Friday, October 31, 2014

!!!ABU DHABI!!!

Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates. Unlike its neighbor Dubai, Abu Dhabi is valued for its calm, green gardens and Corniche. Despite this very luxurious modernity, the abudhabiens continue to practice the traditions and ancestral customs: falconry, breeding thoroughbred racing camels, date palm cultivation, henna decoration ...
Abu Dhabi means "father of gazelle" and comes from the following legend: a gazelle enabled the discovery of a source to the site of an ancient village. Formerly, there was a large castle overlooking the village: the White Fort, the palace of sheiks.

Although it is often misunderstood, Abu Dhabi is an archipelago of 200 natural islands that can take full advantage of white sand beaches and luxurious hotels.

Among the safest destinations in the world, Abu Dhabi is ideal for family holidays where the Ferrari World theme park and Yas Waterworld will delight young and old alike.

Note: Abu Dhabi will host in a few years five universal cultural institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2015 on Saadiyat Island.

The tourist part of Abu Dhabi revolves mainly around the Corniche. This "Promenade des Anglais" Eastern version is a pleasant place to stroll and discover the excitement of the city. Besides the museums, you can admire the Emirates Palace Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in the Arabian Peninsula. If you are interested in browsing, have a look at Bateen Shipyard, where traditional dhows are built. If you want to board one of these boats, the Dhow Harbour offers gourmet cruises in the bay of Abu Dhabi. For cultural parenthesis, do not miss the great mosque of Sheikh Zayed, the third largest in the world! Finally, to rest from all these visits, the Khalifa Park offers a heavenly setting, relaxing and green.

Unlike the port of Dubai, it is mainly for tourism. So you can embark on one of these traditional vessels to the round of the Abu Dhabi bay while enjoying a gourmet menu.

Coming to the Emirates to admire the natural landscape is a bit of a funny idea. However, if you start to get tired titanic malls and hotels bling bling, there is still some way to make a "back to basics". In addition to its desert, Abu Dhabi is fortunate to have several islands in the bay (link). They are home to animals, parks and beautiful beaches, but you will still not escape a few large hotels and souvenir merchants. Although less touristy is Al-Ain (link) oasis; this ancient city in the heart of the desert, that any nicknamed "Garden of the Gulf". Fewer buildings, more gardens, in short, what a breath of fresh air.

Abu Dhabi bay is dotted with the most heavenly one than the other islands. There are nearly 200.

Among all, two were connected by bridges.

Right next to the airport, Yas Island will be appreciated by athletes who will test its golf course and Yas Formula 1 circuit also hosts the Ferrari World theme park and the Yas Waterworld water park.

Saadiyat Island, the pristine sandy beaches, ideal for lovers of relaxation. Eventually, Saadiyat will be the cultural center of the emirate, with the construction of five museums including the Louvre Abu Dhabi will open its doors in 2015 and the Guggenheim museum planned for 2017.

For others, it is accessed by boat.

The Lulu Island, the "Island of pearl" is artificial but offers stunning views of the Corniche. Lulu is closest but many other islands are accessible along the bay to the west.

The greater the island of Sir Bani Yas that houses a beautiful natural park where animals are grouped 20,000 and the last Christians in the region remains and numerous archaeological sites. Sir Bani Yas is perfect for nature lovers: hiking, horse riding on the beach, biking in the mountains; safari animals in the middle of parole; kayaking in the mangroves and snorkeling ... or just lazing on the beach!

Let's visit the beautiful Ouarzazate in Morocco

This is a city out of the bowels of the earth in the desert in the south of the Kingdom, with a variety of decorations as elusive qu'époustouflants. Burning sand, snow-capped peaks, lush palm groves and oases, haughty ksours, fortified villages and sumptuous Kasbah, this is the charm of an idyllic town in another millennium. Ouarzazate, a city of the convergence of cultures and crafts, marks the starting point of the road oasis. It is at the crossroads between the valley of Drâa- who digs up his bed Agadir- Dadès- from the High Atlas and the Ziz that feeds the immense palm grove of Tafilalet before getting lost in the sands of Taouz .

Two magnificent kasbahs catch the traveler, dazzled by so much beauty: the Taourit and that of Aït Ben Haddou, located 30 km from the city. The reputation of these two "monuments" is such that films like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Sheltering Sky" have set up shop. And ultimate coronation of the framework: UNESCO declared these two World Heritage kasbah.
In Ouarzazate, endowed with beautiful and luxurious hotels, you can mark a break before venturing into the desert where all kinds of sensations decorate the trip. We will discover with amazement Kelâa Gouna, the most beautiful rose gardens in the valley, the ancient Kasbah Glaoui balanced on a rock, the Dades gorges, huge limestone block cut of a saber .The Ziz Valley, she punctuates the way to the desert. The Oued Ziz, lined with tall palm trees from which emerge ksours and sublime Kasbah IFRI form an emerald cloth that offers a dazzling spectacle. Once through the door Erfoud, the desert in all its nakedness and splendor. .


Between Ouarzazate and Marrakech, the High Atlas, which can be seen in the distance during the descent of Er Rachidia to Ouarzazate, a natural barrier. The road is borrowed through the so-so, but the moisture-laden winds and cool ocean, do not. Therefore, when we take the road to Marrakech, is a semi-arid desert first 2260m pass in a landscape of high altitude, culminating in the Tizi-n-Tichka (above sea ​​level), and, as one goes to Marrakech palm trees and greenery were rediscovered. The air is warmer and more humid.
The landscape around the Tizi-n-Tichka are beautiful, and the neck itself is a pleasant stopover because it's cool. The various objects merchants are not mistaken and occupy the neck as an army headquarters. Better not show that you speak French or English, or even German or Spanish or you will suffer an attack with heavy artillery. It is best to speak Czech or Norwegian you, merchants will be confused and will leave you alone.


Visit:

The Casbah Taourit
This was once the residence of the Pasha of Marrakech (XIX) and is considered one of the most beautiful in Morocco. Its buildings are made of mud flats rich, simple houses and crenellated towers profusely decorated. It is possible to visit the old Glaoui apartments where you can admire the dining room and the favorite who kept their decoration painted stucco ceilings and cedar.
The craft center located opposite the Casbah Taourit, the center is the opportunity to buy some local handicrafts including the famous carpet "Ouzguita."
Ait Benhaddou22 km northwest of Ouarzazate recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the ksours of Ait Ben Haddou is one of the most beautiful in Morocco. Largely uninhabited, this fortified village is a model of earthen architecture (crenellated towers and decorated with diamond-shaped patterns). The walk to the dungeon of the old casbah can enjoy a breathtaking view with the foreground, the surrounding arid, and in the background, the silhouette of the Atlas.
Kasbah Tifoultoute8 km west of Ouarzazate past, this old fortress belonged to the family of Glaoui (Pasha of Marrakech). Built on a rocky promontory, it reigns supreme over the valley of Oued Ouarzazate. Converted into a hotel and restaurant, there gives evening performances of traditional dances.

Dades Gorges Todra The rugged landscape of Dades Gorge (east of town) with its deep and winding canyon is dazzling. Legend has it that he who ventured into these grooves, it escaped the robbers who controlled the passage to the left thank you fearsome lions of Atlas, the last was killed in 1905. After the village of Msemrir, the territory of the Ait Atta, a track leads to Agoudal then Imilchil which takes place in September the famous "Moussem Betrothed" in which the young women in the region are looking for a husband. Another track starting from Agoudal leads to Todra Gorge. The road Todra undertakes along a lush palm grove bordering the river. The most impressive spectacle remains a narrow corridor of ten meters dominated by two high cliffs 300 meters.
Dades



Nicknamed "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs", the Dades Valley is a popular area for tourists. One can only deplore the state of degradation of many kasbahs. Fortunately, some sites such as the palm of Ouarzazate have stood the test of time. Founded in the twelfth century by Yacoub el-Mansour, known for growing roses and production of rose water, the park is home to beautiful mansions; the "Amerhidil casbah" with its delicately carved outer walls is a major component. As the capital of the rose, the fortified town of El Gouna Kelaa, its ruined kasbah still have beautiful ornaments.
Draa Valley



This valley runs along the Wadi Draa 200 km from Ouarzazate to Zagora (the "gateway to the desert"). Its course through a variety of palm trees and lush villages. Grand classic Moroccan tourism, this trip allows especially to discover beautiful ksours sleek. The brave traveler can go to Zagora and hamid to admire the first big dunes of the Sahara desert.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Don't miss Madrid!!

Madrid is 600 meters of altitude, which makes it one of the highest capitals in Europe. Hot summers alternate with cold winters. The city lies at the center of the Iberian Peninsula. It currently has nearly three and a half million inhabitants.

Madrid became the capital of Spain in 1561, under the leadership of Philip II. Therefore, the Iberian city is enriched by numerous monuments: palaces, churches, monasteries ... This abundance is called the Hapsburg Madrid.

In the eighteenth century, the Bourbons succeeded to the Habsburgs. Madrid then experienced a large urban momentum. Artistic commitment rulers such as Charles Philippe III or V results in the construction of new architectural treasures. Monuments, gardens, squares are then Madrid of the Bourbons.

These two dynasties have left us a great heritage. The Spanish capital can only delight art lovers with its monuments, its old town and its colorful streets ??. Capital, Madrid is a modern, cosmopolitan city moving, where there are a thousand things to do day and night.



History of Madrid

To 880, the Emir Mohammed I founded Madrid. Its name comes from "Machra" water source in Arabic and "it" abundance. Initially, it is only a fortress to protect Toledo, a city which then hosts the royal court. Christians seized in Madrid 1083. The two religions then learn to live together in a certain harmony, unlike many cities Castilian.

In 1561, when King Philip II decided to make Madrid the capital of his kingdom, it hardly counts more than 20 000 inhabitants. Fifty years later, the population has nearly tripled. The Hapsburgs ruled over Madrid and Spain until the eighteenth century.

The Bourbons and their successors begin large administrative and economic reforms. In addition, they decided to give Madrid the dignified appearance of a royal capital. The city is, then, an unprecedented development through the French and Italian architects contribution.

After the peaceful reign of the Bourbons, the advent of the Bonapartist occupation is marked by wars, internecine struggles and popular rebellions. May 2, 1808, Joseph Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon, was given the throne of Spain previously occupied by Ferdinand VII. Follows a fierce resistance Madrid face the French cavalry. This painful period has been immortalized by the painter Goya.

Between 1936 and 1939, the civil war between the Nationalists Republicans, Madrid defended by the Republican army. She finally makes the nationalists in March 1939, the Franco dictatorship lasted 40 years. During this period, the city grew significantly and gradually welcomes most major state administrations.

In 1977, democracy returned, it is the Movida. Therefore, Madrid experiencing impressive growth.

It is best to go between 01/04 and 30/06, and / or between the 01/09 and 31/10.

!!! Barcelone !!!

Barcelona now has 1.7 million inhabitants, making it the second largest city in Spain, after Madrid. Its port and its economic dynamism are the main rival of the capital Madrid.

Barcelona also has a real artistic ferment. She has seen great masters such as Picasso, Dali or the famous architect Gaudí ... Its cosmopolitan character gives it the status of essential cultural center.

But above all, it is the capital of the War of Succession. ! Barcelona is proud of its cultural identity. The people speak Catalan and is the seat of the Generalitat, the autonomous government of the province.



History of Barcelona

Barcelona was founded there more than two thousand years ago by the Celts. Later, it is inhabited by the Carthaginians. It truly is growing after its conquest by Rome. The Empire is the capital of the small province of Layetana, they build the Temple of Augustus and surrounding ramparts.

Barcelona is the object of desire. It is, in turn, conquered by the Visigoths who make it their capital, and by the Moors in 712. Charlemagne in 801 issues.

The thirteenth to the fifteenth century, Barcelona's golden age. Economic prosperity combined with the architectural and artistic creativity. Catalan government is set up at this time. This autonomy is highly threatened in 1714, when Philip V seizes Barcelona, ​​during the War of Succession.

The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were marked by tremendous economic growth. Barcelona is modernizing and expanding. She double surface to accommodate a growing population. The Catalan city also becomes important at European level. It hosts the World Expo in 1888 and the International Exhibition in 1929.

During the 1930s, Barcelona suffer many of the civil war. Gradually, she gets up and takes his extraordinary political and demographic growth.

In 1992, Barcelona had the privilege of hosting the Summer Olympics. For the occasion, the city is modernizing and implementing a comprehensive program of restoration of historic monuments.

Today, Barcelona is a city booming. It has preserved its traditions but is resolutely turned towards the future. This duality is a force for the capital of Catalonia. It intends to maintain its status as an economic center and its European influence.

A cinephile city:

The Catalan capital has hosted many films. Started by the Spanish Hostel Cédric Klapisch who revealed Romain Duris and Cécile de France. All About My Mother by Pedro Elmodovar had moved during his presentation Cannes Festival. Director Tom Tykwer has been reconstituted the old Barcelona for the movie Perfume.

The climate is one of the highlights of the city of course!
Summer is hot, but obviously the proximity to the sea makes the heat bearable. Average temperature is 27 ° C in July and August.
The rains rather manifest as severe thunderstorms, especially in spring and fall.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

A TRIP TO MILAN


Milan is the fashion, high fashion, design and face, the capital of business and finance. Two faces from the world of the twentieth century. Milan is definitely a city that looks to the future.

Spread the word: Milan, is young, trendy, dynamic, and if the business district and design are established for years, it is surely no coincidence.

But like any self-respecting Italian city, Milan also has a real charm, historical monuments to see and review, typical neighborhoods and an architectural and artistic heritage.

In short, the young Milan, dynamic, trendy Milan alongside the old, traditional, cultural wonders for the delight of lovers of Italy.

History of Milan
The small Celtic village called "Mediolanum" a real city appeared under the authority of the Romans in 222 BC It flourished for centuries until it became the seat of the Roman Empire under Diocletian.



In the fifth century, the city was invaded and pillaged by the Barbarians. She sank into a period of decline for not rise at the end of the eighth century. In the Middle Ages, the city, led by the bishops, enjoyed some growth. But in 1162, the armies of Frederik I stormed the city. To repel, Milan allied with neighboring towns of Lombardy and formed the Lombard League. They put Frederik I in defeat at Legnano.

In the thirteenth century, Milan grew with the coming to power of the Visconti family. Their reign lasted 130 years. Under Gian Galeazzo, the city became one of the main Italian and was transformed into the Duchy. At the death of the last Visconti in the fifteenth century, power passed to Francesco Sforza. Ludovico il Moro, his illustrious descendant, surrounded himself with artists such as Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci. The influence of Milan at that time reached its climax.

In the sixteenth century, Sforza had to fight against the successive attacks of Louis XII and Francis. Milan finally bowed to the Spanish power in 1535. In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht gives the Austrians. Very briefly under Napoleonic rule, Milan was finally liberated from the yoke of the Austrians in 1848.

Milan joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. After the Second World War during which the city was heavily destroyed the Lombard capital entered a new phase of economic growth. She quickly became the first economic and industrial city.

Milan has two airports, Linate and Malpensa, which are served by Alitalia and Air France. Easy jet flights arrive at Linate while those of Ryanair landing Bergamo, 45 km from Milan.

Train, day and night, there are daily connections Paris-Milan (TGV) and Nice-Milan (about 5 hours by train).


To come to Milan by car, you can follow the following routes. Take the Frejus tunnel, follow the direction of Turin (A32), then the A4 to Milan or go through the Mont Blanc tunnel, take the A5 towards Aosta and then the A4 to Milan.

The beautiful Philippines !!

When the gods created the first island of the Philippines in the middle of a crystal blue ocean, they were so captivated by their work they fashioned in their tracks more than 7000 other equally beautiful islands that make up today 'hui the Philippine archipelago.

Should we see a legend there? If you ever have the opportunity to see these marvels, you will be easily tempted to take credit for this genesis. Enjoy a voyage of discovery in a country whose cultural and natural wealth seems limitless. Landscapes as varied and enchanting as the imagination of a child, the underwater gardens with many colorful and historic sites await you with global reach.

Men inhabit this tropical archipelago and their incredibly vibrant culture today combine in a way quite unique all influences which have exposed the centuries. The Philippines and Filipinos have an Asian soul, a Western mind and the heart beats frenzied Latin rhythms. Warm smiles by way of welcome, they will show you the true meaning of hospitality. Welcome to this adventure and culture earth reign of breathtaking nature!

Destination

Manila
Manila is one of the cities in Asia which offers the most contrast. Its existence dates back long before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century; at that time it was called Maynilad, the name of a plant with white flowers that grows in mangroves. From 1571, the city became the capital of the Philippines. In 1975, the group of 17 cities transformed the large Manila Metro Manila, a populated metropolis of nearly 12 million. Manila is located in the Central Luzon region, surrounded by picturesque volcanic landscapes, lush rainforest, a huge lagoon and the ocean - a shimmering metropolis in a beautiful natural setting.

North Luzon
In the Cordillera Central of northern Luzon, heaven and earth are surprisingly close. Hills covered with pine forests and towering forests mists erect majestically against the blue sky. Equally spectacular, so typical of the rice terraces extend to the firmament. Built by the Ifugao tribes, a mighty rich in tradition and people living in the mountains, these stairs rightly called "celestial" is an indescribable beauty and charm. World Heritage by UNESCO in 1995, they are considered the eighth wonder of the world. The rice terraces of Banaue are the climax of all plantation landscapes. You will be amazed and captivated by the spectacle afforded by the scope and almost inconceivability of their existence. They transport you to a dream!

Boracay
From the air, Boracay looks like a green butterfly opening its wings on a background of blue sea reflections. Despite its small size (seven kilometers long and 4 km wide) island, located in the center of the Philippine archipelago northwest of Panay Island, is one of the finest in the Philippines and one of the most magical our planet: a tropical paradise as you can only see in books, a dream island that has all the ingredients to a holiday out of the ordinary.


Cebu
At the heart of the Visayas, Cebu, with its 200 km long and at most 40? Km wide, is one of the cultural and economic centers in the Philippines. Cebu City, the oldest city in the country, called "Little Singapore" because of its international leading position in many export sectors, teeming with life. This shimmering metropolis of the East Coast pleasantly combines the cosmopolitan charm of big cities to the Philippine cordial hospitality.

Bohol
Bohol is one of the idyllic provinces of Visayas region. Besides the main island, this beautiful archipelago comprises 61 islands smaller area. Tagbilaran City, the capital, is located on the southwest coast. The province has over one million inhabitants mostly speak Boholano, English and Tagalog. The Boholanos are a particularly peaceful and quiet people. Kindness and hospitality are two values ​​deeply rooted in their heart.

The evocation of Bohol inevitably think of the Chocolate Hills, the breathtaking scenery of rolling hills in the center of the island that made the province famous worldwide. However, Bohol has much more to offer.
Mindoro

The underwater scenery with colorful and shimmering, pristine rainforests, romantic coves and beaches of pearly sand Mindoro is a natural paradise, a holiday destination as there is little on Earth. Mindoro is a place of pilgrimage for scuba divers worldwide. The diversity of corals, fish, big marine mammals in the crystal clear ocean and there is extraordinary in itself guarantee the success of this unforgettable experience.
Palawan

Palawan is truly a green jewel, a natural paradise where even coexist large tracts of lowland rainforest and mountains. The jungle covers a chain of majestic mountains that stretches across the main island. The highest mountain is Mount Mantalingajan culminating at 2086 m altitude. The ancestral forest is inhabited by rare animals such as the pangolin, which are at home here.
Negros

The island of Negros is divided into two regions. The western part of the island "Negros Occidental" is marked by huge plantations of sugar cane. The hinterland and mountains cracked, waterfalls and springs hidden in lush vegetation are an invitation to discovery.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

What a beautiful Lviv in Ukraine

Capital of Galicia-Volyn province extreme western Ukraine, Lviv down in history after the decline of the Rus Kiévenne. If the city knew resist the Mongols or Tatars, it undergoes dice fourteenth influence and domination of Poles before being incorporated in 1772 in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then the Soviet Union at the end of the second World War. Since independence, Lviv is the stronghold of Ukrainian nationalists, which played a decisive role in the Orange Revolution of 2004.

Lviv Opera
view from the hill in the High Castle
The history of Lviv is very rich. Moreover, the city center has been listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. This heritage remains focused on few blocks bounded by the beautiful Svobody avenue that leads to luscious theater houses, the opera Ivan Franko.

Dominican church
Church of the Assumption
Boyim the chapel
By taking the side streets, you meet many churches, mostly Catholic: Church of the Transfiguration, the Armenian Cathedral, Dominican Church, the Church of the Assumption Chapel Boyim, without the Catholic Cathedral forget the Bernardine monastery or the Carmelite Monastery which are slightly eccentric.

Market Square
4 Market Square
6 Market Place
The heart of Lviv is an ancient market place, a square 100 meters on each side with the center of City Hall, and around buildings dating from the sixteenth century all as pretty as each other with their architecture and colors varied. The two most beautiful buildings in this square, located at numbers 4 and 6, home TODAY Lviv Historical Museum.

City Hall
St Georges Cathedral
Armenian Cathedral
It is possible to access the heights of the city using the High Castle Hill, where stood the old fortress. Once you reach the top, you can admire a magnificent panorama.

arsenal
Svobody Avenue
Lviv is a bustling city, offering tourists plenty of restaurants, accommodation at very reasonable prices. It is often used to step before undertaking a tour through the Carpathians.