The Hidden Beauty

  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

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!

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?

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

Machu Picchu

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!

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