Cadiz : the spirit of Andalusia

Cadiz include the sea, its people, its bay, its history.

Cadiz is very versatile, with its different areas worth visiting, from Jerez de la Frontera in the country villages of Campo of Gibraltar, the route through the white villages at the break relaxing on the coast between Tarifa and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Without forgetting its capital, Cádiz, which retains its walls in the heart of the culture and traditions that make it unique, just like its inhabitants.

Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans populated the province of Cadiz, leaving substantial evidence of their presence all along the coast.

On the other hand a series of historical events allow to see the close relationship that existed between Cadiz and the rest of the peninsula in the year 711, the Visigothic defeat on the Guadalete allows Muslims to conquer the land, changing the course Of the history; three times, the caravels of Columbus leave and return to the ports of the province to convert it into a meeting point for cultural currents of Andalusia and America; and finally, in 1812, the first Spanish Constitution was drafted in Cádiz, which will be the capital of the nation for three years.

The 260 km of Atlantic coast are famous for their long sandy beaches, most preserved of excessive urbanization and extreme tourism operation. While its coastline is part of the Costa de la Luz.
It includes excellent beaches in town, like those of La Victoria in Cadiz or La Barrosa in Chiclana, and pristine beaches such as El Puerto de Levante, Los Canos de Meca and Zahora in the municipality of Barbate, Bolonia Tarifa Vejer and El Palmar.

In the interior include the cellars of Jerez, the White Villages Route and Route of the bull.

The tasty gastronomy of Cadiz includes the most appetizing dishes in Andalusia. The products of the sierra and the sea, together, make a stay in the province a delightful experience. The varied offer of fish and seafood has made famous the prawns from Sanlúcar, the bienmesabe (marinated dogfish), the urta (indigenous fish) Fashionable Rota, sea bream baked in salt, clams vermicelli, small shrimp omelets and many other essential foods.

In the Sierra, game stews (deer, boar, rabbit, partridge, etc.) are famous, like ajo caliente (based preparation of bread and garlic), Grazalema soup, kidneys with sherry , small chorizos from El Bosque, pork fillet with white butter, etc.


Pastry, marked by its Arab heritage, offers unique products, such as Chiclana de cakes, alfajores (kind of gingerbread) and Christmas sweets from Medina, the tocinillos de cielo (a kind of custard) from Jerez, the amarguillos (almond biscuits) Grazalema, etc. All the villages in the province of Cadiz will satisfy the most demanding palate.

Source : www.andalucia.org

Tangier : the white city

Located at the entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar, at the meeting point between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, the beautiful Tangier presents an unforgettable landscape that has captivated for centuries generations of artists, including Eugène Delacroix, Camille Saint--Saëns, Pierre Loti and Paul Morand. And how not to succumb to this city in northern Morocco.

With its temperate climate, vegetation and its separate strip of beach that stretches over 3 km, Tanger seduces every year thousands of tourists. His story also makes a mythical city, land of successive occupations: which history would have started with one of the stories of the twelve labors of Hercules, the Tanjus and Antaeus gods were behind, was marked successively with Phoenician, Carthaginian,Roman, Vandal, Byzantine, Visigoth and Arabic presence.

The city of strangers, as it is called, keeps track of these relentless colonization periods: the Old Medina retains memories of Muslim influence: barely crossed the threshold, you will be assailed by the smells and scents of the Grand Socco, the big soukh literally, that inspired a novel toJoseph Kessel. Traders in traditional costume héleront you to sell you the traditional clothing of the country and its leather goods. A few meters you will also admire the Sidi Bou Abid Mosque, whose minaret in polychrome pottery is the favorite attraction of visitors with its beauty. Beware though: the entry of this place of worship is forbidden to non-Muslims.

Conversely, the modern city of Tangier, has preserved the marks of the French architectural expertise. The Grand Café de Paris is also one of the key pillars. Tangier is definitely one of those cities that must be surveyed to discover its wonders.

If you want to go to Tangier, know that the city offers a range of accommodation to suit every taste and budget hotels, tourist residences, guesthouses, youth hostels but also campsites.

A flight to Tangier is 2 hours and 45 minutes from Paris. The airport Tangier - Ibn Battuta, which was completely renovated and expanded in 2008, is 15 kilometers from Tangier. Tangier is also connected to other Moroccan cities such as Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech, Fez, Oujda by train. Ferry lines also join the city to Sète or Port-Vendres (eastern Pyrenees) in France.

During your stay in Tangier, let's try the Medina and Grand Socco, which manage to stimulate your senses. At a time of relaxation, guests can also enjoy drinking a mint tea in the square of the small Socco. See also: the Kasbah, ancient palaces district of Tangier. Besides the place of France, let yourself be tempted by a visit by the famous Hafa cafe, which has preserved the charm of the 20s, period of his creation.

Tangier is full of places to eat, listen to music or dancing. The nightlife can be found especially in the Avenue Mohammed VI (Ali Baba Associados, Pasarela Beach Club etc. ..).

Source : www.alibabuy.com

Malta : a Mediterranean pearl

Malta has beautiful sound as big as a grain of sand in the middle of the sea, the archipelago hides his game by being a place rich in history and scenery. Why not take advantage of Battle of Malta to take some vacation and to discover all the attractions of this island in the Mediterranean

Sliema, St-Julians is the most "modern" part of the island, refuge of most international companies and expatriates. It is the ideal place for shopping, going out (bars, restaurants, and street Paceville night clubs, Portomaso and the Dragonara Casino, ...).Apart from that, and if the world does not scare you, you can find some beaches (rocks). If you like walking instead we advise you to do the walk of the waterfront from Sliema Ferries until about Portomaso Casino and Spinola Bay.

If you prefer to avoid the same crowd on the sidewalks, then you can do your walk in the other direction, from Sliema still heading this time in Gzira, by simply running along the seafront towards the marina Ta'Xbiex and up to the church square.

Nice little Sunday stroll if you stay on the side of Sliema.

Mdina is a very typical cute little fortified town whose origins date back some 4,000 years. Once past the ramparts by entering through his front door (the right one), you can stroll through its few narrow streets and have fun imagining you can lose yourself (do not worry, the city is so small that it is impossible to happen).
Go all the way to the Tas-Sar place and also enjoy the view of the whole valley and much of Malta by overcast.

Like Valletta, Mdina seems empty of all its souls to the approach of dusk. Perfect ! Take the opportunity to even breathe a little serenity of the "city of silence" before eventually you find a nice little restaurant to finish the day.

In the center of the island, Mosta is especially known for its huge Church of St. Mary (largest of Malta), and its dome, the Rotunda, the fourth largest in the world!

The hook deserves to be done if you have rented a car or if you go there to get you to one of the other attractions of the island.

Located on the west coast of the island, Dingli goes for its cliffs, landscape that you can enjoy anywhere.
Push your journey a little further south and visit the Blue Grotto via the beautiful coastal road.
A little before going down to the tiny village, stop on one of the parking spaces and enjoy a first view on this extraordinary training nature.

Then you can take a motorboat (€ 8) for a side trip 20 minutes around the cave and discovering some of the cavities, including the famous Blue Grotto and the azure water.

It was at Ta'Qali you can find the "Crafts Village", a collection of craft shops and factories (about thirty), where you can among other things see action glassblowers, before visiting side with a shop impressive selection of creations. Tips: Articles with default (sometimes minimal) are sold at a knockdown price. You will also find many souvenirs.

The place has become very tourist, the tourist buses making stops sometimes on the adjoining parking.

Do not say too much that Gozo is attached to Malta, this may upset the inhabitants!
Gozo is more rural island, most kind, and whose occupants are proud of their roots and identity. Although not very large (14km by 7), Gozo deserves a full day. And yet, even by car, you will be far from having the time to see everything.

Small island of 3 square kilometers Comino is situated between Malta and Gozo, known for it's famous Blue Lagoon, with turquoise and incredibly clear water.
Too bad the place is completely crowded in summer and too denatured by an invasion of sunbeds and parasols. Come early or late in the day for peace of mind.

To get there you must take a shuttle from the port of Mgarr (Gozo) or from Cirkewwa (Malta). Several companies also offer cruises (with stop at Comino) from Sliema.

Source : fr.pokerlistings.com

Marbella: luxury and beauty

Marbella is one of the main destinations of the Costa del Sol. It owes too many qualities, which are, among others: its excellent climate, beaches, natural environment and its sports complex.
Puerto Banús, Marbella's flagship complex, is the proof of the excellent quality of its infrastructure . Surrounded by exclusive residential areas, its famous marina each year welcomes the most important and most luxurious yachts in the world. Among its facilities also note the elegant leisure area, consisting of restaurants, shops bearing the signature of the biggest names of international fashion and luxury articles stores.

Marbella offers vacationers a beautiful coastline along 26 km where sunny beaches succeed each others equipped with all necessary infrastructure and lined with modern hotels, residential complexes, shops and restaurants. San Pedro de Alcántara is a major city located in less than ten kilometers from Marbella, is a fine example of harmony between nature and tourism development.Marbella will delight sports fans. A dozen superb golf courses are available to fans of the sport throughout the year. These lands have a landscape backdrop of rare beauty.
Water sports enthusiasts will find three ports where they can practice their favorite specialty.
Marbella also has equestrian schools, tennis clubs and other equipment of all kinds. Not to mention the many outdoor sports opportunities of Sierra Blanca.
The old town of Marbella is at the foot of Sierra Blanca, in front of a beautiful bay. the Andalucian character with orange trees scattered here and there and pretty facades whitewashed and decorated with grilles and geraniums.
In the center, spreads Plaza Los Naranjos, flanked by noble buildings such as the town hall (XVI century.) And the former Casa del Corregidor (XVII century.).
considered the largest of its kind in Spain, completes the cultural offer of Marbella. Housed in the Bazán Hospital (XVI century.), This museum houses an interesting collection of engravings of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries bearing the signature of renowned artists such as Picasso, Miró and Dalí.
The pescaíto frito (fried fish), ajoblanco (cold soup with almonds, oil and garlic) and gazpacho are among the tasty specialties of Marbella gastronomy. The desserts need to be accompanied by an excellent sweet wine.
Among the traditional festivities of Marbella there is the Feria y Fiestas de San Bernabé, the first fortnight of June. The program includes concerts, bullfights and other activities.
Holy Week and fiestas of San Pedro de Alcántara, held in October, are the other important festivities in Marbella.
The excursion possibilities along the Costa del Sol from Marbella, are numerous. A few kilometers away there is Mijas, a typical village of the sierra which extends to the coast. It is popular with tourists. Torremolinos, Estepona, Benalmádena and Fuengirola are other important tourist cities.
Natural Park Sierra de las Nieves, offers landscapes of extreme beauty. Close to Marbella, we get to Istán, a famous town for its springs, and Ojén, known with its great ecological wealth.

Source : www.spain.info

Malaga : in the heart of Andalusia

If you want to discover the most famous region of Spain (Andalusia), Malaga is the perfect city. It is located very short distance from towns like Marbella, Granada, Seville and Cordoba. 
Although it is not as well known as its neighboring towns, Malaga has a rich culture and a long and interesting history. Around the city, you will discover a Roman amphitheater from the 3rd century, a fortress of the 6th century. Just as in Granada, the presence of Muslims in particular left many traces in culture and Malaga has the advantage of the beaches ! 
In addition, art lovers will be delighted to visit the new Picasso museum. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga and his most famous works provided can now be seen in the city where it all began.
Picasso Museum : Picasso's heirs have brought together 150 works by Picasso for the opening of the museum in 2003 and quickly became one of the most visited museums of Spain. It includes early works and drawings by the artist until his famous cubist works.

Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle : The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress built betweens the eighth and eleventh centuries, over The Remains of a Roman fortress. It houses an archaeological museum with Phoenician, Roman and Moorish coins. Also take the time to go visit the castle of Gibralfaro. 

The manquita : A trip to Malaga would be incomplete without a visit to the very eblle Cathedral of the Incarnation. Construction began after the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella got the dominance of the city in 1487. but in 1782, the contruction has been stopped leaving with only one of its two towers planned.

Harbor Beach Malagueta : The port of Malaga is the second Largest mediterranean port. Soak up the sun on the beach of the Malagueta, the biggest city beach All which is right next to the bullring.

source : www.malagaturismo.com

Philippines : Country of 7000 Islands

In this South-East of Asia which the sea is studded with innumerable islands, the Philippines did not take up less space as they consist of more than 7000 islands grouped in northern Indonesia. Among the largest of these, Luzon hosts the country's capital, Manila. Tropical country with hot and humid climate, many islands are covered with thick forests and are also generally of volcanic origin, Hillsides were worked by man for centuries for evelopment of major rice.
as an asian country, the Philippines has nonetheless heavily influenced by Western culture, due to the successive occupations of the Spanish, then the United States.
Once we have paid enough for his plane ticket, which is the biggest expense of a trip to the Philippines, we quickly realizes that this country is a cheap destination, where even small budgets will not need to tighten their belt. 
Many all-inclusive vacations are offered to the Philippines: they offer the advantage of including flight and hotel at competitive prices, and often revolve around a favorite theme (island excursions, hiking and often scuba diving).
But it is also possible to pass such a framework and travel under its own power in the Philippines. Lodging in general is cheap: apart hotels with categories ranging from the more basic to luxury amenities comfort Homestay is widespread in the archipelago. A nice, inexpensive way to blend more into the culture of the island, unlike large and comfortable hotel often cut off from reality.
The Philippines designate an archipelago of islands located in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are divided into three geographical areas: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
 The Philippines have very good underwater diving. The best of them corresponds to Palawa. It has a rich background in wildlife and provides great visibility in the reefs. A wide variety of beach stretches on the island of Luzon, namely the Chico River, the Saltan River and Pagsanjan with its white sands and lagoons cliff.These are black marble with a wondrous environment for practicing rafting, canoeing and surfing. In addition, equipment rental is possible. A guided tour to the Trekking and climbing Mount Mayon on Luzon Island or Mount Pulog in summer is possible. Enjoy panoramic views of waterfalls, secret lakes, caves and forests where deer and wild boars live.
Popular dishes of the Philippines are whole roasted pig said lechón, sausage and goat stew with tomatoes. Dishes of meat such as tapa, the torta, adobo and kaldereta are really delicious. Almost all restaurants in the Philippines offering typical island dishes in their menus. Among the most popular with consumers, we have the mechado the Pochero and afritada. But most Filipino dishes are the mixture of Chinese food, Malay and Spanish; such as Kare-Kare, Crispy pata leg (pork), hamonado and sinigang. And if you like fresh or fried dishes, choose pancit and lumpia .
The bars and cafes in the Philippines are mostly open from 9 am to 1 am in the capital. However, in the resorts, they close later. Clubs and discos are also many in the districts of Manila.

Source : www.cityzeum.com/

Chiang Mai : the rose of Thailand

Chiang Mai (also known as the Rose of the North) is the second largest city in Thailand, culturally the most significant in the north of Thailand and the capital of the province of Chiang Mai. It is located 800 kilometers north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. 

In recent years, Chiang Mai has become more modern. The city offers many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come to Chiang Mai every year. The historical strength of Chiang Mai derives from its important strategic location near a southern branch of the ancient Silk Road, and long before the modern influx of foreign visitors. The city served as an important center for crafts, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.
The city has almost as many monuments as Bangkok. The architecture of these reflect different periods of construction. Most interesting are located in the historic old town, inside the moat. Do not miss the Wat Phra Singh Lan Na style. Hit the streets on two wheels to easily stop every treasure that hides the city. 

The historic heart houses 36 temples adorned with stucco, paint, pearl, teak paneling, etc. The fortifications of the city have almost all gone, the only remaining moat drawing a perfect square.

The many surrounding forests will be an opportunity to practice your favorite sports: hiking in the National Park Doi Suthep-Pui, mountain biking, rafting, elephants back rinding, etc.

In all, the province has 20,000 square kilometers of fertile plains, wooded hills, poppy fields, jungles, protected parks and rivers. Paradise for nature lovers. 

Small natural curiosity to visit the underground tunnels Tham Chiang Dao north of the city.

There are two main handicraft villages around Chiang Mai, it's San Kamphaeng and Baan Tawai. The first, closer to the city, consists of large stores offering almost industrial production, including furniture, very uneven. It is also popular with bus travel agencies and their kickbacks system. It is not very easy to negotiate. Ceramics (celadon), parasols and silk are certainly what is better there.

Baan Tawai, south of Chiang Mai, located 20 kilometers from the city center, is the place to be. Around the real craft village, some more "commercial" signs have been grafted, but it still a must. Furniture and teak, bamboo, mango, rosewood, rattan, water hyacinth abound. It is large and takes several days to do the trick. The advantage is that you do not walk on your feet ! It is organized by sectors and it is advisable to obtain a map of the village to prepare for his visit by targeting places to visit. Especially since many shops are actually resellers of objects manufactured in factories on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Therefore it is necessary to be discerning.

Source : /www.linternaute.com