Colombia - The Country Of Bright Contrasts

Colombia became a tourist route of a new millennium. Hundred thousands of tourists from all over the world have chosen the travel to the country of fantastic riches for a long time ago. In 2007 main directions for foreign visitors became Bogotá, Cartagena and Medellin. 40,9 % of the profit is from the general number of tourists from Latin America, but the inflow of visitors from far abroad also increase. So, within the first 9 months of the current year the arrival only by air of foreign tourists in the country increased by 14,2 %. Since January till October 780891 persons visited the country. The same index for the similar period of 2006 was 684089 persons. These figures for the minister of trade, industry and tourism Luis Guillermo Plata grow out the transformations, allowed to change all over the world the point of view about Colombia as about the dangerous country.
Every day more and more people get acquainted with the beauty of Colombia, its cultural variety, advantages and cordiality of Colombians. It is a consequence of persistent work of the government concerning the safety of democracy, employment, the infrastructure, growth and legal stability for investors, the minister considers. The purpose of the ministry - to receive 4 million tourists by 2010 - seems to be not already so fantastic as several years ago. According to the statistics of the Service of economic research of the ministry and department of administrative safety (DAS), during September Colombia was visited by 86877 foreigners, having increased the last year's index on 8,75 %.
Bogotá is still the main tourist direction of travelers - it was visited by 452546 tourists. Bogotá becomes a religious, gastronomic and business centre of tourism. Besides, the city is the basic changing unit for the travel to other regions of the country. Cartagena became the second one by the attendance since January till October. It was visited by 11,2 % from the general number of tourists, that is 97644 persons and its popularity has increased on 0,3 % in comparison with 2006. Medellin became the third one by the popularity. It received 78478 tourists, that is on
17,8 % more than the last year's index. Such cities as Cúcuta, Bucarmanga and Pereira also represent the growth by the visiting index . The quantity of tourists from the cruise ships also has increased on 16244 persons or on 48,4 %. From the beginning of the year 43 cruise liners have arrived to the country, 33 of which came into Cartagena, 7 - in Santa Marta and 3 - on the island San Andres.
Iuri Tarabanov writes about interesting travel experiences. His Travel Reservations site is http://www.travelime.com/
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Bali Beaches

Bali is one of the most visited vacation hotspots in the world. Situated in Indonesia, it was once named as the best island destination in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine. It attracts huge number of travelers from all over the world with its fun filled, palm fringed beaches known for having white sand. Bali has a many beaches, all of which are easily reachable from Despansar airport.
The line of beaches on the island of Bali includes Sanur beach, Jimbaran, Soka beach, Nusa Dua, Medewi beach, Lovina beach, Kuta, and Legian beach. Locals and tourists popularly go after Legian beaches, which are famous for their magnificent view of sunset. Surfing is a major activity here and the best waves are a 5 to 10 minute drive from Despansar airport.
Nusa dua beach has a chain of hotels placed on the sandy shores and these hotels provide luxurious swimming experience in protected lagoons, as well as fabulous gourmet food served on site.
Sanur beach is easily reachable from Despansar. Sanur has calm, secluded lagoons, which are favorites for lots of activities like wind surfing, parasailing, and excellent for families.
Between Despansar and Gilimanuk, two wonderful beaches called Soka beach and Mediwi beach are present. Jimbaran attracts many local families and tourists with its beauty and superb seafood restaurants that line along the beaches. Jimbaran is placed on the way from Despansar to Nusa Dua, directly to the south of Despansar airport.
Lovina is the most inspiring beach in Bali that attracts large number of tourists, irrespective of the season. A number of people visit this beach to view schools of dolphins swimming and playing in the waters.
Kuta is home to the whitest beach in Bali, and is just a 5 to 10 minute drive from Despansar. Kuta could be very well called the tourist mecca, because of its shops, pubs, and fully equipped first class hotels. Kuta is famous among skilled swimmers and recognized for its unpredictable underwater currents - novice swimmers should use caution when swimming at this beach.
Bali provides detailed information on Bali, Bali Vacations, Bali Culture, Bali Real Estate and more. Bali is affiliated with Bangkok Airfare.
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World Of Warcraft Quests

When playing the online game World of Warcraft you need to get to know some of the basics about the world and the game play that it allows. It offers multiple professions for the characters and each one of these have certain unique benefits that can be studied and mastered.
When finding wow quests to undertake and complete you gain experience and rewards as you travel through the world. The quests form the foundation of the game and help players to explore the world and this gradually leads them into new areas as they raise the levels of the characters. The quests are a constant source of both risks and rewards for all the players and their characters as they progress through the game. There is a wide range of complex quests that will continually provide the players with engaging and worthwhile challenges and regardless of how often players can be online there are so many of them that the player will always be engrossed in the game. Some of the quests are designed to for an individual player to complete them while others require the participation of multiple players and then there are those that are relatively simple and can be completed quickly and others that can take considerably more time and skill to finish.
Quests are quite easy to find and acquire, mostly players just simply walk up to a non-player character or NPC in the game that has an exclamation point (!) above his or her head and simply talks to them. This exclamation point that is above their heads indicates that a particular non-player character or NPC has a quest available. If they have a question mark (?) above their heads this indicates that the player needs to return to that particular NPC in order to complete their quests. Other indicators are present to let players know that a certain NPC will have quests available in the near future when they are more experience and have attained a higher level. The colour of the mark allows for certain information such as an NPC with an orange exclamation will have one or more available quests and an orange question mark means you and the NPC still have outstanding business. If an NPC has a silver exclamation mark above their head it means they have quests that will be available when your character reaches a higher level.
Quests are themed to specific areas and differ from vicinity to vicinity and many have multiple reward choices for the player to pick from, they can be accepted and completed when the player feels they have the ability, experience, level and time to spend online to complete them.
Once a quest has been accepted it will appear in the players quest log, this log is for the purpose of keeping track of all the quests you have so far encountered and whether they have been completed or not, the quest in the log is colour coded dependent upon the difficulty level of the particular quest. The actual details of each of the accepted quests including the quests requirements, which non-player character or NPC to speak with after fulfilling the requirements of the quest and the reward or rewards that will be available upon completion are easily accessible within the players log. The quests you find can be started or abandoned at any time during the game and they can also be easily be reacquired at a later date if necessary. The quests are divided up within the log and are also listed by region, this is to help players identify which ones are outstanding and still need to be completed and depending upon where the player happens to be in the World of Warcraft they can continue or put it aside until a later time and complete it when they are ready.
Piermon is a published author with many articles that have been produced on a variety of subjects with excellent content and depth. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.wowlevelguide.org/
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Travel Hong Kong: 12 Must See Places

Hong Kong features a diverse mixture of characters as a result of long British occupation and a great Chinese influence. As a state of China, Hong Kong provides a good introduction to who ever wants to know more about China without entering the mainland plus a venue for more attractions with western culture and Asian spirit.
1. Hong Kong Museum of Art – Located at 10 Salisbury Rd Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is open to anyone who wants to take a glimpse of Hong Kong’s culture and history through its large collection of over 14,000 items ranging from calligraphy, paintings, Hong Kong treasure, art objects, antiques, and lithographs. The museum is open from 10:00am-6:00pm daily except Thursday (public holidays not included).
2. Hong Kong Disneyland – The newly open and the first ever Disneyland in Asia offers total fun and excitement for the whole family. The park is divided into four major attractions: Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Main Street, USA.
3. Victoria Peak – Soaring 1810 feet above sea level, the Victoria Peak is premier destination for tourists who want to take a birds eye view of downtown Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. Go another step higher and take a 10-minute hike to the actual Victoria Peak.
4. Lantau Island – Travel Hong Kong and take a cruise around the waters of Lantau Island and watch pink dolphins that only live in this waters.
5. Ocean Park – Travel Hong Kong and visit Ocean Park. This is one Hong Kong attractions where you and your kids will have a great fun. The park is one big oceanarium containing Lowlands Gardens where pandas live, goldfish pagoda and butterfly house are located, Marine Land where atoll reef and shark aquariums are found, and Headlands amusement park where you can go and take a ride with cable cars and roller coasters.
6. Water World – Travel Hong Kong with kids would never be so much fun without taking a plunge on Water World. Enjoy wave pools, play area, and water slides.
7. Middle Kingdom – A miniature China that houses Chinese shrines, street scenes, temples, and palaces only at Middle Kingdom.
8. The Central district – If you travel to Hong Kong because you love to shop, you better go to the central Hong Kong district where big shopping malls and several Western designer and signature boutiques are located.
9. Lamma Island - If you want to see a different Hong Kong, try Lamma Island. It hosts several outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. And if you love to taste fresh Hong Kong seafood in great dining ambiance, Lamma Island is still the preferred place to go.
10. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Sha Tin) – Located at New Territories, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery features Buddha in different poses and colors.
11. Hong Kong Space Museum – See what’s in store for you in the future at Hong Kong Space Museum. The complex offers hundreds of displays ranging from telecommunications, robotics, energy, computers, and physics with hands on experience that will keep you interested.
12. Wet Market – In Hong Kong, everything is fresh. And when they say fresh, they mean it. If you happen to travel Hong Kong to visit a friend or someone you know, come along when they go to wet market where the freshest among freshest seafood are for sale.
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides Hong Kong travel resources on http://www.your-hong-kong-travel.info/
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5 Ways to Save Money Vacationing in Panama

Negotiation
The first thing that strikes a visitor to Panama is a taxi. They’re everywhere in Panama City and if you don’t watch out, you may get hit by one. Take caution when crossing streets where bozo cab drivers and reckless bus drivers always have the right of way. Keep in mind that because taxis don’t have meters in Panama, a ride, anywhere from two to thirty minutes should cost about $1-$2. Be sure to negotiate the fare with your driver beforehand so you’re not gypped at the end.

Restaurants
Panama City is a very cosmopolitan capital and the food/restaurant scene is ever-changing. Ever-evolving. While dining at several of the top, most expensive restaurants in the city can be a fun luxury, try to limit yourself. You’re on vacation and splurging is a must, also try to save money by asking locals where they like to eat. The street food and local establishments here are as authentic and cheap as they get. Grab yourself a roasted chicken or a watermelon water for less than a buck. Chances are, you’ll find your favorite dining experiences not from guidebooks or websites but from asking the people who know the country best. Its citizens.

Public Transportation
Renting a car for long journeys is the safe and comfortable option, but if funds are low, try using the country’s public transportation system. Busses leave from Albrook Terminal to almost every province and cost no more than a bottle of water. The taxi system too is extremely economical and relatively safe, so instead of hiring personal drivers or private transfers, give the busses and taxis a shot.

Hotels
Travel agents are making a comeback and in Panama there are a number of agencies who can find the best rates and availability without any extra fees. This will make the hassle, that is trying to get a room, vanish into thin air as you’re leaving the dirty work to the professionals. They can also book you in advance sometimes at a discounted rate. The last thing you want to do is show up in Panama City without a hotel room because you’ll probably get stuck with the “I’m a gringo and I am desperate for a room” rate which is usually through the roof.

The Unknown
Panama is an amazing country and you don’t can’t be holed up in an air-conditioned hotel suite to experience extraordinary tropical living. Check out areas in the Azuero Peninsula like Chitre, Pedasi, Tonosi, and Santiago where tours, food, and real estate is sometimes a quarter as expensive as the city. The people tend to be more friendly and the experiences seem to be more real. This takes some courage, but venturing into uncharted waters definitely paid off for some great people.

Alan Winters has worked the country for fifteen years and is an expert in Panama travel, Central America and Panama real estate

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Hitting the Language Barrier, Face First in Panama

Just the other day, I overheard him talking to Elida, one of our maids, in a discussion that was characterized-not unlike an independent film-by silence and uncertainty. It very soon became clear that not only was Keenan struggling to express himself but Elida was desperately struggling to understand.

"You, Elida, can clean, below my feet, please?" he said, making a mopping motion that more looked like he was stirring a giant cauldron. He got himself into trouble when he tried describing the mop he wanted her to use.

"You, Elida, can clean below my feet with a tall...pencil...with...hair on the end?" This confused Elida as I presume it would anyone asked to wash someone's feet using human hair and a pencil. In all fairness though, Keenan's Spanish is based on the same round-about approach that we all use some point or another in exploring a second language. It's the strategy of using words and phrases we do know to somehow express the ones we don't.

When his conversations involve strangers, Keenan likes to begin with "yo no hablo espanol", which is like a considerate warning to the chaos out to ensue. This usually buys him some elbow room in the humiliation department but it's his other tactic that really lightens the miscommunication mood.

You see, he's learned several Spanish phrases which are, for lack of a better term, graceless. It is these phrases, such as "I am a meatball" and "Do you need toilet paper" that can turn any awkward conversation, effortlessly into a funny one. He sometimes likes to clarify his slogans (as we've come to call them) with a peculiar twist. "I am a meatball made of cat" he'll throw in there, or "You need toiled paper for your ass?"

The phrases he knows, he knows very well.

He's got a book that's orange on How to Learn Spanish, The Fun Way which I see lying around his bedroom and bathroom, the pages folded over like dog ears. Inside you'll find pages full of vocabulary, such as things to buy in a grocery store, types of vehicles, and various life-ending diseases, throughout which you'll periodically see circles or underlines. I presume, from the strangeness of his selections, that he's probably plotting a new slogan.

Keenan approached the language barrier in Panama going at a top speed and crashed into it full on, smashing his face and knocking out a handful of teeth. He used the blood from this collision to etch several important words like into a notebook which he carries in his back pocket for easy access.

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Baby Boomers - Book Your Travel Online

Baby Boomers are heading for retirement! They are computer literate and familiar with using the Internet. And they will be traveling in large numbers. Add more leisure time to the desire to see the world, and you have Baby Boomers booking online travel everyday. It is expected that up to 95% of all travel will be booked online within a few short years. The Boomers will research their travel needs and then book exactly the travel packages they want—and do it at their convenience from the comfort of their home or office.

Using the Internet to shop, to learn and to communicate has changed the way people think. When it comes to planning travel, with a click of the mouse the traveler can search for the best deals, look at cruise lines, lodging and rental car options. It is possible to visit any city, country, region or attraction in the world. Using satellite technology, one can scan from above, following rivers or forests, finding the location of places of interest all over the world, and learning about the many travel options. Discover modes of travel by air, sea and land that you may not have imagined existed!

Further, you can take virtual tours of hotel rooms, resort accommodations and amenities, and choose locations close to the activities you want to do while on vacation or be near a conference or business location. You can check out golf resorts, cruise lines, hiking vacations, special interest vacations or even volunteer opportunities. Literally, the entire world is open for exploration through the Internet.

For trips abroad, the Internet allows potential visitors opportunities to learn about the countries they want to visit and how to find the packages they want or create their own travel itinerary. There are numerous websites available where travel brochures can be ordered that include tourist information and even maps. Foreign embassies or consulates in the United States are also sources of information about their countries. The traveler may want to check out any travel advisories that are issued by the US State Department for potential hotspots around the world. Requesting literature and doing research ahead of a planned trip can be one of the most satisfying parts of the trip—the anticipation!

To turn travel dreams into reality, the explorer will need to find a comprehensive online travel website. Choose a website which allows for direct contact with the travel agent for advice if needed. Look for FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on the website where many common questions about travel are answered. From honeymooners seeking romance, to seniors visiting the places they have always dreamed of, to business travelers watching the bottom line, to families planning reunions, to those seeking to learn more about a hobby or vocation -- a travel agent can be a vital link to a successful travel experience.

Baby Boomers, use your internet savvy and learn how to book travel online!

For more information about all segments of the travel industry, visit http://www.ChadsTravel.com. This website and online travel agency specializes in saving consumers money on airline tickets, cruises, rental cars, lodging, vacations and much more. Judy Moor is a experienced traveler and author who is committed to trying to make life more meaningful and fun for Baby Boomers, people who travel on business and all others that travel. Be sure to check out her #1 rated work-from-home opportunity too.

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Life In The Hot Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert and is spread across 8.6 million square kilometers in Northern Africa. The average year round temperature in Sahara exceeds 30°C with the temperatures rising above 50 degree centigrade during summers and the winter temperatures falling below freezing point. With the daily temperature variation fluctuating anywhere between the values -0.5 to 37.5 degree centigrade, the conditions are really harsh and difficult to sustain life and this condition is further deteriorated due to the hot, dusty winds. The high temperatures during summer, scanty rainfall, and freezing winters, along with the severely dry weather make Sahara's weather very inhospitable. As a result, plant and animal population is sparse.

Plants and animals develop certain adaptations in order to adapt to life in the harsh desert conditions.

Desert plants possess very long roots that penetrate very deep into the earth, and their broad leaves are replaced with spines, and thick green stems in desert plants like cactus where the spines help in preventing excessive water loss while the stem performs photosynthesis as well as holds water for a very long time. Xerophytes, grasses, shrubs, and trees comprise the common vegetation in the Sahara desert.

Desert animals rarely come out in the hot sun and instead stay underground during most part of the day and eat such foods which contain a lot of water content. The desert animals are also smaller in size which minimizes water loss from their bodies. The animal species found in the Sahara include the desert hedgehog, gerbil, jerboa, cape hare, common jackal, dorcas gazelle, oryx, dama deer, Nubian wild, barbary sheep, anubis baboon, spotted hyena, sand fox, Libyan striped weasel, the slender mongoose, rattlesnakes, kangaroo rats, kit foxes and numerous species of frogs, toads, crocodiles, lizards, chameleons, skinks, cobras snails, brine and algae shrimps.

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Holiday Travel Tips

If you're going away for the holidays this year, you're probably unhappily anticipating a hike in gas prices, long lines at airport security and delays all-around. According to the Bureau of Transportation, Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season are the busiest long-distance travel times in a given year. While travelers cannot avoid hefty waits at check-in and traffic on the highway, there are plenty of measures to take in order to alleviate any holiday season travel stress.

• Know when to travel: For local excursions, people tend to leave on Thursdays. If traveling over 100 miles away, Wednesday through Sunday are the most popular days.

• About 90% of Thanksgiving travel is through one's vehicle.

• The Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving are the busiest days to travel back home. If you book a flight or drive on Tuesday, you'll avoid a lot of traffic.

• Weather delays don't always depend on where you're flying out of. If you live in Florida but are flying to New York, you may experience delays due to a snowstorm, for example.

• Allow ample time to check in at the airport and make it through security. More travelers means more time to wait as each individual is screened.

• Travel on Saturday as opposed to Sunday. Most people want to make it back for work without sacrificing any weekend time.

• The average age of Thanksgiving travelers is just under 34, as opposed to right above 36 for the Christmas and New Year's holidays, according to the BTS.

• Preview airport restrictions and laws implemented for safe air travel...you cannot avoid them and will save a world of time if you plan ahead.

• Book a trip off-season. For example, go to New England when the leaves aren't changing...you'll save on local bed and breakfasts, whose popularity heightens during the fall.

• Consider booking through an online travel agency. You can find new discounts and sales each day, as well as vacation packages unavailable elsewhere.

The best discount travel online can be found through sites such as Orbitz and Expedia, according to StarReviews.com. If you're an avid planner, you'll be able to customize your own trip homepage, complete with photos, video and comments through Orbitz's TripHub.

If you're like most travelers, saving money is important when going away during the holidays. When booking through Travelocity, you can save just by using a particular credit card. Before the cold weather arrives, consider booking travel online and taking advantages of discount flights and destination-stays.

Kelly Liyakasa is staff writer for StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and web service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then Visit our site at StarReviews.com

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As The Largest City In The World Mexico City Has More Than A Bit Of Excitement In Store For You

With 25 million inhabitants, Mexico City is the largest city in the world; it's therefore no surprise that it has so much to offer - from intriguing modern attractions to a variety of ancient cultural wonders. The roots of Mexico's capital lie in its historic centre, which is home to a number of museums, galleries and landmarks; visitors can also experience various religious festivities, cultural events and the 'spirit' of the city by spending time wandering through its centre. Some of Mexico City's top attractions include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Templo Mayor and the Catedral Metropolitana, which now dominates the city's main square, the Zacolo. What's more, Mexico City offers an exquisite opportunity for children to partake in its cultural splendour. The Papalote Children's Museum, for example, holds an array of treasures and is one of the most visited scientific museums in the world.

But the cultural wealth of Mexico is apparent in much more than its ancient buildings, museums and galleries; it's particularly evident in the city's traditions and celebrations. Cinco de May, Dia de Muertos, Representación de la Pasión de Cristo and countless other traditions exude the intriguing character of Mexico City to visitors and locals alike.

While in Mexico City, visitors can take their pick from an extensive array of activities. It's particularly worthwhile to tour one of the city's local markets - such as the La Merced and San Juan markets in the downtown area - where you will find a vast variety of fruits, herbs, flowers and regional products. And where better to experience the world-renowned Mexican cuisine than in Mexico City?

Mexico City's nightlife is also something which should not be missed on your trip to the city; with various shows, restaurants, clubs, bars and discotheques around the city, night time adventures are guaranteed to be just as exciting as daytime jaunts. Dance to cumbia, salsa or meringue music, or see a show in one of Mexico City's numerous theatres.

If you'd like to take a break from the bustle of the city, rest assured that you have countless options to consider. Take an Aztec tour just northeast of Mexico City, where you'll experience the Teotihuacan Pyramids and the ceremonial centre - with its palaces, plazas and altars - along the Avenue of the Dead. Or, for a bit of spectacular fun in the sun, head to one of Mexico's many blissful beach resorts and seaside towns. Mexico's beaches are truly stunning: explore junglous regions, take a dip into the crystal waters, or sun-bathe on the vast, golden coastline. If you're after a bit of beach-side adventure, take your pick from a range of activities such as snorkelling, sailing, surfing and more. Cancun, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta are particularly popular destinations for Mexican beach holidays.

If you're thinking about taking a trip to Mexico City, you'll find that getting there is easy; countless airlines and travel agents offer frequent flights to Mexico City as well as various other places of interest in Mexico - so don't delay. With so much to choose from on a holiday to Mexico City - from bustling excitement to nearby quaint villages and serene beach settings - every holiday-goer can fulfil his or her idea of the perfect getaway.

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist that enjoys travelling.

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Madrid Travel Experience - All Night Out

Madrid is Europe's third largest city and certainly one of the most exciting, exhilarating and fascinating. Your travel agent can show you how to best visit the historic barrios of Malasana, Lavapies, and Chueca, gaze upon the Palacio Real, and if you can handle the bloodsport, attend a corrida at Spain's largest plaza de toros at Ventas for a dazzling celebration of Spanish passion and temperament. Then you can head for Calle Serrano in the Salamanca neigbourhood for some truly upmarket shopping and if you're in the mood for one of the great experiences in the art world, view the over 4,000 priceless masterpieces at the Prado Museum.

One of the finest experiences in Madrid is to savor the superlative tapas bars or tascas (pockets, as they're usually very small establishments) which the city is world-famous for. After all, what would a trip to Madrid be without savoring the tapas, the traditional snack-sized portions of Iberian delectable delicacies? Take a pleasant walk down the Gran Vía and admire the fashionable shops, marvelous theatres and galleries, but prepare your taste buds for a tapas feast!

Your travel agent can inform you that you have hundreds of world-class tascas to visit in your tapeo crawl so you'll never run out of new taste experiences. It might be a good idea to go have a nap in the heat of the day because the movida, or the "wave action" of nighttime starts around 11 pm and runs until dawn! That's the time when Madrileños socialize, dine, drink, play and party. The streets are busier at 3 am than at 3 pm!

Most tascas serve a variety of tapas, but have their own special dishes that they are renowned for. Casa Labro on Tetuán specializes in cod croquettes hot from the fryer. El Oso y El Madroño on Calle de la Bolsa serves caracoles (snails) which will rival anything in Paris. Calle de Casa Criaco's specialty on Calle Mayor is the bouquerones which are anchovies marinated in vinegar. At La Casa Del Abuelo (Grampa's house) on Calle de la Victoria, you can choose from a dizzying array of shrimp and prawn specialties including grilled in their shells "a la plancha" or "al ajillo" which has them peeled and fried in a powerful garlic oil. The house specialty at Tasca La Farmacia on Calle de Diego are the bacalao croquettes, which are big chunks of cod in a béchamel paste deep fried to golden greatness.

The first thing you'll note as you enter La Taberna de Antonio Sánchez on Mesón de Parades is the stuffed head of the bull who gored and killed the founder's son in the ring in 1850. This tasca is a hangout for bullfighting enthusiasts to this very day who will engage in animated discussions of events in the ring the way Americans will argue over football or baseball loyalties. The garlic soup is redolent and satisfying, and the shrimp are succulent and juicy. You may want to taste what may be Antonio's son's revenge on his killer by ordering a tapas made from bull's testicles. Whether or not you're quite up to that "treat" your travel agents can certainly assist you in making the arrangements so you can savor the spectacular tapas tascas of Madrid.

Visit http://www.tripology.com to connect with 3 specialized Travel Agents, perfect for any Trip!

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Old World Historic Destinations

Egypt
Egypt is the cradle of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, rich with ancient treasures, pyramids, tombs and temples. Moreover, it is the fusion of various cultures and religions that survived and co-existed peacefully for so many years that give Egypt its unique identity.

Archaeological sites, Pharaonic tombs, ancient temples, vibrant bazaars and sailing down the Nile are only some of the experiences that will give the traveler an insight into the historically rich tapestry that weaves this amazing country. The beauty of Ancient Egypt, the stunning Mt. Sinai at sunrise, camel trekking into the desert with local Bedouins, donkey rides into the Valley of the Kings makes for some of the most exotic and cherished experiences you will ever encounter. In a journey of a lifetime, indulge into the truly memorable expedition across Egypt’s sandy deserts to the spectacular Gilf Kebir, location of the famous Cave of the Swimmers, romantic and remote landscapes following the great explorations of the Long Range Desert Group and Count Almasy.

While Sinai is an area of outstanding natural beauty, delicate eco-systems and home to many Bedouin villages, a visit to Luxor will take you to the depths of the ancient wonders, Valley of the Kings, and the famous Karnak Temple. The Pyramids, Tomb of Tutankhamum and the wind sculpted rock formations, cliffs with corals and fossils dating back millions of years are some of the other highlights that make Egypt as a tourist destination and truly one of the wonders of the world.

Greece
Greece is the true amalgamation of cultures, colors and civilizations that are not only diverse in nature but rich in history and heritage. Much before most of the world was still trying to break out of its cocoon Greece was known to have already developed its birthright through the elements of chaos, drama, tragedy and democracy. Combined with its deep respect for its ancient traditions, it still believes in the proclivity to partying, an inheritance that has been brought down from the Dionysos.

It is a land of contrasts and ecological value, endowed with a rich and diversified natural environment - legacy of a rare geomorphology. The country’s abundant natural gifts that include thousands of indented coasts, imposing rocky massifs, caves, gorges, lakes, rivers, biotopes of spectacular beauty and unique natural habitats have made Greece a truly unique and popular tourist destination.

Greece is full of ancient archeological sites and monuments of distinctive charm. The rich cultural and historical mosaic has left its impression on every region of the country emphasizing the diverse manifestations of the Greek tradition to date. The Acropolis of Athens, Monastery of Aghio Oros, Temple of Epicurean Apollo, Thessalonica and Monastery of Meteora are the sites characterized as the monuments of cultural heritage. Among its more ancient attractions are the navel of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and remnants of Atlantis at Santorini.

China
China situated in eastern Asia and bounded by the Pacific in the East is the third largest country today and one of the four oldest civilizations in the world. It has a written history dating back 4,000 years and boasts rich cultural relics and historical sites.

China claims to be the inventor of the compass, paper and gunpowder as well as having built three ingenious engineering projects 2,000 years ago that include the Great Wall, the Grand Canal and the Karez irrigation systems. Now they represent the rich cultural heritage of this mighty Chinese nation.

It has a 9000 mile coastline where scenic rivers like the Yangtze meander their way from the northern and central mountains to the oceans of the east. The diversity of this nation is vast and unique, in that we see western winds blowing across desert sand dunes, pandas munching bamboo forests in central highlands and rice terraces climbing mountains in the south.

Beijing, one of China’s thriving communities has been confirmed to have existed since the last 3000 years. In the year 1215, it was established as the capital of the newly declared Yuan Dynasty by the Mongol leader Kublai Khan. It was during his rule that the city truly blossomed - imperial palaces were built, streets broadened and temples as well as canals were built. Beijing's major attractions include the Forbidden City, Jing Shan Park, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Mansion of Prince Gong and Hutongs.

The Yangtze River is known as China's "Mainstreet." For thousands of years, this 4,000-mile river provided a vital and only link between China's seacoast and the rich, fertile lands of inland provinces.

China will always be linked to its ancient civilization, friendly people, and many of the world’s most revered treasures, such as The Great Wall, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses and the Yangtze River. Even today we find impressive architecture and towering skylines in Shanghai and Beijing, luxury accommodations as well as exquisite cuisine.

India
India is a vast country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse historical background. An amalgamation of different ethnicities, traditions, cultures and languages has manifested into many architectural wonders that makes India the land of the unique and the exotic. Its first civilization flourished almost 5000 years ago along the Indus River. The journey since then has been colored with hundreds of rulers and dynasties helping to shape India as we know it today.

In a country as diverse and complex as India, people here reflect the rich glories of the past, the culture, traditions and values relative to geographic locations and the distinctive manners, habits and food that will always remain truly Indian. The colorful mosaic of Indian festivals and fairs - as diverse as the land, is an eternal expression of the spirit of celebration for the Indian people.

India is set apart from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas, the highest, youngest and still evolving mountain chain on the planet. The subcontinent as it is rightly called, touches three large water bodies and holds every kind of landscape imaginable. An abundance of mountain ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking, and its sheer size promises something for everyone.

From north to south India extends a good 2000 miles and represents a diversity that is distinctive and spectacular, ranging from the snow covered Himalayas in the North to the sun-drenched beaches of Kerela in the South, from the Rajasthan deserts in the West to the lush forests of north Eastern India. The Taj Mahal in Agra, Meenakshi Temple in Chennai, Arjuna's Penance at Mahabalipuram, Bharathiyar Illam in Tamil Nadu, the Hawa Mahal, Amber fort and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, the Ajmer Sharif in Ajmer and many more make up for the unique attractions that India has to offer. Honeymoon getaways, hill stations, pilgrimage sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and beach resorts, there's something for every traveler in India

Italy
Italy has long been recognized as a country full of historical and cultural attractions. Two-thirds of the world's historical artistic heritage is in Italy. Rome, the Eternal City, contains the ruins of the Roman forum and Coliseum as well as the independent state of the Vatican City with its famous Sistine Chapel. Naples is close to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and Mt. Vesuvius is another famous attraction. Florence has been a centre of the arts since the fourteenth century, and has many museums and art galleries along with the Pitti Palace and Ponate Vecchio. The town of Pisa is home to the famous leaning tower and Sienna with its ancient piazza and cathedral is a must see. The majestic Alps in the north, the soft and green hills of Tuscany and Umbria, the romantically rugged landscape of the S Apennines and the Bay of Naples, dominated by Mt. Vesuvius are some of the world's most famous sights.

Italy is also known as the land of la dolce vita (the sweet life) and is one of the world’s most loved travel destinations. Whether it's culture, gastronomy, haute couture, or simply the art of dolce far niente -- doing nothing and just soaking up the atmosphere - this is a country for lovers of all that is good in life.

William Brister.
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