Athens


View of Athens, Greece
Photo by: jaygalvin , Creative Commons

The city of Athens is the capital of Greece. It has a population of over three million, and is regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. It is widely known for its magnificent architecture. Athens is famous to tourists for its many ancient buildings, as well as, historical museums. The Acropolis is a very popular tourist destination in Greece. Many temples for the Greek goddess Athena are found here. However, it is advised that tourists visit the city during spring or late autumn, since it can be very hot during the summer. But the Athens and Epidaurus Festival is worth attending even if the summer season is really dry and hot. And on Easter weekends, many people join the Easter Vigil procession which is also an attractive religious site. Then, the tourists can travel around on buses, trains, metro, cabs, or on foot. Bicycles are not good options because there are not enough lanes.

Athens is also a fairly noisy and busy city. So, whenever one wants to relax far from the noise, they can have a nice walk in the National Garden. Also they can visit some of the major museums, such as the National Archaeological Museum and the New Acropolis Museum. Tourists are advised to try the native souvlaki, which is grilled pork or chicken. O Thanasis and Savvas are two of the best souvlaki places. But a tzatziki is good food too. It is basically a yogurt with cucumber and garlic. These foods are wrapped in a pita which is a very thin piece of bread.. The Temple of Hephaestus and the Temple of Zeus are great landmarks to see.

However, there are very few malls in Athens. But the shopaholic tourists may go to Plaka, Kolonaki, Ermou Street, and Kifissia for their shops and souvenir stores. Or they could head off to the beautiful beaches on nice days. And if they like to drink and party, Psyrrí is the place to go. Numerous clubs and bars can be found here. Athens’ finest bar, Balux, is also where the trendiest people go to party. But plenty of clubs can be enjoyed along the beaches during summer too. Then, after a tiring day, luxury hotels are the best places to sleep.

December 26, 2015 at 6:39 pm | No comment

Florence


Panoramic View of Florence, Italy
Photo by: argenberg, Creative Commons

For travelers who love art will probably consider Florence, Italy as the most beautiful city in the country. It is less archaeological than Rome, definitely drier than Venice and decidedly less commercial than Milan. Breathtakingly beautiful architecture is everywhere within the city’s more than 20 quarters or districts. With such a multitude of almost equally attractive sites to visit, choosing where to start can be a tall order especially for a traveler who will be visiting the city for the first time. Here is a brief overview of what three of the city’s saintly quarters have to offer:

Santa Maria Novella Quarter – Reaching this quarter is easy enough because of a train station with the same name. From the station, tourists can walk along the via degli Avelli to reach the Piazza Santa Maria Novella Church. This church is renowned for its facade created by artist Leon Batista Alberti. Upon leaving the side of the church, near via Tornabuoni, the Piazza Rucellai can be easily reached by taking Rucellai. This particular piazza was again designed by Alberti along with the palace built in the mid-1400s. The Museum of History of Photography is located on the piazza’s ground floor. More walking will reveal the San Pancrazio building, Rucellai Chapel and the Holy Sepulcher temple, all of which were made by Alberti.

Santa Croce Quarter – Together wit the Santa Maria Novella Church, the Santa Croce Church is also built outside the main city walls of medieval Florence. This quarter is also known as the location of the Bargello or Captain Palace which has the distinction of being the first palace built in the mid 1200s as the seat of the Florentine city government of the period. These days, the palace serves as the National Museum which houses the artistic masterpieces of Michelangelo, Donatello, Della Robbia and Verrocchio.

San Giovanni Quarter – This quarter is further subdivided into three districts: San Lorenzo, San Marco, and SS Annunziata. Each of these districts showcase dozens of buildings, churches, squares and palaces that can only be found in Florence, Italy.

By starting with these three quarters, exploring Florence, Italy does not need to be an intimidating or an exhausting experience for the uninitiated tourist.

December 14, 2015 at 4:27 pm | No comment

London

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Westminster from the London Eye
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Describing London as one of the most unique and well known cities in the world would be an understatement as it has shaped itself to become more than a place of habitat, but a way of life. From the assortment of historical sites to the bustling metropolitan lifestyle, there is truly something for everyone and anyone in this famous city. So if you’re looking for a travel destination that can give you the best of both worlds, then you shouldn’t miss out on what London has to offer.

If you’re a history buff or an art enthusiast, then London should definitely be on your list of places that you should visit. The best museums in the world namely the National Gallery, the British Museum and the Tate Modern are all located here. And the best part is, you can get in most museums and exhibits for free. If you want to know where the greatest figures of history such as Sigmund Freud and Jimi Hendrix took up residence during their visit, then keep an eye out for the blue plaque. There are over 800 of these commemorative plaques scattered all over the city so if ever you see one, make sure to check it out.

Most Londoners will tell you that the best way to get from point A to casino online holland point B is by walking since most of the notable attractions worth visiting are literally just a stone’s throw away from each other. Aside from that, there’s so much you’ll get to see and learn more about just by walking. But if you have some extra money to spend, a ride in their infamous black cab or double-decker bus should definitely be in order. Don’t forget to make your way to the Piccadilly Circus and the Trafalgar Square to catch a glimpse of the city’s most emblematic photographed sites.

Your London vacation will never be complete without a seeing the famous historical buildings up close, the Tower of London, the Houses of the Parliament and the St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Palaces should also be part of your travel itinerary so don’t forget to pay a visit to the Buckingham and Kensington Palaces and who knows? You might just get to see someone from the royal family.

With so many things going on in the city of London, you should dedicate at least a week’s stay just to take the whole experience in. so start planning out your itinerary today and don’t miss the chance to experience the city in all its glory.

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December 8, 2015 at 1:03 pm | No comment

Buenos Aires

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Floralis Genérica en Buenos Aires, Argentina

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<strong>Buenos Aires</strong> is the capital of the Argentine Republic. Considered as one of the largest cities in Latin America, Buenos Aires which is fair winds in English will be your point of departure when travelling to the rest of the country. Moreover, the city itself has its own cultural offerings that you should not miss.

<strong>Attractions You Should Not Miss</strong>

<strong> Microcentro Downtown</strong>

Microcentro downtown is one of the barrios you will find in Buenos Aires. This is located near most of the historical spots in the capital. Florida Street, which is the most famous pedestrian in the city, is also located here where you can buy local goods and do most of your preparations before travelling to other parts of Argentina.

<strong>Palermo</strong>

Palermo is an attraction that has a very attractive promenade that most tourists enjoy. It is a beautiful area with a large lake where you can rent paddle boats. The attraction also has a large flower garden where entrance is offered for free.

<strong>La Boca</strong>

La Boca is a very popular barrio in Buenos Aires because of its distinct personality and history. Don’t forget to bring a nice camera to capture the picturesque scenery of vibrant yellow, purple, green, and red colored houses and establishments.

<strong>San Telmo</strong>

San Telmo is a very popular attraction in Buenos Aires that hosts an exciting nightlife scene underground. The barrio also hosts colonial styled houses located along cobblestone lanes. This is an attraction you should not miss if you want to experience the History of Buenos Aires.

<strong>Recoleta</strong>

Recoleta is a high class place in Buenos Aires where you get to sea first class restaurants, large green spaces, and buildings influenced by French architecture and style. Recoleta is considered as one of the most expensive places in the city.

<strong> Tribunales</strong>

If you are in search of different theatre show in Buenos Aires, then Tribunales is where you should be heading to. This part of town is where you can find Avenida Corrientes which hosts most of the theater shows in Buenos Aires.

<strong>Things You Need to Know</strong>

• Getting your way around Buenos Aires is fairly easy as the city is properly planned and is divided into equal blocks that are also numbered by hundreds.

• Maps sold in Argentina should be read from bottom up. This includes maps from tourist authorities and the maps you can get from the official taxi booth at the Ezeiza airport.

• The underground metro or the subte is adequate for tourists even if it’s quite small since it reaches all of the best attractions in the city.

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December 7, 2015 at 8:29 pm | No comment

Dubai

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Borjol-Arab building in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Photo by: sharif, Creative Commons

In the past several years, Dubai has climbed the ladder of popularity because of the many different amazing structures that are being built in the place. Nobody will mind the hot weather because you can go inside a huge air-conditioned mall, eat in air-conditioned restaurants, and just basically have the time of your life.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates is very modern. You will be impressed by the variety of modern features that you can find in the city’s new structures.

Your first stop should be the very famous Tower of Arab or Burj Al Arab. This is a very luxurious hotel and you will feel as if you are royalty when you book a reservation here. Even if you are not going to stay at the hotel, you can still visit by paying an entrance fee. You can taste Arabic cuisines if you eat in one of the restaurants or you can go up the tower at night and look at the amazing Dubai city lights below.

If you want to experience shopping in the middle of this ultra-modern city, you should check out Dubai Mall. This is a huge shopping mall that has many kinds of shops—from restaurants to clothes shops to jewelry shops. You name it, Dubai Mall has it.

And if you get tired of these city structures, you can always try the famous desert safari. You can try dune bashing, camel riding, and so on. These are things that you will only experience in Dubai.

December 1, 2015 at 5:18 pm | No comment

Rome


Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
Photo by: eustaquio , Creative Commons

In a city as popular as Rome, tourists can easily be led to packaged tours that offer nothing but the same scripts, sites and information to thousands of other tourists who just don’t know any better. These tours can also cost quite a sum of money. All it takes is some inside information from locals and from other travelers who prefer to experience the city away from the tourist mobs. Here are just a few of what could be dozens of sites in Rome which are not in standard guide books and packaged tour routes.

View from the top – Any city looks breathtaking when viewed from high elevations such as the Empire State in New York or a natural formation such as the Table Mountain in Capetown, South Africa. Now, imagine what Rome would look like from a similar view with its awe-inspiring buildings and landmarks. This view is possible from a piazza built for the Knights of Malta on top of the Aventino Hill. Rome is simply unmatched when visitors see it through the keyhole at the edge of the piazza’s Via Santa Sabina.

Roman underground – Ancient history is buried under the relatively modern structures and buildings of Rome, Italy. Perhaps nothing illustrates this more than the three layers of underground archaeological displays in the Basilica di San Clemente. Underneath the church which was reconstructed during the 1800s is another church built in 1180, under which is another church cited in the 3rd century by Saint Jerome as a place of worship for early Christians. At the very bottom of these layers lie artifacts from pre-Christian Rome.

Past lives and deaths on the surface – On street level, Rome has many interesting spots not mentioned in guidebooks. Two of these are the baths built for Emperor Carcalla, which is so peaceful in spite of being surrounded by roads. The other is the Protestant Cemetery, which is another tranquil space for exploring on foot.

The Spanish Steps, the Forum, the Coliseum and Saint Peter’s Basilica are a few of the most beloved sites in Rome, Italy. As beautiful and as historic as they are, the crowds can be overwhelming when visiting these areas, especially during peak season. But, as the three examples given above suggest, there are still pockets of solitude left in this city to be explored by the more curious travelers.

November 26, 2015 at 4:22 pm | No comment

Venice


Gondola Park, Venice, Italy
Photo by: eustaquio , Creative Commons

Exploring the islands of Burano and Torcello should be a good way to start a Venetian holiday. Torcello is renowned for its quiet and serene surroundings which is a perfect way to unwind. It has the same tranquility that attracted writer Ernest Hemingway to this locale. Torcello also has the Estuary Museum that showcases artifacts from different periods of Venetian history – from the Modern to the Medieval Period, down to the period before the 11th century. The island of Burano is famous for its brightly colored houses that contrast with the aqueous color of the Venetian lagoon. Just like Torcello, Burano also has museums that chronicle its proud history.

Then, a short ride to Murano Island will give tourists a chance to discover the origins of the world-famous Murano glass works. Shops in the area offer expertly made pieces and artworks which are perfect as take home souvenirs. The Sant’Erasmo Island gives a glimpse of the Venetian countryside. The area’s perimeter can be easily explored on a bike which is a great opportunity to admire the local gardens, groves and hedges.

A trip to Venice, Italy cannot be complete without exploring the main Venetia Island itself. For a different approach to exploring the main island, it is highly recommended to visit the Jewish district, locally known as the Hebrew Ghetto. Evidence of the Jewish cultural contributions to Venetian society are preserved in the Hebrew Art Museum. An old synagogue is also present as evidence of the long history of Jewish settlement within Venetian borders when it was still an independent state. From there, Venetian buildings are just short strolls away and these include the Miracoli Church, San Marco Basilica, and Sant’Alvisi Church.

November 26, 2015 at 10:21 am | No comment

Montreal

Montreal 400
Montreal, Canada
Photo by: husseinabdallah , Creative Commons

Montreal is known to be the second largest city in Canada. It is located on the southwest province of Quebec. Montreal experiences a humid continental climate marked by seasonal weather patterns.

Exploring the city and checking out the beautiful landscapes is a fun experience. It is a magnificent view, and the landscape of the city is spectacular. Try learning basic French because this part of the city is the center for French language in the country. Since the metropolitan area entices many race, try visiting the the downtown area and see for yourself the diversity of the area.

These are many activities you can do when you visit Montreal, Canada.

1. Starlight snowshoeing on Mount Royal
2. Walking through the underground pedestrian network
3. Visit upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill
4. Bodies the exhibition

And try visiting these locations:

1. Mount Royal
2. Point-a-Calliere Museum
3. Montreal Biodome
4. Casino de Montreal
5. Montreal Botanical Gardens
6. Notre-Dame Basilica

After a long day of sightseeing and picture taking you may want to try some restaurants in the city. Le Club Chasse et Peche received the top rating out of 1,929 restaurants across the city. The price range of menu options range from $50 to $100. The second restaurant that got the second highest rating is Au Pied de Cochon, with their Canadian cuisine. The third restaurant is Fairmount Bagel with their specialty bagels.

November 22, 2015 at 7:40 pm | No comment

Prague


Prague, Czech Republic
Photo by: manefa, Creative Commons

There are many reasons why you should consider spending a few days at Prague, Czech Republic when on your European tour. For one, it is a great destination for people who love to walk at a leisurely pace while sightseeing and experiencing a relaxed environment. Prague is also a romantic city at night. There are lots of restaurants you can dine in as well as coffee shops where you can chill and hang out while resting your tired feet from walking.

Three days in Prague is enough to get a taste of the city’s rich cultural heritage and see historical places. You can take a stroll around the Old Town Square and walk down all the way to Powder tower which is considered to be a very historical entrance to the Old Town. The tower is also connected to the Municipal House – a must-see for all art enthusiasts.

To fully appreciate the tour of the Old Town, you must visit the Jewish Quarter where the oldest working synagogue in Europe is located. This should be followed by a trip to Prague castle where you can view the city of Prague in all its rich glory.

In your three-day stay, you definitely have to take a walk at Charles Bridge. During the day, you can climb up the tower to get a wonderful glimpse of the city. At night, you can freely stroll around the place as the crowds grow thin during the evenings. Take your time enjoying a leisurely stroll across the bridge, drink some coffee at a nearby shop or drink and be merry down at the pubs. You will also get to appreciate the view of Prague Castle, with all the lights lit up and illuminating the city during the evenings. Indeed, you will miss out on a lot of things if you don’t take a break and visit Prague during your holiday vacation.

November 19, 2015 at 5:59 pm | No comment

Mexico City

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Mexico City, Mexico
Photo by: macsurak , Creative Commons

The largest city in Mexico is Mexico City. This city should be part of your “Must Places to Visit” for its many activities and attractions offered to tourists. This is a bustling city being the center of business, trade, and commerce. It has a subtropical highland climate because of its elevated landscape. Since it has a warm climate, this city is good for travel, especially for people who want to escape the cold climate. All year round, people can visit this amazing city.

Visiting this wonderful city, you will not be bored for there are so many things to do and discover. You might want to check out the Plaza of Three Cultures which contains a modern office building, a cathedral built during the colonial period, and the Aztec pyramid. While visiting these historic landmarks, you will see Aztec ruins, the city’s chief plaza (Constitution Plaza), the remains of Templo Mayor (Great Temple), then check some museums such as Museo Nacional de Antropologia and Museo Nacional de Arte.

After a long day visiting the city’s historical spots, relax at Alameda Central, the city’s oldest park. At night, Polanco district and Centro Historico is the best place to hang out, chill and enjoy the night. The nightlife in this city will be very exciting with all kinds of entertainment from salsa clubs, discos, live concerts, ballet, theatre, folkloric shows, opera, philharmonic orchestras, and boxing and wrestling on weekend nights. Don’t forget to see the Mariachi bands playing till the wee hours of the morning.

Travel will not be complete without shopping. Mexico City is known for its enormous malls like Centro Santa Fe, Pabellon Polanco and Interlomas. After shopping, you can dine at one of the great restaurants of Mexico City. Aguila y Sol, Au Pied de Cochon, Cafe Tacuba, Chez Wok, Fonda el Refugio and MP Cafe Bistro are to just name a few.

November 12, 2015 at 2:35 am | No comment

Toronto


Toronto, Canada
Photo by: choudhrysaab, Creative Commons

Toronto is a large city in Canada. It is a thriving city that has millions of residents. With this large population offering such a diverse culture, beautiful attractions, and many things to do makes Toronto a great tourist destination.
The best time to visit the city is during the fall season when you can explore the vibrant weather and colors of the city. One of the most popular spots in the city is the CN Tower, making its mark on the Toronto skyline. Take a short trip and visit the Niagara Falls. The 1000 Islands Skydeck is a different kind of attraction for tourists because it has an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of 1000 Islands. For children, in case you are having a family vacation, try visiting the African Lion Safari. Other theme parks like Centerville Amusement Park offering over 30 rides to choose from, are also available to visit giving something unique and special for all ages.

Canada has many great restaurants offering a multitude of dining options. The 360 Restaurant located in the CN Tower offers a dining experience and awesome view that surely create a memorable event. Bistro 990, The Keg Mansion, The Host Fine Dining Indian Cuisine, and Pangea are all other must-try restaurants.

Night spots are also all over the place to help the city dwellers unwind after a day’s hard work. Go bar hopping like the local Canadians do and discover new and fun things to experience. Some high end clubs are the Guvernment, Republik, This is London Club, Seven Lounge, Afterlife, and many more.

Be open-minded on trying new things and have some fun.

November 8, 2015 at 7:36 pm | No comment

Vancouver


Vancouver
Photo by: jonrawlinson, Creative Commons

Vancouver is one of the beautiful cities we all should visit. Its dazzling beauty will captivate you and wanted to reside in this city, full of life. There is a waterfront beaches add to that skyscrapers, this is one view you will remember. Expect something vibrant here in Vancouver, especially the mixture of different cultures. Chinatown is one sure way to get lost to, metaphorically speaking, because you will be able to experience something unusual and marvelous. Moreover, try to learn a little bit of French so you could converse somehow with the locals there.

Since Canada is above the United States, it experiences four seasons. Winter takes place between the months of January thru March. Spring is every April thru June. Summer is every July thru September. While, fall is every October thru December. For the year 2010, the city will host the 2010 Winter Olympics; so if you are a fan of winter sports you may want to explore and experience the Winter olympics. Enjoy what the city has to offer at this world class event and even partake in some winter sports yourself. You can ski, snowboard and figure skate in Canada. But if you want a more relaxing way to enjoy your vacation, indulge yourself at the many spas located within the city.
Relax at the park and free your mind with nature. There are over 200 parks in Vancouver, the most popular being the Stanley Park.

To further give you additional tips when traveling to Vancouver, it is wise to have baggage handling. All major credit cards are accepted. Meanwhile, if you are bringing any electronics, the outlets are commonly 110 volts, so be sure to check on your gadgets or appliances before plugging in.
For fine dining, you may want to try the Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar, CinCin Ristorante & Bar, Elixir, Glowbal Grill & Satay Bar, and Araxi Restaurant & Bar. These are considered the top 5 restaurants in the city.

November 4, 2015 at 7:36 pm | No comment

Rio de Janeiro


The skyline of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Photo by: soldon , Creative Commons

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is probably the most popular city of this South American country. It is the second largest Brazilian city and made famous by its beautiful beaches and yearly carnival festivities.

The natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro is enhanced by its harbor, which will give you a breathtaking view of Sugar Loaf Mountain, the hills of Tijuca and Corcovado Peak.

Aside from its splendid geographical features, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is also made popular by its active participation in world sporting events. This spectacular city in the South will be the venue of the 2014 FIFA World Cup games. Two years later or in 2016, sports aficionados are expected to visit Rio again, this time for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, making it the first city in South America to host either the Winter or Summer Olympics.

One of the most popular attractions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is the statue of Jesus Christ with his arms raised. This is the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer and is one of the most visited attractions in the city.

The beaches of Rio are also popular destinations among tourists. The most frequented among these are Copacabana and Ipanema, but there are still other pristine shores that the visitors may enjoy. The beach culture is definitely one of the trademarks of Rio and probably what draws the most number of people.

If you want to experience a different kind of adventure in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, then hit the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas located at the middle of the South Zone. This is a large and beautiful lagoon that will give you a nice view of Corcovado and Ipanema beaches. Aside from sight-seeing, you may also jog or ride a bicycle around the area or even skate or rent one of those paddle boats. Surely you and your companions will enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this great lagoon.

When traveling with kids, treat them to a tour of the Parque Lage, a small park that houses interesting plants and animals and some concrete structures that appear a bit strange, but will surely entertain the young and the young-at-heart.

For more nature adventures in Rio, visit the Jardim Botanico or the Botanical Garden. You will be surprised that it has a collection of plants from different parts of the world.

If you want the best of Brazil, then surely you must not miss Rio de Janeiro.

November 4, 2015 at 3:17 pm | No comment

Vienna

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A Carriage in Vienna, Austria.
Photo by: http2007 , Creative Commons

Getting to know a city like Vienna, Austria can be a challenging task to do in a small amount of time. This city is so rich in historical, cultural and natural treasures that a first time visitor can get confused and end up with nothing but a superficial impression of the place.

However, if you know which places best represent the city’s spirit, then exploring Vienna, Austria is definitely possible. Here are just some of the places that many seasoned travelers to the city have recommended:

* Morning: Nothing is probably better than starting a day with a bracing cup of premium coffee – except for a cup of authentic Viennese coffee in one of the many cafes that dot the city’s landscape. After a traditional Austrian breakfast, it is highly recommended to visit Saint Stephen’s cathedral and marvel at its majestic towers and Romanesque facade. The church also houses Saint John Capistran’s pulpit, which has a special significance to the city’s role during the Crusades against invading Turks. A short distance away from this church is the Graben district, which has an impressive selection of shops that sell traditional Austrian deli foods and linens. There is a proliferation of great examples of Baroque period architecture represented by Saint Peter and Saint Michael’s churches. Walking along the Borgnergasse will then reveal aristocratic palaces that represent the city’s culture during the Baroque period.

* Afternoon: A quick ride on the metro can easily take tourists to Karlplatz where the Karlskirche is located. This church is another fine example of how Vienna was considered the center of the Holy Roman Empire because of its similar appearance to Saint Peter’s Cathedral in Rome. Near this place are art nouveau buildings designed by Otto Wagner.

* Night: A soothing way to end the day in this city is to listen to the world famous Vienna Boys’ Choir and cap everything off by enjoying the night panorama of the city aboard the Riesenrad Ferris wheel at the Wiener Prater park.

These are just a few of the dozens of sites that tourists can visit to gain a rich cultural experience that only a city like Vienna, Austria can give.

November 3, 2015 at 8:03 pm | No comment

The Seven Wonders of the Industrial World

In 2003 the BBC created a documentary celebrating the Seven Wonders of the Industrial World. The television miniseries originally aired from September 4, 2003 to October 16, 2003 on BBC. The series examines seven engineering feats that took place during the Industrial Revolution. These particular feats were chosen because of their ingenuity, challenges that were overcome when completing them, and how they affected overall society.

The SS Great Eastern: Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Great Eastern is an iron sailing steam ship and was considered to be the largest ship ever built at the time of her 1858 launch. The ship was 692 feet in length and was reputed for being able to carry 4,000 passengers around the world without refueling. The ship’s designer wanted to take advantage of the fact that at that time so many people from the UK wanted to immigrate to America, so he built the ship for that purpose. After a couple of difficult voyages over the next few years, the ship received considerable damage and was later used for laying cable. Later the ship was retrofitted for commercial passenger purposes that seemed to fail leaving her to be changed into a floating visitor area for a large department store then later sold for scrap metal.

The Brooklyn Bridge: Taking over 13 years to construct and completed in 1883 at 5989 feet long, made the Brooklyn Bridge at the time the longest bridge in the world. Spanning across the East River, the bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City. The bridge cost 15.5 million dollars to build and 27 people were killed during its construction.
Bell Rock Lighthouse: Located in the North Sea across from the coast of Angus, Scotland is the Bell Rock Lighthouse, which is the oldest sea washed lighthouse in the world. It was constructed to keep ships from getting wrecked at Bell Rock Island. The Lighthouse stands 35 m high, with its light being visible from 35 statute miles away. It was built in a very difficult location and several people were killed in the process. But the masonry work was so well done that it has never been replaced or fixed even once in almost 200 years of its existence.
The London Sewerage System: During the early 19th century, London used the River Thames as an open sewer which due to the city’s growth, became outdated and started causing a foul stench and disastrous consequences for public health in London. A civil engineer by the name of Joseph Bazalgette took over the job of building this underground infrastructure. He built a modern sewer system that purified the city and resulted in the end of the epidemics of cholera and typhoid that had sickened the population.
The Panama Canal: The Panama Canal is one of the largest most difficult engineering feats ever to have been built in the world. Its primary intention is to shorten the distance of travel for trading vessels between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans saving time, money, and the heartache of traveling around the southern tip of South America. It’s about fifty miles long and takes about 8-10 hours to travel the total distance. Since being built, the canal has been considered a success and continues to be a vital aspect to world trade, carrying more cargo than ever before.
The First Transcontinental Railroad:Also known as the “Pacific Railroad,” the First Transcontinental Railroad was the first rail system to connect the Eastern and Western seaboards. The railroad is considered one of the greatest technological feats of the 19th century to take place in America. It served as a vital link for commerce, trade and travel. It replaced the stagecoach and wagon trains for a safer journey across the nation.
The Hoover Dam: Located on the border of Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam was considered to be the largest concrete structure ever built in the world. The reservoir created by the dam is called Lake Mead. The first concrete for the dam was poured in 1933, with the dam being completed in 1936, costing a total of $49 million dollars.

November 10, 2010 at 8:22 pm | No comment

The Seven Natural Wonders of the World

The Seven Natural Wonders of the World is a list of well known natural wonders located throughout different places in the world. Due to special geographic, weather, and other scientific conditions, these amazing and truly unique places have been created in the world that will awe and inspire people to recognize how amazing this planet truly is.

The Great Barrier Reef: The only living thing that can be seen from outer space that is larger than the Great Wall of China is the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world. Located in Australia, this reef system is composed of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands making it 1,600 miles in length. The overall structure of the reef is composed of billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. Along with the ocean, the reef creates a habitat that supports a great diversity of sea life, some of which are endangered. Because of the vast beauty of the Reef, people find it very appealing to visit thus bringing many tourist dollars to the area, which help to put in place protective measures to hopefully protect this valuable wonder for many generations to come.
The Grand Canyon: The deep, rugged, multi-colored walls of the Grand Canyon can create a powerful and inspiring experience upon viewing. This deep sided gorge has been carved through the landscape over many millions of years by the Colorado River. With a length of 277 miles long, The Grand Canyon can range in width from 4 to 18 miles and attain a depth of over a mile. Many layers of rock are preserved in the canyon’s walls which have been exposed due to erosion creating a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors that can change based on the sun’s position and weather conditions. The Grand Canyon attracts over 5 million tourists a year.
Northern and Southern Lights: Creating beautiful colorful displays of lights are Northern and Southern Lights or otherwise know as auroras. These auroras are usually viewed at night and occur more often around Polar Regions, usually within the Artic and Antarctic Circles, but can also be found in other parts of the world. They usually appear to be reddish or greenish swaths appearing across the dark night sky, but can also be different shades of blue and yellow. The occurrences of auroras are due to emissions of photons in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Oxygen and nitrogen atoms returning from an excited state to ground state create the emission of photons of light.
Mt. Everest: The top of Mount Everest is the highest point on the earth’s surface. It’s part of the Himalaya mountain range in Asia and stands over 29,029 ft high. Many people from experienced mountaineers to novice climbers climb the peak which since 2009 has claimed over 215 lives since being recorded. This attraction to the mountain brings much needed tourist dollars to the area and helps the economy of the local city.
Victoria Falls: The Victoria Falls are some of the largest falls in the world. They are located between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa on the Zambezi River. They are considered the most famous falls in the world. The Falls attract over 300,000 visitors a year. To visit The Falls and the surrounding area to view the exotic wildlife and vegetation makes a fantastic memorable experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
Paricutin: Located in Michoacán, a state in Mexico is the Paricutin volcano. Beginning in 1943 as a fissure on the property of a local farmer, within one week, reached over five-stories tall, and in a year, reached over 1,102.36 ft tall. Many lives were negatively affected by the volcano which killed crops and livestock and caused massive property damage to the surrounding 25 miles of land.
The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro: Located in Guanabara Bay in Brazil, The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is considered to be one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. The bay stretches inland by 20 miles and is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, including three famous peaks, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca. There are also many islands to enjoy within the harbor.

November 10, 2010 at 7:52 pm | 4 comments

The Seven Wonders of the Modern World

Feats of engineering are essential to our modern way of life. Since humans stopped living a nomadic existence and started building shelters, there has been a need to design and implement projects to aid and improve the human condition. Examples of past engineering achievements are the Pyramids of Egypt and the aqueducts in Rome.  The American Society of Civil Engineers put together a list celebrating the top seven architectural and engineering feats in the modern world. The list contains man-made projects such as buildings, bridges, roads, canals, and dams. To make the list, these extraordinary achievements have to be awesome in scope and design, benefit the betterment of humanity, and serve as examples of humans overcoming spectacular challenges. Additional requirements to making the list are that achievements have to be completed and fully operational. The group enlisted submissions from other civil engineers and experts from around the world giving an international perspective to the list and ensuring that no possible achievements are left out.

Channel Tunnel: The Channel tunnel otherwise known as the Chunnel is an underground tunnel about 32 miles long connecting the United Kingdom with northern France. It has the longest undersea portion of any other tunnel in the world and at its deepest point is 246ft deep. The tunnel allows for high speed passenger trains, freight trains and Roll on/Roll off vehicle transport trains to rapidly move people and cargo back and forth between the United Kingdom and France.
CN Tower: The CN Tower in downtown Toronto, Canada is considered the world’s tallest freestanding structure. It is 1815 feet tall and serves as an observation deck and communications tower for the city. It contains two visitor areas, two dining establishments, and an observation deck with a glass floor. One restaurant called the 360 restaurant is 346 meters high and completes a full rotation every 72 minutes.
Empire State Building: Considered the world’s tallest building between the years 1931 to 1972 is the Empire State Building standing at 102 stories tall. After construction commenced, it took 410 days to complete and was officially opened May 1, 1931. The building is currently going through a $550 million renovation and will become more eco-friendly and energy efficient.
Golden Gate Bridge: When completed in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge connects the northern tip of San Francisco to Marion County and spans a total of 1.7 miles. The bridge has six lanes and is 90 feet wide and at its tallest point is 746 feet tall.
Itaipu Dam: The Itaipu Dam is largest working hydroelectric power plant in its generating capacity. It is located on the border of Brazil and Paraguay. In 2008, the dam produced a record amount of energy and was responsible for 90% of power for Paraguay and 19% for Brazil. The dam took 50 million tons of rock and earth to build and in doing so changed the course of the seventh largest river in the world.
Delta Works: The Delta Works are a number of structures built to keep the coastline of the Netherlands from flooding. The purpose of all the sluices, dams, and storm surge barriers put into place was to shorten the coastline which would reduce the number of dikes that had to be used. Many people in Holland are subjected to floods that cause major damage and loss of life. Because of the Delta Works, much of this damage can be reduced, possibly eliminated. The total project took almost fifty years to complete. Due to global warming, enhancements to the Delta Works will have to be made in the future.
Panama Canal: The Panama Canal is one of the largest most difficult engineering feats ever to have been built in the world. Its primary intention is to shorten the distance of travel for trading vessels between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans saving time, money, and the heartache of traveling around the southern tip of South America. It’s about fifty miles long and takes about 8-10 hours to travel the total distance. Since being built, the canal has been considered a success and continues to be a vital aspect to world trade, carrying more cargo than ever before.

November 3, 2010 at 4:39 pm | 8 comments

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is a list compiled from ancient Hellenic writers that did quite a bit of traveling and wrote guide books about their experiences. Many lists have been compiled but only a few remain fully intact. Many of the items that were on the lists also had many similarities to other lists and because of the time period and travel restrictions, the lists only listed items that was in close proximity to the country of Greece. The most common and accepted version of the list includes the following wonders:

The Great Pyramid of Giza: The Geat Pyramid of Giza is the most fully intact Ancient Wonder left and is truly an architectural accomplishment. The Pyramid is believed to be built for the Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BC. The structure took fourteen to twenty years to complete using slaves to do most of the work. The Pyramid consists of an estimated 2.3 million blocks, each weighing 2 tons and four 3800 years was the tallest man-made structure ever built in the world.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Considered to be located in Babylon, which is now Iraq, was the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his homesick wife to remind her of the country of Persia from where she was from, the Gardens were as massive achievement of buildings, statues, and plant life in the middle of a desert that receives little rain. One of the most impressive aspects to the garden was how it was irrigated using the Euphrates River and chain pumps to funnel the water to the plants. The gardens cease to exist as a result of several earthquakes that took place during 2nd century BC.
Statue of Zeus at Olympia: Created by the Greek sculptor Phidias in 432 BC is the Statue of Zeus which was located at Olympia, Greece. The statue was built in honor of the Greek God Zeus and portrayed him sitting down holding a statue of the Goddess Nike in one hand and a scepter in the other while presiding over the Olympic Games. Its towering frame rose 32 feet tall and was built in a temple that housed it. The statue no longer exists and is considered to be taken to Constantinople where it was burned in the great fire of the Lauseion, in AD 475.
Temple of Artemis: Created back in 550 BC for a Greek Goddess of the same name was the Temple of Artemis. Except for the roof, the temple was completely built out of marble. All accounts of the temple come from Pliny the Elder, a philosopher and writer and wrote that the dimensions of the building were 377 feet long and 180 feet wide, making its size about three times as large as the Parthenon. The Temple of Artemis was destroyed July 21, 356 BC, through an act of arson.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was built between 353 and 350 BC. No expense was spared in building the tomb and it was built by Greek architects Satyros and Pyhtis and stood 135 ft high with each of the four sides decorated with sculptures designed by each one of four Greek sculptors — Timotheus Leochares, and Bryaxis, the Scopas of Paros.
The Colossus of Rhodes: Representing the Greek God Helios, the Colossus of Rhodes, is located on the Greek Island of Rhodes. Standing at 107 ft tall, the statue was the tallest statue of the ancient world. The statue stood for 56 years before it was hit by the 226 BC Rhodes earthquake. The Statue suffered significant damage snapping at the knees and tumbling over on to the land. Offers were made to have it rebuilt but the oracle of Delphi made the Rhodians fearful that they had offended Helios, and they declined to rebuild it.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria: Pharos is a small island off the coast of Alexandria and because it was difficult to navigate sailing vessels in this area, became home to the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria. The tower was built between the time of 280 and 247 BC and stood between 390 and 450 feet tall. For many centuries, it was the tallest man-made structure ever to exist. In 1303 and 1323, there were two earthquakes that damaged the lighthouse to the extent that no one could even enter the building any longer. It was soon demolished and some of the remaining materials were turned into a medieval fort by then Sultan of Egypt, Quaitbay in 1480.

November 3, 2010 at 4:31 pm | 11 comments

The Seven Wonders of the Underwater World

Many lists have been made touting the seven wonders of one thing or another but one list that still needed to be created was a list describing the Top Seven Wonders of the Underwater World. In 1989, CEDAM International, an international diving association, decided to write up their own list describing what they thought were the most spectacular underwater sites in the world. And the 7 wonders of the underwater world includes:

The Galapagos Islands: Located in the Pacific Ocean, west of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands. The islands sprouted from the earth’s crust from a sub oceanic lava vent on the ocean floor. The relatively new volcanic geology created a habitat rich with flora, fauna, and animal life that have been studied and admired by numerous travelers, scientists, and nature-lovers from all over the world.

The Northern Red Sea: Some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world are located in the Northern Red Sea. Considered by some to be the underwater “Garden of Eden,” this reef has some of the most diverse sea life in the world. Located in the Indian Sea between Asia and Africa, the Northern Red Sea spreads out over 169,000 square miles. More than 70 species of hard coral, 30 species of soft coral, over 500 species of fish including hundreds of additional marine life species classified as invertebrate call this reef home.

Palau: Palau is an island nation located about 500 miles from the Philippines. Some of the most beautiful fish in the world live in these reefs. More than 350 species of hard corals, 200 species of soft corals, 300 species of sponges, and 1,300 species of reef fish call this coral reef home.
Lake Baikal: Lake Baikal is the second most voluminous fresh water lake in the world. Located in Siberia, Russia, the lake has an average depth of 2,442 ft and contains roughly 20% of the world’s surface fresh water. At 25 million years old and with a depth of 2442ft makes this lake the oldest and deepest lake in the world.

The Great Barrier Reef: The only living thing that can be seen from outer space that is larger than the Great Wall of China is the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world. Located in Australia, this reef system is composed of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands making it 1,600 miles in length. The overall structure of the reef is composed of billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. Along with the ocean, the reef creates a habitat that supports a great diversity of sea life, some of which are endangered. Because of the vast beauty of the Reef, people find it very appealing to visit thus bringing many tourist dollars to the area, which help to put in place protective measures to hopefully protect this valuable wonder for many generations to come.

The Deep Sea Vents: Deep Sea Vents otherwise known as hypothermal vents, are fissures along the ocean floor that release superheated water from below the Earth’s crust. The hot water is saturated with dissolved minerals from the crust, mostly sulfides, which crystallize to create a chimney-like enclosure around each vent. When the superheated water in the vent reaches the frigid ocean water, many minerals are released, creating the distinctive black color. The metal sulfides that are deposited can become massive sulfide ore deposits in time. The Deep Sea vents were first discovered in 1977 near the Galápagos Islands by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They are found to exist in both the Pacific and Atlanta Ocean at an average of 2100 meters deep.

The Belize Barrier Reef: The second largest reef system in the world is the Belize Barrier Reef. Located on the coast of Belize, this reef is considered to be one of the best spots in the world to dive and snorkel. It is over 186 miles long and is part of the larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System that stretches from Cancun all the way to the Honduras, for a total of 560 miles. Only 10% of this reef has actually been researched and documented.

November 3, 2010 at 4:20 pm | 7 comments

Los Angeles


Los Angeles
Photo by: Eva Luedin, Creative Commons

Famous the world over as the city of angels, Los Angeles is the largest city of the state of California. It is a city surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, forests, and valleys, making it a veritable paradise on earth.

But perhaps the reason that Los Angeles is most famous for is Hollywood. Apart from star-spotting that you can indulge here, there are also some Hollywood-inspired tourist attractions. The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, for instance, is famous for its hand and foot prints of the famous movie starts. Also famous is the Walk of Fame. Other places to visit are the Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.

If you are movie buff, then visit the Mulholland Drive. This is a background for various romantic scenes as well as endings of numerous movies. And if you still can’t get enough of Hollywood, then try the Street Rod Limos. The Street Rod Limos will give you around the homes of 40 American movie stars.

Tourists can also visit some of the famous museums and galleries of the city such as the Getty Center. Located at the top of the Santa Monica Mountains, this Center not only has a beautiful art collection but also offers a spectacular view of the L.A.Basin and the Pacific Ocean. Another place that might interest you is the Page Museum at La Brea Discoveries. This museum offers a fantastic glimpse into the palentological excavations in the area. In fact, the Rancho La Brea is one the world’s largest fossil localities.

While in Los Angeles, you can also visit the Griffith Park, which is the largest park to be inside a city. You can take trips ob several hiking trails in this park.

October 28, 2010 at 3:29 pm | No comment

Kasese


A tea plantation in Kasese, Uganda.
Photo by: sarah_mccans , Creative Commons

Right at the other end of the Uganda Railway from Kampala lies one of the fastest growing towns in Uganda – Kasese. Kasese is an exciting mix of nightlife, industrial developments, and natural attractions. The most popular of the tourist attractions in Kasese are the Rwenzori Mountains and the Queen Elizabeth National Park. These two tourist attractions are instrumental in the growth of Kasese. The central and eastern part of the Rwenzori Mountains has been open to tourism activities as a national park. This park is also considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its abundant plant life and numerous water features. Despite the dry plains of Kaseses equatorial location, the Rwenzori Mountains are ice-capped. Three out of the five highest peaks in Africa – Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, and Mount Baker, are all located within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

The Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the other hand, is considered to be one of the most visited game reserves in the country. The national park covers an area close to 800 square miles spread through three Ugandan districts. Water attractions bound the park’s perimeter with Lake George at the northeastern portion, Lake Edward at the southwestern portion, and the Kazinga Channel which connects the two water forms. The wildlife in this national park come from species recovered from the Uganda-Tanzania War. Among these are elephants, leopards, hippopotamuses, lions, and chimpanzees. The national park’s collection of wildlife has grown to over 95 mammalian species and over 500 bird species. At the Rukungiri District, tourists can witness tree-climbing lions with their uniquely black-manned males. Aside from the wildlife, this national park is also known for its volcanic cones, deep craters, and crater lakes where salt is mined.

August 23, 2010 at 11:45 pm | No comment

Belmopan

Belmopan Parliament House, Belize

Photo by: wikipedia, Creative Commons

The capital of Belize, Belmopan, became the country’s capital after Belize City suffered major damages during a hurricane that occurred in 1961. Since Belmopan is found closer to the geographic center of Belize, it was considered the safer alternative to Belize City which is open to the sea and is not a low-lying seaside area like Belize City.

To get to Belmopan, you can travel by car via the Western Highway or the Hummingbird Highway. You can also get to Belmopan from Belize City via what is called the batty bus lines or novelos which travel frequently between these two cities. You can get to Belize City via some of the more popular International and American carriers like US Air, Continental and Delta and get to Belmopan by road.

If you want to get around the city and to see the sights, you have the option of taking a taxi or renting a car however most tourists prefer to walk around this small city to get a real feel of the place. You should not forget to see some of the more well know tourist areas of Belmopan which include the Market Square, the Belize Archives Center, the National Assembly and the Department of Archaeology. You should also try to come here during certain times of the year when certain festivals and events take place like the Valentines Cycle Race in February and the Agriculture and Trade Show in May which features numerous farming products, equipment and floral displays for all to enjoy.

August 23, 2010 at 8:47 pm | No comment

Salta

Cathedral in Salta, Argentina

Photo by: Stefan Rohrbach, Creative Commons

Salta, Argentina is a perfect place for both adventure and learning as it features historical locations as well as natural tourist destinations for more daring escapades.

Salta is where the Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montaña is located, which is the museum that showcases the “Llullaillaco Children” the three Incas found frozen on Mount Llullaillaco. The Museo Antropologico, on the other hand, has an extensive collection of items that explain the very interesting indigenous cultures in Argentina that have flourished over the centuries.

For a more personal interaction with the culture, art and history of the country, please include a visit to Pajcha on your itinerary when you plan a trip to Salta. This marvelous museum showcases a wide collection of traditional Argentinean art, including jewelry, icons and even textiles, which have been collected from South and Central America by the museum owners themselves over the years. For an additional fee, you will get a personalized tour of the museum guided by the owner herself. You will surely be impressed by the information that the tour guide will impart on you and overwhelmed by the amount of details that you will gather.

If you want to experience something that is not only relaxing but also daring at some point, then you will definitely enjoy a ride on the Tren a las Nubes, or Train to the clouds. Based on its name, expect to be taken high up in the sky to witness a breathtaking view of the city while enjoying a rush of excitement with every turn. Food is available inside the train, but they are a little expensive, so you might want to bring your own food for snacks.

Still hungry for more adventure? Try the Mystical Cachi when you visit Salta, Argentina. This is a tour of the mountain jungles that pass through mountain paths and other exotic spots. The trail begins at the Lerma Valley, then goes through the Los Luarels jungle all the way to the Escoipe Gorge and La Cuesta del Obispo or the Bishop’s Slope. You will then be taken to Piedra del Molino before you finally reach Los Cardones National Park. Here you will stop to take pictures and enjoy the site. The ultimate destination on this adventurous trip is, of course, the scenic town of Cachi. This is where you may visit the Archaeological Museum and the beautiful church.

Salta, Argentina is definitely one stop that you must make when touring the country of Argentina. The places to visit, sights to see and adventures to experience are all worth it.

August 22, 2010 at 8:29 pm | 1 comment

Santa Cruz


Relaxing under the trees in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Photo by: 21thoughts , Creative Commons

Ñuflo de Chávez established Bolivia’s city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra during the year 1560 in honor of his native city in Spain. Santa Cruz was known as the supplier of rice, sugar, fruit, and cotton during the 16th century. It remained prosperous until the end of the 1800s. Today, Santa Cruz has over a million residents based in the Instituto Nacional de Estadística or INE.

Santa Cruz is situated at 416 meters altitude above sea level. It has a semi-tropical climate and sunny weather and temperature of 32C or 90F during summer and 21C or 70F during winter. Short downpours of rainfall transpire during the winter while a single downpour may last for several days in summer. Surazos or heavy, chilly winds are experienced in Santa Cruz from the treeless plains of Argentina.

Getting to Santa Cruz can be done either by land, train, or air. Some of the most popular attractions in Santa Cruz include the following:

• Plaza 24 de Septiembre – This main attraction in Santa Cruz is best for relaxing under tall trees.
• El Fuerte de Samaipata – Also referred to as the Fortress, this main attraction in Santa Cruz is a huge complex of Inca ruins, which is 120 km southwest of Santa Cruz.
• Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado – This popular attraction in Santa Cruz is known for its unbelievable sceneries that include rainforests, waterfalls, and rivers. It also has an assortment of flora and fauna including pink dolphins, river otters, spider monkeys, tapirs, alligators, and caimans, among others.

August 20, 2010 at 6:19 pm | No comment

Brasilia


The famous Ponte JK Bridge in Brasilia.
Photo by: xenia_antunes, Creative Commons

Brasilia is the famous capital and the fourth largest city of Brazil. It is located at its central west region. It is part of the Goias state and was originally a barren land that is often mistaken for a dessert. It had few plants, animals, people, and scarce water source. When it was inaugurated in April 1960 as the new capital of Brazil, its developments were also started. Its urban design was like of an airplane shape created by Architect Lucio Costa.

Today, Brasilia is an ultra-modern city which is almost futuristic in character. It was built to create a perfectly planned city capital in the inland. It is the only 20th century built city given a designation by the UNESCO as one of the World Cultural heritage site.
The best way to travel to Brasilia is through air. Planes are more efficient mode of transfer in going to and from Brasilia. If you want to be impressed by modern architecture, visiting Brasilia is the best choice. Brasilia was best described by Jean-Paul Sartre in 1963 as “elegant monotony”. Its main attraction is its architecture and how it shaped the city. Vast lands of open space make it very distinct in character.

Sight-seeing includes the magnificent sunset glow highlighting the National Congress building. The very organized residential government and apartment blocks have its own uniqueness. It is more of a business and government city. Its climate is tropical savanna. Accommodation and restaurants are easy to find in Brasilia, as everything in the city is planned. These can be found in both North and South districts.

The Television Tower is another popular sight-seeing destination in Brasilia. It is the highest point in the city. It is near the hotel district and can be reached by foot. It is 217 meters high and is the highest in Latin America. It has an observation deck which is free of charge. At the lower deck at 25 meters above ground is the National Museum of Gemstones which is also a nice place to visit.

Ecotourism is also available in Brasilia just beyond its outskirts. Besides its urban zone it has a vast protected environment. In the city center lays the Parke de Cidade or Park of the City, which is the largest urban park in the world. It is a venue for sports and leisure in Brasilia. There’s also the Brasilia Zoo and Botanic garden located in the central district. Its outskirts ecotourism boasts of lagoons, rivers, wells, waterfalls, valleys, and caves.

August 17, 2010 at 3:26 pm | 1 comment