegogo book project ‘How to Love San Francisco - One Year in the City by the Bay’, a unique cross between a fiction novel and a travelguide. Johanna is listed as a top 50 non-fiction author in Germany's largest reading community, LovelyBooks and just launched her book campaign to translate her highly rated book for the English market. Secure a version of the book here:

http://bit.ly/HowtoloveSF

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One week to the Spanish North

If you are planing to visit South Spain this year, think twice and take a different route towards the charming and yet overlooked north. For visiting this part of the country, you may choose to start your journey either from the nearby airports or from the center of Spain and then move there either by car or with the public transport.

A good starting point could be Madrid, where you can find an affordable flight thorough the year and then get something more than a weekend get away by renting a car.

Segovia can be your first stop which is about 90km away (around 1h and a half), famous for it's natural beauties and its local delicacies. There, you can experience some interesting outdoor activities provided by locals, such as an adventurous air balloon flight with full view of the city, hiking in a secret location full of natural beauties that only locals know, and canoeing routes for more off the beaten path moments. 

  You can either spend the night in Segovia or move to Burgos, the historical city of Castilla, that will amaze you with it's stunning UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral.  

The following day you could reach the arty Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Country, which is two hours away from Burgos.

There, you can feel the cultural diversity that makes this part of Spain unique and original. 2-4 days of sightseeing are probably not enough to experience the Basque cultural heritage. You may also pop up in Bemeo, a stunning seaside city and Vitoria a picturesque city and European Green Capital for 2012 and this years gastronomic capital.

  San Sebastian-Donostia can also be one of the stops in your journey, a famous holiday resort of the basque coast which is also well-known for its seafood and pintxos(tapas). 

If you are a foodie then, don't miss La Rioja, the gastronomic paradise for wine lovers that worths a visit.

Pamplona is another option as well, where you can watch the Running of the Bulls in july arranged by a local. 

Special thanks to Ander Fernandez for his amazing pictures and tips from the Basque Country.

Fenia Megremi

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Live like a Frenchman

What do you know about the Frenchie Pink city? Visit its main landmarks as well as the best places for shopping with Sana and feel like a Frenchman.

1.     How would you describe Toulouse in 3 words?

Sunny, friendly and international.

2.     What is your favorite spot in the city?

“Place du Capitole” is my favourite spot in the city.  This is a stunning area and a must visit spot when visiting Toulouse! At times, it can be so peaceful to sit and watch the world peaks with busy times, where you can see a wedding ceremony - the hustle and bustle of the market stalls, the wonderful shops and cafés around. Truly, a beautiful place!

3.     How would you describe a perfect day in Toulouse?

Toulouse offers a wide range of coffee and tea shops where you can have a hot drink and some French pastry. Then, you can shop at Galleries Lafayette.  Lots of nice exhibitions. You can have more fun shopping at smaller traditional shops. You can only visit museums which are free every 1st Sunday of the month. “The church of Les Jacobins” where you can see the light coming through the stained glass windows which looks amazing. The huge pillars look like palm trees and at the far end, there is also a mirror looking into which makes you feel like you are on a tall building! 

4.     What advice would you give to travelers visiting Toulouse?

Toulouse has rich history, shopping malls, museums and restaurants. It is always wise to plan ahead your trip and find the places which might interest you.

5.     Can you tell us a secret of the city?

Toulouse is unique and special in so many ways, it has two nicknames: the Pink City and the City of Light. It is called the Pink City because it has an exceptional brick architecture which looks pink in the sun light. Due to the countless illuminated sights at night, it has gained the name of the City of Light.

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Catalan beauty

    Experience Barcelona like never before with the help of a native Catalan. Agnes, knows really well, how to do so. Discover with her the Catalan beauty.

    1. How would you describe Barcelona in 3 words?

Barcelona is bright, colorful and dazzling

    2. What is your favorite spot in the city?

My favorite place is the Eixample district, where there are the most beautiful houses in Barcelona. It is a neighborhood with modernist spirit. Full of authentic architectural jewels, with stained glass, and flower shapes. It is ancient and modern, nostalgic and cheerful at the same time.

    3. How would you describe a perfect day in Barcelona?

A perfect day starts with a walk through the old city center. Looking the old side of Barcelona and discovering traces of Roman and medieval periods. Then eating an incredible paella before the Mar. Afterwards, climbing the Montjuïc castle for a stunning view. Last but not least, strolling through the gardens and then down to the Raval neighborhood or a walk to the Born district where you may have tapas and go out for drinks. It is clear that just one day is not enough to enjoy Barcelona.

    4. What advice would you give to travelers visiting Barcelona?

My best advice is that you go with someone local or guide. Someone who really knows the city. The city has an incredible history, you can travel from the Roman era, the long medieval period, and the incredible 1900. A good local guide will teach you hidden places, with authentic treasures.

      5. Can you tell us a secret of the city?

Barcelona has an incredible mountain, little known to tourists and much loved by the locals. You can make beautiful excursions. Offering incredible views. I invite you to go up the mountain and feel Barcelona under your feet.

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Rome's chamber of secrets

The Italian Capital has many more things to offer except from the classic sightseeing spots of the center. This week i'm spotting 5 extraordinary places that will get you thrilled and show you another side of this glorious city.

1.Via Piccolomini

An authentic optical Illusion in Rome. Check the illuminated dome of St Peter's church and get amazed by the unexpected change of its size. When you get closer it get's smaller and smaller, but when you move away it's magically stretched. Creepy?

2. The Zodiac Hill

Undeniably one of the best views in Rome. A Lovers panorama surrounded by kisses, hugs and whispers. It's located right next to the Observatory of Astronomy and it's a romantic off the beaten spot for lovebirds.

3. Parco degli acquedotti

Located in the Roman suburbs. A park that will remind you the opening shot of the ''la dolce vita'. Typical Roman countryside of archaeologic and Naturalistic interest that attracted numerous artists, architects, writers and travelers of the Romantic era. It's located in the Roman suburbs and a bike ride is a must-do! 

4. Chiesa del Gesu

One of the most superb jesuit churches in Rome. The magic happens at 17.30pm every day, when the statue of St. Ignatius which is hidden behind a large painting is suddenly revealed with large spotlights switched on to show the piece. Loud religious music covers the baroque happening. Lovely.

5. Ostia Antica

An ancient Roman port quite well-known in the ancient world. It's easily reached from the centre of Rome. It's ideal for a short break from the center of the city. For some it's significantly more impressive than Pompeii. A must-do stroll in the wonders of ancient Rome.

Special thanks to Fabio for his priceless Roman tips.

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The jewel of Toscany

Lucca is one of Toscany's top secrets, full of history and italian flavours! Turlough, can show you the best of it and teach you how to best pronounce his name! 

1. How would you describe Lucca in 3 words?

Untouched by time, Elegant, Intimate

2. What is your favorite spot in the city?

My favourite spot is the top of Torre Guinigi.

You can see the whole town with it's charming red-brick roofs and the surrounding hills from the shade of the olive trees.

3. How would you describe a perfect day in Lucca?

A sunny day in July at 2 pm, when then streets are deserted and all the buildings and cobblestones are exclusively yours to wander through and admire from a shady spot while you can hear classical music softly reaching you from the Conservatorio.

4. What advice would you give to travelers visiting Lucca?

Take your time and soak in everything around you. Every corner has something beautiful to reveal to you. You don't need to plan your whole day, just wander!

5. Can you tell us a secret of the city?

Lucca has many secret little Piazze and quiet spots, but the best secret is the remnants of the old Roman walls which are hidden in a small church, which is rarely visited.

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''We will always have Paris''

The elegant French capital is full of charm and hidden treasures. This week we pick our top 5 off-the-beaten-path places. An exciting ride to the Parisian way of life.

  1. The St Paul Village

A fairy passageway at the Marais district. Cozy atmosphere, antique treasures, artisan boutiques and philatelists’ shops. Peaceful shopping with international flavored clientele, definitely worths a visit. 

  2. Jardins des archives nationales

Even the greyest days look different there. The secret symphony of those gardens can revive your romantic mood. Located in the very center of the boho-hearted Marais.

  3. Parc de Belleville

Terrific view, probably the best you can get in Paris. Picnic is always an option on sunny days. Make sure that excellent wine and cheese are both included in your basket.

  4. The passage l’Homme

An 18th century passage with timeless beauty. A picturesque cobbled courtyard that will remind you certain French provincial cities. It’s located at the 11th district and it’s a pure diamond so do bring your cameras.

  5. The Paris Catacombs

Does 20meters underground sound challenging to you? Then take an underground spooky tour or join a secret underground party at the catacombs. There are lots of secret entrances all over Paris that can be full of surprises since some of them are not even mapped! Suitable for adventurous (and therefore brave) type of travelers.

  Got more cool places to add? Feel free to enrich our list by telling us, which are your must-see places in Paris that the common tourist eye cannot easily reach.

  Fenia Megremi

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New York New York

''New York City is tough and romantic'' that's the Woody Allen's quote from the opening of his movie Manhattan. Dulcie Dee, a native new Yorker, will give you her personal overview of the Big Apple, come and find her!

1. How would you describe New York in 3 words?

Unforgettable, Exciting, Gastronomic.

2. What is your favorite spot in town?

Soho for all the shopping, cast iron architecture, proximity to Chinatown and Little Italy and West Village.

3. How would you describe a perfect night in New York?

Dinner, followed by a Broadway play and a night cap at one of NYC's famous bars in the meat packing district, and lastly, a view of NYC at night from the Empire State Building.

4. What advice would you give to travelers visiting New York?

Plan on visiting at least 4 days to give you time to soak up the magnificent sights, museums, shopping, and all it has to offer culturally.

5. Can you tell us a secret of the city?

Central Park is big and beautiful to walk through any time of the year to people watch, relax, jog, bike, take photos, ice skate, rowboat or dine at the Boathouse. This park is the most peaceful and romantic santuary in busy NYC.

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Biking with a Parisian

Visiting Paris? All you need is a local and a public bike. Meet Francesco, a passionate biker that loves to share tips about the City of Light. 

1. How would you describe Paris in 3 words?

  Magic, Historic, Surprising.

  2. What is your favourite spot in town?

I do not have a favourite spot. Actually, I love cycling in Paris, going through all the most beautiful places I know and, every time, adding something new to my route. But for me, some of the nicest places in Paris are the green areas, like Bois de Boulogne and Parc Floral.

  3. How would you describe a perfect night in Paris?

I have always thought that the perfect nights are when you go out with the perfect people. But, for sure, the place really matters! The nights I love the most in Paris are when we go out to drink something and, while everybody is leaving by Metro, I go back home by Velib'. You can feel the fresh air in your head, see beautiful spots and, of course, have a complete view of the City of Lights.

  4. What advice would you give to travelers visiting Paris?

Visit every little place and not just the touristic spots. Go to Parisian bars, eat (even cheap) French food and drink French wine. Use the bike as much as possible and walk the whole day, because every street has its own beauty.

  5. Can you tell us a secret of the city?

Well, since I think everybody has understood that living the city by bike is even better than walking... ;) I would say, that the small towns just outside Paris are extremely nice, and some of them really deserve to be seen! 

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Milanese Charm

World-class shopping is synonymous to Milan, the a city that can satisfy any avid shopper. Discover the best of and get some fancy tips from Alice, a Milanese local passionate for fashion.

1. How would you describe Milan in 3 words?

Bourgeois, charming, classy.

2. What is your favourite spot in town?

My favorite spot is Colonne di San Lorenzo. This place is magic for its constant evolution of shapes and colors from night to daytime. Quiet and empty during daily hours, the "sagrato" gets crowded and vibrant in the night where hundreds of young souls gather to enjoy a few beers in front of the famous basilica.

  3. How would you describe a perfect night in Milan?

Milan offers a heterogeneous range of activities in terms of nightlife depending on your taste, wallet and area you are willing to explore. Navigli canal district presents a lot of lovely places for aperitivo, the traditional pre-dinner drink. Porta Venezia is famous for its lovely cocktails and for those charming bars usually recommended for pleasant radical-chics in their early 30s. Bar basso, the birthplace of the famous “Negroni Sbagliato”, or wrong Negroni (Campari +  Dry Vermouth + Prosecco), is definitely one of those. Attractively speaking Brera, the arty bourgeois district with loads of tasty restaurants, is perfect for a romantic rendez-vous. Finally Lambrate area celebrates the underground and the industrial feeling of the city hosting one of the finest nights for techno and electronic music at DUDE club. Take your pick!

 4. What advice would you give to travelers visiting Milan?

If you want to see the Last Supper of Leonardo Da Vinci, book the tickets as soon as possible! They are usually sold out months in advance!

  5. Can you tell us a secret of the city?

Be brave and have a look to the not touristy San Bernardino alle Ossa. The free entrance church, located only a small walk from the Dome, has an incredible chapel (ossarium) decorated wall to wall with dozens  human skulls and bones. Creepily amazing!

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Mykonian Tamperament

Do you want to discover a whitewashed paradise? Panagiotis, a brand new addition to our traveling community, gives you an introduction to the cosmopolitan serenity of Mykonos.

How would you describe Mykonos in 3 words?

Genuine, Picturesque, Timeless.

What is your favorite spot in town?

I admit that this question is very tough to answer!! My life in Mykonos has been full of incredible experiences and everlasting moments! Every corner, every door or window, every alleyway of Mykonos’s town reminds me of my early years on the island. If I had to pick one spot of the town though, it would definitely be “my” little bench behind Paraportiani church! Every time I visit that spot I feel totally free, to relax while admiring the breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea’s infinite blue as well as the magical sunset! Isolated from the crowd, this is my personal temple of meditation!

Why do you think Mykonos is a great destination for anytime of the year?

If I had to choose one trait that characterizes Mykonos all year long it would be its unique and wild natural beauty as well as the authentic and hospitable people. In the early 60s, the first visitors started to observe the immaculate and simple reality of Mykonian’s everyday life. Although Mykonian’s past was full of wars and regular pirate raids, they managed to maintain their ancestors’ rich tradition and pass it on to their children. And it was that tradition and lifestyle that originally impressed Mykono’s visitors that contributed the most to its following recognition among the best tourist destinations. On the other hand, led by intuition and hard work, the people of Mykonos ensured their island glory and wealth. So far, Mykonos' touristic development has proved that combining the traditional with the modern face of the island is possible and successful when locals care for their cultural past and natural resources. 365 days a year, Mykonos exemplifies a life-changing experience this is how i appreciate its rich and impressing history!

What advice would you give to travelers visiting Mykonos?

During the recent years I‘ve come up with the opinion that selecting a destination for holidays constitutes a subjective and constant search of knowledge and truth. Sometimes the majority of the media covers half of the reality or distorts the facts to attract some certain interests. At some point, this kind of slander is inevitable. My position is as follows: ''Trust your inner instincts and let yourself experience Mykonos' unknown and off-the-beaten path places''!

Can you tell us a secret of Mykonos?

Mykonos is full of secrets!! A lot of locals know about these but the overriding majority keeps the lid on! I feel so grateful that my island still reveals to me its hidden and virgin treasures every single day and that’s one of the reasons why I become more and more passionate about it as I grow up! I think it’s time from me to share one: Petros, our pelican, in the middle 80s, flayed to Tinos and when Mykonians managed his homecoming a huge celebration started to the island!!!

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An Interview with a genuine Istanbuler

Su Sonia, is a notable local sharing the best of Istanbul with us. Check her experience and live an amazing day in one of the most worth visiting cities in Turkey!

1. How would you describe Istanbul in 3 words?

Eclectic, exquisite, chaotic.

2. What is your favorite spot in town?

Asmalımescit for fun, Rumeli Hisarı for a view and Kadıköy for a more homely feel.

3. How would you describe a perfect night in Istanbul?

My advice for a perfect night would be starting with a rakı and meze dinner at Fıççın Kallavi; they have great local food, amazing staff and the whole street is theirs so you can pick the spot which appeal to you most while still receiving the quality service and delicious mezes. Afterwards bar hopping in the Asmalımescit district would follow; you can go to a pub, club, live concert hall and find the one just for your taste! Finally after eating either pide, stuffed mussels or just having a bowl of soup, go somewhere where you can watch the sun rise over the Bosphorus –Rumeli Hisarı’s shore is recommended.

4. What advice would you give to travelers visiting Istanbul?

Do your research not just for Istanbul but wherever you travel, follow tourist guides for historical visits but local’s advices for all other activities –and (I can’t emphasize this enough) bargain when shopping!

5. Can you tell us a secret of the city?

I don’t think any part worth mentioning in Istanbul is an actual secret anymore since the city is a well-known (both local and international) touristic spot. However I’ve always thought the Caddebostan shore and Moda district which are both on the Asian side were always over shadowed by the attractions of the European side. For a calm and/or active afternoon go to the Caddebostan shore with your beverages and watch the sea, sunset, dogs, kids, people riding bikes, skating or just enjoying themselves. Just avoid weekends to escape crowds.

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Interview with a cool local

John Cooney, joined dopios just 3 months ago and is a must-meet local in London. He loves showing around London to his friends and travelers and he knows the best places around. Here's a small taste of a cool local.

1. How did you get to know about dopios?

  I was spending time with my flatmate and some of his Italian friends on the south bank of the Thames, on a Saturday in late October 2013. We had briefly stopped by 'The Old Thameside Inn', a riverside pub near London Bridge, beside the replica of Francis Drake's ship 'The Golden Hinde'. I was telling the group about the City of London's skyscrapers (and their nicknames), which were visible directly across the river from where we were standing. There was a couple sitting in front of us on the terrace - Suddenly, the guy turned around and handed me a Dopios-branded sticker with the explanation: 'this is for people like you'. My response was something like '...and what kind of person am I, exactly?!' and he briefly explained the concept of Dopios. I kept the sticker and signed up to the website a few days later!

  2. What's your top 3 favorite spots in London and why?

Chiswick House & Gardens (http://www.chgt.org.uk/) - A beautiful villa built by Lord Burlington in the 18th century in west London. It's in the Classical style, inspired by Palladio and Inigo Jones and is surrounded by landscaped gardens by William Kent, which are widely regarded as some of the most influential, in terms of the English landscape movement. I've only just learned that the gardens apparently inspired the current layout of New York's Central Park! I first visited this in 2011 during Open House London, a festival which makes 800+ buildings accessible to the public, free of charge, during the third weekend of September every year. This event is one of the highlights of my London calendar and I have visited over 40 buildings in my three years of attending (and volunteering). (http://www.londonopenhouse.org/)

Greenwich (http://www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/) - Steeped in Royal and Naval history, this lovely suburb of London is home to the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory (famous for Greenwich Mean Time / GMT), the Old Royal Naval College, a delightful covered market and the restored Cutty Sark tea clipper. There's a place in Greenwich Park called 'One Tree Hill' where you can observe London from where Queen Elizabeth I sat and plotted her empire back in the 16th century!

Richmond (http://www.visitrichmond.co.uk/) - This is one of the most desirable places to live in suburban London - and it's easy to see why! It has the largest of the eight Royal Parks which is home to thousands of deer. The view from King Henry's Mound is one of eight 'strategic views' of St. Paul's Cathedral, which are protected from the building of anything which might obstruct the view. The River Thames skirts Richmond village to the west, and in Autumn the colours of the valley beyond are absolutely glorious!

  3. What's the best thing you discovered in London when moving there?

  Two things instantly come to mind:

The first is the 6th floor rooftop of the One New Change shopping centre beside St. Paul's, which offers an incredible free view of London, dominated by the dome of the Cathedral. I was brought here in my first few days in London.

In addition, there's a lot to be said for walking around central London - In my first few days here, I walked approximately 5 miles from Wapping to Bond Street - It really helped me to get to know the city in those early days, something which travelling the same route on the tube could have never matched.

  4. Must-see events in London 

  The following are three things that I'm really looking forward to over the coming six weeks:

  Exhibition: 'Sensing Spaces - Architecture Reimagined' at the Royal Academy, Piccadilly - Until April 6th. This exhibition seeks to redefine the way we think about and engage with architecture, through the provision of seven new installations by a variety of established and emerging architects. http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibitions/sensingspaces/

Exhibition: 'Vikings: Life and Legend' at the British Museum, Holborn - March 6th - June 22nd.

The first major exhibition in the newly-built Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery of the British Museum - This promises to be a blockbuster, possibly even more so than the highly successful ' Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum' was last Summer!

http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/vikings.aspx<p><img alt="image" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/dopios_public/img/blog/xxx.jpg" /></p>

Live Gig: Rodriguez - Hammersmith Apollo, March 13th. 'Searching for Sugar Man' was a 2012 documentary which followed Detroit-based folk singer Sixto Rodriguez who released two critically acclaimed albums in the early 1970s. Unfortunately, the albums flopped in the US and Rodriguez faded into obscurity. Meanwhile, a cult following of his music grew in Apartheid-torn South Africa... It's definitely worth a watch! The man himself is back on tour and I cannot wait to see him! http://www.eventimapollo.com/events/detail/rodri

[dopios-blog]

Travel Massive Athens Reloaded

Deep in the heart of Athens an active travel community keeps growing. Travel Massive, one of the largest international meet-ups of people involved in the travel industry is now a casual meeting in Athens.

After the first successful Travel Massive Athens, Dopios.com and travelplanet24.com brought together for the second time more than 50 amazing people of the local travel industry.

Travel writers, CEOs, journalists, agents, bloggers, press, social media experts, lodging, adventure, luxury and outdoor travel companies, everyone was there!

The meeting was hosted at the Impact Hub Athens, which added its inspirational impetus to the event.The Vytogiannis group of companies was also an avid supporter of the event while a special flavor was given by the Chryssohoou vineyards and their excellent wines. 

Four fresh travel start-ups, Offerial, Discoveroom, Travelmyth, and Captainwise presented themselves and therefore pointed the future trends in travel industry that will shape this year. 

Right after the presentations, the abundant wine combined with a social board game created the ideal festive atmosphere for socializing and networking, the one that fits best to a Travel Massive event.

Fenia Megremi

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A Tanzanian local

If Tanzania was not included at this years' travel destinations, now it's the right time to reschedule your traveling programme. There is no doubt that Pendaeli Amos, our newly-joined Tanzanian local can show you the very best of it!

1. How would you describe Arusha in 3 words?

    Stunning, legendary, unique

  2. What is your favorite sport in town?

I’m not fond of sports but sometimes i go jogging in the evening to make myself physically healthy. Visiting national parks, viewing prolific African animals and taking pictures is amazing experience that I love. Watching English premium league is popular across Arusha city where many people of all ages majorly supporting Arsenal F.C, Liverpool F.C, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are flocking in local restaurant halls and pubs which they have big screen portrayed along the walls

  3. How would you describe a perfect night in Arusha?

Arusha offers a really exciting night time experience, these part varies from luxury ones to local ones but all with standard services and entertainments. Many people do gather in areas for refreshening up and having suppers while enjoying live bands or listen to soft recorded music coming from high standard machines. This is a real best place of enjoyment after spending your day doing most of your stuff.

  4. What advice would you give to travelers visiting Arusha?

Arusha could just be Tanzania's number one touristic destination! All the wildlife tours and safaris to northern circuit including Serengeti national park and famous Ngorongoro Crater are organized in Arusha town. Everything you might need from a big city is in Arusha. Cultural touristic attractions, wildlife tours, shopping malls, hotels, daycares, research institutions, universities, restaurants and luxurious clubs.

  5. Can you tell us a secret of the city?

Tanzanite gemstones are among the most valuable bluish jewels found on in Tanzania and specifically in the Arusha region. It is the place where you can buy this valuable gem in a way lower price than in Europe or in the USA. 75% of Arusha town inhabitants depend from tourism and mining. So the tanzanite gemstones should be definitely included on your list of souvenirs!