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Kiteboarding Santa MariaKitesurfing in Cape Verde At less than 6 hours flight from the biggest European Capital cities, generously touched with trade wind and winter swells, the island of Sal is one of the best places in the world for surfing watersports, be it windsurfing, surfing or kiteboarding. Santa Maria is situated on the southern coast of the island. Here the sandy and almost deserted beach that stretches for over 8 kilometers, combined with a steady side-offshore wind from the left (3-5 bft every day), makes the spot an ideal zone for kitesurfers of all levels. Beginners will find plenty of space where to launch and land their kites here. Advanced and expert riders can have fun at Punta Leme Velho just one kilometer upwind, famous for it's white sands and crystal-clear, turquoise waters. Much of the year is reasonably warm (25°C/77°C) and dry, hotter and more humid (30°C/86°C) during the 'wet' season (July-September) not that rainy here. If your travel mate is not that much into water sports, diving is some of the best in West Africa (Buracona Hole), and the salt fields of Pedra Lume are worth a visit. If you are looking for big nightlife, then head somewhere else: villages os Sal are quiet except for a couple of local discos at the wekends in the main town.
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Review by Photo by marcobauli |
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Washington MonumentContemporary Architecture in Washington D.C., United States This is actually a 555ft tall obelisk, Egyptian-inspired tribute to America’s first President, George Washington. Robert Mills won a design competition held by the Washington National Memorial Society, and work began soon after, only to be stopped by the Civil War. This is why, after 152ft, the tone of the marble changes subtly, as this was where the project had reached before war intervened. It weighs just under 91 tons, and contains an elevator and an 897-step staircase, with an observation deck at 500ft. The top is a 9inch tall aluminium pyramid with lightning rods to deter lightning bolts.
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Review by Photo by flickr user dbking |
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Nile River JourneysRiver Trips in Cairo, Egypt The River Nile is long, with many ways to traverse her wide flat waters. Boats have been sailing the Nile on the puffs of breezes for centuries, carrying trade and people. The traditional dahabiya, felucca and sandal boats, the ones with the tall graceful sails and bows lying low in the water, and variations of, suit the waters and lack of wind perfectly and create a particularly romantic white-sailed scene, but newer yachts are now mixing in among the paddle steamers that ran her waters in the 19th Century. If you have your own boat to sail be aware that the waters are wide but that the riverbed is scooped and shallow. The thing about cruising the Nile is that it’s a relatively simple trip, not at all challenging sailing wise, but it’s really the only way to carve through the desert and see the sights of ancient Egypt – this is, after all the way the Pharaohs traveled. The main sailing route passes between Aswan and Luxor, while some people insist on going upstream towards the dam, the sailors route would always be downstream leaving Aswan and arriving in Luxor. Advice would be to see Abu Simbel before you take to your boat. The temples here, carved magnificently out if the rosy orange cliffs are a fantastic taster for what’s coming. If you have a guide they’ll tell you the temple had to be moved when the dam was built so it didn’t flood. Camel caravan would be nice, but if you don’t quite have time to really play Pharoh, you can fly. Aswan as a city is so much cleaner that Cairo. It’s a fusion of African and Egyptian design and culture. Dock at Kom Ombo for the Temple of Sobek and Horus, which has beautifully tactile carved stone columns, and the Chapel of Hathor containing, to my children’s delight, the mummified remains of hundreds of crocodiles. At Edfu for a more famous Temple of Horus and at Esna the silt covered (or sunken as it’s often called) Temple of Khnum. But these are just leading up to the glory of Luxor, from where you visit the temples of Luxor and Karnak. On the other side of the Nile is the Valley of the Kings. When you’re walking amongst the temple pillars and see the Nile beyond, lined with farmers, this just feels like one the most amazing journeys imaginable. Life on board isn’t as leisured and luxurious as an Agatha Christie novel. The desert is pretty impossible during the middle of the day, especially for people not used to it, so you have to time your temple visits for the mornings or afternoons. If you can manage it, mornings were less crowded in my experience. A dahabiya is my recommendation if you’re renting a boat. Most often you’re renting them with a crew and other guests, but some companies will allow you to rent without, or else get something smaller if you want to sail it yourself. A dahabiya is a great for the wide, flat open deck, a perfect additional space for meals and picnics under the desert stars. The relaxed lifestyle of alfresco dining and living above deck really topped off the experience, which was always going to be amazing for the history and the desert, the crazy markets and the desert scenery. October through February are the best months. The sand storms start up in late march.
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Review by Photo by flickr user Lumley_ |
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Rio CarnivalFestivals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Carnival is a celebration of fun, music and frivolity held worldwide, but Rio Carnival is the biggest and the best known. More than 500,000 visitors flock to Rio for the Carnival every year adding to around a million local revellers. Carnival takes place over four days, culminating in the Samba Parade where three to five thousand people from samba schools all over Rio perform with floats, music themes and costumes and onlookers party in the streets. Samba schools spend all year preparing for Carnival and complete over the four days for the right to feature in the Samba Parade where the final winner is announced. The hedonistic attitude of Carnival comes from its history as a final fling in the lead up to Lent, while the drum music played on may of the floats comes from African influences. Carnival goers can also attend Carnival Balls, street parties and samba school nights. Learn to samba, douse your costume in sequins and feathers and get ready to dance all night, just make sure you book your flights and accommodation early.
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Review by Photo by flickr user ☆Andagi☆ |
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Olinda TownHistoric Towns and Villages in Recife, Brazil 'Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, the town’s history is linked to the sugar-cane industry. Rebuilt after being looted by the Dutch, its basic urban fabric dates from the 18th century. The harmonious balance between the buildings, gardens, 20 Baroque churches, convents and numerous small passos (chapels) all contribute to Olinda’s particular charm.'
Copyright © UNESCO/World Heritage Centre. All rights reserved.
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Review by Photo by flickr user marcusrg |
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