Derry or Londonderry


The Guildhall in Derry
Photo by: wiki , Creative Commons

Derry, also called Londonderry, is often thought of as a poor second place to Belfast. Lying on the River Foyle’s west bank, Derry is not exactly pretty. However, it has personality. The Maiden City, as it is sometimes called, is like a plain-looking young lady who does not get noticed until she utters something terribly wise. Quite behind when it comes to investments, Derry can at least boast of its rich history, its riverside location and the locals’ infectious optimism. You can feel a lot of the combination of culture and optimism while listening to music in pubs. Derry has a major role in the cultural revival of Northern Ireland.

What to Do in Derry

The night scene in Derry is very colorful. You can visit pubs to engage in the musical scene. You can have your pick from live music, DJ mixes and theater or concert performances. Derry is rich in the cultural scene.

Where to Eat in Derry

Even the restaurants in Derry have cultural and artistic influences. You can easily imagine artists assembling in the cafes, drinking cappuccino while nibbling on Paninis. Those who want a more familiar atmosphere may go for the Boston Tea Party’s famous apple pie. Fresh home cooking and amiable waiters and waitresses complete the easy atmosphere. You may also venture into one of the stylish restaurants nestled in the middle of Derry’s cultural center.

Shopping in the Maiden City

If you are going shopping for Derry souvenirs, you will be pleased to know that there are several shops catering to tourists. There are craft stores selling Derry-made souvenirs. There is even a bookstore that specializes in books that are all about Derry and the rest of Ireland. Bookworm, the bookshop, also has a café. You may also buy Irish linen and Irish music CDs to take home.

Where to Stay in Derry

You will find some excellent accommodations in Derry. The hotels are likely three or four stars in rating. If you want to stay in a hotel within the walls of historical Derry there is the Tower Hotel Derry. The Tower Hotel Derry has 93 guestrooms. There are other hotels and lodges outside Derry’s historical walls, though.
Visit Londonderry in the near future and you won’t regret that you have tried this personable city.

July 14, 2010 at 3:43 am | 1 comment

Atitlan


Lago de Atitlan
Photo by: emilio labrador, Creative Commons

Atitlan is located in Panajachel, Guatemala. The place is popular for its breathtaking Lago de Atitlan or Lake Atitlan which is surrounded by three imposing volcanoes. The view is amazing, and many tourists in Guatemala make it a point to visit the lake.

Visiting the lake by boat or canoe is one of the things that you can do in Atitlan. You can look at the lake’s grandeur closely by riding a boat. You will know how it feels like being surrounded by three volcanoes. The short trip to Lake Atitlan from the main villages is also a trip to remember. You will see clouds covering the view, and you will feel like you are walking in the sky.

You can stay at one of the comfortable hotels in Atitlan like Porta Hotel del Lago. It is very nice and comfy and the food is also great. You can also eat at Pupuseria Cheros where you cane at cheese, beans, and meat-stuffed tortillas locally known as pupusas.

After your trip to the lake, you can also go to the Solola market where you can see Guatemala’s colourful traditional costumes and their locally made handicrafts and ware. You should also visit nearby villages where you will see Guatemala’s ethnic groups that are famous for making colourful woven cloths.

If you want to see monkeys, hundreds of species of butterflies, and different species of wild orchids, you should visit the place called San Buenaventura Nature Reserve. The reserve’s 247-acre land is located along the shores of Lago de Atitlan.

July 14, 2010 at 1:44 am | No comment

Ostersund


Sweden University in Ostersund
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Ostersund is like a city out of a fantasy novel. Its fascinating history, culture and myths meld together to make Ostersund what it is today: A modern city with a fantastic past.

Ostersund is located next to the river Storsjon the fifth largest lake in Sweden. The myth that surrounds this beautiful lake has been attracting tourists around the world for decades. Just like the Loch Ness Monster, another popular legendary creature is said to be residing under its pristine depths. The Storsjöodjuret is said to have been living in the Storsjon River since the 17th century. People all over the world have been trying to catch a glimpse of this mythical creature. Several look out spots is located all around Ostersund so take out your binoculars and ready your camera. You never know what you might see out in the lake.

If you’re really in the history of Ostersund then visit Froson. There you’ll find the Froso runestone. Froson is known to be the island of the Norse God Freyr. The Runestone was placed there in order to signify the coming of Christianity in the island.

Fishing is also a popular activity in Ostersund. Many fishes can be caught in the lake and the relaxing scenery has a calming and soothing effect. Time seems to stop while you fish in Ostersund.

If you are a fan of nature you can visit zoos and animal reserves such as Froso Park and Moose Garden were you can approach the majestic beasts. It is also the only place where you can buy Elk paper. Don’t worry no Elk’s were harmed in the production of Elk paper; it’s made of one hundred percent pure Elk droppings.

If you come in winter you can participate in the winter hot bath, drop in. After warming yourself up in sauna’s and in hot baths you suddenly run out and jump into ice cold water. The sensation is tingly to the skin and feels delightful.

July 13, 2010 at 11:53 pm | No comment

Aberystwyth


Coastline of Aberystwyth, Wales
Photo by: H Dickins, Creative Commons

If you’re on the trail of visiting different cities and towns in Wales, make sure to include Aberystwyth in your travel itinerary. This university town exudes an undeniable lively persona, thanks to its vibrant and young population. It is the center of welsh culture and the birthplace of the nationalist Wales movement. Aberystwyth life is surprisingly laid back considering that there’s so much going on in this small town. Whether you’re searching for the meaning of life or scouring around for a party spot, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for in Aberystwyth.

If you think of yourself to be one of the most discerning of self-confessed bibliophiles, you can explore the extensive book collection that the national library of Wales holds. This particular library has more than 5 million titles, including all books published in the United Kingdom. There is also an art center in the area that offers a wide array of events that you can go to. Just make sure to check out what’s going on during your visit with the local tourist office and you won’t be disappointed with the caliber of their local talent.

Since this small town is densely populated by students from the University of Wales, you can choose your own favorite drinking spot from the countless pubs that are scattered throughout the town. And the best part is, beer is quite cheap here compared to other cities and towns in the United Kingdom. To catch a glimpse of the beach and other picturesque views, take a walk in the countryside around Aber all the way to Borth. If you’re looking for more action during your stay, you should try out the different water sports that are available on the beaches. Just be cautious of the famous undertow of the Irish Sea, as it has already claimed numerous lives over the years.

The one thing that probably sets this small town apart from all the other towns and cities in Wales is the fact that Aberystwyth has the most amazing view of the sunset. Come during the summer months and you’ll get a chance to see the stunning view over Cardigan Bay during twilight. Constitution Hill provides the best vantage spots so even though it can take about 15 minutes before you reach the summit, once you get there, you’ll see that it’s worth it.

Although Aberystwyth can be considered as one of the safest towns in the United Kingdom, make sure to take extra precaution during the weekends when a number of drink related violence usually occur.

July 12, 2010 at 11:04 pm | No comment

Kharkov


Uspensky Cathedral in Kharkov
Photo by: Cantabrigensis, Creative Commons

When you travel to places where arts and culture is prevalent, you come home with photos, but travel to a place like Kharkov, Ukraine, you come home with experience and a deeper understanding of how the walls of the Kremlin survived there. Most tourists would include this place in their travel itinerary.

What should you expect to see at Kharkov? Well, this place is more of a scientific journey or anything that talks about the past and existing culture in Ukraine. A city that is led by machines, you will most likely meet a lot of locals who are engineers. This is their means to live and has already garnered a good following for investments.

If you are wondering since Kharkov is a rather industrial place, then what could be the tourist attractions in the place? A spiritual journey would not be complete if you would not visit the Chapel of St. Tatiana. This is such a solemn place of worship in Ukraine’s second to the largest city. So better include this in your travel guide.

Aside from cathedrals and places of worship, there are a lot of museums for you to go to as well as boat trips to the Lopan and Kharkov Rivers. Not only this, you can also visit the Kharkiv Circus where a lot of performers are housed. The experience is so wonderful since you get to be in a big dome to watch animals perform.

As you walk the streets in Kharkov you’ll be able to stumble upon yet another grandiose museum that shows military trucks that were used during World War II. They are on permanent display already so you would not miss them should you arrive at an off-season time.

When you think of what clothes to wear, bear in mind that this place is very cold. You need to bring extra thick clothes that would protect you from the chilly breeze. The temperature ranges from -1.8 degrees Celsius during the months of November and even dips lower to around -0.8 degrees Celsius during December. When summer comes and you schedule your trip then, the heat would still be bearable since there still is a cool breeze as compared with really humid places far from Ukraine.

July 12, 2010 at 9:55 pm | No comment

Hamburg


Train station of Hamburg
Photo by: radzfoto, Creative Commons

Hamburg, Germany is where the word “hamburger” originated. To be precise, the port of Hamburg. But more than this invaluable contribution to the fastfood industry, Hamburg is a destination in Germany that is favored by many tourists from all over the world for its busy but beautiful cultural scene.

A noteworthy facet of Hamburg history is its architecture. Although the city does not have as many skyscrapers compared to other German cities, St. Nicholas’ Church in Hamburg is an indispensable part of the city’s rich history, as it used to be the world’s tallest building way back in the 19th century. There are also several other churches in Hamburg that are of signifance to the city’s architectural majesty such as the town hall, the Chilehaus, and St. Michaelis Church. Parks have also added the much-needed green in the city. One of these many parks is the Stadtpark, which boasts of an enormous water tower and is dubbed to be the city’s counterpart to the United States’ Central Park.

The culture in Hamburg is one that is deeply inclined to theater, music, as well as the arts. Some of the more popular theaters in the city are the Thalia Theater and the Deutsches Schauspielhaus that have also earned a reputation in other foreign countries. The music scene of the city is very diverse, with orchestras, musicals, and other modern music genres ruling the city. Of course, one can always catch a musical in Hamburg as there are regular staging of various musicals.

Just like it’s neighboring cities, Hamburg is proud of its museums and art galleries that house some of the country’s most relevant pieces of classical and modern art. Some of the museums that are frequented by visitors are the Kunsthalle Hamburg, the Museum for Art and Industry, and the Deichtorhallen/House of Photography.

Apart from these stunning structures of architectural splendor and cultural richness, Hamburg is also a city that knows how to have fun. Street festivals such as the Christoper Street Day, which is all about gay pride, is a regularly staged festival that’s all about being proud and having fun. There are other festivals and events that have attracted visitors all over such as the Hafengeburtstag, a festival honoring the birthday of Hamburg port, the December Christmas markets, and a music and art festival called Dockville.

Hamburg is indeed a city of culture and celebration.

July 12, 2010 at 9:12 pm | No comment

Kolkota


Victoria Memorial
Photo by: mckaysavage, Creative Commons

Not everyone would put India in their “places to visit this summer” lists, but this former British colony is well worth the trip. India is in South Asia, a land traversed by only a few people. One of the interesting cities to include in your itinerary is Kolkata. Most people know it by its former name, Calcutta.

This is the capital city of the West Bengal state although it is actually situated in the eastern bank of the country. It comprises both the urban and suburban areas that it was it is considered as the third largest metropolitan in India. Central Kolkata hosts the business district and a number of government and private offices like the Post Office, Lalbazar Police Headquarters, High Court and the Maidan.

Best Time to Go:

Like most Asian cities, it has a tropical climate, meaning it has only a wet and a dry season. The hottest month is May while the coldest is January. Temperatures here, on the average, can range from 19 to 30°C. The hot months can easily exceed 40°C and the colder months can get to below 14°C.

How to Get There and How to Get Around:

The easiest way to get there is by air. International flights have stopovers in New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Dubai to name a few. Indian Airline and Air India offer the most flights going to and coming from India. Getting around the city and travelling to nearby cities usually involve the railway system. There are two railway systems that are currently functioning in Kolkata, the Howrah and the Sealdah. They travel to most of the big cities surrounding the area. There is also a Kolkata Metro, trams and buses to help you navigate through the busy streets of the city.

Sights to See and Places to Visit:

Often, Kolkata is referred to as the “Cultural Capital of India” because of how much the people here value arts and culture. Their passion for the arts can be seen in the numerous statues, monuments and buildings they have established. A few are:

  • Victoria Memorial: a museum designed after the Taj Majal that features artifacts from the Nawabi and British eras in Bengal; it is also made up entirely of white marble.
  • Fort William: named after King William III of England, it served as a protective wall for the city within to prevent the Muslim invaders from coming in.
  • Nirmal Hirday (Pure Heart): Mother Theresa’s first home while she was serving the people, now it is the headquarters for the Missionaries of Charity.
  • Science City: a host for all the scientific wonders the people of Bengal has to offer; there is a Space flight simulator, Dinosaur and Water animals’ exhibit and even a musical fountain.

July 12, 2010 at 12:05 am | No comment

Fukuoka


Gokoku Jinja Shrine
Photo by: mdid, Creative Commons

A charming destination, Fukuoka City in Japan is surely one of the country’s assets in terms of tourism and commerce. Recently, Fukuoka established itself as a progressive city, attracting tourists here and there. Among its latest attractions are sky-high infrastructures, museums and shrines. Today, the city not only boasts of its natural wonders, but its modernized facilities as well. Proof of this is the recognition Newsweek magazine gave to the city, naming it as one of the 10 Most Dynamic Cities of 2006. The publication cited Fukuoka’s great shopping districts, wide range of museums, diverse cultural traditions, and extraordinary variety of food as the reasons they chose the city.

Spring in Fukuoka starts around March and lasts through May. This is also the most ideal time to visit the area since the weather is very moderate,-with sunny skies and warm temperature. Also, Japan’s symbol, cherry blossoms flourish at a very abundant rate at this season. It is also ideal to go to the city in autumn as the mild temperature welcomes tourists with dry and sunny weather.

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a well-known tourist spot in Fukuoka. It is a water park containing a huge aquarium housing numerous species of dolphins, sharks, fishes and many other rare marine animals. Covering approximately 200 hectares of land, the seaside park also offers carnival rides and facilities for outdoor sports.

Rainbow Plaza
Rainbow Plaza is the center of information and transportation for all tourists visiting the area. The plaza contains offices where maps and other tourist information are available. Foreigners are also provided with legal counseling and other services for free. For souvenirs, the Tenjin Proper is the right place. It is a shopping area complete with department stores and stalls.

Canal City
Dubbed as “the city within the city”, Canal City is the city’s ultimate shopping district, complete with stores and restaurants. Game centers and movie theaters are also present in the area. Canal City’s Fukuoka City Theater is one of the biggest theaters in the country. Fukuoka Joy Polis, an amusement park in the heart of the district, is truly an enjoyable site for all tourists.

Aside from the traditional, but famous Japanese dishes such as sushi and tempura, Fukuoka has its own share of gourmet treats. Hakata ramen, which is the city’s unique version of ramen, is the most popular dish offered in several restaurants and food stalls. It is a noodle dish with the usual ramen noodles, egg and meat but spiced in a unique way.

July 11, 2010 at 9:39 pm | 1 comment

Pyatigorsk


Pyatigorsk
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Pyatigorsk is a place whose name literally means “five mountains,” so christened because of the Caucasian mountain range that overlooks the city. Its foundation year was in 1780, and because of its mineral springs, it has been considered a health spa since 1803.

On a small plateau located 1680 feet above sea level, the town of Pyatigorsk is a very convenient starting point in heading to a number of tourist routes. It is at the foot of Mount Mashuk, at the bottom of which exists a small lake. If you wish to climb Mount Mashuk, you can take the foot road or go by cable.

Pyatigorsk has a moderate continental climate. Summers are steadily warm and winters, lasting 2 to 3 months, are moderately soft. Springs are early, cool, and quickly transitions to summer, and fall is dry, warm, and long—all perfect conditions for tourists who may want to stay longer in the place. Humidity is between 55 to 80%.

The town obviously is nothing compared to the vastness of Moscow and St. Petersburg, the two largest cities of Russia, but it still has tourist spots to offer. There’s Mikhail Lermontov’s state memorial estate, founded in 1973. It serves to unite all the region’s Lermontov memorial places: the venue of his duel and subsequent death, a necropolis, his small house, Alexander Alyabyev’s house, Verzilin’s houses, and the Lermontov monument and square. There is the Aeolian harp, which is a classical small stone pavilion that was constructed in 1828 by the Bernardicci brothers. You may also drop by Diana’s Grotto, built in honor of the first ever ascent to Mount Elbrus in 1830.

Wonderful restaurants, bars, and clubs teem in Pyatigorsk, so nightlife revelers will not have a dull moment in the town. What is known to the locals as “Broadway” is a major thoroughfare that runs through the town’s center, and this is where most of the attractions are located, one of them being a very large marketplace – a perfect place for people watchers. Hang about at Broadway and you’ll notice the Caucasus region’s influence on the place especially on its music and cuisine.

July 10, 2010 at 10:56 pm | No comment

Kwekwe


The Main Street in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe
Photo by: wikipedia, Creative Commons

Kwekwe, formerly spelled as Que Que, is located in the Midlands of Zimbabwe. The town of Kwekwe was built during 1898 because of a gold mine that was discovered in the area. It was named after the Kwekwe River, a body of water near the settlement which was named after the croaking sound native frogs made. There are four different mine deposits that have been discovered in Kwekwe. Aside from being known for gold, Kwekwe is also an industrial hub for fertilizer and steel.

One of the main tourist attractions in Kwekwe is the National Mining Museum which displays the importance and history of Kwekwe as a mining town. If you like antique machinery, you’ll love the displays and exhibits in the National Mining Museum. If you’re a fan of cricket (the sport) you may pay a visit at the Kwekwe Sports Club. You can watch cricket matches between Zimbabwe’s cricket team and various visiting teams, usually from Kenya.

Another main reason why tourists visit Kwekwe is the safari. There is a variety of wildlife around Kwekwe which includes Rhinos, Kudus, Sables, Elands and other large antelopes and endangered animals such as Lions and the African Elephant. Some tourist guides and operators allow hunting in the safari and their farms. If you want to go hunting, then visit some of the guides. Be warned though that the government is making moves to put an end to wild game hunting due to conservation issues. If you want to stay on the safe side, then just go on a regular safari and shoot a camera instead of a gun.

July 10, 2010 at 10:07 pm | 1 comment

Birmingham


The Barton Arms, High Street, Newtown, Birmingham
Photo by: ell-r-brown, Creative Commons

Birmingham, located in the west midlands region, is considered to be the second largest city in Britain. Being conveniently located in the heart of England, it is starting to become a thriving metropolis where a diversity of cultures mix. And though it retains its image of a city built by industry, it has somehow managed to reinvent itself to become a vibrant city where you can find newly built establishments that can cater to even the most discerning of tourists.
Birmingham has a couple of old buildings, namely the council house and the town hall that represent the historical and architectural achievements of the city. For those who have an interest in the arts, the Aston hall, the Barber institute of fine arts and the Birmingham museum and art gallery should be included in your itinerary. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to treat yourself to a delicious and exciting tour, as Birmingham is also home to Cadbury world, the largest factory of Cadbury chocolates in the area.

Though most of the city’s activities and attractions are open all year round, the best time to visit Birmingham would be around the spring and summer seasons, when flowers are blooming and the weather is mild. To get a feel of nature within the city, you should definitely head out to the large botanical gardens that are located at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses. You can also visit the Sutton Park and the national sea life center to catch a glimpse of the natural flora and fauna that the land and seas have to offer you. For a relaxing afternoon stroll, the Woodgate Valley Country Park provides a picturesque view.

If you’re looking for shopping experiences, you’ll be happy to know that Birmingham has one of the most interesting shopping arcades in this area of the United Kingdom. The Bull Ring complex houses more than 140 stores and kiosks, including a branch of the infamous Selfridges department store chain. High-end jewelry can be bought just a stone’s throw away from the city center in a place aptly called the jewellery quarter. If you want to find the best deals on one of a kind jewelry pieces then a visit to the jewelry workshops is a must.

July 10, 2010 at 11:12 am | No comment

St. Ann’s Bay

St. Ann’s Bay was first called Santa Gloria by Christopher Columbus. It is the capital of the parish of Saint Ann.

It is believed to be the first landing site of Columbus although much debate was related to this because of the other belief that it was in Discovery Bay where Columbus first landed.

Today, a statue of Christopher Columbus is erected in this area to commemorate his discovery of the bay.

It is a fair and beautiful place. Visiting St. Ann’s Bay is like traveling back in time mainly because the flourishing Ocho Rios has taken over this beautiful town in terms of tourism and shipping. The buildings and establishments in St. Ann’s Bay’s area have been well preserved to its original luster.

It is a charming town that is known as the birthplace of Jamaica’s national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a pioneer in Black solidarity and Pan-Africanism.

Attractions

St. Ann’s Bay gives you the feel of old time Jamaica. You should not forget to experience a walking tour of St. Ann’s Bay in order to enjoy and inhale the beautiful Jamaican sight.

  1. Marcus Garvey Statue. It is a commemorative statue made in honor of Jamaica’s national hero, Marcus Garvey. It is a famous site located outside the St. Ann’s Bay Library which was a worthy tribute because the national hero is known for his passion for reading.
  2. The Lady of Perpetual Help Church. It was constructed in 1534 as the Peter Martyr Church and was said to have not been completed when Jamaica was captured by Britain in 1655. It was later donated to the Catholic Church and was built using the original stones of the Peter Martyr Church. It is now considered as a national monument in Jamaica.

July 9, 2010 at 10:50 pm | 2 comments

Narsaq


Blue Ice near Narsaq, Greenland
Photo by: cortomaltese, Creative Commons

Narsaq, Greenland is such a beautiful place to begin your tour for this year. Situated in the municipality of Kujalleq this quiet town is known for its plains. That is why when you do a direct translation to Greenlandic, Narsaq means plain – a flat surface or terrain of land. It is one of the tourist destinations for thousands of travelers who would want a chance to see up close or even get close the now getting extinct marine life. Get a chance to freely see the different marine animals like seals, walruses and yes, even the great and majestic whales.

When you visit Narsaq, you will be astonished at how much you can do in this place. There is indeed a large room for your excursions and different activities to keep you busy all day long. Since this small town has sheets of ice around it, you will be able to enjoy the cool breeze against your skin when you go sailing. Here, you will be able to delight at the sight of glaciers that float around you.

A lot of tourists who have visited Narsaq would often remark that they had so much fun visiting the Norse Ruins. Here you can hike for half a day and after that you would be elated at the chance to see the mountains as well as the valleys. Are you interested in geology? Well, you would be so happy the moment you’d get to see rare rocks and minerals that are just laying on the soil. You will have a shock of a lifetime when you’d find out that the rocks that you would be holding are just some of the rare finds that you will not see in other parts of the world.

Do not forget to pack real thick clothes and thermal gloves since the temperatures at Narsaq can dip to as low as -14°C. It would be winter all year long so expect to have accommodations at hotels that have fireplaces and heaters. Speaking of hotels, there is an abundance of these here at Narsaq. You can choose from ten of the most visited hotels by fellow tourists. The food is more or less French inspired. This is due to the fact that even though Greenland is considered a place covered in snow, they have vast areas where plants and vegetables are in full bloom.

July 9, 2010 at 10:22 pm | No comment

Sohar


Sohar Castle
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

If you have read the Adventures of Sinbad and wish to visit the place where the legendary sailor is from, you might want to visit Sohar, Oman. This city was once considered a very important Islamic port in the past and was once the largest town in Oman. These days, with the ever increasing demand in better ports in the region, the Omani government has poured in about RO120 million into the development of a new port in the area.

One of the reasons why tourists flock to this region of Oman is the fact that the area has quite a number of safe and clean beaches for people to enjoy. You will also find that a lot of people come here for the archaeological wonders that are found in the area as well as for the many historical structures that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

If you are in the region on a vacation, you might want to see the many different places of interest that can be found in Sohar. One of the places you might want to take an interest in is the Sohar Castle which was built sometime in the 13th or 14th century and now features a museum that tells a lot about the history of the castle as well as the city. You can also visit the two traditional Souks in the city that can offer you the kind of traditional shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. If you want to enjoy Omani food, there are a number of coffee shops you can get local favourites from.

July 9, 2010 at 9:13 pm | 2 comments

Tanna Island


Yasur Ash Plains
Photo by: PhillipC, Creative Commons

Tanna Island is located in the far south of Vanuatu, in Tafea province. It is only 550 square kilometers in total area, but ironically it has a large population density compared to most islands. There are around 20,000 inhabitants, a vast majority of which are tribal Melanesians. The island is famous for Mount Yasur, a very accessible, active volcano, and its John Frum adherents, a religious cargo cult based on a World War II American soldier John Frum.

Vanuatu owns 82 Melanesian islands. 65 of the islands are inhabited. Most of them are of volcanic origin, with volcanoes regularly dotting the island group. Because of this, the country is rocked periodically by earthquakes. The geographic profile of the island is steep and rocky, and in some places, simply uninhabitable. Only small areas of land are suitable for agriculture and urban development. Despite its modernity, the traditional Melanesian culture still exists, and the natives resort to their own subsistence farming and fishing for their needs.

With the influx of tourism however, the Vanuatuans have something to smile about. The hit reality show series called Survivor was shot at one of its islands, and this triggered a wave of migrants and tourists. Tourism is strongly supported by the government.

Tanna is, more than anything else, famous for the chosen five tribal men who travelled with UK’s Channel 4 crew for the filming of Meet the Natives. The five men, characteristic of their village, worship Prince Philip of the Duke of Edinburg as a god. The group travelled to England to meet with the royalty offscreen. The men also made a series of trips to the United States, courtesy of the Travel Channel.

The native tribes and villages of Tanna are famous tourist destinations in their own right.

Yasur Volcano Trips. Its active status and accessibility made it an attraction to foreign guests. The volcano periodically spews out fire, lava, smoke, and rocks in non-threatening degrees, allowing tourists to conduct trips unharmed. Most of the official island tourism outfits have a day or night tour to the volcano as part of their tour programs.

Cave Trips. Caves also dot the eastern portion of the island, much like Espiritu Santo. A lot of these are nearby lodges and resorts, so the caves are accessible just by walking.

Port Resolution. This eastern scenic port was named after Captain James Cook’s ship the H.M.S. Resolution, after he landed here in 1774. It is only a stone’s throw away from Yasur Volcano.

July 9, 2010 at 3:46 pm | No comment

Tiputa


Diving near Tiputa and Rangiroa
Photo by: tensaibuta, Creative Commons

The great blue waters of the South Pacific as well as its majestic islands are great reasons to pay a visit here. With the white sand beaches and the great atolls, no other place can beat what this place has to offer. Tiputa, in the island of Rangiroa is one of the better destinations for tourists like you.

Who will not wish to experience a complete escapade to bring you closer to nature? Here in Tiputa, it will not be the white sand beaches and the great resorts that will catch your attention. It is the sight of the life of the underwater species. Yes, Tiputa is home to the world’s greatest diving spots.

Tiputa Pass is a busy pass in the island of Rangiroa that separates the two main villages of the island, which are Tiputa and Avatoru. All great divers around the world know this spot as this is a great place to experience a fantastic drift drive. Here, your view will be filled with a generous number of hammerhead sharks as well as mantra rays. This is true especially in the months of December to March. Hence, if you wish to make the best out of your diving experience in the island, make sure to mark your calendars with those months.

This richness of the underwater life in the Tiputa Pass gave way to the birth of dozens of amazing dive sites. One of the best diving sites here is the Angle Dive Site. This is a spot that is open only for certified divers as they need to go down 150 feet to get a good view of the lively marine life. Here, you will find manta rays, stingrays, gray reef sharks, school of yellow ludjans, hammerhead sharks, and even striped barracudas. This diving point starts just near the angle of the Tiputa Pass.

Another equally amazing dive site is the Canyons. The perfect time to be here is every June as this is the reproduction season of the gray reef sharks. During this time, you will get a great view of hundreds of this shark in the canyons.

True enough, there are a lot of great diving experiences that await you here in Tiputa. However, if you are not much of a diver, you can also try snorkeling. If you simply don’t wish to get wet, you can get a ride on a glass-bottomed boat to get a good view of the underwater world. The water is so clear that even the 150-foot mark will still be visible while you are on-board the boat.

July 9, 2010 at 3:32 pm | No comment

Soroti


The market area in Soroti, Uganda.
Photo by: wiki, Creative Commons

Although very provincial in surroundings, Soroti is one of the main commercial centers in eastern Uganda. The busy commercial center is punctuated by architectural structures speaking of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The city is also surrounded by the magnificence of nature’s art. The most famous of Soroti’s natural wonders is a rock formation from which you can get a splendid view of central Soroti. The Soroti rock presents a beautiful vista of Soroti and its surrounding areas as well as of Mount Elgon and Lake Kyoga. Tourists who wish to climb the Soroti rock should seek permission from the Town Clerk. Aside from the town panorama, what is behind the rock would give you a glimpse at Soroti’s colonial past. There you can find graves of residents engraved with the dates of their death. The various ages of these people who were buried behind the Soroti rock is testament to the unrestrained killings during Uganda’s colonial period.

Albeit highly commercialized and dotted with stalls and shops, the center of Soroti still features facades that are reflective of the Indian traders who once inhabited the town. The thriving businesses have cleaned up and refurbished the worn down buildings of the 1970s and transformed the center into the bustling commercial it is now. The religious establishments around town remain to be sites of interest for most tourists. There is a great variety of Muslim mosques and Hindu temples around Soroti. There are also Sikh temples and some Christian churches like the Anglican Cathedral and some small Pentecostal congregations. The Islamic burial rituals are also kept alive in the bath house located at the municipal cemetery. Many graves in this cemetery even have Arabic inscriptions.

July 8, 2010 at 11:45 pm | No comment

Kermanshah


Bisotoum glyphs on the cliffs
Photo by: indigoprime, Creative Commons

Kermanshah is a city that borders both Iran and Iraq. This area is mostly mountainous and has a colder climate than most other cities in Iran. This is a very diverse city since it lies near the borders of both Iraq and Iran. Aside from Iranians, many people live here including Muslims, Assyrians, Jews, Yarsan and Armenians. Most of the residents here are Shia Muslims though.

Since Kermanshah is very diverse, the sites here vary from Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman, Zoroastrian and Islamic origins. Here are a few examples of these:

The Behistun is the ultimate symbol of Kermanshah’s diversity. The Behistun, UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a large limestone wall that has multi-lingual inscriptions in it. These inscriptions are Babylonian, Elamite and Old Persian. It is 15 meters high and 25 meter wide. It also has a bas relief image with Darius the Great, Persian Emperor. Another example a Persian monument here is the Taq-e Bostan. The Taq-e Bostan is a large grotto of an equestrian figure of King Khosrau II in his stallion Shadbiz.

A Muslim monument found in Kermanshah is the Mo’acenalmolk Mosque. This mosque is beautifully crafted and features unique Persian touches. In its wall, you will see the Shahnameh, the National Iranian epic, depicted in art. It also contains Islamic images. The Khaja Barookh House is a Jewish monument here. It is a house in the Jewish neighborhood of Kermanshah, built by Barookh, a Jewish merchant.

Kermanshah is a culturally-diverse Iranian destination that’s definitely worth visiting.

July 8, 2010 at 10:16 pm | 2 comments

Taboga Island


Taboga Island
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Taboga Island is one of Panama’s treasured islands because of its sparkling crystal waters, balmy weather, and its flora and fauna. Getting here is made possible by ferries in less than an hour. You can also view its whole panorama when you stay in Panama City. At night, the romantic moonlight illuminates the diffused sea that will definitely captivate your heart and soul.

Twelve miles away from mainland is the exact distance you have to travel before reaching Taboga Island. You will eventually know that you are near the island when fresh air hits your face. In the north side, you can see the town of San Pedro where most businesses are convened. While heading south, leads you to a protected habitat of migrating brown pelicans.

Bathing in white sand beaches are mainly the habit of tourists. In Taboga Island, you can roll over the sand, pick come seashells by the seashore and even spend your entire day under the sun, just don’t forget to put on sun block and you will be a-ok. Among the places to stay are inns, hotels, guest rooms and sometimes, small cottages. All of these accommodations are relaxing with beautiful overlooking landscapes.

Since the location is beside the sea, people are sometimes threatened for hurricane possibilities. But do not be alarmed because the country haven’t experienced and hopefully won’t experience a dreadful thing like this. So, go on and explore Taboga Island, Panama and reflect on its history by taking long walks at its beaches and other destinations.

July 8, 2010 at 9:00 pm | No comment

San Pedro

A beautiful day in San Pedro, Belize.

Photo by: tacogirl, Creative Commons

One of the main tourist destinations in Belize is the town of San Pedro, which is located on Ambergris Caye, which is a group of islands that is located on the northern part of the country. Considered a top tourist destination, the town of San Pedro is often found on the list of must see destinations in the region and this is because of the many activities you can enjoy here as well as the friendly people who live here.

To get to San Pedro, you will need to get yourself a flight from Belize City or you can take one direct from the Philip Goldson international airport. You can also take a water taxi to the town from Belize City that you will have to book an hour in advance. This can take you to Ambergris Caye in an hour or so and the water taxi terminal is a mere 20 minutes away from the airport. You can get also there with a limited flight service that originates from Chetumal Mexico.

When in San Pedro, some of the places you shouldn’t miss visiting include the Ambergris Museum and Cultural Center and the San Pedro Lagoon. There are many things you and your family can enjoy doing at the lagoon and these include bird watching, river rafting, canoeing, water craft activities and boating. If you are fond of arts, you might want to visit the town during the Costa Maya festival which is held every year in August and features art, music, dance and food from the neighboring countries in addition from the country of Belize itself.

July 8, 2010 at 8:47 pm | No comment

Panggi


Nguna from across
Photo by: Rudolf Stricker, Creative Commons

During the 19th century, the archipelago of lush, green islands was founded by British and French colonies and made it into a ponderous Anglo-French ‘New Hebrides’. It wasn’t until the year 1980 that it became the independent Republic Belong Vanuatu.
The country is a colorful land of many cultures. It is interesting in the way that it surprises visitors and capable of capturing anybody’s hearts. The charm of Panggi lies in its general beauty as well as its relaxed way of life.

Nature Tripping at Panggi

Are you into nature tripping? Then Panggi is the perfect place to enjoy your next vacation. The islands contain a diverse botanical and animal curiosity. They have giant banyan trees, which is the setting of village meetings and dancing places. The banyan trees begin by growing around another a tree and strangling it out of existence. It is a multi-rooted tree, with massive twisting mazes of trunks and branches, making it one of the planet’s largest living organisms.

Marine life is also very rich in Vanuatu. Its vast colorful reefs cover several miles. It holds the greatest store of life, from the potentially dangerous tiger sharks to the tiniest and most colorful fish you have ever seen. Snorkelling, diving and swimming are must-do activities while you are in the islands.

Visit the islands’ many volcanoes. You can even walk up to the crater of Mt. Yasur Volcano, the most accessible volcano in the world.

Vanuatu is tropical in the north, and subtropical in the south—thus, expect a hot and rainy climate. Rainy season comes on months November to April but rain can occur at any time. The perfect time to go hiking is between months May to July. During these months, the weather is cooler and drier. Come June to September, the evenings are brisk.

All year round, southeast trade winds blow steadily in the islands. The winds become stronger on the months April to October. During the wet season, the north or west winds occur because of the influence of hurricanes & tropical lows.

Vanuatu is a very hurricane prone country, and is the most hurricane prone one in the South Pacific. No fewer than 29 hurricanes have hit Vanuatu, between years 1970 to 1985 (a span of only 15 years). The southernmost islands of Vanuatu are less vulnerable to hurricanes and they also get less rain as compared to hotter islands up north.

July 8, 2010 at 4:24 pm | No comment

Rosario

The Skyline in Rosario, Argentina

Photo by: agent1994 , Creative Commons

Rosario, Argentina is a city in the province of Santa Fe and the third most populated in the country. It is fast becoming a tourist hotspot with visitors from all over the world flocking to its beautiful destinations and engaging in the many adventures that it offers. To get to this beautiful city from Buenos Aires, you may take a plane, the train or rent a car. There are also buses that travel daily for your convenience and cost much less.

There are many spots to visit in Rosario when you decide to take your vacation here. You may drop by the Argentina Flag Memorial, which is locally known as Monumento a la Bandera, or take a tour of the house where “El Che Guevara” was born on Urquiza and Entre Rios Streets. These places will give you a glimpse of their national pride and patriotism.

One of the biggest parks in the country is also located in Rosario, and it’s called the Independencia Park. This park is one of the most visited places in the city where tourists can just relax and take an afternoon stroll or an early morning jog.

Another spot that has become a tourist destination in Rosario is the Rosario Central Stadium where the World Cup was held in 1978. Fans of the series as well as curious tourists stop by this stadium to take photos and get a piece of football history.

Aside from the sites to see and historical places to visit, tourists also frequent Rosario for the different activities that may be done in this wonderful city. For the more adventurous type, there are areas for kayaking and skydiving while horseback riding and sailboat rides are recommended for those who want a more laid back kind of experience.

Still for a relaxing vacation, tourists may hit the beautiful beaches of Rosario and enjoy the nightlife in the bars and restaurants found at the beachfront. And speaking of nightlife, clubs and discos are also abundant in the city where you can enjoy drinks, good food and mix and mingle with locals and other tourists while dancing the night away.

The City of Rosario is also a shopper’s haven for tourists who might want to buy souvenir items. At El Centro, which is the city’s central shopping area, good quality leather wallets, handbags and other accessories are being sold at reasonable prices.

Rosario is definitely a must-see when you are visiting Argentina. So don’t forget to schedule a tour of this amazing city when you plan your next trip.

July 7, 2010 at 8:29 pm | No comment

Gawad

Gawad, Iraq is probably not on your list when it comes to places you would want to have a vacation at. Most people don’t want to go to Iraq because they think that Iraq is a dangerous country to visit and they feel like there are no great places to visit in Iraq. Well, this is quite a misconception about Iraq. The truth is that Iraq is actually rich in its natural beauty and the whole place will also make you feel like you are in a different place. The culture in Iraq is very rich because it is a mixture or Arab, Muslim and there are still some US troops living in the country.

When you go to this place, you should not miss out the national museums which are home to so many different historical ruins from ancient times. Some of the ruins that you will find here are mentioned in the Bible. The theaters shouldn’t also be missed wherein you can witness a great array of artists like ballet dancers. Not only is dancing popular here but also music. If you think that the music in this place is old school, think again. Since the invasion of the Americans, this place is now also filled with Western music such as pop, hip hop and rock.

The food in this place shouldn’t also be missed. However, if you are not really into spicy foods, tell the server because a lot of foods served in this country are really filled with peppers and chili

July 7, 2010 at 6:15 pm | 1 comment

Cox’s Bazar


Boats on the beach of Cox’s Bazar
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Bangladesh may not seem like a summer destination for beach lovers, you can enjoy the sun and beach Cox’s Bazar. This town at the south eastern part of Bangladesh is known to locals as a fishing port and also called “Panowa” or yellow flower. The town was named after Captain Hiram Cox of the British East India Company. He felt so much for the local inhabitants that he started rehabilitating the town and the refugees. This act of kindness struck the residents of Panowa and named a market after Captain Cox after his untimely death which was called Cox’s Bazaar. It eventually turned into the name of the town.

Like most tropical regions, Cox’s Bazar has very heavy annual rainfall and extremely hot summers. The temperature ranges from anywhere between 35°C and 16°C. Although the cold seasons are desirable it would defeat the purpose of visiting the beaches. It is advisable that you bring lots of sun block if you do intend to soak in the sun.

Most tourists really visit Bangladesh and Cox’s Bazar in particular for its long sandy beach, which is said to be the longest in the world. It starts from the mouth of the Bakkhali River and stretches all the way to Teknaf and even exceeds the boundaries of Cox’s Bazar itself. There are many resorts surrounding the beach although it is suggested you visit Laboni beach which is closest the town proper. You can also visit the Himchari, a picnic ground that attracts tourists because of its waterfalls. There is also a white sand beach known as the Enani beach which usually has less people than the Laboni beach.

People also visit the Dulhazra Safari Park, which serves as an extension of the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar animal sanctuary. The safari showcases domesticated elephants that you can ride on, lions, Bengal tigers, bears and various species of birds and primates. You can also go island hopping and visit St. Martin’s Island, located just 10 kilometers off the Teknaf peninsula. It is the only coral island that can be found in Bangladesh.

You can also visit the largest Buddhist temple in Bangladesh known as Bandarban which is just a three-hour bus ride from Cox’s Bazar. Or you might want to try going to Rangamati which features historical museums on the local tribes, temples, markets, hanging bridges and even palaces.

July 7, 2010 at 4:43 pm | No comment

Cavtat


Cavtat harbor
Photo by: Kawanet, Creative Commons

Cavtat lies in the southernmost part of the country and can be reached by air. Only about three miles away is the Cilipi airport, which has daily flights to and from the other parts of Croatia. There are bus services at this airport that may take you to the hotel where you have booked or to other desired destinations. It is a part of the beautiful Dubrovnik River.
What makes Cavtat a popular destination among tourists is the attractive Mediterranean vegetation all around the area, which is cultivated by the unpolluted sea. Also, it is a favorite vacation spot for its old architecture that is beautifully blended with new architecture.
The beach life is great in Cavtat. The beautiful bays and beaches are complemented by the restaurants and bars located on the beachfront and make the nightlife more exciting in the area. There is a wide variety of food, from cheap pizza and other delicacies to expensive cuisine that will surely make your stay worthwhile.
Aside from the majestic beaches, Cavtat also has structures of artistic and historical value that tourists are fond of visiting. Among these are the Rector’s Palace, the Franciscan monastery, the Vlaho Bukovac Art Gallery, the Racic Mausoleu designed by Ivan Mestrovic, a well-known Croatian artist; the Baroque Church of St. Nikola and Bogisic’s scientific collection. Still common tourist destinations in Cavtat are the archaeological sites of the pre-Slav period, old walls of the city and the Sipun cave.
For nature lovers who visit Cavtat, the pine forests are among their favorite destinations. These have clear paths that begin just a few meters from the sea. These make Cavtat one of the very few places in the country where modernity, nature, art and history exist in perfect harmony.
Just imagine having the beach, modern architecture, art and history within our reach. A place that has all of these is surely the perfect venue for endless family bonding or a luxury trip of friends. And all of these are present in Cavtat. You are assured of a satisfactory stay here, so the next time you think of hitting the beach, consider the wonderful beaches of Cavtat.

July 7, 2010 at 11:31 am | No comment