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Ancient Times

  Yes, I'll admit I have a thing for old cities. It just makes me think of how time passes and changes everything. And, of course, they make me feel an immense curiosity for past civilizations. If you are like me, and wish for a time machine to already exist, then you have to visit someday these two ancient cities:

- Pompeii,  Italy




Ruins of the City of Pompeii
     The city of Pompeii has a tragic story.  People first came to live there for its fertile soil, but the city ended up buried in ashes after the eruption of  Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. What makes the Ruins of what was one day a Roman city intriguing is the preservation of these Roman structures. Tourist can visit homes, Gardens and even see some Graffitis on the wall. It can really become an intimate place when you hear the stories behind this City of Ashes. 
Artist Creation of the Old City of Pompeii


- Petra, Jordan
   
Petra, The Lost City of Stone
         In the middle of the deserts of Jordan lies the lost city of Petra. Built around the 6th century BC, Petra, once a lively city, was left forgotten by the outside world until 1812. When we talk about ancient times, this town is as old as it can get.  The overwhelming buildings and monuments in the middle of the cliffs, the silent city that rises in the middle of nowhere makes this inspiring journey worthwhile. Unfortunately, This dessert city  has been threatened due to erosion and  improper rainwater drainage, so if you want to visit it, do it as soon as possible. 
Inside of the City
Petra from Above


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Bewitched Sky

The next Lantern festival will be held in February 24, 2013.
Every Year between February and early March the night becomes a spectacle of enchanting lights in a couple of countries. It's called the Lantern Festival, a cultural festivity celebrated on the fifteenth day of the lunisolar year in the Chinese Calendar. This Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration, a ceremony that has been done since the Han Dynasty more than 2000 years ago.


The Festival consist of children going to the temple at night with their paper lanterns. These lanterns are beautifully adorned and a lot of them have an animal shaped form. The festival is used to cultivate positive relationships and celebrate our blessings. Furthermore, the lanterns can symbolize letting go of the past.


There are a couple of cities you can visit If you want to witness this spiritual breathtaking celebration but the best one is definitely Taiwan. And If you don't have this on your travel bucket list, make sure to put it in.


Here's a short video of the Sky Lanterns!

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Dear Summer

So summer's almost here!!
Which means we all want to go to beaches and explore some places. I'm , for the most part, planning some vacations for July. I want to have a wonderful experience, but there are so many places I want to go, I'm starting to freak out. After some hours of research I narrowed my list to three destinations:

- Quebec City, Canada:

Quebec City Sunset
I know a lot of people don't even think of visiting Canada. But Quebec city is full of unforgettable adventures. From beautiful landscapes to fun festivals, here you can find something for everyone. Kids, families, couples and friends can go and have a spectacular vacation. One of the things that caught my attention was its Classic European look. There are so many monuments and attractions that date back to the 1600's and 1800's, so you'll feel like you are traveling back in time.

- Barbados, Caribbean:
Barbados Beach Resort
If you are looking for a tropical paradise, then Barbados is the right place. This little island is full of energy and lively spirit. It also has a lot of places to go at night. But the main attractions here are the beaches. The cool breeze, sun exposure, sea adventures and natural landscape makes the Barbados island a place to chill and relax.

- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
Rio de Janeiro from above
I have to admit that since I saw the animated movie "Rio" I fell in love with Brazil. I told myself I would go to the Carnival one day but for now I may settle to go and visit this July. The truth is Brazil has a lot to offer for tourists. You can go and have a trip to the amazing Amazon, You can visit the magnificent Iguassu Falls and, of course, you can go, surf and party in the bright city of Rio de Janeiro. Rio offers so many exotic places and activities, you'll never get bored. Plus, you can always have some Samba time.




My three destinations are in America and each of them offers some unbelievable memorable experiences. I wish I could just pick a flight and be all summer long traveling. That would be perfect for all of us!


What are you're traveling destinations for the summer? Are you as undecided as me?


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The Overhanging Marqueyssac

Have you ever seen a spectacular place in movies and wondered if it exist in real life? I have! and let me tell you, when I first saw a picture of The Garden of Marqueyssa I immediately thought it had some kind of special effects. The rareness and perfection of this unique garden makes the whole landscape enchanting.


The magnificent sculptured garden surrounds a 17th century chateau. But it was in the 1860's when Julien de Cervel started to create what today is known as Marqueyssa. Boxwood trees carved in wonderful shapes are the most used in the garden.



The Chateau of Marqueyssac has been opened to curious travelers since the 1996 and it features a walking trail, a chapel, a Belvedere pavilion and these overhanging gardens.

Now I'll let the pictures talk for themselves, they will spark and lift your spirit up. All it needs is a little bit of pixie dust to make it magical.


The Chateau is located in the hills of Perigord, Vézac, a commune in the southwest of France.




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The Lost City

Machu Picchu
Today, some modern structures seem to blow our minds. They seem so futuristic, it's amazing! But when I see ancient structures like the Machu Picchu, it leaves me breathless. This Inca site, located on a mountain ridge n the Cusco Region of Peru, is one of the most impressive sites you could ever imagine. Build in the 15th century, The Machu Picchu is refered as the "Lost City of the Incas" since its existence was unknown to the outside world until 1911, when the american historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention.

The techniques that the Incas used to build the spectacular Machu Picchu still remain in doubt. Although many of the stones they used to build the city weighed more than 50 pounds, it is believed that no wheels were used. Instead, more than a hundred men were the one who pushed these heavy rocks up the steep mountain side.

The Machu Picchu has become a big attraction for tourist around the world. Since the city is situated 2.450 m above sea level it is quite a challenge to hike the trail. Experts recommend you prepare yourself by going to the gym and stay at least 7 days in the area to get used to the altitude and climate.

As of today, the great lost city is one of the seven wonders of the world, receiving more than 400,000 visitors per year. What makes this place attractive is his unique structure and the mysteries behind it. So to those hopeless travelers like me, this is a place you need to have on your bucket list.

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The Water Dragon

From January 23 2012 to February 9 2013, it is the year of the Water Dragon.
    Five Days ago, I found myself  reading a lot about the year of The Dragon. I didn't know exactly what it was, so I started searching and found it very interesting. I mean, it's always fun for me to learn about other cultures. To sums things up a little bit, the Dragon is part of the Chinese and Mongolian Zodiac (it's also related to the Calendar). This calendar consists of 12 cycles or years  represented by different animals.

So, I bet many of you are asking yourselves what makes it so special? Well, first off, the Dragon is the only animal in the cycle that is legendary. This creature was seen as powerful, basically because it was made up of  parts from different beings such as the snake, tiger, eagle and even a demon. The dragon is a symbol of power, strength  and good luck.

 As of today, the Dragon still holds its powerful reputation. People that are born under this zodiac sign are believed to be "doers and leaders". When the year finally arrives, people celebrate because it represents a year of luck and wisdom.

So for those of you who were born in the year of the dragon: Get out there and change the world! It is in your nature!

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An Endless Journey

Great Wall of China

     When I was little and heard for the first time about the Great Wall of China I told myself that someday I would go and walk it all. Of course, now I know it will take me a long long time to do it and I really don't know if I'm up for the challenge :). Still, I found this Wall a great landmark, it is the longest man-made structure in the world and it was built by different dynasties to protect China's northern boundary. Amazing, how it seems never-ending with miles and miles ahead. Yet it does have an end...just like Life itself.

GRRYWZXBAFT2

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