10 Fun and Free Things to Do in San Diego

You Don't Have to Spend a Penny to Enjoy Beautiful San Diego.

There is no place quite like San Diego, California. Blessed with wonderful year-round weather, visitors can enjoy many of the same favorite free attractions that are well-known to the Locals. While you should probably take your wallet with you because it contains your Driver's License and you may want to grab some lunch, for most of the day, you can keep your wallet in your pocket.

10 Great Ways to Spend the Day in SD that will not Cost you a Penny

1. A Day at the Beach

Whether you like to swim, surf or sail, head west until you see one of the many magnificent beaches. Bring your blanket and soak up some rays. Beaches are family friendly and also a great place to check out the local scenery.

2. Balboa Park

When in SD, be sure to make your way to the Nation's largest urban cultural park. Park admission to the 1,200 acre property is always free and it will cost you nothing to hike on some of the 65 miles of scenic trails. There are about 20 carefully tended gardens, some of which can be enjoyed for free. While tourists will have to pay a small admission fee to tour 1 of the 15 museums, daily tours of the park are free. On Sundays, everyone is treated to free organ music concerts.

3. Old Town

Stroll through the district and see the historical buildings that date back several hundred years. The oldest school house in San Diego is among the many interesting and historic sights.

4. Torrey Pines State Reserve

Nature lovers can catch a glimpse of the rare Torrey Pine as well as many other birds that call the area home. Situated in a protected preserve, this quiet and very scenic area is a great place for enjoying the fresh ocean air while doing a little bird watching.

5. San Diego Public Libraries

At last count, there were 38 public libraries in San Diego. All are always welcome to escape the heat and relax while reading a book or browsing the internet. Most libraries have regular free film screenings and other special events.

6. North Port Art Walk

On the second Saturday of each month, from 6:00pm-9:00pm, thousands of people walk up and down Ray Street taking in a vast array of all types of art. Go from gallery to gallery, enjoy some complimentary wine and cheese and maybe, pick up an original oil painting.

7. Museum of Contemporary Art

This downtown museum features minimalism, pop art, sculpture, photography and other genres of art from the 1950s to the present. Free admission is offered on the third Thursday of every month from 5:00pm-7:00pm.

8. Mission Bay Park

Get some exercise at this 4,600 acre park. You can fly a kite, practice your jump shot, play volleyball or maybe just sit back and watch the local skateboarders do their thing.

9. The Gaslamp Quarter

Turn back the clock and tour the boutiques, art galleries and small shops in this restored part of downtown San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter features some classic Victorian buildings and intricate period architecture.

10. Mt. Soledad

This La Jolla mountain top affords spectacular panoramic views of the City of San Diego, the coastline and Mission Bay. You can see for miles in all directions.

These are just a few of the many things you can enjoy for free in San Diego. There are many more free attractions that might pique your interest. If you are thinking about a vacation, why not come to San Diego. Escape the frigid winter and stay in style at the Mission Valley Resort, the ultimate in destination hotels and resorts.

For more information about the great cities of San Diego please visit San Diego Hotels website. This hotel is operated by Hotel Managers Group a leading hotel management company in California.

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5 Romantic Experiences To Enjoy In London

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As someone who was born and bred in London and consider myself a Londoner no matter where I am living in the world, I firmly believe that London lends itself to one of the most romantic and lovely places in the world to spend time with your loved ones. London can rival any other major city for the amount of fun and romance it can offer and more. One of the biggest and vibrant cities in the world with a wide variety of nice places to go to, it truly is a magnificent place for couples to enjoy. In this article I will list 5 of the most romantic things to do when spending time in London.

1. Taking a trip on the London eye and gazing at the London skyline with your loved one can be a really breathtaking experience. So many people come from all over the world just to enjoy this experience, but you can book yourself a VIP capsule just for yourselves and be served some champagne to go with your round trip.

2. London has some of the world's finest restaurants and steakhouses located in the city centre. Having a quality meal in a nice, cozy, warm environment (especially during the winter months) is a great feeling wherever you are, and in London there are plenty of opportunities to wine and dine to a wonderfully high standard

3. Taking a boat ride along the River Thames, particularly at night, and enjoying the beautifully lit buildings and settings is truly something to behold. Similar to taking a boat ride in Paris, another major city of love, this experience is definitely a must for couples.

4. In the months leading up to December and Christmas, there will be numerous out-door ice rinks set up all throughout the city. Holding hands with your partner whilst you skate amidst a backdrop of historic buildings and Christmas lights is an absolute treat, just like in the romance movies, and can be great fun even if you don't know how to skate.

5. Finally, London is one of the most beautifully built and planned cities in the world. Just walking along the streets, some over 200 years old, and admiring the gorgeous architecture and, traditional buildings is a romantic thing to do with your loved one. Why not give it a try and come over and embrace being in London as a couple? A dazzling city with huge potential awaits your visit.

Franny is a professional adviser and travel expert helping websites with their marketing online. Currently he is helping Romantic things to do in London, an activities and ideas for dates website, with their marketing. For more information about Romantic things to do in London, please visit their website for great travel information regarding London.

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Some Things to Do in Liverpool

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If you've never visited Liverpool before, you'll find yourself spoiled for choice in this north-western city and cultural hub, and even if you're a regular visitor here you're still bound to find new experiences to enjoy in Liverpool's dynamic and ever-changing arts scene.

Liverpool has many world-famous achievements to its name, but to many people in Britain and abroad, the city is most closely associated with its music exports - specifically the Beatles. Liverpool's tourism industry hasn't overlooked this fact, and you can find a number of high quality locations celebrating various aspects of the Fab Four, the most notable being the Beatles Story exhibition itself that features interactive exhibits. Dedicated Beatles fans can also trace the history of the band and its individual members by taking a Beatles Tour around significant areas of the city, including Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane and the former homes of the pop legends.

There are many other museums celebrating different aspects of Liverpool's heritage and culture, such as the Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum, the latter of which doesn't hold back in presenting a stark and thought-provoking insight into the suffering experienced by people in the past. Other museums in Liverpool similarly expand their horizons to tackle subjects larger than the city itself, such as the World Museum that collects everything from Ancient Egyptian artefacts to contemporary art works.

If you're interested in the arts, galleries such as the Tate Liverpool rival those of London and other cities, and Liverpool's recognition as European City of Culture in 2008 led to significant improvements in some of its major theatres and other entertainment venues, where you'll find a number of acclaimed and popular performances taking place throughout the year - from West End musicals to Christmas pantomimes.

Some of Liverpool's historic buildings are tourist attractions in their own right, including the city's two cathedrals and several hotels in Liverpool. If you're visiting with the family, Calderstones Park is located close to the city centre and is a great place to relax in the sun or enjoy outdoor activities, while football fans can also enjoy close proximity to the home grounds of two of the country's top teams - namely Liverpool Football Club at Anfield and Everton Football Club at Goodison Park. As a major city, Liverpool also offers all the shopping opportunities, restaurant options and night-time venues you need to get the most out of your city break.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has looking at Liverpool and hotels in Liverpool been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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Tags: hotels in Liverpool, Liverpool hotels, cheap hotels in Liverpool

How to Save Money in Venice, Italy

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If you're going to be visiting Venice, you'll quickly notice that it's a very expensive city, even by European standards. However, there are some tips and tricks you can learn in order to save money in Venice.

One of the best ways to keep your Venice travel costs down is to make use of public transportation rather than private water taxi rides. The Venetian form of public transit is called a vaporetto, or water bus.

It's important to understand the difference between water bus (vaporetto) and water taxi. The water bus is inexpensive public transportation costing just a couple of euros a ride; whereas the water taxi is an expensive private-hire form of transportation. It typically costs 100 euros or more to hire a water taxi.

You can save even more money on the vaporetto by purchasing a multiday pass. It's a great deal that many tourists aren't aware of or aren't confident enough to use. Buying a pass allows you to get on and off whenever and wherever you want, without having to purchase another ticket. That saves you money and time, and also offers you a lot of freedom.

Here's another money saving tip for Venice. If you want to experience riding in a traditional Venetian gondola, but you don't want to pay the 100+ euros that a private gondola ride costs, try a traghetto ride. A traghetto is a public transport gondola that takes you in a straight line from one side of the Grand Canal to the other side.

Taking a traghetto will save having to spend much of your walking time looking for bridges to cross the canal, and it's also a great way to participate in an authentic Venetian experience with the locals. A traghetto ride will cost you less than a dollar, which you hand to an oarsman as you get on. It's the best transportation bargain (and the cheapest gondola ride) in Venice.

What are traghetti? They are old gondolas stripped of their fancy decoration. They are rowed by two oarsmen: one who stands in the back like a traditional gondolier, the other closer to the bow. Passengers generally stand for the short trip, although you can sit down as well.

Be sure to get your terminology correct: don't confuse traghetto with vaporetto. A vaporetto is a motorized water bus that runs the length of the Grand Canal. In contrast, a traghetto (or traghetti, plural) is a gondola that is rowed by oarsmen and crosses the Grand Canal from side to side.

There are various traghetti operating at seven convenient spots on the Grand Canal. Just look for the striped pole that marks the spots. Oh, and be aware that most of the traghetti only operate until about lunchtime each day.

So there you have it: save money in Venice by using the water bus instead of the water taxi, and take a traghetto ride instead of a private gondola ride.

If you want to learn all about great places to visit in Italy, then check out Barbra Sundquist's site on how to plan the best Italian holidays. Barbra is an Italy fanatic and travels there every year to research and update information for her Italy travel blog.

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Peru Travel: Andahuaylillas, America's Sistine Chapel

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The small church in Andahuaylillas has been dubbed America's Sistine Chapel because its interior decoration, which includes fabulous murals and paintings, recalls its Vatican equivalent. Located about 45 km from Cusco, a visit to Andahuaylillas can be added to a Cusco or Peru vacation package.

Formally named San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, this church is typical of churches built by Spanish colonists and missionaries in the southern Andean region in order to facilitate evangelization efforts among the indigenous populations resident in the area. The town itself was founded in 1572 by the viceroy Francisco de Toledo and its purpose was to gather the natives, who lived scattered across the countryside, into concentrated communities. This process and the towns were known as reducciones.

Built at the turn of the 16thcentury, this church is on the main plaza, like many other churches throughout Latin America. The remains of Inca walls in the interior indicate that the church might have been built on top of a huaca, or an Inca sacred place, a common conquest practice. The exterior architecture of the church is simple enough and provides a sharp contrast to the stunning wealth of decorative detail housed inside.

In the interior of Andahuaylillas church, visitors are treated to an archetypal example of mestizo baroque style. Almost every square inch is covered in ornamentation. Gilded altars rise from floor to ceiling and saints decked out in rich finery inhabit various nooks. Gilded rafters are lined with fruit and floral motifs. Paintings in gilded frames line the upper walls of the church. In keeping with the baroque style, details abound and the effect is that of an overgrown garden layered with gold. The style is termed mestizo because many of the images, painted by local artists, are specific to the Andean region and are significant only in the local context.

Painters whose works can be found in Andahuyalillas include: Luis de Riaño, who was born in Lima but moved to Cusco and was active in the 17thcentury; Diego Quispe Tito, an artist born in San Sebastian, just outside Cusco; and anonymous contributions from artists trained in the Escuela Cusqueña, or Cusco School of Art. These artists received training from Spanish and Italian priests who were themselves schooled in Europeans styles of art. However, local artists, especially those from the Cusco school, infused the religious-themed paintings with Andean symbols and meanings.

Indeed, aside from the abundance of golden detail, the most interesting thing about Andahuaylillas is the specific imagery in the paintings and murals. Instructed to paint specific religious scenes, artists with no direct knowledge of the European world adapted religious representations to make sense in the local context. The result is fascinating - misplaced and incongruous images, for example a 15thcentury castle in a biblical scene.

Don't miss the mural on the interior wall as you enter. It represents the 2 possible paths in life. The first is the easy path, a wide road that welcomes all with simple temptations and then constricts into hell. The second starts as a narrow path starts, difficult to stay on, but those who persist on it are rewarded with an easier track later on and are welcomed into paradise

How to Get There

Andahuaylillas can be reached from Cusco by hiring a private transport or taking a public bus and can be added to a Cusco vacation package. For those traveling to or coming from Puno, tour buses frequently include a stop in Andahuaylillas.

This article was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Cusco vacation packages for your trip to Peru.

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Peru Travel: Architectural Mixture in Cusco, the Imperial Inca City

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Mestizaje is a term used to describe the meeting of two or more distinct elements. When you travel through Peru and Latin America, this is evident in aspects as diverse as food, religion, and even the physical appearance of people, which is a product of the confluence of indigenous, Spanish, African, and other cultures. Mestizaje is also evident in the architecture of the imperial city of the ancient Inca civilization, which travelers can appreciate as part of a Cusco vacation package. Although the Spanish conquerors razed many Inca structures in the effort to impose a Spanish settlement upon Cusco, some parts of Inca edifices, including many of the palaces and temples that surrounded the Plaza de Armas, were preserved and incorporated into Spanish buildings.

Architectural mestizaje takes many forms. For example, just off the Plaza de Armas, Inca and Spanish architectures share the same corner of Calle Triunfo and Santa Catalina Angosta. An Inca wall is identifiable by its stones which are perfectly fitted together; stone on stone with no mortar, cement, or other binding element in between. Also, the corners are rounded, and the wall itself leans in slightly at an angle. Spanish builders later added portales, or arched, covered walkways, all around the Plaza. The corners of these stones form perfect right angles and the mortar between the stones is clearly evident. Moreover, the Inca were unfamiliar with the arch, making it a strictly Spanish construction. Around Cusco, it is not uncommon to see Inca walls form the lower part of a building, and Spanish walls forming the remainder or extending out from the original structure. The Archbishop's Palace, former the royal palace of Inca Roca, is a perfect example of architectural mestizaje.

A second type of architectural mestizaje is the use of Inca stones to construct Spanish buildings. Indeed, Inca palaces and temples served as quarries for the construction of Spanish churches, temples, and houses. It was common for Spanish builders to destroy Inca buildings and reshape the stones to suit their own purposes. The Cusco Cathedral and Santo Domingo Church, formerly the Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun, are examples of this. The architecture of both is classically Spanish, but the stones are evidently of ancient Inca origin.

One interesting facet of Inca architecture is that the walls, not only in Cusco, but throughout the region, have been able to withstand the severe earthquakes that have struck regularly in the centuries since the Conquest. Spanish constructions, on the other hand, crumbled easily during these major earthquakes. As an example, Santo Domingo Church sustained critical damage in the earthquake of 1950, which ironically exposed Inca walls that had been covered under layers of Spanish plaster and bricks. The original Inca walls are now incorporated into the exhibit structure of the church. Such are the wonders of architectural mestizaje that travelers can appreciate in the Inca imperial city on a trip to Peru.

This article was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Cusco vacation packages for your trip to Peru.

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Tags: cusco vacation package,travel to Peru, Peru trips, Peru holidays, Peru vacations

Chinese New Year in London

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Unlike the Western New Year celebration, Chinese New Year, based on the Chinese calendar, is more than just a 1-night celebration. In fact, Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration that includes many festive Chinese traditions. For the Chinese community living in London, as well as other London residents and visiting tourists, Chinese New Year is an exciting occasion, full of celebration and rejuvenation.

To begin, it's important to note that Chinese New Year doesn't fall on the same day each year. Since the holiday is based on the lunar and solar calendars, the date fluctuates from year to year. However, you can usually count on it being in late January or early February. If you're planning your trip to London for the occasion, you can look online to learn exactly what day the festivities are scheduled to take place.

The London Chinatown Chinese Association hosts a variety of events throughout the city, and one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in London can be found in the famous Trafalgar Square. Large crowds gather in this central location to celebrate with costumes, food, dancing and other traditional activities. A parade also runs through the area in the morning, followed by live entertainment through the evening.

Another London neighbourhood that is the perfect place for celebrating Chinese New Year is, of course, Chinatown. In honour of the New Year, the streets of Chinatown are decorated and special stalls are set-up, serving authentic Chinese food and other Chinese goods. During your visit to Chinatown you can also witness traditional dragon and lion dances.

Finally, if you wish to learn more about the Chinese culture during your visit to London, several of the city's museums feature exhibits which showcase the unique Chinese culture and China's varied history. For example, for the 2012 New Year, the National Maritime Museum will host a day of Chinese music and workshops on the Chinese culture. Also, if you want to explore other parts of the English capital while still sticking with the Chinese New Year theme, you can visit The Tea House in London's famous Covent Garden for a spot of Chinese Oolong tea.

When you plan your trip to London for the Chinese New Year, it's a good idea to book your tickets as far in advance as possible, as flights to London can fill up fast. Similarly, there are a range of London hotels to choose from, and early-booking will help ensure you get the type of room you want.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has lookins at Chinese New Year in London and flights to London been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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Get Pleasure From Various France Festivals And Events

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Festivals and special events happen all the time in France. Visit any city in the region and is more likely to fall under some kind of festival or special event. The beautiful weather and endless sun encourages people to celebrate singing, dancing as well as dressing up in different costumes. There are several advantages for cheap ferries, especially in places where many of the destinations of the island, where nature can be surprising.

Several ferry companies present you with a good deal on a regular basis, so be careful because they can represent significant savings. Travelling by ferries to France with your family, would be more enjoyable. France is a nice hub to many cultural and entertainment events set regularly throughout the year.

Nice Carnival:

Carnival, the winter season jewel in Nice is one of the main events in France held annually in February. During this festive period of two weeks, more than a million visitors assemble at the noisy streets and line up to see the big parades. Nice Carnival is currently one of the largest and most renowned of its kind. Parades of luxury with processions of musicians and dancers, while the characters on stilts with the big cardboard grosses entertain party-goers, day and night. Open-air concerts and street theatre shows are among many other activities that accompany Carnival. Book cheap and affordable ferry tickets in advance to enjoy this Carnival.

White Night Festival In Paris:

It is popularly called Nuit Blanche by French local people. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, Nuit Blanche sees countless Paris galleries, museums and city halls. It has become a hotly-anticipated annual celebration of all things art and culture in the city of light. Don't miss out on Nuit Blanche, if you would like to taste the continued dynamism of the Parisian arts scene.

Enjoy Tour de France Race:

It happens to be the biggest cycling race organised in the world and is a good sight to see, with huge international coverage and total, 3.2 million Euros will be awarded to the teams and the riders. Circling the country, it hits major cities and small villages, climbs Pyrenees and the Alps as well as climaxes at Champs Elysee of Paris. The Tour de France is the world's most famous and gruelling bicycle race. Followed by millions, it races through France every year in July. It also brings the finest cycling athletes from around the globe to one place, one race. Today it is more popular than any other sporting event, including the Olympic Games, World Series and Super Bowl.

The author is a professional writer from UK for about 10 years. He has been writing ferries to france and cheap ferries related articles to help travellers find the best ferry deal.

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Best London Tourist Attractions

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London is home to plenty of attractions known for art, architecture, culture, history and entertainment. Here are some of London's best attractions to treat you on your visit to London.

Tower of London

The Tower of London was built in the 11th century and has played a very prominent role in English history. It is the original royal fortress and is located on the north bank of River Thames. It is one of London's best sites depicting the history and glory of England. Throughout the centuries, the tower has been a palace, prison, and arsenal (store for the weapons and equipments in the country), place of torture and place for crown jewels. Millions of people visit the tower every year and is one of world's heritage sites in the UNESCO list since 1988.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a bascule and suspension bridge over The Thames and was opened in 1894. It is an iconic part of the London skyline and the glinting blue upper walkways offer special views of building that line the river, the city centre to the west and the Docklands to the east. The Tower Bridge Exhibition attracts people to the bridge, where the construction is explained and visitors are allowed to look into Victorian engine rooms and know about the power that raised the bascules of the bridge.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is London's famous public square and tourist attraction in central London that was created to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. The National Gallery in the north, St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in the east, the Strand to the south of the Church and many prominent statues make the square a unique attraction in London. Nelson's Column is the most well known statue commemorating the death of Admiral Horatio nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar. King James II statue and George Washington statue are found on the lawn in front of the gallery. The Eleanor Cross, Admiral Arch and some more reveal the historic glory of Trafalgar Square.

London Dungeon

London Dungeon is one of London's famous attractions recreating gory and macabre historical events in a gallows humour style. With live actors, special effects and rides, this site appeals younger audience largely. It was opened in 1974 and is operated by Merlin Entertainments. It's highly thrilling to face the worst nightmares, take rides like extremis and traitor and have several unique experiences.

Globe Theatre

Shakespeare's Globe is located on the south bank of the River Thames. It's a commemoration to the famous English poet and dramatist William Shakespeare. The current theatre is the replica of the original Theatre built in the 16th century, which was burnt to ground in the 17th century. It is a commemoration to William Shakespeare one of world's best English poets and dramatists.

The history of the theatre dates back to the 16th century. The theatre was first built in 1599 and a fire accident in 1613 burnt the theatre to ground. It was rebuilt in 1614, however it didn't last long. It was completely demolished in 1644. With the efforts of American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, this theatre today invites people all through the year. Events, interactions and plays hosted here with excellent backstage support areas for actors, lobby, restaurant and all amenities make this theatre more special. United States, Germany, Japan, Italy and many other countries have built replica of the current theatre.

Hope this list would have been something different for you!

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5 Rome, Italy Annual Cultural Festivals Not to Be Missed

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With Rome being absolutely crammed with culture it is no surprise that the locals like to share this culture with the rest of the world. Throughout the year there are a number of events which take place which, whilst enjoyed by the local residents, are also a great excuse for tourists to visit this marvellous city. The festivals, whilst varying in nature, are consistent in the pleasure and richness that they add to the already charming culture of Rome. Below are just some of these festivals which you may like to attend:

Estate Romana Festival - Held annually between June and October, the state Romana Festival sees various locations around the city host a choice of forms of entertainment including jazz concerts, rock concerts and classical music concerts. There is also an assortment of sporting events, film and theatre spectacles as well as children's activities meaning that this truly is a festival for all of the family.

Antiques Festival - Located in the Via Dei Coronari, which is the antiques epicentre of Rome, the Rome Antiques Festival is an opportunity for the antiques dealers of Rome to display their artwork to the public. The majority of the items on display are for sale, although the festival also represents a good opportunity to browse the various antiques on offer.

Culture Festival - For those who intend on visiting the many museums which Rome has to offer, this is the ideal opportunity to do so at a minimum cost. During this week most of the museums around the city open the doors to their exhibitions to the public without any charge. The aim of the week is to promote Rome's extensive and rich culture.

Noantri Festival - Although primarily a Christian festival, the Noantri Festival provides a great experience to all, regardless of their religious beliefs. The singing and dancing on display is colourful and engaging and will appeal to all. It is hard not to get swept away by the atmosphere of this traditional event. One of the highlights of the festival is the parading of Vergine del Carmine statue through the streets of the Trastevere district.

The Festa di San Giovanni - Every year on and around June 24th the citizens of Rome celebrate the birth of John the Baptist. The celebrations are glorious and vivacious. Highlights include firework displays and the procession of all members of the Clergy in Rome through the streets of the city. There are a number of traditions associated with this event which will be of deep meaning to Catholic tourists and of cultural interest to other.

James spends a lot of time in Rome, Italy and especially loves the local foods and wines. ames also promotes Piazza Navona apartments and Rome accommodation for tourists in Italy.

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Traveling In New York - A Complete Guide for Your Next Visit

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New York is such a beautiful city, full to the brim with skyscrapers, shops and so much more; when you visit New York you need to be able to get around as quickly and as cheaply as possible; thankfully this is not hard to do if you know the local transport system.

One of the great methods of travel is the Hop-on Hop-off New York Bus Tour that can be taken advantage of if you have a New York Pass, this pass will let you on the bus that will take you from one place to another without you having to worry about how you're going to weave in and out of the traffic or whether or not you have enough cash for a taxi ride. Not only does the bus take you to some of the buildings/attractions that New York is most famous for but it also last for not one day, but two which means you can slow down and see New York at your pace.

They are an attraction in themselves and are quite literally all over the place, I'm talking about the huge amount of taxi's that make their way around New York every single day. If you need to get somewhere then all you have to do is step slightly off the curb and hold your arm out; if the taxi lights are lit up showing just the medallion number it means the taxi is available to take fares, if the 'Off Duty' lights are lit up it means just that and if there are no lights lit up at all it means the driver already has a fare; so to summarize all you need to look out for is a taxi whose medallion numbers are lit up and make sure you have the minimum fare on you which is approximately $2.50.

If it's raining and you cannot get a taxi because they seem to disappear when it rains, or you want to travel further you can always ride the subway. The New York subway may seem pretty scary to those who are not used to it but if you go prepared and have a New York Metro Card with you, then it won't be that difficult. The subway is a great method of transport with many trains arriving every hour. You do need to be careful though because there are pickpockets, etc. around - but this isn't just limited to New York, it's a world-wide issue for subways. Thankfully the crime rate is no longer what it used to be but it's better to play things safe and not take any risks. Subway travel can be a lot of fun and it is a very convenient and fast method of transport.

Traveling to New York is such fun and it becomes even more fun when you get there so start looking at some New York vacations as soon as you can and get ready to make use of the superb transport facilities.

Even though you'll be staying in New York it does not mean you'll have to pay sky high prices, there are some relatively cheap hotels that offer you the luxury and friendly service you expect to receive while staying here.

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Exotic Jaipur Tourism

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Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is filled with the passion of pink and royalty.

Jaipur houses several splendid mansions of yesteryear Maharajas. The majestic structures that adorn the landscape of Jaipur include Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort and many more. The architecture of these massive forts and ambrosial palaces is an ideal amalgamation of Indian, Mughal and European architecture. These citadels are amongst the best attractions of Jaipur. Tourism in Jaipur is packed with everything that mesmerizes and enchants its visitors.

While in Jaipur, enjoy the merriment of indulging in its vivacious festivals, cultural events and religious fairs. Most of the festivals celebrated and held here, such as the Gangaur and Teej, are devoted to one or the other manifestation of Shiva and Parvati. The festivals are marked by a vibrant procession, which proceeds through the core of the Pink City. Women dress up in bright clothes and wear heavy gold and silver jewellery. They celebrate the festivities by singing songs and swinging at the swings or "jhoolas" specially set up for the occasion. If you plan your Jaipur trip in the month of March, attending the famous Elephant Festival is a must. Get captivated by the sight of flamboyantly caparisoned elephants graciously marching on Jaipur streets.

An array of shops lining the bustling market area of Jaipur, offer a vast variety of shopping. The blue potteries of Jaipur are famous all over the world. The intricate marketplace sells skirts, quilts, kurtis, bags, embroidered shoes, turbans and carpets in plenty. Pick up a few items for family and friends as souvenirs of this beautiful city. Sanganeri garments are a must-buy. They are finely embroidered and available in bright colors.

Yet another highlight of the Jaipur tourism is the world's most royal and lavish train, the Palace on Wheels. It offers a royal stay on board. It covers all the major destinations of Rajasthan. Traveling on this train is an experience of a lifetime. It is packed with modern facilities and adorned by lavish interiors, royal coupes and wonderful dining facilities. The memorable tour starts from the Delhi Cantonment station and moves through Jaipur - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Ranthambhore - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur and Agra, in this order.

The cuisine of Jaipur is mouth-watering and spicy. Don't miss eating daal-baati-churma, a specialty of the Rajasthani cuisine. The chaat preparations of Bapu Bazaar are quite famous. The food stalls in Jaipur sell delicious hot jalebis. These are just a few delicacies as Jaipur has much more to offer when it comes to teasing your taste buds.

While on Jaipur tourism in Rajasthan, it will be fun indulging in various princely games. The Rajput charisma lingers in the aura of the city. You will sense it while watching a polo match or the fabulous Vintage Car Rally. During your holiday in Jaipur, you will surely have the time of your life!

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Tags: Jaipur Tourism, Jaipur Travel Guide, Rajasthan Tourism, Jaipur Tour, Attractions of Jaipur

The History of Edinburgh, Scotland's Capital City

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Steeped in history and famed for its panoramic skyline, Edinburgh is one of the world's most enchanting cities. So what is the history of Scotland's capital? Well, Edinburgh's history is one that stretches far back to the Bronze Age. Here, this ancient civilisation found themselves dotted along East Scotland's coastline and further towards the central belt; both areas which are now consumed by Edinburgh's growing boundaries. Historians believe that later, during the Iron age, a tribe known as the Votadini ruled the area.

By the 12th century, Edinburgh's famous crag and tail - a glacial rock formation that now acts as the rocky perch for the city's iconic castle - was home to a fortress and look out which quickly established itself as a burgh; otherwise known as a trading town. During the next few hundred years, Edinburgh - or Dunedin or Edenburgh as it was known then - became something of a religious and regal hub as monks and the monarchy alike moved to the city and called it home.

The 1600s were a tumultuous time for Edinburgh as the Scottish Reformation - where the Scottish church moved away from Catholicism to Presbyterianism - as well as the birth of the Union - where Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland became one nation - the United Kingdom.

The 1700s were little different as the city was temporarily occupied by Jacobean forces on their way to fight in the Battle of Culloden; a battle that was subsequently lost. Some time after this and once peace was restored to the city, Edinburgh played host to the Scottish Enlightenment - a period of time where the cultural foundations - for which Edinburgh is now globally renowned - where laid. For example, during this time Edinburgh's New Town was built and still remains one of the most striking and beautiful examples of Georgian architecture in the whole of Britain. Writers and poets such as Robert Burns starting creating their most famous works while science and philosophy also played an important role thanks to the work of James Hutton and David Hume.

In the 1900s, Edinburgh was overtaken in size by Scotland's other big city - Glasgow - whose industrialism saw it become an epicentre for manufacturing. Today, Edinburgh's industries still reflect its history as a city steeped in culture and academia with key business types being in the arts, banking, education, digital design and Edinburgh HR consultancy.

Never visited the beautiful city of Edinburgh? Make sure to book your trip now that you know the history of this wonderful city.

Mary McGee is an expert in travel and tourism.

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Tags: Edinburgh HR, Edinburgh, Scotland, history

Empire State Building

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To many the Empire State Building is one of the most renowned tourist attractions within New York City, and is high atop the list of many New York sightseers. In previous decades, the skyscrapers relevance in pop culture was sky-high, as it was included in many different pieces of literature and films.

Standing at 102 stories tall, the Empire State Building is located where 5th Avenue and West 34th Street collide. The name of the building is derived from the nick name for New York, which is also known as The Empire State.

After its erection, the building was the tallest building in the world for longer than four decades. Construction of the Empire State Building ended in 1931, and the building remained the world's tallest building until several other buildings were built in the city, including the World Trade Center North Tower, which eclipsed its mark when it was finished in 1972. Following the events of September 11th, 2001, during which the North Tower collapsed after having a jetliner flown into it, the Empire State Building is once again the tallest skyscraper in the city, towering above the rest.

The huge building has received numerous awards for its excellent architecture. In fact, even in 2007, over 70 years after construction on the tower was completed, it was still ranked number one on the List of America's Favorite Architecture, which is an award that is given by the American Institute of Architects. The a ward shows how beloved the skyscraper is in American culture, even now.

As of today, the Empire State Building is recognized as the 3rd highest skyscraper in America (surpassed only by the Willis Tower and Trump International Hotel and Tower), and is also recognized as the 15th tallest building in the world. The building is in the process of undergoing some serious renovation to ensure that the building is ready for the future. During the renovation, they will ensure that the building is up to energy efficiency standards and environmentally safe.

The building was designed by William F. Lamb, whose firm produced the blueprints for the building in less than 14 days, using a plethora of previous designs. Work officially began on the Empire State Building on March 17th, 1930. At the time, New York was chasing the title of having the world's tallest building, and the Empire State Building would be a solution to that problem.

When the tower first opened on May 1, 1931, it instantly became one of the largest New York attractions, attracting those who were sightseeing New York. Still today, the Empire State Building is the centerpiece of many pictures of New York. The building lights up the night sky, with its renowned floodlights that are pointed toward the top of the building.

Today, nearly 70 years after the skyscraper was constructed, it stands for the liberty and grandeur of the United States. Although it is no longer the tallest building it the world, its relevance in pop culture is still evident through photos of New York City, as it stands above every building that surrounds it. The Empire State Building is an iconic American site.

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Tags: new york, new york attractions, empire state building

New York City's Central Park

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New York City's Central Park may be the most popular public park in the entire world. It is located in the middle of the Manhattan borough in New York, and receives upwards of 25 million visitors each and every year. The locations relevance in pop culture is still felt, as the location has been seen in many different movies including, famously, "Home Alone." Central Park first opened its figurative doors to the public in 1857. The space was built on over 770 acres of land that was owned by the city at the time. Shortly after the park first opened, a plan to renovate the park was created and the park was officially completed in 1873.

The location is a designated National Historic Landmark, as of 1963. The park stretches between 59th Street and 110th Street, and is approximately half a mile wide throughout. Central Park is a must-see tourist attraction for most individuals that visit New York. One of the more popular attractions within the confines of the park, is the "Angel of the Waters," a fountain that was erected in the park in 1873.

Starting in the 1960's, the Park has played host to a number of well-known events. The Public Theater holds an annual "Shakespeare in the Park" festival, in which a number of different theatrical groups will perform plays written by Shakespeare.

Throughout the 1970's, amid political turmoil in the United States, the park became a venue for huge events that included protests, political rallies and gigantic concerts. During that period of time, crime within New York City was high and many of the city's residents were leaving for the suburbs. Central Park reigned as a meeting ground for individuals of all beliefs, and helped to inflate the low morale of New York residents. These events also helped the Parks Department to create funds. Throughout the 1970's the Parks Department experienced severe budget cuts, and were looking for ways to get anyone in the park to create additional revenue that would allow them to take care of Central Park properly.

The number of people who were in the park caused a great deal of decay, and poor management contributed to the situation. In the early 1980's, efforts were started to restore the park. This included planting numerous types of trees, and the promise to citizens that graffiti wouldn't last more than 24 hours on any wall in the park. This policy has been upheld through today, even though graffiti is not the problem that it once was within the park. Along with the renovation came a restructuring of park management to ensure that the problems of the past would not persist.

Central Park is the most well-known and visited park in the United States. It is home to many different activities including birding, boating, and different sporting events. Central Park is engrained in the fabric of New York City, and has become a relevant part of American culture since it was first constructed and opened in 1857.

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Tags: new york, new york attractions, new york tours, new york central park

New York, New York - A City of Theatre

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The Big Apple is a prime business and conference destination, attracting companies and individuals from all over the world who seek the very best facilities. And beyond the New York conference rooms, there's a whole world waiting to be discovered.

The pull of 'the city that never sleeps' goes beyond its corporate excellence, so why not take advantage of your visit to enjoy the delights of America's cultural capital? With big Broadway shows, world-class opera, cutting-edge fringe theatre, and music and dance scenes bursting with talent and innovation, there's something to suit every passion.

Broadway

Lavish sets, sweeping storylines and show-stopping numbers: for pure escapism, the magic of Broadway can't be beaten. After a hard-working day in your New York conference rooms it might be just what you need - and there's always plenty of choice. Alongside long-running Broadway staples, modern classics like Wicked or the Lion King are bound to put a smile on your face, while a chance to see the rave-reviewed and controversial new show on the block, The Book of Mormon, will make you the envy of musical fans back home. The theatre district is home to plenty of top restaurants, so make a well-earned night of it with your colleagues before getting some rest in preparation for tomorrow's meetings.

Off-Broadway

For those who enjoy their entertainment a little more off-beat, New York isn't all glitter and showtunes. The city is host to a wealth of theatres and production companies, whose repertoires range from Shakespeare to cutting-edge new writing - and everything in-between. Maybe a bit of whimsy or existentialism will boost your creative thinking and help you move forward in your meetings in those New York conference rooms, so check the listings for the latest and most interesting productions in town. Many of the musicals that run initially in smaller Off-Broadway venues end up moving to Broadway, so who knows; you might even stumble upon the next big thing!

Shakespeare in the Park

If you're feeling cooped up in your New York conference rooms, a stroll in Central Park might be just the trick to help you unwind - and the park offers plenty of activities and entertainments to let you make the most of the open air. In the summer months, you can enjoy theatre in the great outdoors with the Delacorte Theatre. Located to the southwest of the Great Lawn, this picturesque venue traditionally hosts two shows as part of the annual New York Shakespeare festival. There's little more soothing than sitting among Central Park's verdant landscape and watching some of the finest plays ever written. Best of all? It's free!

These are just a few of your options - word of mouth is also a valuable tool for discovering the best and most up-and-coming entertainments, so keep an ear open for ideas as you network with business associates.

Looking for New York conference rooms? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best New York conference rooms and a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

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Tags: New York conference rooms, New York theatre

Visiting the Charming Tuscan Town of San Gimingnano

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The town of San Gimignano is tucked away in the Tuscan countryside in the province of Siena. From your Tuscany villa rental, you can easily reach this medieval walled town that was founded in the third century BC by the Etruscans. It is probably best known for its production of the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

As a stopping-off point for Catholics on a pilgrimage to Rome in the Middle Ages and Renaissance Era, the town flourished until the plague hit in the 1348 and it was compelled to submit to the rule of nearby Florence. Today, San Gimignano offers a wealth of history and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the centre of its heritage are the Communal Palace, the Collegiata, the Chiesa di Sant'Agustino, and its artistic and cultural contributions.

Communal Palace - Within easy reach of your Tuscany villa rental, in the centre of San Gimignano, is the Communal Palace. Situated near the Collegiata, the palace has been the seat of local government since it was built. Constructed in the 13th century and expanded in the 14th, the Communal Palace now houses a museum and gallery. The gallery, on the second floor, houses works by Fiorentino, Leonardo da Pistoia, Tamagni, Pinturicchio, and other members of the Florentine school.

Collegiata - When you visit San Gimignano on a day out from your Tuscany villa rental, you should schedule in a visit to the Collegiata in the Piazza del Duomo. When San Gimignano had a bishop, this church was the town's cathedral; but later, after the bishop's seat was removed, the Duomo reverted back to a Collegiata (a large church). Its creation began in the 10th century, and while the façade is very plain, the Romanesque interior is known for its art. Frescos by Bartolo, Gozzoli, Fredi, Maiano, adorn the walls of the main hall and the chapels, and the trip is worthwhile even if just to see these.

Chiesa di Sant'Agustino - Wander north of the old duomo and visit the imposing 13th century Chiesa di Sant'Agustino, or Church of St. Augustine. Inside, the large hall of the interior is dominated by the fresco,'The Life of St. Augustine' by Benozzo Gozzoli, which dates from between 1463 and 1467. Also take time to look at the Cappella di San Bartolo, located to the right of the main entrance. It holds the remains of Saint Bartolo and is decorated with a white marble altar by Maiano.

Culture in San Gimignano - After you have been in the town for a few hours and seen the main churches and tried a tipple of the local wine, why not take a stroll and soak up the culture of the city before returning to your nearby Tuscany villa rental? Just one example is that the town is the birthplace of Folgore da San Gimignano, an esteemed poet of the 13th century. He wrote mostly about hunting scenes, and was most famous for his thirty-two sonnets - two of which, 'April' and 'May', were set to music by Italian composer Lorenzo Ferrero, in 1971. Simply by spending time in this gorgeous Tuscan town you will be able to glean many more snippets of the history and culture.

Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect Tuscany villa rental in Chianti as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each property is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.

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Tags: Tuscany villa rental, Tuscany travel, San Gimignano, things to do in San Gimingnano

Picasso Museum, Barcelona

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The most popular museum in Barcelona is dedicated to Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) and covers the artist's formative years in the city, his famous blue period 1901-04, and his variations on the Velázquez masterpiece "Las Meninas" the permanent collection is on the top two floors.

Early works

The oils that line the walls of the first section of the Picasso museum, are from his adolescence. They are mainly portraits such as the famous "Man with Hat" (1895) other works include "Carrer de la Riera de Sant Joan" (1900), a view from the artist's studio window, and "Passeig de Colom" (1917) another view-inspired painting. The next rooms deal with the artist's social impressions of his first trip to Paris, and include what must surely be one of the most passionate paintings of all time: "The Embrace" (1900). His groundbreaking Blue and Rose periods are possibly the least represented in the Barcelona museum, although the space devoted to them does contain "The Madman" (1904) in which Picasso conveys human suffering with unprecedented skill.

The "Las Meninas" Paintings

The "Between the Wars" rooms illustrate the artist's first venture into what would become known as Cubism in "Figure with Fruit Bowl" (1917). But much of this work acts as a mere interlude to the "Las Meninas" series of paintings. From the early 1950s Picasso started looking towards the great artists such as El Greco, Manet and Courbet, but his prime Obsession was with Velázquez. The result was a series of canvases on the common theme of the Spanish painter's masterpiece "Las Meninas" (dated 1656 and on show in the Prado)

Final years

The final section of the Museum: "The last years", shows Picasso's need to increase his output. He worked around the clock producing a spontaneous almost naive and infantile style. He also dabbled in Ceramic work and collage work; examples of both are in the final room

General Information

The Picasso Museum Barcelona is located on Carrer Montcada 15-23, 08003, Barcelona.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-8pm.

Nearest metro stops are: Line 4 - Jaume I, Line 3 - Liceu, Line 1 - Arc de Triomf Station.

Group: if you are planning to visit the Museum as a group you must make the booking before 2pm the day prior to the visit or you will not be allowed entry. Groups are not allowed on Sunday's wen the museum is reserved for individual entry only.

The Picasso Museum Barcelona can get extremely busy at times, if you would like to beat the queue you can purchase tickets before hand you can through Eventus Accommodicum.

Here you will also be able to compare prices on Barcelona Hotels close to the museum.

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Luxury Holiday to Los Angeles: What to Look Out For

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Home to the stars, Los Angeles is one place people head to when all they seek is the best of everything!

Whoop it up in the West Hollywood, laze around on the beaches of Santa Monica and revel in the splendour of Beverly Hills - Los Angeles offers great options of luxury holidays to keen vacationers. It isn't very hard to see why this 'Entertainment Capital of the World' continues to attract people like moths to a flame! With impressive architecture, incredible museums and movie studios - among other lures - it sure makes sense to plan luxury holidays to Los Angeles

Accommodation

Hotels cannot be much far away when one speaks of luxury holidays. Let us take a look at some of the top hotels in the city that define the word 'luxury'.

The Beverly Hills Hotel

The abode of rich and famous, the Beverly Hills Hotel is the perfect option for those with fat wallets! Ideally located in the heart of Beverly Hills, the property is flanked by verdant tropical gardens and exotic foliage. Not surprisingly, Beverly Hills Hotel makes it to the most of the luxury Los Angeles deals.

The Peninsula Beverly Hills

The Peninsula Beverly Hills is an elegant estate that treats its guests with high-class European ambiance. Loaded travellers on their luxury holidays can take advantage of the hotel's full-service spa and in-house designer boutiques. A stunning roof-top pool adds to the property's appeal.

The Bel Air Hotel

Tranquillity resides at the Bel Air Hotel! It is a classy hotel that ensures privacy and serenity to its guests. Stretched across 12 acres of beautiful grounds, the Bel Air Hotel is surely a top option for those seeking a temporary dwelling on their holidays to Los Angeles.

Dining Out

The concept of luxury holidays is not just restrained to great hotels; it surely incorporates the dining out experience of the tourists. Eating out in Los Angeles is a classic luxury holiday experience. With so much on offer in so many different ways, one is bound to chance upon something that is just delightful to his senses! Restaurants in Los Angeles are pioneer of sorts with different joints setting new culinary trends constantly.

Melisse

Located in Santa Monica, Melisse is renowned to serve traditional French cuisine with New American influence. The list of culinary options available at this top restaurant reflects seasonal and specialty items, much to the benefit of the visiting patrons.

Water Grill

The very best of fine dining in Los Angeles! This is what Water Grill all about. Considered to serve the best seafood in the region, Water Grill doles out incredible fish preparations that are sure to tickle the taste buds of the guests on luxury Los Angeles holidays.

Athenea Bar & Grill

Athenea Bar & Grill is a charming place to have your food. Offering both indoor and al fresco dining experience, Athenea Bar & Grill is perhaps most known for its wonderful music scene that comprises live bands and international DJ's.

Nightlife

Hotels? Check! Dining? Check! So, what else is needed to brew a luxury holiday that remains unrivalled all over the world? Incredible Nightlife! Indeed, a thrilling nightlife is what that puts icing on the cake and adds fun to holidays. And what better place than Los Angeles to substantiate this truism! Los Angeles is stuffed with bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes. The streets of Hollywood are peppered with bars and clubs; there are sports bars and beach lounges in Santa Monica; and rooftop lounges in the Valley. House of Blues, The Roxy Theatre and Viper Room are some of the prominent night hotspots in the city.

Angelina Eve is holiday specialist and writes content on travel industry. She writes articles on luxury holidays to Los Angeles, Dubai, Thailand, Australia, India etc. Click here http://www.awayholidays.co.uk/us/losangeles/ to find luxury Hotels.

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Tags: luxury Los Angeles deals, holidays to Los Angeles, luxury Los Angeles holidays

Brazil Travel: Manaus Past and Present

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Manaus is smack in the middle of Brazil's northwestern territory, a location that makes it ideal for travelers interested in launching on an Amazon tour, whether along the river or into the rainforest. It is the largest and most populous city in the Amazon with over 2 million inhabitants. Of the total population of the Amazon, 50% lives in the Manaus metropolitan region.

The city's location on the Amazon has granted it some importance in the history of Brazil and South America. Manaus was founded in 1669 and for many years was existed simply as a Portuguese fort build to guard against encroachment by the Dutch from the north. In the 18th century it was also populated by missionaries who sought to evangelize the neighboring indigenes. This became the status quo throughout the colonial period while the Spanish, French, Portuguese, and other European groups were still positioning for control of the region.

In the late 19th century, as industrialization in general and the manufacture of automobiles in particular required the use of rubber, the Amazon rose up to meet the demand, producing a rubber boom that inflated the fortunes of Manaus. Those who benefitted the most from this economy, the rubber barons, built opulent mansions and spent millions on public buildings such as opera houses and churches.

These edifices were constructed in the art nouveau and neoclassical architecture styles popular at the turn of that century and many of them, mimicking buildings in Europe, verged on the gaudy. The most famous example of this is Teatro Amazonas, the opera house which is still the pride of Manaus today. Visitors to Manaus have the opportunity to visit the opera house and view performances by the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra.

Other buildings constructed during this time are the Municipal Market Adopho Lisboa, which is a replica of Les Halles in Paris; the Customs Building, which was built of stone blocks imported from England; and the elegant Palace of Justice. The new found wealth of Manaus also brought additional improvements to the city, including electricity, a sewage system, potable water, and tram transport.

Continued demand for rubber production kept Manaus and other Amazon cities - Iquitos, Peru, also became wealthy from the boom - floating high for several years. However, the winds of wealth shifted in the early 1900s, when rubber seeds where smuggled out of the Amazon and planted in southeast Asia, which eventually resulted in the rapid impoverishment of the city. The streets of Manaus were plunged into darkness when the city could no longer afford to power the generators that produced electricity for its streetlamps.

In the 1950s, Manaus's fortunes began to turn once again when it became a duty-free zone. For the remainder of the 20th century, this change caused in-migration to Manaus from other parts of Brazil and, in some areas of the city, resulted in disorganized settlement. Today, the economy is principally dependent on industrial production - which includes brewing, shipbuilding, soap manufacturing, chemical production, petroleum refinement, and mobile phone manufacturing. Ecotourism is also gaining increasing importance in the local economy, with hotels and other attractions concentrated in the center. The port of Manaus remains main transport hub for the entire upper Amazon Basin.

This article about Manaus was written by a travel expert at Brazil For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Brazil tours as part of your fully customizable Brazil vacation.

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Tags: Brazil travel, Manaus tour, Amazon tours, Brazil tours, Brazil travel package, Brazil holiday

Egypt - A Mystic Land of Wonders

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When I was a kid, Egypt was like place of my wild imaginations. My immature intelligence often allowed me to visit pyramids or watching dead mummies walking in my daydreams. One of the oldest civilizations in the world, Egypt is blessed by Nile River: a river that always sounded mystic and had no match in the world when it comes to its length. Be it death of Tutankhamun or ambitious tale of Cleopatra VII, lives of these Egyptian rulers have been synonym to Mystery.

Ancient name of Egypt was Kemet (black land) referring to the fertile black soils of the Nile. By 6000 BC a Neolithic culture was ingrained in the Nile Valley. The Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza were built during 2700-2200 BC. When Ptolemaic Kingdom was in powerful state, Alexandria became capital of Egypt centering Greek ethnicity and trade, its last ruler Cleopatra committed suicide with her lover Mark Antony right after being captured by Caesar Augustus. Christianity came to Egypt in the 1st century.

Early in 7th century, Egypt was absorbed into the Islamic Empire by the Muslim Arabs. French invasion of Egypt was led by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798, when French were thrown out of Egypt in 1801; wrestling for power begins between British Forces and Albanians. Out of this chaos, the commander of the Albanian regiment, Muhammad Ali emerged as an ambitious leader and ruled Egypt until 1848. In June 1953, Egyptian Republic was declared free nation.

Like very few countries on earth, Egypt has very attention-grabbing geography. Despite being called Arab Republic of Egypt officially, it is part of northern Africa, borders Gaza Strip and Israel to northeast, Red Sea to east, Libya to west and Sudan to its south. Wondered for it' geographical diversity, Egypt encompasses fair share of Sahara Desert to Nile Delta (delta formed in Lower Egypt where Nile River spreads out and drains into Mediterranean Sea). One of the most crowded countries in Africa, the majority of Egyptians resides near banks of Nile.

In Hollywood movies, Egypt is depicted as place that breathes Mystery and that is not without a valid reason. Tutankhamun who ruled Egypt for nine years, died at young age of 19. What caused his death remained one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in history. Some historical studies say that the Sphinx is a lot older than Egyptologists believe. They also raise question like what exactly happened to the Sphinx's nose (referring to Sphinx Pyramid). Ancient Egyptian literature described an enormous temple that they called the Labyrinth, but why hasn't it ever been found? Talking about existence of Mummies many of us don't have answers to question like 'Was there actually a curse on King Tut's tomb?'

Doesn't matter how much we trick our brains to solve these mysteries, they would always remain up in the air otherwise who would call Egypt- a mystic land of wonders.

The Article is also published on my blog, Do feel free to visit me online sometime. Be it updates on Life style, Entertainment or Fashion, do not forget to check: https://www.facebook.com/beinganshulofficial

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Cusco Travel: Top 4 Sports Bars in Cusco

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For the average Western traveler moving through Peru or Bolivia for any amount of time, the almost inevitable moment strikes when the traveler desires the simple treat of a beer in a somewhat familiar bar setting.

Luckily, travelers arriving in Cusco have something of a selection of bars to choose from. All of these British-owned or British-themed bars and pubs will be a treat, offering a decent range of beers and other beverages that will fulfill the longing for a brief taste of home.

Nortons Rats - Located just off the main plaza, with balconies overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Norton's is the perfect place to enjoy a mid-afternoon brew or late evening night cap. This ceiling is decorated with the world's flags as well as whimsical details like the face masks of past U.S. presidents above their most memorable quotes; "I do not recall." The bar also has a few televisions which can be tuned to your favorite football, rugby, tennis, or baseball match. For additional diversion, there is also a pool table.

Paddy's Pub - Just across the street from Norton's; whereas Norton's is bar Paddy's is pure pub. The menu is delicious, the space is smaller and more conducive to conversation. A television is available for viewing sporting events. Be sure to check out the unusual art work that adorns every nook and cranny of the venue, as well as the photographs that beautify the bathroom.

Cross Keys - Up the street from Paddy's, Cross Keys is bigger and has diverse areas to suit every bar need, including a small sit down bar, pub-style seating, comfortable sofas for fireplace lounging, a terrace to enjoy moments in Cusco sun, as well as televisions for your must-watch sporting events. For aficionados of darts, Cross Keys provides the requisite equipment. They also have a good selection of happy hour drinks.

The Real McCoy - This bar is also on the Plaza de Armas, but on the opposite side. Like the others, this one is on the second floor, but it's tucked into a gallery. To get there, walk to the narrow passageway, take the stairs up, and walk around to the entrance. The Real McCoy's has an excellent food menu and a small library for book exchanges. This bar is the least bar-like and is more suited for get-togethers with small groups of friends. It also has a decent happy hour menu and, of course, a television.

In Cusco, there are also numerous lounges, as well as other bars, but more in the Peruvian style, which means they're better for larger groups and they're menu selection will be less familiar to the Western traveler.

This article was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Peru trips and Cusco vacation packages as part of your fully customizable Peru vacation.

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