The area of Bouillon, Ardennes. Belgium

Surrounded by a loop of the Semois river, withdrawn in the deep Ardennes forest, Bouillon, small medieval city is dominated by the Castle of Godefroid. Centuries have passed since the edifice was built, but it has preserved majesty and splendor. The city is today one of the favorite destinations of holidays in Wallonia. Its numerous visitors are the witnesses of the reputation and of the quality of its hotels and campsites, the restaurants are renowned for their wide range of cooking and local specialties; local recipes and specialties of the Ardennes, smoked ham, snails, trouts, delicatessen, game... Its many marked out walks in the woods for strollers and bikers, animal parks, tourist trains, fishing course, hunting and various sport and cultural activities will quickly transform your stay in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes into a pleasant moment of discovery for everyone.

The book of two Indias. Goa, India.

I read recently the novel from Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger. The White Tiger is a book of two Indias. The first is a country of light, the necklace of relatively prosperous cities near the ocean. The second, into which Balram is born, is “the Darkness”, whose presiding deity is the mud of the Ganges in which little flourishes and from which nothing escapes. On the run after committing murder, Balram spends his nights writing to the Chinese premier, who is about to visit India. His intention is to correct misconceptions about his country. But what he offers is no bloodless sociology lesson. Everything worth knowing about the “new” India is in the story of his life, from village teashop boy to Bangalore entrepreneur. Like the white tiger, Balram is a creature that you might meet once in a lifetime. The son of a rickshaw driver, he defies the expectations of his caste to become chauffeur to a corrupt local landlord. From here, it only needs a little blackmail before he finds his way to Delhi, driving his boss’s son. Adiga’s portrait of the Indian capital is very funny but unmistakably angry. Above all, it’s a vision of a society of people complicit in their own servitude. But the tiger refuses to stay caged. Balram’s violent bid for freedom is shocking. What, we’re left to ask, does it make him – just another thug in India’s urban jungle or a revolutionary and idealist? It’s a sign of this book’s quality, as well as of its moral seriousness, that it keeps you guessing to the final page and beyond. This photo was taken in the south of the Goa Province in India, and it expresses the atmosphere of Balram’s words in the book.

Isla de Mortorio, Sardinia. Italy

Summer is here, and I must revisit one of the best kept secrets of the Mediterranean. The North Sardinia is a place of unique beauty and one of the top destinations for a sailing vacation in all the Mediterranean Sea. This region has some of the best sites to visit by sea of all Italian coasts. The Emerald coast with the rich towns of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo is chosen every year for luxury vacation by the V.I.P. of the world. In the Maddalena Archipelago - which is a real marvel of the nature – here we can find beaches, bays, small bays, gorges, and very white or pink sands, and granite rocks shaped and dug by the raging and purifying wind of a sea where dolphins and big fishes swim. Then Isla de Mortorio is a National Park and known all over the world as a territory of rare beauty and as a luxury yacht charter top destination. Viva el verano.

Escaropim, Ribatejo. Portugal

Three photos at Escaropim. The River Tagus, winter 2009, in a special day.

Easy-going atmosphere at Cayo Largo. Cuba

Privileged by the wonders of nature, Cayo Largo will impress the visitor for its beauty. Jewel of the Canarreos archipelago, this island is considered one of the best for diving and nautical activities for its virgin beaches, protected by beautiful coral reefs in shallow waters with gorgonians, fish and a varied flora. It's located in the Caribbean Sea, in the easternmost part of the Canarreos Archipelago. It is 135 km from Nueva Gerona (Isla de la Juventud), 125 km from Cienfuegos, 177 km from Havana and 177 km from Varadero. A virgin island for people who like natures, the wildlife and are looking for a non-commercial quiet place. There is an easy-going atmosphere at Cayo Largo. If you are looking for a party like ambiance, a hectic nightlife, shopping areas, big restaurants, you will be very disappointed! But, if you are looking for tranquillity, a relaxed atmosphere, an unpretentious comfort, and the opportunity enjoy life on endless gorgeous virgin beaches... then Cayo Largo might be for you! Cayo Largo has been awarded no4 on 100 preferred destinations by tourists in 2008, according to trip advisor and no2 in the Caribbean. Cheer!