Carmen's contributions in the Eluleka Community

Hey Celia,

Last year I was in Rome and no one warned me that off-the-shoulder fashion and shorts weren’t welcome in some places. Let me tell you about my little adventure so you don't make the same mistake I did.

It all started at St. Peter's Basilica. I was happily strolling in my sleeveless top and shorts that my grandmother would’ve called “Is that a belt?” when a very stern guard stopped me dead in my tracks: “Signorina, spalle coperte e ginocchia anche” (translation: “Miss, shoulders and knees covered”). 😱

Luckily, a Mexican tourist saved me with a scarf she had (blessed be travel solidarity!). Lesson learned: In Vatican City, shoulders and knees covered for EVERYONE, no exceptions. Guys, that includes your basketball player outfits!

Next up was the Pantheon. I thought, "It's an ancient temple, and free! What could they demand?" Well, folks, it’s now a basilica and the rules are just as strict, especially during mass days. I saw a guy in shorts above the knee, turned away like a gladiator without a sword. My advice: always carry a scarf or light jacket in your backpack. I ended up becoming a "scarf ninja" improvising skirts and capes!

At the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, things got epic: I watched a whole family in beachwear—flip-flops and tank tops—make a pit stop to buy sarongs.

Remember, all the important churches, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, Santa Maria Maggiore, etc., have the same rules. And yes, they apply equally to both men and women, you can let your boyfriend know!

However, it wasn’t all drama… At the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, I could breathe easy; the code there is “survive the heat and the cobblestones.” But do wear comfortable shoes; my fashionable sandals left my feet feeling like I’d battled a lion.

For art lovers, at the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, although the dress code is the same as St. Peter’s, I saw several guys sporting Hawaiian shirts… but with sleeves! Moral of the story, you can be original, but cover the essentials.

In short, shoulders and knees covered in churches and the Vatican, for everyone, no gender distinction. You can wear light clothes and carry a scarf to cover up when entering. And since you do a lot of walking in Rome, always wear comfy shoes.

If you've got more questions, don’t hesitate to ask! 😄

(*) This response has been translated ( see the original text in spanish ).

Hello Maria del Carmen,

Let me tell you how we did it. After landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), we followed the TGV signs like they were magical breadcrumbs, with the kids running ahead, of course. We bought the tickets from a vending machine—luckily, there's a Spanish option! And within 10 minutes, we were on the train headed to Disney. The trip was so swift, we didn't even have time to decide our first ride.

We stayed at a hotel inside the park, the Sequoia Lodge. After getting off at Marne-la-Vallée - Chessy, we went straight to the Disney hotel shuttle area. You can't miss it! It's well-marked with Mickey signs. There, a bus with the Sequoia Lodge logo was waiting for us. In 5 minutes, with no luggage to carry or kids asking, "Are we there yet?", we arrived at the hotel entrance, which looks like a mountain lodge.

Upon arriving at the Sequoia, they gave us the park access wristbands right away. Our first ride was Ratatouille! 🧀

At the TGV station, there are taxis for hotels outside the park. Since we stayed in a hotel within the park, we used one of the shuttles, which are frequent and free. By the way, the shuttle service takes care of the luggage delivery to the hotel.

Have fun!

(*) This response has been translated ( see the original text in spanish ).

Hey you two!

How exciting, your first trip together and it's to Rome in the summer! I went to Rome for my honeymoon—such great memories. Just a heads-up: Rome is marvelous, but if you don't plan wisely, the lines can wreck your trip. Let me share some tips on where you absolutely need to book tickets in Rome to avoid summer lines, drawn from my own experience, having endured sun-drenched queues and, frankly, overpaid on occasions 🥴. Hopefully, this will save you money, headaches, and help you make the most of your visit.

First things first, **booking tickets for the Colosseum in the summer** is a must. It saves you from wasting precious time in long lines since tickets run out quickly, especially in peak season like July or August. Ideally, buy them at least **2 to 3 weeks in advance** on the [Colosseum's official website](https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en/categories/individuals-1-8-people/). If you can, get the ticket that includes access to the underground—it’s spectacular.

On my first visit to Rome, I tried booking last minute and found the standard Colosseum tickets (which cost 18€ and include the Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill) were sold out. Luckily, I snagged the **Full Experience Ticket (the most recommended)**. I paid 24€, which seemed steep but is worth every penny, as it offers the full experience, including access to the underground area beneath the arena, perfect for epic photos! You also get passageways where gladiators once walked, access to upper levels with the best views, and, of course, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill—both essential. Plus, a perk your legs will thank you for: the **Full Experience** is valid for 2 days from first admission, allowing you to spread the visit over two days. Although I couldn't save money on that occasion, the stunning photos I captured completely justified the extra 6 euros.

One thing to keep in mind: the Colosseum requires a set time slot, meaning you must book a specific time for your visit. We booked ours for 3 PM and nearly missed out by arriving 30 minutes late. My advice? Visit the Colosseum first, then explore the Forum at your leisure.

The Colosseum is beautiful at any time of day, but for crowd-free photos without melting away, book the earliest slot (around 8:30 AM). Another great option is after 3 PM when the light is golden and there are fewer tour groups.

Similar or even worse issues arise with the **Vatican Museums**. In the height of summer, entry lines without reservations can exceed **3 hours** in the blazing sun, and trust me, in Rome, that’s a killer. To avoid summer lines, reserve your spot as soon as your travel dates are fixed—**3 to 4 weeks ahead**, on the [Vatican Museums' official website](https://www.museivaticani.va). If possible, book the **first time slot** of the morning; it’s amazing because it's less crowded. There’s also the option to book tickets for the **Friday night visits** during the summer, letting you enjoy the **Vatican Museums** in a unique and different setting while skipping the summer lines.

If you miss out on reservations for the **Vatican Museums** and the Sistine Chapel, another option is the official **guided tours** that include skip-the-line access. They are pricier (at least 50-60€ per person), but they save you from the misery of waiting.

For art lovers seeking a romantic outing, don’t miss the **Borghese Gallery**. Here, reservations are even more critical because **only 360 people are allowed every 2 hours**, and it fills up fast in summer. It's best to book **2 to 3 months in advance** directly on the [Borghese Gallery's official website](https://en.borghese.gallery/tickets/). The limited capacity makes for a peaceful and special visit without the crowds. If you can, go for the 9 AM or the last 5 PM slot, which is usually less busy.

If for some reason you don’t book in advance (hopefully not!), you won’t be able to visit the **Colosseum** unless you pay for a last-minute express tour that can cost around 70€. At the **Vatican**, you’ll face a long line, and might not even get in due to limited entry. You won’t even set foot in the **Borghese Gallery** since there’s no physical ticket office. In short, without reservations in Rome, your summer trip could be a tourism nightmare.

Aside from these must-sees, other places don’t require reservations but it’s still advisable. For example, visiting the Dome in St. Peter's Basilica can be paid for on-site for around 17€ or online at the [St. Peter’s Basilica's website](https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/products/the-dome). However, the **Vatican Necropolis**, where St. Peter’s tomb is located, must be reserved in advance either on the [St. Peter’s Basilica's website](https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/products/the-necropolis) or by emailing [scavi@fsp.va](mailto:scavi@fsp.va). The **Domus Aurea** ([Nero’s Golden House](https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en/events/domus-aurea/)) requires booking a guided tour and is only open from Friday to Sunday. The intriguing **Crypt of the Capuchins** allows reservations on its [website](https://museoecriptacappuccini.it/en/).

To save some money and, more importantly, time, avoid ticket resellers, as many websites inflate prices by 10€ or more per ticket. This is why I stress using **official websites**. When choosing your visit times, keep in mind that the **Colosseum** is less busy after 3 PM with fewer tour groups, and the **Vatican Museums** are more serene late in the day, but remember—last entry is at 4 PM.

To save money on your summer trip to Rome, consider investing in a **Roma Pass**. If you plan to visit places like the **Castel Sant’Angelo** or the **Baths of Caracalla** in addition to the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill, it's worthwhile. The **Roma Pass** offers different options (36€/48h or 58€/72h). I suggest you look over user reviews and which monuments it covers (I believe it doesn’t include the Vatican Museums) and only buy it if you’ll use its benefits such as:

- **Free entry to 1-2 attractions** depending on the choice.
- **10-50% discounts** on other sites.
- **Unlimited public transport** (a must with Rome’s heat!).

If you’re interested in key sites in Rome without needing reservations, there are several options. The **Pantheon** is a must-see, with a 5 euro entry fee, 2€ for ages 18 to 25. Entry is **free for those under 18 and on the first Sunday of each month**. It has generous hours, open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but after 6:30 PM, they no longer permit entry. And if you're up for a unique escape, the **Villas of Tivoli**, just an hour from Rome, are a marvel and much less crowded.

To sum up, here are quick answers to common first-time Rome visitor questions:

- Are last-minute Colosseum tickets available? Only through private tours, which usually cost more.
- Can you enter the Vatican without a reservation? Yes, but with an endless wait.
- What if the Borghese Gallery is sold out? Check the website every morning; sometimes they release tickets.

And here’s a personal mistake you should avoid: on my first Rome trip, I thought I’d get in early at the Vatican. Spoiler: it closed due to full capacity after a never-ending queue. I lost a day and paid 65€ for a tour I didn’t even feel like at that point. The Borghese Gallery was all booked up. Since then, I learned that in summer, booking Rome tickets in advance pays off.

So, my final advice is: **book weeks ahead**, use **official websites**, and choose smart times to visit stress-free. Organizing your Rome trip well ensures you avoid lines, save money, save time, and most importantly, save stress.

If you have any more questions or want ideas for a romantic Rome itinerary, I’m here to help. Enjoy your couple’s getaway! ❤️🇮🇹

(*) This response has been translated ( see the original text in spanish ).

You've come up with a truly wonderful idea to surprise your parents, I'm sure they'll love it. Visiting the **Patios of Córdoba** was something I had on my bucket list for quite some time. I’d always seen amazing photos, but experiencing it in person is on another level. What surprised me the most wasn't just the beauty of the **decorated Cordoban patios**, but the warmth of the hosts, who proudly share the history of their home and the effort it takes to keep these spaces alive.

I've never seen so many flower pots together in my life. Some of the **typical flowers of the patios of Córdoba** include 🌺 **Geraniums**, the ultimate classic; 🌿 **Jasmine**, with its intoxicating fragrance; 🌼 **Gitanillas**, which cascade and create a spectacular effect; and 🌙 **Lady of the Night**, perfect for evening visits. I met a man who has been caring for his patio for **40 years** and he told me the secret is to water them at dawn. So, if you fall in love with those flowers and want to take the trick home, now you know. 😉

Although some patios are open year-round, the best time to visit them is during the **Festival of the Patios Córdoba**. In 2025, the event will be held from **May 5th to 18th**. During those days, the locals open their patios for free, allowing everyone to marvel at this **World Heritage Site Córdoba**. Many are public, and those that aren’t charge a symbolic fee.

Here are my tips to make the most of your visit:

- **Avoid peak hours**: If you can, go early in the morning or after 7:00 PM. At noon, the streets are crowded, and it's best for the elderly to avoid large crowds.
- **Download a map**: Routes change each year, so check out [**Córdoba patios routes map**](https://patios.cordoba.es/mapa/concurso) to ensure you don't miss the best spots.
- **Bring water and comfortable shoes**: You'll be doing a lot of walking, and while the May heat in Córdoba isn’t overwhelming, it can surprise you with its intensity.

Though all patios have their charm, some stand out more than others. In my opinion, the best areas to visit patios in Córdoba are:

- **Patios of the San Basilio neighborhood**: This area has the most traditional and accessible patios. Plus, the narrow streets and white facades make for a pleasant stroll.
- **Palacio de Viana**: Although not part of the festival and open all year, this palace houses **12 decorated Cordoban patios**, each with its own style, all very beautiful.
- **Calle San Agustín**: Its patios impress with the abundance of **geraniums** and traditional Andalusian architecture.
- **Illuminated Patios of Córdoba at night**: Some patios can be visited at night, creating a magical atmosphere with lights among the pots and fountains.

If you're wondering where to stay near the patios of Córdoba, we stayed at Hospedería del Atalia, just minutes from San Basilio neighborhood, with its own lovely patio. They treated us wonderfully.

In conclusion, exploring the **Patios of Córdoba** is more than a visual experience; it's a journey through the tradition and history of the city. Visiting in May during the **Festival of the Patios Córdoba** means your parents will enjoy one of Spain's most authentic celebrations. Let us know how the surprise for your parents went and which patio was their favorite.

(*) This response has been translated ( see the original text in spanish ).

Hey there! We went through the adventure of traveling to Disneyland Paris with our two little ones last year. At first, just like you, we checked all the airports, and after much comparison, we opted for Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Why? Because it struck the perfect balance: it's just 40 km away from Disney and, most importantly, it has a direct train (TGV) that gets you to the park's doorstep faster than you can open a bag of chips. Picture this: excited kids, us loaded with luggage... That train was our lifesaver! There are also buses like the Magic Shuttle or taxis, but after the flight, the train was our golden ticket.

Buses like the Magic Shuttle have their perks too. During our stay at the park, a couple told us they used the Magic Shuttle to get from CDG airport, and it was a great option because you hop on and they drop you right at your hotel's entrance. The downside for me is the time—an hour-long ride compared to our 15-minute train journey. They said thankfully, the shuttle had WiFi, so the kids were a bit entertained, but the final stretch was a bit nerve-racking as they watched others get off at their hotels while theirs seemed never to arrive.

Before choosing CDG, we considered Orly because flights were slightly cheaper. But even though it's a bit closer than other airports like Beauvais (50 km vs 125 km), it doesn't have a direct train to Disney. We realized we'd have to make transfers with the Orlyval and two metro lines (RER B and A), amounting to about an hour and fifteen minutes of travel with the kids 😆. Plus, the Magic Shuttle from there takes almost as long as a taxi, which costs around 60-90€... In the end, although Orly is a good option if you snag a flight deal, the extra hassle just wasn't worth it for us.

We also checked out Beauvais (BVA), the quintessential low-cost airport. The flights are the cheapest, but it's a whopping 125 km from Disney! We imagined having to take a bus for an hour and a quarter to Paris, then another train... And that's with two kids fresh off a plane!

From my personal experience, and even though you're traveling with kids a bit older than mine, CDG is hands down the best choice. It has flights from all airlines (some low-cost included), competitive prices, and a direct train that quickly gets you to Disneyland, or the shuttle option which is a good alternative if you have lots of luggage, even though it takes a bit more time.

Have a great time!

(*) This response has been translated ( see the original text in spanish ).

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Winterwelt Christmas market in Potsdamer Platz!

Two years ago, I was lucky enough to visit it and let me tell you, it's like Santa Claus decided to set up his own amusement park right in the middle of the city. I stayed in the Mitte district, which is a gem in itself by the way. From there, getting to Winterwelt was a breeze—no reindeer needed!

That market made me feel like a kid at Christmas, much to the embarrassment of my teenage kids 😇. The ice rink is so huge you could get lost in it! And let's not even talk about the toboggan run where I slid down like a penguin at the North Pole, but with way less style 😂😂😂.

The stalls are a feast for the senses: juicy bratwurst, pretzels that challenge your taste buds, and hot mulled wine that warms the coldest of hearts. And if you get tired of all the skating and shopping, don't forget to treat yourself at Café Lebensart with their apple strudel that's simply delightful.

In my opinion, Winterwelt is the perfect place to soak up the Christmas spirit and enjoy Berlin to the fullest! 🎄⛸️🍷

Happy holidays.

(*) This response has been translated ( see the original text in spanish ).

If you're looking for an authentic and magical Christmas experience in Berlin, I highly recommend visiting the Spandau Christmas Market!

I discovered it last winter and fell completely in love with it. Nestled in the picturesque old town of Spandau, with its cobbled streets and twinkling lights, this market transports you to a medieval fairytale. It's the largest and most traditional one I've seen in the city!

The atmosphere is pure Christmas joy: hundreds of wooden stalls offer unique crafts, like handmade candles, shiny ornaments, and intricately carved figurines that are true works of art. And the food! 😍 Don't miss the grilled sausages (so juicy!), crunchy candied almonds, and the most aromatic glühwein. Plus, the market features live performances and even a nativity scene with real animals, which is a bonus if you're visiting with little ones like us.

You mentioned that you've already booked your hotel; we stayed at the Hotel Berliner Mühle. Check the distance from your hotel before heading to Berlin, as Spandau is a bit out of the way from the city center, but every minute of the metro ride (U7 or S-Bahn) is worth it.

Lastly, a food recommendation after exploring the market: you must go to Brauhaus Spandau (just 5 minutes away!). They serve tender pork knuckle with craft beer that's finger-licking good.

Happy holidays and enjoy the Berlin magic! ❄️

(*) This response has been translated ( see the original text in spanish ).

The WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Christmas markets I've visited in Berlin! I was there last year and it was an incredible experience. The location is perfect, right in the Gendarmenmarkt Square, surrounded by the Konzerthaus and the stunning German and French churches. It's very easy to get there by metro; I took the U6 line to Französische Straße and walked for a few minutes from there.

What I loved the most was the atmosphere: warm lights, live music, and a variety of stalls with high-quality crafts. I bought some gorgeous handmade Christmas decorations and a wool scarf that I still have. As for the food, Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) is a must to keep warm, and the bratwurst were delicious.

A detail to keep in mind is the 2 € entrance fee, but it's totally worth it. If your hotel is in Mitte, this market is ideal since you're also very close to Friedrichstraße, with stores like Galeries Lafayette for shopping 😉. Plus, if you're looking for a good dinner after the market, I recommend Lutter & Wegner, which is right next to it and has spectacular schnitzel.

The best time to visit Christmas markets is between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, as night falls early in Berlin. If possible, try to avoid the weekend; visiting during the week is a bit less crowded and makes for a more pleasant stroll.

Regarding the indoor activities you mentioned, I have two recommendations for you. The first is if you love shopping like I do, you'll love Galeries Lafayette. Their spectacular Christmas decorations in their glass dome are a sight to behold.

The other recommendation is a bit different, and we stumbled upon it by chance, but it was quite a discovery: the Liquidrom in Berlin. It's a futuristically designed spa, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring the city, especially in winter. Its main attraction is the large saltwater pool heated to 36°C, where you can float while listening to underwater music, creating a unique sensory experience.

Moreover, it offers several saunas with different temperatures, aromatic steam baths, and a relaxation area with dim lighting and a zen ambiance. It's a perfect place to escape Berlin's hustle and bustle and to achieve a state of total relaxation. I highly recommend it if you're looking for an indoor activity to combat the cold, to rest after wandering around the Christmas markets, or simply to enjoy a moment of well-being with your partner. It's a different and very Berlin-style experience! 😊♨️

Enjoy your time in Berlin.

(*) This response has been translated ( see the original text in spanish ).