A Simple Guide To Visit Beautiful Barcelona [Part 2]

This is the second part of the introduction of the famous and beautiful places in Barcelona.

MUSEUMS - The Barbier-Mueller Museum of Pre-Columbian Art – this is a museum which is dedicated to the cultures of the old Columbians. In this museum tourists and visitors can see the rich world of the oldest cultures on the continent of America.

This museum is set in a Gothic palace and this palace is one of the master-piece. This is not a big museum. It contains around 100 pieces which includes wood & stone sculptures, ceramics, tapestries, jade, mostly found in international exhibitions & prestige publications. All these things placed there show the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Chavin, Mochica & Inca civilizations.

Palau de la Musica Catalana – it is among the landmarks in Barcelona. It is a music hall which is known as extraordinary world famous. It is the mixture of many explicit creations like polychrome ceramic ticket windows on the Carrer de Sant Pere Mes Alt side and the busts of Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven, & Wagner. This place depicts the most modern culture of Barcelona.

Museu Picasso – this is one of the museums which is mostly visited by everyone. There are 3500 things to represent. The very initial work of Picasso is placed here as he lived in Barcelona for a long time from 1901 – 06. These exhibits include childhood sketches, captures from the beautiful Rose & Blue periods, & the well-known 1950s Cubist variations on Velazquez's Las Meninas (Ladies-in-Waiting).

Gaudi Casa-Museu – this house is just like an Alice-in-Wonderland house where Gaudi spent years from 1906 – 1926 with its pinks. This place then changed and all of the Gaudi’s designed furniture, decorations, drawings, & portraits were placed and exhibited here.

Fundacio Miro – this was the native city of Joan Miro and he gifted this to its city. This museum contains most explicit contemporary art and it opened in 1975 and then became most famous.

WHEN TO GO, WEATHER: the weather in this city is warm in late spring and early autumn and it is between 21 C – 25 C so everyone who wants to go Barcelona should go in these seasons. Otherwise, this place keeps a usual hot and humid temperature +30 (+86 Fahrenheit).

The month of august is specially known for a big number of the local inhabitants that they go out from the city. So, I suggest no one should go there in this month as lots of shops, bars & restaurants close.

The temperature in the day time is comparatively good and sometimes it rains which is good to enjoy all the places and it is approx. +12 C (+59 Fahrenheit).

BEACHES – there are plenty of beaches in Barcelona and this city is really famous for its beautiful beaches. The well known and world renowned beaches are Costa Brava & Costa Dorada and it takes about an hour to reach them from Barcelona.

Apart from these two there are other famous beaches which are around 4km far within the city boundaries. The big beach is Nova Icaria – very close to the Olympic marina, always have plenty of people, really sandy with golden color, enjoyable with food items.

There are very high standard and perfect beach bars over there and they make up around 7 when we talk about the famous restaurants on the promenade (Mango & Chiringuito de Moncho). There are more bars with a little distance from the beach.

Bogatell – the size of this beach is 7 times the size of adjoining Nova Icaria. This beach is having a walkway made with stones which can be used perfectly for jogging, roller blading and running. There are two big informal restaurants on the promenade.

One is the Mar Bella (Metro Ciutadella Vila Olimpica, plus 20-minute walk) – this is the one and only beach of Barcelona which is naturist and is very near to a calm and silent park. This park is very good if one wants to have a picnic or siesta sitting under the trees.

The second one is Barceloneta – this is kind of a jolly park with loads of fun with the traditional locals. Its drawing is wide and long. This restaurant keeps noisy and crowded all the time.

GETTING THERE & AROUND: any one can come to Barcelona by a direct flight or via Madrid or he can take a flight from the major airports of the European big city.

The fares for all these flights vary from the months like very high rates in May-September, very low in March-April, October-November and December-February but these exclude the days of Christmas and old year because at that time the prices of fares touch the sky. If you take weekend flight you will find it costly so better not go on weekends.

You can take other modes of travelling to Barcelona if you are coming from within Europe like train, bus or automobile but they will take long time than flying and sometimes even cost equal. You can also take the way via any Mediterranean cruises which also include Barcelona.

ACCOMODATIONS: there is a range of various choices from which you can choose. Holiday rentals in a 4-star apartment hotel start from $ 12 USD for a room which is double.

You can also book in a 3-star hotel for $65 USD for a double room. Due to the visits of the tourists to this city and resorts all of the year, the prices you have to pay for hotels remain the same throughout the year.

DININD: apart from restaurants you can also go to bars for your meals where you will get the Tapas - small snacks- two or two chunks of fish, meat or vegetables, or salad, and it is their tradition to serve this up free with a drink, or they may offer you raciones which is large ones.

You will find it interesting if you go to the bar because of the allowed rounds and the sampling of local specialities. A meal which includes seven dishes and dessert would cost you at an average of 25 Euros.

Lonely Planet Barcelona (City Guide)

A Simple Guide To Visit Beautiful Barcelona [Part 1]

The city of Barcelona is situated on the Mediterranean Sea shore where it makes a delta with 2 rivers at their border. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia. Catalonia is a province of Spain.

The largest city of France is its capital city Madrid and Barcelona comes after it (in area). The population of Barcelona is 1.5 million. If we include suburbs then it is 4 million.

Back to 4000 years, this city was settled by ancient farmers. This history of this city has many varieties. After some time, this city was being filled by Romans and became a Roman colony and then became the capital city of Visigoth.

After all this, Moorish ruled and it came under it. In 1975, it became an autonomous democracy. Barcelona faced many bad things like sieges, destructions and occupations.

The city of Barcelona is very important in the history of France. It was a main source politically and played a vital role for France to enhance its cultural life. The reflection of variety and quality can be seen very well in all of its historical buildings and museums. It is a key to attract the tourists from all over the world.

If one wants to differentiate in good cultures and rich traditions of the cities of Europe then he can easily take the name of Barcelona for being diverse. There is a good balance in the traditional things and avant-grade of Barcelona city.

Barcelona is known all over the world for its warm, healthy and sincere welcome to the tourists. It is the best city of Europe for being very friendly to all the people who come to visit it. Barcelona’s infrastructure developed with the start of the Olympics. The Olympic organization took its start in 1992 where the regeneration of this dynamic city took its initiative.

WHAT TO SEE & WHERE: POINTS OF INTEREST

There is a place whose name is La Rambla. The special thing of this place is the line of trees for pedestrians to walk along. There are buskers, statues, mimes & itinerant salespeople who have the variety of things from a lottery ticket to even beautiful jewellery.

The famous things in Barcelona which attract everyone are pavement cafes & people with their stands for selling craftwork, street performers being enjoyed by curious onlookers, a noisy and chirping bird market, Palau de la Virreina, a huge 18th-century rococo mansion, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the renowned 19th-century opera house.

The end of Barcelona has a harbor and a lofty Monument which is named as Colom which means Monument to Columbus.

Barri Gotic – the second name of this place is Gothic Quarter. It is the city’s old establishment. The two famous celebrities who have a belonging to this part are Picasso and Joan Miro. From a time period of 1895 – 1904 Picasso lived and kept working here.

The youth of Joan Miro passed here along with his birth. It is just on the very right of La Rambla. This place is filled with medieval tall Gothic buildings which were built from 14 – 15th century. These buildings are in the cobbled streets. This place really shows a lively night life.

La Sagrada Familia – the most beautiful landmark among all the landmarks of Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia. It is famous and well-known as well. The architecture work of this place was done by Antoni Gaudi. This magnificent work depicts the holy mountain Montserrat.

There are 12 towers of which two are dedicated to Apostles. The tallest of all the towers which is 170 meters long is in the centre and is dedicated to Jesus Christ. There are two towers which belonged to two Evangelists. The tower which is above the apse is dedicated to the Virgin. The art and sculpture work on the stones made them feel like a living thing.

Gaudi, the great architecture couldn’t complete his work and died before it could be done. After his death, the set program of the building’s design and work got all trapped in controversies. The façade of the southwestern Passion was completed by that time and the work of nave started in 1978.

La Pedrera - Casa Mila (Mila House) this was an apartment building. Gaudi lastly worked on this civil architecture. This was his master piece. It has the finest work with ambitious creation, extraordinarily innovative in its functional, constructive, & ornamental aspects.

This building takes the visitors and tourists to its top and they can see Barcelona with an amazing view. Gaudi was being dedicated a modest museum on the floor below this building’s roof.

Montjuic – this is the famous place and it has lots more to see and enjoy. It has the largest open space. The Olympic installations, the French village and the hilltop fortress here greatly attract everyone.

Montjuic is such a hill from which the centre of the city can be seen from southwest and has fine art galleries, leisure attractions, soothing parks & the main group of 1992 Olympic sites. It is surrounded with ornamental gardens while having water features as well.

Tibidabo – this hill is the longest and highest hill of Barcelona which covers its back. There is a park named Parc d’Atraccions which is having old manufactured rides which are stunning.

There is a glass lift which takes all the visitors to its top up to 115 meters (383 ft) where there is an observation area situated at the Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower.

Modernisme – this was also the architectural creation of the renowned Gaudi.

Camp Nou – the leading and growing team of soccer in Europe with a number of 100,000 spectators live here in this creation.

The Seu Cathedral – this place was originally a Roman temple but then in medieval times, this building was built here. It is situated in Germany and is very well known.

Parc de la Ciutadella – it is a beautiful park for the families to come along with their friends on Sundays to enjoy a lot.

The Sardana – this is a place to dance. Everyone who is willing can join it and can do the traditional Catalan dance. This dance is performed in front of the Cathedral on national festivals.

For more on this topic, search on the website.

Top 10 Barcelona (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)

Tips And Guide To Visit Rotorua, New Zealand [Part 2]

This article is the second part of the guide, when you go to Rotorua.

Other Attractions

Rainbow Springs Park:

There is a very beautiful park which is having a centerpiece, a trout fish with plenty of clear and pure running water and a bush land.

There are fishes inside which you can feed as well. There are a lot of beautiful and lovely walking tracks. There are shows at the farms also.

Skyline Skyrides:

When you go to ride on a gondola the main reason behind is not only to get to the top for the great view but it is actually the amazing and enjoying ride on the luge.

There is loads of fun and amazement but unless you are able to save yourself from falling off. There is a chairlift which is being used to operate this luge for an unlimited time but you can only make it longer if you have lots of budget.

Agrodome:

This is a show which tells you all what you want to know about sheep. It is really surprising to have a show on sheep. The information they provide on farming in NZ is very entertaining and interest grabbing.

Rotorua Museum of Art:

This is a building in NZ which purely depicts the reason for its creation. This building itself says that I am made for tourists. When it was firstly built, it was a bath house. Now it has been converted to a hot water treatment centre. The thing which you must not miss is the movie on local history.

This movie is being by you on a very super duper multimedia. So just sit down and hold on your seat to have an amazing experience. You must know about Edwardian design, this building is one of them, a total master piece. All of the gardens surrounding this building are very well maintained.

Natures Wonders

Getting something free attracts you so much and even more if it is one of your loving things.

Huka Falls:

Going to north from the Taupo lake is the M1 where you will find the beautiful Huka Falls and also the most famous all over the world, the Huka Falls Lodge (for the novu-rich of the world). You will not have to pay for seeing them. The volume of the water of the falls is too much.

These falls are near to the mighty Waikato river(NZ longest river). These Falls impress everyone up to the maximum. The sheer volume of these falls doesn’t let any to go over them and then come back alive. At the base of the falls the boats run very smoothly so boat trips are available for those who want to feel everything from a different aspect.

Whakarewarewa Forrest Park:

There are lakes which differ in color and amaze you by their twinkling colors. On going to their side, you will find lovely strands of redwood trees. There are pretty horse riding and walking tracks as well. You will notice the size of the trees to be very big but they are not that old, they are very young than how they may look.

Government Gardens:

There are a lot of gardens which surround the Rotorua museum. These gardens contain the flower beds, rose gardens, bowling greens and much more to relieve your eyes.

Kuirau Park:

There is a park named as kuirau park in front of the kuirau hospital. This park is also filled with boiling pools and geometrical activities to appeal the tourists. These pools contain a very useful pool named as foot pool which soothes your sore feet.

There is a children’s park which entertain the kids with its miniature railway. When I was there on my last visit, I saw a big hole on the ground in which there were many trees fell in and mud covered it, reason behind was a localized eruption.

The reason behind telling you all about this is to warn you about the danger of this area for being geometrically active and potentially harming.

Blue and Green Lakes:

The blue lake there is after the Whakarewarewa Forrest. This lake really attracts the swimmers or the ones who want to do boating activities. Its water is very clear and its bottom is pumice. But the only problem one can face is the weeds.

If you want to have a look of Mt. Tarawera then you have to keep on moving forward on the road.  No one can enter the green lake as it is banned for being cursed, sacred or special.

Mt. Tarawera:

If you want to do adventure or if you are a real adventure lover, just go to the back road and start climbing Mount Tarawera, it would be a real fun. You will need to enter into the crater and then for the best fun you start running to the bottom with maximum speed.

On 10 June 1886 there was a badly big eruption which destroyed many villages out there and spoiled the pink and white terraces. The massive crater was also one of its results.

Lakes:

There are too many lakes which I cannot mention as it is really difficult. A lot of characteristics are there which you will find in each lake. Some lakes have black volcanic glass and even some have the pumice stone which you will see on their shores.

Hamurana Springs:
The spring is very beautiful there. You must need to visit this place in springs. The streams of the blue lakes are really tempting. The lake is having pure and crystal clear water on which there are a hint of blue flows.

The white pumice bed contains all these blue flows. The red woods stand in the stream looks so beautiful which no one can deny. This lake also contains the trout fish but fishing is prohibited in this lake.

These are the list of the basic things which you must enjoy whenever you visit Rotorua and there always been a continuous change at every tourist place after some time. Visit the site for pictures of this place.

New Zealand (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

Tips And Guide To Visit Rotorua, New Zealand [Part 1]

I will personally give the opinion to visit Rotorua if someone has come to North Island of New Zealand and he has only one day to visit some place.

I took all this information written in this article from a person who has been to Rotorua many times as compared to me but still I will go there whenever I will get a lucky chance. This article is non-commercial and is intended to be for general information.

Location

The time taken to visit Rotorua is about 2.5 – 3 hours and its south of Auckland by drive. For going Rotorua a short way can be taken which is through Mata Mata but another way can also be taken which is via Hamilton and Cambridge, heading towards south.

Attractions

There are a lot of things at Rotorua which are a piece of attraction for all who come to north island. These attractions include geothermal wonders, a center of Maori Culture, Parks, Lakes, Natural History and a number of modern day attractions.

The smell is an attraction which most visitors have noticed. This is actually hydrogen sulphide which is a gas of rotten eggs. If you keep on staying there in Rotorua you will eventually notice that this smell comes at sudden moments and you will get to familiarize with it.

Geometrical Parks

The areas which are great in Rotorua are much more and which includes parks and other great places like: Whakarewarewa thermal area, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Waitapu Thermal wonderland, Orakei Korako Geyserland and Hell's Gate. But one thing which you have to keep inmind that they are not free to visit, you will have to pay for them.

Whakarewarewa:

The fare for this site is the same as any fare for a visit to Rotorua. This is very unfortunate that the part has now been not the one instead it is now in two parts so each part has not enough to see so don’t need to go alone, take someone with you.

I want to warn you for the fares because due to the division, one fare is now equal to the price of two. There are the best master carvers in the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute which is on the entrance of Hemo Road. There are two more things which are kiwi house and Maori meeting house.

The two famous places which are having their place there are Pohutu (big splash) and Prince of Wales geyser. The reason for this name as Prince of Wales geyser is because the geyser shoots out in three directions and it just makes one suddenly think of the Prince of Wales crest.

There are a lot of things there such as there is a place named Tyron Street which has a meeting house at its entrance where there cultural shows are organized, a village, shops and some hot pools, etc. when school hours off then a lot of local Maori children jumps off from the bridge to search for the loose change which is also dropped into the same stream.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley:

This is a place which is round about having a 20 minutes distance while heading towards Taupo in south of Rotorua. You need to already prepare your mind for a walk. There are numerous rainbow pools, the huge champagne pool, artist palette, sulphur vents, boiling mud and a huge silica terrace.

When you pay for your admission there, the $24 for an adult includes something which you should enjoy. That is you have to reach early in the morning before 10am, a little drive will take you to the Lady Knox geyser who you will find just once a day. She will feed you with soup. A free and amazing thing for you is the natural mud pool on this same road which is tremendous and you will surely find it the best ever.

Orakei Korako Geyserland:

There is a lake Taupo, a short distance after there is a route 5 on the side road on Rotorua which connects to the route 1. There is a park which you can explore by catching a ferry across the lake.

There is a good track which makes you to see all the wonders there which include mud pools, a large cave, the emerald terrace and the largest silica feature in the country. This is really worthy to be visited if you come this way.

Hell’s Gate:

There is a thermal park with a number of boiling things which are Adam's frying pan, a mud volcano and hot water falls.

There was a person selling out multi-colored sand in a glass container and I bought that, it looked so beautiful.

There was a statement which I read a reasonable time ago, a man stated that he would have gladly paid for not going to this area, whereas I totally deny from this, it worth visiting.

Maori Culture:

There are lots of attractions whose base are Maori. These are many: Tamaki Maori Village (I have not visited yet) the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (already spoken about), the Buried Village and numerous Hungi and Cultural Performances.

In 1886, there was an eruption in which there was a loss of Maori being perished and got buried into the mud. Its half area got buried so sounds like a buried village. But for tourism aspect, they now dig it and try to rebuild the old structure.

There is no review available from my side as I have not visited Tamaki Maori Village yet.

Now come to the edibles. You want to enjoy the Maori culture food and their entertainment then you will have to first book any concerts which they organize by the local hotels. You will surely find the top rated food, music and friendship there.

Rotorua Mud and Volcanic Sulphur Soap

A Brief Description About Panama

I am sure you people must have heard about wonderlands and fantasy lands? While listening about these lands, you must have wished to go there once in a life time.

So hold your breath because I am just going to reveal you such a land. PANAMA! A land for all adventure lovers.

The country has many special features making it unique from other countries of the world. One of such features is country’s rainforest; these rainforests are among the posh, richest, and most intricate forests of the planet.

Another most special feature of this amazing country is that this is the only country where jaguars and pumas hang around; you just have to take very short drive from the capital. The jungles and forests of the country are so dark and huge that more than 940 bird species and 105 endangered animals have made these forests their homeland.

This includes spectacled bears, Central American tapir, American crocodiles, scarlet macaw and different eagle classes.

Panama is a small country but it has some of the best things to offer which includes diving, bird watching, deep sea fishing and other eager and most awaiting adventures.

Panama has best deserted palm line seaside, rainforests, national parks, mystifying mangroves, steamy cloud forests, mountains, waterfalls, intense rivers, abandoned forts, and deserts to offer to visitors of the country.

The greatest way to spend dawn in panama is by diving in the Caribbean and the finest way to spend afternoons is by swimming in the pacific.

There are many other activities that you can do and enjoy. Like explore the ancient skeletons of the colonial era, dive for Sir Francis Drake’s lead coffin, go to rainforest in the aerial tram, ride a dug-out canoe to a native Indian village, see the distant and puzzling forests of the Darién region right on the border of Colombia, come head to head with a red-napped tamarind monkey or a trio of colorful toucans.

In an article written on February 2005, Conde Nast Traveler writes that: “Panama has temperate rain forests, great surf and beaches, and more birdlife than any other country in Central America. Now…it also has a newly elected administration that wants travelers to enjoy every bit of it."

Panama is a small country but it’s absolutely amazing to see the varieties the country has to offer to its visitors and tourists.

Now I am going to give you people a brief description about panama. You will find below the places and activities that you can go for in 24 hours of your visit. From the customary Panamanian brunch to trip to Miraflores Locks to sunset drinks.

Brunch in El Trapiche

This is the best thing that panama offers its visitors; yummy and delicious brunch. You must have heard this saying that: “always have breakfasts like king”.

El Trapiche is the place where you can have one just like kings and queens. And it is best to hit off the day with full stomach. El Trapiche is one of the demanding restaurants of the country. Here breakfast is served in typical Panamanian fashion.

You can have an appetizing roll made of mashed yucca and stuffed with ground beef and boiled eggs—and a side of corn tortillas, that more resemble silver dollar pancakes than taco shells. Don’t worry about the bill. All this will cost you less than $8.

Trip to the Miraflores Locks

You go to Panama and you come back to home without seeing “eighth wonder of the world; panama canal”; then you wasted you entire trip to panama. The history of this canal describes the human skill of cleverness and bravery at the same time.

Many people suffered from decades of sacrifices, devastating defeats, and final moment of conquest. The building of this canal was instigated in 1904 and finished in a decade.

Builders and people of the country faced countless difficulties like landslides, diseases, setbacks, loss of lives of many people but despite they did not give up and now this canal is labeled as one of the utmost engineering creations. The canal is dug in 240 million cubic yards of earth.

The 51 miles long canal opened the ways of shipping in Australia in 1914 and was announced proudly on July 12, 1920. US paid $25 million to Colombia in 1921 as a compensation for the loss of Panama and in return Colombia declared Panama as an independent land.

On a boat, it takes eight hours to reach from one ocean to other. On way, you get to see three sets of locks. If you want to view the canal at best then visit Miraflores Locks. It allows you to take a best look of canal for free from 9.00am to 5.00pm. 9.00am is the time when bulky ships pass through the canal. So 9.00am is the best time to reach to Miraflores Locks.

Tamales in Casco Viejo

Now is the time to hire a bus or taxi and start moving towards Casco Viejo for Tamales. Be in hurry so that you can get chance to encounter with Luis Antonio Visuette who is selling most delicious homemade tamales beautifully covered in plantain leaves for a decade.

With his Yankee cap and five gallon bucket of hot and spicy tamales calientitos, it is difficult to neglect Luis. He serves this suppertime legacy in both large and small sizes. Large costs 50 cents and small costs half of the large i.e. 25 cents.

What bonuses the treat is the icy cold drinks. Another bonus is that you can enjoy every bite of Tamales in our own office which is situated in Casco Viejo area, in the Cathedral Plaza, next to the Panama Canal Museum, in front of striking Metropolitan Cathedral. Luis will be checking in.

Discover Casco Viejo

Come and explore the oldest and ancient city of the panama. Casco Viejo is positioned in the entrance of the Panama Canal. The city existed long before the canal was constructed.

History tells us that Panama City which is now popular as Old Panama or Panama La Vieja came into existence in 1519. It is two mile from the middle of Panama City.

It is this city from where journeys were began to conquest the Inca Empires of South America and all the wealthy loots from Peru, Chile, and California ran to Spain through Old Panama. This valuables appealed many bandits like Henry Morgan.

In Morgan’s attack, original Panama City was completely blazed. In 1673 two years after the attack, the capital was shifted two miles to the west and then current Panama City was originated.  This area is now known as Casco Viejo.

In the process of rebuilding the city, Spanish settlers took a decision of building a huge wall and strong castle around the city to protect it and to prevent the vulnerability of wealth in form of gold and silver from the pirates.

The brand new city is made up of 38 blocks having cross sectioned design. Three avenues are administered from east to west and seven from north to south. Regrettably, this development was restricted by different blazes that distraught the streets.

Two third of the city was ruined by the ‘big fire’ in 1737. Then in 1756 ‘small fire’ ruined 90 plus houses of the city. These disastrous fires prove the existence of less Spanish colonial architecture.

In these tough conditions, castle managed to survive and make historical buildings are present but what makes highlights Casco Viejo among these historic buildings is its architecture.

French balconies and architecture is over imposed in the ancient Spanish colonial style. Currently, Casco Viejo’s architecture is an example of encouragement and fashion of buildings having age of 300 years.

Much More

In the starting years of twenty first century, Casco Viejo was considered as one of the most flourishing and prospering cultural meeting point.

But as we all know later in this century, technology began to develop more, urban cities are becoming more and more modern by passing of each year.

Just like this, Panama City too developed enormously making mode of transportation easier and comfortable. All this growth somehow declined the status of Casco Viejo. As transportation modes improved, streets and boulevards of Casco Viejo got narrower.

Buildings of Casco Viejo are also very old in designing and structure and are incomparable to today sky buildings touching. In the middle 1900s, Casco Viejo completely lost its status and soon became area for poor tenement style lodging.

Now the area is again transforming into different shape. Many investors are investing in this land and opening restaurants and bars. Tourism is boosting. Many people are too looking for lands to make it their permanent residence.

Casco Viejo was labeled as patrimony of humanity in 1997 by UNESCO. Presently too the place is honored and valued as remarkable part of Panama City. Two and three story houses with the ornamented galleries neglect the contracted streets.

The bonus point of Casco Viejo is French Park. In the park, French embassy and headstone of tough French builders is made. Las Bovedas, a Spanish building, is placed on one side. This building is now an art gallery along with French restaurant. Panama’s Supreme Court was also once located here.

A very nice pathway is built on surroundings of headstones. This pathway offers stunning view of Amador Causeway, Bridge of the Americans and Panama City’s skyscraper skyline.

In addition to the buildings and other places discussed above, Casco Viejo also has some admirable museums. Museo de Canal is one if these museums. Here you can get closer look to history of Panama, how Panama acts as a connector between Atlantic and the Pacific?

How this role of connector has transformed from pre-Hispanic to modern times. Then the National History Museum and National Cathedral is located. Near to it is a very small museum devoted to religious talent. This small museum was built in old Santo Domingo Monastery.

This is the place where popular Flat Arch is placed. It was said that this arch convinced engineers about the fact that Panama is an earthquake proof and geographically stable area to build the canal. If you take few steps from this place, you will find old San Jose church.

The church is adorned with glossy spires inlaid with mother of pearl. Appealing gold altar is imprinted of woods and is covered with gold. This is the place that you should not miss at any cost when visiting Casco Viejo.

Another appealing fact about Casco Viejo is that it is a residence to presidential house. Plan a visit of it on Sunday as it is close for public on weekdays. Panama is also a home to many sons and daughter of Panama, actors and actresses. Panama’s tourism minister Ruben Blades and boxer Roberto Duran also live here.

If you think you are a good bargainer, then Salsipuedes is the bazaar for you. The word Salsipuedes means “GET OUT IF YOU CAN”. This bazaar is weird in its own way. It is located just before the entrance of Casco Viejo and streets of this bazaar are so constricted and full of merchants that there is dark in day time. By walking few steps from this bazaar, you get to visit Santa Ana’s Plaza. Here you can know your destiny by paying $5 only.

Banquet at the Bristol

You must be tired and exhausted by now. So why not finish your day in classy The Bristol Hotel. It’s a short drive in cab from Casco Viejo. The dinner at the Barandas Restaurant of The Bristol Hotel is definitely relaxing and enjoyable.

The yummy food, relaxing vibes and atmosphere, dazzling presentation, classy set up and excellent service; all these combination of offerings make this dinner memorable.

A Trip To Panama Caught Your Fancy?

This brief report has revealed some the great places to visit in Panama and some great facts about the county. But in the end let me assure you that Panama has much more to explore and discover.

Pacific Coast beaches near the city; Coiba Island National Marine Park; and the Darién Province are including in these much more place to explore. Take some time out, plan your visit nicely and then go for Panama. You will for sure enjoy this visit.

Panama: The Bradt Travel Guide

A Guide To Traveling With Your Partner [Part 2]

In the first part of article you have come across some tips that can dictate your successful holidays with your partner. The second part of the article is the continuation of these ideas that will eventually help you out in dictating the successful holidays and knowing the other person, as well.

Some more tips are given below:

1.    You must keep this thing in the mind that democracy does not work out in the relationship, especially when it comes to the direction. It is better to have no bagging navigators. If you are new to the place and do not know the ways to move around, than it is always better to hire a taxi and let the driver take you to the places.

Make him your navigation in charge and enjoy the tour. If you want to play the role of navigation and mapping than you must ensure that your partner remains shut and would not confuse you while you are reading the maps.

You guys must decide before that who will going to show the ways, or else you will be ending in a ditch, shouting and fighting eventually. If your partner is driving and if she has taken the wrong turn, do not let her know until she asks you for the help.

Remind all the ways and then ask her to give you the wheel and remain quite while you are driving. That is the only best solution for getting to the right place.

Always try to remain stick with the above mentioned rule, and you will find that you and your partner are happy at the end of the day. Follow the act for the whole life and remain happy. Remember, correcting your partner means making your life hell and that can even results in the disastrous life.

2.    You must try to know about each other’s habits as much as you can. you might be sharing bed with your partner since a long time, but yet you might do not know that what she likes to keep in her bathroom.

You might not also know about her yoga routine every morning. Or she might do not know about your hair styling time spam. You cannot be sure that you know about her each and every irritating habit.

First holidays with your partner is always very surprising and these surprises are always nasty. Because, the real habits discloses when you spend whole day and night together with each other. You might find that your partner have habit of grinding teethes and this nasty surprise may cause running your holidays.

That is the reason; you must prepare yourself for these surprises and must prepare yourself for compromising these facts. Do not negotiate on the things your loved cannot tolerate. Try to avoid as much as you can do.

You may feel that you know each and every thing about your partner, but later many hidden truths unfolded in front of you. So you must have that power to tolerate the curious habits, as well as, your partner must also have power to tolerate the facts that was hidden from him or her. Consider the need of each other and try to respect them.

Holidays does not mean that your partner have freedom to do anything and become good for nothing. Holidays are for relaxation but it does not mean that your partner is not cleaning the bed after she woke up and leaving all the things over you. It also does not allow her to use your personal things without your permission. Let her explain these things before hand, politely.

3.    Do not ever plan your holidays at your friend’s home, with your girl friend. Although, your friend may insists you to join him or her when you are vacations or you might have not meet him or her for the long time. This act will ruin your romantic life.

The first holiday is all about romance and getting involved with each other. it is not for friends, your partner’s expectation will be killed if you will be spending time with your friends on your first romantic holidays. Do not try to divide your attention and time between your lover and friends.

If your partner has mutual friendship with your friend and both of you would like the idea of spending the time at your friend’s place. Then you can make your holiday plans with your friend. But, try to avoid going at the friend’s place when you both have chance to spend your first vacations with each other.

You will also be exploring during your holidays, the social nature of your partner. Your partner may have more social nature then that of yours. She might be inviting the couples at dinner, which are met on the train. On the other hand, you might want to spend more time with her, alone. You can easily predict this type of nature and can compromise with your desires. Do not fight for the strangers and try to avoid such situations.

4.    Do not turn your precious holidays in to nightmare, by fighting with each other. try to compromise and face up the situations. Do not react and try to have control upon your words and acts. Try to make the promise that both of you will tolerate each other and will try to avoid fighting.

If one is angry then it will be the responsibility of other to make the other person calm. Fights will not only spoil holidays, but it will also result in ending up the relationship. So, avoid these types of acts.

5.     The last and the most important tip is to always keep your passport, money, tickets and other documents with you. And do not become a foreign idiot.

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A Guide To Traveling With Your Partner [Part 1]

If you really want to check the status of your relationship with your partner, than you should plan a holiday with them. This is the only way to have an insight about the person you want to spend your whole life.

You will come to know about the likes and dislikes of your partner and will know that what his or her expectations from you. You will also learn about your partner’s bad habits, in case, if he or she has any. You will also have a chance to dig out that he or she is the same person you want to live with or not.

You will find out that what makes the perfect soul mate? It is not every day sex, shopping and being a servant to the person. It is compatibility and erotically charge. This will be known when you will spend your first vacations with them.

Mostly, you go on holidays to get relax with your partner. But this thing fades away when you find corruptibility and incompatibility with your partner. The whole holiday went away on fighting and solving the issues, rather than enjoying. It has also been noticed that fighting increases on holidays.

This fact is due to the reason that, in holidays, the stress level is increased, as you are away from your normal lifestyle and everyday situations. It is also due to the fact that you have planned a peaceful holiday, and your expectations are high.

Any deviation from these plans can become reason for causing the serious fights. It is also found that many couples dig out that they do not want to continue living with each other after having holidays. And these breakups are attributed to those reasons which you avoid in the normal life.

Holidays are the most valued time which you have and that is the reason you have intense feelings for it. Emotions are at peak on the holidays and so does the expectations. If holidays are not planned properly than unrealistic expectations can lay the ground for unnecessary fights.

And the results can be disastrous. Your all the desires to have a peaceful and relaxing holiday will push you towards unwanted stress and it will result in the complete waste of time and money, as well.

There are some useful tips that are mentioned in this article. By following these tips you can have peaceful holiday, as well as, your relationship will be saved from unnecessary fights. You should keep in mind these suggestions for planning a holiday with your partner, especially if you are taking your partner for the first time.

These tips will not only guide you in making the successful holidays but also let you look at your partner when you will get back to the normal life. These are explained below:

1.    First thing you must ensure that both of you wants to visit the same places. Decide about the same interest. Of course, you cannot take your girlfriend over the hiking at Himalaya, if she wants to go for the beaches in Thailand.

If you both are not having the same ideas for going on holidays, then it is better not to go with each other.  In this case, separate holidays can be the best solution and this will ensure save relationship as well. Do not force other person, just for the sake of your desire.

You both should learn compromising and with the mutual understanding decide about the place to be visited. Mostly for the couples, resorts are the best places where they can enjoy scuba diving, beaches, hiking, drinking and many other things. It is the best place where both of them do not need to compromise on desires.

Sometimes it may happen that you are unable to judge about the interest of your partner and finds out when you are really on the holidays. You might take your partner to explore ancient firesoes and find that she is having more interest in visiting the affable pubs.

Holidays highlights those hidden parts of your partner’s life that you would not be able to judge in the normal life. You should discuss with your partner about his or her desires for holidays, before making any hotel and ticket booking.

You should give your partner a chance to raise her likes and dislikes. But, if you think that your partner would be pleased in making compromise on the destination you have selected, then it is completely their problem. You should go ahead before asking your partner.

It is a fact that two people cannot be alike. You have other topic of interest and likeness, than your partner. That is why, both of you should try to dig out those things that can be done by both of you and that are enjoyed by both of you.

When you both are on the same holidays, make it sure that you both are together. Do not go alone for enjoying the quest at the tallest redwood. Do not even force your partner for going to the Cambodian orphanages when they do not want to go.

2.    The next thing that must be taken care of is money. You should divide the money with yourself. Map navigation and money are the two most common things that can result in creating tension. Money is, no doubt, the most crucial one. This division also ensures your safety in the case, if you are lost and want to hire a room for the night.

It is a common nature that in every couple one person acts as spender while other depends over him.  This thing can become the reason of problem when one person is of shy nature in spending the money and other person wants to get everything that fits the suit case.

So, make sure that if you are having all the money, you should let your partner spend at least that amount which you can afford and make them really feels happy with you.

Many couples try to solve the problems related to money, by nominating a person as a money holder. The money holder ensures that how much he or she can spend a day and how much he or she can afford. The key of success of holidays lies in the proper distribution of money. Any money power imbalances will lead to bitterness in the relationship. So, be careful in the proper allocation of the money.

You must also work out and make the budget for your holidays. Paying for accommodation and food for everyday will cost you something. Plan the budget for the day and do not exceed it. In the case if you have crossed beyond the limits then try to economize the budget.

This will ensure the accurate spending. You can also divide the money with your partner and share the expenses. This will give you extra budget and you both can have luxurious holidays. Sharing of the money will also let your partner enjoy whatever he or she wants to do. You will also have autonomy to make your expenses and fulfill your list of desires, as well as, your partner will have freedom to fulfill his or her wish list.

3.    Another crucial thing is the physical intercourse. Of course you cannot dictate your physical needs and can arouse it at any time. Thing is that you cannot plan your heightened physical needs and cannot say that when you want to go for physical interactions, at a particular time. But, you can still make planning and can take precautionary steps for getting in the physical eventualities.

You can also let your partner understand that what are your physical expectations and who you want them to be. You can also learn about your partners need and try to incorporate it accordingly. Physical contacts dictate the success of life and it plays a vital role in knowing the person.

That is why it is very crucial to make the proper arrangement of physical interaction and physical meeting. By doing this you can make sure that there is no useless debates and can save your relationship from the unnecessary fights.

If you want to gather more tips than you must read the other part written on the same topic. These articles will make your trip successful and will leave a great memory in your life. You both will find each other compatible and will love to spend time with each other.

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A Guide to Africa [Part 2]

While you are travelling to Africa, you must need to take care of yourself.

By knowing some important things that are explained below, you can make sure that you have taken all the precautionary measures during your stay at Africa. 

Money:

There are not much facilities in the banking system of Africa. Not all the countries allow you to use your credit and current bank cards.

Make preparations by discussing with your bank as the last place travelled by me was Uganda and I could just withdraw my cash through credit card from only the Barclays Bank Branch at Kampala road. While UK bank cards can be used in machines in Kenya.

Travelers’ cheque must be ignored. They are rarely accepted and are greatly used in fraudulent activities. Before travelling, they are not exchangeable with local currency and getting good exchange rates is not probable.

Cash in British Pounds, US Dollars or Euros is a good choice. Take however amount you need of Us Dollars with 100 – 200 extra for uncertainty as this currency is widely acceptable even more than Pounds or Euros so take some as safe-side.

Out of the capital cities, banks usually accept only Dollars and even Africans immediately accept US Dollars from foreigners. Get the US Bills dated after 1999 as after the Iraq wars bills dated 1999 are widely fake so unaccepted.

You need not to put all your money at the same place. Divide it in different pockets for safety purpose. You can even use the African style of putting in socks. Ask your hotel, if they have any security for money and passports as some big ones have safe in each room.

Travel Insurance

Don’t think just take it. I used petrol to light up barbecues and so set on fire, once in a visit to South Africa, along with a gunpoint robbery which took everything even my passport in central Johannesburg.

Then a Xhosa local carried me which contained a semi-conductor pistol for every moment’s use. these insurances are available having “World Wide” policies.

Cultural Awareness

The local people will have perceptions about you for being a foreigner e.g. if from west then richness. They have a mindset that a white is very rich and own a dollar tree in his garden and he does have money to spend on expensive hotels so they will charge you a lot. Keep a local with you if you are alone. You can keep a taxi driver with you as it’s the best choice.

Whatever is done by you must be fair. Knowing about all these people doesn’t mean you try to disgrace them or devalue them. Don’t treat the Africans like they are duffer or idiots. Treat them with respect by using descent language, for example, these Africans don’t like swearing and you will suddenly notice a sign of disagreement on their face.

Visa

You might need to have a visa for travelling to an African country. It’s very important if your country isn’t in good relations with your visiting country. You need to buy it in advance from your home country or after reaching the border as it would be troubling for you waiting in queues in case your flight is indirect.

Visa price would be at least $65, varies with the change in the visiting country. Often, visa issuance is for three months but can be changed according to your stay.

Avoiding Trouble

There are some measures to be taken after or before getting into trouble.

Information: you need to tell all your family and friends about your departure day, your return and your staying place. You need to inform the embassy or consulate about the details of your stay when you reach there in the country.

Documents: you need to take the documents along with their photocopies, in case the original get missing you can prove your identity and can claim a replacement immediately. You must have to put one copy in home. Driving-license is good to take with you. The compulsory documents which you must take with you are: any visas you need and the identity page.

Mobile phones: you need to have your phone network unlocked so that you buy a local SIM, cost around 10 pounds and activate it to inform your family back via SMS, and they call you back using cheap international call rates. Store your local embassy or consulate number to get their access if necessary.

Money: in case you have been a victim of robbery then you must need immediate cash to spend to meet needs there. So western union is the best growing network and it’s all spread in Africa. You will just have to ask someone in your home country to send you and text you relating details.

But, still you will be asked for some ID to make sure of your identity. For example it would be like, “what’s your dog called?”

Police: you need to be very polite with police officers, as there are a lot of them who are not being paid a handsome amount so they claim to have some money as bribe.

So, if something happens to you and you are at right then you don’t need to worry about that. You just need to say them to talk to your ambassador or consul.

But in case, you are accused of doing something wrong then it would be taken as illegal and breakage of law. In this situation you will surely need to give them whatever amount will settle the case.

Still we advise you NOT TO BREAK ANY COUNTRY’S LAWS. These laws are different from different countries so you must need to have the common knowledge of the laws of the country where you go.

Let’s give you an example, homosexuality is considered illegal in most of the countries of Africa. This all information is available in the country reports, as well, so that you can have a better view about facts.

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A Guide to Africa [Part 1]

Here is a bundle of greetings for you if you are going to visit Africa for the first time in your life but if you have already been there before then skip all this.

If you are going for the first time on holidays or if you got to know someone from a Dating site which is an African site or any other and you want to go Africa to meet her/him then this all would help you a lot.

The first thing which you need to be really happy for is you can afford to go Africa otherwise there are lots of people who cannot even think of this. As it’s not a direct flight so expensive too so they think of the other cheap and time taking ways.

What is your mode of going there? Having family there? Going to meet someone? Or going to enjoy a package tour? Whatever reason is there you must need to be careful for your safety.

How are you travelling?

If you are going to meet a person and along with that you are alone then you must have to be very careful if you don’t know that person really well and that person is not trustworthy according to you. In case, you think so then you have to do some measures to save yourself if you face any trouble.

You must have the phone number of your country embassy with you. First you need to do some bookings like a hotel booking. You can do it through email as some hotels accept email bookings but it would be good if you will use an international cheap call and make reservation through phone.

Try not to book in very expensive and strict hotels like Sheraton or Holiday Inn as they may extra charge you for taking guest to your room.

Health

Going to Africa needs some precautionary measures before. You might be exposed to some hazardous risks. The most common diseases which can take you over are Malaria and HIV/AIDS.

You must need to visit your travel clinic, GP or a doctor but do it a few weeks before going as the measures will take some time otherwise you will have to find some private travel clinic. It doesn’t matter whether your origin is Africa but you might be still not to the latest viruses or diseases.

As all the bugs become more powerful with passing years and human despite of being of the same origin cannot remain potentially powerful for the same things.

Malaria

Before travelling you need to analyze or research for the area that whether it’s having any kind of infection creating creatures. So if you are going to visit some malarial area then you need to prevent yourself with the help of proper medication by the prescription of the doctor.

Get to know all the symptoms regarding malaria so that if you’ll catch it then you will be able to figure out its symptoms. These symptoms generally are: headache, nausea, fever, vomiting and flu. These symptoms will not remain the same for every type of malaria causing specie.

The time between you get bite by a malarial mosquito and the appearance of its symptoms can be from one week to several months so if you get into any of its symptoms after coming back from your trip then you must have to inform your doctor from whom you are getting treated that you have been to a malarial-area.

Sexual Health

Now talking about the activeness of you sexually, if you are active then you need to strictly make the use of condoms sure. African condoms are good but most of the people disgrace them even they are cheap as well.

Diseases like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea are really common and get transmitted in this contact. HIV/AIDS is just a killing disease straight away. Get your all tests done if you are going to start your married life but in the mean while take care.

In case, you or your partner gets into the trouble of HIV/AIDS then you need not to take it to your heart. There are lots of organizations out there who will help you get rid of this disease.

They will offer you different courses and you will be free to choose according to your will. You will find much more information regarding this issue time to time on this site.

Country Background

There is a lot of information available on the internet for the travelers about different countries in detail. The best available information is from Foreign and commonwealth office in UK and the US department of state. You need to just read them but not to take their effect deeply as if you do so, you will not be able to do travelling.

There is a tradition from bureaucrats that they always degrade foreign and appreciate the indigenous. Let’s give you an example. Al-Qaida attacked both of the countries Spain and Bali but the fact is you will find warnings for not going to Bali as there are terrorist activities but you will not find the same for Spain.

The reason behind all this is that no government will want itself sued for giving wrong advices. If you think that you must take the government’s advice and while following it you visit some country which is advised by your government and in case you get bombed, you do have the right to sue your government.

These advices are not purely right for example there has been no evidence about the Kenyan people that they roam around with drugged sweets and try to put them in any foreigner’s mouth but still there is a statement from the FCO that “Do not accept food or drink from strangers as it may be drugged". One should take it as a rumor based on some old fake story.

Still, I don’t want to have any risk of giving false statements. You should read all this valuable information and warnings as they depict the reality to some extent. Take a lot of care for you and you must have the knowledge of health, visa requirements and all the things which are prohibited and allowed.

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