Devils Tower

It’s quite intriguing that the first national monument in the United States is not made by the hands of men. In fact, this towering natural landmark means more to the American Indians than it is to the forefathers who established the colonies.

Bears Lodge, as others would often refer to it, is believed by American Indians as a sacred site. Knowing its significance, then President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as a national monument in 1906. That’s the Devils Tower as we know it today.

One might wonder why it was called as such. In truth, the landmark was supposed to be called as Devil’s Tower. But the apostrophe was inadvertently omitted when the proclamation was published. With no luck editing this clerical error, the name stands to this day. Rising over a thousand, it overlooks the Belle Fourche River. Its top is actually the size of a football field. Erosion has made it possible for people to view the tower’s magnificence. With more than 1,300 acres of vast area surrounding the area, it’s no wonder flora and fauna abound. Woodlands and pine forests cover much of the park while wildlife creatures roam around its grasslands.

If you are planning to take the Tower Walk – trekking the Devils Tower trail with a ranger – be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes. It would also help if you could bring drinking water along the way.

Climate here is usually mild, but trails are not maintained during winter season. However, visitors can go for cross-country skiing during the cold months. Those who are into rock climbing or simply wish to spend some time at the top of the tower can do so by registering first at the visitor’s center. But because this is considered as a sacred site by American Indians, a voluntary climbing closure is implemented in the month of June.

Devils Tower

Lalitpur

Lalitpur is a major city located southwest of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It is easy to travel here, being a few hours away from Kathmandu. Otherwise known as Patan, this city has been granted the status of World Heritage Site. Lalitpur means ‘City of Beauty’ and is known as the artistic and cultural focal point of Nepal. Temples, pagodas, sculptures can be seen here. The main attraction of Lalitpur is the Patan Durbar Square.

The Patan Durbar Square was once home to the Patan Royal Family. In it is a complex of nineteen monuments, all based on Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards that make up the Patan Durbar Square namely; the Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and the Keshan Narayan Chowk. Among these, the Mul Chowk is the oldest. One of the major attractions in Lalitpur is the Krishna Temple that was dedicated to Krishna, the Hindu Lord, and has twenty-one golden pinnacles.

Another famous temple is the Mahaboudha Temple that shows off exquisite terra cota work. The Lord Siva Temple, also known as Kumbeshwor, is another sight to behold in the Patan Durbar Square. It stands five storeys high and was built pagoda-style. A natural spring can be found inside, which is claimed to come from the famous glacial lake of Gosainkunda.

The Jagat Narayan Temple meanwhile is dedicated to Lord Vishnu which houses magnificent metal statues of Garuda and Hanuman that are related to Hindu mythology. Another major attraction is the Tusahity Royal Bath which can be seen in Sundari Chowk.

If you wish to bask in the rich culture and artistry of Nepal, then Lalitpur should be one of your target destinations.

Lalitpur

Chiang Mai

Thailand on your mind? Where do you start a trip to a land as vast and as enchanting as Thailand? If you desire sun, sand and solitude in the beautiful, unspoiled islands and beaches, Thailand will not disappoint. On the other hand, if you happen to be a visitor who desires to experience something mystical, then Chiang Mai’s temples that seem to be frozen in time with an old-world feel are a must-see.

Chiang Mai excites the senses with its spectacular scenery and centuries of history. That Chiang Mai is picturesque and exotic – with rolling hills, serene lakes and cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountains — is just the tip of the iceberg. The city also basks in the golden glow of temples. Add to these the savory cuisine, the amiable people, the relaxing boat villages (or pulsating nightlife), and you have all the ingredients for a pleasurable stay.

Chiang Mai’s temple attractions may best be described in one word: amazing. With its glorious sunset to the intriguing site where ashes of a previous royal family remain, to centuries-old Buddha metal images, Wat Suan Dok beckons. There’s also the ancient Wat Chuang Man that’s known to date back to 1296, where Chiang Mai’s sovereign founder resided. Another temple visitors shouldn’t miss is the Wat Phra Singh, which lies on a compound with a beautiful chapel with remarkable murals and woodcarvings. If you’re interested in authentic Thai history & culture, the Chiang Mai National Museum — with its ancient artifacts, art works, Buddha images and combat weaponry – will be worth visiting. Meantime, shopaholics will most likely be delighted with the quality handicrafts at the bustling city emporium or night market.

Indeed, Chiang Mai is a jewel waiting to be discovered by first-time visitors, or those who did not have the time to get past other popular destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui during their first sojourn.

Pokhara

Pokhara is located west of Kathmandu and is the thrid largest city in Nepal. Dubbed as the ‘Enchanted Himalayan valley,’ Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist spots especially for those adventurous at heart. People who wish to travel here find that Pokhara is easily accesible. This city is sorrounded by snow-capped Himalayan Mountains and offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan Lake with its crystal-clear waters. Pokhara’s climate is warmer than Kathmandu and is typically wet around mid-June to mid-September. The best time to visit this city is around October and April.

The center of all attractions in Pokhara is the Fewa Lake. It is the second largest water body in the kingdom. Colorful boats can be rented if you are interested in trying out its waters. The lakeside offers a great view of the Himalayas, which is why numerous hotels are there.

David’s Fall is another popular tourist spot. It is a magnificent waterfall that goes into a deep, narrow hole that seems to be bottomless. Modern legend has it that a tourist by the name of David went skinnydipping in Pardi Khola River when the dam floodgates opened. It is said that the gushing water pushed him into the bottomless depths of the waterfall and was never seen again.

The Barahi Temple is considered as the religious focal point of Pokhara. It is found in the middle of Fewa Lake and is dedicated to the boar form of the female deity Ajima. Usually on Saturdays, people visit the temple to sacrifice animals.

Visiting Pokhara, Nepal is like going on a nature retreat and is highly recommended for people who like to trek and for those who simply want to bask in the entire natural splendor that this city can offer.

Pokhara

Namfu

Home of lead and steam trains, the town of Namfu in Myanmar has a lot of things to offer you. Though their tourist attractions are not that elegant and magnificent as that of the pagodas and temples of the rest of the cities of Burma, Namfu still has something unique for you to experience.

This small town of Namfu holds the headquarters for the Burma Mines Railways. However, this area is restricted to the public. But with a permit from the government, you can see for yourself the wonders of these old railways and trains. In fact, you can still see two-railway locomotives today that are in perfect working condition. If you wish to see the old version of bullet trains, these steam locos can answer your curiosity. Truly, seeing a functional automobile of the past is such a wonderful experience to remember. This is much more if you follow the railways; you can have a picturesque view of pagodas, rural villages, and steep mountains as well.

But, the railway treats of Namfu for you do not just end there. You can still see more to life of well-preserved locomotives in the small museum in town. When you pay a visit, you can understand the evolution of this mode of transportation not only in Myanmar or Burma but as well as to the whole world.

Indeed, if you wish to have a unique experience in Myanmar, it pays to visit the town of Namfu. With the ambiance of the past and the gifts of nature, your trip will undeniably be a worthy one.

Namfu

Trencin

In western Slovakia, you will find its ninth largest municipality, which is the Trencin. This is close to the Váh River valley that is near the Czech border. There are more than 56,000 people living in the city that is known as the seat of the Trencin Region and the Trencin District. People who love architecture and history will enjoy the area that houses medieval castle, which stands on a rock at the top of the city.

It was not known when the exact time when people first inhabited the city. Aside from the Trencin Castle that is a common medieval fortified castle, the city is also popular for its Roman inscription on the rock that can be found on the famous castle, which dates back at 179 AD. The city’s past is very rich and it is evident with the places of interest that you will likely visit once you have arrived.

The Trencin Castle, which is the most visited spot in the city, is the third largest castle in all Slovakia. This has upper and lower sections that contain extensive fortifications. At the upper part, you will see some palace buildings that encircle the central medieval tower. This is actually the highest point of the city, so you can only imagine how it would feel like to be on that spot. The hillside can be found at the bottom part. At the old town, you will see a baroque church, some shops where you can buy gifts and souvenirs and a town tower. The city is also known for its music festival, which is referred to as Pohoda.

Trencin

Soroti

Although very provincial in surroundings, Soroti is one of the main commercial centers in eastern Uganda. The busy commercial center is punctuated by architectural structures speaking of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The city is also surrounded by the magnificence of nature’s art. The most famous of Soroti’s natural wonders is a rock formation from which you can get a splendid view of central Soroti. The Soroti rock presents a beautiful vista of Soroti and its surrounding areas as well as of Mount Elgon and Lake Kyoga. Tourists who wish to climb the Soroti rock should seek permission from the Town Clerk. Aside from the town panorama, what is behind the rock would give you a glimpse at Soroti’s colonial past. There you can find graves of residents engraved with the dates of their death. The various ages of these people who were buried behind the Soroti rock is testament to the unrestrained killings during Uganda’s colonial period.

Albeit highly commercialized and dotted with stalls and shops, the center of Soroti still features facades that are reflective of the Indian traders who once inhabited the town. The thriving businesses have cleaned up and refurbished the worn down buildings of the 1970s and transformed the center into the bustling commercial it is now. The religious establishments around town remain to be sites of interest for most tourists. There is a great variety of Muslim mosques and Hindu temples around Soroti. There are also Sikh temples and some Christian churches like the Anglican Cathedral and some small Pentecostal congregations. The Islamic burial rituals are also kept alive in the bath house located at the municipal cemetery. Many graves in this cemetery even have Arabic inscriptions.

Soroti

Wulingyuan Scenic Area in Hunan

Wulingyuan Scenic Area is located in the northwestern part of the Hunan province of china. It is comprised of four major parts: Zhangjiajie National Park , Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve, Yangjiajie Scenic Area and Suoxiyu Natural Reserve. The total areas covered by Wulingyuan is approximately 690 square kilometers and it consists of 3,100 peaks, where half of them are more than 200 meters tall. The graphical view of Wulingyuan looks like an elegant impressive landscape with spectacular valleys and gorges.

Wulingyuan is a thick dense tropical forest comprised of rich biological forest resources, lakes, caves, waterfalls and mountains along with wide variety of species. Wulingyuan is listed among the top 40 best scenic spots in china and it also got placed in the Worlds Heritage List in 1992. Wulingyuan has more than 560 highlight spots to be viewed, including rare waterfalls, giant peaks, caves, rock stones , hidden valleys and deepest gorges.

The first State-Level National Forest Park in china isZhangjiajie National Park. The park is entirely covered with different kinds of plant species and wide variety of trees. The park is a stored wealth house with many biological resources and the most interesting unique item in the Zhangjiajie National Park is lobster flower. The lobster flower changes its color five times within a day. The highlights Zhangjiajie National Park are Huangshi Fort , Yuanjiajie and Golden Whip Stream. The Golden Whip Stream is a pure crystal clear water flowing through the giant peaks with huge foaming surface. The Huangshi Fort and Yuanjiajie are spectacular classic spots to view.

The largest of all national parks is theSuoxiyu Natural Resource Reserve Park. It is the center of all the beautiful scenic spots in Wulingyuan. The name Suoxiyu is defined as “Mountainous village covered with dense fog”. Suoxiyu Natural Resource Reserve Park contains variety of peaks which are so attractive and impressive and it also consists of West Sea and Bao Feng Lake which resembles the habitual practice of Hunan Province.

The Tianzi Mountain Natural Resource Reserve Parkis comprised of strange rocks and peaks with dense fog and dark clouds and it is located in the high elevation path which makes it difficult to watch the scenic spots. The Teaboard Tower, Lao Wu Chang and Yellow Dragon Spring are the areas famous scenic spots in the Tianzi Mountain Natural Resource Reserve Park. This scenic spots are especially developed by the Hunan people for tourist attraction purposes. The park is famous for four spectacular scenic views, including: the mist and the cloud, the shining moon in the night, snow winter and rosy cloud in the mornings and evenings.

Yangjiajie’s scenic areais later added to the Wulingyuan’s scenic area in 1990s. Until then, it was preserved and unmaintained by the China Government. Yangjiajie is well equipped with peaks , waterfalls, lakes and gorges. This area covers vast greenery landscape with wild vegetations and plants.

Wulingyuan is highlighted as a major tourist spot in china because of the presence of these four major sections .

Wulingyuan Scenic Area in Hunan

Zamość Old Town

If you are looking for a Renaissance town in Poland, visit Zamość.

Zamość Old Town is located in southeastern Poland. It is the perfect example of a Renaissance town from the 16th century. Walled cities were common in those days, and Zamość was no exception. There are seven fortifications along the walls that helped the military defend the city from invaders. These walls were built to last; 12 meters high and 2.5 meters thick. Three gates give access to the city, each with a drawbridge. Imagine walking through those gates to get to the city, and you may feel you’ve been transported back in time.

This town was the product of superb 16th century urban planning. In 1528, Jan Zamoyski wanted to build a “country within a country” and Bernardo Morando knew how to make it happen. It took them 25 years to design the town, and thanks to their careful planning, we can admire it to this day. The layout was rather simple; just three squares, right-angles streets, large plots for buildings and temples for all religions. In 1992, Zamość was included in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

Places to see:

The Great Market Square– A perfect square in the heart of the town, it has eight tenement buildings with arcades along each side. These structures used to be shops and wineries. Today, they have been transformed into al fresco cafés where you can sit down, have a cup of coffee and watch the busy-ness go by.

The Town Hall– If you’re looking for a taste of history, this is the place to visit. Up in its tower, a trumpeter dressed in proper 16th century garb, plays the Zamość signal at noon.

Arsenal- If weaponry is more your thing, then visit the Zamość Old Town Arsenal. This is where Zamoyski’s trophies from earlier battles are kept, along with the military gifts he received. Cannons, firearms, swords, various types of armor and even a contemporary tank are on permanent exhibit.

Zamość Old Town

Porto

Porto is a city in northern Portugal and is considered an alpha global city. In 1996, due to its rich cultural and historical significance, has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also one of Portugal’s oldest cities. The main city has an estimated population of 220 thousand people.

Because of its Mediterranean type climate, the city is generally cool. The summers are sunny with temperatures ranging from 15-27 degrees Celsius. Winters are generally rainy and the temperature average 5 degrees during mornings and up to 14 degrees in the afternoon.

The city generally exudes a charming and romantic vibe, especially for visiting couples. Activities which are recommended to tourists include the tram ride en route to Foz where one can see the river Douro meeting with the Atlantic Ocean. Boat trips in the river Douro are refreshing especially after you have seen the views the city. Various cruises can be arranged where the views of Maria Pia Bridge, a work of Gustav Eiffel and other historic bridges can be seen. The stacking buildings in narrow roads are best appreciated while sight seeing aboard cruise ships.

In contrast to the rich architectural evidence of its history, Porto being economically forward is also host to world class shopping amenities as well as an active night life.

Porto is a city where you can let go of your gastronomic cravings. The most popular dish tourists must try when in the city is the Tripas a moda do Porto roughly translated in English as the Tripes Porto style. The Frenchy is also a good sandwich made throughout the city with meats, cheeses and sauce made from beer and other spices that reflect the rich taste of authentic Porto’s cuisine. To top off a great meal, the port wine, a very famous of Porto, is a must have. The Port wine is a famous export product of the city all over the world.

Be mesmerized with Porto’s sunny weather, world renowned sights and tasty dishes. Visit the city now if you would like to be enticed with its Portuguese charm.

Porto

Cayo Largo

The Canarreos Archipelago of Cuba is composed of numerous small islands. The second largest island in this archipelago is the Cayo Largo del Sur, or simply Cayo Largo. This island is like a whole resort. It measures less than 3 kilometers wide and 25 kilometers long. There are no permanent residents on the island. Resort workers live on the small islands nearby.

Cayo Largo is said to be a limestone island. It is an island that took millions and millions of years to form. The pearl white sand beach of Cayo Largo came from marine organisms. Like Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Largo is well known for its coral reefs. Marine life is the main tourist attraction in this area. The current is very peaceful which makes it an ideal vacation spot for families with infants.

Cayo Largo is surrounded by shallow water on one side and deep water on the other. Most resorts are located at the mouth of the shallow beaches. Tourists may opt to relax under the sun or enjoy taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of Cayo Largo. Or they may ride a boat and appreciate the natural beauty of the island.

The temperature in this are ranges from 23 to 29 degrees Celsius. Temperature is observed to be hottest during the months of July and August and coldest during January and February. The island’s wildlife is another site to see. The north of the island is the home of several rare species of both plants and animals.

Cayo Largo

Haapsalu

If you are looking for just a quick stop to one of Europe’s relaxation capital, then there’s no better place that Haapsalu, Estonia. The town is basically known for their famous spas that would give any popular spa in the entire world a run for their money. It is a quiet town that people usually visit during the summer because even a day trip would do to go touring around and spending the rest of it getting massages and mud baths.

The best way to enjoy a day trip to Haapsalu is by taking in the great architecture of the city. You will see the castle built around the 15th century where a battle between the Swedes and the Russians took place thousands of years ago. On your way to the South, you will come across the small village of Kirbla where the smallest church in Estonia is located. After that, you will enter the village of Lihula where you can find the ruins of the Episcopal Castle behind a manor house.

If you would like to know a bit more about the history of the place, you can also go to a special Swedish museum which is located closer to the harbour. After a peaceful tour of the town, you can rest for a while and eat some Estonian pizza at Pizza Grande restaurant.

In the 19th century, Haapsalu became a spa capital with some of the best known spa resorts in Europe. They are famous for their massages and mud baths that relax the body and are sure to chase the tiredness of your travel away.

Haapsalu

The Three Pagodas

For many centuries, the Chinese pagoda has been a symbol of China. A visit to the country wouldn’t be a complete one unless you see an authentically designed pagoda.

One of the greatest-looking pagodas in China is the Three Pagodas. It is a triangular arrangement of three elaborately designed pagodas at the base of Cangshan Mountain’s Yingle Peak, near Dali in Yunnan, China. It is believed to be the only remnant of Chongshengsi, which was the largest monastery in this town.

Qianxun Pagoda stands as the main pagoda among the three. It is square in shape and 69 meters high with a structural design similar to those made in the Tang Dynasty. It was erected during the reign of Emperor Fengyou of Nanzhao Kingdom. It has 16 levels and the marvelous whitewashed wall cover makes it more visible just a few yards away.

The two other pagodas are smaller than Qianxun with only 10 stories that’s 43 meters high. These two contain three copper calabashes, with each linked to a bell made of bronze. The Chinese traces back the two towers’ construction 100 years after Qianxun’s construction.

During some time between 1978-1979, excavators had uncovered various important Chinese artifacts and relics in Qianxun Pagoda. There were hand-written Buddhist scriptures and documents as well as several art pieces made of gold, silver, crystal, and wood. Others even found medicinal herbs along with Buddha statues and other precious stones such as quartz and jade.

The Three Pagodas had endured a number of earthquakes and typhoons over the 10 centuries it has witnessed. Nevertheless, all three remained resilient, proving the greatness and quality of Chinese architecture in its early years.

Just outside the Three Pagodas are trees, shrubs, pools of water, and cemented grounds that provide a very scenic spot that can easily captivate any tourists visiting the town.

The Three Pagodas

Thandwe

What could be better than experience an unspoiled beach for a vacation. With the freshness of the air and the clearness of the water, this kind of experience is one thing that can surely provide a total satisfaction. Talking about this kind of beach, Myanmar’s seaport city Thandwe has this great experience in store for you.

Called the Ngapali Beach, this is the most famous of all the Myanmar beach houses. Though this beach is not well publicized like that of the other beaches in Southeast Asia, more and more tourists are being captured by this unspoiled stretch of sand year after year. To indulge your imagination, just think of a crystal clear beach with mountains in the background. Add to this a peaceful and serene environment without much visitors being entertained. Indeed, this is one place in the world in where you can find great privacy in one of the best gifts of Mother Nature.

Moreover, aside from catering a great fresh beach to the tourist, Thandwe’s Ngapali Beach also houses several hotels to accommodate tourists like you. If you have a kick of sports in yourself, you can complete the treat in the golf course just near the beach.

However, being an isolated land, the airfare to get here in Thandwe can be pretty much expensive. But, when you come to experience the place, every cent that you spend here will be all worth it. Hence, you will have a great time on your summer vacation in a crowded beach. The goodness of this beach in Thandwe can give you a different definition of a summer vacation.

Thandwe

Ixtapa

This majestic city is a beach resort in Zihuatanejo de Azueta, Guerrero. It’s located 240 km northwest of Acapulco. The city itself became a main stop for cruises and the beaches became one of the major attractions. If you’re planning a vacation to this tourist spot, consider staying in a hotel or resort that offers all-inclusive packages that will help you lower the cost of your expenses. Here are some of the hotels where you can stay, NH Krystal, Emporio Ixtapa, La Brisas Ixtapa (formerly the Westin,) Melia, Holiday Inn, Park Royal, Capella Ixtapa, Hotel Ixtapa Palace Resort & Spa and Club Med.

The best time to visit Ixtapa is between winter and spring which starts in November and lasts till May. During the summer, June and July are hot and humid. May thru October is the rainy season.

If you are looking for more activities and fun, Ixtapa is the best destination. You will not find any museums, just gorgeous beaches along the Pacific coastline. For snorkeling and swimming, go to Isla Ixtapa – a small island with quiet beaches and palapa restaurants. Water taxis are a popular mode of transportation in this wonderful island leaving regularly from Ixtapa’s Playa Linda and Zihuatanejo (the main pier). Check also Playa del Palmar – Ixtapa’s main beach. Petacalco beach and Troncones – best for surfing.

Here are some activities you can do while enjoying the sand and gorgeous beaches of Ixtapa:
・ Swimming
・ Surfing
・ Deep-sea fishing – VIPSA, an outfitter with an affiliation with Hotel Las Brisas offers boats for four or six people.
・ Scuba lessons and expeditions
・ Golf

After a day of fun and activity, don’t forget to eat the famous “pozole.” This is a delicious pork and hominy stew dressed with numerous sides such as, shredded cabbage, radishes, onions, oregano, lime, chile, tortilla chips and fried pork skin (chicharron). Tamales y Atole Any (pronounced “Annie”) is the BEST pozole restaraunt located in Zihuantanejo.

Here are some restaurants that you can dine in on your stay:
・ Casa Morelos – famous for its breakfasts
・ Beccofino – for a fanciful Italian dinner near the Ixtapa marina
・ Kau-kan – for breathtaking bay views
・ La Casa Que Canta – for breathtaking bay views
・ Il Mare – casual spot for pasta and seafood dishes

End your travel with some local shopping. You will find the best crafts from aroound the country like fanciful wood and papier-mache sculptures, hand-painted ceramics, tin-framed mirrors and sophisticated embroidered clothing.

Ixtapa

Port Antonio

Port Antonio, the capital of the parish of Portland, is known as a major tourist destination in Jamaica whereas tourism is a great contributor to its economy. In addition, it is a trade point for bananas and coconuts as the location of the third largest port in Jamaica.

It is the home of some of the most beautiful natural attractions such as beaches, waterfalls, and lagoons. Before the 1880s, Port Antonio is a very inactive town. The introduction of the banana trade was the start of its springing up to its feet and becoming a tourist spot frequented by rich Americans.

It is almost as if you are visiting a place in a different era while in Port Antonio. Its beauty and grandeur is overwhelmingly charming.

Food and Dining

Satisfying your taste buds is not difficult in Port Antonio. It is a place with a wide selection of restaurants mainly because it is a resort area. Most restaurants offer a combination of Caribbean and Continental cuisine likeMille Fleurs(Jamaican meets Continental cuisine),Dickie’s Best Kept Secret(Jamaican and European cuisine),San Tropez(Continental cuisine), andAnna BananasRestaurant (Seafood and Jamaican cuisine)

Attractions

The natural beauty of Port Antonio is exquisite and remarkable. It has many tourist destinations that you dare not miss while visiting this calm and unique town.

Frenchman’s Cove. It is a secluded resort that offers a magnificent view of white sand and fresh water stream. It has the rich assortment of Jamaican flowers that attracts wildlife into it.

The Blue Lagoon.A natural lagoon decorated by a natural beauty that shows you a beautiful hue of blue in the waters which changes as the sun lit it from different angles.

Folly Point Lighthouse. A lighthouse that is built in 1888.

Folly Ruins Mansion. An old Roman styled villa built in 1905 by Alfred Mitchell intended to be his home together with his wife’s, Annie Tiffany. The Mitchell’s lived in the mansion until Alfred’s death in 1911 and the subsequent start of the First World War which led to Annie’s return to the US. From then on, the mansion has been abandoned.

Rio Grande Valley. A panoramic view of the Rio Grande River can be exciting and exhilarating especially when combined with the water sports you can try in the area.

Port Antonio

Waterford

Waterford, as Ireland’s oldest city, has lured millions of visitors every year. Well why not? If you come to think of it, the city does not only pride of being the oldest, but it also offers several places of interests that tourists and locals alike are bound to enjoy.
What are those places of interest?
Here is a list of them.

1. The Waterford City Hall
In some places, a city hall is just a solid structure with nothing but walls and desks inside of them. But that premise does not apply in this particular hall. This is because the building itself is a magnificent work of art designed by a local Waterford architect named John Roberts during 18th century. Currently, this building does not only house government officials and workers but it also holds the city’s municipal art collection.
2. Dungarvan Museum (Waterford County Museum)
This local museum takes you back in time as it narrates the history of Dungarvan and Waterford from Ice Age to Georgian periods with the use of a huge collection of photographs. The numerous photographs are also backed up by artifacts that include anything from trophies, accessories, old cameras and coin collection.
3. Reginald’s Tower Museum
By being considered to be the oldest tower made of mortared stone in the entire Europe, Reginald’s Tower Museum has rightfully claimed to be the most popular landmark in the area. Since its construction on 1003 A.D. the castle has been utilized as a military fortress, a prison and even a shelter. Now, after centuries of rich military and political history, it became the venue of the city’s civic and maritime museum.
4. Dunmore East Beach
This should be your final stop if you have grown tired of all the hustle and bustle in the city. The golden sandy shores offer rest and relaxation to anyone who wants to spend a lazy afternoon at the beach. Just a warning though, the beach can be pretty crowded during summer, so if you plan to take your kids with you, make sure that you help the lifeguard by keeping your eyes on them.

Waterford

Wawel Royal Castle

If you’re interested in castles, visit Wawel Royal Castle and take in its story, and its history.

Located in Krakow, Wawel Royal Castle was the center of Poland’s culture and politics until the 16th century. It started out as a small residence built by King Boleslaw Chrobry. Later, it was turned into a Gothic castle by King Kazimierz Weilki, but it burned down in 1499. King Zygmunt Stary then took over. In a span of 30 years, Italian architects built a magnificent Renaissance palace. The castle has managed to avoid further destruction and is preserved to this day. It is known for its beautiful arcaded courtyard, which has a rather impressive layout.

The castle was recovered by the Polish after the first World War and immediately began restoration until World War II. Restoration resumed after the war and the people were able to recover a good part of the castle’s earlier exterior and its interior decoration.

Like many other castles, Wawel Royal Castle is now a museum. Separated into five sections, each section requiring a different ticket, valid for a specific time of the day only. The sections include the State Rooms, the Royal Private Apartments and the Crown Treasury and Armory. There is a daily quota on the number of visitors in some sections, so arrive early if you want to see everything or call for reservations. There are certain periods throughout the year where individual visitors can take the tour free, but they have to have “free admission” tickets to get in. The castle is closed on New Year’s Day, the Easter weekend, November 1st and the 11th, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Random Fact:
A chunk from one of the castle’s columns was incorporated into the upper-left part of the Chicago Tribune Tower’s main entrance. It is a visual tribute to the Polish community in Chicago, which is the largest outside of Poland.

Wawel Royal Castle