Santorini the most romantic destination

Santorini the most romantic destination

Are you looking for the most romantic destination? You will find it on Greek island Santorini( or Thira). It is located in Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades islands. This is actually a group of islands consisting Thira, Aspronisi, Paleo, Thirassia and Nea Kameni. Santorini is a large crescent shaped island and the largest caldera on the Earth.

The whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano, and it is probably the only volcano whose crater is in the sea. The last major eruption occurred 3,600 years ago, three islands: Thira, Thirassia and  Aspronisi were covered with igneous material, like pumice, lava stones and ash. In 1950 was the most recent volcanic activity, and the whole island is like a huge natural geological volcanological museum where you can see a wide range of geological forms and structures.

Looking like a marvellous painting, the capital of the island, Fira is perched high up on the edge of the calder. Fira with Oia Imerovigli and Firostefani,located high above the cliff, are called the balcony of Santorini, they offers you an amaizing view of the volcano.  Villages are surrounded by vast vineyards, some of them are cosmopolitan and some are more peaceful. There are also lot of luxurious hotels.

Santorini beaches with their unrivaled beauty bearing the signs of the ancient volcanic activity on the island. They are characterized by their black, grey, red and white sand and pebbles with crystal clear blue, green and azure waters. This volcanic island doesn’t offers a multitude of beaches, but I am sure you will enjoy this unique environmental jewels.

Perissa beach

The beach towns of Perissa and Kamari will attract you to their black sand beaches. But be careful this unusualy sand is very, very hot, don’t forget your slippers. There are lot of restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets, campsites… You can dive with some of diving centers.

Kamari beach

Red beach is arguably one of the most beautiful and famous beach on Santorini. This beach is small and it is little crowded. You will be impressed by different colors of the cliff. Because of the interesting rocks snorkeling is highly recommended.

Red beach

There are other spectacular beaches like Vlichada, White beach, Cape Columbo-the most isolated beach, Vourvoulos beach - beautiful beach , but there blows strong wind and sometimes makes it uncomfortable for swim, sometime waves can be really huge, Monolithos beach - the most family friendly beach.

White beach

Vlichada beach

Many peoples has a dream-holiday in Santorini, for lot of couples from all over the world Santorini is a ‘’wedding destination’’. Go on Santorini an enjoy a famous sunset.

Feel like an astronaut

When you think on travel to Gran Canaria first impressions are wonderful beaches and great sea, but on Gran Canaria  you can have a chance of feeling like an astronaut without leaving Earth.

There is a small town Tejeda, which is a home to a sea of clouds. It is situated in the centre of Gran Canaria , in the highest region on island. Tejeda sits in the slopes of a crater, and the mountain peaks encircle the huge basen Tejeda.

This high peaks will attract serious walkers and climbers. Your trip will start on the road which begin on the beach, take you trough many small towns and finally reaches the sky, then the road keeps going up and up, leaving behind a trail of clouds and finally you reach Tejeda. There are the basalt monoliths, which are geological symbols of the island Grand Canaria. If you are interested in nature you must to see this. Spanish writer Miguel de Unamuno this breathtaking view was described as ‘’the petrified storm’’.

You will find lot of restaurants, bars, shops selling souvenirs and lot of local specialities at this popular sightseeing attraction. Childrens can ride donkey and you can buy great honey, local almond sweets Bienmesabe and marcipan.

In the first two weeks of February Tejeda is the prettiest, then almond trees blooms, and then there is the Festival of Almond Trees in Bloom.

Mexico

Mexico

    Mexico becomes one of the top tourist destination in the world. Some of the tourists are lured by miles of white- sand beaches, turquoise water, endless luxury accommodations or non stop party atmosphere. There are also lot of natural wonders, pre-Hispanic Maya ruins or ecotourism activities.

   

   

    Mexico beaches offers you many things, sailing and surfing, relaxing under the shade of palm tree, snorkeling and scuba diving on incredible coral reefs or maybe sport fishing. Depending where are you in country the climate and scenery vary dramatically. Mexico coastline is on the both Atlantic and Pacific oceans and have about 450 beaches and diverse marine landscape.

   

    At the place where are desert and the Sea of Cortes are meeting is Los Cabos. It ia luxury tourist resort, modern facilities are very well balanced with a traditional Mexican atmosphere.

    The island of Cancun has 14 miles pristine white beaches, crystaline waters coupled with some of the finest multinational hotels.

   

    The Mayan riviera is dotted with water holes, lagoons and stunning archeological zones , and offers to the tourists a variety of accommodations from rustic beach huts to world class hotels.

   

Huatulco, on the Pacific coast is less developed from the rest, but it offers nine beautiful bays. It is close to the most famous surfing beaches.

Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival in Thailand

Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival in Thailand

Every year in Dan Sai in Loei Province is one of the most colorful and unique festivals in Thailand called Phi Ta Khon Festival. It is every year at the end od June or early July. This festival includes a mixture of both animist and Buddhist beliefs. Phi Ta Khon festival is based on the Jataka tales, these stories are about previous lives of Siddhartha Gautama before he became Buddha. On this festival they show to us the story when he was a prince known as Vessandara and the welcoming parade for his return to home city. That was so joyous and important that even spirits of the dead decided to attend.

Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival takes place over three days. The first day is main day, it is called Wan Ruam , which mean the day of the gathering. On this day the locals dress up in flamboyant costumes and scary masks, trying to look like ghoulish ghosts. These costumes are handmade and each persons is trying to be quite inventive and to outdo others. In the old years at the end of festival masks were thrown into the river.

The second day is called Bun Bang Fai. On this day is also another parade with lot of dancing and merriment. They have bamboo rockets and late that day they launched these rockets inti the sky, hoping that they will bring sufficient rain for their crops. Also, there are a lot of different  competitions like as : which rocket will go the highest or who is the best dressed ghost.

Third, the last day of festival is a more spiritual affair. People go at the temple where they listen to sermons about the ten lives of the Lord Buddha.

People all over the Thailand and from international destinations travel to Dan Sai to enjoy the event. Because it is relatively small town it get crowded during the festival, but it is really worth to attend this festival.

Cuba cigar tourism

Cuba cigar tourism

Trip to Cuba without buying at least one Cuban cigar is not complete. The birthplace of premium cigars is Havana. This city is dotted with cigar factories.

Walking on the streets of Havana I saw people smoking cigars while riding bicycles, men smoking while plays domino games even woman you can see how casually hang a fat cigar at their fingers. You can see their stained teeth while they smiling on you.

You had to visit one of the Cuban cigar factories. In these factories lot of worker , man and womans, diligently rolling tabaco inside cut leaves, molding and pressing them, and puting each new cigar to a neat pile on the side of each desk. You can’t make photos in these factories.

The most famous Cuban cigar brands are: Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagas, Romeo & Julieta, Punch and Robaina cigars. You can buy cigar on the street form men who are sales cigars, but be careful they can be fake.  

The cigar, these luxurious product is designed purely for enjoyment, and it is so popular around the world , that there are some people who will visit Cuba specifically for cigar tourism.

Must to visit on Bali

PURA LEMPUYANG LUHUR

Pura Lempuyang Luhur is one of the most highly regarded and oldest temples on Bali. It is located on the hill Seraya, and it is not easy to reach it. You have to climb 1700 steps to reach the temple, some call it ‘’The Temple of 1000 steps’’. This temple complex consists seven temples.

The best time to visit this temple is early in the morning, so you will be able to enjoy in beautiful sunrise coming up over the mountain and the sea, also you will enjoy the impressive architecture. It is mostly cloudy in the afternoon.

Don’t forget it is compulsory to wear sarong. Don’t use rude words, don’t say negative things like you are tired, don’t swear, it is tabu here, and if you are about to violate them you should not visit the temple.

If you wish start your climb quicker you can hide motorcycle taxi, and they will take you up where asphalt ends , but still there are another 1500 steps to climb. For negotiable fee you can hire the guide , which will help you on your climbing.

Between 6 and 7th temple is area where lives a troupe of extremely aggressive monkeys. Maybe they look cute but be carefull, in the last six months there have been 40 bites of tourists. Don’t wear anything shine, like earring, necklace, bracelet, ring, even water bottles. So, shed your hat, put away your sunglasses, water bottles if you don’t want to fight for them with monkeys. There are security guys with air rifles to escort you to the top. Also carrying a big stick helps.

But when you once reach the top, you will not regret all efforts, because these temples are really beautiful, your prize will be great view and a calming place of respite.  

Bali Temples

BALI TEMPLES

Your visit Bali wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of Bali’s temples. Highlands and coasts on Bali are home to many thousands ancient temples. Many people claim that there are more temples than homes. In Bali every vilage has several temples, and every house has at least one simple house temple. Orientation of these temples are mountains-sea.

Some of these temples have become the island’s most iconic landmarks, with magnificent centuries-old architecture. During temple anniversaries there are lovely processions with ornate decorations.

Because there are so many temples you don’t have to make an effort to see all of them, but you must see few of these temples, each temple is unique. Some of the most beautiful and the holiest temples are: Pura Besakih, Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul, Pura Luhur Lempuyang, Goa Gajah, Pura Tanah Lot, Pura Taman Ayun, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan…

Pura Besakih

Pura Besakih is the holiest and greatest of all Balinese sanctuaries. Pura Besakih is called the ‘’Mother Temple’’. It is over 900 meters up the slopes of Gunung Agung. This temple complex consolidates 22 temples built separately in such a distance of more than one kilometer. It presents the harmonious combination of nature and religion. Some of these temles dating back to the 10th century.

In 1963. Pura Besakih narrowly escaped destruction from lava, which was flow from Gunung Agung and missed the temple by mere yards.

Visit to the temple sanctuaries at Besakih is to the Balinese a special pilgrimage. During March or April is festival Bharata Turun Kabeh which mean ‘’Gods descend together’’, this festival lasts for one month long, and thousands of people from any place of island gather around the temple and pray to the Gods.  

Keep on mind, when you visit these temple you should wear a proper top, sarong and a sash, they are available for rent or purshase at the many stalls outside.

Pura Tanah Lot

Temple Pura Tanah Lot is one of the most important Bali’s landmarks, it is also the most visited and the most photographed temple in Bali. It is standing on the rock towering over the sea, waves are constantly crashing on that rock. Because of these large waves which persistenly crashing at its rock base, temple is faced with the constant threat of erosion. At 1990s a multimillion-dolar restoration effort saved Tanah Lot from falling into the sea, today a third of the rock is artifical rock.

To the temple you can walk only at low tide, when a tide is high waves flood the causeways making it impossible to cross. At the rock base you can see the legendary ‘guardian’ sea snakes. They dwell in crevices around the Tirta Pabersihan fountain, this fountain is the source of holly water for all the temples in the area.

Non-Balinese people are not allowed to enter in this temple, but although you cannot enter the temple grounds there is panoramic view and cultural offerings for enjoy. Tanah Lot is surrounded by vendors, there are lot of art shops selling souvenirs, peddlers selling traditional snacks.

Because of his sunset backdrops Pura Tanah Lot is is simply among Bali’s not-to missed icons.    

Bali people

Bali people

    People of Bali are warm and friendly, they will make everything to you to make you feel comfortable in their country. There are over 3,000,000 people who live on Bali, the south coastal areas are the most populous. They love children very much, in lot of restaurant you will find lot of games, coloring sheets, crayons for the kids. It is very rare to hear someone to shout at the kids.

   

The primary way of living in Balinese way of life was farming, fishing, trading and craftsmanship, but in the past few  decades  growing of tourism change the way of life. Bali has some of the greatest rice farmers in the world.  Their villages are uniquely set up, and family is for them very important.

The most of people in Bali follow Balinese-Hinduism, they organize their whole life around the practise of their religion. They celebrate about 60 religios holidays in the year. Everything is revolve about the gods Braha, Shiva and Vishnu, also about spirits, ghosts, magic and demons. They believe in reincarnation, also  they believe that every time someone dies his spirit  is one step closer to nirvana.

On the first new moon after mid-March they celebrate The Lunar New Year, according the Balinese saka calendar. They enjoy the New Year parades and then they go back in their home and from sunrise in the next 24 hours is the day of Niepi or ‘Day of Silence’. This is the day of complete inactivity, all human activity stops, everything is closed , all restaurants, shops, bars, and no-one is allowed to leave their home or hotel. If you just in that time on Bali you should stay in your hotel and take that day for rest. They believe that when the evil spirits descend they will find no one, and decide that Bali is uninhabited and leave the island alone for the next year.

The Balinese people are famous for their brigtht and richly cultural ceremonies, they are always filed with joy, lot of food and prayer to their gods.

Bali

BALI

    When you mention paradise you evokes thoughts about Bali. Bali is one of the most popular tourist destination. The rapid growth of development in tourism constantly change Bali, but Bali has managed to maintain his magic and uniqueness over the years. Many visitors after first visit to Bali return regularly.

   

    Pura Tanah Lot

   

    There are countless reasons why should you visit this Island of the Gods, because it offers an incredible vide of attractions. You can stay in super luxury hotels, or in a private villas with cook, driver and spectacular views, also you can find very good hotels and resorts and pay for them little. Bali offers you the best spas in Asia, go and get relaxing foot massage in one of the hundreds small and cheap spas, or be massaged, scrubbed, pampered, bathed and perfumed on beach or in garden. Balinese massage techniques will make you feel heavenly. Yes, this is a perfect holiday prescription.

   

For many people Bali is beach, crystal sea, tiny uncluttered coves, beautiful sands. Some of the most beautiful beaches with white sands are in the south like Sanur Beach, Musa Dua and Kuta. On the other part of Island beaches are covered with with grey or black volcanic sand. There are lush tropical forests, craters lakes, fast flowing rivers , georious rice terraces , vegetable and fruit gardens. Place Ubud is hearth of Bali, there spirit and culture of the island are most accesible.

Ubud Terraced Rice Paddies

There are six volcanoes. Climbing on volcano is an amazing experience and it is not so difficult. You will never forget the unbelievably beautiful surrounds after sunrise that view on crater and lake. Climbing on Mt.Batur will give you an experience the awesome beauty  of the active volcano.

Kintamani volcano