Living the good life, on the cheap, in Negril, Jamaica

admin  —  7:07 am

Ready For Living the good life, on the cheap, in Negril, Jamaica

 

Negril, Jamaica is best know for its 7 mile beach, watching beautiful sunsets from the cliffs, and very expensive, all-inclusive resorts. When I decided to move to Jamaica for a few months I knew I’d be interested in seeing the beaches and sunsets. The all-inclusive resorts…not so much. I was after a different experience, one I could never get at an all-inclusive resort. I wanted to experience the real Jamaica. I wanted to live where the Jamaicans lived, eat where they ate, and drink where they drink. I couldn’t have been happier with that decision. I initially decided I wanted to spend a few months in Negril. By living like the locals do not only was I was able to stretch my budget, I was able to stretch my stay to a wonderful 6 months. I lived, ate, and drank very well, all at a fraction of the cost the other tourists were paying. If you’d like to live like a king in Negril, but have a paupers budget, here are a few tips to help you out.

charmanes (1)

 

  • Lodging

The quickest way to blow through your money in Negril is by staying on the beach or cliffs. A small room on the beach will set you back, at the very least, $50\night. Forget that nonsense. You can find a great place to stay in either downtown Negril, or in one of the many surrounding neighborhoods. In total I stayed in 4 different apartments while in Negril. I never once paid more than $10\night. These apartments are very easy to find, all you have to do is get off of hotel row and look around. Better yet, hop in a taxi and ask them where the cheapest place to stay is. I haven’t met a Jamaican taxi drive yet who wasn’t interested in helping a tourist out. Speaking of taxis…

 

  • Getting Around

Not understanding how the taxis work in Jamaica will cause you to spend way more money than you need to. I’ve heard tale of people paying $10 or even $20 USD for a ride from the beach to Rick’s Café on the cliffs. I was able to make the trip for $2 USD. “How?”, you ask. By taking advantage of the ridiculously cheap collective taxis (they’re the ones with the red license plates). By using this method, instead of relying on the shuttles and private drivers, I was able to get from the beach to Rick’s Café for $2 USD. Those not in the know were paying 5-10 times that amount.

 

Getting around Negril by taxi is a very simple affair. If you’re on the beach, and want to get somewhere else on the beach route, just wave a taxi down and tell him where you’re going. When he drops you off give him $1 USD. Couldn’t be easier. Same goes for the west-end; all pick-ups and drop-offs on the west-end route will cost you $1 USD no matter if you’re going a half a mile, or from downtown to Rick’s Café. If you plan on spending even a week in Negril, using the collective taxis is going to save you a ton of money.

 

  • Eating

Unless you want bland Americanized food, or want to go broke really quick, I suggest staying off the beach when you want to eat. Not only is the food much, much better downtown and on the west-end road, it’s also less than half the price of the food on the beach. The list of small, and delicious, cook shacks (small shacks set up by the locals that serve 1-3 dishes) located in Negril is too long to list here. Just ask any taxi drive where his favorite cook shack is and he’ll be more than happy to tell you. In addition to the cook shacks there are two restaurants in downtown Negril that I found myself at day after day; Bucks and Juici Patties.

bucks

Juici Patties sells, obviously, patties. If you’ve never had a Jamaican patty before you’re in for a treat.  They’re basically little pot pies filled with a variety of savory choices; beef, chicken, lobster, veggies, etc.  There are actually a few places in Negril to get a patty.  I’ll get much flak for saying this, but Juici Patties, just past the downtown roundabout, was definitely my favorite.  For less than $2 USD you get a piping hot, delectably flaky, patty filled with your favorite ingredients, and a box of juice.  I ate there almost every day, and I still craved it as soon as I rolled out of bed.  A great, and inexpensive, option for the budget traveler.

 

bucks_food

My other favorite restaurant was Buck’s. The food at Buck’s is about authentic as you’re going to get in Negril.  You’ll find brown stewed beef, curries, fried chicken, ackee and saltfish, rice and peas, and many other Jamaican staples.  All for around $4 USD for a huge plate of food (an absolutely horrible chicken sandwich on the beach is going to set you back $12-$15 USD).  Buck’s is a little hard to find on your own for the first time, so just ask any taxi driver to take you there. Once you try the food I can guarantee you will find yourself there again and again.

 

  • Drinking

Going out for a beer, especially on the beach, can be quite expensive. A great alternative to the over-priced beach bars is to find yourself a little locally owned shop. Charmane’s, my favorite, is a very small shop located just outside of downtown on the west-end road, directly across the street from the hardware store.  There are dozens of little shops like Charmane’s all over Negril.  The owners are all locals, and all work long hours for very little money.  If you’re going to be spending money on a beer please try to pick one of these locally owned and operated stores.  The prices are right, and you’re directly helping out the local economy.  That’s a win-win any way you look at it.  If you’re in the downtown area check out Charmane’s, order an ice cold beer, and just sit back and chill.  If you’re staying somewhere else in Negril, find one of these little shops next to you, and befriend the owner.  They’ll appreciate your business more than you know.  An ice cold Red Stripe at Charmane’s, or any of these shops, is going to cost you around $1.50 USD.  That’s about a quarter of the price you’re going to be paying at any of the hotel bars and the money goes where it’s needed most; right in the hands of the local population.

 

Living the good life in Negril doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. The money you’ll save by following the above tips can double, or even triple, your stay in paradise. Who wouldn’t want that?

 

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Cheap eats in Cahuita, Costa Rica

admin  —  11:57 pm

Cheap eats in Cahuita, Costa Rica

 

Cahuita is a pretty difficult place to visit for a budget traveler. The prices to eat and drink are about the same as in the states. Not exactly budget friendly. Cahuita can still be visited though by the budget traveler if they know the cheap places to eat and drink. My girlfriend, Natasha, and I spent a month in Cahuita and learned from the locals, the ex-pats, and through trial and error, the least expensive places to eat and drink. By following these tips it’s our hope that we can save our friends, the budget travelers, a few dollars on their stay in Cahuita.

Cahuita, Costa Rica

 

Most restaurants in Cahuita basically offer you the same fare for lunch and dinner; rice and peas with a small salad and your choice of protien (fish, chicken, or beef). This meal will set you back, almost no matter what restaurant you’re in $6-$7usd. That may not sound like much, but for 2 people traveling together, eating out a few nights a week, that can really add up. We had to find some alternatives if we wanted to stretch our travel budget. The following establishments were very helpful in doing just that.

 

Del Rita Patty

 

This little patty shop is, unfortunatly, only open on the weekends, which is a shame. The patties here are delicious and cheap. If you’re unfamiliar with Jamaican patties then you’re in for a treat stopping by here.  Jamaican patties are basically little pot pies filled with a variety of choices; beef, chicken, lobster, veggies, etc. Del Rita usually sold a couple of different patties; usually one sweet (banana or plantain), and one savory (mostly beef). They were perfectly saesoned and cooked, and only cost 500 colones ($1usd). One patty is more than enough for lunch, and usually for dinner if you’re a light\broke eater. The owner also sells a delicious loaf of banana bread for 1000 colones ($2) which is great to take home for breakfast in the morning. You can easily get 4 servings out of one banana bread. Whenever we saw her “Hay Patty” sign out on the main road we made sure to stop by for some cheap eats. Del Rita Patty can be found by walking from town center toward the park. Take a left on the last street (none of the streets in Cahuita have names) before you get to the park and the building is the first one on the right.

 

The Patty Guy

 

If you find yourself in the center of town, and see a guy on a bicycle with a cooler on the front of it flag him down (chances are someone else has beat you to it). He also sells patties in town, just as good as Del Rita, and also only charges a dollar. Don’t dilly-dally though if you see him. I watched him park outside of a bar one evening and sell out his entire stock of patties in less than 10 minutes. It’s always been my philosiphy while traveling that if I see a crowd of locals, gathered around a street food vendor, that I better get to that street vendor and find out what’s going on. I’ve never been disappointed, especially with the patty guy in Cahuita.

 

The French Bakery

 

A french bakery in Cahuita? That’s right. Not only do they do a decent job, but they’re dirt cheap. Unfortunatly, if you’re staying in town, it’s a bit of a hike to get there. Not too bad of a walk; about 15-20 minutes. To find it you’ll take the one road out of Cahuita to the main highway. Once you reach the highway you’ll take a right. The bakery is located almost immediately on your left, in between the bar and the “department” store. Here you’ll find all kinds of baked goods for your eating pleasures. We mostly stuck with the savory items (we’re budget travelers and don’t waste money on sweets). Here you can buy a small, pre-cooked, ham and mushroom pizza for 1500 colones ($3usd), or a delicious jerked chicken empanada for 750 colones ($1.50usd). Either of which is enough to fill you up. All of the savory foods are sold at room temperature so you have to either be ok eating it that way (which we most definitely are). If you want it hot you can either have them warm it up for you, or take it back to the hotel and throw it in the oven if you have one. This place is great if you’re trying to stretch your food budget. You can hardly cook for yourself at these prices.

 

Barahonas

 

I’m, admittedly, a fried chicken fanatic. I just can’t help it, I love the stuff. Imagine my delight in finding a group of locals queued up outside of a fried chicken place in Cahuita. I knew this was bad; not only my health, but my food budget. Turns out Barahonas was quite resonably priced (hence the line of locals). For between 600 and 2000 colones ($1.20-$4usd) you can get a piece of fried chicken and a pile of plantain chips. The wing was your cheapest option, at 600 colones, and was more than big enough to fill you up. The breast was the priciest piece of chicken, at 2000 colones, but was large enough to take half home for leftovers. Every piece of chicken I ate there, and trust me, there were many pieces of chicken eaten there that month, was delicious and perfectly cooked. Not to mention half the price of a sit down meal anywhere else in town. If you find youself at this gem make sure you get some of her homemade, and very spicy, pickeled veggies to go with your chicken.

Barahones

 

Cafe El Parquecito

 

This little restaurant sits right next to the small park in town (hence the name). This place is only open, I believe, for breakfast. Cafe El Parquecito most definitely has the cheapest breakfast in town, not to mention the best rice and peas I had in Cahuita. A typical breakfast of rice and peas with two fried eggs and toast will set you back around 1500 colones ($3usd). That’s about $1.50 cheaper than anywhere else in town.

 

Street Vendors

 

So many people have an aversion to eating “street meat”, and that’s a shame. Some of the best meals I’ve eaten in my travels have been from street vendors. The food is authentic, filling, and inexpensive. What else could a budget traveler want? On the weekends numerous street vendors set up at the park in Cahuita selling their wares. Most consist of some kind of a skewer of grilled meat and veggies. Each vendor is different, but most sell their skewers for between 500-1000 colones ($1-$2usd). A couple of skewers with tortillas is more than enough for dinner and will set you back a fraction of the cost as one of the restaurants in town.

 

Produce trucks

 

If you’re lucky enough to have a kitchen where you’re staying you’re going to want to check out the roving produce trucks in town. These trucks are the same ones that the stores and restaurants in town buy their produce from. You’ll be buying produce fresher, and cheaper, from these trucks than from any of the stores. I remember craving a fresh salad one day and buying up lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrot and avocado from one of these trucks. I bought more than enough for 3 salads and only spent around 2000 colones ($4usd). Way cheaper than eating out, or even going to the store.

 

Free produce

 

What’s better than buying incredibly fresh and inexpensive produce off of one of the produce trucks? Picking it fresh from the trees around town for free (just make sure you don’t go onto anyones private property to do it). While staying in Cahuita I ate roughly by body weight in mangoes that I picked from the trees in and around town. In addition to the dozens of mangoes I was also able to find, growing wild; Jamaican apples, coconuts (delicious when kept in the fridge to drink later that night), limes, key limes, basil, ackee (be carefull with ackee, it’s poisonous if not ripe), and oranges. A wonderful bounty can be had, for free, for the adventurous budget traveler.

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Doing Business in Hong Kong

admin  —  1:25 pm

Doing Business in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the best places on earth for doing business. Being a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, Hong Kong has a fastly growing economy and holds the 10th position in the world’s trading economy. Furthermore, Hong Kong is eleventh biggest exporter of commercial services.

International business persons are attracted by Hong Kong’s laisser-faire policy which offers excellent opportunities for a barrier-free trading. For over 20 years economy of Hong Kong was ranked the freest in the world. However, the region does have certain rules that every local and foreign businessperson should obey. The city is ruled by a few wealthy families, having holdings mainly in commerce and real estate. Therefore, you can enjoy a great level of freedom, until your business and activity do not intersect with their interests. For example, you will never launch a new grocery store chain, in Hong Kong, as this business area belongs to the ruling families. If you choose the right area of business, you will have enough freedom and opportunities for a quick and successful business development.

Hong_Kong_Island_Skyline_201108

Hong Kong is a perfect place not only for doing business, it is also one of the world’s safest cities. The longest life expectancy is another signature feature of HK. This is another good reason for launching business in this Asian city. When you have fewer things to worry about, you have more time and energy to think over the most effective business developing strategies.

Getting to Hong Kong is not a big problem nowadays, as “world is getting smaller” day by day. There are lots of airline companies ready to help you cross the oceans and get to Hong Kong. Of course, a flight to HK takes several hours, but the time will go too quickly if you are aboard a business class cabin. Choosing business class flights is especially recommended for people, traveling long distances. An additional level of comfort offered by premium class cabins will not go amiss.

Doing Business In Hong Kong

 

If you want to come to Hong Kong relaxed and in a good mood, opt for business class flights only. This class of flights offers the most comfortable seats with the backs that can recline up to 180 degrees, an extended seat pitch and large legroom. No jumpy neighbours with their knife-edged elbows and uncomfortable sitting position which may cause a terrible backache. Only comfort and pure enjoyment of a premium class flight. Of course, you will be served delicious meals and free beverages. Advanced entertainment media systems will not let you get bored.

Find affordable business class flights to Hong Kong with http://cheapfirstclass.com/.

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Lose Yourself in the Hidden Gems of the Phillipines

Jack Van Toorn  —  9:30 am

 

The Philippines is known for its white sand beaches and the hospitality of its people not to mention the local delicacy from seafood to refined cuisine. The tourism industry boasts that “it’s more fun in the Philippines.”

Needless to say, most of the best locations in the Philippines are hidden partly because of the inefficient transportation system. If you are the adventurous type with a knack for unchartered territories, you won’t be disappointed with the hidden treasures of the Philippines.

Batanes, an island province

This small island at the northernmost tip of the Philippines just south of Taiwan holds amazing wonders on its own. It had its fair share of WW2 history even a reminder of Spain’s colonization of the Philippines. The native population of the island is inherently nice and warm so you won’t feel out of place. Some locals travel to the island for its fantastic rolling hills and pristine beaches especially its cool weather. Be forewarned though that the best way to visit the island is through a chartered plane since boat rides are quite dangerous because of the strong waves.

Cordillera mountain ranges

Trekkers love these mountain ranges particularly in Kalinga because of its exhilarating scenery. Another worthy peak is that of Mt. Pulag sporting the province’s highest point above sea level. Mind the experience though as the trail to the peaks are less traveled requiring fit travelers ready for some dirt action. In the end, the rewards are plentiful such as insanely great view with the backdrop of evergreen rolling hills.

Perfectly coned Mayon Volcano

You won’t believe that the locals call this mountain ‘beautiful lady’ considering that she is an active volcano and has brought havoc countless of times to the province of Albay. Just recently, many mountaineers lost their lives trying to reach the peak of the volcano so skip this one if you’re not up to the challenge; the views from afar are already worth it though and the food in the area really taste amazing like the popular chili flavored ice cream. At the foot of the volcano are simple activities like off-roading, which is more than fun for a thrill seeker.

Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Perhaps travel back in time in this less traveled part of the country partly because of its distance from the capital. The architecture of the city of Vigan clearly portraits the picture of the colonial Philippines. The local government of Vigan managed to preserve the old architecture from cobblestone roads to stone houses including the traditional horse carriage for transportation thus effectively bringing you back in time.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

This part of the country is quite popular because of the French edition of Survivor, the 8th season of Koh-Lanta yet not a lot of tourists flock to the area making its beaches pristine and less crowded. Be forewarned though that the facilities in the area aren’t fully developed adding for a more breathtaking experience in a fabulous paradise. There’s a reason why two seasons of Survivor series were shot here, the island is simply an enthralling paradise.

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Ratchaburi and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Jack Van Toorn  —  8:00 am

Let your shopping spree float in the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of Ratchaburi’s most popular tourist attractions. It showcases the significance of the Mae Klong River to the people’s lifestyle and most importantly their source of livelihood and how it enriches the cultural heritage of Ratchaburi.

Ratchaburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand; its local meaning is “The land of the king,” which is fitting considering the breathtaking wonders the province has to offer. With over 5,000 square kilometers of land area, it sports amazing destinations of which the most exhilarating is the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak.

Ratchaburi and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Historically, Ratchaburi was the city of the Mon kingdom dating far back to the Dvaravati period. Legend has it that “The land of the king” originated from the mythical Suvannabhumi kingdom predating Dvaravati. If you happen to love historical ruins with cultural significance, discover the amazing wonders of the contemporary city of Khu Bua.

Damnoen Saduak on the other hand is the handy work of King Rama IV in 1866 when he demanded for a 32 km canal to connect the Mae Klong River with the Tacheen River cutting through Damnoen Saduak. This resulted to an excellent arable land beside the river perfect for growing various kinds of fruits and vegetables. The tradition has been kept alive by the Thais who until today, rely on the resources provided by the river mostly from exceptional agriculture and tourism combined. The way of life of the Thai in the Damnoen Saduak is quite unique and tourists see a glimpse of how things have been in the past.

With a population of over 800,000 mostly of Karen origin and other hill tribes including some neighboring Asian nationalities like Chinese, the cultural heritage and traditions of Ratchaburi are fascinatingly rich and incredibly diverse.

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a world famous travel destination popular for its fresh fruits and vegetables coming right from the nearby farms in the naturally rich riverbanks. The experience of going through the market is amazingly refreshing and the people are very friendly. Hopping into one of the small manually paddled boats is absolutely fascinating more so the stunning scenery that the Mae Klong River holds. As you go past the calm waters of the river, the identity of the Thai culture is clearly evident.

Ratchaburi and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market2

The market opens daily before dawn and ends at noon. Like most of the markets in Thailand, haggling is part of the business and more often than not you get a sweet deal just by flashing your terrific smile. Once you’ve had your fair share of bargaining, don’t shy away from binging on delicious local cuisine, which are served from the floating food carts.

If you’re planning to include Ratchaburi and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in your travel itinerary, be sure to familiarize yourself with a few useful words from the local dialect like simple phrases asking for direction. Tour guides speak in English but what makes the experience even more delightful and enriching, is being able to lose yourself in the sea of colorful goods and the thrill of haggling amid language barriers.

Our Travel Writer is Jack Van Toorn. Follow him on Twitter for more:

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Zrće Beach, Croatia’s Hedonistic Party Mecca

Jack Van Toorn  —  4:05 pm

Although the bank if islands to the West of Croatia maintain a reputation for youth tourism, nothing comes close to the Island of Pag, that has fast become a Mecca for the alcohol infused sun worshipping European party scene. The island itself could be described as a barren rocky outcrop, grey with slate ridges fairly inhospitable to farm animals and greenery. One may notice that as they explore Pag they come face to face with the occasional sheep road block and can spot skinny mountain goats grazing on what little grassland the island sustains, the reson for this is simply that sheep and goats can live anywhere, deserts, cliffs, volcanos … anywhere.

The long narrow island sports a few small towns, Pag town is a quaint spot, they sell a lot of cheese known as Paksi Sir and are famous for their Pag Island lamb chops flavored through time due to the sheep living on heavily sea salted grass, not a lot goes on in Pag town, and I like it that way. Much like the northern town on Novalja actually, where also very little happens, for the most part many shops stay closed over the bitter winter months, or reduce their stock to bread, cheese and essentials … but then comes the summer!

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Oh what happened? Novalja is packed with sexy sexy girls and the air is thick with hormones, the market stalls replace their daily essentials with party essentials and the public transport system wakes up for the first time in eight months offering hourly trips across the island to the clubbing hotspot known as Zrće beach.

The beaches on Pag island are plentiful but relatively quiet and hold onto that local ‘don’t live here don’t surf here’ arrogance, where the rural people of Pag can live out their lives quite unaffected by the excess of party culture erupting in the once hidden cove of Simun, local Croatians born to the Island of Pag are called Pagellians … ahem, by me…. and now, by you. So now I’ll bring you to Zrće, a very different scene, aside from its lack of a cashpoint (a warning not worth ignoring) this strip of pebbles has everything a maniacal party-head would want, mega size open air beach clubs line the join between rock and beach as party boats dock daily delivering hundreds of revelers straight to their doors. Drinks are served in large vase like vessels blistering with multicolored straws, transparent of course to show off the vibrant cocktails concocted by the beautiful bar staff at club Papaya and Aquarius, the largest venues on Zrće (pronounced Zer-che if this was bothering you).

zrce2

Take a stroll into these hedonistic havens and you will be greeted with free shots and the impressively white teeth of the bikini clad reps as they motion to the equally white pleather seating. There is no pressure to buy as you take it all in, intoxicated partygoers splash in the numerous indoor pools as semi famous DJ’s scratch away overhead in a suspended glass stage … then to top it all off somebody drops in, upside down, from what seems like nowhere … that’s right, club Papaya has a bungee jump crane directly overhead!

Our Travel Writer is Jack Van Toorn. Follow him on Twitter for more:

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7 Things to Bring On Your Next Camping Holiday

admin  —  11:00 pm

7 Things to Bring On Your Next Camping Holiday

If it’s your first time to camp, you usually learn several practical lessons and ponder upon the things you should have brought along while packing like a water proof jacket. It’s a good thing that camping is now much easier and comfortable because of the items and devices you can bring. This is compared to decades ago when you only have to rely on your instinct and survival skills. Aside from the common camping gears and equipment, you might want to consider bringing these 7 items for a more enjoyable and safer experience on your next camping holiday.

  1. Satellite phone. Emergencies can happen outdoors or when you’re in the wild. If an emergency or dangerous situation occurs, your first response is to move away from that risk or totally withdraw from your camping holiday. Your next best alternative is to call for help. But there are always remote areas where there’s no cellular coverage. This is where a satellite phone becomes useful since it’s not dependent on cellular coverage to work.
  2. Insect repellant. The next practical item you shouldn’t forget to bring is an insect repellant which is usually sold in the lotion or cream form. If you haven’t been able to sleep while camping before because of insects, this should be the quick solution. Aside from comfort in sleeping, it also prevents insect attacks while you’re working or simply enjoying the outdoors.
  3. Sleeping bag. Just like insect repellants, a sleeping bag can prevent insects from bothering you. But aside from this function, it can also help save your life. Imagine if a snake or any other wild animal manages to sneak in your tent, the sleeping bag can conceal you and show animals that you’re not really a good midnight snack.
  4. Waterproof gear. Weather can change almost instantly. So if you don’t want to catch a cold or sleep on your chilly and wet clothes, bring with you some waterproof gear and clothes. This should include your bag, boots, pants, raincoat, and water proof jacket for men or ladies.
  5. Personal hygiene kit. Personal hygiene while camping is a must to maintain your health. Plus, you certainly won’t like to go back in the city looking, feeling, and smelling bad. Bring with you your basic hygiene kit which includes soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toiletries, etc.
  6. Multi-tool or Swiss knife. Another simple yet useful item you should bring is a multi-purpose tool or the more popular Swiss knife. Knife is an essential for outdoor survival like hunting food or gathering items you need in the wild. Other essential functionalities that should be included in your tool or Swiss knife include the can opener, mini saw, scissors, etc.
  7. Solar powered lamps or lights. Although you can create an outdoor fire, you can’t always rely on it especially when it’s raining. There are also camping grounds or natural parks that prohibit campfires. This makes it essential for you to bring lighting devices. To avoid battery shortages, just bring with you solar powered lamps or lights that can recharge during the day.
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Great Blue Hole- Belize

admin  —  8:10 pm

The Great Blue Hole in Belize – is a popular destination among recreational scuba divers but be mindful of your certifications because diving in the Great Blue Hole is not for the feint of heart although the surrounding atolls are perfect for beginner divers. Of course for advanced divers nothing beats the excitement of going as deep as 125 meters.

For those of you who are not familiar with the place, let me introduce you to this phenomenal diving paradise just 70 km off Belize City. So the next time you think about logging more hours to your diving, you might as well think about diving the Great Blue Hole which is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another thing, the Great Blue Hole topped the list of Discovery Channel’s “The 10 Most Amazing Places on Earth” in 2012.

The Great Blue Hole was formed eons ago practically carved from solid rock when the world was still freezing at the last grips of the ice age, then the sea started rising and filling the abyss with tiny fragments of limestone rocks. This activity continued for hundreds of years until multicolored stalactites and stalagmites formed from incessant water filtering through the great stone cathedrals.

Fast-forward in time, the Great Blue Hole is now circular in shape with a diameter of 300 meters and with a staggering depth of 125 meters. It’s also part of the Great Barrier Reef Reserve System ensuring that it stays pristine for future generations of mankind to experience.

As a world-class diving destination, the recreational diver in you is going to wonder what’s in it for you. First things first, there is the crystal clear water teeming with rich marine biodiversity and secondly, the exhilarating sensation of experiencing a bit of the area’s rich natural history.

Jacques Cousteau, the first explorer of the Great Blue Hole and its surrounding atolls said that ancient Maya people once inhabited a few of the atoll islands so logically speaking there is bound to be a few archeological traces that are yet to be discovered. Nonetheless, lots of European explorers have chartered the coastline and all agreed that the coral reef in the area are not just pristine but genuinely rich in natural history or simply said, formed many years ago.

If you’re up for the fascinating diving in the Great Blue Hole in Belize, be prepared to be wowed by incredible rock formations; and of course engage your diving appetite with the Caribbean reef shark, Midnight Parrotfish, and several species of shark including bull shark and hammerheads not to mention other juvenile fish species waiting for you in the pristine crystal clear waters.

A little note though, getting to the Great Blue Hole is quite fun in itself because it’s pretty much isolated. Divers do love remoteness as it promises the most pristine waters and unspoiled marine life and the scenery is simply beyond your imagination.

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Jalisco, Mexico

admin  —  7:24 pm

Jalisco, Mexico

 

Welcome to Jalisco, popularly known as the tequila capital of the world. Perhaps, the next time you go mumbling about tequila shots to your buddies; you might want to visit the place where it originated, come to Jalisco, Mexico.

 

For a little bit of geography, Jalisco is located in Western Mexico with the city of Guadalajara as its capital. What makes it an interesting place to visit is that it’s one of Mexico’s most significant states because of its fascinating cultural history and its natural resources ranging from forests, beaches, plains and lakes. So there, that’s more likely to attract your attention. Think sombreros, rodeos and the popular Mexican Hat Dance if you’re still not convinced.

Templo de Nuestra señora del rosario,

 

With over 7 million population, diversity in culture is ensured and according to the facts, most Mexicans in the United State came from Jalisco so if you happen to come from the US, there’s not much difference in culture and traditions in Jalisco insulating you from cultural shocks.

 

Jalisco’s history is simply enchanting like the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs in 1521. However, before the Spanish arrived there were ancient cultures that once thrived in Jalisco’s soil like the Toltec and Teotihuacan predating the later Aztec civilization. Because of this, most visitors can now visit archaeological zones to see cave paintings and petroglyphs or carved symbols in the rocks. There is also the Pyramid of Ixtépete in Zapopan believed to be built by the Teotihuacán people.

 

Jalisco had its fair share of turbulent past from revolutionary wars to the rift between politics and religion. Nonetheless, Jalisco now enjoys a period of stability and the prosperity that comes with it.

 

An interesting event in Guadalajara worth mentioning is the annual May Cultural Festival where you could enjoy stunning theatrical performances, games, art exhibits and of course revel in the fabulous musical concerts. Also, come by September during the International Mariachi Encounter, to join the thousands of fans coming from all over the world to frolic with the popular mariachi bands. The merriments are simply exhilarating.

 

Now if you’re here for the famed tequila, the most popular destination is the so-called “Tequila Express” spanning from Guadalajara to the town of Tequila. This Tequila Valley simply gives the world famous liquor its name. If you wonder if it’s coming from grapes, you’re wrong – you’re actually drinking extracted spirits from the valley’s blue agave plant. UNESCO declared this place as a World Heritage site making it a worthy destination for any serious traveler.

 

The state’s climate is temperate with tropical humid summers. If you don’t fancy too much heat, avoid the coastal areas where temperature averages between 22-26C. Colder temperatures lower than 18C are found in the highlands of the Sierra de Manantlán not far from the coastal plains, just perfect for a mountain trek. If you’re planning to visit Jalisco, remember that the fun begins right in the Tequila Valley and you’re highly likely to take a dip in Puerto Vallarta’s famous resorts.

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TAXI SERVICE WITH DRIVER ROME

admin  —  7:20 am

TAXI SERVICE WITH DRIVER ROME

Rome’s taxi drivers – a breed apart?
Yes, Rome’s taxi drivers have a bad reputation, and those who overcharge tourists deserve it. But for the most part, the drivers take their profession seriously. They will get you from A to B as quickly as possible, although this may not be the shortest route, and will usually charge the correct rate, a combination of what you see on the taxi meter as well as additional luggage charges.

Extra costs – luggage
In most cases, only your first piece of luggage is free and any additional pieces will cost you €1, 00 each. In some cases, the taxi driver will only charge an extra € 1,00 per bag after the fourth piece of luggage, so discuss this with the driver before you embark on the journey.

Extra costs on the meter
Be aware that if you call or SMS for a taxi in Rome, and are given an estimated time of arrival for the taxi, you could be charged a rate for the time it takes for the taxi to reach you. This will be shown on the meter when it arrives to pick you up. However, a new law was put into place from mid-2012, permitting taxi drivers in Rome to charge a set fee of € 3,50 if you have called or sent an SMS for a taxi. In this case, the taxi driver switches on the meter when you get into the taxi, and just adds the extra € 3,50 onto your bill at the end, instead of calculating the cost of how long it took to reach you after you called for a taxi. Be sure to request a receipt of payment when you pay the taxi fare and make sure it includes the taxi’s license number on it.

Choose the right taxi
Rome’s official taxis are white, and have a sign on the roof emblazoned with the word ‘taxi’. You’ll also find the logo of the Rome City Council on the taxi’s doors. All of these official taxis also have taxi meters, and the taxi driver should always have the meter switched on for the duration of the journey. The only time taxi drivers don’t use the meters is in cases where there are set fees. These are used for travelling between the central part of the city, within the Aurelian Walls and the airport as well as between Rome’s central stations or the city’s two airports, Ciampino (used by budget airlines) and Fiumicino (Rome’s international airport).
Fare prices between Rome and the city’s two airports
To find out all the latest fare prices between Rome and the city’s two airports, from central Rome, between the Aurelian Walls, or from anywhere else in Rome, follow this link that includes details in both English and Italian:
http://www.comune.roma.it/PCR/resources/cms/documents/tariffario_taxi_luglio_2012.pdf

Why it’s important to use an official taxi service in Rome
Wherever you go in Europe you’ll be approached by people offering you a taxi service. Sadly, this is why Rome’s taxi drivers have such a bad name. Most often the unofficial taxi drivers are the ones that do their utmost to rip tourists off. Official taxi services in Rome follow a specific protocol, but unofficial taxi drivers do exactly what they want. This is why it’s so important to use Rome’s official taxis instead.
To use an official taxi in Rome, either SMS or call for one, or stand in line at a taxi rank. Don’t try to hail a taxi, because the official taxis don’t stop for passengers. And don’t accept offers from unofficial taxi drivers, unless you’re prepared to suffer the consequences.
What to do if you have complaints about an official taxi in Rome
Write down to taxi’s registration number (number on the number plate) so that you can report the taxi driver to the taxi service or fill in a special complaint form supplied by the taxi service
How to avoid problems with Rome’s taxi drivers
• Make sure you always have the correct change with you when you pay for your fare.
• Count carefully when you pay, to ensure you are giving the driver the correct amount of money. Remember: Italian lire are all of a similar colour, and you don’t want to give the driver too much or too little. (Underpaying will certainly cause a problem!)
• Be careful when disembarking and unloading your luggage to ensure that all your bags are unloaded.
• Give the driver a tip! Although tipping is not expected in Rome, tourists usually do tip taxi drivers. The best way to do this? Let the taxi driver ‘keep the change’.

 TAXI SERVICE WITH DRIVER ROME

 

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