Call this Unseen Jewel Salvador

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Brazil is a country boasting of color, festivals, happy people and the undying love for religion and happiness. We often see Brazil’s local color through numerous exposures on films, music videos and travel blogs.

While it is true that this South American nation is a must-see place, many still haven’t seen the other hidden gems of Brazil that is simply worth anyone’s time. Lying on the outskirts of the country are selected cities which are blessed by the Heavens specifically on the sheer beauty that it has to offer.

Brazilians are one lucky race as they get to belong to a country where even the remotest of areas are a treasure despite of odds. One most missed parts of Brazil is a haven called Salvador de Bahia or Salvador in local terms. What does this city have that’s just difficult not to pay attention to? Let’s all find out.

Location

Salvador is situated on a small, roughly triangular peninsula which breaks up Todos os Santos Bay from Atlantic Ocean. Salvador is also said to be an important export port of Brazil. It is located at the heart of the Reconcavo Baiano, a rich agricultural and industrial area. It has a wide variety of landscapes ranging from rolling mountains to splendid valley. The remarkable feature of Salvador Brazil is the escarpment which divides Salvador into the Cidade Alta and the Cidade Baixa.

The coastline of Salvador Brazil is equally varied, having majestic, sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, sea cliffs and few islands. Itaparica is the largest among them. Bahia is situated on the coast, with the turquoise Atlantic Ocean lapping at its shores. This state is in the northeast of Brazil, South America. Bahia is the fourth most populous Brazilian state. Its capital city is São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, commonly shortened to Salvador.

Climate

Salvador features a tropical rainforest climate with no discernible dry season due to no month having an average rainfall of 60 mm. Temperatures are relatively constant throughout the course of the year, featuring warm and humid conditions.

Salvador’s driest month of the year is September, where the city receives on average 10 cm (4 in) of precipitation. Salvador’s wettest months are between April and June when at least 20 cm (8 in) of rain falls during each of these four months.

Transportation

The Salvador’s Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhaes International Airport is one of Brazil’s main airports. All of the biggest Brazilian airlines have flights to the Bahian capital city. The city also receives flights from the main hubs of Europe, South America and the United States.

The airport is 28km from the city center (via the Paralela expressway) or 32km (via the seaside). Two kinds of taxis are available in the airport, the executive taxis (Coometas and Comtas), and the normal taxis. Executive taxis are prepaid; they have a table of prices rather than meters. The other taxi option would be the normal taxis which are metered.

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Salvador’s long-distance bus station is in the middle of the new city, 14km from downtown. Salvador is accessible via scheduled buses from all around the country and from Paraguay. Inside the bus stations there are taxis (local taxis and executive taxis) and local buses which can all take you to many places in Salvador and the metropolitan area.

Executive buses in the Iguatemi Station can be accessed from the Iguatemi Mall by way of a busy walkway. Bus travel in and out of Salvador can take a lot more time than expected. Count on an average speed of 50-60 km/h when planning your itinerary.

Salvador’s metro system operates from Lapa (in city center) to Bom Jua. Campo da Polvora Station is 700 meters from Historic Center and Acesso Norte Station is near Bela Vista Shopping Mall. The Line 2 will link the international airport. The first stage between Acesso Norte and Rodoviária (bus station) will be ready in October 2015.

What to See

Museu Afro-Brasileiro

Holding one of Bahia’s most important collections, the Museu Afro-Brasileiro exhibits wood carvings, baskets, pottery and other artwork and crafts linking Brazilian and African artistic traditions.

The highlight of the museum is a room lined with 27 huge, breathtaking carved wooden panels by Argentine-born Carybe, who is perhaps Salvador’s most renowned 20th-century fine artist.

Praia Porto da Barra Beach

Praia Porto da Barra beach is rather like the Pelourinho: small, picturesque, usually crowded, loaded with vendors selling everything imaginable, and roughly half those present are foreigners.

The bay’s waters are clear and calm, and the people-watching is fantastic. To the left of the lighthouse, Praia do Farol da Barra has a beach break popular with surfers.

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Barra’s waterfront is lined with bars and restaurants and is well lit at night, but it gets a bit sleazy in the later hours.

Forte de Santo Antonio da Barra

Built in 1698, Bahia’s oldest fort is more commonly called the Farol da Barra for the lighthouse (South America’s oldest) within its walls. In addition to having superb views, the fort houses an excellent nautical museum, with relics and displays from the days of Portuguese seafaring (and lots of interesting information in English.)

As you catch the sunset here – from the grassy ledge behind the fort or from the museum’s gorgeous terrace café – realize that Salvador’s peninsula is the only location in Brazil where the sun appears to set over the ocean.

Pelourinho

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The centerpiece of the Cidade Alta is the Pelourinho, a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site of colorful colonial buildings and magnificent churches. As you wander the cobblestoned streets, gazing up at the city’s oldest architecture, you’ll realize that the Pelo is not just for tourists. Cultural centers and schools of music, dance and capoeira pack these pastel-colored 17th- and 18th-century buildings.

The area has undergone major restoration work – which remains ongoing – since 1993 thanks to UNESCO funding. Admittedly, the Pelo has lost a lot of its character in the process, but to say that it is now safer and better preserved is an understatement.

Mercado Modelo

The original 1861 Customs House was partly destroyed in a fire in 1986. After reconstruction, it was transformed into a tourist market, the Mercado Modelo. When shipments of new slaves arrived into port, they were stored in the watery depths of this building while awaiting auction. Night guards report all sorts of phantasmal activity after closing hours.

Live music and free capoeira demonstrations often occur out back – be sure to ask the price before snapping photos of the capoeiristas. There’s a touristy but fun café-restaurant, Camafeu, on the upper level; the terrace, looking over the bay, is ideal for a shopping break.

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Images

(1) www.youtube.com
(2) www.ticotimes.net
(3) viajantesemporto.blogspot.com
(4) www.nordestebrasileiro.com.br
(5) www.panoramio.com

http://laurenceourac.com/call-this-unseen-jewel-salvador/

Disneyland - belongs to the world’s top amusement parks

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If you are such a fan of “hidden mickey” and “princesses stories” you will definitely go crazy over this subject about finding where the most visited Disneyland is in the world is and have a heads up of their blueprints and other plans for expansion in the future.

The Disneyland theme park was designed by the legendary Walt Disney who envisioned that one day he will come up with a place wherein children and their parents would bond together and have the luxury of their time to enjoy and share stories.

Location

Florida

United States is the home of one of the very first instituted Disney Land which is situated in in Anaheim, California The owner himself designed, built and managed this first step of the theme park. Yet although this was the origin of all Disneyland the fame meter of the theme park tells us a different story.

According to the Yahoo Travel Magic Kingdom who is settling at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando, Florida is the world’s most visited Disney land theme park in the world with over 17,142,000 annual visitors and is still continuously growing over the years. Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida, with 18.6 million visitors in 2013, up 6 percent from 2012, according to Aecom.

Climate

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The climate in Florida is branded as humid subtropical. Normally they see May as the start of their rainy season up to the peak of October. Then comes the dry season which commonly sets mid-October and lasts until April.

While they experience only a momentary snow or slush here and there. Therefore because they only have two season changes which is the cool and dry season the best time to go on a vacation in Disneyland would be during the dry season or summer so you can enjoy all the rides and fun filled activities this theme park has to offer.

Transportation

Disney’s Magical Express

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Disney’s Magical Express is the courtesy gift of Walt Disney World to its patrons. So from Orlando International Airport this coaster will take you from point to point anywhere from your selected Walt Disney Resort hotels and the best part of this experience is that there would be no hustle for you as you travel.

Disney will not charge you for any luggage delivery this will all be one swish away like a magic wand after you make advanced reservations for this Magic express.

What to see/ Attraction

Astro Orbiter

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An age consideration for your preschoolers. So seat back and fasten your seat belts as you fly through this rocket ship looking ride Located in Tomorrow land. Kids would be amazed as they pilot their way up as if they’re sky rocketing.

This is considered as a slow ride and a spinning classic so you are rest assured of the safety of the kids. This opens from 9:00 am till 12:00 am.

The Barnstormer

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This is a much faster ride than the Astro Orbiter but still preschoolers and kids can access to it if they are already 35 inches taller.

This is a barn inspired roller coaster that kids would go nuts to ride over and over. It opens from 9:00 am till 12 am.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ®

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Now if your Kids are up to a mining challenge you need to recommend them to ride this coaster the setting is like a geological hot spot this ride is faster than the previously mentioned rides therefore preschoolers are no longer invited to try yet it is open for kids and teens to enjoy. This opens from 9:00 am till 12:00 am.

Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

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This ride is located in Fantasyland. This is a ride for all ages, it is a slow ride for your little princesses to enjoy the sceneries inspired from the little mermaid movie.

This opens from 9:00 am till 12:00 am.

The Hall of Presidents

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Now if your child is not so much of a rider and you yourself is somewhat interested in history this is the ride for you.

This is accessible from kids to adults and can be located in Liberty Square. Have fun learning. This is also open from 9:00 am – 12:00 am.

Downtown Disney Marketplace

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Now if you are a shopaholic you could also check out the Downtown Disney Marketplace there are many Merchandises offered in this place items from Disney movies and many more.

Down town Market place is the one stop shop for you to buy your souvenirs and gift items.

Disney Resorts and spa

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Now if you are interested to stay a bit longer in Disney’s Magic Kingdom there are places that you can stay in such as Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa it gives you everything that will suit your budget such as the 1 or 2bedroom villa, or the treehouse villa. This can be located at downtown Dsisney Resort Area.

These are but a few of the long list of things people enjoy in Disneyland, that’s why annually more and more people are added in patronizing this growing theme park which is remarkably competent across the globe. The latter of this year or spring next 2016 Disney would be opening to the public a new branch in Shanghai in response to the consumers budding requests.

Images

(1) www.travelboss.co.uk
(2) photographyinlakeland.com
(3) www.disneytouristblog.com 
(4) www.disneyparksinfo.com
(5)www.wdwlive.com
(6) dlrprepschool.com
(7)www.wdwtourguide.com
(8)disneyview.blogspot.com
(9)youshouldgotoo.com
(10)www.picturesocial.com

http://laurenceourac.com/disneyland-belongs-to-the-worlds-top-amusement-parks/

Submerge Yourself in Relaxation through Checking Out Manama

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Manama means ‘Sleeping Place’, but with its central atmosphere, its late-night shopping, and its lively bars and nightclubs, it’s hard to see when the city gets a chance to sleep. Manama is a night bird and people flock in on weekends for fine dining and an off-duty drink.

For those who prefer an early start to a late night, the city is sleepy enough by day, and it’s unlikely there’ll be much of a queue for the excellent Bahrain National Museum. That said, Manama’s recent role as Arab City of Culture has led to a much greater emphasis on music, art and heritage events that has been of benefit to all.

Location

The city is located in the north-eastern corner of Bahrain on a small peninsula. As in the rest of Bahrain, the land is generally flat (or gently rolling) and arid.

Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 157,000 people. Long an important trading center in the Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a very diverse population. After periods of Portuguese and Persian control and invasions from the ruling dynasties of Saudi Arabia and Oman, Bahrain established itself as an independent nation during the 19th century period of British hegemony.

Climate

Bahrain may be an island, but it’s a desert island – meaning summers are scorchingly hot and even the winters are warm. The climate is arid, not tropical. When oil was first discovered in Bahrain, the nation quickly developed heavy machinery and turned agricultural lands into oil-producing ones, resulting in an expansion of the desert. The government is now trying to reverse Bahrain’s economic dependence on oil, but the climate change may be more persistent: summer temperatures regularly hit 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) even in Manama, the capital.

Winters in Manama are slightly cooler but far less humid, with a temperature ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (about 58 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). Evenings during both seasons tend to be five degrees cooler, which makes the nighttime a much-needed relief from the relentless heat.

The “rainy season” in Manama is technically December through February, but since the region only receives 10 cm of rain every year, this shouldn’t be taken into consideration when planning a visit.

Actually, winter is the most pleasant time to go, simply because it can be unbearably humid in summer. Most of Bahrain’s beaches are closed to the public, so there isn’t much reason to visit specifically during summer.

Transportation

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Taxis are expensive, yet they are the only way to get around without renting a car. Extra charges are added to fares starting from the airport (2 Dinars) and any hotel (1 Dinar). Always use the meter or you will, guaranteed, get ripped off. A ride to the central parts of city will cost around 5-6 Dinars. 

Taxis are easy to find, and there are taxi stands outside Bab al-Bahrain and many hotels.

Taxis in Bahrain have meters and the flag fall is BD1 for the first 2km. Thereafter the meter ticks over in increments of 200 fills for every subsequent kilometer. Fares officially increase by 25% between 10pm and about 6am. For a better guarantee of meter use, try Radio Taxis. Alternatively, for a far more comfortable experience, try Bahrain Limo, which charges BD1.200 for 2km and 250 fills per each half-kilometer thereafter.

Renting a car is far more efficient economically. Manama is a small city on a small Island; you won’t get lost for very long. Make sure to buy a map / it should cost around 0.50-1.00 Dinars.

Most airline offices are situated around Bab al-Bahrain, in the Chamber of Commerce & Industry building, or inside the Manama Centre, which is where you’ll find Gulf Air, the main national carrier.

Most people get around town by car or taxi, despite there being a rudimentary bus service available. The bus system is largely designed for the use of expatriate construction workers and routes seldom relate to tourist destinations. Locals consider the use of buses rather eccentric but if you are determined to, then call into the Manama bus station for ad hoc information.

What to See

Bahrain National Museum

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Deserving its reputation as the most popular tourist attraction in Bahrain, the Bahrain National Museum is the best place to start for an intriguing, well-labeled introduction to the sights of the country. The museum, housed in a postmodern building with landscaping that brings the waterfront location up to the windows, showcases archaeological finds from ancient Dilmun. Among these finds are beautiful agate and carnelian beads and earthenware burial jars – used for the body as well as its chattels.

Don’t miss the section on contemporary Bahraini culture – the reproduction souq on the 1st floor is particularly worth the stairs, as the barber could double for Sweeney Todd.

The museum also includes a wildlife hall, several gallery spaces used for contemporary exhibitions of art and sculpture, a shop selling Bahraini crafts, and a chic cafe. There’s plenty to keep the family amused for several hours, but it will reward even a quick 10-minute visit and is particularly worthwhile if you want to gauge the progress of up-and-coming new attractions such as the national theatre, part of the museum complex.

Friday Mosque

Built in 1938, this mosque is easily identifiable by its elaborately crafted minaret, the mosque’s most interesting architectural feature. The mosque is reflected in the glass windows of the neighboring Batelco Commercial Centre, providing a suggestive reflection of old and new Manama. The mosque is not open to tourists.

Kids Kingdom

An amusement park called Kids Kingdom has a few rides if nearby construction work isn’t off-putting, and you’ll find plenty of information about what’s on for children in the media; in particular, the ‘Teens & Kids’ section in the magazine Bahrain this Month has heaps of information on fun activities including lessons in hip hop and salsa.

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Bab al-Bahrain

Built by the British in 1945, Bab al-Bahrain, the ‘Gateway to Bahrain’, was originally designed by Sir Charles Belgrave. It was redesigned in 1986 to give it more of an ‘Islamic’ flavor. The small square in front of the bab (gate) was once the terminus of the customs pier – an indication of the extent of land reclamation of the past two decades. The building now houses the Tourist Department (under renovation at the time of writing).

Despite having been moved back from the water’s edge, the gateway is still aptly named, as goods of various descriptions, people of all nationalities, street vendors, shoppers and workers pass under its arches in a constant pageant of activity in this, the heart of Manama.

La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art

Showcasing regional and international contemporary artists, this beautiful space hosts regular exhibitions. The venue, a magnificent elaboration of a 19th-century Bahraini town house, is a fine artistic expression in its own right with many features typical of Gulf Islamic architecture, including covered colonnades, archways and the signature fountain. The complex also includes an amphitheater, a fine-dining restaurant, one of the city’s best spas and a dance studio.

Beit al-Quran

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With its wrapping of carved Kufic script, the distinctive Beit al-Quran is a fine example of modern Bahraini architecture. It houses a large and striking collection of Qurans, manuscripts and woodcarvings and functions as a good introduction to Islam in general and Islamic calligraphy in particular.

Look out for the miniature Qurans, the smallest of which (from 18th-century Persia) measures only 4.7cm by 3.2cm. The exhibits are well labeled in English and can be superficially perused within an hour. The bookshop in the foyer sells crafts. Visitors should dress conservatively. The building is next to the Bahrain Red Crescent Society, but the main entrance and car park are at the back.

Tours are often organized – call ahead to check.

Images:

(1) www.chiangdao.com
(2) www.virtualtourist.com
(3) www.uyanangenclik.com
(4) www.flickr.com

(5) www.pace-kuwait.com

http://laurenceourac.com/submerge-yourself-in-relaxation-through-checking-out-manama/

Extending the British Air in Senegal

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One of West Africa’s most stable countries is definitely not dull: The capital, Dakar, is a dizzying, street-hustler rich introduction to the country. Perched on the tip of a peninsula, elegance meets chaos, noise, vibrant markets and glittering nightlife while nearby Ile de Goree and the beaches of Yoff and N’Gor tap to slow, lazy beats.

In northern Senegal, the enigmatic capital of Saint-Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tempts with colonial architecture and proximity to luscious national parks.

Along the Petite Cote and Cap Skiring, wide strips of beaches beckon and the wide deltas of the Casamance River reveals hundreds of bird species, from the gleaming wings of tiny kingfishers to the proud poise of pink flamingos. Whether you want to mingle with the trendsetters of urban Africa or be alone with your thoughts and the sounds of nature, you’ll find your place in Senegal.

Location

Senegal is located on the west of the African continent. It lies between latitudes 12° and 17°N, and longitudes 11° and 18°W.

Senegal is externally bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, and Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south; internally it almost completely surrounds The Gambia, namely on the north, east and south, except for Gambia’s short Atlantic coastline.

The Senegalese landscape consists mainly of the rolling sandy plains of the western Sahel which rise to foothills in the southeast. Here is also found Senegal’s highest point, an otherwise unnamed feature near Nepen Diakha at 584 m (1,916 ft). The northern border is formed by the Senegal River; other rivers include the Gambia and Casamance Rivers. The capital Dakar lies on the Cap-Vert peninsula, the westernmost point of continental Africa.

Climate

Senegal’s climate could generally be described as tropical. However, the weather does vary in different parts of the country, broadly falling into three main zones:

(a) the coastal region: the Atlantic coastal strip is cooler than inland, partly due to brisk onshore winds. Winter temperatures range from 18-26°C in January. In summer; maximum temperatures average around 31°C. Rains arrive in July, peak in August and tail off by October, bringing around 550 millimeters of rainfall annually

(b) the northern half of the country falls within the ‘Sahel belt’, a region of semi-arid land which spans across the African continent. Here, temperatures can be cool at night (dropping to around 14°C), but often reach 40°C by day. Rainfall is below 400 millimeters and

(c) the Southern region: the southern half of the country is hot and humid, with average maximum temperatures above 30°C throughout the year. Rainfall is usually over 1,500 millimeters to the far south.

Transportation

Taxis leave regularly from Tambacounda to Kidira (CFA5500, three hours), where you cross the border to Diboli in Mali, from where long-distance buses run to Kayes and Bamako.

If you’re brave, you can do Dakar–Bamako by long-distance bus (CFA24, 000); buses leave from Gare Routiere Pompiers in Dakar.

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Most traffic is by from Diaoube (Senegal), via Koundara (Guinea), where you may have to change, and some goes via Kedougou (Senegal). The very rough ride costs CFA22, 000 and takes up to 48 hours.

Taxis run regularly from Dakar to the main border point at Rosso (CFA7000, six hours, 384 kilometers), a crowded, hassle some place, where four daily ferries (CFA2500/3500 per passenger/car) cross to Rosso-Mauritania.

If you have your own wheels, you can cross at the Maka Diama dam, 97km southwest of Rosso and just north of Saint-Louis, where the border crossing is swift.

From Dakar there are taxis south to Karang (CFA6800, six hours) at the Gambian border, where you connect to Barra and then via ferry to Banjul. From southern Senegal, taxis run regularly between Ziguinchor and Serekunda (CFA4900, five hours), and between Kafountine and Brikama (CFA3500, two hours). In Eastern Senegal, taxis go from Tambacounda to Vélingara (CFA1800, three hours), and from there to Basse Santa Su (CFA1400, 45 minutes, 27 kilometers).

Dakar’s Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport is one of Africa’s transport hubs, with links across Africa, Europe and America.

What to See

Pont Faidherbe

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Transferred to Saint-Louis in 1897, the metal arches of this bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel and originally built to cross the Danube, the Pont Faidherbe is the city’s most significant landmark. You’ll cross its steel planks when driving into town; it links the mainland and island.

The bridge is a grand piece of 19th-century engineering – 507m long with a noteworthy middle swing span that rotates to allow ships to steam up the Senegal River. The entire bridge was rehabilitated in stages between 2008 and 2012, with sections of the original bridge’s crumbling metal spans replaced piece by piece with steel replicas of the original design.

Place Faidherbe

With its statue of the French governor who led the colonial expansion eastwards and initiated many ambitious infrastructural projects, this square sits adjacent to several intact 19th-century houses, including the Governor’s Palace and the 1837 Rognat Casernes on its north and south.

Next to the governor’s palace, you’ll find a lovely 1828 cathedral with a neoclassical facade worth admiring. This central space is where Saint-Louis splits into its southern part (Sindone) and northern part (Lodo); the former the old Christian town, the latter the original home to the Muslim population.

Parc National de la Langue de Barbarie

This park includes the far southern tip of the Langue de Barbarie peninsula, the estuary of the Senegal River (which contains two small islands) and a section of the mainland on the other side of the estuary.

The park covers a total area of 2000 hectares, and is home to numerous water birds, swelled from November to April by migrant birds from Europe.

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If you choose to come to the park independently, you must first go to the park office at Mouit to pay your entrance fee. At the river you can hire a pirogue (traditional canoe).

Cap Skiring

The beaches in the Cap Skiring area are among West Africa’s finest. Unsurprisingly, a thriving tourist industry has developed around it, though it remains pleasantly low-key.

And just a short drive away from the bustle of the Cap, the tourist bustle gives way to small villages, and the golden beaches are calmer.

Layen Mausoleum

In Yoff village, take a look at the Layen Mausoleum, a shrine to the founder of the Layen Muslim brotherhood.

Residents of Yoff are noted for their strong Islamic culture: smoking and drinking are not allowed and visitors should be appropriately dressed (meaning long skirts or trousers). It’s right on the beach and its floors are made of sand.

Village des Arts

An arts tour around Dakar is simply not complete with a visit to this famous art complex, where more some of Senegal’s most promising and established photographers, painters and sculptors create, shape and display their works in a large garden space.

The on-site gallery shows a selection of their work and it’s easy to grab a drink and chat to the friendly artists at the nearby restaurants.

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Images:

(1) www.unesco.org
(2) www.bestsellingcarsblog.com
(3) www.ndarinfo.com
(4) www.nordpasdecalais.fr
(5) www.panoramio.com

http://laurenceourac.com/extending-the-british-air-in-senegal/

Be Smitten with Aussie’s Hobart

Australia’s second-oldest city and southernmost capital, Hobart dapples the foothills of Mt Wellington, angling down to the slate-grey Derwent River.

The town’s rich cache of colonial architecture and natural charms are complemented by hip festivals, happening markets and top-notch food and drink.

It’s a gorgeous place, but until quite recently Hobart was far from cosmopolitan or self-assured – it’s taken a while for Hobartians to feel comfortable in their own skins.

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Paralleling this shift (or perhaps driving it), the mainland Australian attitude to Hobart has changed from derision to delight: investors now recognize that Tasmania’s abundant water, stress-free pace and cool climate are precious commodities.

Not far past the outskirts of town are some great beaches, alpine areas and historic villages. And don’t miss MONA, Hobart’s dizzyingly good Museum of Old and New Art, which has vehemently stamped Tasmania onto the global cultural map.

Location

Hobart is located on the estuary of the Derwent River in the state’s south-east. Geologically Hobart is built predominantly on Jurassic dolerite around the foothills interspersed with smaller areas of Triassic siltstone and Permian mudstone. Hobart extends along both sides of the Derwent River; on the western shore from the Derwent valley in the north through the flatter areas of Glenorchy which rests on older Triassic sediment and into the hilly areas of New Town, Lenah Valley. Both of these areas rest on the younger Jurassic dolerite deposits, before stretching into the lower areas such as the beaches of Sandy Bay in the south, in the Derwent estuary. South of the Derwent estuary lies Storm Bay and the Tasman Peninsula.

The Eastern Shore also extends from the Derwent valley area in a southerly direction hugging the Meehan Range in the east before sprawling into flatter land in suburbs such as Bellerive. These flatter areas of the eastern shore rest on far younger deposits from the Quaternary. From there the city extends in an easterly direction through the Meehan Range into the hilly areas of Rokeby and Oakdowns, before reaching into the tidal flatland area of Lauderdale.

Hobart has access to a number of beach areas including those in the Derwent estuary itself; Sandy Bay, Cornelian Bay, Nutgrove, Kingston, Bellerive, and Howrah Beaches as well as many more in Frederick Henry Bay such as; Seven Mile, Roaches, Cremorne, Clifton, and Goats Beaches.

Climate

Hobart experience four distinct seasons. Its climate is described as mild temperate maritime. The warmest months are December, January, February and March with average temperatures of around 21°C. With an annual average of 626 millimeters of rainfall, Hobart is Australia’s second-driest capital city. Rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, although the winter months are the wettest. During winter the island feels the southerly winds from the Antarctic and experiences some of the Australia’s coolest temperatures. Here you will find some information on temperature, rainfall and seasonal activities to help you plan your holiday in Hobart.

Autumn (March – May) has many calm, sunny days, and the best time to sample some of Tasmania’s regional produce and culture at the biennial cultural celebration Ten Days on the Island in March. Explore Hobart’s history on a walking tour of Sullivan’s Cove and Salamanca Place; or head out to the former convict settlement at Port Arthur. The landscape around Hobart produces a mass of color as wildflowers bloom and ancient trees turn from gold to red in preparation for winter.

Winter (June – August) is the time to relax indoors by a log fire, or head out into the crisp clean air for an invigorating walk. You can join with the locals at the Antarctica Mid-Winter Festival in June; be warmed by serenading voices at Hobart’s Festival of the Voices; or indulge at the Chocolate Winterfest in July. Although the days can be cold averaging between 3 – 11°C, it can be a beautiful time of year in Hobart with low rainfall. If conditions are right you may see the magnificent Aurora Australis. Winter in Tasmania also offers some of the best whale watching in Australia.

Transportation

Metro Tasmania – In Tasmania the State Government operates a Government Business Enterprise known as Metro to undertake public passenger bus services in the major urban areas.

The extent of Metro operations can be found on their website, along with information on routes, timetables, fares and other relevant information.

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Regional and Statewide Connections - Regional connections around the State are provided by private bus operators, and some areas also have supplementary services provided by tourist bus operators.

Taxis - Taxi’s operate within most metro areas, although they are not always readily available in the smaller towns around Tasmania. Taxis with larger capacity, or with wheelchair carrying ability are generally available on request.

Car Rentals - Hire cars are available both form the Hobart Airport, other airports around the state and within the major metropolitan centers. Hobart Yellow Water Cabs operates a water taxi service on the Derwent River allowing easy access to many riverside areas. Services from Hobart City leave from the waterfront area at Waterman’s Dock, opposite Parliament House lawns.

What to See

Salamanca Place

This picturesque row of four-storey sandstone warehouses is a classic example of Australian colonial architecture. Dating back to the whaling days of the 1830s, Salamanca was the hub of Hobart’s trade and commerce.

By the mid-20th century many of the warehouses had fallen into ruin, before restorations began in the 1970s. These days Salamanca hosts myriad restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, and the unmissable Saturday morning Salamanca Market.

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The development of the quarry behind the warehouses into Salamanca Sq has bolstered the atmosphere, while at the eastern end of Salamanca the conversion of four old wheat silos into plush apartments has also been a hit.

Operating behind the scenes is a vibrant and creative arts community. The nonprofit Salamanca Arts Centre occupies seven Salamanca warehouses, home to 75-plus arts organizations and individuals, including shops, galleries, studios, performing-arts venues and versatile public spaces.

Battery Point

Battery Point’s name derives from the 1818 gun battery that stood on the promontory, protecting Hobart Town from nautical threats both real and imagined. The guns were never used in battle and the only damage they inflicted was on nearby windowpanes when fired during practice.

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Farm Gate Market

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Salamanca Market on the waterfront has been a success for decades, but this hyperactive new foodie street-mart might just give it a run for its money. With the ding of a big brass bell at 9am, trading commences. Elbow your way in for the best buys, or take your time to browse the fruit, veg, honey, wine, baked goods, beer, smoked meats, coffee, nuts, oils, cut flowers, jams and so much more.

Mount Nelson

If Mt Wellington is cloud shrouded, the Old Signal Station atop Mt Nelson (352m) provides immaculate views over Hobart and the Derwent estuary. The Mt Nelson semaphore station (established 1811) was once the major link between Hobart and the Port Arthur penal colony further south. To get here, drive up Davey St then take the Southern Outlet towards Kingston and turn left at the top of the hill. Local buses 57, 58, 156 and 158 also come here.

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There’s a sassy restaurant beside the signal station, plus barbecues and picnic tables. You can also walk to the top via the 90-minute return Truganini Track, which starts at Cartwright Reserve beside the Channel Hwy in Taroona.

Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery

Incorporating Hobart’s oldest building, the Commissariat Store (1808), this revamped museum features colonial relics and excellent Aboriginal and wildlife displays – the gallery curates a collection of Tasmanian colonial art. There are free guided tours at 1pm and 2pm from Wednesday to Sunday (hordes of school kids might be a little less interested in proceedings than you are), plus tours of a historic cottage within the museum grounds at 11am on Wednesday. There’s a cool cafe, too.

Tasmanian Cricket Museum

Cricket fans should steer a well-directed cover drive towards Blundstone Arena (aka Bellerive Oval). There’s a beaut cricket museum and library here, plus oval tours (call for times and bookings). Don’t miss the corner of the museum dedicated to the achievements of Tasmanian legend Ricky ‘Punter’ Ponting. There’s still no commemoration of David Boon’s 52 cans of beer quaffed on a Sydney-to-London flight in 1989 though. Bus 608 from the city runs past the oval.

http://laurenceourac.com/be-smitten-with-aussies-hobart/

Amalgamation of Old and New in Andalucia

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The fascination of Andalucía springs from its peculiar history, Christianity and Islam. For centuries the region stood on the porous frontier between two different faiths and ideologies. Left to slowly ferment like a barrel of the bone-dry local sherry, these sometimes peaceful, sometimes battling kingdoms threw up a slew of esoteric cultural colossi: ancient mosques masquerading as churches, vast palace complexes strafed with stucco, a passionate musical genre bizarrely called flamenco, and a chain of lofty white towns that still dominates the arid, craggy landscape.

This visually and viscerally compelling legacy can be found all over the region in places such as Córdoba’s Mezquita, Jerez’ music venues and the hilltop settlements of Cádiz province. The smell of orange blossom, the lilt of a flamenco guitar, the flash of the matador’s cape; memories of Andalucía stay with you like collected souvenirs, begging you to return.

Location

Andalusia has a surface area of 87,597 square kilometers (33,821 square miles), 17.3 percent of the territory of Spain. Andalusia alone is comparable in extent and in the variety of its terrain to any of several of the smaller European countries. To the east is the Mediterranean Sea; to the west the Atlantic Ocean; to the north the Sierra Morena constitutes the border with the Meseta Central; to the south, the self-governing British overseas territory of Gibraltar and the Strait of Gibraltar separate it from Africa.

Andalusia is in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, immediately south of the autonomous communities of Extremadura and Castile–La Mancha; west of the autonomous community of Murcia and the Mediterranean Sea; east of Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean; and north of the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar. Andalusia is the only European region with both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. The small British overseas territory of Gibraltar shares a three-quarter-mile land border with the Andalusia province of Cádiz at the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar.

The main mountain ranges of Andalusia are the Sierra Morena and the Baetic System, consisting of the Subbaetic and Penibaetic Mountains, separated by the Intrabaetic Basin. In the north, the Sierra Morena separates Andalusia from the plains of Extremadura and Castile–La Mancha on Spain’s Meseta Central. To the south the geographic sub-region of Upper Andalusia lies mostly within the Baetic System, while Lower Andalusia is in the Baetic Depression of the valley of the Guadalquivir.

Climate

The Mediterranean climate takes its name from, and is influenced by, the proximity of the sea. The outstanding features of the climate are hot, dry summers, mild winters with variable rainfall, almost constant sunshine and an absence of frost. The short spring and lengthy autumn are transitional seasons which tend to merge imperceptibly into one another with no winter season. Other areas around the world with a similar sunshine and rainfall pattern are also said to have a Mediterranean, or winter rainfall, climate. These include south-western South Africa, the central and southern coast of California, central Chile and south-western Australia. Mediterranean climatic areas lie between 30-45 degrees latitude whether to the north or south of the equator.

There is a notable difference in climate between the coastal and inland areas of Andalucia. On the coast temperatures are temperate in winter and less hot than inland during summer. Inland areas have cooler temperatures in winter from November to February and very high temperatures during summer.

Depending on tolerance to heat, the best time to visit Andalucia might be during April to June and September to the first half of October. At these times temperatures are warm but not too hot and any winter rain is avoided. It is common to see people swimming in the sea and sunbathing on the beaches from February onwards during spells that can reach higher than 25C/77F.

Transportation

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As in any modern society, transport systems are an essential structural element of the functioning of Andalusia. The transportation network facilitates territorial coordination, economic development and distribution, and intercity transportation.

In urban transport, underdeveloped public transport systems put pedestrian traffic and other non-motorized traffic is at a disadvantage compared to the use of private vehicles. Several Andalusia capitals—Córdoba, Granada and Seville—have recently been trying to remedy this by strengthening their public transport systems and providing a better infrastructure for the use of bicycles.

Most of the principal roads have been converted into limited access highways known as autovías. The Autovía Del Este (Autovía A-4) runs from Madrid through the Despeñaperros Natural Park, then via Bailén, Córdoba, and Seville to Cádiz, and is part of European route E05 in the International E-road network. The other main road in the region is the portion of European route E15, which runs as the Autovia Del Mediterraneo along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Parts of this constitute the superhighway Autopista AP-7, while in other areas it is Autovía A-7. Both of these roads run generally east-west, although the Autovía A-4 turns to the south in western Andalusia.

Malaga Airport is the international airport that offers a wide variety of international destinations. It has a daily link with twenty cities in Spain and over a hundred cities in Europe (mainly in Great Britain, Central Europe and the Nordic countries but also the main cities of Eastern Europe: Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Sofia, Riga or Bucharest), North Africa, Middle East (Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait) and North America (New York, Toronto and Montreal).

What to See

Casa Museo Arte Andalusía

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The Casa Museo Arte Andalusí is a fascinating private museum and the venue for regular flamenco performances. The first glimpse that this is somewhere special is the original 16th-century heavy carved door. Ring the bell if it is closed.

Owner Paco Castro has lovingly restored this former palace without detracting from its crumbling charm (in other words, it has not metamorphosed into just another ‘historical’ boutique hotel). Ask him to show you the Star of David etched into one of the original columns in the central patio. Above are balconies and painted Mud jar-style ceiling and eaves. It is the ideal faded grandeur setting for Paco’s fascinating collection of antiques, which include 19th-century ceramics, a 14th-century well, stained glass, ancient millstones, painted tiles, tapestries, intricately carved wooden chests and artwork, collected from all over Spain and Morocco.

Cueva de Nerja

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The Cueva de Nerja is the big tourist attraction in Nerja, just off the N340, 3km east of town on the slopes of the Sierra Almijara. The enormous 4km-long cave complex, hollowed out by water around five million years ago and once inhabited by Stone Age hunters, is a theatrical wonderland of extraordinary rock formations, subtle shifting colors and stalactites and stalagmites. Large-scale performances including ballet and flamenco are staged here throughout the summer. About 14 buses run daily from Malaga and Nerja, except Sunday. The whole site is very well organized for large-scale tourism and has a huge restaurant and car park. A full tour of the caves takes about 45 minutes.

Palacio de los Leones

The Palacio de los Leones is one of the most stunning structures within the Alhambra, and according to some, the royal harem. It was built in the second half of the 14th century under Mohammed V, at the political and artistic peak of Granada’s emirate. The rooms of the palace surround Alhambra’s most popular symbol, the Patio de los Leones (Lion Courtyard), a marble fountain that channeled water through the mouths of 12 carved marble lions.

Carved especially for this palace, the fountain was originally brightly painted, chiefly in gold, but the originals are now being replaced by copies. The patio’s four water channels, running to and from the central fountain, represent the four rivers of Islamic paradise and the 12 lions are speculated to symbolize any number of things, perhaps the 12 signs of the zodiac, perhaps the 12 hours of the day, ticking from birth to death. The gallery, including the beautifully ornamented pavilions protruding at its eastern and western ends, is supported by 124 slender marble columns. Imagine this entire space covered in vibrant colors and hung with bright textiles – that’s how it was during the 14th century.

Metropolis Parasol

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Some call him the Ferran Adria of modern architecture, and it’s true, German architect Jurgen Mayer H possesses a strange kind of artistic genius. Who else would have dreamt of constructing a ‘flying waffle’ in the middle of one of Seville’s most traditional shopping squares? Smarting with the audacity of a modern-day Eiffel Tower, the opinion-dividing Metropol Parasol, which opened in March 2011 in the Plaza de la Encarnacion, claims to be the largest wooden building in the world. Its undulating honeycombed roof is held up by giant five mushroom-like pillars, earning it the local nickname Las Setas de la Encarnacion.

Six years in the making, the construction covers a former dead zone in Seville’s central district once filled with an ugly car park. Roman ruins discovered during the building’s conception have been cleverly incorporated into the foundations at the Museo Antiquarium , while upstairs on level 2 you can (for a fee) stroll along a surreal panoramic walkway with killer city views. The Metropol also houses the plaza’s former market, a restaurant and a concert space. Though costly and controversial, Mayer’s daring creation has slotted into Seville’s ancient core with a weird kind of harmony, turning (and tilting) the heads of all who pass.

Plaza del Populo

On Plaza del Pópulo is the old entrance to the city, the Puerta de Jaen (Jaen Gate), connected to the huge Arco de Villalar (Villalar Arch). The arch was erected by Carlos I in 1526 to commemorate the crushing of a serious insurrection in Castilla that had threatened to overthrow his throne.

The Plaza del Pópulo is also called Plaza de los Leones after the Fuente de los Leones (Fountain of the Lions) at its center. The fountain is made of carvings from the Iberian and Roman village of Castulo and is topped by a statue reputed to represent Imilce, an Iberian princess and the wife of the notorious Carthaginian general Hannibal.

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On the southern side of the square is the lovely 16th-century Casa Del Populo, formerly a courthouse and now Baeza’s tourist office. It was built in the plateresque style, an early phase of Renaissance architecture noted for its decorative facades.

http://laurenceourac.com/amalgamation-of-old-and-new-in-andalucia/

Witness the Transcending Beauty of Gotland

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Gorgeous Gotland has much to brag about: a UNESCO-lauded capital, truffle-sprinkled woods, A-list dining hot spots, talented artisans and more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in Sweden. It’s also one of the country’s richest historical regions, with around 100 medieval churches and countless prehistoric sites.

The island lies nearly halfway between Sweden and Latvia, in the middle of the Baltic Sea, roughly equidistant from the mainland ports of Nynashamn and Oskarshamn. Just off its northeast tip lies the island of Faro, most famous as the home of Sweden’s directing great, the late Ingmar Bergman. The island national park of Gotska Sandon lies 38km further north, while the petite islets of Stora Karlso and Lilla Karlso sit just off the western coast.

Location

Gotland is Sweden’s largest island, and it is the largest island fully encompassed by the Baltic Sea (with Denmark’s Zealand at the Baltic’s edge). With its total area of 3,183.7 square kilometers (1,229.2 square miles) the island of Gotland and the other areas of the province of Gotland make up 0.8% of Sweden’s total land area.

Gotland is located about 90 km (56 mi) east of the Swedish mainland and about 130 km (81 mi) from the Baltic states, Latvia being the nearest. There are several shallow lakes located near shores of the island. The biggest is Lake Bastetrask, located near Fleringe in the northern part of Gotland. The highest point of the island is Lojsta Hed which stands 82 meters (269 feet) above sea level.

Climate

The climate on Gotland differs from the mainland. We have warmer temperatures and more sun hours. The winds are often coming from southwest, bringing mild Atlantic air.

Due to the passage of the Gulf Stream, the Swedish climate is probably milder than you might expect in these latitudes. Sweden has four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. The temperatures vary strongly from north to south, especially during winter when the northernmost parts are covered with snow. Springtime begins in April, lasts to June when the warm season reaches its peak in July and august with temperatures around 20-30 degrees Celsius. Autumn usually offers a gently mild and pleasant climate.

From north to south 1 600 kilometers line the coast with thousands of islands in a beautiful archipelago. Mountains form much of the northwest and many rivers flow through the forests, east, and into the Baltic Sea. Over half of Sweden is forested whilst the southern part is mostly flat with rolling hills.

Transportation

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Most sights are within walking distance in Visby. Attractions, shopping, restaurants and cafés are concentrated in or near the medieval town wall. For excursions in the vicinity of Visby, it’s easy to rent a bike for the day or for longer. If you would like to see the rest of the island you can either rent a car at for example Avis, Hertz or Europcar or use the public transport.

It’s easy to get to Gotland. The ferries go all year-round from Nynashamn and Oskarshamn, and will take you to Visby in about three hours.

You can fly from Stockholm with Gotlandsflyg and SAS. All year round there are also flights from Gothenburg and Malmo with Gotlandsflyg. Gotlandsflyg have summer departures from Sundsvall, Norrkoping, Umea, Angelholm, Helsinki and Oslo. Other airlines are Wideroe and Norwegian from Oslo and Flybe from Helsinki and Norwegian from Stockholm.

What to See

Gotlands Museum

Gotlands Museum is one of the mightiest regional museums in Sweden. While highlights include amazing 8th-century pre-Viking picture stones, human skeletons from chambered tombs and medieval wooden sculptures, the star turn is the legendary Spillings horde.

At 70kg it’s the world’s largest booty of preserved silver treasure. Included in the ticket price is entry to the nearby Konstmuseum, which has a small permanent collection mainly focusing on Gotland-inspired 19th- and 20th-century art, plus temporary exhibitions showcasing contemporary local artists.

Sankta Maria Kyrka

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Visby’s church ruins contrast with the stoic Sankta Maria Kyrka. Built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and heavily touched up over the years, its whimsical towers are topped by baroque cupolas.

Soak up the beautiful stained-glass windows, carved floor slabs and ornate carved reredos. The cathedral is used for intimate music concerts in summer.

Museum Lars Jonsson

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Seven kilometers south of Burgsvik, in the old Vamlingbo prastgard (vicarage) on Road 142, Museum Lars Jonsson showcases delicate paintings and watercolors by local artist Lars Jonsson, famed for his depictions of Gotland’s birdlife and coastal landscapes.

There’s also a cinnamon-scented cafe, Naturum and soothing garden.

Romakloster

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Heading southeast from Visby on Road 143, on your way to Ljugarn, pull over to check out the 12th-century Cistercian monastery ruin Romakloster, a kilometer from the main road.

Summer theatre performances here are suitable for the thrifty travellers. The 18th-century manor house is also impressive.

Bungemuseet

Step back in time at the Bungemuseet, an open-air museum with 17th- to 19th-century houses, picture stones dating from 800 and a historic playground.

It’s near Gotland’s northeastern tip, about 1km south of where the ferry connects to Faro. Across the road is a cute cafe with superlative saffron pancakes.

Konstmuseum

The Konstmuseum has a small permanent collection that primarily focuses on Gotland-inspired 19th- and 20th-century art.

More exciting are the temporary exhibitions, which often showcase contemporary local artists.

http://laurenceourac.com/witness-the-transcending-beauty-of-gotland/

Images:

(1) http://www.visitsweden.com/ImageVault/Images/id_1320/scope_0/ImageVaultHandler.aspx
(2) www.virtualtourist.com
(3) www.ddss.nu 
(4) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/Lars_Jonsson,_Waldemarsudde.jpg
(5) https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4142/4771652076_9505bcb418_b.jpg