Québec...Pampered by the seasons

Québec is truly a unique land in North America. Unique for its geography, its history and its culture, which together have forged its bold and exuberant identity. Simply put, Québec is warmth, absolute authenticity and intensity, all within easy reach!

Each city in Québec offers an intense lifestyle. Experience the intimacy of the countryside, the lakeside, the noise of the waterfalls and the animals which inhabit the land and water from the Outaouasis to the Saguenay.

The storm of festivals and the pleasure of living together are quebecquois traits which exude a happy and warm character.

A beautiful city with long winter nights replaced with days of eternal summer, Québec invites to be discovered in each season!

And as Patrick Monney have said: Découvre Québec et apprend a l'aimer! (Discover Québec and learn to love!)

This text is part of the writing of the editor:

Patrick Monney from Bleu & Blanc Magazine

New 7 Wonders...The countdown

After 2,200 years , new wonders of the world are fighting to be in the new 7 wonders, that´s why it's very important each one go to http://www.new7wonders.com and vote!!!


Of course my vote goes for Chichen-Itzá for two reasons:

• I'm a proud mexican.




• I've been there thrice and there's an unexplainable ambience, which is awesome.

The first time i went there, i had the opportunity to go upstairs and observe the jungle surrounding these pyramids, it's great, i took energy and special vibrations from them!

This April, i went as my third time, and now anybody was allowed to go upstairs because tourists damage the pyramids, either way it's amazing just to admire it being next to it! I really recommend you go and visit it, you'll enjoy it a lot!! and please, do us a favor and vote for Chichen as soon as possible!

My journal entries...

I haven't posted since December's Holidays! And I want to notice that i'll be blogging shortly about New Hot Cities Gourmet! Have you ever heard about them? It's a new touristic trend that involves outstanding destinations and its gastronomy, in order to promote culinary tourism...

It sounds good, doesn't it?

Well, I'll post an interesting report about it. Likewise, i'll post about my January vacations in Cancun and Merida, Mexico. I was in the 3rd International Arts Festival of Merida, related to the 365th Anniversaty of the foundations of Merida.

So, don't go away... I'll be right back!!!

A sunrise in Machu Picchu...

Machu Picchu is a wondrous destination located in the Peruvian Andes nearby Cuzco. It's a pre-Columbian archaeological site where visitors can delight their eyes going through the ruins.

In Machu Picchu you'll be able to witness the incomparable beauty of dawn breaking over the Inca outpost.

Where to lodge?

The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is an upscale hotel located across from the archaeological site entrance gate. (It's sort of expensive) This hotel reflects a casual and intimate atmosphere of a home away home. They have different rooms according to each guest's request and different rates.

• Patio Room: 715 US Dollars per night.
• Standard Room: Equipped with TV, VCR, a private telephone, a safety box... (715 US Dollars per night).
• Mountain View Room: With an amazing view of tropical mountain (885 US Dollars in 2007 per night).
• Panoramic View Room: Offers an outstanding view of tropical mountains and forests (1005 US Dollars per night).
• Suites: Of 35 square meters size (1165 US Dollars per night).

Furthermore, you'll be close enough for an early-morning outing and you'll enjoy a tour with groups that flock to the mountain during the midday hours.

Patio Room

Standard RoomMountain View Room
Panoramic View Room

For further information, check out:

http://www.sanctuarylodge.net

http://www.peru.info/perueng.asp

UNWTO Newsletter about Africa:

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in 2006, Africa will be for the second consecutive year the fastest-growing region in international tourist arrivals. (e.g. Capetown) The UNWTO has supported the development of African tourism destinations as a means to contribute to economic and social development.

Francesco Frangialli, the UNWTO Secretary-General said that Africa as a whole is at the heart of the UNWTO's concerns, during the opening of the 79th UNWTO Executive Council in Algiers.

In my opinion, there are several African countries that haven't yet reached its full growth!

Nonetheless, there are some countries working with emerging marketing tools like Nigeria, Botswana, Ethiopia, Algeria, Mali and Senegal.

Undoubtedly, the 2010 World Soccer Cup in South Africa will enhance the image of Africa as a whole.

Source: UNWTO Newsroom, including a personal perspective.

Travel checklists...for forgetful travellers

Have you ever found yourself flying at 35 000 ft, wondering if you left the light on in the kitchen? Here are some checklists of commonly forgotten items:

• 1.- Passports/Visas.
• 2.- Airline tickets.
• 3.- Train or bus tickets.
• 4.- Currency/credit card/traveler's ckecks/ATM card.
• 5.- Cash for airport taxes and for when you arrive to your destination.
• 6.- Insurance cards.
• 7.- Frequent flyer card.
• 8.- Emergency telephone numbers.
• 9.- Luggage ID tags (inside and out).
• 10.- Contact lens preparation.
• 11.- Medication
• 12.- Spare underwear in hand luggage.
• 13.- Travel plugs/Adaptors.
• 14.- House keys.

Pleasure trip:

• 1.- Swimsuit/Beach towel.
• 2.- Hat or cap.
• 3.- Sunglasses.
• 4.- Suntan lotion/ moisturizing cream.
• 5.-Chapstick.
• 6.- Walking shoes.
• 7.- Insect repellent.
• 8.- Hair accesories (clips, etc).
• 9.- Makeup kit.
• 10.- Camera/film.

At home:

• 1.- Stop deliveries,
• 2.- Leave a house key and itinerary with somebody you trust.
• 3.- If your car has an alarm, leave keys with a neighbor.
• 4.- If possible, leave lights in house on a timer system.

Therefore, keep in mind these indications when traveling to have such a pleasurable journey...

Throughout Mexico: going from party to party!

Octavio Paz said that there are few places in the world where you can witness anything similar to Mexico's great religious fiestas, with their violent, sour, pure colors; their dances, ceremonies and fireworks; their unusual costumes and the inexhaustible display of surprising fruits, sweets and objects that during these days are sold in squares and markets.

As a matter of fact, our country is full of religious rites... For this reason, let's talk about this, just as part of our culture, without displaying all religious stuff I dislike.

Every town in our huge territory has its patron saint, and that is why it is said that Mexicans go from party to party... trying to find joy and acceptance in the fleeting company they provide. In our great nationwide celebrations, we shout, laugh, drink... searching for our identity as though our life depended on it.

Fiestas can be expensive, but we don't care, because what is important is that they allow us to remove the masks and to be just ourselves. Sometimes, even if it's only for few hours, our so-Mexican shyness manages to disappear in the crowd, cause we know that among the pack we can enjoy the absolute freedom of being who we are!!!

As Mexicans, we give everything we have, be it little or a lot, to have an unforgettable party. Perhaps, that is why we impatienly await for December to come.

Nevertheless, December is the month of posadas, piñatas, fruit punch, Christmas Eve supper and Chritsmas presents, ending with Holly Innocents on December 28th and the New Year (on December 31st) celebrations.

Accordingly, every December 28th, it is customary among friends and family to ask the victim of our joke to lend us money or one of his/her most prized possessions and, when we receive the loan, to sarcastically sing the traditional verse:

Innocent little dove

You let yourself be fooled

Knowing that on this day

Nothing should be lent.

So, let's practice this Mexican tradition in order to keep it among our customs' repertoire! Would you try?

The Mayan Religion...

It's really interesting to read and learn about this remarkable culture, that is why I chose this topic to introduce you whithin Mayan ideology...

Indeed, religion was the main topic related to Mayan culture.

The polytheistic Mayan religion has always been one of the richest and most admired of the antiquity. In this religion, they believed that the world was an infinite square divided in the three planes: the Underground, Earth and Heaven. These planes were governed by different gods and gave a different sense to life. They also believed that the entire universe had a cycle and past defined the present, and present defined the future.

In the Twenthieth century, there were still some pilgrimages to Tulum to pray for the famous Mayan gods, and currently in this territory, there is one of the most fascinanting religious constructions, called "El Castillo" (the Castle). This building is located on a low platform and has columns in the shape of feathered snakes ("serpientes emplumadas", colloquially). Its superior façade is decorated with diverse figures, while the most remarkable one representing the sun's god. Although the origins of the Mayan culture will always remain in mystery, to visit the beautiful Tulum's Castle, is to get closer to one of the most determining traces of this amazing civilization. I've had the opportunity to be there, and it's a pleasurable sensation to observe this archaeological site located on a cliff of Caribbean Sea.

Therefore, try to take a brief vacation time and enjoy sightseeing!!!

For further information, visit http://www.tulum.caribemexicano.com/

(Tulum's mystery)

Yosemite National Park...a paradise on earth

I've just skimmed this reading from Friends of World Heritage, and I got impressed about this impressive spot, located on the central Sierra Nevada of California. Indeed, Yosemite National Park is a place of such beauty that it has been called a paradise on earth. People love it for many different reasons, and for those responsible for serving them while protecting this cherished place, the job is a constant challenge.

Yosemite National Park is a land of awe-inspiring cliffs and domes; the beautiful, glacially-carved Yosemite Valley; five of the world’s highest known waterfalls; and groves of giant sequoia, the world’s largest living things. The park has a history of human association that includes its occupation by Miwok and other indigenous peoples, and its ties to the beginnings and struggles of the conservation movement, the development and nurturing of the concepts of protected areas and national parks and the government institutions established to manage and preserve them.

Although Yosemite National Park was designated a World Heritage site in 1984, its significance had been widely recognized and led to its protection even before a national park was created in 1890 on part of the present-day site. In 1864 (nearly eight years before Yellowstone was set aside as the world’s first national park), Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Big Tree Grove were granted to the State of California by the United States Congress, ‘for public use, resort and recreation’, ‘inalienable for all time.’ In 1906, Congress accepted transfer of the Grant back to the United States and added it to the already established Yosemite National Park, managed – like other parks in the west – by the U.S. Army. Only later, following public debates over the cutting of giant sequoias in Yosemite and other simmering issues at national parks, did Congress establish a National Park Service. Today, the National Park Service is making even greater efforts to manage the natural and cultural heritage it is charged with preserving. From systematic monitoring of natural resources, to creating environmentally sound infrastructure (such as roads and visitor stations) to handle its huge influx of tourists, to dealing with regular wildfires, the Yosemite Park management has been responding to changes in the park for more than a century.Additionally, the Park Service has made a point to improve its relationship with the many Native American people that live around the park. Many of these – from seven different tribes – remain active in the park’s management and activities. Some work for the park, providing visitor programs and professional services, and some are long-serving craft workers or interpreters who remain involved in educating millions on the ways and cultures of Yosemite’s indigenous peoples. A cultural center, under construction, will be a place where Native Americans can maintain their culture and observe their traditions in the Yosemite Valley. “Now, after almost thirty years of working on this, we can see that our efforts and dreams will come true,” says Jay Johnson, Tribal Elder and descendant of the Ahwahneecis (Yosemite) Tribe. “We will have use of the Indian Village in Yosemite Valley called Wahhoga.”Yosemite National Park draws visitors from around the world. From climbers scaling the face of El Capitan, to photographers recreating the works of Ansel Adams, to campers swimming in the Merced River and naturalists skirting the meadows and riparian corridor in search of birds and wild flowers, it is easy to understand why Yosemite welcomes 3.5 million visitors annually. But there is more here to know and understand. Yosemite is a source of pride, part of the nation’s identity, and a central institution in the effort to preserve its natural and cultural heritage.

So, don't forget we have such an awesome destination near by Mexico!

World Heritage Alliance...

Did you know that Mexico has 25 tourism sites declared as Humanity's Heritage (Patrimonio de la Humanidad)?
Indeed, the World Heritage Alliance has announced that Mexico is awarded as the country with the maximum quantity of Humanity's Heritage sites in western hemisphere. Besides, there are some of them suffering tourists' abuse by damaging these fantastic environments, while there are another mexican sites declared as Humanity's Heritage remaining ignored by the lack of promotion they have. That's why there are five governmental, private and international organizations working together to protect our legacy:

• Mexican Secretary of Tourism through the Turistic Promotion Counsel.
• World Heritage Alliance.
• United Nations Foundation through the UNESCO.
• Expedia Inc.
• Friends of World Heritage Organization.

Their objective is to educate travelers and travel industry's workers about the importance of developing a responsible tourism, which is a new touristic trend : The awareness of developing responsible touristic activities based on rooted values to involve traveler whithin sustainable tourism. (At less, that's the perspective i caught from this important initiative).

Yurts...surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty

For some spoiled travelers, the quote: "Traveling without traces" has become difficult these days. It's the reason why yurts are the perfect way to escape and get back to nature, following Mongolian nomads tribes' wisdom, offering comfort beyond compared.

Thousands of years before, Mongolian tribes were used to building yurts for living surrounded by nature.

Nowadays, yurts are become in luxury lodging tents for ecologically respnsible travelers. Even more, these tents allow travelers to get through the most sensual landscapes without damaging neither comfort nor consciense.

Yurts have handled the idea of offering all the best aspects of camping but in a more sophisticated and comfortable fashion.

Yurt's structure:

The yurt structure are handcrafted from oak and ash wood, covered in creamy natural canvas. The large, open space that this creates is furnished with a double or king sized bed, luxurious bed linen, fluffy towels. A storage area for your clothes and room to accommodate two single camp beds for children under 12.

Each tent has its own relaxation area with hammocks, giving you the space rarely found on a traditional camping holiday.

Yurt's atmosphere:

Yurt's focus is on natural luxury. This mean all the luxury nature can provide, including: beauty, fresh air, tranquillity and great company, offering all this with minimum impact to the environment. The tents and pathways are lit with solar power where possible, with extra lanterns and candles to add ambience. Likewise, they have exotic bathing areas, stocked with natural Provençal bath products, perfect for relaxing mind and body.

If what you are looking for is to be involved in nature and feel its sensations, yurts are the right choice...

Unfortunately, there are just three yurts companies around world:

-- Treebones Resort: Located on North California , rates for each night are from 129 to 169 american dollars for three people (http://www.treebonesresort.com) ;

-- Canvas Chic: on South France, the rates are from 400 to 650 dollars for three nights ready for two people;

-- Huzur Vadisi: over Turkish Mediterranean, rates from 650 to 1 300 dollars for two people staying a week, including yoga and meditation course (http://www.huzurvadisi.com)

Morgan's Rock...a barefoot luxury

I got impressed about this beautiful and quiet destination within Nicaragua's deep woods.

Morgan's Rock is an Hacienda & Ecolodge destination strategically located on the southern Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, built by the Ponçon, a french family engaged with nature's conservation.

It was opened barely two years ago. 1,800 hectares of tropical woods surround this breathtaking paradise. Morgan's Rock is specially designed in different levels to feast your eyes, starting with the lobby on top, to restaurant; from restaurant to pool, from pool to beach. It's decorated with the same range of colors and materials like: palms, rocks, clay, mud, and the most relevant, precious wood of tropical forest: Almond, mahogany, cedar, eucalyptus, guapinol, laurel and walnut… beautiful sounding Spanish names that have been worked into the structure of the Morgan’s Rock’s bungalows. The latter are all tropical woods that were used to build the fifteen bungalows at Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge. All proceed from responsibly managed logging sources or tree farming projects in Nicaragua, ensuring artistic yet ecologically responsible built bungalows.

(This is a 90 meters-lenght hanging bridge used to connect lobby and the restaurant among deep woods.)

Indeed, Morgan's Rock it´s the first upscale beach hotel offering a wide variety of tourism activities ranging ecotourism such as guided hikes or horseback riding excursions to agrotourism activities such as learning about reforestation. Likewise, the Hacienda and private nature reserve offers an abundance of different trees, plants, birds, insects and mammals. All of the guided tours support local community members and help the conservation of the forest and the acquisition of more land to be conserved and reforested.

So, if you are interested in going there, Morgan´s Rock has a variety of packages for lodging with them, like a familiar tour, or a honeymoon lodge. Keep in mind this ecotouristic destination, and remember that ecotourism is such a trend followed by responsible and nature's respecful travelers nowadays.

I'll provide you the contact ways if you are interested about it:

The main office it's located in San Jose, Costa Rica and the phone number is: 011 (506) 232-6449

Otherwise, the e-mail is: info@morgansrock.com

Scandinavia...Europe's unexplored beauty

This awesome region takes places in the two countries on the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway and Sweden, plus Denmark, even though, some people include Finland and Iceland as part of this region arguing that these 5 countries speak Germanic languages.

Furthermore, Scandinavian countries share many similarities, but they are enough different to make a visit to each of them an unique experience. So, keep in mind these beatiful cities: Oslo, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland and Copenhague, Denmark. All of them are outlined for vikings.

Stockholm, Sweden

Now, I'm going to talk about this city, known as "city between the Bridges". It´s perfectly located among the Baltic Sea and one of the biggest lakes of Sweden, called Malaren, providing unique landscapes of this part of Europe. Regardless this city is a grouping of islands united by bridges, it's easy to move in it, mentioning that you can visit Stockholm downtown quietly on foot.

Where to lodge

There's a luxury hotel, called: Grand Hôtel across from the Stockholm's Royal Palace. The list of VIP guests includes: Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Gerald Ford and Bruce Springsteen.

Take a walk

Get a free city map at the main tourism office in downtown, and start exploring Gamla Stan (photo above), the oldest area of Stockholm, built in the 13th century. The Stockholm's Royal Palace, built in the 18th century, it's just here.

Snack time

Go to Sundbergs Konditori, the oldest coffee shop of the city, within Jarntorget Plaza in Gamla Stan. Taste a salmon bagel (about 7.5 american dollars) or a delicious prawn in rye bread (langostino en pan de centeno, for about 9.8 dollars).

An appetizer

Visit the Opera House bar, where in fashion people is joint. A glass of wine costs a small fortune, it's about 10 dollars, but it's funny to be seated on white leather chairs among the Stockholm's jet set.

Have dinner

Prinsen it's a popular restaurant of swedish cuisine with art decó decoration, where you can eat cheese sardines for 23 dollars or meat balls with wild berries for 22 dollars. Otherwise, you can ask for a typical plate, which is called: smörgasbord, meaning "bread and butter" consisting in an exotic array of herring, shrimp, pickles, salads, cold cuts and hot dishes. (yummy ,yummy!!)

A cultural afternoon

Skeppsholmen, one of the most prettiest islands of Stockholm holds the Modern Art Museum and the Architectonic Museum aside.

Delight your eyes

Go to Slussen, at Gamla Stan south, where the elevator Katarinahissen will take you to the top of this tower, to Gondola's coffee, up there, you can enjoy a hot cappuccino while observing all the city.

Go shopping

Ahlens is a huge departamental store, offering the best prices in items for home. Likewise, if you are looking for brand names apparel, visit Le Shop. But if what you are looking for is swedish designer clothes, you must go to Neu.

A must spot

Over the Northeast Djurgarden is located the impressing museum Vasa, where you'll find the boat Vasa, which was built in 1628 but it sank during its first trip; after that, it was taken to the surface and repared in 70's decade. Now, you can walk through this art treasure from 18th century. The museum opens from 10am to 5 pm daily, the ticket price it's about 11 dollars.

Finally, as you can notice, Sweden is an expensive country for tourism, but I assure you, it would be an unforgettable experience, so save your money and go right there. See you until then!!!

Sightseeing at...Romania

First of all, thank you for joining me at this blog, let me confess you that I am pretty interested in Tourism as a whole. I decided to start with this country, cause I've just received some stuff about Romania, so that I am going to share it with you.
(Below, you can see the Romanian Black Sea shore )

Romania is an independent country, whose capital is Bucharest. It's located between Greece and Turkish, in Europe... But, what travel guides say about Romania? And, why should you go to Romania? The correct answer is because it is one of the most beautiful countries of Southeast Europe. According to the Blue Guide, "Few regions offer a more dazzling display of cultural and artistic treasures than Romania", now let´s check this sentence : Considered by many, the most beautiful country in Eastern-Europe, Romania still claims regions that seem bastions of a medieval past long since lost elsewhere. (Can you get that?) Which means that Romania keeps its culture undamaged!

Adding to this paragraph, it's important to mention that Romania has majestic castles, medieval towns, great hiking and wildlife. So, this country offers a rich tapestry of tourism attractions and vacation experiences unique in Central - Eastern Europe.

Finally, no journey to Eastern Europe would be complete without visiting Romania and its landscapes!!!