South Pacific: Journey to a Blissful Destination

One of the most popular destinations that have captured the hearts and minds of tourists is the South Pacific; these famous islands in the southern part of the globe, anchors in the beautiful country of New Zealand, an ultimate vacation destination for the vacationers. The South Pacific is habitat to some of the world's most unique landscapes and environments, and those taking vacations in South Pacific regions have an opportunity to travel around them all.

As a travel destination, South Pacific is a blend of different kinds of bliss. It has been witnessed by countless people through the movies shot marvellously in the region. These mesmerizing islands are perfect for a journey because its climate is friendly year round, and the scenic spots are rejuvenating.

The island hopping that starts anywhere from the Fiji islands, Cook Islands, and Bora Bora is a disclosure. The image of the islands especially its lovely beaches that are purely fine white fine sand and clear blue waters are sights to behold! The splendid sights as if talked together in a rendezvous for the tourists to see. The grassy background of nature in this part of the world is marvellous that one cannot help to go back and experience South Pacific for one more or two more times. The journey to these fantastic islands is exciting and fun, because of the adventure that awaits the family, couples, groups of friends, retirees, nature lovers, corporate and so on.

Perfect Accommodation

There is no monotonous moment in the place because everything is set up for a total vacation. The hotels and resorts in this region are admirable, because it responds to the mind of the visitors, which is more than restful, and beautiful. Most resorts are filled with very good facilities where the tourists can choose what they like. The staff and crew are ever joyful, always ready to provide the best accommodation to the pleasure of the guests. The fun is highlighted by magnificent entertainments, and as the day come to a close, the stunning view of sunset revels the guests. Food is great in this part of the world, as the chefs and cooks converge to prepare the excellent meals. The romantic and poetic ambiance of this paradise is perfect for anyone who are after the lavishness of relaxation.

Perfect destination

South Pacific is the sole perfect place to choose. With no hesitation the place is truly a heaven! It is the right place to flee the world to a calm ambience where relaxing, sun-bathing; water sports and dining are the most important goals to experience. Several island chains are integrated in the South Pacific, such as French Polynesia, often referred to as Tahiti, Fiji Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand, and Australia.

South Pacific is everyone’s dream vacation destination, an inspiration and so, going back for another trip is worth satisfying and gratifying. More so, South Pacific Islands is a region to which a lot of travellers flee, all searching for that ideal getaway for their vacation and holiday of a lifetime.

Madrid – Travel and Explore

Moving around in the city, one sees many of Madrid’s buildings and the overall architecture of some of the older buildings displaying the neo-Gothic features. Whichever one looks, Madrid can mesmerize the visitor into that feeling of being in an era of kings and queens complete with castles and other eye-catching architecture. However, the people and the bustle in the city can bring one back right away into the brisk present.

As you wonder around Madrid there are beautiful scenic’s that are eye-catchers around the city which visitors can pay a visit or maybe simply pass through.

Plaza Mayor / Palacio Real

The renowned Palacio Real is known as one of the biggest in the whole of Europe. This is the official King’s residence yet they do not reside here. At most times this is used for official ceremonies. The palace is considered as one of the most “symbolic” and beautiful buildings in Madrid and is overlooking the river valley. Palacio Real is the most famous plaza in Madrid most likely because it is now one of the focal stops of tourists surrounded with tourist shops, cafes, and restaurants. There is a statue of Philip III in the plaza’s center.

Puerta del Sol

In the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is one of the busiest places in the city. It also is the main hub of the local transportation system, a venue for festivals and other big gatherings of people. The center features King Charles III statue facing the Royal Post Office with a clock tower.
Anyone will never forget to watch the clock tower which is the focus every New Year celebration where the traditional eating of 12 grapes is done. Another attraction is the viewed from the east side of the plaza is the famous Bear and the Madrono Tree Statue; the famous statue is showing a bear climbing up the madrono tree, this is the symbol of Madrid.

Flamenco / bullfights

For the enthusiast or a fan, there are many flamenco dance halls in the city with regular shows and presentations. Some shows can be watched while enjoying a Spanish meal.
For an enthusiast of bullfight, going to a bullfight is a must.  During bullfighting season (in May, month of San Isidro) one can watch important corridas.

Museum Triangle

The first, Museo Del Prado is leveled as one of the best and finest art museums in the whole world. Second, is Thyssen-Bornemisza which feature a baron’s classical art collection and the third is Reina Sofia is Madrid’s modern art museum. This is actually Madrid’s museum region, which represent the 3 major art museums around Paseo del Prado

Museo del Prado has one of the finest art collections in the world and the best in Madrid in classical art, all of which are certainly worth viewing. It includes many collections of the works of Goya, Velazquez, El Greco (Spanish), Rubens, van Dyck, Brueghel (Dutch), Botticelli, Tintoretto, Titian, Caravaggio (Italian) and the Germans Durer, Lucas Cranach and Grien.

If you are planning to visit Madrid, do not waste any time and start searching as many details as you can about it! You will soon appreciate that it will be the best trip that you will ever experience in your life!

Sydney: Pleasant, Mild and Surprising

Not many people know that Sydney is Australia’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city. It is a landmark fit for any traveler’s itinerary. It’s also a superb introduction to Australia and New South Wales, the country’s most diverse state.

Sydney itself offers a mix of tours, attractions and events that allows visitors to discover this city. Surrounding the city is a wonderland of national parks, forests, mountains, river valleys and historic riverside towns.
Since it is in the Pacific, the Sydney temperature is generally within the mid 20's. it is generally clear of any cloudy skies (it takes around a third of the years) but overall, the city is pleasantly mild.

The surprise

Whether a visitor had been to Sydney or is a first-timer, there is always the possibility of discovering new things on all counts – art, adventure, history or some culture. There are also surprising twists to some ordinary things we take for granted.

The Sydney Opera House is the last number you may do as listed. (There’s an open air cinema and you have to check it out when you are around.) What is surprising is the Climb at the Famous Harbor Bridge.

It’s not a question of whether you like it but it does rank high is the 10 listed things you can do at Sydney. It is an experience that’s worthy for the books. (Tips: Do it in the middle of the day and you are likely to enjoy if you’re cool and relaxed. Being chained to something makes it more exciting. Bring someone you like or at least you like the looks of.)

Harbour Bridge and the Skywalk

The skywalk has the best view of the city. It is also much cheaper, takes lesser times and generally much easier to do than the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. (Of course, you can do both if you want.)
Because it is much higher than the Harbour Bridge, the views you will see at the Skyway is incomparable.
On the other hand, the Sydney Tower brings another pretty good view of the city.

Centennial Park

This is where you find the Moonlight Cinema. They don’t have any seats because it is a BYO affair (Bring your own – food and wine.) it actually does not have the same “wow” factor of open air cinema, although this is an original Australian concept updated every now and then.

One must attend the Open Air Cinema for another unique experience. Situated close to Mrs.  McQuarries Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens, it is expensive, and hardest to get into. However, you have your drink on hand, a big screen in front of you with the Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House as background; have your fill of entertainment at one of Sydney’s best nights. (One caveat: the Open Air Cinema is only open during summer.

Visiting Sydney can be a handful of experiences (crossing the Sydney Harbour or some of the mundane things around the city. The best measure is, of course, how you to take them or something you’d like to experience again.

Barcelona – Dazed and Mesmerized

There are a few cities in the world which you can explore on foot and enjoy it. Barcelona is one of them even if it’s a big city to boot. The name of the game is simply to take a day away from the tourist buses and the metros while re-charging you way on the side with some of the city’s most fabulous gastronomic choices.
If you’re into exploring some at Ciutadella, including the Parc de Joan de Miro (one of 20th century’s foremost artists) and the Montjuic castle, and you are already out of the beaten path.

That is, if your legs are up to it. (Of course, you always can pedal your way on a bike.)

Modernism and Gaudi

One of Barcelona’s top attractions is the hypnotizing group of works of architecture, government buildings, churches and others by one of 20th century’s foremost artists – Antonio Gaudi. The most famous is the Sagrada Familia that impresses anyone even without much artistic sense in him.

The others include Park Guell and la Pedrera, among the famous one. The others include Palau Guell, Casa Batllo, Casa Santa Coloma de Cervello and Torre Bellesguard.

Picasso, Miro, Dali

You can follow the artist Picasso’s formative years in early Barcelona. Led by Picasso and Salvador Dali (the foremost leader in Surrealism) who used to meet on art and have dinner with tapas, ham empanadillas pintxos (Basque tapas) and vermouth. At No. 7 Picasso museum, his paintings are arranged in chronological order from his early days to his final years.

Go out at Teatre Grec and procees to Fundacio Joan Miro, one of the largest museums in the world. It contains over 225 paintings, 150 sculpture and graphic pieces by the Spanish Surreallist  (and some of his contemporaries.)

Other Barcelona artists

Today, this Raval is where you need to have some of the city’s cultural nourishment (Barcelona’s contemporary culture center, the MACBA (the city’s contemporary art museum.

The Raval is also where you need to go to get some of the city's essential cultural nourishment, including the CCCB (Barcelona's contemporary culture centre, which hosts exhibitions, conferences and more), the MACBA (the city's contemporary art museum), the Biblioteca de Catalunya (library) and the refurbished Filmoteca arthouse cinema.

This is also where Jean Genet wrote his existential novel, The Thief’s Journal, Nobel Prize books Claude Simon and The Margin by Mandiargues.

Most famous for

The crowning glory of Gaudi is set to finish by 2046. The site is breath-taking enough even if you need not look inside. This was Gaudi’s last work before he died in 1926.  The building’s creation started in 1882 and is expected to be finished by 2046 by public and public funding.

Casa Mila, or what is known as La Pedrera is situated at  Passeig de Gracia, adjacent to Casa Batllo. It has an incredible roof top that provides panoramic views of the city.

You don’t leave Barcelona without sampling the famous seafood. It features fine and famous Galician recipes at Rias de Galicia and at Cachitos, including fried whitebait, squid rings and wedge clams.

Think of the arts, music, sculpture and architecture and Barcelona might just have it.

London: It’s Worth the Trip Even minus the Bridge

Among the famous grand cities of the Old World, London ranks at the very top in terms of things to see and do. A simple walking trip by the river Thames alone can take you on a stroll along the city’s famous buildings and other attractions.

For the peripatetic visitor, you might want to know that London is one of the planet’s most-visited places. For first-timers, the things that you want to see in London (Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Marble Arch, the London Eye, etc.) can sometimes be a killer when it comes to deciding what comes first.

Of course, no one ever misses taking a selfie outside the Buckingham Palace.

Tate Modern

London may have some unique things that don’t usually go within your regular guidebook. Tate Modern, Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art ranks as one of the most visited places in the city. It’s easy to lose your day inside with its exhibits.

But you need to drop by at the Borough’s Market where you will get to sample the many delis and restaurants open all week. Across the river is St. Paul’s Cathedral. Going there, you need to cross the £18.2 million Millennium Bridge, nicknamed the “Wobbly Bridge.” (The wobble had already been fixed.)

The London Eye

It is a huge Ferris wheel, it is for tourists and it can take you for a spin. Now a main feature in London’s skyline, it offers the best views of the city from its 32 capsules (10 tons each and holds up to 25 people). The more than 55 London landmarks can be seen in just 30 minutes.

However, the glass capsule can be slow to some people, but at the top of the 443-foot wheel, you will have a glorious view of the city and its famous landmarks. They serve champagne at night (“champagne flights”). There’s dinner and more drinks at nearby Skylon, a lounge and bar overlooking the Thames with floor to ceiling windows.

British Museum / London’s National Gallery / Natural History Museum

There’s a trio of museums (and galleries) which features some of the world’s most important artifacts from prehistoric times up to this day. The British Museum has the important Rosetta Stone, ancient Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies.

The National Gallery, touted as the crowning glory at Trafalgar Square, has some very important art collections from the 13th century to the present. Works by Van Gogh, Botticelli, da Vinci, Renoir, Titian and others are on display. (You need tickets for these.)

The Natural History Museum has the biggest, tallest, and rarest animals in the world (life-sized blue whale, 40-million year old spider, and many more.)

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is some few miles away from London but it certainly is worth visiting and be awed at one of the world’s greatest mysteries that’s still unsolved. The 3,500-year old ancient monument is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. (You can take a side trip to the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral where the famous Magna Carta is housed.)

Getting the spirit of London will take some more days for the average tourist. The other surprise is meeting the city folks, a happy mix of some 7.5 million people that speak more than 300 languages all in all.

New York: The City That Doesn’t Sleep

Hands down, New York is the one magical city whose spirit you must explore and savor, at least for once in your lifetime. Nicknamed the Big Apple, one can never finish it off with the simple visit in just a few days.

How can one finish off such a string of theater hits at Broadway, all of them already enthroned in the pantheon of classic hits? How do you finish off such tours at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the One World Observatory, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tours, a tour at Madame Tussaud New York, or at Ripley’s Believe It or Not?

How can one savor a Yankee game, amble across the famous New York Central Park, visit American Museum of Natural History, New York movie and TV sites (used as sets of famous movies), the Lion King, Saturday Night Live exhibition, a Cirque de Soleil show, among so many other things to see and do?

Maybe, we can mention a handful of them.

A Walking Tour

Like every one would ask, where does one begin exploring New York? For first time visitors, one needs to ask help from experts.  There are some favorite city tours on foot along some of the city’s important districts.

An important part of New York is its Financial District. This is the oldest district within Manhattan. Actually, Wall Street was literally a wall that separates the northern edge of New Amsterdam from the attacks of Native Americans.

The walk explores the history of the district from the American Revolution all the way to today’s market crashes. It ends up at the site where the old World Trade Center was.

Boat Cruises

There are several boat cruises that you can take to view Manhattan from the Hudson River. There are famous landmarks that can be mesmerizing viewed from the river front. This includes One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Check out the other cruises to see what other sights you want to see. Some tours have other offerings that go with the night-time sight-seeing tours (vantage viewing decks, some drinks during the cruise, maybe some musical entertainment on the side).

Bus Tours

Some city tours are best done on top of tourist buses that feature the city’s electric nature after dark. These double-deckers goes through the city’s illuminated streets showcasing the many famous landmarks around (Times Square, Empire State Building, etc.)

The tours run across the East River into Brooklyn where Manhattan is seen from across the river, all in its lighted magic.

Empire State Building observatory

This observatory housed on the 86th floor of another famous city landmark is an all-time tourist favorite from people all over the world. Of course, the biggest reason is the panoramic view it affords the visitor about New York.

Visitors can see a sweeping vista of Brooklyn, Queens, even New Jersey and other adjacent Manhattan districts. Today’s tickets now include a handheld audio-visual multimedia tour (available in English and 7 major world languages). The famous observation binoculars are all coin-operated (quarters only).

New York, just like the song, makes you want to be a part of it all.

Doing your Thing in Venice

With Venice as one of the top three most visited places in the world, there can be hundreds of things you wish to do. If you are booked for a week (which can be short for some), you might be able to do only some of the things you planned.

If you have less than a week to explore the city, it is best to prioritize the items on your list and do them in a descending order of importance. In Venice, you sometimes forget the passing of time. However, take comfort that you spent them well and haven’t really lost them.

Get lost

If you only have a scant few days to spare, just walk around the city streets before you explore any church or museum or any building. Walking around can guarantee that you will discover for yourself the soul of the city that is never mentioned in any tourist guide.

In the districts of Canareggio or Dorsoduro, for instance, the sights alone will soothe your eyes. After which, you can now visit some churches or some other destinations around.

For example, not many would know that some of the priceless art masterpieces of Titian and Tintoretto are inside Scuola di San Rocco.

If you still have a night to spare, then get lost in Piazza San Marco. This is the famous plaza beside the Basilica. If you can be so lucky, you can catch the magic of the place in late evenings (or early mornings) before the tourists flock in or after they have left.

St. Mark’s Basilica

By most people, St. Mark’s is the most visited place in the city. Its unique magnificence cannot escape your eyes – the onion domes, the marble pillars in myriad of colors, and the exquisite mosaics that run from floor to ceiling. (Getting inside is free, but the three museums inside have entry fees.)

Beside the Basilica is the Doge’s Palace, said to be the 2nd most important attraction of the city. You might want to pay just to have the chance to walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs. (You can look at the bridge from the outside, though.)

In Venice, taking the Grand Canal tour with the #1 Vaporetto is like taking a city bus tour. (There are no buses or cars in the city. Transportation is through the canals.) It is slow and you can enjoy the ride soaking in the sights and ambience of the place. Unless you have money to burn, gondolas may be romantic but are terribly expensive.

Murano glass

World-famous as it is, actual glass-blowing itinerary in tour packages can be skipped. Simply catch any Vaporetto other than that booked by your hotel to go to Murano. Walk around its streets and you may find some open glass-blowing studio and watch the procedure without a large crowd.

For a complete feast of the eyes, stroll around the streets of Burano and its brightly-colored buildings and houses. Point at what food stuff at Rialto market and the vendor gets it and bags it for you.

Doing what you want to do in Venice is not too difficult even if you’re in a hurry. Simply stay away from the crowd and other tourist-filled places. Doing it in off-season is best.

A Long Roman holiday

How do you plan to visit a city whose sights and places are catalogued in stone for over two millennia of city life?

When you think of it, compressing some 2,700 years into some few days of collecting memories and experiences will be near impossible. Suffice it to say that you simply have to experience these places and sights that had been famous for centuries, one by one. The memories will certainly outlast your lifetime.

Rome is not named the Eternal City without good reason.

The big names

Like a good visitor, it is obvious that the very first places to begin your destination should be the big names. They had been famous for hundreds or even thousands of years for some very good reasons. And you’ll get to know why.

Take the Colosseum. Built in the 1st century AD, this monument of age-old engineering have remained the template for constructing stadiums ever since. It is still ever-impressive even after thousands of years.
The Roman Forum, viewed from the Capitoline Hill, is one imposing introduction to the center of imperial Roman life in the center of the city. It housed the public baths, imperial arches, the Roman Senate, and the remains of the temples to the Roman gods.

Huge

The epicenter of the Catholic Church worldwide, St. Peter’s Basilica impresses one not just because of its size but more of its Renaissance splendor, including the magnificent Sistine Chapel.  See Michaelangelo’s Pieta, the masterpieces at the Sistine Chapel’s ceilings, Raphael’s masterpieces, and the Vatican Museums.
The Pantheon, on the other hand, is the most preserved ancient monument in Rome. A massive sphere designed by Hadrian in 125AD for pagan worship, it had been the world’s largest concrete dome until the 90s. Today, it houses the tombs of Raphael plus the other monarchs and greats in Rome’s history.

Theatrical extravaganzas

In Rome, you can feel the intense theatrical quality of the buildings and their architecture. Piazza Navona is at the center of an ancient race track of chariots in their day. It now contains the incomparable sculptures of Bernini. The Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps are other showcases for all to savor.

In small Piazza di Trevi, the Trevi Fountain looms as the largest baroque fountain in Rome, a terminal point of some of Rome’s old aqueducts. This 18th century landmark (designed by Salve as influenced by Bernini) shows the Roman God of the Sea, Neptune as guided by Tritons. The coins thrown by tourists are coming from those wishing to return to the city.

Other eye catchers

There are other places that can only be in Rome and in no other city. The Basilica San Clemente had been rebuilt in the 12th century after having been a pagan temple for more than 2,000 years.

Another place worth a visit is the piazza at the Capitoline Hill, designed by Michaelangelo. It has the Capitoline Museums and encompasses the view of the Roman Forum.

Beware, though. The Eternal City grows eternal on you and stays with you in all your days.