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lady-withbadhabits · 4 years ago

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Moscow Subway Stations to Check Out When You're in Russia

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Moscow Subway Stations to Check Out When You're in Russia

Moscow Metro Station is the most beautiful and luxurious metro station in the world, just like a huge underground art gallery.

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The Moscow Metro was built in the 1930s. At that time, Soviet leader Stalin used the subway as an ideological propaganda tool. He said: The subway must have the function of educating the people. At that time, the most outstanding architects and artists of the Soviet Union were assembled, and a large number of “tall” subway stations were built at any cost, which is very communist-chan. Although it costs a lot of money and labor, it has left an extremely precious artistic wealth for future generations.

The Moscow metro system consists of 14 lines (four of which will be connected in pairs in subsequent construction), with a total length of 360 kilometers, a total of 212 stations, 44 of which are listed as cultural heritage, and more than 40 metro stations are architectural monuments. It is the sixth busiest subway system in the world in terms of passenger flow (after Beijing, Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Guangzhou).

Each subway station has a unique shape and style, elegant and gorgeous, worth exploring, designed by a separate architect, and there are many renowned masters among them. Among the more than 200 subway stations, there will never be two that are the same. Each subway station uses stone from more than 20 different origins in the former Soviet Union Ural Mountains, Altai, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Ukraine, and paves the walls and floors, as well as reliefs and mosaics composed of marble, granite, ceramics, and multicolored glass. The mosaic paintings are dazzling and completely subvert the concept of the subway.

Every day the people of Moscow travel, it is like experiencing a baptism of beauty. The escalators leading to the exit were arranged in an orderly manner, standing consciously to the right.

In the initial stage of the construction of the Moscow subway, considering its military function, Stalin asked to dig deep at all costs. The subway with a maximum depth of 100 meters played an important role in the Great Patriotic War. In addition to becoming a well-equipped wartime headquarters, It can also serve as a wartime shelter, makeshift hospital, an air-raid shelter.

I remember the day I went to watch the semi-finals. When I got up from the subway, the Croatian fans and the English fans each occupied an ascending elevator to sing to each other. I held the phone and recorded the video for more than two minutes. Of course, there is another reason: this day is a match day, so you can take the subway with your FAN ID card! flower! money!

The Komsomolskaya Station of Line 5 (Комсомольская)

Built in 1952, has a Baroque style and is the pinnacle of Stalin’s empire architecture. Marble columns, elegant chandeliers, like a luxurious underground palace. The bright yellow mortar vault is dotted with exquisite mosaic mosaics on both sides, depicting famous generals, including Alexander Suvorov, Kutuzov, Peter the Great, Dmitry Donskoy, etc.

Line 5 Kiev Station (Киевская)

Built in 1954, the murals reflect the scenery and history of Ukraine. The sturdy Cossacks on the Don River, beautiful Ukrainian girls and ethnic dances, the beautiful scenery of Crimea and the Black Sea, and the gorgeous hollow plaster frames are the pinnacle of luxurious decoration of subway stations. Near the exit is the Kiev railway station leading to Ukraine.

Line 5 Xinzhuang Station (Новослободская)

Built in 1952, the designer is Alexey Dushkin, there are 32 brilliant stained glass murals, reminiscent of the glass windows in the church. Six of them describe the lives of the socialist people.

The Belarusian Station of Line 5 (БЕЛОРУССКАЯ)

Opened in 1952, is named because the exit is the railway station leading to Belarus. The sculptures are guerrillas, mostly scenes of people living, working, and fighting in Belarus. It was once the seat of the highest combat command of the Soviet Army during the Great Patriotic War.

Line 2 Mayakovs base station (Маяковская)

Built in 1938, belongs to the Stalinist neoclassical style. It won the design gold medal at the 1938 New York International Exhibition. The marble arches on both sides of the platform hall are inlaid with gleaming stainless steel. On the dome is a circle of illuminators, inlaid with mosaic murals by the famous Soviet painter Deineka, a total of 31 pieces. The name of the station is to commemorate the Soviet revolutionary poet Mayakovsky. There is a bust of him at the end of the platform hall. The party congress was once held here.

The Revolution Square Station (Площадь)

Line 3 was built in 1938. Since it is located near the underside of the Red Field, it must be “rooted in red.” The designer set up a pair of two-person-high bronze statues at the entrance of each porch, a total of 72 statues, including workers, farmers, students, soldiers of the three services, athletes, etc., everyone maintains a squat posture, or holds a weapon, or Gearing up, frowning one by one, as if waiting for the order to leave immediately.

　　Tips:

　　 1. The one-ticket system is divided into a single ticket, multiple tickets, day tickets, etc. You can transfer freely on the way.

　　2. There are many different routes at the transfer point, and the names of subway stations are different for different routes, which means that a subway station will have several different names.

　　3. Ticket check/swipe only at the entrance, no payment when leaving the station.

　　 4. It is best to prepare change before buying a ticket

　　5. The subway runs from 5:30 to 1:30 in the morning. It is not recommended to ride too late.

Although there are people coming and going in the subway, there is no hustle and noise, and no commercial advertisements to win over and kidnap people’s hearts. As far as I can see, there are only those exquisite murals and lifelike sculptures that have stayed in the last century. Art, history, public transportation, and society are perfectly integrated 100 meters underground. Sitting in an old subway car, passing platform after platform, as if experiencing the complete story from the Soviet Union to Russia.

Ready to go to Moscow?

#metro #moscow #russia #subway #transport

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lady-withbadhabits · 4 years ago

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What's in my Camera Bag? A Photography Gear Guide!

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What's in my Camera Bag? A Photography Gear Guide!

Gear. Whether we admit to it or not, we are obsessed with camera gear as photographers. I get asked the “What camera or lens are you using?” question often enough that if I had a dime for each time I’ve heard it, I’ll be able to buy the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens!

As every other photographer will tell you, gear doesn’t matter that much (and it’s true!), but I would be lying to you if I didn’t get excited about the thought of getting the latest and greatest Sony EF lenses.

I don’t always get the most expensive gear you can find. I tend to be all more cautious in my purchases and always factor in the ROI of a gear purchase as well as the price to performance ratio.

Backpacking with camera gear in the pacific northwest.

In short, you’ll probably be surprised by my gear choices. It’s catered to my personal preference and I would recommend that you get gear that will cater to your own style as a photographer.

Table of Contents

Useful Camera Gear and Guide:

Camera Backpack

Here’s what’s in my camera bag:

Camera & Drone

Sony A7III

GoPro Hero 7 Black

DJI Mavic Pro 2

Lenses

Sony LA-EA4 A-Mount to E-Mount Adapter

Tamron 15-35mm f/2.8 Di VC

Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5.0-6.3 Di USD G2

JJC DLP-7 Deluxe Water-Resistant Lens Pouch

Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3

Tripods & Stabilizers

K&F Concept Aluminum Tripod w/ Ballhead

Davis & Sanford TR654C-36 Traverse Carbon Fiber Tripod

Filters

Lens Filters for DJI Mavic 2 Pro Camera

B+W 77mm ND 1.8-64X

B+W Circular Polarizer Kaesemann (Xtra Slim Mount)

Photo Editing Hardware/Software

Lenovo Thinkpad P50

Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Photoshop

Conclusion

What’s in Your Backpack?

Useful Camera Gear and Guide:

How to Choose the Best DSLR

Choosing the Best Camera Bag

How to Choose the Best Mirrorless Camera

The Best Point & Shoot Cameras

How to Choose the Best Travel Camera

The Best Lenses for Sony A6000 Series

Why You Should Use a Polarizer

The Best Canon Lenses

If you didn’t find answers to any of the guides mentioned above or are just curious to see what gear I use, read on!

Camera Backpack

First, let’s talk about my camera bag. I’ve had over a dozen dedicated camera bags over the years and my current one, the Pygtech OneMo 25L Backpack, is my favorite so far.

My OneMo camera backpack with the Tamron 150-600mm (on its lens pouch) attached.

Partitions of the OneMo backpack

I got this backpack because I’ve added a drone to my arsenal – the Mavic 2 Pro to be exact. The modular bag allows me to compartmentalize my gear to any set up I want.

The built-in pouch can house a drone or a point and shoot and converts into a shoulder bag for quick access.

The 25L size with multi-fold dividers can carry all the gear I need and can even carry my 16-inch laptop.

There’s also a nifty expandable storage space that allows the bag to expand to 35L – it’s useful for carrying an emergency tent, jacket, or whatever else you might think of.

The tripod can mount directly on top of the bag with a modular strap or you can strap your tent or sleeping bag on top with the various hooks and straps designed unto the bag.

The bag can fly with you wherever you go because it’s well under the carry-on international size restrictions for a carry-on bag; in some cases, it can even qualify as a personal item (please check with your airline).

Here’s what’s in my camera bag:

Camera & Drone

I don’t dwell too much on camera features. I prefer to invest in lenses. Having a versatile system that can use lots of different lenses is the most important criteria in my camera selection.

The Sony A7III is the main camera in my backpack.

Sony A7III

I’ve had the Sony A series since its second inception, much more improved this time especially the battery life. Read my guide above about Mirrorless cameras and why you should consider it.

One of the benefits is the myriad of lens adapters you can purchase to use other lens systems! As you will see from my lens choices most aren’t even native Sony EF mount.

Check Price in Amazon

GoPro Hero 7 Black

GoPro Hero 7 strapped to my backpack’s shoulder pad.

My GoPro is a generation or two behind. I’ve found no need to upgraded the newer versions.

I attach this to a shoulder strap on my backpack for long hikes, to a body strap when I snowboard, bike, or go paddleboarding.

I love the versatility of the GoPro and its ability to be mounted on just about anything allows you to capture action/adventure at will.

This version has Image Stabilization the images don’t come out blurry during fast sequences.

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DJI Mavic Pro 2

The DJI Mavic Pro 2 in Lake Tahoe

I didn’t get into the Drone game until this came out.

Professional quality imagery is the reason why I did. The Hasselblad camera captures details that can match my Sony A7III.

Excellent features like auto-stitch panoramas allow you to capture even more details surpassing 50-Megapixels or more.

The great thing about the drone is the ability to control the exposure values manually, unlike lower cost drones on the market.

Check Price on Amazon

Lenses

I have an unconventional lens collection. I have always favored using adapters to be able to use the glass I want. With a mirrorless camera like the Sony A7III, doing this is even easier.

Sony LA-EA4 A-Mount to E-Mount Adapter

This amazing contraption allows you to attach Sony A-Mount lenses to your E-mount cameras like the Sony A7III above. You can find Sony A-Mount lenses that are a fraction of the cost of a similar E-Mount lens. The autofocus and autoexposure work as well.

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Tamron 15-35mm f/2.8 Di VC

This is my go-to Superwide angle lens. It’s not a native E-mount lens, it’s actually a Sony A-Mount that I use on the A7III via the LA-EA4 mentioned above. You would be hard-pressed to find a Superwide Angle lens for under 1k that’s as sharp and as fast!

Check Price on B&H Photo

Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5.0-6.3 Di USD G2

Tamron 150-600mm G2

This is not a native Sony E-Mount lens.

It’s made for the A-Mount which can be used using the LA-EA4 adapter.

This lens is massive but a joy to use!

The E-Mount counterpart is the Sony FE 200-600mm, which would cost you half as much more.

You’re giving up on fast autofocus so if fast-moving subjects is what you’re trying to capture, I recommend going for the Sony instead.

Check Price on Amazon

This is a huge lens so it has its own pouch, mentioned below:

JJC DLP-7 Deluxe Water-Resistant Lens Pouch

Compressing Mount Baker and the Space Needle

Great pouch for the Tamron 150-600mm, it has an independent shoulder strap which allows me to carry it by itself.

Otherwise, I attach it to the bottom strap of the OneMo backpack with the dual wrap-around strap system.

As mentioned, the Tamron 150-600mm is massive and very heavy, so I typically don’t take it with me on long hikes.

It is, however, great for compressing scenes – great in the Pacific Northwest where you can include Mount Baker or Mount Rainier in the backdrop.

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Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3

The 24-240mm Sony is my walk-around lens. It’s got great coverage and while it won’t win MTF charts awards, it’s plenty sharp and very versatile.

The best lens isn’t always the fastest or the sharpest, it’s the one you will use the most! If I’m going to have only ONE lens in my bag, this lens would be my pick.

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Tripods & Stabilizers

I’m a bit of a tripod fanatic. It allows me to take things slower and more methodical with my photographic approach. I can study the compositions better while I’m not hand-holding the camera.

Tripods always go with me on photo trips

K&F Concept Aluminum Tripod w/ Ballhead

This one is a lightweight aluminum type tripod with flip-lock legs for fast set up. I use it some times for when I want to capture multiple angles of the same scene during fast-changing dynamic lighting. It’s also very cheap and reliable.

Check Price on Amazon

Davis & Sanford TR654C-36 Traverse Carbon Fiber Tripod

This tripod is my go-to for long hikes and travel. It’s very lightweight and sturdy. Unlike the above, it’s utilizing a twist-lock mechanism for the legs.

Davis & Sandford isn’t a name brand you’re likely familiar with but the quality and build are great – I’ve been using it for years without fail in and out of the sand, water, dirt, mud, snow, cliff, and everything else in between.

Check Price on Amazon

Filters

I always use a filter whenever there is an opportunity for them. Polarizing filters are a staple in my backpack.

Circular Polarizer in action

Lens Filters for DJI Mavic 2 Pro Camera

One of the great features of the Mavic Pro 2 is the ability to attach filters to the camera. This filter set is amazing – it has polarizer and ND filters combined.

Check Price on Amazon

B+W 77mm ND 1.8-64X

This variable ND filter is useful for slowing down the shutter. Great for slowing down motion (like a waterfall) on clear and bright days. You can also use to get that surreal look from moving clouds, etc.,

Check Price on Amazon

B+W Circular Polarizer Kaesemann (Xtra Slim Mount)

Great polarizer that won’t cause vignetting on wide-angle lenses. The glass is topnotch and won’t degrade the image quality of your lenses.

Check Price on Amazon

Photo Editing Hardware/Software

My photo editing tools are fairly standard. However, my workflow might be a little different. I use Lightroom to do a majority of the editing and then do the final touches on Photoshop.

Lenovo Thinkpad P50

The Lenovo P50 is an old laptop, but it’s one overpowered machine for photo editing

I know this Laptop is outdated and old, but it handles any intensive photo editing I throw at it. I’ve upgraded it to the max – 64 GB Ram, SSD Dual Drives.

The built-in Pantone color calibration is a godsend for photography – saves you lots of money from having to purchase a separate color calibration tool and software.

You should be able to get the newer models of laptop, just make sure it has the Pantone feature and can expand to 64 GB Ram.

Check Price on Amazon

Adobe Lightroom

Since 98 percent of my images are shot in Raw format, I use a raw editor and viewer. Lightroom is more than a raw file editor. It’s also a catalog to keep track of your images. There’s a slew of editing features built into the tool and for most photographers, it’s all they’ll ever need.

Check Price at Adobe

Adobe Photoshop

After doing some basic or semi-advanced edits on Lightroom, my images get further touch-ups through Photoshop. I personally like to work with non-destructive editing through layers – which Lightroom lacks.

Check Price at Adobe

Conclusion

What’s in my backpack, my gear choices, cater to my style and needs as a photographer.

I’ve gone through a bunch of cameras and lenses throughout the years and I’m sure it will continue to change as I progress.

I don’t have a massive collection of lenses and gadgets like most photographers.

Every single gear I have gets nearly every time I go out of a photography excursion.

So far, I’m loving the OneMo backpack with its versatility and capacity. I also think it just looks darn cool, Lucky the Corgi seems to think so :)

What’s in Your Backpack?

This post contains affiliate links that in no way influence the opinion of the article. If you purchase an item from one of the links you clicked on, I will earn a small commission that doesn’t affect the price of the item.

#adventure #camera #gear #guide #photography #Travel

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lady-withbadhabits · 4 years ago

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Six Stunning Destinations to Visit where it's Not Crowded

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Six Stunning Destinations to Visit where it's Not Crowded

One of the reasons why people travel is to relax and get away from the daily stresses of life. Unfortunately, visiting famous tourist destinations can be such a hassle and stressful sometimes due to the throngs of tourists.

Thankfully, there are many places in the world that are stunning, but without the crowds. Besides, social distancing shouldn’t be an issue in these places once we’re allowed to travel again.

Table of Contents

Stunning Destinations to Visit:

1 – New Zealand

2 – Indonesia

3 – Peru

4 – Italy

5 – Canada

6 – Slovenia

Stunning Destinations to Visit:

Source

1 – New Zealand

Given New Zealand’s massive land area and with only 4.5 million inhabitants, you do not have to go far to seek complete solitude. Most of the population is concentrated in Auckland and other major cities, leaving plenty of open spaces to explore in the country.

The best way to discover its stunning landscape scenery is to go on a road trip. You can start in Auckland and drive your way to the Bay of Islands or take the East Cape route for a more exciting adventure down the road.

Source

2 – Indonesia

When going on a holiday in Indonesia, people will immediately think of Bali. But this world-famous island getaway is often filled with tourists. If you want to escape the crowd, then venture off-the-beaten-path on an exciting private Indonesian tour and get to see the things most of the regular tourists don’t.

Rent a motorbike and look for remote beaches and spots where you can enjoy some peace and quiet without the throngs of beachgoers. Book luxury accommodation at less-touristy areas on the island such as in Nusa Dua, Canggu, and Uluwatu.

The Sachaca district is one of Arequipa’s district in Peru.

3 – Peru

While most travelers to Peru would visit the large Peruvian hubs like Arequipa, Lima, and Cusco, venturing to the less popular destinations can leave you pleasantly surprised.

For instance, the city of Tingo María is perfect for nature lovers wanting to go on a trek to the Amazon jungle. Dubbed the “Door of the Amazonia,” Tingo María summons travelers to explore its stunning caves and caverns. The nearby rainforest and mountain ranges are also perfect opportunities for nature discovery.

Vernazza is one of 5 villages that make up the Cinque Terre.

4 – Italy

Italy is often overcrowded with tourists, but you can always get off the usual tourist trail and explore less crowded places. When visiting the Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful Mediterranean summer holiday destinations, skip the busy Ravello and Positano. Head further along the coast to the mountains and remote beaches of Cilento.

It also makes a big difference what time of year you travel to Italy. For example, you’ll not only find the weather more palatable but visiting popular regions like Sicily in October over the summer months can help you escape the crowds. In Tuscany, trek the panoramic hill of Arezzo or explore the medieval hill town of Murlo. Rent a villa at the quiet village of Santa Fiora or stay at one of the charming stone houses in Montefioralle.

A cold morning in Moraine Lake. Banff National Park Canada.

5 – Canada

Exploring the scenic natural beauty of Canada is something that most travelers would ever dream of doing. The Canadian Rockies in Alberta is the perfect place to visit when it comes to discovering impeccable scenery. Whether it’s the stunning blue waters of Lake Louise or the bighorn sheep of Jasper National Park, the Canadian Rockies are truly full of wonders. Just make sure to schedule your visit after the summer when there’s less crowd of tourists.

Source

6 – Slovenia

When visiting Slovenia, most tourists would go to the famous sights of Ljubljana, Bled, and Postojna Cave. But if you want to venture off-the-beaten-path, check out the Hell Cave and Pokljuka Plateau instead.

Lake Cerknica is also one of the best-kept secrets of Slovenia. It’s an intermittent lake that’s fun to visit at any time of the year. The spring of Krupa in the town of Semič is also worth checking out. This small spring emerges from a 98 ft rock surrounded with a lush green forest.

#Canada #indonesia #italy #new zealand #peru #slovenia

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lady-withbadhabits · 4 years ago

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Photo of the Day - Seattle Space Needle & Mount Baker

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Photo of the Day - Seattle Space Needle & Mount Baker

It took some detective work to get this shot.

First, Mount Baker is roughly 88 miles away from Seattle so you’ll need a very clear day for it to be visible in the city – which, in itself, is rare in the Pacific Northwest. On the flip side, the air tends to be very clean when it does clear up!

Second, you’ll have to be a location where you can line up the mountain with the Space Needle. I had to study the map of West Seattle then drive around the neighborhood along the coast and up the hills to see where it would all be visible.

Third, you need a very long lens to compress the mountain backdrop to the city skyline. I bought the Tamron 150-600mm just for this purpose.

Category Travel Exposure f8, ISO 100 Camera Sony A7III Lens Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 Filter Polarizer Location West Seattle, Washington

#photofeed #photography #Travel

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lady-withbadhabits · 4 years ago

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Photos of the Day - A Man and His Best Friend

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Photos of the Day - A Man and His Best Friend

Here’s a collection of photos from my adventures (so far) in the Pacific Northwest – mostly Washington State. I got a remote gig that allows me some freedom to pick and choose where to live and work and I’ve gotten a bit tired of the arid and fire-prone climate of California so I picked one of the wettest places in the West Coast!

Working at home can get draining and I’m sure a lot of people can now say the same because of the Pandemic. However, having a dog around certainly beats the daily doldrums of remote work. I always wanted a dog – a Golden Retriever or a Labrador in particular but I live in a one-bedroom apartment. I also like to travel and a bigger dog will become more of a hindrance than say a medium-sized dog. So when my birthday came around, I asked my wife for a dwarf version – a Pembroke Welsh Corgi!

I named him Lucky – it seemed like a fitting name because out of the breeder’s litter nobody picked him. He was the last pup in that litter and we’re the lucky ones to get him. Since then, I’ve included the pup in most outdoor adventures I’ve tackled in the Pacific Northwest. He doesn’t let his short legs be his handicap. He can hike just as well as bigger normal legged-dogs :)

Here’s Lucky and I by Heather Meadows in the Mt. Baker wilderness

We’re at Wenatchee River in the fall around the Bavarian Town of Leavenworth

Mount Shuksan in the winter

Watching the sunset at Rosario Beach in Deception Pass

Another shot of Mount Shuksan in the winter

Little Tipsoo in the fall

Picture Lake in the winter

Picture Lake in the Fall

Diablo Lake sunset

Rainier in the Fall

Hiking along Bagley Lakes in Mt. Baker wilderness

Checking out Mt. Erie summit

Mount Rainer in the winter

Luck the Corgi

Category Travel Exposure Various, ISO 100 Camera Sony A7III Lens Sony FE 24-240mm Filter Polarizer Location Various, Washington

#photofeed #photography #Travel

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lady-withbadhabits · 4 years ago

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Photo of the Day - Tirana (Albania) Skyline

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Photo of the Day - Tirana (Albania) Skyline

I spent a few days in Tirana, Albania. The capital city is surrounded by mountains. Well, Albania is mostly mountainous. One of the least popular European destinations and that’s too bad, I kind of liked it and I bet you would too! It reminds me of Bolivia – a bit dingy and mountainous.

One of the most unfortunate things I’ve noticed there (like Bolivia) is the trash. Trash is everywhere even all over century-old structures and relics.

I didn’t have a drone with me during this trip so I went to a bar with a view at the top – it was worth the overpriced cocktails just for the opportunity to take these photos. Tirana is a colorful place!

If you’re thinking about visiting Europe, do check this place out. It’s got a different vibe than other places in Europe – like East meets West sort of.

Category Travel Exposure f16, ISO 100 Camera Sony A7III Lens Sony FE 24-240mm Filter Polarizer Location Tirana, Albania

#photofeed #photography #Travel

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lady-withbadhabits · 4 years ago

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Photos of the Day - Rousanou Monastery of Meteora

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Photos of the Day - Rousanou Monastery of Meteora

Meteora is an unusual rock formation where some Eastern Orthodox Monasteries are built. It’s located in the town of Kalambaka in central Greece. The monastery here is called the Rousanou Monastery, which was founded around the 6th century.

Here’s a panoramic view of the same monastery if you follow the road up as it wraps around to the top. The rock formation isn’t composed of hard granite but, nonetheless, lots of rock-climbers make it a prime destination for rock climbing.

No one really knows where the monasteries were built and with what primitive means. There’s only nets and ladders to haul people and material up. Somehow, they still managed to build these magnificent structures!

There are actually six monasteries in Meteora. I’ve just been more fascinated with Rousanou to pay attention to the other ones. Perhaps the next time I visit Greece, I’ll explore and take more photos of the other ones.

Category Travel Exposure f16, ISO 100 Camera Sony A7III Lens Sony FE 24-240mm Filter Polarizer Location Bellevue, Washington

#photofeed #photography #Travel

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lady-withbadhabits · 4 years ago

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Drone Photos of the Day - Rainbow Over Northern Washington

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Drone Photos of the Day - Rainbow Over Northern Washington

It was raining on our way home via I-5 South from Anacortes Washington. The clouds somehow gave way to the sun and it’s enough to illuminate a double rainbow over the landscape. I quickly pulled off to the closest exit so I could at least capture the scenery. This the view and what a single shot of the Mavic 2 Pro drone can capture. It was raining like crazy and the drone would swerve and shake, compromising the photos. I took a bunch and this is one of the better ones.

I flew the drone further out and used the vertical panorama feature. It basically captures 9 images across the frame and then automatically stitches them together to form a composite photo that has much greater FOV – as you can see here. It captured the whole rainbow plus the extra surrounding compared to the first photo above.

Here’s another composite using the panorama mode of the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. I flew the drone as far as I can into the rain to capture a few angles. This scene wouldn’t be something I would see in California in early June! Here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s a common thing.

Category Travel Exposure f/4 @28mm, ISO 100 Camera DJI Mavic 2 Pro Lens Hasselblad 28mm Filter Polarizer Location Northern, Washington Photography Gear Guides Always Wanderlust Photo Gear

#apx #photofeed #photography #rainbow #Travel

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lady-withbadhabits · 4 years ago

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Photos of the Day - Chasing the Rainbow at 520 Bridge View Park

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Photos of the Day - Chasing the Rainbow at 520 Bridge View Park

There’s a little park at the edge of the 520 floating bridge in Bellevue. Bellevue, like most cities in Washington, has tons of little parks – green, often lush from the wet and moist climate. It rains a lot here! As such, there are multiple times in a year where I would see a full-blown rainbow just around the corner of my backyard.

I took these series of photos when another rainbow appeared, this time at 520 Bridge View Park. Here’s a bench where you can chill, and it overlooks the bridge that leads into Seattle from the Bellevue. If you walk directly to the left of the pathway here, you’ll end up in one of the wealthiest parts of Washington State – Medina.

Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates both have homes here. If you wanted to gaze at a few 30 million dollar plus homes (I have) you’ll have a field day in this place. Ironically, the city (Medina) is broke even with all the multi-billionaires living there because there are no income taxes collected in Washington! This is the 520 bridge which is one of two floating bridges (the other is the I-90 bridge) in Lake Washington that connects Bellevue to Seattle.

Exposure Various Camera Sony A7III Lens Sony FE 24-240mm Filter Polarizer Location Bellevue, Washington

#photo #photography #steempress #Travel

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lady-withbadhabits · 5 years ago

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Peace in La Paz, Mexico - Personal Musings of A Gringo

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Peace in La Paz, Mexico - Personal Musings of A Gringo

La Paz, Mexico

I’ve been staring at the same email for 15 minutes now. One of my best engineers has quit, I’ve had two new projects dumped on me, and now I’m being sent to Poland to sort out a problem I thought was fixed.

A week before Christmas, London is cold, dark, and depressing. I have a successful career in IT – and I’m thoroughly miserable. I lay my head flat on my desk and decide: enough.

From Mexico City to Tranquility Bay

Fun fact: Mexico City sits nearly 7,500 feet above sea level. The low pressure causes altitude sickness. But it also means water boils at 92°C / 198°F. That’s right – in CDMX, your tea or coffee isn’t quite as hot as you’d like it to be :)

After a week of headaches, lethargy – and cold tea – a short flight dropped us in La Paz on a glorious, sunny afternoon. You could almost taste the oxygen in the air.

Manuel Márquez de León is a small, efficient regional airport, and it only took half an hour or so to get our bags and escape Arrivals.

There’s a pre-paid taxi booth, which does the 20 minute run into town for about US$12/person. Not expensive, and unless you’re renting or being picked up, you’ve no other option. Uber doesn’t operate from the airport, and there’s no public transport. It’s a smooth trip. Traffic in La Paz is minimal; the roads mostly good. Good, because my seat belt won’t fasten.

Speeding into the Centro gives you a first chance to take in the scene: dry desert air, scrubby vegetation, palm trees and cacti, and the ever-watchful mountains to the south.

We got to our Airbnb without issue, to be met by our grinning Mexican host, Miguel.

“¡Hola! ¡Bienvenido a México! Is your first time?”

We made our introductions, dropped the luggage, had a quick tour around the apartment, and headed to the beach.

First Impressions

Our casa was about as central as it’s possible to be, and the walk to the sea should have taken about 10 minutes. It took three or four times that long; excited as kids on Christmas morning, we couldn’t stop taking pictures.

When you’ve spent so long looking forward to getting somewhere, the clash with reality on arrival can be jarring. Not so with La Paz. There are honest-to-god cactus trees growing in the streets! Palm trees, terracotta roof tiles, pretty low-rise houses, painted in soft pastel colours and then, dear reader, there’s the malecón. I’d explored it on Google Map., Seeing it in the flesh was breathtaking. It felt like we’d been transported into an old Western movie.

The malecón, or boardwalk, runs for 3½ miles along the seafront. For much of that length, it’s in impeccable condition: marble flagstones, solid sea walls, clean, tidy and well-presented. The Paceños take real pride in their waterfront.

In the central section, along with the heart of the Old Town, traffic is calmed. Every few hundred yards there’s some kind of sculpture: Jacques Cousteau, a frequent visitor. Mermaids and dolphins. A whale shark. The immense and moving Perla de La Paz:

And at the very heart lies El Kiosco (“the Kiosk”) – a bandstand and function area which hosts civic and cultural events on a regular basis.

As well as the bars and restaurants across from the malecón, there are hotels and dive shops, market stalls, street sellers selling incredibly cheap and tasty food.

But we were still to discover most of this. Climbing over the low wall by the Kiosk, we took off our shoes and splashed out into the crystal Sea of Cortes. Despite being November, the water was around 26°C/80°F.

Drying off, we wandered along the malecón to the La Paz sign. Mentally, this was the moment I’d been looking forward to.

Six months of planning, 6,000 miles to get here. We’d arrived in Mexico. In the bay of La Paz. The Jewel of the Sea of Cortes. We had our photo taken in front of the sign.

It felt wonderful.

Settling In

Over the weeks and months, we got to know the place pretty well. A few things you notice pretty quickly.

For example, La Paz has an official population of around 250,000, as of the 2015 census. It’s a big, low, flat city. Most of the buildings are one or two stories high. When land is so cheap, there’s little incentive to build high. The grid system works pretty well: despite occasional brutal thunderstorms and an impenetrable city roadworks policy, there is essentially no traffic.

After London, that’s a joyous feeling.

On the flip side: waste processing – and infrastructure in general – lags well behind Europe. We asked in every place we stayed, but there is no coherent plan for collection and recycling in La Paz. To make it worse, literally, everything comes with single-use plastic.

I paid for some bread and milk in Oxxo – before I’d even got my wallet out, they were scanned, scooped, dropped in a plastic bag, and handed to me by the bagging assistant. (Top tip: 10 pesos. Don’t be a Scrooge!)

Street tacos are often served on plastic dishes. These are washed and reused, but there’s a plastic sheet underneath the food – which isn’t. Buying empanadas? You may be able to buy them loose or in a paper bag. In Soriana, you get an 8” x 8” single-use plastic box for them.

And then, of course, there’s water management. Tap water isn’t drunk in Mexico: you get bottled water in. (It’s fine for making tea/coffee, and ice cubes in bars and restaurants are also safe). At the other… Uhm, end of the process, you’ll see waste bins beside most toilets. These are for toilet paper, sanitary products, and anything else that can find itself flushed away back home.

Mexican plumbing isn’t geared up for it. Use the basket. If you’re embarrassed at the thought, imagine having to explain to your host or front desk how you’ve blocked their pipes!

One other thing to bear in mind about La Paz is the cost of living. Yes, it’s Mexico, so it’s a lot cheaper than the US, Canada or the UK. But it’s also on the Baja peninsula. It’s the best part of 1,000 miles up to Tijuana, and the same again down to the nearest city (Mazatlan) across the Sea of Cortes.

To all intents and purposes, Baja California Sur is an island. Many staple products have to be shipped, flown or hauled from the mainland. And that costs.

Everything, from buses to beer, to cornflakes costs a bit more than in the big cities across the sea. This might partly explain why La Paz has one of the highest standards of living in Mexico – you need to be earning to afford it.

Being a Gringo In La Paz

There’s a lot of talk on Facebook groups and bulletin boards about the experience of being a Gringo in Mexico.

Let’s cut to the chase: Is La Paz a safe city? Obviously, I can only speak from my experience, and not for locals or other individual ex-pats or tourists.

At no time – not once – did I feel in the slightest danger in the three months I lived there. My partner got peseros to Zumba and boxing in the dark; not miles out of town, but a long way from the Centro. She also felt comfortable.

We’re not crazy-drinking teenagers, but a few times we were out for beers and ended up slightly the worse for wear. We felt in no danger walking home, and indeed, didn’t elicit very much interest from anyone. Ubers are safe, reliable and cheap.

My view on this is pretty much the same as you’ll read in sensible travel guides everywhere. Don’t walk around wearing conspicuous jewellery. Don’t flash cash. Don’t get involved with drugs, don’t get blind drunk and try to stagger home in the dark.

La Paz is a safe city (far safer than many), as long as you use the same common sense you would go anywhere else in the world.

Another topic that comes round from time to time on the boards is the “Gringo Tax”. For those not in the know, this is the idea that Mexicans will use any opportunity to extort additional funds from their “wealthy” visitors.

(You may not consider yourself wealthy – I’m an English teacher, so I certainly don’t. Nevertheless, when the minimum wage here is around US$32 a week, and I earn upwards of $10 an hour teaching online, it’s easy to see how the disparity arises).

Personally, I don’t think there’s much to the Gringo Tax. Sure, some chancers will take the opportunity if it comes round. And sometimes we’re just idiots!

I dropped some washing round at the laundry near our place. I was in a hurry, so I grabbed a couple of carrier bags, stuffed the washing in, and left them with the attendant.

When I queried the bill, it was pointed out that the price was per bag. Two bags – twice the cost. The woman helpfully suggested that next time I read the price list carefully before dropping the laundry.

Gringo tax? Idiot tax, more like.

Buyer beware!

Things to Do in La Paz – Getting out and about

La Paz is a perfect place to explore the rest of Baja California Sur. Car hire is pretty straightforward – just make 100% sure you check what is and isn’t included in the price. I found it really hard to compare companies, as they rarely compare apples and apples online!

In particular, check insurance is included and what it covers. It’s common for rental web sites to advertise daily rates as low as $3-4/day – then hit you with the extra $20-30 when you get into the office.

Buses between the major destinations are cheap and fairly frequent. They’re pretty luxurious too – if you don’t mind having Mexican soap operas or kids’ movies forced upon you by the in-house TV screens.

The must-visit locations are Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas, and the beach strip running northeast of the city.

Todos Santos

Todos Santos is a small, sleepy community an hour’s drive from La Paz. Its inhabitants are a mix of long-time local residents and immigrants; apart from its lovely old architecture, it’s mostly known for its art and craft scene. Everything is very expensive here, so bring a card – and some cash too, as the ATMs are unreliable, and at least one won’t pay out on foreign accounts.

Todos Santos: Arts, crafts, and boho happiness – at a price

Fun Fact: The famous Hotel California here was founded by a Chinese immigrant, known locally as “El Chino”. In the 1950s he started shipping ice from La Paz to Todos Santos and became wildly popular for having the only bar in town with a cold beer.

Smart guy.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is 2-2½ hours drive from La Paz. Depending on what you’re looking for, you’ll either love it or hate it.

“Cabo” has direct flights into major cities in the US and Canada, and is unashamedly a tourist resort. Everyone speaks English. Most visitors are wealthy compared to the locals, and the prices reflect that. (Think: US$11 for a pizza).

The Centro and marina would be beautiful, were it not for the crazy loud party bars, drunken tourists, and kids following you around trying to sell you drugs.

Pharmacies are everywhere, sometimes 2-3 in a row. They sell everything legal and some questionable. The kids even seem to be edging into this market – they were selling cocaine, marijuana, and Viagra. My only consolation was that they weren’t trying to sell me the latter!

We hated the place. It’s a Mexican Theme Park for gringos who want the comforts of home, in warmer weather, by the sea. This is not authentic in Mexico.

The whole area is unquestionably beautiful, but take my advice and get a bus or Uber out to one of the quieter beaches along the coast.

Not all beaches on the Cabo corridor are mobbed by tourists

The Beach Corridor

There are 5-6 beaches stretching off beyond the eastern end of the Malecon, starting with El Coromuel which is a stiff walk from the Centro. For the rest, you really need a car, cab or Playa Bus which can be arranged from the Tourist Bus Station by the kiosco.

Balandra Beach may have launched the career of a thousand Instagram influencers, but it’s a little over-rated in my opinion. It’s certainly pretty and scenic; but the water only comes up to your knees, even when you’re a long way out. For me, a beach where you can’t swim is missing something :)

If you want your Instagram shot, stop off at Balandra. Otherwise, carry on up the coast to Playa El Tecolote. It’s more remote and exposed, bigger, quieter, and affords lovely views of Isla Espirito Santo.

Playa Tecolote

Moving On and Final Thoughts

La Paz is a peaceful, pretty, and easy place to live. The natives are warm, the weather warmer, the sea a delight. If you’re used to the conveniences of home, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and other box stores are on the outskirts of town – but honestly, for simple living, you don’t need to venture out there often. (Unless you need tea. Don’t get me started about trying to find British tea!)

But for us, it’s just a little too quiet and peaceful. Sure, there are bars, restaurants and a club or two. There’s even a regular open mic at Bob Marlins. But after living in London for so long, eventually, the peace and relaxation turn into antsiness and a need for more stimulation.

We’re now in Guadalajara. But I’ll always think fondly of La Paz. It was the right venue, in the right country, at the right time. It looked after me during a big change of life, and it carved a place for itself in my heart.

Give it a go – it may end up doing the same for you.

Author Biography

Marco Crawford is a recovering IT manager. He’s now travelling through Latin America teaching English and exploring Latin culture.

His favourite quote is: ”Nobody’s gravestone reads ‘I wish I’d spent more time in the office.’”

Marco blogs at “Jocks Away Travel Blog”.

Social:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @jocksawaycom

Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter: @jocksaway_com

#bolivia #city #la paz #South America

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lady-withbadhabits · 5 years ago

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Where To Stay In Buenos Aires | The Best Places and Neighborhoods

New Post has been published on https://www.alwayswanderlust.com/where-stay-buenos-aires/

Where To Stay In Buenos Aires | The Best Places and Neighborhoods

Table of Contents

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Best Places To Stay In Buenos Aires

Microcentro – Where to stay in Buenos Aires for Central Location

Top 5 Things to Do in the Microcentro

San Telmo – Where to Stay in Buenos Aires on a Budget

Top 5 Things to Do in San Telmo

Palermo – Best Area to stay in Buenos Aires for Nightlife

Top 5 Things to Do in Palermo

Recoleta – Where to Stay in Buenos Aires for the First Time

Top 5 Things to Do in the Recoleta

Puerto Madero – Where to Stay in Buenos Aires for the New Trendy

Top 5 Things to Do in Puerto Madero

Villa Crespo – The Coolest Place to Stay in Buenos Aires

Top 5 Things to Do in Villa Crespo

Belgrano – The best Neighborhood in Buenos Aires for Families

Top 5 Things to Do in Belgrano

The Best Accommodation In Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The city-state of Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina. It’s rich; diverse culture has been shaped by the flow of migrants looking for a better life. Buenos Aires’ residents have come for over 100 years from all over Europe and Russia.

This sprawling metropolis is home to 13 million people spread across 40 diverse neighborhoods or barrios. The buildings and traditions have been stitched together from worldwide influences. European style architecture dominates the city center. When I first landed in Buenos Aires on a flight from Madrid, I thought the plane never left Spain!

Museo Histórico Nacional del Cabildo y la Revolución de Mayo

Buenos Aires an amazing place to visit and explore. So many places to see and things to do. You’d be hard press to spend only a couple of days exploring this expansive place. You’d need several days or even weeks.

But where to stay in this sprawling metropolis?

There are many neighborhoods and sections of Buenos Aires, and there are many places you pick. There are some neighborhoods I’ve omitted because either the location is too far away from cool stuff to do (and things to see) or simply there are not many options in terms of accommodations like “Retiro” for example.

I’ve also omitted the “La Boca” barrio, though beautiful in the daytime it can get very seedy at night. It’s generally not a good place to be, and it tends to have a higher crime rate than the rest of the city. I’ve picked (and tested) the best places where you can have fun and stay reasonably close to all the tourist attractions, while being safe, in Buenos Aires. You can read all about it below.

The Best Places To Stay In Buenos Aires

I spent about two months in this city. To say it’s huge is an understatement. I’ve stayed in dank hostels in downtown and event rented fancy apartments with the celebrities in Palermo. There are some seedy areas in the city and some very cool places. I’m here to give some insights on where to stay and what to do in those places.

This guide to some of the best neighborhoods will help you to choose the best place for you. A base to set out explore this fascinating city.

Pro Tip: Read my detailed travel guide on Argentina for tips on traveling in the country and how to save time and money.

Microcentro – Where to stay in Buenos Aires for Central Location

A rainbow hovers above the Plaza de Mayo and Piramidi de Mayo

This is the corporate heart of the city. During the day, it is busy and lively. At night when the office workers leave, it is quieter. Plenty of restaurants and shopping catering for residents and tourists. There are easy transport links to the bus and rail network. An ideal central location for exploring this vast and fascinating city.

Microcentro, Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Top 5 Things to Do in the Microcentro

This is Buenos Aire’s cultural and historic district. No doubt, you will find the most iconic architecture in the city. Just walking around the Plaza de Mayo will show you most of the European style buildings of the city.

1 – Walk around the Plaza de Mayo

Go for a stroll and admire the buildings. This is the oldest public square in Buenos Aires. It’s the place where the public have gathered throughout history. The Casa Rosada is the government house. It is also known as the pink house. Guess why! Eva Perón spoke from the balcony in 1940 – an event that is featured in the song Evita.

There is an interesting museum behind Casa Rosada that explores the history of Argentina. It is free to visit. The Cabildo de Buenos Aires houses the national museum. It concentrates on the May Revolution and the fight for independence.

2 – Check out the El Obelisko

A national monument that commemorates the 400th year of the founding of the city. It was erected in 1936 and has recently been cleaned up and restored. It is an impressive 67m high. Stand at its base and marvel at the widest street ever. The Avenida 9 de Julio has so many lanes.

El Obelisko at night

Impressive and slightly terrifying for the pedestrian, but don’t worry, there are lots of people crossing the street towards the Obelisko. The monument is worth checking out at night or dusk when it lights up and displays all its glory.

3 – Tango and Shopping

Browse through the shops in the Florida Mall and enjoy the street performances of Tango. Then visit the Confiteria Ideal, a beautiful building that has starred in many films. Take a tango lesson or join in with a dance party at El Baso on a Friday afternoon.

4 – Visit Two Iconic Buildings

The Palacio Barola is uniquely designed around Dante’s Divine Comedy. It is an office block with 22 floors. To see this remarkable building, you need to book onto a guided tour. A 1920’s elevator takes you from floor to floor. On the roof, there is a lighthouse from which you can see a panoramic view of the city. You may prefer a night tour, which includes a wine tasting.

The Casa de la Cultura has a room – the Salon Dorado, inspired by Versailles. Think gold cherubs and rococo style. This building was commissioned for the La Prensa newspaper. The building is topped by a bronze statue of Pallas Athena – the goddess of wisdom. She represents the freedom of the press. Visit on a Friday evening to enjoy a musical performance.

5 – Kitsch Culture

Take a guided tour of La Botica del Angel, the birthplace of the “café concert.” This was the home of Eduardo Bergara Leumann. He was an actor and TV presenter with a flamboyant style. The interior displays bling at an extreme level. If it glittered, he loved it.

San Telmo – Where to Stay in Buenos Aires on a Budget

This is the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires. The site of the first industrial works in the 17th century. It housed the dockworkers and the brickmakers. It is named after the patron saint of seafarers.

The most multicultural area of the city. The colonial buildings and the cobbled streets echo the lives of past inhabitants. Now the buildings house antique shops, steak houses, cafés, and tango parlors. The area is famous for its murals and pop-up galleries. The Paseo de la Historieta runs through San Telmo, and you can see comical structures throughout.

Budget accommodations are plentiful in San Telmo, so if you’re on a tight budget, I recommend you stay here. There are also lots of places to eat for cheap. There are few luxury hotels, but they do exist in San Telmo. See below.

San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Best Accommodations In San Telmo

Luxury – L’Adresse Hôtel Boutique

The La Bombonera Stadium is reachable within 1.3 miles of L’Adresse Hôtel Boutique. The place has express check-in and check-out, a bar, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout.

3 or 4 Stars – Bohemia Hotel

This hotel is situated in the oldest and best-preserved neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and surrounded by bars, tango shows, and shops. Breakfast is served daily.

Budget-Friendly – Puerto Limon Hostel

Centrally located in Buenos Aires, Puerto Limon Hostel is a cozy vintage style hostel. There are spacious accommodations with free WiFi access throughout the property. The rooms come with air conditioning, a bathroom, and a flat-screen TV. Shared kitchen and an outdoor area with BBQ facilities are also available.

Top 5 Things to Do in San Telmo

1 – Visit the Plaza Dorrego

The Plaza Dorrego is the beating heart of San Telmo. A historic square with plenty of bars and cafés. You may be lucky and witness an impromptu tango performance. Or you can visit one of the many milongas (tango parlors) to see the dance that was born here.

On Sunday, the square hosts a sprawling antique fair. Almost 300 stalls crowd together accompanied by street entertainers. In the surrounding streets like Calle Defensa, the stalls offer crafts and unique gifts. If you are looking for clothing, visit Pasaje Guiffra.

2 – Visit the Convento de Santo Domingo

This Dominican convent was built in the 18th Century. The British lay siege to it in the 19th Century. It was turned into a museum when the Dominicans were thrown out. The interior is a beautiful example of the Spanish colonial style. Manuel Belgrano, a national hero, is buried here. A beautiful building a short walk from Plaza Dorrego.

3 – Check out Casa Mínima

This is a small narrow house that was supposedly built by freed slaves. Or gifted to a free slave. It’s a great and charming story that highlights the historic slavery that existed in Buenos Aires and the rest of the world. It is a fascinating little house and worth including in a walk around the historic buildings. Blink, and you may miss it.

4 – Admire the Architecture

Take a breath and look around. The mix of cultures has resulted in some lovely and unusual buildings in various styles. Many of the old colonial houses are now galleries and shops. Look out for the Solar de French. Once the home of a French soldier, now a place to shop. Many quirky artisanal wares.

5 – Museum of Modern Art (MAMBA)

The building was a tobacco warehouse built in the 19th Century. The museum has been recently restored (2010) and contains an impressive amount of Argentine art. Also, work by many modern artists like Salvador Dalí and Henri Matisse.

Palermo – Best Area to stay in Buenos Aires for Nightlife

Floralis Genérica structure in Palermo

Palmero is the largest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Lively and vibrant. Palmero has it all. Historical museums, restaurants, art galleries, and green spaces. It is so large that it is a collection of neighborhoods. Each has its own distinct feel and attractions. This place is also active at night, featuring bars and nightclubs.

If you’re staying in Buenos Aires a little longer than a month, Palermo is your best choice. I recommend you find an apartment rental. My then-girlfriend (wife now) rented an apartment for a month in Palermo. It’s one of the up and comping neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and fairly clean. Outside of this, check out my recommendations for the best accommodations in Palermo.

Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Best Accommodations In Palermo

Five Star – BE Jardin Escondido

Here’s an upscale hotel by Francis Ford Coppola. Luxurious rooms are furnished with upscale decor and equipped with plasma T.V. Alto Palermo Shopping mall is close by.

3 or 4 Stars – Soho Point Central

Located in the trendy Palermo Soho neighborhood. This hotel is just one block from Serrano Square and the many pubs and cafes in the area. The Line D subway station is five blocks away.

Budget-Friendly – Caravan BA | Hostel Boutique

Caravan BA | Hostel Boutique has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar, a lounge, and a garden. Continental and buffet breakfast options are available daily. The property has a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and a currency exchange for guests.

Top 5 Things to Do in Palermo

1 – Visit the Museums

MALBA – Museo de Arte de Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires. Founded in 2001, it boasts a fabulous collection of Latin American art. Tickets are cheap and start at $2 per person.

Museo Evita – dedicated to the life and impact of Eva Perón

Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández – the collection of the family Blanco. A small museum filled with a collection of religious icons and silver.

2 – Go to the Gardens

Palmero has two notable gardens. A botanic garden and a Japanese garden. Both are an exquisite day walking around fabulous green spaces. There’s a small fee to get into the Japanese garden but well worth it. You can always see this along with other notable attractions via the Hop-on-Hop-off bus.

3 – Take a Walk in the Parks

Parque Tres de Febrero contains the Galileo Galilei Planetarium. There are many other green spaces to enjoy. An impromptu picnic?

4 – Visit the Buenos Aires Eco, Park

This used to be known as the city zoo. It still retains the collection of animals.

5 – Food Culture

The Argentine meat platter is impressive. Most restaurants serve this grilled dish. La Cacrera is well-known for this dish.

The Plaza Serrano is the place to go for cocktails and drinks. If you want a view of the ocean with your favorite drink, then head to the historic Club de Pescadores.

For shopping and food, visit Palmera Hollywood with its fashion stores and upmarket restaurants.

Recoleta – Where to Stay in Buenos Aires for the First Time

A wealthy barrio with upmarket boutiques and exclusive schools. It’s famous for its buildings. The former palaces and townhouses are in the fine art style. A quiet walk in the early morning or late afternoon will let you experience how it resembles Paris.

If it’s your first time in Buenos Aires, this would be your ideal place because it will have most of its famous tourist attractions within walking distance. Buenos Aires is a big city, but I walked from neighborhood to neighborhood without exhausting myself. It’s a pedestrian-friendly city.

Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Best Accommodations In Recoleta

Five Star – Alvear Palace Hotel

The Hotel has 192 guestrooms and suites decorated in a modern French style. Renovated top floors show off 15 spacious suites. Alvear Suite and higher categories provide exclusive service, where a team of butlers assists guests, making their stay a memorable experience.

3 or 4 Stars – Hotel Etoile

Hotel Etoile offers elegant well-lit suites overlooking the charming French-style Recoleta Gardens, 2,950 feet from 9 de Julio Avenue, and 1.1 mi from Florida Pedestrian Street. Guests can enjoy the fine cheese and wine bar and taste Argentinean meat at the on-site restaurant. WiFi is free in all areas of the hotel.

Budget-Friendly – La Bamba Hostel

WiFi is provided throughout the property. La Bamba Student Hostel is a 19-minute walk from Recoleta Cemetery and one mile from Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. The Colon Theater is 1.1 miles, and the Obelisk is 1.5 miles. A shared kitchen, a shared lounge, and currency exchange are available for guests.

Top 5 Things to Do in the Recoleta

Outside of the famed cemetery with the same name, the Recoleta neighborhood is full of colorful things to do. There’s a shopping mall and a movie theater right next to the cemetery if you get tired of looking at tombs.

1 – Visit Recoleta Cemetery

This strange and beautiful graveyard dates back to 1822.

All the graves are above ground and are ornately decorated.

The building styles are an eclectic mix of ancient, modern, and quirky.

There are at least 6,400 graves.

Each one a marvel. It’s worth taking a tour to learn about some of the fascinating people buried here.

Famously Eva Perón, twenty years after her death.

Every grave has its own tale to tell. Not just the high-status ones.

Open 8:00 am, and the gates close at 6:00 pm.

2 – Check out a Bookshop and a Library

One of the 12 largest bookshops in the world. The fabulous El Atenceo Grand Splendid is worth a visit. Not just for books but for the building. It began in 1919 as a theatre. A short spell as a cinema. Now an exquisite bookshop. You can drink a cup of coffee while listening to the piano player. Admire the sumptuous theatrical décor. Red velvet drapes and fresco ceilings provide the opulent backdrop to the rows and rows of books.

The National Library of Argentina is built in the brutalist style. It is built on the grounds of the demolished Unzué Palace. This was the residency of President Juan Perón and his wife, Eva. The reading room on the fifth floor has a spectacular view. You will need identification to gain access to the library. The library has close to a million historical documents, some of which date back to the 16th century. A fascinating glimpse of past lives and troubles.

3 – Get a Dose of Culture

At not one but three museums.

The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes houses art by Titian, Goya, and Rembrandt.

The Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo has period furniture, silver, and some exquisite Zubov miniatures from Russia.

The Centro Cultural Recoleta has sculptures, interactive exhibits, events, and workshops.

4 – Visit the Parque Thays

Enjoy a walk around the sculptures. The park was named after Carlos Thays – a French landscape architect. He designed many of the green spaces around the city. Look out for the impressive sculpture by the Columbian artist Fernando Botero – the nude male torso (Torso Masculino Desnudo). As well as Marta Minujín’s United Nations statue and many others.

Stroll through Calle Junín to see some of the wonderful former palaces like Palacio Duhau and Pizzurno Palace.

5 – It’s time to Shop

At the weekend, make time to visit the Feria de Artesanos de Plaza Francia. The 150 plus stands offer a wide range of high-quality handcrafted goods. At a substantial discount to the same goods gound in the upscale shops. A festive atmosphere is provided by a range of street performers. Plenty and varied street food to enjoy as you decide what to buy. Or just soak up the atmosphere. All kinds of traditional and modern items made from silver, leather, and ceramics.

Need a coffee break? Then head to the year-old Café La Biela. Serving its customers for 150 years. You can sip your coffee on the terrace shaded from the sun by a giant rubber tree. The name means ‘connecting-rod.’ Once, it was the meeting place for racing car champions. The interior is decorated with motoring memorabilia. The café is recognized as a Place of Cultural Interest.

Puerto Madero – Where to Stay in Buenos Aires for the New Trendy

This was once a run-down dockland. It has been refreshed through a decade of regeneration. This is a quiet and safe place to visit. Celebrated architects like Santiago Calatrava have contributed to the transformation.

This place is surrounded by modern high-rises yet close to the historic district. There are many waterfront restaurants, and if you happen to be there during New Year, there’s the fireworks show.

Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Top 5 Things to Do in Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is a hip hang out. There are lots of modern structures and top-notch restaurants throughout. It’s a perfect place for a late-night stroll.

1 – Burque Museo Corbeta A.R.A “Uruguay”

This nautical museum is close to the Sarmiento. This ship is a corvette. You can find out about its history from the exhibitions and items displayed inside. It had an interesting working life that included a rescue mission to Antarctica as well as naval battles.

2 – Buque Museo Fragata Sarmiento

You can explore the ship and take that perfect Instagram photo from the deck. A view of the Buenos Aires skyline. You are standing on a ship that has been six times around the world. It was built in 1890. Only ever used as a training ship.

3 – Walk over Puente de la Mujer

The bridge designed by Calatrava. A fantastic blend of engineering prowess and art. Based on the idea of a couple dancing the tango. The bridge swings 90° to allow ships to pass up the river. Keep an eye out, especially if you’re there on the holidays for spectacular fireworks!

4 – Visit the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve

The best way to see this giant park is by bike. There are many hire shops. You can explore a variety of habitats from forest to lagoons. Enjoy a stroll along the ocean’s edge. This is a free attraction.

5 – Visit El Zanjón

In 1536 this was the first settlement of what was to grow into Buenos Aires. A large Mansion was constructed here in the 19th Century. Some of the original structures were destroyed in the process. Tourists can now explore the site as a collage of different times. Colonial buildings alongside a ruined mansion.

Villa Crespo – The Coolest Place to Stay in Buenos Aires

This is a district that manages to balance being modern and traditional. This is the barrio with a large Jewish population. Take a stroll around the streets, and you will come across historic synagogues.

Villa Crespo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Top 5 Things to Do in Villa Crespo

1 – Shop for Leather Goods

Murillo is both the traditional and current center for the craft of worked leather. You will find many shops covering any item that can be made out of leather. If you have the time, you can have a custom made item to fit you.

2 – Enjoy Dining

A multicultural community with a varied range of restaurants. Sample Jewish dishes at La Crespo. Try middle eastern cuisine at Sarkis. If you’re a meat-eater, you’ll be in heaven!

Argentina has some of the best beef in the world. Definitely go for the Argentine Parilla.

3 – Parque Centenario

A circular park covering 12 hectares. Plenty to do and see. The park contains the Bernardino Rivadavia Argentine Museum of Natural Science. It is open every afternoon until 7 pm. For festivals and events, visit the Eva Peron Amphitheatre.

At the edges of the park, you will find an assortment of stalls. A book fair all week and a weekend market.

4 – Explore the Streets

As well as the buildings, you can admire the art. Villa Crespo is famed for its murals. Buenos Aires is acknowledged as one of the top cities for urban art. They can be seen all over the area, but there are some spectacular examples at the crossroads of Castillo and Serrano. You can take an organized tour to seek out the hidden gems. This is free art on a giant colorful scale.

5 – Enjoy a Night Out

Visit Club Silencio for cocktails while you watch a performance. You begin the experience with a blindfold and are led through a sensory musical experience. This club is based on the David Lynch club of the same name in Paris. Or you can go to Villa Malcolm for cheap wine and tango dancing. Café San Bernardo offers pool, dancing, and your drink of choice.

Belgrano – The best Neighborhood in Buenos Aires for Families

In this friendly neighborhood, you can see old Anglo-Saxon style family houses mixed together with sleek, high-rise apartment blocks. There are two things to watch and listen for while walking around the sidewalks.

The unique dialect that is a mixture of Spanish and German. It’s called Belgranodeutsch. The other is the dog walkers. They have masses of dogs. There is a rule that there is a maximum of ten dogs per person. This is often ignored with people walking twice that number.

Belgrano, Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Top 5 Things to Do in Belgrano

1 – Go Shopping for Clothes

This is the area for fashionistas. The shops are centered around Avenida Cabildo. You can get anything from top designers down to fast fashion.

2 – Barrancas de Belgrano

There are many green spaces across Buenos Aires. In Belgrano, the park is designed by the French-Argentine architect Carlos Thay. It was created by moving a river by building an artificial embankment. Over 60 different varieties of trees and plants grow here. It is a pleasant green space to relax in the midst of the city.

There are many sculptures to enjoy as you stroll around. Most famously a replica of the Statue of Liberty. It was made by Frédéric Bartholdi. The same creator as the iconic statue.

In the evening you can watch tango dancers at the bandstand.

3 – Visit a Museum

There are two museums. The Larreta Museum is housed in the former home of the Argentine writer Enrique Larreta. Inside there are exhibits of his modern art collection. His love for Spain is reflected in the exhibits and the beautiful tiled floors. Outside, the garden is laid out in the Andalusian style.

The Historical Museum Sarmiento was once the town hall. It is built in the style of an Italian townhouse. The museum covers Argentine history. You can take a guided tour, and there is a museum gift shop.

4 – Visit River Plate Stadium

This is the largest stadium in Argentina. It is the venue for most of the international football matches played in this country. Depending on your preference you can watch a football match or a concert. Or you can visit the sports museum on the site. At 3,500 square feet, it is the largest museum dedicated to sporting achievement in the World. The stadium sits in the Estuary of the Rio de la Plata. The silver river, but the English mistranslated it as a plate. The Argentine name for the stadium is Estadio Monumental.

5 – Walk Around the Streets

If you are passing the Inmaculada Conceptión Church in the afternoon, you may be lucky enough to see a bright and colorful wedding party. The building itself is beautiful. It is built in a round shape and has a lovely interior and an interesting history.

After you have enjoyed the architecture, make sure you end up in the Barrio Chino – China Town. You enter through an ornate stone archway. Here you can enjoy the noodle bars and street food. But you can also sit down in a high-end restaurant to enjoy the very best oriental cuisine. Around February, you may be fortunate enough to see the Chinese New Year celebrations. Plenty of shops selling a mixture of oriental goods.

The Best Accommodation In Buenos Aires?

Are you looking for the best hotels in Buenos Aires, regardless of the location? Don’t have the time to look at the various neighborhoods and barrios? Here are my top picks for hotels and other accommodations in Buenos Aires!

If you want the best views in Buenos Aires, there can be none better than the Hotel Panamerico! The top floor lounge is reserved for guests only, and you won’t be able to get the insane view of the Avenida 9 de Julio with the Obelisko unless you book a room in the hotel. It’s rated at 4.5 Stars, so it’s not exactly friendly if you’re in a tight budget.

I think the view with all the photos I was able to get is well worth it. I think I paid just a hair over $100 a night, but the photos I got from the top are priceless. Just click on the link of this page to get the best deals in rooms.

This post contains affiliate links from Booking.com or similar. It costs nothing to you should you purchase or book from our affiliate links.

#argentina #belgrano #buenos aires #hotels #locations #microcentro #neighborhoods #palermo #places #puerto madero #recoleta #South America #Things to do #Travel #villa crespo

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lady-withbadhabits · 5 years ago

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Georgia Travel Guide: The Shangri-La of Caucasus

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Georgia Travel Guide: The Shangri-La of Caucasus

The geographic and climatic variety of Georgia makes it an all-season country to visit. Georgian people are fortunate to be living in this fertile edge of the Caucasus. Located at the conjuncture of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, Georgia has always been a beautiful land. Georgian call their country Sakartvelo, “Kartveli” means Georgian in their language. So welcome to the beautiful area of Kartvelian people!

Where is Georgia?

The Black sea is to the west, Russia to the north, and Turkey & Armenia to the south. Tbilisi is the Capital city of Georgia and the largest. A powerful Georgian kingdom existed between the 10th and 13th centuries. However, Georgia has been a victim of invading empires and conquest.

After a long rule of the Turks and Persians, it was annexed by the Russian empire in the 19th century. Eventually, Georgia became independent on April 19, 1991, not long after the fall of the Soviet Union. Lari is the Georgian currency.

Major Cities & their Population

Major Georgian cities include:

Tbilisi – 1,049,498

Kutaisi – 178,338

Batumi – 121,806

Zugdidi – 73,006

Rustavi – 50,000

What is so Fascinating about Georgia?

The northern border of Georgia includes several dramatic mountain roads. These mountainous ranges offer hikes of a few hours and treks of several days. The most crowd-pleasing trek is the four-day route from Mestia to the unbelievably delineated Ushguli. Shkhara (5193m), Georgia’s highest peak, is steeping behind Ushguli. Mountain biking territories are also available in Georgia (bikes available for rent locally). A three-hour road trip to North of Tbilisi leads you to Mount Kazbek (5047m).

Besides, horse-trekking is also popular in Georgia. Another profound thing about Georgia is its language. The Georgian comes with its dominant taste that you might not hear in other languages. The unusual sounds make this language unique. Georgian has its 33-alphabet, including some consonants that are to be articulated in the back of the throat. The alphabets look very much the same. A jiggle in mouth and your “K” can change into “V.” Georgian writing is even more beautiful than the spoken language itself.

Where should you stay in Georgia?

There are a lot of exciting places to stay in Georgia. Hotels and hostels for any needs and budget. It’s always better to stay near the most famous landmarks, so follow your itinerary. There are some interesting urban spaces to stay in, for example, Fabrika Hotel in Tbilisi. If you are seeking luxury, Radisson Blu, Rooms hotels, Crown Plaza Borjomi, or the most luxurious hotel Paragraph are waiting for you.

Georgian cuisine is soothing

Georgian food is deservedly famous among visitors. The popular national dishes include “Khachapuri” (resembles a cheese pie) and “Khinkali” (spiced meat in a dumpling). Dumplings are the most famous in this part of the world. If one wants to enjoy the delicious filling and savory of it, then he must forget a knife and fork because cutting the dumpling would spill the juice and ruin the taste.

Apart from these, Churchkhela is the most eye-catching food of all. It is considered a war food in Georgia because of its proteinous nature. Grape juice is poured over walnuts gently so that it gives the essential taste. Churchkhela is served with coffee at home nowadays.

Georgian Wine

Georgia’s high-quality beer production is famous all around the world. After independence from the Soviet Union, Georgia improved its quality in beer production and introduced its products to the world. Beer is the long-lived tradition in the mountains of Caucasus. Kazbegi, Aluda, Lomisi, Natakhtari, Argo are some of the Georgian beers.

It also has foreign beers, including; Heinekin, Bitburger, Lowenbrau, etc. The ancient tradition of wine production (red and white) makes Georgia the birthplace of it. French and Italian wines are rival to Georgian wine.

Folk Music & Dance

The culture of Georgia lies in its musical folklore. It expresses the beautiful nature, everyday life, and traditional values of Georgia. The most famous forms of Georgian music are church and folk polyphony.

The singers are usually men. The typical Georgian song consists of three male voices. Georgians sing while celebrating events or working. Mravalzheimeri is the most popular song sung at weddings and the new year.

In 1997, NASA sent a Voyager 2 to space with 25 golden melodies. Chakrulo, a classic and old polyphonic Georgian song, is among them. It was also included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage.

Georgian dance contains life in itself. It incorporates various forms of rituals and ceremonies. It expresses a traditional attitude of men towards women. Male dancers need a lot of energy and stamina. A man dances on his tiptoes without any special shoes. A woman in Georgian dance is reserved and tries to stay humble.

“Kartuli” is a traditional dance performed by both the groom and bride at their wedding ceremony. It represents devotion and love to the bride from her soulmate.

Georgian choreography is full of warrior dances. It reflects the history where men had to defend their land against invaders. People symbolically portray unity between soldiers. Example: “Khorumi Dance.”

Religion in Georgia

Around 80% of Georgia’s population is Christian. Most of them belong to the Georgian Orthodox church. Georgia was the 2nd country after Armenia to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 326 CE. In the 5th century, the Bible was translated into the Georgian language. In the earliest of the centuries, Zoroastrianism was commonly practiced in Georgia.

It always remained a Christian majority despite frequent invasions by Muslim rulers. Regardless of the huge influence of Christianity, Georgia has lots of tolerance for other religions as well. The constitution of Georgia provides religious freedom. The country protects the rights of citizens in this regard and allows them to practice their religion.

People from the Southern and the Southwestern parts of the country (like Adjara) are Sunni Muslims. Islam is the 2nd most influential religion. The religion first came during the era of the third caliph, Uthman. Today, Georgia has two major Muslim groups, the Sunni Hanafis and the Ithna Ashariya (mainly from ethnic Azerbaijan community). There are also a small number of Catholics.

Resources in Georgia

Georgia is rich in natural resources. On the southern slope of, deposits of manganese, silver-lead, coal, barite, and marble are found. In some areas, copper, zinc, mercury, arsenic, and marble are mined. Georgia is also known for its rich mineral waters. Mineral waters have equal importance as the other minerals. Almost all kinds of mineral water are found in the country.

The natural spring water creates a situation for the treatment of patients with cardiovascular, endocrine, and digestive system disorders. Another important resource in Georgia is its river network. Out of 26060 rivers, 18109 are located in western Georgia while 7951 in eastern Georgia. It also has thermal waters, which can be very useful in the agriculture and energy sector.

Georgia has around 850 lakes. The lakes are of very diverse origin. The majority of the lakes contain freshwater with a very little amount of salt. The largest lake in volume is Lake Paravani, in-depth – Lake Ritza. These water reserves are very important in terms of agriculture. Flora is also an important resource in the country.

Nearly a third of the land of the country is covered with woods. The amount of this wood and greenery is higher in the mountains. A magnificent variety of herbs can be found in alpine and subalpine meadows in the woods of the Black Sea coast. Trees of oaks, hornbeams, chestnut trees, maples, beeches are found.

Forests contribute to the economy through the production of wood and wood products. The forests are also important for the country’s biodiversity, which provides a unique ecosystem.

More Visitors every Year

Having less than 100,000 visitors annually to around 6.5 million visitors is not just the outcome of it being a nice place to go. It includes various other reasons. The political change in Georgia has resulted in tourist attraction because it has opened itself to the world. Change in the country’s foreign policy has opened doors for tourism. The country’s policymakers have worked a lot in the tourism industry because of its potential in increasing the GDP.

The eye-catching developments have oriented Georgia towards increased tourism. The main issue with tourism is the language barrier. But in recent times, the Government has adopted pro-English policies. It now ranks 45th in the world out 88 for English proficiency, above Chile and China.

One of the easiest ways to increase visitor ratio is just by allowing people to travel to your country. To achieve this goal, the Government has introduced a non-restrictive visa policy. The food supplies in the hotels and the architecture of hotels and restaurants are not 100% assured. In 2015, World Bank loaned around 60 million to the country.

The money was invested, with a specific goal of improving tourism in the Samtskhe-Javakheti and Mtskheta-Mitaneti regions. Previously these regions were out of the tourism circuit. Georgia has improved a lot in the recent past.

Tbilisi – The capital City of Georgia

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, with over 1.5 million inhabitants. The old town Tbilisi is a grassed enclosure with houses built around small courts. The newer parts of the capital are of modern architecture. The local art shops, wine houses, family-run guesthouses add to the buzz-life of Tbilisi.

The Paris Wheel in the park is the highest point in Tbilisi. It also has a small amusement park, bars, and restaurants. Couples can enjoy the exuberant landscape in the evening. The park can be easily reached by Bus 124. Tbilisi is considered one of the best clubbing cities in Eastern Europe. Many local bars are expanded across the city. Bars lit up Tbilisi in the night.

What to do in Tbilisi is a matter of taste, decide what you want to do, and Tbilisi can offer you any entertainment and sightseeing. Ancient historical monuments, modern architecture, unique gastronomy, wine, and the best night clubs – make your choice!

All-weather Country

June marks the start of summer and stays up to August. Summers in Georgia can be a little too hot in the capital, with the temperature rising to 30 degrees. This is a perfect time to head to the mountains or coast. During summers, Georgia hosts traditional festivals, such as Open Air, Black Sea Jazz festival, and many other events.

The colors of autumn are a delight to watch in Georgia. It’s cooling down in the lowlands and a pleasant season to enjoy. Georgia has a lot of trees, and the autumn colors are worth watching. Of course, wine is a national passion in Georgia, and grapes are harvested late September to late October.

The Tbilisoba festival is a treat after summers. The festival is celebrated for over a week in October. People enjoy full swing with lots of food, music, dance, and of course, wine. It is advised to participate in the vintage season and harvest some vine. It is freezing in inland areas until February. The winter is from December to March.

There’s an energetic winter sports scene. Ski resorts open up. Skiing in Georgia is cheap as compared to Western Europe and North America. The crowd here is few, and vibes are relaxing. The ski season here lasts until April. Spring comes with a many spring shower in April and May.

The popular rafting season starts on the Aragvi Rivers north of Tbilisi. The best activities in springtime can be hikes, road trips, and a visit to the beautiful lakes in Georgia. Independence Day is also celebrated during this season (May 26). The parade on Rustaveli Avenue is worth watching.

Best Places to Visit

Founded around 1000 BC, Uplistsikhe is located in eastern Georgia. It is about 10 km away from Tbilisi. Uplistsikhe means “Lord’s Fortress,” and it is an abandoned rock-fashioned town that is more than 3000 years old. It is one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia.

The cave city consisted of a pharmacy, a bakery, and even a prison, and are connected by tunnels. Another darling place to visit in Georgia is the “Katskhi Pillar.” Also known as “the Pillar of Life,” it is a 40 m limestone massive structure. Around the 4th century, this pillar became a place of segregation for the ‘Stylites’ who had a ‘slight’ preoccupation with sitting on top of rocks.

They believed that this process could take them closer to God. How they reached the top and built the church remains a mystery! Another destination of interest in Georgia is Chiatura. It is a small town sheltered between steep valleys and deep gorges. It was founded in the late 1800s. In 1954 the Stalinist Government installed a system of cable cars.

The workers went to the mining destinations with the help of these cable cars. Every corner of the town was connected through these cable cars, and Chiatura was later known as “cable car city.” Some of the cable cars are still used as a means of free public transport. Chiatura is a mysterious and fascinating city where people still feel the demon of the Soviets.

Best things to do

There are a good number of churches in Tbilisi. The Holy Trinity Cathedral is famous among all. Its height is 97.5 m that makes it the 3rd largest in the world. The other two are Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The great Mtatsminda Park is also one of the go-to places in Tbilisi.

You might also want to take a Sulphur bath while you’re in town. They are situated in the Abanotubani district. The Sulphur baths are a great place to relax for two to three hours, especially in the colder months of the year. The price of these baths varies from 30 Lari to 100 Lari. Most of these baths are 24/7 open.

What are You Waiting for?

People who have traveled to Georgia before, find it an exuberant place to visit. Many people who did not initially want to put the country’s visit on their wish list, and ended up booking their tickets and starting their journeys towards other dream places, were later found to be regretful of changing their decision because the reviews from visitors of Georgia were extremely promising and astounding.

Georgia has an eye-catching yet serene theme of green colors, a jazz lifestyle, and a fascinating and welcoming environment. Not only this, but its evergreen people make it even more hospitable and worth visiting with their friendly demeanor towards tourists and foreigners.

Not only this, but you would also be delighted by the flavorful and delicious Georgian cuisine that you would not find anywhere else in the world. The mouth-watering savory taste of dumplings and the delicious Khinkali with a cold beer are themselves waiting for you to come, try them once, and fall in love with them forever.

You would also not want to miss the magnificent historic architecture that it adorns the streets and roads of Georgia and takes you back to see the world through the eyes of those that existed many years before you. The places that we described before are surely exotic to hear about, but we promise you, they are even a greater delight to visit and will surely treat your eyes with their stunning beauty.

So don’t miss out on this, because we assure you that you too will become a fan of this heaven on earth. Hurry up and find the best economical as well as luxurious travel plans and travel with your family and friends on the trip of your lifetime and visit the lush green gorgeous Georgia!

#caucus #eastern #Europe #georgia

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lady-withbadhabits · 5 years ago

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Georgia Travel Guide: The Shangri-La of Caucasus

New Post has been published on https://www.alwayswanderlust.com/georgia-travel-guide/

Georgia Travel Guide: The Shangri-La of Caucasus

Where is Georgia?

Major Cities & their Population

Major Georgian cities include:

Tbilisi – 1,049,498

Kutaisi – 178,338

Batumi – 121,806

Zugdidi – 73,006

Rustavi – 50,000

What is so Fascinating about Georgia?

Where should you stay in Georgia?

Georgian cuisine is soothing

Georgian Wine

Folk Music & Dance

In 1997, NASA sent a Voyager 2 to space with 25 golden melodies. Chakrulo, a classic and old polyphonic Georgian song, is among them. It was also included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage.

“Kartuli” is a traditional dance performed by both the groom and bride at their wedding ceremony. It represents devotion and love to the bride from her soulmate.

Religion in Georgia

Resources in Georgia

Forests contribute to the economy through the production of wood and wood products. The forests are also important for the country’s biodiversity, which provides a unique ecosystem.

More Visitors every Year

Tbilisi – The capital City of Georgia

All-weather Country

Best Places to Visit

Best things to do

What are You Waiting for?

Ready To Visit Georgia?

#caucus #eastern #Europe #georgia

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lady-withbadhabits · 5 years ago

Text

Where To Stay In Paris | The Best Neighborhoods

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Where To Stay In Paris | The Best Neighborhoods

Paris is one of the most romantic cities and is on most travelers’ bucket lists. Visiting Paris is a must for all of you who love the spirit of Europe, and wish to explore the art, fashion, culture, and gastronomical side of this fascinating city.

Every year, tens of millions of tourists visit the city, hoping to get their piece of the romantic cake everyone who’s visited Paris is talking about. Once you get a chance to explore this magnificent city you’ll understand why it is the most popular tourist destination in the world.

Ah, Paris!

The City of Lights and Capital of Fashion are nicknames that this city is described with. They tell you enough about how glorious this city is. The monumental value is proven by the fact that a large part of Paris is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paris holds second place when it comes to the highest number of Michelin restaurants in the world (after Tokyo) which shows how seriously they take gastronomy.

But, when it comes to finding accommodation in Paris and deciding where to stay there’s a lot of choices. Officially, the city has 20 districts that are called arrondissements.

Image source: https://wikitravel.org/en/File:Paris_overview_map_with_listings.png

The districts are numbered from 1 to 20 and they are ordered in a clockwise spiral from the city center. The center of the city is called Kilometre Zero (it is where it all starts) and the mark of this location is in front of Notre Dame.

Knowing about the order of the districts will help you get around the city, however, considering that there are 20 districts or arrondissements to choose from, getting information about some of the best ones can help you find the one that fits you.

Let’s take a look at the best neighborhoods for tourists in Paris to stay in.

Please refer to the Wikitravel map for the numbered districts for reference.

7 – Saint Germain

This district is great for families and those who want to visit as many art galleries and explore the fascinating architecture of the city. Medieval churches, sidewalk booksellers, galleries, and numerous cafés such as the famous Flore (favored by Hemingway) will easily steal your attention.

You can have an amazing time just walking around this district and absorbing this distinctive architectural style or you can spend days visiting art galleries and appreciating all the impeccable pieces. Saint Germain is in the 6th arrondissement of Paris so the youthful atmosphere from the Latin Quarter is somewhat transferred to this district as well.

For a more touristy place to stay in this district focus on rue Buci. You’ll have lots of things to see there as soon as you walk out. Enjoy the good restaurant with your family and spend time strolling around and just breathing in the Parisian lifestyle. Make sure that you visit Luxembourg Palace and Gardens since every one of you will be amazed by its beauty. This is a great place to spend your afternoons when you want to chill after a tiring day.

Saint Germain, Paris, France

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2 – Marais

Located in the 4th arrondissement, Marais is the best place for shopping-lovers and those who are looking for rich nightlife. It is safe to say that this is the hippest and trendiest part of the town. Moreover, the area is filled with chic boutiques, interesting galleries, concept stores, cafés, and gay bars.

Since this was once a Jewish quarter you can find lots of great kosher restaurants. Young travelers can have the time of their life in this area, shopping in the daytime and partying in the nighttime. This is why most Millennials who are looking for a carefree time in Paris head to this place.

Besides shopping, during the day you can spend walking around and chilling in the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. If you feel like getting some historical information, head to Mémorial de la Shoah. This is Paris’s Holocaust Memorial Museum.

It is located in the heart of the Marais on rue Geoffroy l’Asnier. The best part is that the entry is free and they offer guided tours weekly. Any of you who love the work of French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic Movement Victor Marie Hugo, should check out the Musée Victor Hugo, where the writer lived.

Marais, Paris, France

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4 – 1st Arrondissement

This is a luxurious neighborhood that offers great sight-seeing and is well-connected to the rest of the city. The 1st arrondissement has lots of landmarks so staying here will help you to get around and see it all. Since there are many things to see here, it will be easier for you to pick your place of stay if you know its four quartiers and what they have to offer:

Quartier Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois

This quartier runs along the bank of the Seine and what you can find here are the Louvre (the “home” of famous Mona Lisa), the Tuileries Gardens, and the west part of one of two remaining islands in the Seine – Ile de la cité.

Quartier Les Halles

This is a place with a more relaxed character where you can enjoy luxurious shopping sprees. What is significant here for all the shoppers is the massive Les Halles shopping center. Besides the numerous stores, you’ll be surprised by the beautifully abstract architecture of this building.

Quartier Palais-Royal

The most prominent monumental site in this area is the Palais Royal. The Quartier Palais-Royal also includes the bigger part of the busy and cosmopolitan Avenue de l’Opera.

Quartier Place Vendôme

Place Vendôme serves as a center for this quarter. It is signified by its 18th-century street grid. The beautiful historic buildings make this area even more impressive and in them, you’ll find the most luxurious boutiques, jewelry brands, and hotels.

Based on the quartier’s locations and their most popular landmarks you can search for the accommodation in the one that you find most suitable for you. However, no matter which quartier you stay in, you can use the metro to quickly reach the other quartiers and see all the landmarks in the 1st arrondissement. What is certain is that none of these quartiers lack luxury and sight-seeing opportunities.

1st Arrondissement, Paris, France

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5 – 11th Arrondissement

We’ve finally got to the place for all of the hedonists whose guilty pleasure is the tasty food. Food-lovers will enjoy this area since it offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and places to enjoy the local cuisine. You can check out the Rue de Charonne part, located between the République and Nation squares, which currently presents the evolving dining scene in this hip area.

There is something for everyone so you can find cheaper restaurants, cafés, and bars as well as more expensive ones. Feel free to browse around and try out different places until you find your favorite ones. The cuisine varies from typical French to Mexican, meaning that you can literary try it all out.

Besides enjoying all the tasty food and savory drinks, if you stay in the 11th Arrondissement head to the Opéra Bastille, watch the entertainers at Place de la République, or mingle with the bohemians and bourgeois in the hipster neighborhood of “BoBo” quartier (Quartier de la Folie-Méricourt). Anyone who is looking to relax with their friends or a loved one while indulging in great food, head straight to this district. You won’t be disappointed.

11th Arrondissement, Paris, France

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1 – 7th Arrondissement

If you are a first-time visitor, this district can be the best choice for your stay. It is close to all the major attractions which will make it easier for you to get around. What you can find in the 7th arrondissements are the Eiffel Tower and its Champs de Mars park. This district is a great place for sightseeing.

History lovers will especially be satisfied with this area. Here are some historic places that you can check out there:

The Musée d’Orsay (with French art dating from 1848 to 1914)

The Musée Rodin with its sculpture garden

Les Invalides (a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments related to the military history of France, as well as the Napoleon’s Tomb)

The building of National Assembly

There are also express bus and tour operators the can take you to the famed Versailles Palace. The 7th Arrondissement really has all the marque landmarks that anyone who’s dreamed of going to Paris can check off their list.

The combination of history and fashion can be found at the Parisian mega-store Le Bon Marché which is one of the first modern department stores founded in 1838. The 7th arrondissement is recommended for all of you who don’t have lots of time to spend in Paris and want to see as much as they can for a short period.

7th Arrondissement, Paris, France

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6 – Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is the oldest district in Paris and it is known as the district of students. Therefore, if you are looking for an affordable and vivid location that offers fantastic nightlife Latin Quarter should be your pick. Lots of students from Academploy, an educational blog name this quarter as their favorite place to stay in Paris which shows that this is the best pick for the younger crowd. Latin Quarter is in the 5th arrondissement and it is the home of the Sorbonne University. This explains all the student-filled cafés.

This is a historic center of educational and artistic achievements. If you decide to stay in this area, you can spend your days visiting attractions such as the National Museum of Natural History and the Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens, as well as the Panthéon building that has the remains of notable achievers like Voltaire and Marie Curie.

Book-lovers will find their place in this district since it is filled with mega-bookstores on Place St-Michel as well as booksellers in the open-air who showcase the books by on the Seine. If you want to avoid the crowds, start with book-hunting early in the morning.

Latin Quarter, Paris, France

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3 – Montmartre

For a budget-friendly but romantic area, head to Montmarte. This is the most romantic neighborhood in Paris. What makes it so fairytale-like is that it is located on the top of a small hill so you’ll have a beautiful landscape to look at and enjoy. Montmarte is also known as the Mountain of Martyrs and it’s set in the 18th arrondissement.

This charming place still has that village atmosphere that makes your night walks more romantic and simply takes you back in the time. And in the moments when you want some unforgettable entertainment, make sure to visit the Moulin Rouge.

With many gardens and vineyards, you’ll be able to get lost in nature. There are lots of little bistros, windmills, museums, and artists who are absorbing the atmosphere that resembles the 19th and 20th centuries.

Many novel writers come here to get inspiration that will get them good ratings. This is certainly a place that will leave you with many unforgettable memories. Montmarte is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway, artists who are in search of inspiration, and a group of friends who want to enjoy the authentic Paris atmosphere.

Montmartre, Paris, France

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19 – Belleville

If you don’t mind doing a little bit of walking and taking public transport, consider staying in Belleville. My first time in Paris I couchsurfed and stayed with a host in Belleville. This neighborhood is the China Town of Paris and the working-class district.

The neighborhood is not very touristy, there’s nothing particular to note except the awesome Parc de Belleville and Edith Piaf’s apartment (incidentally right around the corner of where I stayed). Graffitis might be construed as a bad image for the city but not in Belleville – it’s considered art here!

There are lots of cafes and bars to choose from and every weekend comes the farmers market. This area is some of the cheaper parts of Paris and still relatively safe and great for families. If you want to experience Paris like a local, stay in Belleville.

Belleville, Paris, France

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Best Time to Visit Paris

While the weather in Paris is similar to most European cities and there all tourists visiting the city at all times, there are still some differences depending on seasons. So, here are some of the best times to head to the City of Light:

Early December-February – The cheapest prices and colder weather

April-June and October-early November – Smaller crowds and best for sight-seeing

May, June, September, and October – Best for honeymooners

July and August – Very hot and the roads outside Paris will be congested because of the local’s holiday trips.

Ready to Visit Paris?

As you can see, Paris has so many different sides, and if you can’t explore all of them choose a neighborhood most suitable for your needs. To recapitalize and help you narrow down your choices, let’s just revise the best places to stay based on the preferences and group types:

Where to stay in Paris if you are visiting the first time – 1st and 7th arrondissement

Where to stay in Paris for good nightlife – Marais and Latin Quarter

Where to stay in Paris for a budget-friendly trip – Latin Quarter

Where to stay in Paris with your family – Saint Germain

Where to stay in Paris for a romantic getaway – Montmarte

Where to stay in Paris for a luxurious lifestyle – 1st arrondissement

Where to stay in Paris for artists and writers – Montmarte, Latin Quarter, Saint Germain, and 11th arrondissement

Where to stay in Paris for shopping lovers – 1st arrondissement, Marais, and 7th arrondissement

Where to stay in Paris for food lovers – 11th arrondissement

Where to stay in Paris like a local– Belleville

With this little list, you can simply find the area that you like the most and have an unforgettable trip to a place that exudes with history, romance, and guilty pleasures.

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