New York

New York

New York is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. California surpasses it in terms of population and manufacturing but the Empire State, the state’s nickname, influences much of the country’s politics, culture, commerce, and finance. Although New York City is the largest city in the country, much of New York is still rural. Albany is its state capital.

Named for the duke of York in the 1660s, New York is rich in history, starting with the Native Americans’ first occupation in its shores and river valleys. It became the 11th of the original 13 Union states on July 26, 1788.

With its colorful history and scenic attractions, particularly in New York City, it has become a very popular vacation destination. Perhaps its most famous natural spectacle is Niagara Falls, but there also are the Statue of Liberty, the national monument located on Liberty Island; Adirondacks’ Mount Marcy; the Empire State Building; the Palisades of the Hudson River; the series of caves in Howe Caverns; St. Lawrence River’s Thousand Islands; Long Island’s sandy beaches; Saratoga Springs; the Finger Lakes.

Manhattan Island houses the headquarters of the United Nations, and other places one would want to visit in the state are the ski centers in Saranac Lake in winter, and horse race tracks in Saratoga and Goshen and boat racing resorts in Saranac Lake, First Lake and North Creek in the summer. New York City is also known for its parades, particularly the flamboyant Thanksgiving Day parade and Saint Patrick’s Day parades.


New York City Time
New York
New York Architecture Images-

Haskovo

Haskovo

One of the oldest cities in Bulgaria, Haskovo leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to its local tourism. It may not be as big as other cities in Bulgaria, but Haskovo deserves to be considered a premier tourist destination in the country.

Here are some of the best reasons for spending your next holiday trip in the city of Haskovo.
1. People in Haskovo are among the friendliest in the world. If you’re a stranger in a foreign land, friendly and helpful people can help you get to your intended destination and find the best places to visit in Haskovo.
2. The streets and pathways are usually clean. The cafes along the sidewalk add to the charm of the streets of Haskovo, making them ideal for a leisurely walks.
3. Haskovo has an efficient and reliable transportation system. The bus and train services in the city can quickly take you to places you want to visit without much hassle.
4. The climate is ideal for tourists. The summer months in Haskovo are dry and hot. It rarely rains in the city, as the wet months occur only in winter. The best time to travel to Haskovo is from June to August when there is plenty of sun and no rainfall.
5. Haskovo lets you enjoy Bulgarian cuisine at its finest. Spread throughout Haskovo are taverns that serve a variety of traditional Bulgarian dishes such as stewed and grilled meats and fresh veggies. In Haskovo, you can eat as much as your tummy pleases without feeling guilty about the carbs!


Haskovo is one of the oldest
Haskovo
Bulgaria photo - haskovo

Drakensberg Mountains

Drakensberg Mountains

When visiting South Africa, treat yourself to visit the highest mountain range in the region, the Drakensberg Mountains. Its height is estimated at 3,482 meters(11,420 ft). This is actually referred to as uKhahlamba, which means, the barrier of spears, in Zulu. In Sesotho, this is referred to as Maluti that can also be spelled as Maloti. When you look at it from a geological perspective, you will see that the range resembles the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia.

You will find this range at the eastern part of South Africa. This runs about 1,000 kilometres or 620 mi from southwest direction to northeast. This divides the province of the KwaZulu-Natal from the Free State Province and it looms over the coast of Natal, which can be found nearby.

If you are the kind of person who has great appreciation for nature, make sure to visit this spot. These days, the tourism in this part of the region continues to grow. Through proper exposure and advertisements, many other people from all over the globe are becoming aware of the Drakensberg Mountains. Part of the development and growth for this tourist destination is the availability of several hotels and various resorts.

The parts of the range that can be found at the higher spots in South Africa have been assigned as areas for wilderness or as game reserves. The Drakensberg National Park or the uKhahlamba, found in KwaZulu-Natal has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in year 2000. It also made it on the list under the Ramsar Convention of what is known as List of Wetlands of International Importance. The park is adjacent to the Cathkin Estates Conservation and Wildlife Sanctuary.


Drakensberg Mountains
Drakensberg Mountains
Drakensberg Mountain stream

Varanasi and Ganges River

Varanasi and Ganges River

Varanasi, also known locally as Banaras is situated on the banks of the river Ganges in utter Pradesh, India. It is also called as the city of lights and is known to be one of the most sacred places for many Hindus. It is also said that this city is one of the oldest in the entire world.

The river Ganges is known for its outing and the city has also chosen its culture based on the rivers purity and religious belief. Most of the prominent poets, writers and philosophers have been born in this part of the city. It is said that the entire city is blessed by gods, making it all the more popular for the common man of India. In fact, the origin of Ayurveda has also been associated with Varanasi. Followers of the Hindu community call this place the religious capitol of India. One can find thousands and thousands of temples in this city.

According to legend, the city was found some 5000 years ago by lord Shiva and thus is one of seven pilgrim destinations for Hindus. The city of Varanasi is known for its Ghats. It is said that the city owns almost 100 Ghats, some of them being owned privately. Some of the famous ghats of Varanasi are the Dashawamedh Ghat, the Manikarnik Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat and the Mana Mandir Ghat.It is estimated that more the 1,000,000 pilgims visit the city on a yearly basis. It is a belief that bathing the river Ganges will wash away all your sins.


Boating on the River Ganges
Varanasi and Ganges River
As does the Ganges river.

Jerusalem Old City

Jerusalem Old City

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and also the largest city in Israel. Jerusalem Old City is said to be the oldest and the holiest city in the world. It has a history that takes you back to the 4th millennium BC. The old city is full of sites that are holy and thus attracts pilgrims from all over the world. It is a belief that anyone who is a Christian, Jew or Muslim must once pay visit to this holy place. Jerusalem is in the center of the globe and is claimed by all religions. The old city is fill with plenty of temples and ruins that any visitor can visit. The old city of Jerusalem has a very strong combination of the Jewish and Arab culture.

Its main attraction is in the overcrowded cities, local shops selling souvenirs and some remains of the roman dynasty. The Tower of David is where King David had his resting place. But the main focal point of attraction is where Jesus is said to have been crucified.

Also, it has the famous ‘wailing wall’ which was once called the Solomon temple. The wall has lots and lots of scribbled messages to God, that are hidden behind the stones. The wall is usually a very enchanting place for the tourists to come and get a firsthand experience of some common Jewish rituals. The dome of the rock represents the holiest place of the Islam religion. Out of all the famous museums, the Citadel , the Bible and the Israel Museum are worth seeing.


Old City (Jerusalem)
Jerusalem Old City
Jerusalem - The Old City

American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History

In a scene from the movie “Night at the Museum,” you see a dinosaur skeleton that acts like a dog, a former US president who rides his horse, “cave men” on a quest to produce fire, a young pharaoh who speaks fluent English and two miniature explorers who, despite being ages apart are actually divided by a single wall.

These are works of fiction. But did you know that most of the characters that appeared in the movie are actually on display at the American Museum of Natural History? This massive structure of 25 interconnected building has research laboratories, more than 40 exhibit halls and a renowned library. With more than a hundred field expeditions being sponsored by the museum yearly, it is not surprising to know that the museum has myriads of scientific specimens, although a tiny fraction of it can be viewed at a single time.

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. may have been the most prominent figure within the museum grounds, but it was his father, Theodore Roosevelt Sr., along with some of the notable personalities of that time who laid the foundation of the museum in 1869. Since then, New Yorkers have seen its transformation from a humble building whose cornerstone was laid in 1874 to a fortress that houses some of the world’s most interesting exhibits.

Visitors who have seen the museum’s dioramas would say that it’s one of the best parts of the museum. Habitat dioramas, made especially by the expert hands of renowned taxidermists and naturalists, have become the museum’s tour de force. The full-size model of a blue wale that seemingly swims under the roof of the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life is quite a spectacle.

It is no wonder why this Manhattan museum is one of the most celebrated in the world. And popular culture only made its presence known even further.


American Museum of Natural
American Museum of Natural History
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL

Waitomo Caves

If you are fascinated with dark and damp tunnels with striking geological formations, you are definitely for a treat when you visit the Waitomo Caves. These are limestone caves that are considered one of the best tourist destinations of the North Island. Aside from its attractive biological formations, Waitomo Caves also offer adrenaline-pumping experience that will keep tourists coming back for more.

The Waitomo area has more than three hundred caves with three major caves – the Aranui, Ruakuri and the Glow-worm Cave. These magnificent caves have been luring visitors from all over the world for more than one hundred years. Waitomo Caves are the evidence to a period when certain parts of New Zealand lay beneath the sea.

Waitomo Caves are one of the best wonders of New Zealand and they celebrate the work of nature for over one hundred years. The explorers of this amazing beauty discovered hundreds of miles of glow-worms, labyrinthine caves, stalagmites, stalactites and various limestone formations.

Aside from the caves, you can extend your journey to Te Kuiti, located in the south of Waitomo, where you can enjoy horse-trekking, canoeing, fishing and jet boating. Furthermore, the Waikato region consists of rolling hills that are home for racehorse breeding, sheep and dairy farming and there are large areas of distant mountains in the region. Aside from its friendly environment, the region offers a wide variety of adventures and attractions.

Travelers have been lured to the fascinating beauty of the Waitomo Caves because of their magnificent network of limestone grottos and caves. The tour will take the tourists through the spectacular underground scenery.

The Aranui Cave offers spectacular high chambers and fantastic limestone formations as well as pink, pale brown and white shades of vast stalactites. The great adventure ends with a boat trip to the glistening glow-worms where the breathtaking display of light awaits the tourists.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie

The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is truly a spectacular Italian landmark that no visitor exploring Italy should dare miss. Located in the Italian fashion capital of Milan, the church is open to viewers from Tuesday to Saturdays starting at 8am to 8pm. And although there is no entrance charge to enter the church, there is a reservation charge for those who want to catch a glimpse of the famous Last Supper painting by the great Leonardo. Just make sure to book your reservations immediately when you get to Milan or even before you embark on the trip to ensure a guaranteed access to the famous painting.

Having survived the bombing during the second world war, the Santa Maria delle Grazie is now a privileged member of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites as it is the home of the famed last supper painting. And although the painting has miraculously survived war attacks in the past, its greatest challenge today lies in its proper conservation and restoration. This specific work of Leonardo has been drawing crowds for decades and even more the past few years because of a certain controversial book featuring “The Last Supper”.

Regardless of religious affiliations and conspiracy beliefs, art enthusiasts and history buffs alike will revel in the beauty that the Santa Maria delle Grazie. The architecture is a representation of everything that is remarkable about the human design and ingenuity and can be considered as one of the most studied structures in history today. So don’t miss your chance at getting a closer look at the cultural side of Milan after a long grueling day of sightseeing and shopping around the city, just head to the peaceful sanctuary and offer a prayer or two.


Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Church of Santa Maria delle

Montego Bay

Montego Bay

Montego Bayis known as the tourism capital of Jamaica. The second biggest city in the country, it is also recognized as the most hospitable of them all. It is also the capital of the Parish of St. James.

It boasts of a wide variety of amenities that includes hotels and transportation means that sustains its tourist’s needs for good accommodation and traveling medium in the area.

Its streets are normally lively and vibrant which is the trademark of the Montego Bay. It is currently undergoing modernization in terms of infrastructure which aims to make it a top attraction in the Caribbean.

Food and Dining

Montego Bay offers a wide variety of restaurants and eateries in all different set ups that will suit your needs as a tourist. Ranging from fast food to gourmet, it offers various cuisines including Chinese, English, American, Italian, and of course, Jamaican.

Activities

Montego Bay is known for water sports such as diving, sailing, snorkeling, sport fishing, rafting, and kayaking. You can also go on a tour of the city, equestrian activities (in Rocky Point Stables,) and dolphin shows (in Dolphin Cove.)

Shopping can also be part of your itinerary as Montego Bay is one of the best places to splurge on what you want and buy souvenirs.

Attractions

Lester Art Gallery. The former home and studio of the Polish sea captain and painter, Michael Leszczynski.

Aquasol Theme Park. It is located in Walter Fletcher beach and showcases recreational activities of the widest choices including kayaking, parasailing, banana boating, even pool and many other games.

Rose Hall Great House. This is the home of Annie Palmer, the notorious white witch whose history and wickedness has been famous for the murder of three husbands and the terror of slaves. It was a celebrated great house which has been restored to its original form by two US entrepreneurs. Experience a thrilling and chilling journey colored by the tales of the evil witch, Annie.

Bob Marley Experience and Theatre. A documentary of Bob Marley. Located in the Half Moon Shopping Village, it presents an hourly tribute to the Reggae icon himself, Bob Marley.


Montego Bay's Rose Hall.
Montego Bay
Montego Bay Images

Big Ben

Big Ben

When one speaks of visiting London, Big Ben is a must-see. This four-faced freestanding clock is the third largest clock tower in the world. It recently celebrated its 150th anniversary last May.

It was in 1288 when a clock tower was established at Westminster. The Chief Justice of King’s Bench at that time, Ralph Hengham financed the construction of the tower using the money accumulated from the fine collected. When the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire on that fateful night of October 1834 everything was destroyed. So the palace instructed their chief architect, Charles Barry to design the palace using Neo-gothic style as inspiration. Hand in hand with Augustus Pugin who designed the present 316-ft clock tower, the new palace was built.

It may be one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the world, but the insides of the tower remains unseen by the general public because of security reasons. However, at certain times, press people and other personalities are given right of entry.

The faces of each of the four clocks are placed in an iron frame, which measures 23 ft in diameter. It owes its stained-glass window look to the 312 pieces opal glass embedded on the face. At the bottom of each clock “Domine Salvam Fac Reginam Nostram Victoriam Primam” is written, which means, “O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria First.”

This famed clock tower has appeared numerous times in different TV shows as well as in movies. It was shown in Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson’s film, Shanghai Knights, in Doctor Who’s episode “Aliens of London,” Mars Attacks, The Avengers and even the animated film, The Great Mouse Detective used Big Ben in one of its scenes.

This magnificent and picturesque clock tower attracts a lot of vacationers and guests annually. So don’t be left behind, book a flight now and be one among the millions who got captivated by the clock tower’s beauty.


Big Ben Picture - Big Ben and
Big Ben
Big Ben Facts and Figures:

Sapporo

Sapporo

Japan’s fifth largest city,Sapporo, was once a small fishing town that has been developed into a significant tourist destination. The world took notice of Sapporo when it hosted the 1972 Olympic Winter Games, the first winter Olympics to be held in Asia. Now, the capital of Hokkaido is famous in the world for three reasons: its beer, fresh seafood, and miso-flavored ramen. Sapporo is also well known for its extreme winter season, which explains the popularity of the snow festival held every year in this city.

Sapporois a clean and peaceful city that’s full of parks, streets lined with trees, and shopping arcades. Tourists have plenty of attractions to visit and activities to enjoy in Sapporo. One of the major attractions in the city is The Clock Tower (Tokeidai), which is the symbol and major landmark of Sapporo. A very interesting tourist spot in the city is the Sapporo Brewery building where visitors can take a tour of the Beer Museum and taste the world-famous Sapporo beer.

Mount Moiwa, also known as the backyard ski resort of Sapporo, is a favorite skiing venue for tourists. Jozankei Onsen is a unique natural attraction with its hot spring. The century-old botanical garden in the Batchelor Memorial Museum is worthy of visit as well. For families spending their holiday in Sapporo, the Maruyama Zoo offers a fun and memorable travel experience.

Sapporo Snow Festival
This annual event, which draws an increasing number of local and international visitors, is one of the largest winter activities in Japan and is popular internationally. Every February, Sapporo transforms into a winter wonderland with its white snow and crystal-clear ice. Millions of spectators line up in Sapporo to view the numerous lovely ice sculptures and snow statues along the major street in Susukino, Satoland grounds, and Odori Park.

Sapporo has an active nightlife, thanks to the myriad of nightclubs and bars in the entertainment district of Susukino. So if you are in for a night of partying and clubbing, Sapporo won’t disappoint you.

A striking thing about Sapporo is its contrasting temperature between summer and winter. Its winter season runs from December to March, while the wet and hot summer season is from June to September. This city has a higher snowfall than other cities in the world, which peaks to 72 inches in January. Its thick snow makes Sapporo an unbeatable winter sports destination, and visitors usually enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the city.


Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo
Comfort Hotel Sapporo, JP

Mansa

Mansa

In the country of Zambia you will find the quaint but magnificent Luapula Province. The capital of this province is Mansa. The city of Mansa was once referred to as Fort Rosebery during the British rule. Later on, it took the name of the river Mansa that is also the name of the local chief. The city is strategically located to be able to access several other locations that are neighboring the province. Mansa is known to host the administrative body that governs that luscious waterfalls, wetlands, rivers and lakes throughout the province.

As the country is quite direct and dedicated in terms of preserving the beauty of the wildlife landscapes and other naturally given gifts to the country, they take pride in making sure that these are done accordingly. Despite the change in times and the progression of commercial and industrial developments, they have made sure that they still take care of nature. This is the reason that they have taken a step in partnership with countries such as Finland and Switzerland to create a governing body that is meant to provide the same benefits to nature.

There are few things to see in this city yet it is still a magnificent sight and place to be in. The Mumbuluma falls is one of the best things that you can ever marvel at in this province. Beautiful and breath taking sights are everywhere. It is not hard to imagine that despite the progression of the world there is still much beauty to witness.


Mansa District has recorded an
Mansa
Mansa District Map

Vina del Mar

Are you planning to visit Vina del Mar? If you are, then here is a simple travel guide that may definitely come in handy.

How to Get There:

To get to Vina del Mar, you can either take the bus or train. Via bus, the trip may take roughly 90 minutes. And if you want to make sure that you get to your destination, you have to go to either Pajarito or Unibersidad de Santiago Stations to catch the Pullman Bus or the Turbus.

However, if you really are excited to see the place, taking a train may end up to be a better option for you. You can ride Merval – a train company that will be able to take you right in the heart of Vina del Mar in no time.

The Weather:

Weather in Vina del Mar or in Chile in general is pleasant. Here, you get to have a nice summer season from December to February and a mild spring season from September to November. Autumn and winter on the other hand starts by March to May and June to August respectively.

The Top 5 Sights to See:

1. Castle Hill – This is a stunning hill that is overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Valparaiso. On the hill, you can find many beautiful houses and a palace that became a home for many affluent people in Chile. Note though that you cannot have a taxi bring you up there. So if you want to see the view from on top of the hill, you have to prepare yourself to do some serious walking.

2. Fonck Museum – Here you can get a preview of what Easter Island is all about. This is because in front of the museum itself, you get to be welcomed by an authentic moai.

3. Quinta Vergara – This is known to be the residence of the founding family of the city. It is quite famous for the locals because it is one of the places to have impeccable landscape. But apart from the well kept trees and flowers, the residence also has a gallery of paintings that is reflective of this era.

4. Sea Lions – Yes, you can also find them in the beaches of Vina del Mar, especially during autumn and summer. If you want to catch sight of them, you can see them just past Cochoa Beach.

5. Renaca – This is probably the most happening beach in town. Once you get there, during summer you can expect to see a lot of people just laying on the sand – trying to get some sun. Note however, that even if the sun seems to be tempting enough to make you lose your top, don’t because it is against the law there.

Kazbegi

Kazbegi Georgia prior name was Stepantsminda. It was named after a Georgian orthodox monk who constructed a monastery at this location. Its present name Kazbegi was derived from the great grandfather of Alexander Kazbegi, the late Kazibek Chopikashili. Kazbegi is famously known in Georgia for its Georgian writer Alexander Kazbegi. Its Tsimda Sameba church is also well known for its vintage beauty. Other popular places that can be found in Kazbegi includes the 5,047 feet Mount Kazbek, its extinct volcanoes that is located 16 kilometers south east from Europe’s mountain, the 18,510 feet high Mount Elbrus located on the outskirts of Kazbegi.

After Kazbegi became independent following the Soviet Union break up, the name of this city was changed back to its original Stepantsminda but many still call this place Kazbegi. There are hundreds of places that can be seen in this area. Old Churches that were built in the 18th century can still be seen. There are also many hotel accommodations in this place.

• Hotel Stepantsimanda is located in central Kazbegi which is 150km from Tbilisi. Stepantsimanda hotel offers the best hotel accommodations in Kazbegi and is situated downhill of Europe’s highest mountain.

• Lela’s Guest House is also a good place to stay when visiting Kazbegi. This exclusive guest house is a very small and charming hosting place that is also located downhill.

• Merabi’s Guest House is a small nice garden guest house in Kazbegi Georgia that has 25 rooms for travelers. Staying here offers a strategic starting point to places like Sno and Khde Gorge, Juta village and many unique castles in Kazbegi.

Ohrid

Ohrid

The city of Ohrid is the seventh biggest city in the country of Macedonia. This coastal city lies next to the tranquil waters of Lake Ohrid. This body of water is not only famous for its serene beauty but also for housing a vast underwater ecosystem. UNESCO declaring it as a world heritage site only proves the lake’s beautiful and pristine waters. A boat ride across Ohrid is one of the most spectacular features of visiting this city.

For people who prefer to move about on land, you can try Ohrid’s weekend tour packages. It is a 2-day tour for 4 people or more. There are many things that can be seen in Ohrid such as the process of washing basins under waterfalls. Also, you can come and visit a family whose line of business is in making the world-renowned Ohrid pearls. The native residents of Ohrid are also warm and accommodating so you are sure that you will enjoy touring their place before lunch is served. A group of 6 will pay more for this tour while a group of 15 to 19 will only pay considerably less for the whole duration of the tour.

Considering that the fee is already inclusive of lunch, refreshments, boat trips, hotel accommodations for half a day, and tour transportation, it is worth it. There is hardly a dull time when going around Ohrid since there are many beautiful places to be seen. Just make sure that you allot more time to tour the country on foot so as to better appreciate what Ohrid has to offer.


Ohrid has been a living town
Ohrid
Ohrid and Lake Ohrid

Thai Drinks

Thai Drinks

Because Thailand is known for hot temperature, many of its drinks are iced. Ice offers Thai people refreshing coolness. Most of the drinks and beverages in Thailand also use condensed milk as one of their major ingredients. The sweet taste of condensed milk greatly helps in battling against the heat and the many spicy foods in Thailand.

If you are thinking of creating a drink a la Thailand style, then be aware that you will need many ingredients for it. Among the most popular Thai drinks that you can prepare for yourself is Thai iced tea. You just need water, black tea leaves, sugar, condensed milk and crushed ice for its ingredients. What you need to do is to first boil the water. Once it boils, you can pour it on top of the black tea leaves in a jug or teapot. Strain it for about two minutes and add sugar before you leave it to cool. While waiting for the tea to cool, you can fill a glass or a container with plenty of crushed ice and mix the condensed milk. You can then pour cold tea in the glass or container and serve the drink.

Thai Sweet Basil Seed Drink is also among the most popular Thai drinks that you can easily make. This drink is considered by the people in Thailand as a huge help for those who want to obtain a slimmer body. The ingredients that you will need in creating this drink are sugar, water, clear honey, and Thai sweet basil seed. What you need to do is to stir sugar in water. Once the sugar dissolves, you can add clear honey and then continue stirring the mixture. You then stir in basil seeds. In order to make the most out of this drink, you have to leave it for minutes prior to drinking or before serving it to guests.


Collagen protein drink
Thai Drinks
Carabao Energy Drink 180ml

Flag of Haiti

Flag of Haiti

The flag of Haiti is composed of equal horizontal parts of blue and red defaced by the country’s coat of arms in the center. A country of multi ethnicity and color, these colors represent the union of the races that make up the country. Blue signifies the black population and its link to its African roots while the red symbolizes the country’s multi ethnic populace. These two colors are also an adaptation of the French flag.

The coat of arms in the flag of Haiti shows six draped flags, three on each side, and in the center lays a palm tree with a liberty cap of red and blue. These figures are resting on a green lawn and surrounded by cannons, cannonballs and other items such as a drum, a bugle and ship anchors. These weapons signify the willingness and the ability of the people to fight for their country and its freedom. Below is also a scroll with Haiti’s motto – L’ Union Fait La Force or Union is Strength – is inscribed.

There is a lore widely known among the Haitians that the flag was created when the new appointed leader, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, ripped the white part of the French flag. Haiti, being a colony of France, interprets the white color of the flag to be a symbol of the French colonial oppression. Dessalines gave the ripped flag to his god daughter Catherine Flon who later sewed the red and blue parts back on. These colors will then represent the union of the ethnicities that comprises the country. The date is May 18, 1803. This date in turn became the celebrated Haitian Flag Day.

Over the course of history, the Haitians have been changing the colors of their flags making it black and red instead of the blue and red pair. The coat of arms was added to differentiate the flag of Haiti from the Liechtenstein’s. It was found out at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics that the two nations are bearing the same banner.

Ennis

Ennis

If you want to be in a clean city, then Ennis is the place to be. In fact, because of the tidiness of the place, it won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition held in 2005. But its clean surroundings are not the only reason why a lot of people visit Ennis. Visitors also frequent the city because of the following must – see sights.

  • Clare Museum and Library – The museum houses the famed fountain pen used by Eamon de Valera and Neville Chamberlain when they signed the treaty that brought back the naval bases used by the British to the Irishmen.
  • Ennis Friary – This friary is a national monument that is founded in 1241 and finished by the middle of 14th century. This structure is also known for its fine sculptures. One of the more popular pieces is that of St. Francis with stigmata.
  • Fleadh Nua Festival – This festival is a celebration of traditional Irish music and dance. Sometimes, the city council also invites other performers from neighboring areas for more entertainment. If you want to catch this festival, you can plan your visit during the month of May.
  • Bunratty Castle – The castle showcases two specific highlights namely:
  1. Bunratty Folk Park – a museum on an open air field that features the tools and equipment used by the medieval Irish farmers.
  2. Medieval Banquets in Ireland – held nightly for tourists, this banquet does not only aim to serve traditional food but it also includes poetry reading, singing of old ballads and playing of traditional Irish music.
  • Craggaunowen Project – Built during the 16th century, this huge estate includes the famed Knappogue Castle. Today, this castle now serves as a museum that holds different religious and political artifacts and works of art which are both medieval and contemporary.
  • Quin Abbey – This national monument is one of earliest church and most visited sites in Ennis. This place is special because the friary is said to have been built on the foundations of a castle that has been ruined previously. The location also houses tombstones of important people and priests from 15th to 19th century.

athlete Jessica Ennis in
Ennis
Jessice Ennis is the world's

Stockholm

Stockholm

Fourteen small islands make up the city of Stockholm, which is the capital city of Sweden. One of the most spacious and airy cities, Stockholm is known to have the largest Royal Palace in Europe. The city also has a large number of museums. Stockholm is also well-known for its beautiful architecture. Tourists are sure to have the most wonderful time here.

The city caters to the taste of both old and the new. While those interested in the history and architecture can visit the city’s palace and numerous museums. For those who want to experience the vibrant young life of Stockholm can do so too. But the Skargarden or the Stockholm Archipelago fascinates one and all. It comprises of an astounding 24,000 islands, islets, and rocks. The Stockholm archipelago is indeed, one of the most beautiful in the world. If you want a closer look, you can take one of the several ferry lines that will give you a tour of the archipelago.

The Gamla Stan is also of immense interest. Known as the Old Town, it is located right in the heart of the city. The exquisite old area of Stockholm has been preserved very well. You can visit the Noble Museum here. The best way to explore this area is to do it on foot. But while you tour the Gamla Stan on foot, do not tire yourself too soon because you are yet to visit the colossal Kungliga Slottet or the Royal Palace. It is situated near the Old Town area of Stockholm. A ticket to the Royal Palace will give you access to the Royal Apartments, the Treasury, the Tre Kronor Museum, and Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities.

The next destination is sure to excite the youngsters and will definitely amaze the older generation. Part of the Nordic Sea Hotel, the Absolut IceBar maintains a degree of minus five throughout the year. If that is not exciting enough for you, then the fact that drinks here are served in glass-sized hollow ice cubes will definitely blow you away. The bar table is made of a clear ice block, while the tables and chairs inside are made of ice harvested from the River Torne. So, if water is on your mind after a visit to the Absolut IceBar, what better place to head to than the Vasa Museum. This Museum dedicated to a 17th century warship called Vasa. The Vasa spent 333 years of its life on the mud bed of the Stockholm Harbor. The ship was raised from the mud floor in the year 1961 and then housed in one of the buildings in Stockholm.

The city of Stockholm has been built on water. Therefore, it is a treat for all lovers of water-sports. You can rent a kayak from the city and go kayaking around the main islands that form Stockholm.


Stockholm
Stockholm
Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Kailua Kona Makalawena – Pu’u Ali’i Bay

Kailua Kona Makalawena – Pu’u Ali’i Bay

One of the main reasons why people go on vacation is to escape. Another frequently cited reason is mere curiosity for what the “outside world” has to offer them. Adventurous people are usually the ones who proclaim that they go on vacations to explore beyond their comfort zones. These are the ones who do without the guide books and go with their instincts when it comes to scouring interesting locations during their short reprieve time from reality. This kind of lifestyle has its upsides and downsides, so unless you’re really game to roughing it out then you might as well seek the comforts of a luxury resort instead.

Now the beaches of Hawaii are famous all over for making its guests feel rest and relaxed with their combination of modern amenities set against a lush, tropical setting. Yet there are still a lot of undiscovered or lesser known beaches in the area that are worth checking out if only to experience a natural beach in its untouched state. Venturing to the western city ofKailua Kona’s Makalawena/Pu’u Ali’I Bayis one of those very rare areas that are rarely visited by the tourists who prefer the comforts of beaches with easier access points. It can take you 15 minutes to reach this area coming from the northern parking lot of Kona Coast State Park by foot. Your efforts will be rewarded by the sight of its beautiful shoreline with near-white sand.

Just because it’s one of the secluded beaches around doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do here. Just a few yards from the shore are large shallow-water coral reef that can be enjoyed by snorkelers. Aside from the thriving coral reef, there are sea arches and caves which you can explore as well. If you’re in the mood for an honest-to-goodness vacation then you’ve just found the perfect place for you.


Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i
Kailua Kona Makalawena – Pu’u Ali’i Bay
Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kilarney

Kilarney

Ireland is one of the top countries to experience if you love the outdoors. This is because the place boasts a pleasant climate all year round. The summers are hot but the sunlight does not scorch. Winters are also a lot easier, temperatures ranging from 0°C – 30°C is very unlikely to be experienced.
But apart from the nice weather, Ireland also boasts of their natural tourist attractions. Most of them can be found in Killarney. Here you are likely to find nature parks, eco trails and other adventure trails.

Here are some of their parks that you can visit on your next trip:

1. Killarney National Park
This national park opened in 1932 is known for its size and the sights it offers to tourists. This 10,000 – hectare land covers mountains, woods, waterways and gardens.

Lough Lean, Upper Lake and the Muckross Lake are of the most popular sights to see. Here, you can enjoy the sights further by taking a boat ride or by taking your chance in fishing some of the brown trout and salmon that inhabit the lakes.
Apart from the bountiful lakes, Killarney National Park also prides to be the only home of the endangered Red Deer in the wild.

2. Ladies View Park
Why the name? Apparently the place got its namesake from the story that during Queen Victoria’s visit, her ladies in waiting caught a glimpse of the view and fell in love with it. Since then, the locals constantly referred to it as “Ladies’ View”.
Needless to say, the site offers breath taking views of the Upper Lakes and the mountains/ hills surrounding it.

3. Coolwood Wildlife Park
If you plan to take your family with you during your trip, then this wildlife park is worth your stop over. This is because this 40 – acre land serves as a sanctuary for animals like monkeys, llamas, alpacas, lemurs, meerkats and wallabies. All of which are species your kids only get to see in their books and computers. After seeing the animals, you and your kids can later enjoy in the playground or snack at the coffee shop.

Again, those are only three of the sites that you can visit, you can actually find more once you commence on your trip. Have fun and just enjoy your trip!


Kilkenny. Location in Ireland
Kilarney
Kilkenny is one of the most