วันศุกร์ที่ 21 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2550

Acapulco Travel Guide




Acapulco was christened as “Santa Lucia”, is one of the principal tourist destinies on the world and it is the mayor Mexican sea port located in the state of Guerrero, southwest from Mexico, but its official name is “Acapulco de Juแrez”.You can admire in Acapulco a natural beauty environs; mountains give the access to the town, though not difficult to access particularly since the construction of a 2-km-long tunnel to the waterfront from the remote areas in the 1990s. An earlier effort to get the cooling sea breezes by cutting through the mountains a passage called the Abra de San Nicolas had some beneficial and comforting effect.In the coordinates latitude 16.85ฐ to the north and longitude 99.92ฐ to the west is located Acapulco. According to the census of the year the 2005 municipality had 717 766 inhabitants, according to the INEGI in Acapulco is 24% of the population of Guerrero. Account with a territorial extension of 1.882,60 km ฒ what represents the 2,6% of the state surface and its coast (62 kilometers in length) occupies the 12,3% of the coast of the state.
Acapulco has been well known as a traveler's crossroads for at least a millennium. Its name is a Nahuatl word, meaning "plain of dense reeds". The earliest local remains, stone metates and pottery utensils, were left in the 3rd millennium BC. Much later, sophisticated artisans fashioned curvaceous female figurines. Other artifacts resemble those found in highland Mexico. Although influenced by Tarascan, Mixtec, Zapotec, and Aztec civilizations, sometimes paying tribute to them and frequented by their traders, Acapulco never came under their direct control, but instead remained subject to local caciques until the Spanish conquest.
The City of AcapulcoAcapulco harbor arises when Cort้s arranges that the ship San Miguel and San Marcos, in Diego Hurtado de Mendoza’s authority, they go to explore the coasts of the Pacific Ocean. The villa or village that arises in consequence of this exploration, Acapulco did not have a similar birth to other populations.

California Recipes




San Francisco Travel Guide


San Francisco has a unique charisma within its 50 square miles. This city offers to their visitors a remarkable number of attractions as museums, shopping, live music and theatre offerings. San Francisco's people are proud of their home, also well-known for its diverse ethnic and political communities, world-class restaurants, scenic beauty and hilly terrain.This city is located on the coast of California. It has a very moderate climate with chilly winters and warm summers. During the summertime, AT&T Park is a great place for family. You can sit in the upper deck to see the Bay and some tourist areas of San Francisco. San Francisco is not a single city, it has many friendly neighbourhoods. The main neighbourhoods are Hayes Valley, Castro, Mission, the Haight, Bernal Heights, North Beach, Noe Valley, and South of Market. Not all of the neighbourhoods are tourist destinations, but all of them contain good shopping, fine restaurants and cute bistros and cafes. San Francisco is home to gay and lesbian population. The main gay neighbourhood is the Castro.There are many reasons, for visitors to come to San Francisco every year. Some follow its reputation (dating back to the Gold Rush) for fancy hotels and exquisite cuisine; others seek the Bohemian counterculture that inspired social revolution in the 60s.

Los Angeles Travel Guide


Los Angeles, also called L.A., is located in California and is the first largest city in the state of California and the second largest in the U.S.A. has a estimated population of 3,844,829 and spans 467 square miles; added in the surrounding five county metropolitan area, and has an area of more than 34,000 square miles, making this the second largest MSA in the nation.This city was founded in 1781 and incorporated on April 4 like a municipality in 1850, 22 months after the end of the Mexican-American War, and five months before California achieved statehood. It is the county seat of Los Angeles County.The Los Angeles coastal area was inhabited by Gabriele๑os, Chumash, and natives American by thousands of years. The first Europeans to arrive came in 1542, led by a Portuguese explorer called Juan Cabrillo, who claimed the area for the Spanish Empire but did not stay. The next contact came 227 years later when Gaspar de Portolเ, together with Franciscan padre Juan Crespi, reached the present site of Los Angeles on August 2, 1769.The Los Angeles area is one of the centers of the world in culture, international trade, higher education, science and technology, Los Angeles is renowned in the world in a broad range of professional and cultural fields.

Los Angeles Arrival


Los Angeles has several options to transport like airplanes, buses, taxis, car rentals, limos, trains, planes, and bicycles. If you rent a car in the airport or drive in Los Angeles in your own car, it's a good idea to carry a map with you, and try to study it before you drive into Los Angeles. Also try to avoid driving during rush hours at 7 to 9 am and 4 to 7 pm.Bicycle is accessible in the Metro Bus and Metro Rail. All Metro buses have bicycle racks at the front of the bus for the attachment of two bicycles. There is no guarantee, nevertheless, any particular bus will have a bicycle rack. The loading mechanism works by placing both wheels inside a pair of rails and pulling a spring-loaded arm over the front wheel and releasing it.Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 20 miles (30 kilometres) south-west of downtown and takes about 30 minutes by taxi, and is served by an enormous number of international and domestic carriers. LAX, as all airports in North America, has its own security operations. Los Angeles also has excellent roadways with a number of interstate highways running into and out of the city.Los Angeles connects with San Diego in the south and Seattle in the north. The travel from San Diego to Los Angeles is likely to take around 150 minutes. If you arrive from San Francisco, The Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Barbara, it can offer a scenic route along the Californian coast.

วันจันทร์ที่ 17 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2550

Luxor Travel Guide


Luxor is a town situated in Upper Egypt, in the province of Qena. Luxor was the ancient town of Thebes, previously the capital of Ancient Egypt. The early Arab travelers, who admired Luxor for the several ruins and monuments scattered around the town, gave it its name. Actually in Arabic Luxor means "the palaces".Luxor, Probably the famous town and interesting destination in Egypt. In this city, the former Thebes, some of the biggest and best preserved temples of the ancient times can be visited. The city of Luxor has usually been characterised as the greatest open air museum of the world", the ruins of the temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor standing within the modern city. However, across the Nile River, also lie the monuments, tombs and temples on the West Bank Necropolis, which include the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. The city of Luxor continues to be a major tourist destination since the late Dynasties of the Greek and Roman periods. Thousands of international tourists arrive each year to visit these monuments, their presence forming a large part of the economic basis for the modern city. As a result. However in the city of Luxor, there are only 3 main streets consisting of Sharia al-Karnak, Sharia al-Mahatta and the Corniched, next to the Nile. Luxor at the Nile: The city of Luxor has around of 150,000 inhabitants and is governed by special statues that allow it more autonomy then other political areas of Egypt. In the city of Luxor on the East Bank, one of the first stops must be the Temple of Luxor built by Amenophis III. Head south on Sharia al-Karnak to reach the temple, which was connected to the Karnak Temple via a long stone processional street called a dromos. In that time, the dromos was built by Nectanebo I, and after originally was lined on either side by sphinxes.

Aswan Travel Guide


Aswan is located at south of Egypt with one population around of 150,000, and ancient frontier city has the loveliest setting on the Nile. Habitually in Aswan the deserts close in on the river, having a beautiful landscape. In that time, his ancient Egyptian name was Syene. Also it was small enough to walk around, but with a landscape very beautiful on the Nile, however the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Usually the days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish. In the city of Aswan the Nile is at it is most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks. Also it can Explore the souk, full of the color and scent of scarves, baskets, spices and perfumes. Also you can view the spectacular sunsets while having tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel (Named due to the location of the Nile's first cataract situated here). The city of Aswan has been a favorite winter resort since the beginning of the 19th century, and it is still a perfect place to get away from it all. The time of year is a major influence on people's level of activity. Is located near the Tropic of Cancer, usually the city of Aswan is hot and dry nearly all the time, with average daily temperatures from 23 to 30ฐC and in the winter to a searing 38 to 54ฐC over summer. We recommend late autumn and spring are perfect times to visit, being less crowded than the peak winter period, yet not so enervating as summer, when long siestas, cold showers and air-conditioning commend themselves, and the number of tourists dwindles.

NightLife & Entertainment


The town of Alexandria has a variety of nightclubs that serve alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverages. With oriental dancers, live music, famous singers and world famous show stars, the San Giovanni Night Club and adjoining San Giovanni Kings Bar in the San Giovanni Hotel is one of the best places to go for a good time.Similarly the Qatr El-Nada Garden serves a variety of breezy cocktails, and usually that open until 3.00am. Several hotels in Alexandria have good night time entertainments, and a selection of lounges and bars.

History Alexandria


Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. It served as the capital of his new Egyptian dominion and as a base that would control the Mediterranean. After Alexander left Egypt the town, Cleomenes, continued the creation of Alexandria. With the breakup of the empire and death of Alexander in 323, the control of the town passed to his viceroy, Ptolemy I Soter, who founded the dynasty. However the early Ptolemies successfully blended the religions of ancient Greece and Egypt in the cult of Sarapis and presided over Alexandria's golden age. The current city is Egypt's leading port, a commercial and transportation center, and the heart of a major industrial area where refined petroleum, paper, processed food, cotton, asphalt, textiles, plastics and styrofoam are produced.

Alexandria Travel Guide


Alexandria is the second-largest town in Egypt. Alexandria was a Greco-Roman town at the western end of the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, founded by Alexander the Great. In ancient times, the town was known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World) and the Library of Alexandria (the largest library in the ancient world). The town of Alexandria was the renowned capital of the Ptolemies, with several monuments. Also, it was along these shores that history took a tragic turn at the time of Cleopatra, Octabian, Mark Antony and Julius Caesar. Also, Alexandria was one city thriving during the Ptolemiac and Roman periods, however, the city had replaced Memphis as the capital of Egypt. With its gridded street plan, however it was essentially a Greek rather than Egyptian , with a substantial population of Jews and Greeks. In last time the major monuments of the Ptolemaic and Roman periods were the Sarapeum, a temple dedicated to the god Serapis, which may have housed part of the library collection, the Caesarium (founded by Cleopatra in honour of Mark Anthony), and Kom es-Shawqafa, a labyrinth of rock cut tombs dating to the first 2 centuries AD. In the following centuries Alexandria declined and in the 19th century it became a small fishing village. In the 20th century Alexandria recovered part of its lost splendor. At the beginning of the 21st century Alexandria has almost 5 million inhabitants and it is attracting several tourists thanks to its long history, its nice beaches and the new works under construction. The most important of these works is the new library. Actually, Alexadnria is linked to Cairo by 2 major highways and a railroad line. It's one of the most notable summer resorts in the Middle East, for, in addition to its temperate winters, its beaches, with white sands and magnificent scenery, stretch for 140 km along the Mediterranean Sea, from Abu Qir, in the east to Al-Alamein and Sidi Abdul Rahman, in the west.

City of Cairo


Cairo is the largest town in Africa and the capital of Egypt. The town of Cairo is located on the east bank of the Nile River near the head of the many-channeled delta. There was no town on the spot in the times of the pharaohs or in later Greek or Roman days. It came into existence in the 7th century, after the Byzantine power in Egypt had crumbled before the Muslim armies advancing from Arabia. In last time the great town of Alexandria, at the western end of the Nile Delta, surrendered without a battle. The victorious general Amribn al-As wanted to make this seaport the Muslim capital. "Behold," he said, "a town ready made for us!" However, Umar I, the Muslim caliph, realized that the Nile floods would cut off Alexandria from the Arabian homeland. He therefore asked Amru to establish a new town east of the Nile River. Amru selected a site on the right bank of the Nile above the delta. In the centuries that followed, the Muslims warred among themselves with the result that the settlement was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The town of Cairo was founded in 968 by the Fatimids near the earlier site. Cairo was called El Qahira (The Victorious), a name that was subsequently altered to Cairo. In the 12th century the great Muslim ruler Saladin built a citadel at Cairo and began to wall in the quarters of the several different peoples who had settled there. The town of Cairo prospered and grew. However in the later Middle Ages it became the center of trade between Europe and the East and one of the chief seats of Muslim culture. By about 1340 nearly 500,000 people lived in an area 5 times greater than the original Fatimid walled town. The city of Cairo had become greater than any town in Africa, Europe, or Asia Minor. In 1517 it fell to the Turks, who reduced it to a provincial capital. In 1798 it was seized by Napoleon, but British and Turkish forces drove out the French 3 years later and the town was handed back to the Turks. The British, however, retained special interests in Cairo. A modern European town grew up in the 19th century between the Oriental quarters and the river. The later history of Cairo is merged with that of Egypt. Cairo spreads eastward from the Nile to the low Mokattam hills, which separate it from the brown wastes of the desert. The citadel of Saladin still stands on a spur of these hills in the southeastern corner of the town. From this height one can look across the island-studded Nile to the Great Pyramids of Giza. Above the flat-roofed houses of Cairo rise the domes and minarets of hundreds of mosques. From the minarets the muezzins call the faithful to prayer 5 times a day. Several minarets are wired for sound.

Cairo Travel Guide


Cairo the Triumphant town, While Al-Qahirah is the official name of the city, in Egyptian Arabic it is typically called simply by the name of the country, also is one of the world's largest urban areas and offers several sites to see. The city of Cairo is capital of Egypt and, close by, is almost every Egypt Pyramid, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza on the very edge of the town. But there are also ancient temples, Christian churches, tombs, magnificent Muslim monuments, and of course, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum all either within or nearby the town. Cairo is the twenty first most populous metropolitan area in the world. It's also the most populous metropolitan area and the most populous town in Africa. Cairo provides great culture, including music halls and art galleries, such as the Cairo Opera House, as well it should, being one of the largest towns in the world. It also provides some of the grandest accommodations & restaurants in the world, such as the Four Seasons and the Cairo Marriott. The town of Cairo is very famous for its own history, preserved in the fabulous medieval Islamic town & in Old Cairo & for the ancient, Pharaonic history of the country it represents. No travel to Cairo would be complete, for example, without a visit to the Giza Pyramids, to nearby Saqqara, or to the Egyptian Museum in the center of city. However the city of Cairo is one modern and ancient town. Cairo has an incredible selection of shopping, leisure and nightlife activities. Shopping ranges from the famous Khan el-Khalili souk, largely unchanged since the 14th century, to modern air-conditioned centers displaying the latest fashions. All the bounty of the East can be here. Particularly good buys are spices, brass, silver, perfumes, gold, carpets and copperware, leatherwork, glass, ceramics and mashrabiya.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 13 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2550

The City of Acapulco


Acapulco harbor arises when Cort้s arranges that the ship San Miguel and San Marcos, in Diego Hurtado de Mendoza’s authority, they go to explore the coasts of the Pacific Ocean. The villa or village that arises in consequence of this exploration, Acapulco did not have a similar birth to other populations.The municipality of Acapulco de Juแrez includes 237 localities, which are distributed mainly of 1 to 99 inhabitants, (49%), secondly it was of 100 to 499 inhabitants (26,6%), and of 500 to 999 inhabitants with 13,5%. The greater concentration of population was in the segment of 500.000 to 999.999 inhabitants, whom the 0,4% of the localities and the 86,2% of the population.The fort of San Diego is the most excellent historical monument of the Acapulco harbor and the more important fort all along the Pacific Ocean, is an essential part of the appearance of the port appearance and it is interesting by its singular geometric form of turtle. This important building lodges to the Historical Museum of Acapulco (Tues-Sun 9.30am-6.30pm; US$2.50, free on Sun), under the administration of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), that includes 13 rooms of exhibition through which the museum tries to identify to the inhabitants of the State of Guerrero with the most important moments of its history and to foment the culture.The Centro Acapulco, along the Costera (Mon-Sat 10am-8pm) is crowded with expensive shops, costly places to eat and an ultramodern disco. Here is also the Centro Cultural which has a beautiful art gallery, a crafts store and a theatre and also hosts a regular agenda of cultural events with a regional influence. Check out you time to visit and to enjoy it.A good place waiting for your kinds is the Parque Papagayo, placed on Costera at Playa Hornos, it has service as: boating, roller skating and fairground rides. Towards east around the bay near the Centro Acapulco, the Centro Infantil CiCi (daily 10am-6pm; US$6) has water-based rides and puts on dolphin shows.

Cuernavaca Travel Guide


Cuernavaca is situated about 85 km. (50 miles) south of Mexico City on the M-95 highway and is truly in the heart of Mexico, and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the country. Cuernavaca is the capital city of the state of Morelos in Mexico. It is the municipal seat of the municipality of Cuernavaca.Morelos joins numberless traditions and millenarian legends, on which the past joins with in practices religious and pagan rituals. The magical mountainous landscape receives Morelos visitors, it is the introducing of a town that lives intensely its roots in mystical populations that with indigenous communities and traditions astonish to the tourist at their celebrations; carnivals, crafts and the extraordinary capacities of traditional medicine and their temascales.From always, Morelos has been recognized like one of the States with better environmental conditions, with a temperature average of between 18ฐ and 23ฐ during the year. Not in vain Cuernavaca, located in the extreme northwest of the state of Morelos, has consolidated as a resort destiny of first class for the visitors who coming from the Mexico city and the States of Mexico, Puebla and Guerrero mainly, just because the proximity of all these markets with the capital of the Country and getting the national and international recognition like the "City of the eternal spring".

Cancun Travel Guide


Cancun occupies an area of about 50,000 square kilometers that can best be described in two words: jungle and sea. Their white smooth sandy beaches and the infinite scales of blue give a wonderful landscape. And the natural beauties of Quintana Roo donดt end here, because the calm of the water on its surface becomes nonstop movement underwater, with its intricate coral forests are home to inestimable aquatic species.In the walls of the archaeological sites one can almost hear the voices of those who built the history of one of the most significant Pre Hispanic cultures: the Mayans. Amongst the Mayan cities are Kohunlich, it host more than two hundred buildings; Tulum, the walled city of the Mayans; the imposing Coba (meaning: water shaken by the wind), that is one of the bigger Mayan cities of the region.

Mexico Travel Guide


Mexico is a great destination, and has a lot to offer to travellers. Whether you decide to visit the beautiful beaches famous around the world, historical cities from the time of the Spanish colony and archeological sites of cultures such as the Maya, Olmeca and Azteca among others, beautiful national parks in deserts, mountains and forests, or just hang out in one of the modern cities, you will enjoy it. Highlights in Mexico are the capital city of Mexico City, Monterrey, with its beautiful colonial buildings and Guadalajara. For colonial cities one should visit Oaxaca, Morelia, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Merida in the Yucatan peninsula, among others.

Toulouse travel guide

Toulouse is located 705km (438 miles) southwest of Paris, 245km (152 miles) southeast of Bordeaux, 97km (60 miles) west of Carcassonne, is the fourth-largest city in France and is the gateway to the Pyrenees mountain range, is an agricultural market center and an aero-research center and one of the great cities of French art (it has seven fine museums). The food in Toulouse and in the rest of the Midi Pyrenees region, could be among France's most memorable. This city is situated half-way between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and has a population of about 1.1 million inhabitants in 2006. Toulouse is well known because of it's the high-tech center of the aerospace industry in Europe, it hosts the headquarters of Airbus S.A.S. and the National Center for Space Research has been headquartered here for more than 3 decades. Toulouse is a very beautiful city, has a lot of architectural buildings, gardens and squares and also is a culture venue, this is the result of being the centre of Europe’s aerospace industry and space programme. Once Toulouse was the capital of the Visigoths and later the center of the comtes de Toulouse (counts of Toulouse).

วันจันทร์ที่ 3 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2550

Kenya Travel Guide


Kenya is the jewel of East Africa, revered as the "cradle of humanity", Kenya is a land with amazing landscapes: sand beaches, emerald water, and coral reefs in the coast; desert areas in the north, memorable mountainscapes such as the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kenya (the second highest peak in Africa). There are also many brilliant lakes, including lake Victoria and Lake Naivasha. In Kenya you will enjoy a wide range of activities such as safaris, bird watching, mountaineering, climbing and many more. A safari in its more than 40 national parks and reserves is a unique opportunity to explore the most magnificent wildlife in Africa. just like Ernest Hemingway did some time ago.

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วันศุกร์ที่ 30 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2550

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Coimbra Travel Guide


The town of Coimbra is second only to Oporto and Lisbon. Its ancient buildings cling to the side of the hill that rises above the curves of the river Mondego, the ornate buildings of the famous University of Coimbra are its crowning glory. The city of Coimbra is since 1290 one of the oldest university cities in whole Europe with about 19.000 students. Actually the city of Coimbra is the intellectual and spiritual centre of Portugal a monument. Coimbra was created with its different faculties, the Biblioteca Joanina (library of Joanina) and the Jardim Botanico (botanical garden). Indeed the university is still the lifeblood of the town and the change in atmosphere is notable when the summer holidays come and the thousands of students head back to their hometowns. Coimbra, which was the capital of Portugal from 1139 to about 1260, has a large archeological site with extensive ruins dating from the time it was a Roman city called Aeminium. Coimbra called the old town ("cidade alta" or "upper town") are fine old churches and narrow streets standing up on a hill overlooking the Modego River.

Bangkok Travel Guide


Bullfights in Spain


Along with eating tapas and watching flamenco, watching a bullfight is one of the activities that you can't miss in Spain and a must for a tourist. This is the most traditional of Spanish Fiestas. The Spanish people consider them art forms which are intimately linked with their country’s history, art and culture. Although is very controversial, bullfighting is Spain’s oldest and best loved national sport.Bull fighting is very closely associated with Spain and can trace its origins back to 711 A.D when the first bullfight took place in celebrations of King Alfonso VIII. The origins of the Bullring or "plaza de toros" are probably not the Roman amphitheatres but rather the Celtic-Iberian temples where those ceremonies were held.Bullfighting is certainly one of the best-known Spanish popular customs. This Fiesta could not exist without the "toro bravo", which is a specie of bull of an ancient race that is only conserved in Spain. This controversial sport is very popular in Spain with several thousand Spaniards flocking to their local bull-ring each week. Almost a million people watch bullfights in Spain every year.There are several bullrings in all Spain; some of the most important are located in Madrid, Seville and Ronda. Madrid's Bullring is called "La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas", was built in 1929 and first used in 1931."Las Ventas" can house 25,000 people and is the most important Bullring in the world. Seville Bullring is called "La Maestranza" Bullring and was built in 1758 . This is one of the most charming bullring. "La Maestranza" has a capacity of 12,500 people and attracts the best bullfighters of all Spain. The Ronda bullring was built in 1785 and is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Spain.

วันเสาร์ที่ 24 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2550

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Cuba Travel Guide



Banished for many from the community of the western world by the American boycott, Cuba is slowly coming back. And in fact there are many good reasons to visit the Island. Cuba offers not only some of the world's finest beaches but also a rich cultural heritage and vibrant, passionate approach to life that has been enticing visitors throughout the ages. With a population of 11 million - the largest in the Caribbean - 20% of Cubans live in Havana.
CUBA TRAVEL INFO

Situated between Jamaica and the Bahamas, Cuba has a delightful tropical climate with year round sunshine, a daytime temperature that rarely falls below 26ฐC and warm, clear waters that gently lap against idyllic beaches of fine white sand and shady palm trees. Further out to sea this fine sand gives way to some of the most exquisite coral reef to be found anywhere in the Caribbean, providing a perfect natural habitat for a wide array of underwater life... a mesmerising spectacle which no visitor should miss.

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California Visas


Many countries demand that your U.S. passport be valid at least 6 months or longer after the date of travel. Please check with the Embassy or nearest Consulate of the country that you want to visit for their requirements and view the country listing below.A visa is a permission to enter and leave the country to be visited. It is a stamp of endorsement placed in a passport by a consular official of the country to which entry is requested. Nearly all countries ask visitors from other nations to have in their possession a valid visa obtained before departing from their home country. A visa may be obtained from foreign embassies or consulates located in the U.S.If a visa is needed, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative or by using a visa service.Various countries do not ask U.S. citizens to have passports and visas for certain types of travel, mostly tourist. Instead they issue a simple tourist card which can be obtained from the nearest consulate of the country. In some countries, the transportation company is authorized to grant tourist cards. The photographs required in submitting visa applications should be full view and should not be larger than 3 x 3 inches nor smaller than 2.5 x 2.5 inches on white background.

City of Los Angeles


An exploratory expedition of several persons led by Gaspar de Portola moved to the area of the north, now called Los Angeles, where they camped in a river where fertile soil and availability of water for irrigation impressed the group. The father Juan Crespi, who accompanied the group, saw the location like having all the requirements for a large settlement. He named to the river “El Rio de Nuestra Se๑ora la Reyna de Los Angeles de Porciuncula”, over time on April 4, 1850 the area became as the City of the Angels.Africans and Americans in Los Angeles, Despite Los Angeles is the only main city of the country founded by settlers who were predominantly of African descent, this had only 2,100 Africans and Americans in the 1900 census; by 1920, there were approximately 15,000. In 1910, the city had the highest percentage of black home ownership in the nation.Mexicans, Pachucos, Chicanos and Latinos in Los Angeles, a constant migration of Mexicans to California from 1910 to 1930 expanded the Mexican and Chicano population in Los Angeles to approximately 200,000. In 1930, the United States began deporting over a half a million Mexicans and Chicanos from California and 13,332 from Los Angeles County in the years 30.Asians in Los Angeles: after founding Los Angeles, China was a prosper community adjacent to the downtown railroad depot. Thousands of Chinese came to California in 1850s, initially to join the Gold Rush and then taking construction jobs with the railroads.On April 1, 1850 the people of Los Angeles County affirmed their newly self-government and elected a three-man Court of Sessions as their first governing body. A total of 377 votes were cast in this election. In 1852 the Legislature dissolved the Court of Sessions and created a five-member Board of Supervisors. In 1913 the citizens of Los Angeles County approved a charter recommended by a board of freeholders which gave the County greater freedom to govern itself within the framework of state law.The City of Los Angeles remained mainly within its 28 square miles (73 kmฒ) until 1890. The first large additions were the districts of Highland Park and Garvanza to the north, and the South Los Angeles area. In 1906 was approved the Port of Los Angeles and a change in state law allowed the city to annex the Shoestring, or Harbor Gateway, a narrow and crooked strip of land leading from Los Angeles south towards the port.

Los Angeles Travel Guide


Los Angeles, also called L.A., is located in California and is the first largest city in the state of California and the second largest in the U.S.A. has a estimated population of 3,844,829 and spans 467 square miles; added in the surrounding five county metropolitan area, and has an area of more than 34,000 square miles, making this the second largest MSA in the nation.This city was founded in 1781 and incorporated on April 4 like a municipality in 1850, 22 months after the end of the Mexican-American War, and five months before California achieved statehood. It is the county seat of Los Angeles County.The Los Angeles coastal area was inhabited by Gabriele๑os, Chumash, and natives American by thousands of years. The first Europeans to arrive came in 1542, led by a Portuguese explorer called Juan Cabrillo, who claimed the area for the Spanish Empire but did not stay. The next contact came 227 years later when Gaspar de Portolเ, together with Franciscan padre Juan Crespi, reached the present site of Los Angeles on August 2, 1769.The Los Angeles area is one of the centers of the world in culture, international trade, higher education, science and technology, Los Angeles is renowned in the world in a broad range of professional and cultural fields.

Eating in Palma


Palma de Majorca has got to be one of the best Spanish cities for eating out in Mallorca. If you are looking for a place where you can "eat out" in Palma, there is a large choice, from traditional Spanish (including delicious tapas) to stylish (and many times expensive) restaurants covering the whole international range - Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and so on. Although prices can vary dramatically from restaurant to restaurant, there are many affordable dining options in Palma servingexcelent food and for almost any budget.As in all Spain, Mallorcan cuisine is excellent; however, in almost every dish, people use both olive oil and pig fat, giving to its dishes a distinct taste. Majorca's most typical main dish islomo , or pork loin. Another typical dishes is oil with bread. Due to the fact that Palma lies next to the coast, fish and seafood here really stand out. If you want to drink some delicious wine, you can find here some very good ones; especially fromBenissalem D.O. de Felanitx, Petra, Sant Joan.The famous and typical Spanish "Tapas" is more a way of eating than a kind of food, but it certainly does make for a different and funny mealtime experience. Tapas may be considered a kind of replacement for fast-food, but the most important difference between one and another is that tapas are served in a warm place. Tapas are part of a typically Spanish cuisine.The eating out scene in Palma can be divided into two areas. If you’re looking for bars serving light snacks the best place is theSa Llotja area; while Passeig Maritim has some excellent restaurants alongside the harbour. In the old town and Santa Catalina there are some newer restaurants along with the local favourites:Fabrica 23 (C/. Fabrica, 23), Le Taj (C/. Espartero, 20), Sa Botiga de Via Appia (C/. Fabrica, 17), Viet-nam (Plaza Progreso), Top Sushi (Plaza Progreso).

Palma Travel Guide


Palma de Mallorca (or just simply Palma) is the capital of the Balearic Islands and the economic and cultural hub of the island. It's located on the south coast of the island on the Bay of Palma and forms an important holiday resort and commercial port. In fact, Palma is, at the same time, the seat of the autonomous government of the Balearic Islands and the center for most of Majorca's hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. Therefore, Palma is one of Spain's most important tourist destinations attracting visitors from all over the world.Tourists can visit and explore either Palma de Mallorca, the main centre, or the northwest coast with the Serra de Tramuntana mountain ranges, or the north and east coast beaches. Palma has a beautiful quarter marked by centuries of history. The cathedral, the Palace of Almudaina, the Bellver castle, "El Puig de San Pere", the fish market, "La Lonja" and Plaza Mayor are some of the amazing places where tourists will have to stop. Fishing boats, pine groves and palm trees complement the most beautiful monuments. The coastal landscape of Palma is filled with coves, beautiful beaches and surprising cliffs.In 1983 the Balearic Islands became one of Spain's autonomous regions, with Palma de Mallorca its capital. Today Palma, famous for its beaches and beautiful sea, is one of the most popular tourist destination in Spain.

Avila Travel Guide


vila is a medieval city in the province of Castile-L้on in western Spain, about 70 miles northwest of Madrid. The entire old town of มvila has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.Two kilometers of medieval walls and nearly ninety stout towers completely encircle the old part of town. This walls were founded in the 11th century to protect the Spanish territories from the Moors. มvila also has a Romanesque cathedral, a number of medieval churches, and an authentic medieval atmosphere. The city was captured by the Arab Moors in 714 AD, recaptured by the Christians in 1088, and had its protective walls built in the 12th century. Alfonso VI ordered the construction of the Avila walls after his conquest of the town in 1090, using Moorish prisoners for the task.Winters can be cold here, due in part to the townดs elevation above 1000 meters, but summers in turn are cool and pleasant. In the summer Avila can offer some relief from the intense heat of the south of Spain or even Madrid.The city of มvila is also important for the Catholic world because of its association with the great mystic and reformer St. Teresa de Jesus, better known as St. Teresa of มvila. St. Teresa was a devout mystic whose autobiography has inspired generations in their spiritual searches, she nonetheless played a practical and significant role in reforming convents across Spain. Teresa was a 16th-century Carmelite nun who reformed her order, had many ecstatic visions, and wrote several books. She is the female patron saint of Spain and was the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church.

Almeria Travel Guide


Almeria is among those Andalusian cities which have best preserved their Moorish heritage. Located on the southeast coast of Spain in a beautiful bay, Almeria was once a thriving Moorish capital said to rival Granada in splendor. The city has been influenced by many civilizations having been home to the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and Christians during it’s history.Evidence of the rich history of Almeria can be found through out the city. There are many historical buildings and monuments well worth a visit in Almeria. For example, Almeria has a 10th-century Moorish castle - the Alcazaba - which is probably the best remaining example of Moorish military building.Built in the 10th Century by Abd-erRahman 111 the fort dominates the city and affords fabulous views of the area. This building has three huge walled enclosures, in the second of which are the remains of a mosque, converted to a chapel by the Reyes Cat๓licos. The Alcazaba is considered to be oญne of the greatest forts in Andalusia.The Cathedral of Almeria is also another historical buildings of Almeria. It's in the old part of the city. This Cathedral is heavily fortified having been built in the 16th century when area was being raided by pirate forces from Turkey and North Africa. Parish Church of Santiago Ap๓stol is another historical building of Almeria and is in the Calle de las Tiendas. Built in 1559 it’s architecture this church is listed as a national monument. Also of note is Almeriaดs cave quarter, the Barrio de la Chanca.

When to go to Spain?


The ideal months to visit Spain are between May and September (plus April and October in the south). At these times you can rely on good weather, yet avoid the sometimes extreme heat - and the main crush of Spanish and foreign tourists. In many parts of Spain, high season begins during Holy Week (Semana Santa) and includes festival days. If you want to make sure you hit some parties, the best festivals are concentrated between Holy Week and September. Summer is high season for coastal and interior regions in Spain. Tourism on the Iberian Peninsula reaches its height in August; the coastal regions overflow while inland cities empty out, leaving closed offices, restaurants, and lodgings. The Peninsula plays host to some thirty million tourists a year - almost one for every resident - and all the main beach and mountain resorts are packed in July and August, as are the major sights. So, as a general rule, always make reservations if you plan to travel in those months.On the other hand, traveling in the low season has many advantages, most noticeably lighter crowds and lower prices. Many hostels cut their prices by at least 30%, and reservations are seldom necessary. However, keep in mind that, during these months, many smaller seaside spots are ghost towns, and tourist offices and sights cut their hours nearly everywhere.

City of Ibiza


Ibiza is a very popular tourist destination, especially due to its legendary and at times riotous nightlife centered around two areas: Ibiza Town, the island's capital on the eastern shore andSant Antoni to the West. Ciudad de Ibiza, which was founded by the Carthaginians 2,500 years ago, is located on top of a small hill. Surrounded by a couple of fortresses, the stronghold still proudly dominates the bay and the harbour at her feet. The city of Ibiza offers a unique and colorfulambience with its narrow lanes and numerous shops and stands, where you can buy souvenirs and the latest fashion articles.The island is not just known for its party scenes, large portions of the island are registered as U.N. World Heritage Sites. In fact, from the Ferry Terminal the old streets of the Sa Pena quarter bring you up to the walled old city D'Alt Vila Within the walls there’re still quite a number of medieval buildings, of which the tower of the Cathedral is by far the most impressive. There are three main area’s: The harbour and theSa Pe๑a quarter, the old city within the walls and the new city.

Ibiza Travel Guide


Ibiza (or Eivissa in Catalan) is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. Ibiza belongs to Balearic Islands and, with Formentera, it is one of the two Pine Islands. Ibiza is also known as the 'white island' due to the predominance of its white houses. Ibiza is invaded every summer by a multinational force ofsunseekers . It has fine beaches, relentless sunshine, good food and wild nightlife. But on the other hand, if you leave the beaches behind you to explore the island's interior, you will find a pure and simple Mediterranean culture as well as remains of populations which inhabited Ibiza thousands of years ago (wall-paintings ofSes Fontelles ). Ibiza Town is the capital of the island. In many aspects it’s the center of the island, its focal point. It’s here that you’ll find most clubs, bars Cafes and restaurants. There are over 40 large clubs on the islandas well as a large number of bars.Ibiza became a major center of touristical attraction during the 1960s, being then famous for its "Hippie-Culture" and nudist beaches. Today Ibiza is a cosmopolitan island and its atmosphere, the climate, the entertainment on offer and its attractive naturalenvironment attract a high number of tourists all year round. Ibiza has an ample offer as well for families and older visitors, anyhow, still there are the young ones who are attracted by the island's rollicking nightlife. The official language in Ibiza is Catalan, but Spanish is spoken everywhere and due to the importance of tourism to the island's economy many locals speak other languages too.The coast is spectacular with pretty coves and dramatic cliffs. The excellent sandy beaches are well equipped for tourists. The maintouristic beaches are Portinatx, Port de Sant Miquel and Sant Vicen็. There is only one river on the whole island called Santa Eularia. The climate of Ibiza is Mediterranean and has milder winters and slightly cooler summers than Mallorca . The hot summer season lasts from June to September (30ฐC or 85ฐF), lots of sunshine and very little rain. Frost and snow are very rare.

Eating in Barcelona


Barcelona's cuisine is a clear example of what good Mediterranean food should be. Barcelona's cuisine merges tradition and innovation. In Barcelona, the best quality olive oil, vegetables, produce, fish and meats are the norm, making up a cuisine that is both delicate and delicious and that will please the most demanding tastes.No matter what your budget or belly size, you'll find something to suit in Barcelona. Catalunya produces a variety of fresh seafood, meat, game, and fruit and vegetables, which are combined in unusual and delicious ways. Its dishes are varied and original due to the proximity of both the sea and the mountains, which offer their fine products. The sea gives Barcelona plenty of fish and seafood, like anglerfish, hake, cuttlefish, cod, prawns and shrimp, used to make many of the most traditional dishes.For some time now, Barcelona is one of the leaders in world gastronomy. The first Spanish food revolution came in the early 1980s with a group of enlightened Basque chefs who had the audacity to steal some of the stars and the limelight from their French counterparts. In fact, one of the chefs who made this culinary revolution possible was Ferran Adriเ (with his legendary restaurant El Bulli on the Catalan coast), a chef whom Time listed as one of the 100 most influential people in the world today. Other famous chefs in this part of Spain are Carme Ruscadella, Santi Santamarํa, Sergi Arola. "New Catalan Cuisine" has even been hailed by the French as the next great culinary wave. In 2004 six restaurants in the region received the coveted Michelin star.The combination of both sea and land gives rise to an original cuisine that knows the secrets of mixing the most diverse flavours. Some of the most deliciuos food you'll find in Barcelona are seafood casseroles or "Zarzuelas", delicious and very practical dishes since they can be made with basically any and every fish in Catalu๑a. Other fish dishes include the cod esqueixada and the suquet de peix (a traditional Catalan fish stew).Typical desserts are Crema Catalana, Mel i mato (of curds and honey), and the Postre del Musico ("dessert of the musician") with pine-kernels and raisins. In the same way, after the luch, you have to drink some wine. The wines of Catalonia are the red wines from Peralda, Alella, Priorat and Tarragona, white wines from Pened้s and of course the famous Cava (sparkling wine).

Granada Travel Guide



Granada is one of Spain's most spectacular historical World Heritage cities, and millions of tourists and international students visit this amazing city each year. Granada is located on one of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and was a stronghold of the Nazeri Dynasty, the last great Moorish kingdom in Spain. Granada sprawls over two main hills, the Alhambra and the Albaicํn, and is crossed by two rivers, the Genil and the Darro. This former stronghold of Moorish Spain is full of romance and folklore. Furthermore, crowned by the Alhambra palace on its hill, Granada has been declared a national monument in virtue of its many well preserved remains of a rich alien culture and art and as the scene of great events in the history of Spain.In fact, the Alhambra is one of the most famous items of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian historical legacy that makes Granada one of the most historic cities in Spain. Granada came to prominence in the 1200s at the peak of Muslim power. Even after Seville and C๓rdoba had fallen to the Catholic monarchs, Granada stood as the last surviving Islamic capital in Spain. It's where the sultans took their last stand against the Catholic invaders.Granada is also well-known within Spain due to the prestigious University of Granada which, is said, that it is one of the three best cities for college students (the other two are Salamanca and Santiago de Compostela). An important cultural centre for centuries, both during Muslim and Christian rule, nowadays the city boasts an enviable calendar of cultural and leisure events. Music, cinema and theatre seasons and festivals are listed, along with permanent and temporary exhibitions ranging over all fields of knowledge.However, you'll find in Granada not only the Alhambra. The Generalife summer palace, on the same Granadan hill, is known for its lush gardens with beautiful fountains and tranquil ponds. Also, the Sierra Nevada mountain range rises to the south of Granada and contains a ski resort with the highest peak in continental Spain, Mulhac้n (3482 m).


Barcelona Transport


If you come to Barcelona by car your best bet is to leave your vehicle in a car park and enjoy your visit by bus, metro or taxi. We recommend you use or public transport or bicycles in order to get around the city, because Barcelona has terrible traffic conditions. The public transport system is excellent and you'll find taxis easily (a green light on the roof means the taxi is for hire). The metro is probably the swiftest and easiest way to get around in inner areas, and buses or suburban trains to get a little further out. However, another way to know Barcelona and its surroundings is by bicycle. Many people zip around on bicycles in Barcelona. If you hire a bike, use bike lanes because the traffic is dangerous. Barri G๒tic and surrounding areas are ideal for walking, but you'll probably need to use public transport to reach further-flung sites like La Sagrada Famํlia and Parc Gell more efficiently.