The City of the Seven Hills : PLOVDIV, BULGARIA

Are you ready for an historic adventure through the European city of PLOVDIV?

View of Plovdiv

Plovdiv is located at south-central Bulgaria along the banks of Maritsa River. It is surrounded by seven hills, thus the nickname, “The City of the Seven Hills.”

It is the second largest city in the country and one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city dates back to 4000 BC during the Neolithic settlement. It had undergone influences from Greek and Rome.

Some structures that were built during these times still stand today. It is an astonishing historic city.

Aside from these ancient infrastructures, what captivates the heart and appeals to the people are the art galleries, cobbled streets, and bohemian cafes.

Here are some of the famous and must see infrastructures in Plovdiv.

• Plovdiv Roman Theatre

Plovdiv Roman Theater (1)

Plovdiv Roman Theatre is also known as the ancient theatre of Philippopolis. It is a semicircular theatre with 28 concentric rows of marble seats (with a seating capacity of 7000 seats).

The stage measures 3.16 meters tall and decorated with Ionic marble colonnade. The said theater is used to host gladiatorial fights for the Romans.

Unfortunately during the 5th century AD the theatre was destroyed by Attila the Hun. Reconstruction of the theatre began in 1970 after it was rediscovered.

• Plovdiv Roman Stadium

Plovdiv Roman Stadium (2)

Another ancient infrastructure is the Plovdiv Roman Stadium which was known as the Stadium of Philippopolis. It was built during 2nd century AD for shows and events.

It had a total seating capacity of 30,000. Just as the former, it is made out of marble blocks. During the 3rd and 4th century AD an ancient aqueduct was built and crossed the stadium.

Today, a part of the stadium could be seen just under the main trade street. The rest of the stadium is underneath the city.

• Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum

Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum (3)

Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum was built in 1951. It displays the colorful history dating from the 15th century up to the present.

There are three departments, each with a building of its own, are named Bulgarian National Revival, Unification of Bulgaria, and book-publishing department. Each department showcases a particular time frame of Berlin.

• Plovdiv Synagogue

Plovdiv Synagogue (4)

Zion Plovdiv Synagogue or simply Plovdiv Synagogue is one of the two synagogues that are actively in use. The said synagogue was built in the 3rd century AD.

Throughout years renovations were done to the building. The Ottoman-style synagogue is a “hidden treasure.” Features of the synagogue include the Venetian glass chandelier and a richly painted dome.

Although the town has a small percentage of Jews there are still a number of followers.

• Cathedral of St Louis

Cathedral of St Louis (5)

Aside from Jewish synagogues, there are also places of worship for Roman Catholics such as the Cathedral of St Louis. This cathedral is one of the largest in Bulgaria.

The cathedral was built in the year 1850’s; with the first organ in the country installed in 1861. A bell tower with five bells was added in 1898.

Unfortunately a fire struck the cathedral in 1931 destroying the wood-carved ceiling. A year later after reconstruction the cathedral was inaugurated.

The cathedral is an astonishing example of Neoclassicism and Neo-Baroque. In 1991 a new 12-stop pipe organ was installed.

• Church of the Holy Mother of God

Church of the Holy Mother of God

It is known as one of Bulgarian National Revival church. The current church was constructed in 1844 and has three-nave pseudo basilica.

Three years after the Liberation of Bulgaria, in 1881 a three –story bell tower was added with the inscription “in memory of the liberators.”

• Church of St Constantine and Helena

Church of St Constantine and Helena (6)

One of the oldest churches in the city is the Church of St Constantine and Helena which was built in 337. It is an ancient pagan temple in the city.

The church underwent natural wear and tear thus the need for continuous repair. The current standing church was built in 1832. Inside the church are impressive frescoes and paintings.

Tourists flock the city to see and participate in Plovdiv International Fair which happens twice a year. This is the largest and oldest fair in Bulgaria.

It first started in August 1892 as an industrial and agricultural show. Currently the International Fair Plovdiv has 7000 exhibitors from 58 countries with a total of 40 shows.

http://laurenceourac.com/the-city-of-the-seven-hills-plovdiv-bulgaria/

Welcome to the “Smoking Mountains” – El Chalten, Argentina

El Chalten (1)

For those looking for some adrenalin rush or just a quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of life, then try the humble town of EL CHALTEN in Argentina.

According to the website Lonely Planet, it is the second best city travel this year, 2015.

El Chalten (2)

ABOUT EL CHALTEN

The name Chalten means “smoking mountain” due to the clouds covering the peak.

El Chalten could be found in the province of Santa Cruz. It is a small mountain village beside Rio de las Vueltas and at the base of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy mountains.

One has to always be prepared due to the unpredictability of the weather. Summer is characterized by long daylight hours, windy weather, and temperatures between 5 to 18 degrees Celsius.

It is also common to see frost during summer. As for winter, there is snow with temperatures dropping between -4 to 3 degrees Celsius.

El Chalten (3)

Since the village is remotely located (approximately three hours from the airport) there are little amenities and establishments.

There is an information center for tourists needing assistance and help. Hotels and other accommodations are also available. Some hotels offer internet and phone service.

There is also a camping site for backpackers (but make sure to make advance arrangements due to the limited number of people that could be accommodated).

There are local restaurants and shops in town that caters to the needs of visitors. The downside of the place is the inadequate number of automated teller machines (there are only two in the whole village and during the weekends it usually empty) and no cell phone service.

Although it is not as civilized and developed as other cities it is equally beautiful as any other place on earth.

Panoramic view of El Chalten (4)

PLACES OF INTEREST

El Chalten is most famous for LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK.

Los Glaciers National Park (5)

The number one reason for tourists to go to the town of El Chalten is to visit Los Glaciares National Park. The said park is the second largest national park in the country occupying a total area of 7,269 square kilometers.

The name of the park originated from the ice cap along the Andes range. The said ice cap is the largest outside Antarctica and Greenland.

The park is 30 percent ice, with two big lakes: Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. The former lake is the largest in the country with a total area of 1,466 square kilometers.

There is also a river, Santa Cruz River which is supplied by the two lakes. There are also a few minor glaciers, Mount Fitz Roy, and Cerro Torre.

Walkway to Perito Moreno Glacier (6)

Monte Fitz Roy in Los Glaciares National Park (7)

Aerial view of Cerro Torre on the left and Mount Fitz Roy (8)

The national park had also been the home to few animals like the guanaco, cougar, and gray fox. It is also the habitat of at least a thousand different bird species.

It was enlisted in UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1980.

As mentioned, this is a nice place for adventure seekers. Mountaineers would have a good time climbing and trekking CERRO TORRE and CERRO FITZ ROY MOUNTAINS.

As a matter of fact, the village is known as Argentina’s Trekking Capital.

Cerro Torre is one of the mountains in the border between Argentina and Chile. It is notable due to the rime ice found at the peak of the mountain.

This rime ice was formed due to strong winds making the accent to the peak difficult.

Cerro Torre (9)

The other challenging mountain in which a lot of daring mountaineers would love to experience is Cerro Fitz Roy.

Monte Fitz Roy

Cerro or Monte Fitz Roy is sometimes called by locals as Cerro Chalten. It is closely located near Cerro Torre. Only experienced mountaineers could completely ascend and descend the said mountain due to its level of difficulty.

http://laurenceourac.com/welcome-to-the-smoking-mountains-el-chalten-argentina/

Treasure of Mexico: Tulum

Tulum is an awesome portion of paradise that sits at the South point of the Rivera Maya. Tulum is home to the spectacular Tulum Ruins as well as bordering ruin spots such as Coba and Muyil.

Tulum was one of the utmost cities occupied and created by the Mayas; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and handled to endure about 70 years after the Spanish started filing Mexico.

Tulum’s impressive shoreline with all its confectioner sugar sands, jade-green water, moist winds and brilliant sun causes it one of the top beaches in Mexico.

Ancient World diseases delivered by the Spanish colonizers comes out to have been the cause of its fate. One of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum is today a popular site for tourists.

Visitors journey from all over the world to see the thrilling Mayan stronghold assembled high on a cliff superior the attractive beaches of the Caribbean Sea and to discover the jungles and cenotes neighboring the area.

There’s also outstanding diving, amusing cenotes, extreme snorkeling, and a mixture of lodgings and restaurants to fit every budget. Tulum has a number of delighful architecture from the ancient Mayan world.

Exquisite columns and tasteful designs offer one an gratitude for the architectural accomplishments of the Maya. The beaches of Tulum brags and awesome variety of eco-chic hotels, sheltered cabanas that sit right on the sand as well as restaurants that will lure and wow any appetite.

History

Tulúm is the Yucatan Mayan word for fence, wall or trench, and the walls encircling the site granted the Tulum fort to be protected against attacks.

Notably situated on a cliff overseeing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is a Mayan arrangement that thrived from around 1200AD until the arrival of the Spanish.

Tulum has flourished in business that stem immediately from the skills employed by the ascendant of the area. To enjoy the history and making of Tulum, one must know the history of the Mayan people.

The Maya site may previously have been popular by the name Zama, meaning City of Dawn, because it faces the sunrise.

This is certainly one of the most scenically belovelyautiful of all Maya archeological scene.

Tulum was a city of foremost significance among 1,000-1,600. This was a place for the first-class of the Maya world. Relics found in or nearby the site certify connection with Central Mexico and Central America.

Archeologists discoverd copper rattles and rings from the Mexican highlands; flint and ceramics from the Yucatán, and jade from Guatemala.

Tulums most familiar description is that of the diving god or sinking god. This god is describes as an inverted shape and is seen among many entrances on the ruins in Tulum.

Climate

Thought out as a warm and humid savanna weather usually with a noticeable moistureless time of the year.

Formally, Tulum has a steamy savannah climate. This makes for a pronounced dry season nevertheless, the conditions are hot all year round, and there is slightiest periodic variation in temperature.

May is the hottest month in Tulum with an normal temperature of 28°C (82°F) and the coldest is January at 24°C (75°F) with the most regular sunshine hours at 8 in May.

The wettest month is September with an average of 220mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in August when the average sea temperature is 29°C (84°F).

July to September is hurricane season in Tulum.
October and November form Tulum’s autumn period.
Winter is Tulum’s high season between December and February.
Tulum’s brief spring period falls in March and April.

http://laurenceourac.com/treasure-of-mexico-tulum/

Green Mountain State Vermont

Vermont regionally is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Vermont is the 6th smallest in area and the 2nd slightest crowded of the 50 United States.

The Vermont region was sought and defended for France by Samuel de Champlain in 1609, and the first French arrangement was settled at Fort St. Montpelier, Vermont is the only US State capital without a McDonalds.

As of right now, most of the state is already encountering maximum colors, with late, more delicate shifts in color still slated to arise over the last three weekends of October.

It is the only New England State not adjacent the Atlantic Ocean. Lake Champlain shapes half of Vermont’s western line, which it shares with the state of New York.

Vermont was the first state granted to the Union after the approval of the Constitution. The state’s inhabitants love the land and are devoted to safeguarding, as well as sharing it.

Vermont’s agricultural customs have generated open working views amidst a scenery of mountains, many of which make up the nation’s most aged long distance hiking trail, the Long Trail.

Vermont’s authorized state flag was used in 1923. The flag features Vermont’s coat-of-arms on a field of deep blue. The coat-of-arms depicts a huge pine tree, a cow, bundles of hay, and bunch of wheat .

Brief History

Vermont was capped with hollow seas regularly from the Cambrian to Devonian periods. Most of the sedimentary rocks laid down in these seas were distorted by mountain-building.

New York did not want Vermont to join the United States and the other previous colonies settled. After 14 years, New York agreed that Vermont could become part of the United States. But first, Vermont had to pay $30,000 to New York.

Lower areas of western Vermont were drowned again, as part of the St. Lawrence Valley and Champlain Valley by Lake Vermont whose northern boundary followed the softening glacier at the end of the last ice age, until it touched the ocean.

Vermont was originally established in the early 18th century by both the British and French,and battles between the two nations persisted until the French beat in the French and Indian War, after which the land was abandoned to England.

Amongst the , arguments and congresses of the Revolution, Vermont arranged itself as a liberated republic and was granted to the Union as the 14th State in 1791. Today, Vermont’s Mountains are a famous stop for skiers and snowboarders. It is the country’s outstanding manufacturer of maple syrup and is the home of the famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Things to do

Vermont is your four-season holiday haven with a broad array of amusing things to do, including art galleries, museums, live music & theatre, antique shopping, historic sites, and more. Uncover your cherished Vermont vacation activities on www.vermont.com!

Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour - They have a very enticing graveyard for all their flavors that didn’t make it. Worth the stay if you’re in the area or just really love Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Cruise on the Lake – It’s unwinding and fun and just a great way to experience the ordinary beauty of the lake and state.

Shelburne Museum – Fuse of folk art, fancy arts and more is housed in 39 buildings, most of them moved here from other parts of New England to guarantee their protection.

Kingdom Trails – Cruising on a cushioned forest floor scattered with pine needles and through century old farms makes for one of the best mountain biking experiences in New England.

Penny Cluse Cafe – In the heart of downtown, one of Burlington’s most well-known breakfast slots beat up pancakes, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, omelettes and tofu scrambles along with sandwiches, fish tacos, salads.

http://laurenceourac.com/green-mountain-state-vermont/

Nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba

Playa Larga at Cuba

The Caribbean is a perfect vacation getaway. There many countries and islands situated at this impeccable place. All of them are equally beautiful and stunning.

Each offers a unique attraction and a different cultural heritage. It is a romantic place to go for a honeymoon or an adventurous place for friends.

Either way you wish to spend time at the Caribbean, it would definitely be worth it. Tourists would surely leave the country smiling filled with fun and wonderful memories of their adventure.

One place in the Caribbean that would certainly take you on an epic adventure is the country of CUBA.

CUBA

The Republic of Cuba or simply Cuba is an island country situated in the Caribbean. The whole country comprises at least 4000 islands.

The biggest island, Isla de la Juventud is also the largest in the Caribbean area. Aerial view of the country shows that the main island is similar to a crocodile or an alligator; thus, the terms “El Cocodrilo” or “El Caima” are alternative names for the country.

Map of Cuba

The capital and largest city in the country is Havana or “La Habana” in Spanish.

Habana (1)

In 2010 the population reached more than 11 million people. It is a multiethnic community composed of Europeans, Africans, and Native Americans.

Spanish is the official language in Cuba with majority of the population speaking the said language. Haitian Creole, Lucumi, Yoruba, Galician, and Corsican are other languages and dialects used in the country.

The predominant religion in the country would be Christianity and Catholicism. Other religious groups include Jews, Muslims, and Baha’i Faith.

Cuba is rich in history and culture. As a matter of fact there are nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. The nine sites are:

• Alejandro de Humboldt National Park

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (2)

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is one of the nine World Heritage Sites in the country. The site was included in the list in 2001 due to “its size, altitude range, complex lithology, landform diversity, and wealth of endemic flora and fauna.”

• Desembarco del Granma National Park

Desembraco del Granma National Park (3)

Another national park included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site is Desembraco del Granma National Park. It was included in the list due to its matine terraces and pristine sea cliffs.

• Vinales Valley

Vinales Valley (4)

Aside from being a World Heritage Site, Vinales Valley is a famous tourist attraction because of the scenic view, caves, cliffs, and agriculture. Tourists love to hike and rock climb at this area.

• Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos Maurische Villa (5)

In 1819 the city of Cienfuegos was established. The city includes the Cathedral of Cienfuegos, Arch of Triumph, Botanical Garden of Cienfuegos, Reina Cemetery, Fortress of Nuestra Senora de los Angeles de Jagua, Tomas Acea Cemetery, a park dedicated to Jose Marti, Theatre Tomas Terry, and University of Cienfuegos. In 2005 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cienfuegos Jose Marti (6)

Cienfuegos Pargue Jose Marti (7)

• Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios

Valley de los Ingenios

The next World Heritage Site is a series of three valleys (San Luis, Santa Rosa, and Meyer) spanning 12 kilometers. The name of the site originated from the sugar cane mills in the said valleys.

It was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1988. Currently the sugar mills and some nearby infrastructures are left in ruins.

Structures such as the barracones and “Iznaga Tower” are still intact and maintained. The bell tower was built in the Spanish era and used to signify work and prayer time.

Iznaga Tower

Barracones

• San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba

Castillo del Morro (8)

San Pedro de la Roca Castle in Santiago de Cuba is also known as Castillo del Morro or Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca. It was built in 1637 as a fortress and defense.

Throughout years of destructions due to raids, attacks and natural calamities, the fortress was rebuilt and reconstructed. In 1997, the place was included in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

• Old Havana and its Fortification System

Havana by night (9)

The Old Havana is located at downtown of the city. It is highly populated and one of the densest city in the country.

The city was established in 1519 by the bay. Because of its strategic location, the city became one of the main stopping point and shipbuilding centers in the area. Architecture of the city was inspired by baroque and neoclassical style.

Some of the places that should be seen include: Malecon, Castillo del Morro, La Cabana, San Salvador de la Punta Fortress, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, Catedral de San Cristobal, National Capitol, Galician Center, Plaza de Armas, Gran Teatro de la Havana, Museum of the Revolution, and San Francisco de la Habana Basilica.

Cathedral of Havana

Centro Habana

Castillo de la Real Fuerza

• Historic Centre of Camaguey

The town of Camaguey was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.They say the city was designed with many winding alleys as a defense against pirate invaders.

Aside from the winding alleys, a notable feature of the town is the clay pots used to collect rain water.

Camaguey (10)

• Archeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the South-East of Cuba

The coffee plantations in south east of Cuba are one of the nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. Their architectural, archaeological materials, infrastructure for irrigation, and water management are impressive and world renowned.

http://laurenceourac.com/nine-unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-cuba/

Sights at Algiers, Algeria

Coast of Algiers, Algeria

ALGIERS, the capital of Algeria, is a city of contrast. There is a unique and extraordinary beauty of the city as it rests against the Mediterranean Coast and the steep hills and dense forests.

The rich cultural history of the country had a great impact on the city’s architecture and buildings – Moorish mosques, Ottoman-style palaces, and the Kasbah. The city itself is amazing and definitely worth exploring.

Here are a few of the sights worth exploring.

KETCHAOUA MOSQUE

Ketchaoua Mosque

The Ketchaoua Mosque is notable for its outstanding Moorish and Byzantine architecture. It was built in the 17th century and used as a mosque.

However in 1845 the building was converted to the Cathedral of St Philippe until 1962.

In 1962 it was once again used as a mosque. The façade of the mosque has 23 steps, ornamented portico, and four black-veined marble columns.

There are two octagonal minarets at the entrance. The chambers, minarets, and ceilings are all inspired by Moorish architecture. Inside lies the remains of San Geronimo.

GREAT MOSQUE OF ALGIERS

Great Mosque of Algiers

Another mosque in Algiers is the Great Mosque which was built in 1097 making it the oldest in the country. The minaret was added in 1332.

Outside the mosque is a gallery which dates back to 1840. Other names for the mosque include Grand Mosque d’Alger, Djamaa al-Kebir, El Kebir Mosque and Jami Masjid. The building is inspired by Almoravid architecture.

NOTRE DAME d’AFRIQUE

Notre Dame d’Afrique (1)

Aside from mosques there are also catholic churches, cathedrals, and basilicas one of which is the Notre Dame d’Afrique or Our Lady of Africa. The basilica was inspired by Neo-Byzantine architectural style.

MAQAM ECHAHID

Maqam Echahid (2)

Maqam Echahid in English means Martyr’s Memorial is an important landmark in the city. The monument was built in honor of Algerian war for independence.

It was designed similar to three palm leaves leaning on one another. At the end of each leaf is a statue of a soldier. Below the leaves is an eternal flame.

BENI HAMMAD FORT

Beni Hammad Fort (3)

Beni Hammad Fort (4)

Beni Hammad Fort or Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad was built in the 11th century during the Hammadidd dynasty which served as a palatine city. Included in the city plan are 7 kilometer long wall, four residential complexes, and a large mosque.

UNESCO declared the place as a World Heritage Site in 1980 and was described as “an authentic picture of a fortified Muslim City.”

Currently, all that is left of the great city are ruins, terracotta, jewels, coins, and ceramics. There were also fountains decorated by stone lions.

http://laurenceourac.com/sights-at-algiers-algeria/