November 15, 2008

Puerto Plata


North of the Dominican Republic, we are in the city of Puerto Plata. With a wonderful climate, neither too hot nor too cold all year. The breeze and the tropical vegetation provide a relaxing atmosphere. And the music, either from birds or drums, listening endlessly.
Puerto Plata is the largest and most important city on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Founded in 1502 as one of the tourist attractions of the country. It is popularly known as the Amber Coast. The coast is full of this plant resin fossilized and the city has one of the most important museums of the world of Amber: The Amber Museum of Puerto Plata.

Puerto Plata has a seafront Malecon, or more than 6 kilometers long. At one end lies the strong and the strength of San Felipe, one of the first in America and best preserved in the day today. Built in the sixteenth century to defend the island from possible invasions is now an interesting museum which houses an exhibition of historical photographs, guns and cannons used in the battles for independence.

Puerto Plata is also famous for its rum, and more specifically by the Brugal Ron factory which is located in this city. The factory Ron Brugal is one of the oldest in the country. Founded in 1888, began administered by the Spanish Andres Brugal and now bottled over 360,000 liters of rum a day. The Ron Brugal Ron is a dry and delicious. Every day, the share of exports is higher and it is increasingly common consumption in Latin America, the United States and Europe. Popularly Dominicans say that when a baby Brugal ..... or "rapa" or fight ..... you personally let you work out the meaning of that when you get to the island.

Puerto Plata is also similar to the Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. The statue of Jesus Christ from 16 meters in height is at the top of Pico Isabel Torres in the National Park Pico Isabel Torres. This is a nice excursion to advise you. You can climb to the summit by cable car and then contemplate a wonderful panoramic view across the bay from Puerto Plata.

Puerto Plata is a city very clean and more orderly than other cities. At the center of the city is the Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle style "art deco". Next to it the park's Independence, a pretty nice park and pride of all inhabitants of this city, so this beautiful city is proudly named ¨ ¨ girlfriend of the Atlantic.

November 02, 2008

Los Tres Ojos

SANTO DOMINGO .- Los Tres Ojos is an interesting place of underground caves. Takes its name from Los Tres Ojos because it comprises three major lakes in underground caverns. Definitely a dazzling sight accompanied by the natural decoration of the rocks of the caves.

The formation of the Three Eyes is a natural phenomenon sometimes seen walking. It is the rise of rivers, bringing up the formation of these three lakes. This stunning natural process took place thousands of years ago. The aborigines of the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic) have left historical evidence showing that the caves used for different objectives among which are its activities magicoreligiosas.

Apart from the presence of the three lakes with its crystal waters, this is a place where wildlife find a wide variety of fish, bats, among others. After a given name and opening to the park, fourth largest lake with depth was discovered.

You can enjoy lake sailing in small boats that the park offers to visitors. Access to the caverns is easy for the visiting public, is through comfortable and decorated staircase descent.

The first lake is "Water Azufradas" which was discovered in 1916, is 20 meters deprofundidad. The second lake is called "The Refrigerator" and the third is "The Lake of Women."

October 19, 2008

Samana, DR


Samana, Dominican Republic, is a destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Green, green mountains, long beaches, solitude, lively little towns in between, turquoise waters. Samana is also a romantic destination, and several of its small hotels are perfect for honeymooners. Samana is also a good choice for experienced scuba divers. And the place to stay if whale-watching is high on your agenda. It is the place to sit on a porch or in the shade of a palm tree, sipping something cool and discover the rare feeling of being happy just being alive.

Beaches on the north side of the peninsula: Playa Bonita (fun waves), Cozon (fun waves, can be rough), Las Terrenas, El Portillo and Playa Popy (always tranquil waters). Playa Rincon is on the north side, but needs to be reached via the Samana road or by boat. Once you are in Las Galeras, there are daily small boat ferries to Playa Rincon beach, a spectacular 2 km. bay.

Beaches on the south side of the peninsula: Playa Galeras (about an hour and a half from Las Terrenas) and Cayo Levantado. Cayo Levantado is an island of about one square kilometer, made of a protruding coral reef which protects Samana bay from the Atlantic waves. With its lovely white sand beaches flanked by tall coconut trees, this island is a popular day outing with boat loads of tourists arriving daily.

Samana city. Samana city claims an unusual history and, as a result, an unusual character. It was settled by two shiploads of freed American slaves around 1824 and, to this day, many residents speak English as a first language. The US cultural influence is also apparent in many of the last names of the settlers of this area. Urban renewal is improving the overall look of Samana city.

Las Terrenas town. Worth a stroll. Lots of shops feature all sort of beach wear and gear. Great supermarket in town, restaurants, delicious pate and pastry shops, reflecting the European influence.

El Limon Waterfall. Take the El Portillo road going East and stay on it until you get to the town of El Limon. The waterfall is about 300 meters above sea level and has a 40 meter drop that ends in a very deep but swimable pool of crystal clear waters.

Los Haitises National Park. Easily reached by a short boat ride across the Bay is Los Haitises National Park. This area is known as having one of the most important rainforests and mangrove reserves in the entire Caribbean, complete with keys and caves. You can only enter the park with a certified guide. Day excursions can be booked from most hotels.

Mountain biking, hiking, horse riding
There are few destinations as great as Samana for these ecotourism sports. Be on the lookout at your hotel for tour operators that offer these activities. Note that there is no better way to really see the area than by mountain bike, hiking or horse riding. End the day with a plunge in a deserted beach. Horse riding excursions that will take you through jungles and paradise beaches are offered at many hotels. Highly recommended.

Caving
Samana has many caves for exploring. Check out the availability of excursions offering sightings of petroglyphs and pictograms from the days of the Indian settlers. Samana is known as the site of the first battle between the Indian settlers and the European conquerors - the Battle of the Arrows.

Rock climbing
Rock climbing enthusiasts should look into the Playa Fronton excursions. Playa Fronton is located at the end tip of Las Galeras. It is a spectacular beach, even if you are not into climbing.

More..........

October 04, 2008

Punta Cana-Bavaro


This beautiful area is found on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. Its beaches of fine white sand are bathed by the warmth of the Caribbean Sea and the calm waters are due to the natural coral reefs that surround them. Only at a few miles from the International Airport of Punta Cana, this tropical paradise rests over 420.000 square meters of tropical gardens and glorious vegetation. Complete touristic complex, first class resort along its coast. The ideal place to practice sports, especially water sports and golf. Ideally for relaxing, pleasure and fun .

There are enormous amount of attractions and activities that you will find entertaining. Historical sites, visits to surrounding islands, Jeep tours, four wheel tours (ATV Tours), water tours and many more. These tours are offered by your appointed representative. If you´re a more adventurous person you might want to rent a car or jeep. May be you like sports like golf, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing, banana boat, water skiing, we have it! If you are looking for night life entertainment Punta Cana and Bavaro offer: Discos, casinos, various tropical shows and musicals, with the rhythm of our merengue. Guaranteed to have unforggetable memories to take back with you.

Punta Cana was discovered in 1969 by a group of Northamerican citizens while flying their aircraft over the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic in search of a place to set up a Marine and Merchant school. It was at that moment, they discovered the marvelous streach of virgin beaches with white sand and calm waters of emerald color protected by natural barrier of coral reefs in all of the extended beach zone; that is known today as Punta Cana and Macao. These investors bought almost a hundred thousand hectare of this marvelous land, not knowing at the moment what they had in plan for it. Even though they knew it was a great investment, asking Frank Rainieri (today President of Punta Cana Group)to be their consultant in this zone. Later on the first small group of tourist bungalows were built with a small landing strip, this is where the first tourist landed, in an area called “Yauya” ( Indian name of this zone). Casa2That is when Rainieri started to form a partnership in this undertaking; even with the political difficulties of the Country they decided to offer Club Mediterraneé the construction of a greater importance; that was how and when a 350 rooms hotel was built, that today is knows as Club Med. A short time after the construction of the International Airport of Punta Cana was started, inaugurated in 1984, this contributed the continuous growth of this area. Today this zone is visited by more than two millions tourist a year. In 1990 the the UNESCO (Organization of the United Nations of Educations) declared Bavaro and its beaches “Patrimony of the Humanity”.

September 27, 2008

Nothing but perfect love


If I speak all the languages of men and of angels,
I love missing, but that would not be bronze resonate
and bell playing. Whether to have the gift of prophecy, knowing
secret things with all kinds of knowledge, and would
as much faith to move mountains, but I do not love,
I am nothing. If you share everything I own to the poor and whether
delivered to my own body, but not for love, but to
receive praise, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, helpful and without envy. He does not want to pretend
nor does the important. Not acting with baseness, or seek their
own interest. Love can not be carried away by anger, but
forgives and forgets offenses. Never was glad something unjust
and always tells the truth. The apology love everything, every thought,
everything expected and everything is carrying.
Love never happen. Pass the prophecies, quiet languages
and lost consciousness. Because knowledge, like
that the prophecies, things are not finished. And when it arrives
perfect, as imperfect disappear.

1 Corinthians 13, 1-10.

September 21, 2008

The Vegan Carnival


The Vegan Carnival is the most important cultural event in this city of more colorful throughout the Dominican Republic and who receives more visitors, has been declared a National Folk Heritage.

According to investigators, the first manifestations of carnival of the island and America, were conducted in what is now the Ruins of the Old Vega, in February 1520, during a visit to Don Fray Bartolomé de las Casas. It is known that the inhabitants of the Old Vega was disguised as Moors and Christians and conducting festivities that evolved in the celebrations today.

For years the carnival had a vegan expression predominantly from Spain, symbolized by an expressive theater, the dance of the tapes and their Cojuelos Devils, with simple costumes of red, yellow, green and with its medieval masks representing the devil, andromorfo, Mefistofele, cachitos front with his two classics, large ears, mouth and teeth to open air, which was subsequently criollizada with beards goat leather.

Each Sunday of the month of February in the afternoon, the Devils Cojuelos are on the street armed with their bladders bull, banging on all who ose down to the street, while respecting those who remain on the sidewalk or driveway.

The center of activity is the Father Adolfo street, past the Parque de las Flores, where the hell hit bystanders as the cause or leave the carriageway and which culminates with a parade of more than 80 groups comparsas.

Program your holiday, come and enjoy this rich tradition, ¨ ¨ Vega is waiting for you.

Source: Carnaval.com.do

September 13, 2008

Costa Rica has something for everybody!


National Parks: Chirripo, Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, Corcovado, Totuguero and Manuel Antonio. Whatever your vacations interests; jungle adventure tours, eco-tourism, white water rafting, surfing, scuba diving incredible reefs, canopy tours, golf, all inclusive hotels, bird watching, sport fishing and swimming with dolphins in crystal-clear ocean waters, or just relaxing on an unspoiled tropical beach, you will find all of that and more in this tropical and secure paradise.

So come and experience one of the most exotic and undiscovered vacation destinations in the world, boasting unsurpassed natural beauty and an impressive array of distinctions: towering and fiery volcanoes, pristine beaches, raging rivers, virgin rainforests, cloud forests, abundant wildlife, warm and hospitable people and much, much more!!

Our Top 10 favorite destinations.

1. Corcovado National Park

2. Tortuguero National Park

3. Pacuare River

4. Parismina River

5. Scuba diving off
Caño Island


6. Manuel Antonio
National Park


7. Arenal Volcano/Tabacon
Resort & Spa


8. Monteverde Cloud Forest

9. La Selva Bilógica Station

10. Golf at Paradisus Playa Conchal

source, Costaricabureau

September 06, 2008

Venezuela, waiting for You



Venezuela is epic in proportion: it boasts South America's largest lake and third-longest river, the highest waterfall in the world, the longest of all snakes, and some of the most spectacular landscapes you'll ever see.

There are the snowcapped peaks of the Andes in the west; steamy Amazonian jungles in the south; the hauntingly beautiful Gran Sabana plateau, with its strange flat-topped mountains, in the east; and miles of white-sand beaches fringed with coconut palms on the Caribbean coast. More..........

Jamaica




For centuries, Jamaica has welcomed settlers from all around the world. This small island has played host to the Amerindians who discovered it, to Europeans who fought to own it, to Africans forced to call it home, and to Asians, Indians and Middle Easterners searching for a better life. Each group carried with it a story and tradition, throwing everything into Jamaica's melting pot. After centuries of brewing, all have blended together to give the island its rich history and heritage - an international smorgasbord of legends, cultures and customs, all displayed right here against the background of Jamaica’s beautiful mountains and valleys.

More...........

August 30, 2008

Guatemala ¨The Land of Eternal Spring¨


Guatemala is a unique country full of colours, emotions, and adventures that provides an endless pleasure within predominating Mystical Mayan Culture; you will experience its natural wonders. Guatemala is a spectacular combination, it has a little bit of every thing, the most important archaeological sites of the Maya civilization, a Spanish Colonial City Worth of Visiting La Antigua Guatemala, a modern historical center, the unique Caribbean culture in Livingston, and Lake Atitlan, Which happens to be one of the most beautiful in the world. This is why Turismo Aventura is to remember in this beautiful country “Guatemala, the Land of Eternal Spring”.

Antigua Guatemala
Tikal National Park
Panajachel
Livingston
Quetzaltenango

August 23, 2008

Welcome to Puerto Rico


Take some time and travel to a tropical island. Hire a cast of thousands to play friendly, welcoming people most of whom speak English (in addition to their native Spanish). When you are looking for exotic locations, miles upon miles of white sand beaches, plus an unbelievable rain forest and mountains, you come to Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is a modern progressive and civilized vacation spot that maintains the charm and hospitality of days gone by. You will find everything that the Caribbean has to offer in this all around family destination - and with it is a people whose warmth is equaled only by the sunshine that graces its shores.

More.....................

August 18, 2008

Dominican Republic "inexhaustible"


Year-round sports, effervescent nightlife, distinctive souvenir shopping, magnificent national parks, and world class gambling make for a jam-packed vacation to do list. But when you see the spectacular beaches, you might just want to pull up a chair and relax.

Outdoor activities like golf, snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and boating are a thrilling way to experience the natural beauty of land and sea. With over two-dozen national parks, other quieter options for communion with nature like hiking and bird watching are also available. Indoor activities offer you the chance to strike it rich, dance the night away, or shop for curious mementos like carnival masks, amber, and a strange, liquid cure-all called Mamajuana

More....More....More......

August 16, 2008

The Panama Canal celebrates 94 years


On August 15, 1914, a steamship called the S.S. Ancon began navigating its way through the 50-mile-long Panama Canal that would soon become the maritime world’s most famous shortcut. The Canal opened its giant miter gates that day, and global commerce has grown ever since.

Today, Panama, because of globalization, the Canal, and its ideal and strategic location, is booming. The country is steadily becoming the transportation and logistics hub of the Americas. And the Panama Canal sits at the center of this boom. Every year, more than five percent of the world’s trade transits the Panama Canal. By 2010, the Canal expects that it will celebrate its one-millionth transit.

ABOUT THE HALL OF FAMERS

The National Baseball Hall of Fame features 286 members, including 2008 inductees Barney Dreyfuss, Rich "Goose" Gossage, Bowie Kuhn, Walter O'Malley, Billy Southworth and Dick Williams. Included are 199 former Major League players, 35 Negro Leaguers, 26 executives or pioneers, 18 managers, and eight umpires. The Baseball Writers' Association of America has elected 106 former players to the Hall of Fame, while the Hall of Fame Committee on Baseball Veterans has elected 153 candidates (92 Major Leaguers, 26 pioneers/executives, 18 managers, nine Negro Leaguers, and eight umpires). The defunct Committee on Negro Leagues selected nine members between 1971-1977. The Hall of Fame currently has 64 living members.