Tbilisi


Views of Tbilisi, Georgia
Photo by: mortsan, Creative Commons

Welcome to Tbilisi Cambodia, Georgia’s second largest city that is located on the banks of Mt’k’vari River heart of Georgia. Tbilisi is an important social, industrial and cultural city that was founded by Vakhtang Gorgasali during the 5th Century. This city is functioning as an important transit link for global energy and trade. A city that is located between Europe and Asia that is lying along the Silk Road routes, this place has always been the centre of contention between many rivaling States and Empires. The beauty of Tbilisi’s can be seen in its old architecture where most of its towns are heavily furnished with a medieval look.

The demographic location of Tbilisi Cambodia is very well diverse and is rich in culture and history. This place has been a home to many different cultures and people but is dominantly inhabited by Orthodox Christians. Tbilisi has many tourist destinations, which include the famous Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, the freedom square, the Metekhi Narikala, the Parliament of Georgia, the Sioni Cathedral, the Rustaveli Avenue, the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Mtatsimanda, the Anchiskhati, the Kashveti Church and the National Historic Museum of Georgia. There are also hundreds of art galleries and famous artists that can be found in this City.

Tbilisi Cambodia is very vast and is now presently resided by millions of people. There are three different bus routes for tourists to take when going to Tbilisi. Although this travel underground system may not appear appealing, today it still remains preferable to use since its main attractions are in its ancient scriptures written in a historical Georgian Script, which would actually take ages to learn.

March 30, 2010 at 5:21 pm | No comment

Santiago

Looking down on Santiago, Chile.

Photo by: radzfoto, Creative Commons

More than being known as the capital of Chile, Santiago is also recognized to be one of the most visited places in the country.

Why is that so you ask?

Well, it is not because of all the trade and jobs available there, but because there are so many things that you can do in Santiago. To give you an idea, here is a list of activities that you can do in this city.

1. Shop

If you are wondering where, here are two suggestions: the Central Market and the church and craft market that you can find in Los Dominicos.

Central Market

Love seafood? If you do, then this is definitely where you should go. This is because here, you can find any fish, shellfish or seaweed that you may or may have not encountered in your entire life. But apart from being a busy market, this place which is made of wrought iron, which is remarkable because of its design and architecture.

Los Dominicos Craft Market

This is where you definitely should go if you want to look for some souvenirs to take home. Here, you can expect to find some interesting pieces of antique, some silverwork and items that show serious craftsmanship. However note that the prices may be quite high in this place of trade but with all that you are getting, every penny is actually worth it.

2. Rediscover Chile’s History

One perfect place that you can go to is Chile’s National Museum housed in another breath taking building known as Palacio de la Real Audiencia. Inside it you can see artifacts, gallery displays and other significant things that tell the stories of both old and new Chile.

3. Learn Spanish

Well this activity would really help if you plan to stay in the country for a long time. And once you have decided to take on language lessons, looking for a school in Santiago is not particularly hard. This is because the city is practically surrounded by reputable Spanish schools.

4. And finally, walk around, take photographs and most importantly, enjoy Santiago has to

March 29, 2010 at 10:08 pm | 1 comment

Bogota


A street in Bogota, Colombia.
Photo by: Owner , Creative Commons

Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez certainly knew what he was talking about when he created, through his iconic style of magical realism, the dreamlike world of his characters. The Nobel recipient drew inspiration from his birthplace, Bogota, a beautiful alpine city residing in the mountains breathing with a surrealism that keeps you enchanted.

Under Its Spell
With the sun seemingly shining forever above, Bogota, Colombia lays before you like a welcome spring. It is filled with fecund earth that houses a diverse collection of archeological wonders and modern skyscrapers. The city serves as the political, financial and economic base for the country, which is why many travelers find it the perfect place to jumpstart their Colombian adventure. Its municipalities include La Calera, Soacha, Chia, Cota, and Cajica.
There are so many other places to visit and things to see in Bogota, including the city’s excellently preserved museums, grand and graceful churches, cultural festivities, and of course its throbbing nightlife that keeps many travelers coming back for more. Other places to visit would be the historic La Candelaria, now a charming quarter of tourist destinations, such as museums, churches, and a string of cafes. The northern part of the city stands in notable contrast with the southern part, shedding of every inch of historical links and moving determinedly forward to become a modern capitalist-driven district.

Bogota, Colombia has so much to offer, and it doesn’t take much to get used to its quaint quality. Dizzying heights can give eager tourists a wonderful view of the city; this can be accomplished via the cable car (teleferico) going to the peak of Cerro de Monserrate, a pilgrimage mountain that overlooks the city center and offers a breathtaking view. The church situated at the summit is home to a statue of the Fallen Christ (Senor Caido), attracting many devotees everyday but most especially on Sundays. Many miracles have been attributed to said statue. Mornings see this mountain crowded with local joggers and dog-walkers, as well as other tourists out to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Magic That’s Real
Over the last decade, Bogota has strived to turn its war-ravaged walls into one of the most important cities in the Americas – and its efforts have not gone unnoticed. It serves as an inspiration to other Latin American capital districts that know poverty, desolation, and corruption. To date, the international community regards Bogota, Colombia as one of the most improved cities – and one to watch out for in the coming years.

March 29, 2010 at 9:45 pm | 4 comments

Bealanana

Tourists across the globe travel to different places for different reasons. For one, they aim to capture the culture and tradition of a particular place by visiting and recording videos or capturing pictures of whatever interests them. Another reason might be because they want to relax and have fun during their spare time. Whatever the reason of the tourists may be, this place should always be included in the list of places that they will be visiting during their trip – Bealanana in the beautiful country of Madagascar.

Bealanana is situated at the foot of the Tsaratanana mountain range, which is a strategic location for a tourists spot. It is also near the ocean, so tourists can do mountain climbing and diving all in one place, if ever they consider doing extreme sports in the area. More than that, Bealanana has a rich culture that is evident in its buildings and the beliefs and traditions that the people within the place are still practicing.

Moreover, Bealanana is regarded as the “rice granary” of the Island’s northwestern realm, probably because it produces the majority of the rice in the island, which is also one of their staple foods. There are varieties of rice that is harvested in the area and in the island as well, so tourists might also want to take a look at that.

The breathtaking landscape and view from the Tsaratanana mountains should be enough to convince tourists to try visiting and staying in this place, so that they could get a taste of what Madagascar has to offer.

March 29, 2010 at 5:55 pm | No comment

Mansa


Lower Falls in Mansa
Photo by: wiki , Creative Commons

In the country of Zambia you will find the quaint but magnificent Luapula Province. The capital of this province is Mansa. The city of Mansa was once referred to as Fort Rosebery during the British rule. Later on, it took the name of the river Mansa that is also the name of the local chief. The city is strategically located to be able to access several other locations that are neighboring the province. Mansa is known to host the administrative body that governs that luscious waterfalls, wetlands, rivers and lakes throughout the province.

As the country is quite direct and dedicated in terms of preserving the beauty of the wildlife landscapes and other naturally given gifts to the country, they take pride in making sure that these are done accordingly. Despite the change in times and the progression of commercial and industrial developments, they have made sure that they still take care of nature. This is the reason that they have taken a step in partnership with countries such as Finland and Switzerland to create a governing body that is meant to provide the same benefits to nature.

There are few things to see in this city yet it is still a magnificent sight and place to be in. The Mumbuluma falls is one of the best things that you can ever marvel at in this province. Beautiful and breath taking sights are everywhere. It is not hard to imagine that despite the progression of the world there is still much beauty to witness.

March 27, 2010 at 7:22 pm | 1 comment

Plovdiv


Old City of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Photo by: klearchos , Creative Commons

A scenic town situated on the Maritsa River, Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia. Plovdiv has retained its distinct cultural identity despite intense influence from the civilizations of the West and East. This city is in fact older than the better-known ancient towns such as Athens, Rome, and Carthage. The prehistoric civilizations that had flourished in Bulgaria many centuries ago are still visible in Plovdiv’s tourist attractions: monuments, museums, parks, and garden. All these sights are for tourists to behold.

If you’re considering Plovdiv as your next holiday destination, here are some of the most recommended attractions to visit to get to know more about the rich Bulgarian culture:

1. The Ancient Theatre – Still used for open-air performances to this day, this impressive Roman amphitheater has preserved its artistic and architectural wonder for many years.
2. Old Town or Old Plovdiv – It is a striking open-air museum standing on three hills of a historic Roman fort known as Trimontium. You can also find 18th to 19th century houses in the Old Town.
3. Assen’s Fortress – A Bulgarian fortress built on the medieval period, the Assen’s Fortress stands proudly on a rocky and steep hillside.
4. Rila Monastery – Also called the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, this building is the largest and most popular Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is also one of the country’s most significant historical, architectural, and cultural attractions.

These destinations are just a few reasons for spending your holidays in Plovdiv. If European culture and history is your passion, then Plovdiv should be one of the places you visit before you die.

March 26, 2010 at 12:45 pm | 1 comment

K’ut’aisi


An example of architecture found in K’ut”aisi, Georgia
Photo by: imolcho , Creative Commons

K’ut’aisi, Georgia is Georgia’s second city and is considered as one of the most historical places in the world. An ancient city that played many significant roles in the Georgia’s historical past, K’ut’aisi offers a very rich and fantastic history. The town and its other districts have been attractively designed and structured. There are many places to visit in K’ut’aisi. At the moment, the second city of Georgia is under economic rehabilitation but attractions plentiful for tourists and guests.

Here are a few of them:

The Motsameta Monastery – A 5 kilometer drive from K’ut’aisi, this old monastery is a very beautiful and stunning church that is surrounded by the forest. There are many things that can be seen here and there is also a trail that leads to higher parts of the city. Right next to the entrance of the church, a river can be found. This clean and crystal clear water is a good place to relax and swim.

Private Museum – K’ut’aisi Georgia is also not without historical museums. The Kliadashvili 131 which can be reached by bus is an old ethnographical museum. This museum contains examples Georgian tools and hundreds of history books.

Gerlati Monastery – Gerlati Monastery is also one of K’ut’aisi Georgia’s famous travel destinations. Tourist can get here by taking a vehicle from K’ut’aisi to Gelati that operates on a daily basis. Right next to the monastery, a drinkable well can be found that is said to be miraculous because of its healing powers.

March 26, 2010 at 12:13 pm | No comment

Bourgas


Busy Street in Bourgas, Bulgaria
Photo by: Wiki Commons , Creative Commons

Found along the coast of the Bulgarian Black Sea, Bourgas serves as the center of trade and industry in that area. Aside from being an industrialized city, Bourgas is also a great tourist destination because it is brimming with interesting sights.

A major tourist attraction in Bourgas is the Sea Garden, a beautiful landmark situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tourists visit this shaded park to stroll around in warm summer days. It features an amphitheater where the International Folklore Festival is held every year.

The elegant forked staircase in Sea Garden leads to the central beach of Bourgas, which has striking dark-colored sand, composed of magnetite alloys. The other visit-worthy sights in the city include the Catholic cathedral, Armenian Church, St. Holly Mother Church, and St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral.

Just like other major cities in Bulgaria, Bourgas prides itself of being the home of the most impressive cultural attractions in the country with its museums, theaters, and art galleries. Leading the pack is the District Museum of History that displays a comprehensive collection of artifacts of old colonies on the coast of the Black Sea. Another must see is the Museum of Nature and Science that houses numerous exhibits on the floras and fauna as well as the geological facts about the earth and the region. Bulgarian and foreign art can be found at the Fine Art Gallery and the Art Gallery. Completing the cultural significance of Bourgas are the various theatrical halls such as The Opera House, the Puppet Theater, The Philharmonic, and the Theater of Drama.

March 25, 2010 at 12:45 pm | No comment

Kakopetria


Kakopetria, Cyprus
Photo by: mamchenkov , Creative Commons

Kakopetria means ‘bad rock’ in Greek. The town got its name from the story of a couple who danced around a rock. During the old days, couples engaged to be married have to dance around a rock; but the rock fell down and killed the groom. And that incident inaugurated the town’s name. Even so, Kakopetria, Cyprus is a very beautiful town in the mountains. It is only fifteen kilometers away from Mount Olympus. And similar to other towns in Cyprus, Kakopetria is also separated into two areas: the old settlement on the Karkotis River’s east shore and the modern area with banks, cafes, and shops. Kakopetria is such a small town with a population of just approximately two thousand. It is also famous for its excellent vegetation. Apples, pears, peaches, and apricots are among its high-quality products.

Lots of old buildings are found in the old area. And if inspected closely, initials and dates are scrawled on the frames of doors. These are evidences that most of the old buildings are properties of residents who escaped to northern Cyprus. Kakopetria, Cyprus is also very popular for its summer resorts and winter ski slopes. Plus, several ancient and archaic churches such as the Agios Nicolas tis Stegis may be visited. Furthermore, wonderful and cozy hotels are also the highlights of visits in Kakopetria. The Linos Inn, for instance, has quite a bucolic façade but it is very luxurious inside. Tourists may choose rooms with normal bathrooms, single Jacuzzis, or double Jacuzzis. Antique and beautiful furniture are also included in every room. And the old settlement of Kakopetria may be viewed from the room’s balcony.

The Mill Hotel is another one of the best places to stay in Kakopetria, Cyprus. The suites in this hotel are fantastic. The hotel service is excellent, as well. In addition, it serves first rate and elegant dinners. And the breakfast foods are laid on a buffet table. Advance booking must also be done though. Certainly, a lot of other tourists are making their reservations. But the high quality amenities and the fabulous experiences are all worth the efforts.

March 24, 2010 at 5:39 pm | No comment

Yaounde


Mfoundi market, Yaounde, Cameroon
Photo by: Wiki Commons, Creative Commons

Though a not so popular tourist attraction, many travelers say that the city of Yaounde in Cameroon is an undiscovered jewel of Africa. With the various treats it has to offer, people call this place the miniature Africa. Located in seven hills, the city offers you coastlines, mountains, savannas, rain-forests, and deserts.

However, the center of tourist attractions in Yaounde is not focused on the natural destinations of the city. Instead, the museums, palaces, and other landmarks found there entertain the visitors. This is mainly because discovering these landmarks help visitors get a good view of the diverse African culture.

One great attraction in the city is the Afhemi Museum. This place is a house to various artifacts that have impacted the culture and history of the country. This includes ritual masks, royal beds, fabrics, and the like. One of the oldest artifacts in this museum is 900 years old already. You can see the traditional Kini-Yen Design Clothing for sale in this museum.

Also, there is the museum in the Benedictine Monastery that has been there since 1967. Plain as a museum now, the chapel displays traditional crafts and textiles. Other attractions in the city include the National Museum of Yaounde, small zoos, and more.

So if you wish to understand the culture and history of Africa, a visit to the city of Francistown is a good idea. You can have a good view of their precious history while experiencing the natural wonders found in Africa.

March 24, 2010 at 3:51 am | 1 comment

Mzuzu


A Stream in Mzuzu, Malawi
Photo by: khym54, Creative Commons

If you are planning to visit several places in the northern part of Malawi, you have to first go to Mzuzu. Mzuzu, Malawi is the turning-off point if you are planning to travel to different areas in the north of Malawi. This agricultural town has gasoline stations, pay phones, and money exchangers where you can fill your fuel tank tank, call, and change money. You have to do all the things that you need to do in Mzuzu, Malawi before starting your adventure to other less modern parts of northern Malawi.

You can buy your food from the town’s huge market. You can find ordinary market products in the Mzuzu market but you will not be able to find the fresh fruits that they sell in other places. You should take advantage of this and store enough fruits in your bag for your long trip.

The most popular thing to do in Mzuzu, Malawi is to eat at restaurants. Although you will have a hard time finding alcohol here, you will still like it because they serve great food—not just local food but also international dishes.

Since Mzuzu is like a stopover in the north, there are many nearby places that offer exciting activities and attractive sights to tourist. You can look and take pictures of the breathtaking natural views and wonders like lakes, mountains, sea, and so on. You can also go swimming in one of the nearby beaches or do water sports like scuba diving and sailing. And your African trip will not be complete if you have not experienced a safari or watching animals in the wild.

March 22, 2010 at 2:16 pm | 2 comments

Varna


Aerial view of Varna, Bulgaria
Photo by: bezrukov , Creative Commons

Experience sightseeing at its finest by visiting Varna, the renowned sea capital of Bulgaria. Varna’s tranquil seas, which are free of raging tides, are sure to captivate you and help you unwind as you’re exploring the city.

Also known as the jewel of the Bulgarian Black Sea, the city of Varna lies at the tip of the huge Varna bay. Along the shore are picturesque spots such as the Balchik Royal Palace, Kamchiya’s nature reserve, and Aladzha’s hillside monastery. The beautiful scenery gives beachgoers more reasons to travel to Varna. The peak season for Varna’s tourism is during the months of July and August when people flock to the beach resorts and bask in the summer heat. Varna, just like the amazing cities of Plovdiv and Sofia, has its fair share of contribution to Bulgaria’s culture, history, and tourism. In Varna, tourists have plenty of historical structures, museums, art galleries, and cultural attractions to visit.

Plenty of stunning Bulgarian sights can be found in Varga. The main landmark at the center of the city is the Varna Cathedral, which is a distinct Varna icon because of its stained glass and murals. Varna is also home to the so-called Roman Baths that once enjoyed the distinction of being one of the largest buildings in the Roman Empire. The ruins of the building are a testament to the lost wealth and significance of the town. Lastly, one of the finest attractions and the first of its kind on the Balkan Peninsula is the Dolphinarium in Varna where families can enjoy watching shows of sea mammals.

March 22, 2010 at 12:45 pm | No comment

Benghazi


Benghazi University, Libya
Photo by: Wiki Commons , Creative Commons

Benghazi city in Libya is considered the second largest city in the country. In past times, Benghazi used to be the capital of Libya along with Tripoli and this has caused major advancements in the progression of the city. In the present times, Benghazi is now the capital of the region of Cyrenaica and competes with Tripoli in a lot of business aspects.

At night, the city of Benghazi can be appreciated because of its colorful lights. The buildings in the city have attractive lights that bring color to the dark night sky. While touring the city, you can be fascinated with their parks. The most famous one is the Al-Bosco which is a zoological garden park. 23 July Park is also worthwhile to visit as it is a well-structured beautiful park. Moreover, if you want to witness the city’s bright lights at night, then, try to visit the Al Da’waa al-Islamiya which is an office building. The building is very magnificent to see as it competes with the stars in showing off its bright glowing beauty. The Juliana Bridge also has the same glowing beauty heightened by its reflection on the river.

Furthermore, if you want to witness the historical past of Benghazi depicted in their architecture, try to tour around the Green Old Downtown. It is home to many ancient infrastructures and historical places so it is recommended to visit it in order to complete your trip in Libya.

March 22, 2010 at 10:41 am | 4 comments

Famagusta


Famagusta, Cyprus
Photo by: jorge 11 , Creative Commons

Travelers may enter Famagusta, Cyprus by crossing the border line from Nicosia, then taking a bus. Once there tourists may rent cars if they do not have their own with them. Taxis are another option, but walking is also a good idea since the town is not that big anyways. And tourists who prefer to walk must be very cautious. They have to stay out of quarantined areas so as not to risk being arrested.

Famagusta, Cyprus is divided into the historical and the modern districts. The old town is bounded by some of the finest Venetian defenses in Eastern Mediterranean. Many renaissance and medieval building have been built in this area. Unfortunately, majority of them have been harshly damaged when the Ottoman Turks seized the town in 1571. Many cannon balls are still present in the defense walls. Even the walls of the shattered buildings still have cannon balls embedded in them. Nevertheless, several religious structures are still around. The Cathedral of St. Nicholas and the Church of St. George are great places to be visited. The Othello’s Tower which is believed to be Shakespeare’s scene of tragedy is another interesting site.

The modern area of Famagusta, Cyprus, on the other hand, is restricted. The Turkish armed forces even prohibit photographs of it from being taken. Nonetheless, tourists may still enjoy their stay in Famagusta because there are plenty of restaurants that offer good food. They are mostly found in the Namık Kemal Square. Wonderful kebabs are served in D&B Café and Aspava. Monk’s Inn Bistro and Bar is another very popular spot. The Salamis Road is also where a lot of bars are located. And when it is time to rest, five-star hotels are easily access

March 21, 2010 at 5:32 pm | No comment

Lilongwe


Street in Lilongwe, Malawi
Photo by: khym54 , Creative Commons

Malawi is one of the countries in Africa that tourists visit often. Why is this so?

It is because they have one of the most colorful cities in the world – Lilongwe.

Lilongwe is the capital of the beautiful country of Malawi. Despite being the center of commerce and trade, the people in the city never forget to take care of their rich culture and tradition. Evidently, they still have the bearings of the wonderful people who have settled in this area ages ago.

The city itself is a sight to behold. By walking around the streets, tourists will be able to witness the wonderful things that happen in the city, such as rituals and festivities that define the city and the country as well. Moreover, tourists will be able to take home with them a part of Lilongwe as souvenir shops and shopping centers have flourished in the area.

Moreover, the atmosphere in the city is very relaxing, and the traffic isn’t that heavy as opposed to what the tourists are used to seeing in the busy streets of their respective countries.

Tourists may opt to stay in the exquisite hotels in the city or roam around to settle in a camping site.

Lilongwe is definitely a pride of Malawi and of Africa as well.

March 21, 2010 at 10:27 am | 7 comments

Phuntsholing


Ariel view of Phuntsholing, Bhutan
Photo by: wiki , Creative Commons

Phuentsholing is a boundary municipality in the south of Bhutan, located in Chukha Dzongkang, opposite the Jaigaon’s Indian town. Cross-border trading has ended in a flourishing local financial system. Phuntsholing serves as a headquarters to the Bank of Bhutan.

An apparent contrast is present in the culture athwart the margins, which is divided by a lengthy wall with a solitary Tibetan-style gate. At times, Phuntsholing locals can even pass without requiring papers. On the other hand, tourists without Indian passports will require a visa that is presented by an appointed registered tourist guide. Bhutanese Army guards watch the gate. It is suggested that you bring your Indian passport or identity card at all times in case you might be asked for verification.

The boundary evidently divides two totally contrasting cultures and peoples. Jaigaon is loud and bustling, comparable to several other West Bengal centres of commerce, even with a lot of obvious Bhutanese shoppers. The town is distinctively more urban compared to other towns of Bhutan, having absorbed the neighbouring culture but definitely far more orderly and quiet than its neighbour. By just looking at its satellite photo, you will notice that Jaigaon is crammed with little buildings while Phuntsholing is packed with larger buildings organized in rows. The town of Phuntsholing also congregates Bhutan’s housing ventures for the Nepalese refugees.

As most traded goods enter Bhutan, and as it congregates the most reachable Indian marketplace, Jaigaon is much larger and attracts more tourists.

March 20, 2010 at 9:29 pm | No comment

Thessaloniki


Coastal Highway in Thessaloniki, Greece
Photo by: joaoa , Creative Commons

Thessaloniki has about one million residents and is the second largest city in Greece. Its landmark, the White Tower of Thessaloniki is very famous. It is actually the only tower that has remained throughout the centuries. In addition, Thessaloniki continuously preserves its history. Ancient houses and cobblestone streets are still present. Anyway, tourists can usually get to it by train. Smoking is typically banned on trains, though. And young people under twenty-six years of age get twenty-five percent discounts. But buses, planes, and cars are other great transportation options. And once the tourists arrive, they could check out the various museums. The Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture are two of the most visited.

Byzantine churches such as Agia Sophia and St. Demetrios must be visited, as well. The church of St. Nicolas Orfanos is another lovely place to visit with its magnificent frescoes. Tourists can also go to Aristotelous Square which is a very large area where restaurants and cafes are plentiful. Plus, in September, they can attend the International Trade Fair; and the International Film Festival in November. Then, they can shop at Tsimiski, Mitropoleos, and Proxenou Koromila. Bargains can also be found in Egnatia Street. And when they get hungry, they can try the Omega delicatessens and the Terpsis at the Modiano market. Tsoureki, galaktoboureko, and baklava are very good. Or they can try traditional cuisines at Kamaras. They can also eat Bougatsa cheese or cream pies. The soutzoukakia, which is usually grilled, crushed meat seasoned with chili pepper shavings and tomato sauce, is also a must-try.

And if cheap but good places are what they are looking for, Athonos Square and Bit Pazar are recommended. These are where many students hang out to eat. Other fine restaurants are also found in Aristoteleous Square. But if the tourists want to try something else, they can order a raki instead of a tsipouro or an ouzo in a Cretan restaurant such as the Myrsini or the Apo Dyo Horia. Boiled vegetables and politiki salads are great-tasting foods, as well. Moreover, sweets and desserts can be tasted at the famous pastry shops such as the Chatzis, the Terkenlis, and the Elenidis. Crepe shops may also be visited at Gounari Street. However, Greek fast food joints are also quite abundant where hamburgers, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and traditional souvlakis are served. And when the sun goes down, they can drink at the many bars and cafés.

March 20, 2010 at 6:31 pm | No comment

Sikasso


Market in Sikasso, Mali
Photo by: wiki , Creative Commons

There are many great places to visit in Mali. You can go to Bamako which is the capital, or to Mopti which is dubbed as the Venice of Mali. Aside from these places, you should also check out Sikasso, Mali. This place is located in the south area of the country.

There are many people who go to Sikasso, but there are three main tribes that dominate the population, namely, Senoufo, Samago, and Bambara. These three tribes are famous for different things. For example, the Senoufo group wear masks and worship animals, while the Samago and Bambara are known as great farmers. Sikasso is probably the least dry place in Mali, which is why they always have a bountiful harvest of local fruits and vegetables.

There are many tourist destinations in Sikasso, most of them are natural. If you want o experience nature at its best, you should check out the Mamelon Hill, the Faraco Falls, and the Caves of Missirico. Pick the one that you like best or visit all three. Aside from these great natural spots, you can also visit the Palace of Keletigui Kurouma and Misiri Koro. Misir Koro is a very interesting mosque because it is used for doing religious sacrifices and rituals.

Aside from these places, you should also not miss the Triangle du Balafon Festival which is held in June. The festival showcases different cultural aspects of Sikasso, Mali, especially Malian music.

Fortunately, it is very easy to get around the city because they have buses and taxis. The place is also near Timbuktu, another popular place in Mali which is the center of economy and culture in Mali.

March 19, 2010 at 1:26 pm | No comment

Albena


Aerial view of the Albena coastline, Bulgaria
Photo by: Wiki Commons , Creative Commons

Albena is popularly known as the Bulgarian sea resort—a haven for tourists who are seeking a great summer getaway. Built in 1968, Albena is one of the newest holiday resorts along the shores of Bulgaria.

The Albena resort complex has practically everything that beachgoers or travelers long for in a beach. The resort is equipped with swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, and children’s playgrounds. Tourists and local visitors can rent sailboats, bikes, cars, yachts, jets, and waterwheels. It offers state-of-the-art sport facilities to sports enthusiasts any time of the year. Horseback riding is another popular activity on the resort. Albena also has a spa and medical centers as well as mineral springs, all catered to people who want to enjoy a relaxing time while pampering themselves. The resort is filled with casinos, bars, and restaurants as well.

Do you want to learn something new while spending your time in Albena? You may enroll in classes that offer windsurfing, scuba diving, and sailing lessons at a certain fee per hour or per week.

Tourists will find great accommodations in Albena. There are around 40 hotels in this holiday city, ranging from 1 to 4 stars. Albena has many luxurious hotels, the most popular of which are the Swiss-style Dobroudzha Hotel, Maastricht Hotel, and Drouzhba.

Various events and festivals await tourists who crave for entertainment. Every May, Albena hosts an auto-rally for car enthusiasts. Other events that tourists can anticipate include the beach volleyball competitions, Zlatnata Antena Festival (for TV programs), Vladimir Grashnov’s Annual Football Tournament, and a bridge competition.

March 18, 2010 at 12:35 pm | No comment

Aguadilla


Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Photo by: oscalito, Creative Commons

The city of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico located in northwestern end of Puerto Rico was founded by Luis de Cordova in 1775. It has fifteen wards and Aguadillo Pueblo which is the center of administrative and downtown activities in the city.

For five decades Aguadilla, Puerto Rico has been a place for the Air Force. A strategic facility was built here after World War II. As their economic sources, Aguadilla has several big and beautiful malls, shopping centers and stores. They also have major banks downtown such as Westernbank, Citi Bank, Scotiabank and others. Aguadilla before was a village for fishing. Over time, different industrial plants were established at their Technological Park in San Antonio, Camaseyes and Montaña Industrial Park, although there are still great potential for commercial fishing.

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico is working on their tourism. They created a water park and complex for ice skating. Aguadilla is famous for their surfing beaches that are world class. They have the most numbers of beaches compared to other municipalities. They hosted many professional and amateur events for surfing annually. If you want to surf, you can visit their famous beaches such as Table Tops, Surfer’s Beach, Gas Chamber, Survival and Las Ruinas. They are also known for their beautiful City Hall which was established in 1918, Bayan Treehouse, fountains, monuments, parks, town square, and lighthouses.

The place showcases events and festivities such as Three Kings watch every January, San Antonio and Kite Festival every April, Beach, Tuna, and Music Festival during May to July and the Patron Celebration held every October.

March 17, 2010 at 4:46 am | No comment

Zakopane


Zakopane in Poland
Photo by: laslandes , Creative Commons

Zakopane is a town in Krakow and is the country’s winter sports capital. This is one of the reasons why Poland is considered to be a great host country for various international sport competitions. Zakapone is situated between the hills of Gubalowka and the fearsome Tatras. It has an impressive range of rocky cliffs, towering peaks and glacial lakes the can make Poland proud.

It is surrounded with small villages that represent the town’s traditional highland lifestyle. This is a very popular tourist destination in both winter and summer. Being the country’s premiere mountain resort, it is great for skiing during the winter and trail hiking in summer.

Much of Zakopane’s status as viewed by the world is attributed to Tytus Chalubinski. During his visit in Zakopane in 1873, he immediately fell in love with the breathtaking mountain scenery, the picturesque beauty of the place, the crisp and fresh air and even the strange locals living there. He immediately spread the good word about Zakopane when he returned to Warsaw. In about a year, this obscure town was immediately transformed into the country’s favorite spa with many visitors expecting to have their breathing ailments cured by its fresh air. Soon enough, many individuals, especially those trying to find inspiration for their work, e.g., authors and artists, have followed suit and established quarters in the town of Zakopane. Some of these artists were composers Monuiszko and Szymankowski, literary giants Witkacy and Tetmajer, and even Lenin has stayed in this town making its legend even more avant-garde.

The town’s residential population is not even 30,000, but the number of people visiting the town reaches to more than three million tourists. Visiting Zakopane is truly a worthwhile experience. It has a laidback atmosphere. You will find the streets lined with traditional wooden cottages with its own style of architecture that has intricate woodwork and delicate carved patterns distinct of Zacopane. You can have a visit at the exquisite Morskie Oko, the town’s glacial lake which is very popular among tourists. Many other holiday attractions await you in Zakopane and all you need to do is get a guided tour to ensure your memorable visit of the town.

March 17, 2010 at 2:05 am | No comment

Aqaba


Beach in Aqaba, Jordan
Photo by: pollhup , Creative Commons

If you love to experience some warmth during the winter months and enjoy water sports, there is no better place to go to but Aqaba, Jordan.

Aqaba is lined with palm trees, white sand, and crystal-clear waters from its own gulf that would be very hard for you to resist. Although it is always warm and sunny in this part of the world, you can enjoy some coolness that the northerly breeze brings to the area.

Being a popular destination for water activities at Aqaba, you can enjoy water skiing, snorkeling, wind surfing, fishing, parasailing, and scuba diving. Actually, the real secret which Aqaba holds is what’s under its waters. There is no doubt that the world’s most amazing coral reefs could be found here. Many of them are hundreds of meters wide and are made up of delicately hued corals where many colorful fish love to thrive.

If you are a lover of history, there are also sites where you might be thrilled to visit in Aqaba, Jordan. Aqaba is at least 5500 years old. Some of the most interesting sites to visit are Ayla (early Islamic city), the Aqaba Fort (originally a Crusader Castle), and the museum of Sharif Hussein bin Ali.

March 16, 2010 at 7:54 pm | No comment

Siena


Piazza del Campo, Siena
Photo by: flissphil, Creative Commons

Siena, Italy is located 200 kilometers north of Rome and 60 kilometers south of Florence. It lies at the heart of probably the most famous region in Italy called Tuscany.

Like the other popular tourist spots in Italy, Siena is accessible by train and bus and has hotels and other establishments for the convenience of foreign visitors. It is a medieval city that is rich in history and culture.

Tourists usually flock to Siena, Italy every summer, more specifically on the 2nd of July and 16th of August for the colorful horse race known as Il Palio. This traditional and unique horse race is run in the Campo of Siena.

Aside from Il Palio, Siena is also often visited for its magnificent classical concerts, also held during the summer at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana. These concerts showcase Sienese talent while exhibiting the city’s love for music as an art. And speaking of love for music and the arts, there is also a summer Siena Jazz Festival held in this beautiful city each year.

Other than musical festivals, Siena, Italy is also a favorite destination for tourists to marvel at the many architectural wonders that are also of historical value. One of these is the famous Piazza del Campo, also known as Il Campo, which is fan-shaped and located right in the heart of the city.

Il Campo is where you will find restaurants and cafes alongside historic buildings built on brick pavements. It is now Siena’s primary marketplace, although it was originally established as the Roman forum.

If you want to see a breathtaking view of the city, take the 505 steps up the Torre del Mangia bell tower, the second highest medieval bell tower in Italy at 102 meters tall. It is located in Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo.

For those who want to visit Siena, Italy for its rich art collection, the Pinacoteca Nazionale art museum should be on top of your list of places to go to. You will be amazed by its display of some of Italy’s greatest painting that date back to as early as the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

Another piece of art in Siena that is a must see is the nineteenth century replica of the Fonte Gaia, a fifteenth century fountain skillfully carved by Jacopo della Quercia. It can be found just at the north end of the Piazza del Campo.

A trip to Siena, Italy is always a pleasurable experience. So if you want to experience Italy to the fullest, be sure to make Siena one for your stops.

March 16, 2010 at 4:21 pm | No comment

Livingstone


Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Zambia
Photo by:
garybembridge
, Creative Commons

The southern province of Zambia is known for its history. The city of Livingstone is the capital in this region and very popular for tourists to visit. The city is best known for its pre-colonial and the colonial influences.

There are many sights to see in Livingstone. The Victoria Falls is the star of the city. It is found on the northern edge of the Zambezi River that also borders the roads and railways to Zimbabwe. Common places of interest in this area would be the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Victoria Falls Field Museum. The top portion of the Zambezi River is often visited for the sports and leisure activities that it offers such as sports fishing, kayaking and river cruises. Below the falls, you will find the Batoka Gorges. All these are maintained and preserved by the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Other activities and points of interest that you will find in this park include bird watching and wildlife safaris.

In terms of cultural sites, there is the Saint Andrew’s Church that was built in commemoration of David Livingstone. The Maramba Cultural Center features cultural forms of celebration such as costumes, singing and dancing. The Livingstone Museum is also a place to go to gain a better insight into the city’s rich and colorful history.

March 16, 2010 at 3:20 pm | 5 comments

Mayaguez


Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Photo by: oquendo, Creative Commons

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico is one of the municipalities in Puerto Rico. It ranks as the 8th largest among the municipalities in the country. Mayaguez is known for its many names such as City of Pure Waters, City of God, City of the Mango and The Sultaness of the West. Faustino Martinez de Matos, Juan de Aponte and Juan de Silva led a group of explorers and founded Mayaguez in 1760.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico has tuna and textile factories before as their main economic resources. But these factories have closed and created many problems both to the municipality and locals. Now, many industries are establishing and growing in their Industrial Park.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico became popular because of the sports events being held there. They built two new major stadiums, the baseball stadium and the soccer, track and field stadium. They also have beautiful landmarks such as their wonderful City Hall, Cathedral, Cultural Center, museums, monuments, parks, libraries, malls, French Dock, residence and planetarium. They also have festivities that are fun and colorful. Such events are Three Kings and Black and White Festivals held every January, Matron Celebrations and Festival of Danza National held every February, Carnival of Mayaguez held every May, Cocolia Festival held every July, Mango Festival every August, Artisan and Christmas Fair held every November and December.

Mayaguez’s main form of transportation is the automobile. They have two highways on the island. For public use, they have three trolleys giving free service to locals. These serve as their shuttle between Palacio and the downtown area. Single trolleys are also used.

March 16, 2010 at 4:46 am | No comment