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

Singapore : the city-state

City-state, the former Singapura, Lion City in Malay, is now an economic tiger whose roar of satisfaction resulting in an unprecedented economic prosperity. However, behind the glass facades of skyscrapers and shopping malls, this gateway to Asia remains a good summary of the continent in its commitment to the traditions Malay, Chinese and Indian.

Entrenched in the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula as a diamond, Singapore is about seven times the size of central Paris, 693 km2. Conquered from the water, its territory continues to expand and could still win 100 km2 polder 2030.

The main island, composed of volcanic rocks in the center, but rather flat (the highest point is 160 m ...), is 40 km from east to west and 18 km from north to south. Sixty smaller islands surrounding it, including Jurong, Sentosa or Pulau Tekong. They also belong to this city-state, a former British colony which became independent from the Malaysian federation in 1965.

Today, over 5 million people, 77% Chinese, 13% Malay and 8% Indian. The country has four official languages, Chinese, Malay, Tamil and English.

This diversity is associated with a commercial offer to satisfy all age brackets. Sentosa Island, formerly pirate hideout boasts a superb zoo and a local replica of Disneyland. On the east coast, the amusement park can reconcile the pleasures of the beach with many sports and contemplation.

tropical, hot and humid, it does not reserve you a big surprise. In November, December and January, it rains nearly two out of three days. The rest of the year, sporadic rain hardly affect the daily life. The thermometer is consistently around 30 ° C during the day and 24 ° C at night. Under these conditions, the timing of holidays and festivities seem more important than the climate for the timing of a trip to Singapore. The Chinese New Year is celebrated in January or February; In November, during Deepavali, Little India is celebrating and shining brightly. Every two years, runs the interesting Singapore Arts Festival.

The least that can be said is that the obsession with economic wealth left in the background of cultural life. However, Singapore has no pretensions in that direction and believes, perhaps rightly, that its surprising mix of languages, cultures and colors well worth museums. Chinese opera (wayang) and the Lion Dance, performed during Chinese festivals and accompanied by drums and cymbals, as the Malay opera (bangsawan) have in recent years found some favor. Remember to go to the cinema, an experience that guarantees its share of emotions, even if it's more in the room than on the screen !

No other piece of land permits to travel through space and time as Singapore. To make this journey, you have to go to Serangoon Road in Little India, Chinatown and Arab Street to where the street names, Baghdad, Jeddah and Kandahar, smack so good the east. If you are interested in the city history, your steps will lead you inevitably to the colonial district, houses in the Palladian style, rich in Doric and Corinthian columns sprinkled with a touch of gothic. Finally, the 32-acre Botanic Garden are not to be missed. Admire acres of rainforest and in the Orchid Enclosure, over 250 species of orchids.

Greedy, not to abstain. Indeed, Singapore allows you to taste all the culinary specialties of the planet. Take an English breakfast, an Indian or Chinese lunch followed by a Malaysian or Vietnamese dinner. Especially since these dishes sold in foodcourts (locally called hawkers centers) are very affordable. Chinese chicken rice, chicken rice with chilli sauce, ginger and soy are the most common. The chicken can be eaten the Malaysian way with a sauce made from coconut milk and spices (rendang). Crab (chili crab or black pepper crab) is another popular dish, like the ubiquitous fried Hokkien meel, local noodles fries.

Source : http://www.alibabuy.com/

Hamburg: not just a port

Upstream of the Elbe, Hamburg is the largest port in Germany, but also the second largest city. As is often the case in open sea cities, Hamburg is a cosmopolitan and attractive city with a strong economic powerhouse that supplies all of its busy streets.
Hamburg is located on the Elbe River a few miles from the North Sea. The city is famous for its nightlife, and St. Paul quarter. Tourists go there to visit his fifty museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and Decorative Arts. She preserved green areas that allow to soothe the soul after visiting the city. These places are especially on the banks of the Alster. The city also has a city park and a botanical garden named "Planten Blumen." 


Extensively bombed during World War II, Hamburg retains today traces its heritage historique.however,  however, the city radiates culturally: events, museums, opera, concerts ... without forget nightlife whose reputation extends beyond the boundaries very clearly !
Hamburg is the largest port in Germany and the second largest city in terms of population. City-state, Hamburg has always been very independent and proud of its commercial success and wealth accumulated over the centuries. This wealth is reflected in the opulence of some villas. 

The west area of Hamburg near the central station is primarily a commercial area, the streets and Spitaler Mönckebergstraße lead to mayor of Hamburg, near which are the churches of St. Jacobi and St. Petri, two of the five main churches in Hamburg . 

Not far away is the place Rathausmarkt, which hosts many events, especially in summer. North of Rathausmarkt there is a channel called Alsterarkaden and malls, the most famous being the Hanse Viertel. 

Another popular district of Hamburg's Reeperbahn in St. Pauli. This is probably one of the most famous red light districts in the world with that of Amsterdam. Sankt Pauli is one of the most populated areas in Europe and a melting pot of people from around the globe. 

Schanzenviertel is also an area not to be missed, it is located right between Sankt Pauli Eimsbüttel and Altona. Students, immigrants and young designers give this hotel a unique atmosphere. In recent years, due to its success, this quarter has seen the price of rents skyrocketed, so bohemian Schanzenviertel became bourgeois-bohemian.

It was the same for the former Danish village Ottensen which is south of the Altona Central Station, which is now one of the most expensive neighborhoods of Hamburg. 


Therefore, young girls penniless now tend to avoid its neighborhoods become trendy and prefer the less popular places, but that certainly does not take long to become as much as Sankt Georg or Karolienenviertel.

A major tourist destination but also an active business destination, Hamburg has a particularly wide range of lodging. Many places in the district of St. George, around the central train station in Mitte (city center) or St. Pauli, around the Reeperbahn. All hotel categories are represented from 5 stars hostels to cheap youth hostels ... A shared studio apartment  be interesting. Always make reservations before arriving in Hamburg ...

Source: www.cityzeum.com

Kyoto : stroll in the ancient capital of Japan

While Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and especially the economic center of the Japanese archipelago, Kyoto remains for the people of Japan the "capital" of the cultural Empire of the Rising Sun. A simple walk around the streets of Kyoto allows any tourist to understand the richness of Japanese heritage preserved in this city of 1.4 million inhabitants. There is at least one temple, if not two, at all street corners. In total, the Japanese Ministry of Tourism recognizes 1600 temples, Shinto shrines and 400 200 sacred gardens in Kyoto. Twenty percent of the national treasures of the archipelago and many places listed as World Heritage by UNESCO are located in this discreet and symbolic city. Kyoto is a true living museum.

Connected every five minutes to Tokyo by Shinkansen (fast train), the journey takes only half past two, visitors usually arrive by Central Station located in the downtown city. They then discover a modern station testifying that Kyoto is not just an old city, but it grows, like the rest of Japan. The hall of the central station, a set of "aerodynamic" slender spaces, stairs and walkways, was designed by the Japanese architect Koji Hara and completed in 1997, offers visitors - yet come to Kyoto to find temples and shrines - a futuristic access. The total absence of traditional elements has been widely criticized. This station-like tech is also a shopping center where young people spend their yen clothing and gadgets. It is also in this station that foreign visitors are invited to head to tourist office for information on museums, temples and shrines to visit, hotels and transportation.
Just blocks from downtown and south of the station, Toji Temple (Kyo-o-Gokoku) is famous for its highest pagoda in the world. Each must have its Japanese temple pagoda. Over the temple is, the larger is the high pagoda and comprises of stages. That Toji has four and is 55 meters high. Built in 1644, this pagoda is considered the highest "wooden structure" in Japan. It contains statues of four Buddhas and their disciples. 
It is in the Temple Toji that religious foundations were laid in the city. In the Kodo (conference room), visitors can see 21 statues, dating back 1,200 years, forming a three-dimensional mandala, the center of which stands Dainichi Nyorai (the cosmic Buddha, author of the first esoteric teachings).
Not far from downtown, but about fifteen minutes by bus to the east of the station, the districts of Gion and Higashiyama Kyoto are the places most visited. Gion is the famous geisha district and in the eyes of the Japanese "male", the symbol of all that is good in life: sake, good food, women and karaoke. Gion is Kyoto's Latin Quarter where we live at night and sleeps during the day. It was after sunset we came across maiko (apprentice geisha) powdered, ghosts from another era still present in the hearts of the Japanese. Just a little east of Gion, Yasaka Shrine, with its large torii (symbolic gate) vermilion, is the door on the Higashiyama district (Mountains of the East). This area deserves an entire day walk  because it is the heart and lungs of the "capital city" where many temples are located. Several temples and shrines enrich the neighborhood mountainside: the Chion-in temple with his colossal temple door and Shoren-in with his tea house, the Otani Mausoleum with its golden gate and the shrine Ryoze Kwan-on and his colossal statue of 24 meters tall. Higashiyama district is also famous for its narrow streets and alleys of another age.
In the northwest of the ancient capital, there are other iconic temples and shrines in Kyoto. The most famous of all is undoubtedly the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This pavilion monument was restored after an arson attack in 1950 that inspired the famous Japanese author Mishima Yokio in his novel The Golden Pavilion, and in 1987, its gold hedging was redone. A shaded path leads to a beautiful garden surrounding a pond in which are hunting great blue herons. Thousands of tourists are discovering the true replica of the legendary pavilion. The graceful structure of Kinkaku-ji is completely covered in gold leaf and surmounted by a phoenix also covered with gild. This monument is the most visited of Kyoto - perhaps Japan - and we must choose its time to get there, usually early morning or late afternoon to avoid being jostled ... or be walked on !
Japanese cuisine is well represented there: sashimi and sushi, yakitori, tempura, okonomiyaki, yaki-udon, soba and other dishes as delicious as each other. It's hard to starve in Japan. Kyoto is part of the Kansai region, which occupies a prominent place among Japanese regional cuisines. Kansai products are recognized for their high quality. However, this region being inland, seafood and other fish are not present in the kyotoïte culinary arts. Great Kyoto leaders therefore created many dishes based on the delicious tofu, famous throughout the archipelago.

Kyoto is the place to visit for those who wish to enter the soul of the Japanese. Kyoto, like Tokyo, a very safe city and opened to tourists thanks to public transportation and impressive number of cheap hotels.

Source : www.lapresse.ca

Marrakech: the pearl of southern Morocco

Now served by several low cost airlines, Marrakech, few hours europe, has become an affordable weekend destination. you are a sun lover? fan of exotic break? Partying all night with the jet set? Marrakech will amaze you each visit: at once familiar and elusive, chaotic and ungovernable, the red city has everything to enchant the visitor.
Spoil yourself and sleep in a setting worthy of the Arabian Nights. Push the door of a riad, it's a bit like stepping into a dream. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses in the medina. Completely closed to the outside, they are organized around a central patio, in the Arab-Andalusian style. The riads were all restored in 80-90 years, often by strangers who have sensed the potential of such places. It is a haven of peace in the heart of the bustle of the medina. Often luxurious - and not always affordable - riads are usually tastefully decorated using traditional techniques Tadelakt (lime plaster) and Zelliges (ceramic tiles).

It's on foot that we must discover the medina without fear of getting lost in her womb. anyway, you will lose your way ... but you will find it, do not panic! Well preserved, the medina is surrounded by ramparts. Built by the Almoravids in the twelfth century, it is now a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

Venture into the maze of streets to discover the lifestyle of the popular Marrakech souks between agitation and calm refreshing fountains, sheltered from the high walls of the riads and palaces. Medina has several architectural jewels like Ben Youssef Madrasa. This former Koranic school, built in the sixteenth century, is a magnificent Arab-Andalusian style, beautifully decorated.

Other gems of the medina, the El-Mansour mosque minaret deploys its tracery in diamonds turquoise color, with, in his garden, the Saadian Tombs of the Kings. Nearby, the Bahia Palace offers a wonderful example of Moroccan XIXth century.

The souks, north of the Jemaa el Fna, is the major attraction of Marrakech. They are among the best in the Arab world. Riot of colors, scents, sounds, sensations ... No need to be a fan of haggling to succumb! Do not hesitate to venture out on his own, setting up a tourist brigade having significantly reduces the risk of harassment. 

The souks, which include more than 40 000 local artisans, are classified by business and neighborhoods. Do not miss the souk Ahiak (tissues), Chouari (basket maker, wood turners) Haddadine (blacksmiths), Smata (slippers), Rabia (carpet) and El Kebir (leather workers). Otherwise you will find anywhere stalls and funduq (caravanserai) filled with bric-a-brac further apart. In short, a real Aladdin's cave! And do not forget: mandatory bargaining!

You have to go late in the afternoon on one of the terraces of coffee (Hotel Café France or Glacier) dominating the Jemaa el Fna, one of the most fascinating urban sites in the world  . It was at this time that the place really becomes alive with street vendors who move but also storytellers, fortune tellers, snake charmers, the Gnawa musicians, healers ... We could spend hours gazing at this incredible human fauna, this street theater of the most sensational. Later, still on Jemaa el Fna, dozens of restaurants serving street food of all kinds (soups, tagines, grilled ...) at rock bottom prices. Sitting on wooden benches, diners in smoke from braziers and noise from the crowd. Intoxicating, even if we do not serve alcohol ... After cross the Jemaa el Fna to admire the illuminated Koutoubia. This famous minaret, Marrakech icon, was built in the twelfth century and was the model for the Giralda in Seville. Nothing less.

Your palate is too delicate for stands of the Jemaa el Fna? Marrakech is full of good restaurants where you can indulge in the delights of tagine, couscous, keftas and delicious pigeon pastilla. Some restaurants in the Medina are located in traditional buildings like ksours (Ksar Essaoussan) the funduq (The Foundouk) or riads (Dar Zellij, La Villa Nomade). The pleasure of food is compounded by an enchanting setting. What more?

To end the evening, the possibilities are endless. We can even come to Marrakech only to party and have fun in the heat of the night Marrakchi.

source: www.routard.com