Steamboat on the River in Sudan
Photo by: Michael Gwyther-Jones, Creative Commons

Lying on the west bank of the Blue Nile River, and capital to the Al Jazirah State, Wad Medani is another of Sudan’s local trade centers and is also the main cotton-growing region. Its main trade products include wheat, barely, peanuts and livestock. The former Turko-Egyptian outpost is also headquarters of the Irrigation Service. Wed Medani also has lively commercial and agricultural activities. Visitors enjoy its commercial centers and “souqs”. Souq is what they call their market areas, which have retail stalls that sell different kinds of things, including native Sudanese souvenirs. The town’s central market areas are Al Daraga, Al Gism, Al Awal and Wad Azrag.

The good news for visitors is that Wed Medani’s facilities are a lot more modernized than the rest of Sudan, almost exactly like that in Khartoum, the country’s capital. Another thing that the tourists would enjoy in Wad Medani are the boat rides on the Blue Nile. There are boats for those who want to get a better view of the giant river. Across the river, there are many beaches, which is why a lot of the Sudanese citizens have their honeymoon in Wad Medani. With an easy going atmosphere, good food, and exquisite restaurants, it’s no surprise why even the natives love touring this city. The hotels are also great and the prices depend on the varying seasons. All kinds of local transportation are readily available and since the place is fairly urbane, getting around is not really a problem.

The airport at Faaa
Photo by: ReservasdeCoches.com, Creative Commons

Faaa is not just the home of the only airport in the island of Tahiti. It is also a place that offers great surprises to anyone who visits. Being the hub of the international airport of Tahiti, Faaa is very accessible to all its visitors. Add the great tropical weather, this place can provide a great vacation for you.

Indeed, just like any other known parts of the islands of French Polynesia, Faaa also houses white sand beaches and crystal clear lagoons. This makes it a home for a lot of great escapades to make up your dream vacation. For instance, there are a lot of great activities you can try here in Faaa. You can do whale watching, diving, deep sea fishing, water skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and a lot of other fun activities. The Aquatica Dive Center in the place is one great tourist friendly institution that offers great water adventures.

What’s more, Faaa is also the home for Tahiti’s only international hotel, which is the Intercontinental Resort and Spa. This is only two kilometers away from the airport, which makes it a perfect destination for tourists. It has 178 air conditioned rooms with private balconies, 17 motu overwater bungalows, 60 panoramic view rooms, and 15 lagoon overwater bungalows.

The hotel offers two fresh water pools, private beaches, jogging track, and wet weather games. This is also the home of the Aquatica Dive Center’s Office. With this, great water adventures and activities will not be far from you once you are in this place.

Other activities here include guided ATV tours in Tahiti, sunset catamaran cruise, dolphin cruise, aqua-scope or the glass-bottom boat sail, and a lot more.

In terms of foods, Faaa has a lot to offer. The Le Lotus Restaurant, for instance, is one popular choice of tourists and locals alike for their gourmet and overwater setup. This is a great romantic scene that can give couples a stunning view of the island of Moorea. Other popular restaurants and bars in Faaa are Tiare Restaurant and Tiki Bar.

With all these great treats Faaa has to offer, it is but proper to see this place as not just a place where the airplanes depart and arrive. Faaa is worth the title of being a host for a great getaway for all sorts of tourists from all over the globe.

Central Mosque in Nouakchott
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Planning for an unforgettable trip this year? Why not head to one of the tourists destinations — Nouakchott, Mauritania! It is of course a must to get to know different places in the whole world; not only would you find out the difference between their culture and yours, the experience is definitely worth all the money you have saved.

First and foremost, their weather ranges from sunny to rainy so do pack some light clothes and do not forget your sturdy boots that are made to for walking. You would be traversing the different nearby places that is why packing your camera would also be a must! So what is exciting to visit once you are at Nouakchott, Mauritania?

Why not take your trip to a much higher level of wisdom and inner peace? One of the best places to go to while you are in Nouakchott, Mauritania is the Mousquee Saudique. Regardless of the kind of your religion, visiting sites like these would surely make you understand their way of worship and while you are at it, do take some valuable photos of your visit there. Surely the people you have left home would delight at the wonderful view from this place.

After your spiritual quest, why not head next to the National Museum? This is quote nearby the Mousquee and a lot of tourists have made sure they would visit such an amazing place due to the chance to experience and understand the art and culture in Mauritania.

Villager on his ride, without the traffic in an oasis.
Photo by: Zain A.B., Creative Commons

Does the Sahara Desert appeal to you? Then this is your chance to pack your bags and visit Nema, Mauritania. You may find it a little difficult to withstand the immense heat of the sun since is it a little different from where you came from but rest assured that your trip here would be nothing close to scorching.

Every year, thousands of tourists travel to Africa for the experience of a lifetime. Imagine safari and sun – don’t forget to bring lots of sun block since you might nor get identified on your way home since you do not look like your passport photo. What would you see in Nema, Mauritania? The most sought after experience would be to sleep under the stars since it’s a place for camping. It is necessary to do so since they do not have hotels. The chance to be communing with nature would definitely make you want to keep on coming back to this place.

Whenever tourists visit Nema, Mauritania, they go for the architectural aspect. There are wonderful stone houses that are clad in clay which often reminds tourists of the beauty of Morocco which actually is not that far away. As ironic as it gets, Africa is on the sunny side of the temperature gauge but there are still cool places to go to – their beaches as well as – believe it or not, vegetation! There are quite a number of markets to go to where you can actually purchase newly harvested crops.

Colorful hills in Qom
Photo by: Hamed Saber, Creative Commons

Qom is a humble city found 156 km southwest of Tehran. Qom is a worthwhile pit stop when you go on an Iranian holiday. This city has such a rich history, dating back to more than 2,000 year ago. Qom is not only a peripheral city of Tehran; Qom can stand on its own.

One thing worth nothing about Qom is how it is considered as one of the holiest cities in the Shia sect of the Islamic world. This is because Qom is where the Shirt of Fatimah al-Masumah, or Fatimah the Innocent, is found. Fatima al-Masumah is the daughter of the seventh Shiah Imam, Musa al-Kadim, and sister of the seventh Imam, Ali ar-Ridha. He died while travelling to visit her brother when she was 26 years old and was buried in Qom. Her shrine is one of the grandest temples in Northern Iran.

Another thing worth visiting in the Qom is the Mar’ashi Najafi Library. This place contains more than 500,000 handwritten texts that are considered as not only historical document, but also Iranian heritage items. Qom also has a space center. The Qom Space Center is one of only two space centers in Iran where the suborbital Shahab 3s rockets are being launched.

Qom maybe a humble city, but inside its walls are greatness in both tradition and technology. Whatever you fancy is, may it be religion or science, you will surely find a place worth your time here in Qom.

Ofu-Olosega
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Ofu Island is considered as the most beautiful and dramatic island in Manua. An Island that belongs to Manua Group, Ofu Island is the eroded remains of a hotspot shield volcano with a collapse feature on its south face. This place is the easiest to visit and is mostly visited by local tourists. Ofu’s main attraction is its tropical south coast beach, 2.5miles (4km) stretch of white sand which is considered as one of the most beautiful tropical destination in South Pacific. The summit of this island is locally called as Lata Mountain that has a 931 meters or 3,050 feet elevation. Its last known volcanic activity occurred in1866, on the submarine edge extending towards the Ofu-Olosega.

Ofu Island is located 95km from Tutuila and 10km northwest from Tau. This Island has two different islands, the islands of Ofu and Olosega which are heavily influenced by western culture. This twin islands of Ofu and Olosaga overlaps shield volcanoes. Cliffs that reaches up to 600m in height and very steep slopes characterized the islands dramatic southern and western coastline. These coastlines sweeps the points facing the narrow strait situated between the islands. The steep slopes that can be found in Ofu Island also culminate in Leolo Ridge where the highest peak of the island can be found.

Ofu Island has a narrow strait called Asaga that divides the two islands. These strait is spanned by Girder Bridge and a small slab. Respectively, both of these islands are surrounded by a fringing reef that can be viewed during low tide.

Prime Minister’s Residence
Photo by: ~MVI~, Creative Commons

Considered as the twin cities of Pakistan, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are distinct in culture and ancestry. Islamabad, on one hand, is the tame one while Rawalpindi is the wild brother.

Islamabad is a suburban area with less pollution, clear weather, and very little traffic. Roads are wide and lined with roses. It is also very clean and highly maintained. A visit in Islamabad will never turn into a humdrum event because of the many things that you can do within the city. There is a variety of hangouts and food shops that you will enjoy going to while within the city.

Aside from these things, Islamabad is a city of architecture. You should see the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the Assembly Building, the Awami Markaz, and some of the embassies in Diplomatic Enclave as testament to this.

Rawalpindi is a busy town. Despite the fact that it is considered as the twin city of Islamabad, the remarkable difference between the two cities should be noted. The relaxed nature of Islamabad is the complete opposite of the bustling activities in Rawalpindi. The Raja Bazaar is one of the most visited sites in this town where you can find friendly and hospitable shop owners and almost every item you will ever need.

Historically, Rawalpindi is a garrison town during the Old English Period and up until now, it is the head quarters of the Pakistani Army.

Although these two cities are quite different from each other, nonetheless, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are destinations you need not miss.

Pula
Photo by: lostajy, Creative Commons

Pula is located on the Istrian Peninsula and is most visited by tourists from other countries during summer. It is rich and history and a favorite destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.

It is easiest to reach Pula by plane, since it has an international airport that has daily flights to the capital city of Zagreb and direct flights to and from other European cities, such as Edinburgh, Manchester, London, Vienna, Oslo, Amsterdam and Zurich. From the airport you may take the bus to get to your hotel or to any destination within Pula. There are also taxis for your travel convenience.

There are many sites to visit in Pula that will surely make you want to come back for more. There are historical places to see and enjoy as well as artistic structures to appreciate. Among these is the Roman Arena, which is the 6th largest Roman amphitheater to survive. You may take the audio tour inside the Coliseum in order to completely enjoy your visit to this historical place.

Another notable structure to visit in Pula is the Forum, the main square located on the original site of the ancient Roman forum right at the center of the city. Inside this square are the 10th century city hall and the Temple of August, which was built around the first century.

The Archaeology Museum is also a must see among tourist visiting Pula. This is where important artifacts relevant to Pula’s and Croatia’s history are exhibited to let the tourists know more about the beginnings of this beautiful country.
For a taste of good architecture here in Pula, drop by the 14th century St. Francis church and monastery and the 6th century Orthodox church. The Kastel, which is a 17th century castle, features both beautiful architecture and Istrian history through the museum that is houses.

When you are done visiting historical places, try relaxing on the panoramic islands of Brijuni. This is both a Croatian National Park and a holiday resort for the total enjoyment of families and friends.

Pula is certainly a destination that will cater to all your relaxing needs. Don’t forget to include this wonderful place in your itinerary when vacationing in Croatia.

Kantanagar Temple
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Thakurgaon, Bangladesh is one of the most pleasant towns in northern Bangladesh that boasts of pleasant sceneries. However, there are very few who come to visit the place.

Thakurgaon is bordered by the Panchagarh District in the north, Dinajpur district on the east, and West Bengal on the west and south. It consists of 2 municipalities, 5 upazilas, 18 wards, 32 mahallas, 51 unions and 643 mouzas and villages. Its main rivers are Nagar, Pathari, Tangon, Punarbhaba, Kulic, Talma and Dhepa. Thakurgaon has a total area of 1,810 sq. km and a total population of around 40,000.

The administration of Thakurgaon was established in the year 1860 and became a district in 1984. Just like any part of the country, Thakurgaon has many small mud huts and man with their rickshaws. Although the city (and the whole country of Bangladesh) is poor, its huge amount of rainfall provides the Bangladeshis access to water, thus wherever you go, you see the landscape is filled with jackfruit trees, maze fields and paddy trees. The city has some archaeological relics and its cultural heritage is something that is0020definitely worth visiting.

Must Visit Places while in Thakurgaon

• Tangon River

Tangon River is named after Tankonath, a zamidar of Ransankail in Thakurgaon. It passes through West Bengal and Bangladesh, meeting Punarbhaba River in Naogaon District. The rivers are a beautiful shade of emerald green!

• Kantanagar Temple

The temple is best known for its ornate design and intricate carvings. The temple is covered entirely with carvings, telling stories of kings, gods, elephants and more. The forest nearby is a popular picnic spot for both visitors and locals.

• Others

Other places of interest include Senua Bridge, Old Air Port, Sugar Mill, Jomidar Mosjid, the Fair of Nekmordon, river of Kulic, Palace of King Ton Ko Nath, and the largest mango tree in Bangladesh, the Ancient Mango Tree.

• Thakurgaon Rest House

If you plan to stay in Thakurgaon for a longer time, stay here. It is a beautiful red brick building greeted by the friendliest staff. Definitely not like luxury hotels you can find in Rangpur, although the rest house is charming in its own unique way.

Getting there and around the City

All buses that depart from the Dinajpur bus station – Panchagarh Highway, Saidpurh and Bogra will pass by Thakurgaon. The drive from Rangpur to Thakurgaon is about two to three hours long.

Patong Beach at dusk
Photo by: kudumomo, Creative Commons

The mainland and heart of Southeast Asia can give you a vacation you won’t forget. Although most of the community here is known for being religious and conventional, Thai people still know how to have fun – which all happens here at Patong Beach.

Known for being the most famous tourist attraction in Phuket, this island remained humble despite honor and glory. People will welcome you with smiling faces and open arms right at the time you set foot on their territory. You won’t even see anyone who would not greet you while walking on the boulevard.

The beach is actually crowded with vendors who sell different traditional items for the tourists. Sun beds are also available for relaxing beside the coastline. Among the famous activities are banana boating, playing beach volleyball, jet skiing, wake-boarding, snorkeling or even having a massage under the sun.

Form the months November to April; the city is mostly dry where you can enjoy different activities not worrying about rain while the months May to October can most likely give you short rain showers.

To relax in your vacation, you can unwind at Loma Park where small picnics can be held for the family. At night, it will seem like a party all throughout the country because of its exquisite nightlife. The wildest party zone of the beach is at Soi Bangla where all genders are seen, including transvestites and third genders. Banana Disco, Club Lime, D Club, Hollywood Discotheque and other bars are some of the well-known after-dark destinations for everyone. The famous Simon Cabaret is also held here were colorful, fun and creativity are mixed together to form the largest musical transvestite cabaret show in Asia.

Despite the strong affiliation to the religion, Buddhism, Thais still have a place for party and recreation. After all, Thailand is not all about temples and landscapes; it is also where most satisfying gathering happens. Excitement is the feeling you should be wary of because once you set foot in Patong Beach, you may forget your homeland.

Lyon rooftops, welcome you.
Photo by: Diego Cupolo, Creative Commons

Lyon lies in the region of Rhone-Alpes located between Paris and Marseille. This city is renowned for being the French capital of Gastronomy thanks to the abundant restaurants found here. Lyon is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many historical monuments and other tourist attractions can be seen here which is why it remains one of the top travel destinations in France.

Lyon is renowned for being home to the most spectacular tourist attraction sites:

The Amphitheater of the Three Gauls was built around 19 BC. It is located in Croix-Rousse near Lyon’s northern perimeter. The three Gauls were known as Lugdunensis, Belgica and Aquitania which were the three regions that made up Roman France. It can accommodate about twenty thousand people and was said to be the location for Gallic tribe meetings long ago. It was also here that Christian Martyrs were thrown to their death in 177 AD. The most famous of the martyrs was St. Blandine. Legend has it that when she was thrown in the amphitheater, the lions refused to eat her. Later, the lions were replaced by a bull, but it, too, refused to attack her. In exasperation, Roman soldiers finished the deed themselves.

Standing on the site of a former salt storehouse is the Grand Synagogue of Lyon. It was built in 1864 and is located on the Saone River. This impressive structure still retains the soul of synagogues but has hints of western architectural style.

The cathedral of the leading archbishop in France is the Cathedrale St. Jean. It is said to be standing on the site where former churches, Ste Croix and Ste Etienne, stood. The cathedral is done in Romanesque and Gothic style. The west façade of the cathedral is said to resemble the Notre Dame de Paris. This cathedral is home to the impressive 14th century astronomical clock which chimes every 12 pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4 pm.

Eglise St. Bruno des Chartreux was built in 1584 and was designed by Jean Maignan. It is a Carthusian monastery church that accommodated monks travelling to the Grand Chartreuse. This strucure was done in Baroque style and was said to have been bought by Napoleon’s uncle who founded the Saint Bruno parish.

The St. Nizier Church is another sight to behold in Lyon. The church was originally dedicated to the Christian martyrs of Lyon and was built during the 14th and15th century. The St. Nizier can be found at the heart of the Presqu’ile.

Penang Hill
Photo by: Schristia, Creative Commons

Penang is famous for its wonderful cuisine. In fact, it is known to be Malaysia’s food paradise. It offers a lot of inexpensive and delicious food, but it is more popular for its local specialties. Penang Laksa, Nasi Kandar, and Char Koay Teow are among them. Char Koay Teow is a kind of stir-fried flat rice noodles. It is usually mixed with cockles, eggs, and bean sprouts. Tourists may go to Sister’s Char Koay Teow or Lorong Selamat to taste this Char Koay Teow. Nevertheless, plenty of other good foods must be searched around.

Tourists must try the Assam Laksa. It is a noodle soup with tamarind-flavored broth, pureed fish, vegetables, fruits, and chili. It is very strong and may be found in Gurney drive or Gottlieb Road. The Penang Nasi Kandar, on the other hand, is white rice, which can be served with prawns, fish, eggs, vegetables, or chicken. It is mostly found in Georgetown. Then, Hokkien Mee is actually two kinds of noodles in pork and prawn soup. It comes with pieces of prawns, pork, vegetables, shallots, bean sprouts, and eggs. Lobak is another popular Penang specialty. It is a sort of sausage that it usually paired with tofu or dipped in sweet and chili sauces. Flat rice noodle soup with chicken and pork slices is known as Koay Teow Th’ng. It could be found in Gurney Drive and Hutton Lane.

More Penang delicacies are Sar Hor Fun, which is flat rice cakes in egg broth, and Lor Mee, which are yellow noodles with sticky gravy and pork or chicken slices. Satay, which is grilled chicken, beef, or mutton, is a must-try too. And tourists could eat Or Chens or an Oyster Omelets in all over Georgetown. Seafood is very abundant in Penang, as well. So, they may head to Teluk Bahang or Batu Ferringhi for fresh choices. Then, when it comes to dessert, the durian is the best. But other good ones are Kaya, which is a kind of jam, and coconut tarts. The best Kayas are in Madras Lane while the best coconut tarts are in Cintra Lane.

Beach in Ristna
Photo by: Hannu, Creative Commons

Are you looking for an adventure in a foreign land? Are you tired of going to the same places you go to in Europe? If you are thinking of visiting the continent around summer time, why not try to visit Ristna, Estonia and experience first-hand the amazing holiday paradise you could ever hope for.

What does Ristna, Estonia have to offer to the rest of the world? You see, when you go there, you will be immediately greeted by a sign that says, “Surfer’s Paradise.” The Ristna Beach is also known to be a Paradise Beach because of its amazing location and the facilities for water sports are truly amazing. The beach is long and surrounded by forest and trees. You will have a great time basking in the sun and relaxing with a good read or just by sampling viewing the sights.

If you are an avid water sports fan, then you will truly enjoy your stay in the beach. They have great water sports facilities. You can choose between water skiing and hand-gliding. You can also make use of their jet ski or take their survival tours. If you are a bit of an athlete, you can explore their commando-style obstacle course or join their orientation runs.

You can also enjoy a tour of the Ristna Lighthouse which was originally a cast-iron structure build by the Germans in World War I. If you want to just chill and enjoy the waters, you can also go for a swim on the beach.

Charlotte Amalie
Photo by: briandrum, Creative Commons

There are many attractions that you can try to visit even while you only choose to travel one US state like the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is ideal for people who love beaches and would want to spend time roaming about doing shopping and eating out. There are also many great views and spots that will remind you of each city’s history. A great choice to start the venture would be the Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands. This is the capital of this US state and this is also its largest city. This has an estimated population of 19,000 as of 2004. This place can be found on the Saint Thomas Island.

The name of this popular city was gotten from Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel that lived from 1650 to 1714. Hesse-Kassel was the queen consort to Denmark’s King Christian V. The place, which used to be a haven for pirates with its deep-water harbor, is now known for its cruise ship port of call.

There are many historical buildings that can be found at this city. This also houses the second oldest synagogue that can be found in the Western Hemisphere. Many tourists flock the city to get some good deals at bargain hunting. You can check out its shopping district, but make sure that you are armed with the right budget because you will find lots of items that will definitely suit your preference. After shopping, you can proceed in looking at various historical sites to fill your cameras with important relics from the past.

Purakanui
Photo by: Sarah M Stewart, Creative Commons

Dunedin is one of New Zealand’s four main centers. It is the second largest city in the South Island and is coined as the Edinburgh of the South with proud Scottish ancestry. It became the capital of the Otago province in 1852 and upon the discovery of gold in Gabriel’s Gully; people who came from different countries, such as Irish, Italian, Chinese, and German have frequented it.

In 1900, it no longer was the largest country in New Zealand. It began mellowing down and aging in a graceful way that writers and artists began to realize its charm.

Dunedin’s weather is known for occasional snowfalls in the winter, which gradually clears during the day. It has a temperate climate that shows the beauty of Dunedin in all four seasons.

Food and Dining

There are many choices for good food and fine dining in Dunedin. It has bars and pubs that offer a relaxing and atmospheric ambiance that is standard in the area. Restaurants offer a wide range of cuisine ranging from the traditional meals to the contemporary al fresco.

The style and atmosphere of Dunedin restaurants are characterized by the tastiest meals and the most elegant interior designs. Cafés offer a wide range of food selection that caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Sights and Activities

Surfing and swimming are among the main attractions in Dunedin. You could also go hiking on Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world.

Places to Visit

1. Cadbury World. It is one of the largest factories in Dunedin, which is run by the Cadbury Chocolate Company. It offers tours for visitors to explore and experience the wonderful world of chocolate and Cadbury’s legacy.

2. Fortune Theatre. A popular repertory theater located in Moray Place, south of Dunedin.

3. The Octagon. The plaza which is the location of some of Dunedin’s important buildings and institutions. Buildings include the St. Paul Cathedral, Dunedin Town Hall, Regent Theatre, and Public Library.

4. The Otago Peninsula. A scenic coastline in Dunedin that showcases the beauty of nature as well as its wildlife. Seals and sea lions usually frequent this area.

5. Dunedin Botanical Garden. A garden with an aviary and offers themed gardens such as the Rhododendron, Azalea, and Rose gardens.

6. Larnach Castle. The only castle in New Zealand. It is basically a manor with a scandalous and tragic history due to the death of its owner, the banker, William Larnach. It has a haunted feel into it and offers a nice collection of local antiques. More than this, its carved ceilings are magnificently created by the best in Europe and it offers a spectacular view of Dunedin, Otago Peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean.

Tall Kayf, Iraq is situated in the Ninawa Governorate. It is one of the biggest towns in the Assyrian culture of Iraq and from Mosul, it will only take you eight miles if you take the North East. In Syriac language, Tall Kayf is actually also called as the Tel Keipeh. In Kurdish, it is called as the Tilkaif. Tall Kayf is actually Arabic together with Tel Kaif. Tall Kayf is really known as Tel Keppe for most of the Iraqi. This language is actually Aramaic. Tel in Aramaic means “hill” and Keppe means “stones”. So Tall Kayf is actually really known as being the “Hill of Stones”. There is this cemetery over the hill too.

The population in Tall Kayf is quite few. There are only 5,000 individuals in this town and they are mostly migrants from Arabia and are mostly Kurdish thus the many languages to call the Tall Kayf. The people who really originated from Tall Kayf are now mostly spread throughout the world particularly in Baghdad in Iraq and other parts of the United States of America like the state of California, Detroit and San Diego.

If you are going to buy something as a souvenir for your trip, vases are very much popular in this area. These are not just ordinary vases. These vases were found way back 2000 years before Christ. These were found by the Iraqi Directorate of Antiquities and some even date longer than 2000 BC.

A good place to visit would also be their churches. Besides the vases, a few ruins of monasteries and churches were found. According to studies, the churches date back to the early Christians in the place. There are about 5 churches that are old that you can visit.

The City Gate
Photo by: foxypar4, Creative Commons

Mdina is the old capital city. It played an important role during the Great Siege where it provided safety for the Maltese Residents.

Mdina offers a medieval feel to the city. It is walled town that is located in the center of Malta. This beauteous city is a must see when visiting the country.

Restaurants in Mdina offer good cuisine and spectacular atmospheres.

• Palazzo Constanzo. Specializes in Maltese and Italian Cuisine located in a beautiful baroque palace.

• Fortanella Tea Garden. Offers a great view of Mdina with open air dining. Known for its home made cakes and the panoramic view of the Maltese islands.

• Bacchus Restaurant. Serves the finest French and International cuisine and is located in the heart of Mdina. Provides for a first class cuisine with the scenic views of the bastions of Mdina.

The tourist attractions of Mdina are rich in history and memorable when seen.

• The Mdina Dungeons. It is the Magisterial Palace in Medina which now serves as the Museum of Natural History. The underground cells and dim corridors of the dungeons exhibit life size statues depicting Malta’s history.

• The Narrow Streets of Medina. Walking along the streets of Mdina allows you to travel back in time while grazing along sculptures of the ancient times.

• The Houses of Mdina. The houses in the city showcase a rich history on its own. The sculptures of these houses reflect the history of the times. While in Mdina, make sure to visit Casa Falson and Casa Inguanez as well as the other houses in the city.

• Palazzo Notabile. This is a wonderful restaurant and café that provides medieval shows in Mdina.

Downwtown Guanzhou
Photo by: jaaron, Creative Commons

Guangzhou is the provincial capital of Guangdong, found along the southern shores of China. It is one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in southern China. Guangzhou offers tourists easy access to Macau and Hong Kong and serves as a port from the Pearl River to the South China Sea.

Guangzhou is touted as the haven of Cantonese cuisine. Cantonese cuisine is one of the eight most popular dishes in China. And many foreigners can attest to the exquisite and palatable flavor of Cantonese food served in Guangzhou. When you dine in one of the restaurants in Guangzhou, don’t forget to order Cantonese specialties such as taiye ji (taiye chicken), kao ru zhu (roasted suckling pig), and long hu dou (dragon fighting against the tiger). Cantonese dim sum such as steamed shao mai, and shrimp dumpling are among the best in China. Street foods sold along East Huifu Road and Panfu Road are a must-try for tourists who want to experience the local eating traditions like drinking tea and sipping a variety of soup dishes.

The shopping streets in Guangzhou offer plenty of choices for visitors, ranging from clothes and cosmetic products to appliances, furniture, and electronic gadgets. Fashionable clothes are found in the World Trade Mall and Baima Clothes Market; dried food and seafood are available along Yide Road; and souvenir items abound Wende Road. The most famous local products you may want to buy include jade jewelry items like bracelets and rings, jade jars, Cantonese embroidery, and the therapeutic Wang Laoji herbal tea.

When it comes to nightlife, Guangzhou caters to partygoers who are seeking places to hang out and parties to enjoy. The three bar streets in the city that are most preferred by tourists include the Yanjiang Road along the Pearl River, the Huanshi Road, and Baietan area. But if you want to spend a peaceful night alone or with a loved one, the most recommended nighttime activities in Guangzhou are enjoying the scenic view of the Pearl river and the entire city from the White Cloud Mountain as well as night cruising on the lovely Pearl River, the third longest river in the country. Pearl River looks splendid as well during daytime. You can stroll down the Scenery Corridor along the riverbank and relax while watching the water scenes on the river.

Guangzhou is indeed a perfect destination for tourists who want to make the most out of their holiday getaway.

Dhahran moonlight
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Located at the heart of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and west of downtown Al-Khobar is Dhahran, the Saudi oil industry major administrative center. In 1931, huge oil reserves were found in the area and in 1935, the first feasible oil well was drilled by the Standard Oil of California (known as Chevron Corporation today) in the area.

Dhahran rests in a piece of desert which is rocky and hilly. Its climate is characterized by extreme heat especially during summers. Temperature could reach an outstanding 50 °C during this season, and could be made worse by the extreme humidity due to the district’s proximity to the Persian Gulf. The area, in fact, is the record holder of the highest temperature in Saudi Arabia which is 51.1 °C. The Shamal winds visit the city at the onset of the summer season with dust storms that could last up to six months. During winter, temperature hardly ever drops to below 2°C. Rain comes in the area between November and May.

The headquarters of Saudi Aramco is situated in this district. This company is considered as the biggest and widest oil company as it has the most robust oil reserves in the world. It is so large that it could generate up to 10 million oil barrels on a daily basis. The company also has its own airport called Saudi Aramco Aviation where all of the company’s flights originate.

Being at the frontline of global oil manufacturing industry, Dhahran benefits from first-rate transport resources locally and internationally as well. As early as the 1970’s, the nation’s topmost highway infrastructure was expansively modernized. There were also National Guard checkpoints scattered over strategic locations. Airports such as the King Fahad International Airport are also operating efficiently. This particular airport replaced Dhahran International for cargo and commercial services and now provides these services to the metropolitan district of Dhahran.

Public transport is very limited in the area though. Taxis are preferred over buses. And if you want to get to the capital city, Riyadh, you could also take the industrial railway linked to the city still exists.

Museo De Los Ninos San Jose Costa Rica
Photo by: stevendepolo, Creative Commons

Nestled in the midst of the lush Valle Central, San José is Costa Rica’s largest city and the country’s capital. It is a magnet both for nature-loving tourists and for those who would like to explore the cultural life of one of the country’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan cities. San José was established in 1738, making it one of Latin America’s youngest capital cities, though it was not named the capital of Costa Rica until 1823. While it is located within a tropical rainforest, its elevation gives San José a mild tropical climate.

From San José, tourists can easily travel to such popular natural attractions as the Volcán Arenal and the Volcán Poás, two active volcanoes that provide spectacular night views as they spew red-hot rocks and sulphuric gases into the air. Tourists can visit these sites through day trips from the city; they can also explore the area further by hiking the nature trails around the volcanoes.

For those who would prefer to stay in the city proper, however, San José provides many cultural attractions. San José boasts a wide range of museums, such as the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, the country’s national museum, and the Museo del Jade, an archeological museum with extensive holdings of pre-Columbian artifacts. Families with young children might want to visit the Museo de los Niños, which features exhibits on science, geography and children’s culture and rights which are designed to appeal to those up to 12 years of age.

Those who would like to explore San José’s rich history and culture should not pass up the chance to see the Pueblo Antiguo, a theme park that recreates the city as it was at the turn of the twentieth century. It features cultural performances, fireworks displays and boat rides. The Melico Salazar Theatre and Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica also present theater, dance and orchestral music shows all year round.

Sunset in Ica
Photo by: Aleks J Clark, Creative Commons

The word “cure” is a word that is often associated with the city of Ica. Known to many as a place to cure asthma and other ailments, Ica, Peru is also a good retreat for the weary traveler.

Located in Southern Peru, the city of Ica is the capital of the Ica Region and is best described as a rich agricultural area. Taking a bus from Lima through the Pan-American Highway, the road to Ica takes four and a half hours. On the way, travelers can have the chance to observe the beautiful landscape of lush grapevines and vegetation. Crops such as asparagus, olives and cottons are prominent in the fields of this city.

Ica has a warm, dry climate. That is why natives refer to their region as the “land of the sun”. Such warm weather was believed to be the cure to asthma and similar illnesses. A certain town in Ica called Cachiche is also famous for its folk healers.

The best way to be acquainted with the culture and traditions of Ica is to visit the Inca Regional Museum (Museo Regional de Ica). Impressive pre-Columbian artifacts such as ceramics and mummies are some of those that are on display. Spanish artifacts and paintings can also be found in the museum.

For those who want to flee from the usual goings-on in the city, there is the Huacachina Oasis located just 10 minutes outside the town. This palm-lined desert lagoon is one of the most celebrated spots in the Ica region, where one can relax and experience a tranquil vacation.
Further to the south of the city are the famous Nazca Lines. It was believed to have been around during the pre-colonial times. When viewed from above, tourists can have a spectacular sight of lines and drawings, usually of plants and animals. Most people find this network of lines greatly amusing yet intriguing because of its complexity. The fact that the Lines cover some 350 kilometers makes it a must-see in Ica, alongside the Paracas National Reserve that is located near Chincha.

Ica is not only rich in cultural heritage. In fact, the most notable thing about this city aside from the museums and natural wonders is its vast vineyards. Ica is a home to the great bodegas or wineries that manufacture Peru’s popular pisco brandy. The natives of Ica celebrate the bountiful harvest through the annual festivity called “Wine Festival”, which is observed during the month of March. This is a very good time of the year to experience the lovely city of Ica.

City of Zefat/Safad
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North of Tiberias is Zefat City, also known as Safed or Safad, an artists’ colony of less than 30,000 souls. Considered to be one of the four holy cities of Israel, it is an important center for kabbalistic and rabbinical studies. In this city, even graves are objects of religious worship.

Zefat’s higher altitude – in fact, it is the highest city in Israel – offers not only cool and refreshing weather, but also a much more relaxing atmosphere than other parts of the country. The elevation also makes for awesome views of green mountains and the snow-capped Mt. Hermon. The weather here is ideal for growing plants, so flowering gardens abound in backyards all over the city.

As an artist colony, private galleries abound, so tourists are advised to visit during daytime when the displays are open. When they close for the night, there isn’t much to do except hang out in the restaurants and perpetual coffee houses of the country. Otherwise, the city is an interesting place to study Juddaic art. The predominantly Orthodox Jewish population produces handicrafts of ceramics, diamonds, gold and silver crafted in the ways of ancient times. Sculptors, painters and artisans work in their studios in ancient rebuilt houses, and show their paintings and artifacts on their display windows seen in alleyways.

The city has an interesting history because of the way the founders were driven out from the city by the Arabs and how it was later retaken by the vastly out-numbered Israeli army in the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. One of the must-see places of Israel, a visit here will surely offer a unique perspective of Israeli culture.

Photo by: Kristo, Creative Commons

There may be little information about Starý Smokovec than other well-known cities in Slovakia, but it still offers the same thrill and adventure when you go to Slovakia. You can try looking at online forums to get to know people who have been there to find out about their experiences. If you intend to visit most places in the country, you ought to include the Starý Smokovec on your trip. It is always great to find something new and unique as you go trough your vacation. You never know, but you might enjoy the experience and you can provide great insights about it for people who are searching for tips on whether or not this kind of trip will be worth it.

There are some people who have been in the area that recommend outdoor shopping as a great activity. So make sure that you have your pocket money ready and well-allotted so that you won’t go overboard in your expenses. There are also sights in the area where you can ski during winter and at regular seasons; you can feast your eyes on various spots and historical sights to get to know more about the past and great influences on the structures in the city.

If you feel like being romantic, you can also try staying at the Grand hotel, an ancient structure that is located at the middle of the High Tatras on the end of the mountain at the peak of Slavkovsky. The hotel has four floors that have accommodates over a million guests from around the world since it was built and was opened to the public.

Vaavu – snorkeling and interacting with a green turtle.
Photo by: Christian Steen, Creative Commons

Vaavu Atoll, Maldives is also known as the Felidhoo Atoll. It has 19 lovely isles and is the smallest atoll of the archipelago. From the heart of the capital Male, Vaavu Atoll is 40 miles away. If you are riding a speedboat, the travel time from the capital is about 90 minutes. However, should you decide to ride the dhoni (Maldives’s multi-purpose sail boat), it will take about five hours. The latter ride might sound long, but if you have the luxury of time, it could definitely be an enriching experience too– being able to cruise the big ocean for several hours and seeing the bigger picture of what Maldives truly is.

Vaavu Atoll is divided into two parts: the main is Vaavu Atoll while the virtually untouched isle is the Vattaru. Vaavu is boot-shaped while Vattaru is large and circular. Fotteyo Muli, the easternmost point of the archipelago is at the foot of this Atoll.

Vaavu has been a long-time favorite by safari and cruise operators despite it being isolated and less commercialized compared with other atolls open for tourists. It was in 1975 when tourism in this atoll started and it continues to enchant countless of visitors every day till date.

Maldives is sunny all year-round so there is no specific time for you to visit the archipelago. Now, if you want to see some sharks and mantas, Vaavu is definitely your spot to go. It has world-class sites for diving. One of these sites is Fotteyo Kandu, which is also considered as one of the top five sites for divers in the world. If you want to snorkel more than dive, you can also do so at the eastern part of the atoll.

Skyline view of Iasi
Photo by: Coco_ro, Creative Commons

Known as the city on seven hills and the city of great loves, Iasi is a municipality in the Moldova region in north-eastern Romania, and formerly the capital of the Principality of Moldavia. As one of the largest cities in the country, Iasi is the social, cultural and academic center of its Romanian region. Iasi is home to the oldest Romanian University.

It’s social and cultural life is mainly centred on the National Theater which is the oldest in Romania. Other than that the Opera House, the Iasi State Philharmonic and the Tatarasi Atheneum also house some of the city’s very important socio-cultural activities. But the culture of Iasi is more diverse than expected. That’s because it hosts five foreign culture centers: French, British, German, Hellenic, and Latin American & Caribbean.

Iasi is home to great churches and monasteries. The Palace of Culture, formerly the Palace of Justice and now the National museum complex, is the leading tourist attraction in the city. Historical attractions include the Golia Monastery, the Three Hierarchs Monastery, and the former Royal court of Moldavia. Since the Jewish community once became the main residents of the city in the past, The Great Synagogue, built in 1670, serves as a great historical structure as well.

Other great sites to see in Iasi include the Old Catholic Cathedral, Iasi Railway Station, the Pogor House (meeting place for city intellectuals), the Union Museum, and the Roznovanu Palace (City Hall).

There are many places in Iasi that’s great for strolling like the Union Square and the Copou Park. But the Botanical Garden (the first in Romania) is a 100 hectare area not to be missed as it boasts of over 100 species of plants.