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The Fairy-tale Czech Republic

Posted on October 8, 2020October 8, 2020 by admin

My friend Aaron from Brisbane solar power company, Pedleys, says to understand the Czech Republic you need to know a bit of history. I promise! This will be brief. In 1989, the country of Czechoslovakia left communist rule through the “Velvet Revolution”.

This was a peaceful government transition, done without violence. In 1993, the country split (again peacefully) into two: the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. For the traveler, these changes are meaningful for one important reason: facing change, the Czech Republic embraced hospitality and tourism. Because of this, the country is a traveler’s dream. It’s easy to navigate, and the friendly people are often fluent in multiple languages. English speakers especially have no problems communicating.

Prague is the capital city, and where most travelers will start. It’s both bohemian and fairy-tale-like. Bohemian because it literally was known as Bohemia until the early part of the 20th century. But you’ll also see your share of “non-conformists,” at least in the sense of people who have come to find something. The city is fairy-tale-like because it’s cobblestone streets zig-zag through Gothic churches, gates, and bridges. The city was only bombed once (accidentally) in World War II, so there is a definite feel of history. It’s literally under your feet: walking on cobblestones can take some practice!

I jokingly call Prague “Europe for Beginners.” Everything in the city is easy. The residents are friendly, and multi-lingual. The subway system is simple to use. And it’s inexpensive. So inexpensive that when I last visited we were looking online for transportation from the airport. We found “Prague Airport Transfers,” but we wondered about the price. It didn’t seem to cost enough, which led me to believe it was sketchy. A quick search found that their prices were in line with every other agency. They provided excellent service for a fair price. The same went for tours in the city. You can get a private tour of Prague Castle at a more than reasonable price. Prague is well-suited for walking tours. It’s fun to have the intimacy of a private tour where your guide talks about growing up in the shadow of Prague Castle. There are even a few ghost tours, where you can learn about the “goat chariot from Hell” (really, I’m not kidding).

Old Town Square is the center of activity for travelers. The Prague Astronomical Clock is a fantastically detailed device that draws crowds throughout the day and night. It was installed in 1410, and is the oldest clock in the world that is still working. You’ll want to check it out several times while in the city. Fortunately, it’s so centrally located, that you’ll pass it repeatedly. There are an impressive number of shops surrounding the Old Town Square. You’ll find everything from inexpensive (and sometimes poorly made) t-shirts, to expensive glassware. If you’re a shopper, you’ll love the city.

If you want to get out of Prague, you can easily take day trips. Again, you can usually hire a private driver for a very reasonable rate. Our driver gave us a running commentary about the fields, farming, and how the small towns we passed through had evolved. Karlovy Vary (often called Carlsbad in English) is a beautiful mountain town known for it’s springs. When I think of the Czech Republic, my thoughts always turn here. The water is considered healing, and it flows from taps through the town. The water is free, but you’ll want to buy one of their special spa mugs. It’s useful throughout the trip, but it’s also a souvenir that will have memories attached to it. The town itself sits in a valley and cradles two rivers: the Tepla and the Ohre. The buildings in Karlovy Vary are brightly colored, and ornately decorated. They almost looks like a massive sculpture made of sugar. Most of the architecture is Renaissance, but you’ll see everything from Art Nouveau to Secessionist work here.

There are several spa houses and hotels in Karlovy Vary. Perhaps the most famous is the Grand Hotel Pupp (and yes, it’s pronounced “poop”). You’ll recognize this Grand Lady from films such as “Last Holiday” (2006, with Queen Latifa), and “Casino Royale” (2006, with Daniel Craig as James Bond). These are both good films to watch before your visit. “Last Holiday” gives you a wonderful Czech feel. You can even stay for a spa vacation. Most packages include an physical from a doctor who will prescribe when and how much of the healing waters to drink. Beware though, the water will go through some people very quickly!

Dining here is all about the experience. Many restaurants are formal, “old Europe” style. The atmosphere is the thing, and these restaurants boast beautiful wooden bars, and rich carpeting. You can also dine at a cafe, watch the river go by, and do some people watching.

Karlovy Vary also hosts a yearly International Film Festival that draws crowds. Check the schedule before traveling. If you attend the festival though, you’ll likely be bumping elbows with celebrities. The town is small, and you could be sitting at a table next to Brad Pitt. Bear in mind, prices will likely be higher during the festival.

Near the town, you’ll find Moser Glass. They’ve been producing high-quality glassware since 1857. They give tours of their facility, and you can watch their entire process of heating, molding, and pressing. You can get as close as you dare, but the furnaces produce heat of up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit (1093 degrees Celsius). You’ll watch the talented craftsmen working on the glass, and your guide will explain the process. They have a retail store, and you’ll want to spend some time looking at their incredible creations. If you’re looking for special glassware, this is the place to come. But it’s also a peak into the glass-making culture.

I once heard someone jokingly say that they wanted to spend a year in Prague “really getting to know myself.” Funny, but the Czech Republic is actually a wonderful place for reflection. There is an interesting contrast between the ancient buildings, and the modern hospitality centered people. It’s a place that embraces change while keeping a firm hold on the past.…

Spain: Top Things to Do

Posted on September 8, 2020August 25, 2020 by admin

Northern Europeans call it “Sun, Beach, Sangria” … all true, but Spain has much more !!!

Spain has one of the most beautiful coasts in Europe and a very long and ancient culture … traditions, artistic works and typical dishes characterize this nation with a mild climate with beaches, mountains and plains that offer fruit and vegetables appreciated everywhere; unique cities for beauty and history.

Difficult to decide what to visit in Spain and ‘a nation that offers us a multitude of choices … certainly we can not miss visiting …

BARCELONA, MADRID, VALENCIA AND SEVILLE

Three fantastic and beautiful cities. As if they were the four capitals of Spain!

All three are highly appreciated and highly visited all year round.

Barcelona remains one of the most interesting cities, where it is easy to stay for days without ever having the desire to leave. Its pleasant atmosphere can be appreciated living along the streets and squares of the Barrio Gothics and not neglecting the many restaurants and bars, and we must not forget the Sagrada Familia and the Tibidabo hill where you can admire the whole city from above.

Madrid, the nation’s capital, offers the country’s best museums such as the Prado or the Reina Sofia, but also the Royal Palace and some iconic squares such as the Plaza Mayor. Just outside the city we find Toledo an old fortified city, a UNESCO heritage site.

Valencia, is the homeland of the very good and beloved Paella; In this city there is the Barrio del Carmen, the oldest part of the city where there is also a spectacular cathedral with a legend: the Holy Grail is kept here.

Seville, with the charming and characteristic alleys of the “Barrio de Santa Cruz” and the tapas bars and then face the magnificence of the Cathedral and especially the Alcázar, the palace of the Moor kings that also hosted Christopher Columbus who was preparing his journey to the Americas.

But still the fascinating Córdoba and the famous Santiago de Compostela … a nation that boasts well over 40 UNESCO heritage sites!

THE ALHAMBRA

A fortress, a palace, a citadel located in beautiful Granada. It was born as an imposing castle and military area, which later became the royal residence and court of Granada.

THE SIERRA NEVADA

Large mountain range offers 70 downhill ski runs and runs for cross-country skiing and snowboarding. There are also ice skating rinks and sleigh rides are organized.

CADIZ

If you are looking for white beaches and crystal clear sea, Cadiz is the ideal destination to find blue water, white sand dunes, views of the Roman ruins and excellent restaurants to eat. Its precious and beautiful historical center is surrounded by walls and developed on an islet.

Don’t miss the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Salamanca and Bilbao,too … All fantastic destinations in the name of Spanish beauty …

… and how can you forget about Flamenco? Flamenco, Sangria and Paella are the 3 duties for every visitor … many cities and clubs offer you Flamenco evenings, evenings you can’t miss.…

Ireland: Top Things to do

Posted on August 29, 2020August 25, 2020 by admin

Also called the emerald island, this wonderful “green” land surprises and enchants for its beautiful breathtaking landscapes, many unexplored places, fantastic coasts and welcoming people.

There are many places to get visited during a visit to Ireland, the island that has 40 shades of green !!!

Fantastic island that amazes us with the friendliness in the cities, all the locals welcome us with good music and fantastic beer and forests? Enchanted and evergreen places where it was believed that fairies and elves lived … a magic that we still like to believe today ..

DUBLIN AND GALWAY

The incredible and fascinating capital, where it is possible to admire about history and culture with famous artists:James Joyce, Oscar Wild. In addition, we can visit the castle of Dublin, St. Patrick’s Church and also the Guinness Factory Museum.

On the streets of Dublin you will find many street performers, called buskers and numerous pubs including the very famous Temple Bar, where U2 played in their early days when you can listen to concerts and drink rivers of Guinness!

Galway, is the youngest and most vibrant city in Ireland with many pubs and clubs with Irish music festivals that will enrich the wonderful atmosphere that this beautiful island offers us.

SKELLIG ISLANDS

They are two incredible and beautiful island in the south coast; Little Skellig, is a true nature sanctuary and Skellig Michael, looks more like a magical place with a mountain covered in green, it has been also used as a setting for shooting Star Wars movies.

RING OF KERRY

A very famous road and in the southern region with wonderful hills and oak forests …. and the “Leprechauns”! Try to meet one who knows…

CARROWMORE

A megalithic site that holds the distinction that is the oldest structure of men, dating back to almost 6000 years ago, and which still instills. They raise in the ground in vertical position, letting us the chance to walk through the island’s most ancient history.

CLIFFS OF MOHER

They are the most famous Irish cliffs that with their height reach 216 meters above sea level, and then sink into the ocean. Located in western Ireland, they are among the most important attractions for the country

BURREN

Known as a place where “there is not enough water to drown a man, nor enough trees to hang him”. It is a special and rare limestone plateau. Admission to visits is recommended with entry from the Burren National Park.

THE DARK HEDGES

They call it the enchanted path par excellence. A fairy tale that has now become famous in the Game of Thrones series; an incredible and spectacular tree-lined avenue at the entrance to the Gracehill House estate.

GIANT’S CAUSEWAY

40 thousand basalt columns smoothed by the force of the ocean on which you can walk, jump on them and ask yourself how nature could do to make them so particular. They are located in County Antrim, where there are other sites to visit. Starting with the Glens of Antrim, nine verdant valleys rich in mythology, and Dunluce Castle, located along the coast near the towns of Portrush and Bushmills.…

Top 6 travel destinations in Patagonia

Posted on August 19, 2020August 19, 2020 by admin

Patagonia lies on the shores of Latin America, and runs through Chile and Argentina. The breathtaking scenery is breathtaking in beauty and amazing form. It boasts some of the most diverse types of wildlife, and this rich diversity is due to the distance of the region. These include penguins to the south, world-renowned bird life in the Falkland Islands, endangered animals, and the largest predator, Patagonia, Puma. here are top 6 travel destinations in Patagonia

Whale watch in Puerto Piramides

Puerto Pyramids seaside town is famous worldwide for its clear blue waters and quietly emerging beaches with pyramids such as rocks, powder golden sand, and sea animals. Established in 1900, it was the only habitable place on the peninsula and its main livelihood was the salt harbor with huts of wood, timber, and metal panels. Throughout the year, all types of marine animals can be seen in open water. From June to December, stunning southern right whales reach the sea and give birth. Orca whales arrive between February and May. Dolphins are present in this area throughout the year. Other wildlife that can be seen in the area are wolves, sea tigers, cubs

Penguins in Punta Tombo

This arid landscape encircles the deep Patagonian plains, flowing through a long winding beach and numerous bays. One does not expect to find penguins in this desert environment, but when spring attains this desolate coast, there it is! Slowly bending over, they start pigs on the beach in September, first in the dozens, then in the hundreds, and finally in the thousands live on a road with about 500,000 birds occupying every piece of uninhabited rub. And along the beaches, they automatically roll back and forth in order and file.

Torres del Pine National Park

In Chile, you will visit the Torres del Paine National Park. You can choose to stay in an area and take a day walk or hike for several days. With these, you can stay in hostels or tents. In the southern region, it is best to take a boat so that you can have a better view of the amazing glaciers. Here you will also find colonies of penguins. Hiking a week or more around the Chilean region in Patagonia is very easy.

Junin de Los Andes

Patagonia is a very good place to raise problems. It has an ideal temperature for salmon, excellent water, and a wide range of rivers and lakes that allow all types of fly casting practices. Two notable places to visit are the Junin de Los Andes, a town in the province of Neuron in the northern part of Patagonia and the Rio Grande, in the Tierra del Fuego. In the Junin de Los Andes, the Malleo River suffers from a lot of rainbow problems throughout the season, but it is late March when things get interesting.

El Calafate

El Calafate is the starting point for those who come from Argentina. From here, you will enter Los Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is part of the world’s third-largest ice cap. An active glacier, Perito Moreno, often relieves snow cuts in the lake. It is also possible to walk on it – if the weather permits, of course.

Los Glaciers National Park

Los Glacier National Park is located in the southwestern Argentine province of Santa Cruz, bordering Chile, and looks stunning under the vast blue sky. It can be surprising at times that Patagonia is a winter wonderland, especially when you have traveled to wet and noisy cities before making your way to the region .. Since global warming causes global warming and snow caps and Glaciers melt, there maybe years. The next few are the best times and enjoy these effects of the Ice Age in all its splendid splendor. What are you waiting for? A holiday in Patagonia is definitely an unforgettable experience.…

To Visit Best Places in Dubai

Posted on July 29, 2020August 19, 2020 by admin

Thanks to its luxury hotels, tall buildings, eye-captivating beaches, unique museums, Zoos, and nightlife scenes, there’s is so much to be seen in Dubai. In fact, if you want to enjoy the most of Dubai, you’ll need more than just a few days. 

Just to give a recap of what to expect in Dubai, below are some of the most popular and must-see tourist destinations that you can’t afford to miss. 

Top 5 Places to Visit in Dubai in 2020

  1. Burj Khalifa

Number one must visit destination on our list is the famous Burj Khalifa. Whether you’re visiting Dubai for the first time or not, Burj Khalifa is a famous destination for both tourists and the locals. Thanks to its observation decks, you will enjoy a stunning view of the entire city. 

Featuring a height of 828 meters, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Besides, Burj Khalifa holds other worldwide records such as

  • It’s the tallest free-standing structure 
  • It has the highest occupied floor 
  • It has the highest number of stories – more than 160 stores 
  • It has the highest outdoor observation decks 
  • Its elevator has the longest travel distance 
  • It has the tallest service elevator 
  1. Jumeirah Beach 

Located on the Persian Gulf, Jumeirah Beach is named after the Jumeirah district. Jumeirah Beach features a series of luxurious hotels and restaurants along the coast that offers a magical sunset view to the beach. 

Furthermore, the beach features other world-class facilities, including the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Old-style Madinat Jumeirah, the Wild Ward Water Park, and the Burj Al Arab hotel. 

  1. Dubai Mall 

If you love shopping, then your vacation in Dubai will be incomplete without visiting Dubai Mall. Occupying an area of over 500,000 square meters, Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world. 

Besides, the mall features more than 1200 stores, a world-class ice rink, Dubai aquarium, 14,000 parking spaces, and much more. Inside the mall, there is an array of entertainment options, including multiplex, gaming zone, ice-skating rink, and world-class restaurants. Dubai Mall also provides entry to the famous Burj Khalifa.

  1. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium is one of the world’s largest Suspended Aquarium. The Aquarium holds approximately 10 million liters of water. The Aquarium houses over 140 various species of marine life and aquatic animals. 

Inside the long Aquarium tunnel (51 x 20 meters), you’ll find ecological zones such as the underwater Zoo, living ocean, rocky shore, glass-bottom boat tours, and rainforest. The underwater zoo offers enthralling views of the sand tiger sharks, among other endangered species.

  1. Ski Dubai 

Last on our list is the Ski Dubai. Covering a 22,500 square meter indoor resort, Ski Dubai is the perfect place for outdoor snow adventures. Featuring over 60,000 tonnes of snow, you have access to endless fun activities, including skiing, playing with snowballs, snowboarding, building a snowman, and much more. 


Conclusion 

Without a doubt, Dubai is a Must-Visit destination worth visiting. From the high-end building to affordable eateries and fascinating beaches, the truth is that you can’t get enough of Dubai.

…

Recent Posts

  • The Fairy-tale Czech Republic
  • Spain: Top Things to Do
  • Ireland: Top Things to do
  • Top 6 travel destinations in Patagonia
  • To Visit Best Places in Dubai

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