Our Video!

We have made a little video of our group just having some fun to the 'Let's Go Everywhere' song by Medinsi, Martin and Wood. Enjoy!

Egypt!

Egypt, the land of culture, and history.

The stunning, colossal monuments of Ancient Egypt never fail to astonish. The heat, sight and the light of the desert invigorate. The cool, turquoise waters rejuvenate. A romantic cruise along the world's longest river dazzles the senses. A first class getaway resort in the Red Sea Riviera is pure escapism. No place has the magic, mystery and pleasures of Egypt.

Tantalise your senses and get ready to discover a world of wonder. 

Egypt is one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East, and the 15th most populated in the world. The great majority of its over 84 million people live near the banks of Nile River, and area of about 40,000 square kilometres, where the only arable land is found. The large regions of the Sahara Desert, which constitute most of Egypt's territory, are sparsely inhabited. About half of Egypt's residents live in urban areas, with most spread across the densely populated centres of greater Cairo, Alexandria and other major cities in the Nile Delta.

Egypt has one of the longest histories of any modern state, having been continuously inhabited since the 10th millennium BC. It's monuments, such as the Giza pyramid complex and it's Great Sphinx, were constructed by it's ancient civilisation, which was one of the most advanced of it's time. Its ancient ruins, such a those of Mephis, Thebes, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings outside Luxor, and significant focus of archaeological study and people. Egypt's rich cultural legacy as well as the attraction of it's Red Sea Riviera, has made tourism a vital part of the economy.

The Culture of Egypt:

Egypt is a recognised cultural trend-setter of the Arabic-speaking world, and the contemporary Arab culture is heavily influenced by Egyptian literature, music, film and television. Egypt gained a regional leadership role during the 1950s and 1960s, which gave a further enduring boost to the standing of Egyptian culture in the Arab world.

Much has been written, read, debated and discussed about the rich culture of Egypt. And yet, the Egyptian culture has remained as intriguing and enigmatic as it was thousands of years ago, guarenteeing an ever-increasing influx of tourists and visitors to the country. Perhaps it has to do with the richness, the treasures, the scientific advancement or the magic of the colossal architecture, but whatever the reason, it can be said that Egyptian culture holds the attention of the world at large!

Hand in hand with the culture of Egypt, is Egyptian art, which has been studied and researched by art historians and Egyptologists across years now. The history of art in Egypt dates back to 5000 BC but the prominence of art, pottery and paintings can be clearly related to the period from 3000 BC lasting up to the 4th century AD. Artists were quite i demand and highly respected members of society in ancient Egypt. This is attributed to the fact that pictorial depiction was a very important aspect of the religious rites. Preservation of the likeliness was an important part of magic and finery rituals as well, and the paintings of gods, their family members and slaves to assist them in the afterlife found in their tombs were imperative in the large scheme of things.

Another part of Egypt is the cuisine! Egyptian cuisine is notably conductive to vegetarian diets, as it relies heavily on vegetable dishes. Though food in Alexandria and the coast of Egypt tends to use great deal of fish and other seafood, for the most part Egyptian cuisine is based on foods that grow out of the ground. Mean has been very expensive for most Egyptians throughout history, and a great deal of vegetarian dishes have developed to work around this economic reality. 

So, now that I know about Culture, Art and Cuisine, what else is there to do when I arrive into Egypt?

TRAVEL! 

What are the top 5 places to visit while i'm in Egypt, you ask? Well, here are my Top 5 sights to see!

1. The Pyramids and Sphinx, Cairo:

Kufu's Great Pyramid af Giza and the Sphinx are two of the most iconic man-made structures in the world. The Great Pyramid still looms imposingly over modern Cairo and is the only extant Wonder of the Ancient World. Nearby, the famous statue of the Sphinx - known as Abu Hol (father of terror in Arabic is said to be a representation of the pharoah Kafre the builder of the second pyramid at Giza. This amazing site was said to be along with Saqqura (site of Stepped pyramid) and Dashur (site of Bent and Red pyramids), the necropolis for Old kingdom capital of Memphis.

2. The Egyptian Museum, Cairo

The greatest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world is without doubt that held by the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Amongst the 120,000 artefacts on display are countless treasures and works of art including: the golden funerary goods from the tomb of Tutankhamen in Luxor; the partially unwrapped mummified bodies of several of Egypt's great pharaohs; and the Narmer Palatte which is thought by some to represent the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. Also present are great quantities of superb statuary; countless coffins; fine jewellery; household goods and the body of a mummified crocodile!

3. Khan El Khaili Bazarr & Islamic, Cairo

The fact that Cairo contains one of the greatest concentrations of medieval buildings in existence may come as a surprise; yet, its towering mosques, religious schools and caravanserais number amongst the finest ever build. The labyrinthine cobbled seemingly little has changed since the Middle Ages. In the bazaar the profusion of goods on display is staggering and the atmosphere infused with the cries and aromas of the orient. This is a real immersion into the Middle Eastern experience!

4. Temple of Karnak, Luxor

The largest temple complex ever build by man, Karnak, known as "Ipet-isut" by the ancient Egyptians is one of the most impressive sites in Egypt. The ancient Egyptians considered Karnak to be the site of creation where Amun-Ra brought the world into being from the primordial ocean. The temple represents the combined achievements of generations of ancient builders and covers an enormous area; its massive temple pylons, forests of great columns and towering obelisks are simply unforgettable.

  
5. The Red Sea

With it's pristine deep blue waters, techicolour reefs, abundant marine life, and many hours of warm sunshine, the Red Sea is wonderful place to come relax, indulge in watersports or enjoy being pampered, following a busy tour of the Nile Valley. Streatching from the Gulf of Aaba along the East coast of the Egyptian mainland to Sudan, the Red Sea Rivera is one considered to be one of the best places in the world for diving and snorkelling! The most luxurious of the Red Sea hotels are to be found at Sharm el Sheikh and the Sinai and to the south of Hurghada on the Eastern sea-board!

I hope you get to visit Egypt sometime in your life! 

Click here to view Tours in Egypt!

Thank you for reading! 

~ ♡ Marika ♡ ~

Las Vegas, Nevada!

Hello!! This blog is about Las Vegas. Las Vegas is the largest city in the United States of Nevada. Las Vegas is situated on the Mojave Desert of Southern Nevada. & it is nicknamed the Entertainment Capital of the World.

In the holiday me & my family went on a vacation to America & I was glad that we were able to visit Las Vegas, as it had plenty of great places to see. 

One of the best things in Las Vegas is the hotels it has. Amazing hotels in Las Vegas include:

• The Bellagio.
•  The Mirage.
• The Paris hotel.
• The New York New York hotel.
• The Circus Circus hotel.
• The Rio hotel.

Every hotel in Las Vegas is decorated with lavish care & great attention to detail. This creates a fantasy like environment in every hotel. Here are some pictures & information about what some of the hotels look like in Las Vegas:

The Bellagio Hotel: 

What stood out to me the most in the Bellagio Hotel is the water fountains they have outside the hotel. At night every hour they have a show held at the fountain. Which was simply amazing to watch. 

The inside of the Bellagio Hotel is decorated very creatively & it even has a statue of a golden horse in the lobby. 

When I visited Las Vegas, The Chinese New Year was being celebrated. In honor of the event the Bellagio Hotel had a garden & statues that were all made from flowers. The garden was truly beautiful to see. & they had a statue of a Snake that was made from 5000 handmade silk scales. 

 

For more information about The Bellagio hotel & to see the water fountains they have:

http://www.bellagio.com/

The Paris Hotel:

What stood out the most in the Paris Hotel was its interior design. As inside the walls were painted blue & the walls were decorated as houses & apartments in Paris. & in the middle of the hotel there was a statue of the Eiffel Tower which you can see the rest of from outside the hotel. All these elements gave the people who visited the hotel a strong feeling that they were in Paris.

& here is what it looks like on the inside: 

For more information about The Paris Hotel:

http://www.parislasvegas.com/

The Circus Circus hotel:

The last hotel I would like to talk about is the Circus Circus hotel. This was the hotel I was looking forward to the most to visit as I remember staying at it 13 years ago. 

What is great about the Circus Circus hotel is that not only does it have a casino for adults to have (every hotel in Las Vegas has a huge casino) it also has arcades & fun games for kids to play in which they can win plenty of prizes. 

The Circus Circus hotel also has a show every 30min after 5pm which features amazing acts such as acrobats & plenty more other things.  

  

For more information about The Circus Circus hotel:

http://www.circuscircus.com/

 

When we went to Las Vegas we stayed at the Rio hotel. Which was also a nice hotel & had great buffets. However, if you ever visit Las Vegas I do not recommend you stay at one hotel & rather explore around, as the distance between every hotel is 5 minutes & there are plenty of cheap taxes waiting outside every hotel.

For more information about the Rio hotel:

http://www.riolasvegas.com/

 

So far I have only been talking about the hotels in Las Vegas. However, Las Vegas has much more to it. 

In the day, just walking around the streets is great fun, as you see many people in costumes of your favorite characters, such as: Woody, Buzz, SpongeBob, Minnie & plenty more other characters!!

Las Vegas also has amazing shopping centers. & another fantastic place to visit in Las Vegas is the M&M store. 

The M&M store is a four floors store that sells heaps of items all which have the M&M characters on them. The store also holds free 3D short movies every hour or so. 

For more information about the M&M store:

https://www.mymms.com/merchandise/

This was my blog about Las Vegas I hope you enjoyed it & was informative. 

Thank you!! Natalie ~

London, England

England, "The country of Shakespeare, Churchill, the Beatles, Sean Connery, Harry Potter. David Beckham's right foot. David Beckham's left foot, come to that." You can't forget Hugh Grant, who delighted us with this quote during Love, Actually.London is a place that evokes many an image, James Bond driving past Big Ben in his Aston Martin, Harry Potter running through the wall to Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge getting married in Westminster Abbey. To me, London lived up to every expectation and more!
Ever since I was little I had dreams of visiting England (in no small part due to Harry Potter). When I finally got the chance it was the first stop on a tour of Europe that I will never forget. London was one of those places where I automatically felt comfortable, this was a place where I could see myself living. The three days that I was there for were definitely not enough for me to see it all, but from what I did see, I will try and give you some advice on what to do if you only have a short time in London.
Activities
Then best thing I can advise if you only have a short time in London is the Hop On, Hop Off bus tours. For £28.00 per adult and £14.00 per child, the tour allows you to travel London, getting on and off at whichever stops you like. As it is geared towards tourists, it makes it much easier for you to get to the different tourist attraction than if you were just using public transport.

If I were to say the top three things to do in London in a short time period, they would definitely be the London Eye, The Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. As you visit these you will also be able to see things such as Trafalgar Square and Picadilly Circus, but these three are must do.

My Grandfather on the London Eye over looking Big Ben.

The London Eye.The London Eye is a great way to get a birds eye view of the city. It takes about half and hour and on a clear day you can see all the way to Canary Wharf. It's a great photo opportunity and you can get plenty of pictures to take home to show off to your friends!The Tower Of London.Walking through the Tower of London you really get a sense of the history of London. They are the same rooms that Kings and Queens have lived in, as well as criminals and enemy's of the state later on. The Tower always has exhibitions on that you are able to walk through. When I was there we got to see the Crown Jewels exhibit, which was amazing (even if you're not able to take pictures).Buckingham Palace.Whether the Queen is in residence or not, Buckingham Palace is breathtaking, and when else are you going to have a chance to try and get the guards to move! The Victoria Fountain and the flowers out the front of the Palace are beautiful, you won't be able to help taking photo after photo. After a visit to Buckingham Palace you can walk through St James' Park, or down The Mall to Trafalgar Square.
The best thing about London is that every time you turn a corner there is another landmark filled with history or that's just plain famous!
AccommodationIn my previous posts I have told you about affordable hotels, but in London I have to talk about The Savoy. Having worked in hospitality myself, the Savoy is the type of hotel I would dream to work at (even though I have never stayed there myself). The Savoy still holds all of it's granduer and opulence from the era of Jane Austen, with all the modern comforts that you expect from a hotel where the cheapest room is around £550 per night.-Steph

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is the capitol of Japan and is home to approximately 13 million people. This magnificent city is hope to fantastic food, unique fashion and cool innovations. In Tokyo you will never be bored as you are surrounded by some of the best shopping, entertainment, culture and dining. Explore Tokyo thoroughly, visit all the areas, see the highly talked about attractions, shop until you drop and eat as much food as you can.

Activities

Tokyo is packed with things to see and do, from eating to sight see to even shopping and theme parks. Tokyo caters for all age groups and is family friendly. You should make the most of your time in Japan and immerse yourself if the unique culture it has to offer.

• Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are probably the most popular tourist attractions and are a great place to take the kids!
• Akihabara- District for electronic and otaku goods
• Shibuya- Popular district among younger generations
• Harajuku – center of teenage fashion and cosplay culture
• Nakano Broadway- Shopping mall with lots of anime related stores
• Tokyo Skytree- 634 meter tall tower with observation decks
• Rikugien- Beautiful Japanese style landscape garden

There are also a variety of karaoke, hot springs and movie venues

Accommodation

Tokyo has accommodation to meet all kinds of budgets as well as offering both a Japanese and Western style of living. Tokyo accommodation allows you to experience how they live or allows you the comfort of western hospitality.

• Japan is a unique country with many different places to stay! If you are here for Disneyland they do have accommodation in their venues which have a great view of the theme park. They have a variety of accommodations,
• Japanese style lodgings for those who want to experiences something different
• Western style lodging for those who want to come back from a long day to something more familiar
• Low Budget such as dormitories and hostels for those who want their money to stretch a bit further
• Unique Lodgings like love hotels, capsule hotels and temple lodging
• For longer stays there are weekly and monthly apartments also available

Food

Japan is home to some truly fantastic food! Some of my all-time favourite dishes are:

•           Udon - Thin Japanese noodle soup
•           Ramen – Thin spaghetti style noodles with soup
•           Sashimi- Thinly sliced raw seafood
•           Korokke – Not original to Japan but is widely available, there is white cream korokke and meat potato korokke.
•           Sushi – Generally made with rice, seaweed and a variety of fillings
•           Curry

No doubt, Tokyo will be an experience of a life time which I would advise anyone to grab with both hands and make the most of.

For more information on accommodation, food and activities for this absolutely fantastic city click here

South America!

Every thing before South America was just a warm up!

You haven't really travelled until you've taken on South America. Thirteen countries strong, the continent is home to astounding natural and cultural wonders, including the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, thousands of kilometres of magnificent white-sand beaches, captivating colonial towns and indigenous villages, and the Amazon rainforest home to more plant and animal species than anywhere else on the world. 

But what can I do?

Sweat yourself dizzy on an Amazon canoe ride before ending the day caiman-watching on a black water lagoon. Brave a white-knuckle bus ride down Peruvian slopes and be astounded by endless Andean vistas. Endure Patagonia's wind driven rain while chasing life-affirming sunsets or simple lose yourself (and possibly your belongings) in the break-neck chaos of Buenos Aires or Salvador. 

Tantalise your senses with a multi-country South America tour! Taste mouth-watering steak in Argentina, or juicy seafood in Peru. Smell the fresness of Patagonia and unpolluted air of the Amazon. See the spectacular colours of Cusco and Machu Picchu, the ancient world of the Incas in Peru and stunning geological formations in Bolivia. Feel the warm waters of the Varibbean Sea in Venezuela and cool breezes of the Atlantic in Brazil. Hear the sultry sounds of the tango in Argentina and the ever present rhythmic beats of the Samba in Rio!

The challenge is deciding where to begin!

With so much choice, its as thought the continent was built for travel; a place that excites, thrills, challenges and infuriates! South America however is not just about breathtaking sights - its stunning soundtrack is sure to leave your feet tapping long after you're back in the day job. Samba spices up the sandy streets of Brazilian beach towns, Argentine "folorica" trickles out of truck radios in the pampas and the jolting rhythm of Cumbia making those Andean bus rides even more absurd!

& when it comes to experiencing this incredible land the real reward is undoubtably the South American spirit! The entire continent approaches life with the enthusiasm of an old-fashioned road trip: windows down and stereo blaring. South America is a continent that engulfs you and changes you - your state of mind, your outlook on life. As soon as you step foot on South American soil, the transformation begins!

Ready to go? 

To visit many other popular trips and tours, take a look at South American Tours!

Here is one of their tours they have to offer from Australia! 

• Day 1: AUSTRALIA - SANTIAGO Transfer to hotel.
• Day 2: SANTIAGO (B) Half day city tour of Santiago, dramatically set at the foot of the Andes mountains to discover the city's many layers of cultural influence, visit "La Moneda" government house and try some pisco sour.
• Day 3: SANTIAGO - LIMA (B) Transfer out to airport for flight to Lima, transfer in and half day city tour.
• Day 4: LIMA - CUZCO (B) Transfer to airport for your flight to Cuzco. Transfer to hotel.
• Day 5: CUZCO - SACRED VALLEY (B, L) Full day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Overnight.
• Day 6: SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU (B, L) Train to Machu Picchu, ruins tour and overnight.
• Day 7: MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO (B) Morning free to visit ruins. Return train and land transfer to Cuzco.
• Day 8: CUZCO (B) Half day city tour of some of the sites in and around Cuzco including the cathedral, Q'oricancha (the temple of the sun) and the fortress of Sacsahuaman.
• Day 9: CUZCO - PUNO (B, L) Spectacular Andean Explorer train journey across the Altiplano Puno to the shores of Lake Titicaca.
• Day 10: PUNO (B) Half day tour of Uros, to visit the communities that live on these reed islands.
• Day 11: PUNO - LA PAZ (B, L) Cross from Peru into Bolivia, via the lovely lakeside village of Copacabana, boarding a comfortable catamaran to begin the scenic crossing of the magical Lake Titicaca. Stop at the complex on Sun Island for an introduction to the mysterious Tiwanaku civilisation on the way to La Paz.
• Day 12: LA PAZ - LIMA(B) Half day city tour including the rock formations of Moon valley and learn about the local "Pacenos" customs and traditions including a trip local witchery market. transfer to airport for fligt to Lima. Overnight
• Day 13: LIMA - RIO DE JANEIRO (B) Transfer to airport for flight to Rio de Janeiro, one of the scenic and lively cities in the world. Transfer to hotel.
• Day 14: RIO DE JANEIRO (B) Tour and cable car trip to one of the city's favourite landmarks Sugar Loaf mountain, the famous granite and quartz peaks overlooking Guanabara bay for a fantastic view.
• Day 15: RIO DE JANEIRO (B) Half day trip to the top of Corcovado mountain, catching a small train through the Tijuca forest before reaching the top to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
• Day 16: RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUAZU FALLS (B) Transfer to airport for flight to Iguazu. Transfer and tour to the Brazilian side of the falls for a panoramic view of the 275 falls spanning nearly 3 kilometres and running along the border of Brazil and Argentina.
• Day 17: IGUAZU FALLS (B) Guided walk along the many trails on the Argentine side of the falls, including a small train journey to the impressive Devil's Throat, the impressive point during which most water passes.
• Day 18: IGUAZU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES (B) Transfer to airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to hotel.
• Day 19: BUENOS AIRES (B) Half day tour of South America's stylish capital, Buenos Aires, whose architecture and boulevards are steeply influenced by a European heritage. Visit the bohemian street market of La Boca, the tango barrio of San Telmo and the famous Recoleta cemetery, home to the resting place of Eva Peron.
• Day 20: BUENOS AIRES (B, D) Free day to discover this exciting city or go shopping. In the evening, experience the tango in all its glory and sample the succulent local beef with a dinner and show.
• Day 21: BUENOS AIRES - AUSTRALIA (B) Transfer to the airport for flight home.
• Day 22: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Travel: 

How can I get there?

By Plane: Getting to South America has gotten much easier in recent years due to massive increases in flights to the continent by major global airlines. Although some particular places are still quite hard to reach (i.e. Paraguay, Suriname, northern Brazil), the places that you most likely want to go, such as Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, are more accessible than ever before. 

From Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific: A somewhat surprising number of options exist. Both Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN Airlines serve Auckland and Sydney from their respective hubs at Buenos Aires and Santiago, while Quanta's introduced a non-stop service between Sydney and Santiago on March 2012. LAN also operates one of the world's most obscure flights of all- a service linking Santiago-Easter Island-Tahiti. From Perth Emirates provides affordable flights to Buenos Aires with a stopover in Dubai, around 30 hours total flying time. 

South American Culture:

The cultures of South America draw on diverse cultural traditions. These include the native cultures of the peoples that inhabited the continents prior to the arrival of the Europeans; European cultures, brought mainly by the Spanish, the Portuguese and the French; African cultures, whose presence derives from a long history of New World slavery; and the United States, particularly via mass culture such as cinema and TV. South Americans are culturally influenced by its indigenous peoples, the historic connections with Iberian Peninsula and Africa, and the impact of mass culture from the United States, alongside waves of immigrants from around the globe. 

South American nation have a rich variety of music. Some of the most famous genres include vallenato and Cumbia from Colomvia, samba and bossa nova from Brazil, and Tango from Argentina and Uruguay. 

In many places indigenous people still practice a traditional lifestyle based on subsistence agriculture or as hunter-gatherers. There are still some uncontacted tribes residing in the Amazon Rainforest!

In many places indigenous people still practice a traditional cultural lifestyle based on subsistence agriculture or as hunter gatheres. Believe it or not, there are still some uncontacted tribes residing in the Amazon Rainforest! How cool is that? Talk about culture!

Another thing you need to keep your eye out for in South America is the Language! Portugese and Spanish are the primary languages of the continent. The majority of South American's speak Portugese, however most South American countiries are Spanish speaking, and nearly all of the continents lusophones reside in Brazil. 

Latin American MUSICO!

Latin American music, sometimes simply called Latin music, includes the music of all countries in Latin America and comes in many varieties, from the simple, rural conjunto music of northern Mexico to the sophisticated habanera of Cuba, from the symphonies of Heitor Villa-Lobos to the simple and moving Andean flute. Music has played an important part in Latin America's turbulent recent history, for example the nueva canción movement. Latin music is very diverse, with the only truly unifying thread being the use of Latin languages, predominately the Spanish language, the Portuguese language in Brazil, and to a lesser extent, Latin-derived creole languages such as that found in Haiti.

Latin American Arto!

Beyond the rich tradition of indigenous art, the development of Latin American visual art owed much to the influence of Spanish, Portuguese and French Baroque painting, which in turn often followed the trends of the Italian Masters. Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is perhaps the best known Latin American artist. She painted about her own life and the Mexican culture in a style combining Realism, Symbolism and Surrealism. Kahlo's work commands the highest selling price of all Latin American paintings.

Latin American Cuisne:

This refers to the typical foods, beverages and cooking styles common to many of the countries and cultures in South America! Some items typical of Latin American cuisine include maize-based dishes of tortillas, tamales, pupusas and various salsas and other condiments including guacamole, pico de gallo, and mole! 

Beverages includes mate, horchata, atole and aguas frescas. Desserts include dulce de leche, arroz con leche and flan.The richest products of South America come from the middle of the continent, the Amazonia. In countries like Peru there is a strong influence of the Inca. Potatoes are frequently grown as a result of this, and also plants such as quinoa. On the Southern tip of South America lies the Pacific Ocean, which provides a large array of seafood. Many plains also are on this continent, which are rich for growing food in abundance. In the Patagonia south of Chile and Argentina, many people produce lamb and venison. King crab is typically caught at the southern end of the continent. Tuna and tropical fish are caught all around the continent, but Easter Island is one place where they are found in abundance. It's safe to say a wide range of foods are grown, caught and deliciously served up for all in South America!

So much to see, so little time! Best Tourist Attractions for South America?

South America is a patchwork of stunning landscapes with its snow capped mountains, treacherous jungles, surreal desserts and spectacular mountain ranges. It delights travelers, sweating their way through outdoor challenges or simply sitting back to admire its awe inspiting Andean views. What the adventure, South America does not disappoint. It's spirit is infectious and no matter where you go the fierce Latin Passion will sweep you away! 

Here are ten tourist attractions that must be on your must-see list:

1. Machu Piccu - Peru!

Peru has become the hot spot in South America and the darling of the traveling community. But it  would be nowhere without its shining jewel, the Incan kingdom of Machu Piccu! Hidden within the best lush peruvian mountains, this mystical city remained a secret for ages and now is the continent's best known archaeological site. While some travellers chose a plush train ride to enjoy the view in comfort, others choose to trek the original Inca Trail and after several days are delighted by the ruins that dot the terraces. But for all, a tremendous sense of wonder for an ancient society can be felt!

2. Amazonia - Ecuador!

One of the most unique ecosystems on our planet, the Amazon is an enormous region covering about 40% of the South American continent and it touches many countries. One of the more popular entryways is within Ecuadorian borders through its capital city, Quito. The Amazon is not for the lighthearted. It is one of the world's most diverse biological areas in the world with simple trips providing opportunities to see diverse creatures such as monkeys, birds, caimans and tarantulas. That's right. Massive spiders, and massive snakes! Are you up for the challenge of the Amazon?

3. Angel Falls - Venezuela!

Nestled within Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, Angel Falls are the highest waterfalls in the world. Although impressive, the hike into Angel Falls are not the only reward. This jungle trek is its own adventure as a guide navigates the grasslands, rivers and mountains to reveal spectacular waterfalls and lagoons. Travellers who brave the trip deep into the jungle are treated to tropical wildlife in the area including monkeys, poison arrow frogs and orchids. 

4. Torres del Paine - Chile!

Torres del Paine National Park is located in the Southern most region of Chile and for those willing to venture to Patagonia it offers astonishing hiking opportunities amongst glaciers, lakes and blue mountains. Treks are available for varying experience levels on clearly marked paths with options for accommodation and basic services. Those wanting just a taste of its breathtaking views can choose a day trip, while many others hike for the popular five day "W" route. For the most adventurous, the full circuit can be completed in 9 days! 

5. Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia!

The world's largest salt flat in the world, salt and other abundant minerals are sought in this area. But travelers know this area as the "worlds best photo op".  Photographers flock here to capture the unique landscape. Although dry season is recommended for its limitless horizon perspective; the rainy season also provides Dali-inspired reflective photos that make amateur photographers look like pros.The salt flats are often part of a 3-4 day tourin Bolivia that promises to defy expectations and include such unusual stops as the Salt Hotel. This location feels out of this world.

6. San Pedro de Atacama - Chile! 

San Pedro de Atacama once was a destination when transporting cattle and today has flourished into a major tourist destination.The star of the area is the Valle De Luna (Moon Valley) tour at sunset. Travelers marvel as the desert morphs and provides an idyllic setting for star gazing. But the area has much more to offer with its beautifully hot, dry landscapes that crack the earth and mountainous sand dunes. Guests are taken by the town's quaint charm and often stay longer than expected for its many tour offerings of craters, canyons, caves, valleys and salt mines.

7. The Galapagos Islands - Ecuador! 

The ultimate animal lover's paradise! The Galapagos are perhaps the last unspoiled place on earth where man continues to respect the boundaries of mother nature and wild creatures prosper without the fear of man. No where else can you find animals frolicking, unafraid of their onlookers. Like a child's fairytale, here you can play amongst sea lions, laugh with the penguins and swim alongside turtles. This is nirvana and it won't last forever. Walking amongst this wildlife creates a memory you most certainly wont forget. A must do for every South American trip!

8. Lake Titicaca - Bolivia! 

South America's largest lake and the home to several indigenous communities make the area both agriculturally strong and full of cultural significance. Copacabana is the heart and largest town on the shore. Due to it's rich history, Copacabana's religious festivities, often celebrating Pachamama (Mother Earth), are frequent and well known. No worries- the music and colour will get you celebrating mother earth as much as the locals! But wait, there's more, the experience doesn't end at the shore. Many boats leave for Isla del Sol, the sacred Inca island. Here travellers bask in the beauty of deep blue sky towering its fresh water. It's a cozy feeling as it's all tucked in the snow topped mountains of the Cordillera Reel!

9. Easter Island - Chile! 

Easter Island, also known as Isla de Pascua or Rapa Nui by the Spanish and Polyesian, is one of the most alluring sacred sites on Earth. Famous for its enigmatic giant stone figures, the Moai were built centuries ago, but continue to remain a mystery and our only link to the demise of this isolated Polynesian culture. Easter Island also hosts two white sand beaches making it the idyllic location to take in a bit of ancient culture while basking in the tropical sun. After a morning admiring the Moai, visitors can enjoy body surfing, surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling. 

10. The Pantanal - Brazil! 

Perhaps the wildest region in the world, the Pantanal has the greatest density of animal life in South America. Created by seasonal flooding of the river Paraguai, these wetlands are considered one of the worlds largest and most diverse freshwater wetland ecosystems. Not to mention the home of the purest water source in the world. Thats right, this place is a gold ticket of pure natural goodness. While many flock to the Pantanal on a photographic safair to see the majestic jaguar, a number of colourful birds including hummingbirds, macaws and parrots that inhabit this area. Its a beautiful collage of animals and wetlands that make this place so special to this earth. 

Stay Safe!

Ladies and Gentlemen, leave your crystal necklaces, earrings, watches and wads of cash at home. Wearing or carrying items which may identify you as an affluent tourist can be a mistake. You shouldn't pack anything that you would be upset to lose. Only carry what you need. That goes for credit cards and other documents as well; if you have no need for them leave them behind in the hotel safe, only take what money you are likely to spend with you. 

& i'm not only talking about human dangers of robbery, the monkey's are known to take a jewel when they see one, so beware!

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN IN SOUTH AMERICA! I'll be extremely jealous. 

~ ♡ Marika ♡ ~

Jordan !!

Hello!! This blog is about Jordan, which is an Arab kingdom in the Middle East, located on the East Bank of the Jordan River, & extending into the historic region of Palestine. Jordan borders Saudi Arabia to the south & east, Iraq to the north – east, Syria to the north & Palestine to the west.  The capital of Jordan is Amman.

Jordan has plenty of great places to visit if you ever get the chance to visit it. These places include: Petra, The Dead Sea, Hammamat Ma'in (Ma’in spa), Jerash, & Aqaba Gulf. 

Petra: 

Petra is one of the current Seven Wonders of the World, it is famous for its rock-cut architecture & water conduit system. Another name for Petra is the Rose City due to the colour of the stone out of which it is carved.

Once a visitor enters Petra the only methods of transport allowed within Petra are walking or riding a camel, donkey or horse. This is done is order to preserve the architecture inside.  

When I went to Petra my family & I chose to walk, which in my opinion it was worth it as we got to see all the small details between the rocks, which otherwise we would have missed. 

When we visited we stayed at the Marriott hotel. It was a nice hotel that was not cheap or expensive. It also had a great view & in general was a comfortable hotel to stay at, however, I would not recommend paying too much detail to hotels when visiting Petra, as it’s the architecture & sighting you should focus on. 

For more information about Petra:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Petra

http://www.visitjordan.com/default.aspx?tabid=63

 

& for more information about the Marriott hotel: 

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mpqmc-petra-marriott-hotel/

The Dead Sea: 

Another great place to visit in Jordan is the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest point in the world at 394.6m below sea level. The water in The Dead Sea is extremely salty & it is the second saltiest major body of water in the world. The Dead Sea’s name is derived from the fact that the water is far too salty for marine inhabitation. 

In the dead a person can float with ease due to the hypersalination of the water. In fact it is nearly impossible to sink. 

The mud along the shore of the Dead Sea contains many minerals & it has medical & therapeutic benefits. In fact many visitors cover their body with the dark mud. 

The water at the Dead Sea has a greasy feel to it & it is advised to wear waterproof sandals as the salt is very jagged & can easily cut your feet. & wear goggles as the salt in water stings & causes pain if it comes in contact with the eyes. 

For more information about The Dead Sea:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Dead_Sea_%28Jordan%29  

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g293985-d318768-Reviews-Dead_Sea-Jordan.html

Hammamat Ma'in (Ma’in Spa):

Another great place to visit in Jordan is Hammamat Ma'in. What is great about Hammamat Ma'in is the amazing waterfalls it has. The water there is rich in minerals which leads it to always being naturally hot. 

When I visited Hammamat Ma'in I remember it had water falls ranging from extremely hot, to warm & to cold. It was great to sit under the waterfall & the water felt like it was giving you a massage. 

Hammamat Ma'in, has plenty of hotels. The hotel I stayed at while visiting was the Movenpick Hotel. Which is a great hotel & it had parties & shows at night. 

For more information about Hammamat Ma'in:

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/jordan/hammamat-main

Jerash: 

Jerash is also a great place to visit in Jordan. Jerash is a city in northern Jordan & it is famous for its Roman ruins. The archaeological site is popular to tourists & it is the second most visited spot in Jordan next to Petra being first.

In Jerash there are plenty of great sites to see & it also has a small souq (which is outdoor shops) just outside of the archaeological park. & from those shops you can buy Jordanian souvenirs & handicrafts. 

Every year in Jerash, the Jerash Festival is held. The Jerash festival is one of the world’s liveliest & most spectacular cultural events. The most famous singers from all over the world attend the Jerash festival as well. 

For more information about Jerash:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Jerash

This was my blog about Jordan, I hope it was informative & gave you useful information about Jordan & encouraged you to visit it one day.

Thank you!! Natalie ~