Travel Guides

Is it Rangoon or Yangon the right name of the former Burmese capital? No matter, Yangon is only a more modern pronunciation for the city’s name.

Downtown rangoon with modern skyscrapers

Despite the fact that Rangoon is no longer the capital city, it remains the most populous and most important city of Burma ( or Myanmar, if you wish). It counts 4 millions inhabitants, and suffers in some of its neighborhoods of its poor infrastructure (no rubbish collection, no permanent electricity). But Rangoon, and the all Burma are really fascinating, despite or due to the military dictatorship. Here comes the key question: doest it worth visiting Burma? Thus shall we support the military  junta, or the simply poor people ? Fact is, that most of the hotels are under the rule of the junta, but I still am  for visiting this country. Thus even the simply people could get contacts and even earn something. The chamber maid, the taxi driver, the street vendor will surely take a profit of your visit, and this is very good for the country.

Frankfurt airport has started offering daily flights to the Latvian capital starting immediately, and whilst that’s all very well and good, it does beg the question: “Just what can you do in Riga?”

Riga itself is a vibrant city in the heart of the Baltic States. As tourism to the heart of Europe becomes more and more popular, Latvia opened up its borders and joined the European Union in 2004.

Since that time, many western tourists have enjoyed this unique little city. Filled with quiet beer gardens, quaint squares and countless coffee shops and bistros, during the day Riga is a relaxing and enjoyable place to visit.

One of the most popular parts of the city for tourists is the famous area known as the Old Town, which is home to a great many traditional buildings such as St Peter’s Church in which you can ascend to the top of the building and see one of the city’s most stunning views.

If you should think to an African megacity, this is Lagos without any doubts. It is actually the second African large city (behind Cairo), and also the second African fast growing city (behind Bamako). Lagos is very dynamic, and its population grows with 250 000 people every year, experiencing the Nigerian oil boom. Lagos is one of the wealthiest African cities, and also one of the most expensive.

The ancient Lagos was located on the Lagoon Islands

Lagos is a very old city. Its modern beginnings date back in the XIV th century, when Portuguese explorers gave it the name. During all the Middle Age Lagos was an important center of slaves trade. When Nigeria gained its independence from the British crown in 1950 started the modern boom of Lagos, due to the rich oil reserves of Nigeria.

Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland, and occupies a prime position at the mouth of the Patapsco River, as it spills out into the Chesapeake Bay and on to the great Atlantic Ocean. Because of this excellent natural bay area, Baltimore has long been one of the busiest ports in the USA, with a strong US naval presence and several important shipbuilding yards.

The old City Hall of baltimore is a beloved landmark

Baltimore has had a turbulent history, and was strongly divided by North/South loyalties during the American Revolution, which crippled its flourishing post-Revolution economy and led to violent clashes between the various factions within the city. In 1904 a terrible fire swept through the city, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, which meant that much of the city had to be rebuilt from scratch in the years that followed. Baltimore also suffered during the Great Depression, when many of its key industries were devastated by falling market prices and the collapse of key financial institutes, but over the years this resilient city recovered much of its former glory, and is once more a lively and successful place, full of modern conveniences such as business districts, shops, restaurants and entertainments.

There is nowhere quite like South America. A combination of ancient and modern, no matter where you go you will always have plenty to do and see, and may end up experiencing more then you ever thought possible. But even with so many great travel locations, there is one that sticks out, and that will always have you coming back for more: Lima.

Lima skyline at night

The largest (and capital) city of Peru has long since been a place of wonder and entertainment, with plenty of culture and history rich areas, as well as modern playgrounds that give the best of both worlds. It is also a place of mixed heritage, showing the origins of the indigenous people, as well as the influences of the Spanish conquistadors who settled the area in the 1500’s, adding some extra flavor to the region.

One of biggest things I love about Puerto Rican cuisine is that it is a very different collection of ingredients, history, and flavors. The indigenous Taíno Indians, the conquering Spanish, and foreign African slaves have all played a role in what has become known as Comida Criolla. Even though the food of Puerto Rico has its history rooted in Island and Spanish flavors, throughout history it has slowly take on a distinct flavor all its own. Here is a short list of 4 of the most popular and historically classic Puerto Rican dishes.

1. Mofongo

Mofongo is by far the most popular and readily found dish in Puerto Rico. The dish is composed of a tasty and filling blend of diced plantains, island herbs spices and a practically unlimited varieties of fillings; shrimp, pork, steak, seafood and even vegetarian… no matter what kind of flavors you prefer, there is a mofongo for you! Mofongo can also be found anywhere on the island. Practically every Puerto Rican restaurant, from roadside dives to some of Puerto Rico’s most refined local restaurants, will all have their own “secret” recipe.

Nairobi is the largest of the East African cities, and is a rapidly developing urban area at the center of Kenya’s commercial, industrial and political interests. Nairobi started life as a frontiers town, and there is still an energetic, pioneering feel to the place, and quite a few rough edges that still have yet to be smoothed out. This does unfortunately mean the levels of serious crime in the city are significant enough to cause some concern for travelers, and it is a good idea to be on your guard when moving around the city, and avoid going out late at night. Tourists are advised to stick to the safer, suburban districts, which have plenty of good hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants, and also provide excellent access to the nearby national parks and reserves.

Nairobi panoramic view

A spectacular bridge may be not  among famous bridges. Very old bridges could stay on the same list of world’s most spectacular bridges together with hi tec modern bridges. Spectacular bridges are beautiful and good looking, and most of them developped to iconic landmarks of the belonging cities or regions. You could easily recognize a spectacular bridge when you see it: is simply breathtaking!

1. Pont Neuf In Paris is a city icon through the unique way to invite both to visit the city or walk along the Seine piers (or even to go on the Seine on the bateaux mouches ). Its name means The New Bridge, but it is actually Paris oldest, as it was  finished in 1695.

Pont Neuf is an iconic Paris landmark

2. Bixby Bridge on the California Highway One (Big Sur) is one of the most photographed features in California. It is simply spectacular, isn’t it? It is 218 metres long and lies at a height of 85 meters.