Different places worth visiting at leqst once in your life Part 2

1/ Watching storms approach from the False Kiva in Canyonlands, Utah

2/ Entering the Mysterious Hallway. A thick grove of popular trees in northern Oregon

3/ Admiring Soca, the most beautiful river in Slovenia

4/ Dodging storm clouds in the Dolomites, Italy

5/ Being tempted to lick the turquoise ice on Northern Lake Baikal, Russia

6/ Hang-gliding over the Hidden Beaches of Kapaa, Hawaii

7/ Leaf-ing your cares behind during autumn in the Swiss Alps

8/ Deciding on which island to explore at Thousand Islands Lake, China

9/ Awestruck in  in a glow-worm cave in Waitomo, New Zealand

10/ Fearing up to take on the Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado

Different places worth visiting at leqst once in your life Part 1

1/ Climbing Baobab trees in Morondava, Madagascar

2/ Watching a volcano erupt in Eyajafjallajokull, Iceland

3/ Dipping your toes into a lake at Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

4/ Hopping around on The Giant's Causeway, an area of about 40 000 interlocking basalt culumns on the Northern of Irland

5/ Cheking out gigantic  dunes in Namibia

6/ Going pretty much wherever in New Zealand and snapping epic photos

7/ Rainbow peepin' at Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite National Park

Germany, a beautiful stranger

Overview :

If your idea of ​​a trip is an opportunity to enrich your cultural knowledge while taking a breath of oxygen you will find your happiness undoubtedly throw from home. Indeed, the cultural tourist potential of our German neighbor is not just in Berlin, its green and modern capital, border cities of Aix-la-Chapelle and Cologne, Black Forest or Bavaria. Germany has an incredible wealth of valuable sites, real breeding ground of activities and discoveries of all kinds.

History :

Today among the countless silent witnesses of history, no less than 38 Points of Interest shall be entitled Heritage. Of historical, cultural or exceptional natural interest, these sites are located throughout the country. This geographical dispersion is therefore akin to an invitation to multiply the voyages of discovery of a country, certainly not well known, but of undeniable beauty and, to add insult to injury, is literally at your fingertips. So do not hesitate and go as soon as you can, to explore this heritage

Upper Rhine Valley :

Probably the closest to our region and therefore the most accessible route, this route in the Haut-Rhin is a special case. The more active you can, if they wish, to make the own steam. Riding their bikes, they will cross at a slow pace the wonderful scenery of the area, just to enjoy it. Dotted with castles and fortresses clinging on hillsides and vineyards, the river valley stretches some 65 kilometers between the ancient Roman city of Koblenz and Bingen and Rudesheim, through the legendary Loreley. 

And like other German regions around Upper Middle Rhine no lack of interests. So you'll have plenty of time, en route to Koblenz crossing cities like Aix-la-Chapelle, Cologne and Bonn. In the first two cities, you can admire and even climb inside beautiful cathedrals, stroll through the shopping areas that fill with joy lovers shopping. In Bonn, is a former capital, with all the attractions inherent in this title, which awaits. Great artistic center, it houses two of the most important German art museums, the Museum of Fine Arts in Bonn and the Federal Art Gallery. If you like urban sightseeing, you may even consider growing a small tip to Frankfurt am Main, the financial heart of Europe, land of glittering skyscrapers that earned him the nickname 'Mainhattan'. 

In contrast to the modern, the region has not forgotten his past that left him a beautiful industrial heritage. You will be able to complete your discovery of the region through the complex of the Zollverein Coal Mine, which today is still a unique world-class but also a living cultural site operational site.

Weimar :

Romantic and highly cultural atmosphere on this route which takes you into the parks, castles and other classical sites in eastern Germany. Small in size, big in its effects, Weimar probably best crystallizes the atmosphere that awaits you on this journey back in time. Developed there over 200 years, Weimar was the intellectual center of Germany. The apartments and houses of the poets and their patrons are perfectly preserved, as well as extensive landscaped parks classical Weimar, founded by enlightened princes and became world famous thanks to the two German poets Johann Wolfgang Goethe and Friedrich Schiller. Poets whose texts are available as sheet music that could have been written in Leipzig nearby town that will delight music lovers. It is indeed in this German city that many talented composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy and Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck left timeless prints. 

Frozen in time, Prussian castles and parks in the region are too. Thus, the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz or the Garden Kingdom, establishes a harmonious relationship between man and nature through new designs. This landscape of rivers, forests and vast meadows matches are castles, gardens and small constructions. It's the same in Potsdam where castles and parks of Sanssouci is an outstanding example of architectural and landscaping or Muskauer Park, a masterpiece of landscape architecture. 

And to conclude this trip, nothing beats a visit to Dresden. Through its many sights tourists, this city is like a true summary of the romantic and cultural spirit that bathes this magnificent region.

By Hicham Bichr

The most photographed places in the world

A world map showing color the most photographed areas of the world? This is the concept of sightsmap.com! Pictures taken from Panaramio, the photo service Google directly recognized by this card through geotags. The lighter areas are the most photographed places.

1. New York 

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, located on 5th Avenue in New York, is none other than the most photographed place in the world! This modern art museum houses not only prestigious exhibitions, but its architecture alone is also worth a visit. 

This building was designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Each year, the museum hosts a total of one million visitors ... Obviously many of them are equipped with a camera.

2. Rome 

The church Trinità dei Monti in Rome, is the second most photographed place in the world, and therefore the most photographed place in Europe. 

This church, which is above the Spanish Steps, in the 16th century and was built during the French king Lodewijk XII. Even today, this gem belongs to the "Pious Establishments of France and Lorette." So the French State which is responsible for its management and maintenance.

3. Barcelona  

In third place is the Park Güell, which is also the subject of many photographs. Designed by architect Gaudi in the early 20th century, it was one of the many commands Catalan industrialist Eusebi Güell in Barcelona.

For the development of the park, Gaudí was inspired by nature. That is why it is covered with forests, avenues of palm trees and a large plain whose terrace is covered with a multitude of colorful mosaics (pictured). 

On the lower floor, the many columns, the double staircase and the two houses at the entrance are worth a visit. Since 1984, the park is a World Heritage Site.

4. Paris 

Against all odds, it is not the Eiffel Tower, which is the subject of more photos in the City of Light, but the Moulin Rouge! 

This cabaret opened its doors in 1889 and has still regularly extravagant shows. The large mill on the roof is recognizable from afar.

5. Istanbul 

Located on an island, the towers are usually photographed Kiz kulesi from Turkish mainland. The lighthouse was built in the 12th century and has been renovated several times. Today, there is even a restaurant and a coffee that can be reached by ferry boat. 

From the tower, the view of Istanbul is absolutely unique. This makes it a popular attraction, day or night.

6.  Venice 

The Ponte dell'Accademia, one of four bridges over the Grand Canal in Venice, is a wooden bridge that carries the name of the museum located steps away, namely dell'Academia Gallery. 

The bridge has a separate two-part staircase with shallow steps. In the middle of the bridge, tourists flock to enjoy the view on the Canal Grande.

7.  Monte Carlo 

Located on the French Riviera, is in Monte Carlo is the most photographed place in Monaco: it is the Hotel de Paris. This hotel is the first of the rock and is among the most exclusive (and of course most expensive) in the world.

8. Florence 

Definitely, with three cities in the top 10, Italy is the most photogenic of the world plays! 

Located in the hills above Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is a plain which offers stunning views of the city (pictured) because it overlooks a hill. There is a copy of Michelangelo's David.

9. Buenos Aires 

Caminito Argentinean Buenos Aires ranks ninth. This open-air museum which literally means "little way" is located in La Boca, a neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Among the houses and colorful facades of the street is also a theater. A true wonder that tourists immortalize picture!

10. Budapest 

The top 10 is closing in style with the St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, Hungary. Built in neo-Renaissance style, it is the largest church in the city. 

The basilica has a central dome that rises nearly 100 meters high, covered in beautiful mosaics. It can hold up to 8,000 visitors, making it one of the largest churches in the world.

11. Brussels 

And where is Belgium? Although no Belgian place not included in this top 10, Brussels is not too poorly sorted through the Grand Place, which we like to call "the most beautiful square in the world." 

World renowned for its rich ornamentation, this site attractions include City Hall. Since 1998, she was named a World Heritage Site.

12. Bruges 

No Walloon city is particularly photographed. By against Bruges scores through Belfry happens instead 88 Brugges therefore bears the nickname "Venice of the North" for good reason. 

Rebuilt several times, the Belfry of Bruges currently stands at a height of 83 m, and its particularity is to be tilted slightly! At the top of 366 steps, the view of the city of Bruges is simply unique!

13. Anvers

As in Antwerp, thanks to the Notre Dame appears that the city instead of the 130 ranked Cathedral. Its bell tower is part of a group of 56 belfries and towers of Belgium and France inscribed together on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

By Hicham Bichr

Reunion, Island of a Thousand Faces

The meeting is not by chance called the island of a thousand faces. 

The geographic and cultural diversity of this pearl of greenery in the Indian Ocean makes it a destination that marks you forever. Gourmets will also feel in paradise in Reunion while the more energetic will live moments of pure adrenaline. For all others, the island is synonymous with pleasure. It has a mix of Creole hospitality and joie de vivre in French. 

In a word, Reunion is a destination that gives free rein to the imagination ...

Diving and snorkeling are among the must-do activities ... 

The Indian Ocean is indeed a paradise for lovers of the underwater world. Wrecks ship, bright corals, colorful fish, sea anemones, turtles and manta rays move like giant UFOs before your very eyes. 

For snorkeling, we recommend the lagoons of Saint Leu and The Hermitage. 

The water is crystal clear in Reunion, allowing the diving throughout the year. Moving away from the coast, divers can find labyrinths of caves and caverns where the fascinating fish and corals high color live. 

A little further on, real cliffs plunge into the depths of the ocean, where each austral winter, you can see whales so assured. 

Humpback whales come here to mate and calve. Their acrobatic jumps and songs during mating season are truly spectacular. If you go by boat from Saint-Gilles les Bains, you will fail the company of dolphins leaping in the wake under your catamaran. 

That you observe the whales or you let away by the depth of the Indian Ocean, you are guaranteed to live great moments during each fishing trip. 

The best time to dive in Reunion is from October to April, while whale watching, it should go between June and October.

The gourmets feast while vacationing in Reunion ... 

For the inhabitants of the island, eating is more than a gesture to feed. It is an art. 

And soon, you will realize it. No meal takes place without an aperitif style arranged rum (rum, fruit and spices) or punch a little sweeter fruit. Ideal for whet your appetite to appreciate its true value as follows. In general, the portions are generous and the wide selection. 

Like its people, Reunion gastronomy is a real mix of cultures. 

You can enjoy the excellent French cuisine, but also Creole dishes more delicious. 

A kind of fusion cuisine before its African influences, Madagascar. 

Everywhere you will find candy peppers, these little cakes with white beans that are sort of tapas Creoles. 

Of course, the menu is sure to fish, although poultry and meat will also fare well: traditional dishes are curries and chutneys. All quarry is accompanied rougail, a kind of delicious chutney with various condiments. Moreover, the sausage is a classic rougail Reunion kitchen. 

The dishes sometimes have a vanilla flavor, subtle flavor that really makes sense in a curry duck. The zourite stew is somewhat unexpected, elaborated with baby octopus, red wine, spices and herbs. This octopus in wine is a delight. 

You'll understand the Reunion kitchen alternates modern cuisine and traditional dishes to the delight of gourmets.

Maloya and Sega are the two traditional genres in Reunion ... 

'Craz a Sega', an evening of dancing the sega is a must. More traditional, Maloya, is a style of music inherited slaves. It is also a sensual dance during which, oddly enough, the partners do not touch. Although the base is traditional, this music is very original. 

Meanwhile, a movement among the population tries to keep its traditional form that tells people's pain. Maloya is not for nothing known as the blues of the Indian Ocean. It does not require a lot of instruments, only percussion and kayamb (a dish of seeds square instrument) are used. This music is so unique and unique to the island that is now the intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Maloya is part of the identity of the inhabitants of the island and is played every political, social or cultural event. But it was not always the case: in 1970 he was banned for political reasons. He was reinstated in the 80s thanks to performers like Danyel Waro, one of its greatest exponents. 

Since then, it is really part of the island daily. Do not miss a concert of one of these groups. Day Kaf (abolition of slavery) December 20 is also a good opportunity to listen. And if you can, attend a Kabar an improvised traditional Maloya his party.

The islanders are very friendly ... 

The perfect blend of multiple cultures on the island creates a positive feeling, a lifestyle typical Creole. Creole is also happy with all these Z faced each vowel. They thus called the French Zoreils because the settlers caught people's ears when they do not understand. 

During the weekend, the islanders like to indulge in idleness, but after enjoying a lot of good things. The many picnic sites where large pots simmering quarry on wood fires, always fully booked. 

It's nice to be pampered in one of the wellness centers of the island. Everywhere, you can take yoga and golf. 

It is also interesting to visit a rum refinery and the museum dedicated to rum. Not to mention the tasting part. By visiting a vanilla, you know all about this plant that acts must on Ile Bourbon Island vanilla. 

And if you really want to step into the shoes of a Reunion, you should at least eat a few pounds of lychees during your stay. There, these fruits are delicious. Once you get a taste, you can not live without it. 

Finally to finish your trip in style, enjoy a helicopter flight over the island.

By Hicham Bichr