For those in the mood for a new adventure, Tanzania is your place!

Tanzania is a unique African country which is home to Serengeti National Park,  and several others as well. It is also home to Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and to the Great Lakes of Africa; Lake Tanganyika with the lowest point in the continent and Lake Victoria with Kenya and Uganda, which is the largest in the continent. Its wildlife is extraordinary and you get to see amazing animals migrating in dry seasons  in massive populations. A truly wonderful spectacle in the most beautiful natural setting. And a definite lifetime experience! The best you can do in Tanzania is safari, bird-watching, and exploring the Great Lakes and the Kilimanjaro mountain.

January and February are the best time to visit the Serengeti. It is a dry season and quite hot, sometimes very hot indeed, but it is then that most animals start their migration to more fertile and cooler regions. You have a unique chance of seeing huge herds of wildlife, zebra, giraffe, lions and buffalo and so many other, beautiful wild animals migrate to better hydrating areas. You could observe the majority of the large population that inhabit the Serengeti in their epic journey.

June and August are at the tail-end of the long rainy season and the weather is at its best. It is pleasantly warm in the day and cool in the evening. The water is plenty everywhere and you can have long rides to watch animals of all kinds enjoying their time nearby a running river or a lake. Certainly more relaxed but also harder to get in large groups, the wildlife in the Park is absolutely stunning.

An attractive staying option is a hotel in Arusha;  it is a well base when in Tanzania and in between your safari explorations. A small unit offering self catering apartments, fully furnished and equipped with all communication and connections facilities as well as many additional services on demand. Besides the local connection, visitors get easy and quick access to entertainment places and to the national Parks.

For the best Tanzania trip, visit the experienced team of guides at Wild Dog Adventure.

France at a glance and right on budget!

Vacation deals in France

The biggest advantage of any vacation is that you never seem to have enough money to explore the whole place. A holiday in France comprises of so many things and so many popular cities, that it is quite impossible to explore them all on a single trip. Many vacationers end up spending so much money on one destination and often have to skip exploring the others. So, is there a solution to this problem? Yes, you can easily fit in all the destinations by going for vacation deals in France.

Why vacation deals?

All-inclusive vacation deals in France are the best thing you can opt for. You can contact any travel agent about booking these packages, which include everything from the accommodation to airfare. This way you get a tourist package with the mainstream hits and enjoy a well designed French experience. Or you can go online, wander yourself around and discover amazing offers and discounts in accommodation and transportation. And not only! Even sightseeing, meals, and drinks are included in the discounts and offers that you get once you start exploring Paris online. There are also special offers for sports rental equipments like snow sports, surfboards and scuba diving equipments. Such deals are widely popular and they are often used by travelers and visitors. Plus you can always read the feedback and comments from previous travellers for making an informed decision. This way you will avoid the massive tourist spots and discover some genuine and more authentic spots that will add up to your French holiday and make it more customized.  You can rent for example an apartment in Paris, a cottage house in the beautiful Provence or in Burgundy, a nice studio or a beach house in the Southern French at the Riviera, etc. Then you can happily spend your savings on what really matters to you and enjoy a memorable and personalized experience with an authentic French taste !

What you will see in France

Well, you have plenty of choices which enable you to experience the class and the style of the country. The cities and the areas you can see in France are many and they cover a wide variety of travellers’ tastes. Gastronomy,  history and culture, the French Alps which is a well known and highly popular ski resort, French countryside nature and agriculture or wineries and beautiful beaches at the Southern France are some of the most popular and attractive sites and interests. And of course there is Paris; the “City of Lights” which is an experience on its own. From vibrant, delicious and sexy to romantic, artistic and retro, Paris is amongst the world’s top travel cities with more than 45 million of tourists yearly for many years now. And then there all these magnificent areas scattered  all over the French mainland and countryside. The Provence, the Champagne, the Burgundy, the Normandy and the Alsace, are beautiful areas in the colourful, blooming and generous French countryside with some well-known cities and a lot of traditional authentic  and picturesque villages. And last but not least the unique coastal lines of France in North and in South. The Northern, Atlantic coastal line which separates the country from UK and the Southern, Mediterranean also known as the French Riviera.

Top urban destinations for Germany

Germany has numerous cities of interest to travelers. It is a country with a long lasting history, an imposing architecture, a wonderful nature and some of the most popular and attractive urban destinations in Europe. We have drafted a top 10 list of the “must-see” cities in Germany. As a destination, Germany is mainly a winter peak place but you can go there in spring or fall time and have a fantastic time. The weather is milder and you get to do a lot of walking and strolling around them to discover their real essence.

In doing so, you could search for more personalized and genuine accommodation; for instance you can seek for vacation properties. On average, they are much more affordable compared to hotels and they offer you an original local experience. Plus you get to run your own schedule and enjoy the things and activities you want. Most of the German cities are well equipped with all kinds of outdoor and sporting facilities including cycling, trekking and snow sports among others.

• Berlin — the reunified and re-invigorated capital of Germany; known for its division during the Cold War, the Berlin Wall. Today it is a, world class, year round destination, a metropolis of diversity with elegant clubs, shops, galleries, museums, restaurants and a lot of happenings.
• Bremen — still one of the most important cities in northern Germany with more than 1000 years of great history. An old town along the Weser river with plenty of historical sites that travelers discover while strolling around.
• Cologne — this city was founded by the Romans 2.000 years ago and it features a huge cathedral, several Romanesque churches and many other archaeological and historical sites. Moreover it is one of the country’s business spots.
• Dresden — once called ‘Florence on the Elbe’, world-famous for its Frauenkirche and its rebuilt historic center that was destroyed during the war. it is located on the Elbe River and it is an industrial, governmental, and cultural center that is popular because of the historical landmarks in the Old Town.
• Düsseldorf — Germany’s capital of fashion that also offers a wide scale of fascinating new architecture. The “Altstadt” and the “Medienhafen” have a vibrant nightlife with several trendy and hot spots, events, festivals, exhibition shows, restaurants, clubs and bars.
• Frankfurt — Germany’s metropolis with a magnificent skyline next to well preserved historical buildings. It is a leading financial center, transportation hub and the seat of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the German Stock Exchange. Mixing up history with present, the city is beautiful example of co-existence with many worth visiting spots all round it.
• Hamburg — Germany’s second-largest city, famous for its harbor as well as its liberal and tolerant culture. Don’t miss the Reeperbahn which is very popular for its nightlife, clubs and casinos and walking in one of the amazing Natural Parks. Hamburg is well known for its many year round festivals and street music parties.
• Munich — Bavaria’s beautiful capital city, the site of the famous Oktoberfest and the gateway to the Alps. Rebuilt after WW II, the city has plenty of cultural, architectural and historical sites and several Natural Parks. It is a business, financial and trade center with major brands and multinational companies headquarters.
• Nuremberg‘s old town has been reconstructed, including the Gothic Kaiserburg Castle. You can also visit the Reich Party Rally grounds, the Documentation Center and Courtroom 600 (the venue of the Nuremberg Trials). Nuremberg is often associated with gingerbread, toys, Christmas.
• Heidelberg – Home to the oldest university in Germany with a long lasting history and world class credits, the city is full of Gothic and Baroque buildings. It rises from a lush green forest in the heart of mountains and it offers a vintage scenic with narrow streets, beautiful houses and interesting architectural and historical sites.

 

Top 10 spots for your next visit in Greece

Well it’s a common secret that Greece is a unique destination! It is surrounded by the emerald Mediterranean Sea with thousands of islands and islets all around it, it has a lush mainland with beautiful mountains and green valleys, it has a long lasting history with several monuments all over the country and it has a diverse lifestyle. One can find many reasons to go there at least once in a lifetime. It has a mild Mediterranean climate, a rather warm sun most of the year and a clear blue sky that seduces your senses. Greece is also the origin country of philosophical thought, Western drama, medicine and several other sciences of the Western civilization. Furthermore, it is well known for its ideals of togetherness, the joy of life and its simple pleasures.

Although the list of highlights in this adorable country is long and offers various views and settings, we have selected 10 of the most popular things to see or do in Greece for your holidays. Our list includes several diverse things and we feel that they capture the essence of Greece. Add to it all the cultural features and the vibrant lifestyle and prepare for the experience of a lifetime.

Santorini
A lot of couples prefer and vote for it again and again in various lists for their weddings or their honeymoon. Well, Santorini is an idyllic destination to live in heavenly bliss. Perched on the cliffs of a volcanic caldera (crater) it will amaze you with stunning views of typically Cycladic white-washed homes and blue-domed churches with the Aegean blue and the caldera on the background.

Acropolis
The Acropolis rises high and proud and it is Visible from any corner of Athens. The internationally-renowned Parthenon manifests the unsurpassed grandeur of the Ancient civilization. It is built entirely of marble and it hosted a giant statue of Athena, the city patron goddess. A visit in the Acropolis is a must; no visit is complete without climbing the rocky temple. Stone-paved paths will lead you to a lot of monuments columns and temples glowing in the sunlight. At night it is beautifully illuminated and it is a wonderful view that you will always remember.

Mykonos
Vibrant Mykonos with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, celebrities and fashionistas and its highly energetic nightlife, is a world class destination that will make you party. This popular Cyclades island challenges visitors with its vibe of hustling streets, music, oiled-up and suntanned bodies. There are several high profile beaches and bars and some others more relaxed and lounge spaces where you can enjoy your drink or food all day long. The main town or Chora as it known is full of picturesque stone-washed houses with navy blue balconies and colorful stores for a delightful shopping experience.

Epidaurus
The least you can do on your Greek holidays is to visit the Acropolis and the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus. A healing and cultural center dating from the 4th century which is one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture,  dedicated to the god of medicine will definitely stun you. The Theater with its ancient splendor will carry you away; just take a rest up high on the ancient stone seat, marvel at the intact Orchestra reaching 20 meters in diameter and imagine who might have been sharing your limestone spot hundreds of years ago. This you should not miss!

Beaches in Crete
However picky you might be, there is a sunny spot for you in Crete. There are plenty of secluded beaches with soft white sand and beautifil coves with glistening colored pebbles, a lot of long golden sandy beaches and several rocky coastlines with superb views and waters. Actually there is every kind of beach that sun-lovers dream of. You can do all sorts of activities and sports, walks and a lot of others. The most popular ones include the tropical palm beach of Vai, Elafonisi with soft white sand and thousands of corals, Falasarna with its beautiful golden sand and the ancient ruins, Paleochora with several beautiful beaches nearby such as Sougia, Preveli with a stunning scenic of the river floating to the sea in between palms, Matala, Sfakia, Agios Pavlos, Ierapetra and so many others.

Delphi
Acclaimed as the center of the Earth and Universe, Delphi has always been a place of historic and spiritual significance. The ‘navel of the world’ where the omniscient Oracle was to be advised blends harmoniously with the magnificent landscape and it surely is an absolute must destination for any history lover. Although the eternal flame is no longer burnt inside, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is obligatory. It is well known that there are numerous sites in Delphi to explore including the Athenian Treasury, the Theater and the Stadium as well as the Tholos and many, many more.

Kefalonia (or Sami) Cave of Melissani
An impressively beautiful scenic in Kefalonia; a sea cave with magical ultramarine water and monumental walls all around it. The sea path is mostly roofed but it reaches a point where the partial collapse of the inner cave’s roof forms an extraordinary scene.  And regardless of whether you gaze down from the edge of the cliff or observe the spectacle of light and water from within the cave, you will surely admit it was an extremely lucky accident. Sensations not to be described in words!

Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes (or Rodos)
The Acropolis of Lindos is a fascinating site. It is a 4th century BC temple of Lindia Athena surrounded by a medieval castle located on an imposing rock offers a splendid view of sugar cube whitewashed houses nestling on the slopes. And besides the significant historical value of the place, you can always enjoy an invigorating swim in the crystal waters of the Lindos Bay or a relaxing sunbath on Tsambika beach famed for its golden sands and turquoise waters. The beautiful island of Rhodes is full of long golden sandy beaches with wonderful waters!

Vikos Gorge
The magnificent Vikos Gorge is a truly inspirational and spiritual experience. Named one of the deepest gorges in the world – although some opt for Grand Canyons superiority – the views unveiled from almost anywhere you point your camera will  leave you speechless. Passing a long way through adorable villages situated in lush, evergreen scenery and Byzantine monasteries and over the 18th century stone bridges, the hiking trails a perfect option for physical workout besides the breathtaking views.

Delos
If you think that grapevine is the symbol and attribute of Dionysus, a visit to the archaeological site of Delos will surprise and eventually prove you wrong. When you reach the platform of the Stoivadeion dedicated to the god of wine and the life-force, you’ll surely notice on either side of the platform a pillar supporting a colossal phallus. Delos, considered an ancient But lest you limit your interest to this site and only, the sacred island of Delos is a goldmine of landmarks. Serving as a holy sanctuary long before the Greek mythology made it the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it features such splendid sights as the Minoan Fountain, the Terrace of the Lions, the Doric Temple of Isis, and the age-old Synagogue.

Well, our first top-10 list for Greece is that. But there will be more in the near future to complement and extend it. After all the country is endless in terms of sites and it covers all aspects of cultural and morphological interests. Although the prime time for visiting Greece is summertime, the country is a true bliss in spring and in autumn as well. The climate is mild and warm, there are fewer visitors at those times and you get to enjoy fantastic vacation deals at both these times. Besides the affordable accommodation deals, you usually get transport discounts. And of course what is more is that you get an authentic, personalized and genuinely kind service. And you get the superb views and sights for your eyes only! Just think about it when you plan your holidays in Greece.

Crete is just a perfect holiday destination

Crete is a nice relaxation place for anyone needing a break, as individuals can easily access perfect accommodation which is self catering and there is assurance to maximum comfort with adequate facilities. A friend visited the island last summer and he could not stop telling us about the interesting things on it. He strongly suggested that the best accommodation option for Crete is to rent a house; one of the many vacation rentals that exist in all major towns and beach side villages all around the island. This gave him and his friends the flexibility and freedom to engage in various activities throughout their holidays and they really enjoyed their freedom very much. Plus they visited all the hotspots of the island and they had great recommendations about their shopping and eating from the vacation rental owner.

Their holiday home was clean, nicely decorated with fine traditional ornaments and the pool was beautiful. All these combined with an amazing view of the Old Harbor of Chania. Ahhh…bliss! Since they resided in the village of Agia Marina just in the outer Chania district, they had easy access to the town for all kinds of facilities and amenities they needed and they enjoyed the nightlife of this town very much. In addition, they were close to numerous beaches such as white sandy Falasarna, Elafonisi with its clear blue waters and the countless corals all over the area, Agia Marina beach with the beach bars and the sporting activities and so many others. Of course, they did longer excursions and they also visited some of the bespoke spots of the island such as Knossos Ancient Palace, Vai beach with more than 15.000 palm trees, Preveli beach with the river floating in the sea in between palm trees; a wonderful scenic.

And besides the beaches and the sightseeing excursions they visited all major towns and plenty of traditional villages where they tasted the genuine ambiance of the island. Agios Nikolaos in the eastern side of the island with its beautiful, tranquil port and its cozy taverns, Ierapetra and Sitia in the southeastern side where the sun burns until late afternoon and the beaches are long and sandy. Heraklion; the largest and most crowded town with its urban ambiance and the Ancient remains all over the town. Nearby Heraklion is Crete’s clubland Hersonissos where they partied until the morning with some of the world’s top Dj’s tunes. And they also visited Rethymno, the elegant town with an old fashion twist which has a beautiful castle and harbor and numerous restaurants and bars that they loved. Those are just a few places among the many beautiful others. Of course, Crete remained in the top of their list for revisiting in the near future since they feel that there are a lot of places they still need to discover and explore. True that; Crete is an excellent place and it tends to be a revisited one for most of those who get to know this magnificent island.

Our Top #10 Travel Experiences / Jessica Korteman

A well known couple of travelers-bloggers; Jessica Korteman and her husband Hai Huynh, who travel and travel and travel…everywhere! Having visiting more than 29 countries and countless cities, they have formed a list of their top 10 travel experiences and they share it with all of us! A must read post!

Feeling jealous? Well, we all are a bit.. but we can definitely try to enrich our own travel experiences as well. Our world is full of unique and beautiful places and we should see as many as we can. While in search for your next trip and destination, you may search our affordable vacation rentals which will enhance your overall travel experience. Besides the flexibility and freedom to plan your trip in the way you dream it, you will gain a totally “homelike”, personalized staying which you will love!

 

 

Become a Londoner

This summer London Calling for real! Millions of guests and fans are already in there, for the Olympic Games and they are having a memorable time.  And as the days go by and the Games getting hotter and hotter, more people are expected.

As a city hosting this grand event for the third time, London is experienced and is so ready for this! The city is well equipped with all kinds of services, amenities and facilities that visitors might want or need and here comes its chance to make it all happen! Regarding accommodation, London is offering its visitors all types of lodging; from superstar hotels to youth hostels and from lavish residences to affordable vacation rentals , townhomes and apartments. As far as the transportation is concerned; the public means  and especially the well known tube are cheap, easy and they connect all points of interest.

Since accommodation and transportation seem to be easily resolved, visitors will have to take care of their entertainment and all other activities they wish to engage while in London. There are numerous cultural events such as museum exhibitions, theatrical plays, music concerts and all kinds of artistic happenings. Besides these specials, there are several classic highlights that definitely worth a visit, especially for those visiting for the first time. And last but not least, as a multicolored and multicultural city, London is full of eating, drinking, shopping and pampering spots. The options are countless and they cover all tastes, so we narrowed down several recommended spots and we present our findings for your convenience and ease. Our proposals reflect a variety of taste so that we address to as many as possible and they are credible and worthy options for anytime you might choose to visit this beautiful metropolitan city.

Dining in London / Restaurants

London is a big metropolitan city with countless options for eating and dining. Covering all possible tastes and styles from fast food restaurants and ethnic cuisine take away to hip bistros and awarded, luxurious restaurants. Whatever your taste and your food style preferences are, you will certainly find many spots and places all around the city that  appeal to your style and appetite.

We have selected some of London’s finest restaurants and we happily share our findings with you.

Meat Liquor is a new restaurant that became talk of the town shortly after its launching. This happened because of its cuisine; it offers a great variety of traditional North American burgers. Classic, tasteful and as juicy as they should be, Meat Liquor burgers are a must and they are a totally affordable eating option. Besides the tasteful dishes, the restaurant is hot because of its heavy, stylish décor which features a lot of street art elements. As they have a “no reservation” policy getting a table in peak hours is quite difficult but it’s a worthy wait.

It is located in 74 Welbeck Street W1G 0BA

Transport Bond Street tube

Shirogamo is a Japanese restaurant which offers Japanese delicacies. Sushi and sashimi, sukiyaki (hotpots), teriyaki skewers, gyoza dumplings, Japanese salads, soba or udon noodles and chef’s specials dishes are tasteful and beautifully decorated as well. With a large variety of sakés to accompany the dishes, Shirogamo is a place where fans of Japanese cuisine will find a nice place to eat at totally affordable prices.

It is located in 108 Parkway NW1 7AN

Transport Camden Town tube

Drinking in London / Bars & Pubs

Evidently, London has too many places to go for a drink. From traditional British pubs, breweries and cocktail bars to cool wine bars and trendy bar-clubs, the choices are literally endless. So, whatever your taste and your mood may be, you will certainly find a place to enjoy a drink.

We have selected some of London’s coolest bars and pubs and we happily share our findings with you; we hope that you enjoy our proposals.

69 Colebrooke Row is an elegant and stylish cocktail bar that you can enjoy distinct flavors and spirits. Although its relatively small sized, it can host several groups of people in a comfort and pleasant way. Besides the delightful cocktails and drinks, you will certainly enjoy the finesse of it through its unique details; bow-tied bartender, handwritten bills and discreet and gentle service clearly make a difference and separate the place.

It is located in 69 Colebrooke Row N1 8AA

Transport Angel tube

Bar Pepito is a small, cozy, Andalucian style place dedicated to sherry. This tiny, rustic spot which hosts only few tables from sherry casks will certainly tempt you with its exquisite sherry collection extending from light and fruity tastes to brusque and briny. You can sample a variety of a tastes if you order a “sherry flight”; the bar’s special. You can also taste its delicious tapas along with your drink and if you are lucky to visit in summertime, you may find a table outside.

It is located in Varnishers Yard, Regents Quarter N1 9FD

Transport King’s Cross tube/rail

Indulge in London / Spa

As a metropolitan city with respect for itself and its citizens; London can and will indulge you if this is what you are looking for. There are numerous spa retreats and beauty salons all over the city which will offer you the relaxation and indulgence you need. Whether you are in search for a plain, relaxing massage or for a luscious and invigorating all day pampering with bath salts and aromatherapy treatments, the choices are plenty, scattered all around the city and there are suitable options for all tastes and budgets.

We have selected some of London’s finest spa centers and beauty salons and we present you our findings.

Porchester Spa; a plain, “simple” and totally affordable spa experience for those who seek authenticity  and a couple of standard spa services such as facials, massages and body wraps in a clean cut, minimal environment.

It is located in the Porchester Centre, Queensway W2 5HS

Transport Bayswater tube

The Sanctuary Spa; a recent talk of the town as it quickly became a hip place to be among girlfriends. In a totally girly and relaxing atmosphere, you can get any spa service you desire; rumor has it that the facials offered are a must-try.

It is located in Floral Street WC2E 9DH

Transport Covent Garden tube

Spoil me in London / Shopping  

It is a fact that when it comes to shopping, London stands on top of other world metropolitan cities. With an extensive variety of shops and markets covering all possible kinds of taste from vintage and casual to haute couture and superbrands and from small upcoming designers’ corners to large department stores and shopping malls, everything is there. No wonder why fashionistas and trend setters from all over the world love it and they visit a couple of times per year to get informed on the newest styles.

We have selected some of London’s hottest shopping spots and places and we happily share our findings with you; we hope that you find our proposals useful.

B store is a hip, avant-garde independent shop featuring stylish and classic clothes along with innovative and futuristic designs from new and established designers. Addressing to both men and women, it also features several art projects and installations from time to time along with fashion and photography coffee table books.

It is located in Savile Row W1S 3PR

Transport Oxford Circus tube

Dover Street Market is an exclusive brands retail shop where you will find the latest collections of Alexander McQueen, Celine, Lanvin, Givenchy, Comme des Garçons and many others. It is a beautiful and artistic shop where you will also find bespoke accessories besides the fashionable clothing.

It is located in 17-18 Dover Street W1S 4LT

Transport Green Park tube

 

The best of the Olympic Torch Relay – London 2012 Olympics

Capture the best moments of the Olympic Torch Relay.

Check the official Olympics website for amazing shots.

The best of the Olympic Torch Relay – London 2012 Olympics.

London summer 2012 highlights

This summer the Olympic Games are hosted in London. Millions of guests and fans are expected to visit London during the Olympic Games; an estimate is more than 12 millions of people! That’s a remarkable but so realistic figure as well; Olympic Games have always been a magnet for people due to the sports but also because of the noble spirit they promote as well.

Of course London is ready for this! After all, being the only capital to host this grant event for the third time, London proves that it is indeed the metropolitan city that deserves this! The city boasts with lodging facilities from luxury and elite 5 star hotels to youth hostels and from luscious residences to affordable vacation rentals and townhomes that suit any visitor needs and satisfy all budget ranges.

Besides the Olympics, a whole lot of cultural, musical, artistic and theatrical events are planned in London throughout this summer; some of them already launched, while others will commence within July and August. Remarkable and unique events that intend to maximize the visitors’ experience. As there are so many, we have selected several of London’s worthy events and shows for this summer and we happily share our findings with you.

Pablo Picasso: Vollard’s Suite in the British Museum
The Vollard suite is a collection of Picasso’s work in the 1930s. What is unique about this collection of 97 works is that they are untitled works that do not come in a particular order. Moreover the prints display antiquities similar to those the artist must have seen in Louvre which influenced his work greatly. The collection includes Etruscan mirrors, statues of Venus and a Roman well head decorated with scenes of erotic pursuit, a Minotaur and several  Master works by Rembrandt, Raphael, Goya and others. An exceptional event for art lovers and Picasso fans in particular that will be hosted in the British Museum until the beginning of September.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in the National Theater
Mark Haddon’s enormously successful novel is about a young boy who is apparently autistic and attempts to track down the killer of his neighbor’ s dog. Simon Stephens adopts this novel and makes it one of London’s hottest theatrical plays of 2012 Festival. A beautiful story and a much expected play that will be hosted in National Theater until October 27th. Visitors and Olympics fans that will be in London will have a great chance to watch this special play.

David Nash at Kew, a Natural Gallery at Kew Gardens
David Nash is a unique British artist, who is best known for his large sculptures made from wood, which are sometimes carved or partially burned to produce a charred surface. This summer he has an exceptional exhibition at the Kew gardens which features sculptures, installations, drawings and film and is shown outdoors as well as in Kew’s glasshouses and exhibition spaces. Since April 2012, Nash has been working on a ‘wood quarry’, creating pieces for the exhibition using trees from the gardens that have come to the end of their natural life. The exhibition’s first phase which started in June 2012 is mostly outside and the second phase which will launch in October will feature the indoors projects that are currently prepared by David Nash. The exhibition will be available until April 2013 so a lot of visitors will have the chance to attend it.

 

Jamaica; reggae music, fruity cocktails, long sandy beaches …what more can you possibly want for holidays?

Jamaica is the third largest island of the Caribbean. It is dominated mainly by mountains, including the Blue Mountains, which are surrounded by a narrow coastal line. Jamaica’s climate is tropical, with hot and humid weather most of the year; although the inner parts of the island have a moderate climate. Its climate and natural environment supports diverse ecosystems with a wealth of plants and animals.

Jamaican nature has it all! From rainy and humid sites to dry and desert-like placements, everything has its place. That is why a lot of different plants and animals can be found there and the amazing fact is their smooth coexistence. Bamboos, ferns, ebony, mahogany, and rosewood are common in wet and humid areas, while cactus and similar dry-area plants are mostly along the south and southwest coastal area which is relatively dry. A lot of diverse animal species inhabit there as well; some of which are endemic species that can only be found in Jamaican land.

Jamaica offers visitors various settings and sites that extend from cosmopolitan cities and lavish resorts to off-the-beaten path alternates which offer visitors a challenging and adventurous time. Kingston which is the island’s capital is where the Jamaican heart beats. Commercial, politic and cultural center of the island, Kingston is the place to be for those who wish to always be in the frontline of things happening; even while on holidays!

Montego Bay; a lavish spot and luxurious resort is the place where pure nature meets human touch. The tourist center of Jamaica with its famous long beach with crystal, turquoise waters and white sandy shore which if full of all the amenities a tourist wants. Full of sporting and entertainment facilities, it is definitely a point of attraction for every visitor.

Negril, another favorite destination of Jamaica is well known for its all inclusive resorts and vivid nightlife. With a long sandy beach and crystal clear waters, it’s ideal for families, friends and honeymooners as well. Ocho Rios, another well-known destination of Jamaica is a unique combination of exceptional natural beauty and luxury. With its rivers, waterfalls and its stunning beaches, it is a favorite for all kinds of visitors; from sports-fans and eco-tourists to families and celebrities. The place offers amazing lodging opportunities and  all the facilities to satisfy visitors’ diverse needs and wants.

Besides these, Jamaica has a lot of other places and sights that definitely worth a visit. Dunn’s River Falls in St. Ann, YS Falls in St. Elizabeth, the Blue Lagoon in Portland, and Port Royal are some points of interest that attract a lot of visitors. The Jamaican people, well-known for their hospitality, are always willing to share their island’s beauties along with their culture and traditions.