American Go through the Alps - Part 1

ALPINE BEAUTY: THE NATURE AND PEOPLE Hinshberger Paul, Agronomist I write these lines, being in a small cottage, which is perched on a wooded hillside near Genoa, Italy. Chirping birds, gurgling brook near something on his universal language of peace and harmony. Serenity fully upon me, I feel like a Buddha in his bosom. Must have a same feeling experienced Jack Kerouac (Jack Kerouac - American writer, one of the brightest representatives of the Beat Generation: prim.perev.) When he wrote "Big Sur", or Bilbo Baggins (Bilbo Baggins - Hobbit character works J . R. R. Tolkien: prim.perev.) when he started writing about his epic journey. I feel almost as well. But I do not know. A lift! Last week I was in the Rhone Valley and headed to Italy. Originally I planned to get into the city of Chamonix and the cable car to cross the Alps in the Italian region of Valle d'Aosta. I decided to go hitchhiking, and within 45 minutes I picked up a guy named Danny. He quickly threw me to the city of Grenoble, where I decided to take the train, and on it to overcome the rest of the way that nowhere else do not be late. (Anyone who is going to visit France: Grenoble and its surroundings are much nicer than the rest of France. Here the mountains !!!). Finally, I got to Chamonix. It was 6 o'clock, and then I learned that the lift will not operate until the summer! Understandably, I was very angry. In fact the only reason that I came here, was just this lift. I even thought about how to write a caustic letter to Rick Steve, author of "Europe through the backdoor", which does not mention that in the cable car there is a break of several months.

They traveled to America to work together and the rest - part 1

WISCONSIN Dells - AKVAPARKOVAYA CAPITAL OF THE WORLD Alexander Molchanov, a student there such a program "Work And Travel "(" Work and Travel ", approx. ed.). Under this program, students (and only full-time students) have the opportunity to go to the U.S. for a whole summer to work (on a visa J-1), and then, in fact, travel . For the students a great opportunity to go abroad to see America, make some money, meet new people, make friends, and, of course, most importantly, practice your English. The program is certainly not free (not free) but provides for the preparation of your trip, the paperwork, finding the employer, insurance and registration of all this nonsense. In general, because of this program saw the U.S. has a large number of Ukrainian students. Among them were many friends, who to me and I was advised. And we friends, too, decided to try it. We learned to have a third-year university, that is simply not a better time to find. already like and have matured, and the University strongly strain, and constant work has not yet been found. In general, went five of us - I, girlfriend and three other friends. Preparation Program (documents, visas, contract with an employer) starts in the fall. I've never been prepared to either travel so well in advance! Therefore, it is easy to imagine how long we were waiting for him, as were glad when resolved all the problems with the early session, documents, collecting things, and finally were on the plane. I must say - I'm on a plane before that never flew and the impression I was just unforgettable!

An illustrative example of the Cuban province

Cuba, Pinar del Rio Andy MacPherson, journalist, Pinar del Rio is located on the westernmost point of the island of Cuba. This is a rural area whose economy is totally dependent on tobacco production. The local features include high steep limestone hills, picturesque green hills and valleys. Below are photos that I made during his visit to Vinales and its surroundings in the province of Pinar del Rio. Rural landscape peasant hut - the owner of the hut here still use cattle for farming Our friendly driver checks the coordinates for the first time I saw a banana tree flower shop in Pinar del Rio range not shine The same can be said about this coffee shop the other hand, this trader We bought a refreshing fruit juice and this gentleman - a delicious banana a favorite pastime in the evening Mom and daughter These girls have participated in the school play Local charming kids Masonic temple in the Cuban countryside - rather unexpected find lighthouse on the island of Cayo Hutias Beach restaurant Caillaux Hutias washed away by hurricane which destroyed the forest and as always in Cuba, posters on Fidel Castro can be found everywhere My last picture taken at Pinar del Rio See also: Heart of the Revolution in the Western Hemisphere Visiting Liberty Island - a serious test for the digestive system three days, with pork , rum and salsa Cuban hotel realities - choose the private sector market Foggy landscape of Cuban tobacco plantation town of happy people on Liberty Island location of the last Revolutionary battle in Cuba The fact that the Spanish colonizers did not come to pass, failed to make the last half century you want to dance in a nightclub?

Country pleasant vampires, or where "take flesh" - Part 1

Cigarettes, DRACULA, WINE AND FISH Jaba and Anna, Australia from Istanbul overnight train took us north to Bulgaria. We drank a bottle of brandy with our companions and went to sleep. At 3 am we were awakened guards, who sent us to the far end of the station, because only you could put a stamp on the border. As soon as we got out of the train, the conductor took me aside and gave me 15 euros and asked to buy 3 packs of cigarettes in store "duty free". Once we put a stamp in the passport, I had to go to the store. On the road I realized that the conductor does not have a brand of cigarettes. I had to go first to the train, then to the store and there I was pleased with the news that the brand of cigarettes, which asked the conductor, who had just sold. Had to repeat the whole ritual, trying not to think about the fact that almost 4 in the morning, and all have long been asleep. The second time I entered the store, repeating to himself the title of another brand of cigarettes. The store told me that the brand they have never been. Come on! Returning to the train, I could not find a guide. Had to stand and wait. As soon as I noticed it away, I wanted to move him, but the burly Bulgarian soldiers with a German shepherd dog on a leash screamed: "Mr. Wilson! Where are you going? ". And he is yelled that any desire to go anywhere soon disappeared. Oh well ... Although, for the return of the compartment I was somehow not on itself due to the fact that I failed in my mission.

Auto race in Sicily, or uprising Electronics - Part 4

Sicilian on your browser and RAIN (end, part 4) We have investigated the area of ??the city of Ragusa, and visited a fair number of small towns that are nearby - Kaltadzhirone, Palazzo Acheirede, Modica, Vitstsione and others. All of them - nice small towns, often with large houses and something like a "old town", which has undergone restoration or restored at the moment. Our navigator has surpassed himself in the Palazzo. He led us through a very narrow winding road that ran along a steep slope, cluttered with cars in its widest part, to the stairs that led to the area below the highway. Turn around? Room for maneuver was not there. Go in reverse back? Perhaps, but unlikely that we could do the trick without damaging anything on the road. Had yet to unfold. At times I have had no more than 5 inches to maneuver. Pat believes that it was a difficult turn at 10 points. It seems to me that I deserve extra points for that (a) is not rolled down the steps, (b) not crashed the car, standing before a large stone building. In the Palazzo, I am told, has a beautiful cathedral or church. In the Baroque style, it seems. Alas, the forces on the Baroque, we have no choice. During a trip around the neighborhood and then the next day, when we again had to pack a wet tent, we drove past the place where there are canned tomatoes, which we buy in Australia. Entire miles of greenhouses covered with plastic, which occupy hundreds of hectares. In some greenhouses harvest is ripe, and it had already collected.

California rally tsenitelnitsy fine wine and literature - Part 2

DO NOT BE AFRAID LOST - This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the good people (continued, p.2) The next morning I spent in Santa Barbara. This is a very beautiful city. Then I continued my way along the coast, stopping at different viewing platforms (and getting lost somewhere along the road to the town of Los Osos). At night I stayed at the campsite near the town of Morro Bay, which was near the beach where the rock Morro Rock (a volcanic mountain) rises spectacularly from the ocean floor. On the beach were the sand dunes, which was nice for a walk at sunset. The next day, early in the morning I went to the path and stopped at a town called Harmony. There I briefly acquainted with the products of the local distilleries, whose specialty is the delicious wine from Zinfandel grapes, which grows near the town of Paso Robles. In the town of Cambria, I decided to visit the antique shops. The most interesting part of the trip was part of the road in the urban area of ??Big Sur. Here, wonderful views rugged coastline and the road itself every now and then winds and winds. There's a very beautiful place, and I often stopped to enjoy the scenery. Before I arrived in Big Sur, I drove past the boundaries of the National Park Montana de Oro and watch as elephant seals luxuriate in the sun. Them there were about a thousand. Rock of Morro Rock I also stopped at a National Park, Julia Pfeiffer Bears, where McVeigh waterfall falls down a 25-meter height right on the ocean. When I got to Big Sur (map it just marked a dotted line), I visited the library of the Henry Miller (or rather, a shop with her).

India and Bangladesh

India, Sri Lanka - the place of paradise, the problems of the earth

MARKET, MOSQUE, HOME AND BATH ... (continued, part 3) I went to the post office to send my Turkish souvenir in the U.S., and Travis returned to his hotel. On the way back I saw ahead of shoeshine. Suddenly, the guy dropped a toothbrush. I picked up a brush and gave it to him, for he was very grateful. His gratitude was so great that it suggested that I clean the shoes. I politely declined but he insisted and said that everything is in order. Reluctantly, I let him clean their shoes, this process took about 10 minutes. When he finished, I thanked him for this courtesy, to which he replied that he wanted for it $ 17. I was appalled, embarrassed and speechless. With even greater reluctance I gave him $ 15. He wanted more, but I said more I have not. I felt very embarrassed and upset all occurred ... until the next day. When we are with Travis again going to the taxi, I suddenly saw this shoeshine, who walked in our direction. When he caught up with us, I noticed that he had again fallen brush. And then I felt inside me starts to blaze the fire rage. I could not help it, I just kept going on and did not pay attention to the fact that I was a victim of fraud. But Travis picked up a brush and gave it to the cleaner. I understand the whole scheme of fraud and said very tough commanding voice: "Travis, GO NOW!" At Travis were nylon tennis shoes, and he's probably not going to spoil their shoe polish, but I did not want to check. Believe me, the cleaner would clean them. Travis asked, does not it seem to me that this is some contrivance, and I replied: "Yes, I know it's a scam.

Who wants to learn the original methods of fraud and haggling - perhaps in Istanbul - Part 3

MARKET, MOSQUE, HOME AND BATH ... (continued, part 3) I went to the post office to send my Turkish souvenir in the U.S., and Travis returned to his hotel. On the way back I saw ahead of shoeshine. Suddenly, the guy dropped a toothbrush. I picked up a brush and gave it to him, for he was very grateful. His gratitude was so great that it suggested that I clean the shoes. I politely declined but he insisted and said that everything is in order. Reluctantly, I let him clean their shoes, this process took about 10 minutes. When he finished, I thanked him for this courtesy, to which he replied that he wanted for it $ 17. I was appalled, embarrassed and speechless. With even greater reluctance I gave him $ 15. He wanted more, but I said more I have not. I felt very embarrassed and upset all occurred ... until the next day. When we are with Travis again going to the taxi, I suddenly saw this shoeshine, who walked in our direction. When he caught up with us, I noticed that he had again fallen brush. And then I felt inside me starts to blaze the fire rage. I could not help it, I just kept going on and did not pay attention to the fact that I was a victim of fraud. But Travis picked up a brush and gave it to the cleaner. I understand the whole scheme of fraud and said very tough commanding voice: "Travis, GO NOW!" At Travis were nylon tennis shoes, and he's probably not going to spoil their shoe polish, but I did not want to check. Believe me, the cleaner would clean them. Travis asked, does not it seem to me that this is some contrivance, and I replied: "Yes, I know it's a scam.

California rally tsenitelnitsy fine wine and literature - Part 3

DO NOT BE AFRAID LOST - This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the good people (the ending part 3) Travel on the roads of America would not be complete without stopping at a motel. I was hoping that would dispense with cinematic scenes in the shower, which will participate crazy mother in a strange wig and a knife in his hand. But more on that later. Heading north from San Francisco, wanting to continue your journey along the coast, rather than making a circle through the valley of wine and then go back to town, I lost concentration and went the wrong way. It was evening, and I decided to change his route and go to the town of Sonoma Valley, which is located near the Napa Valley, another wine region. Despite the fact that the signs help to choose the direction, the sign "City Center" does not exist, there are only signs with street names, which nothing can help the driver if he is not familiar with the city (or does it have a more detailed map). Once I travel all over the city of Sonoma and almost went out of it (which I realized later), I stopped in despair beside a strange little shop that was on the edge of town and was called "Rancho lone cowboy." In his window could see the classic cowboy hat, boots and other clothing. I went inside and called out: "Hey-hey! Is anyone? "I heard:" Hello! "I said gray-haired man aged about 50, whose name was Robert. He helped me figure out where you could find a cheap motel. The day was held in Sonoma Jazz Festival, and all the hotels in the city were blocked.

Auto race in Sicily, or uprising Electronics - part 2

Sicilian on your browser and RAIN (continued, part 2) Passing along this road for quite a long distance, I suddenly began to lose meaning. I wanted to go on the freeway. She was supposed to be somewhere nearby, but clever, who collected our satellite navigator, were not agree with me. I began to look for small green signs, which indicate the approach to the freeway, and - dammit (!) - I saw first one and then another and another and another. We got on the freeway, on which our navigator had no idea. "Unroll, when there will be an opportunity" - yeah, sure! On the freeway, we drove about 10 kilometers, then we had to move out from it to get to Taormina. With my newly acquired skills to shoot down the side mirrors of parked cars, as well as their scratching, Taormina afraid I was not going to. I coped with driving on the "excellent", if I can appreciate how I coped. And then we started to climb the mountain. We are looking for a tent camp on a hillside. We all rose, rose, rose, until I really had not bothered. However, this was not enough. Way back was not here, so we had to climb further. In the end, I finally found a place to turn, and we began to descend. As it turned out, we stopped near a large camp, where he had to travel on foot, but you probably already guessed this. That way street! Now we really need to find some camp. Navigator, is still engaged in this nonsense, he sent us somewhere up the road. Well, it's just a navigator could call dear is the "direction".

Auto race in Sicily, or uprising Electronics - Part 3

Sicilian on your browser and RAIN (continued, part 3) Stay in the Maskaev was marked by the event, which will remain in history as "my biggest mistake." During the trip, Patricia has lost a lot of their stuff. By the way, she claimed that devote a separate chapter in our travel notes. I do almost nothing to lose, just because I'm more attentive person by nature, but this is my mistake, perhaps, will surpass all of its loss together. We stayed in a decent camp, the weather was also decent. In the morning the rain fell, and we, as good neighbors, have brought some neighborly things that have already managed to dry after washing with. After lunch, already in full sun shone, we went to Catania, and went there in the mall. Barely ten minutes as it began to rain. We are glad that now are in the building, rather than snooping around on some ruins, but then I visited another idea - a computer! In Maskaev I left a damn computer to charge near the pillar on the street. Gardens At first I thought that, well, done, let's finish shopping, and return. But Catania is located 16 kilometers from Maskaev, which can be reached on a good road, but at the end of the path where the narrow streets. Far as in fact, suddenly there rain has not started yet? Generally, most Italian drivers overtake me. At this time all I had left behind. They came across my path, so I even had a couple of times lights blinked, as do drivers of the Audi or BMW. When to Maskaev was very close, the rain stopped, but as soon as we turned onto the road to the camp, he loaded it even stronger than before.

Velopriklyucheniya in Dubrovnik - Part 2

Croatian National Tourist LUCK (continued, p.2) The island of Mljet Our next stop was the island of Mljet (island in the southern part of Croatia, approx. Perevi.), Half of which is national park. We have heard that this place is a must to visit, so that they rose early and headed to the ferry, where we had to swim for two hours. To get to this island, no need to rent a boat, it distinguishes it from other islands. We wanted to go from Dubrovnik by ferry rather than by bus or bicycle, so that Mljet we just came up. We boarded the ferry, owned by D & V, this is partly state postal ferry service more affordable than "Yadroliniya" (the main Croatian ferry company, ca. Perevi.). The ferry stops first in a bay on the island of Mljet Collection, then in the village Pomena, which is located to the east, from the national park. We toured around the Big Lake and partially around the Lesser. Picturesque bay on the island of Mljet Alas, we did not destined to get to the Benedictine monastery, which was located on a separate island. Hike to the monastery, plus payment for the boat included in the ticket price in the national park. Next time we will definitely go down. The roads on the island, especially in the park, gravel. I would not advise him to go on a bike. After lunch in town we went to Polache Coll. My advice - do not try to eat in Govedari (hotel Polache, approx. Perevi.). There's cute, but absolutely no food. Polache was not ready to meet the hungry cyclists. We bought it one of the worst of our dinners.

Nepal, UAE and Oman

Antarctica: a route for tourists of all ages

Antarctica - TRAVEL IS NOT FORGET TO THE END OF LIFE "After living on a deserted continent, civilization seems sad, narrow, pinched, superficial and empty" - told me a familiar photographer Frank Hurley, when we sailed with him on the ship " Sir Ernest Shackleton. I can not disagree that these words sound very plausible. As an elderly woman hit the road a long distance, I knew that I would have to begin to plan ahead, to explore all possibilities and options before you buy a ticket on a ship. At one time when I considered the possibility of such a trip, I did not know that when we come back, the comments of Frank Hurley forced to look at everything very differently. Pre-planning Everyone who is planning a similar trip, may be found in the internet sea of ??information. For example, the website offers a list of the best iexplore.com seven companies, organized sightseeing cruises to the Antarctic. A ship going to the southern continent, have a limited capacity for passengers. They can take on no more than 200 people and travel is only possible from mid-November to mid-February. Gentoo penguins and their chicks after a conversation with a woman who traveled to Antarctica a year ago, I decided to book a trip to the company Abercrombie and Kent. Glowing eyes with fire contented tourists and how she described the excellent service provided by Abercrombie and Kent, have convinced me completely. Another attractive aspect was that in the tour were scheduled stop in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

Shocking episodes of travel to Venezuela

"Grand Slam" Denali Park - Part 2

The wild beauty of ALASKA (continued, p.2) We arrived at the Hotel Denali Park, located in Healy, about 15 km from the park entrance. The hotel is cozy and inexpensive, and easy to find her in her office, which is located in a renovated railway carriage in Alaska. By registering, we went to our cottage to unload things. Nelya was not seen elk and year-old calf, which were grazing in a field adjacent to the parking lot. We were on them at a distance of no more than 50 meters, but they did not seem very disturbed by the noise of our cameras. In the end, moose are tired of this unplanned photo session and retired into the woods. We continued to focus on your luggage, but soon saw another moose that wandered into the undergrowth at the edge of the field. Elk from the front the first 25 km road at the entrance to the park are paved. Savage is a river checkpoint. For most visitors Savage River is an extreme limit to which you can move around by car. The exceptions are the winners of a special lottery to receive the appropriate permit. Once a year they are allowed to travel by car through the park as much as they wish, or weather permitting. In successful years to get to Lake Wonder Lake, located 140 km deep in the park. For a short time before the official opening and after closing the season in the park when weather permits and the state of roads, private transport are allowed to move up to the observation deck Teklanika, which is located about 50 km from the entrance. In contrast, residents of the camp across the river Savage, as well as scientists and photographers who receive special passes for ordinary tourists, there are limitations.

In the East, all wondering how it is done in the West - Part 3

How am I going hay in Kyrgyzstan (the ending part 3) The next day was spent in traveling from one field to another, throwing hay fork in the back of the truck, returning to the farm and so on. I have all this time trying to avoid a terrible questioning Nirtenbeka. I and the assistant constantly worked with pitchforks, Nortenbek stood in the back, stacking hay, and his brother gathered the hay into stacks with large horse-drawn rakes, his father was absent, he is somewhere in the flock, but his wife was at home, milking yaks and prepared food. I like his guest, give relief, but had only assistant to stay at least for a moment (sometimes it did not even required) as Nirtenbek and his brother shouted his name, for what is usually followed by some caustic comment. Miracle truck - So how did you get here? - I asked my father Nirtenbeka in one of those rare moments when we were all on the farm. - You went through Osh (the second largest city of Kyrgyzstan, approx. Perevi.)? - Yes, - I replied. - Scary is not it? Is there no wars now? - Oh, no. All is calm, - I replied. - We will not go there. Damn! - He said, shaking his head. - I was in Osh, during riots, I studied there at the time - told me his brother Nirtenbeka half an hour later when we returned to the field. - You know, we did not have to spend money at the time, we lived without money. When we wanted to eat, we're just breaking into the store and grabbed that horrible. It was cool. Mountain the next day I had to leave if I wanted to get to the Tajik border before end my Kyrgyz visa.

They traveled to America to work together and the rest - part 2

WISCONSIN Dells - AKVAPARKOVAYA CAPITAL OF THE WORLD (continued, part 2) What were the beautiful clouds! Simply magical! They are all so different! And many of them! They are just whole "families" hovered above the ground, and only their small shadows over the land were given the high place to which we fly. Clouds somehow unusual "hang" above the ground, as if they lie on an invisible dome, and that p is most interesting, the same kinds of clouds over his own dome. They are so fluffy, such tender and vulnerable! It seems that they can be touch it and feel like they "spring". These "white pillows" at the same time resemble some kind of foam, fruit candy, ice cream, which gained a special round spoon whipped cream from cans and & hellip fluffy snow, when he was very loose, soft and easily molded. Landscapes in Wisconsin Dells Very nice it was when flying over the islands. And anyway, I myself had no idea that everything is so good it will be seen: all rivers, lakes and villages. Just like on the map in the atlas, yes, exactly! Here are all of these lakes and rivers are enormous, but somehow the plane! And only the color distinguish upland and lowland, as well as clearly visible white streaks of snow on the dark-brown mountains. Still, the form of rivers, mountains and lakes can not compete with the clouds! Truly, this is a oblachkovy world! They create a landscape, a landscape! This light and luminous, but very diverse. Of these, the mountain loomed special - from cumulus, lakes or even seas, stretching beyond the horizon - from cirrus.

Traveling with a police escort - Part 3

Race with the Bus and truck (continued, part 3) I told John that after all the adventure, after the terrible roads that honorably endured our car, we need to restore power, check out the car and prepare for a further 3-day trip to Lahore. I think John was happy to hear such a proposal. We have an opportunity to sleep off, and the hotel manager called mechanic to check the machine, replace the air filter, fill the tank, windshield washer and tighten the bolts. We could rebuild the rear springs, but abandoned the idea. Despite some minor problems, the car proved to be just fine, already breaking the 8000 km long and perfectly cope with irregularities in the road, which was not even count the last day. Apparently, we now have to face even more creepy road. Holidays Hotels in fact met our expectations. Rooms here cost just $ 20 a day, and the staff are friendly and always ready to help. Now, when I write these lines, the war in Afghanistan, recalled his roaring fighter jets, which are carried somewhere high above us. In the city itself we are not allowed to leave. Hopefully, it will go to Internet cafes to create this post on our blog. Tomorrow morning, another police escort will take us to the next destination. Yet again we met Sarah. She described her 14-hour trip by bus to two words: "It's very scary." Though we are not on the bus moving, but perfectly understood what she meant. On the road, we have often observed how the coaches raced over bumps without sacrificing speed, flew through "blind" turns.

Faith by faith, and money money - Part 6

ISRAEL - from the sublime to the Earth's (the ending, Part 6) in Eilat on the streets You can see many people with weapons, which nobody pays attention. On weekends, IDF soldiers (which are, incidentally, and women) take weapons with them, which speaks of the incredible trust the government to its citizens, as well as the devotion of Jews in their homeland and their nation. In addition, we struck that throughout the city in the asphalt are built of iron spikes, which if necessary will automatically go up on two feet and block the move. In general, the issue of security of citizens, pays particular attention to and not in vain. Immediately after our departure from Israel near Eilat explosion of Arab missiles. From Eilat took us to the airport in Tel Aviv. Tel-Aviv, on sravneiyu to Jerusalem again showed us a large modern city with many skyscrapers, and much cleaner. The plane flew with us Two representatives of the Israeli secret service weapons, which were responsible for the safety of passengers on board. Thanks to this every day prevented a large number of terrorist acts. So we flew to Kiev without incident. By the way, half the prime ministers of Israel was born in Kiev! When we arrived in Ukraine, we waited one more little surprise. out of the house we got for our Dad a jar of honey, but brought it back. Almost Einstein's theory, moving cans at high speed has led to the fact that honey is reduced in size, the bank did not remain and half of the content. As for the theory of relativity, I'm kidding, but actually turned out that the matter again in the fight against terrorism.

Faith by faith and money in cash - part 3

Israel - from the sublime to the Earth's (continued, part 3) When a Ukrainian hetman Ivan Mazepa sent to the Jewish people a gold plate as a gift, and she is still the Holy Sepulcher. At the entrance to the temple you can see the crowds of tourists of all nationalities, and to get inside, it is necessary to defend for about three hours in the queue. Before the entrance are "trained" "Monks thugs" and keep order. Once we have witnessed is not very pleasant incident, when a few of the Armenians tried to sneak out of turn, and between them and the monks even fight broke. For me was the biggest surprise of the fact of Israel - a multiethnic country. There are a lot of Armenian Jews, Circassians and Chechen Jews, Muslim Arabs, Christian Arabs, Bedouin, the Samaritans, Ethiopians, Jews, etc. Israel - a relatively young country, 80% of the local population - immigrants. Moreover, immigrants from all over the world, who mostly consciously returned to the land of their ancestors. Jerusalem - it is really the cradle of the world's religions. Have no problem finding a common language Jews, Catholics, Muslims and Orthodox Christians. Now live in Israel so many Ethiopian Jews. They are especially memorable to me because of its dull, slate-colored skin and beautiful facial features. The people walking a story about how on board one of the first planes sent by the Government of Israel to Ethiopia, luckless immigrants trying to make a fire, right in the aisle passenger cabin!

In the East, all wondering how it is done in the West - Part 2

How am I going hay in Kyrgyzstan (continued, part 2) - So there you have a wife, Ed? - Asked me Nirtenbek thus mercifully gave me the opportunity to stop working, leaning on a pitchfork and answer his question. - No. - And how old are you? - Twenty-six. - So maybe you have a girlfriend? - He asked with a sly smile. I usually do not discuss the topic of girlfriends and any other relationships outside of marriage, when I communicate with the Muslims. Just do not want to be trapped in the quagmire, or cultural differences. But this time I was talking to an educated man, a teacher of English, in addition, he asked with the knowledge of how these things happen in the West. - Well, yes. There is actually. In Moscow. - When going to marry her? - His father asked Nirtenbeka who woke up in the moment and became an involuntary witness to the conversation. - E-uh ... - I stumbled. - Do not know yet. We have not thought about it. They both stared at me. Damn! I think it was most unfortunate of all possible answers. If I had not been so careless, then I ought to understand that it would be much better to explicitly tell a lie, saying "next month" or something like that. In general, I said what I said. A curious fact, which consists in the fact that a couple can be together without any definite plans for marriage, spawned a series of perverted questions about my personal life every time I dropped another batch of hay in the truck. My answer I gave to understand that these questions are very personal things, does not prevent the puzzled Nirtenbeku.

In the East, all wondering how it is done in the West - Part 1

How am I going hay KYRGYZSTAN Bobby Nystrom U.S. "Stop, Drop!" - Shouted one of the boys who led me through the village of Sary Mogul. I bent down and suddenly we found ourselves standing on his knees in mud beside a small river that flowed somewhere right down the street between the houses of clay. A second later I realized what was happening: a low near the mosque with whitewashed walls, about 20 paces to our left, a man in Muslim garb began the call to prayer. This was not the first time when I, while in Kyrgyzstan, heard the call to prayer, but never before have I seen the people on it so reacted. Appeal to continue, the children remained kneeling with heads bowed. Once the man stopped, the children jumped to their feet and raced ahead of me on the street, showing a quite an extensive vocabulary of Russian curses. The next morning I left the village in the direction of the great mass of snow and stone, which seemed to me the mountain. Walking past a small garden with a stone wall, I saw a young man who sat on the grass next to an elderly couple, apparently, their parents. The young man waved his hand, stood up and walked to the stone wall. - Where are you going? - He asked in English. - In the mountains, - I replied. - And how are you? - From England. - And where will you sleep in the mountains? The tent is? - No, I will try to find someone who will shelter me, maybe in a yurt any. How do you know so well English? - I am an English teacher. Was it. Now it no longer.

Faith by faith and money in cash - part 4

Israel - from the sublime to the Earth's (continued, part 4) The next day we stopped at several Catholic monasteries. Attended the church wedding, where a fragment of rock, which cracked when it shed a drop of blood of Jesus Christ. Then, a Catholic Franciscan monastery and church of the Virgin Mary (it is said that this church was a coffin containing the remains of Mary). Church weddings in Hristiyanskoy Gallilee On the fourth day we were taken to Caesarea - Nature Park, where archaeological digs were layers of different thousands of years! There we saw the remains of the palace of King Herod, an amphitheater, areas of the city streets of the Roman and Byzantine periods. In addition, it was interesting to look at public bath houses period, the artificial port of the Hellenic era and fortified port city to the Arab period. Then they drove us to the sacred river Jordan, which could bathe with prayers. But we chose not to tempt fate, because The river was very dirty, and floated around a lot of otters. The church where Jesus Christ's mother was buried the next day we went to the Bahai Gardens. Where I first learned that the Baha'i - a religion whose central tenet - beauty will save the world. These gardens are built on the charitable money is Baha'i, the contributions of people of other faiths can not accept. The gardens are a cascade of a large number of trees, flowers, fountains, alpine gardens and sculptures - all insanely beautiful and well maintained. Everywhere simply dazzling purity.

Faith by faith and money in cash - part 5

Israel - from the sublime to the Earth's (continued, part 5) At the exit from Jerusalem, we have delivered in a Catholic monastery which is famous for its icons. These masterpieces were donated to the temple of believers from around the world. It was very nice to see the Ukrainian icon at the central location. This gift is made, Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Lubomir Husar. The mosaic is symbolic combined western and eastern Ukraine. To the disappointment of the Russian group of tourists, an icon of their country was not there. Ukrainian icon-gift Also we visited the Israel Jewelry Exchange. Here we were expecting a little surprise - a Ukrainian girl-made us a discount in the amount of $ 2000 as his countrymen. Basically, when you meet Ukrainians in Israel can count on a very cordial and warm welcome. Jewelry Exchange building is a few skyscrapers, each in three dozen stories. Total staff is 60 000. Specifically for staff and visitors exchange here summed up the metro line and the railroad. Israel - one of the best places in the world where it is very profitable to buy diamonds and other precious stones mounted in gold and silver. The guide also said that underground is a shelter-shelter with rapid transfer of production into the ground, with stocks of food and water for several months. Judging by the words of a guide, an impressive building with pools, gardens and gyms. The Dead Sea and mud on the sixth day we went to the north of Israel to the south of the country, in the resort city of Eilat.

Faith by faith, and money money - Part 1

Israel - from the sublime to the Earth's Natalia Afanasiev, a student at these May holidays, I with my parents and brother visited Israel. In the words of your favorite film characters, Israel - a country of contrasts. Tourists are able to find everything from the sublime and to the earth. This spiritual heights of Jerusalem and the lowest point on earth - the Dead Sea. It's excavations of ancient civilizations and modern cities. And after the abolition of the visa regime between Ukraine and Israel, this country has become even more accessible and attractive to tourists. Interestingly, the area Israel has even less of Lugansk region (Israel - 21,5 thousand sq. km., Luhansk region - 26,7 thousand sq. km.), But the population here more than three times! (Israel - 7.4 million people., Luhansk region - 2.7 million people).. Although Israel - a small country, nevertheless, its territory covers seven climatic zones, summer is sunny and hot, and it rains mostly in winter months. In general, it is not surprising that we were looking forward to the beginning of our journey. A thorough safety check of stay of tourists and Israeli citizens in the country - is the daily hard work of the local security services, I must say, one of the best in the world. Therefore, at the Boryspil airport worked Israeli, not Ukrainian "special person" test has been quite serious. If you have a recent Egyptian visa, then you have not wasted on Israeli territory. Also, it concerns visas to Turkey, Jordan and some other Arab countries.

Forgotten Island of Mozambique - part 2

BAD BUSES - GOOD STORIES (continued, part 2) I was in a hurry to leave Quelimane, since realized that I just feel a strength. I thought that if I want to travel to Africa, ok, I need to survive this trip and to preserve the remnants of the mind. I tried to find positive aspects in such a difficult test. At least this bus was where to put their feet. Was the passage by which one could walk. True, the bus was old. The windows shivered at every pothole, that the African roads are not uncommon. The rain was falling, but "windshield wipers windshield did not work. Handle, which usually helps to open the window was broken, so that the bus was a nice cool skvoznyachok, which was created by two large holes in the skin. Local resident named Erik started a conversation with me, despite the fact that he sat on a number of behind, so even across the aisle. Garrulous fellow said that when we come, I can stay in the house of his uncle. But for a start I wanted to know about him something before taking his offer. Old houses I'd like to talk about the landscape views from the windows, but during the first trip it was forced by the bags, but during the second rain came and it was dark. Instead of looking out the window I said to myself: "I know your ass is suffering from jumping on every bump, and your feet are too tight, but try not to think about it." These thoughts are periodically interrupted by a baby crying or his mother, who from time to time nursing baby. Only was I started to calm down, as the mother put the baby on my knee (well, okay, not all, but only his head) and began to change his diaper.

Forgotten Island of Mozambique - part 3

BAD BUSES - GOOD STORIES (continued, part 3) City Maqutu looks like an animated advertising organization World Vision (Christian humanitarian organization working to combat the causes of poverty and injustice, approx. TRANSFER).. Local residents stoked furnace coal, so the district is characteristic flavor. tarpaulin, as well as tin sheets, used as a shelter. Everywhere the dirt and the children in ragged clothes, who looks as if it did not change for several months. Here, clearly felt the desolation, like the country and in the actually forgot about this island.'s Hospital Children instantly stick to you like glue, and are always happy to show the neighborhood, but at the same time expect something in return. In his first day, I walked around the island in the company of a Dutch couple. The Dutchman is a teacher, and he could not resist not to ask children coming across to us as there will be 27 plus 5. A dozen kids just looked at him absently gaze, and only one attempted to find and correct answers. At first it seemed the most stupid of all. After a few minutes ago, he simply drew a foot strips on the sand. As many as 200 meter bands. Palace Island of Mozambique for me - it's not just first impressions, this is part of a comprehensive perspective, which is formed anew in each new journey. This perception can have more fun from happening. I think my opinion has improved because I stopped in Maqutu in the guest house where you could take a shower, pouring himself out of the bucket, and a couple of buckets of water were always at the ready in the closet.

Forgotten Island of Mozambique - part 4

BAD BUSES - A good story (the ending, p.4), it was morning. Four hours. The familiar story with a large number of passengers and luggage again. I managed to join a Spanish couple, with whom I'd had the same flight. They are pre-booked tickets, but when we got on the bus, it turned out that their seats were occupied. Wife went to the minibus, called me with you, but I politely declined. But the boys insisted: "No, no, let's go." Van was at the gas station, I threw bags and squeezed in his place, which was a metal building on the steps. View of the beach at five in the morning, we hit the road in a terrible stampede, almost on his head from each other. About an hour minibus stood at the police post, as the driver said that "tourists do not pay." We present a passport, and eventually we were allowed to continue their journey. Then the driver tried to take more passengers. But the space inside was not. We were so close to each other that each hillock, I ventured to get his knee in the crotch. Unlike other buses it had iron railings, welded just in the middle of the window opening, so that through this window anybody could not squeeze through. In other words, enter and exit the bus was only possible through the door (from my own experience say that it is simply unheard of!). The door was also locked, and to open it, me and the controller had to raise the 10-pound container of water, and then pushes open the door. This container had a hole, so that every time I stop over and over again turned out to be all in the wet spots.

In Honduras and without tourists is not bad - part 2

Blonde, ride to and Waterfalls (continued, p.2) In opposition to this reckless adventure, we went to the tranquility of the hot springs Akuas-Termales de Asakualpa. Piping hot water and an abundance of sulphurous smoke flowed from the middle of an elongated, tunnel-like cave, and flowed freely down. In the part of the cave, which is to hot spring water is cool and refreshing, but after it - unbearably hot, but slightly downstream where the flow of hot water meets another underground river, the flow temperature falls and the water is pleasantly warm. In addition, the cave itself is ideally suited to the role of the natural sauna. Depending on how close to sit to the hole through which the smoke comes out, the temperature ranged from mild to unbearably hot. It goes without saying that throughout the cave, including room for 24 people, were only by us. Akuas-Termales de Asakualpa visiting rural areas of Honduras, I could not help noticing a large number of children with blond hair. Amazing sight! In Latin American countries, where almost 100% of dark hair and eyes and dark skin, I kept mentally asking yourself: "Where are the parents, for example, this blonde girl?" The answer, of course, can serve as a Spanish genes. But still, surprisingly, like two dark-haired parents may be born a blonde little boy. And I have every time when he saw another blonde Honduran child, gazing thoughtfully into his trail. During our visits to this country, we quickly realized that the best way to get here is hitchhiking.

Lava flows and landslides are quickly forgotten, and magic butterflies - this is forever

Country pleasant vampires, or where "take flesh" - Part 2

Cigarettes, DRACULA, WINE AND FISH (continued, part 2) Next, we went to the city of Brasov, which is located among the snow-covered Carpathian Mountains, in the heart of Romania's Transylvania. Since we came here partly because of the legend of Count Dracula and Vlad Tepes (the ruler of Wallachia of the XV century, prim.perev.), It was very difficult to keep a straight face when a very dear woman designed the administrator of our hotel. Look her green eyes pierced through and through, and in her mouth were pointed incisors. She said, like a vampire from the movie, with a typical Transylvanian accent. "I hoschschu ... show you the kitchen - she said. - Hoschschu ... show you your room. " And in fact, Brasov was rather beautiful than scary. The town has a big beautiful square, perfect for observing the passers (and eating ice cream), and the myriad of flowers and brightly painted houses. All very nice, despite the vulgar words "BRASOV" Hollywood-style, which towers over the town, shops and an abundance of western companies on the main street (of course, we're not the first inhabitants of Portland, who came to this city, we realized this after the saw the nearby shops, "Columbia" and "Nike"). In the following days we even managed to get out of town. We spent half a day in Sighisoara, a small village, where Vlad the Impaler spent his childhood years, then we are back in town to visit his church, an ancient cemetery, which has about a thousand years, and the numerous towers that protrude from the walls.

My friend and I travel together ... on the green continent - Part 3

IN SEARCH OF THE SUN THROUGH ALL AUSTRALIA (continued, part 3) Another long journey - and we arrived in the city of Noosa. Here we both enjoyed it. I think this is partly from the fact that there we were able to relax after a hike. Also, finally we got lucky with the weather! First, we signed up for a 2-hour lesson on surfing and, despite the fact that my girlfriend Jade did everything with reluctance, we liked the lesson. I tried to throw all their bad habits! Noosa - very cheerful city surfers, but at the same time, there are very expensive hotels and luxury homes. Never forget how we went on a trip by canoe and sailed past these houses. I want to buy a house here someday. Almost all of the time we have been surfing, sunbathing, walking, swimming kayaking and enjoying the good weather at the beach. Everything was just great! Noosa National Park, too, was wonderful! We went through 10 km of the park, which opened before us his incredible beauty. The park has a splendid coastline and a variety of trails are home to various animals, including koalas - we still had a chance to see koalas in the wild! Nusa leave the cones were very sad because we really liked it there, and the weather was just wonderful. However, judging by travel guides, in the town of Byron Bay as well, and we went on a bus to get there. Surprisingly, while traveling along the eastern coast of Australia, you can go for miles and not see no car, no house. Can not imagine what is happening on the sparsely populated west coast!

Expensive and noisy Belize - Part 1

MAYA CAVES AND DELICIOUS FOOD Jessica Mason, Australia So, we got to Belize. Here we are waiting for a surprise, because all goods and services, from taxis to package milk are twice as expensive than in neighboring countries! Taxi drivers are behaving like real racketeers! At least I thought so. We had to pay 30 Belizean dollars per trip to the town called San Ignacio. This is a small border town, but close to it is a lot of attractions, so its worth a visit! Belizean dollar is related to the American "namesake" at the rate of 2:1. Monkey Falls Falls We found a hotel that was called "Bella." She manages a woman named Natasha, and her daughter's name is Bella, hence the name. We arrived early in the morning, things spread out, and then for a small fee, Natasha Bell, and some girls went with us to the waterfall Monkey Falls. This is a small waterfall on the river, which flows down and forms small pools where you can swim. Very nice! The water was pleasant, although a little cool, perhaps due to the fact that we are in a mountainous part of Belize. Local beer is called "Belikin. In general, it is not bad. Worth 3.5 Belizean dollar at the supermarket, so that can afford not particularly hit. The hotel we are currently preparing lunch and dinner, and ate cereal for breakfast. Restaurants here are too expensive for us, because we planned the bulk of our budget to spend on entertainment. On the river the next day we decided to relax, because two days before we had to get up at four in the morning.

In Honduras and without tourists is not bad - part 1

Blonde, ride to and Waterfalls Ben Bahia, Germany, the only thing in Honduras, you will not see - it's tourists. After visiting the islands Islas da la Bahia, (they are in the Caribbean Sea, off the northern coast of Honduras), where tourists have more than enough, we expect to see many newcomers across the country, but to our surprise, this did not happen. For a whole week of our stay we met a few foreign tourists (three German students and American family near Lake Yoho). At other times, it seemed as if all world governments issued any a warning about Honduras, but we missed them. All the hotels where we stayed, were completely empty. We did not see a single guest. All local buses, which we had to use it, never had a gringo or some other alien. During the inspection of local attractions are just us and nobody but us. Great! We remembered other countries that we were able to visit during this trip, and Honduras seemed to us something unreal. Only in El Salvador, there we go back after the Honduran approximately the same situation. Because there were no other travelers, we have had several amazing encounters with the locals. In addition, the country is totally ruined a lot of foreign guests. I was also surprised that with us almost never have more money than with the locals, except for a strange entry fee. Traveling is much easier when you do not need to be alert and overly tense when paying for goods or services. Pulhanpansak Waterfall Our first stop at this stage travel was Yoho Lake, located in the western part of the country.

A country where people are good, but the animals do not really - part 2

INFINITE BEAUTY: Fjords and MIDNIGHT SUN NORWAY (continued, part 2) Those who would like to see more caves, will find plenty of opportunities to do so. Those who are going to go further, beyond the Arctic Circle, I advise you to exchange rich experiences on the road boring airport. This - the easiest way to get to Tromso, capital of Northern Norway, located at latitude 69 ?. In his guidebook called "Paris of the north". Svalbard Adventurers can go even further. Having a plane and a half hours, we arrived in Svalbard, a place where the sun never sets in summer and endless winter nights, sometimes covers the northern lights. Without a doubt, Svalbard always worth seeing for those who want to learn from Norway to the south and north, from one end to another. Taxes and legal extermination of animals Market - a perfect place for those who want to become familiar with the culture of the country. In the city of Bergen, is well known as the capital of Norway, once you realize that he was in a country with a well developed fishing industry. Some products on the shelves of the market very attractive to tourists: sausage meat of reindeer and moose, crabs and lobsters, weighing eight kilograms, live oysters, which you can try before you buy, and many other delicacies that are outraged to vegetarian, getting it here. Market in Bergen, but that can really shock the aliens in this market, so this is an open, unaffected by all the calls of "green" and environmental legislation, selling animal skins.

Town, where everyone comes to get in Vienna - Part 2

What to do on Thursday in Bratislava (the ending part 2) We liked the Slovak pub, and since it was only a few steps, we have decided on their laziness there for dinner. I started dinner with dumplings with cottage cheese, which were very similar to those that we tried in Krakow. Then I ordered the meat in Slovak on the grill. And again, the waitress asked me if I eat it all. Come on! They brought me a plate with several slices of roast meat, like a shish kebab. I have no problems arose. I then told the waitress that I could eat two servings. Easily. Meat in Slovak and dumplings After a delicious dinner, we went to have a drink in the pub gourmet of Bratislava "or abbreviated" KGB. " It's clear that the design of this bar was thematically linked to the KGB, thereby. There was even a bust of Lenin and Stalin's portrait. Quite well. The audience at the bar was mostly young, but people were a little bit. The beer was pretty cheap, about 2.5 euros per pint (about 0.5 liters, approx. Perevi.). It was a little strange to see that all prices are marked in euros, and in brackets was the price in SKK. Apparently, this was done in order to make life easier for local people, because that Slovakia joined the euro zone only at the beginning of this year. Suddenly he heard sounds of heavy music, and appeared in the hall dressed in a skin Goths. One of them looked like Beetlejuice (the ghost of the same movie by Tim Burton, approx. Perevi.) Is not the best in his day. Nothing special in the bar did not happen, so we decided to go somewhere else.

Adriatic - is not only the sea, but mountains, cliffs and gorges - Part 3

BEAUTIFUL MONTENEGRO (continued, part 3) The next morning at 8 am, we went by bus to Podgorica, there to change seats on a flight to Macedonia, in the town of Ohrid, and perhaps even to the capital Skopje. It was another crazy ride. Only this time, we always climbed up a mountain for as long as you go into a cloud, and visibility was reduced to a minimum. It was a little scary, but beautiful. At 11 am we arrived in the city of Podgorica. There we learned that in Ohrid bus does not go out, and in Skopje has only one flight. And there are no trains at all. The bus leaves at 8 pm, but the money we had, and two ATMs at the bus station were not working. We left our bags at the cash register and went in search of an ATM, because we were warned that tickets can snap up. We started walking and soon concluded that Podgorica - an ugly city, with a completely absent charm and dilapidated houses. We decided to find a cinema, as in our guidebook, we read that there show films in English. We hoped so to kill time. In the process we lost a little bit, but soon went to the cinema and found it completely abandoned. Thanks again to our guidebook for accurate information! As a result, we sat on the lawn near the bus station, read and write articles in the blog. Podgorica Oh! I almost forgot to say! It seems, in Podgorica never seen professionally made tattoos. People are always staring and touching me, even some horns from cars, protruded from the windows and showed me their tattoos. Madness for some!

Stagnation of the Soviet period - is not always bad

How to make friends with the Tajik border guards - part 2

Misadventures in Khorog (ending part 2) The river runs right in the middle of the valley and, thus, divides the city in half. In some places the river crossing bridges, which are photographed - a pleasure. So, I went back on the road to the city, but the road went into the side of a river. For me it was not that good, so I went on a trail and asked in broken Russian people have met me, can I do here walk. I was told that it is possible. Eventually, I wandered into a blind alley, but this was a dead end at the River. I was too lazy to climb the hill, and I walked to the bridge, where he met four soldiers. "Damn!" - I thought. Botanical garden steps that led to the river and ends somewhere near the bridge. I went in the opposite direction from the soldiers, trying to behave naturally. This "trend" has led me to some office, so that the soldiers were immediately raised his voice. Suddenly I was surrounded by six soldiers, and they told me that I had wandered into a military zone, which is located right in the middle of the city. I took the passport, I began to resent. Took me by the arm and tried to steal something, I again began to rebel. It became obvious that the soldiers want to get me a bribe, but at this point we were approached by someone in a higher rank. I waited a bit, and then began vigorously to make a noise to attract his attention. It always works, because those who are now in a higher rank, after all this has passed, and now they do not want bribes.

How do we conquer Europe from the sea - part 16

Cruise the Mediterranean from Odessa to Barcelona and back (extension, ch.16) Regarding cleanliness of streets - you can see for yourself, everything is visible in the photo. Naturally, the pictures I did, as always, not choosing something "front door". On the contrary, sometimes it is important to capture the worst side of life, to keep abreast of the status quo. Forewarned is forearmed. Or Jeff Lynne was a song in the album in 1981 entitled «Here is the news» («News Release"), which were the words «All the worst from the world convention» («Collection of the worst from all over the world"). However, as you see - anywhere cleanliness. I want to live in Barcelona! Booklet theme park "Port Aventura" The desire to move to permanent residence in the capital of Catalonia does not abate until now, (do not want bad!) But, on the morning of the second day of stay at the end point of our cruise, there was yet another irresistible desire. After we visited the amusement park Port Aventura, which is located five kilometers from the city of Tarragona, I wanted to live there. Better yet, do not live in Tarragona, and in the town of Salou, there is within walking distance to the amusement park. Get it to work security guard, a janitor, a dishwasher in a cafe ... And if you do not take, bomzhevat. But to be close to this divine place, this man-made paradise on earth. Map of the theme park "Port Aventura" Of course, I exaggerate and exaggerate. But believe me when I got to the park, the mood was, without exaggeration, fairy tale.

Here, all original - and the clock, and how to get rid of people - part 3

PRAGUE: A small town for hiking (the ending part 3) The next day we went on a tour of the castle (Castle). This is a huge castle, situated on a hilltop in the western part of town. Today it is the largest medieval castle in the world. The castle occupies several city blocks, and its territory is a large cathedral. First we had the garden. There were fountains, close-cropped lawns and trees, and wandering peacocks. There we met is similar to the peacock, albino, completely white. In one corner is a cage for the Eagles size of a small house. The entire south wall turned into a grotto. It is an artificial grotto, but it looks very natural, very much like a real cave. Groth goes along the south wall, encircles the cage with eagles and goes inside the building. We saw a house that is in the movie "Amadeus" issued for the house of Mozart, and then they showed us this house where there was a great composer. The house still belongs to someone, and in it someone lives. Prague Castle Then we went to the main entrance to the castle, which is guarded by two Czech soldiers, very similar to those that are at the Buckingham Palace in London. These soldiers can not move for two hours (one hour in winter). We're lucky we caught changing of the guard. Once we got inside the castle, we were taken to the cathedral. Recently, when we were in Paris, we were told that the Notre Dame Cathedral was built 200 years, but the St. Vitus Cathedral was built over 500 years. Construction took so much time that different images of construction sites are shown in the robes of architects from different times - in medieval clothes and into a more modern, Sunday dresses.

Brussels: the heart of European history

The city, whose name is associated the set of historical concepts

The combination of modernity and the Renaissance

Under the shadow of Mount Ararat - Part 1

AMAZING YEREVAN Russ Pearce, United Kingdom From Tbilisi to the Armenian capital of Yerevan, we got a taxi. On a good road we reached the border, spent about an hour at its transition and continued on their way already on the territory of Armenia, where the roads were already a little worse. After a year of their stay in Azerbaijan, the mere fact that we got in line to get the Armenian visa, which, incidentally, is worth 10 dollars for 12 days, was for us something surprising and exciting. Aragats road ran through the green ridges of northern Armenia, and the way we met the abandoned factories and smoking pipes still in force, a restored village, which is at the epicenter of the monstrous earthquake in 1988, and the city of Spitak the mysterious ship, which stands next to a memorial in honor of died during this disaster. Most likely, the ship was built to remind everyone that the Armenian merchants traveled throughout the world. On the way we stopped at a roadside cafe, which in appearance more like a shack. There we indulge in a huge portion of pork kebab. Armenian ship to the north of Yerevan, we drove through a mountain plateau with a magnificent view of Mount Aragats, the highest in Armenia. Aragats should not be confused with Mount Ararat, which, though located in Turkey, perfectly visible from Yerevan. Soon we started our way down into the valley, where is the city. Our driver is not very well acquainted with the road, but with the help of local taxi drivers, we soon got to the hotel "Sunset", where our hostess Nune was waiting for us.

Juliet's house, as well as opera, wine, and the Church - Part 1

Travel in Verona: from bad to ... Best Christine Bohner, England, I stood in line for registration at Gatwick Airport when suddenly I heard a voice behind him: "Hi, I'm Michael." Before I was able to say something very clever, like: "So what?" - I turned around and saw that the one who stood behind me, too, was an icon of tour agency "Martin Randall" in the handbag. "Thank God" - I thought to myself. For once I held her tongue, and now the next few days I will not have to apologize to one of my fellow travelers. "Hello" - I smiled and shook his hand. "I am your turlider. Nice to meet you! "-" Michael said. Wow! Carried forth! I sighed with relief and said that we would meet again in Italy. Then I passed inspection. Not the best start, that's for sure. Something I already fatigued from the trip. I never really sociability did not differ, so the prospect to spend four days with strangers to me by people I started to get nervous. Originally there were two reasons to subscribe to this trip. One of them is that the agency "Martin Randall" can get tickets to the opera in Verona. The second reason - very soon I'm going to a longer trip with this company, and I just wanted to feel like it would be. Climbing aboard the plane, I reminded myself that the trip will last four days. What's bad can happen during this time? The streets of Verona Well, everything started not very good. We landed in Verona and waited half an hour, until very officious customs officer slowly checked those passengers who do not have European passports.

European capital with a newfound self-awareness

The unique collection of mosques, Roman and Egyptian temples

The capital of Turkey Istanbul Istanbul - one of the most interesting and unique capital of the Middle East. This city of contrasts as simple as it is delightful, charming in its sensibility, which is so inherent in the East. Bosphorus Over the history of its contribution to the Istanbul did the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires. The city was also known as Constantinople. Istanbul - the largest and most modern city in Turkey. Only in its urban area population of around eleven million people, and if taken into account and the suburbs, the total number of inhabitants reaches nineteen million. Istanbul lies on two continents - Asia and Western Europe. In the south of the city is the Sea of ??Marmara and on the north - Black. Continents join together two impressive bridge over the Bosphorus. Istanbul Golden Horn Bay was originally called Constantinople, and was a Thracian settlement. In the 330-meters, the Emperor Constantine first made Istanbul the new capital of the Roman Empire. During the Roman Empire the city was named Constantinople, and then, after its conquest by the Turks, became known as Istanbul. Obelisk at the Hippodrome, as we know, the Hippodrome - a place where there are the greatest historical monuments in Istanbul. Here is the majestic Blue Mosque and the Church of Hagia Sophia. Name of the area due to the fact that during the reign of Emperor Constantine the First there were organized chariot races. You can also see an Egyptian obelisk, which is standing there with a 390-year.

Operatic, theatrical and musical capital of Europe

City at the crossroads of European routes

Town, where everyone comes to get in Vienna - Part 1

What to do on Thursday in BRATISLAVA Derek Seto, England As the saying goes, a bad start it all pumped up. Something similar is happening with my travel this November. Just three days after I returned from Milan, I have had to go to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Had to fly in the evening after work, cheap flights airline RayanEyr. Michalski Our gate with my buddy Davis flight, apparently, was the last of the day because the airport in Bratislava was completely empty. It was cold outside. There was fog. We needed to find a machine that sells bus tickets, but before the arrival of a bus is nothing like we have not found. The driver pointed to a few machines that we have not noticed, and cruelly leaves without us. Grrr! In 20 minutes we got on another bus, which rushed into the city, leaving behind Ikea store and a huge department store. The main square with the old Town Hall and Roland fountain After some searching the tram near the train station we went into the street Obchodna - it seems to Bratislava's main street - where the hotel is "Vegas". This hotel is constructed rather original, each room is named after one of the hotels in Las Vegas. We were fortunate we got the number "Ze Venetian" (one of the largest entertainment centers in Las Vegas, is made in the Venetian style, ca. Perevi.), Although the original he was very far away. But the bathrooms were quite even nothing. Apparently, the guests at the hotel was a little bit - a deathly silence.

Focus symbols of past centuries - part 2

FATE NOT JUST Whisper: "Mercy, BAKU!" (The ending part 2) End of Ramadan - the traditional time for weddings. And this year, it seems, it is also time for the funeral. During the funeral, the streets make a big tent in which we think are mourning. Quite frustrating when the taxi is stuck in one of these streets, and have to find a detour. Funeral tents Old Town - now a maze of streets, which for some reason a lot of vendors selling carpets. We have great walk, saw a lot of monuments and crumbling buildings that stand side by side with their restored brethren. We also saw several stores with a cap, which sold quite interesting model! We have not yet bought a hat, but as winter approaches and the temperature is lowered, we probably still have to give in to temptation. Hats Restaurant "Caravanserai" looks quite interesting. We somehow go there. As the name implies, the restaurant is located in an old caravanserai (an inn for trade caravans, approx. Perevi.), And tables are set in small rooms that are on the edges of the central courtyard. There's dancing and singing, and without a doubt, the house is designed for affluent tourists and oil workers, but not for English teachers! Maiden's Tower of the Old Town's main attraction is the Maiden's Tower. Legend has it that a princess fell in love with a young man, in defiance of her parents and her locked in a tower. She committed suicide by jumping down from a window. Apparently this is commonplace in those days!

The pride of the city - the oldest university in Germany

Heidelberg - ancient town with a dramatic story of Heidelberg - one of the most amazing cities in Germany. He is known for its distinctive, beautiful and perfectly preserved old town in the Baroque and the oldest university in Germany. In Heidelberg there are many cultural and historical sites associated with different eras of its existence. It is they who make the city one of the most visited sites in Germany and Western Europe. About 3 million tourists from all over the world annually visit Heidelberg, to enjoy its unique construction in Baroque style and at the same time to see it a modern look. View of the Neckar river city is located in the lower reaches of the navigable river Neckar, which flows in the southwestern part of the country. Neckar Heidelberg crosses from east to west and 22 kilometers downstream the river flows into the Rhine. The city is located in the northwestern part of Baden-Wurttemberg, between the cities of Frankfurt and Stuttgart. In the east, the city is surrounded by hills Kenigsshtul height 568 meters, Gaisberg height of 375 meters and a height of 445 meters Hayligenberg. The city covers an area of ??108.83 square meters. km., its population is about 150 000 people. Heidelberg. Old Town First mention of Heidelberg found in the charter of the monastery to Shon in 1196, however, in the area found traces of residence of Celts, Germans, Franks and Romans. For centuries the city was the capital of the territorial Palatinate. During its existence, the city experiencing a period of prosperity, which lasted for five centuries.

Bakilione city on the river, where he studied Galileo

Lovers of extreme sports: swimming in a lake with snakes - Part 1

Old churches and ancient lakes Jason Hills, England After a terrible journey we managed, after an hour, catch a bus to the town of Ohrid. The bus driver belongs to the category of people relaxing and not in a hurry, but we were with my friend Jay was like we had time to enjoy the scenery and take a nap. Terrain of Macedonia is very similar to those we saw in our recent travels - very hilly and lots of lush greenery. We drove through several small lovely villages, and we even managed to catch a glimpse of some of the local breed of dogs. It's Shepherd of 60 cm at the withers, which can beat even the wolf and bear. At that time, they fought with each other. Not sure that I was glad to meet them in a dark alley - they looked pretty intimidating. Lake Ohrid We arrived at the Orchid, and caused a real stir among a group of local women's cheeky form, each of which tries to get us to their guests. To be honest, they looked a little messy, and they with him there was no photos of apartments, so we chose the weird guy who somehow reminded me of Bruno of "Gavin and Stacey" (British comedy series - approx. TRANSFER .). He had a luxurious booklet apartment which looks decent enough for those 7 euros per person per day, which he asked us. The cheapest housing of all that we had to shoot. Everything was so good that even light creeping doubt, but is not there a trick, given the presence of balconies and lake views. Our fears were confirmed early in the morning when we awoke to thunder and sounds of saws over our heads.

Lovers of extreme sports: swimming in a lake with snakes - part 2

Old churches and ancient lakes (concluded, part 2) During the second day in Ohrid, we went to see the old town and castle. We had to climb the steep slope as a fortress and castle are located on a hill, but we did not regret the path of progress. We went to the lower gate and paid the entrance fee a nominal amount (not like in Dubrovnik, where we were almost robbed), and walked in a circle along the walls and towers. Before us is an amazing view of the old castle and a lake surrounded by mountains. Then we went to the church of St. Clement and Panteleimon, which was restored using original material. Directly opposite the excavations of the church were excavated and reconstructed the monastery of IV century. We went back down the hill, passing the rest of the church and the old amphitheater, and came to the modern city and its shops. Finally, we stopped at the Turkish quarter, which bought a very simple and hearty meal - hot dogs, similar to the kebab, which we ate in Bosnia. The ancient monastery was once again amazing food cheap and good, it was an added advantage for us. After a good dinner, we decided that it must take advantage of unusually cheap internet, after a "cold shower" in the form of four pounds per hour in Croatia, we just could not believe it when she told us that here the cost is just 60 pence per hour. Sunset on the lake We've done a blog entry and went to look at the sunset to the church of St. John, taking a bottle of red wine and olives. This church is so beautiful - it is located on the edge of the cliff, directly above the lake, and from certain angles looks like in the water.

Successor to the great past

BAGHDAD-suffering land along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were home most of the ancient civilizations. Today, the successor to the great past is the capital city of Baghdad, Iraq, which is filled with many mysteries and historical events. Lifetime is not enough for you to realize the greatness of Persian culture. Today Baghdad is only a pale reflection of what he had in the past. Military conflicts recently had a negative impact on the appearance of the city and the country as a whole. Baghdad - the largest settlement of Iraq and the second largest city after Tehran South-West Asia. Baghdad is situated in the heart of western Iraq and is on the Tigris River. From the Euphrates River town separated only 50 miles away. The population of the former capital of the caliphate abassidskogo today is 7.5 million people. Title Baghdad derived from the Persian Bagh-dad, which means "god-given" or bug-To-Doo, which means "Garden of God." Center for History in Baghdad Baghdad begins approximately in the XIII century. According to legend, the second caliph of Iraq's Abu Jafar al-Mansur wanted to build a new city where once there were ancient civilizations of Sumer and Babylon. For this difficult task took the most famous artist of the time. The designer invited his master to fulfill the plan of the city to form a circle. This geometric shape provides the same distance of all homes from the palace of the Caliph, who was at the center. Thus, there was Baghdad, which consists of two parts - the royal side in the center and shopping districts surrounding the palace area and located between the walls of the palace and city walls.

City Teksko: raisin silver capital of Mexico

Invisible hazards in Central America - Part 3

STORY INTERRUPTED JOURNEY (continued, part 3) In Leon, we arrived in the afternoon on September 16. We had to change trains to get here. In addition, we felt no better, because that day we ate very little. In general, we decided to have a meal somewhere, and at the same time to see the city. However, only an hour later Tracy decided that it is best to lie down because she still was not feeling very well. By early evening we both felt awful, and so I just went to sleep, not even dinner. The cathedral in Leon The next morning we were still ill at ease. We've got a high temperature around 40 degrees, a headache, it was painful to move the eyes, aching muscles of the legs and back, and completely absent appetite. It is obvious that we both had the same illness, which lasted for three days. At some point in our 5-day stay in Leon, we thought our last hour had come. It was the third time in the past few months, when we have cases, problems with health. We have had diarrhea in Peru and Bolivia, in Argentina, I broke my arm, and in Cambodia in Tracy was dysentery. I decided that in third world countries we'd better do not go, the more so to Honduras, Guatemala and Belize, where you can catch malaria, we have not reached yet. Church of La Merced I have decided that a hospital in Nicaragua, there is no point contact (ironically, this was not the best decision of my life), and that we have with Tracy is best to visit the medical facility where medical care is considered one of the best in a world that is in the States.

The last bastion of Islam in Spain

Women's company in the journey - it's wonderful!

Charms TRAVELS IN PURE FEMALE COMPANY Preparing the perfect trip requires full information about the country you want to visit, its history, its traditions, its way of life. You have to know where the best historical and cultural attractions and the most interesting cultural programs, the best hotels and restaurants. In addition, it is useful to get a little idea about the methods and forms of communication with local residents. A truly amazing tour requires freedom of action must be a balance between planned and free time pastime. One of the latest tour, which is organized by Yolanda, introduces travelers to the sights of the coast of Portugal Silver Trifles, on which depends the whole journey Yolanda Barnes, an employee of Sights and Soul Travel, shared with me all the details of the preparation of the tour. During the past four years Jolanta Barnes organized the women's tour through Europe. Women who use its services, talk about it as a first-rate with tremendous knowledge of different countries. Her love of travel, obviously, knows no boundaries. Many of our clients Barnes has repeatedly appealed to her, and they have got friends among the traveler from all over the world. Women do not cease to communicate at the end of the tour and return to Iolanta again and again, bringing with them mothers, sisters, cousins ??and friends. Tower of Belem, the ancient fortifications - a classic instance of the frivolous approach of the last of the rounds - this is Lisbon and Portugal, the country's favorite Barnes. "The main theme of the tour - find out more about the history of Portugal, to study its culture and nature from the inside" - says Yolanda. "Nothing brings the traveler to know the history of Portugal than breakfast in the kitchen Baroque, tasting of wines from the cellars of old, created by the Romans, visit the Moorish buildings." Tour includes some "serious" sites, as well as many other ways of spending time .

Trip planned with European travel companies: less cost, more opportunities

Through Russia to Baikal - part 2

Trans-Siberian trip for two (continued, part 2) Since the trip from Moscow to Irkutsk takes approximately 75 hours, we decided to pamper yourself and go first class. And, despite the fact that the path of other tourists, whom we met on the road, poked fun at us, I'm glad that we decided to go that way, because we were traveling in a separate compartment, but it was not so bad during the long-term move. Apron business to the charge of each car conductor. Women conductors are called "conductor". We heard that the conductor is best to find a common language, because it is endowed with the ability to make your trip enjoyable or not at all. Knowing this feature, I was looking forward to get acquainted with our conductor, had hoped that it would be a nice old lady with violet hair, which will take us under his wing and become our Russian mother for the duration of the trip. Eating on the train Unfortunately, it was not our case. Our conductor was about the same age with us, rarely smiled, and no interest to the passengers did not show. Damn! In honor speaking, we are both her little afraid, so powerful it was. When I finally plucked up courage and asked her a glass of it for some time ceased to put the cream on your face and brought out his two glasses compartment. During this time I was able to consider that in her coupe is a whole basket of different sweets. Russian estate, monstrous and ruthless cookies out there, chocolate. Herein lies the secret of the Trans-Siberian happiness?

Kazakh reality test - Part 1

Three "K": KAZAKHSTAN, CORRUPTION, COSMODROME Darren Drew, UK In all countries, the locals warned us about the dangers of corruption. This problem exists throughout the world, but we cyclists, and often her face. Apparently, the corrupt reason is simple: if you do not have a car, most likely, you can not afford it, and if so, then you should not spend your time and look what you do there could be broken. All this is logical, until you find yourself in the area of ??Baikonur, which is located in the Kyzyl Kum desert. Baikonur - is a Russian version of the NASA (Russia leases from Kazakhstan to somewhere beyond $ 100 million per year). That is where the rocket was launched Yuri Gagarin, and he is as a result became the first man to go into space. This entire complex is situated 30 km from the main road, somewhere in the desert, and as previously done in the Soviet Union out of any reach. Around the launch site are the city Kazaly, Zhangakazaly, Baikonur and the village Zhosaly. The way I found it strange that an old hotel owner asked if we do not use drugs. "Sure, yeah, buddy! In your hotel handing out clean needles? "Naturally, I did not say, but only thought. But if reading my thoughts, in front of us instantly brought a policeman. He was very confident. A young boy, dressed simply, quickly showed his badge and then he hid. Face it is not very left, and seem to mind too. So, we were in an area with limited mobility, and he wanted to get money from us that all was settled.

Through Russia to Baikal - part 3

Trans-Siberian trip for two (continued, part 3) We have decided to cancel our trip on the famous Lake Baikal. Yes, this is the place which is mentioned in the book "1001 natural wonder that must be seen in my life." And that he was nicknamed "the pearl of Siberia". Lake Baikal - a miracle of nature. This is the most ancient lake on the planet. At the deepest point it reaches 1637 meters, it is 20% of the fresh water of the Earth. Its water is known for its purity, which can be obtained from the fact that water is constantly filtered different sponges and crustaceans. They say that when calm weather white disc of 30 cm in diameter can be seen at a depth of 40 meters. If desired, the water you can drink. In fact, I think that all the water that comes into our guest house, was taken from the lake. Morning on Olkhon According to the Trans-Siberian Handbook ", if the world ended in drinking water, the water from the lake would be enough for 40 years. What do you mean? In the waters of Lake Baikal are hundreds of species of fish that can be found only here and nowhere else. In winter the lake is transformed into an ice wonderland. I saw pictures of stunning ice sculptures that are produced here in the winter months. They look absolutely incredible. Even the local cow could not resist the beauty of the lake according to one of the beliefs, swimming in the lake can add 25 years to your life, unless, of course, shock or hypothermia will not get you before! My friend Chris is clearly nervous about that soon he turns 31 years old, so he decided that he would not leave until they swim in Lake Baikal.

Tourism in Dutch: a unique flavor trip

Real decoration of northern Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand Andy MacPherson, journalist According to travel guides, and Thais, Chiang Mai - jewel of the north of Thailand. The city is located near the Golden Triangle - an area in the mountains, located at the junction of three countries: Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It's clean, relatively modern city where there are no problems with pollution in Bangkok. Chiang Mai is located in the mountains, and thus its climate is pleasantly moderate. Here are flocking crowds of tourists from around the world and, therefore, to find housing here in the cellar, and it is inexpensive. In Chiang Mai there is something to see - 300 Buddhist temples, ancient city walls, a large zoo with giant pandas (a gift from China) and, of course, night bazaars, where the total noise, light, smells and all that your heart desires. Night Market Royal Golf Club Mountain Temple Doi Suthep mountain temple of Doi Suthep, located ten miles north-west of the city - one of the places that are included in the mandatory program for tourists. You can walk 300 steps leading to the temple, walking, or climb the cable car. Upstairs you will find many wonderful and mysterious statues, some of which show the influence of Hinduism, such as the god with an elephant's head. I like this statue seemed a little evil Buddhist statues in the temple of Doi Suthep Buddhist monks tomb of the royal family here organized multi-day excursions accompanied trips to nearby mountain villages. We went only to a small village of Hmong in one day.

Through Russia to Baikal - part 1

Trans-Siberian trip for two to Chris and Anna, UK Customs officials were not always the most cheerful people, but a woman who met us in Russia, could easily get the prize of the Snow Queen. We stood in a queue along with other foreigners, looking at how all those who stood before us, examined the lady who was very similar to the Anne Robinson of "weak link" (British television host intelligent show, approx. Perevi.). She, in silence, looking through each falling into her hands a passport, constantly sighing, desperately trying to find at least some inconsistency with the visas. After careful study of passports, which seemed to have taken an eternity, she grumbled, acknowledged his defeat and glumly pointed us to pass on, through a metal detector. Fortunately, such dire people like this woman, we met infrequently. In fact, most of them Russian, with whom we have met have been pretty nice people, even the drunk was interesting to practice their English and a little chat with us. Moscow. St. Basil's Cathedral. Our adventure began in Russia in Moscow, where we spent just two days before they began their journey on the Trans-rail in the direction of Beijing. The ancient architecture of the Kremlin, Moscow - a city unusual. Two days later, of course, is not enough to get an idea of ??the city, however, by the end of our stay, we both felt a certain indifference to this place. We certainly did not hate Moscow, but also about the love we did not go. In this city with all the clarity we have noticed the gap that separates rich and poor.

A trip to the wounded city - part 2

A FEW HOURS IN SARAJEVO (continued, p.2) It was a pleasant walk, during which we occasionally stopped to drink water and watch the people in the park near a river. During the walk we met now and then houses and other buildings are marked by war. Holes from bullets and fragments were not sealed, and the houses look like they have recently chickenpox smallpox. Apparently, for the 14 years that have passed since the end of the war in Sarajevo were more important things than the sealing of some holes. In the city itself, however, bombed and derelict houses not much, although a few of these houses we still caught my eye. My walk along the river bank, we have completed in the old city, founded by the Turks in the mid 15 th century. Here is a market where you can find local products. Here we stopped for lunch, because McDonald's restaurant in Sarajevo no. The charismatic symbol of Western culture has yet to get into this country. Fried potatoes and orange soda helped to restore our strength to ensure that we could continue our walk through the city, particularly on the road, which during the war became known as "sniper alley". This part of town, which lies just to the side of the business district, adjacent to the Serb snipers fired on the hills. They did this in order to to minimize the economic activity in the besieged city. During four years of siege here killed several hundred people, and thousands more were injured while trying to navigate a wide boulevard with four lanes and two more in the middle, intended for the trams.

Algerian cities, or what to do in the wilderness - Part 1

SUGAR: the most beautiful and most severe, Mike Barton, England Sahara Desert is the most beautiful and at the same time the most inhospitable part of Algeria. This part of the country's relatively poorly populated, but it has attracted an increasing number of tourists in the winter months. Plane of Air Algeria "Almost all the local hotels have a high level of service and comfort, however, in areas of the oases is quite difficult to find vacant places. During the season it is recommended to book rooms in advance. Air Algeria "makes regular flights from the city of Algiers in Ghardaia, Djanet and Tamanrasset, as well as several smaller towns, oases and villages near the oil fields. However, at the height of summer flights may be delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The roads have recently been greatly improved, although during the summer sand storms and winter rains move in all directions, except for major highways, it is considered unsafe. Ships of the Desert The surest route to the south is through the gorge of El Kantara, which is located south of the city of Constantine. The kind that opens from the gorge on sugar, inevitably fascinates. They say that these mountains separate winter territories from the lands of eternal summer, the locals called them "Four Es Sahra" ("Mouth Sahara"). In the desert, most of the Algerian oases generally look quite the way they represent in Europe. Here, an oasis - it's not a tiny plot of greenery with palm trees, which is threatened by menacing sand dunes.

Two thousand miles of emptiness - part 2

ON GUARD OF JUSTICE (continued, part 2) Prior to Dakhla we reached at sunset. Rashid dropped me off at the city's main square, and finally - four months after my departure from the Canary Islands - I got into town, where chaos and debris were not familiar and inevitable phenomenon. I can not imagine someone would want to specifically come in Dakhla, but after the fleas, mosquitoes, mice, iron filings and a monotonous diet, this city you will find Venice on their honeymoon. Dakhla reminded me of the island of Fuerteventura (one of the Canary archipelago, approx. Perevi.): The same low-key at home with terraces, the same standing to the delight of surfers to the wind, the same coastal town with tiled roofs, and the same crowd of Moroccans. Young couples strolling hand in hand, and a group of girls without escorts have also helped to forget about the absurdity of the feudal-religious anachronism, thriving in Mauritania. I would gladly would have stayed here long, but I was only three days left, and from Marrakech I still separated 1500 km. The local joke? Laayoune more lively and dirtier Dakhla. There's something I've done my next stop. I am so very late, that here I could not stay for long. In the city I stayed only one day. At night, heading to the bus station, where I had to sit on the bus, which finally brought me in Morocco, I was involved in a nasty scene of social intolerance. Two girls were walking along the central streets of the city. One of them was a Muslim headscarf on the head, the other - no.

Algerian cities, or what to do in the wilderness - Part 2

SUGAR: the most beautiful and most severe (end, part 2) Further to the south is the town of El-Gol, which is called "the pearl of the desert" or "a delightful oasis" because of its lush vegetation and abundance of water. The main landmark is the old Ksar (castle), the ruins are well preserved to this day. Going further south, we reach the Ahaggar Plateau. These majestic rock formations stretching to the south up to the Libya and surrounded by the sands. Ahaggar is a plateau of volcanic rock. Cliffs of pink, blue and black basalt and the wind take the most bizarre forms. Here on the mountain top Assekryu, at an altitude of 2800 meters, is located refuge Charles Foucault (monk-hermit, a researcher in Africa, ca. Perevi.). Mount Tahat, which refers to the mountain range Atacora, visible from a distance. At the height it reaches 3000 meters. Bizarre rocks Ahaggar Plateau picturesque town of Tamanrasset in the heart of Ahaggar Plateau. This is a very lively town, which became an important transshipment point for trade caravans from West Africa. Tamanrasset - quite a large settlement, it is enough hotels and restaurants, and tourists often stop here to make several trips to the Ahaggar to mount Assekryu and hermitages Foucault, as well as trips by camel into the desert to the south and west of the city . Tamanrasset in addition is a popular winter resort and a center of oil production and refining. Here from time to time come Tuareg caravans, dressed in blue clothes.

Strange dreams of ancient cities - part 4

Salvation PAST EGYPT (continued, part 4) I lived in a strange room. Everything about him was wrong, but still could be considered his own. I looked at my watch and realized with horror that I missed the bus! I instantly woke up. The room looked quite normally, apparently, I had a nightmare. With relief, I looked at the clock on the nightstand beside the bed. It was 6:00 am - I actually missed the bus! As soon as I started to boil with anger to yourself, I awoke a third time. The room looked like it looked in the previous dream, I never could understand what was happening, but the clock on the bedside table showing 11 o'clock! That is my dream that I missed the bus, while I had a dream that I missed the bus! I walked in circles around the room, just to make sure that the bus I'm still not too late, and that I still wake up. At one point I even began to think that me someone slipped something into the food, but then calmed down and remembered that in the wilderness, I often dream strange dreams. Most likely, it was a nervous breakdown due to the fact that I missed the bus this morning. Once again, I checked whether I set the alarm for the right time, and fell asleep again. Locust alarm woke me up around 3 o'clock in the morning. I dressed quickly, took a bag that is packed in the evening and went into the hotel lobby. There I found a roll of brown paper on which was written my name. I took the bag and sat down next to the couple and their convolutions and waited. After 10 minutes when I had almost finished his taken with a breakfast at the door came a man and called our names.

Hell of a track and subsistence earners in the form of police officers - part 2

Nigeria - The first and last time (continued, p.2) To hell and back We thought we were prepared for the worst state "highways, traffic jams and other" charms "of Nigerian roads. We read everything that has ever been written about the stretch of road on which we had to travel to Abuja, but we just were not ready, what we face in reality. It seemed like we were driving through the scenery of one of the novels of Stephen King. All around him was devoid of any color, everything seemed to be grayish, the sun eclipsed smog and black smoke from the fires, even piles of trash have lost their color and any connection with life. The road was destroyed by an endless stream of trucks and fuel tankers, ruled by a completely insane drivers. Machines are constantly heels, avoiding potholes, some of which resembled the size of craters from explosions. None of the machines were not working marker lights, none of the machines did not have rear view mirrors, in fact, some did not even have a windshield, so it seemed that on this road, one thinks only of himself. Trucks suddenly stopped suddenly changed direction or that was even worse, rushed straight at us, so we had to go to the sidelines to avoid a collision. Shoulder could tell the story of this route eloquent of all. Burned Body fuel tankers, trucks, and what little remained of the car, creating a picture of a hellish place. People were dressed in clothes dirty-gray tint, naked children scurried about in heaps of garbage along with the ghosts of goats and chickens.

Unsuccessful search for Paradise in Laos

IN SEARCH OF PARADISE: ISLAND OF DON details to BAN Lunga Jody Tuoz, Caracas, Venezuela We were promised a trip to paradise, saying that another such in Laos did not find. It's called "The Four Thousand Islands, all the stories about him are fascinating - a wonderful white sand, clear water, blue sky and gentle breeze. However, a paradise turned out to be not such a paradise. But, all in order. The island of Don Det, Laos tour includes a night drive to the bus luxury of Laos capital of Vientiane to the village of Pasco, Pasco, and then from another to some villages the name we are not told, and from there to the "Four Thousand Islands." Honestly, I have no complaints about the first part of the journey. I would say that this is my most luxurious ride in recent months. I was thrilled at our bus had a toilet, many months I had to defecate on the roadside. I arrived in the village called Pasco at half past six in the morning, and from this very moment the trouble started. Together with me, traveled a few more people. But that is typical for hikers, nobody really knew how we get to Don dema. And, of course, all local, which we asked the road, indicating the different directions. Most tourists had already settled in a tuk-tuk (local transportation, which is a three-wheeled mototaksi without a meter), which stood at the ready right near the bus. I did not want to seem rude, but still asked tourists to each of them going, and got completely different answers. It was not surprising that the driver of a tuk-fat does not bother to think about it.

How to rest in April

Cherry blossom - what not occasion to go to Japan? April - the time of universal flowering. A heroic soul sings at the sight of the surrounding grandeur and life is seen in rainbow colors. Sad only that all this short-lived. But the Japanese do not feel sad about this - they philosophize. The national symbol of Japan - cherry blossoms, the unusual, exotic, and always beautiful. For each type of Japanese cherry blossoms filled with deep meaning - no wonder that every year the whole country is watching how the cherry blossoms, and it becomes one of the main topics in their news programs. April - the best time to go to Japan, through the patriarchal and running ahead of the rest of the way of technological progress, a mysterious and incomprehensible, aloof and always benevolent. And if you need a reason to give up everything and give up on the other end of the world, the cherry blossom may well become such an occasion. But at the same time take a dip in the hot springs of Beppu, life-giving, take a stroll through the parks and temple complex of Nikko and discover the tropical Japan - Okinawa Island. Nikko If you ask the Japanese, where the most beautiful cherry blossom in the country, he invariably says "Nikko". This is one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient country. It is here that thousands of Japanese come to admire the falling leaves in autumn and spring - enjoy the view of cherry blossoms and celebrate on this phenomenon is an ancient holiday khans. By the way, hanami is known since the VII century, and originally it marked only the Japanese aristocrats, in poems praising the beauty of cherry blossoms.

They traveled in a journey, fell into a nightmare - part 4

From Congo to Congo, through CONGO (ending part 4) Terrible news about the war Marauder We felt shocked and devastated. Have never in my life we ??were not so scared, helpless, helpless and humiliated. I was sad, I am filled with anger, and I wanted to just get out of this country as soon as possible. Ailey called on some number, and within half an hour behind us came a Swede named Maria. She asked how our trip goes, and I told her the story, which may well be the bad memories in my life. "Well, thank, that nothing bad will happen," - she replied with a sigh of relief. "Nothing happened!" - I thought, with difficulty imagining what could go wrong. But Maria has not left me in the dark about this: "You know" - she said - "Recently the military in Brazzaville, not very satisfied with their situation, so they have a couple of times robbed a train just a few kilometers from the city. The last time this happened no more than two weeks ago. In general, you're lucky. Massacre of passengers Vozvraschayaesya at the time of our trip when we were in Pointe-Noire. Ailey was able to buy tickets to Brazzaville, and we sat down on a large square in front of the station, which had already gathered a large crowd. The train was supposed to go only five hours, but the conversations we realized that the place will be found in the car is not easy, so we decided to stick close to the station. Suddenly the kids to the square broke into the military and soldiers.

Week of sand and a shower of ice bucket - Part 1

NOT the Paris-Dakar, but also EXTREME Kevin and Seann, Scotland finally came to an end, must be one of the most difficult stages of our journey. Seven long days from seven am to seven pm we crossed the distance from the city of Niamey, Niger, to the settlement N'Djamena, Chad. Our path lay along the Nigerian border, through remote towns and villages across the Sahara Desert - in Chad, along the dry lake Chad to N'Djamena. We drove through the desert without any road in deep sand. The car now and then bounced and shook. We felt as though we were locked in an iron pot and thoroughly shaken. And so every day from 7 am until the time when the evening, at sunset, we stopped for the night. For the whole we managed to not more than once to arrange a halt. It is clear that the running water to wash, there is nowhere, and after more than seven days on sorokagradusnoy heat in a cloud of sand that sifted through the window, we were happy even improvised soul of a bucket in N'Djamena. Landscape outside the window was simply wonderful: uninhabited desert areas, covered with reed huts that appeared out of nowhere, beautiful golden-yellow sand dunes, changing flat white salt lakes and clay-orange dunes. Here you have desert! Sand took bizarre forms, at the sight that takes your breath away. The desert is sometimes quite suddenly plunged into an oasis of greenery with palm trees swaying in the hot wind. Could go a very long time and did not meet a soul, when suddenly, from nowhere, appeared a man in bright clothing, walking somewhere in the desert.