My South-Central America itinerary

My visits to South-Central America left me with some of my best memories.

If I think of Brazil, I think about “the best view I got the chance to see in my entire life” –  and that was from the top of the Corcovado Mountain, where  the famous Christ the Redemeer Statue is located; I would also think about the Rio Carnival, which really is a one in a life time experience, an event that expresses much more that joy and colours.

Thinking of Argentina, I would mention the beautiful tango shows in Buenos Aires and the fine dinners with the argentinian steak as main course. In the same time, I could not forget the “fin del mundo experience”, visiting Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.

In Colombia I have visited Cartagena and I could name its old city center as one of my favorites ever. Maybe I am thinking too much about food, but I cannot help mentioning the “arepa con huevos y carne” (one of the tradicional colombians dishes – not sure of its origins but definitely very popular) or the fresh fruits you would find at any corner inside the walled city of Cartagena.

Costa Rica is so much about nature! Or at least this is my opinion from what I got to visit there. Rainforest or active volcanoes, so many types of plants, jungle and so and so. For nature lovers it is the ideal place!

Crossing the Panama Canal (and not just once) would be another worth mentioning tick off my bucket list.

From wine tastings in Montevideo, Uruguay, to the monkeys in the trees, just beside the driveway and crocodiles beneath the bridge we would pass by bus, all the way to the exhilarating Rio Carnival, my experience in South America was a great one! Unique in its own way, bright and very much enriching! Memories I will always cherish!

(Christ the Redeemer Statue & view)

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(Slideshow Rio de Janeiro Carnaval)

(Ushuaia – “End of the World”)

(Walled city of Cartagena, Colombia)

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(Monkeys and Zipline in Costa Rica)

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(Juanico Winery, Montevideo)

Barcelona: What else to discover?

Barcelona is a major cosmopolitan city and one of the closest cities to my heart. It is the place where I live now and that is why I will dedicate my next few articles to it. Barcelona has a lot to offer and I enjoy discovering it day by day.

Maybe you have visited it already or maybe not. Maybe you have a list of things you would like to see or maybe not yet. What’s for sure is that any Google search will offer you tons of articles about top things to visit in Barcelona. These ones are the highly popular places which attract millions of tourists every year. A simple search will get you to find out anything you want to know about Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Las Ramblas, Montjuic and so on  – these are indeed wonderful and amazing places which totally are worth visiting.

I will however share with you which other places have impressed me. These are the not so popular and touristic places of the city, but the ones that, al least in my opinion, are truly worth seeing at your second visit here, once you have done the queues at those Top Things To See in Barcelona.

Carmel Bunkers

Getting to the Bunkers of Carmel, you will enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the city. Being located on the top of a hill makes it slightly difficult to reach (especially during the hot days of the year) but, once there, just let yourself amazed and shot some good pics.

Brief History: The bunkers were built in 1938 as anti-aircrafts fortifications during the Spanish Civil war, used to survey and defend the city from the bombings that shook it.

Tips: At the top of the hill, there is no shelter from the sun. If you get around between the months of March to mid September, better to visit it when the sun sets or maybe at sunrise (if you are an early bird).

 

Gaudi’s Crypt at Güell’s Colony

Located in the village of Santa Coloma de Cervello, 20 minutes driving outside Barcelona, the Crypt is actually a church, designed by (my favorite) Antoni Gaudi. It is considered that the Crypt, with it’s  innovative architecture, provided a testing ground and source of inspiration for the Sagrada Family project.

Brief history: The church was part of an important industrial project – it was the church of a big textile factory that Eusebi Güell launched in 1890.

Tips: If you go there by car, avoid the busy hours on the highway, otherwise you might find yourself stuck in traffic. Or choose the train (Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) from Plaza Espanya, Barcelona, Lines S33, S8 and S4. Station – Colonia Güell). For visiting the Crypt, fees applies.

 

Torre Bellesguard

I would just call it a surprise for the tourists of Barcelona. For anyone who didn’t previously hear about it and is a bit reluctant about actually going to see it. What is it? It is a castle with an interesting history and there is no need to go outside Barcelona to visit it. You will actually reach it very easily being locatated in the district of Sant Gervasi (Bus 123 has a stop right in front of it called “Bellesguard – Valeta d’Arquer”).

Brief history: Built on the ruins of a medieval castle, Torre Bellesguard (translated from Catalan into “Tower of great views”) was designed by Antoni Gaudi between 1900 and 1909, with the purpose of being a vacation house for wealthy widow.

Tips: The entry ticket will include an audioguide (available in English, Spanish, Catalan, French, Japanese and Russian) and listeing to it is indeed very interesting. The ticket includes visits both to the exteriors (the gardens) and the interiors of the Torre Bellesguard (such as the Brick Room, the Stables and the Terrace – where you will get to see “the Dragon” and of course you will get very good views of the city”).

 

ASIA – Part II: Thailand

Did you know that Thailand was voted the world’s fifth friendliest country by Rough Guides readers? Or that its coastline 3219km long, Thailand having 1430 islands? Maybe these are just some of the reasons why this country has become such a popular destination for millions of toursist each year.

When you are thinking about visiting Thailand, I have to tell you there are quite a few options to consider. Maybe you will want to see the capital, Bangkok, a vibrant city where you will get to know better the lifestyle of the Thai people or maybe relax in one of the beautiful islands (my favorite being Phuket) – no matter what your option will be, Thailand won’t let you down. It has so much to offer that no matter how much time you will have over there, that time won’t be enough.

Below are just some of the things to expect you will find once you reached “the land of the free” (the meaning of the word “Thailand”)

• The Gand Palace in Bangkok – in the past, the place has been the home of the Thai King for 150 years – nowadays it is the main attraction for tourists in Bangkok and the spiritual heart of the Thai Kigdom.

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• Street in Bangkok and Tuk – Tuk (Tuk-Tuk is the three-wheeles vehicle that used to be everyone’s favorite way of getting around the city – nowdays is mainly used for the tourists as an experience )

• Elephant Trekking and Elephant Shows (very popular activities)

• Phi Phi Island (2 hours speed boat ride from Phuket)

 

• Night life in Pattaya and the lady boys from Tiffany’s Shows (very famous cabaret show featuring the well-known “lady boys”)

 

• Pattaya Floating Market

Head over Heels with ASIA – PART I: Vietnam

I am European (more precisely Romanian) and proud to say that. I like Europe very much, I find it attractive because of all its history, monuments, buildings and nature. Europe offers you so many things to see, to experience and to learn and I am happy to do this whenever I get a new opportunity.

But what is it with ASIA? Why head over hills with it? What is it so special about it?

My opinion is that only after you see it you get to feel it. Of course it can seem pretty much attractive to anyone, but you can declare yourself head over heels in love with this part of the world only after you get to see at least a small part of it. Maybe you won’t find big shopping malls or designer shops on the streets, but I assure you that simply the culture and MAGIC of ASIA will conquer your heart.

As words will never be enough to describe this big continent with all its attractions, I suggest you a small and not very detailed journey around it. A few places from ASIA that have impressed me the most, that are still in my mind and where I would be more than happy to go back at any time.

1. Vietnam – If after a first sight you will only find it as a poor country, this will be your biggest mistake. Through culture and history this country becomes so rich. Maybe it is because they had to suffer a lot in the past because of wars, but the Vietnamese people are very friendly and hospitable.

If you go beyond the beauty of the country (just try to Google “Halong Bay” and you will understand better what am I talking about) the culture will be the one that will impress you the most.

(Fishing Village in Halong Bay, Vietnam – the place is magical with all its rocks above the water; However, if you look at the small boats then let me just tell you that those are houses for many families in Vietnam – it may sound unrealistic for these times, but there are sometimes up to 4 people living in one small room on a boat – those are fishermen who earn their living by fishing and then selling the fish and that boat is their house)

 

(Danang, Vietnam – street)

 

(Danang, Vietnam & Quan The Am Statue)

 

 

(Catholic Church in Ho Chi Minh)

(inside a Church and Baby Buddha in Ho Chi Minh)

 

(Hoi an, Vietnam)

Discover Alaska through phtography

It is often and very true said that a picture is worth thousand words.

What do you think?

• Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau (AK)

• Hubbard Glacier, AK  
• Tracy Arm Fyord, AK
• Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau 
• Skagway, AK
  
• Seals on the rocks, Ketchikan, AK
• Eagles & crabs
• Seaplane, Ketchikan

I have only visited Alaska during Summer, during May and September so I haven’t quite experience the extremely low temperatures, the big snow or the long nights. But from the little I’ve known Alaska, I can say it is a beautiful place to see, the landscapes are truly amazing and the many activities you can enjoy will for sure make Alaska a memorable experience.

Hobbiton Movie Set – Middle Earth Adventure

Are you a fan of the Hobbiton Movie? To be honest, I am not. So what? Once I reached New Zealand, more precisely Rotorua (city in New Zealand) I knew that I want to visit this place, which, to me, had something of a fairy tale about it.

And so it was! The journey to this remoted place started with a scenic drive through a huge sheep farm with spectacular views. Actually, to me, the whole New Zealand country looks like a huge farm, it is a place where you will see a lot of green and a place that inspires you health.

But let’s get back to the Hobbiton Movie Set! What is with this place?

Hobbit Holes, The Mill, The Green Dragon Inn and other structures built for the movie will make you feel part of this magical world. You will discover the world of a fairy where you will expect to see Hobbits and Dragons and who knows what other creatures.

Once you reach it, just disconnect yourself from the boring world and feel the magic of the place!

Bora Bora – Is This Heaven on Earth?

What do you visualize when you think about Bora Bora?

Just let me help you discover it more- you can start by typing on Google Images the word “paradise” – it will take you directly to the beauty of this amazing island. Everything, from the stunning Ocean, with its calm and extremely clear waters, to the sand, which is so white and soft – everything will appear in front of your eyes and you will get to think that indeed, Bora Bora is a piece of heaven on Earth.

Bora Bora is a tropical island, part of French Polynesia and is situated somewhere in the middle of the south Pacific Ocean.

If you are thinking to go there for a holiday or only for a day (if cruising), you will be impressed! The beauty of the place will instantly make you feel so relaxed and without worries – will disconnect you from the world, from your rutine and make you feel you reached Paradise.

But let’s see what you can do for 1 day in Bora Bora:

1. Go all around the island and explore – but please, you need to know that there is no public transportation  so if you are planning to see a bit more of the island instead of laying in the sun the whole day, you might consider renting a car, a bike or a buggy.
2. Get a day pass to one of the popular and very luxurious resorts of the island – you will pay somewhere between $50 and $150 for this day pass but you will get to enjoy the private beach, a very nice meal at their restaurant (main course, dessert and a drink), you will swim between the Bungalows and maybe get to see some dolphins (some resorts have dolphins and turtles)
3. Rent a boat and swim with sharks and stingrays – It sound dangerous but it’s not – it is actually one of the most popular tours on the island.
4. Go snorkeling – Bora Bora is a tropical island so you will see the vibrant color of the many species of fish, amzing corals, star fish and sea turtles.
5. Go kayaking and discover the island from different points. You know you will enjoy it.

Before the photo gallery, I still need to tell you one interesting fact about the place: it seems that not only Bora Bora, but the entire French Polynesia is a poisonous snake and insect free! This means you won’t have any worries of seeing dangerous snakes or getting bitten by an insect. You can totally sleep on the sand!

Crazy about Zip-line

Are you ready for fun? If you like adventure, then for sure you already find zip-lining as one of your favorite activities.

But just in case you are not very familiar with the term, a zip line consists of a cable stretched between two points at different elevations. Nowadays, zip line tours have become very popular. What happens exactly is that you wear a harness that is hooked onto a pulley, which is hooked onto the cable. You will step off the platform on the first point and gravity will “zip” you along to the other platform.

My very first Zip-lining adventure began in Ketchikan, Alaska, with “Alaska Canopy Adventure”.  The challenge features a flight over eight ziplines and three suspension bridges; almost 2 km of high tension cables and ground-based nature trails.

    

But this was just the beginning. The Ketchikan adventure actually prepared me for one of the largest Zip-line in the world – the one in Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska. The ZipRider, considered to be the largest in the world it’s definitely a formidable ride, running more than a mile, with a 1,300 foot vertical drop over a 90-second ride. Six riders take off simultaneously on parallel lines, and race to the bottom.  Built in 2006-2007, the zipline offers an average speed of 60 mph, though the record is 82.

To find out more about the ZipRider in Icy Strait Point, you can check the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Q-dYUdbvM#t=51

Enjoy!!!

Singapura – “Lion City”

 Being the smallest nation in Southern Asia, Singapore is nowadays one of the most economically powerful countries in the world. In the same time, it is a perfect destination for a few days vacation.

Just strolling between the very tall buildings of the city, visiting some popular touristic attraction, going shopping…in Singapore everything can be amazing.

But let’s see more:

Marina Bay Sands Hotel is a very popular attraction for tourists, no matter if you visit it during the day or the night. Close to this hotel (which seems to have become one of the symbols of Singapore) you can also discover the Museum of Arts and Science, the impressive Gardens by the Bay or you can also watch the Light Show.

In my opinion, it is a very nice experience to go and see the city from the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Just enjoy the view!

Another emblem of Singapore is the Raffles Hotel, named after the founder of the modern city of Singapore – Sir Stamford Raffles. Known as Singapore’s most famous heritage gem, Raffles Hotel is also well known for its Long Bar, home to the legendary Singapore Sling cocktail.

Australia – diversity and uniqueness

Perhaps if only one year ago someone would have asked me what is my opinion about Australia, I could not say much. Most probably only general things, what I read about it or heard on the TV.

Now I can describe so much better this island continent, this beautiful continent lying between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans.

Australia has 19 listed World Heritage properties, being also famous for its landmark buildings, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where we can also find the Sydney Opera House.

Diversity and uniqueness – what else can describe in a better manner this country? So many things to do, so many things to see. You could spend a lifetime there and not get bored.

 

Although I did not have the necessary time to visit not even a small part of what I wanted, of so much that was to be seen, I am glad I have taken some photos with Koalas and Kangaroos in Brisbane, at the “Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary”.