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Travel Blog Posts


Florence

Published: February 17th 2013Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Florence
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February 10th 2013

When Roman soldiers founded Florence around 60 BC, its original name was Florentia, meaning “may she flourish.” It may have taken some 1,500 years, but flourish she did - becoming home and inspiration to Dante, Michelangelo and a lot of other really, really talented people. That's a source of pride for a city that clings to its history. Wander around, and you get the sense that Florentines never got the memo that Italy's capital moved south 140 years ago. And with a half-dozen breathtaking gardens overlooking it all, not only is the city flourishing, it's in full bloom. New York Times, 3 June 2007 ... read more



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January 5th 2013

Like most modern American metropolises, greater Miami is composed of several smaller cities. Here the cookie-cutter developments all tend to blend into one indistinguishable mass of peach stucco and Spanish tile. For the purposes of navigation, however, the city is essentially divided in two: Miami, the mainland city, which is businesslike in demeanor, with offices, malls, arts districts and residential subdivisions; and, connected to the mainland by causeways to the east, Miami Beach (a.k.a. South Beach), the slim, glamorous barrier island that is draped in Deco hotels and where life is lived as if it were one big party. Carolina A. Miranda: Miami: 10 Things to Do... read more



Jamaica

Published: February 16th 2013Central America Caribbean » Jamaica
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December 26th 2012

Jamaica lies about 150 kilometres south of Cuba but despite its location in the Caribbean Sea it doesn’t blend in easily with its neighbours. Nowhere else is in the Caribbean is the connection to Africa as keenly felt as it is here. Port Royal and Kingston were some of the main ports for the infamous slave trade. Many of the African traditions survived, and to this day many Jamaicans claim a stronger affinity for Africa than for neighboring Caribbean islands. Today, Kingston's crime and shantytowns deter most visitors but the capital is worth a brief visit, in particular for the famous Bob Marley Museum and Devon House. Montego Bay on the other hand, is home to Jamaica's busiest airport and cruise ship port. There is steady stream of visitors to the 'Hip Strip' - dozens of ... read more



Vilnius

Published: January 10th 2013Europe » Lithuania » Vilnius
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October 6th 2012

Maybe it is the cobblestone byways that meander through Vilnius and appear more suited for horses than horsepower. Perhaps it is the unexpectedly historic architecture or the hulking castles that whisper of medieval derring-do. While modernity certainly intrudes — it would not be a European capital without its Prada and Ermenegildo Zegna stores, now would it? — somehow or other, this Lithuanian city, despite its many recent changes, often has the feel of an old-world diorama sprung to life. New York Times, 29 April 2007 Vilnius' old town is charmingly medieval and surprisingly well maintained which makes it one of Europe's most attractive town centres. With its medley of architectural styles, cobblestone streets, brown-brick facades and more than 60 churches, it offers a near-perfect glimpse into the past. Like most medieval towns, Vilnius was developed... read more



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June 5th 2012

La Paz La Paz was established in 1548, and is located at an altitude from about 4,000m above sea level in El Alto to 3,100m in the lower residential area - quite literally, it is a breathtaking city. The altitude can be gruelling at first so it is wise to take things easy for the first few days. The central Plaza San Francisco is one of the city's most essential sites. Its church was begun the year after La Paz was founded and the vast plaza in front of it is constantly bustling. The nearby Plaza Murillo is much more quiet. It is surrounded by imposing buildings including the Presidential Palace, National Congress and the Cathedral. The World's Most Dangerous Road - Madness, but a thrill In 1995 the Inter-American Development Bank christened Bolivia's North Yungas ... read more



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June 2nd 2012

Cusco The former capital of the Inca Empire and current gateway to Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco is a definite highlight of South America and breathtaking not only because of its high altitude of 3,400m. The city offers a fascinating and unique blend of pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial history. Whilst the Spanish conquistadors razed most Inca buildings after their conquest of the city in 1533 they built upon the very foundations of Inca Cusco. Many perfectly constructed Inca stone walls still stand and are one of Cusco's most striking features. The old city is pleasant for strolling if for no other reason than to see the Inca stone walls that serve as foundations for Spanish colonial churches and palaces. In its full glory five centuries ago, it was the richest and most important city in ... read more



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May 30th 2012

If you are in Cusco and intend to visit Machu Picchu don't chose to go by train all the way. Instead, hire a car with driver for the day (90 soles) and leave Cusco early to visit the small town of Chinchero, the experimental agricultural terraces at Moray and at the salt pans of Salinas before stopping at Ollantaytambo. This will take approximately five to six hours and you will arrive in Ollantaytambo in the afternoon with enough time to visit this beautiful and quiet Inca town and the impressive hill temple before boarding the evening train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes). Stay here and catch the first bus up to the ruins the next morning. Chinchero Approximately 30km from Cusco and 3,760m above sea level, Chinchero should be explored at an ... read more



Arequipa

Published: September 18th 2012South America » Peru » Arequipa » Arequipa
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May 26th 2012

At 2,380 meters above sea level and surrounded by three impressive volcanoes, Arequipa is Peru's second most popular city among visitors (after Cusco). The Plaza de Armas is not only one of the liveliest but also one of the grandest and most beautiful of Peru. The cathedral dominates one side of the plaza whilst elegant colonial arcades complete the square. Look up and you see the ice-covered cone of El Misti, an ice-capped, dormant volcano towering over the city. Little remains of the original Inca city, but it is still gorgeous. The colonial architecture is a heady blend of Spanish, Moorish and mestizo influences. Francisco Pizarro, leader of the conquistadors, called Arequipa Villa Hermosa (Beautiful City). With its ornate buildings and perfect climate – 360 days of sunshine per year – it is not h... read more



From Lima to Nasca

Published: September 13th 2012South America » Peru » Ica
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May 24th 2012

After spending a few days in the beautiful colonial city of Trujillo in the north of Peru I returned to Lima from where I took the bus to the famous Nasca lines. In between, I stopped at the Paracas Nature Reserve for a boat ride to the Islas Ballestas and at Ica for a visit to the small but beautiful Huacachina Oasis. Islas Ballestas The Islas Ballestas are located some 15km off the coast of southern Peru. These islands are home to various birds and two varieties of seals (fur seals and sea lions) and can be reached by the small seaside town of Paracas. To get to Paracas, take the afternoon bus from Lima to Pisco (3.5 hours - as always, chose a reputable company like Cruz del Sur or Ormeno). Once in Pisco take ... read more



Trujillo and Huanchaco

Published: September 6th 2012South America » Peru » Trujillo
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May 21st 2012

Trujillo The colonial city of Trujillo in northern Peru is known as the "Capital of the everlasting Spring." The city centre contains many examples of colonial architecture and most of them are surprisingly elegant and ornamented. Most of the buildings have been well preserved and are painted in vivid colours. Trujillo is close to two major sites of pre-Columbian monuments: Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the ancient world, and the very impressive Temples of the Sun and Moon. Temples of the Sun and the Moon This major archaeological complex sits south of Trujillo and is considered to be the former capital of the Moche State. Its main sights are the Huacas del Moche which were built at the time of the Moche culture (100 BC - 650 AD). The first of two temples, Huaca ... read more






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