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Discover a new world visiting Togo

Eduard — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:28:50 +0000

A trip to Africa can be an overwhelming experience, and a return in time: in many places, facilities for the XXI century are fantastic and everyone has a different rhythm and other values. Here you can have experiences voodoo, you can get lost in the streets names in markets where everything is negotiable and you can understand that the welfare and happiness means more than just the accumulation of material and properties.

To be prepared for this trip you should have in mind two important aspects: vaccines and visa. For Togo, mandatory vaccination (without them you can’t enter in the country) is the yellow fever. Vaccines are made in private clinics and cost a lot.
It’s good to know that you can made them at least 10 days before the travel. In addition, it is recommended to take pills against malaria.

Surprisingly, antimalarial drug is very cheap and is actually an antibiotic that you should start to take it one day before you leave your country. Don’t forget about the the mosquito spray or lotion that would be good to have while traveling in tropical areas. In addition, it is advisable to enter into travel insurance. And to buy wipes and antibacterial hand gel, which can be useful when there is no water source around.

Near Grand Marche is the Cathedral of Lome. The cathedral was built in the early XX century in neo-Gothic german style by members of the first Catholic mission in Togo. Spectacular building, painted in white and pink, is a very good reference to take in case you lose, is visible from quite far away.

Another attraction of the city that should not be missed is the fetish market (Marché des Féticheurs). Market is a place dedicated to the sale of ingredients traditional healers and voodoo practitioners say they can make magic charms and potions. Animal heads, grass and crafts are just some examples of what you find during a visit there.

Like other equatorial areas, the city has two rainy seasons – from April to July and from September to November. The heat is almost constant, average maximum temperature in the shade is approximately 30 degrees C in the afternoon, and the average minimum temperature is 23 degrees C in the morning. Climate of Lomé, is also greatly influenced by the ocean. Coming from the ocean breeze tempers the heat, making it a day at the beach almost always a pleasant activity.

Attractions in Venezuela

Eduard — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:07:50 +0000

Venezuela means “Little Venice” in Spanish, the name given by early explorers who saw native Indians living in Sinamaica lagoon, in houses on stilts near the oil-rich city of today, Maracaibo. Lately, there have been political tensions in the country, with the coup attempt of 2003. Political demonstrations are common and often become violent. Despite this, Venezuela is a country full of friendly people and smiling, understandably given the abundance of natural resources, including oil.

Venezuela’s cities are as beautiful, especially the capital, Caracas, which extends along a long narrow valleys, majestic mountains near Avila. Caracas is lively, fresh and clean, with a rich cultural life, a vibrant nightlife and good restaurants and spectacular malls. A favorite excursion in Caracas is the cable car to the mountains of Avila. City of Merida in the Andes and you will find a cable that will lead to the highest point in Venezuela, Pico Bolivar, which reaches up to 5.000m.

Things to do:

Explore the capital of Caracas, a modern metropolis situated at the foot of Avila mountain chain. In addition to fabulous food habits, a vibrant cultural scene and exciting nightlife, the city also offers a range of world-class museums.
Take a canoe trip or flight to the foot of Angel Falls, with an uninterrupted drop of 979m. Two-day canoe trips are organized from June to November.
Admire the large colonies of pink flamingos and red ibis in the Morroco National Park, a coastal retreat located four hours north of Caracas. To see flocks of birds near Chichiriviche lagoons and mangrove channels of the best time is September.
Follow joropo, the national dance in Venezuela, in Los Llanos, the vast plain where they originated. Influenced by flamenco steps are accompanied by harp, guitar and maracas.
Take a tour of Maracaibo to the Guajira Peninsula, where the indigenous Wayuu or Guajiro live just like when the Spaniards came, in houses built on stilts above the lake.
Visit Merida, a university town perched among the snowy peaks of the Andes. Merida is more than a base for hiking and rafting departures, is a city where you can visit art galleries and museums of archeology.
Visit the colonial city of Coro Caribbean coast, a place on UNESCO World Heritage list. Besides historical heritage, Coro is the gateway to Paraguana peninsula, an important destination for surfing.
Admire the majesty of Mount Roraima, the of which was inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his novel Lost World. Is the highest region Gran Sabana, mountain shelters and a variety of endemic flora and fauna.
Lower in Cueva del Guaracharo most spectaculor cave system in Venezuela.
Fishing in the sea offshore from La Guaira, where El Placer rich in plankton, is famous for its abundance of merlin.

Fiji – An exotic destination with a tumultuous history

Sorin — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:40:53 +0000

Republic of Fiji Islands is an island country located in the Pacific Ocean, consists of 322 islands, of which only one third are inhabited. It is said that these islands have their own specifics and are quite different, although their history is common. The two main islands of Fiji are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, mountainous islands with altitudes exceeding 1,200 meters, rich and lush tropical forests.

Climate

Although Fiji tourists can enjoy beautiful weather all year around, the islands are located in the tropical maritime climate, really good months are between May and September. During this time the wind blows nice, is not very high humidity, temperatures are around values of 25-30 degrees, and precipitation are rare.

What to visit

To attract as many tourists and local authorities from Fiji have thought about all sorts of packages more or less attractive. For example, for only 30 euros, you can take part in a full day of adventure and you can get inside a wrecked, with a desert island. Besides 322 islands that make up Fiji in the area are a total of over 500 islands, but the rest are very small and uninhabited. You will have the opportunity, along with a guide to explore such island, eat fresh fruit and even learn to fish with makeshift tools.

Another tour, this time from 50 euros, includes a day of sailing aboard a modern boat among the islands, and a table on the beach or on a boat at sunset. Such trips are especially preferred by couples.

Recommendation

Fire Festival, which ran from July to August is an event that should not be missed by any tourist. Although locals do not tell much about the origin of this festival, sensation experienced is unique. Besides all kinds of dances and activities involving fire, evening, hundreds of candles and lanterns are lit on all inhabited islands, so the view is sensational.

What to eat

Fijian cuisine instance means many spices, taken from Indian cuisine, is fresh coconut and fish, sweet potatoes, fruit and vegetables and spices, wrapped in European flavors and local culinary tricks. Even if the first meal might seem strange to you this blend of flavors, taste pleasure soon convince you and you’ll never want at least one serving.

Where do you accommodate

Taveuni Island Resort & Spa is a 5 star hotel located on the island of Taveuni and includes a hotel and 12 bungalows directly on the beach with great ocean view. It is said to be one of the finest and most exclusive locations around the Pacific Ocean.

Morocco – The country with 1001 possibilities

Sorin — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:35:55 +0000

Morocco is a country located in North Africa with a population of thirty million people. With a history of over 8000 years, Morocco is one of the most visited countries in Africa by tourists, especially for its customs and traditions. From medieval towns, ruins, fortresses, monuments Muslim or Safari, you can experience them all here.

Transport

In the city is run with “Petit Taxi“, which are usually cheap. Outside the city is recommended “Grand Taxi”, which is more expensive, but price is negotiable with the driver beforehand. The roads between cities circulating the collect taxis, which is expected to fill all available places.

Climate

In the north, Morocco has a subtropical climate, tempered by oceanic influence, it gives the coastal cities moderate temperatures. Central area climate is continental, warmer summer and colder in winter. However, in Morocco temperatures rarely drop under 10 degrees in winter, so it can be an ideal destination for the entire year. However, summer, June to August, temperatures often exceed 30 degrees.

What to visit

Marrakech – The city with the highest density of tourists, filled with old buildings, gardens and mosques. Markets are always filled to the brim of merchants with whom you can negotiate anything and there is a downtown outdoor circus.

Deserts and beaches – Regardless of how long is your holiday in Morocco do not miss the desert and beaches. It is fascinating to see how close these two coexist on the same land! And if you really have time for a mini trip to the Atlas Mountains, will be an unforgettable experience.

Recommendation

City of Meknes – Was called Morocco’s Versailles, known as a sultan planned to transform into the most beautiful and extravagant city. The city has a charm and worth seeing, despite the fact that it is not as well known as a tourist destination for too many people.

What to eat

Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the finest in the world and is the meeting of art and thoroughly. Even though it’s hard to believe, Morocco preparing a feast that can take up to a week, and the mass may consist of dozens of dishes. For a first visit we recommend you not to miss traditional dishes – kebabs of mutton or lamb, Bstilla traditional pie, meat and spices, couscous and almond cake with honey and served with mint tea always present.

Berlin – Perhaps the most interesting capital of Europe

Sorin — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:12:47 +0000

Berlin is the largest city from Germany and also the capital. It is best known because of historical associations, but is famous for being one of the most “international” cities of Germany, everyone has heard about the night life from Berlin, the scene with more or less underground, the architecture, museums.

Climate

Generally, Berlin enjoys of warm summers, pleasant, with temperatures around 30 degrees, and winters are cold and wet, snowy and cold. However, the wettest months are October and February-March and the driest summer months are from June to August.

What to visit

Visit some of the most famous museums, especially if you are for the first time in Berlin. You can start with Deutsches Historisches Museum, History Museum, which has an impressive heritage, you can then go to Gemaldegalerie, especially if you like art, to see some of the most famous paintings of European artists and you can end the day with a visit to Museum of European Cultures, the only museum of its kind in Europe. I would also recommend, and Berlinische Gallery, a gallery dedicated to design, contemporary art and architecture.

Recommendation

Jump to German Television Tower, the tallest building in Berlin, 368 meters, and somewhere close to the summit is a kind of sphere that rotates inside it is a restaurant and a bar. The view is fantastic and can be seen throughout the city.

What to eat

Eat German specialties, try their stews, dumplings and cabbage even sausages. Try German sweets and remember to taste the beer. In Berlin you will find dozens, if not hundreds of varieties of beer, some of them produced and bottled in front of you.

Where do you accommodate

After the Cold War in Berlin have built a lot of hotels. Therefore, the market crowding accommodation be made very affordable prices – sometimes in season one room at a 5-star hotel can cost around 100 euros, for example. But for a holiday with friends you can stay safe at hotel two or three stars, who can offer very good conditions and prices. And you’re on a budget, you can choose at any time for any of the dozens of hostels in Berlin, where one night costs around 10 euros.

Nightlife

If you do not have to worry about any thing when you go to Berlin, then nightlife is that thing, from cafes and bars, partying in clubs or gallery openings, exhibitions and screenings, everything comes to life here with evening. Berlin is known as one of the most important cities on the European art scene, more or less underground.

Philippines – A truly exotic destination

Sorin — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:02:35 +0000

The second largest archipelago in the world, including more than 7,000 tropical islands, Philippines is the destination of South Asian miracle. Why do I wonder? Due, primarily, to people and traditions, customs and cultural variety. Philippines is a destination as may be alive, colorful, noisy, but not annoying… I might even say that is one of “those” destinations, where if is happen to get, you’ll feel compelled to return.

Climate

Winds – “amihan” and “habagat” – that define the type of climate often, so the rainy season begins in June and has its peak during July to September. Sometimes it happens to rain in December, or January, but most of the time from January through March the weather is suitable for holiday, and from March to June temperatures rise steadily from mid-May that often exceed 35-40 degrees.

What to visit

First capital, Manila. Philippines was a Spanish colony, so do not you wonder what reason you come across glimpse of Spanish culture or Asian characters to name the show. However, in the capital you can make a very general opinion about what it is – you will experience a kind of deja vu about the international chain of stores and you will wonder, for example, how is it possible that the other end of the world, where culture, religion and customs are so different from the rest of the world, the daily life to have so much in common with the others.

What to eat

Pork Adobo is one of the traditional Filipino dishes, a sort of cabbage, if you want a comparison. Pork adobo is based on pork, especially cooked and seasoned and served with green vegetables and rice always. Try the shrimp soup, a soup cooked with coconut milk and bits of vegetables and fruit, which is also in great demand among tourists.

What to do

Try climbing routes if you workout, scuba diving if you’re passionate about marine life or long walks if you want to see and to experience as much of the Philippines. You will find cities full of merchants, cities that have retained the charm and appearance since 2000 years and, with luck, you’ll see and the famous Chocolate Hills, hills sedimentation arising from the lava.

Nightlife

Depending on where you visit you can catch the wildest parties in town, to the traditional parties, performances and rituals on the beach on the island. However, fun is guaranteed, so you should not worry you do not get what to do for the evening.

Shopping

Every Saturday, throughout the Philippines to organize fairs where you can find traditional art objects, clothing and decorative, made a gift only good for loved ones. You’ll surely find something nice and, in addition, all prices are negotiable.

Free things that you can do in Milan

Sorin — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:48:13 +0000

Milan is undoubtedly the soul’s “capital” of the Italian. The most important city in terms of money, Milan not join on one of the three attractions of travelers – Rome, Florence and Venice – but worth seeing for its elegance, for the fashion shows, for the huge parks and quiet, and for some of the most beautiful churches in the world. Milan is not a cheap city, is far from that. Hotels are expensive, restaurants, even small ones, have dishes that would destroying your pocket money and entertainment cost more than you expected at home.

Symbol of Milan, Duomo Cathedral, is opened to the world without asking in return any material reward. The huge, elegant, with sculptures and famous paintings, cathedral offers a great retreat to meditate in silence and to get “drunk” with incredible cultural richness of a country.

If you want to climb the Duomo, you will have the unpleasant surprise to find that this unique trip will cost you 8 euros. But I sell you a tip. Across the street from the Duomo there is a commercial gallery called Vittorio Emanuele, where – with some skill – you manage to find a loophole that will lead on the roof, where you’ll have the same view as the Duomo payers – for free!

Castello Sforzesco, an ancient palace which houses several museums and art galleries, you can visit for free anytime. Although at exhibition you will have to pay, walk through the castle does not cost anything and your dreams will be high off the walls of a building of the past.

Behind Sforzesco Castle will find Parco Sempione, a bohemian stretch of greenery, lakes, medieval statues and happy people who have come to picnic and drink Italian wine fresh and fragrant red grass. If you prepare a sandwich at the hotel or a thermos with hot chocolate will be great to spend a day outdoors in the shadow of a castle, surrounded by nature and wild ducks.

If you are passionate about fashion, celebrities and famous models, Milan is the place to bathe your eyes. Luxury neighborhoods Quadrilatero d’Oro or Brera is famous for its fashion houses who work here. Even if you can not afford to buy designer clothes in Milan, there is an activity that you can undertake, “window shopping” or the Roman, watching the famous windows that do not cost a cent. If you would sit on a bench in Brera, you will definitely get interesting and a few appearances as Italian models or actresses, wearing Valentino and Louboutin shoes.

Monumental Cemetery is located in the north of the city, near the Garibaldi train station and is a perfect opportunity to visit places where various personalities Italian rest. That means if you’re a fan of cemeteries! Do not imagine that resemble those on to us. Is a global, green, elegant, impressive architecture and statues made of real masters.

Aquarium of Milan is, compared with the most beautiful in the world, relatively small, but fun and is an interesting building. And most importantly, is free all year!

Tarragona – The miracle of Catalonia

Sorin — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:43:01 +0000

Tarragona is a town located in southern Catalonia, with exit at the Mediterranean Sea, situated at only 100 kilometers from Barcelona. Surrounded by parks of pine trees, with orange flower on every street, medieval churches and incredible beach called El Miracle, Tarragona is one of Catalonia’s pearls. In addition, you have a big advantage if you choose to spend your holiday here: lose the crowd of Barcelona, of the tumult of the city, the prices are friendly, quiet and welcoming people, which invites you to delicious dishes.

Climate

The weather is mild, Mediterranean, with perfect temperatures in May, June, September and October. Rainfall is rare, the chance of rain is in August and September. You can take sunbathe and swim until mid October and winter temperatures do not fall below 10 degrees. We recommended you the fall months for a holiday in Tarragona, is also the time when the number of tourists is small and oranges are ripen.

What to visit

There is a fort in the city – the Roman ruins of Tarraco – which is listed on World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You can admire the harbor on one of the terraces situated at height, at the edge of the beach and you can walk through downtown and make exceptional photos from around the vast esplanade which reveals its perfection.

In Tarragona there are many medieval churches that will delight the eye and soul: Cathedral (dating from 12th century, in Roman and Gothic style), Poor Clares convent, the monastery of Santa Teresa and Santa Maria del Miracle ruins, where it is rumored that would have happened wonders and miraculous healings.

There are a lot of festivals throughout the year, with dancing, great food and sangria. In Tarragona there are several beaches, some decorated with The Blue Flag as a symbol of excellence. We’d recommend El Miracle beach, one of the bohemian world, with its caves and cliffs battered by the waves.

What to eat

There are many international restaurants in Tarragona, but we recommend you to try Catalan cuisine. In general, the bars are small family business and chefs are enthusiastic and highly skilled in making the passengers feel good. Try the seafood paella, fresh and delicious Frito pescaito (grilled fish), seafood soup, tortilla of patatas breakfast (French fries with scrambled eggs), turron (an excellent dessert nougat or chocolate-based) and customary sangria (red wine with sweet fruit).

Best hotels in Darmstadt, Germany

Eduard — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:35:27 +0000

1. Ramada Hotel Darmstadt

Nearby Airports: Frankfurt (FRA-Frankfurt Intl.) – 21.4 km / 13.3 mi.
Is located in Darmstadt. The best attraction here is Messel Pit Fossil Site. Also, nearby you can find the European Central Bank. The facilities are: concierge, shuttle service, steam bath, city tour, free parking, baby sitter, laundry room and internet access.

2. Maritim Konferenzhotel Darmstadt

Nearby Airports: Frankfurt (FRA-Frankfurt Intl.) – 20.5 km / 12.8 mi.
Located in Darmstadt, this great hotel will offer you a comfortable staying. The principal facilities are: bar, cafeteria, outdoor pool, multilingual staff, city tour, laundry room, room service, night club, free parking, sauna, restaurant, gym, billiards, internet and steam bath.

3. ACHAT Comfort Hotel Darmstadt/Griesheim

Nearby Airports: Frankfurt (FRA-Frankfurt Intl.) – 20.8 km / 12.9 mi.
Is situated in Darmstadt. This hotel is a great place to spend some time by yourself, it will help you to relax. This hotels comes with some nice facilities: bar, shuttle service, free parking, air conditioning, meeting room, restaurant, garage, laundry service, business center and internet

4. Pallas Hotel

Nearby Airports: Frankfurt (FRA-Frankfurt Intl.) – 19.5 km / 12.1 mi.
Located in Darmstadt, this hotel has some nice facilities to offer such as: bar, cafeteria, billiards, free parking, city tour, night club, restaurant, elevator, room service, outdoor pool, limousine service, fax service and massages. Also you have the possibility to rent a car and use your credit card. The main attraction is Messel Pit Fossil Site.

5. WELCOME Hotel Darmstadt

Nearby Airports: Frankfurt (FRA-Frankfurt Intl.) – 20.5 km / 12.7 mi.
The most famous attraction here is Messel Pit Fossil Site. Facilities: bar, elevator, room service, gym, health club, massages, sauna, business center, internet access, restaurant, cafeteria, hairdresser, private beach, valet service, private parking, Turkish bath, steam bath, meeting room and shuttle service.

6. Maritim Rhein-Main Hotel Darmstadt

Nearby Airports: Frankfurt (FRA-Frankfurt Intl.) – 20.6 km / 12.8 mi.
Is located in Darmstadt. For your staying to be more comfortable, this hotel has the following facilities: bar, conference room, private parking, multilingual staff, garden, sauna, gym, meeting room, city tour and internet access. Darmstadt Town Center is not too far and European Central Bank is close.

Hotels with awesome facilities in Kassel, Germany

Eduard — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:59:57 +0000

1. Pentahotel Kassel

Nearby Airports: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – 190 kilometres (118 miles).
Is located in Kassel. Here you will be delighted with many museums and a planetarium, Forest Nature Reserve (Naturpark Meißner-Kaufunger Wald), Münden Nature Park (Naturpark Münden), and Habichtswald Nature Park (Naturpark Habichtswald). The facilities offered by this hotel are: concierge, shuttle service, steam bath, city tour, free parking, baby sitter, laundry room and internet access.

2. Best Western Grand City Hotel Kassel

Nearby Airports: Hannover Airport (HAJ) – 150 kilometres (93 miles).
Located in Kassele, this great and elegant hotel will offer you a comfortable staying. The principal facilities are: bar, cafeteria, outdoor pool, multilingual staff, city tour, laundry room, room service, night club, free parking, sauna, restaurant, gym, billiards, internet and steam bath.

3. Adesso Hotel Astoria

Nearby Airports: Hannover Airport (HAJ) – 180 kilometres (93.5 miles).
Is situated in Kassel. This hotel is a great place to spend some time for relaxing. It also comes with some nice facilities: bar, shuttle service, free parking, air conditioning, meeting room, restaurant, garage, laundry service, business center and internet. The main attraction is The Wilhelmshöhe Palace.

4. Waldhotel Schaeferberg

Nearby Airports: Paderborn Airport (PAD) – 120 kilometres (81 miles).
Located in Kassel, this hotel has some nice facilities to offer such as: bar, cafeteria, billiards, free parking, city tour, night club, restaurant, elevator, room service, outdoor pool, limousine service, fax service and massages. Also you have the possibility to rent a car and use your credit card. The main attractions are Documenta Stadt Kassel, Bergpark Wilhelmshohe and Hannoversch Muenden.

5. Grand City Hotel Domus Kassel

Nearby Airports: Paderborn Airport (PAD) – 80 kilometres (50 miles).
The most wonderful attractions are Kassel city centre, Fridericianum Museum, Brothers Grimm Museum, Karlsaue Park and Wilhelmshohe Bergpark. Facilities: bar, elevator, room service, gym, health club, massages, sauna, business center, internet access, restaurant, cafeteria, hairdresser, private beach, valet service, private parking, Turkish bath, steam bath, meeting room and shuttle service.

6. Ramada Hotel Kassel City Centre

Nearby Airports: Paderborn Airport (PAD) – 100 kilometres (60 miles).
Is located in Kassel. For your staying to be more comfortable, this hotel has the following facilities: bar, conference room, private parking, multilingual staff, garden, sauna, gym, meeting room, city tour and internet access. The attractions that you can visit are Fridericianum Museum, Hessisches Landesmuseum, Brüder Grimm Museum and Wilhelmshöhe Castle.