Otavalo Market
Photo by: feserc, Creative Commons

Otavalo market is a must-see destination when visiting Ecuador. A lot of hand-made goods can be purchased here, perfect for souvenirs and unique home decorations. The town of Otavalo is just two hours away from Quito. It is situated in a valley surrounded by Cotacachi, Mojanda and Imbabura volcanoes. The scenery around the town is picturesque as they are enriched with a mixture of Indian and Spanish cultures.

For many tourists, it is advisable to visit Otavalo on Saturdays as there are great buys compared to other days of the week. Locals specialize in the production of hand-woven woolen goods, wooden handicrafts, paintings and many hand-made products. During Spanish colonization of Otavalo, the Indian communities were taught to make quality textiles for export in European countries. As they are freed from the colonizers, the Indian communities continued the production of textiles for their own profit. The Otavalo market is famous for these colorful textiles along with other beautiful handicrafts.

When visiting the Otavalo market, it is advisable to have an overnight stay in the town before Saturday. More stores are open on Saturdays then any other day of the week. Early morning of Saturday is the best time to visit the market as there are few shoppers around, therefore, haggling of prices will be easy. Make sure to bring cash because credit cards are not accepted in many stores.

Products that can be found in Otavalo market include colorful textiles, woodcarvings, paintings, jewelries, hats, toys and many more. There are also food stores around selling authentic cuisines. Best buys can be found on the side streets of Poncho Plaza as this is where the artisan’s market is located. When going shopping, wear comfortable clothes and shoes as well as a hat; don’t forget to bring a camera because the market is visually attractive with its colorful products. Above all, enjoy your shopping holiday!

Old Havana
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ahisgett , Creative Commons

If you want to travel back in time to an earlier destination, a trip in an old city would do. Old Havana in Cuba is a breath-taking place, composed of various old infrastructures. The city of Havana originated during the year 1519, along with the prosperity of Galleon trade. The city is located near the bay, so the treasures of Spanish Galleon ships were continuously brought in there. Because of this, the city prospered and many infrastructures were built in neoclassic and baroque style. These structures have been well, preserved making Old Havana a trip to the ancient world.

Old Havana is famous for its old fortresses, churches and buildings which are as follows:

* There are four old fortresses which still stand nowadays. These are the Castillo Los Tres Reyes Del Morro, La Cabaña, San Salvador de la Punta and Castillo de la Real Fuerza. La Cabaña is the most famous above all because of its magnificent structure.

* There are two historical churches that are popular among tourists, the Cathedral de San Cristobal and San Francisco de la Habana Basilica. The two churches are built between 17th and 18th century in baroque style of architecture.

* The Plaza de Armas is an open space or square built initially for military ceremonies. Currently, this is where tourists stay for a wide view of the old city.

* The Gran Teatro de la Habana, also known as the Great Theater of Havana, is well-known for the performances of National Opera and National Ballet of Cuba.

* The Museum of the Revolution is famous for its artifacts from the rich history of Havana.

Old Havana was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982 because of the city’s preservation of ancient structures. Tour buses are now available for tourists in order to have a look on every old buildings of the city. Various tour companies are around offering trips from place to place; this is convenient rather than exploring the city alone. Appreciate history and have a time travel like vacation at Old Havana.

Dalmatian Coast
Photo by: Owner , Creative Commons

If you haven’t gone to the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, you’re missing out on a lot of fun. This place is fast becoming a famous tourist destination in Europe. The great thing about Dalmatia is that you can choose to go on a trendy getaway, or you can choose to go to an isolated vacation spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whichever vacation you choose, you are guaranteed to have a grand time.

What makes this coastal city special? Here is a list of some of the places to visit in Dalmatia, wherever you decide to visit, South, Central, or North – Dalmatia has many attractions:

Southern Dalmatia

1. The Baska Voda – This is a resort on the Southern Part of Dalmatia coastline known for its beautiful beaches and excellent climate. Many visitors find this place one of the best in Croatia.

2. Vis Island – This is one place with a lot of beaches that belong to the category: secluded vacation spot. Vis island is in a remote and outlying location, which makes it an ideal spot for tourists yearning to get away from the cares of work.

Central Dalmatia

1. Brac Island – If you’re heading to the Central District of Dalmatia, make sure not to miss beaches on Brac Island, which lies between the Adriatic and Mediterranean Sea’s. Beaches with the likes of Supetar, Postira, Rata, and Bol.

2. The Vodice – This place was once a fishing haven. Today, it is one of the most visited destinations in Central Dalmatia.

Northern Dalmatia

1. Dugi Otok – This is one of the least developed land mass in the town of Dalmatia, perfect for those who prefer seclusion in order to wind down and relax.

2. Kornati Islands National Park – An archipelago off the Croatioan coast, going here would require you to have your own boat or a rental to transport you to the National Park. It is ideal for large groups, reunions, and excursions.

Aitutaki Island
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g-hat , Creative Commons

If you’re searching for the most beautiful island lagoon in the world, look no further then Aitutaki in Cook Islands which is considered one of the world’s renowned bodies of water with spectacular islets and coral reefs underneath. This fascinating island is nestled in the center of the South Pacific Ocean with open points to the neighboring mainland. But perhaps the most interesting fact of all triggering interest to prospective visitors is the Aitutaki Island being featured in Survivor Cook Islands television program. Aitutaki Island has been shown to the whole world thru Survivor making it more famous to a lot of people in all parts of the world.

There are many good reasons why Aitutaki Island is a must visit place in Cook Islands and part of those reasons are listed below:

1. The pristine beaches are yours for the taking – You may have gone to many different places where beaches are the main attractions. But wait until you get to Aitutaki Island and see for yourself what untouched, natural, and pristine is really all about. The beaches in this island are excellent for scuba diving and other marine activities you may have in mind. Indeed, this is one swimming and relaxation haven perfect for vacationers wanting to get out of the busy world even for just a few fleeting days.

2. Fascinating atoll and islets – This island has a lot of different islets and coral reefs that makes swimming and diving more pleasurable. If you want to get a close look of what’s underneath the blue crystal waters, then you shouldn’t let scuba diving activity come to pass.

3. Many different accommodations and spa options – And, these are all within arm’s reach. Hotels range from 5 stars to beach huts, so you’ll have a wide variety of choices when it comes to inns and lodges. Food, flea markets, and night life are other enjoyable activities to experience in Aitutaki Island.

Vatnajokull Glacier
Photo by: ezioman, Creative Commons

Iceland is famous for its natural wonders including its humongous glaciers. The largest of which is the Vatnajokull Glacier situated in the southeast part of the country. This glacier is considered the largest in the continent by volume. Its average thickness is 400 meters and can reach up to a maximum thickness of 1000 meters. It has an approximate area of 8100 km2. Several active volcanoes are underneath this large glacier’s ice cap. The most active of these volcanoes is the Grimsvotn volcano which has just erupted in November 2004. Tuyas or steep-sided volcanoes were formed because of these volcanic eruptions. Hvannadalshnjukur, Iceland’s highest peak is found on the Vatnajokull Glacier. It rises to an astounding 2110 meters above sea level. The glaciers landscape includes plateaus, valleys and canyons.

In the past years, Vatnajokull Glacier has started to decrease in size. This may be due to some environmental concerns like climate change and the continuous volcanic activity.

Tourists can choose from a wide variety of activities on the ice. There are activities like ice climbing, snowmobile riding, trekking, and sailing. You don’t have to be an experienced climber to hike the glacier. Professional climbers will assist you and ensure your safety. Tourists can cruise between the giant glaciers and icebergs floating on the sea. One can go all over the glacier with an experienced guide while riding a snowcat or jeep. Humpbacks and Blue Whales, if you are lucky, are present in the place. You can also enjoy watching dolphins.

Fishing in the nearby village is also a big attraction in the place. There is so much to see in Vatnajokull Glacier like the hot springs in ice caves and the cavern system below the glacier. Vatnajokull Glacier is famous not only because of its enormous size. It is also well-known for the fun-filled activities and the breathtaking sights you can experience and witness at the same time.

Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
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Kathmandu Valley is located in Nepal. The valley consists of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Submetropolitan City, Bhaktapur Municipality, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality and several other villages. The valley is known to be a political and a cultural hub of Nepal.

Here are some tourist’s attractions in Kathmandu Valley. Durbar Square is located opposite to the old royal palace. It was severely damaged by an earthquake back in 1934. Originally, ninety nine courtyards were attached to this place but now only six of them remains.

Patan is a place located on the elevated part of Kathmandu Valley. The city was said to be initially designed in the shape of a Buddhist Dharma Chakra or wheel of Righteous. The most important monument of this place is the Patan Durbur Square.

Chabahil is known to be as one of the most important place in Kathmandu Valley. Nepal is famous for Licchavi stupa which is known as Charumati Vihara. According to the inscriptions found in stupa, the famous Indian Princess Charumati was the one who built the stupa.

Changu Narayan is the name of the deity in the Changu Narayan Temple. The temple was said to be one of the oldest Hindu temples in the valley. Changu Narayan is the name of the Vishnu or their supreme God.

Kathmandu Valley was said to have been inhabited for as early as 300BCE. The oldest object found in the valley was dated a few hundred years back from BCE and the oldest inscription found was said to be 185CE.

According to the myth of Swyambhu Puran, the Kathmandu Valley was once a lake. Another claims that their God Manjusri uses a sword called the Chandrahrasha to cut a gorge at the place known as Kashapaal which later was known as Chobhar and drained all the water making the place fit for living.

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve, Belize
Photo by: Mike Baird , Creative Commons

If you’re in the mood for scuba diving but find the Great Barrier Reef too far away, then you can head down to the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve in South America for a world-class underwater experience. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest reef system in the world, making it a sanctuary to a wide array of marine wildlife. In fact, in 1842, the famous Charles Darwin described it as one of the most amazing reefs in the whole world.

Through several diving sites, you can experience the diversity of corals and fish that characterize the Belize Barrier Reef. One such site is the Great Blue Hole, an underwater sink hole that occupies a part of the Belize Reef system. It used to be a submerged limestone cave, until the roof collapsed and created a deep hole in the middle of the Reef. Because of its depth, it has served as host to numerous species of marine animals. The limestone content of the cave also promoted the formation of beautiful stalactites and unique coral structures. You can also go by way of Ambergris Cave to savor the majesty of the Belize Barrier Reef. In Ambergris, you can choose a diving site that suits your interests. If you’re looking to shoot underwater canyons and caverns, then Tackle Box Canyons is the dive site for you. Ambergris even has the Love Tunnels, perfect for underwater weddings. If you’re not in the mood for weddings, you can still enjoy the large coral cavern in that area, aptly called The Chapel.

These are but a few of the popular diving sites in the Belize Barrier Reef system. A good many other natural reserves are still scattered around Belize and its beautiful reefs. It is good to know that many of these diving sites have been given environmental protection from the authorities. That way, future visitors such as yourself can still be wrapped up in the one-of-a-kind sea world that the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve has to offer.

7 Wonders of the Underwater World

Madurodam, Netherlands
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Madurodam is known to be the smallest city in Holland. It is said that this place is both a war monument and a charity foundation. The city is named after Curacao, son of Mr. and Mrs. Maduro who died in Dechau in 1945. Madurodam opened in 1952 and since then the place has expanded.

A variety of architectural styles can be found at this place. From the Gothic St. Jan Basilica to modern dwellings, bridges, and houses reside along the river. The architectural designs will never fail to amaze the tourists.

In the outskirt of Madurodam, you will find Klompenfabriek, a wooden shoe factory. Wooden shoes are usually hand made out of poplar wood. After drying the wood, the shoe maker would use sand paper to smooth the finish. Wooden shoes are still widely used by the local farmers. The local’s favorite colors are yellow and red which is why most wooden shoes are painted yellow with red pattern designs on them. Back in 1960s, 1100 wooden shoe makers made 3.8 million pairs of wooden shoes. Today, there are only 15 wooden shoe makers left producing only 800,000 pairs of wooden shoes.

In terms of transportation, Madurodam Rail is one of the biggest attractions of Madurodam city. All trains are hand made and are said to be the replicas of Dutch trains.

Madurodam is said to be open all year round. Summer is when Madurodam are mostly loaded with foreigners, tourist and tourist busses. Once you’re inside Madurodam city, there are no benches or chairs to sit on. However, if you are really tired, you can just sit or stay on the edges of the stairs. Wheelchairs are available for free if needed.

In July and August, Madurodam is open from 9:00am to 11:00pm. You should try to see how magical the city is at night because 50,000 miniature light bulbs help illuminate the city.

Pyramids of Gebel Barkal, Sudan
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Gebel Barkal is a small mountain in the northern state of Sudan situated on a large bend of the Nile River. The Pyramids of Gebel Barkal, also known as the Pyramids of Kush, include over 200 pyramids found south of the Egyptian border. Though smaller than those found in Egypt, these pyramids have been considered to be part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2003.

The pyramids are not alone in this place as there are ruins of about 13 temples and three palaces that surround the area. It was only discovered around the 1800’s and is believed to have been an extension of the empires of Egypt to the south. It is believed that it was the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III that extended this empire.

Since the place was a little too far from Egypt, no one thought anything of great interest would be found in that area. But when word came out that there are places of interest that far south, explorers came to see for themselves. It is said that this place was a perfect specimen of the southern influences on Egyptian culture.

Archaeological excavations only started during the early 1900’s and discovery of its importance in history came little by little after that is why it was only considered recently into the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As one would see, the pyramids are significantly smaller than those in Egypt. It can be surmised that this is due to the small population of the area having only very few workers at the time to build a pyramid. Also, it might be due to the cultural influences that were present in the area.

Pico Bolivar Tourist Guide, Venezuela
Photo by: Diego , Creative Commons

Pico Bolivar is the highest mountain in Venezuela. The famous attraction was named after Simon Bolivar who is a hero for Venezuelan independence. To get to Pico Bolivar, you need to ride the Merida Cable Car which is the longest and the highest cable car in the world.

From the last station in Merida, which is Pico Espejo, you need to make a six hour trek up to Pico Bolivar. The trek will be physically demanding but the view and the feeling you get once you reach the top is priceless.

What You Should Not Miss

While getting to Pico Bolivar, enjoying the Merida cable car ride is a must. Each station has different wonderful sceneries that will definitely amaze you. Stations like Pico Nieve and Pico Espejo are just some of the popular peaks that you will see while riding the world famous cable car in Venezuela.

The glacier formations found on Pico Bolivar is something that you should not miss seeing because of its beauty and amazing history which dates back to the Pleistocene era.

What You Should Remember

Physical preparations are needed if you want to get to Pico Bolivar. Exercising and getting enough training is needed so that you won’t get easily exhausted and you won’t have a hard time getting to the top. You will need to wear cold weather gear when doing the hike since the mountain is capped in snow. Taking a camera to take pictures of the breathtaking view is also advised.

Pico Bolivar is elevated to almost five thousand meters above sea level so it is definitely cold and you will have difficulty when it comes to breathing. As much as possible, you need to have adequate knowledge on how to properly prepare yourself for hiking in high altitude areas since it can get fatal if you get there unprepared.

Polar Ice Cap
Photo by: NikiSublime , Creative Commons

For your next travel destination, make it a point to visit the Polar Ice Cap that is found in a very cold place called Antarctica. It seems to look as if Christmas comes everyday due to the thick layers of snow that you will soon come across. Being in this place is as cold as being in an enormous freezer, but more and more tourists are attracted to explore this often overlooked part of the world.

You will meet many tourists on your visit to the Polar Ice Cap who will share this special place with you. It is a spectacular adventure to be so close with nature and be present in a place that can actually cover the entire globe with its ice. Do make this one of your top choices for your trip since it would be a once in a lifetime experience to actually experience a Polar Ice Cap. Sure you can see it in movies and television, but nothing beats the actual experience of seeing it person.

Ask any tourist who has already gone to the Polar Ice Cap and they will tell you how amazed they were to see the tranquility of the place. It’s amazing to witness the various animals that freely roam there. One is the Emperor Penguin who happens to be so tall in real life. Did you know that they reach as high as a six year old boy? That is pretty tall for a bird right? Just be ready to bear the odor since these Penguins can be a little smelly since they eat is fish. Even though there are areas where plants grow, it is not part of their diet.

La Boca District, Argentina
Photo by: Phillie Casablanca, Creative Commons

La Boca is one of Buenos Aires’s 48 barrios or neighborhoods. It is located at the southeastern part of the city, near the old port in the mouth (boca in Spanish) of the Rio de la Plata. Nearby barrios are Barracas in the west, and San Telmo and Puerto Madero to the north. Many of the district’s residents are of European descent. This is because the old port was where the Italian, Spanish, Basque, French, and German immigrants arrived.

Inside La Boca, one will feel as if they had stepped back in time as the neighborhood still retains its Genoese look with traditional colorful wooden houses. While some inhabitants still spoke the Genoese dialect in the late 20th century, use of the dialect has been in recent decline. Presently, La Boca is part artist colony and part working class neighborhood.

Tourists visiting Buenos Aires always make a point to visit La Boca. The colorful houses, pedestrian-friendly walkways, little shops and restaurants make for a pleasant day of sightseeing and shopping. The street of Caminito is the center of tourist activity in the barrio, and of particular interest for people who are into the dancing the tango. Here, tango artists perform in the many tango clubs found on the street. Tango-related memorabilia is sold in most shops.

Aside from tango, La Boca is also the home of the Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s biggest soccer teams. To experience the unique flavor of an Argentine soccer match, grab a ticket and watch the games at the La Boca soccer stadium, La Bombonera.

For those who are more into art than sports, there is the Fine Arts Museum of La Boca. It is also called the Museo de Bellas Artes Quinquela Martin as it used to be the residence and studio of the artist.

The Esplanade, Singapore
Photo by: edwin, Creative Commons

The Esplanade is a waterside building that can be found near the Singapore River. It is the proud location for Singapore’s performing arts. It has 1,600 seats for a concert hall and 2,000 seats for a theater. Many people consider this a must-see when you visit Singapore because of its magnificence and cultural significance.

The Esplanade also has places suitable for outdoor performance as well as a mall for shopping and relaxing. Many Singaporeans call it “The Durian” because of its architectural design. You should really watch a performance in the Esplanade because it has world-class talent. It is a venue for concerts, recitals, as well as other performances showcasing Singapore culture.

The theater has a 2,000 seat capacity and capable of holding performances of all genres in performing arts. So far it has had no limitations whether Asian or Western, classical or contemporary. And not to mention, the orchestra can accommodate many musicians as well. It also boasts that the viewing distance between the last seat and the stage is just 40 meters, which means you don’t have to strain your eyes that much.

The Esplanade also has a recital studio for small performances as well as meetings. Even though it is smaller, the walls and ceilings produce good acoustics. It is usually used for rehearsals. There is also a theatre studio for small theater and dance performances. It is really amazing because even though it is small, it is fully equipped with flexible staging, lighting and sound systems.

And lastly, what gives the Esplanade that magnificent look on the outside is the Jendela, meaning window. If you could see a picture, you would appreciate the distinct architecture. Inside it has a space for displaying visual arts. And with a view from the Marina Bay, who wouldn’t be astonished. So, if you’re ever in Singapore, spend some time and be amazed at the theaters on the bay.

Waza National Park
Photo by: javdalen , Creative Commons

Seeing elephants and lions in photos bring pleasure to many, but how much more if you’re given the opportunity to meet and greet these wild animals in person? The Waza National Park in Cameroon is one of the most visited places in this far north side of Africa. The animal population is so great that it also houses endangered species with the likes of the giraffe family, antelopes, bird species and jackals among others.

The Waza National Park was founded in the year 1934 and was originally meant for hunting reserves. However, in the year 1968, it was converted into a National Park with a land area of about 1,700 km and even became a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This National Park is said to be a special place and the most visited one due to the following reasons:

1. It’s the most important wildlife park in the city of Cameroon and one of the most significant in the country of Africa. This is the only park where you can see animals in danger of extinction. Since majority of them were reduced in numbers in the past years all due to too much hunting and dreadful conditions, the Waza National Park brings to the public some of the animals that survived the threats of starvation and severe drought.

2. It’s one of the living evidences of the country’s living resources. Seeing elephants in the waterholes, giraffes bending down for their babies, and some 370 bird species all over the place is paradise in itself. Here, you’re allowed to roam around the entirety of the park with a roving and fully protected vehicle. The grasses may be a little tall hampering a full view of wandering animals, but there are also areas in the place where grasses are burned for a close-up and more vivid view.

Searching for national treasures and seeing it with your own eyes is now possible by visiting the most notable royal temple known as the Silver Pagoda or commonly known as Wat Preah Keo. This is known to be a very special place in Cambodia for it boasts different Buddha statues regarded as one of the most significant treasures of the country, and one of which is the Emerald Buddha. Apart from it being a house of jeweled and royal Buddha statues, the Silver Pagoda is likewise the official sanctuary and holy place of the king of Cambodia.

There are still many interesting facts about this place that sparks interest from many tourists, and among those remarkable and fascinating information are as follows:

• The Silver Pagoda’s magnificence and grandiose – The temple of the Emerald Buddha was then made of wood in the year 1962. But as time passed by, the entirety of the place was re-erected and restructured into concrete and marble with more than 5000 silver tiles making up the entire flooring of the temple. Not to mention that each silver tile weighs an approximate mass of 1 kilo.

• Richness in terms of historical aspect – The Silver Pagoda has remained to be one of the most famous and favored historical places in Cambodia as it housed many ancient artifacts and jewels. Aside from this; the pagoda is the only temple that has remained intact and unharmed all throughout these years.

So for those tourists who are planning to visit this historical temple, an entrance fee of $3 is required along with $2 fee if you’re going to bring along a digital camera and $5 for video cameras. However, taking shots is only permissible outside of the temple and proper attire must be observed at all times.

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
Photo by: olliethebastard, Creative Commons

Ever heard of an underground church? If not, then you better check out Zipaquira Salt Cathedral in Colombia. This Roman Catholic Church is constructed within the burrow and warren of a salt mine just in the vicinity of Zipaquira town. It is commonly known as Salt Cathedral as one way of luring more tourists and visitors to go and check out the place. Catholic devotees hear mass every Sunday with the cathedral housing more or less 3,000 guests.

The place has great architectural details coupled with numbers of ancient religious symbolizations that make it much more special and sacred. To help you become familiar on what to expect and see in Salt Cathedral, the following details speak reveal:

1. The 3 symbolic representations of the birth, life, and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is found at the bottom part of Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and its awe-inspiring structure is known to be hand sculpted and shaped in a halite rock making it more majestic and regal.

2. The Cathedral is a representation of Colombian architecture. The Zipaquira Salt Cathedral is a vivid evident of Columbia’s uniqueness and ingenuity when it comes to fashioning and structuring world class symbolizations and representations. Known to be the Jewel of Modern Architecture, the Salt Cathedral is a depiction of old and modern Columbia in all aspects of living – historical, cultural, and spiritual.

3. A touch of the old cathedral. Tourists aren’t only interested with designs and architectural details; they are also into determining where these religious symbols originate. The most notable of all is the large cross built by miners to serve as their blessed symbolization in uttering their daily petitions. The large cross can still be seen in the temple today, with its shadow illuminating in the ceiling of the entire Zipaquira Salt Cathedral.

Tierra del Fuego National Parkf
Photo by: Karl Agre , Creative Commons

Tierra del Fuego National Park is considered as the final destination in your Northwest-Southeast Expedition. If you’re heading in the country of Chile, make sure not to miss the two types of forests that prevail and preponderate in the place, the Lenga and Guindo forests. If you explore the place some more, you will come across the great bays of Ensenada and Lapataia. Just like any other national parks, what makes Tierra del Fuego special and appealing to the masses is its rare fauna inhabitants such as red foxes, North American beaver, albatross, an atypical Otter known as Chungungo, parakeets, and firecrown hummingbirds among others.

To inform visitors and tourists of what Tierra del Fuego National Park has to offer, the following highlights of the place will certainly help you consider this National Park in your itinerary:

1. The black lagoon. This is mainly called the black lagoon for its dark colored water due to decomposed organic debris being deposited in the lagoon.

2. The lookout point. If you want to acquire not just good but excellent view of the different bodies of water with other mountains and floras as a backdrop, all you have to do is head to the lookout point through Lapataia bay just a few minutes walk from Lengas wood.

3. A close encounter with the beavers. These water rodent species have the ability to build water dam systems by letting trees fall and create partly engulfed dens called lodges. This amazing creation does not only provide excellent tourist attraction for every visitor to see, but it likewise generates a great impact to the environment.

If you’re worried about where to stay at the National Park for an overnight or days of settling in the place, there are organized camping tents near the Lake Roca all for free for public guests to take advantage. However, if you’re looking for a more comfortable place to put your feet up, you can go to Ushuaia City and get yourself cozy in some inns and hotels.

Thalay Sagar
Photo by: Gaurav-agrawal, Creative Commons

Thalay Sagar is a mountain in the western Garhwal Himalaya, located in the northern Indian town of Uttarakahand. It belongs to the Gangotri Group of mountains and is the second highest after Kedarnath. This 6,000-meter mountain is notorious for being a difficult mountain to climb, earning it the nickname of The Devil’s Red Wall. Steep on all sides, with a band of shale near the peak, and a rocky summit, the difficulty of climbing this mountain is exactly what makes it alluring to climbers.

The first group to attempt and successfully climb the mountain was an Anglo-American team in 1979. Over the years, a number of routes have been added and completed by teams from the UK, Norway, Hungary, New Zealand, USA, Australia and Russia. Despite these successes and the advancement in technique and equipment in mountaineering and rock climbing, the success rate of climbing this peak remains one of the lowest in the Garwhal.

Admittedly, the main bulk of visitors to Thalay Sagar are serious climbers. This doesn’t mean that travelers who are not into climbing mountains won’t find anything of interest here. On the contrary, the town of Uttarakhand where Thalay Sagar is located, is a very interesting and scenic place. It used to be the getaway of British colonials who wished to flee the oppressive heat of Indian summers. The houses, hotels, boarding schools, and churches that they have built are still in existence up to this day. Skiing, white-water rafting, and hiking are popular activities in this region blessed with mountains, hills, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers.

Elephant rides and photographing tigers in the Rajaji and Corbett National Parks are other outdoor options. Those of a more sedate disposition can attend yoga classes in the many ashrams that one can find especially in the Rishikesh area. Rich in nature and spirituality, a visit to Thalay Sagar is something one should at least take once in a lifetime.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Africa
Photo by: Wikimedia Commons , Creative Commons

The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is around 50 kilometers west of Bukavu town in the Kivu region, adjacent to the western side of Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border. It was created to primarily protect the last remaining population of the Eastern Lowland gorilla or Gorilla beringei graueri. The park is one of the few last refuges of this rare sub-species of Eastern gorilla. The famous Diane Fossey, protégé of the equally famous Dr Louis Leakey, originally did her studies here before moving on to Rwanda.

It is estimated that there are only 600 gorillas remaining throughout the park, earning it a place in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. However, ongoing fighting in the Congo and the resulting looting, poaching, and burning of the forest has decimated around 60% of that population. As a result, the Kahuzi-Biega National Park was also included in the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger.

Despite the apparent dangers, people still continue to visit this place just to experience being in a primary tropical forest and spot the diverse wildlife as well as the last few remaining graueri gorillas. Aside from the gorillas, the park is also home to some antelope and elephants. This vast park area is dominated by the two extinct volcanoes from which it is named after, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. In this part of the Kivu region, Mount Kahuzi is the highest peak.

Generally, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is very volatile as armed conflicts erupt every now and then. However, visits to the park are doable as long as the necessary precautions are taken. Visitors who have gone there report that the situation has improved a bit and tourism is needed in order to support conservation efforts of scientists and park rangers.

Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
Photo by: Ethan Lindsey , Creative Commons

Currently, Rijksmuseum is located on the Museumplein in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was established back in nineteenth century. It was initially created in The Hague and was later transferred to Amsterdam. . The museum is open from Monday through Sunday from 9:00am to 6:00pm except for Fridays because they closed at 8:30pm. The museum is closed on certain holidays such as New Years Day. An entrance fee of 11 Euros will be charged for adults. Children under the age of 18 and below can enter for free.

The world’s famous Dutch National Museum is called Rijksmuseum locally. Back then, King Louis Napoleon wanted to make Amsterdam as the center for arts and science so in 1908, the king decided to set the Grand Musee Royal in his palace on the Dam. The place in The Hague was not big enough to keep all the artifacts so they transferred the artifacts to Trippenhuis.

Rijksmuseum has a large collection of different paintings from the Golden Age of the Dutch in seventeenth century together with other valuable artifacts from different parts of the world, including Asia. Even the works of Jacob van Ruysdael, Frans Hals, Rambrandt and Johannes Vermeer can be seen in this place. Museumplein also has three other museums that serves as additional attractions.

It started with merely 200 paintings at first. Now, it possesses almost 5,000 rare paintings, sculptures, historical objects and the work of Asiatic arts which accounts for another 43,000 additional art work.

Inside the Rijksmuseum, various kinds of art works and artifacts can be seen. The oriental art section features Chinese porcelains, Japanese Prints and some other items that came from Southeast Asia and the Far East.

In the sculpture and handicrafts section you will see a wide range of liturgical robes, furniture, tapestries, pottery, costumes, doll houses, jewels, snuff boxes, lace and many more.

Museums in general help educate people. It reminds us of our country’s history and for foreigners, this will help them better understand and appreciate the country.

Amsterdam Famous Landmarks

Bruges, Belgium
Photo by: Wolfgang Staudt , Creative Commons

Dubbed as the Venice of the North due to its water canal streets, the Belgian city of Bruges offers everyone a taste of the medieval ages through architecture, history and culture. In fact, because of its rich medieval architecture and history, it has been recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2000.

Your to-do list in Bruges is not complete without a boat ride down the canals. To further enjoy this leisurely trip, many recommend riding a bike down to the boat docks. This way, you can enjoy the sights and sounds, both on water and land. If you’re looking to see the architectural gems that Bruges is known for, you can also hire a tour guide to introduce you to many historical landmarks. One of these is the Church of our Lady, a tall brick fixture that pierces the Bruges skyline. There is also the sculpture of the “Madonna and Child”, one of the few works of Michaelangelo to have ever left Italy. Probably the most popular structure in the city of Bruges is the 13th-century belfry. If you’re up to it, you can climb the 360 steps of the bell tower and be rewarded with a beautiful heightened view of the city. Lucky guests can also chance upon the chiming of the 48-bell ensemble of the belfry’s carillon. Bruges also holds appeal to advocates of art, in the form of music and theater. The English Theater of Bruges is a popular venue for theatre-goers. Situated in a place where English is not the primary language, the English Theater offers a rare theatrical experience for tourists and vacationers. For a good look at Belgian art, the Groening Museum is the place to go. Among the many museums scattered around Bruges, the Groening Museum is the major municipal repository of Belgian artworks from the 18th to the 21st century. These include works from Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden and Gerard David.

The medieval feel of Bruges adds to the magic of a place laden with history, architecture and art. Next time you’re planning a trip to Belgium, be sure to include this splendid city of water canals in your itinerary, and have one of the most enriching times of your life.

Ganvie, Africa
Photo by: 300tdorg , Creative Commons

Occasionally tagged as the Venice of Africa, Ganvie, which is in Benin, is a large lagoon wherein different stilt houses and structures are being inhabited by the locals. Once in Ganvie, you will be amazed by how the locals do their daily routines on top of Lake Nokoue.

Ganvie is a four hundred year old town on top of a lagoon built by Africans to protect their tribe from getting enslaved by other tribes which were then present. Until now, the stilts are still being inhabited by locals and everything seen in normal towns are then made available in Ganvie.

Most of the locals live through fishing and tourism. However, some of the locals, especially the elders, are not that hospitable to tourists and they might find it quite rude once you start taking pictures of them or even their town without asking for their permission.

The main attraction in Ganvie is the town itself and how the locals conduct their everyday lives on top of a lagoon. The beauty of the town is also quite remarkable once you get on one of the boats and roam around the town. Restaurants and other buildings catering to tourists are also available in Ganvie, all of them accessible by boat.

Roaming around the town in a pirogue should be on top of your list of things to do so that you get to see everything about a town on top of a lagoon. Using a pirogue instead of a motorboat will take you quite longer when traveling, but it will be less noisy and more serene.
If you want to spend a few nights in Ganvie, hotels on top of stilts are available and are offered to tourists for a fair price. A good place to stay when planning to visit Ganvie is in Cotonou since most hotels available offer their tourists different packages for a tour in Ganvie via a motorboat.

Ross Ice Shelf
Photo by: lin padgham , Creative Commons

Now that you’ve made up your mind that your next adventure will be in Antarctica, better include the Ross Ice Shelf in your checklist. This happens to be a very interesting place to visit. Not only is it more preferred by most tourists, you get to witness first hand the scenic beauty of an ice shelf. By definition, an ice shelf is a very thick mass of ice that floats around the sea. Even though it may be roaming around, it’s still anchored to a more massive glacier that can be as big as France moving around.

By visiting this famous tourist spot in Antarctica, you will see ice formations melting due to the current state of Global Warming. Just like in the movies, a great flood would actually wash away countries as big as China or cities closer to home like New York in the United States. Once you get to be with other tourists who would tell you that they have gone back to the Ross Ice Shelf for numerous times already. The reason here is that they were so enamored by the splendid view of glaciers floating and bumping against each other. Well, these are the extreme seekers who would be just like you.

Coming to the Ross Ice Shelf and being there to witness the mystery of life will really make one’s journey much more fascinating. These icebergs do not melt even it they break off from a bigger portion. So if you love extreme adventure, a visit to the Ross Ice Shelf is what you need.

Moremi Game Reserve, Africa
Photo by: Michiel Vanbalen, Creative Commons

Though it is still hard to directly access Moremi Game Reserve without paying a lot of money, the enjoyment and the amazing spectacles you will witness are surely worth every dollar you will be spending.

Situated at the eastern section of the Okavango delta, the Moremi game reserve spans to almost five thousand kilometers and serves as a refuge for the highest concentration of leopards and endangered African wild dogs all over the globe.

What You Should Not Miss

The concentration of floodplains, lagoons, acacia forests, and mopane woodlands offer the tourists a diversity of sites to feast their eyes on. Not to mention the variety of wildlife available that freely roam around the game reserve.

Great forests and lakes that are very clear are present in Moremi game reserve which enables different kinds of species to thrive. Tourists can roam around the area in four wheel drives to be amazed by the preserved sanctuary for endangered species.

Wildlife viewing is one of the most exciting spectacles while in Moremi game reserve. To see different animals wandering around in the different areas throughout the reserve, driving your four wheel drive will be easier, exciting, and more safer than walking.

What You Should Know

Getting to Moremi game reserve can be tricky since the road is not well built and the signs that direct you there are poorly made. The easiest way to get to the game reserve is via plane which is quite costly. Being prepared financially is important so that you won’t have a hard time while on tour.

Lodging in Moremi is also quite costly, so you need to prepare yourself for their rates especially during times where there are many tourists coming in.

Churches of Ivanovo
Photo by: klearchos , Creative Commons

The Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanavo are a set of monumental chapels, monasteries and churches built out of hard rock. These group of churches are totally different compared to Bulgaria’s other monastery churches. It is located by the town of Ivanavo, south of Rousse by twenty kilometres, on the high stony banks of Rusenski Lom, thirty-two kilometres higher than the river. This complex is widely known for its well-preserved and attractive medieval frescoes.

Monks had inhabited the caves in the area in the decade of 1220s, when it was discovered by the prospect Patriarch of Bulgaria Joachim, until the seventeenth century, when they hewed churches, chapels and cells out of hard rock. At the tip of the monastery group, the churches amounted to about forty, whilst the other grounds were around three hundred, majority of which aren’t presently preserved.

Ivan Alexander and Ivan Asen II, examples of 2nd Bulgarian Empire leaders, regularly donated money to the monastery complex, as confirmed by contributor portraits in few of the churches. Other donors were the nobles that came from the capital of Tarnovo, with which the complex had close relations in the thirteenth and fourteenth century. It was the core of hesychasm in Bulgarian grounds in the fourteenth century and maintained to survive in the premature centuries of Ottoman ruling of Bulgaria, however slowly decomposed.

The frescoes from the thirteenth and fourteenth century are responsible for the monastery complex’s popularity. These frescoes are preserved in five of the churches, which are seen as great illustrations if Bulgarian medieval art. The rock grounds that were used by monks include the Baptistery, the St. Archangel Michael Chapel, the St. Theodore Church, the main Holy Mother of God Church, and the Gospodev Dol Chapel, with the fourteenth century murals in the later one being debatably the most popular in Ivanavo and considered as some of the most significant representations of the Palaeologan art.