July 24, 2010
Cologne is a city in western Germany. This ancient city dating back nearly two millennia ago is a real city with the essence of Gothic Germany.
Even the poet Petrarch in the fourteenth century, thought that this city noted for its breathtaking beauty. Cologne is a city that is famous for its great cathedral, the famous Cologne Cathedral, one of the oldest and most impressive in Europe. The cathedral, with two domes, is one of the major attractions of the city and climb to the top, one will have to climb the 509 steps up to the gallery, which is over 170 meters above the ground, and the structure built by the world’s tallest man. It took more than 600 years to build the cathedral, or Duomo, begun to be built on Roman ruins after Frederick Barbarossa donate the supposed relics of the Three Kings. This made the city became, before the twelfth century, a major center of pilgrimage in the region. Moreover, even today you can still see the relics, found near the altar of the Cathedral of Cologne.
Beside the famous cathedral is the impressive Germany-Roman Museum, a building that was a hiding place for civilians during the air battles of World War II. During this time discovered perfectly preserved remains of an ancient Roman mosaic still remains and can be viewed at the museum.
Nearby, in the center and the historic city center, two museums are more futuristic and contemporary art, Wallraf-Richartz Museum and the Museum Ludwig. The Wallraf-Richartz Museum we can find a wide and interesting collection of art from the XIV and XX, while in the Ludwig Museum we can find the most exclusive art of the twentieth century, which almost rivals the legendary Guggenheim Museum New York. In both museums you can see exclusive works of the best artists and painters, as well as several permanent and temporary exhibitions of different styles.
One of the best hotels in the city is also located in this magical area of the city center. The Dom Hotel is an architectural monument in itself because it is almost attached to the cathedral. Here one can enjoy a luxurious and comfortable stay, as to the decor reminds us that we are part of the world. We recommend visiting the famous and elegant coffee Atelier am Dom, a café glass walls covered with the best views of the cathedral and the famous Petersglocke, the huge 24 ton bell that marks the hours while you enjoy the views.
The city is famous for its beer, Kölsch, sold in all restaurants and markets in the city. In addition, the city has a broad cultural landscape, which highlights its many museums and concert halls. Cologne is a city also known for its Carnival which starts every November 11 at 11:11 hours. In the evening, a stroll through the city and Hohenzollern Bridge is a magnificent bridge over the Rhine River which decorates the edges.
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July 23, 2010
Suriname is a country that lies between Guyana and Brazil. This country, with half a million inhabitants, is located in the Atlantic Ocean.
The capital city is Paramaribo, where the majority of the population. The city is a very active city with a great mix of cultures and languages and with many attractions for tourists. In this city, located along the Suriname River, we can find the Presidential and National Assembly, two prominent buildings. The center of the city is a World Heritage Site. There are several museums including the Museum of Surinam or the Numismatic Museum, attracting thousands of people. We can also visit the downtown Palmentuin Park, Palms Park. Almost the entire city follows the Netherlands colonial style, with large buildings and small houses centers of colors, plus multi-channel.
The country, formerly known as Netherlands Guiana, has a great variety of ethnicities, religions, cultures and languages. Although the official language is Dutch, most residents speak the local language and Javanese sranang Tongo. The wide variety of ethnic groups due to the fact that the country was once a former colony of the Netherlands, and later settled here several groups, such as the second generation of freed slaves or descendants of people who migrated from Indonesia. Therefore, there are several religions, and beliefs of citizens are divided between Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and traditional indigenous religions.
In this country, in the city of Paramaribo, we can find something that is only seen in another city in the world, in Sofia. Here we can find a mosque that is next to a synagogue, a fact more than unusual, and therefore both works as both religions share the main square of the city. Nearby, we also visit other religious establishments, as several Hindu temples. This city also houses the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, built on the ruins of a theater, a cathedral that has more than 114 years.
For the variety of cultures and traditions of peoples living in the country, there are many local festivals. The Holi Phagwa is celebrated on March 11, and Keti Koti, Emancipation Day, celebrating the 1st of July, the end of slavery. 8 and August 9 are held on the Day of Indigenous Peoples and the Day of Arrival of people from Java, two colorful festivals. The most unusual are those festivals that celebrate the arrival of the first ships of other countries, such as boats Indians, Javanese and Chinese, to the island.
We recommend visiting the country during the New Year holidays, the Jaar Oud. The country is filled with thousands of fireworks and pay, some traditional red firecrackers. The largest malls are organizing the annual parade, where each school has the largest and most beautiful fireworks they could find. All day and night dances are held, and the streets are filled with food, drink and music.
One of the country’s biggest attractions is its rich biodiversity. Here we have part of the vast Amazon rainforest, south of the country. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is filled with thousands of species of plants and animals. It also highlights the Brownsberg Natural Park, next to the Reserve Brokopondo. Here, in the middle of one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, is the Island Tonka, which promotes eco-tourism.
The country, known for its variety of flora and fauna, has some places worth seeing. Raleighvallen highlights a series of waterfalls on the River Coppename, or cataracts Wonotobo Blanche and Marie. In the Tafelberg, Nature Reserve can be found Tafelberg Mountain.
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July 22, 2010
Acapulco is a coastal city in Mexico. Acapulco is known for its beaches and its busy life during the holidays.
Acapulco is a small town on the west coast of Mexico. Since the early twentieth century, the city became one of the most visited cities in the country. Each year is filled with tourists from all over the world who come to spend a few days in the beautiful beaches of Acapulco.
Near the city, a few miles from the coast, lies the Roqueta Island, a popular destination for travelers who want to see something more than the city. Typically, several glass-bottom boats take passengers on excursions to the island. While the travelers walking the short distance from the coast to the island, travelers can observe the marine life underfoot.
This city offers many sporting and water activities to its visitors. In 1968, part of the water sports of the Olympic Games in Mexico City was held in this city. Now, Acapulco has become a popular destination for lovers of parasailing, divers, those who practice water skiing, fishing and snorkeling. Many activities are offered both individual and groups, and visitors can swim with fish or learn to dive.
The whole city is full of restaurants of all kinds, from traditional restaurants to restaurants that specialize in seafood and haute cuisine. The city streets are full of bars and clubs with all types of music.
It is worth visiting one of the most outstanding tourist attractions in the region, La Quebrada. Here visitors can enjoy a unique show in the world where divers jump from cliff experts from more than 45 meters high water. They organize events and people flock to see how young calculate the distance to jump off the cliff. Nearby, also may watch the pelicans hunting their prey in their natural habitat. There are also several restaurants offering dishes from the region nearby.
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July 21, 2010
Lome is the capital and largest city of Togo. Lomé is a city of only 730,000 inhabitants, and is adjacent to the Gulf of Guinea.
The city has undergone major changes during its past as the capital of a country that went from being a colony of Germany before the First World War to join the many colonies of both France and the British Empire. No clutch is a great collective spirit, and people have always regarded this land as their land. So, even now many people do not want to leave his piece of land that has been for generations in his family, and through the streets of the city you can see big houses with large pools and small stone houses side by side, contrasting social differences and national spirit.
During previous years, Lomé had been a major trade between the largest countries in the Gulf of Guinea. Later, he managed to attract tourists for its beautiful beaches. Now the city is full of rhythm, boutiques and trendy cafes, where the most humble homes are next to the skyscrapers of banks and luxury hotels.
The city attracts many tourists for its beaches and climate. The city has two rainy periods, one in late spring and another in early fall. The weather is always warm, ranging between 23 º C and 30 º C throughout the year although the heat is not appeased by the ocean breeze.
The north of the city is separated from the center of the city by a lake of 30 square kilometers. The lagoon looks like a beautiful oasis within the city.
Lomé Grand Market, the Lomé Grand Market, is a traditional three-storey market. Many locals and tourists come here to enjoy a wide selection of natural products from red peppers and lemons from the region until dried fish directly from the ocean. On the ground floor is Nana Benz, a site devoted to clothing, where you can find more traditional clothes and bright colors of the region. Moreover, in this market are still sold many ingredients that are used for traditional medicines and thousands of herbs and natural remedies.
It also highlights the National Museum of Togo, located in the Palacio de Congresos, one of the largest convention centers in the city. The museum was founded in 1975. In the museum there are several ethnographic and cultural exhibitions, with many different art streams. There are many artifacts, jewelry and musical instruments, objects made of ceramics and art collections of several centuries of history.
The city is full of colonial architecture such as the impressive chests and galleries of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Togo. Lomé Cathedral is a building built in the German Gothic style in the early twentieth century. Many other influences are mixed in this African city over time. The city is notable for its small houses of different colors. The panorama of the city is a unique combination of red soil, huge boulevards, small streets and the stunning coastline of the city.
The coast is definitely the quieter and more melancholy of the city. During the early hours of the morning shipped hundreds of local fishermen in their boats to go fishing. By noon, the beach is full of people, both locals and tourists, who come to take advantage of the calm waters of the gulf.
This city also features the Palace of Justice. Moreover, it is worthwhile to see the Independence Monument, located in the heart of the city in the center of the capital and near the Palace of Congresses and the National Museum of Togo.
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Cologne is a city in western Germany. This ancient city dating back nearly two millennia ago is a real city with the essence of Gothic Germany.
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