пятница, 26 декабря 2014 г.

Mexico City's Magical Neighborhoods: Coyoacan




One day, any day, you awaken and decide to walk around your neighborhood. Along its peaceful streets, all you see are beautiful colonial-style mansions, each in a different color, cobblestone streets, flowering bougainvillea, ancient jacaranda trees, and picturesque churches. It is as if time travel were possible. Yet, you are in the heart of one of the largest cities of the world. This is Coyoacan: This is how it feels; this is how it lives.

Now one of Mexico City’s best known boroughs, Coyoacan, was an autonomous town outside the metropolis for several centuries. Its name means “place of coyotes” in Nahuatl, the language spoken by the Aztecs, as wild coyotes lived here in large numbers in the pre-Hispanic era. Coyoacan’s first sedentary human residents were the Colhuas, who set down roots in the 6th Century. When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the Valley of Mexico in 1519, Coyoacan was inhabited by the Totonecas, an aboriginal population subordinate to the Aztec Empire. Thus, it was easy to convince them to help overthrowing the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.

Once the Aztec Empire was defeated in 1521, the Spanish established the first capital of New Spain (as Mexico was then known) in Coyoacan, during the period of time it took to build a new Spanish city upon the scorched ruins of Tenochtitlan. The leader of the Conquistadors, Hernan Cortés, fell in love with the mysticism of Coyoacan. He had a home built for himself here, and one for his translator and lover, an Indigenous woman named Malitzin. In the years to come, small chapels, majestic cathedrals, and beautiful baroque-style mansions were erected throughout. This alluring locale also served as a getaway spot for many of Mexico City’s wealthiest families, who came to won or construct summer houses and haciendas here. It wasn’t until the 20th century that Coyoacan actually became an incorporated part of Mexico City’s metropolis. In acknowledgement of its beauty, the government declared the borough a “Picturesque and Traditional Zone.” More recently, in order to celebrate and preserve its history, Coyoacan was officially declared a “Magical Neighborhood.”

Because of its unique aesthetic and culture, Coyoacan feels like a city on its own. It preserves its cultural legacy and mystical ambience. It is no accident that important political and cultural figures from around the world have decided to take up residence here: From Russian revolutionary, Leon Trotsky, to Colombian Nobel Prize winner, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who wrote 100 Years of Solitude in this borough. From icon of surrealism, Frida Kahlo, and Mexico’s most emblematic muralist, Diego Rivera, to Mexican Nobel Prize winner, Octavio Paz, and Mexican film director, as well as model for the Academy Award’s “Oscar” statuette, Emilio “el Indio” Fernandez. Even internationally acclaimed Hollywood star, Dolores del Rio, found her home here, along with many others. Hence, it should come as no surprise that Coyoacan has traditionally been known as Mexico City’s top bohemian and intellectual borough.

Walking around Coyoacan also means taking an audiovisual tour of ghost stories and legends. If you ask  local residents will be keen to tell you every single one of them. You will hear about the devilish figure and the crying nun that appear at night in Avocado Alley (Callejón del Aguacate); the weeping woman (Llorona) walking by the Magdalena river crying out to her children; the priest that lurks around Plaza Santa Catarina’s church every autumn and the ghosts that still scream from within el Indio Fernandez’s home

Ghost stories notwithstanding, Coyoacan is vibrant and full of life. Entering Francisco Sosa Street, you’ll find the beautiful chapel of Panzacola, which dates back to the 16th century, and cross a bridge built in 1736. From there, the street’s colorful houses and convents are found all around. You can visit any number of historical buildings, such as the “Fonoteca” (audio library) once home to poet and scholar, Octavio Paz; Santa Catarina Chapel, that sits in a plaza by the same name; the enormous House of Culture, named after Jesus Reyes Heroles; the National Company of Theater, and the Italian Institute of Culture, to name but a few. You will also find many delicious restaurants, as well as gourmet coffee and ice cream places, all along the way!

At the end of Francisco Sosa, you will reach one of the crown jewels of this neighborhood: Its most emblematic garden, the Jardin Centenario. At its entrance, you’ll see an engraved double archway that dates back to the 16th century, decorated with angels chiseled by Indigenous hands. This garden houses the often photographed, "Coyotes Fountain." A symbol of this beautiful borough, it is usually surrounded by families and young people holding hands. The park is bordered by top-tier restaurants and bars. It is the place to be to socialize in southern Mexico City!

Just across the street, you’ll find Jardin Hidalgo, where you can climb atop a picturesque glass-domed kiosk, crowned by a bronze eagle. Standing next to this park, San Juan Bautista cathedral, one of the oldest churches on the continent, constructed in the 16th century, excels in beauty. This is another great spot for finding outstanding restaurants, bars and coffee places. This square boasts a crafts market, a public library, the Municipal Palace, as well as people from all walks of life: Indigenous artisans, hippies, punks, fashionistas, hipsters, tourists, couples in love, extended families eating… In Coyoacan, everyone is welcome, everything converges.

The borough also houses several museums that you won’t want to miss! Frida Kahlo’s “Blue House,” Diego Rivera’s Studio “Anahualli”, Leon Trotsky’s home, Emilio Ferndandez’s fortress, and the National Museums of Folk Cultures, Interventions, and Cars, among them. Of course, no museum visit would be complete without an accompanying sampling of local cuisine. It has become a tradition to enjoy an ice cream or serving of fresh-corn soup (ezquites) while strolling through the gardens, as well as to rest while savoring coffee or hot chocolate and churros after visiting one of the long-ago established, landmark coffee merchants. In addition, there are two traditional marketplaces where you can savor many of the traditional meals Mexicans crave and seek out! In the various stalls found in the “Mercado de Coyoacan” and “Mercado de Antojitos,” you’ll find a near infinite assortment of dishes: quesadillas, flautas, sopes, huaraches, tostadas, pozole, pambazos, tacos, etc. Too elaborate and delicious to describe, you’ll just have to try each one!

To be sure, there are many extraordinary neighborhoods in Mexico City. However, Coyoacan remains one of the most charming, beautiful and authentic. Everything rests here: history, tradition, art, culture, gastronomy, diversity, nature, luxury… simply everything! The best way to become intimately familiar with the neighborhood is accompanied by a local, but the borough also lends itself self-guided exploration and discovery. In either case, consider starting your journey with a trip aboard Coyoacan’s touristic tram. One thing’s for sure, you will never get tired of experiencing and learning more about this place. We dare you to come and discover it!

понедельник, 15 декабря 2014 г.

Ka'ena Point: A Sacred Sanctuary




Drive about 30 miles northwest of the crowded beaches of Waikiki and you’ll find one of the last untouched paradises on Oahu. The pristine and windblown Ka’ena Point wildlife reserve - unknown to many tourists - is the world’s only place where people can observe the nesting Laysan albatross at close range without supervision, fee or guide.

According to ancient Hawaiian folklore, Ka’ena Point is the ancestral arena where souls of the dead “jumped off” into the next world. The 59-acre sanctuary is accessible only by foot or bicycle at the westernmost tip of the island, linked to separate three-mile dirt trails starting from Waianae on the west (leeward side) and Mokuleia on the north (windward side). The Waianae trail has suffered some erosion, making parts of it hazardous to cross.

One of Hawaii’s last intact dune ecosystems, Ka’ena Point features picturesque views of lava-laden shoreline, endangered Hawaiian monk seals sunbathing on white coral, soaring wedge-tailed shearwaters, majestic green sea turtles and humpback whales - just to name a few. A myriad of tide pools abound with tropical fish, eels, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and an impressive array of indigenous species in crystal clear ocean. This place is truly a tide pool hunter’s dream.

Usually hot and dry, the Point can be difficult to reach at times during winter months, which is prime albatross-nesting season. Gouges in the dirt roads made by four-wheelers fill with water and create a muddy mess to slog through after a rainfall. Be sure to go on a sunny day, if possible.

There is literally no better time to visit Ka’ena Point than now. 400 or so albatrosses inhabit the area, which is a 15 percent increase since the invasion of mongooses, rodents, feral cats and dogs brought by humans years ago.  

This rebound in population is credited to what has become a global focus of attention — a green, six-and-a-half-foot-tall, predator-proof fence at the Point’s entrance — among the first ever constructed. The $290,000 barrier zigzags for 2,000 feet across the Point in north-south fashion, featuring three double-door gates that force people to close one door before opening the next; an overhang that allows animals to climb out, but not in; and borders to prevent burrowing underneath.

If you are lucky, Laysan albatross chicks can be spotted around the Point’s low-lying naio bushes with their beautiful chocolate-brown down during summers. Inside the naio shrubs lay nests of vigilant mothers with seven-foot wingspans soaring above.

Today, an estimated 50,000 people visit Ka’ena Point annually, making it among the most remote places on Oahu. No dogs are allowed in the sanctuary — considered sacred in Hawaiian culture — and visitors should walk only within designated, roped-off paths and on main beach areas. State law prohibits disturbing the Hawaiian monk seals and seabird nests, so keep a safe and respectful distance in accordance with posted signs.

Be sure to pack ample food, water and sunscreen on your trip to Ka’ena Point. There are no toilets, garbage bins or fresh water facilities due to the Point’s remote isolation, and shade is scarce. If planning to negotiate the ocean’s slippery tide pools, use reef walkers for traction and to avoid infectious coral cuts. As long as you plan ahead for this trip, you will have fun.

The sacred sanctuary of Ka’ena Point is undeniably spectacular, so be sure not to pass up on what many consider to be one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Hawaii.

пятница, 4 июля 2014 г.

Top Five Theme Parks in California

With breathtaking scenery and a nearly season-less climate that ushers in beautiful weather year-round, packing up and shipping out to California for some fun in the sun is a no-brainer. Another no-brainer? Enjoying one of California’s greatest attractions: the amusement park. We’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the top five that will make you scream if you don’t visit them. And scream if you do.

Legoland California 

Located in San Diego County, Legoland is a parent’s paradise with a water park to boot. In an effort to market to families with younger children, the park has swapped the adrenaline-pumping extreme for the educational. And boy will you be thrilled they did. From rides that appear to be built of Lego bricks to water flow channels in which participants can engineer Lego dams to understand laminar and turbulent fluid flows (pay a visit to find out what those terms mean), Legoland will keep your children occupied far longer than it takes them to surpass you in intelligence. Highlights include a giant, Lego-shaped underwater pipe organ called the Aquatune hydraulophone and Miniland USA, a scale model miniature park built over three years with more than 40 million Lego bricks to feature prominent architecture from across the United States and around the world. Also be sure to check out Volvo Driving School, a closed circuit roadway around which kids can steer small electric Lego cars to earn a mock driving license. Don’t worry, Mom and Dad, your three year-old can learn to drive safely too. Check out Volvo Junior Driving School.  Don’t miss: Legoland’s signature Granny apple fries, like a delicious Granny Smith apple pie condensed into an irresistibly munchable form. Ask for sauce (essentially vanilla whipped cream) to balance out the tartness and doom yourself to life behind Lego-constructed bars.

Knott’s Berry Farm 

Cushion the fall from towering coasters with western history and charm and you have Knott’s Berry Farm, an amusement park that sits on the site of a former berry farm established by Walter Knott and his family in 1920. The park was originally comprised of a few shops and attractions built to entertain visitors while they waited for a seat in the Knott family restaurant, but grew to a 160-acre fun land comprised of five themed areas after being sold to Cedar Fair in the 1990s. Drop by Ghost Town to check out Knott’s Nature Center, a mini insect zoo that was once the one-room schoolhouse of Rivera, CA, or head to The Boardwalk for a smorgasbord of carnival games—including ladder crawl, rock wall climbing, soccer, and basketball—and the most thrilling rides in the park. Favorites include Boomerang, Supreme Scream, and Xcelerator—Knott’s tallest roller coaster.

Universal Studios Hollywood 

Nestled in Los Angeles County, Universal Studios Hollywood oozes cool and has a debonair dual identity to match: in addition to being one of the most unique theme parks in the world, it is also one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood studios still in use. While Universal Studios Hollywood may modestly boast only five shows, five rides, and two child play areas, what it lacks in physical depth it makes up for in depth it inspires in the imagination. Head to the Upper Lot for family based 3D shows and the park’s signature 45-minute Studio Ride, a tram tour through the park’s back lot that travels past the famous Bates Motel from Psycho and Jurassic Park sets before ending at The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb—one of the parks most gripping rides. Also make sure to get in line for the Simpson’s Ride, a combination of motion simulator and film projected onto an 80 ft-wide domed screen that takes the audience on a six-minute (and comically jab-laden) tour of Krusty the Clown’s condemned amusement park, before heading down to the Lower Lot for the park’s three biggest rides. The latest must-ride attraction? Transformers: The Ride, a 3D flight simulation with physical and special effects relating to the Transformers franchise.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

The list is getting higher, and so are the coasters. Coming in at number two is Six Flags Magic Mountain, an amusement park unparalleled in its stomach-turning penchant for peril. At 18, Magic Mountain holds the record for most roller coasters in the world. And that’s just the beginning. Magic Mountain also holds the record for the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest flying coaster featuring the world’s biggest pretzel loop (Tatsu), the world’s fastest suspended roller coaster (Ninja), the world’s fastest and tallest stand-up roller coaster (Riddler’s Revenge), and the world’s tallest vertical drop ride (Lex Luthor, Drop of Doom). And don’t forget X2—the world’s first fifth dimension special effects roller coaster featuring fog, fire, and rotating 360-degree seats. Want more, adrenaline junkies? Try Thrill Shot, a ride that for extra money catapults you into the air at white-knuckle speed for the ultimate rush. In addition to housing what are arguably the most thrilling amusement rides in the world, the park’s proximity to LA has also made it the go-to theme park stand-in. Magic Mountain’s most famous role: the fictional “Wally Land” in National Lampoon’s vacation.

Disneyland/California Adventure

And the winner is... Disneyland/California Adventure. By a long shot. Not even close. Because of their successful and in-your-face domination of multinational mass media, it’s easy to hate Disney and how permanently engrained their characters are in the minds of every child who grew up with exposure to their products (i.e. many, many children). And that’s how enchantingly wonderful Disneyland is—it can make even its most staunch detractors bat their eyes, cozy up to Goofy for a photo in which they can’t help but radiantly beam from ear to ear, and not only buy but proudly wear a pair of Mickey ears each and every subsequent year that they come back and gladly fork over their money again and again. Disneyland, against all odds, does this with seeming effortlessness as it leaves competitors scratching their heads. It is impeccably clean (I mean clean), wildly entertaining, and, yes, fun for the whole family. I’ll group California Adventure, Disneyland’s more thrilling and adjacent theme park, into my number one pick so that more names can make this list. Remember, there’s more to California amusement parks than Disneyland. (Until you experience the magic.)

четверг, 9 января 2014 г.

Welcome to Disneyland After Dark

When the suns goes down in Anaheim, Disneyland takes on a different ambiance, daytime's bright colors and longer views giving way to a more intimate feel. The darkness makes it seem even more like a place that's separate from anything outside its boundaries and sparkling lights give it a cheery twinkle.
This view of Main Street U.S.A., with all the buildings outlined in white lights and everything taking on a warm glow This photo taken from "the hub" during the Christmas holiday season is a perfect example. The place is so different - and so magical - after dark that it's well worth your efforts to manage your energy so you can stay into the night, at least for a few hours.


During the busiest times of the year at Disneyland, the daily parade is often held near or after sunset. The darker surroundings throw the colorful characters and floats into eye-popping contrast. Even if you've seen it once during the day, if you're at Disneyland after dark for enough days that you've had time to see the fireworks and Fantasmic, it's worth your time to see it again in the evening.


The castle looks great in the dark and if you peep across the drawbridge, you'll see Fantasyland on the other side.


Disneyland sets off a fireworks show most evenings, but the show you'll see varies, with special ones for some holidays and seasonal variations.


Fantasmic features cartoon clips projected onto screens made from water mist, mixed with live action on the Rivers of America. Mickey Mouse's imagination summons a host of iconic Disney characters, along with a fire-breathing dragon that he ultimately defeats.


Many of Disneyland's rides are indoor rides, so-called "dark" rides because it's always night time inside, but a few are outdoors. Some are more fun at night, or so different than they are in daylight that you may want to enjoy them twice.


With a futuristic theme and design elements rooted in the mid-twentieth century modernism, Tomorrowland glows with colorful neon lighting, highlighting the iconic buildings. The next few photos show some of the reasons we've chosen it as the best area of Disneyland after dark.


We love the contrast between the red sign border and the blue-colored light, both on the Space Mountain building and in the sky. During Halloween season, the lighting on the roof changes to a montage of creepy scenes and textures.


среда, 18 декабря 2013 г.

Yosemite in Winter

Winter is the least busy and possibly most beautiful season in Yosemite. The crowds go home, frost coats the trees in the morning, fog freezes, waterfalls start flowing only to freeze at night and snowstorms coat the park in a white blanket. The wildlife comes out and hotel rates go down.


If you get up early on a cold morning, you may see Yosemite Falls frozen solid and hear the loud, cracking sounds the ice makes as it breaks loose and plummets to the ground. Near the Falls, you might even see an even rarer phenomenon: frazil ice, a spongy mass of ice crystals that flows like water and sometimes overflows the creek bed.


Yosemite weather can be cold, especially at the higher elevations, and winter is California's rainy season, which means snow in the mountains. Find the average weather in Yosemite and check snow reports, river water levels, road conditions and more at the National Park Service website. The Yosemite Valley is at 4,000 feet elevation and even if it snows, it seldom stays very long. At higher elevations, more snow accumulates and it can stay all winter long.


The Badger Pass ski area opens as soon as enough snow accumulates. It includes a terrain park and lots of beginner and intermediate slopes, making it a good place for kids and others just learning to ski. A free shuttle goes there from the Valley.


Yosemite in Winter: Special Events

Three of Yosemite's most popular events occur in winter:

Bracebridge Dinners: A Yosemite winter tradition since 1926, the Bracebridge is the ultimate Christmas feast. The four-hour pageant features entertainment from more than 100 cast members coupled with a seven-course meal to create an unforgettable experience. Contrary to what you may read elsewhere, enough performances are held to accommodate almost anyone who wants to go, and the lottery reservation system was suspended several year ago.


Chef's Holidays: Held in January and February, these events features cooking demonstrations and a dinner prepared by some of the country's most prominent chefs. Go for it all, or just enjoy the gala dinners served on Tuesday and Thursday nights.


Vintner's Holidays: Held in late October and November, this event features wines and winemakers, wine-tasting seminars and a gourmet dinner prepared especially to complement featured vintners' wines.

понедельник, 2 декабря 2013 г.

The Most Romantic Places in Canada

Romantic places in Canada range from cosmopolitan cities to tiny, out-of-the-way towns. The following list comprises the most romantic places in Canada.

Niagara Falls, Canada, is probably best known as a honeymoon destination, attracting millions of honeymooning or just plain romantic couples every year. Historically, this town has been a bit of a shabby tourist town, but its reputation has improved.


Quebec City is about as romantic a place as you'll find anywhere in the world. This provincial capital is steeped in history and European in flavour, with cobblestone streets, intimate cafes, and architecture dating back to the 17th century. Of course, the fact that people speak French only adds to the romance of the town.


In the same way that New York City or Chicago offers romance to vacationing couples, so too does Toronto. A large, bustling, metropolitan city, Toronto boasts romantic restaurants, luxury hotels, a waterside location, and is right up there with London and NYC in terms of top-notch theatre and live shows.


Escaping the busy life of the city inspires romance, and Cape Breton's laid back way of life and dramatic landscape will have you and your partner forgetting to check your messages. Although Cape Breton is part of Nova Scotia, it has a distinct identity and is famous for its Celtic heritage, which visitors may enjoy through the music, food and charm of the people. Cape Breton is also home to one of the world's most beautiful drives: the Cabot Trail - particularly stunning in autumn. Lobster may be eaten in abundance and at reasonable prices year-round.


Montreal is a thriving, metropolitan city with culture, fine dining, romantic hotels and restaurants. Add to that the charm of waterside Old Montreal, where the architecture dates as far back as the 17th century and the streets are cobblestone, and you have a city ripe for romance.


Whether you're cosied up in the Banff hot springs overlooking alpine scenery, hitting the slopes, or snuggled under a blanket being towed in a dogsled, Banff serves up romance year-round. This Alberta destination is a charming town nestled in the Canadian Rockies, less than an hour from Calgary. 


Sitting off the coast of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is home to the province's capital city of Victoria, and features dozens of romantic inlets, coves, harbours and bays with incredible vistas of the Pacific Ocean and romantic lodges, resorts and rentals. The island is home to one of Canada's most famously romantic inns.


For as much as Niagara Falls is touristy and tacky, Niagara-on-the-Lake is charming and quaint. This historic town is a 15 min drive from Niagara Falls and is famous for the annual Shaw Festival - one of the world's premiere theater festivals. Much of the town's architecture has been restored and Niagara-on-the-Lake has a plethora of charming bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels.


The Eastern Townships is a swish southeastern Quebec region that many U.S. travellers have come to appreciate along with weekending Montrealers. Apart from stunning fall colour, this region of Quebec offers visitors a glimpse back into the 18th and 19th centuries with well-preserved, picturesque towns boasting traditional architecture, such as churches, homes, round barns, covered bridges and more.


Whistler is consistently hailed as one of the world's best ski destinations, and fine choice couples, adventure seeking or not. This resort town is about a two hour drive away from Vancouver along one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take - the Sea to Sky Highway. Year-round, Whistler offers visitors fine food, spas, and plenty of opportunity for activity, all in a breathtaking, majestic locale.

четверг, 7 ноября 2013 г.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Each year, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival features marketplaces with ethnic cuisine samplings from the top "foodie" cities of the world. More than 25 international marketplaces from Hawaii to Belgium will offer tasty treats at the 18th anniversary of the event and chefs will be debuting the tastes of Scotland.

Festival Count

More than 300 national and international wines
More than 1.5-million sumptuous samplings throughout the festival
More than 100 of America's most celebrated chefs and 160 Walt Disney World chefs
More than 300 wine and beer seminars
More than 1,200 fireworks exploding each night over World Showcase Lagoon in "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" grand finale
138 Eat to the Beat! concerts
33,000 bottles of wine and champagne
1.5 million samplings throughout the festival
300,000 wine servings
360,000 beer servings
100,000 desserts served... sweet!
Festival Highlights

The Festival Welcome Center will again host daily wine seminars, bottle signings, author events and culinary demonstrations. Eat to the Beat! concerts will again entertain guests three times nightly at America Gardens Theatre. World Showcase will be the backdrop for performers from many countries as they sing, dance, perform arobatics and comedy for the festivities. A sampling of entertainment includes:

High-energy Celtic music of Off Kilter (Canada)
The Arabic rhythms of Mo'Rockin (Morocco)
Perfect harmony of Voices of Liberty (American Adventure rotunda)
Infectious beat of internationally acclaimed Mariachi Cobre (Mexico)
Retro British hits by British Revolution (United Kingdom)
Jaw-dropping stunts by The Jeweled Dragon Acrobats (China)
Hilarious antics of World Showcase Players (United Kingdom)
Along with the entertainment showcased at Epcot pavilions and special exhibits, festival guests can enjoy Eat to the Beat! concerts performed each evening at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. The evening concerts are scheduled daily at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. and are included with regular Epcot admission.