Underestimating Wellington would rather be inappropriate

The fun and enjoyment that one can harness from a place isn’t depending much on the land that it covers, or the waters that it owns. They typically say that size does matter, but this place begs to disagree.

Despite the constraints in land area and its surrounding water territory, this travel destination depended on developing the things that they have instead of the things that they don’t.

The inhabitants of this place thrived hard into keeping their small land the best that it can be and no matter how small their scope of land is, they toiled the soil and converted it into someplace blooming with effervescence and happiness. Meet the land of Wellington, and be enlightened that size really won’t affect what they can offer.

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Suitably, Wellington is ranked 12th in the whole world as one of the most livable cities and happiest to visit according to the Mercer Quality of Living Survey last 2014.

Need we say more that Wellington is such an interesting place to visit?

Location

With just a diminutive number of residents, which almost 393,000, Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and second most populous urban area.

Nicknamed as the ‘Harbor Capital’, Wellington can be easily pointed at a New Zealand map as the small city at the city’s upper land partition and is facing a huge body of water.

It is strategically located on the most southwestern end of New Zealand’s North Island and is wedged between Cook Strait and Rimutaka Range.

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Wellington separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The Northern stretch of Wellington is dotted with the grazing beaches of the Kapiti Coast.

With its favorable location, Wellington is considered as the southernmost capital city in the whole planet.

With this recognition, Wellington is also the most remote capital city and hundreds of miles away from another capital.

The general urban area is comprised of four micro-cities, which are Wellington City, Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.

Climate

According to the Koppen Climate Classification, Wellington experiences a temperate, marine climate which is playing in the range of 25 degrees at its hottest and not going below 4 degrees as its coldest temperature. Generally and annually, it Wellington is moderately tempered with an average of 2,050 hours of sunshine per year.

All year round, travelers and locals will witness a windy weather with high rainfall. June and July are considered as the wettest months with 49 inches of rainfall annually. In the Hutt Valley area, frosts are experienced in the months of May and September. It is in July and August that snow falls, though not so common the low altitude areas.

Transportation

Due to its small area coverage, Wellington is said to be best experienced by foot. Its central city is about 2 kilometers in diameter, which would generally take a healthy traveler 20 minutes to go from Wellington’s starting point to its end pole.

But if you wish to travel to Wellington and take everything in an organized fashion, certain transport and travel agencies would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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If you’re trying to get around Wellington on a budget and is taking time into high consideration, take the city’s Metlink. Metlink is the main railway system, which would definitely swift in bringing you in order areas within the city.

Like the usual train lines in your own country, having a train pass would be of importance, yet you don’t need to shell out too much as the fare is cheap and convenient to everyone.

Like a normal, bustling capital city, taxis are readily available for hire. There are also drivers under the Wellington Combined Taxis franchise by where you can hire the taxi in a full hour and ask the driver to bring you any point in the city.

What to See

Te Papa

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This is considered to be the city’s must-see attraction out of all areas of interest. Loosely meant as ‘treasure box’, Te Papa is home to a vast array of exhibitions featuring works of art collected and preserved for the whole of New Zealand.

Some of the things that you can skim inside the gallery, which is operated for free, are the extensive collections of Maori art, natural history and environmental artifacts, a national art collection and a quirky hands-on discovery center for children.

With a six-storey edifice, you would definitely enjoy inhaling local and primitive art that is highly advisable to be experienced while in Wellington.

Wellington Botanic Gardens

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Accessible via a planned cable-car ride, Wellington Botanic Gardens is a hilly clump of land which embodies the very essence of nature despite its 25-hectare size.

Boasting with international plant cultivation and a well-preserved tract of native forest, one would appreciate nature that can be seen in the whole of New Zealand.

You can also enjoy numerous water fountains, playground for kids, duck pond, even a cafeteria and streams flowing inside this piece of nature heaven.

City Gallery

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Infusing modern ways of art preservation, the city gallery has been loved and well respected by its locals due to its strict following in keeping the art inside well-secured.

Housed inside this famous gallery is international creations of well-known painters and artists and is also functioning as an old library inside Civic Square.

Wash down your art overload through the City’s Gallery Nihau Cafe.

Beehive Wellington

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If you’re thinking that this is a place where honey is made by the always-industrious bees, you’re getting it wrong.

The Beehive is a complex of parliamentary offices and is well known for its structure. This is a brainchild of modernist architects under the leadership of Sir Basil Spence and is coined as the city’s architectural symbol.

Carter Observatory

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Perched atop the Wellington Botanical Gardens, Carter Observatory offers visitors a space experience with its full-dome planetarium.

The planetarium gives its visitors regular space shows and modern virtual tours of the Wellington skies. You can also sink your eyes to Polynesian navigation, cosmology, European explorers’ telescopes and artifacts.

Weta Cave

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Take a 20 minute bike ride from the City Center and indulge in the cinematic experience that Weta Cave can offer. Built by the same franchise that brought Lord of the Rings, King Kong and The Hobbit to the cinemas, this complex is actually a mini museum, which offers crash courses in filmmaking and the related stuff for a fee.

Rimutaka Forest Park

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At about 45 minute drive to Wellington’s highly-urbanized metropolitan area is Rimutaka Forest Park. This wildlife park is home to a campsite and bush huts that you can rent while visiting.

You can take long and short walks with a very healthy forest as your backdrop and see nature as close as you can be while in Wellington.

http://laurenceourac.com/underestimating-wellington-would-rather-be-inappropriate/

Images
(1) www.startupdaily.net
(2) lcgeostar13.wordpress.com
(3) nzrailphotos.co.nz
(4) www.themissingyear.com
(5) tripwow.tripadvisor.com
(6) www.mygola.com
(7) www.attitudelive.com
(8) www.flickr.com
(9) www.wetanz.com
(10) www.doc.govt.nz

Travel around Nara and be frenetic in coming back

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In a country wherein technological advancements have been afloat for the longest time, it isn’t that difficult for Japanese cities to have coped with the forward move in enriching the country’s modernization ventures and keeping the roots of the country intact.

Despite the fact that Japan is known for robots, tall edifices housing numerous brands in computers and the like, Japanese people have preserved hundreds of temples and shrines which all still stand proud and brave amidst continuous changes.

Not only the have well-kept these vintage places, but have used it to promote tourism and welcome those who crave for this signature Japan spots. Aside from mega cities of Kyoto and Osaka, there lies a small city within a larger prefecture that embodied what a city can be when the old and the new is amalgamated well.

Folks, meet Nara, a compact city in Japan known for its UNESCO Heritage Sites, interesting vacation spots and welcoming warm inhabitants.

Location

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Nara is within the Nara prefecture, specifically on its northern end. North of Nara is the border where the Kyoto prefecture directly lies. From its northern end to its southern tip, the country is measured to be 22.22 kilometers wide and 13.81 miles from east to west. On its’ eastern wing lies the Mie Prefecture.

The peak of Kaigahira-Yama is considered as the highest peak at 822 miles for its altitude and Ikeda-cho district as the lowest land point at 56.4 meters.

Climate

Nara is classified to have a moderate sea climate which meant that warm and hotter summers are to be expected. Sub-zero temperatures are rather uncommon because of the presence of the sea. Summers is said to be humid at its finest, and is normally heavy because of condensed particles from the nearby body of water.

Winter ranges of temperature are playing at 3 to 5 degrees with summer reading as high as 35 degrees hotter. Snowfall, while an annual weather occurrence, is typically short as compared to its nearby cities. Snowfall has been observed to last not more than 10 days since 1990.

Rainfall is quite common in summers with a whopping 3000 to 5000 millimeters of rainfall being recorded annually. Spring and fall temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities and traveling, normally temperate and comfortable.

Transportation

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Two main railways that provide transportation from Kyoto to Nara and within both of the cities are Japan Railways (JR) and Kinetsu Railways (KR). Japan Railways have trips from Kyoto to Nara on a 45-minute mark and is covered by the always trusted Japan Rail Pass. Kinetsu Trains have a twice-hourly limited express that will take you 35-minutes if traveling from Kyoto.

If taking the local bus lines, bear in mind the convenience that the Nara Bus Pass would do for you and your travel. This pass would definitely be of aid to you if you wish to use the Nara Kotse buses which roam around the whole city and will give you an unlimited 1-day pass. It generally would cover your Nara-Yakushiji vice versa travels and for an added fee can bring you as far as Horyuji and Asuka areas.

Main international passages for aerial transportation would be through the Osaka International Airport and Kansai International Airport.

What to See

Daibutsu-den Hall

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Daibutsu-den Hall is known to be the largest wooden building on the planet. Built in 1709, this towering piece of architectural houses the Daibutsu or the Giant Buddha and has long been one of the attractions that Nara is offering.

The Buddha ‘living’ inside this huge edifice is that of Vairocana Buddha sculpted out of bronze and identified as one of the largest of its kind. People crowd this place because of the sense of enlightenment that you can vividly feel once you circled the whole area.

Tōdai-ji

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A place where one can wander free of charge, Toda-ji is also dubbed as one highly prioritized stops whenever in Nara. Various crafts of old and modern architecture can be seen in this complex, such as the enormous facade being guarded by two Nio guardians (both sculptures), perfectly carved wooden images dotting the whole of Todai-ji and huge temple enclosures which will definitely leave you in a trance.

Nara National Museum

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Satisfy your Buddha cravings by visiting the Nara National Museum as this is where the most priced and coveted Buddha sculptures are on display. Built in 1894, different artists have connived to put up this museum, which rather explicated Japanese’s urgent following in iconography.

You would also be entertained by boxed and well-maintained calligraphies, paintings and other works of art by different walks of life. Special exhibitions and events are commonly being held at the museum for a worth-it fee.

Isui-en & Neiraku Art Museum

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As seen on movies, Japanese are obsessed with well-manicured gardens with all the drama surrounding it, and the Isui-en and Neiraku Art Museum is the perfect place to witness that.

For a fee, you can relax and soothe your Earthly body and senses with their local tea, sitting in the infamous tatami mat setting overlooking the serene garden.

Tōdai-ji Museum

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Not far away from Daibutsu and other areas of interest, be immersed into knowing the rich Japanese heritage through their poignant displays of Bodhisattva treasures.

Nara City Museum of Photography

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If you feel like being random on your museum hopping, make sure to inquire first before setting the trail onto the Nara City Museum of Photography.

No specific exhibitions will be given to you; the element of surprise is just exhilarating that hordes of art savvy travelers paraded the place before leaving Nara.

http://laurenceourac.com/travel-around-nara-and-be-frenetic-in-coming-back/

Images 
(1) www.remotelands.com
(2) www.planetware.com
(3) www.psy.ritsumei.ac.jp
(4) tarts-and-pies.blogspot.com
(5) www.ne.jp
(6) www.panoramio.com
(7) traverseworld.com
(8) venividizoom.com
(9) www.morfae.com

Mix in with the vibrant colors of Luang Prabang

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If you want to be splashed with millions of colors through the locals’ very own wardrobe, the general vicinities’ wooden and somewhat sun-burnt roofs, to the lively smell of coffee brewing in the distance and the enchanting menace that only a city alive and kicking with life can produce, then this place would be suitable for you.

After endless travels that gave you a closer affinity to nature or being warped into the future because of the high-rise concrete-clad buildings of a busy metropolis, it will definitely be refreshing to be enveloped with a local suburb’s usual day-to-day activities and be drawn away by the thought that you’re just another tourist.

Be delighted as you skim through the exciting veins of Luang Prabang in Laos, a city that offers a vibrant and joyous stay.

Location

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Luang Prabang is a certified UNESCO Heritage site because of the rich culture that the city possessed which is a clear mix of different influences. The main city is located roughly about 300 kilometers of Vientiane and is in the middle of two huge rivers, Nam Khan and Mekong. Situated at the northern tip of Laos, Luang Prabang has a small number of the populace, which is 50,000.

Climate

Like its neighboring cities and countries, Luang Prabang’s location on the globe is in the tropics. 

Under the Koppen Climate classification, this city has a tropical wet and dry climate. The whole of Luang Prabang is generally dry and warm all year round cooling down on the months of December to January.

Wet seasons are evident in the months of April through October, although the heat is still emanating on the general area. Hottest temperatures can go up to 34 degrees and coldest can drop to as low as 10-degrees.

Transportation

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Transportation would never be an issue once you feel like traveling to Luang Prabang as the most convenient options are present to choose from. The main airport is just at the north of town and international/domestic flights are being served all day long. Some of the airline companies that you can rely on whenever going in and out of Luang Prabang are Bangkok Airways, Laos Airlines, Lao Central Airlines, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines.

If you’ll just treat Luang Prabang as a side-destination, the city is readily accessible from Hanoi, Vietnam, which is a 30-hour bus ride. Luang Prabang and the whole of Laos are very much known for their tuk-tuks, which is a form of transportation that uses a motorcycle with a makeshift seat at the back that can carry as much as 8 passengers in one seating.

Long trips via boat rides are also available from the borders of the Mekong and Huay Xai. If you don’t want to be stuck in a 2-day boat ride from the aforementioned ports, try renting a speed boat with other travelers or if the money would permit it, get the cruise lines instead.

What to See

Royal Palace Museum

Built in 1904, the Royal Palace Museum is a clear embodiment that Luang Prabang and Laos in general had been under the French Colonialism during the Old Times. The Palace itself is clad with evident French architecture and even at the seams, it shouts of English inspiration.

Be mesmerized by how intricate the details had been and the attention to even the smallest fraction of space is admirable. Feast your eyes to endless collections of different exhibits, which are all labeled in the English language, ranging from Buddhas, colorful mosaics, huge sculptures of wood and bronze and so much more.

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Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

Just beside the Royal Palace, this monastery is a sight to behold and is being a fad to all Luang Prabang travelers. With its wooden sim and its intrinsic built, Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham is something that’s been standing on the land for as far back as 1796. It had been known to be the home of Sangharat, the master head of Lao Buddhism.

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That Makmo

That Makmo literally meant Watermelon Stupa and is an iconic edifice of the city since its construction during the 1500s. Even after its deconstruction and revamp in 1887, That Makmo’s magic never faded and is still a place of interest that Luang Prabang is proud of.

Housing some hidden treasures from its deconstruction phase, not paying a visit in That Makmo would not complete your Laos trip.

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Villa Xieng Mouane

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Aside from its grandeur, the Villa Xieng Mouane also functions as an occasional exhibition center for budding artists. Be relaxed while the wind brush the tree-trunk stilts comprising the whole villa and take in the freshness of sun hitting the leaves amidst the beautiful chaos that is Luang Prabang.

OckPopTok Living Crafts Centre

Local weavers of the Luang Prabang area had been seen crowding this contemporary art place and is just 200 meters towards the great Mekong River. Here you can be a witness on how weavers turn fibers of clothing into a well-woven piece of colorful fabric.

One news that would surely be of essence is that free-guided tours are there to roam you inside the dye-making and silk-producing areas of the center. While waiting, an in-house restaurant would be there to suit your tummy needs and be their guest in trying their infamous worm-poo tea, a drink made out of silk droppings.

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http://laurenceourac.com/mix-in-with-the-vibrant-colors-of-luang-prabang/

Images
(1) www.remotelands.com
(2) www.ecotourismlaos.com
(3) phuketwelldoitlive.wordpress.com
(4) commons.wikimedia.org
(5) www.audleytravel.com
(6) www.panoramio.com
(7) www.falangprabang.com
(8) gallerycosmosis.blogspot.com

Dead Sea, is it really dead?

You might probably be asking yourself why the Dead Sea is called the Dead Sea. Is it really dead? Why is it dead? Do you know that the Dead Sea is also known as the Salt Sea? One of the most interesting places on earth is indeed the Dead Sea. Why? Let’s find out!

1. Dead Sea

Location

The Dead Sea is located in the Judean Desert area in eastern Israel and this place is at 400 meters (1,320 feet) below sea level and considered as the lowest place on earth.

Climate

Because if its location visitors to this place or mainly the people in this region enjoys sunny and dry weather throughout the year. On a standard scale, they have 330 full days of sunshine.

As the lowest place on earth it also has another benefit as the ultraviolet rays filter through the three natural layers extra atmospheric layers, an evaporation layer and the ozone layer.

Mainly the reason why they called it Dead Sea is because of the high level of salt and mineral that it contains is not suited for the fish to live in.

2. Dead Sea Map

Transportation

Since the place is a remote area, public transportation can be difficult. The Dead Sea area alone doesn’t have major city only tourist areas consisting of Hotels and Restaurants.

The best means of travelling to the Dead Sea and around the place is by car. There are many car rental companies offered in every big city or major city in Israel and in Ben Gurion Airport.

Attractions

The Dead Sea is called “Yam Hamelach” meaning Sea of Salt in Hebrew, they offer a wide variety of popular tourist site, offering travelers all around the world to enjoy the activities and attractions suitable for men, women, families, young couples and children.

Spa is one of the many attractions you can enjoy in this place, because of the health benefits that you can get from its water and mud. That has been tested for centuries now.

Because of the high salt content of the water it will allow you to float with no effort at all. The Dead Sea is also known for its natural beauty.

Is has a desert landscape with fresh water oases that is highly important for local wildlife as a source of water.

3. Dead Sea Attraction

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Images
1. http://muftah.org/jordan-announces-dead-sea-project/#.VX68tPmqqko
2. https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/View-of-the-Dead-Sea
3. http://myphotobag.com/dead-sea-pics-israel

Through the Heights of Meteora

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Experience a different high of spirituality and another dimension of peacefulness through the silence, stillness and sacredness of monasteries perched atop huge pillars of rocks found in Meteora Greece.

Pander in awe as each fascinating edifice stand in unuttered dignity and eminence.

Location

This haven of wonder is seated near the towns of Kalampaka and Kastraki of Thessaly region in Northern Greece. Set to be 200 – 600 meters high, early remains suggest that hermits and ascetics dwelled on these rock pinnacles dating back in 11th century.

During the time of upheaval because of series of Turkish attacks, settlers climbed from the foot of the mountains up atop these rock facades for security and tranquility that is being called for on the monastery kind of living.

Climate

There is a broad climatic variation on this site. Higher altitudes can experience storm throughout the year while other locations experience either hot summer, super cold winter accompanied by heavy snowfalls.

Transportation

To get into Meteora by air, tourists can go through Central Europe via Volos Airport situated in Central Greece. From there, travel a two hour car drive to Meteora. Bus option is also available via Volos to Kalampaka. Train ride can be made from Athens in Larissa Station.

Moving around Meteora itself, it is suggested by locals to appreciate the place by walking. Mountain climbing and hiking can also be an activity to take advantage of the high rock formations found within the place.

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Attractions

Agia Triada Monastery

Seen in the 1981 James Bond movie, this monastery which is also called Holy Trinity was believed to be built in 1947.

Tourists can experience the impressive sight from its tip by climbing around 140 steps. Today, this monastery serves as a home to only one monk that also serves s a guide to Agia Triada’s visitors.

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Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas

Founded in 14th century, the monastery through series of renovations stood in three floors.

This monastery is known for decorated frescoes painted by Crete painter Theophanes Strelitzas.

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Agios Stephanos Monastery

This is the only monastery in Meteora that is visible to the naked eye from Kalambaka and is built on a lower rock tip.

After the Nazi aggression, the monastery was then taken care of and reconstructed by nuns.

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Varlaam Monastery

Named after the monk who first inhabited the place, the monastery is being consisted by three churches and a water tank.

After Varlaam died, brothers Theophane and Nektarios did some renovations in the place. The monastery also has a fine museum that shows collections of relics and wooden crosses.

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http://laurenceourac.com/through-the-heights-of-meteora/

Images:
(1) http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/607/cache/meteora-monastery-greece_60700_990x742.jpg
(2) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v452/kate_dogma/for%20Web/MAP_ROUTE_2012.jpg
(3) http://www.lovethesepics.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Meteora-Holy-Trinity-Agia-Triada-monastery.jpg
(4) http://travel.smart-guide.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Monastery-of-Agios-Nikolaos-Anapafsas-Meteora.JPG
(5) http://www.mikereyfman.com/Photography-Landscape-Nature/Meteora-Monasteries-Greece/big/MR0138.jpg
(6) http://worldalldetails.com/sightseeing/meteora_greece_459185.jpg

Discover the sand and sea of Dakhla

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This amazing deserted area is diverse from other deserted place. Dakhla is a place where you would see as the desert meets the sea. This exquisite place is not yet popular to may tourist but seems to set a change in tourism setting.

The dusty town is a potential destination for people who are trying to get away from the busy world. This town has a lot of beautiful places great for sightseeing and other activities.

Attraction

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The Spanish Cathedral

This Old Catholic cathedral built during the reign of Spanish settlers is worth the visit although it is locked and unused, the cathedral was able to keep its beauty over time.

The Spanish desert architecture uniquely designed the cathedral with all straight lines, curves and domes.

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The Lighthouse

Outside the town is the Spanish lighthouse that upsurges from a tiny cape is very visible from most area in Dakhla.

Visitors have to walk a fairly long road going to the lighthouse and have to climb 240 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse where you will have the best spot to view the spectacular view of the area around it.

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Kite Surfing

The perfectly flat waters of Dakhla Lagoon is best for beginner and progressing kite surfers.

A couple of wind and kite surfing sports have opened up along the beach due to the amount of wind around Dakhla. Kite Surfing brings majority of tourist and potential tourists to Dakhla.

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Location and Transportation

Situated at the Atlantic coastline of Morocco, Dakhla is the capital of Western Sahara. It is situated 1500 km away from Casablanca, lies just north of the Tropic Cancer on a sandy peninsula. It is considered as the end of Morocco.

To get to Dakhla you have to get a flight to Casablanca. From Casablanca, you need to book a flight to Dakhla with currently seven flights per week. Dakhla is connected to the north by bus, however, there is no bus station in Dakhla. You can ride a bus, taxi or rent a car if you will be traveling to other places outside Dakhla.

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Climate

Dakhla is a subtropical desert with low altitude arid hot climate with a constant water temperature all year round (25°C).

The mean temperature is 20.4 degrees Celsius (68.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Total annual Precipitation averages 33 mm (1.3 inches) which is equivalent to 33 Litres/m² (0.81 Gallons/ft²).

http://laurenceourac.com/discover-the-sand-and-sea-of-dakhla/

Images:

(1) http://www.windseekerholidays.co.uk/morocco/dakhla/
(2) https://www.flickr.com/photos/maykal/4317023603/
(3) http://www.africa.com/western-sahara/travel/tourism/
(4) http://www.thetravelmagazine.net/dakhla-where-desert-meets-sea.html
(5) http://moroccoonthemove.com/2013/10/14/discovery-wreck-ocean-liner-kaiser-wilhelm-transform-dakhla-global
(6) http://www.kiteworldwide.com/wp-content/uploads

Pleasing indulgence: Portimao

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Reveal the distinct sight of commercialism meets harmoniously with the rays of nature’s beauty all combined in one stunning place Portimao.

Enjoy the taste of Mother Nature’s marvel while still getting the urban dimension of the town’s bounteous but friendly population.

Location

Placed within Algarve region’s west coast in the country of Portugal, there is no question why Portimao owns some of the most proud beaches. Algarve as a whole is being bordered by sandy shorelines and astounding rock formations that is definitely a sight to behold.

Portimao covers approximately 182.06 square kilometer and is being known as one of the most populated towns in the district of Algarve.

Climate

The town is perfect for those who wants to achieve that golden glow especially during summer because the weather is hot and dry. This compliments the abundance of beaches and made perfect for water sports and activities.

Dry periods can be experienced between the months of May till September. While July is expected to be the warmest month during the entire year, it is common for the month of January to be the wettest and coolest month.

Transportation

Faro Airport serves as the start point especially for foreign travelers. From the said airport, Portimao can be reached via different options like of private car, trains and buses.

Around seven buses travel between Faro and Portimao and can take roughly two hours to complete the journey. Local trains can also be another route to consider.

The railway station is located at Portimao’s north city center.

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What to See

Praia da Rocha

The most famous destination in Portimao and a must visit list for salt sea lovers, Praia da Rocha’s beauty is translated not only through it’s golden beaches but with beautiful limestone cliffs as well.

The place is also filled with restaurants and cafes which is perfect especially for tourists who want to get the taste of both the scenic views and sumptuous meals.

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Santa Bernarda

Capture the picturesque sight of blue waters as Santa Bernarda’s main attraction focuses on ocean sailing through boats and luxury ships that allows tourists to admire Algarve’s wonderful shores and hidden caves.

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Aqualand

Formerly called the Big One, this water park offers varieties of water activities that are tailored to both kids and adults.

Get a dose of adrenaline rush as the place houses several slides all designed differently to fit different person’s definition of adventure.

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Fort of Santa Catarina

Originally serves as fortress against attacks, this historical spot not only brings tourists back in time but also allows to have the blues seas be seen by its strategic location overlooking the sight of Praia da Rocha.

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http://laurenceourac.com/pleasing-indulgence-portimao/

Images:
(1) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaA_dTH50qyVqTEmv-__8CV-xWaNG2wLy8x7kUQg-ktGRtSVihdKmMaqlBJRJAwPeNvS5jPVJs5_iBuQ4jJRA8oIA8c9WJa5iJbVG9hv_QH99j5jWoraEBU5ua1TKMLZyKCA9FP44Xws/s1600/IMG_3950.JPG
(2) http://www.airports-worldwide.com/img/w/faroairport.jpg
(3) http://img03.deviantart.net/b72c/i/2010/270/7/f/praia_da_rocha_ii_by_duchovny-d2e4abj.jpg
(4) http://www.algarveholidayfun.com/uploads/4/7/1/0/47106185/9004074_orig.jpg
(5) http://i.ytimg.com/vi/R4FPVhObUzM/maxresdefault.jpg
(6) http://www.baixaki.com.br/imagens/wpapers/BXK35128_fortaleza-de-sta-catarina-ii-cabedelo-pb800.jpg

Embrace Tabriz

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Location

Capital of Azerbaijan in the northwest Iran, Tabriz stands proudly as it cradles to be one of Iran’s most populous city.

Divided into two districts which is Central and Khosrowshr, Tabriz became one of the key players in the country’s history due to the rich heritage that flows within the nooks and corners of this ancient place.

Climate

Tabriz possesses a continental climate with low humidity. It has a steppe climate with cold winter and very dry summer.

Generally, the climate is dry throughout the year, with the rainiest month of April seeing an average of two inches of rain.

Transportation

The place is accessible via plane as flights from and to Tehran are made available though Iran Air. 

Tabriz can also be reached via card drive through bridge over the Turmia Lake.

This route will take about one and a half hour to be completed. 12 – Hour train ride is also an alternative from Tehran as well.

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Attractions

Citadel of Tabriz

Locally called ark – e Tabriz, this excellent brick work and outstanding land mark was created in 14th century but was devastated by natural calamities like of earthquake thus causing some parts of it to collapse.

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Blue Mosque

Famous and historic, this mosque was built due to the order of then Iran’s ruler Jahan Shah.

This is a a reminder of a once great past. This is a notable architecture that is hugged by blue tiles.

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Shah Goli Park

This was considered to be the summer capital of Tabriz during the time of Qadjar dynasty. This is a pleasant garden found on the hillside surrounded by wealthy garden and manmade lake.

Believed to be constructed before the eighteenth century ended, the water garden makes an outstanding base to two boastful building replicating like of a peninsula.

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http://laurenceourac.com/embrace-tabriz/

Images:
(1) http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/81531800.jpg
(2) http://www.samchuiphotos.com/Iranstory/2/11.jpg
(3) http://www.hoomanb.com/pictures/iran/img_7936.jpg
(4) https://swedentosingapore.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/img_67062.jpg
(5) http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/16023586.jpg