The Middle Eye

Tasmania | Latitude 42.00 S Longitude 147.00 E

2010-06-19T18:33:00.003+03:00

This island of South Australia is one of the Oceania’s jewels and yet it is generally not included in the itineraries of the country. Geologically speaking, Tasmania is a young island; however it retains a very old world history and a truly intense human history. Tasmania was the prison of the unwanted English convicts in Britain and that fact forged a wilderness character in their descendants. Aborigines were extinct and only a few are recognized as great-grandchildren of those who survived the extermination.

You will find the island to be very complete: you can visit cosmopolitan cities (such as Hobart with its Victorian houses, stone warehouses and old buildings or Port Arthur, witness of convict past of its population), the English style countryside of the Midlands, St. Helens dunes, beaches (such as Strahan beach) but mostly parks (such as the National Park of Hartz Mountains with glacial lakes and forests, or the Southwest National Park with its lush and dense green forest or the Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park with a 80km trail through peaks and alpine meadows).

The best way to get to know the island is by road, watching the contrasting landscapes, immersing in its ancient nature and enjoying the leisurely pace.

RECOMMENDATIONS

On Friday afternoons, everything closes around 6 until Monday. The Tasmanians take refuge in their homes. No bars, no shops, no cinemas... nothing. So you need to have alternative activities planned.
Due to its proximity to Antarctica, the winters are very cold, so avoid this time of the year.

CURIOSITIES

In the Southwest National Park, the trees reach heights of up to 260 feet and trunks are up to 6.5 feet wide. Its forest seems rescued from the novels of Jules Verne. From there are the celery-top pine that takes 400 years to mature or the King Billy pine that takes a 1,000.
The Tasmanian Tiger or Thylacine officially became extinct in 1936 when the last known specimen died in Hobart Zoo on, although some biologists claim to have seen one recently.
If you want to see the only Tasmanian Devil that doesn’t live in Tasmania, then you should go to the Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark. This Tasmanian Devil was a gift from the Government of Tasmania to the Danish Royal Family.

MORE INFO

Discover Tasmania

Parks & Wildlife Service of Tasmania

Tasmania (Regional Guide)

Tallinn | Latitude 59.26 N Longitude 24.44 E

2010-05-21T20:19:00.001+03:00

Here I am again with a new post; I have to say sorry to all those followers that kept asking me why it was taking me so long to write a new article, well I have been really busy lately though I was able to take a couple of days off to visit one of the most beautiful places in Europe, the medieval city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia and the jewel of the Baltic Sea.

It is unbelievable that not until recently the incredible beauty of its historic centre was recognized as World Heritage and that tourism was no longer considered curiosity of a few.

In my opinion, Tallinn is a mixture of Copenhagen, Helsinki and London blended together with a hint of Germany, a Russian aroma and a Southern Europe atmosphere.

The first impression you will get of Vanalinn, that’s how the Old Town is called, is the uniform red roofs, the multitude of pointed cone-shaped towers, the strokes of Russian architecture, the cleanliness of the streets and the sobriety of the facades. Start your route by crossing the old wall by the Viru Gate, you'll see the Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats), the Sajakang Street full of souvenir shops and bakeries, the St. Olaf Church, or the houses of the wealthy merchants in Pikk Street. Be sure to stroll around, you’ll find thrilling surprises.

From the Toompea hill you can see the best panoramic view of Tallinn. There you can visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Lutheran Church of Toomkirik or relax at the Long Boot (Pikk Jalg) cafe.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Seize the opportunity to visit other locations in the Estonian coast. Whether you rent a car or if you prefer the ferry, go to the city of Haapsalu (one of the favourite’s cities of Tchaikovsky and Tsar Nicolas II), the island of Hiiumaa and its Ornithological Reserve of Käina or the islands of Muhu and Saaremaa (pure nature).
You can visit Lai Tanäv Street in the centre, there you will find plenty of restaurants where to taste typical dishes.
If you are looking for something more than just a nice meal, then I must recommend you to go to Troika Restaurant in the Town Hall Square where you will enjoy a truly Russian experience.

CURIOSITIES

Although the feeling that their inhabitants transmit is cold and distant, do not be misled by the topics because at night the city changes and its character opens more easily than you might think initially.

MORE INFO

Tallinn Tourism

Troika Restaurant

Best of Tallinn

Dahab | Latitude 28.29 N Longitude 34.30 E

2010-05-12T11:42:00.003+03:00

Some of my followers have requested me to write an article about an exciting destination located in the northeast area of Africa, in Egypt to be precise. The place I am talking about is Dahab, a town renowned among the windsurfers due to its winds and calm water conditions. It is also the paradise for diving; you will love the reefs and the amazing underwater scenery.

But there is more than that, the Dahab must do’s also include camel rides, surfing, snorkelling, shopping, and indeed enjoying the sun and the beach. This small coastal town in the southern Egypt has been gaining importance and relevance during the last years. It has a recently restored beach, some hotels, restaurants, bars and diving centres.

If you are a surfing or windsurfing fan then I suggest you to visit The Lagoona, a long stretch of sandy beach near the town of Dahab where you can practice swimming, kite surfing, and other water sports. If you want to explore the area, kayaking is a very popular way to do it.

Diving is very popular in Dahab and the reefs are still in relatively good condition. The best dive sites include Abu Helal, the Blue Hole, the Bells, Coral Garden, Eel Garden, the Lighthouse, Moray Garden, and Three Pools. You should know that the Blue Hole is one of the most dangerous dive sites in the world, therefore only well-trained and experience divers should attempt this site.

If you are into climbing, then you must try the Sinai Tour. There are two different ways to do it: climbing the peak at night to see the sunrise from the top, which is not recommended during the winter because of the cold temperatures and the strong wind; or climbing the peak during the day, you will visit the Saint Catherine's Monastery and begin the ascent in the afternoon to watch the sunset at the top.

Backpackers will find the popular desert excursions irresistible. They allow you to see the wonders of the beautiful desert and you will get the chance to meet some of the Bedouin people. If you like yoga you may want to try in the desert.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Go to the bazaars, Dahab is a good place to buy oriental pipes, rugs, lamps, shirts, board games, silver jewellery, etc. The prices are geared to tourists, so bargaining is mandatory.

CURIOSITIES

In Egypt it is rare to see women wearing little clothing. In Dahab that situation is less stringent and bathing suit is not frowned upon as long as you are a tourist.

MORE INFO

Egyptian Tourist Authority

Dahab Guide

Beach Politics: Gender and Sexuality in Dahab

Kathmandu | Latitude 27.43 N Longitude 85.22 E

2010-05-10T15:12:00.001+03:00

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is located in Asia at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is very common to travel here after visiting India and actually turns out to be a sweet after the chaos, misery and contrasts of the neighbouring country.

Seen from the rooftops, with the mountains on the background it looks like a typical Alpine postcard, however the reflection of the Buddhist temples’ decorations will remind you where you are.

The oldest known building is almost 1992 years old. The Kirat are the first known rulers of the valley and the remains of the palace built by them are in Patan near Hiranya Varna Mahavihar.

In the historic centre you can see crowded streets knotted together around Durbar Square, where years of history blend with monks, ancient Buddhist temples, tourists and stands where you can buy food, goods, handicrafts, etc. Ason Tole and the Swayambhunath Stupa are a must see.

The city of Kathmandu is named after a structure in Durbar Square called Kasthamandap. This temple was built in the year 159 AD by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. It is built entirely of wood without any iron nail or support of any kind. A legend says that all the wood required was obtained from a single tree.

RECOMMENDATIONS

From Kathmandu you have the possibility to make excursions to Patan (second largest city in the valley and more relaxed) Bhadgaon, Pashupatinath (one of the most important Shiva temples in Asia and sacred place of cremation) and Boudhanath Stupa (one of the biggest in the world and rallying point for Tibetans)
The best time to go is October to November or March and April when the dry season starts and ends respectively.

CURIOSITIES

Look at the size of the doors.
By mid-afternoon, devotees come to the Buddhist temples and begin to circle the monument clockwise. I urge you to join this group because you will live a truly special moment.

MORE INFO

Nepal Tourism

Trekking & Climbing in Nepal

Nepal (Country Guide)

Pipa | Latitude 6.13 S Longitude 35.20 W

2010-05-08T19:52:00.003+03:00

I always had the idea that there was no other place in Brazil as wonderful as Rio de Janeiro or Bahia. I was wrong.

The colourful, secret and romantic town of Pipa can be found just 80 kilometres south from Natal, it is also vital, peaceful and it has a special charm. Many foreigners looking for a peaceful place to live are now living here after escaping from the noise of the big cities. A craft store for tourists, a bar or a store for surfers -there are many- have been more than enough to make a living and relax in this South American village.

At night there are always several restaurants where to eat and bars that open their doors to entertain with their music.

The beaches that you will find in Pipa are Praia do Madeiro, Bahia dos Golphinos, Praia Central -the most crowded-, Praia do Amor which is the one preferred by the surfers due to its large waves and Praia das Minas.

My favourite is Bahia dos Golphinos. It is called that way because it is common to see dolphins playing in the waters of the bay within walking distance from the swimmers. It's a great feeling. In addition, the sand is soft and it is surrounded by wild vegetation. How nice!

RECOMMENDATIONS

If you are a girl and intend to buy a Brazilian bikini you should know that, in fact, they use no bikinis, but extremely tiny pieces of cloth attached together with threads.
No wonder it is forbidden to be top-less, it isn’t necessary ;)
The late night parties organized in Praia de Amor are definitely a must do.

CURIOSITIES

In Praia das Minas, large turtles come during their spawning season to bury their eggs there.
The ‘Bossa Nova’ is a musical style that is usually accompanied with guitars, drums and percussion. Elis Regina and Gilberto Gil are among the artists who popularize this rhythm.

MORE INFO

Pipa Tourism

Pipa Tour Options

Brazil (Country Guide)

Quebec | Latitude 53.45 N Longitude 71.59 W

2010-05-07T15:41:00.004+03:00

Today we are going to North America, to the city of Quebec, one of the cities with more personality in the whole Canada. It is located on the eastern coast of the country, it was once a French colony and thus its language, cuisine, customs and even its architecture are tightly related to the ones of France.

The old town and the ramparts that still surround it are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Some of the places that you must visit are The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, the Porte St-Jean -one of the main gates of the wall-, the Place Royale, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, the Champlain Boulevard and the Château Frontenac.

The edge of the Vieux Quebec -old town- is dominated by the massive Château Frontenac, perched on top of the Cap Diamant. The hotel is situated opposite the Terrasse Dufferin, a boardwalk at the edge of the cliff, offering beautiful views of the Saint Lawrence River.

If you fancy doing some shopping, then you should know that the city of Quebec offers an infinite variety of possibilities for purchases at any of its hundreds of stores and warehouses. In the old town, the main shopping streets are the Ste-Anne, De Buade and St-Jean, which are mixed tourist shops, clothing boutiques and craft shops.

The shopping area of the Champlain Boulevard is famous for its cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and shops selling handicrafts. The Verrerie La Mailloche is especially interesting because it offers a glass blowing workshop, craft exhibitions and a shop where you can buy the finished products.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Quebecoise cuisine is influenced by French, Indian and various European communities’ cuisines. You can just take a walk around the old town and find that kind of cuisine that fits you the best, you will get good value for money.
The Musée de la Civilisation is a good starting point to learn more about the history and identity of the city of Quebec.

CURIOSITIES

The Quebecoise has many differences compared to the French language that is spoken in France. For example, they don’t use ‘ne’ for the negative form and the pronoun ‘il’ becomes ‘y’.
The island of Orleans can be seen from the city of Quebec and it is one of the haunts of poets and artists.

MORE INFO

Tourism Quebec

Musée de la Civilisation

Exploring Old Quebec: Walking Tours of the Historic City

Ayers Rock | Latitude 25.20 S Longitude 131.20 E

2010-05-05T16:31:00.012+03:00

Today I remembered a trip that I made a while ago to a beautiful and impressive place in Oceania. You've probably seen thousands of times that famous picture of an earth-red coloured mountain in the middle of a desert. This big rocky formation with such peculiar shape is the Mount Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. It is located in the north of Australia, in the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. It has 348 meters high and 9 km boundary.

It is one of the most famous icons of Australia, a sacred symbol to the aboriginal Australians. The main feature of this formation is its change of colour depending on the inclination of the sun, both during the day and during the different seasons. The most shocking moment of the day is at dusk, when it turns bright red. During the rainy season, the rock acquires a silvery gray tone with black stripes due to algae growing in its streams.

When you go visit it you will find the contrast of the blue sky against the earth-red colour of the mountain extremely thrilling.

RECOMMENDATIONS

’The place you are about to climb to is a sacred symbol for us. You should not do it. It is not the most important thing to do here. What is really important is to stop and listen. Be aware of everything around you. Listening and understanding. Please do not climb!’
These are the words that aboriginal Australians use to receive and warn the traveller, however climbing Ayers Rock is after all still perfectly legal. Therefore it is your own decision.
So? Do you still feel like climbing it? Then, take plenty of water and remember that it is only for very fit people, and many deaths have occurred in the past, not only from people falling, but also from heart attacks.
Find a place where you can be alone and enjoy this experience that is sure to shake a spiritual reflection on you.

CURIOSITIES

Aborigines call it the navel of the Earth; they believe that is the source of everything they know.
When William Gosse discovered the formation, he gave it the name of Ayers Rock after the Australian Prime Minister Sir Henry Ayers.
It is considered to be the largest loose rock on the face of the Earth.

MORE INFO

Tourism Australia

Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park Official Website
Red Centre, Alice Springs-Ayers Rock

Barcelona | Latitude 41.23 N Longitude 2.11 E

2010-05-03T14:38:00.008+03:00

What can I say of a city that has stolen my heart! Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia (Cataluña in Spanish) and the second most populous city of Spain, is peaceful, cosmopolitan, urban, compassionate, tolerant, Olympic, modernist, European, and also you can enjoy the sun, the Mediterranean sea, good weather (sometimes too wet), snow (the ski resorts are only one and a half hour by car), art, good restaurants, good people...

I admit, in this case, I cannot be objective. You must visit the most famous buildings of Gaudi, the world renowned Catalan architect; La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera and La Casa Batllo will fulfil your expectations.

Enjoy the charm of the fishing quarter of Barceloneta, discover the atmosphere of El Born, get fascinated by the colours of La Rambla de Catalunya, walk around the alleys of the Gothic Quarter, take a look at the facades of L'Eixample, visit the Parc Güell, admire the vistas from Montjuic ... You will need a minimum stay of 3 nights to explore the city.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Catalan and Spanish usually coexist and complement each other without pushing, however you might experience some isolated cases in which they will expect you to understand/speak Catalan, don’t take it too personal.
If you want to know La Rambla de Catalunya for real, go there early in the morning, sit on a bench and do what Spanish do best, look around and enjoy the experiences.
A good restaurant? La Botiga in Carrer dels Escudellers.
Want to do some shopping? Try El Born.
Feeling cultural? Go to the Picasso Museum in the old town.

CURIOSITIES

If you go to the Jewish quarter of Barcelona, in Carrer de Sant Domenech del Call, you will find, in the number 6, the oldest house in Barcelona; it was inhabited in the 12th century. In the year 2000 was renovated by a private individual who wanted use it as a private home. You will notice the inclination of the walls, a result of the earthquake of 1428.

MORE INFO
Barcelona Tourism
Picasso Museum
Barcelona Berlitz Day and Night

Marrakech | Latitude 31.38 N Longitude 8.00 W

2010-05-03T12:02:00.006+03:00

Marrakech or Marrakesh, widely known as the ‘Red City’, is one of those places that without having any seventh wonder, it is able to haunt you. Its smells, its colours, its life, its crowds, its facades ... everything has something special. The vast palm grove and the ochre wall that surrounds the old town introduce you to the city of details.

To get started and to immerse yourself in the city the first places to visit are the Koutoubia Mosque and its 80 metres minaret, the Menara Gardens, the ancient Bab Agnaou gate of the Almohad palace, the Koranic school of Ben Youssef and the Saadian Tombs built during the sixteenth century.

But these visits are just an appetizer for the main and most powerful place you will visit ... the souk or souq, it is a market or bazaar that you will find not only throughout Morocco but also throughout Maghreb. In the city of Marrakech each artisan’s guild has its souk: carvers, carpenters, potters, carpet weavers, dyers and spice-sellers.

From the Djemaa el Fna, the heart of the medina quarter (old city), you can begin to walk by the thousands of lively streets and corners that the old town preserves. The colours of the peppers, the smell of tea and spices, the call to prayer from the minaret, vendors inviting you to buy their goods... there are so many things to feel, see, hear, smell, touch that you will not want to miss anything.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Don’t forget you are travelling to the north of Africa, thus autumn and the months of April and May are good times to go. You won’t suffer the heat of the summer or the coldness of the winter.
It is important to double check in which month the Ramadan is celebrated (it changes every year) because during that time many activities change and some services will not be offered.
Bargaining is mandatory. I know, it is exhausting, and you will always have the feeling that they are cheating you. On the other hand it is worth to do it since you can get high quality goods.
Riads are a good place to sleep. They offer accommodation in houses or mansions that retain the traditional architectural style. They come in all prices: rustic and very luxurious. The most popular is La Mamounia.

CURIOSITIES

The myth says that when the Koutoubia Mosque’s minaret was built, the land bled so much that it dyed the city forever with a vermilion colour.

MORE INFO
Moroccan National Tourist Office
La Mamounia
Top 10 Marrakech

Tokyo | Latitude 35.42 N Longitude 139.42 E

2010-04-30T09:24:00.009+03:00

The city of Tokyo is greatly interesting for all those Western travellers looking for a completely different culture. We all have our top ten list of those destinations that somehow we feel we must visit, those that always have interested us for different reasons: prestige, fame, culture, distinction ... The Asian city of Tokyo is definitely one of them.
Moreover, it is the gateway to a culture as ancient, mysterious and captivating as the Japanese one.

So, how to describe Tokyo? It is clean and tidy, bustling and calm, modern and ancient, avant-garde and classical ... Tokyo is ... contrast in itself. Twenty million people live in this great metropolis. Ancient villages were merged with the centuries and are now districts of a single large metropolis linked by railways and motorways.

Many areas are distinguished within the city, the Meiji district, the old quarter of Shitamashi, the northern suburbs of Asakusa and Ueno or the luxury area of Ginza are some of them.

And what can you see among the many buildings you will find? Well, you should visit the Imperial Palace with its gardens and lakes, the 54 floors Mori Tower, the Senjo-ji Temple, the Ueno Park, the largest fish market in the world in the Tsukiji district, the old Kanei-ji temple’s pagoda or Idemitsu Museum of calligraphy and ceramics.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The best way to move around Tokyo is the public transport. The metro network covers much of the dispersed city and it is well indicated. There is a tourist bus that runs around the most important sights. If you use taxi, you should know that depending on the company the rates vary from the second kilometre.
It is forbidden to smoke in the street. You'll see small groups of people in some corners, next to an ashtray. Take that chance to light a cigarette; those are the only places where smoking is allowed.
Treat yourself with a nice breakfast at the beach bars that open in the morning by the bay, along the river. Or try the wide variety of sushi that you can find around the city.

CURIOSITIES

The fashion of the young Tokyoites has a very distinct identity. It is a mixture of Goth trends, lolita and manga characters. You can see them in the neighbourhood of Harajuku.
A Japanese must is 'not to occupy more space than necessary'. You’ll understand that once you have been underground.
There are no bins in the streets. There is no need because they are pristine.

MORE INFO
Tokyo Tourism Info
Tokyo Metro
Tokyo City Atlas: A Bilingual Guide

Buenos Aires | Latitude 34.36 S Longitude 58.22 W

2010-04-29T20:19:00.009+03:00

Tourists are usually surprised by Buenos Aires due to its extremely European style; it feels it has been taken out of context since it does not have many references to the continent to which it belongs. This city is one of the largest in South America and its centre is elegant, luxurious, with wide avenues ... but do not be fooled, the surrounding suburbs are full of beggars, shacks and unemployment. The contrast is brutal, a common fact for most of the countries in Latin America.

The Plaza de Mayo (known by the demonstrations of the mothers of those children who disappeared during the dictatorship) and the Avenida 9 de Julio (the largest in the world) are at the heart of the city. The neighbourhood of La Boca and the Recoleta Cemetery are the most visited places, as well as La Bombonera, the stadium where Boca Juniors plays (old but with great presence and history) or the Calatrava Bridge.

But Buenos Aires is more a city of experiences than of sightseeing. The best thing you can do is to walk around and pay attention to the details. If you eat out you will believe you are in heaven – meat and desserts are truly awesome!!

RECOMMENDATIONS

You must not leave Buenos Aires without seeing a live tango show. I recommend you to go to Cafe Tortoni (the oldest in Buenos Aires) or to El Viejo Almacen.
The most lively areas are Palermo and Recoleta. You'll find all kinds of restaurants and bars.
Argentinean beef dominates the menu at the restaurants. The grill includes nearly all parts of the animal. The quality and the taste of the food they serve are incomparable. As a dessert order caramel (dulce de leche) or ice cream ... you will succeed!

CURIOSITIES

References to Evita Peron can be found throughout the city. Her tomb goes totally unnoticed in the city cemetery. Her body finally rests in peace in her loved Argentina after 20 years travelling around the world.

MORE INFO
Official tourism site of the city of Buenos Aires
Cafe Tortoni
Streetwise Buenos Aires Map

Niagara Falls | Latitude 43.40 N Longitude 79.40 W

2010-04-29T16:05:00.011+03:00

The Niagara Falls, located in North America, divide the border between the United States and Canada. This group of cascades at different levels is one of the most precious treasures of our planet. It is a thirty minutes drive from Buffalo by the USA side.

The roar of the falls breaking the water is impressive. Dressed in a trench coat, you can get on the Maid of the Mist, a boat that operates from April to October and that allows you to see the waterfalls from the river. The experience is unique and exciting, despite the feeling of "tourist" that you will suffer on that boat.

Around this gift of nature, they have built lots of hotels, restaurants and shops aimed at tourists; exactly, a real shame. Prices are generally high, especially the rooms overlooking the falls, so before you decide to buy or reserve a room, you should make a little research on prices and compare.

You have also many attractions to enjoy during your stay (although one night is enough): crossing the Rainbow Bridge that connects the three big jumps of the falls, see the rainbows that form on the banks of the river in Victoria Park , cross the falls through the tunnels, take a cable car – not recommended if you're afraid of heights ;)

RECOMMENDATIONS

At night there is a very nice light show. You can eat a sandwich at any of the fast-food places and enjoy the show. If it is winter, you better wrap up because it is terribly cold.

CURIOSITIES

Surely you remember Marilyn Monroe’s film, Niagara. It was through this film, in 1953, that her reputation rose and began to star main lady roles. And do you remember the legendary scene where Superman rescues the child who falls downstream? Well, it was filmed here too.

MORE INFO
Niagara Falls Tourism
Maid of the Mist
Niagara: A History of the Falls

Bora Bora | Latitude 16.29 S Longitude 151.44 W

2010-04-29T09:38:00.011+03:00

With only 38 km2, Bora Bora is one of the most famous islands of the French Polynesia. It is a paradise destination located in Oceania. A large lagoon with calm crystal clear waters keeps the coral reef on the coast intact thanks to white sand islets or motus that surround it and have made a natural barrier.

The island can be accessed by plane from Papeete and Moorea or ferry boat from Raiatea. The island can be travelled by taxi, bicycle or motorcycle. Any time of the year is good to visit its beaches because it is always spring. Throughout the year the temperatures are very pleasant, although at night it can be a bit chilly due to the cool winds, so I advise you to take a long sleeve.

It is essential to know that the best area for diving is the White Valley (Vallee Blanche) with a depth of about 32 meters, and that the typical image that is used to promote the island is Punta Matira, a sandbar in a lagoon full of coconut trees. Now you're ready to go and relax!

RECOMMENDATIONS

The best area for diving is the Vallee Blanche with a depth of about 32 meters.
It is true that food prices are usually a bit high, but I do not recommend full board because if you make excursions or extra activities you will be very limited in the hours or you will lose the money from the meals you miss.
In addition to the resorts of the big chains like Le Meridien and Sheraton, there is a wide range of small pensions with budget-priced accommodation.

CURIOSITIES

There is evidence that tattooing was practised in Polynesia since the 18th century, when the first explorers came upon an uninhibited culture full of paintings in the body and erotic dancing. The Polynesian tattoo is meant to be seen, it is an ornament. The tradition and its tattoo culture have created a whole school of artists. So if you wanted to get a tattoo and go on a trip, this is your place.

MORE INFO
Tahiti Tourism
Tahiti Travel Planners
Bora Bora Society Islands

Latitude 60.10 N Longitude 24.56 E

2010-04-28T23:54:00.020+03:00

Why Latitude 60.10 N Longitude 24.56 E? They are the coordinates for Helsinki, I have recently moved to this city and thus, I have chosen Finland’s capital to start my blog with it.

As in other Nordic countries, the city of Helsinki is one of the most modern in Europe and it is among the most progressive culturally speaking. The possibilities are different depending on the time of the year that you visit it.

The Lutheran Cathedral, Temppeliaukio (the church built on a rock), the strength of the Suomenlinna island, the Esplanade Park, the port and market place worth a visit for rigor. During the summer you can also make boat trips, go fishing, sailing, or go for a little trip to Porvoo (50kms away from Helsinki).

I must mention the Design District with consolidated Finnish Design shops like Artek (decor and furniture), iittala (glassware and porcelain), Marimekko (textiles) or Aero (furniture).

RECOMMENDATIONS

If you buy the Helsinki Card you can enter for free entry to all major sights and museums, enjoy unlimited travel on public transport within the city of Helsinki, free travel and all entries to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, free bus ride and discounted entry to Helsinki Zoo, free Audio City Tour daily (worth 26 Euros) for adult card holders. You can choose among different types: 24, 48 and 72 hours for the price of 34, 45 and 55 Euros respectively.
Helsinki markets are full of charm and authenticity. The most famous outdoors market is Kauppatori, in Etelasatama main port, where they sell food crafts and souvenirs. Hakaniemi market offers the best value for money, and Hietalahti is the second-hand market .... and don’t worry if it's too cold you can always go to the mall.

CURIOSITIES

Although Finland is included in the Nordic countries, its language, customs and traits are quite similar to the ones of Hungary and Estonia.
You should know that Finland is not part of Scandinavia, however it is one of the Nordic countries; and Lapland is an area located in the northern part of the country.
The order is a constant in Finland. You will not see a pedestrian off the sidewalk, a cyclist out of the lane, a paper out of the trash, not even a nervous driver. Well, maybe sometimes ;)

MORE INFO
Visit Finland
This is Finland
Helsinki Pocket Guide