Category Archives: Places
Turda Salt Mine, Romania
Salina Turda is a salt mine situated in the city of Turda, Cluj County, in the region of Transylvania, Romania. Salt was first extracted here during the antiquity and the mine continuously produced table salt from the Middle Ages (it was first mentioned in a document in 1075) to the early 20th century (1932).
Since 1992, Salina Turda has been a halo-therapy center and a popular tourist attraction. Moreover, it is an open history museum for anyone willing to connect the salt extraction with the events that occurred during Roman occupation in Dacia. The mine had a significant economic function in the development of the city of Turda. The visitors can also observe the excellent condition of the mining compartments, and the equipment used for transporting the salt.
Recreational facilities include a mini-golf course, The Big Wheel (20 meters high, with six gondolas), a sports terrain, a children’s play area, an amphitheater and the possibility to rent a boat and explore.
For more information, you can check out the official webpage of the salt mine here.
Ronda, Spain: The Dramatic Cliffs That Inspired Modern Bullfighting
Ronda is a city located in the Spanish territory of Málaga. It is positioned about 62 miles (100 kilometers) west from the city of Málaga and is surrounded by the independent neighborhood of Andalusia. The city is positioned on a mountainous area of an enormous outcropped rock approximately 750 meters above sea level.
The Guadalevín River flows all the way through the city, separating it into two and creating dramatic landscapes. During the Reconquest of Spain by the Catholic monarchs, the city of Ronda was the last to fall because of the cliffs.
This old-fashioned city is one of the leading tourist attraction spots in Spain because of its combination of picturesque and historic views. The central sights of the city can be effortlessly explored by foot.
The “old town” is situated towards the northern side of Ronda and can be covered as a one-day expedition from the Costa del Sol. However, as a traveler you may also want to visit the Pueblo Blanco also known as the White Villages, which can be explored by extending your trip by a day or two. September is the finest time to visit the city because of Corridas Goyescas – the bullfighting festival and Feria de Pedro Romero – the Spanish Fair.
Other notable places to visit in Ronda include Plaza de Toros – the famous bullring, La Casa del Ray Moro – the water mine and garden, the resorted 14th century Arab Baths, the New Bridge and the historic museum called the Palacio de Mondragón.
For more information to get you starting in planning your trip to Ronda, Spain, check out this link.
Pictures via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Hillside Views of the Mediterranean: Èze, France
Èze is a mesmerizing medieval village located about half way between Monte Carlo and Nice. The real appeal of the Côte d’Azur lies amongst the magnificent views over the St Jean-Cap Ferrat, which is located in the ancient village of Èze. Traffic along the coastal road between Menton and Nice – the Moyenne Corniche, chokes up during early summer, the flights are more reasonable, and the swarm of tourists is much more manageable during Easter.
The village centers on the remains of a 12th century castle – a testimony to centuries of livelihood, from Moors and Romans to the dwellings of Savoy and is suspended on a rock that is 1400 feet (400 meters) above sea level. Wandering through the village’s intricate streets, one cannot miss admiring the view over the exquisite villas that are wrapped with bougainvillea and lead you down the hillside to the Mediterranean.
The village is an admired tourist spot on the French Riviera and is globally known for its view of the sea from the hilltop. Another popular site includes the Jardin botanique d’Èze which is famous for its succulents and cactuses, as well as its breathtaking panoramic views. The village has several art galleries, restaurants and hotels that attract a vast population of honeymooners and travel enthusiasts. In other words, tourists also address this beautiful place as “the museum village”.
Want to enjoy gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea or the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory? Or just take long walks on the beach, in a charming setting? For more information and help about traveling to Eze, you can start here.
Charming Small Town in Bulgaria: Veliko Tarnovo
The mountain city of Veliko Tarnovo is located in Central Bulgaria and is popularly known as the “City of Tsars”. The city was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the medieval ages. It nests on the banks of the Yantra River and is well known for its rich history and tradition in the culture of Bulgaria.
Veliko Tarnovo has a population of 68,197 as per the 2011 census and is divided into two parts. The old city is a compilation of customary renaissance houses spread across the hills around the Yantra River, whereas the new part is a combination of modern and communistic approach buildings.
The city of Veliko Tarnovo is filled with intricate historical sites, museums and lively nightlife boosted by the students of the largest universities in Bulgaria. The best way to see this beautiful town is by walking. The township is large but ubiquitously, is within easy reach and includes attractions like the Tsarevets, the medieval castle of Old Bulgarian capital and many more.
Other places to visit in this small town include the Musical Dramatic Theatre Kissimov Constantine, the Youth House, the Regional Library of P. Slaveikov, exhibition rooms, art galleries and cultural centers.The exquisite architecture and history of Veliko Tarnovo has made this city an admired destinations for travelers across the globe.
If you have been here, please leave a comment with your impressions. Were you disappointed or pleased with your stay in Veliko Tarnovo?
photo above: The St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki church at Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Guilin Hills China, a Surreal Landscape
Guilin stands for “cassia forest”, a special tropical tree with yellow flowers that can be found here in abundance and which is what we “naive” Europeans refer to as “cinnamon”.
photo by Guilin Photo Guide
Cinnamon is the natural scent of this fascinating Chinese city, as from August to October the tropical tree “cassia” is in blossom. Guilin is said to be one of the most beautiful cities of China, different from the rest of the country due to its unusual history and natural isolation. Today we will post a few photos of the Guilin hills, natural wonders that seem broken from a typical Chinese engraving.
GETTING HERE. In case you are planning a trip to Guilin, a lot of information is available for this area, as it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in China. You can get there by plane, by train, by boat and of course by bus or car. Guilin has two train stations that can be reached via major cities such as Beijing or Hong Kong.
photo by Guilin Photo Guide
WHAT TO DO? Bunch of things. Here are a few suggestions: Li River Cruise, visit Reed Flute Cave, see the Forbidden city in Jing Jiang Princes City Park, go biking, check out the near by villages and many many more. For more information you can start here.
WHEN? Best time to visit: April – October. Just keep in mind that it rains a lot and pack accordingly.
ACCOMODATION. There are plenty of hotels in Guilin, some of them very expensive, others more affordable. You can start your search here.
Top 10 Beautiful Towns in The Netherlands Built on Canals
Not many people know just how much history and culture lies in the towns of The Netherlands (or Holland, if we were to take after the British). It would be an exaggeration to state that this post is going to showcase some of the unknown fascinating sights and secrets of Holland. We are simply going to introduce you to a specific European way of life by listing a few places we found intriguing. The fact that these cities are also strikingly beautiful comes as a bonus. Even though we entitled the post “Top 10 Beautiful Towns in The Netherlands Built on Canals”, this is not a countdown per se, but more like a fun enumeration. We tried to leave the best for last but we know some things can only be judged subjectively and that each viewer can have a different opinion and perception of what a town has to offer. Without any further ado, here are 10 incredible locations literally “on the edge”:
- Haarlem is the capital of the North Holland and is a city with an impressive history, dating back to pre-medieval times. After the fall of Antwerp, many artists and craftsmen migrated to Haarlem, which is why today the city has a rich art heritage. Cultural life is quite prosper here and is particularly emphasized by Teylers’ Museum, the Frans Hals Museum in memory of the painter Toulouse-Lautrec and the Corrie ten Boom museum. Here is more information that could help if you are planing a trip to Haarlem. (fourth photo is of the Haarlemmerhout in Haarlem, where it is said that Napoleon’s soldiers carved their initials in the trees).
Windmill De Adriaan in Haarlem
- Utrecht is a the forth largest city in Holland and the religious center of the country since the 18th century. Getting around is easy and enjoyable by renting a bike. There are plenty of special places worth visiting in Utrecht, starting with the city center with its Gothic Dom church (initially built between 1284 and 1520), the 112 meter tall Domtoren (the highest church tower in the Netherlands), the cloister garden, the fish market and many many more. More info about traveling to Utrecht here.
- Delft is a small picturesque town in the South of The Netherlands, famous for its association with the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. It is said to be one of the best-preserved, “historic” towns in the country. If you’re ever in Delft, be sure to contemplate its charming canals, peaceful walkways, the Oude Kerk, (Old Church), Nieuwe Kerk (with the tomb of William of Orange), the Stedelijk Museum Het Prinsenof that has an impressive collection of Dutch decorative arts and last but not least the Vermeer Trail (named like this after the famous painter). For more visitor’s information, you can go here.
- Leiden is located in South Holland, 20 kilometers away from Hague and 40 from Amsterdam. It is the perfect scenic place for a canal boat ride on the Old Rhine. Leiden is Rembrandt’s birthplace and a university town since 1575. Leiden is one of the most important museum cities in the Netherlands, so if you are interested in culture, be sure to check out some of the schedules before traveling there. Strolling the town’s historic center could turn out to be a highly educational experience. Here is a place to get you started on planning your journey.
Photo by Peter R. Sinclair
- Groningen is known throughout The Netherlands for its 50 000 students, its rich History life and culture. As in almost all Holland cities, visiting can be elegantly achieved by walking or renting a bike. A few landmarks include the Groninger Museum of contemporary art, the Synagogue, the Tobacco Museum and many, many more. More information about this city here.
- The Hague is the residence of the Queen, the seat of the Dutch government and the “judicial capital of the world”, as known in the political groups. Its architecture combines buildings from medieval times with modern constructions and is definitely worth observing. There is a lot to do in this various urban center, from strolling through the mesmerizing parks to taking a bike down to Scheveningen, a busy seaside resort filled with boardwalk cafes and close to the dunes (spring and summer recommended!). An elaborated city guide here.
- Harlingen is located in the North, on the shores of the Wadden Sea. Its economy is based on a long history of fishing and shipping. There are a few special activities which travelers can embark on- literally, such as sleeping on a lifeboat, in the lighthouse or in a harbor crane. Since Harlingen is rather small, one can compliment a visit in The Nethralnds with a few other fascinating locations in the region, such as Harlingen, Franeker (which has an unusual wooden planetarium) and Makkum.
- Den Bosch (‘s-Hertogenbosch) meaning “The Duke’s Forest” is a beautiful medieval city located in the South of the Netherlands, known for its well preserved fortresses. Every city landmark is located at a walking distance from the center, so we recommend exploring the town by foot. The center is a must see and includes famous local sights, such as The Moriaan (the oldest brick building in The Netherlands, built in the 13th century), the Sint Jans Cathedral and the impressive town hall. More information can be found here.
- Nijmegen is a city in the east of the Netherlands, near the German border. In 2005, it celebrated 2000 years of existence and it is considered to be one of the oldest towns in the country. It features two important history museums where Roman artifacts can be found. It is a large town and a university center located in Southeast Holland. More information about traveling to Nijmegen here.
- If you are planning a visit to Amsterdam, consider printing some good guides of sightseeing tours, nightlife and accommodation options. This is a large city, where organization is a must if you want to take full advantage of a few days spent here. We think it is redundant for us to list the landmarks of this town, since we know you guys are aware of most of them. We would however like to recommend talking a walk or a bike ride through the Canal Ring, a UNESCO Heritage Site, admiring the unusual architecture, visit the windmills and the museums. Yes, one can make room for museums after a night of wild and illegal-in-most-countries- partying : )
pictures via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Breathtaking Panorama of the Austrian Alps: Top of Tirol
Top of Tirol is a mountain-top viewing platform placed in the Stubai Glacier, Tirolean Alps, one hour away from Innsbruck, Austria. To be more precise, the innovative project made in 2008 by Astearchitecture sets on the Great Isidor which is centrally positioned in the Stubai Glacier, dividing it into the western half and eastern half. Being situated at a stunning height of 3200 m above sea level, near the mountain station Schaufeljoch (at 3180 meter altitude) , the Top of Tirol has a unique position that offers a breathtaking 360 degree panorama that stretches from the Zillertal and Stubai Alps to the Dolomites and Chalk Alps. The platform was commissioned by the management of one of the five ski arenas in Austria, in order to attract a large number of tourists in the area and to give them the opportunity to confront with the wild beauty of the Alps.
The project idea is similar to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a structure situated 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) above the Colorado River. More information about Top of Tirol here.
Photo by Rallyrudi
Photo by Digga Twigga
Pictures via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Canyon de Chelly, Mysteries of a Lost World
Although not as famous as the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly has landscapes that are just as beautiful. This wonder of nature is located in northeastern Arizona and is very special place, due to the profound influences it had over the life and beliefs of the people who used to live here: the Navajo Indians. Canyon de Chelly has a serene and peaceful atmosphere and is perfect for an invigorating holiday complemented with a little History and ancient wisdom.
The Chelly Canyon is actually a wide labyrinth of canyons dug by the slow moving of the rivers through the red grindstone of the Defiance plateau. The canyon walls, varying in height from 9 to 300 meters, are not just very steep, but also very smooth.
The Navajo Indians occupied these lands between the years 100-1300. It was here, in this canyon fortress that the Indians had to counterstrike the invaders successive attacks.
Spider Rock is a representative monument for the canyon, a sandstone spire that rises 800 feet (240 m) from the ground.
A few constructions spread throughout the canyon are sad reminders of a lost world.
Where Will You Be This Winter?
In the past days, we had a bit of snow in Timisoara, which made things more friendly and cuddly. I was wondering what is the weather like in your city/village? I would love it if you would leave a comment below and share your upcoming winter feelings with us.
I am reading an exquisite travel journal written by Nicolas Bouvier, where at one point he states: “A journey does not need reasons. Before long, it proves to be reason enough in itself. One thinks that one is going to make a journey, yet soon it is the journey that makes or unmakes you.” The book – “L’Usage du monde” is about the trip Nicolas Bouvier and Thierry Vernet took back in the 1950′s, from Belgrad to Khyber Pass, in Afghanistan. So in this happy and adventurous tone, we ask you: Where will you be this winter?
By Surreal McCoy (Alvin Brown)
By kevin mcnea
White Sands in New Mexico, a Different Type of Desert
Contrary to all beliefs, this is not snow, but a fantastic natural landscape called “White Sands”, located in New Mexico, USA. White Sands is the world’s largest gypsum sand dune field – 275 square miles of fine white sand, spread forming surreal looking white dunes.
Visiting Details:
“A car is pretty much the only way to reach the monument; no public transportation services White Sands. The visitor center is on U.S. Highway 70/82, 15 miles (24.15km) southwest of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces. The monument is open daily, except Christmas Day. Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Visitor Center 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Dunes Drive 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Winter hours: Visitor Center 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Dunes Drive 7:00 AM to sunset.
Note that due to missile testing on the adjacent White Sands Missile Range, it is occasionally necessary, for visitor safety, to close the Dunes Drive for periods of up to two hours. U.S. Highway 70/82 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces is also closed during times of missile testing. Visitors on a tight schedule are encouraged to call the day prior to arrival for information on closures.
Entrance fees are $3 per person, valid for seven days. An annual pass may be purchased for $20 which allows free park entrance for one year, or the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass may be purchased for $80, allowing free entrance to all national park areas for one year.
Full Moon bike rides
The dunes drive is an easy ride for individuals on bike. During full moons the park service offers reservation-only full moon bike rides, during which the drive is opened after-hours to bicycles. A special use fee of $5 is charged.
Stargazing
During the summer and early Fall the park service has Friday Night Star Talks on most Fridays ” (information via wikitravel)
Accommodation (including a camping area) can be found in the town of Alamogordo, 15 miles away from White Sands.
We found this funny and rather childish video on youtube which gives a more realistic impression of White Sands. Check it out.
