Thursday, June 14, 2012

Autumn flashback, enjoy some memories while planning snowy excursions


Well since winter is settling comfortably let’s remember our final sunshine blast that autumn provided us with and which places are the best for that time of the year as well as why! If you are not that much fun of crowds and frankly I tend to avoid them now and then , also enjoying the more humane weather conditions as well as the low prices you can easily find in this period of the year.




Let’s start with our neighbor Italy more specifically Sardinia, where you will rarely find more than 27C.  What makes mysterious Sardinia one of the best autumn choices for a quick escape is the so called Autunno in Barbagia (autumn in Barbagia) where from September to December in 27 villages of the mountainous area of inland Sardinia take place a series of festivals. Markets take over whole streets full of local workshops where people can find handmade crafts eat in open to visitors’ houses and walk the picturesque hills of the island. Don’t make the mistake and forget the beaches with the chance to have them all on your own and feel free to soak and gather sunrays without limit!!! In the center of Barbagia, near a village called Nuoro I run on a stone farmhouse surrounded by trees where I enjoyed the finest cooking in front of a cozy fireplace living nothing else on the world to be desired.

Next on line is as to say one of our own…the isle of Cyprus where summer doesn’t end in august and you might even get 30C in September too thanks to its position. Though the place is not among the most preferred in the Mediterranean, the constant developing tourism with the village houses growing in numbers and being used as inns and huts can be very interesting to explore on the mild days of autumn especially on foot! After having explored for miles there will always be the endless sea, blessedly warm, to comfort your warned out body.  Coral Bay made a really good impression to me with its sharp cliffs and semicircular shape. Near the C. Bay and Paphos I found a very cut family-run hostel full of flowers with very helpful people always happy to guide me.




Since we are on island topic lets mention one more destination,  Lanzarote in the Canary Islands where the weather is suitable, never exceeding the 29C for it is positioned merely 70km from Western Sahara.  Lanzarote due to its location has a climate more like the desert rather than the Mediterranean and as the north-easterly winds have seized in autumn combined with the summer warmth heating the sea we can enjoy a suitable air temperature and the lack of crowds! One of my personal favorite spots is the Fire Mountain in Timanafaya national park with its extraordinary red color and the breathtaking view, not to mention the seismic activity. It will give you the chance to put on your walking shoes and go sightseeing all over the island’s volcanic  This is the perfect time to don your walking shoes and trek the island’s volcanic heights.




Hearing the call from the dessert I’ve chosen to follow it and get to Dahab in Egypt with average maximum temperature around 31C. A place which in summer you would rate as unbearable to survive in, for you’d have to face temperatures over 38C, this tinny  Bedouin seaside resort in late September offers warm days and sweet mild, nights. Notorious for its diving, because of its variety in reefs, it attracts many a visitor annually. Due to the fact that the area has “good” wind almost all year long it is also suitable for windsurfing. For those not so into extreme sports the place is full of amazing locations to visit such as the Coloured Canyon, with its intense rock formations, St Catherine’s Monastery set at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Top City Destinations for Americans

If you want to see the whole city of Paris, then you need to plan your itinerary beforehand. You will not be disappointed with the attractions; however, exploring the city will leave you a little exhausted. This magic of the city leaves anyone wanting more.




The city that never sleeps over the unforgettable skyline that serves as an attraction on its own is London. You can walk around the whole area where you can see the combination of lush parks and high rise buildings.



For those who want a really short break then Dubai is an excellent city. There are quite a number of hotels and attractions that will surely keep you busy. The warm weather can let you sunbathe throughout all the year. Definitely each time you visit this cosmopolitan city, you will see changes.




The iconic sights in Rome is a must see and must be discovered at least once in your life. If you love the art or you want to eat good food, you will find a home in this place. You can explore the city on foot and marvel the wonders of the place. Watch the sunset


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Prague is a must see gem. The place has great architecture and historical landmarks. If you want to stick with the tradition, you will definitely love this city. During summer months, the riverside is a great place to hang out.



There is no place like Dublin if you love to enjoy the nightlife. There are sights that you can explored by foot. If you don’t want crowds, then this is not a place for you. It is best to take advantage of opportunities if you are on a holiday.


The canals of Venice make the place an interesting city to explore whether by land or water. The place is expensive but it has a lot of historical attractions and fine dining restaurants. You will want to watch


The history of Berlin is drawing a lot of customers today. This is due to the history of the place. There are communal parks and cultural attractions making it an ideal city destination.


Morning Glory Pool, beautiful scene of the Yellowstone National Park

There are millions of tourists every year visiting the Yellowstone National Park which is the home of some natural sights like the Morning Glory Pool. This hot spring is the favorite part amongst those who visit this famous landmark. The natural wonder is known for its great color that you can see from miles way although over the past years it sort of fades away. Even if this is the case, the pool is still breathtaking. Much of the change in color is often blamed to the pollution happening all throughout the world. It was named after a flower during 1883 when the color back then was deep blue.




Morning Glory Pool (Upper Basin) at Yellowstone National Park

The first name of the Morning Glory Pool is Convolutus which is a Latin word. This beautiful site is found in the edge of Geyser Bin. Its dimensions are about 23 by 26 fee and the depth is about 23 feet. The water in the pool is so clear that you can see beyond its depth.  There are angles where the water is seen as flowing to its center. Because of the carelessness of the people, the pool is not anymore blue in the same way that it was. There are trashes thrown in the pool and this way blocks the vents of the pool and for this reasons the bacteria that once was causing the blue color does not survive anymore.

When vents are blocked, the temperature goes down. It causes other bacteria to thrive therefore it occurs the changing of the overall color. As time goes by and if the vents will not be open, the whole look of the pool would change. There is an old road that goes directly to the area and visitors could use this on the past, it’s not possible to use it now. There are some who not only throw trashes but they would also take some pieces found in the edge of the pool. They use it as a souvenir. For one to get in the area, you must walk or ride a bike.

Overall you will be traveling three miles. The whole thing is a geyser and for the people that are environmentalist are hoping that it will blow therefore removing the blockage from the vent. This is also something that can happen depending on the amount of the garbage found in the area. The government is putting up a program that will help the Morning Glory Pool back to its regular and beautiful state. If you are visiting Yellowstone, be sure to allot energy to travel and see the pool.

What to see in Bellinzona – A natural and cultural experience



After crossing the border into northern Italy, we find ourselves in Ticino, the warm and green corner of Switzerland. A holiday in Ticino also has the added advantage of being able to speak in english, without having to worry about being understood! The canton of Ticino in summer is particularly lovely, the beautiful mountains offer trails and paths for trekking, while cities full of museums and historic buildings are waiting for us.

The capital of Ticino is Bellinzona, also called the city of castles, still has three wonderful medieval fortresses, part of a massive defense system built by the Dukes of Milan to stop the advance of the Swiss Confederates. Castelgrande defense system is very old, the original part dates from the thirteenth century and was enlarged by the Milanese (between 1473 and 1486). Montebello Castle, built in the fifteenth century, dominates the Castelgrande and its towers can enjoy a spectacular view of the valley. Do not forget to photograph the long walls that extend up to the old village. The castle of Sasso Corbaro is the newest of the three, and was built in the late fifteenth century on top of the namesake cliff to control access to the valley.




When you finish your visit to the castles, there are some trails to walk in order to explore the mountains of Ticino. From Bellinzona you can reach Monte Carasso, where a small cable car leads up to 1400 meters high, in a magnificent panoramic view of the Alpe Mornera. The road leading to the farm world is really impressive, on the sides are ancient and majestic forests of fir, larch and chestnut trees, which were once of great economic importance. If you are trained you can, instead, go up the Mount Gesero, for example along the trail of the Passo San Jorio, the transition between the high and closed Lario Bellinzona, which according to legend was built by Queen Teodolinda.If you want to know more about Italian cities and Sicilia then visit girasicilia.it

Laguna del Diamante in Mendoza, Argentina


Found in the southwest of Mendoza, Laguna del Diamante is set on a province with great pasture and valets. This place is not well known but can give you an unforgettable travel experience. The main source is a lake that flows from San Rafael. It got the name from the crystal water that resembles that spark of diamond. This place can only be reached from December to March because the area is prone to severe weather conditions making it impossible to reach the area and heavy blizzards are blocking the area for most of the year.




Laguna del Diamante

You can get to Laguna Del Diamante by driving through the cordilleras. This said to be a real experience as well. The place is remote to the point that there is no public transport that travels in the area. You will need to hire a tour agency that will offer you the trip. There are day trips where you can enjoy horse trekking and climbing to the mountains. You might also want to take a tour from San Rafael which is said to be a close distance to the sight. As an advice it is best to always bring your passport with you. The lagoon is found in the bottom of Maipo’s volcano. The area is declared to be protected since 1995. Be sure to always have a digital camera with you and you can be able to capture the wildlife. It is best to know more about Laguna Del Diamante. The whole lagoon is resting on top of sulfur vents. There are poisonous gases that you should watch out for. It is said that the lagoon is hyper alkaline so it is several times saltier than the sea water. Aside from the fact that gas is harmful and toxic, the place is very high and it is dangerous for any life form in the lagoon.

The oxygen levels are low and the ultra violet light from the sun is intense compared to other regions. There scientists that have been exploring the area for years and they have found out that the rocks are filled with microbes. There are also species that are adapting to the condition of the lagoon, making the whole of the area as extreme as never. It is said that this place is quite similar to the early earth. It will give scientists an idea on how life began in this world. It is better to be prepared when planning to visit this extraordinary place.

What to see in San Marino, San Marino


Situated on top of the rock is where you can find the Republic of San Marino. This is third smallest state next to Vatican and Monaco. This is a favorite destination for millions of people who want to see its center.  There are hundreds of stalls where you can find everything from stamps to coins. There are also restaurants where you can taste local delicacies. Want to relax and catch a quite time? The old town is perfect and the views are breathtaking.  The history of San Marino is colorful and the road to its independence was tainted with people who are trying to own the land.




The best months to visit the place are from May to June. La Rocca o Guaita is the oldest defensive tower that overlooks the whole city of San Marino. The structure was affected but the foundation still remains strong. It serves as a guard tower and refuge. The entrance of the structure is where you can find baroque coat of arms. This is a picturesque tower that you shouldn’t miss. Palazzo Publico is a richly decorated opening which is a must see for first time visitors. You can also find the relics of Saint Marinus that is found in Basilica Del Santo.




Castello della Cesta is a sweeping panoramic view of the coast. This is the highest of San Marino’s fortress. There is a 13th century prison found in the depths of Montale Tower. Museo Della Tortura is where you can find various torture devices. There are a lot of activities that you can do in San Marino. You can take a picture of the Republican soldiers. Track down coins and buy souvenir set. You can attend the party that is happening on Rimini Riviera near Italy. Most of all you can dance till dawn.




Kerala, your travel destination

Kerala is  a beautiful state in the Southern part of India and is known all over the world as God’s Own Country.It is a small state but has plenty to offer and  is a tropical paradise with charming and pleasant cool climatic conditions, tempting sightseeing spots and alluring tourism
 attractions that make the tours more enjoyale and memorable



Kerala Honeymoon Packages are an ideal way to enjoy the  scintillating beauty of the nature, with  plethora of wonderful options that will give you  ultimate experiences and life long memories. From the tempting beaches in Kovalam, Varkala, Marari or Cherai to the beguiling backwaters in Alleppey, Kumarakom or Kollam or to the charming hill stations surrounding Munnar and the fascinating wildlife parks and sanctuaries in Thekkady or to the forts and palaces in Kochi a visit to  Kerala is a must visit once in a lifetime.

Here is a list of tourist places in Kerala that you should certainly visit when you go for your Kerala Trip
Munnar

Munnar is a wonderful getaway in Kerala, nestling at an altitude of 1,829 metres, amidst luscious tea and coffee plantations, hills, valleys, lakes, waterfalls, forests, exhilarating walks, birds and animals. . It is an ideal hill station to enjoy vacation and more of all the refreshing beauty allures thousands  of hundreds of tourists from across the globe. On Munnar tour don’t miss to visit some of the exciting sightseeing spots that include Mattupetty Lake and  Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Attukal, Devikulam, Rajamala, etc. These are some of the exciting sightseeing spots that lure great number of tourists and engross visitors to enjoy vacation with ultimate experiences of lifetime.
Alleppey

Alleppey is a charming backwater destination and has  amazingly beautiful  backwaters in Kerala . It is lovingly called Venice of the East because of the canals and backwaters . While cruising in these floating luxury vessel , tourists can  enjoy the scenes in a Kerala country side – skim past Chinese fishing nets, bowed down paddy fields, local inhabitants engaged in making coir products, rustic homes and swaying coconut palms. Backwater cruises are the nest means for undesstanding the village life in Kerala.
Kumarakom

Kumarakom is an important part of Kerala and is one of the most sought after destination for backwater cruise. Kumarakom is also famous for its exotic bird sanctuary and the scintillating natural beauty that offer visitors wonderful opportunity to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.Kumarakom is a relaxed backwater tourist destination when compared to Alleppey.
Thekkady

Thekkady is famous for the wold life sanctuary which is among the largest elephant sanctuaries in India . Thekkady is very popular among tourists for its exotic wildlife sanctuary and scenic touristic  places that engross the tourists to enjoy vacation with ultimate experiences of lifetime.
Cochin

Cochin is  the commercial capital of Kerala.  Some of the exciting tourism attractions in Kerala are Fort Kochi, Bolghatty Palace, Chinese Fishing Net, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Willingdon Island, Museum of Kerala History, etc. So organise a tour and explore the exciting tourism attraction of Cochin and treasure a unique travel experiences to relish in forever.

Kerala is an ideal gateway  for families and honeymooners to enjoy refreshing and alluring break. Don’t miss any  wonderful opportunity to  experience and enjoy Kerala if you get a chance.

Cultural attractions in Quebec


Quebec is the largest province of Canada land and with its strong cultural identity, language and institution is considered as an independent nation within Canada. Quebec is one of the main tourist destinations in Canada and this act as one of the pillars of its economy.




Quebec stands out of other Canadian cities as it possesses the greatest French cultural influence. Among the main cultural attractions of Quebec, we have:

• City of Quebec. The capital of Quebec is a must-visit, with its typical European architecture and scenery as well as the wide variety of museums and galleries. Since 1985 is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

• Lachine Canal. This channel of the eighteenth century has been restored in recent years and is where we find pleasure boats and rides that will allow you a tour of the city.

• Plein Art Festival Quebec. In this exhibition you will learn more about handmade art creations in Quebec like textiles, ceramics, jewelry and others.

• Museum of Civilization in Quebec City. Among its facilities you can visit the remains of the cultural life of Quebec throughout its history.

• Canadian Museum of Civilization. Located in the city of Gatineau, in this museum you can witness exhibitions of all kinds, excelling in those with children as a group target.

• The Basilica Notre Dame de Quebec. The Basilica Notre Dame de Quebec is the first Church of Canada and seat of the Catholic archdiocese in the country. Its construction dates back to 1647.

• National Museum of Fine Arts. Located in the Parc des Champs de Bataille, the National Museum of Fine Arts is one of the oldest in the country and has important collections of modern art.

• The Saint-Joseph Oratory. The Oratory is located in the north of Mount Royal in Montreal, Quebec, and dates from the early twentieth century.

Quebec has a unique culture that is nurtured by the influence of North America and Europe and is a destination that goes beyond attraction, especially cultural, and has been host to famous figures such as Jacques Villeneuve and outstanding artistic performances such as Cirque du Soleil. Tourists looking to make cultural and historical tourism must consider Quebec as one of their next destinations