Travel Brazil: Rio De Janeiro and surroundings

Rio De Janeiro is a truly beautiful and unique city. It is a cultural centre for Brazil and South America and plays host to the world famous Rio Carnaval. From a tourist’s point of view, the Zona Sul is the most important.

The Beaches

This part of the city revolves around three famous beaches; Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. Each of these beaches are surrounded by fashionable and usually expensive districts. The beaches are a centre focus for socialising and entertainment, during any major event in the city. For a visitor to Brazil, these beaches can be a great place to people watch and take in ‘Carioca’ life.

                                     Image courtesy of wikipedia and Author Artyominc

Christ the Redeemer

However, there are many more great sites that are world renowned. One such site is statue of Christ the Redeemer which sits on top of one of the numerous steep hills that surround the coastal parts of the city. From this statue, the views are spectacular, with a panoramic view of the cities primary beaches.

Other sites of  interest

Sugar Loaf Mountain with its impressive cable car are a must for any tourist. Again the views are spectacular from this beautiful location. Maracana stadium is also a very popular place to visit in the northern part of Rio De Janeiro.

 

Favelas and Social Issues

                                         Image courtesy of wikipedia and Author Chensiyuan

Brazil and Rio are famous for a high crime rate and social inequality. You will notice in parts of Rio, many million dollar apartments, which are overlooked by favelas (slums) on the hillside. Many famous Brazilian moves like City of God and Elite Squad have illustrated this issue. However, Brazil has witnessed a period of extended economic growth. This has led to an improvement in the living standards of many people. Furthermore, with the onset of the Olympics and World Cup in Rio De Janeiro, the authorities are actively improving these issues in Brazil.

Day Trips

Rio is surrounded by small and beautiful beaches and islands. These towns are definitely worth a visit. We will focus on the beautiful island of Ilha Grande, which is a piece of nature close to a large city. There are no roads or cars on the island and some beautiful scenes to witness.

Paraty is a nearby town on the mainland, with stylish Portuguese colonial architecture. Paraty is like a little Venice, as the central streets flood during the high tide and drain on low tide. The town is popular with foreigners and Brazilians. There are great restaurants and bars in the town and it even has a colourful and loud carnaval. The harbour is full of boats which can take you on memorable boat trips in the crystal clear inlets between the mainland and the numerous islands. There is also usually great fish barbeques available on board.

                                         Image courtesy of wikipedia and Author Fontela01

Christmas Markets of Germany: Berlin

During December, the towns and cities of Germany open wonderful Christmas markets. They may vary from region to region, with the opening days and the food that is available.

In Berlin, the Christmas markets are open before Xmas and after. Whereas, other regions of Germany pack up the Christmas market before Christmas day. Berlin is Germany’s Capital and largest city. It is also widely regarded as the most lively and artistic city in Germany.

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

Gendarmenmarkt is a very popular Christmas market that is open at night. It is a very busy market, although you may have to pay an entrance fee of 1-2 Euros. Here you can enjoy all the specialities of a German Christmas market and more. There are stands selling Bratwurst, Gluwein, Feuerzangenbowle (an alcoholic drink) and much more.

 

There is also a whole range of shops selling arts and crafts products, which is common across Germany.

The Gendarmenmarkt market is very popular and busy and has some outdoor music and stage, aswell. If you are in Germany over the Christmas period, you should try to get to Gendarmenmarkt.

This area also has a large La Galerie Lafayette, with a great food court and building design. This shop then merges with a high end shopping mall.

Other markets

There are also major Christmas markets in Spandau, which is quite a cosy and attractive Christmas market. Potsdamer Platz also has a large Christmas market, which is great for children, as it has many rides for children and some indoor bars for the adults. The surrounding area is also very interesting.

Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Christmas Market have two other major Christmas Markets. However, Berlin possesses between 50 and 60 Christmas markets, so it is always possible to find one and they can all possess they own magic feel.

Weather

Berlin is one of Germany’s most eastern cities and possesses a very continental climate, with extremely cold winters. You need to be prepared for extremely cold conditions and remember that the majority of Christmas markets are outside events.

Buenos Aires: Restaurants and Foods

Argentina is famous for lots of good quality beef, but actually there is much more to food in Buenos Aires. Nevertheless, on any visit to Argentina you must visit a good quality parrilla. A parrilla is a grill or steakhouse. A popular one in San Telmo, which is in Estados Unidos, is La Brigada. This restaurant possesses numerous cut of beef and the waiter will be able to present it to you by cutting large cuts of beef with a spoon. Not surprisingly, the meat melts in the mouth. Another great accompaniment is the Malbec wine list. All the fine wines (approximately AR$ 100+ a bottle) are decantered.

Argentinian Parrillas / Steak

However, Buenos Aires is full of parrillas and some of the cheaper end can make for a great night out. Be aware of some of the language; Bife de Chorizo is a Sirloin Steak, Entrana is a skirt steak, Bife de Lomo is a Fillet Steak and so on. However, parrillas also stock a great line in Pork (Cerdo) and Lamb (Cordero). Popular pork cuts are Bondiola (Tenderloin), Morceja (Sweetbreads) and Argentine Morcilla (Black Pudding) and Choripan (Argentina’s Chorizo). The desserts in a parrilla will focus around Dulce de Leche, Argentina’s pride, and ice cream. Starters and side dishes to be aware of are Empanadas, Humitas, Tamales, salad and papas fritas (french fries).

Italian Food

Buenos Aires is a centre for immigration from all over the world. Therefore, Spanish and Italian food is available, as is Peruvian from the more recent migration to Buenos Aires. Italian influence is apparent all over Argentina, but especially in Buenos Aires. This has led to some great ice cream parlour and coffee, all over Buenos Aires. However, fine Italian dining can be found at Sette Bacco in Aguero, Recoleta. This is a smaller, quaint restaurant with excellent carne, pasta and fish. There are more impressive Italian restaurants in Recoleta and in the other barrios. If you are self-catering in Argentina, you should visit Pasta Fresca shops for some fresh pasta. This is great quality, often produced by family recipes, and very cheap.

Spanish Food

Spanish immigration to Argentina was primarily from Galicia and Basque country, which are two regions with a strong food culture. Gallego (from Galicia) cuisine is famous for great fish. In Belgrano, there is a fantastic Gallego restaurant in the lovely tree lined street of Olleros. They have truly excellent fish. In fact, this street also has an excellent Greek restaurant and some delightful cafes.

 

 Peruvian Food

For me, Peru is one of the last great cuisines that have not been fully discovered by the world. Peruvian cuisine is a mix of influence from African slavery, Japanese and Chinese immigration, Spanish colonial influence and the indigenous cuisine of Peru. Therefore, there are flavours and ingredients to suit all people. Ceviche (citrus marinated fish), causa, tacu tacu and some excellent spicy dishes list only a few of the Peruvian delights. The alcoholic cocktails of Pisco Sour is also delicious, although can be quite strong and does contain egg white, in case you don’t like eggs. Astrid y Gaston is a premier restaurant in all South American Capitals and Madrid. In Buenos Aires, it is within a large 19^th century house in Palermo Chico and certainly worth a visit.

Travelling in Spain: Seville and Ronda

If you are looking for some winter sun, the south of Spain can offer just this and so much more. Aer Lingus, German Wings, Ryanair and Easyjet all offer cheap and frequent flights to Malaga and Seville during the winter months from Northern Europe. What are the attractions to this area?

There are many attractions and we will focus on the attractions of Seville, the largest city, and the historic town of Ronda. However, firstly the entire region has an excellent climate. In the summer months, it is hot and dry and generally consistent. In the winter, it can still be relatively warm. In November, temperatures in the 20s are reasonable in the day, but it may dip down at night.

Ronda

Ronda is a truly remarkable spectacle and it has attracted international tourists for centuries. The South of Spain was conquered by the Moorish Kingdom in Northwest Africa for several hundred years. Therefore, the Moorish Kingdom of Andaluz has numerous signs of its heritage. Ronda has three sites that truly catch you eye:

1.       The three bridges that span the canyon that divides the town into two. The canyon in Ronda is truly remarkable, as it is quite narrow but more than 100m deep. Buildings surround the canyon. The three bridges that are built are called Puente Viejo (Old Bridge), Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) and Puente Romano (Roman Bridge).

2.       Ronda also possesses the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain. Whether you like or do not like bullfighting, it makes for interesting viewing due to the architecture.

3.       The Arabic baths that date back to the later period of Arabic rule can also be seen.

Seville

Seville is the capital and largest city in Andalusia. It therefore, has been the historic, cultural and economic centre of this region. Therefore, it has great sites and entertainment that symbolises its present and past. Here are some recommended sites, but they are far from a comprehensive list.

1.       The Alcazar of Seville. This is the oldest royal palace in Europe, dating back from the days of Moorish Spain. The mix of architecture in the palace pays homage to both Spain’s Moorish and Christian heritages and is a marvel to witness.

2.       The Cathedral of Seville is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is a very imposing building indeed.

Flamenco shows. This is a classic tourist activity in central Seville. El Arenal is one of the principal sites to see professional flamenco dancer perform, whilst dining. This is truly a spectacle of Andalusia culture.