Koh Lipe is a small gem located off the southern coast of Thailand. Often referred to as the Maldives of Thailand, Lipe Island is a beautiful and remote island which boasts pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters.
No matter what anyone says, New Orelans is the party capital of the US. Bars are open all night, Mardi Gras is a few weeks long, there is - ofcourse - Bourbon Street, and the food is to die for! One thing that is often over looked - the history.
This beautiful city has both Spanish and French influence. These influences are seen in the French Quarter buildings. Piece of trivia: although it is called the French Quarter, the buildings are primarily Spanish. The French owned Louisiana first, then the Spainards gained controlled after the land was transferred to them by Louis XV. In 1803 the United States purchased the land.
This city is considered to be the birth place of Dixieland-style jazz. This music style can be heard my musicians on the street, in shops and billowing out of jazz clubs. Preservation Hall is a very popular place for jazz musicians and have for over a century helped preserve Jazz and the musics history.
The food is a legend all on it’s own. Red Beans & rice are Monday’s staple, fried fish is the special on Friday’s. In between you can dine one what our heart desires: hot benet donuts and cafe au lait coffee, gumbo, jambalaya, stuffed bell peppers as well as the the cuisine of many cultures. New Orleans is home to many active cultures including: Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Creole, Latin, and so many others. The least you can say is that the city is diverse.
Next time you come down south to New Orleans remember not only to party, but to enjoy the cities history.
Brazil is huge, but it is also beautiful. Both its natural beauty and people will dazzle you. Great rain forests, colorful cities, pristine beaches, and many other attractions will fascinate you and fire your imagination.
Brazilian culture is as diverse as a culture can get. It has been enriched by people from all over the world. In addition to the Portuguese, you will find Italians, Spaniards, Africans, Japanese, Germans, Arabs, Koreans, Poles and Chinese, just to name few. What is more, all of them seem to live in remarkable harmony with each other.
While you should make an effort to visit all the big Brazilian cites, São Paulo, Salvador and Brasília, with their distinctive cultures, you should not miss Rio de Janeiro, “The Wonderful City”. City with it beaches and dominating statue of Christ the Redeemer personify the country and its people in a way few other cities can. In addition to various joyous festivals like The Carnival and The New Years Eve Celebrations you will have many attractions to visit while there; museums filled with culture, nature, and art, restaurants full of gastronomic delights, and operas and symphonic orchestras as a contrast to ever present rhythms of the street.
As for the nature, Brazil is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. In addition to the mighty Amazon River and the Amazon rain forest, there is the Atlantic forest, various swamps, and southern pampas. You can sample the varied ecologies and rich ecosystems of these places at various national parks.
Because tourism is a major, well developed trade in Brazil, traveling options and accommodations suited to every budget can be found everywhere, whether in the midst of a metropolis or in a remote rain forest.
When you think of travel in Africa, you think of animals, safaris, and proud tribal cultures. Well where in Africa can you get to see all of that? In Kenya, of course. But Kenya will surprise you and change your whole attitude to Africa. You will see what you wanted to see, but you will also learn and experience more than you bargained for, and be richer for it.
Kenya borders Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Sudan; any more diverse range of African countries can hardly be imagined. Kenya also borders Indian Ocean to southeast.
Kenya was colonized by both European powers like Portuguese, Germans, and British, as well as by Arabs from Oman. All these have left both cultural and demographic traces on Kenya. Institutions of the country are mostly based on British models, while there are large and prosperous Indian and Arab communities. Since independence Kenya has remained peaceful and stable generally, in spite few instances of internal violence and tension with neighbors. This makes it the ideal country to visit in Africa.
Kenyan geography is varied and range from tropical sea coasts to some of the highest points and arid places in Africa, not to mention the glaciers. Fertile Great Rift Valley cuts across Kenya.
However it is wild life that attracts the tourists most. Masai Mara is just the most famous and greatest of the several animal rich habitants in Kenya. You can see almost all types of African animals in Kenya; Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Buffalos, Wildebeests, Various birds and reptiles. Make sure that you make an effort to see them all.
Cultural diversity of Kenya will also surprise you. In addition to well known notable tribes like Maasai and Swahili there are numerous other tribes and communities. Be sure to check distinctive Kenyan foods.
You will find that tourism is well developed in Kenya and fine-tuned to serve your every need. This will enhance your enjoyment even further.
Everyone should visit India at least once. Your life as a citizen of the world would not be complete without the experiences and impressions generated by such a visit.
Indian subcontinent, dominated by the huge land mass of India, is bordered to the north by the high mountains of Himalayas and on other three sides by the Indian Ocean. Geography of India varies widely, ranging from plateaus, to hills, to plains, in same way as vegetation, which can range from thick rain forests to deserts.
Diversity of India does not stop there; its main attraction is its diversity of cultures. Many religions and traditions have co existed in this land for millennia and have enriched it like no other place on earth. Each distinct region and sub region is stocked with its own cultural harvest in abundance. You can only gain by discovering them.
In south India, Hindu temples towering over the villages and ornamented with large number of small sculptures give focus to cultures rich in many elaborate and highly stylized dance traditions and variety of other crafts. In contrast in the northern Ladakh culture is shaped by desert and Buddhism. Broad swath of north India combines Hindu traditions with those of Islam, with monumental architecture to prove their presence. Jainism and Sikhism religion add to the mix along with many others like Christianity and Zoroastrianism.
Not all cultural symbols are religious in origin. Taj Mahal is merely the most beautiful testimony to generally secular nature of India’s art. Gujarat is famous for its workmen skilled in jewelry and embroidery. The great variety of states in the north east of India like Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are proud of their vibrant tribal traditions in the same way as central Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.
For those who look for entertainment and relaxation after the heavy dose of culture, India can offer mountaineering, skiing, river rafting, trekking, jungle safaris, and many other sports. Be sure to check out a cricket match and try to figure out the rules of the game while enjoying the atmosphere of the national passion. There are also many tropical beaches to work on your tan, and to enjoy wind surfing and snorkeling.
You can get all the modern facilities at major Indian cities so you will never feel lost or disconnected with the world as you explore this multicolored and exhilarating land.
History of Andalusia stretches all the way back to second millennium BC. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Byzantines, Arabs, Jews, and Moors, have all left their mark on the culture of the region. Cordoba, Granada, and present capital Seville, bear testimony to this varied and rich heritage. Especially notable are the architectural masterpieces of Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Cordoba, Reales Alcazares in Seville, Medina Azahara, Torre Del Oro, and Giralda, among many others.
The large number of museums, churches, and palaces, situated in the region are full of priceless sculptures, jewelry, and paintings, from ancient times to modern. It is probably this heritage that first inspired Andalusian natives like Velazquez, Murillo, and Picasso, to enrich it further.
After the Spanish re-conquest of the region in 1492, Andalusia played a major part in European and American history. It is from one of its ports that Columbus set out to discover the New World. Modern Spanish dialects in America are derived from Andalusian dialect.
Andalusians hold many colorful festivals throughout the year; spring festivals, harvest festivals, and feast days. Pilgrimages, processions, bullfights, songs, and dances, which accompany many of these festivals, provide insight into region’s religious and cultural roots.
Andalusian cuisine complemented by highly regarded wines from the region, is unique and can include variety of dishes; seafood, soups made of legume and other vegetables, stewed game meat, seasoned and aged pork, will be prominent among them.
Andalusian landscapes range from volcanic, forested, or snowy, hills, valleys, and mountains, to deserts, to tropical beaches. Correspondingly ecological diversity is also wide-ranging.
Because of Andalusia’s geographical diversity visitors can access recreational options ranging from sailing, surfing, diving, water skiing, to mountaineering, hand gliding, parasailing, and ballooning. Equestrian sports are also popular.
While proud of its historical glory and natural beauty Andalusia is a modern society equipped will latest technology and world class infrastructure. Modern cosmopolitan and wired traveler will feel right at home.
If you haven’t already taken a Caribbean Cruise you are missing one of the greatest pleasures this planet has to offer. What can be more enjoyable than visiting island paradises, and I mean real paradises, one after another, interrupted in between with a relaxing cruise on board.
Not that you have to relax while on board, you can have as exciting a time as you choose. Fun and games would go on nonstop, should you wish to participate. Nobody knows how to cater to your every wish like crew members on a Caribbean cruise ship.
Caribbean cruises can last any time frame you want, be it few days or over two months. Just make sure you fill your vacation to the full. Get in touch with cruise operators to arrange a package the way you want.
Islands visited can include Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua, and Bermuda, among others. You should do some research to decide which ones you want to include in the cruise. Plan ahead what you intend to do, once there. Decide whether you want to give priority to soaking in, the sun on a pristine tropical beach, or the vibrant rhythms of local culture, or the history and nature by visiting historical and ecological sights, because you will be spoilt for choice.
If you are traveling with children, make sure that the cruise caters to their needs, as most in fact do. Another fact you may want to consider is the sort of social setting cruise offers. Some cruises feature functions that you have to attend in full evening dress while others are more casual.
There is nothing like a Caribbean cruise to bring out the true hedonist in you.
Hong Kong is a city of contrasts. Its blend of tradition and modernity is perhaps unrivaled anywhere else in the world. Famous modern skyline of Hong Kong gives shelter to old temples beneath. Cosmopolitan lifestyles and age old practices intermingle there. In other words, you are in for a memorable experience.
Places
In essence an island, Hong Kong is defined geographically and historically by its harbor. As such any visit there must take in the harbor. Views presented while taking the ferry ride will leave you breathless.
A contrasting view of Hong Kong is offered by The Peak. This mountain top reachable by several modes of transportation features The Peak Tower entertainment and shopping complex.
There are several theme parks on offer. Most popular being The Hong Kong Disneyland, and The Ocean Park, featuring dolphin and sea lion shows, an aquarium, and variety of rides.
You should definitely visit one or several of the temples in Hong Kong.
Festivals
However Hong Kong is more than places to visit, it is about experiences. That is why you should target a festival when visiting.
Biggest is the Chinese New Year which usually falls somewhere in February. In Hong Kong festivities go on for about a fortnight. Highlights you should not miss include The Night Parade and The Lantern Festival. Get to know the locals and take part to fully enjoy.
If you cannot be there in February, try June for Dragon Boat Festival. It is held to venerate a legendary hero; Qu Yuan. You will be enthralled by the sight of large “dragon boats” racing each other, powered by over a score or more of oarsmen pulling to the rhythm given out by large drums.
Of course you should not forget cuisine. There is no place like Hong Kong to enjoy full benefit of the accumulated millennia long traditions of Chinese cooking. Some of the dishes can be truly bizarre, but be adventurous. You won’t regret it.
Whether singly or as a family, enjoy Hong Kong to the full!
Recent Comments