Yungas Road (Highway of death in Bolivia)

Yungas Road is one of the most dangerous roads of all world. It is placed in Bolivia, between La Paz and Coroico cities. Since this region is called as Yungas, naturally this road is named as Yungas Road.

This road is used by heavy trucks, buses and lorries. Naturally, if you go to there,you can see the wreckages of many lorries and buses. In last years, it is also preferred by cyclists and motorcyclists. ”Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking” is one of the extreme sports made by on this road. Every month, more than 200 people die on Yungas Road. Annual death toll is more than 3000.

Guoliang Tunnel Road (China)

Guoliang Road is one of the most well-known killer roads .It was built by the villagers living in Guoliang region. Total length of the road is almost 1200 meters. It is located in Taihang mountains in China. To finish complete road took 5 years of villagers. On the road, there are tunnels with 5 meters height and 4 meters width. This road is known as death machine.

Pasubio Road (Italy)

Pasubio Road was constructed in Vicenza, Northern Italy. Once upon a time, it was really a dead machine. Currently, it is only used for motorcycling activities.On the road, there are hairpin turns and tunnels. The existence of the roads twisting into tunnels and hairpin turns makes this road interesting.

I think vegetarianism is a great concept provided you really enjoy it and aren't doing it as a fad. A fresh rocket, arugula, romaine salad with fresh figs, pomegranate, goat's cheese, mushroom, tomatoes, avocado, boiled egg and some candied walnuts can be a really great salad.

You could go wild adding anything on a whim especially since in India you don't have to go far to find such delicacies.

Vegetarians in Vietnam:

Ok, so what if a veggie goes traveling to Vietnam or Thailand? I am not even sure that these countries have a word for vegetarians. Try saying you are a vegetarian in Bangkok.. at the princely Leboa Hotel or the Shangri-La. The waiter may fight with you for spoiling his day.

Try the fresh green papaya salad; it will come with mysterious dry shrimp even though you may have told the waiter a 100 times that you are a vegetarian. As for satay, you may fancy some cheese but could end up getting pork. It's tough being out in the world of carnivores.

I remember going to a Buddhist vegetarian restaurant in Seoul. I was intrigued because I was told I would be eating vegetarian food in a land where bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue) is eaten day and night. To my surprise, I found meat and fish on the menu.

We ate sitting on the floor so everything seemed calm and spiritual. Maybe that's why the meal felt vegetarian. But you could try the Korean pumpkin soup. Served as a starter, it is mouth watering. The Ghimbab Sushi, which is the only vegetarian sushi, is also stupendous. The trick is to have a good dictionary, or locate someone who can speak English fluently.

French Fervor

What about going west? to France, for instance. The garcon may freak if you choose a salad Nicoise without tuna. If you look hard, you will find a goat's cheese soufflé that could satisfy your palate.

There are 450 types of cheese in France. And another option is just pop open a good bottle of sauterne (desert wine) and chomp on some good Roquefort and baguette, especially if you have had a bad day with the snooty French.

A lot of good restaurants and chefs appreciate vegetarianism and will accommodate you; especially since you will be paying over 300 Euros for their tasting meal, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

Eating in Italy

In Italy, of course, you have hole-in-the-wall pasta shops where you can choose your type of pasta and top it with delicious sauces all made from fresh ingredients- pomodoro (fresh tomato), aioli (olive oil and garlic), or pesto (fresh basil). When in doubt, go on a desert binge. How can you refuse that melting fondant (melting chocolate cake) or a tiramisu (coffee sponge cake)?

The cooks and waitresses are a friendly lot who don't speak English. I like that, and the menu is fairly self explanatory anyway. The people seem to genuinely want the customers to enjoy themselves and come back for more. They seemed pleased that foreigners came in, but couldn't figure out why.

The menu is standard but extensive and certainly not expensive. I went for the set menu - an unbelievable €20 excluding wine! The wine we ordered was very affordable and more than just drinkable. I was quite chuffed with my choice.

Aperitif - a glass of champagne

Starter - a platter of cold meats, bread, cheese and the tastiest bruschetta I have ever had. Where do Italians get their tomatoes?

Next course - spaghetti (home made) with a meat sauce to die for.

Next next course - lumps of meat roasted on a spit with just enough roasted vegetables and salady bits to go with it.

This was a seriously exceptional and good value meal with no pretension.

Maybe I should have kept that to myself. Hope it's as good when I go back next year.

Aesthetically the Mole is like the Eiffel Tower - it's so ugly that it's beautiful. It's really a garden folly of epic proportions. The Jews of Turin commissioned a wacky architect to build them a synagogue way back whenever, but they took fright when they saw what he was coming up with and abandoned the project. The city fathers then took it over and today it houses a museum in praise of the development of cinema - a must see.

It's also a shrine to Gianni Agnelli (Mr Fiat). On the interior wall a spiral walkway lifts you ever higher past a photographic history of his life, and whatever politicians and statesmen he wasn't photographed with probably weren't worth meeting.

The cinematic artifacts are displayed in rooms off the main structure and are well worth the visit. All the developments in cinematography are documented starting back with lanterns making shadows on canvas screens.

In the centre (I speak British English) of the vast vault that was originally intended to house rather a lot of worshipers an elevator rises from the floor to disappear up into the spire to let passengers walk round an observation platform. This is certainly not for everybody, but the access to it is deceptive and you don't realise what the deal is until it's too late.

The elevator car is glass on all sides and holds 9 people plus operator. It takes 59 seconds to get to its destination and makes its way there when 5 improbably thin wires pull it all the way to the top.. There's no structure around the car, just these wires attached to its lid, so as it lifts the passengers eventually find them selves dangling in empty space. Definitely not for the faint-hearted. Then you have to go down the same way.

The view from the top on a good day is superb: Alps in the distance, and down below all the landmarks that you've already become familiar with. Pity about the anti-suicide fence though.

Set aside a full morning for this, especially if you want to do the museum justice, and go as early as possible (opens at 10.00) to avoid too big a queue for the elevator.

Sassi-Superga station is about 100 meters from the tram stop, and from there the cog railway runs up the steep hillside before it arrives just short of the Church, La Superga, that looks out over Turin. The ticket desk is hidden inside the restaurant. It's a cheap ride, and the restaurant itself is not expensive, though remember that the train leaves on the hour, so pace yourself accordingly, leaving enough time to enjoy whatever you order.

The ride up the hillside is slow. For eighteen minutes passengers are chugged noisily through woodland, on a hill slope that rises abruptly out of the city. The wooden-slated seats are uncomfortable, and at week-ends you might have to fight for a seat. The train and its history are interesting enough, but the main attraction is the view from the top.

The train stops at a station just below the summit and it's only a short but steep walk up to the Church from there. The inevitable Visitor Center complete with café and trinket shop and a panoramic view of its own are located at the station, and five minutes takes a reasonably fit person on up to the Church. Take your time though and enjoy it.

The Church is a Church is a Church. If you like visiting graves you have the privilege of paying to look at the tombs that hold the bones of members of the House of Savoy.

A path runs around the perimeter of the Church complex which is pleasant and shaded, and behind the Church is an interesting shrine built in honor of the members of the Turin football club who were killed in 1949 when the "plane bringing them from a game in Lisbon crashed into the hill. The shrine with its fresh flowers and family photographs of the dead shows how fresh the tragedy is in the minds of the people of Turin.

But it"s for the view that visitors make the trip. The city stretches out from the foot of the hill and it's not hard to pick out the Mole Antonelliana, the course of the Po and the Porta Nuova train station. Beyond that, over the plain, the Alps rise. If it's a clear day the mountains seem close enough to touch, with snow on top or even down the sides depending on the season. On hazier days the view is dulled but still impressive.

The trip back down to the city is the reverse experience of the ascent. The train leaves on the half hour, or if you prefer there are paths down through the woodland. It's a great place for mountain biking too. For those who can only free-wheel downhill there is the option of putting your bike on a special wagon to be hauled up the steep slope letting you return home with the wind in your face.

One thing to remember: the railway doesn't operate on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Additionally, Italy has remained an international prized possession, noted for its interesting terrain and significant positioning.

Due to countless invasions, the country has been immersed with practically all examples of each artistic era including: Egyptian obelisks, Greek temples, Byzantine mosaics, Baroque fountains and Etruscan huts. All of this rich artistic history is spread across 19 regions. There is a unique vibrancy of dialects, dress customs and artistic styles.

The Italians enjoy the finer things in life, most notably culinary delights.

Italy is a country where one may take a leisurely gondola ride or dance the night away at a techno-night club: there is something for everyone in the country famous for the language of romance and more.

Fast Facts About Italy

The official name of the country is the Italian Republic. The government is a republic. The Capital of the country is Rome. The land area comprises 294,020 km. The geography is mainly rugged and mountainous with some plains and coastal lowlands. The climate is Mediterranean; hot and dry in the south; and Alpine in the far north. Major cities include: Venice, Milan, Florence and Naples.

The main language is Italian with some German (spoken). The primary religion is Roman Catholic with other religions encompassing a mere two percent of the population. Major Italian exports include engineering products, textiles, production machinery and chemicals.

You will want to start your Italian venture in the city of Rome. Here you may view the ruins of the Roman Empire; the cathedrals of Christianity and the art of the Renaissance while gallivanting around the city on a moped. Later you will want to travel north to Umbria; then check out magnificent Sienna and the medieval towers of San Gimignano.

As you continue northward, you will want to visit Florence where colorful roofs house and shelter the works of the Renaissance grandmasters. The well-known Leaning tower is close by in Pisa. You will find charm and plenty of palaces in Genoa. The mysterious shroud of Turin may be viewed prior to your arrival to the five vibrant fishing villages of Clinque Terre located on the Riviera.

You'll find the nightlife in Milan exciting and fast-paced once you travel away from the coast. The beauty of Lake Como cannot be rivaled.

The dreamy town of Verona is a “romantics” paradise. Skiing is a year-round activity at nearby Trent. Travel to Venice for mist-laden mornings. Padua is filled with water colored plaster or frescoes. Ravenna is a Byzantine treasure chest located on the country's east coast. Bologna, located further inland is full of culinary delights. Naples is a great place to satisfy cravings for pizza. Roman remains may be found on a trip to Pompeii (buried in AD 70.) Next stop is magnificent Capri and the Amalfi Coast with its crystal blue waters.

Head back to Naples. Palermo is accessible by a ferry. The tour of Italy ends at the Aeolian Islands with their volcanoes and sandy beaches.

Italy's enormous capital (Rome or Roma) is full of marble, statues and vehicles. The city has 2,000 years of history, art, architecture, literature and politics.

Rome, in its long enduring history has been the capital of kingdoms and republics. This is where the famous Roman Empire defined the Western World and it is from here where the Catholic Church has spread its influence on a world wide basis.

The traveler will enjoy the sights, the culinary aromas, and city noise that make Rome such an exhilarating city.

The Centro Storico is the area to stay if you wish to be close to Rome's famous sites. The medieval center provides many accommodations. Several suggestions follow:

• Albergo Pomezia, V. dei Chianari 12 (Behind S. Andrea della Valle.) Rooms have phones and stays include breakfast.
• Albergo Abruzzi, P. della Rotonda 69. The accommodation is located (only) two hundred feet from the Pantheon. The rooms are very old-fashioned and clean.
• Hotel Piccolo, V. del Chiavari 32. rooms have fans and phones. Stays include breakfast.
• Hotel Navona, V. del Sedian 8, 1st fl. V. del Canestrari from P. Navona. The accommodation is a 16th century Borromini building and has been a pensione for one-hundred fifty years. Breakfast is included with stay.
• Albergo del Sole, V. del Biscione 76, off Campo dei Flori. The accommodation is reported as being Rome's oldest pensione. Here the visitor will find modern rooms with phone, fan, TV and antique furnishings.
• Accommodations near Piazza Di Spagna are only a brief walk to Prada. The following hotels are suggested:
• Pensione Panda, V. della Croce 35. The lodging provides lovely painted and vaulted bathroom ceilings.
• Pensione Jonella, V. della Croce 41. The rooms are spacious, quiet, and cool even during summer months. There is no reception area so call ahead in order that someone may meet you.
• Hotel Pensione Suisse S.A.S., V. Gregoriana 54. The furniture is old-fashioned with extremely “comfy” beds. An in-room breakfast is included. Curfew is two a.m.
• Hotel Boccaccio, V. del Boccaccio 25. M: A-Barberini. The staff is quite friendly, providing a warm welcome. The rooms have elegant décor with wood floors.

Trastevere is a nice artsy neighborhood. The streets are filled with markets and working class Romans by day and after the sun goes down, an exciting nightlife. Two suggestions for lodging follow:

• Hotel Trastevere, V. Luciano Manara 25. Take a right off V. di Trastevere onto V. delle Fratte di Trastevere. There are nine quiet rooms with “graceful” furnishings, bath, television and phone. Breakfast is served in the morning.
• Hotel Carmel, V.G. Mameli 11. (Take a right onto V.E. Morosini (V.G. Mameli) off V. di Trastevere. Rooms each have a bath and breakfast is included with your stay.

Centro Storico or Rome's historic center offers the visitor many places to eat. Expect serenades by street performers in the area, particularly around P. Navona.

• Pizzeria Pentola, V. Metastasio 21. Off P. di Campo Marzio. Try Pizza dello chef made with spinach and parmesan.
• Pizzeria Baffetto, V. del Governo Vecchio 114. At V. Sora. This establishment, at one time was a meeting place for 60's radicals. Nowadays it is a popular eatery.
• Trattoria Da Luigi, P.S. Cesarini 24 near Chiesa Nuova. Here the cuisine can be described as “inventive” with dishes such as tagliolini with shrimp, asparagus and tomato. There is also a terrific antipasto buffet.
• Ristorante da Giggetto, V. Del Portico d'Ottavio 21-22. The famed Giggetto is known for having some of the city's finest cooking. Pick peppers from the “potted” pepper plants if you wish to spice up your dish.
• Gelato is as plentiful as good Italian leather. Following are some favorite sweet shops:
• San Crispino, V. della Panetteria 42. Near P. di Trevi. The gelato is without question the best in the world. Look for flavors such as meringue, armagnac and grapefruit.
• Tre Scalini, P. Navona 30. This is a very chic old-fashioned spot famous for tartufo: chocolate truffle ice cream rolled in chocolate shavings.

Conclusively, not only does Italy offer a tremendous amount of culturally fulfilling activities along with a tremendous amount of historically significant sites; the country is brimming full of excellent restaurants offering a wide array of culinary delights.

Bologna is in the heart of Emilia Romagna. Medieval palaces cluster around two central squares, Piazza Maggiore, created in 1200, and Piazza del Nettuo. Between them is the majestic Fountain of Neptune. Sitting in an outdoor café in Piazza Maggiore, one of the finest in Italy, is a true experience. Opposite the fountain is the palace names after King Enzo of Sardinia, who was locked up here for more than 20 years until he died in 1272.
The city is easily explored on foot and you'll be charmed by the beautiful architecture, including the basilicas of San Stefano, San Domenico and San Francesco. The Plaza Maggiore is dominated by the Basilica of San Petronio, the fifth largest in the world and as fantastic example of Gothic architecture. The façade has a remarkable portal of Old and New Testament scenes and a beautiful Madonna and Child. Inside is the oldest organ in Italy plus a giant sundial and amazing frescos.

At one time there were about 200 towers in Bologna, built by aristocratic families as a symbol of wealthy and power. Today is skyline is pierced by the two famous leaning towers, Asinelli and Garisenda. Asinelli has 498 steps which canbe climbed in spite of how it leans. The view offered from the tower of the entire city is simply spectacular. You'll see why Bologna also goes by the nickname "the Red," after the all pervasive red rooftops. The Garisenda leans at an even greater angle.

If you come across crowds of young people, you are probably near the university. The University of Bologna is the oldest in Europe. Founded in 1088, by the 13th century is already had more than 10,000 students from all over Europe. In the streets around the university, you will find plentiful bookshops, coffee bars and cheap but good quality restaurants, which are open late and make the nightlife there lively and entertaining.
Set among the university buildings is the national art gallery, Pinacoteca Nazionale. The extensive exhibits include works by Giotto and the famous Ecstasy of St Cecilia by Raphael. The tow gate at Porta Saragozza marks the start of the world's longest portico, which leads to Basilica Santuario della Madonna di San Luca. It's a spectacular edifice-an hour's walk beneath 666 arches before arriving at the round basilica.

Like all cities in Emilia Romagna, Bologna is a culinary heaven. The Bolognesi have given the world tortellini, lasagna, mortadella and spaghetti Bolognese. The city's other nickname, "The Fat," suggests it is impossible for you to go home other than well fed.

Sources:
http://www.italiantourism.com/emilia.html
http://www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it/english/

A lazy Saturday afternoon I decided to rediscover one that still distinguishes Turin: the Bicerin.

In the eighteenth century the breakfast of Turin people (who has the money to have it) was the "bavareisa"; a drink based on coffee, chocolate and milk, served in a glass. A century later, thanks to the container, a small glass with metal support and handle, will be called "Bicerin” (that means “small glass” in local language).

The ingredients of "Bicerin, always served in a glasses and very hot, are always the same: coffee, milk and chocolate.

In a small square of Turin, “piazza della Consolata”, there is an equally small local called Bicerin that saw the birth of the same-named drink; it still jealously keeps intact the traditional recipe, so I sit down and I ordered a Bicerin!

It is a boiling delicacy consisting of just made espresso, chocolate (prepared with a secret proceeding) and fresh milk cream.

So I was there sipping an hot and sweet chocolate drink, on the door of a place that was the same since the nineteen century.

On the other side of the square, I could admire the ancient walls of the Consolata modernized and redefined by Juvarra and Guarini, and built on the site of the fifth century church of St. Andrew, with its bell tower dating back to XI century.

The inscription on the top says "Consolatrix afflictorum".

But Turin people, even when they knew the Latin, have never wanted to translate it literally, for centuries, it is the “Consolà” (the comforted).

Inside there is hundreds of drawings and pictures to thank the Holy Virgin for this or that grace received; in those drawings you can read the stories of many citizens who escape from a sure death during the war or simply that were saved by lightning.

After this regeneration both in the body and spirit, we can just turn the corner to find ourself in Via Garibaldi which leads to Piazza Castello where we can admire the royal residences of Savoy.

Some geologists believe that Capri Island was once part of the Sorrento Peninsula of mainland Italy, and that it was separated and thrust out into the sea by major tectonic upheavals. It now stands some 5km offshore, west of Naples, it's breathtakingly sheer limestone cliffs soaring way up out of a turquoise sea.

This dramatically beautiful island was colonized by the Greeks around 600 - 500BC, and somewhat later, between 100BC and 100AD by the Roman Emperors, who built their holiday villas and palaces here. After the collapse of the Roman Empire the island fell prey over the following centuries to mixed fortune, and attacks and ravages by pirates.

Capri was a powerful British naval base, similar to Gibraltar for a very brief period in the early 1800's, after which it began to attract visitors. Many artists, writers and other celebrities favoured the island, and settled there, or holidayed there. By the 1950's Capri had been discovered by the Jet Set and has been a favourite secluded haunt for celebrities and millionaires ever since.

Tips for Your Capri Visit

Don't make the common mistake of planning a rushed day trip to this special island.

Spend at least two nights here, so you can absorb the unique atmosphere in this tiny piece of Italy.

The fast, hassle free way to get to the island is by hydrofoil from Naples (about 35 minutes). There are also ferries and all services are reliable, but note that bad weather and rough seas will affect their schedules.

It is very difficult to hire a car on, or take a car to, Capri. Excellent taxi and bus services solve this problem. Be prepared to walk quite a bit as well, so don't forget sunhat, sunblock and comfortable walking shoes. Pack some mosquito repellent as well, especially if you are travelling in the summer.

Buy a map as soon as you arrive, so you can locate yourself and find your bearings from the start.

You will arrive at Marina Grande, the small, colourful main port. From here, you ascend by funicular railway to the loggia just off the main square of Capri Town. .

The other, smaller, town is Anacapri, perched at the very top of the island. To get there take a bus or taxi.

The island is prone to rock falls in the higher, more remote areas, and this can sometimes affect some the paths and minor routes. It's a good idea to check with your hotel, or the tourist office before you set out.

There is no surface water on Capri, and all rainwater is stored in cisterns around the island. Do not drink the tap water; rather buy several litres of bottled mineral water when you arrive.

Top Sights for Your Visit

Capri and Anacapri are both charming, pretty towns, so take some time to stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy the sights.

• Boat trip

  Boats leave regularly from Marina Grande and will take you right around the island in about 2 ½ hours. This trip affords great views back towards the island.

• Blue Grotto

  The entrance is very small and you will have to transfer to a smaller boat to get through at low tide. The beautiful cave is filled with aquamarine light caused by the sunlight reflecting up from the sandy bottom of the sea.

• Faraglioni

  Vast, sheer free-standing rocky islets rocketing to an incredible height against a dazzling sky.

• Walk up to Villa Jovis

  Steps and alleyways flanked by high walls and shuttered houses. Ornate wrought iron gates sometimes allow a glimpse of secluded private villas. Charming small gardens with lemon, olive and fig trees, and some vines.

• Villa Jovis

  Ruined palace of Roman Emperor Tiberius, more than 7000 square metres, sprawling on the cliff tops. Spectacular views, especially from, Tiberius's Leap (335metres), over which, it is rumoured, disloyal slaves were forced to jump to their deaths.

• Piazza Umberto 1

  Main square of Capri town and an excellent place for a light lunch in the shade, or a sundowner on a warm evening.

• Marina Piccola

  This is the beach area, and charming smaller port. This is a good place to have lunch in the sun, overlooking the sea.

• Villa San Michele

  Axel Munthe's house and garden, spectacularly placed almost at the very top of the Island, with amazing views.

• Monte Solaro

  589m to the summit, with splendid views on a clear day as far as the Appenine Mountains in north Italy.

• The Phoenician Steps

   Eight hundred ancient steps, cut into the bare rock of the north eastern buttress of Monte Solaro. For centuries, until the motor road up to Capri was built in 1877, these were the only means of communication between Anacapri and Capri town.

Buon Viaggio!