Pusan

You are deciding where to go next on your travel adventure when your interest is piqued by South Korea’s second largest metropolis, Pusan. Its official name is Busan Metropolis City that has the largest port city in the country, which is the fifth largest in the whole world. This can be found at the Southeasternmost edge of the Korean Peninsula. The name may be familiar because it hosted the APEC 2005 Korea. Pusan hosted the 2002 Asian Games and became one of the host cities the same year for the FIFA World Cup. It continues to show its interest in sports after it has announced that the city is officially bidding to become the host for the Summer Olympic Games in 2020.

Aside from sports, this is also considered a favorite spot for shoppers because the place houses the Shinsegae Centrum City, which is actually the largest department store in the world. The city has current projects of building numerous multi-skyscraper projects. It is also pursuing to create the third tallest building in the world, the Lotte Super Tower that they aim to finish in 2013. They hope that this is going to follow in the steps of the Burj Khalifa building in Dubai.

Pusan usually gets a humid subtropical climate and any extremities in weather are very rare. The last storm that caused lots of damage and fatalities in the area happened on September 12, 2003 during the Typhoon Maemi.

While in the area, you may want to visit its beaches, parks, resorts and museums. For hiking enthusiasts, you have to visit the Geumjeongsan. This can be found near a highly established national institute for high school education, which is known as PNU or the Pusan National University.

Along Dongnae-gu, you can go at its famous natural spa area, which is known as the Dongnae Oncheon. You will find lots of shopping centers, restaurants and tourist hotels within the vicinity.

The city is the summer capital of the country because it has six beaches that people love going to during the season. You can definitely make the most out of your time by spending enough days going around the scenic spots at Pusan, South Korea.

Pusan

Ireland

Ireland, officially called the Republic of Ireland, is popularly known as the Emerald Isle. Ireland as a whole consists of about 32 counties, six of which belonging to a seclude group called Northern Ireland that is officially a part of the United Kingdom. It is important to note that there have been many tensions between the two distinct parts of Ireland, there have been many racist and political wars between the countries, and there is still some hostility today between the Protestant Orange men of Northern Ireland and the Irish Catholics. There are four international airports in Ireland that one may enter the country by. It is relatively easy to visit Ireland if you are a part of the EU or the EEA countries, or if you are from most countries in North and South America, or if you are from Australia, New Zealand, Japan or Israel. None of these countries require a visa to enter the country on holiday.

When traveling in Ireland, you will probably be renting a car and should know the rules of the road, they are similar to that of the United Kingdom, one very important distinction is that the speed limit is not in mph, but it in km/h. You should be careful when driving if you are not sure about the conversions. There are many car rental places available in Ireland, and you will probably use Euros when paying to rent one or when paying for anything else in the country. If you speak English, you will have no problem getting around Ireland for English is spoken in every part, but it is not the official language of the country, Gaeilge is. When eating and dining out at fine restaurants, common courtesy and good table manners are expected, you should respect the atmosphere by keeping your talking and laughing to a respectable volume and you should limit your use of cell phones while in fine restaurants. These rules are not expected to be followed in pubs, or fast food restaurants though.

Ireland

Chateau de Chambord of Loire Valley

The Chateau de Chambord is one of the famous manor houses in the world. The Chateau is located in Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France. It is known for its perfect and unique French architecture and very beautifully blends of the French as well as Italian classical traditions.

The Chambord was made by King Francois I. The purpose of the construction was to make sure that the King was near his mistress, Comtesse de Thoury, who was part of a very important family of France. One can see her arms shape in the carved decor of the chateau.

The Chambord Chateau is the largest castle in the entire Loire Valley. It was also built to serve as a hunting place for King Francois I. The main royal residence of the king was Chateau de Blois and Chateau de Amboise. The Chambord was originally designed by French Architect called Phil Bert Delorme. However, it was changed quite a few times in the next 20 years of its construction. The most interesting thing is the view of the double helix staircase. The castle is made up of a central keep also called the central tower that is used for dungeon with four other towers that support all four corners. The Chambord has 440 rooms, 84 staircases and 365 fireplaces. The castle has a vault-shape hallway on every floor and give it a cross shape. The roof of the castle is very often compared to the skyline of the town. The castle has eleven kinds of towers and three kinds of chimneys. The Chambord is surrounded by 13,000 acres of wooded park.

Chateau de Chambord of Loire Valley

Surabaya

Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia. The city is as busy as Jakarta, since it is a major commercial center for ingoing and outgoing ships at its port. Oftentimes, a lot of tourists visit Surabaya because it is located between Jakarta and Bali; when tourists go for either Bali or Jakarta, passing through this city is a part of their route and a great opportunity to explore. You can find a lot of deals in Surabaya.

Upon visiting Surabaya, you’ll be impressed of its mix of cultural themes in the city’s overall structure. It is home for Chinese, Arabians and European cultures; that’s why there are many structures in the city that are influenced by the mixed inspirations from different nations. A great example of this mix influences is the Cheng Hoo Mosque. It is a holy place for a lot of Muslims, but the outside structure of the mosque is in Chinese style of architecture. Furthermore, Surabaya also has amusement themes and parks that are worth visiting of. This includes Surabaya Plaza, Bonbin Surabaya, Surabaya Town Square and Surabaya Zoo.

A lot of visitors also enjoy the night life at Surabaya. There are bars, karaoke and pubs in abundance. In terms of food, Surabaya is home to native cuisines which are available in numerous restaurants in the city. On the other hand, historical landmarks are also great destinations that include the Permuda Hall, International buildings and discotheques.

When you arive at Surabaya, take time to roam around the city. Be delighted with the mixed architectural styles of many old infrastructures in it. Shopping is also a common task for many tourists as there are a lot of textile shops in the city which are common must-buy items for tourists. Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of Surabaya as you can be amazed of the church’s superb European style of architecture. Masses are usually held in it especially every Sundays. So whenever you are on your way to either Jakarta or Bali, enjoy having an unexpected trip at Surabaya!

Surabaya

Janakpur

Janakpur, which was historically called Mithila, is said to be the birth place of Sita, wife of legendary hero Ram. Janakpur is usually thronged by worhippers and devotees during the Bibah Panchami festival. This festival is held to commemorate their wedding, and the main event is the re-enactment of the exhange of wedding vows of Sita and Ram. Janakpur is located south-east of Kathmandu near the Indian border. This is where the sole operational train of Nepal can be seen.

Temples and numerous ponds with religious significance can be seen here as well. The Janaki Temple dedicated to the goddess, Sita, is the main attraction in Janakpur. Legend has it that the spot where the temple is standing is the same exact spot where Sita and Ram exhanged vows. During the Bibah Panchami festival, the temple is lit by hundreds of oil-lamps. Janakpur is the center of Hindu pilgrimages and many colorful festivals are celebrated here such as the Rama Navami, which is the birthday of Lord Rama.

The Mithila culture is also alive and thiving in Janakpur. In fact, it is estimated that two million people still speak in native Maithili. People residing here are renowned for their wildly artistic and colorful paintings. Many of the pilgrims who travel to Janakpur are from India and some of their important festivals are also held here, such as the Diwali and Dhashara.

Janakpur is one of the sacred places for many Hindus. If you would like to bear witness to the devotion of people to their deities as well as join their vibrant, colorful festivals, then travel to Janakpur.

Janakpur

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle in Alsace

Haut Koenigsbourg means “High King’s Castle” in German.

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, one of the most visited monuments is located in Orschwiller, Alsace, France. It is situated in the Vosges Mountains, and it occupied a strategic position when it was built back in the twelfth century. The main purpose was to protect the wine and the wheat routes to the north, and the silver and the salt routes from west to east. There is a collection of medieval weapons in the basement of the castle which includes crossbows, swords and armors of different kinds. Inside the buildings the rooms are extremely impressive as the walls are covered with sculptures and paintings along with striking furniture.

The castle was built in the twelfth century over the previous ruins which date back to the roman period. The castle was burnt down in the fifteenth century but it was quickly reconstructed. During the Thirty Years War, the castle was again burnt down, but this time it took centuries to complete its reconstruction.

In the present day, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle seems like it sprang out of the mythical past with ancient force. The castle is one of the symbols of the Alsatian heritage and a perfect witness for European culture. Visitors will definitely have an ideal environment to understand the castle architecture of middle ages.

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle in Alsace

Meteora

Greece – it is not just a place rich in history, a haven for archeologists, or even a photographer’s paradise, but it is also where you can reach the heavens. When one visits Meteora, which is located in Thessaly and found in the centermost part of Greece, monasteries are scattered not around but on top of towers made of rocks.

In order to get there you will need to hike upwards. It may sound difficult at first but this has attracted a lot of visitors to come to the place. Meteora also attracts of rock climbing enthusiasts since another way to climb the impressive rocks is to climb it. When one researches about the history of Meteora, the direct translation would surface and it is but fitting for this place since one would literally find it “hovering above in air.”

Speaking of the spiritual journey, there are monasteries like the Agia Triada or the Holy Trinity. For visitor visitations, they are open from 9 AM until 1 PM but it is closed on Thursdays. Visitors are so curious to visit this particular monastery since this was the same place where the James Bond movie was shot. Another monastery called the Varlaam houses impressive relics and religious treasures that are open for public viewing from 9 to 1PM then opens once more from 3:30 until 6PM. It is closed during Fridays.

Amongst all these monasteries there is of course the most popular of them all and this is the Megalo Meteoro or Metamorphisis. Why it is considered the best is simply because it is perched on the highest rock formation in the entire Meteora. Like the others, it is open from 9-1PM and 3-6PM but closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Of course, proper attire should be followed.

Meteora

Visby Medieval City in Scandinavia

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Visby stakes its claim to be the best preserved medieval city in Scandinavia. Located in Gotland County in Sweden, this city dates back to the 12th century.

The most notable structure of the city is the stone wall called Ringmuren. Built during the 13th century, it was built around to protect the already flourishing city. Within this perfectly preserved wall are numerous other historical sites worth visiting. These are the Visby Sweden Cathedral, medieval trading houses, 17th and 18th century wooden buildings, the Historical Museum of Gotland, Dominican Monastery of St. Nicholas, and the Botanical Gardens. It is due to the beautiful Botanical Gardens that Visby got the nickname the “City of Roses”.

However, beyond the historical attractions, the numerous events that one can do in the city makes it memorable to its countless visitors. The tourist season peaks in August. It is during this month that the Medeltidsveckan or Medieval Week is held. People, both residents and visitors alike, dress in medieval costumes and take part in events such as a medieval market, jousting tournaments, watching jesters and others.

Shopping is also a favorite activity in the city. There are several shopping districts specializing in different goods. Clothes, shoes, furniture, food and many others are abundant. After a long day of shopping and exploring, one can just pop into any of the town’s cafes for coffee and baked delicacies. Eating out is a very serious past time here as evidenced by the fact that the city has the most restaurants per capita than any other town in Sweden.

All in all, Visby can be best described as a city with a modern heart dressed in medieval attire. This is best witnessed and experienced in the summer when partygoers and merrymakers fill the streets and the many restaurants that surround the city.

Visby Medieval City in Scandinavia

Tel Aviv

Tel Avivis one of the best Mediterranean destinations for people who like the beach and night life mixed in with the history of the country. It may not be Israel’s capital city, but it is often thought to be because of its progressive and cosmopolitan nature. Due to the fact that it is very accessible by train, car, sea and air travel, the number of travelers arriving and departing here makes for many businesses. There are pubs, night clubs, fast food places and restaurants almost everywhere so the city is said to never sleep. The city has wide beautiful beaches for surfing and kayaking, beaches for religious purposes and beaches even for the down-to-Earth fishermen with old seaports and fish markets. A range of water sport activities is available to all from waterskiing, surfing kite-surfing and sailing. Other water activities include snorkeling and scuba diving. There are diving lessons for neophytes and beginner-type divers and diving areas for advanced divers, like a sunken Israeli Navy boat beneath the Jaffa Port; which is a popular diving destination. Yachts abound and yacht charters are constantly moving in and out of Tel Aviv marina which is located in a beach front constantly patrolled by joggers, strollers, vendors and musicians.

Known as the country’s Culture and Art Center, Tel Aviv boasts of modern museums and of old Bauhaus residential buildings built by the immigrants who escaped the Holocaust of Germany. Other favorite tourist destinations in the city are: the shopping centers and the Friday live street shows on Nachlat Binyamin Promenade, the Greek Orthodox Church, the multi-media Bet Hatfusot Museum, the Golda Meir Center for the Performing Arts, a professional matkot game on the beach and the Flea Market.

Hotels in this bustling city abound – from the expensive 5-star hotels to the $20 economy hotels for the shoe-string tourists. They are almost always fully booked, so tourists are advised to book at least a month ahead of time. Visit Tel Aviv and experience what it’s like to really live the good life.

Vinales

Located in the Pinar Del Rio Province of Cuba, the humble town of Vinales is a small town of wonderful treasures. The people of Vinales mainly rely on agriculture and fishing to earn a living. During the year 2004, the population of Vinales was only 27,129 and it is increasing at a very slow rate.

The Vinales Valley is the tourist hot spot in the town of Vinales. Tourists who go here are mainly adventure seekers. The valley is the perfect spot to go hiking, rock climbing, and bicycling. The valley’s mogotes are truly breathtaking. These are humped structures that take the appearance of islands at the base of the valley. The Vinales Valley is the home of a number of endemic fauna and flora. The popular Bee Hummingbird is just one of the rare animals to catch a glimpse of during your trip to Vinales Valley.

Since the year 1999, the Vinales Valley has been listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Because of its rich culture, natural beauty, and grand history, it has been designated as cultural landscape.

The houses in Vinales are simple one story wooden structures, yet they provide such a beautiful sight for tourists. La Resbalosa is a good spot to take a dip after long hours of hiking or rock climbing. This hidden spring is well-known to locals. This small town also has its fair share of historical landmarks. When you visit Vinales, be sure to take a look at Che Guevera’s command post during the revolution.

Vinales

Malagasy Ariary

The Malagasy ariary is the official currency of Madagascar. This currency has the ISO standard code of MGA and is subdivided into 5 iraimbilanja. Madagascar is one of the two countries which hold a non – decimal type of currency. The name ariary and iraimbilanja were derived from the pre–colonial currency. Ariary is named for a silver dollar while iraimbilanja literally pertains to “one iron weight”. The latter was named after the 1/5 worth of an ariary old coin.

Introduced in the year 1961, the ariary was equivalent to 5 francs. Issued coins and banknotes at that time both came in both francs and ariary. The sub – unit of ariary, the iraimbilanja, is worth 1/5 of an ariary.

Before, franc denominations were favored but in the year 1978, higher-valued coins were issued in the denominations of ariary alone. The banknotes, issued in the 31st of July year 2003, came prominently in ariary currency while the franc denominations came in small prints. It was not later than the 1st of January 2005 when ariary was named the official currency of the country over the franc currency.

In the year 1965, 1 and 2 franc coins were issued first, followed by the 5 francs which is said to be equivalent to 1 ariary in the year 1966. The 10 and 20 franc coins were later introduced in the year 1970. By 1978, the 10 and 20 ariary coins were issued and circulated. These coins were shown not to have any denomination in francs. Later, non-franc denomination coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 ariary followed the trend in 1992. By 2003 – 2004 most 1 and 2 ariary coins do not bear any franc denominations.

As for the face of the banknotes in the history of such currency, the Malagasy Institute for Emissions introduced such notes under the denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 francs. These actual notes were said to be the overprints of earlier notes provided by the Bank of Madagascar and Comoros which issued notes under the ariary denomination of 10, 20, 100, 200 and 1000.

It was not later than the year 1974 that the Central Bank of the Malagasy Republic took over the issuance of notes. In the year 1983, the bank’s name was changed to Central Bank of Madagascar which issued the new series of notes including the 10, 000-franc notes. The battle between francs and ariary in being the country’s currency continued between the years 1993 to 1998.

Bouncing powers of denomination between ariary and francs were seen throughout these years. The battle continued throughout 2003 to 2004 and only ended in the year 2005. In the latter year, ariary won as Madagascar’s official currency.

The battle of powerful currencies had been stretched out in the entire history of Madagascar’s currency. The evolution of coins and notes were greatly influenced by these battles. The unique thing about the currency is that instead of holding within its prints the history of the place, it had been holding the secrets and battles commenced between the two currencies of Madagascar. Today, one US dollar is equivalent to 1,971.40 Malagasy Ariary (MGA).

Malagasy Ariary

Umm Al Qaiwain

When people plan to visit the United Arab Emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are at the top of their list. But you should also visit the lesser known emirates because they also have a lot to offer to visiting tourists.

Umm Al Qawain is the second smallest emirate in UAE, next to Ajman. In terms of population, it has the least number of people. The people who live here rely on fishing for their livelihood, unlike the modern Dubai and Abu Dhabi which mainly depend on commercial and business establishments. Umm Al Qawain has also been considered a modern state in the past several decades.

• If you want to swim, play water sports, and just basically have fun, you should visit Dreamland Aqua Park. You should try the famous “Twister,” in which you have to ride on a slide with a bowl at the end. While in the bowl, you will spin slowly until you reach the bottom. “Dragons” are not for the faint hearted or for very young children because it is dark and can become very fast.
• You should also go to the Residence of Sheikhs. However, you might be disappointed because you will not see the palace itself but only the park. But it is still worth it because the place is very significant for the people of Umm Al Qawain.
• Just like in all emirates, there is also a mosque in Umm Al Qawain—the Sheikh Zayed Umm Al Qawain Mosque. You will not be able to enter the mosque if you are not a Muslim but the view alone will take your breath away.

Umm Al Qaiwain

Flag of Myanmar

Myanmaris also known asBurma, although it is officially referred to as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. It is a country in the Southeast Asia bounded on the northeast side by China, on the southeast flank by Thailand, on the east side by Laos, on the west edge by Bangladesh, on the northwest border by India, and on the southwest bank by the bay of Bengal. Its southern limit is demarcated by the Andaman Sea. Geographically Burma is a coastal nation as almost one-third of the land is bounded by the sea.

The flag of Myanmar was recently adopted on October 21, 2010 in order to replace the socialist flag. The changes were made because of the constitution amended in 2008 including the name of the country. The design of the new flag comprises of three stripes of yellow, green, and red horizontally positioned to feel the area of the flag. In the center is a large white five pointed star. The meanings behind the colors are the virtues of solidarity, peace, and tranquility. The design of the new flag of Myanmar underwent changes.

In the 2006 constitutional convention, the design of the flag featured three evenly spaced horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red respectively. On the top left corner, at the hoist side of the green stripe is a five pointed white star. Later in 2007 this proposal was changed and the white star was moved to the center and became larger. The order of the colors was changed too into yellow, green, and red.

This order of the colors is reflected in the flag of the State of Burma that was used at the time of the Japanese Occupation and has a green peacock at the middle. The new design of the flag can be regarded as a combination of this old flag with the white star and removing the green peacock. The white star represents the Union of Burma.

Judah L Magnes Museum

TheJudah L Magnes Museumin California is a museum that was founded by Rebecca and Seymour Fromer in 1962, which they named after an activist of Jewish descent who is a native of Oakland. Magnes was one of the founders of the educational institution Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is an esteemed and respected rabbi, a famous political militant and prominent speaker.

The museum houses interesting collections pertaining to the rich history of the Jewish, which include art pieces, objects used in different rituals and the Manuscript Library that also houses the famous Blumenthal Rare Book along with the Western Jewish History Center or WJHC. WJHC documents the history and background of the Jewish communities that settled in the 13 Western states in America and contains important correspondences, pictures and records about the Museum’s history.

Other than the permanent collection that it showcases, the Museum also allows exhibits for other collections of importance. For instance on the 5th of June in 2006 the exhibit titled My America opened here, which came from the New York Jewish Museum.

The Jewish people have a very colorful history that the world must see. Museums, such as the Judah L. Magnes in Berkeley, California, are venues for showcasing rich Jewish culture and tradition. They keep the memories—good and bad—of the Jewish ancestry alive for the younger generation to know and appreciate.

Of you are planning to bring your family to this side of California, make sure to drop by Berkeley’s Judah L Magnes Museum for an educational tour. You and your kids will surely learn many things about Jewish history and will better understand their beliefs. Ask your tour guide, if any, for a quick visit to the Magnes Museum during your stay. Surely a 45-minute tour of the place will not take up too much of your vacation time.

Judah L Magnes Museum

Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge)

Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge, is a massive structure that measures 204 meters long. The bridge is located on the Reuss River, Lucerne City Switzerland; it is a major tourist spot in Switzerland. It is also recognized as Europe’s oldest wooden bridge.

The Kapellbrucke Bridge was built in the year 1333 to protect the city of Lucerne from their enemies. The bridge housed a number of paintings dating back to the 17th century highlighting events in the city of Lucerne.

A major part of the bridge was destroyed by fire in 1993. A number of paintings were destroyed, the bridge has been rebuilt since.

Kapellbrücke features the 140 foot Wasserturm (Watch Tower), an eight sided citadel made of bricks. It functioned as a treasury, watch tower, torture chamber, and prison. Both the bridge and tower are major landmarks in the city and also the countries’ most photographed monuments.

Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge)

Thai Soups

Thai foods are some of the delicacies in Asia that you do not want to miss. I might suggest Thai soups, as these are proven to be very delicious. Some of the famous soups in Thailand that are worth trying are the following:

Seafood Soup or Tom Kha Chicken Soup
This soup is considered to be very unique and delicious, because coconut milk is used as one of its ingredients. This soup can be created in two ways. The first way, which is also referred to as Tom Kha Kai, uses chicken as one of its ingredients. The second version uses seafood in the mixture. Both versions are equally popular in Thailand because of their authentic taste. The soup incorporates a wide array of spices and is tamed with the help of coconut milk. The result is the mixture that is authentically Thai and completely different from any other seafood or chicken soup.

Thai Chicken Cabbage Soup
This soup is popular in Thailand, because aside from its delicious taste, it is also proven to be low in fat and calories. It is the main reason why this soup is highly recommended by most nutritionists. You can even try to cook this at home and you can do this in according to your own tastes and preferences. The soup is composed of healthy and delicious ingredients like boneless and skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, leeks, carrots, cabbage, egg noodles and Thai chili sauce. You can cook this soup within 45 minutes. Just keep in mind that it is best for you to serve this soup while hot because it can heighten its appetizing flavor. In place of leeks, onions can also be used. If you want to give the soup more of a Thai flavor, lemon grass can also be added on the mixture. This can make the soup even more exotic and delicious.

Tom-Yang-Gung
This is among the most famous Thai soups that are best served during dinner. This soup uses seafood, vegetables, and coconut milk for its ingredients. To intensify its flavor, tiny chili and lime juice are also added. Tom-Yang-Gung is also best served with steaming hot rice.

Thai Soups

Davidson Glacier

Since its discovery by John Muir at 1867,Davidson Glacierhas been a popular sight-seeing destination in Alaska. Back at that time, the glacier simply protruded its way from the Chilkat Inlet. It wasn’t gaining that much attention at the time until the moment when it made its way from the inlet and moved into the mountain hills, making room for its own lake. The lake looked as though it is embracing the glacial formation.

These days, people who visit the Davidson Glacier may not be in total awe because it may not look as how they expected it to. The glacier has suffered from the cruel ways of the world and already started to deplete. However, the view itself is still breathtaking despite the receding. In fact, even though the glacier is slowly losing its former glory, it still stands as one of the most-visited glaciers in Alaska. Most travelers request their tour guides for a kayak ride just to see the Davidson Glacier.

One highlight of a trip to the Davidson Glacier is the actual movement of the glacier, its minute breaking, or possible melting of some tips of the glacier. It may look cruel for some, but still its nature taking its toll. A kayak around the glacier and the lake is also a treat in itself. The location is serene enough that you can’t help but feel that you’re one with the nature.

If you plan on going on a trip to the Davidson Glacier, it is better if you contact a tour specialist or guide first. This is so that he or she can carefully plan out your itinerary and may inform you about the best kayak spots in the entire Alaska. This means you get to enjoy many other glaciers aside from the Davidson.

Davidson Glacier

Bogota

Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez certainly knew what he was talking about when he created, through his iconic style of magical realism, the dreamlike world of his characters. The Nobel recipient drew inspiration from his birthplace, Bogota, a beautiful alpine city residing in the mountains breathing with a surrealism that keeps you enchanted.

Under Its Spell
With the sun seemingly shining forever above, Bogota, Colombia lays before you like a welcome spring. It is filled with fecund earth that houses a diverse collection of archeological wonders and modern skyscrapers. The city serves as the political, financial and economic base for the country, which is why many travelers find it the perfect place to jumpstart their Colombian adventure. Its municipalities include La Calera, Soacha, Chia, Cota, and Cajica.
There are so many other places to visit and things to see in Bogota, including the city’s excellently preserved museums, grand and graceful churches, cultural festivities, and of course its throbbing nightlife that keeps many travelers coming back for more. Other places to visit would be the historic La Candelaria, now a charming quarter of tourist destinations, such as museums, churches, and a string of cafes. The northern part of the city stands in notable contrast with the southern part, shedding of every inch of historical links and moving determinedly forward to become a moderncapitalist-driven district.

Bogota, Colombia has so much to offer, and it doesn’t take much to get used to its quaint quality. Dizzying heights can give eager tourists a wonderful view of the city; this can be accomplished via the cable car (teleferico) going to the peak of Cerro de Monserrate, a pilgrimage mountain that overlooks the city center and offers a breathtaking view. The church situated at the summit is home to a statue of the Fallen Christ (Senor Caido), attracting many devotees everyday but most especially on Sundays. Many miracles have been attributed to said statue. Mornings see this mountain crowded with local joggers and dog-walkers, as well as other tourists out to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Magic That’s Real
Over the last decade, Bogota has strived to turn its war-ravaged walls into one of the most important cities in the Americas – and its efforts have not gone unnoticed. It serves as an inspiration to other Latin American capital districts that know poverty, desolation, and corruption. To date, the international community regards Bogota, Colombia as one of the most improved cities – and one to watch out for in the coming years.

Bogota

Flag of Cuba

It is also called La Estrella Solitaria or the Lone Star. The flag of Cuba comprises of three blue and two white equally sized stripes, a red equilateral triangle on the left side of it, and in the center of the triangle is a white lone star. It was officially adopted on May 20, 1902.

There are two interesting stories that relate the origins of the flag of Cuba. The first story recounts that Narciso Lopez, the Venezuelan general who helped Cuba gained its independence, had been carrying the flag during special meetings in order to convey to the people the symbols that is being depicted by the flag. The three blue stripes are for the Cuba’s three provinces, the triangle for its Masonic symbolism of brotherhood and equality, and the red color is for the heroism shown by the patriots in spilling their blood. It was unfortunate that Lopez didn’t live to see his dream of independence. He died in 1851, while Cuba only hoisted the flag as a symbol of their independence on 1902.

The second story literally came in a dream. Narciso Lopez was asleep in one of the New York Parks when dreamt that the revolution he was a part of needed a flag that will strengthen their mission and their message. Upon awakening, he saw the sky and it inspired him of what the flag of Cuba should be. He related this to his friend, a poet and a future patriot, Miguel Teurbe Tolon. Tolon acted upon it and thus the Cuban flag was born. The three blue stripes for the three regions namely the Western, Central and Eastern Cuba; the white symbolizes purity and justice; the lone star for unity; and the red triangle for brotherhood, equality, fraternity and the blood spilled by the martyrs and patriots who fought for Cuba’s liberation.