Category Archives: Destinations

Destinations, Indonesia, Theme and Amusement Park

Pandawa Beach Bali – Peace in Seclusion

06/11/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

Bali comes with endless options when it comes to tourist attractions. One more new mesmerizing site, Pandawa Beach has recently opened to public, with its amazing natural beauty and beautiful landscape that stretches along the blue coast. The tropical surrounding of Bali attracts millions of people every year and allows the tourists to sit back and relax, escape from their busy routines.

Most people are probably only familiar with Kuta beach, or Seminyak, but Pandawa Beach now offers wider option for you to get peace in seclusion and enjoy your exclusive time alone or with your romantic encounter. Pandawa beach quickly becomes a favorite among local people and visitors due to its relaxing features.

Pandawa Beach and Mahabharata’s characters

Previously, this beach was named Secret Beach before famously known as Pandawa Beach because of its hidden location behind high cliffs. Its exclusive location in the village of Kutuh, South Kuta District, Pandawa beach is actually near from Nusa Dua and Uluwatu areas. The difficult access to this beach makes this hotspot relatively empty, only few people with the waves sound, so that makes Pandawa Beach a perfect gateway for both domestic and international tourists. However, the local authority has finally recognized the potential of this beach, resulted in better access and introduction of this beach as one of mainstay attractions.

Pandawa beach got its name not without reason. As your journey come near to the location, you will be greeted by famous wayang statues; the Panca Pandawa, characters of Mahabarata, namely Yudhistira, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sadewa. There will not much to see during your way to the beach, as your view will be mostly dominated with high cliffs and hills view, until it finally reaches the beach side, outstanding panorama unquestionably unfolds right in front of your eyes. Pure white sand with blue water, light breeze and clear blue sky unite in harmony and hypnotizing anyone who saw.

Well preserved environment of Pandawa Beach

The majestic hills will serve as your private walls. They conceal you from the familiar crowd and usual activity. Pandawa beach still preserves its quiet atmosphere and clean environment. Maybe, that is because there are still few people who visit this place. Taking the road to Pandawa Beach from Ngurah Rai International airport is only 1 hour, with domination of high coastal view along the road. However, the carved statues of Mahabharata’s characters become distinct fascinations for the tourists when you finally enter the area.

Just like any other beaches, there are various activities, which you can do at Pandawa Beach. Water sport is provided for those who love outdoor activities such as canoeing and paragliding. You can ask for local’s assistance when the wind is quite strong, usually started from Timbis Hill near Pandawa Beach and enjoy the beautiful panorama from the height.

Take a swim and get sunburn from the warm sun during the day. If you prefer sitting back and relaxing along the beachside, roll out the mats and simply sit under the trees or umbrella to enjoy fresh coconut water. Other option is you can observe the culture and custom of seaweed farmers along the coast.

Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Indonesia

Places to Visit in Majapahit Historical Tour

06/10/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

Majapahit Kingdom can be considered as the Golden Age of Indonesian ancient history. This Hindu-Buddhist kingdom was the largest in Indonesia, spread from Western to Eastern Indonesia, and it even had sent its marine troops to Thailand, Kampuchea, and China. The kingdom is not only famous, but also becomes an epitome of political and cultural grandeur. Such huge kingdom of course left many historical sites that now become tourist attractions in Java.

If you are interested in ancient history and Indonesia, you can visit various historical sites related to the golden age of Majapahit era, mostly located in Trowulan Site. Trowulan is one of the capitals of Majapahit in the past, and now, it becomes the most important Majapahit site in Java. It is also listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage, and keeps amazing relics such as temples, tombs, bathhouse, and proofs of activity and trade center such as clean water distributor system, marketplace and housing complex.

Historical Majapahit Sites in Trowulan
Here are several historical sites and buildings you can see at Trowulan Site:

Candi Tikus

Although being called ‘candi’ (temple), this is actually more like a bathhouse. This beautiful bath pond was built in rectangle shape, made of red bricks and surrounded with terraces. It has a main structure that was inspired by Mount Mahameru. It is called Candi Tikus (Rat Temple) because the pond was inhabited by rats when discovered in 1914.

Gapura Bajang Ratu

Gapura (gate) Bajang Ratu is one of numerous gates that have beautiful and sophisticated shapes and intricate details, which are the main characteristics of Majapahit relics. This gate was built following the death of Jayanegara, the second king of Majapahit.

Candi Brahu

Candi Brahu is one of the most prominent Buddhist style temples at Trowulan Site. The temple was built from red bricks and is thought to be a special place to cremate the bodies of kings. The temple is twenty meters high and facing the west.

Makam Putri Campa (Campa Princess Tomb)

Makam Putri Champa is a tomb of a Muslim princess from Campa Kingdom in Vietnam who became the wife of the last Majapahit king. The tomb dates back from year 1448.

Candi Minak Jinggo

Minak Jinggo Temple is unique because it shows strong connection between Majapahit culture and Chinese culture, particularly in Ming Dynasty era. While the temple is still undergoing restoration, it already shows many interesting elements. For example, the exterior was made of andhesit stone, while the interior was red bricks. On the top of the temple, there is a Qilin, a Chinese mythological creature shaped like a lion-headed horse with deer’s antlers.

Troloyo Cemetery Complex

Troloyo Cemetery is an ancient cemetery complex dates back to 14th century, with really prominent Islamic influence. This proves that some Majapahit people already knew and embraced Islam as their beliefs, and also shows the trace of Islam history in Java Island.

All of these different sites show variety of differences in design elements, from Hindu to Buddha and Islam, as well as Java and China. This proves that Majapahit era was a diverse era, when various cultures and beliefs were accommodated.

Asia, Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations

China Terracotta Warriors, the Splendor of First Dynasty

06/09/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

Everyone who is interested in ancient culture must be familiar with China Terracotta Warriors, a colossal archaeological finding that consists of around seven thousands of life sized warriors, horses, chariots and other objects such as pots, plates and bowls. First unearthed by farmers accidentally in year 1974, the finding soon became object of interest of all archeologists from all over the world. Terracotta Warriors are relics of the very first dynasty in China, the Qin, created under the commission of Emperor Qin Shi Huang when he was thirteen years old, as guardians of his mausoleum.

The whole project took around eleven years to complete, and now, it becomes a popular attraction for all Chinese and ancient culture enthusiasts from all over the world. You can order tour package to visit the site, which is located Xian, Shaanxi Province, near the site of Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.

What to See at the Site
If you go to Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horse Museum, whether alone or with tour group, you will see three large pits called Number 1, Number 2 and Number 3 Pit, which signify the order of their findings and excavations, covering an area as wide as 16,300 square meters. Here are things you will see:

Number 1 Pit: the largest pit that contains common column soldiers with lines of horse chariots. Each of the soldier and horse chariot is very detailed, and you can even see clear facial expression on each soldier statue.
Number 2 Pit: this pit contains thousand warriors and wooden chariots.
Number 3 Pit: this pit contains warriors with higher ranks, a chariot and four war horses, and judging from the positions and details, were most likely the command center of the entire terracotta army.

Besides what you can see in these three pits, there is also exhibition hall where you can see individual relics and findings which have been exclusively selected. There is also Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, which is surrounded by large park formerly known as Lishan Garden. In this area, you can also see other beautiful and interesting relics from the first emperor in China, including other museums.

Popular Activities at Tour Package to Xian
Many tour packages to Terracotta Warrior site offer double trips to the museum and mausoleum, and if the tour itinerary is longer, you probably will be taken to the nearest tourists attractions such as City Hall and Small Wild Goose Pagoda (which is actually the relic of Tang Dynasty, but also beautiful). However, the site is also a popular object for more cost efficient one day tour, but of course that depends on the policy of your selected travel company.

This magnificent finding has landed Xian’s name in the international list of must-visit place in China, including a list in UNESCO. The details and intricacy of each relic, including the warriors’ garbs and facial expressions, show magnificent feat of human’s artistic ability and devotion. This is truly a must visit spot you totally have to put in your itinerary in China.

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks

Abashiri, the Icy Wonder of Hokkaido

06/07/2014 Musa Leave a comment

Hokkaido is probably not the most developed area in Japan, but for many people, that is the main attractiveness. As consequences, the island of Hokkaido is always colder than Japan’s other main islands, and its natural beauty is considered the most intact. Many people love going to Hokkaido as an escapade from hotter and more humid weather, as well as crowded urban jungles. People usually come to Hokkaido in between June and September, where the snow is great to play ski, snowboarding and such. However, if you really look for serious snow, you must come to Abashiri, a city in the eastern Hokkaido coast.

The Drifting Ice of Okhotsk Sea
Okhotsk Sea is the only part of Japan where you can actually ryuhyo, or Abashiri drifting ice. The drifting ice is clearly visible during winter, and usually starts to disappear near spring, around the late of March. The view is spectacular; plates of drifting ice on grey sea under cloudy sky give impression that you are in North Polar, not in Japan. You can use a sightseeing boat to see the drifting ice in the middle of the sea, where the view is more spectacular.

Aurora Sightseeing Boats is the most famous boating company that provides boats to see drifting ice, and so popular it can run its boats five times a day during peak season. Each trip lasts an hour and passenger must pay 3,300 Yen per entry. However, since this tour is so popular, you must order the ticket in advance, usually by online.

Is boating not your cup of tea? Try seeing the drifting ice from Ryuhyo Norokko Train that has retro feeling, or from one of many sightseeing facilities available on the seaside roads. You can use binocular and look at beautiful sea while warming your feet with available feet warmer (very popular in Japan).

Abashiri Prison and Other Tourism Delights
If you want something more educational, visit Abashiri Prison Museum, which once housed around 1,000 prisoners. The prison was built in unique five sided building, and became famous after director Ishii Teruo featured the building in his popular yakuza movies in the sixties. You can take a guided tour around the prison to see display case and prison interior, getting explanations about how prisoners did daily routine. The ticket is around 1,040 Yen, but you can get discount if you order online ticket. You can get unique lunch experience by eating ‘Prison Set’ menu, which is the same menu the prisoners once ate. The menu consists of barley rice, fried mackerel, daikon or Japanese vegetables, noodle salad and miso soup.

However, the prison menu is not the only culinary delights here. You can also enjoy Abashiri Zangi Rice Bowl, which is basically a bowl of rice mixed with seaweed, chicken or salmon from Okhotsk Sea, wasabi and Japanese vegetables. The most famous version is served in a unique cinema themed restaurant near the train station. Another delight is chan yaki, a grilled dish made from Okhotsk salmon, sliced into fillet and eaten with Japanese vegetables.

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Indonesia

Indonesian Exotic Travel Destinations You’ve Never Heard Of

05/26/2014 Shem MD 8 Comments

Indonesia consists of 33 provinces and around 17,000 islands, but you probably only knew a handful of tourist destinations such as Bali, Lombok, Mount Bromo, Boroudur Temple, Bunaken and such. It is unfortunate, because Indonesia is rich of hidden beauty that is still unexplored by many. These hidden paradises are very exotic and beautiful, and since they are still pretty much unknown, they make really great escapades from urban jungle.

Hidden Paradise in Indonesia
Why follow common tourist destination suggestions from your travel brochure? If you are looking for places that are rarely visited, look no more than these hidden paradises in Indonesia for tourists:

Benang Stokel Waterfall, Lombok

Lombok may be famous for its beaches and small islands (gili), but if you love nature, do not miss Benang Stokel Waterfall, which is located only 30 kilometers from Mataram, the capitak city. This waterfall is still relatively untouched, so the water is clear and cold, and the surrounding is very cool and refreshing.

Jomblang Cave, Yogyakarta

Make this cave the next destination for your cave exploration! Located in Pacarejo Village in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, this cave is breathtaking with its underground river. Also, check out beautiful and out-of-the-world forest that grows in the cave, which is still relatively untouched. The trail to the cave is very rough, but the reward is amazing.

Kanawa Island, East Nusa Tenggara

Kanawa Island is one of small islands that are parts of Komodo National Park in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Therefore, the beauty in this island is very well preserved. You can see corals and fish from the beach even without snorkeling, and you can spend the night in rustic cottages. Plus, the island only gets electricity from 5 to 9 PM; while this may be a downside for you Wifi addict, this makes staying in this island really calming, outback and relaxing.

Pulau Merah Beach, West Java

This beach is located on the foot of Mount Tumpang Pitu in Banyuwangi area, and well preserved because it is surrounded by natural sanctuary. Pulau Merah (Red Island) got its name from a small hill on the beach that has reddish sand. It is a bit difficult to reach the beach, but once you get there, the most spectacular beach and sunset will be your reward.

Weekuri Lake, East Nusa Tenggara

Weekuri Lake is a saltwater lake located in Northwestern Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The lake is surrounded by greens and rocks, and the water is so clear and blue you can easily see the bottom. So far, the only visitors are handfuls of locals, so it is still counted as a hidden paradise in the eyes of national and international tourists.

Bantimurung National Park

Bantimurung National Park is located in South Sulawesi and becomes a home for various east Indonesian birds, butterflies and mammals. Plus, there is also a long line of Karst Mountain and eternal spring.

There are still so many hidden paradises in Indonesia that you must visit, but you can start from making these places as your next lists to visit on your next travel.

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks

Beppu, the Most Beautiful Hot Spring Travel Destination

05/23/2014 Shem MD Leave a comment

If you love enjoying local attractions, rural Japan and natural phenomena in your travel, you must come to Beppu. Located near Mount Tsurumi in Kanawa region, Beppu is famous for eight hells (jigoku) or hot volcanic mud pools that present stunning views. However, this area is also famous for other things such as public hot baths, culinary delights, cultural tourism, and of course Japanese style motels.

How to Go to Beppu

The easiest way to go to Beppu is by plane; the plane is landed at Oita Airport, and Beppu can be reached using daily shuttle bus that costs around 1,450 Yen. If you are from Tokyo, you can use overnight train trip using The Fuji from Tokyo Station right to Beppu (about 17 hours of trip). You can also save money if you use Sonic Train from Fukuoka and Kokura, because you can apply for discount ticket to save money on several stops. If you use car, you can drive through Oita Expressway and make your exit at Beppu Interchange.

Meanwhile, if you use ferry boat, there are three routes you can try: using Uwajima Un’yu Ferry from Yamatahawa, and Kansai Kisen and Diamond Ferries from Osaka. However, unlike Uwajima Un’yu and Kansai Kisen that stops at Beppu Port, Diamond Ferries only stops in Oita.

The Eight Hells of Beppu

The Eight Hells or ‘Jigoku’ in Beppu are something worth visit. These eight volcanic mud pools (one with geyser activity) presents really beautiful and a bit scary sight, especially because the super hot volcanic pools have various colors. Since they are protected natural phenomena, they are managed by The Beppu Jigoku Association, and you must buy tickets to enter the Jigoku areas.

The eight Jigoku are Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), Yama Jigoku (Mountain Hell), Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), Kamado Jigoku (Boiling Hell), Oniyama Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell), Oniishibozu Jigoku (Shaven Monk’s Head Hell), and a geyser called Tatsumaki Jigoku. The best way to purchase tickets is by buying combination tickets for all eight pools with just about 2,100 Yen. However, if you only want to visit one of the time (not planning to visit all), each Jigoku ticket costs 400 Yen.

Things to Do in Beppu

Besides visiting the Eight Jigoku, you can also take refreshing bath at onsens, or public hot bath with natural hot water. The best one is Takegawara Onsen, a hot bath from Meiji Era with only 100 Yen of admission ticket (another 1,000 Yen plus sand bath). Hyotan Onsen is perfect for family; not only it has indoor and outdoor pool with family friendly setting, but it also has restaurant. You can also bring family to Aqua Garden, a water park in Suginoi Palace Hotel.

For eating authentic Japanese dish in cozy place, you can visit Toyotsune, a small restaurant near Beppu Train Station that has operated for more than 20 years. Hanatokei Coffee and Tea is a nice coffee shop with cozy setting, while 68 Bistro serves both Japanese and Western dishes in casual setting.

Also, do not forget to close your trip with shopping trip to Tokiwa Department Store, B-Passage and You Me Town Department Store.

Europe, Travel Planning

Tips for Finding the Best Car Hire Services in Aberdeen

05/16/2014 Tim Scott 1 Comment

Aberdeen is a fantastic city to visit. With its amazing architecture, spectacular natural beauty, fantastic floral displays, green parks and beautiful gardens, and thriving art and music, Aberdeen has become one of the most famous cities of Scotland. If you are planning to visit Aberdeen and are thinking of using car hire services to make the most of your stay, here are some tips to help you enjoy the best car hire services at attractive rates.

Plan your travel well in advance- It is advisable to plan things at least 5-6 months before the travel date. This would let you enjoy a vast selection of rental cars. In addition, you can enjoy attractive rates too. There are many car rental companies that offer special rates to early birds.

Ask friends and family members for references-If your friends or family members have been to Aberdeen and they had used car hire services in Aberdeen you can ask them to refer you the name of that particular car rental company. They will never recommend you a bad name to you. Also, they would be able to guide you about the rentals.

Search online-this is next best option for finding the best car hire services in Aberdeen. You can visit the websites of several car rental companies and can compare the types of cars that they offer for hire, their rates, and other terms and conditions. You can also find out the reputation of the car rental company by visiting their websites. You must choose a company that has been in this business for quite some time and is dependable.

Investigate-if you want to enjoy the best car hire services, you would need to spend some time and effort. Investigate about the car hire quote or price in detail. If you don’t want to be surprised later on, find out if the car rental quote includes toll tax, insurance, gas/petrol price, and other such related expenses. Read all the terms and conditions and car rental polies such as drop off and pick up locations, before signing the car hire Aberdeen contract.

Review the traffic laws of Aberdeen and look for some driving tips before you start out for your holiday. Find the best car hire in Aberdeen and have a memorable and enjoyable holiday in this fascinating city.

Asia, Editor's Picks

Asian Istanbul

04/24/2014 Len Rutledge Leave a comment

Words: Len Rutledge Pictures: Phensri Rutledge

Istanbul sprawls between Europe and Asia and this has a profound effect on the city. The experiences here are like no-where else on earth. Where else does the haunting, age-old invocation to worship from a hundred minarets mix easily with clanging tram bells, western rap music and the noise of thousands of hawkers?

Don’t be fooled by the outward appearance of a modern Western city. It is still very much a Middle East Muslim city so non-Muslim visitors should be aware of the customs and traditions associated with that culture and religion particularly when visiting mosques.

You probably see this best of all in the Asian side of the city. This is the least visited part of Istanbul but I strongly recommend that all visitors should go there. There are few grand tourist attractions here but the whole area is different and more conservative compared to much of the European shore.

Getting There

The best way to start exploring the Asian side of Istanbul is by taking a ferry to Kadıköy or Üsküdar. Riding the yellow-striped vapur (local ferry) is a nice experience. I never tire of watching the scene from the back of the boat with a glass of hot tea and Turkish style bagel in hand. There are the seagulls, the call to prayer coming from a distant minaret, and the whistle of other boats to listen to, and just being out on the water produces a feeling of peace.

An alternate way is to take the train through the new undersea tunnel which links Europe and Asia. A 14 km section between Kazlıçeşme station on the European side and the Ayrılıkçeşme station on the Asian side went into service in October 2013 as p[art of a major transformation of the suburban railway system.

Kadıköy

Kadıköy is a lively place with a local feel. There are several alternative ways to go once you leave the ferry. One option is to turn right, then start walking the board walk. Thislines the entire neighbourhood, is several kilometres long, and it has some neat bazaars, antique shops, and restaurants along its length.

If you happen to be in town on a Tuesday, then you should head to the famous Tuesday market. Other days you can visit the dailyKadıköy market. It’s a different experience, but not less enjoyable. You will then see the beautifully restored Sureya Opera House with its Neo-classical facade.

Kadıköy is also the site of the 1828 vast, forbidding Selimiye Army Barracks, the site of the Crimean-War-era military hospital and the fascinatingFlorence Nightingale Museum.

Bağdat Caddesi

Undoubtedly the most famous street on the Asian side is Bağdat Caddesi, a brand-name shopping destination. If you thought of Asian Istanbul being behind the times, come here and be amazed. It easily ranks with London, Paris and New York for sophisticated shopping. Bağdat Street is kilometres long and has every shop imaginable. It is especially popular with Istanbul’s rich young people, and they come here to shop, sip a café latte and talk. Along its length are shopping malls, department stores, both local and international cuisine restaurants, cafes and pubs. Stores are open seven days a week.

Üsküdar

This was a Greek colony in the 7^th century B.C., and today it is a popular, conservative middle-class area with many mosques, fountains, waterside mansions and palaces. The central business district, which lies adjacent to the harbour, is known for its reasonably priced clothing and shoe stores as well as its many antique shops.

During Ottoman times, the main Square in Üsküdar was the departure point for the imperial caravan as it set out on its annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The solid marble Ahmet III Fountain in the square was built by the Sultan in 1728 and it displays calligraphic verses written by Ahmet III himself.

The promenade, which stretches from the harbour to Harem, is an especially popular place to enjoy a steaming tea or a fresh fish meal because of its wonderful views across the water to Old Istanbul.

This is also the point from which a shuttle boat goes across to the Maiden Tower. This was first mentioned 2400 years ago but it has been reconstructed and renovated many times since then. It is now open to the public as a bar, cafe and restaurant and it has undoubtedly one of the greatest views in Istanbul. Some readers will remember that the tower appeared in a 1990s James Bond movie.

North along the Bosphorus

A succession of small villages lines the shore. Once you go under the First Bosphorus Bridge which connects Europe and Asia they seem to become prettier. Çengelköyhas huge oak trees with branches shading the waterside cafes and restaurants near the boat landing. The quaint fishing village is dotted with waterfront tea gardens while stately Ottoman era mansions rise up on the hill above.

Kanlica, a pretty village famous throughout Istanbul for its delicious yoghurt sweetened with a variety of toppings including fruit preserve, honey and icing sugar. Kanlica has a scattering of tea gardens along the shoreline and these are a popular place to watch the passing boats or admire the graceful waterfront mansions.

Beykoz is something of a tranquil haven with stunning natural scenery and somewhat dilapidated charm. The area has been settled for a long time and has repeatedly been fought over. Beykoz centre today, however, has a quiet village atmosphere with several Ottoman-era fountains, a few historical buildings and nice eateries.

Grand Palaces

The Asian shore is home to many of the grandest private homes in Istanbul and there are also some palaces opened as museums or hotels.

Beylerbeyi Palace was constructed between 1861 and 1865 and although it’s smaller and less sumptuously decorated than some of the city’s other palaces, it has a lovely position on the Bosphorus. The building has 26 rooms over three floors and there are spectacular Bohemian crystal chandeliers, hand knotted Hereke carpets and Sèvres vases. There is an impressive staircase leading up to the Palace with a pool and fountain and there are terraced gardens with two marble bathing pavilions and the pretty former stables of the Sultan.

Küçüksu Palace, a small Rococo summerpalace (1857) over four floors which was used by sultans for short stays. This is another location which has appeared in a James Bond movie. The interior is lavish with Bohemian crystal chandeliers, antique furniture, mahogany floors and lavish carpets. There is a cafe in the grounds with good views of the water.

The Khedive Palace, a former residence of the Egyptian Governor high up the hill within a green park, is now a famous city landmark and restaurant, noted for its Sunday brunch. It is a beautiful example of ‘art-nouveau’ architecture and has a stunning marble fountain at its entrance. There is a cafe outside as well and the view and flowers are excellent.

Len Rutledge is the author of Experience Istanbul available as an e-book from Amazon

Editor's Picks, South America, Sport and Adventure

Planning to Travel during the World Cup 2014

04/12/2014 TravelFore Leave a comment

World Cup 2014 Football is a sport, which is the favorite of most of countries around the world. From Asia to Africa, there are hundreds of football clubs and organizations. In one city, there is at least one football team and/or club to represent it in every division or football match. Competing in national league can be a gratifying and exciting moment for football players. This is particularly true when they can participate in a world-class championship, such as world cup 2014 that will be held in Brazil.

FIFA World Cup 2014: Stadium Guide in Pictures – Uyora

Take a look at the stadiums and the accommodation options in each city to get inspired for the awesome World Cup that’s ahead of us.

As an event, the championship brings pride and recognition for the winning country. You can imagine that among more than 120 countries around the world, only 31 countries will perform in the world championship. Could you think more beyond this as a participant in this event? There are several countries, which represent football divisions, such as AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA.

Are you interested in taking part of the world famous football celebration and competition of the world? When you decide to partake in the event, you need to consider some aspects before going to Brazil. They include accommodations, tourism destinations and leisure activities, and sites. These factors are important which influence your enjoyment and pleasure during your visit to the land of Tango. Of course, you do not want to simply enjoy the football matches; you need to see anything specials in Brazil.

The Charms of World Cup 2014

This event attracts many countries around the globe to participate in world cup 2014 and millions of spectators will see what is happening. There are significant magnetisms of the event for every country:

Prize; FIFA is about to cherish the winners of the world football tournament with the first winning award of around $35 million at this time. The second winner will be awarded with around $25 million. How about the national team participant? Every participant is about to be provided $8 million. This amount of money charms every nation to go for Brazil.
Pride; the trophy awarded to the winner shall be the second interesting point to perform in this football competition. Every nation believes that the trophy awarded in the final round shall bring pride to the nation. The event, which is held every four years, delivers ultimate satisfaction to the winning team.
Recognition; the world acknowledges that the winner of the world cup 2014 shall be the finest country in football training and education. From this recognition, the football players may earn reputation as one of the top players around the world.

Ten Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Brazil

During your stay, there are various tourism destinations in Brazil, which you can visit. Here are ten of them:

Brasilia: You may not miss the vision of Oscar Niemeyer’s building which becomes one of the world heritage sites. Chapada dos Veadeiros is a national park, which is worthy visiting.
Costa Verde Islands: Tropical islands around Brazil can be fascinating sites to travel, such as Buzios, Morro de Sao Paulo, and Fernando de Noronha. You can get your trip to beaches Jericoacoara and Ilha Santa Catarina as you love to surf.
Diamantina National Park: In this site, you are provided with amazing natural phenomena like mountains, caves, and waterfalls. Mount Cachoeira da Fumaca can be your choice of hiking activity.
Amazon: Voyaging with the ferry along Amazonian rainforest can be tremendous experience. As the largest rainforest in the world, Amazon is the perfect site for animals and plants.
Maracana Football Dance: The carnival is held as the country adores the charm of football.
Fernando de Noronha: This site offers beautiful coastal area, which is perfect for diving. The sea delivers the rich of biodiversity with thousands of fishes and corals.
Iguacu Falls: Rafting can be great under the fall. You could explore the forest by the natural benign water. Travelers could enjoy the Devil’s Throat of Garganta do Diabo waterfall, which is higher than Niagara fall.
Minas Gerais: As you love jewelries, going to this city may give you the idea of charm and beautiful attraction of colonial mansions. This site is worthy travelling.
Olinda: This site is located in northeastern Brazil, a UNESCO heritage site as well as the center of slave trade accomplished with Baroque architecture.
Rio de Janeiro: This famous site is perfect for hippies. Copacabana, Ipanema, and Cariocas can be the outcries during your visit to Brazil, especially during the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro.

Hotels to Stay

During the world cup 2014 in Brazil, you should book the hotels long before your coming to the country. There are several finest hotels to stay during the world cup competition:

Hostel Cobreu offers basic and private rooms charge you $547 per night.
Copacabana Palace Hotel provides you with joyful stay in Brazil.
Mama Ruisa does not cost you a lot during the world cup 2014. It is around $83 per night.
Studio Do Carmo Boutique Hotel takes only $22 per night with breakfast.
Hi Amazonia with its $127 tariff can be the perfect site to stay.
Rio Guesthouse can be your ultimate stay on your travel.

Yet, you need to remember the matches are held in different places. Therefore, you need to explore more on the relevant hotels to stay during the world cup competition. Possibly, by contacting the travel agencies at your home country can be the proper solution.

Transportation

There are options you can take to travel from one city to another city:

Public transportation

In this option, you can take bus to transport you to the intended destination. Another option is by using taxi. Taxi provides you with more comfortable journey from one place to another.

Car rental service

This is a good choice when you have international driving license. Certainly, you may need Brazilian travel map to drive from city to city. When you get into Brazil in a group, you can ask the agency to take you from your hotel to the desired destination.

So, how do you go so far? When you are still unsure what to take during the world cup 2014, Brazilian tourism center can be the right place to get further information. Watching the football matches among national teams around the world can be tremendous experience. In addition, Brazil offers greater tourism destinations despite the distinguished football magnetism.

Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Editor's Picks, North America

John F. Kennedy-Related Tourist Spots in the United States

03/20/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

If you have an opportunity to visit America, you should consider filling up your ‘Where-to-Go’ list with some of John F. Kennedy-related tourist places, which are spread around the states. Those places were built to remember the 35th President of United States and can be one of spots to spend your precious time in America. Here are some recommended tourism places that you can visit in relation to John F. Kennedy in the USA.

John F. Kennedy Memorial

The first one is the memorial, which was built as a tribute to John F. Kennedy for what he had given to the USA. Located in Dallas, Texas, this place was built on June 24, 1970 and it has become an important part of the city’s urban landscape and of course, a cultural heritage. This building is designed by the architect, Philip Johnson, using a cenotaph or “open tomb,” which symbolizes the freedom of the President’s spirit. This tomb is a square and roofless room with the 30-feet height and 50-by-50 feet width sitting gracefully in the middle of the block. The openings of this squared-white building are facing the north and the south.

You can enter this room whenever you are done with the short walk up on a slight concrete, embossed with concrete squares. You will then confront the low-hewn granite square in which the name of John Fitzgerald Kennedy is carved right inside of this roofless room. His name is painted gold in order to capture the light from the pale concrete floor and the white floating column walls. This building is intended for reflection and remembrance of John F. Kennedy.

John F. Kennedy Statue

This is one of great places of John F. Kennedy tourist places to find in Boston. You can visit this statue if you have registered for the Kennedy Tour of Boston in the first place. The tour usually highlights some sites and landmarks, which are related to John F. Kennedy in the city. Anyway, you can still visit the statue on the State House Lawn along with any tour that you had enrolled. The statue was dedicated on May 29, 1990 and subsidized by private citizens. Isabel McIlvain is the designer and the sculptor of this statue. In the State House Lawn, lied also both of Kennedy’s grandfathers.

Rose Kennedy Greenway

This is another John F. Kennedy-related tourist place, opened publicly in Boston. This is actually a beautiful park named for the matriarch, Rose Kennedy that will afford you a moment to reflect on the Kennedy legacy in Massachusetts, the nation and the world. This park was built because of the great role of Rose Kennedy as the mother of three U.S. senators, two war heroes, an Attorney General of the United States, an Ambassador to Ireland and a President of the United States. This is why she is remembered and forever enshrined.

There are still some tourist places related to the Kennedy family. They include the Omni Parker House Hotel, which was believed as the location of many famous Kennedy and Fitzgerald moments, including the site where JFK announces his bid for Congress in 1946. There is also the Irish Famine Memorial, which commemorates the millions Irish immigrants, the Old City Hall and so on.

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