All the great places for vacation

Monday, August 25, 2008

Traveling to Barranquilla, Colombia



Barranquilla is located in northern Colombia and is known as Colombia's Golden State.

This is a special district in Colombia, a very industrial district. It is the capital of the Atlantico Department, and is the largest industrial city and port on Colombia's Caribbean region. Barranquilla is the fourth largest city in Colombia and is strategically placed on the delta of the Magdalena River and has served as a port for maritime transportation. This city is also known as the cradle of Colombian aviation. Barranquilla is also home to a beautiful picturesque carnival.

Barranquilla is a beautiful city with many rich cultural activities to get involved in, especially if you at the right time of year. As with many other South American cities, Barranquilla is home to a fantastic, world renowned carnival, known simple as the Carnaval de Barranquilla. This carnival is one with traditions that date back to the nineteenth century. This carnival takes place four days before Ash Wednesday. During this monstrous carnival, most other city activities are stopped in their tracks due to the enormous amount of people in the streets dancing, performing musical masquerades and parades. This carnival is second only in size to Rio's parade, but is much less commercialized in comparison. There are many cultural dances and themes you may only find involved in this carnival, such as the Spanish dance of paloteo. There are also great dances like the African Congo and the mico y micas. There is a great and wide variety of Colombian music performed here at the carnival, such as the cumbia style of music. This style includes a variety of drums and wind instruments and ensembles. This carnival was proclaimed in the year 2003 as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Even though the carnival takes the cake for the city's main tourist attraction there are still other great things to do in this beautiful city. There is a great appreciation for the fine arts here in the city of Barranquilla. The main cultural scene in the city can be found at the Teatro Municipal Amira de la Rosa. Barranquilla is also home to other great cultural buildings such as the Cinemateca del Caribe, Centro Cultural Avianca, Centro Colombo Americano, and the Alliance Franaise which, of course, belongs to the Barranquilla chapter.

Here in Barranquilla, there are also many end of the year festivities which they start planning for in November, and sometimes even as early as October. Christmas, or Navidad in Spanish, is not only a widely celebrated holiday, but the holiest of days to the Spanish and other inhabitants of all South American countries and cities. The whole city of Barranquilla is transformed into a gorgeous city of lights and nativity scenes with parties every weekend of December to boot! If you are planning on coming to this part of the world for a vacation, December is a great time of the year to see this amazing city. It is especially a great time if you enjoy Christmas as much as the natives to this city!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Festivals in Germany



Germany holds some of the largest festivals in the world. They are throughout the year and are held all over the country. They consist about anything you can think of from music to the beloved beer. There is something to do for the whole family, so while making your plans to visit Germany, and why not see if there will be any festivals happening while you are there. You will be able to have a great time, and be amongst the locals for an up close and personal view of Germany.

The largest public festival in the world is Oktoberfest. It is held in Munich and is a 16 day event that starts at the end of September. The festival has more than 6 million people attend, who drink over 5 million liters of beer and eat 200,000 pairs of sausages. There are roller coasters and carousals in the Theresienwiese fairgrounds for the children who come with the adults. Music is provided by numerous brass bands that wear the traditional outfits of lederhosen and dirndls.

In Berlin, the Carnival of the Cultures is a four day festival that celebrates the cities diversity. In the past more than 200 million people visited the festival within its four days. It started in 1996, and has turned into a big event since over 400,000 citizens of the city are from over 200 countries throughout the world. The highlight of the festival is the Whitsuntide street parade which consists of street dancers, jugglers, and floats. There is also a children's festival that takes place nearby in Goerlitzer Park which is specifically aimed towards children.

One of the biggest music festivals in northern Germany is Lake Maschsee Festival. This festival is the kickoff to 20 days of events that have been nicknamed "the longest party mile in northern Germany". Millions of people come to enjoy music, food, and comedians. There are also clowns, and street parades which run down to the lake. People of all ages will have a wonderful time. The local parks hold special events for children. Fireworks kick the festival off, and another firework show ends the festival after the 20 days.

If you love Jazz music, be sure to go to the Baltic Sea Jazz Festival which is held in Rostock. Over 25 bands perform which includes many international jazz musicians that play in different styles. The festival is held in numerous venues and even includes a concert for children to enjoy. The Fete de la Musique concert which happens at the festival is an open air event that takes place in the beautiful gardens of the Holy Cross Abbey.

Germany loves to celebrate and have a great time. There is sure to be a festival happening while you travel there. Once you know when you will be in the country, you can do research and see what will be going on while you are there. Adding festivals to your travel plans will be a memorable part of your visit. Festivals are fun for the whole family.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Travel In Rio de Janeiro



Rio de Janeiro is located on the southeast coast of Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is one of the smaller of the twenty six states of Brazil. This coastal state is bordered by Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, and Esperito Santo. Rio de Janeiro is home to two very distinct geological features; there is the plain known as baixada and a plateau which is located from the shoreline of the country to the north near Minas Gerais. The capital of this small state is none other that the city of Rio de Janeiro, however, this was not the first capital of this state. In 1763 it was changed from Salvador da Bahia to Rio de Janeiro. Now with some of the country's history out of the way, let us get to some of the traveling hot spots.

Rio de Janeiro is, of course, famous for its amazing natural setting along with its carnival celebrations, samba, and beaches such as the Copacabana the Ipanema. These beaches are a great travel venue, as they are decorated with creamy swirled pattern mosaics. Along with the other famous landmarks here in the city of Rio de Janeiro, there is the giant statue of Jesus, which is also know as Christ the Redeemer. This statue is located on top of the Corcovado Mountain, and has just been recently named one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Carnival of Rio De Janeiro is one of the most famous to take place anywhere in the world. So, if you find yourself traveling to this part of the world, you would surely want to take advantage of this wonderful spectacle. The carnival usually takes place in the first weeks of May and is an international event.

The city of Rio de Janeiro is also home to one of the world's largest football stadiums. If you happen to be a fan of sports, this would be a must on a vacation to this city. Not only does is support one of the largest football stadiums, but it also houses the two largest forests inside an urban area. There is the forest in the Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca or the White Stone State Park, and located nearly in a connected fashion to this first park is the famous Floresta da Tijuca or the Tijuca Forest. These places are also excellent addition to any travel plans you may have.

However, the traveler abroad must be warned that for all its beauty, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most violent cities in the world. Not only must you deal with the reckless driving that is well known in this part of the world, but you must make yourself very safe if you plan on traveling to places in this region. If you are planning on long stays in or around Rio or Brazil you must take the proper steps to protect yourself. Even with these dangers in mind, if one takes the proper precautions, these beauties in South America can be viewed in peace and in awe.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Amusement and Themes Parks in Germany



The kids are along and getting restless. They have seen enough museums and landmarks. Instead of them being bored and felt like they are being dragged along, why not take them to one of Germany's fun parks. They are located all over the country and offer different experiences. Not only will your children be able to enjoy them. Adults can have fun, too!

Europa Park is Germany's answer to Disneyland. It happens to be the countries biggest amusement park. It is located close to the cities of Strasburg, Karlsruhe and Freiburg. The park has over 100 rides to choose from. One happens to be the Silver Star. It is the longest roller coaster in all of Europe. They have a lot of hotels to stay at since many people visit the park. Some of these hotels are themed like other countries. You can stay overnight at the hotel that is full of dcor from Italy, or feel like you are in Spain at one of the other hotels. If your children enjoy Six-Flags and Disneyland this will be an amazing time for the whole family.

Another one of the biggest amusement parks in Germany is Heide Park. It is very popular in the town of Soltau which is in the northern part of the country. The park currently has about 40 rides that are aimed towards families. They do have thrill-rides that are also a big hit. One of the most favorite rides by guests is the Colossos. It is a wooden roller coasted that was once the steepest in the world. There are also shows throughout the day which feature different themes. You may be able to see a dolphin show, pirate show, or a parrot show.

Movie lovers may want to take a visit to the Movie Park. It is located in Bottrop-Kirchhellen and consists of 6 different areas. Some of the attractions include Movie Magic Voyagers to Mars, which is a special effects show, a Hollywood Film Museum which is ran by MGM, The High Fall, which is a Freefall Tower ride, and a Blues Brothers show. They also have a "Nickland" which is especially for children. They will be able to ride Dora's Adventure Express, and see the Backyardigans Hip Hopper.

Phantasialand is a theme park that attracts more than 2 million people a year. It is located in the city of Brhl. The park is family-oriented but also has thrill rides. Some of the lands that are throughout the park are China Town, which is the biggest collection of Chinese structures outside of China, Mexico, which offers dark rides and architecture from Mexico, and The Silver City which is themed around the Wild West and includes two white water rides. There is also a hotel on the grounds that are Chinese themed.

Going to an amusement or theme park will let you discover parks other than the typical ones found throughout North America. You will be entertained for hours and may have to stay a few days to see everything. Your children will have a blast and so will you!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

The History of Niagara Falls



Niagara Falls, also known as Chutes du Niagara, and the surrounding area has a rich and interesting history. Beginning well over 10, 000 years ago, the landscape which is now honored as Niagara Falls was far different from how it appears today. Once a place where Native Americans made their homes along the river banks and in the natural woodlands all around the falls, Niagara Falls is a body of water that is currently used for a natural source of hydroelectric power and a main tourist attraction located in Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Niagara Falls, sometimes referred to as the Canadian Falls, draw tourists by the thousands each year. The falls are situated right on the border of Canada and the United States. Further, the name Niagara Falls may at first be deceiving to people who have never visited the falls as it sounds as if it only refers to one waterfall. In essence, Niagara Falls is actually a total of three falls: the American Falls, the Bridal Falls and the Veil falls. This immense water feature allows the passage of well over 160,000 cubic meters of water to topple over its immense crest line every sixty seconds!

The state of Wisconsin was once covered with natural ice formations; ice formations that are responsible for the creation of various land formations and bodies of water. Eventually, the glaciers continued to move through the Niagara region and form the geographical formations that exist today. Further, the melted glaciers are responsible for creating the bodies of water in the surrounding area, including the Niagara River and the Great Lakes.