Pitsidia, Crete. Chance upon an isolated home and at the very least that means a friendly 'Cala Mera' and a wave - sometimes an invitation to come inside and drink tea. Climb the hill that overlooks this very unspoilt village and listen to a chorus of sheep bleating, cattle lowing and instantly be transported to a time two thousand years ago. Bars in Pitsidia really reflect a true Christmas spirit: always friendly and if the owner is not there then customers help themselves and are trusted to pay their bill later in the day ... or even the next. Fresh local fish, grilled halloumi, crisp vegetables and the most seductive Cretan music all make a refreshing change from turkey and Christmas carols.

Pitsidia, Crete
Google map: bit.ly/sZgiJQ

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Looking to see Toronto through the eyes of a local? Sign up for a free visit to one of Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods, led by a friendly greeter who shows you a different perspective of the city.
Toronto Greeters are not professional tour guides, but volunteers who love their city and want to share with visitors the special places that mean something to them. Visitors can select one of over 50 neighbourhoods that they would like to discover in-depth, or they can select one of 14 themed visits, exploring public art, architecture, music, and the waterfront. If you don’t know what to select, you can opt for “Greeter’s Choice” and be surprised.
Want to know where to go for the best shoe shopping? Where to stand to get the best shot of the CN Tower? Where the best walking trails are? Seeing a neighbourhood through the eyes of a local allows you to learn things you wouldn’t pick up on your own or read in a guide book.
This service is offered year-round to individuals, families, and groups of up to 6 people. Visits are offered in over 30 languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Marathi and Tagalog.
How to sign up: Fill out the online form, located on the City of Toronto website, at least one week before arriving: https://wx.toronto.ca/inter/city/tap.nsf/VisAppl?OpenForm.
Visitors are matched with greeters, based on language, age, interests, and neighbourhood. E-
mails are exchanged in advance to ensure the volunteer understands what the visitor is hoping to learn from the experience.

www.toronto.ca/tapto

* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti

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Indiasomeday.com - locals from Mumbai that have travelled extensively in India who helped me to plan my trip around India. I wanted to avoid just using the Rough Guide etc. but had limited time, a long list of things I wanted to do/see and felt a little overwhelmed. They advised on the best routes to take, best/cheapest travel, restaurants, accommodation, sites and experiences. They are there on the ground, spent time with me, offered local knowledge and are really passionate about India and travel. A personalised and personal service, hassle-free, great value for money and for me an incredible experience, in large part down to their help. I have just returned from my trip and without reservation recommend them. The reviews speak for themselves.

www.indiasomeday.com

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Try and befriend a local and get them to take you to some local Khmer eateries and places - much more fun than the standard tourist haunts.

Everywhere!

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Near to the Parque Maceo is Callejón de Hamel, an alleyway covered with brightly coloured murals, sculptures and shrines that pay testament to the city’s AfroCuban culture. Enjoy a strong black coffee from the tiny café, check out the gallery selling works by revered Cuban artist, Salvador Gonzalez, or watch local residents play a game of chess. Come on a Sunday morning and you might be lucky enough to catch the participants of a Santeria ceremony dancing, singing and invoking their orishas or spirits.

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Website with the latest Swedish news in English. You'll need an icebreaker with Stockholmers - always amusing to shock them by showing you know who their prime minister is. Also has listings and a 'meet' section for hooking up with locals while you're in the city.

www.thelocal.se

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I was lucky enough to sing there with a cantor during a Jewish festival. The dignity of its quietly crumbling deterioration has to be seen to be believed.

Also, the young folk there are charming. There are a selection of old, brick cellars that are now bars where university students play their light, almost naive, drinking games.

ul. Szeroka 24;
012-422-0962

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The Da Fiore bacaro and restaurant on Calle delle Botteghe, just off Campo Santo Stefano is wonderful - sip an 'ombra' (red wine), 'spritz' (typical Venetian drink, with Aperol or Campari), or treat yourself to a glass or two of prosecco. Nibble some of the cicheti while sitting at the outside bar and get to know the locals who flock over from local businesses - there is always someone who'll want to talk. Make it your local for the duration of your stay!

www.dafiore.it

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