A Look Through Narbonne in the Southern France

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France is a country of stunning sights. From massive cathedrals and towering structures, it is all awe-inspiring. Yet it isn’t the only thing the country has to offer.

In the southern part of France lie different communes including Narbonne. It has the staples of the country – cathedrals and important historical sites – and to set the atmosphere from the rest, it has an intimate setting from the other common tourist spots.

LOCATION

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Once a burgeoning city and major port, Narbonne was reduced into a commune in southern France since its decline in the Roman times.

The metropolis is moved towards the current major cities of France, leaving the commune to be just another one on the stretch of sub-prefectures of the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Yet, the intimacy and the benefit of lying beside the Mediterranean Sea makes a perfect setting for those who wants to take a break.

CLIMATE

The best time to visit Narbonne would be in the month of August. It is summer at the place, yet the heat is not intense as in the month of July.

The days are longer during this month, which will give you ample time to explore the commune. Visiting in the winter months will most likely get you indoors due to coldness in the temperature especially in January.

Springtime is also a beautiful season with the flowers in bloom, yet there are some rainy days that may hinder you from looking through the city.

TRANSPORTATION

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Narbonne does not have its own airport but there are a lot of choices surrounding the commune. The nearest is Beziers, which is 33 kilometers away from the place and the farthest is from Gerona, which is 144 kilometers away.

You will find cheap train services from SNCF, Bahn.de, ÖBB, Renfe, SBB/CFF/FFS. It is better to look specifically for this site to get into details with regards to schedule and payment.

Getting around the city is best on foot. Traffic is heavy, as it is not made for cars. You will see parking areas by the bank of the canal, which is ticket-operated.

ATTRACTION

Town Center

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Narbonne center is bisected by Canal du Robine and is quite small. Only a few things can be seen in the market, but every Sunday is a flurry of activity.

One thing you should try is resting by the plaza and sampling the rich French banquet, all the while observing the locals and the place itself.

Buying from street vendors are also a refreshing break from classy restaurants.

Narbonne Cathedral

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For a small town, Narbonne cradles the third highest cathedral in France. From afar, the cathedral called Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur would be the only structure standing out from the town making it looks like a place trapped in time. Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur present structure dates back to 1272.

It was never finished, since it means demolishing the old Roman defensive wall. You would get more feel of the cathedral once you’re inside its looming walls, high ceiling immense arches.

Horreum

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Discovered in 1838, the Horreum lays only a couple of streets away from the cathedral. It is an underground granary building most probably connected to a market during the old times.

It contains ancient graffiti and only open during the summer months.

Archaeological Museum

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The archaeological museum in Narbonne contains a large collection of Roman artifacts, including a ship’s anchor.

It also contains remains from the Neolithic and Bronze Age, including skulls of the ancient man and arrows and broaches, respectively.

Via Domitia

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Another one you must see is the old Roman road called Via Domitia located at the town center. It was once a long road linking Italy, Hispania, and Gallia Narbonensis known today as the Languedoc and Provence in southern France.

What’s interesting about this place s you will see the shift in the depth of the ground as time passes by. The ground then is deep while it is higher now arriving to a conclusion that the soil could possibly have expanded.

Archbishop Palace

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The Archbishop Palace provides a stunning view of the cathedral and the Mediterranean. To get to the top top, you still have to climb steep steps.

It was once a defensive structure with a tower 42 meters high.

Abbaye de Fontfroide

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Half an hour away from the town center is a beautiful countryside. Beside the countryside is Abbaye de Fontfroide, an old Cisterian monastery built in the 11th century.

The countryside is an excellent source of wine and the structure itself is peppered with restaurants to sample the French cuisine.

Narbonne Plage

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Narbonne Plage is a beach located in the southern part of France. It is a popular destination of tourists when visiting Narbonne especially in the month of August, though it remains less crowded, which is a plus for anyone visiting.

Narbonne Plage was separated in the main town by a limestone massif called Montagne de la Clape.

http://laurenceourac.com/a-look-through-narbonne-in-the-southern-france/

Images:
(1.) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Narbonne_Cathedrale_Saint_Just_et_Saint_Pasteur-2008-26-07.jpg
(2.) http://www.map-france.com/town-map/11/11262/administrative-france-map-regions-Narbonne.jpg
(3.) https://www.renfe-sncf.com/rw-en/PublishingImages/narbonne_portada.jpg
(4.) http://static1.squarespace.com/static/52976dbee4b0009d44cfc357/52cb8412e4b0c0e80245c801/52cb8415e4b046a0c1495d41/1422422365563/Narbonne+plaza.jpg
(5.) http://blogs.artinfo.com/objectlessons/files/2012/05/narbonne-1.jpg
(6.) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKxHrVq18cxgLvHg75qJMhNLlep9tZAnzlN3bKXoQ4MUf_UFui8-IoGeD39ddgHIvQ8c4noQ2Xx4JvhxiBgQKHWlKela2blQCNDOXL1CPh9QOsPDKT0cU1HfLhY4La3HmrsnSw1jCapE/s1600/France+2011+No+2+298+A1+copy.jpg
(7.) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwk-vKA0KK7JJTyfegaW0QHT11E0oGQnw5hsxQV8kFkQZ78faf9Q_ruqCiVriuO0hwfrNjkChsxEroMG-cOfHyw4-Db_UdZrEqTImA1jri1aSff1BxSDO4f1uADOTaxmh54658C3MlTh6/s1600/Narbonne-24.jpg
(8.) http://static.ladepeche.fr/content/media/image/zoom/2012/06/12/1376-horreum-romain.jpg
(9.) https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2918/14534652869_2a68d0e36c_b.jpg
(10.) http://medieval.mrugala.net/Architecture/France,_Aude,_Narbonne/Narbonne%20-%20Voie%20Domitienne.jpg
(11.) http://4.bp.blogspot.com/–03kZSx0KWo/UGdIDqyOsNI/AAAAAAAABBQ/QyXoezgFoP4/s1600/DSCN0240.JPG
(12.) http://system.totem-info.mobi/uploads/clients/large/fontfroide-visuel2-1406563298.jpg
(13.) https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/w-qMou5EcuoD1lSC75eDVWEvumGelgqegLpRPqXDsAK6DPAoS9YT_tQIGZgrL3zI9XrgC0VbRlmZIL_puDF-d4i0CeD81xxqoVZhuvpdGIQz4IBv9U08DuUvYNpsiOzCpA

The Diverse Life Observed in Galle

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One thing that sets a destination apart from others is the mix of colors and cultures while thriving as one singular entity. When a place managed to be comfortable with other nationalities, or triumphed the divisions of religion, then peace and order would surely be palpable.

Due to the complexities strewn by these diversities, the picture created was that of a beautiful masterpiece, with flaws floating as strength. And when you’re a traveler, we all have this tendency to be pleased by jumbling hues and different languages effervescent in the air, it’s so much like to retain your identity without minding if you fit in or not. All of you who are in that same place at that exact moment are different, and it is through your singularity that you find solace.

If you want to be submerged onto this kind of place, then head quick to Galle in Sri Lanka, and be thrilled to know that there is a lot of differences happening in this little town, and yet, they work together towards progress and happiness.

Location

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Known to have 15 wards, Galle is specifically located Sri Lanka’s southwestern edge and is a good 119 kilometers away from an equally huge city of Colombo. Galle is dubbed to be the country’s fourth largest city and is home to the Gin River, which passes through several areas or wards in Galle such as Thelikada, Wakwella and Nagoda. Currently, Galle has almost 91,000 inhabitants as of last count and is known to be crammed by different nationalities from all over the world.

Climate

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According to the Koppen Climate classification, Galle is under the tropical rainforest class which meant a hot and humid weather all year round, with minimal to no variations at all. Due to the fact that Galle is facing a body of water, the only means of rainfall is coming from the monsoons of the Indian Ocean and is set to shower at the months of May through September.

The temperature in general at Galle is at 29-31-degrees Celsius and can be as low as 22-degrees Celsius during nighttime. Sunshine is expected to be at its peak with an estimate of 6-hour duration each day and a 200-millimeter precipitation rate during the summer season. Winters are of no difference from summers and can even be more humid with lesser chance of rain showers.

Transportation

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Roaming around the city wouldn’t much of a stress as the main transportation system of Galle is through bus rides. Just opposite the town’s cricket complex, buses are available for you to use which would give you trips to nearby cities such as Colombo, Hikkaduwa and Matara that can range from 30 minutes to three hours of road travel.

Trainways and car drives are also abundant in the whole of Galle, paving way to a more convenient and easy travel in and out of the city.

What to See

Flag Rock

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Located in the southernmost part of Galle, unleash your inner daredevil and climb the Flag Rock to experience the glorious Sri Lankan sunset, see other travelers lose their sanity over the beauty of the beach and have a bit of a taste through local vendors dotting the vicinity.

Galle International Cricket Stadium

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Built as far as 100 years back, see how Galle channels their sports-minded egos through the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Be astounded by how well this sports center has been preserved all this time and witness international games being played here if you’re extremely lucky.

Marine Archeological Museum

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Galle is a city pegged on waters and all that it encompasses.

The Marine Archaeological Museum is one of the few places from where you’d be able to witness how marine life had been to Galle inhabitants who have a display of shipwrecks, marine garments and all other artifacts.

Lighthouse Beach

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If you seek the thrill of swimming, then head straight to the Lighthouse Beach just on the east side of the Fort.

Be enamored with Galle’s very own white sand and cerulean sea and never forget that you dipped in the cool waters of the city.

http://laurenceourac.com/the-diverse-life-observed-in-galle/

Images

(1) www.business-for-sale.business
(2) www.nationsonline.org
(3) www.redletterbox.com
(4) www.panoramio.com
(5) www.mmusg.com
(6) www.snipview.com
(7) www.weliwattahouse.com
(8) www.relishvacations.com

Prevalence of Balance in Uppsala

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Balancing what left of the old version and the things has served as new is such an arduous and magnificent task to shoulder. Most would think that this works the same way as a trap, but nonetheless, the beauty and skill needed to carry-out this doing is only owned by a selected few.

We all have witnessed some places who never planned to move on from its deep-seated roots and have gone pretty much all right while some dashed through development as if there’s no other way but do it. The sheer success of places who managed to preserve how the way they were and the way they are now is something that is admirable and enjoyable at the same time.

And travelers are now very specific on places who can do weigh old and new ways properly and live with both. If you’re into this kind of frenzy, then the city of Uppsala is a place that you shouldn’t take for granted.

Location

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Considered to be Scotland’s fourth largest city, Uppsala is currently being inhabited by almost 145,000 locals and is continuously growing as time goes by.

Specifically, Uppsala is the seat of the Uppsala Municipality and is 44 miles north of Scotland’s capital, Stockholm.

Climate

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If ever you’d be in Uppsala, expect a climate that leans on warm summers and cold winters. The city is located in the so-called 59th parallel north and is expected to have a humid continental climate as according to the Koppen Climate Classification.

Temperatures are on a high bar during the months of June, July and August with 23-degrees Celsius as the hottest mark. Once November kicks in, temperatures generally drop to as low as -1-degree Celsius with February being the most frigid with -6-degrees. Ironically, July and August also have the highest levels of precipitation despite its warm temperature that can go as high as 74 millimeters of rain annually.

Transportation

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If you entered Scotland via its capital city Stockholm, allot at least 40 minutes of travel to get into Uppsala’s city center. Nearest airport that you can use to get in and out of this town is via the Arlanda Airport, which is an estimated 18-minute travel to and fro.

The city is also within reach by walking and you’d find yourself wandering about on the city’s inner pulse in shopping, historical destinations, upbeat ambiences of universities and culture complexes. Biking is also a mode of transportation that’s famous in Uppsala for health and adventure reasons.

What to See

Uppsala Slott

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Built in the Golden Year of 1550, visit this historic castle crafted by Gustav Vasa and enjoy displays of international contemporary art and Swedish displays of genius in craftsmanship.

Carolina Rediviva

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If you’re in the mood to release the bookish side of you, get your feet moving in the Carolina Rediviva that holds a huge collection of manuscripts, maps and book collections dating back as old as the Ethiopian times.

Botanical Gardens

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Uppsala’s Botanical Gardens are a huge platform for the locals to be proud as almost 10,000 of species of flowers and the infamous Linnaeum Orangery, which is 200-years old as of this writing.

Domkyrka

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Into a deeper know about Uppsala’s Gothic nature and be astounded with some of the artifacts to be seen such as Gustav’s funerary sword. Tours are available at scheduled times and dates.

http://laurenceourac.com/prevalence-of-balance-in-uppsala/

Images 
(1) www.corporate.vattenfall.com
(2) www.uppsala.guru
(3) www.csduppsala.uu.se
(4) www.awesomestories.com
(5) www.flickr.com
(6) www.commons.wikimedia.org
(7) www.botanicalartandartists.com
(8) www.commons.wikimedia.org

Outsmarting Aging and Embracing the Youthful Vibe in Graz

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When a city is dominated by a humongous number of students, one expectation that will surely float is the vibrant and endless activities that a young, restless mind would exude. It is through the youth that the city finds its inner inspiration—from the active lifestyle, the pleasant arts scene, the always challenged heart and the never-ending energy.

A city would be well defined by the type of inhabitants that it has and so when the area is dotted with a handful of universities and schools, then it can be deduced that the businesses, areas of attractions and melting pots of travel would be dedicated to what pleases the studying population.

If you’re planning a trip which would focus on being young and active, then get a shot at Graz, a city in Austria which is filled to its brim with flamboyance and rebellion which is the youth.

Location

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Divided into 17 districts, Graz is known to be Austria’s second largest city next to Vienna. Out of the almost 310,000 inhabitants currently residing in Graz, 45,000 of which are students coming from the Austria’s most prestigious, most intellectual and biggest universities. Specifically, Graz is located on Austria’s Mur River, which is on the southeastern edge of the country.

To Graz’ north lies Gratkorn, Stattegg and Weinitzen while Gassendorf, Feldkichen bei Graz and Seiersberg can be found on its southern side. Bordering the east are the cities of Kainbach bei Graz, Hart bei Graz and Raaba while Attendorf, Thal and Judenorf-Strabengel are the ones that are situated on the western border. Easily, Graz is about 120 miles off Vienna and 31 miles away from Slovenia’s Maribor.

Climate

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Preventing westerly winds and weather fronts is the great Alps mountain range, which is in the southeast position of Graz and this makes the climate of the city a little better than its neighboring cities in central and northwestern Europe.

The Graz’ weather is said to be under the Mediterranean class which equates to more sunlight and less wind or rain. Annually, Graz is said to experience an estimated and a generalized temperature of 8-degrees Celsius, 92 days of rain that will amount to 818 millimeters of precipitation and a whopping 1,890 hours of sunshine.

The hottest months are June, July and August and one can feel the frigid weather in Graz when the months of December, January and February kick in.

Transportation

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If you’d be coming in Graz via air travel, the airport that you’d be settling in would be the Graz Airport, which is a good 10-kilometer south location from the city center. Because of the city’s location, most of the flight catered by the airport would be for domestic destinations only, which would include Berlin, Rome, Glasgow and other German cities.

You’d also have a handful of choices when it comes to land travel and specifically when you have come from a nearby Austrian city. Bus rides are available from Monday to Friday, which would transport you to other Austrian cities while trains depart from Vienna hourly.

The railway system would even have international destinations such as the cities of Zagreb, Ljubljana, Szentgotthard and Budapest all for a fee and would range from four to six hours from Graz.

One common transportation to be witnessed in Graz grounds is through bicycling and this is something that you must try for a more ‘connected’ type of roaming around the area.

What to See

Alte Galerie & Museums

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Since Graz is a bustling city of intelligence and the lively arts scene, the Alte Galerie and Museums are complex where innate talent and creativity meets and treats locals and travelers alike. Be astounded by a rare collection of paintings, which are baroque-pegged and can date as far back as the Middle Ages.

There’s also a spot in the museum wherein you can skim an extensive set of collected coins from all over Europe and be in touch with your history class by reading it’s provided explanations and attention to detail.

Schlossberg

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See the whole of Graz in a higher standpoint and a trek to the Schlossberg’s top with a height of 473 meters. Atop this observation deck is the city’s most visible icon known as the Uhrenturn.

Have a choice between stretching thy legs by trekking the wooden slopes of fast track your agony by using the provided lift.

Schloss Eggenberg Parkland

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Relax your mind and feel the quaint ambience of the Schloss Eggenberg Parkland which boasts of well-manicured greens and visible Roman reliefs placed in various parts of this complex.

Murinsel

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Infusing architecture and the busy lifestyle of Graz residents, the Murinsel is the place to go when you want to feast your eyes to smartly-played building of a bridge while taking a break with your cappuccino.

This bridge is made of plastic and metal to be found in the Mur, one of Graz’ districts.

http://laurenceourac.com/outsmarting-aging-and-embracing-the-youthful-vibe-in-graz/

Images
(1) www.4gress.com
(2) www.mykafkaesquelife.blogspot.com
(3) www.commons.wikimedia.org
(4) www.usluairlines.com
(5) www.humanandnatural.com
(6) www.humanandnatural.com
(7) www.styriarte.com
(8) www.commons.wikimedia.org

Channeling the Fairytale Feel in Mechelen

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The influence of fairy tales and happily-ever-after has been indelible to almost every person’s memory since childhood. We all have watched a series of cartoons and have been read countless books of kings and queens when we were young, and it is no wonder why some of us have this silent liking to at least travel a place where these stories could have happened.

While we all have realized that it’s all the figment of a writer’s imagination, some never have forgotten and traveled to places where the sheer physical look is bursting of castles and affluence.

Indeed, there have been a lot of destinations that can satisfy one’s insatiable craving to be a queen for one day through medieval edifices and intrinsic details pertaining to kingdoms and such.

If you want to traverse a path that seemed to have been a scene from your childhood fairytale storybook, then plan a short trip to Mechelen, Belgium and be enchanted despite your age.

Location

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Mechelen is situated in the urban and industrial areas of Brussels and Antwerp, which is a good 25 kilometers away from each respective city. This small municipality is comprised of the Mechelen proper and some smaller areas called hamlets like the adjacent Nekkerspoel, Battel, Heffen, Leest, Hombeek and Muizen.

The river of Dijle majestically flows within the city, hence giving Mechelen the name “City of the River Dilje.”

Climate

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According to the Koppen Climate classification, Mechelen, due to its location between two humongous cities and the presence of the Dilje River, is under the moderate sea climate, which means that summers are pleasant to the touch and winters are generally mild.

Heavy rainfall can also be expected in the months of November and December being the wettest annually with 17 and 20 days of rain respectively. The hottest months are July and August with an estimated temperature of 24-26-degrees Celsius.

Transportation

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Heavily, the most known types of transportation present in Mechelen are through bus, bicycle and train systems. For bus rides, there are scheduled trips to nearby cities such as Antwerp and Belgium, to the airport and other rural areas such as Aarschot and Lier.

Mechelen’s bus system is one of the most convenient ways of traveling public, as most of the locals prefer to travel by bus rides. If you’d want to make it healthier, then get your pockets ready and rent bicycles to roam the city for the entire day.

Get the rentals from terminals such as V-Zit and De Nekker and reach spots such as the Mechelen-Nekkerspoel beach stations just by pedaling. When coming-in from Antwerp or Brussels, get a ride to the train stations found on these megacities and be transported straight to Mechelen’s train stop.

What to See

St. Rumbold’s Cathedral

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The Rumbold’s Cathedral is one of the most noted religious edifices in the whole of Mechelen due to the fact that this is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Be mesmerized by how Mechelen inhabitants have preserved the cathedral’s baroque structure and take witness to numerous paintings found inside.

Technopolis

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Known to be the brainchild of the Flanders Technology International, Technopolis is a science museum with permanent interactive or hands-on displays on everything that shouts science and technology.

If you have a kid during travel, this place is a must-see to expound your knowledge while having fun.

Mechelen Toy Museum

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Situated specifically at Nekkerspoel, the Mechelen Toy Museum is one of the most famous destinations of the town due to its wide-ranged collection of toys, old and new.

The museum is comprised of different categories that will definitely spark your interest such as construction toys, stuffed toys, soldiers and trains, transport in miniature, puppets, optical and sound-making toys, creative and educational toys.

Planckendael Zoo

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Aside from its usual purpose of taking care of animals, the Planckendael Zoo, which is founded in 1956, also is home to a separate play area for children.

Inside the zoo, be amazed by its rare collection of animals apart from the usual ones such as rhinos, antelopes and visons.

http://laurenceourac.com/channeling-the-fairytale-feel-in-mechelen/

Images: 
(1) www.brodyaga.com
(2) www.flickr.com
(3) www.flickr.com
(4) www.fiveprime.org
(5) www.grieftour.wordpress.com
(6) www.tripomatic.com
(7) www.en.wikipedia.org
(8) www.youtube.com

The promise of relaxation in Negril

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Immerse with the beauty of stretched coastlines and blue waters in the wonderful city of Negril. Feel the Jamaican vibe as the boasting shores meets the flamboyant Jamaican vibe that’s truly unique and attractive.

This is another version of paradise on earth. Have a piece and get away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world by setting foot to this delightful destination.

Location

Named after the Spanish word Negrillo, this resort town was developed to be the way it is back in 1950’s. Negril is located crossing between Westmoreland and Hanover.

Not only does this place include astounding shore lines. Some parts actually posses preserved wetlands and forests.

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Climate

The town is tagged to have a tropical weather. August is considered to be the warmest month while February happens to be the driest.

Generally, the weather is hot all throughout the year, which tourists find ideal in order to achieve the bronze glow from sun tan.

Transportation

The nearest airport is Sangster International Airport, located in Montego Bay. From here, travelling to Negril will take about an hour and 15 minutes drive.

Tourists can arrange a shuttle van ride from various airport transportation companies, booking firms and resorts.

Famous and established transport companies include Travel Around Jamaica Tours. PPJ Tours and Airport Transfers as well as Clive Transport Service.

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Attractions

Long Bay Beach

The most famous destination in all Negril. The beauty of this place has been described in so many travel magazines.

The list of best beaches will not be complete without its name being mentioned.

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Mayfield falls

Another tourist destination is located in the parish of Westmoreland.

It has two waterfalls, numbers of natural pools and various types of ferns, flowers and plants.

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Dunns River Falls

One of the most popular falls in Jamaica. This consists of layers of limestones forming like of stairs where travelers can climb.

This formation makes the falls more appealing and accessible to tourists.

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Royal Palm Reserve

This eco-tourism attraction happens to be the biggest in the country covering 300 x 6000 acres. This is where nature lovers can go to get a closer feel to Mother Earth.

The place is rich in greeneries and animal species that are truly educational and appealing at the same time.

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http://laurenceourac.com/the-promise-of-relaxation-in-negril/

Images
(1) http://www.bigshiptour.com/images/negrillight.jpg
(2) http://www.oocities.org/talkofthetowntours/map3.jpg
(3) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Sangster_Airport.jpg
(4) http://angelonyx.com/upload/iblock/c1c/c1ce9e2d57ad1f4bdcad269e64e33869.jpg
(5) http://things-to-do-in-jamaica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/EB42DFE40C6748B4AF1006F8AE85CA83.jpg
(6) http://www.wondermondo.com/Images/NAmerica/LesserAntilles/Jamaica/DunnsFallsSea.jpg
(7) http://jamaica-jamaica.de/wp-content/galleries/royal-palm-reserve-bilder/jamaika_0303.jpg