Tag: History

3 lesser known cities in Brazil not to miss

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Recife is one the lesser known cities in Brazil that will blow you away!

While you are looking forward to your first trip to Brazil, you are looking for a way to fit in a lesser known but worthwhile destination. This is because you have always long held the belief that cities that aren’t as touristy offer a much more authentic experience with respect to the local culture … besides, who wants to crawl over masses of foreigners while attempting to enjoy a place?

Your ambitions will have you catapulting all over the world’s fifth largest nation though, so you are also aware that you’ll have to use Brazil’s domestic flight network. As a result, this will be your first time flying with TAM airlines, but take heart: they have an excellent reputation for hospitality, and as a foreigner, they will be doubly certain to make sure your first exploration of Brazil is a strongly positive one.

Now that you are pumped to check out the hidden secrets of South America’s biggest nation, here are three lesser known cities in the nation that will blow your mind … let’s begin.

1) Recife

Settled initially by the Dutch, Recife has a historical core that will make this coastal a favorite among culture vultures. The highlights include the oldest synagogue in all of the Americas, Marco Zero Square, which contains a stunning array of buildings, as well as a slate of impressive catherdrals and fortifications. The beaches here are very well-regarded, so you can start working on your tan on one of its famed city beaches.

2) Fortaleza

If beaches are a thing you take seriously though, Fortaleza would be a better choice for you than Recife. The surf here kicks up pretty high much of the year, making it a great place to paddle out into the choppy waters of the Atlantic in search of the perfect swell.

Are the urban beaches of Fortaleza not exactly what you are envisioning when it comes to a paradisaical getaway? Then we strongly advise that you take a day trip out of the city to the beach town of Jericoacoara, and then ask around about Lagoa Paraiso or Lagoa Azul … we promise that you won’t be disappointed!

3) Brasilia

Fans of modern architecture will want to set their sails for Brasilia, the purpose built capital city of Brazil. Visitors will bear witness to the optimistic vision of the future that planners had in the 1950’s, with cathedrals, court buildings, and bridges containing sweeping curves and George Jetson-esque design throughout their modernist forms.

Those looking for adventure and sights on the outskirts will find it in the form of waterfalls, with Itiquira waterfall being the best of the lot standing 168 metres tall from top to bottom.

Top Reasons To Visit Berlin

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The world class street art found all over the city is one of the top reasons to visit Berlin...

One of the top reasons to visit Berlin is the simple fact that it is the capital and largest city of Germany. Truthfully however, this is not enough reason to go there. And so we bring you six reasons why you should visit this city for business or pleasure.

1) Eat döner kebabs. It is the staple street food in Berlin and more popular than the “currywurst” which so many people recommend. Costing only 2 Euros, it is a cheap way to fill your stomach. The döner kebab originates from 1971 and was created by Turkish immigrant Mahmut Aygun. He made it for his restaurant called Hasir which is still open to this day.

2) Berlin has an upbeat nightlife. Most people in the city are young and are responsible for the lively night scene. Northern Neukolin is one of the most popular hang-outs in the city but if you want the same buzz minus the attitude, Kreuzberg is a better destination.

3) Oranienburger Strasse is not wildly popular among tourists but a good place to get cheap cocktails. A thriving nightlife is one of the top reasons to visit Berlin, Germany.

4) Berlin is the historic center of Germany. Explore important sites of the Third Reich such as Lutwaffe HQ. Take a walking tour of Topographie des Terrors which displays the horrors of the Nazi era. Reichstag, the throne of the German Parliament, is one of the best reasons for visiting the city. While its original structure burned down in 1933, it was renovated after German unification. The best attraction in Reichstag is the glass dome.

5) Pay your respects to Holocaust victims. A Holocaust Memorial was set up in Berlin in their memory. The memorial, though controversial, is one of the top reasons to visit Berlin. It has a unique structure wherein as you get closer, the concrete blocks become larger; as if to intimidate you. It was designed by Peter Eisenman.

6) Berlin has the most amazing street art. Others even jokingly call it the “street art capital” of the world. For the best graffiti, walk around Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.

The Best Time To Visit Tulum, Mexico

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Get the most out of your vacation at one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s earliest resort areas, by knowing the best time to visit Tulum. It may not be Cancun, but its picturesque coastlines and pristine beaches have made it a place of worship and relaxation by Mayan kings, clergy and gods in the early times.  And up to today, it’s one of the most visited resort towns in the country, with its famous Mayan ruins and breathtaking beaches.

But knowing the best time to visit Tulum can spare you the hassle of dealing with high hotel prices, huge swarms of tourists and hurricane season.  Here’s a guide:

Mayan ruins in tulum

January to March.  During this time, temperatures are at its peak, ranging from high 60s to high 80’s and the chances are rain are very slim.  It’s also the peak season where the ruins and the beaches are jam packed with tourists and hotel prices soar.  Though, with a little digging, you will be able to find good deals.

April to June.  During late spring, the temperatures continue to rise, but the prices of accommodation start to fall, except when the famous Cinco de Mayo festival is fast approaching.

July to September.  Hurricane season may mean low hotel prices, but it may also mean having to check the weather every once in a while.  During this time, there’s a big chance that you might get caught in a bad storm.  But even if there isn’t any hurricane or storm in the horizon, expect to have your itinerary ruined by sweltering temperatures and frequent rains.

October to December.  The best time to visit Tulum is when the hurricane season has passed and the temperature falls down to around low 80’s.  But do plan ahead.  Come early winter-time, tourists from the U.S. start swarming in Tulum during this time to escape the freezing cold of winter in the United States.  But you can save a great deal if you make reservations and book flights upon the start of the winter season.