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5 places you must see in Ireland

shayn — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:09:58 +0000

Most people have a clear image of Ireland having leprechauns and clover leaves in their head when hearing about the said country. These images also create vast green lands with opulent culture and folklores that inhabits the place. This kind of information can make you wonder and think, if Ireland is a country that’s magical and out-of this-world. Well, you might be in for a real treat as this country has more to offer than only legendary tales. A visit might just confirm the truth behind all the stories. So read on through to know where the 5 places you should visit and see when traveling in Ireland.
Landscapes
If you want to feel like you’re at the edge of the world, try to visit the Cliffs of Moher. This smooth landscape’s edge is measured to have a 700 foot drop to the Atlantic Ocean that will make your heart stop. It’s said to be the most remarkable coastal site in all of Europe. If you’re in the vicinity, don’t forget to miss dropping by the Burren. This landscape is known to be the world’s most bizarre and owning a rare ecosystem. Several prehistoric markers are also found here that specks the limestone flat terrain. A trip that’s interesting and mind-blowing at the same time.
Irish Attraction
The Blarney Castle located in Cork houses the Blarney Stone. This stone says to hold a legend that captivates almost 300,000 guests visiting every year. Legend says, if you kiss the stone, you will be fluent and expressive in speaking. Not a bad thing if you want to try your luck. Today, this castle has become an Irish Cultural Centre describing the best of Ireland’s heritage.
Dublin, The capital city of Ireland
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland and a UNESCO City of Literature. This wonderful city has so many historic and modern sights to see. If you want to save heap loads to visit 30 or more attractions in Dublin, seek a Dublin Pass to see the sites for free. After seeing sites, try to stopover at local pubs and drink some Irish beer with young locals. Irish people are known to drink a lot, so it’s best to experience it first-hand. It’s also the most youthful city in all of Europe housing 50% of youngsters under the age of 25. Party on and enjoy while it lasts! This city is also the home of well-known writers and poets in the world like William Butler Yeats, James Joyce, and the man who introduced Dracula to the world, Bram Stoker. The best of Ireland is undoubtedly world-class.
Northern Ireland
The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast. This city is historically rich with a hint of modern charms. Belfast was closed for tourists in the early 1990’s because of the war between Irish Catholics and Protestants. Fear no more, as today it already opened its doors to visitors while they are going through a little bit of renaissance. You can find many castles and historical establishments throughout the city of Belfast that’ll make your visit worth it.

South
The South of Ireland is famous for its laidback lifestyle and having remarkable natural assets. It has also an excellent view of the coastlines from rolling green hills in the South East all the way to Craggy. The ocean is centred to be the identity of the region catering water sports, seafood cuisines and a lovely elongating beach best for romantic strolls. All through the South, you’ll be tired of endless sightseeing, adventures, out-side activities and munching yourself to their gourmet pleasures. Try to save a little energy at the end of your day because there might be awesome parties in the local pubs. For sure, you don’t want to miss it.

5 places you must see in the Netherlands

shayn — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:49:23 +0000

The Netherlands is popular for its windmills, tulips and bicycles. This low-lying country has been famous for so much more than just what people think about it. It has many attractions that allure tourists from all over the world. Nonetheless, it surely lives up to what it can give. Read through the 5 things you must see in Netherlands to get more than just the normal.
Utrecht
Utrecht can captivate you with its early middle aged structures. If you want a piece of the Netherlands history, hitting this city would just make your lust for old buildings grow as its Netherlands city of Importance until Amsterdam came to be first. It ranked 2nd having the highest number of cultural events after the famous city of Amsterdam. If you’re planning to see more sights, best you shouldn’t forget to visit the 600-year old Dom Church and Tower. After that, try to walk through the sides in the canal of Utrecht and have a stunning view of local cruises passing by.
Delft
Delft is best known for its pottery ceramic products. Not only in China, these ceramics have been in Delft for over decades as the canal located in this city has been a port for the Dutch East Indie Company. A true history kept to live for centuries. Numerous factories are found in the streets of Delft making pottery. So, it’s best to visit one and experience how it is made to appreciate the quality and time given to make it. Don’t forget to purchase one but be careful not to break them! While you’re in the city, try to visit the Oud kerk and Nieuwe Kerk translated to be Old and New Church. These churches have the tomb of William of Orange. Take loads of photograph and pay respect to a famous Dutch figure.
Keunkenhof
Keukenhof is said to be the most picturesque spring garden in the world. If you’re heading to the Netherlands in the spring time, don’t miss this place. You can not only smell flowers in the air but also you will see a natural magnificence of Mother Nature. The season starts from mid-March to mid-May. So, plan ahead if you want to bathe your eyes with floras.
Den Haag
Den Haag is the home of the royal family of Netherlands. This preserved city has many royal art galleries open to the public from the masterpieces of Vermeer and Rembrandt. The city also has a place for the kids and that is the Ma duro dam. It is made to be a miniature city having many structured-models of the Dutch landmarks. This is one way to let your youngsters have fun while learning the amazing landmarks that Netherlands can offer.
Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk houses a UNESCO world heritage site. This site has an arrangement of 19 windmills made around 1740 along the Lek and Noord rivers. Walking through the area is possible or even taking a cruise with a tour guide. This place can not only blow you away but also let you think and realise how amazing truly the Netherlands is. Don’t forget to take a snap of photo as this can make your trip memorable and worth it.

5 things to do in Dieppe, France

shayn — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 12:01:46 +0000

Dieppe is a port city settled along the limestone cliffs of the English Channel and the closest pebbled beach town to Paris. Its genuine harbour serves as a receiving area for fishermen and their freshly caught fish and famous scallops generating it to be as one of the busiest port in Normandy. Today, Dieppe is considered to be a travel destination for seafood and marine lovers. So read through as I have enumerated 5 things to do in this authentic fishing town.
Wander along the Port
The best way to experience the port itself is by strolling on it. You might get to see different ships unloading freshly caught fish from the ocean. Port-side restaurants are also within reach that could give you great fresh seafood meals with a spectacular view of the boats anchored in the port. Another way to enjoy the scenery while having a drink or two.
Visit and shop at the market
Narrow cobblestoned streets in Dieppe are busy every Saturday with local farmers selling their produce of cheese and organic vegetables. Local shops are also selling souvenirs and tokens for guests who love to have keepsakes from the place. What’s more, you can find the best bargain in town when the market is on at this time of the week. You surely will enjoy haggling with the local shops and farmer!
See landmarks
The Château-musée is the most striking landmark in Dieppe. It’s a museum commemorating the maritime and trade history of the port city. The museum includes numerous sophisticated ivory sculptures carved by sailors and some well explained past stories of how the port city became a historical place in France. You can also get a glimpse of the canvases made by Renoir, Sisely, and Boudin. Visiting this museum can be a great way to learn and experience a little bit of Dieppe in the past.
Experience the local seafood
When you’re in Dieppe, you shouldn’t miss tasting their local seafood. You can get the freshest catch of the day served right into your plate. The local dishes like marmite diepoise and moules marinièr are truly divine that will make your mouth watering for more. If you are up for socialising, try and dine with the locals as they will tell you tales of the Dieppe fishermen lost at sea over a great meal.
Join the Herring Festival
Every November, Dieppe celebrates the Herring Festival visited by over 100,000 guests. The event hosts locals grilling on the streets and cooking freshly caught giant Herrings. The winter air changes to a smoky feel with a hint of fresh grilled fish that comes along with it. Enjoy this festival with local booze and I assure you will appreciate every moment of it.

5 Beautiful sites to visit in Tuscany

shayn — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:22:19 +0000

If you are planning to visit Tuscany, you might be marveling at so many beautiful sites and point-of-interests located in this beautiful place. Thinking, where should I go next or what should I want to see? There are a lot of places to see in this diverse region in Italy and it’s hard to narrow down the best sites to visit. So have a quick scan on my choices and surely you won’t be disappointed indulging yourself on the best 5 sites in Tuscany.

Saturnia

The Terme di Staurnia is a natural hot spring located in the municipality of Manciano near in the small town of Saturnia. The sulphur water is said to have a temperature of 37.5 °C and is known to have therapeutic assets. The thermal waters offer relaxation and easing body pains when submerged in it. Don’t forget to purchase their local produce of thermal perfumes and creams for your everyday home-made spa-like experience. If you want to see a waterfall while you are in the vicinity, try to visit the old mill to see the Waterfalls of Gorello. Be amazed with these natural surprises and enjoy a whole day of relaxation with great sights.

Grotta del Vento

Grotta del Vento or known as the Wind Cave, has been one of Italy’s best cave systems. You can wonder inside and feed your curiosity and see remarkable formations of underground fissures. Sparkling stalactites and stalagmites has formed odd-looking figures on the walls of the cave. If you are wondering why rocks glitter, it’s because the world is rich with minerals especially when seeing one inside a cave. So head on and experience great underground scenes and don’t forget not to touch the rock formations as this can kill its natural looks.

Maremma

This region expands across southwest of Tuscany bringing in the provinces of Grosseto and Livorno in its area. You can find the best beaches of rock or sand having translucent waters on this sight. If you are planning to spend a day or two here, it’s best to enjoy hiking and seeing the countryside or stroll along its coastline. You will never get disappointed with its waters as you can always take a quick dip if you are too hot.

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery found in Florence caters the best sights seen in Tuscany having it on its walls. This museum has been one of the oldest in the Western world and its popularity has made its way being one of the best tourist attractions in Tuscany. You can have a sneak peek of the masterpiece of Leonardo Da Vinci, Sandro Boticelli and a lot more. You surely will appreciate the vintage looks and technique of their works.

San Gimignano’s Towers

The town of San Gimingnano is known for its several arrays of towers that erects in the place. There were 72 towers counted which were built to last and to prove the prosperity of each family who possessed them. Another fact to know about Tuscany is that it can boast not only great sights but also rich citizens building massive structures just to prove their status in the region. It’s too good to be true but it actually is. J So visit this magnificent place and get to see massive structures of wealth of the famous and rich residents of Tuscany.

Italy is a paradise waiting to be explored. Find yourself some cheap flights to Italy and lost yourself in their amazing food, culture, wine and weather. You won’t be disappointed.