All Around The World: 2014

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Tokyo

Still on Asia, this time we are in Tokyo, Japan. The place where everything happens, it's like New York for the USA.

Life in Tokyo runs like a well-tuned music video, with an energy that borders on madness and obsession to new trends quickly renders obsolete ideas ... But despite the popularity of Tokyoites tuned for modernity, metropolis retains traditional facet, not always visible on the first glance.

Beyond the frenetic consumerism of shopping and the latest achievements architectural facades glittering Tokyo glimpse fragments of old Japanese culture.

Bangkok

After our tour in Phuket Island, now we're heading to Bangkok, characteristics that have made the good (or bad) reputation of Bangkok, it is primarily the telescoping of opposites that attracted. The modern opulence revolves around a traditional quiet heart. You can go from a four star hotel with the feel of a typical Siamese village where taxi drivers are drinking energy drinks while eating grilled chicken barbecues street or be privileged to witness the activity of famous temples and shrines in the city or simple acts of kindness in the busy city. As for the Skytrain, it will lead you to shopping centers where the dapper young jet reviewed luxury brands as carefully as the housewives inspect the goods in the markets.

Feel free to flirt between all these worlds. Whether it's dinner, possibly more, in a chic club, to refuel the market, getting a massage or pamper and unlike a sweat during an impromptu march, Bangkok a dream come true for savvy urbanites.

Geneva

If the banks of Lake Geneva shared with France (for which the lake is called Geneva Lake Geneva), she also shares with the world. Third largest city in Switzerland by its inhabitants, she speaks French, has more of a stranger in three of its residents and is home to 250 international organizations, including the European headquarters of the United Nations, the headquarters of the International Red Cross and the the World Health Organization.

On the peaceful banks of the lake Geneva is first effective city. It serves excellent food and the most varied in Europe, which goes wonderfully with its cultural quality entertainment.

Where to go in Las Vegas?

We did talk earlier about Las Vegas, but we wrote just some general information. This time we are back with the things you can do to enjoy your stay there.

Shows strip: attractions open to all

The profusion of signs flashing everywhere no doubt: you finally arrived in Las Vegas Boulevard. It is on the famous Strip that align most gigantic casino hotels and complex behemoths, all vying in ingenuity to attract you, you and your wallet. Good news for budget travelers: some of the best entertainment on the Strip are free.

Brussel, Belgium pearl

The "Fantastic Four" are Belgian and Brussels, the bustling capital of Europe, Bruges, the Lake City North, Antwerp "trendy" and Ghent "university" are close to each other: it would be wrong n 'in only one visit.

There are not that diplomats in transit and tour buses traveling across Europe at a run to flit from one to the other of these cities. With fast and frequent public transport, many Belgians living in Ghent while working in Bruges, Antwerp or live and commute daily to Brussels.

Each city has its own style and strengths, its neighborhoods and streets unrecognized. They are also distinguished by their size. Brussels, with twice as many people as Antwerp, also sees its population double during office hours to reach two million people.

These four cities have also, of course, many common points: furrowed by water buses, and parks, markets fashion avant-garde, Gothic churches and museums filled with works by artists of international renown channels Rubens Hergé. In all four cities, heritage gems coexist with the more contemporary innovations. Among these attractions, do not forget the beer and chocolate, which rank among the most famous in the world.

The nickname "world city" given to London is based on reality, so that everyone should visit at least once. The city continues to absorb influences and cultures of its immigrants, real drivers of the city, but it is nonetheless the epitome of British soul with its famous black cabs, its red double-decker buses or the iconic buildings such as Westminster, Tower Bridge and more recently, the London Eye, the silhouettes are reflected in the murky waters of the Thames.

Do not miss these sites, of course, but it would also be a shame to leave London without tasting a pint of beer and a plate of fish and chips near the river, spent a day in Hyde Park and an evening in Soho or Shoreditch. Take a deep breath and get ready to succumb to the charms of the British capital.

Paris

We continue where we stopped in the last topic:

Tree-lined promenade

Going up the stairs in one of the avenue Daumesnil, one reaches this old viaduct converted into a beautiful park suspended (9 m above the ground), commonly known as "green corridor". The walk, away from the tourist crowds but in the company of joggers, families and single strollers, is incredibly quiet, miles away from the hustle and traffic yet just below.

We walk among the trees and flower beds (cherry, maple, rose, lavender ...) while watching the surrounding buildings, apartment balconies and rooftops. The walk through the beautiful garden Reuilly where, as soon as the sun shows its face, it is good to stop on a lazy lawns. From the driveway Vivaldi, just after Reuilly garden, the walk is available on bikes. We can roll up to the Bois de Vincennes and continue to flee the urban din ...

Mythical as the world dream of one day visiting the city, Paris has kept its authenticity. There are still some small streets to explore around the major monuments and with an almost total absence of skyscrapers, Paris and its neighborhoods look more like a cluster of villages as a megalopolis.

From the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame, to the Sacred Heart, the Arc de Triomphe or the Pompidou Centre, Paris has no shortage of famous landmark. Other images, less timeless but equally typical Parisian, are in the mind: the illuminated bridges reflecting off the Seine at night or cane chairs on the terrace breweries. Today, new buildings such as the Musée du Quai Branly continue to change the face of the capital.

The Paris always (and tourists) is alive and well: along major boulevards in fine dining and the windows of fashion houses and museums with outstanding collections, foremost among them the incomparable Louvre. A nice shop or a free table in a bistro stop your wanderings.

Shanghai does not look like the rest of China. Useless to look for Summer palaces, temples wreathed in mist or incredible Buddhas hillside ...

If it preserves beautiful historic remains, identity is elsewhere. Shanghai has never been backward-looking: she looks to the future. For millions of Chinese, much more than a city, it is synonymous with change, opportunity and sophistication. When Beijing pulls the strings of the country, is born in Shanghai that future aspirations.

Phuket - Thailand

Phuket Island, the largest of Thailand, is so extensive that you rarely feel surrounded by water. That may be why the "ko" ("island" in Thai) prefix was dropped. Dubbed the "Pearl of the Andaman" by tour operators, Phuket is Thailand's destination for a holiday in the sun.

Patong, "Sin City" is the main town of Phuket, and its beach is the most popular. The go-go bars are part of the night scene and after a drunken night, vacationers bask pills all day on the beach.

But Phuket is more than just a luxury destination very fashionable: the jet-set, more present than ever, come here for Thai massage sessions upscale before drinking cocktails in broad strokes at posh parties. However, no need to be born with a silver spoon in his mouth to come to Phuket's deep sea diving, quality restaurants and sandy beaches are likely to satisfy everyone.

Hong Kong

Let's continue our journey in Hong Kong...

SHEUNG WAN

Near the edge of vertiginous and flashy Central and yet seemingly light years in the streets of Sheung Wan are Chinese historical heart of the island of Hong Kong. Here, no malls and skyscrapers just west trade. The area, full of life and color, retained his Chinese seal and easily walkable. Be guided by your nose into Queens Road West until around Wing Lok Street.

This is where we get the smell of fish wafts persistent neighborhood: you will see a profusion of dried fish and Chinese medicines sold wholesale. Above dried seafood, shark fin stacks attest to the popularity of this commodity, considered here as prestigious, especially at weddings and other festivities. Shops specialize in selling ginseng roots and birds' nests (a swallow type), dangerously collected in marine caves in Malaysia.

All these lights aren't from New York, this time we took you far to the other side of the earth; Asia. This is a night view at Hong Kong, China. Buckle up, here we go!!

Star Ferry

Can not say we saw Hong Kong if we did not at least once the Star Ferry! For the modest sum of HK $ 2 can be mounted on the top deck of one of these small diesel boats, inaugurated in 1888 and named among other Morning Star, Celestial Star and Twinkling Star.

The Old Town Key West, is one of the largest districts in the United States to be included in the national inventory of historic American neighborhoods. It deserves, if not a beautiful medal, at least one article showing all more or less hidden beauties of this great city.

Get to Palm Beach. En route to the East, from Fort Myers, You'll have the sun rising right in your face. You can't even imagine how amazing this feels.

Beautiful houses in Palm Beach

This time, our road trip in the American West takes us to Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake City is known for two things: the mountains that surround it - good place for skiing in winter, and Mormons. After fifteen days of hiking and spectacular scenery, it was a bit groggy on arrival, but still has the opportunity to feel the crazy atmosphere of the city and discover Temple Square, the Vatican of the Mormons.

Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah, and Utah is the Mormon State - 57% of the population say Mormon. This is also the youngest state of the United States (Maine is the oldest). It had already passed in the south last year, Bryce Canyon and Zion Canyon.

Who are the Mormons?

Religions, especially the variety of religions, is a fairly common thing in the United States, in fact, what we called cult sect said while sect denotes more a religious group, not necessarily sectarian. We can cross around churches on behalf developed the "church of jesus savior of the world" or in this taste, with a sign inviting them to come and be part of the community.

Next stop, we land in California. Get ready to know the main activities you can do during your stay there.

California is large enough to combine surfing capitals, forests of giant redwoods, vineyards, mountains of 4000 m, amusement parks and wilderness overexcited including among the driest deserts in the world.

Of the most kitsch places, which are classic for European tourists, the most shunned by foreign travelers sites and which are yet unanimity among Americans, discover the best tourist attractions in California, a state almost as large as France.

Capital of "FUN"

Los Angeles and San Francisco often steal the show from San Diego in the heart of foreign tourists, but this amazing city is a treasure for a vacation in California.

Las Vegas is a beautiful city in Nevada where almost all the action (If not all) happens at night, and in order to enjoy your trip to the max, you need to be over 21.

After discovering the sheer size of the city, its hotels and casinos on the Strip, its many chapels where lookalikes of stars will join you for life (or not) for a few dollars, you wonder what to do?

For art lovers, I recommend taking the time to visit the Gallery of Fine Arts in Las Vegas, worthy of the greatest museums! The gallery contains many works of art of the Impressionist movement in a unique setting.
Beatles fans, enjoy the Las Vegas Power Pass to get to the homage paid to them in Saxony Theather and have a great time at the rate of the most famous hits of the Fab Four.
I also enjoyed my visit to the Mirage hotel and zoo / aquarium "Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat" where you can see the white lions, white tigers, leopards, panthers and dolphins.

First Time in New York - Part 2

We've already started our journey in New York, as we promised; here are some ther things you have to be aware of on your first time in the city.

4- Electronic

I Always laugh at these plugs because they seem like a confused face, i don't know about you guys; Leave in the comments below if you agree with me

The standard voltage in North America is 120V 220V against the rest of the world. Thus, it may be that your electronics do not work in the United States; outlets also have a different shape, so it is highly likely that your cards are not compatible with American made. Make sure you buy adapters comply with American standards for all your portable devices.

The famous Niagara Falls are located about 2 hours by train from Toronto, as you say it is a must when you come out for a few days!

A little geography first: the "Niagara Falls" are in the middle of the Niagara River that connects Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. The Niagara River forms the border between Canada and the United States of America.
These are the most powerful waterfalls in North America at a rate of more than 2800 m3 / s, a priori there are three separate falls, but to be quite honest I've only seen two (American Falls and Horseshoe Falls) ...
We've been enjoying the falls twice, the first time in the company of Jannick in November 2012 (and it was cold and we were almost alone on the site) and the second in the month of April 2013 with the family of Benedict (and it was hot and there were lots of tourists like us)

I advise you to leave quite early if you want to enjoy your day on site. From Toronto around 8 am, you can take during breakfast 'on the train, it's not too expensive and it's pretty good.

Arrived at the station in Niagara, the easiest way is probably to take a taxi to the site of the falls itself. It takes about $ 15 for the trip, but it will save you a good walk. Once there, there has to open wide their eyes and enjoy!

Canada: Raid snowmobile ideal destination for adventure lovers and thrill

Want to conquer vast snowy forests to enjoy moments of intense and unforgettable escape snowmobile? You also want to share your passion with other snowmobilers? So go on snowmobile trip in Canada.

Snowmobile vacations in Canada: To enjoy the scenery

Canada offers its best tracks for your snowmobile raids by offering you the opportunity to discover the regions of the Upper Laurentians, Côte-Nord and Saguenay Lac St-Jean Monts-Valin. Discover the vast snowy fields of Appalachia. Check out the wide range of standard options and lease durations snowmobile to find the formula that will suit your particular needs.

For the millions of tourists who walk its streets every year, New York is a city of legendary reputation, but for New Yorkers, it is simply their city. Like any place to live, it can be frustrating, exhilarating and in the most unexpected moments, magical. There are, in any metropolis, the unspoken rules to follow when we walk in the city. Whether it's your first, second or twentieth visit to New York, here are some rules of etiquette to remember when you are in the Big Apple!

1- Differentiate between the Express Subway Trains and Local Subway Trains

Poland tour

Poland

Drive around Poland by car is a great idea! Roads are sometimes rotten but it's improving quickly, especially since the European Championship soccer organized by Poland and Ukraine in 2012 and one thing for sure: you will live an adventure and have fun in amazing landscapes . And see the Poles are very friendly and speak English youth in general.

Towns:

I think a North South axis is the ideal route. I suggest you spend at least one night in Krakow, one in Warsaw and one in the Baltic Sea in the north. This is the minimum to enjoy the local heritage. Try going to the opera you will see there are fantastic live and not too expensive. Visit parks and monuments!

The mountain

Madrid

Long in the shadow of Barcelona, Madrid returns to the front of the stage. The town has been completely redesigned and the city center is adorned with many pedestrian streets. The atmosphere is amazing in Madrid. In the evening, everyone gets together about places or streets of the city. In addition to being lively and energetic, Madrid has many facets and there's something for everyone: food, architecture, culture, shopping, nightlife. We stayed a long weekend recently. That was 10 years since we had not set foot in Madrid. It was an opportunity to rediscover the city.

When to visit?

You are advised to visit Madrid in the spring or fall. Indeed, it is very cold in Madrid during the winter. Recall that Madrid is one of the highest European capitals! Summer can be very hot. We must be able to withstand temperatures around 35 ° C.

Getting Around in Madrid?

A Weekend in Rome

Find something to do in Rome is not a problem, it is even quite the opposite, it would be almost too much to do! At every corner there are small architectural jewels: a hidden fountain, an ancient piazza, a baroque church ... And the good news for backpackers and budget travelers is that most of the historical wonders that are found in the Italian capital are free to explore.

With so many options at your fingertips, the question however is how to make the most of Rome in no time. Let's say you have such a weekend in this city sip culture: what to do and what to see in two days?

If you go to Rome, do not miss our article on Best Bars in Rome.

1st Day

Where to go when your in Istanbul?

You know where to eat and where not to eat, it's time to tackle the tourism itself. In the "compulsory" in town there, as guides and in order: Hagia Sophia (Aya Sophia or Hagia Sophia), Topkapi palace and harem, the Underground Cistern (= Basilica Cistern), the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii =), the Grand Bazaar and a cruise on the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. The problem is that these places are just THAT tourist places, there to tourists every day of every month of the year and that from 10:30, it's hell on earth . Practical advice.

1) Making Choices:

Aya Sophia is a dazzling gem, do not miss it, opening doors 9 am, imposing queue from 8.30am, due date for the visit in good conditions.
Sultanahmet Camii mosque is a very pretty, but it is full of disrespectful tourists who pose as morons who are at Disney World and it's far from the prettiest in the city, despite its enchanting name Blue Mosque. Miss a turn and instead will see Suleymanyie Camii and Yemi Camii.
The Basilica Cistern is a beautiful place but very small, narrow and marked, it will be nice that early in the morning if you are at the beginning of the queue or in the evening, 45 minutes before closing, if n 'there is no queue. It is better to miss places to see in bad circumstances, it will give you the opportunity to return to Istanbul.

Istanbul

Istanbul is not the capital of modern Turkey, but it has been the capital of three Empires: Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman. Few cities in the world have undergone such radiation throughout history. In 1923 during the creation of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal, who wanted to end six centuries of Ottoman Empire, decided to transfer political and legislative power in Ankara. Today, after 90 years of decline, Istanbul regained its international prestige, it will be in 2025 in the 15 richest cities in the world, its economy represents 27% of national GDP of Turkey itself the 16th world economy . Istanbul attracts, last year more than 12 million tourists visited, making it the fifth tourist destination. All the major chains and global groups are present, it is one of the cities with the largest growing economic of the moment. The height of buildings in the business districts contrast with the old city and the Bosphorus yalis World Heritage of UNESCO. Istanbul has all the ingredients to become an international capital in the future, but to understand this megalopolis in depth, it is important to look into his past.

Some History

Byzantine era:

Barcelone's Magical Fountain

During the Great Universal Exhibition of 1929, the organizers felt that something was missing, something spectacular, something that could be the symbol of the Catalan capital for generations to come. It is for this reason that Carles Buigas returned to Barcelona to present his project, "a colossal work, bold and very dear." The committee was surprised by the immensity of the project and they rejected the idea almost thinking it would be impossible to carry out. Fortunately, Buigas could convince her by saying that he would project to completion in less than a year with the help of more than 3,000 workers.

ORAN "El-Bahia"

Let's start our tour from Oran, Oran is a beautiful algerian city that has a coastline so the weather is pretty cool especially during summer.

During my summer holiday i decided to go spend a week there, and i was so surprised by the beauty of the city, it has a big history with several civilizations.

Starting wit the spanish one, they've built a fort know as: Santa Cruz Fort. It is the highest point of the city where we can have an amazing view of Oran and the sea

View from downside of Santa Cruz

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