Barcelona Spain So Much Fun In One Day

The city of Barcelona, Spain, as all the Iberian Peninsula, has been clearly marked by its long history which dates to the Roman times. But what really left a deep impression and can still be fully appreciated today is what the Arabs left behind. Not only can you awe at the lovely cathedrals, temples and other buildings but you can feel it in the powerful, brave character of the people in Catalunya. The cities of Lleida, Girona, Tarragona and Barcelona make up the region called Catalunya and with it an extensive shore line which starts at the French border and goes mid-way down the Mediterranean until the Community of Valencia.

Having so much coast, Barcelona has not only been able to captivate tourism in the summer with excellent beach resorts, hotels and water sports, but also thanks to its cultural and architectural activities. One of the most outstanding sights that everyone wants to see when traveling to Barcelona is the Sacred Family or as many people know it even though they do not speak Spanish is the famous Sagrada Familia at the Placa de la Sagrada Square. Antonio Gaudi, a renowned architect started to build a church for the needy in 1883. He, together with other architects, worked on this project which was supported by donations from those who cared. In 1898 he decided that he wanted his masterpiece to one of the most original known up until then and changed the typical bell towers which were always square to be rounded off. He also added the Swiss cheese appearance to them. By around 1923, the chapel called Saint Joseph, the east facing and the crypt had been completed. It had been worked on vigorously up until Gaudi died in 1926 and therefore buried in the crypt designed by him. Since then all the bell towers and other parts have been completed but it still has not been finished. But all around the city you can find gaudi´s works: La Pedrera, Mila House, and the park Guell. But The Sagrada Familia is still one of the most impressive pieces of architecture ever seen.

A city full of Museums and Attractions

But if you are looking for more strong emotions, then head over to the Picasso Museum. This museum is shared between five medieval palaces which contain a nice overall view of his different fazes. Therefore, it lets you travel from Malaga which was his home town to Paris, so well reflected in his paintings, to Russia and his captivating detailed ballet paintings and finally to Barcelona where he settled. This is an absolute must and even more interesting is that it costs so little, has long visiting hours to let you roam about, great public transport combinations and is found in the Cuitat Vella Parc. The Ciutat Vella ( the beautiful city ), was once the entire city of Barcelona until the end of the 14th century and was the principal and only surviving zones made up of four areas: The Gothic Neighbourhood, La Ribera, Las Ramblas ( flowered promenade ) and the Raval. It is so easy to find and get there because there are four distinctive landmarks that lead us by the hand as if it were a famous framed picture. Using the Catalunya Square as its left frontier, you go straight down Las Ramblas Street until you see the impressive Christopher Columbus Monument towering over you as soon as you reach the edge of the port. Leisurely strolling towards the north in the direction of the Olympic Port you come across the Cuitadella Park. At this point tu left to feast your eyes on the emotive Arch of Triumph some blocks away. Within this enclosed circle of narrow cobblestone streets and typically set up shops, you are wrapped up in living history.

It does not matter if you are an avid Barcelona Football ( Soccer ) fan and know that this team is usually called ´Barca´, or just a visitor who wants to enjoy a good match, do not forget to pass by the Nou Camp football stadium to reserve or buy your tickets. Football season is usually between September and May. This year Fran Rikard has led the Barca to win the Spanish Football League so there will be a lot of celebrations and neat souvenirs to buy.

The Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, as this area is referred to, has clean cared for beaches and caters to the tourist both inside the city as well as on the outskirts with a wide selection of accomodations. There chalets, semi-detached homes and apartments for rent or all kinds of hotels starting from a simple youth hostel, passing through a bed and breakfast type lodging to three, four and five star hotels. Whether you are going to be in Barcelona for a romantic honeymoon, just a quick weekend get away, family holidays or a business trip, you can enjoy yourself in one way or another.

You will never be bored because the information available on Barcelona can be easily found on the net, through travel agencies, or going directly to a tourist information booth when you arrive at the airport. This information is offered to you in many different languages and is usually free. It provides the traveler with precise information about museums and other monuments ( their prices and hours ), temporary exhibitions, banks, entertainment, restaurants and shopping areas, the sorts of hotels and where they are all located on very simple maps.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Rob Carlton wrote many contributions to www.barcelona-information.com a web site full of travel tips on Barcelona. Within his publications he is gives practical tips on the Barcelona Airport www.barcelona-information.com/barcelona-airport.html and the biggest sightseeing attractions.

The Seville region of Spain

SEVILLE

Seville (Sevilla), the capital of Andalucia stands on the banks of the Rio Guadalquivir which has sculpted the surrounding landscape and left the area a fertile plain, perhaps one of the reasons that Seville is such a beautiful city with its lush sub tropical gardens.

You need at least a few days in which to explore Seville, though falling in love with this ancient city will take far less time. Exploring by foot is the best way to get to know Sevilla, La Arenal is a good place to start. The port of Seville was once here, before the river silted up and the area took a downward tu, becoming entwined with the notorious underworld. However after the river was converted to a canal, the area began to regain its previous glory. Today boat trips can be taken down the river to view Seville from the peace of the water. The Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza is Seville's bullring and built in the 18th century is one of the oldest in Spain. The arena seats up to 14000 and visitors can take guided tours here. Bullfighting season beings on Easter Sunday and lasts until October.

Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter, a literal maze of narrow streets, and small sunny squares hiding tapas bars, plazas and quaint gardens. Excellent bars and restaurants can be found here. Seville's cathedral towers above the Jewish quarter and was previously the site of a large mosque when Sevilla was under Moorish rule. Don't leave Seville without visiting one of its wonders, the Reales Alcazares, Royal Palace. The palace is a work of art in itself and the beauty of the buildings, facades and gardens will take your breath away.

Leaving the city into the region also known as Seville, we find a countryside of distinctive flavours. The area around Seville, as mentioned previously is a fertile farmland, La Campina. To the north of the region you'll find the La Colmarca de la Sierra a mountainous area with lots of options for outdoor activities.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Warren Ward runs the vacation owner rental website of www.ChooseSpain.com which advertises hundreds of holiday villas and apartments throughout Spain.

Visit Newport Beach California

Newport Beach, home to Newport Harbor and Balboa Island, is fifty miles from Los Angeles, fourteen miles from Disneyland in Anaheim and thirty miles from Catalina Island. It's a great place to get away from it all but still have it all. It is a small, population approximately 72,000, affluent city surrounded by major attractions.

Rent a condo or villa, stay at an inexpensive motel, park your RV at the Newport Dunes Resort & Marina, check into a medium priced hotel or pamper yourself at a luxury hotel like the Balboa Bay Club & Resort which shares the same address as the Balboa Bay Club ("The Balboa Bay Club which boasts a star-studded history with a guest register bearing the signatures of luminaries, including John Wayne, Ronald and Nancy Regan, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood and many more."), Four Seasons, Hyatt Regency, Mariott or the Balboa Inn.

Dine at one of the many excellent restaurants like the Newport Landing Restaurant ("Newport Landing is Newport Beach. Located on the Bay overlooking the historic Balboa Ferry with a panoramic view of Newport Harbor, Balboa Island, Newport Center, and the distant peaks of Saddleback."), The Ritz Restaurant & Garden ("Synonymous with elegance, gracious service and award-winning cuisine."), The Sol Restaurant in the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach (Featuring World Island cuisine from the Caribbean, South Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico.), Woody's Wharf ("Live entertainment Friday and Saturday night. Valet parking and quest slips available fo the boaters.") or The Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom ("Famous for its world-renowned cupola and illuminated by more than 1,400 white lights, the Balboa Pavilion has served as the beacon of Newport Beach for almost a century."). These are but a few of the fine restaurants in Newport Beach.

Spend some time at the clean sandy beaches, cruise the large smooth water harbor while viewing the large yachts and multi million dollar homes, charter a sport fishing boat, rent a sail boat, have a party or get married on a chartered yacht, take a ride in a gondola, visit the Orange County Museum of Art, visit the many gift shops, art galleries and sidewalk cafes on Balboa Island, visit the boardwalk shops and restaurants at Newport Pier, visit or take a swim at Pirates Cove, which is best known for the filming of Gilligans Island, go hikeing, horseback riding, scuba diving or surfing at Crystal Cove State Park or catch a ride to Catalina Island.

If for some reason you need more to do, close by you will find Disneyland in Anaheim, Knott's Berry Farm and Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park and golf courses galore.

For more information about the city of Newport Beach, Califoia see http://newportbeach.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Newport Beach, Califoia guides and directories listing information, resources, services, attoeys, realtors, things to do and places to go.

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David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several inteet directories, including www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

The Enchanting South West of Australia

Australia's South West offers some of the most diverse travel experiences in Weste Australia, ranging from towering forests and whale watching to fine food and wine and world class surfing. Approximately four hours south of the state capital Perth, Margaret River is the popular centre of this fascinating region famous for its world-class wineries, top surfing and fun family holidays.
The Margaret River Wine Region is famous for its abundance of mouth-watering fresh produce and wines. Whether you enjoy full-bodied wines, fruity olive oil, premium cheeses or delicious hand-made chocolates, Margaret River is a gourmet food lovers’ paradise. Visitors can indulge in a rich smorgasbord of culinary delights at a host of world-class wineries and restaurants dotted throughout the region. The Margaret River Wine Region includes the area between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin and east to Busselton, covering a cluster of towns each with their own distinctive traits.
Margaret River is also famous for its world class waves, and has more than 40 locations offering excellent surfing in conditions ranging from powerful reef breaks to gentler beach breaks. Margaret River's surf is among the most consistent in the world, and the region is also among the scenic and laid back surfing destinations in the world. Swells are consistent at Margaret River due to the thousands of kilometres of uninterrupted Indian Ocean seas between Africa and Australia. The massive surf along the Margaret River coastline has made the town a surfing mecca, and host to a world-class surfing competition, the Salomon Masters.
The seaside town of Busselton is home to the longest wooden jetty in the southe hemisphere, and provides excellent fishing. The jetty has been described as Australia's greatest artificial reef and is home to an astonishing array of vividly coloured sealife including corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. Busselton's calm waters are a playground for all manner of aquatic activity, including water-skiing snorkelling and scuba diving. The Busselton underwater observatory allows visitors to view one of Australia’s most fascinating artificial reefs without getting wet.
The south-west is a paradise for scuba divers. Divers can explore the HMAS Swan wreck, which is also visible to snorkellers from above the ocean surface. In Busselton, the Jetty and Underwater Observatory provide amazing views of the colourful world beneath the water. In Albany more fascinating diving experiences are available including the HMAS Perth wreck. Albany is famous for its whaling history, now preserved in a seaside whaling museum. Whale watching boat trips operate along the Southe Ocean coast up to Augusta on the Indian Ocean coast.
Dunsborough is located on the coast of Geographe Bay, and is home to sheltered beaches and beautiful forests criss-crossed by scenic walking trails. It is also home to a renowned diving location, the HMAS Swan wreck. Augusta is the most south-weste point of Weste Australia, where the Southe Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. Whales can be easily spotted off the coast from the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at Augusta from June to December.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Outback Tour topics, including Alice Springs Tour destinations and Kangaroo Island Tour itineraries.

An Overview of China for Travelers

China is often left out of discussions of early civilization which is a mistake since it was one of the first. If you are taking a trip to China, here is some background information your should know.

An Overview of China for Travelers

The official name of the country is the People's Republic of China. China covers a land mass of over 3.7 million square miles, making it a large country indeed. The capital is Beijing. Other major cities include Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Harbin, and Chengdu.

With such a massive land area, you can image that there is a wide variety of terrain in the country. Generally, one can find plains, deltas and hills in the east, while mountains, high plateaus and a vast desert exists in the west. The climate ranges from tropical in the far south to arctic cold in the far north on the border with Siberia, Russia.

The people of China are known as Chinese. The most recent population study put the total number of Chinese at over 1.3 billion people, more than four times as many people as found in the United States. Population growth, however, has slowed to roughly half a percent annually. The reason for the slow down is very controversial. Conceed about economic strain caused by population growth, China has implemented a policy of allowing for only one child per family with some minor exceptions. Enforcement of this policy is supposedly done through fines, but forced abortions are known to occur despite govement policy opposing them. The govement hopes to stabilize the population at no more than 1.6 billion people through 2050. The current infant mortality rate is an astonishingly high 25.5 per 1,000 births.

Ethnicity in China is a hodgepodge issue given its vast size and long history. Han Chinese is the dominant group, consisting of over 91 percent of the population. This is a very loose group, however, as evidenced by various dialects of language in the country. There are seven major Chinese dialects and literally hundreds of localized dialects. Mandarin is the dominant dialect, spoken by over 70 percent of the population in one form or another. That being said, only 60 percent of the Han Chinese can speak it with the remaining 40 percent speaking other dialects. In addition to Mandarin, languages spoken widely included Turkic, Korean, Uygur, Tibetan and Mongolian. It is often said that people in one part of China can't communicate with people on the opposite side.

From a religious perspective, China is officially atheist. That being said, it takes a lax view towards faiths that work with the govement. Buddhism is the largest faith with over 100 million practitioners. Taoism is the second most popular. There is a smattering of Muslim and Christian believers, but nothing significant.

As this overview demonstrates, China is huge and unique. This makes it a great travel destination.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Richard Monk is with FactsMonk.com - a site with facts about everything. Visit us to read more about country facts and facts about China.

Travel in Australia

Australia is located in the Southe Hemisphere and it is over twenty times the size of the United Kingdom has the lowest population density in the world, with only two people per square kilometre, has more than seven thousand beaches (more than any other country) and covers three time zones. It is also the sixth largest country and smallest continent on the planet.

Aboriginal settlers first arrived in Australia from Southeast Asia, forty thousand years before even the first Europeans came in the 17th century. As no formal territorial claims were made at that particular time, it was a British Captain James Cook who landed at Botany Bay with convicts, outside Sydney who took possession in 1770. Colonies were then created to become what is now the termed the commonwealth of Australia.

The country developed rapidly, and made a significant contribution to Britain's war efforts in world wars one and two. Australia is truly a country of magical contrasts and is the driest and hottest country on earth, however it is a fabulous all year round holiday destination. In the Australian winter you can ski in the southe states one day and be diving in the balmy waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland the next.

Australia's cities are dynamic and thriving, with areas of outstanding natural beauty and vast, extremely remote, un-populated and isolated regions. The majority of Australians live 50 Km (~30 miles) or less from the coast and much of the interior is un-populated. Travelling through some remote or isolated parts of Australia can be an extremely hazardous experience and should not be undertaken unless prepared.

The country is divided into six states, two mainland territories and several exteal territories and dependencies and comprises the mainland, the island of Tasmania and a multitude of smaller off shore islands such as The Whitsundays located off the northeast coast

The Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly Australia's premier attraction. At over 1,400 miles in length, the Great Barrier Reef is reckoned to be the world's largest natural feature and can even be seen from space! It consists of thousands of individual reefs and over 600 islands; the Barrier Reef is best-enjoyed scuba diving or glass boating. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a "must do" activity and trips there can be organised out of the tourist resorts of Cais or Port Douglas

The Red Centre, located in the Northe Territory, is both the physical and spiritual centre of Australia. It is spiritual to the aboriginal people and as such is the site of the world famous Uluru (Ayers Rock), reddish rock that is the world's largest monolith. Climbing this rock is deemed offensive to the Aborigines and is therefore discouraged at most to ignorant tourists. Posing in stark contrast to its flat surrounding, Uluru is best viewed at sunrise and sunset when its colour seems to change in mysterious and magical ways.

Sydney is definitely a must see, has many attractions and fabulous setting in which to enjoy them. The city's natural harbour features the ultimately spectacular Opera House, the Rocks (the original penal colony in Australia), Darling Harbour, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.Throw in some great beaches (Bondi, Manly, Chinaman's) and it's famous Gastronomic delights and you begin to realize why Sydney is a truly world class city. No wonder the recent Olympics were voted one of the best ever!

Melboue is the most stylish city in Australia as it is home to a neat blend of mode and Victorian architectures. Federation Square and great places for eating drinking and shopping

Canberra is the capital and govement centre of Australia. It is a purpose built, ultra mode high tech city. It is not one for a historical or character outlook because of this. However trips to Parliament house and the National Gallery are worth doing.

It has to be mentioned that Australia's flora and fauna are truly unique, nowhere else on earth are such to be found. The nature is so diverse and very interesting, so strange that the creatures hop or burrow and carry their young in pouches. It was once considered that the country had a different evolutionary path than the rest of the world's species. Seeing the nature there is quite an experience, on a par with Africa, although the creatures are not quite as physically imposing.

Travel by Bus

All the cities of Australia are well served by buses, which travel throughout the entire city. Buses are available for both inner-city tourist attractions, which features numerous sightseeing stops around, and buses are also available for attractions, travelling up to around 30 miles from the city. Bus fares in most cities are purchased from the bus driver and there are discount ticket options available.

Travel by Taxi

Taxis in the cities is an economic option for shorter joueys and taxicabs travel all over the centres and suburbs. Cabs can be flagged down on the streets, while taxi ranks are to be found outside the Airports, bus stations, railway stations and many other locations.

Travel by Car Hire/Rental

Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around the Australian city areas, with some firms offering discounts for rentals of three days and over. To rent a car you must show a full driver's licence and a credit card in the driver's name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 23 to 70 years, although some companies can make exceptions.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hire at Car Hire Australia.

Travel to greece

Traveling to any new country away from oneÂ's homeland for a vacation is exciting and filled with fun and when the destination country is such as Greece the excitement and joy attached with it are limitless. Traveling throughout Greece has been a hot favorite amongst both the historians and mode day vacationers. Many of the cities in Greece like Athens, Crete, Macedonia and other Islands of Greece hardly need any introduction. They are the most famous cities of ancient times and offer limitless opportunities for a present day traveler.

The geographical location of many cities in Greece favor wide spread physical structures in those regions. People can find both mountains and seacoasts along side the main city region. This creates an exotic view for any traveler that they would long cherish even after their vacations. A trip to any city in Greece would prove the richness of ancient culture and architecture in this country. A walk around any city would reveal the magnificent historical remains and the museums throughout Greece carry the stories of rich cultural past.

Names such as those of Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and many more all have their roots in the city of Athens in Greece. One of the most popular places in Greece is Athens which is a must visit region for any traveler here. It offers numerous options for sight seeing, visiting the most world famous museums and also a great shopping spree. Being a center for tourist visit the area also has various choices of hotels and eateries. All provide excellent services and things as suited to individual requirements.

Greece presents an amazing mix of ancient and mode culture. The archeological sites and latest mode structures all co-exist on the streets of Greece. Also there are immense food options available here. The recipes are mouthwatering and the delicacies served are an excellent blend of traditional food adapted to the mode eating habits. Restaurants in Greece are world famous for providing fabulous traditional dishes and hence it is also a paradise for food lovers.

Numerous islands here are a perfect place for water enthusiasts and the hotels offering rooms with an ocean view only make the place more attractive. Most places in Greece require some movement on foot to enjoy the best experience in these islands. The streets are narrow and vehicular traffic could cause congestion at those places hence vehicles are best avoided. Also an added attraction of the region is the lively nightlife that spreads through the entire region. Nightlife here is rampant and high in sprits offering another option for fun loving people.

As if the ancient views, exotic eateries and other reasons were not enough, being a home to many of the mountains and water bodies Greece also offers numerous facilities for water games and mountain hikes. Sea beaches along the islands are perfect time pass for visitors who can spend the day strolling through the fantastic views of the seashore. Rowing, rafting and boating are also common in this area. Hiking on mountains is an adventurous activity possible in Greece. Whatever be the taste of any traveler Greece has a reason for everyone to visit the country.

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Mansi gupta writes about. travel to greece Lea more at www.greciantraveller.com

Ingolstadt in Germany

Situated at the beautiful Danube River in the heart of Bavaria, Ingolstadt is one of the eldest and most charming cities in Germany.

Early settlements prove the existence of a density of population since 1800 BC. The first time Ingolstadt was mentioned in an official document was in the year 806 by Carl the Great and it got its town rights in 1250. Although that, the city is being considered found around 600 AD by Ingold. The name was first "Ingoldes Stadt" (City of Ingold), but throughout the centuries it has received its present name - Ingolstadt.

An interesting thing to know about Ingolstadt's history is the foundation the Bavarian Illuminati, a famous secret society, which was established by Adam Weishaupt in 1776. Moreover, Ingolstadt is the seat of the automobile company AUDI, which was founded by August Horch. AUDI is also believed by some to be an acronym for Auto Union Deutschland Ingolstadt. The city has a very successful ice hockey team called ERC Ingolstadt, which is currently in the first place of the DEL in Germany and made the second place in last years' play-offs. The city is also the setting of the famous book "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelly.

Through the centuries, the city center of Ingolstadt has kept its old typical town architecture style and buildings that date from the middle Ages. Some parts of the city wall are restored in their original look and there are a couple of museums that are worth a visit, like the Military Museum, the Toy Museum, the German Medicine Historical Museum and others.

Although this city has a quite small population of approximately 122 000 people, Ingolstadt has a big number of feasts celebrated throughout the year. The most famous ones are the "Pfingstvolksfest" (02.06-11.06) and the "Herbstfest" (22.09-03.10), where people are drinking a lot of beer, enjoying the theme park-like atmosphere and looking at the little sales booths. You could actually say that it's a small version of Oktoberfest. Having mentioned these beer-feasts, it now seems appropriate to name the four breweries, which are providing the beer for them and are of course situated in Ingolstadt: "Ingobräu", "Herbräu", "Nordbräu" and "Westpark Bräu 1516". Other bigger feasts are the "Brunnenfest" (01.04-17.04), "Septemberdult" (09.09-17.09 and the "Christkindlmarkt" (01.12-23.12). In this year there will be even more feasts and parties, as Ingolstadt is celebrating its anniversary - exactly 1200 years, in February.

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Ingolstadt in Germany. The author of this article - Yana Oresharova, is a publisher in EarthPoint Blog.

Chile the country not the food

Chile, The Republic of Chile is a country located in South America. Chile occupies a long coastal strip between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. To the East It shares borders with Argentina, and to the North Peru.

Several theories exist to the origin of the world Chile. One theory, the Incas of Peru, who had failed to conquer the Araucanians, called the valley of the Aconcagua by corruption of the name of a tribal chief called Tili. Tili who ruled the area during the time of the Incan conquest. One more theory points out the similarities of the Aconcagua valley with that of the Casma in Peru. In Casma Peru there was a town and valley named Chili. Others think that Chile may have derived its name from the indigenous Mapuche word chilli, which may have meant "where the land ends" or "the deepest point of the Earth".

Approximately 10,000 years ago, Native Americans migrating from the North settled in fertile valleys of South America which is now Chile. The Incas for a while extended their empire into what is present day northe Chile, but because of the area's remoteness, and the strong opposition that existed at the time extensive settlement was prevented.

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the following caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

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Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Pixibot. Which is a great web directory and information center for information on all types of topics.

Mexican travel guide

Mexican flavor of architecture, food and living has impressed people all over the world. Mexican culture and artifacts are famous around the globe and hence there is no better way to enjoy and become familiar with the Mexican sprit than touring the country itself. Mexico as a tourist spot offers wide range of geographical locations and country sites for a traveler to choose. The country touches the shores of ocean at many places and has high-rise mountains at other end. The region presents an excellent opportunity for water sports and deep-sea excursions and mountaineering.

With fabulous hotels and exotic views to offer Mexico has also developed into a favorite honeymoon destination. Recently wedded couples find numerous getaways in this country. The cities here present a promising adventurous vacation. Among the all time favorite destination is Acapulco a place that has attracted tourists since earlier times because of its rocking nightlife and beautiful beaches. Apart from regular water sports cliff diving is an added exclusive special attraction of the place. Mainly well-trained professionals perform this art after the sun goes down and it presents a spectacular view for the tourists. With hotels having private and semi-private swimming pools to offer it has become a favorite for couples on vacation.

Another very popular spot for tourists is the Yucatan Peninsula, which is famous for its ancient ruins of Mexican architecture and traditions. The geographical location of Yucatan peninsula renders it a perfect visiting area. Although the weather at this place in inviting all year round still the tourist attraction is maximum from October to June.
Mexico is a paradise for water game lovers, sea divers, trekkers and other such activists. Apart from offering boating, rafting and cruise options for tourists every popular travel spots also have dedicated shopping centers. The shops offer anything from Mexican folk art, handicrafts depicting Mexican culture, jewellery, pottery, shirts and many other such options to take back home as a souvenir from Mexico.

The prime religion in Mexico is mainly Catholics and this thought is well expressed by the spread of well-constructed cathedrals around the town. These cathedrals are masterpieces of architecture and exhibit a great deal about the rich cultural history of the place. While on the way through the city lanes the Christian archeological extracts are visible throughout the jouey. Vacationing in Mexico with stay and sightseeing the trip may sometimes prove to be costlier than expected. Hence its best advised to preplan the visit and opt for an all included packaged jouey tour in the country. The travel agents best guide tourists through most favorite hot spots among travelers and options that fit best within the budget.

Night safari through the forests of the region is an added attraction. A safari on four wheeler jeeps through the mountains can well be an experience of lifetime. The best ways for touring the country is having a base destination at one place and then go touring other neighboring spots on short trips. Biking is another favorite activity in the region cycling through Mexico is so popular that anyone visiting this country can hardly avoid retuing back without enjoying a bike-ride.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Mansi gupta writes about. mexican travel .Lea more at www.gotouringmexico.com

Travel Portugal A Land True To Its Past

Perched on the weste edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal stands out among its neighbors as one of the oldest and yet most traditional and conservative European civilizations. Visitors can view 22,000 year-old Paleolithic art on the rock faces of Vale do Côa, and human occupation of this region dates 500,000 years back in time! The Celts settled here around 750 B.C. and were followed by Romans, Visigoths, and Greeks among others. The Moors enjoyed their infamous occupation from the 8th to the 13th Century and left their culture and oate, whitewashed architecture as an eclectic signature on the Iberian Peninsula.

Today, Portugal's homogenous culture and dedication to tradition is largely due to Salazar's oppressive rule during the mid-1900s. As a result, visitors can enjoy a more culturally authentic stay in Portugal than any other European nation.

The north-south axis of mainland Portugal creates regions of dynamic terrain and unique specialties. The popular Douro Valley stretches 125 miles along a winding river and is famous for the string of port wineries at its edges. Cruises are now offered along the entire length of the Valley, beginning in Porto. The resort town of Lagos in the southe Algarve region attracts sun-seekers and history buffs alike. Prepare to be swept away by this hidden gem encircled by 15th Century walls.

Travel Portugal in the Atlantic

Two groups of islands off the Atlantic Coastline belong to Portugal and are a perfect and serene escape from the mainland, offering centuries of Portuguese history all their own and a look into the region's natural beauty. The Azores Islands archipelago lies 907 miles from the coast and is a haven of turquoise lakes, rolling green hills and sandy beaches. Monasteries, cathedrals, forts and ruins dating back to the 15th Century, when Portuguese navigators encountered the outcropping, are sprinkled about the islands. To the South, the enticing subtropical climate of Madeira Island and the surrounding volcanic archipelago is a bastion for adventure-seekers, resort luxuries, Madeira wine and untouched 15th Century architecture standing dramatically on seaside cliffs. Both of these secluded retreats are easily accessible from major airports on mainland Portugal.

Tips to the Savvy Traveler

Nearly all of Portugal works on Siesta time and 97% of the country is Catholic, therefore also affecting commercial hours and holidays. Most shops, banks and pharmacies are closed between 1pm and 3pm (yes, even in major cities). Make special note that museums also close in the middle of the day between 12:30pm and 2pm. Almost everything except museums closes by 1pm on Saturdays, and plan on simply eating and resting on Sundays when nothing is open. To plan your trip wisely, check the hours of operation of attractions you'd like to see before planning your trip or booking your room!

Lastly, be aware when traveling by taxi. Fare is metered within urban limits, but once you leave these boundaries, you will be charged by the kilometer in addition to the price of the driver's retu trip to the starting point. When taking a taxi after midnight, negotiate the price with the driver before getting in the car, especially if you've been indulging in Port!

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Get cheap airfare from cFares.

Visiting the Iti National Park

The Iti National Park in Greece is one of the main natural parks tourists could meet in this country. This park is situated towards the southe side of the valley of River Sperchios and counts with a wide variety of trees, plants and animals which provide it with a very unique and interesting environment.

Those tourists who enjoy green areas, trees and plants could be able to have a great time while visiting the Iti National Park. Within the park, visitors can meet some unique trees and plants such as, per example, oaks, cedars, oleanders, arbutus, and the Alpine lily lilium cholcedonium.

Besides its plants and trees, this park counts with a very special fauna that consists on a great amount and variety of animals of different species. The Iti National Park has wild goats, wild boars, deer, rodents, tortoises, reptiles, as well as an amazing variety of birds among which there are vultures, eagles, partridges, hoopoes, hawks, and owls.

There are many interesting things to do and spots to meet while being in the Iti National Park and its surroundings. Among these interesting spots there is the Monastery of Agathanos, the Museum of Natural History, the Archeological Museum of Lamia, the Byzantine Museum, the River Sperchios, and the River Gorgopotamos with its antique bridge among several others.

The Iti National Park is situated within Mount Iti, a spot which is famous by its birds and abundant forestation. This way, those who enjoy meeting interesting and unique birds, as well as those who like being out doors and breath fresh air, would be able to have a great time while visiting this park and its surroundings.

Mount Iti is characterized by having four main and deep gorges mixed with an amazing forestation and its fauna, and part of it is considered a wild life refuge protected by some organizations who are involved with the care for natural environments. This mount also offers some spots ideal to agriculture due to the richness of its lands, and as it can be noticed, it is a paradisiacal spot to all those who love nature.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit www.eurotomic.com/greece.php if you're planning a trip to Greece.

Egyptian travel guide

The land of the Pharaohs. The child of the Nile. Call it by any name but the mystic land never ends to attract the greatest people to it. ItÂ's the country, which is home to the oldest civilization of the world. The magnanimity and the grandeur of the Egyptian civilization is what make it the travelerÂ's paradise. The popularity of the place is mainly because of the great pyramids at Giza. These architectural and construction wonders have made a firm footing in the list of the Seven Wonders of the World. And that is not all. The pyramids are present at other places too. The famous statue of the Sphinx is also there in Giza. The fertility of the Nile Basin is the main reason why the greatest civilization could thrive there.

The capital city of Cairo is also an inteational hub now. The city is a smooth blend of culture and modeization. The city has the greatest business centers and the best infrastructure in the country. Ancient museums and art galleries ado this city. The city holds the distinction of being the oldest in the world. The best way to travel around the city is on foot. This gives the inquisitive tourist ample time to see each structure. But for the people wit less time, transportation is easy in the city. Many mosques are there and they give an impression of the grandeur of architecture.

The great desert surrounds the country and the most important sources of life in the desert are the oases. These are the fertile lands in the middle of the desert, which are used for agriculture and cultivation. They are the cradles of life in the very challenging weathers of the desert. The Dakhla, the Siwa are some of the oases locations where the Egyptian people cultivate. The nomads of the desert find a resting place in the oases. The Foyum is a large oasis and is the source of salt. Many tourists from Islamic and non-islamic countries come to visit the country.

Mount Sinai is one of the sacred spots of the country. It was the place where Moses gave the famous TEN COMMANDMENTS to his disciples and explained them the message of the God. The place is known for its religious importance. The place is lined by the Red Sea, which houses very beautiful coral reef, and it offers fantastic geographic beauty. Apart from the religious pursuits the city also offers the best shopping hubs and showrooms. The city is never short of new things to show. But the spots of religious and historical importance remain the most visited. There are many water parks that offer joy rides and other entertainment offers. The cities of Egypt are always bustling with activity and the bird watchers can find the natural beauties around Lake Nasser. The country fulfills all the expectations of the visitors completely. The most important point remains the preservation of the cultural heritage and that had to in the hands of the residents.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Mansi gupta writes about. egyptian travel Lea more at . www.adventuretoegypt.com

Crater Lake National Park The Gem Of The Pacific Northwest

Crater Lake National Park is a gem of the Pacific Northwest. It is located in south central Oregon in a sparsely populated area and it truly is in the middle of nowhere.

That's what makes visiting Crater Lake all the more an adventure. You are not going to get to Crater Lake unless you make it your purpose to get here. The closest airports are in Klamath Falls (60 miles from the park) and Medford (80 miles from the park).

But getting there is well worth your effort!

Few places on earth create such an overwhelming awe from observers, however Crater Lake National Park certainly does. Even in a region that boasts many natural and volcanic vistas, the only description for Crater Lake is incredible.

You may have heard about the deep blue color of the lake, but words can never prepare you for the first breathtaking look from the edge of this 6 mile wide crater or caldera which was caused by the eruption and subsequent cave in of Mt. Mazama a few thousand years ago.

My most vivid memory of Crater Lake is finding various overlooks along Rim Road that encircles the park. One spot in particular has an incredible overlook that you can walk out on that isn't much wider than 3 or 4 feet. The thing that makes this spot so awesome is that the 3 foot wide path out to the overlook drops off steeply more than 1,200' in some places.

Sorry I won't tell you where this secret spot is, I'm going to let you find it all on your own. However, you will certainly know it when you get there!

Much of the year Crater Lake is snowed in. The area around Crater Lake receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, averaging an astonishing 533 inches per year.

For a brief time each year, Crater Lake National Park emerges from this winter freeze to bask in the summertime sun. If you visit early in the season you may be surprised by the amount of snow which remains long into months which are considered early to mid-summer in most parts of the nation. Because of these harsh and often unpredictable weather pattes, most park roads are closed even through the late spring.

Crater Lake is host to a vast array of activities. While enjoying the natural scenic wonders, park visitors may hike in old growth forests, participate in a variety of interpretive activities, camp out or stay in an historic hotel, or even cross-country ski during the very long eight month winters which are experienced here in the Cascade mountains.

If you are planning to visit Crater Lake there are only two campgrounds in the park that have a total of 216 tent sites. Spaces are available on a first come first serve basis as reservations are not taken in the park.

If you love the outdoors and are especially fond of our nation's National Parks, you don't want to miss the incredible beauty that awaits you in Crater Lake National Park.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Alan LeStourgeon operates a vacation rental web site where you can find comfortable cabin rentals, recreational and hiking vacation information and information about log cabin fuiture.

Manila Philippines

The Philippines has recently gained itself a bad reputation due to all the political on-goings in the country. Clashes between rebel forces and the govement, rumors of coup, status of emergency declarations, and even suspected links to the al Quaeda – no wonder some Weste govements cannot help but release travel advisories against visiting this country.

Before you decide against a trip to Manila, you should bear in mind that the newspapers do not always give an accurate picture of a situation. Sensationalism is their business, and sensationalized news is what you usually get.

Manila is located in the northe island of Luzon. The terrorist stronghold is located in the southemost part of the Philippines – two big islands away – in Mindanao. The status of emergency was indeed declared but civilians basically continued to live their normal lives even as it was in place.

It is very easy to get around in Manila. The jeepney is the Philippines' most common form of transportation. It is actually based on the US Army jeep but is longer and fits about 16-20 people. You can also get on buses, the Metro Rail Transit, and hire cabs. Language is not a major problem as even the people on the streets can speak rudimentary English.

Manila is well-known for its nightlife. You can find bars open until 3 or 4 in the moing. The Makati and Malate areas are where you can find the hottest clubs and bars. Makati is a bit more expensive but safer as well.

Malls abound in the metro. You can find anything from designer brands to nondescript but very cheap brands. Food is not a problem. Filipino food, American fast food, Japanese food – you can find anything there.

Filipinos are very hospitable by nature. You will be surprised at how friendly and helpful most of them are. It's actually a different form of racism – they seem to treat Caucasians in a much better way.

Cost of living and traveling is so much lower than in weste countries. So if you have dollars or euros, chances are you will have no problems availing services that meet your standards. Hotels and other accommodations are abundant and easy to find.

If it is the beach you want, then you can opt to go out of the city. The nearest beach can be reached in about 4 hours from the city. You can take a plane to other parts of the country if you want to see more.

Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, Manila is a good place to visit. It will be a rich cultural experience for you.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information please visit www.444.net.

Travels Through Cyprus

The old goat herder stands before his flock. Stick in hand, he bears the look of experience. His beaten old hat keeps the sun off his unshaven face.

His weathered trousers have seen better days and wear a belt, crudely tied around his waist. His braces are actually two of the elastic straps you use to tie your luggage to the car's roof rack.

As the sun beats down on the plains of Agia Marina he herds his goats to pastures new and another day of contentment.

When your country has suffered 9000 years of constant invasion, any break in hostilities is greeted with appreciation.

Cyprus is a blend of many influences. Turkish, Greek, Muslim and Christian invaders have all set foot upon this hallowed land and made their mark.

Mosques and Christian churches stand side by side as a reminder of the often turbulent and violent past of Cyprus.

But when free of the shackles of conflict, Cyprus is a place of beauty and discovery. The Byzantine churches amongst the Troodos Mountains are an essential experience.

The sense of history and culture is overwhelming as you jouey through mountain passes and wonder at the ancient architecture.

For a genuine sense of solitude try cycling through the barren land of the Karpas Peninsula or hiking the well-trodden trails of Mount Olympus.

The blue crystal waters of Cape Greco provide a wealth of opportunity for swimming and diving.

When the sun goes down, the Cypriot nightlife will have you dancing into the early hours. Youngsters tend to make their way towards the large contingent of British pubs in Agia Napa.

The more cultured make their way to the traditional Cypriot cafes and bars. Here you can drink raki, the local firewater made from distilled grapes.

If you're peckish, try the baked lamb dish of kleftiko, or another local favourite mezedes.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit www.sargas.co.uk

Travelling to London

London is a year-round tourist centre. The advantage of going there in autumn and winter is the absence of crowds of sometimes too noisy and energetic tourists. London is one of world centres of everything – trade, fashion and finance. London is one of the favorite European travel destinations because it has a lot to offer. Best clubs, restaurants, shops and, of course, historic sights – all this attracts millions of visitors a year. The most famous attractions are Big Ben, Tower, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the historically rich Westminster Abbey. The city also boasts some of the world's greatest museums and art galleries. London is an ancient city whose history greets you at every tu. London is a museum itself. London is the capital of both the United Kingdom and of England, and is the largest European city. ItÂ's situated on the River Thames and has an official population of 8 million people, although the figure of over 14 million is more correct. In November in London take place some interesting events. For example, Language Show – showcasing many of the different ways to lea - from evening classes and language schools to distance leaing, self study courses, tapes, CDs and software. At the end of the month the 7th Disability Film Festival will take place at the NFT on London's South Bank. This fully accessible festival screening of the work of disabled film-makers and artists, serves both to promote the talent of disabled film-makers and to broaden cinema experiences for deaf and disabled film viewers. The festival also aims to provide educative opportunities for the non-disabled public, film-goers and the UK industry. There are workshops and debates attached to the screenings. Mental Health Today London is the national annual exhibition and seminar programme for everyone with an interest in mental health – whether you work in or use mental health services. It takes place on 2 November. From 11 November till 20 November – those are the days of music because London Jazz Festival comes to the city. The impressive program includes jazz giants McCoy Tyner, Charles Lloyd, and the World Saxophone Quartet.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

To know more about hotels in London and other countries, please see www.hotelsrates.net/

Alien landings in the Lake District

News that the latest space probe has discovered a discarded Kendal Mint Cake wrapper on the surface of Mars, and, what appears to be an alien space-craft seen landing on Skiddaw and discharging small people armed with cameras, confirms once and for all that Cumbria and the Lake District is probably the most popular visitor location in the Universe.

Not only is the spectacular scenery and hospitality a tourist attraction, but an added allure is the sense of mystery, secrecy and maybe a touch of disbelief surrounding many of the regionÂ's venues.

A century or so ago, travelers wishing to cross Lake Windermere between Ferry Nab and Sawrey on the opposite shore used the services of a boatman and his small rowing-boat. One particularly stormy night, a voice was heard to call for transport from the wooded slopes of Claiffe Heights on the Sawrey side of the water. The boatman duly set off to collect what he assumed was a passenger, but, disappeared en-route. Later on the following day, the boatman was found laying on the lake shore, incoherent and in deep shock. He died shortly afterwards. Thus was established the legend of the Â"Crier of ClaiffeÂ".

Moving a few miles south to the village of Natland, near Kendal, the visitor is faced by the sticky problem of unraveling the riddle of the Treacle Mines whose exact location, has, over the centuries, remained a closely guarded secret known only to a few of the village elders.

Sadly, researchers can no longer enlist the assistance of the notable, but long dead Scots bo wizard, Michael Scott. Scott is credited with casting a spell on a coven of witches and tuing them into the stones which now constitute the circle of Â"Long MegÂ" near Penrith. Folklore states that if a visitor can count the number of stones twice, and arrive at the same total each time, then the spell will be broken. However, be waed; any attempt to dislodge the stones will invoke a weather storm of cataclysmic power.

This area is rich in Arthurian Legend. One account recounts the episode where Arthur and his nephew joined forces to outwit the scheming Grim Baron. Their quest, set by the Baron, to search the true answer to the question Â"what does a woman desireÂ" makes entertaining reading. And, what of the mystery of the Giants Grave found in the churchyard of PenrithÂ's St. Andrews Church?

Leaving Penrith behind and continuing north to the regionÂ's capital, Carlisle, we find the Â"Cursing StoneÂ" standing in the entrance of a pedestrian underpass not too far from the ancient castle. This 14 tons of recently sculpted stone bears the 1069 words of a 16thC curse chiseled into the surface. The curse concludes by condemning the marauding Border Reivers of the age to Â"the deep pit of HellÂ". Recently, there have been calls for the stoneÂ's removal from the city by some who believe that its presence brings ill-fortune.

On a lighter note, a visit to the beautiful but uncompromising stretch of Wastwater may reveal the position of the underwater gnome garden. This is an area where, with a little imagination, the inspiring setting will transport you on any jouey of your choice to a world of magic and mystery.
These are but a few of the many tales, fanciful or otherwise, which have enchanted generations over the centuries. There is nothing to compare (in my opinion) to a good ya told over a drink in a log-fired pub amongst friends, old and new.

Incidentally, did I really see a 3 legged dog, wearing a life-jacket on the shores of Lake Windermere one moing, and was it wearing a space-helmet?

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Peter Scott was bo and bred in The English Lake District. After a successful career as an aircraft engineer, Peter and his son, David, run a website promoting all aspects of The Lake District with their new website: www.wordsworthcountry.com

Memories Of Barcelona

It was just soddin' typical I had the seat with the broken air blower. Beads of sweat ran down my face as the temperature approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside. The smell of body odour had got progressively worse from the moment we departed for the Catalonian capital of Barcelona.

To be honest, I was one of the main culprits; my shirt had stuck to my back and needed constant peeling to allow some air circulation around my body.

"We'll be stopping in about ten minutes at the Nou Camp. Please be back on the coach no later than 12 o'clock," bellowed the driver's voice over the tannoy. All I could think of at this moment was getting off and finding a shady coer with a cool breeze.

As a football fan I found the Nou Camp fascinating. Home of Barcelona Football Club, it's a magnificent example of mode stadia, holding over 100,000 supporters when full. The size of the trophy room is testament to their successful history and standing in the European game.

Back on the coach, we headed through town and the myriad of streets lined with tall trees and even taller buildings. Every household name was present and trading with the locals and tourists drawn to this great city.

We were dropped off at the docks and as luck would have it a showboat was about to set sail offering tours of the harbour. I jumped aboard, intrigued to see Barcelona from the sea. I wanted to stand back and capture the city's character from afar.

Immediately after setting sail the fight for shaded seats began in eaest. The clever ones had got in early, sacrificing the great dockland views to secure their seats for the long haul. The rest of us had to decide between standing at the back and suffer the impending backache, or sit in the sun and toil under the intense rays.

The backache wasn't too bad in the end. The city looked great but some of the yachts looked even better. Back ashore I headed for Las Ramblas, a wonderful cocktail of street entertainers and market traders. Everything from children's shoes to chickens can be bought along the famous walkway.

However, the sheer volume of tourists acts as a magnet for pickpockets and scamsters. At night it can also tu into something of a red light area. But keep your wits about you and there's no reason why you can't have a great time about the Ramblas.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit www.sargas.co.uk

Visit Pasadena California

No one thinks about the city of Pasadena, Califoia, unless it is Rose Bowl or Rose Parade time, except for Los Angeles County residents and people who hear the song "Little Old Lady From Pasadena".

When tourists think about visiting Califoia they most often think about going to Disneyland or cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco or beach cities like Long Beach, Monterey, Newport Beach, San Diego, Santa Monica, etc.. Very few of them think about visiting or staying in "small town" Pasadena and that is a big mistake.

No matter what you are looking for in a vacation or what you wish to do you can find it in or near Pasadena. The city itself has over four hundred (400) restaurants that serve amost any type of food that you can imagine, dozens of art galleries and antique shops, fine museums like the Huntington Library and the Norton Simon Museum of Art, hotels of all categories from inexpensive motels to the Ritz Carlton, night clubs and comedy clubs, beautiful homes with magnificent gardens that can be seen while driving through the city, over two hundred (200) churches, shopping galore and much more.

Mountains, ski resorts, beaches and the desert as well as Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, The Aquarium Of The Sea, the Getty Museum, etc. are all within a one half to one hour drive. Visit Hollywood or Beverly Hills. Downtown Los Angeles is only nine freeway miles from downtown Pasadena. Visit the Arboretum, the Botanical Gardens or the Los Angeles Zoo. Take in a Dodger, Lakers, Clippers, Kings or Galexy game (all venues are less than fifteen (15) miles from Pasadena). Take in a horse race at Santa Anita, go to one of Califoia's largest swap meets at the Rose Bowl or just sit in an outdoor restaurant in Pasadena's famous "Old Town" and people watch.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, Califoia see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, Califoia guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attoeys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several inteet directories, including www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Cambodia Taxi Chaos a Leaf a Radiator and a MacGyver Moment

The roads in Cambodia are vicious, angry slabs of asphalt filled with potholes that would qualify as valleys in some countries. Fortunately, I had it made traveling from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh. Or so I thought.

Cambodian Taxis

Having spent two weeks in the relaxing beach town of Sihanoukville, I was getting bored and so were the three chaps traveling with me. It was time to head to the supposed chaos of Phnom Penh and eventually Angkor Wat. Despite the legendary reputation of Cambodian roads, the owner of our accommodations told us the road to Phnom Penh was smooth as glass. For twenty U.S. dollars, a local taxi would get all four of us to the city without incident.

Around noon, two Australians, an Englishman and myself crammed into a Toyota Camry with our backpacks and miscellaneous junk. Our driver was a good guy, smiling constantly. We did have a communication problem since he spoke about two words of English and we only spoke English. The road, however, was as smooth as promised and we congratulated ourselves on our stroke of luck.

For about an hour, we cruised through the placid Cambodian countryside. It was difficult to imagine the chaos that must have occurred when the Khmer Rouge was in power. There really wasnÂ't much to see beyond the occasional village. About half way through the trip, the lack of any sizeable towns became a conce.

In the proverbial middle of nowhere, our driver pulled over to the side of the road and tued off the car. Since we couldnÂ't verbally communicate, much finger pointing was undertaken. Were we lost? Did he want more money? Was he going on strike? What the heck was going on?

Eventually, we foreign idiots were able to decipher that the car was overheating. Lest you think us complete idiots, I must mention that the temperature gauge wasnÂ't working. Regardless, our driver popped the hood and our smooth trip came to a cracked end. Steam poured from a half-inch crack next to the radiator crap.

Road site assistance seemed an iffy prospect in the middle of Cambodia. I mean, you couldnÂ't really call your car insurance company.

Me: Â"Hi. My car is broken.Â"

Operator: Â"Okay, we will send someone out. Where are you?Â"

Me: Â"Um, somewhere in the middle of Cambodia.Â"

Operator: Â"Â…[hysterical laughter]Â… Click.Â"

The driver looked at us. We looked at him. Simultaneously, we all started laughing. What else could you do? We were in the middle of nowhere, the radiator was shot and it was 60 miles or so to Phnom Penh.

Looking back, I can tell you that Cambodian taxi drivers are a committed and creative group. We sat on the side of the road, contemplating the fact that we were about to have a much more authentic Cambodian experience then any of us had planned. Mysteriously, our driver had gone off into the brush on the side of the road. After a few minutes, he retued with a dark green leaf and a big smile.

Putting MacGyver to shame, he proceeded to patch the crack in the radiator using only the leaf and tube of superglue. We all moved back as he applied the superglue to the boiling hot radiator, but nothing went up in flames. After allowing for a suitable amount of time for drying/praying, all we needed was water.

Although admittedly not a car expert, I do know pouring cold water into the radiator of an overheating engine is a bad idea. MacGyver, errÂ… our driver, didnÂ't bat an eye despite our extensive arm waving. With a big smile, the water went into the radiator as we watched in horror. The only question was what would happen first, the leaf patch bursting or the engine seizing up?

Well, you can guess how it tued out. Not only did we make it to Phnom Penh, we later leaed the radiator had two other leaf patches on the bottom. The road had been smooth, but my nerves were still shot. One way or another, the roads of Cambodia will get you.

At least I have ample ammunition to mock MacGyver fans.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Rick Chapo is with www.nomadjouals.com - Preserve the experience with Nomad Adventure Jouals. Read more joual stories and articles at www.nomadjoualtrips.com on the net.

Alcatraz Visiting The Past

Six Flags Marine World is known as not just an amusement park, but also an animal park. The park offers a wide variety of roller coasters as well as some more traditional amusement rides. When visitors are done with the rides they can then enjoy animal exhibits as well as shows that feature the parks animals. Six Flags Marine World is in a league of its own, partially because there is great care and attention paid to ensure this, but also because there is simply nothing to compare the theme park to. Marine World is in the business of entertaining, providing a fun environment, and putting together a little bit of everything that people love to see.

Marine World began as a nonprofit animal park in Redwood City, Califoia in 1968. In 1985 the park relocated about 55 miles away to Vallejo, Califoia and thought the move necessitated a name change to Marine World Africa USA. The old location became known as Redwood Shores. In 1996 after losing money and poor profits since it's move in 1985, Six Flags purchased the park at which time the park attendance grew. Six Flags added some theme park attractions that were not related to animals such as the roller coasters to draw in bigger crowds. Over the first few years Six Flags Inc. added several major roller coasters, putting the park more in like with the Six Flags line of parks and so the parks name was then changed to Six Flags Marine World. Premier, now known as Six Flags owned the park for several years before adding the Six Flags name to the park name.

The park has not abandoned its animal roots. The park continues to add animals, exhibits, and improve existing exhibits to make the park more attractive and visitor friendly. It's true that the park has become not just an animal park, but also an amusement park. Six Flags added huge roller coasters such as Medusa, Vertical Velocity, and Roar. The park is a haven for the Looney Tunes characters that entertain old and young alike. Medusa draws in many customers because it is the parks biggest ride and is the only floorless roller coaster in the regional area. Medusa is also notable because the first drop is 150 feet and the ride lasts over four minutes. The newest ride is known as the V2 and has been responsible for bringing in a lot of traffic to the park, as well. The Roar roller coaster is popular because it is the only wooden roller coaster in the park. With all of the additions of great exhibits, awesome rides, and a one of kind atmosphere the Marine World theme park brings in major revenue to the city of Vallejo. Not only is the park popular in and around Vallejo, the park is a competitor with the other big amusement park in the area, which is San Francisco Bay's Paramount Great American that is located in Santa Clara.

The park has been a huge success because it is one of a kind. No other park has been able to combine animals and amusement rides the way that Marine World has been able to. The great thing about the park is that it truly offers something for everyone. Even if members of the family do not like roller coasters, they can enjoy other amusement park rides and the animal exhibits some family fun attractions are the White Water Safari, Monkey Business, and Wave Jumper. Marine World also features many live shows and special events that will have the old and young alike excited and entertained for their entire visit. The park is considered the only one of its kind in the United States, offering more rides and attractions than any other theme park in Califoia and perhaps even in the United States!

Not only does the park offer one of a kind experiences, it also offers great prices for families to enjoy themselves without breaking the bank. When you purchase your tickets online you can get a one-day admission for $39.99, when you buy a kid online pass you'll pay just $29.99, otherwise general admission is $49.99 for adults and $29.99 for children 48 inches and under. While these aren't admission prices that you would want to pay if you were going to visit every day, they are well worth the price of family entertainment every now and again.

If you'll be traveling to the area to visit Six Flags Marine World, you'll also want to think about where you will stay during your trip to Vallejo. There are many affordable options right nearby so that you will not have to worry about finding your way to the theme park or your hotel after a long day of fun and entertainment. Whether you're old or young or have a little of both in your group you'll find your lodging options in and around Vallejo comfortable and affordable. Some great lodging choices may be:

The Holiday Inn Napa Valley Gateway
1000 Fairgrounds Dr.
Vallejo, Califoia 94589
(800) 533-5733
(707) 644-1200

Best Weste
1596 Fairgrounds Dr.
Vallejo, Califoia 94589
(877) 544-9655

Quality Inn
44 Admiral Callaghan Lane
Vallejo, Califoia 94591
(866) 643-1061
(707) 643-1061

Hilton Concord
1970 Diamond Boulevard
Concord, Califoia 94520
(925) 827-2000

A trip to Six Flags Marine World will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. If you live around the area you'll definitely make time to visit the park every year to visit your favorite attractions and see if there is anything new to entertain and delight you. Even if you don't live in the area you'll find yourself wanting to retu again and again because you just can't find this type of theme park anywhere else in the world. If you love roller coasters and classic amusement park rides and you also have a love of animals big and small, you'll find that the Six Flags Marine World is your favorite theme park to visit.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Califoia Visit the beautiful State of Califoia, Califoia information and places to visit with the entire family or business. East Bay Real Estate

Siberia Russia Part 2 Where Are We and What Day Is It

Standing in the airport in San Diego, I began to wonder exactly how long it was going to take to get to the city of Chita in Siberia. The combination of a vodka hangover, three flights, one train ride and a jump over the inteational date line didnÂ't help. At first glance, it looked like a total of two days, which wasnÂ't bad for going to the other side of the earth.

I should have paid more attention in math.

The itinerary for getting from San Diego to Chita read like this:

1. Fly from San Diego to Seattle.

2. Meet charity representative and other professor.

3. Fly from Seattle to Anchorage.

4. Fly from Anchorage on Aeroflot [gulp] to Khabarovsk, Russia.

5. Take train from Khabarovsk to Chita.

How bad could it be? Very, very, very bad. Did I mention Â"badÂ"?

Day 1

The flight to Seattle was no problem. I met Tom Dickinson, the founder of Siberian Intercultural Bridges, but we couldnÂ't find the other teacher. Tus out the flight to Anchorage wasnÂ't till the next moing, so it didnÂ't really appear to be a problem. Around midnight, our attitude changed and we had written off the teacher.

Day 2

At 8 a.m., Grea Waters from Kentucky appears out of the Seattle mist. We have our second professor and he speaks fluent Russian. This is a big relief as I had spent a lot of the previous evening contemplating my Russian skills. That is to say, I had none. I couldnÂ't even pronounce the name of city we would land in, Khabarovsk. I nearly had a panic attack during the night when I bolted up in bed upon the realization that I would have no way of knowing how to get to the train or when to get off. You see, the Russian language is based on the Cyrillic alphabet. There is no way to wing the Cyrillic alphabet. For example, the letter Â"yÂ" is pronounced Â"chÂ" as in Charlie. I was in definite trouble. Would the rest of my life be spent riding around aimlessly on trains? The continued grinning of Tom Dickinson didnÂ't make me feel any better.

Our flight from Seattle to Anchorage was uneventful. Yes, we flew Alaska Airlines. While waiting for our connection in Anchorage, two thoughts kept running though my head. First, isnÂ't Aeroflot the airline with all the crashes? Second, how did a man from Kentucky become fluent in Russian? I mean, what about his accent? I was feeling less confident about my translator and decided to investigate. I started rubbing my temples when he told me that he had never been to Russia.

Alas, there was no tuing back. Trust me, I tried. But thatÂ's a story to be told in Part 3 of this nomad adventure travel seriesÂ…

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Rick Chapo is with www.nomadjouals.com - makers of writing jouals for travelers. Visit www.nomadjoualtrips.com to read travel articles and travelogues.

Tallinn Estonia A Great Place To Visit For Business Or Vacation

Tallinn
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is well known for her fully preserved medieval Old Town and a pulsating nightlife. Recently many stylish places for eating and drinking have sprung up in Tallinn, many of them offering decent quality food, and it is not hard to find a place for dancing. Those who travel out of the city will get acquainted with our beautiful countryside (for instance, Estonia is known as the land of 1000 islands), the long seashore, the picturesque Baltic German manor houses etc.
And there are not many cities whose face is designed by the 21st century rather than the 18th or 19th.

Situation
Tallinn is situated in Northe Europe in the northeaste part of the Baltic Sea region. Its unique position between the high-tech Nordic countries and Russia, which her huge natural resources as well as an enormous market, has made the city an attractive place for investors from all over the world. Foreign investments into Estonia amounted to 189.7 billion kroons as of June 2004, making Estonia the most successful country in Easte Europe in this respect
Distances from some European cities (by plane):
• Helsinki 82km
• Riga 280km
• St Petersburg 315km
• Stockholm 380km
• Copenhagen and Moscow 860km
• Berlin 1030km.

Tallinn Top Culture Events
The top summer event in Tallinn is the Old Town Days in the first week of June; in December the Black Nights Film Festival brings the best of the year's European films to Tallinn, and there are a lot of other annual cultural events like Jazzkaar, Orient, NYYD, and more,

Economic Life
About half of the GDP of Estonia is produced in Tallinn (and its Suburbs) and more than half of the foreign-owned companies reside here. The economy is boosted by close relations with Finland and Sweden and a liberal economy that is favorable to foreign investments. Rapid development of the communications infrastructure has created a situation where mobile technologies and the Inteet are used more widely than in some larger and wealthier EU countries (e.g. Inteet banking is used by more than 10% of the population, active users of the Inteet are more than 50% of the whole population, every second Estonian has a mobile phone etc,
e-govement and e-tax system are working etc). The projected economic growth for this year is 5.9% The GNP per capita Estonia in 2004 was 40% of the EU average (39% in Lithuania, 34% in Latvia)

Inhabitants
Tallinn has about 400,000 inhabitants, half of whom are Estonians 40% Russians and 10% other nationalities. You probably didn't know that there are over 120 nationalities living in Estonia. The major ethnic groups are Russians, Byelorussians, Ukrainians, Finns, Tatars, Latvians, Poles, Jews, Lithuanians, Germans and Armenians. Basically every third inhabitant of Estonia speaks some other language.

Short History
• 10th century: ancient Estonians have already established the central trading point on the coast of the Gulf of Finland.
• 1219: Northe Estonia is conquered by the Danes. led by King Waldemar 2nd, who later establishes a stone castle at Toompea -multinational town grows around it.
• 1248: Tallinn acquires town rights.
• 1219-1346: the Danish period. A network of streets is formed inside the town wall, with a guild house, churches and convents, warehouses and defense buildings,
• 1347-1561: the Livonian Order acts as the sovereign; the building of the Old Town with its principal stone buildings is completed
• 1561-1710: the Swedish period Tallinn's trading success has faded because of long lasting wars
• 1710: Tallinn capitulates to the Russian Army (Great Northe War)
• 1857: An important evolution in the town's development was caused by the loss of stronghold status and the building of a railway connection to St Petersburg. Rapid industrial development begins, resulting in the swift growth of the town
• February 24. 1918: the Estonian Salvation Committee declares the independent democratic Republic of Estonia. The new govement immediately has to organize a defense against the attacking Russian bolshevist troops and the Estonian War of Independence begins. It ends in 1920
• 1920: Tallinn becomes the capital of the independent Republic of Estonia
• June, 1940: Soviet troops occupy Estonia, abolishing its independence and establishing Soviet order.
• 1944-1991: Estonia belongs to the Soviet Union.
.1st August 20, 1991: the Supreme Soviet of Estonia declares re-establishment of the independence of Estonia based on legal continuity
• August 29. 1994: the last troops of Russian army are withdrawn from Estonia. The Second World War has come to an end for Estonia.
• May 1. 2004: Estonia joins the European Union.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Tallinn is a hospitable city. We welcome you to stay in one of our city centre apartments (www.this-way.org/tallinnapartment ) where mode interiors and security blend with old town charm. Enjoy the best of Tallinn!

New Zealand Car Rental Things You Should Know

New Zealand Car Rental
If you're visiting New Zealand a rental car is one of the best ways to get around. New Zealand is a small country but has the astounding geographic diversity of a major continent squeezed into its small size. For example, within 3- 4 hours drive of Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city, are sub-tropical beaches, volcanic mountains with ski fields, boiling mud pools, ancient forests, unspoiled trout fishing rivers and world class golf courses.

Having a rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and when you want.

Driving in New Zealand
For most overseas visitors driving in New Zealand is a breeze because, compared to what they are used to, there is surprisingly little traffic on the roads - especially in the South Island. Whilst New Zealand is about the size of UK its population is only 4 million - UK by comparison has over 60 million.

Another difference is the limited number of motorways and freeways. Roads are generally only 2-laned and frequently windy due to the ever changing landscape. In New Zealand we drive on the left, as in UK. If you're from America or another country that drives on the right then you might feel apprehensive about having to drive on the "wrong side of the road". Don't be - it's straight-forward and tens of thousands of foreign visitors happily do it every year.

New Zealanders typically show a little less consideration to other drivers than is seen in UK, Australian, and the US where more cars on the road force people to be more considerate. Having said that, don't be put off - driving in New Zealand is nothing like the harrowing experience of driving in Italy or parts of Asia!

New Zealand Car Rental Firms
New Zealand car rental firms range from the familiar multi-national big brands through to small local car rental firms. The advantage of the big name rental firms is they can be found throughout New Zealand and offer the biggest and newest range of rental vehicles. The disadvantage is that generally they're the most expensive and often have lots of hidden costs.

At the other end of the scale are the small local operators who typically have older rental cars. Whilst you may not end up driving this year's latest model the advantage is that the smaller car rental firms can be substantially cheaper, so leaving you more money to spend on the many exciting attractions New Zealand offers. Between these extremes you'll find a wide range of NZ car rental firms catering to different needs and budgets.

What Sort of Driving Licenses are Required in New Zealand?
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's license from your home country, or an Inteational Driving Permit.

Most car rental companies require drivers to be over the age of 25 and to have held a full license for at least 3 years. Some firms will rent vehicles to younger drivers. For example, A2B Car Rentals rents vehicles to drivers who are 20 or older and hold a full driver's license. At the manager's discretion, a holder of a license for less than three years is acceptable but may incur a higher insurance excess.

Make sure your overseas driver's license is current. If your license is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an Inteational Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an Inteational Driving Permit.

In New Zealand it's a legal requirement that all drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their license or permit when driving. Naturally you will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country.

What are New Zealand's Road Rules?
Here's a brief over-view. You can get more details the NZ Govement Land Transport Authority website (www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/)
· In New Zealand, all vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road as in UK.
· When tuing left, give way (or yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right
· When the traffic light is red, you must stop
· Speed limits are strictly enforced by police using radar, speed cameras and un-marked patrol cars. Fines for speeding can be expensive
· The speed limit on the open road is 100 km/h (approx 60 mph)
· In built up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h. (approx 30 mph)
· Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times

In Summary
If you're planning to visit New Zealand a rental car is one of the best options, especially for independent travelers who want to experience everything New Zealand has to offer. A rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and when you want to enjoy this wonderful country.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Article by Chris Webber who works for A2B Car Rentals (www.discount-car-rental.co.nz/), one of the largest independent car rental companies in New Zealand. Apart from rental cars, they also offer minibus rentals and 4x4 rental vehicles. A2B are the discount New Zealand car rental specialists offering rental cars at the lowest rates with no deposit and no hidden costs.

Niagara Falls Worth The Trip

For years Niagara Falls has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and Canada. Visitors from abroad and North America cannot seem to shake their desire to visit this dramatic aquatic spectacle. But why exactly? The falls are not particularly convenient to any major U.S. city (apologies to Buffalo), which means visitors to the US will need at least two days to fit in a visit to Niagara. Furthermore besides the actual falls themselves, there is little in the way of cultural or natural points of interest in the area. That is unless you consider a visit to 'Ripley's Believe it or Not' to be a cultural experience. Finally, the climate in the Niagara region is rather daunting for much of the year. The area gets a lot of precipitation throughout the year and winter is definitely rugged in that region.

The short answer to why Niagara Falls has such a following is good PR. People from far and wide have heard of Niagara Falls. I recently asked a friend from Taiwan if she had heard of Niagara Falls before moving to the states. "Of course!", she replied, "we leaed about Niagara Falls in grade school." She went on to explain that most people who grew up in Asia consider Niagara Falls to be one of the most important sites to see in the U.S. Its reputation is also strong throughout Europe and India. The thought of missing Niagara Falls is akin to missing the Great Wall or the Taj Majal on a visit to China or India respectively.

The real key to Niagara Fall's enduring lure, however, may be simply that it does not disappoint. The falls themselves have an undeniable dramatic beauty. Furthermore, the ever popular Maid of the Mist boat ride that takes tourists directly into the falls is truly thrilling. Beyond that, the town of Niagara Falls, Ontario has a certain dilapidated charm. As you stroll along Queen Victoria Park facing the falls on the Canadian side, you cannot help but get a sense of what it must have been like to visit in more innocent times; before we were jaded by extreme vacations and adventure tours. To think of someone actually climbing into a barrel and heading over the falls in 1901 (actually done for the first time by a 63 year old school teacher) still captures the imagination.

To get more insight into what impression Niagara Falls makes, I interviewed 40 people who had visited the Falls in the past several years. The survey, taken from a semi-randomly selected sample, is patently unscientific. However, the results are interesting nonetheless. (A few words about the sample: most respondents were not bo in the US but were living here, the age range was from young adults to retirees, most had begun their trip in either New York City or Boston, and most had gone to the Falls on a bus tour.)

Here is a summary of the feedback:

Was it worth visiting?
A resounding yes. Most respondents acknowledged that the eight hour trip from New York City was long, but surprisingly few seemed to mind. Several people expressed how much they enjoyed seeing the countryside and getting a sense of the "real" United States. Those who included a visit to Niagara Falls as part of a tour of Canada were the least likely to complain about the distance. Only one respondent expressed regret that he made the trip. He said he just did not find the falls themselves that impressive and did not think it was worth the long bus trip.

Most recommended attractions?
Hands down the Maid of the Mist boat tour was suggested as the must-do activity. Several people also pointed out that this was the best way to view the falls for those who were not able to go to the Canadian side because of visa re-entry issues. The Cave of the Winds tour, which takes you by elevator to the bottom of the falls, got high marks for those who preferred not to take a boat ride. The helicopter tour also got raves, but only one person in the survey took a helicopter tour. The nighttime illumination of the falls got mixed reviews, with some calling it "stunning", while others found it "tacky". Several people who traveled with children also recommended exploring the town of Niagara Falls, Ontario. It offers typically touristy attractions that are sure to please kids.

How long should you stay?
Almost everyone answered either one or two days. A few people thought only a few hours were sufficient to see the sights, and no one suggested staying more than two days.

When should you go?
This is a little hard to decipher. Not surprisingly most people visited Niagara Falls in the summer. The few who did go in the winter said they were impressed by the falls surrounded by ice, but expressed regret that they could not go on the Maid of the Mist (it stops running in October). In short, it seems like you should not go to Niagara in the winter unless you are prepared for the cold. A few also recommended going in the fall to enjoy the foliage in Upstate New York along the way.

Bottom Line: Most people sampled in this informal survey thought Niagara Falls was a great weekend getaway and a good place to take visitors from abroad. If possible, include a stop in Niagara Falls on a visit to Toronto for a great long weekend trip from New York or Boston. Chances are you will not be disappointed in a trip to Niagara Falls if you go when you are prepared for the weather, do not stay more than two days, and do not have high expectations of the attractions outside of those related to the falls.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Lila Kahn is the Marketing Manager of GotoBus.com, the leading online marketplace for bus tickets and tours in the USA. You can find out more information about the company and contact information for the author at: www.GotoBus.com

Travel to Argentina Tango Your Way Through Temptation

Argentina is in all ways the definition of fabulous, as most Argentineans would be more than happy to tell you. South America's darling and second largest nation (after Brazil) is teeming with fantastic culture and biodiversity, ultra hip cities like Buenos Aires and an unabated passion for fine wine, scrumptious steak and an uncompromised quality of life. Following a recent economic crisis, the country is just as splendid a destination while leaving a far smaller hole in your wallet.

Raise Your Glass, Your Consciousness and Your Elevation
Argentina's central fertile plain of the Pampas is the main agriculture hub and South America's world renowned wine producing region. Córdoba, Argentina's second city, is the heart of this region and full of universities, historic museums and an extremely posh and youthful nightlife. Just southwest of Córdoba is the wine capital of Mendoza. Come for the harvest festivals at the end of February and stay to enjoy the warm hospitality during a vineyard tour of the many bodegas in March and April. Explore the surrounding rocky desert by hopping on a horseback riding expedition or paddling down some whitewater with a local guide.

Nestled against the Andes Mountain Range, the Mendoza region is also home to South America's tallest peak, Cerro Aconcagua, at 22,834 ft. Guided trekking expeditions to the top can be arranged for those with appropriate expertise. Others may find the trip to base camp exhilarating enough. The area is an extremely popular Andes ski destination as well, including the winter resorts of Las Leñas and San Carlos de Bariloche.

Global Heritage, National Treasure
The diversity of wildlife and terrain in Argentina is arguably unmatched in South America. Península Valdés is a World Heritage Site on the east coast of the Patagonian region with more visible biodiversity than any other region in Argentina. Sea lions, penguins, whales, armadillos, guanacos and gray foxes all grace the shores with their regular presence at certain times of the year. Enjoy the pristine quality of surrounding Patagonia, quite possibly the cleanest place on earth. Farther south, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Glacier National Park) is literally an incredibly moving experience. Strategically placed cat-walks and guided tours allow visitors to see the remarkable sliding ice blocks from stable distances, including the gargantuan Perito Moreno Glacier. This also might be the closest you have ever found yourself to the South Pole!

Argentina's unique north-south axis makes for a most dynamic single-county travel opportunity. Jungles in the far north, glaciers in the deep south, the Incan Andes to the West and just about everything imaginable in between make up just a few reasons why anyone must explore Argentina – not to mention the wildly alive and electrifying epicenter that is the capital city of Buenos Aires. Don't forget that in the southe hemisphere the seasons are reversed. January is extremely hot in the north, with temperatures exceeding 110F in places. The south is cold, still with the coldest months from May to September.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information on inteational travel and discount airfare to Argentina, visit www.cfares.com, your source for cheap airfare on the web.

Amazing Amazon Expedition

We set out with a group of 38 singles and as usual they were initially timid but quickly bonded in friendship. On arrival in Lima we check into a lovely hotel located in trendy Miraflores district. There was a guided city tour, leisure time to explore and a delicious dinner of sea bass ceviche at a restaurant built on an ocean pier.

Next day we flew Lan to Iquitos where we were greeted by 3 top guides who remain with us for our 6 days in the jungle. They are truly pro's on flora, fauna and having fun! All transport is by boat. 90 miles down river we arrive to Explonapo Lodge in the heart of Amazonia. No plumbing or electricity, feels like an episode out of "Survivor." Rustic to the extreme yet therein lies the unique charm. I fell in love with the resident "pets". There was Adrian the toucan who would poke his long beak into the dining room door for a treat, along with several tame parrots and scarlet macaws. Charlie was a Capybara that looked like a mutant 100lb. guinea pig. When I'd scratch under his chin he'd close his eyes and make cooing sounds.

The pitch black nights were spooky with a symphony of wild noises. Our rooms were connected with a privacy wall and an open thatched roof. Like a giant slumber party, we all shouted "goodnight Johnboy" from our mosquito netted beds. Suddenly Sharon screamed and the guys run to her room. She found a giant lizard tucked in with her in her bed. At 3am I head to the latrine with flashlight in hand. Inside a bat flutters near my head as I repeatedly whisper "bat's are good."

Enough roughing it. We board our boats for "luxury in the Amazon" at Ceiba Tops. With air conditioning, tropical gardens and a pool, it feels like the Ritz to us. I take the world's longest shower as others enjoy Pisco Sours by the pool. We all gain weight with fresh food throughout that is both delicious and plentiful.

On daily boat tours we saw giant water lilies, sloths, countless birds and the elusive pink dolphins. We fished by cane poles for piranha to fry up for dinner. We visited a family with a pet anaconda snake. My brave clients drape it around themselves for a photo op. We delivered medical supplies to a remote clinic serving the poor river people. Here a tooth extraction costs $2 if they can afford it.

There were many highlights! We hiked the world's longest canopy walk 100' high in the trees. We visited Monkey Island, a research station for 8 species that room free. For one photo I held 3 at a time. There was a lecture by two resident shamans who taught us about medicinal plants and then blessed us individually as they removed our bad spirits. At the Yagua Indian Village we traded our weste goods for masks and blowguns (several of these were later were confiscated by TSA.)

The best part of the trip for me was a surprise visit to a rural school. Inside were 50+ children barefoot and wide-eyed who never see tourists. Tears filled my eyes as they sang their national anthem to us. We sang our anthem to them and deposited a ton of school supplies to the two teachers. It was a glorious sight.

Back to Lima, we all scatter to shop the Indian markets. The dollar is so strong here that several in the group bought another suitcase to fill. I did my Xmas shopping in May. Our fabulous dinner was at a restaurant set in pre-Incan ruins. We toast each other goodbye with many hugs as I remiss a jouey well done. This group was so prefect I'd like to clone them all for future AFS trips. I couldn't hand pick better travelers for this adventure.

I have always loved the land of Peru. I am now designing a unique future trip to include Machu Piccu, boating Lake Titicaca, visits to natives on floating reed islands and crossing to La Paz Bolivia. For the moment, I have tired of Europe. There is a spirit of humility found in the hearts of these people that I am unable to adequately describe here. Nor can my photos justly convey Peru. It truly must be experienced.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Suzy Davis www.adventuresforsingles.com Adventures For Singles Inc. 800-813-9421 or GA. 770-432-8225