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The Trevi Fountain is in Danger

June 22, 2012 – 3:40 am

Unfortunately, some Italian heritage have poor conditions. These are the Pompeii, the Domus Aurea, the Colosseum, and now the legendary Trevi Fountain.

It was in the news that indicate several fragments of the cornice left side, about eight inches long, fell without causing any injuries.

That is why the state of alert on the status of the Fontana continues despite that, immediately, the technical council of the city worked to repair and could return to work as quickly as possible.

But without doubt, this fact, the above named and many others with similar concerns, open the debate on the poor condition of Italian heritage.

So, faced with the barrage of criticism, the mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno, was quick to launch the idea of looking for a sponsor to restore the Trevi Fountain, as it has done through the Colosseum. Italians are hopeful to get lucky and pray for its conservation, as the Trevi Fountain is loved by the people on all four corners of the globe.

Tags Domus Aurea, Italy, Pompeii, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain | Comment (0)

Destinations

Watching Birds and Monkeys in Panama

June 22, 2012 – 3:31 am

The province of Chiriqui is located in western Panama, bordered in the north to the beautiful province of Bocas del Toro and south overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Chiriqui is an area of forest and crops whose capital, David, is the gateway to a world that is naturally attractive.

Until the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, lived here many tribes: Changuinas, Zurias, Anchovies, Burica, Doraces, Bugabas and Guanacaste, grouped under the generic name of “Guaymi”. This area was discovered in 1519 by Gaspar de Espinosa. Today, it is a thriving and producing province. It is also a focus of attraction for nature tourism.

The mountains of the province of Chiriqui are sought by lovers of birdwatching. From the La Amistad National Park to the forests of Boquete and Volcan, there are plenty of places to visit and engage in activities. Jungle walks, jungle trekking, visits to coffee plantations, birdwatching, or sighting of monkeys.

The jungles share about 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, foxes, deer, mountain lions, wild turkeys, and jaguars, as well as other reptiles and amphibians. It is one of the few accessible places where with a little luck, you can see the famous quetzal.

Along the border between Panama and Costa Rica, on the Bay of Chiriqui, is the Isla Palenque. At this side is the small island of Brava, which binds to the first by a walkway of sand at low tide. Palenque may have been occupied for 5,000 years BC and was the site chosen for the most sacred celebration of the peoples of the area. These islands, lined by a dense mangrove forest, allow a short walk from the beach, make contact with plant and animal species typical of the rainforest. Here, the tropical rainy season lasts from May to November, although the showers are usually strong, but short in the mid-morning and mid afternoon.

Chiriqui and its corners are becoming more known among lovers of nature and active tourism around the world who come looking for these experiences.

Tags Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, La Amistad National Park, Pacific Ocean, Panama | Comment (0)

Destinations

Shopping in the Medina of Marrakech

June 22, 2012 – 2:54 am

If we visit the city of Marrakech, one of the main attractions is walking and shopping in the Medina. This is the old city area, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and offers an exotic web of narrow streets and historic buildings.

Since most of the mosques and palaces scattered around the Medina are not open to non-Muslims, the great attraction for tourists is in the souks (“suqs” in Arabic) that give color to the area and offer a fun day browsing among the many products and attractions that they house.

The first thing to know is that you should not be concerned about security. The souks of Marrakech are very touristy and therefore do not enter them without the company of a local or a tourist guide. Simply take the same care with our purses or wallets as we walk through the area.

The heart of the Medina of Marrakech is the Djemaa el Fna, a crowded place where you can find food stalls, musicians and dancers, snake charmers, water sellers, animals, and henna painting, among many other things. You also have to be careful not to take pictures without permission (yes, once you do, they ask for money in return). And, always ask the price of things before trying them.

From the square arise countless streets where you can find shops and stalls of all kinds.You will see artisans working on different materials: leather, wrought iron, wood, and many more. You will be able to purchase Hookahs, tables, lamps and other decorative items as well as hats, jackets, slippers , handbags, and djellabas.

Objects actually sold there are not things you can not find in Spanish cities such as Granada or Cordoba. You can also purchase natural orange juices, nuts and, of course, teas, herbs and spices of all kinds.

In the souks, you can test your art of bargaining . The Djemaa el Fna is a good place to eat something. But, if your health is not that strong, just be careful. It will be more advisable to eat in hotels or in some restaurants. After a hot day of shopping, it’s nice to sit there in one of the terraces to contemplate the life of the city.

Tags Marrakech, Medina, World Heritage Site | Comment (0)

Destinations

The Seagaia Ocean Dome

June 21, 2012 – 6:48 am

Just 300 meters from a natural beach, the Japanese have built a beautiful artificial beach. Imagine a beach with the sky that’s always blue, the temperature stable for 365 days a year without storms that ruin your weekend, no pollution, no pesky jellyfish.

It lies on the Pacific island of Kyushu and is called Seagaia Ocean Dome. It is, if I remember correctly, the only indoor beach in the world. However, it is no longer open to the public.

Paying about 35 euros, you can enjoy the beach. The surface of the beach itself is about 300 meters by 50 meters wide on average. There is always summer with an average temperature of 30 degrees and the water is maintained at about at an enviable 28 degrees.

The constant temperature, humidity and wind were constant and guaranteed perfect conditions for surfing. There are also small but perfect waves. All under the gaze of an “authentic” volcano.

In 2007, it closed its doors for a deep structural and economic restructuring as operating costs were enormous.

Tags japan, Kyushu, Seagaia Ocean Dome | Comment (0)

Miscellaneous

The World’s Largest Toilet in Ichihara City, Japan

June 21, 2012 – 3:18 am

In Ichihara City, about 70 kilometers from Tokyo (across the bay), opened the world’s largest public restroom, with the specific intent of creating a tourist attraction.

The $125,000 toilet is made for women only. The toilet is just outside the train station, which was designed by Sou Fujimoto, a noted architect, who said he had fun designing this attraction.

The structure, which occupies a total area of 200 square meters, was constructed to give the toilet user, a 360 degree view of a garden filled with vases of flowers. Then, to protect the privacy of the user, a wall of two meters high was erected, for protection from prying eyes.

Tags Ichihara City, japan, Sou Fujimoto, tokyo | Comment (0)

Destinations

The Borély Park in Marseilles

June 21, 2012 – 3:11 am

If you have several days of vacation, a place worthy of visit is the Borély Park in Marseilles. The Parc Borély is a public park in the city, classified by the Ministry of Culture of France as the remarkable Jardin de France.

This is a park and a palace built in the XVII century by French shipowner and merchant, Joseph Borély. Borély bought the land in the area of Marseille and called it “Bonneveine”. The park is very pleasant to walk. It has an area of 17 hectares, and is open to the public. Next to it is the Jardin Botanique EM Heckel.

At your stop in the city, include your ascent to the beautiful Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde or a visit to these gardens.

The Parc Borély consists of three distinct gardens. Stresses the Jardin à la française, consisting of two concourses, a circular and rectangular basin and double rows of trees between the “Avenue du Prado” and the gates of the park. Down the main strip, we have the “bastide” (Provencal farmhouse).

On the west side of the park is a garden surrounding a lake where you can ride in small boats. The garden is adorned with statues, a fountain, a waterfall, and patio. You can also find a miniature plant to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde or a horse race track that is recently renovated.

Tags Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, Borély Park, Jardin de France, Marseilles, Parc Borély | Comment (0)

Destinations

The Nan Lian Garden in Hong Kong

June 21, 2012 – 3:04 am

The Nan Lian Garden in Hong Kong is a clear example that this city so unique. There are also places to relax, disconnect and to escape the daily grind of a chaotic city. Thie Nan Lian Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens of the former British colony. Its charm is located in a fairly quiet area.

The Nan Lian Garden is in the area of Kowloon. You can take the subway to the Diamond Hill. Once there, seek the C2 exit, and within minutes, you will have arrived. Although relatively modern, the Nan Lian Garden is built according to the precepts of ancient garden of Tang Dynasty.

The garden emphasizes that harmony is very important. The resort is not too large, as the garden occupies an area of 3.5 hectares. When you walk among its streets, you should pause a moment and listen to the sound of the water or appreciate the aromas of fresh flowers.

Visually, what is most striking in this garden city are its beautiful bridges and their two-story golden pagoda which is shiny because it is only a few years old. As an environment with as much harmony, the Nan Lian Garden also serves as a showroom especially in ancient arts.

In addition, you can relax and recuperate in a tea house or in the vegetarian restaurant that is in the grounds of the garden. As you can see, the Nan Lian Garden in Hong Kong is designed to make you forget the city and just think to forget the fast pace of life.

Tags Hong Kong, Nan Lian Garden | Comment (0)

Destinations

A guide to the Lemosho route up Kilimanjaro

June 20, 2012 – 3:01 pm

Mount Kilimanjaro is probably one of the world’s most famous mountains and because it’s walkable despite its height, it attracts thousands of trekkers every year. There are six official routes to the summit, with each presenting its own challenges, so here’s a guide to just one of them: the Lemosho trail.

The basics

A guide to the Lemosho route up Kilimanjaro, Lemosho route Kilimanjaro climbing Kilimanjaro The Lemosho route typically takes around eight days to complete and approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. It is one of the longer trails to the summit of the mountain and allows plenty of time for acclimatisation. As a result, the success rate of climbers tackling this trail is relatively high. It is also less frequented than some of the other paths to the top of the peak, so you can enjoy a quieter climb, especially at the beginning of your trek.

You will meet more fellow hikers in the latter stages of your Mount Kilimanjaro climb, as the Lemosho trail follows the same track as the Machame route to reach Uhuru Peak – the highest point on the mountain.