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Cusco Sights

Lazy Destinations - Shelia - May 12, 2014

For lovers of things ancient a trip to Cusco in Peru is definitely a must. Cusco acts as a fantastic jumping off point to explore the famous Inca ruins of Manchu Picchu which has quickly become one of the world’s most revered cultural sites. Not only a way station for Manchu Picchu Cuzco also has several wonderful sites and attractions to visit. Perhaps the single greatest tourist commodity that Cusco enjoys is the Peruvian people themselves who are selfless, kind and always provide fantastic hospitality to guests of their city. More things to do in Cuzco include.
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Pampa del Castillo at Plazoleta Santo Domingo
The Incas were one of the world’s largest and most well organized empires previous to the arrival of the Spanish upon their lands. No where is this better represented by Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun). An iconic monument for the Incan empire Qoricancha was decorated by more than 700 gold plated walls that allowed sun to reflect off the  temple’s many alters and statues. A massive complex, more than 4,000 priests and their attendants lived at the same time within the comfortable confines of this temple. Not surprisingly the Spanish looted all of the golden plates from the walls, but in modern times still  Qoricancha exists as an example of the intriguing Incan architecture and masonry work. The design techniques of this church became used in several of the Spaniards monuments and churches creating some of the first Andean and Spanish architecture. Qoricancha can be visited from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily at a cost of around $3.75 US Dollars.

Cathedral
142 Portal Espinar | Cusco, Peru
Amongst the wonderful buildings of the Plaza de Armas the Cathedral stands out as both one of its tallest and finest architectural displays. Originally constructed in 1550 the Barque design is still an awe inspiring sight. The interior is equally impressive having opulent ceilings, ornate oil paintings and alters made from gold and silver. Filled with wonderful works of art one of the most famous is a painting that depicts the earthquake that shook Cusco back in 1650. Connected to this tale, and also on display in the Cathedral, is Senor de los Temblores which is the crucifix that is said to have stopped the earthquake from destroying the whole city. Other works of art in the Cathedral exemplify both the Andean and Catholic cultural heritages of this region. The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 6 pm with admission costing around $3.75 US.

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What to Explore in Seville

Travel Tips - Shelia - May 7, 2014

The city of Seville is one of the largest cities in Andalusia, a southern region in Spain. The ancient cities has many cultural attractions, an ancient cathedral next to a Moorish fortress and a Jewish Quarter. Below you will find a guide to the sights of Seville and areas to visit on your holiday.

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The Cathedral and the Giralda.

 

Two of the city’s most famous landmarks are the Cathedral and its bell tower, the Giralda. The cathedral was built on the ruins of an ancient mosque, and the Giralda tower used to be the mosque’s minaret, which was later transformed into the bell tower. The cathedral is known for its architecture, with several chapels decorated with gilded decorations and galleries filled with relics. The Retablo Mayor altarpiece is one of the cathedral’s attractions, a large altarpiece with hand carved sculptures covered in gold. Visitors can climb up the Giralda tower, from where the city and the Guadalquivir river can be seen.

 

The cathedral is located on the main square, where there are many horse-drawn carriages for those visitors who want to explore the city in a traditional horse-drawn carriage. There are more carriages in the María Luisa Park, located a short walk away.

 

The Alcazar Palace.

 

This ancient fortress was built by the Moors and later rebuilt by the Christians. Each hall is a piece of history, decorated with ancient paintings, sculptures and tapestries. The fortress was later transformed into a palace. Visitors can walk around the palace gardens and patios, with have many fountains.

 

The centric Barrio de Santa Cruz.

 

This centric, historical quarter is where most of the city’s landmarks, including the Alcazar and the Cathedral, are located. Part of the quarter’s ancient cobblestone streets used to be the city’s Jewish Quarter, an area filled with stores. Visitors can walk around this area, which has many tapas bars where visitors will be able to try many varieties of local wine and shops. Many of the traditional white washed houses have been transformed into hostels and hotels with pools and patios. There are many squares, including the main Doña Elvira square, where visitors will be able to enjoy a beer with some fried tapas. A short walk away are the Murillo Gardens, which have several fountains and statues.

 

María Luisa Park and the banks of the Guadalquivir.

 

Seville’s most visited park is the María Luisa Park, located on the banks of the Guadalquivir river. The park has many paths lined with exotic plants. In the center of the park there is a square, the Plaza de España square, which was built for an expo. The buildings around the square are mostly museums, and there is a canal with bridges in the center of the square. The perimeter of this semicircular plaza is decorated with niches covered in colourful tiles. Each niche has a bench and a mural, and each niche represents a Spanish province. A short walk away is the river, where visitors can enjoy a cruise. Most cruises are guided cruises that tell the city’s history. The riverside Torre de Oro tower can be seen from the boat.

 

Triana district.
The district of Triana is another popular neighbourhood. Triana is located on the other side of the Guadalquivir river. The traditional gypsy district is known for its flamenco culture, and some of the most famous flamenco bars are located in the area. Many traditional tile shops can be seen in the neighbourhood, and most of the tiles that decorate the Plaza de España and other landmarks were made here. After enjoying some stuffed olives in a terrace on the banks of the Guadalquivir, visitors can explore this side of the city, where many building related to the Inquisition are locates. In the afternoon, enjoy an authentic flamenco guitar show accompanied by a variety of tapas.

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Seven Incredibly Cool Places to Spend New Year’s Eve

Travel Tips - Shelia - April 29, 2014

When the calendar rolls ‘round to December 31, party-loving travelers the world over head to their favorite cities for the most amazing New Year’s Eve events. Here, we list a few global spots that seem to be designed for this glitter-studded holiday. Grab your passport, put on your party hat, and get ready for the midnight countdowns.

Key West, Florida

Cruise down the Seven Mile Bridge to reach the site of some of Florida’s most captivating celebrations or party at a theme park in Orlando.

Inside Tip: You’ll have a choice of several locally inspired ball drops — we’re talking conch shells, red stilettos and canons — so plan your evening around where you want to be when the clock strikes midnight.

Cape-Breton
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

If city-wide parties aren’t your thing, ring in the new year at Nova Scotia’s forested wonderland.

Inside Tip: The tourist season is long gone by December 31, so you’ll have much of the area to yourself. Bring the family for a cool retreat, or invite friends out for your own sparkling party.

Madrid, Spain

Spain’s capital city tends to treat every night like it’s New Year’s Eve, so the actual event is an all-night showstopper.

Inside Tip: Though you’ll find a Times Square vibe in the Puerta del Sol, we like the neighborhood celebrations near Chueca and Malsana. Head to Plaza del Dos de Mayo for its bustling atmosphere, and then hit up the clubs near Sol after midnight. Trust us: The parties will be pumping well into the wee hours.

Atlanta, Georgia

This year, ditch the Big Apple; Atlanta’s famed peach drop is a regional take on the New York icon.

Inside Tip: After you book your hotels and American Express travelers insurance, check the local papers for up-to-date gala listings. The festivities are slightly different every year, and you won’t want to miss the latest events.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Caribbean city that loves to party knows how to spice things up on New Year’s Eve.

Inside Tip: Spend your cash on a VIP-worthy event in the Condado district. This glittering spot is the single best place to be at midnight.

Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut adores its mega-chic lounges and rooftop parties, and New Year’s Eve is the perfect chance to show off its sleekest style.

Inside Tip: Start the evening at a chilled-out cocktail bar, but head to the clubs for the true after-hours treats. Like Madrid, this city celebrates into the wee hours, so you may want to grab a nap before the night begins.

Big Sur, California

Skip the huge celebrations, and pop a bottle of bubbly on California’s most achingly beautiful stretch of coast.

Inside Tip: Venture out to Monterey if you want a little more action at midnight, or book a room at one of the Gorda cabins for a truly remote retreat.

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Best Ways To Enjoy a Seville Vacation

Travel Tips - Shelia - April 28, 2014

Have you ever been to Seville? If you haven’t quite made it there yet, trust me – you’ll want to spend some time in this Spanish city. It is the largest city and the capital of Andalusia. With tons of Spanish flair on offer, along with cathedrals, gardens, and delicious food, there are plenty of ways for you to spend your days. Whether you want to enjoy the warm weather or take in some of the city’s unique history… you’ll never be bored.

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With so much to see and do (and eat! You’ve got to try some tapas before you leave) it is important to spend your time wisely. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy a Seville vacation:

 

Visit The Plaza de España

 

There are so many beautiful places to see during a stay in Seville. One of the most notable has to be the Plaza de España. This is one of the biggest tourist spots in all of Seville. What makes it so special? It is a massive semi-circle building with a tower at both ends. Both the north and south towers can be seen throughout the city thanks to their grand scale. The Plaza itself is the size of five football fields and offers incredible views from the balconies. It is the shape and size of the building – along with the striking views – that brings visitors to this spot. During your visit, you can take a rowboat through the 500-meter canal or even take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

 

Stay In Your Favourite District

 

The best way to enjoy your Seville vacation is to enjoy the local culture. That’s right – you don’t have to stick to tourist spots and only tourist spots! You can leave it all behind by pretending you’re a sevillano for a while. How? Pick accommodations in your favourite part of town. Do you want to be a close walk to the city centre? Or would you rather stay somewhere off the beaten path? Can you picture yourself grocery shopping at local markets and stalls? There are options galore. Simply choose apartments in Seville that let you stay exactly where you want.

 

Grab a Bite To Eat

 

You can’t go to Seville without enjoying some of the local cuisine. Believe it or not, this city is actually credited with inventing tapas. Bonus! There are hundreds and hundreds or restaurants and bars to choose from. Each one offers local tapas specialties, like fried seafood, grilled and stewed hams and sausages, vegetables, cheeses and more. For dessert, you can enjoy yummy items like deep-fried sugar donuts or tortas de aceite. If you’re a total foodie, Seville is the ultimate place for you. Locals often go from bar to bar trying out one dish at each place. It’s bar hopping for your stomach!
It’s time to see the world. A trip to Seville is the perfect way to enjoy some Spanish culture, take in a few of those jaw-dropping sights, and give yourself the vacation you deserve. Now, get packing!

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Casinos to visit when holidaying in Macau

Travel Tips - Shelia - April 25, 2014

If you’re looking for the hottest spot on the globe to gamble, then look to the east to Macau. This special administrative region of China generates more revenue than any other location, even Las Vegas. There are many casinos within Macau that provide excellent gambling. However, most tourists don’t have a lot of time and want to know up front which casinos are the best.

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The most attractive and recognizable casino is the Casino Lisboa. Built to resemble a lotus flower, this casino is easily found within the Macau skyline. Of all the games played here, the Casino Lisboa is best known for its poker. The casino’s poker room is the largest anywhere in Asia. To further accommodate their guests, the casino does offer a bus service which helps guests get around the city without the need to rent a car or hire a taxi.

Another casino not to miss when visiting Macau is the Venetian. This casino was built to be similar to the Venetian in Las Vegas but much grander which made it the largest casino found in Macau as well as the world. Also designed using the city of Venice as inspiration, this casino has manmade canals and even has gondolas. These are operated by gondoliers and can provide rides to guests. The casino is quite immense which translates to a lot of casino game options. Table games number around 800 with around 3500 slot machines, such an impressive amount is important nowadays given the sheer choice online casinos can offer, such as Avalon II. While the tables are the most popular game offering here, many enjoy the diverse range of slot machine types which also include progressive machines.

While the Venetian may be the largest, the Sands has a distinction of its own. This particular casino is the oldest casino still in operation in Macau. The casino offers guests many casino games include three different variations of baccarat.

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