Home / Archived For Juli 2013

Rabu, 31 Juli 2013

Lome, Togo - Travel Guide and Travel Info

The city of Lome in Togo used to claim to be the West Africa Paris and a visit to the city might somehow prove it. Even though quite a lot has changed and happened in Togo particularly Lome, the city still features broad boulevards, craft markets, the palm fringed beaches as well as an amazing night life. Being the largest city, Lome serves as the capital centre of Togo, a status it acquired back in 1897 when Togo was occupied by German colonialists. In 1975, Lome hosted the Lome convention where an agreement was signed between 46 African, Pacific and Caribbean states and European Economic Community. Alfao is the major border crossing point for Ghana where foreigners can obtain a two weeks visa Lome international airport offers direct flights to/ from Paris and Casablanca.



Getting around the capital is best done in motos which are found in abundance and are a cheap transport option to almost any destination in the city. Rental car agencies are available all over the city and you can get a car for touring around town and even going to the beach down in Bea and Kodjoviakope. Tourist attractions in Lome are honestly not many and apart from the beaches, the other set of attractions you can expect in the city are the markets, the Grand Market is big and has a 3 stores large hall. Here, you can buy almost everything ranging from green lemons, red peppers, travel bags, combs, traditional medicines and other remedies. Togo National Museum is found in Palais du Congres which contains numerous collections of musical instruments, jewelry, pottery, dolls, pottery and other objects showcasing traditions and arts. 



Local street foods are many where you can get a wide range of foods being served. For budget travelers, a plate or pate or rice is a must taste. Currently, Lome is experiencing an increased number of Lebanese restaurants where you can get cheap but delicious foods. Chinese restaurants in Lome are about two with one in Adigame and the other one at Kodjoviakope. You can enjoy great meals as you relax by the beach as the restaurants serve steaks, deserts and salads. Other restaurants that you should consider trying are the La Belle Epoque, Marrox Grill and Alt Munchen.



Night life in Lome is just crazy and you will find local Lomeians dressings in the many discotheques and bars. Dance clubs featuring western styles are many especially in the downtown but can be quite expensive. If you want to relax, there is a great beach just near the Ghana border where you will encounter the pretty cold Castle Milk. However, ensure that you get out of the beach before nightfall as beaches have been noted to be quite dangerous especially at night. You can as well taste local drinks where there are several local brews that brew millet beer. Budget sleeping hotels are quite decent and have a sink, shower and a bed such as Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Cote Sud that also has excellent food selections.

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Jumat, 26 Juli 2013

Marigot, Saint Martin - Travel guide

Marigot is located on the island of Saint Martin that is split between Saint Martin Island at the French and Sint Maarten in Dutch territory. Other cities on the island neighboring Marigot are Philipsburg which is the major dock for most of the cruise ships and also capital for Dutch side as well as the Grande Case city where you will find some of the excellent restaurants on the island. Marigot city is just a small land mass sitting on the island and the capital ‘city’ of French side of Saint Martin Island. You will find several signs and monuments in Marigot trying to demarcate Saint Martin from the other Dutch territory. Tourism in Marigot is largely supported by the fact that there are no restrictions of movements for the tourists and locals on either side live peacefully with one another. 


Presently, Marigot is undergoing through rapid developments that has transformed the city into one of the most visited areas on the Island. Time share buildings have promoted tourism in Marigot in a major way. Most of the locals speak English and communication shouldn’t be a major problem as such. Being a city located on an island, the obvious tourist attraction in Marigot are beaches. 


Honestly speaking, there are so many beaches in Marigot and most of them have nice hotels that assure you a mind blowing experience. Additionally, the city appears to be dotted by cafes and bars especially along the beaches which attract many tourists as week. On the beach, you can undertake obvious water activities like snorkeling and some little bit of swimming and diving. Sun bathing at the beach is not an unusual thing as the city has some of the clearest waters in Saint Martin.


Another major reason why you might consider visiting Saint Martin is due to Marigot Market. Mostly held on both Friday and Wednesday mornings, the Marigot market assures you an authentic experience of life on the island. In the early morning hours, you will be met by fishermen bringing their haul of fishes after spending the night fishing in the waters. Later along, the market will be filled with vegetable and fruit sellers and spice vendors as well. The air is simply filled with some tropical scents from the spice and you can expect an experience like no other. 



For shoppers, there are many decorative items and jewelry sold by local artisans which you can buy if you don’t prefer the perishable stuff. There are t-shirts and hats as well as other items that you can buy and take home. After you are done with shopping, just enter a nearby Marigot café and get ready to be spoiled by their wide selection of cuisines and drinks. The paradise peak offers nice views of the entire Marigot city even though you won’t find signs of how you can get there. Nevertheless, it is the best place in Saint Martin to go for hiking trails. Fort Saint Louis monument also offers great views but expect to be ripped off as a tourist.

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Kamis, 25 Juli 2013

Kigali, Rwanda - Travel guide

Kigali is the heart of Rwanda’s commercial and political life. Being the capital and largest city in Rwanda, Kigali seems to dominate the country and it is hard to visit Rwanda and fail to pass through Kigali. Currently, the city is experiencing a rapid growth rate and the capital has been uniquely designed to easily impress tourists. The number of visitors to Kigali has increased considerably attracting humble tourists, visiting dignitaries and foreign investors. 


The population of the city is slightly above 1 million and the spread out city extends over to several valleys and hills and features many good hotels and restaurants especially in downtown area. Kigali is a ordered, comfortable and clean city to say the least. There are numerous restaurants in the city, supermarkets and coffee shops and diverse demographic. In fact, due to the modernized design of Kigali and the large number of foreigners, you can easily forget that you are still in Africa. 


The delightful Kigali International Airport is small but extremely well organized and encountering problems at the airport is very rare. It is illegal to use plastic bags in Kigali and you should beware of this to avoid problems. Getting around Kigali is easily done with the fast and affordable motorcycle taxis while you can still use a matatu/ public transport or even hire a car. There are not so many things to see in Kigali but the city is making a commendable development progress. The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre was opened during the 10 genocide anniversary. The genocide center is a burial site to more than 250, 000 people who died during the Rwandan Genocide. This museum is truly touching considering its history


Kigali is home to several museums, memorials and other centers that commemorate the well known Rwandan Genocide that claimed thousands of life. The Presidential Palace Museum is dedicated to the slain former Rwanda president, Habyarimana, who died in 1994 in a plane crash. You can expect to find guided tours at the museum and there are also Rwandan clothing displays which are very interesting. However, taking photos is not allowed. You can also decide to visit one of the local craft centers like cards for Africa workshop or Kigali sales room.


There are many learning centers in the city where you can learn some French, Kinyarwanda and Swahili. As far as shopping in Kigali is concerned, consumer goods are very expensive as the land locked country import goods at a high cost. In fact, tourists often complain of the wine, breakfast cereals, olive oil and other food stuffs costing them an arm and a leg. Rwandan coffee is a must try even though the stuff is not cheap. You can find many interesting things to buy at the local markets such as handicrafts, clothes, food stuffs and so on. Kigali is quite a friendly and safe city. However, just like in other African cities, it is important to always stay alert as pickpockets are common especially after dark.

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Selasa, 23 Juli 2013

Bishop Rock - The World's Smallest Island with a Building on It

Located at the westernmost tip of the Isles of Scilly in Cornwall, Bishop Rock is a small rock. The rock rises from a depth of 45 meters to expose a tip measuring only 46 meters in length and 16 meters in width. On this narrow ledge stands a 49 meters tall lighthouse. This uninhabited lighthouse has made Bishop Rock the world's smallest island with a building on it. The record is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. 


Bishop Rock is so small that it has room for nothing more than the lighthouse. Building of the original iron lighthouse was begun in 1847. However, it was washed away before the construction could be completed. Later, a granite lighthouse was constructed which was completed in 1858. Bishop Rock was converted to automatic operation in 1991 and as a result the lighthouse became uninhabited. Today, there are ten floors below and inside the lighthouse.



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Senin, 22 Juli 2013

Lion's Head Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa

Located right between the Table Mountain and the Signal Hill, the Lion’s Head is an amazing mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. The mountain is 669 meters tall at its peak and offers spectacular views over the city. This dramatic backdrop to the city of Cape Town has made the Lion's Head a popular tourist spot in South Africa.


Lion's Head is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Cape Town. The hour-long walk to the top is particularly popular during full moon. The slopes of the Lion's Head mountain are also popular launching points for paragliding. There is an aerial cableway which has become one of the biggest attractions in Cape Town.


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Niue - Travel guide

Neighboring Cook Islands and Tonga, Niue is an Oceania Island with Alofi as its capital. Other villages in Niue include Avatele, Liku, Hikutavake, Mutalay, Lakepa and a few others. The remoteness of Niue alongside its linguistic and cultural differences to that of other Cook Islands are some of the factors explaining why this island is administered separately. Unfortunately, the population of the island has been experiencing a significant drop and it is now about 1000 inhabitants from the 5200 people in Niue in 1996. 


Most of the locals are known to migrate to Australia and New Zealand largely due to the fact that Niue Island is extremely remote and little exposed to modernization. Niue has also been suffering greatly on its economic aspect due to its rather small population, limited resources and the common problems experienced by Pacific Islands. 



When translated, Niue means ‘Look! There is a coconut’ and the locals do not use this name when referring to the island. The island experiences a tropical climate and a cyclone season between the months of December and March. The landscape of the island is generally flat featuring cliff faces, hidden caverns, caves, buried grottoes, chasms and some undiscovered natural fissures that still adds up on its tourist attractions. 


The island is surrounded by a fringing rugged reef. Unlike what you would expect in a typical Pacific Island, Niue doesn’t have the usual white, long sandy beaches but only features small secluded sand beaches which you find yourself spending the whole day alone. The main language is English and due to the seriously declining population of its inhabitants, its indigenous Niuean language has been dying slowly. 


Being so remote, Niue doesn’t have public transportation system but you can hire a bike or a car upon arrival for touring the island. The capital of Alofi is very small and you can just walk around and you can spend your time taking a walk to the other villages. This will give you a chance to interact well with the local culture. Most of the attractions in Niue comprise of many limestone arches and caves. Sea tracks are many here and it is always fun visiting one. Its coast receives regular visitors from whales and dolphins. The Huvalu Forest Conservation Area covers most of the land area in Niue and this forest is used a major source for traditional foods and wildlife. 


The Matapa Chasm is one of the best places to go for snorkeling and swimming and contains lots of fish as well. The Liku Sea Track and Cave is a large cave which you can visit to take some photos and it is quite stunning. There are many reef pools to explore at the cave but you should be careful about tides which can return and catch you by a surprise. Other notable attractions in Niue include the Talava Arches, Anapala Chasm and Avaiki Cave. Swimming is an exciting activity in Niue and while you can spend some time at the beaches, they only have a handful people and are not fun after all.

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Minggu, 21 Juli 2013

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China

Located within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area in northern Hunan Province, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a unique forest park in China. The park is known for the amazing pillar-like sandstone formations. These sandstone pillars are found throughout the park.


The huge sandstone formations in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are the result of many years of erosion. Much of the erosion which forms these pillars are the result of expanding ice in the winter and the plants which grow on them. The quartz sandstone pillars in the park are regarded as a distinct hallmark of Chinese landscape. 



One of the most popular sandstone pillars in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the 1,080 metre (3,540 feet) high Southern Sky Column. This huge stone formation inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. This pillar had been officially renamed as Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is also the home for the world's largest and tallest outdoor elevator. 
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Sabtu, 20 Juli 2013

Palau - Travel guide

Palau islands are a part of what makes the larger Micronesia area in Oceania. Palau lies on southeastern side of Philippines. However, it is essential to note that Palau is not one of Federated States of Micronesia but an independent republic. Due to the occupation by Japanese, Palau was a hot spot for battles during World War. The climate of Palau is generally a tropical one with the area receiving a lot of rainfall during the year especially between the months of July and October which are not the best to visit the island. 


Luckily, typhoons are extremely rare in Palau. It is made of several regions starting with the Babeldaob region which is the biggest island. Koror region is home to Koror city and rocky islands region is largely uninhabited but houses jellyfish and it is a safe swimming place for snorkelers. Other regions include the Sonsorol Islands, Angaur and Peleliu. 




South west islands in Palau are definitely a must visit place for travelers with some form of marine transport like a yacht. Scuba diving is the main activity that makes Palau quite famous and it is home to one of the world’s famous diving sites known as Blue corner. However, the site has high currents and constantly visited by sharks. It is located at close proximity of numerous resorts and you can have a tour to the World War 2 battle fields organized for you. Other amazing sites offering diving opportunities are Blue Holes, Ulong Channel and the Germany Channel. You can repeatedly dive at one site as many times as you want and every time you can be assured of an awesome and completely different experience. 



Jellyfish lakes are also another aspect that make Palau quite famous and are characterized by their lack of stingers. While scuba diving is not allowed in jellyfish lakes, you can for snorkeling and get to experience this natural phenomenon that has become a scientific mystery. You can get diving equipments from Splash dive shop where you will also find the experienced dive masters. The Palau International Coral Reef Centre is a must visit and the educational aquarium has a very good shop for souvenirs. Most of the displays here emphasize on education and you will find seagrass aquarium, inner reef aquarium, mangrove swamp for recreation and a topographical Palau map. 


You can go for a shopping expedition at W.C.T.C Shopping Center in Koror city that houses a grocery store, drug store and a digital photo-printing shop. Local souvenirs are also sold here as well. Being a remote island, the main industry in Palau is tourism and you can expect most of the prices to be comparatively high and budget travelers might unfortunately have no fun in shopping. You can find almost everything for eating in Palau and you can find dishes from all corners of the world. The Rock Island Café is a great place to catch some American- style foods. If you are interested in a mind blowing nightlife, you will find it at Kramer’s and they also have some great milkshakes and burgers as well. 
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Jumat, 19 Juli 2013

The Rapeseed Farms - Golden Sea of Canola Flowers in Luoping, China

In spring, the county of Luoping in eastern Yunnan, China, offers an amazing visual spectacle for its visitors. Fields after fields of rapeseed (also known as canola flowers) farms there turn into a spectacular show of yellow color. You will find the spectacular rapeseed farms in full bloom. Spectacular farms of canola flowers perfectly blend with pretty hills and make the scenery breathtaking.



Rapeseed or canola flowers are planted all over China and bloom at different times of the year depending on the region's weather. The rapeseed farms in Luoping are among the largest scale farms in the country. They also bloom earlier than any other region in China. They are planted to harvest cooking oil from the seeds.



Luoping has become popular tourist area in China because of the spectacular golden sea of canola flowers. This region has also become a magnet for photographers worldwide to capture the spectacular golden show of rapeseed farms. The farms are not too far from the town and one can access the farms easily by bus from Luoping.
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Maputo, Mozambique travel guide

Maputo serves as the administrative, economic and cultural center of Mozambique, a status it got in 1898. Previously, Maputo was known as Lourenco Marques but renamed in 1975 after the country’s independence. Maputo plays a critical role as an important harbor in the country. Maputo is rather unique compared to other African cities. Its urban areas appear quite concentrated and small featuring old trees and wide streets. The locals appear to notice no one as they get themselves busy on the streets, street vendors, a few beggars here and there and markets. The general vibe appears active and healthy and a relatively inviting place. Unfortunately, only few tourists travel to Maputo partly because it has no unique tourist offerings as such.


Most of the buildings in the city are rather old colonial buildings even though newly constructed buildings are nowadays emerging. Accommodation facilities in Maputo are available in quite wide range ranging top class hotels like Southern Sun, Cardoso and Polana as well as comfortable hostels that are perfect for budget travelers. Maputo International Airport serves foreign travelers flying into the city. While you can tour the city by walking, making sure that you stay in doors at night. You can as well hire a taxi or a Tuk Tuk and tour the city in style. The drivers are well fluent in English and you shouldn't expect any problems at all.



Maputo is not a major tourist destination as such but still worthy your time. The local Railway Station at Praca dos Trabalhadores has for long been mistaken to be designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel. Anyway, regardless of whether he was behind it or not the imposing structure of the building is definitely worthy your time. Weekends are the best time to visit the railway station and enjoy local live music. National Art Museum in Maputo houses just small Mozambican art collections but are good. There is also a botanical garden known as Jardim Tunduru that is quite pretty and a place to relax during those hot afternoons. Museum of Revolution is a chronicles of the struggle for independence in Mozambique from Portuguese colonialists. 


Mercado Central is the place to get fresh fish, calamari, crabs, vegetables and fruits as well as other household staples. When you are cooking on your, this lively and very safe place must not be missed. If you have some spare time, take a walk to Avenida Julius Nyerere along the picturesque neighborhood characterized by curio vendors, restaurants, video stores and boutiques. Gustave Eiffel built Praca dos Trabalhadores which is a magnificent building to see. 


The Museu de Historia Natural is the city’s museum of natural history. You will see many stuffed animals, reptiles and birds. Wooden carvings at the museum are also very interesting to look at and some traditional wooden pillows that look very scary and uncomfortable. There are also several beautiful beaches that you can visit in Maputo like Ponta d’Ouro and Catembe. The beaches are very jovial and generally safe. You can also join in a local wedding if you are lucky to encounter one especially on Saturdays especially in Avenida Hotel.

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Rabu, 17 Juli 2013

Lake Sorvagsvatn - The Two Level Lake on Vagar Island

Located on the island of Vagar, in the Faroe Islands, Lake Sorvagsvatn (also known as Leitisvatn) is an amazing lake. What makes the lake interesting is its two different levels. Covering an area of 3.4 square kilometers, it is the biggest lake of the Faroe Islands. Faroe Islands is a group of 18 islands that make Faroe Islands Archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. The lake is located about 30 meters above the sea level.




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Ljubljana, Slovenia - Travel guide

The city of Ljubljana is not a world famous tourist destination point as attractions in this city are extremely limited. So, rather than just hoping all over the city, it is a good idea to just stroll around the city taking photos as you simply enjoy this city just the way it is. During summer time, Ljubljana is full of sponsored events ranging from public playgrounds to children workshops as well as musical events and performances. During autumn, Ljubljana is largely dominated by students from the largest university in the city which gives the city a youthful character. December is as usual a cold season but New Year and Christmas decorations, abundance of drinks and food give the city a lively feeling. Ljubljana is capital of Slovenia.



Ljubljana is a very charming city and full of art galleries, museums and artists. Its population is merely 300, 000 and listed among the smallest European capital cities. Visitors entering Ljubljana are served by Joze Pucnik Airport which has a wide range of facilities like a bank, parking, ATMs, money exchange, information desk, post office, duty free stores, bars, cafes and restaurants among other facilities. 


Since the city doesn’t have many tourist attractions as such, you might want to visit other remote destinations in which case it is advisable that you hire a car. However, the city is so small that you can just explore it by foot and the tourist information centre will provide you with a free mark. You can as well rent a bike and explore the city even in a more fun way. 



Except for the archaeological museum and zoo, other attractions are easily reached by foot. The Triple Bridge, the charming old town and Dragon Bridge are a must visit. The Ljubljana castle is a large tower that provides spectacular views of the city. The square of the Republic is the place where Slovenia was proclaimed an independent country in 1991 from Yugoslav Federation. The nicely decorated Slovene Parliament is worthy a visit as well as the nearby International Business Centre. Other places of interest to tourists in Ljubljana include the Ljubljana Zoo, Tivoli Park, Metelkova City and Krakovo.


Museums are also an important aspect of attractions in Ljubljana starting with the architecture museum which contains an archive, valuable personal objects of the artists as well as furniture and photo archive. The Museum of Modern Art in Ljubljana is a must visit for tourists interested in contemporary art and houses sculptures, paintings, drawings, prints, electronic media, video and photography collections. Ljubljana has maintained a great reputation of being an extremely safe capital to visit, whether during day time or at night. 


Foreign tourists should not expect any trouble in Ljubljana unless they go searching for trouble. Even the seemingly rougher parts in Ljubljana are quite safe but don’t go displaying your valuables as the locals might not be very kind with you. Tivoli Park is one of the most popular destinations in Ljubljana for picnic and you will always find large crowds of people having fun.

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