The town dates from Anglo-Saxon times but much of it was destroyed in a fire in 1615. The Green Dragon pub was one of the few buildings to survive the fire and still offers a fine selection of real ales and home-made meals.

The Abbey is perhaps the most famous landmark in the town, its two towers visible from miles around. Originally built in 1107 to serve both the town's parishioners and a group of Benedictine monks, it was the scene of many quarrels, including the building of the towers, one (the larger western one) by the town's people and the other by the monks. The dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII resulted in the destruction of all the abbey's domestic buildings and part of the church, leaving on tower a shell and the rest of the church to be used as Parish Church.

The wooden-stilted Market-Cross and the Bridewell museum are other historic buildings of note.

Wymondham is not just a historic town, however, it also has a vibrant present and an exciting future.

The town is next to the A11 which is the main trunk road out of Norfolk and has almost been completely dualled. The town railway station is on the main line from Norwich to Cambridge and there are regular buses and coaches both into Norwich and out to Cambridge, Stansted Airport and London.

The quality of the schools in the town and surrounding area causes many to seek to move to the town. Two infant schools and a junior school which have all been classed by Ofsted as good or excellent feed into a high school with a large sixth form which consistently ranks among the top comprehensive schools in the country in both GCSE and A-level results. There is also a state-funded boarding school nearby which takes day-pupils and consistently achieves good results.

Several recent housing developments have expanded the type of housing available and there is also a growing commercial estate on the edge of town around the new headquarters of the Norfolk Constabulary, including a Waitrose Supermarket and a Focus DIY store. The town centre is a vibrant hub, with a popular market every Friday, banks, solicitors, electrical retailers, cafés and many other establishments. A new library has just been built which provides and excellent facility in a town centre location.

A busy social scene includes the heritage society, youth orchestra, dramatic society, football and rugby clubs and a cinema society at the old Regal cinema showing films on the original 1930's projection equipment.

Machu Picchu, in the language quechua; “Machu Pikchu” (“Old Pico”), also is called “the lost city of the Incas”. It is a pre-Columbian, situated city in the top of a mountain, the 2,057 meters of altitude, in the valley of the river Urubamba, in the Perú, hidden in the  forest, encircled of other sacred mountains and with an almost perfect celestial alignment. It was ordered to construct for the sovereign Inca Pachacuti, in the XV century.

This mysterious  city was discovered by the professor American north Hiram Bingham (head of an expedition of the University of Yale) the 24 of July of 1911.Bingham was anthropologist, historian and explorer become a fan in archaeology. In the height, however, it tried to discover the city of the Incas descendants; Vilcabamba, but when entering in canyon of Urubamba, a peasant informed it of the existence of ruìns, in the top of a mountain of Macchu skeptical Picchu.Embora, expert of many myths that exist on the lost cities, was lead by a boy (son of resident shepherds close to the place) to cerro, finding the city invaded for the tropical vegetation and vipers. While it inspected the ruins, writing down notes, each time if haunted more.He was returned city, in 1912,1914 and 1915 and diverse explorers they had taken maps, they explored the area and the outskirts, at great length. In its hollowings, not very orthodox, it found some objectos in bronze, it has covered, silver and rock, not finding nothing in gold, but convincing it, of that the ruins retraced to the esplendor of the period Inca.

The city is divided by two great areas; the agriculturist, formed for terraces and enclosures where they stored foods; e the urban one, where if it detaches the sacred zone, with temples, squares and palaces. It has diverse theories on its function, most accepted it is that it was constructed to supervise the economy of the conquered regions and with the private intention to protect the sovereign Inca and its military next in attack case.

 The ways that took to city were hidden at common population, therefore the secret was the main military defense. The known enclosures more are: The “Acllawasi” (“house of the chosen ones”), a temple of sun virgins. The “Intiwatana”, the solar clock, that marked the stations of the year. In 1997 a fire destroyed part of the vegetation of the city.

 Macchu Picchu is of the ones of the enigmatic places prettiest and of the World, without a doubt deserving to be one of the 7 wonders of the World.

Athens

Located in North East Texas in Henderson county, Athens is the self proclaimed Original Home of the Hamburger as well as the Black Eyed Pea Capital of the World. It's a lovely quaint little town and has some excellent antique shopping there.

Corinth

Corinth is up in North Texas in Denton County between Dallas and Denton. The city calls itself  the Gateway to Success.

Cypress

This one is a little unincorporated area in Harris County just North West of Houston proper. There's not much historical claim to fame here, but it does have Tin Hall, Texas' oldest continuously operated dance hall. Tin hall has been in operation since 1889.

Dublin

Any fan of Dr. Pepper knows about Dublin, Texas. Dublin home to the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant, which has operated continuously since 1891, just six years after it's creation in nearby Waco, Texas. 

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Egypt

Egypt is the oldest community in Wharton County, Texas, located about a hour's drive South of Houston on US 59. It was first settled in 1822. In 1836, it was Company F of the First Regiment of Texas Volunteers, recruited by William J. E. Heard and based in Egypt, which captured the Mexican Army in the Battle of San Jacinto.

Eldorado

Located in Schleicher County in West Texas, is the little town of Eldorado. Most recently Eldorado was briefly in the spotlight as it is the closest incorporated town to the Yearning for Zion Ranch, the new home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in which over 400 children were taken into Child Protective Custody on April 4, 2008. Other than that it's been a relatively uneventful town of less than 2000 permanent residents.

Italy

Properly pronounced "it-lee" and not "i-ta-lee," Italy, Texas is located on I-35 in Ellis County. One of the main things that people see as they whiz through the town at 70+mph on the highway is the Monolithic Dome Institute housed inside Bruco, the Texas Italian Caterpillar.

(Source: Wikipedia. Author: Lothar1976)

Jamaica Beach

There's not much to say about Jamaica Beach really. It's a small community which was only incorporated in 1975 and has just over 1000 people living there at this time. It's located on Galveston Island and is just South of the State Park on 3005.

Malakoff

Just West of Athens is the community of Malakoff, named after the Russian fort Malakoff which had a key role in the siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. If you're heading in to Athens off Highway 31, you'll go right through it, so don't blink.

Moscow

Located North of Houston off US-59, Moscow is all but a Ghost town now. However, it was once Polk County's largest town with a population of 228 back in 1880.

Palestine

About an hour's drive South of Athens on Highway 19 is Palestine, named actually for an early settler's home town of Palestine, Illinois, and not the country. Palestine was most recently in the news in February 2003 as the resting place for many of the pieces of the space shuttle Columbia disaster.

Paris

Proudly hailed as the "Second largest Paris in the world," Paris is located in Lamar County, 98 miles North East of the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex. The current Eiffel Tower replica in town is actually the second, as the original, made of wood, was destroyed by a tornado. The new copy added a Texas touch with a large cowboy hat on top. Of course, if you're a fan of the movie Paris, Texas, you won't find anything movie-related here as the movie has no scenes in town, and not a single piece of footage was filmed in the town.

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Roma

Located in Starr County, along the Rio Grande, Roma is one of the main ports of entry from Mexico to the United States via the Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge, a suspension bridge built in 1928. It is an old town, having been founded in 1765 and finally incorporated in 1936. Before Texas gained it's independance from Mexico in 1836, Roma was actually under Spanish rule under the jurisdiction of Mier, Mexico.

Turkey

Situated in the panhandle of Texas in Hall County, this tiny little town has a claim to fame that makes it worth the trip if you're into Western Swing music. You see, Turkey is home to Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing. So while the Big Ball may be in Cow Town, the last Saturday of April, is reserved for Bob Wills Day, and thousands will descend on the little town for some great music and BBQ.

Victoria

Named for General Guadalupe Victoria, the first president of an Independant Mexico (and not Great Britain's Queen Victoria), Victoria is situated at the intersection of US 59, US 77, and US 87 about two hours drive from Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. While visiting, be sure to stop off at Fossati's Delicatessen, the oldest Deli in the state of Texas and is sitl family owned after 125 years.

Waterloo

Waterloo is a little unincorporated area North East of Austin in Williamson County. To get there take Highway 79 East out of Round Rock, and just after Taylor turn North on 619. When you reach the "S" turn in the road, don't blink, because you're there. Waterloo was the original name for the city of Austin.

Yorktown

Founded by Captain John York and Charles Eckhardt in 1835, Yorktown is a little town North West of Victoria, in DeWitt County. Yorktown's notable son is Harlon Block, who is pictured as the soldier on the far right of the famous photograph, Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima.

Bristol seemed to be as close to my ideal city I was to find in England, knowing that there is a huge gulf between our capital and the other big cities. I disovered that the larger cities do not have more of the things that are important to me, such as cinemas and theatres, than smaller ones. And that anything I gained in say Manchester over Norwich was a loss in areas such as historic streets of independents and cathedral closes.

But Bristol did appear to be a medium city. It is half way in size (c400,000 people) and has elements of the larger city and the older kind which I had previously favoured. Mediums can be tedious: they can be a intermediary point, a moderation of all things; or they can fall between being two entities. I came to see Bristol as the latter. It's not a York or a Liverpool.

It's kind of a mini London in that its centre is only a small part of its character. If London has villages, then Bristol is one of the few (if only) English city to be made up of a series of hamlets. I'd sketch an overview of Edinburgh as a sunflower - a prominent centre in two halves (old and new towns) but with a few wide petals of places to find café culture attached. Bristol's centre would be an elongated shape, and its petals would be longer and more prominent that the middle. Clifton feels like Westminster and Kensington in that it is as much part of the city's character and cultural life as the old city. Like London's West End, Bristol's is pleasing to view with smart shops, cafes and housing. Its old centre is akin to the City but that is not so pleasing. Bristol's piecemeal medieval heart is also marooned under its financial district. The dead offices at weekends of Temple Quay are a smaller version of Canary Wharf. But Bristol does not have London's museums - its second biggest one has just closed and moved to London - although its new one is opening next year.

Despite research leading me to believe otherwise, Bristol's cultural facilities are not what I hoped they would be. Bristol has more independent cinemas than any other city outside of London. But there is not the choice of arts cinema here that one would expect from that: two of the four are part time and there is a leaning towards the very eclectic. There's a kind of film which is often passed over in Bristol's programming. Its major theatre's closed and the stadium plans finally got axed, as did the harbourside music venue - to be replaced by a mediocre extension to music venue Colston Hall.

Shopping is also the worst I've experienced in a major city, despite this being the second biggest place that I've lived. The new development - Cabot Circus - only elongates the high street shopping area, cutting off the steep hill of Park Street's independents even further from the other shops. The architecture of the new will soon date. And Bristol still lacks those attractive old streets of unusual and unique that smaller places have.

The congestion is statistically the worst in the country, and the buses are the most expensive with not very coherent routes. This city badly needs a metro system, but is 20 years behind comparable Newcastle in obtaining one. For a spread out city whose attractions are not concentrated in one spot, this is a serious disadvantage. Long distance trains can be expensive and there's frequent dissatisfaction with the main local rail company.

My first summary was that Bristol is the best of the West Country. It seemed to have a bit of everything that the rest of that region has. The University tower appeared the summation of the best of Oxbridge colleges, and second only to Westminster's Victoria tower in the neo Gothic league. I still admire Wills Tower and other the city icon - the Suspension Bridge. But then I revised my statement to representing the West. I could think of finer examples of anything that Bristol has - docks (Gloucester and Exeter), cathedral (same plus Salisbury and Wells), smart suburbs (Bath and Cheltenham). Strolling Oxford, Bath, Salisbury and the non wartorn parts of Exeter, I am reminded of the pleasures of a small historic city, and that smaller quite often does not mean lesser.

Having written all this, I feel a sadness as I imagine Bristol personified crumpling and starting to weep at how I have denigrated a former favourite city as if I had publicly derided a lover. For those who believe that we are all connected to all that is, perhaps it is possible to hurt a city with such words.

My own relationship with Bristol is likely to continue, and one of its best points was its many facets which attract interesting people; and its excellent rail network meaning I can rove other cities as well as I have even been able to do from any point in the UK.

Many love Bristol: even wanderers stop their search here and continue to discover new assets over a long period of time. I don't think however, that I will be one of them.

Poland’s second largest city is filled to the brim with beauty and character. Largely undamaged during World War II it has retained all of it medieval charm. It is a great place to stroll around and explore the Old Town and soak up its long and rich history. Dominating the cities skyline is the Royal Castle, situated at the top of Wawel Hill which provides the best views of the city and the Vistula River.

 

Reykjavik

The Icelandic capital is known for its hot weekend nightlife as well as its hot pools. But for those who prefer a quieter time visit one of the interesting galleries, museums and bookshops or just hang out in one of the many coffee shops. With old-fashioned wooden buildings in amongst the modern architecture and breathtaking landscapes Reykjavik is a unique experience.

 

Bruges

This city in the Flemish region of Belgium had its entire town centre designated a World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. It is the home of some of Europe’s best preserved medieval buildings and is easily one of the prettiest cities in Europe with its canals and cobbled streets. Bruges is all about strolling through picturesque streets, sampling the good food and beer and admiring the gorgeous architecture and art.

 

Istanbul

The only city in the world to encompass two continents Istanbul is the gateway between Europe and Asia. This range of cultures is what makes Istanbul such a fascinating and beautiful place to visit. Whether it is admiring the centuries old Ottoman minarets or shopping in the ancient bazaars there is lots to do. And when the sun comes down there is great food and a vibrant nightlife to explore.

 

Budapest

The Capital of Hungary was formed by the joining of hilly Buda on the right bank of the Danube with bustling Pest on the left bank. Budapest’s fascinating history along with its mix of modern architecture and Eastern mystique makes it such an absorbing place to visit. There are over 100 museums, galleries and historic buildings to see but it is the off-beat cafes that are the soul of Budapest with lively music and great food.

 

Stockholm

Perched on 14 islands, the city offers up spectacular views of its quaint waterways and pastel coloured buildings. Despite being famously expensive there are lots of museums and galleries to visit for a fix of culture once you have run out of money shopping in the numerous excellent shopping districts. The beauty of Djurgarden is also not to be missed along with the impressive 18^th century Royal Palace.

 

Vienna

Grandiose Vienna is the world’s classical music capital and the adopted home of Mozart. With its other famous resident being Sigmund Freud this is a city bursting with culture and places of interest to visit. Vienna has plenty of other pleasures too whether it is enjoying a few drinks in one of the plentiful or renowned wine taverns, a walk in the woods or along the river or just bar-hopping till morning.

 

Prague

The “Paris of the East” sits on the banks of the Vltava River and practically defines the word ‘picturesque’. It is easy to lose yourself in a city that was left largely untouched by the Second World War. In both the castle district on the left bank of the river and the Old town on the right you can stroll down narrow medieval streets and courtyards, across cobbled squares and into the many stately buildings.

 

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is cosmopolitan, classy and cultured. You can admire the elegance of the 18^th century New Town, stroll along the Royal Mile or gaze across the city from the parapets of the 16^th century castle. But it is in the summer that Edinburgh truly comes to live when the festival takes place each year, with hundreds of theatre and comedy shows and street entertainers on every street.

 

Seville

The capital of the region of Andalusia has often been overshadowed by Barcelona and Madrid but won’t disappoint. There are enough sights and things to do to wear down the most ardent of travelers. A stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir river will give you a feel for the romance of historic Seville. And when you are worn out by all the sightseeing relax in one of the many riverside restaurants.

 

Geography

 

As you can see, Brazil has 26 states, 27 counting the capital, which is known as Distrito Federal or Brasília. The biggest state is Amazonas, where the Rain Forest is located. The most populated is São Paulo; only the capital has more than 19 million inhabitants. To go from São Paulo to the Rain Forest, for example, you have to go by airplane, unless you don’t care about staying 2 days in a car, traveling in freeways not in a very good condition.

Brazilian distances are huge, if you have to travel more than one thousand kilometers, the best you can do is go by airplane. If the trip is short, you can go by bus or car.

Brazilian inter-city’s bus stations are busy all year around, but if you don’t know anything about the region, it’s the safer way to travel. The highways are considered dangerous and sometimes confusing, although constructions are always being held, some parts are new and with great signalization, but if you’re not sure, it’s cheaper and safer go by bus. Brazil doesn’t have trains for passengers, only for cargos, so don’t count on it. To rent a car, you’re going to pay an average price of $25 per day.

Money

The currency of Brazilian Real to Dollar is: 1.00 USD = 1.60300 BRL.
Check before you travel: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Language

In Brazil, they speak Portuguese! If you know Spanish it can help, as Spanish and Portuguese are very similar languages. Brazilian people understand quite a lot of Spanish. With the modernization of the country, and the number of foreign tourists rising, more people are learning English as a second language, although there’re still those who can only speak Portuguese, especially in poor regions.

Hotels and expensive bars almost always have bilingual staff. You don’t have to worry about a 5 stars hotel in Rio de Janeiro doesn’t have anyone speaking your language.

General speaking - Brazilian Portuguese:

• Hi=Oi
• Good bye=Tchau
• Yes=Sim
• No=Não
• Thank you=Obrigado
• Welcome=De nada
• How are you?=Como está?
• I’m fine, and you?=Estou bem, e você?
• Good Morning=Bom dia
• Good Afternoon=Boa tarde
• Good evening/night=Boa noite
• Meu nome é João=Meu nome é John
• What’s your name?=Qual o seu nome?
• Nice to meet you=Prazer em conhecê-lo
• How much is it?=Quanto é?

Having Fun

Brazil most famous music is SAMBA. They dance separately or in couples and you’re going to find people dancing all over the place: clubs, bars, restaurants, beaches… The most important event/party that happens every year is called Carnaval. It happens in February or March, for a whole week. It vary on the days, each year is a different starting date. Parties are everywhere. They can happen in clubs, on the beach, or even in the street.

The most famous Street Carnaval in Brazil is in Salvador, when an average of 1,5 million people participate, including tourists. If you go to your local tourist agency and ask about Carnaval in Brazil, you’re going to be surprised with the variety of choices for holidays available at this time of the year, to all kind of budgets. The regular drinks (and the cheapest) are Caipirinha, Vodka with soft drinks and lots of beers. You’re going to walk and dance a lot, so bring water, sun cream and a heat (because the sun is extremely hot) and comfortable shoes.

Climate

The weather changes depend on the region. The tropical area, which is above the city of São Paulo is the warmest. The Tropic of Capricorn crosses the country in the latitude of this city. Below the weather begins to become chiller. In the north the average temperatures are between 15ºC to 35ºC all over the year. While in the south, it has 4 seasons. The fall starts in March, winter in July, spring in September and summer in December. The average temperatures in winter are 5ºC to 15ºC. In some regions, especially towns located in hills, it can snow. The most famous town in the south of Brazil is Gramado, where the German architecture and the cold weather in the winter give the sensation of being in Europe.

In the summer, doesn’t matter what part of Brazil you’re, the weather is normally shiny and the temperatures rise from 25ºC to 40ºC.

Cuisine

Perhaps the best piece of Brazil. Food is cheap and there’re innumerous options. The typical meal of a Brazilian family consists of rise, beans, meat, pasta and salad. They usually eat altogether, in large portions. The most famous dishes in Brazil are Churrasco (barbecue) and Feijoada (Beans mixed with vegetables and meat). The choices of fruits and vegetables are probably bigger than if you live in Europe. The products are of best quality and most of the time organic.

The fruits and vegetables are bigger and tasty. If you go to a supermarket, you’re going to find a big patisserie with all kinds of breads and cakes. Patisseries and supermarkets in Brazil are very common; they have a huge option of products, especially in the matter of food. On the other hand, if you’re going to be having meals in restaurants, be prepared for the differences between them.

Feijoada

Buffet por quilo (Buffet by kilo) – The cheapest one
They’re huge in options of food: salad, meat and pasta. You’re going to pay an average price of $1,50 per kilo, in touristic places, which are the most expensive areas. If you’re vegetarian, don’t be afraid to go, as they can offer a big variety of vegetarian dishes. They usually don’t have table service and the selection of drinks is limited.

Rodizio – Eat as much as you want

There’re different types. It can be of barbecue (which is called Churrascaria), japonese food, chinese food, sea food or pizza. For you to have an idea of how diversified these places are, the best “rodizios de pizza” serve more than 80 types of pizza, you sit and wait for the waiters to bring all of them to you. Brazilian people eat pizza with ketchup, mayonese and mostard, so don’t be afraid if the waiter asks you if you would like any of them. The same with other kind of culineres, you can be surprised if the chinese restaurant doesn’t taste like chinese food from your country, but more like a mix of brazilian and chinese. In Churrascarias the surprise is the little chicken heart, served just like the meat below.

A La Carte

Choose from the menu, the variety is usually big, and depending on the region you’re going to have dishes according to the local culinere. They can be very different, being cheap and simple (you’re going to get more food in your plate) or expensive and refinados, with a bigger selection of imported products and drinks (as wines and spirits).

Most Important Capitals

If you’re in doubt about where to go, here are the most important capitals, with international airport. I believe these cities show a lot about the culture of Brazil, being important to be known. Though if you want to relax or have a different kind of adventure, I would advise beaches or forests, with touristic guides showing the area. A famous option is Fernando de Noronha.

Rio de Janeiro

São Paulo

Porto Alegre

Salvador

Brasília

Manaus

 

Image Source

For anyone who's ever lived in Manila, the first thing that registers with that place is chaos. Traffic, overcrowding, pollution, not escaping the fact that there's a mall within a one-kilometer radius of each other that could cause all of the aforementioned whenever there's a weekend sale going on.

 

Oh yes, welcome to the Philippines' bustling 76 million-manned capital.

 

But people who have been searching for a different, more homey kick may be pleasantly surprised that not everything you seek costs an arm or a leg (or both!). In this age of disposable gadget satisfaction, nothing can beat fun living at the barest essentials. Have you strolled in a park lately?

 

Here's a little guide on how to achieve that "natural high" without spending a lot. For the travelers, this is for you. For native Manileños, do open your eyes.

 

 

Get Some Air

 

The Rizal Park, our national landmark, can be one for starters -- ingest in a little heritage. But the Roxas Boulevard area is a vast expanse of land that you can spend an entire day doing whatever you want. You can exercise with the resident fitness group, ride a bike, read a book, see the boats sailing, have a picnic, go over to the gardens. Along the way you can see the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex where a lot of shows events happen, the Quirino Grandstand where there's a occasional gathering or two, and of course, the Manila Bay where the most beautiful sunsets can be viewed.

 

Kick the Water

 

There's the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and the Ultra Pool with a 10-lane Olympic pool, and the Makati Aqua Sports Arena with the 8-lane Olympic pool. All are well-maintained and clean -- not bad for public pools, huh? They are open every day (except Mondays).

 

Sitting Pretty

 

Well, there's not much calorie-burning involved here, but you've got to hand in the effort of beating the traffic! There's the Pasig River Ferry, which was just launched in 2007, for the purpose of easier transport (and some sight-seeing). It takes passengers to different drop-off points such as Escolta, Intramuros and Guadalupe. Smooth sailing ahead with air conditioning, and you'll get to see magnificent structures like the Malacañang Palace (the Presidential residence and office) and the Greek-inspired Manila Post Office. Although the more eye-opening could be the stark poverty you'll encounter as you go along the river.

 

 

Connect with Animals

 

You don't have to be a kid to be able to enjoy going to the zoo. The landmark Manila Zoo bevys an assortment of animals, like the lions, monkeys, hippos, giraffes, zebras ("Madagascar" for real!), elephants, rhinos, snakes, eagles, and more. There is also the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center on Quezon Avenue, and in there is a mini-zoo where you can see rescued and confiscated wildlife like pythons and hawks.

 

Commune in Green Spirit

 

The La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City is not just any other park -- it's a lush sanctuary in the middle of the metropolis. There's green everywhere, and you can breathe in smog-free air as you follow up a trail of trees, shrubs, and flowers. There's also a small duck pond, a mini-forest trail and an exercise trail. Something to escape in.

 

Go Bird-Watching

 

Meanwhile, avian aficionados will be astounded with the breadth and variety of birds flocking in the city -- the Philippines is a favorite destination of migratory birds, and you'll often see them in the early morning and late afternoon. The best places to go birding are: The University of the Philippines' National Institute of Geological Science in Quezon City; Fort Bonifacio American War Memorial in Taguig, and the Tambo Mudflats in Parañaque. People who'd like to view the birds much closer can go to Avilon Zoo in Rizal (a 2-hour bus ride from Manila), which features a plethora of our feathered friends in all colors, breeds and sizes. The zoo also has many other animal species -- common and rare, so bring in the kids for a great educational experience! (Personally, this is my favorite.)

 

 

 

Certainly, there are other places to visit and things you can do while in Manila. But if you're on a budget, why not try these? Let's make it worth your while!

1. Capri, Italy

   This is the most beautiful city in the world. Capri is a small city on the coast of the Bay of Naples on the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches are amazing, and when you're on the top of the city the view is breath taking. One thing that you have to do while in Capri is take a small boat around the island. The beaches and rock formations are amazing.

2. New York City, USA

   If you love big cities you will fall in love with New York City. There are Sky Scrappers everywhere. So many wonderful sites you can go to. The view on top of the Empire State Building is amazing you can see forever. Go to the Statue of Liberty that has such a large amount of history about it. You can also go and watch the New York Yankees or Mets play. Broadway plays there are wonderful, and is a must see.

3. Delphi, Greece

   One word that describes this small town is Wow! This small town lies on top of a very large mountain, and hangs over the step cliffs. So it has one of the best views in the world. Delphi is a quiet town, but receives a lot of tourists. There is an archeologist site that is amazing. The ruins were from before Christ.

4. San Francisco, USA

   So many things to do here, and they're all amazing. San Francisco is along the San Francisco Bay. It has a perfect climate. It's never snowy or it's never burning hot. It's always in 70s. The Golden Gate Bridge is an amazing feat of architecture. Alcatraz a jail that is no longer in use lies on an island out in the bay, and it is a fun site to visit. It's always fun to ride around the city on their famous trolleys.

5. Utah, USA

   If you love the outdoors this is the state to go. It has snowy mountains that are great to skiing and winter sports. Utah is known for the greatest snow on earth. When the mountains aren't covered in snow the mountains are great for mountain biking and hiking. Down in southern Utah there are many National Parks like Zions National Park. Zions National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Along with Zions National Park there are many other National Parks that are must see.

These are the five must see cities on earth. I have been to all of them, and they're all amazing. So go and check out all these cities so you can experience the greatness yourself.

Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast. The city is built around Port Jackson. Sydney is blessed with a glorious abundance of natural beauty. Sydney's climate is truly impressive. Darling Harbor, incorporating the recently developed Cockle Bay Wharf is a modern waterside to enjoy seafood, wines and goodies. The Major places to visit are:

• Sydney Opera House - one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Lot of cultural activities like ballet, theatre and music, opera is featured in four theatres and it also has some of the finest restaurants.
  
• Sydney Harbor Bridge - Harbor from where you can glance some of the best sites of Sydney. Natural beauty scattered around at 20Km length.
• Sydney Town Hall -Stood as a major hub for public and civic building. The Town Hall clock is most popular landmark and marble entrance makes it beautiful meeting place.
  The other attractions of Sydney include pristine beaches and the surfers paradise i.e. bondi beach and it also have other small beaches to enjoy the scenic beauty of Australia.
  

London (UK)

London is the largest urban area and capital of England and the United Kingdom. It is also known as the heart of England. There are so many amazing sites in the capital to visit:

• Clarence House - Clarence House is the official residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. During the summer, visitors are guided around the ground-floor rooms where The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall receive guests from around the world.
• Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) - are home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords and the famous clock tower Big Ben. Overseas visitors can travel only in summers through designated areas of the parliamentary estate.
• Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition - an amazing tour to the world-famous Globe Theatre. A chance to see a sword-fighting display, find out how actors are dressed in handmade costumes and take a tour of vivid life of working theatre. There are so many other places to visit are Wimbledon lawn Museum, Imperial war museum, St Paul's Cathedral.

Paris (France)

Paris is the most popular tourist destination in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. A romantic and stylish city situated on the river Seine. The major tourist attractions are:

• a) Place de la Bastille - This is the home for many concerts and similar events and at night busy for cafes, bars, night clubs and concert halls.
• b) The Montparnasse Tower - soared over the Paris skyline with its 210-meter height. Its rooftop is open to the public and offers an exceptional view of the below. The tower and newly re-modeled train station replace the 19th century station, making it a very contemporary spot in the capital today.
• c) Eiffel Tower - If you have a good weather and have a little extra time, go to Eiffel tower at sunset for a spectacular scene.
• There are so many other places to visit in Paris, which all can't be covered here so I will recommend it as the best place to visit.

Rome (Italy)

Rome is modern and cosmopolitan and it is the third most-visited tourist destination in the EU and a city of cultural and political importance. Its international airport is the largest in Italy; a climate mild and rainy in winter rather than full of snow, Rome appeals as the perfect place to vacation during any time of year. You do not need a Visa if you're only staying for 90 days or less. I would recommend visiting Rome in the off-peak months between October and March to avoid the summer rush.

Don't Miss These Locations:

• The Coliseum- The best structure to visit in the city. You will be welcomed by guides dressed as Gladiators, when taking tour to the premises.
• The Roman Forum - Visiting the ancient Rome where political, religious, and economic activities took place. Many of its columns remain standing among the ruins even after 2000 years, displaying the left over of Roman architecture. If you want, you can spend a little more to get a personalized guided tour complete with audio pedestals where you can learn more.
• The Vatican- One of the most popular spots to visit in Rome is, of course, the Vatican. The Vatican has a fine collection of sculptures, paintings, books, and many other artifacts that chronicle the Catholic Church's history and had great religious importance.
• The Sistine Chapel- If pressed for time, skip everything else and proceed to the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel is probably the most recognized piece of work from the Renaissance period.

Madrid (Spain)

Madrid is located in the center of Spain and sits at an elevation 1900' above sea level. The population of the central city is 2.95 million. Madrid is full of green spaces and parkland, in central Madrid there is one of the largest park is, spreading out to the north-east of Atoka Railway station, Casa de Campo is enormous rural parkland to the west of the city, the largest of all Madrid's green areas. Its home to a fairground, zoo and an outdoor municipal pool, to enjoy a bird's eye view of the park and city take a cable car trip above the tree tops. The places to visit there are:

• Palacio Real (the Royal Palace of Madrid) - Although an official Royal Palace, the Palacio Real de Madrid is used only for ceremonial purposes. Be sure to see the Throne Room, the Kings Chamber, and the Porcelain Room
• Plaza Mayor - Plaza Mayor, located in the heart of Old Town Madrid, is the grand square of the city. The buildings around the Plaza have burned several times, the last time in 1790. Although known for its architecture and vast expanse, the Plaza is best known as one of the city's most popular meeting places.
• Retro Park - When the art junket starts to get old, head for Retro Park. The grounds are attractive, peppered with many statues and a large lake. The Cristal Palace, one of the exhibition halls for the Reina Sofia Museum is located here and deserves a quick look.

Hawaii (United States)

The State of Hawaii is a state in the United States, located on an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of Australia. All of the Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanoes erupting from the sea floor from a magma source described in geological theory as a hotspot. The theory maintains that as the tectonic plate beneath much of the Pacific Ocean moves in a northwesterly direction, the hot spot remains stationary, slowly creating new volcanoes. There are 8 major islands to visit and the climate of Hawaii is typical for a tropical area, although temperatures and humidity tend to be a bit less extreme than other tropical locales due to the constant trade winds blowing from the east. Don't miss to visit this beautiful island.

Las Vegas (United States)

Las Vegas is the most populous city in the state of Nevada, The Entertainment Capital of the World, is famous for massive and lavish casino resorts, the unrestricted availability of alcoholic beverages (as is true throughout Nevada), and adult entertainment. Once officially referred to as Sin City, this image has made Las Vegas a popular setting for films and television programs. The major attractions in Las Vegas are the casinos. The most famous hotels are located on Las Vegas Boulevard, better known as the Las Vegas Strip. Many of these hotels carry thousands of rooms. There are, of course, large casino areas in these hotels as well. There are many hotel casinos in the city's downtown area as well, which was the original focal point of the city's gaming industry in its early days. Several large hotels and casinos are also located somewhat off the Strip but adjacent to it, as well as in the county around the city. Some of the best casinos are golden nugget, four queens, Las Vegas club and so on.

Dubai (UAE)

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is one of the country's main cities, sometimes called "Dubai City" to distinguish it from the emirate. At just five hours from Europe, Dubai makes for the perfect city break thanks to its superb beaches, exceptionally competitive shopping and exciting nightlife. Due to its infrastructure, tourist amenities and relatively liberal policies, Dubai has managed to shine next to other Middle Eastern cities. The major attractions are:

• a) Burj Al Arab - It's a landmark on the Dubai coastline where going beyond service and quality are paramount. Every single duplex suite enjoys fabulous views of the Gulf, is furnished with luxury amenities and the latest technology and has a private concierge and butler service to every floor.
• B) Emirates Towers -its hotel is an iconic Dubai landmark located on the fashionable Sheikh Road. It is ideal for corporate travelers but is just as well suited for the leisure guest as well. The hotel has several and has ten restaurants and four bars, temperature controlled main and children's pools, a health club, two gyms, a men's spa and a well equipped state of the art business centre. Guests also have the use of beach facilities at the groups other hotels.
• c) Beach Hotel - The Beach hotel is located on beach with a large selection of restaurants, three different beach areas, a huge main swimming pool, lap pool and separate kid's pool.

Jaisalmer (India)

Its nicknamed "The Golden City", is a town in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Desert and has a population of about 78,000. The major tourist attraction are City fort, castels, Museums and don't miss to attend desert festival.

The country still faces a war and grave problem in the form of Taliban insurgents and other terrorist groups but hope is still what its people believe in.

In a country where three workers do work to construct a road and six policemen protect them, rebuilding must be a hard task. The insurgents frequently attack on road constructing companies, clinics, schools and laborers. Still the photos below shows a new look of different parts of different provinces including Kandahar, the former stronghold of the Taliban, which brings hope to people.

Reconstruction

A site near a famous shrine in Kandahar that is now beautifully constructed. Hundreds of people visit the shrine every day and then come here for a relaxation.

Beauty

This beautiful dam is in the Bamyan province where the Taliban had demolished two historical Buddha statues.

Greenery

A view of Nengrahar's Noor Valley which is located between Kunar and Jalalabad. This valley is famous for its greenery.

Dance

People enjoy traditional music and dance. Extremists had banned this during their rule.

Music

People enjoy the traditional Afghan music. Extremists had banned these activities during their widely condemned rule.

Women

Shukriya Barakzai, Member of Parliament, is speaking in a public meeting. Though there are still many barriers and problems for women, it is a very big development that they now can participate in every walk of life.