Page not found – Commit 4 Countries https://www.commit4fitness.com Tue, 26 Mar 2024 04:55:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.24 Natural Resources of Afghanistan https://www.commit4fitness.com/natural-resources-of-afghanistan.html Tue, 26 Mar 2024 04:55:40 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1854 Afghanistan is endowed with a diverse array of natural resources, ranging from minerals and precious stones to fertile agricultural land and renewable energy sources. Despite its reputation for conflict and instability, the country’s vast resource potential presents significant opportunities for economic development, infrastructure investment, and sustainable growth.

1. Minerals: Afghanistan is rich in mineral resources, with deposits of copper, iron ore, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, and other valuable minerals scattered across the country. These mineral reserves are estimated to be worth trillions of dollars and have the potential to transform Afghanistan’s economy if effectively developed and managed.

Copper: The Aynak copper deposit in Logar province is one of the largest untapped copper reserves in the world, with estimated reserves of over 11 million tons. The development of the Aynak mine has the potential to generate significant revenue through exports and attract foreign investment in infrastructure and industrial development.

Iron Ore: According to naturegnosis, Afghanistan’s iron ore deposits, located primarily in the central and eastern regions of the country, are estimated to be substantial. The Hajigak iron ore deposit in Bamyan province is one of the largest in Asia, with estimated reserves of over 1.8 billion tons. The development of iron ore mining has the potential to fuel industrial growth and contribute to infrastructure development, including steel production and manufacturing.

Gold: Afghanistan is believed to have significant gold reserves, particularly in the northeastern provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar. Small-scale artisanal gold mining has been practiced in these areas for centuries, but large-scale exploration and development efforts are needed to fully unlock the country’s gold potential and capitalize on global demand for the precious metal.

Lithium and Rare Earth Elements: Afghanistan is believed to have substantial reserves of lithium, a key component in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and electronic devices. Additionally, the country is known to have deposits of rare earth elements, which are essential for high-tech industries such as electronics, aerospace, and renewable energy. The development of lithium and rare earth element mining has the potential to diversify Afghanistan’s economy and position the country as a key player in the global clean energy transition.

2. Precious Stones: Afghanistan is renowned for its abundant deposits of precious and semi-precious stones, including emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and lapis lazuli. The country’s gemstone industry has a rich history dating back thousands of years and continues to attract international interest and investment.

Emeralds: Afghanistan is famous for its high-quality emeralds, particularly those found in the Panjshir Valley and the mountains of Badakhshan province. Afghan emeralds are prized for their deep green color and clarity, and the gemstone industry provides employment and income opportunities for local communities involved in mining, cutting, and trading.

Rubies and Sapphires: Afghanistan is also known to have deposits of rubies and sapphires, particularly in the Jegdalek area of Kabul province and the Jegdalek ruby mine in Sar-e-Pul province. These precious stones, valued for their vibrant colors and clarity, have the potential to contribute to Afghanistan’s gemstone industry and attract investment in exploration and mining.

Lapis Lazuli: Afghanistan is home to some of the world’s oldest and largest lapis lazuli mines, located in the Badakhshan province. Lapis lazuli, prized for its deep blue color and historical significance, has been mined in Afghanistan for thousands of years and was used in ancient civilizations for jewelry, ornaments, and religious artifacts. The development of lapis lazuli mining has the potential to revive Afghanistan’s gemstone industry and generate revenue for local communities.

3. Energy Resources: Afghanistan has significant untapped potential for renewable energy development, including hydropower, solar, and wind energy. The country’s mountainous terrain and abundant sunlight make it well-suited for renewable energy generation, which could help address energy shortages, reduce reliance on imported fuel, and promote sustainable development.

Hydropower: Afghanistan has an estimated hydropower potential of over 23,000 megawatts, primarily from its rivers and mountain streams. However, only a fraction of this potential has been developed, with existing hydropower projects providing a small portion of the country’s electricity needs. The development of hydropower has the potential to improve access to electricity, support economic growth, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Solar Energy: Afghanistan receives abundant sunlight throughout the year, making solar energy an attractive option for renewable energy generation. Solar photovoltaic systems have been deployed in off-grid and rural areas to provide electricity to communities without access to the grid. The expansion of solar energy infrastructure has the potential to enhance energy access, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the country.

Wind Energy: Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain and geographic location make it suitable for wind energy generation, particularly in high-altitude areas with strong and consistent winds. While wind energy projects are still in the early stages of development, the country’s wind potential holds promise for diversifying its energy mix and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Agricultural Land: Afghanistan’s fertile agricultural land supports a diverse range of crops, including wheat, barley, rice, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Agriculture is a vital sector of the Afghan economy, providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the population and contributing to food security and rural development.

Wheat: Wheat is the staple food crop of Afghanistan and is grown extensively across the country, particularly in the fertile plains of the north and west. Wheat production plays a critical role in ensuring food security and meeting the dietary needs of the Afghan population.

Barley and Rice: Barley and rice are also important food crops in Afghanistan, cultivated in irrigated areas and river valleys. Barley is used for animal feed and brewing traditional beverages, while rice is a staple food in many parts of the country, particularly in the south and east.

Fruits and Vegetables: Afghanistan is known for its diverse array of fruits and vegetables, including pomegranates, grapes, melons, apples, apricots, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. These crops are cultivated in orchards, vineyards, and gardens across the country and contribute to both domestic consumption and exports.

Nuts: Afghanistan is a major producer of nuts, including almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, which are grown in orchards in the central and eastern regions of the country. Nuts are an important source of income for rural farmers and are exported to regional and international markets.

Challenges and Opportunities: Despite its vast natural resource wealth, Afghanistan faces numerous challenges in realizing the full potential of its resources and harnessing them for sustainable development:

Security Concerns: Ongoing conflict and insecurity in parts of Afghanistan pose significant challenges to resource development, investment, and infrastructure projects. Security risks deter foreign investors and disrupt mining operations, hindering the exploration and development of mineral and energy resources.

Infrastructure Deficits: Afghanistan’s inadequate infrastructure, including roads, power grids, and water management systems, limits the effective extraction, processing, and transportation of natural resources. Investment in infrastructure is essential for unlocking the economic potential of Afghanistan’s resources and promoting inclusive growth and development.

Governance and Transparency: Weak governance, corruption, and lack of transparency in the management of natural resources pose significant challenges to the sustainable and equitable exploitation of Afghanistan’s resources. Transparent and accountable governance structures, coupled with effective regulatory frameworks and oversight mechanisms, are needed to ensure that resource development benefits the Afghan people and fosters inclusive economic growth.

Environmental Degradation: The extraction and exploitation of natural resources can have adverse environmental impacts, including deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Sustainable resource management practices, environmental regulations, and conservation efforts are essential to mitigate these impacts and preserve Afghanistan’s natural ecosystems and biodiversity.

Community Engagement: Meaningful engagement with local communities, including indigenous and marginalized groups, is crucial for ensuring that resource development projects respect their rights, interests, and traditional knowledge. Consultation, participation, and benefit-sharing mechanisms can help build trust, foster social cohesion, and promote sustainable development outcomes.

International Cooperation: Afghanistan’s natural resource development requires cooperation and partnerships with regional and international stakeholders, including neighboring countries, multinational corporations, development agencies, and civil society organizations. Collaborative initiatives, joint ventures, and technical assistance programs can leverage expertise, resources, and best practices to support Afghanistan’s sustainable development goals.

Opportunities:

Economic Diversification: Harnessing Afghanistan’s natural resources has the potential to diversify the country’s economy, reduce dependency on foreign aid, and create employment opportunities across multiple sectors, including mining, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. Revenue generated from resource extraction can be reinvested in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other critical areas of development.

Infrastructure Development: Investment in resource development projects can catalyze the construction of essential infrastructure, including roads, railways, power plants, and water management systems, which are essential for unlocking Afghanistan’s economic potential and improving connectivity within the country and with neighboring regions.

Revenue Generation: The exploitation of natural resources can generate significant revenue for the Afghan government, which can be used to fund public services, social welfare programs, and development initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, improving living standards, and enhancing overall human development outcomes.

Employment Opportunities: Resource development projects have the potential to create employment opportunities for local communities, including skilled and unskilled laborers, technicians, engineers, and support staff. Job creation in the mining, energy, and agricultural sectors can stimulate economic growth, alleviate poverty, and empower marginalized groups, including women and youth.

Sustainable Development: By adopting sustainable resource management practices and incorporating environmental, social, and governance considerations into decision-making processes, Afghanistan can ensure that resource development contributes to long-term sustainable development, preserves natural ecosystems, and safeguards the well-being of future generations.

In conclusion, Afghanistan’s natural resources hold immense potential to drive economic growth, promote sustainable development, and improve the well-being of its people. However, realizing this potential requires overcoming numerous challenges, including security risks, governance deficits, environmental concerns, and social inequalities. By adopting a holistic and inclusive approach to resource development, Afghanistan can harness its natural wealth for the benefit of current and future generations, paving the way for a more prosperous and resilient future.

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Languages in Albania https://www.commit4fitness.com/languages-in-albania.html Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:06:43 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1851 Albania, a country located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, boasts a rich linguistic heritage characterized by diversity, complexity, and historical significance. From the indigenous Albanian language to minority languages spoken by various ethnic groups, Albania’s linguistic landscape reflects centuries of cultural exchange, migration, and interaction.

The Albanian Language: Origins and Evolution

According to mathgeneral, the Albanian language, known as Shqip in its native tongue, is an Indo-European language spoken by the majority of the population in Albania and by significant communities in Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and parts of Greece and Italy. It is one of the oldest languages in Europe, with roots dating back to ancient times, and is considered a unique branch within the Indo-European language family.

The origins of the Albanian language remain a subject of scholarly debate, although most linguists agree that it developed from an ancient Indo-European ancestor spoken by the Illyrian tribes inhabiting the western Balkans during antiquity. Over time, the Albanian language underwent significant phonological, morphological, and lexical changes, resulting in the distinct linguistic system known today.

Albanian is divided into two main dialect groups: Gheg, spoken in the northern and central regions of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, and Tosk, spoken in the southern regions of Albania and parts of Greece and Italy. The division between Gheg and Tosk dialects is characterized by differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, although speakers of both dialects can generally understand each other.

The standard form of Albanian, known as Standard Albanian or Standard Shqip, is based on the Tosk dialect and serves as the official language of Albania, as well as the medium of instruction in education, government, and media. The Albanian alphabet, consisting of 36 letters, was developed in the early 20th century and is based on the Latin script, with additional diacritics to represent specific phonetic sounds unique to the language.

Albanian has a rich literary tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, with notable works such as the “Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini,” a collection of customary laws and ethical principles, and the poetry of figures like Naim Frashëri and Migjeni. The Albanian language continues to evolve and adapt to modern linguistic trends, with new vocabulary borrowed from foreign languages, particularly English, as a result of globalization and technological advancements.

Minority Languages in Albania

In addition to Albanian, Albania is home to several minority languages spoken by ethnic communities residing in the country. These minority languages, which include Greek, Macedonian, Aromanian, and Serbian, among others, reflect Albania’s multicultural and multilingual heritage and contribute to the country’s linguistic diversity.

Greek is the most widely spoken minority language in Albania, particularly in the southern regions bordering Greece, where ethnic Greek communities have lived for centuries. Greek-speaking Albanians maintain their language, culture, and traditions through schools, churches, and community organizations, although they also speak Albanian as a second language and are fully integrated into Albanian society.

Macedonian is spoken by the Macedonian minority in the border regions of southeastern Albania, where ethnic Macedonian communities have resided for generations. Macedonian-speaking Albanians maintain close ties with neighboring North Macedonia and participate in cultural and educational activities to preserve their linguistic and cultural identity.

Aromanian, also known as Vlach, is spoken by the Aromanian minority in parts of southern and central Albania, particularly in the regions of Korçë and Përmet. Aromanian-speaking communities have a distinct culture and heritage, with influences from Latin, Greek, and Slavic languages, and maintain their language through oral tradition, folklore, and music.

Serbian is spoken by the Serbian minority in northern Albania, where ethnic Serbian communities have lived for centuries alongside Albanians and other ethnic groups. Serbian-speaking Albanians have preserved their language, religion, and customs through schools, churches, and cultural associations, while also participating in Albanian society and politics.

Other minority languages spoken in Albania include Romani, spoken by the Roma community, and Turkish, spoken by the Turkish minority in the regions of Gjirokastër and Përmet. These minority languages, although spoken by smaller communities, contribute to Albania’s linguistic mosaic and enrich the country’s cultural diversity.

Sociolinguistic Dynamics and Language Policy

Albania’s linguistic diversity is reflected in its sociolinguistic dynamics and language policy, which aim to promote multilingualism, linguistic rights, and cultural diversity while also fostering national unity and cohesion. The Albanian government recognizes the importance of preserving minority languages and supporting linguistic diversity, as reflected in laws and regulations protecting the rights of minority language speakers.

The Albanian Constitution guarantees the right to use minority languages in education, media, and public administration in areas where minority communities reside, and the government provides support for bilingual education, cultural programs, and media outlets in minority languages. In practice, however, the implementation of language policies and the provision of language services vary depending on factors such as funding, infrastructure, and community engagement.

Albania’s efforts to promote linguistic diversity and minority rights are also reflected in its international commitments and obligations as a signatory to various conventions and treaties related to language rights, cultural heritage, and minority protection. The country’s accession to the Council of Europe and its participation in regional initiatives such as the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages demonstrate its commitment to upholding linguistic diversity and promoting intercultural dialogue.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain in ensuring equal access to education, public services, and economic opportunities for speakers of minority languages, particularly in rural and remote areas where infrastructure and resources are limited. Issues such as language proficiency, socioeconomic status, and cultural identity also influence the use and vitality of minority languages in Albania’s diverse society.

Conclusion

Albania’s linguistic landscape is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage, historical legacy, and multicultural identity. From the indigenous Albanian language to minority languages spoken by ethnic communities, Albania’s linguistic mosaic embodies centuries of linguistic evolution, cultural exchange, and coexistence.

As Albania continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, its linguistic diversity serves as a source of strength, resilience, and national pride, uniting diverse communities under a shared commitment to multiculturalism, tolerance, and mutual respect. Through effective language policies, education initiatives, and community engagement, Albania can preserve its linguistic heritage and promote linguistic diversity as a cornerstone of its national identity and cultural legacy.

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Russia as a Slavic Country https://www.commit4fitness.com/russia-as-a-slavic-country.html Mon, 18 Mar 2024 03:36:06 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1850 Russia, often referred to as the Russian Federation, is a vast and diverse country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. With a rich history deeply rooted in Slavic culture, Russia stands as one of the most prominent Slavic nations. In this essay, we will delve into the historical, cultural, linguistic, and societal aspects that define Russia as a Slavic country, all within a 1500-word limit.

Historical Origins:

The roots of Russia as a Slavic country trace back to the early medieval period when Slavic tribes inhabited the region. These tribes formed the basis of the Eastern Slavs, who eventually coalesced into the medieval state of Kievan Rus. Founded in the 9th century, Kievan Rus was a confederation of East Slavic tribes centered around the city of Kiev, which served as a political, cultural, and religious hub.

Language and Linguistic Heritage:

The Slavic languages form a branch of the Indo-European language family, characterized by their shared linguistic features and common ancestry. Russian, the official language of Russia, belongs to the East Slavic subgroup of the Slavic languages, alongside Ukrainian and Belarusian. These languages share significant similarities in grammar, vocabulary, and phonology, reflecting their common Slavic heritage.

Russian, with its Cyrillic script, is the most widely spoken Slavic language, serving as a unifying force among Slavic peoples within Russia and beyond. While dialectal variations exist across different regions of Russia, the standardized form of the language is based on the Moscow dialect, which emerged as the dominant linguistic norm during the process of Russian state formation.

Cultural Identity and Traditions:

According to behealthybytomorrow, Slavic culture has profoundly influenced the identity and traditions of Russia. From folklore and literature to music and art, Slavic cultural motifs permeate every aspect of Russian society. The enduring legacy of medieval Kievan Rus, with its Byzantine-inspired architecture and Orthodox Christian heritage, continues to shape Russia’s cultural landscape.

Orthodox Christianity, introduced to Kievan Rus in the 10th century, played a pivotal role in shaping Slavic cultural identity. The Russian Orthodox Church became a unifying force, providing spiritual guidance and fostering a sense of national unity among the Slavic peoples of Russia. Religious festivals, iconography, and rituals are integral parts of Russian cultural life, reflecting the deep-seated influence of Orthodox Christianity.

Traditional Slavic folklore and mythology also hold a prominent place in Russian culture. Tales of mythical creatures, legendary heroes, and supernatural beings have been passed down through generations, shaping the collective imagination of the Russian people. Iconic figures such as Baba Yaga, the witch of Slavic folklore, and the firebird, a symbol of beauty and magic, exemplify the rich tapestry of Slavic mythology woven into the fabric of Russian culture.

Literary and Artistic Heritage:

Russian literature and art have made significant contributions to Slavic cultural heritage. From the epic poetry of the medieval period to the works of renowned writers such as Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky, Russian literature reflects the depth and complexity of the Slavic soul. Themes of spirituality, existentialism, and the human condition permeate Russian literary masterpieces, resonating with audiences both within Russia and abroad.

In the realm of visual arts, Russian painters, sculptors, and architects have produced timeless works that capture the essence of Slavic culture. Iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin in Moscow and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg stand as testaments to Russia’s rich artistic legacy. The distinct style of Russian iconography, characterized by its use of vivid colors and religious symbolism, is emblematic of the fusion between Slavic artistic traditions and Orthodox Christian spirituality.

Societal Values and Norms:

Slavic values and norms shape the social fabric of Russian society, influencing everything from family dynamics to interpersonal relationships. Concepts such as hospitality, solidarity, and collectivism are deeply ingrained in Slavic culture, fostering strong bonds of kinship and community among the Russian people. Traditional Slavic celebrations and rituals, such as weddings, holidays, and folk festivals, serve as occasions for communal gatherings and expressions of cultural pride.

Gender roles and expectations also reflect Slavic cultural norms within Russian society. While traditional gender roles have evolved over time, elements of patriarchal authority and gender differentiation persist in certain spheres of Russian life. However, women have played significant roles in shaping Russian history and culture, contributing to literature, art, science, and politics.

Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities:

In the modern era, Russia faces a myriad of challenges and opportunities as it navigates its identity as a Slavic country within the global community. Socioeconomic disparities, political tensions, and demographic shifts pose complex challenges to Russia’s social cohesion and national unity. However, Russia also possesses immense cultural and economic potential, which, if harnessed effectively, can propel the country toward a brighter future.

As Russia continues to redefine its place in the world, embracing its Slavic heritage while embracing diversity and innovation will be key to ensuring sustainable development and prosperity. By preserving and promoting Slavic culture, language, and traditions, Russia can uphold its unique identity while embracing the opportunities of the modern era.

Russia stands as a quintessential Slavic country, shaped by centuries of history, culture, and tradition. From its origins in medieval Kievan Rus to its status as a global power in the modern era, Russia’s identity as a Slavic nation remains central to its sense of self and its place in the world. By embracing its Slavic heritage while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, Russia can chart a course toward a future that honors its rich cultural legacy while embracing the promise of progress and prosperity.

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Geography of Chatham County, Georgia https://www.commit4fitness.com/geography-of-chatham-county-georgia.html Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:10:58 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1848 Chatham County, located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia, is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Encompassing an area of approximately 632 square miles, Chatham County is situated along the Atlantic coast and is home to the city of Savannah, one of the most iconic and historic cities in the United States. In this comprehensive overview, we’ll explore the geography, climate, rivers, lakes, and other significant features of Chatham County. Check homethodology to learn more about the state of Georgia.

Geography:

Chatham County is located on the eastern coast of Georgia, bordered by Bryan County to the north, Effingham County to the northwest, and Liberty County to the south. The county is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes coastal plains, marshes, barrier islands, and tidal rivers. The landscape is dominated by the Savannah River, which forms the western boundary of the county, and the Intracoastal Waterway, which runs along the eastern coast.

Climate:

The climate of Chatham County is classified as humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures varying throughout the year. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures, resulting in cooler summers and warmer winters compared to inland areas of Georgia.

Summers in Chatham County are hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the 80s°F to 90s°F range and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are mild, with average high temperatures in the 50s°F to 60s°F range and cooler evenings. The region receives the majority of its rainfall during the summer months, with thunderstorms and tropical systems bringing heavy downpours and occasional flooding.

Rivers:

Chatham County is crisscrossed by several rivers and waterways that flow through its coastal plains and marshes, providing habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Some of the notable rivers in Chatham County include:

  1. Savannah River: The Savannah River forms the western boundary of Chatham County, separating Georgia from South Carolina. The river is an important waterway for navigation and commerce, providing access to the Port of Savannah, one of the busiest ports on the East Coast.
  2. Ogeechee River: The Ogeechee River flows through the western part of Chatham County before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is known for its scenic beauty and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.
  3. Wilmington River: The Wilmington River is a tidal river that flows through the eastern part of Chatham County, connecting to the Intracoastal Waterway. The river is popular for recreational boating and offers access to the barrier islands and beaches along the coast.

Barrier Islands:

Chatham County is home to several barrier islands that line its eastern coast, protecting the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean and providing habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Some of the notable barrier islands in Chatham County include:

  1. Tybee Island: Tybee Island is the easternmost barrier island in Chatham County and is known for its sandy beaches, historic lighthouse, and vibrant beach community. The island is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  2. Cockspur Island: Cockspur Island is located between Tybee Island and the mainland and is home to Fort Pulaski National Monument, a historic Civil War-era fort. The island offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the fort’s grounds and exhibits.
  3. Little Tybee Island: Little Tybee Island is an uninhabited barrier island located south of Tybee Island and accessible only by boat. The island is a pristine wilderness area, with sandy beaches, marshes, and tidal creeks, and is popular for kayaking, camping, and nature photography.

Lakes:

While Chatham County is primarily known for its rivers, marshes, and barrier islands, there are also several lakes and ponds scattered throughout the region. These lakes provide habitat for wildlife and opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Some of the notable lakes in Chatham County include:

  1. Lake Mayer: Lake Mayer is a man-made lake located in Savannah, the county seat of Chatham County. The lake is surrounded by parkland and offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking, as well as walking and jogging along the trails.
  2. Lake Mayer: Lake Mayer is a man-made lake located in Savannah, the county seat of Chatham County. The lake is surrounded by parkland and offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking, as well as walking and jogging along the trails.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Chatham County, Georgia, is a region of diverse geography, rich history, and natural beauty. From its coastal plains and marshes to its barrier islands and tidal rivers, the county offers a variety of landscapes and ecosystems to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Savannah, kayaking along the Ogeechee River, or relaxing on the sandy beaches of Tybee Island, Chatham County has something for everyone to experience and appreciate in the great outdoors.

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Geography of Carroll County, Georgia https://www.commit4fitness.com/geography-of-carroll-county-georgia.html Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:15:59 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1847 Carroll County, located in the western part of the state of Georgia, United States, is characterized by its diverse geography, rolling hills, and numerous waterways. From its fertile valleys and hardwood forests to its meandering rivers and tranquil lakes, Carroll County offers a variety of geographic features that shape its climate, waterways, and natural environment. Let’s explore the geography of Carroll County in detail. Check bittranslators to learn more about the state of Georgia.

Terrain:

Carroll County’s terrain is varied, with rolling hills, fertile valleys, and forested areas dominating much of its landscape. The county is situated within the Appalachian Plateau region of Georgia, known for its scenic beauty and rich natural resources.

The terrain is characterized by gently rolling hills and ridges, with elevations ranging from around 800 to 1,500 feet above sea level. These hills are covered with hardwood forests of oak, hickory, and pine, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

In addition to its hills and forests, Carroll County features several fertile valleys, including the Tallapoosa River Valley and the Little Tallapoosa River Valley. These valleys are home to rich soils and productive farmland, supporting a variety of agricultural activities such as crop cultivation and livestock grazing.

Climate:

Carroll County experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, relatively wet winters. The region’s climate is influenced by its location in the southeastern United States and its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains.

Summers in Carroll County are typically hot and humid, with daytime temperatures averaging in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (around 27-37°C) and high humidity levels. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, bringing sporadic rainfall and gusty winds.

Winters in Carroll County are mild and relatively wet, with daytime temperatures averaging in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit (around 4-10°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing, but snowfall is rare and usually light if it occurs. The region receives most of its precipitation during the winter months, primarily in the form of rain.

Spring and fall are transitional seasons marked by fluctuating temperatures and variable weather patterns. Springtime brings blooming flowers and warming temperatures, while fall is characterized by cooler temperatures and changing foliage colors.

Rivers and Waterways:

Carroll County is intersected by several rivers, creeks, and streams, which play a vital role in shaping the region’s geography and providing important water resources for wildlife, agriculture, and recreation. The most significant river in the county is the Chattahoochee River, which forms the western border of the county and serves as a major waterway for transportation, recreation, and commerce.

Other notable waterways in Carroll County include the Tallapoosa River, which flows through the eastern part of the county, and Snake Creek, which flows through the town of Bowdon. These rivers and streams provide important habitats for fish, waterfowl, and other aquatic species, as well as opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing.

Carroll County is also home to several lakes and reservoirs, including Lake Carroll and Lake Buckhorn, which provide additional opportunities for water-based recreation, including swimming, boating, and fishing. These bodies of water are important for flood control, irrigation, and wildlife habitat.

Flora and Fauna:

The diverse geography of Carroll County supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are adapted to the region’s humid subtropical climate and rolling hills. The county’s forests are home to hardwood trees such as oak, hickory, and maple, as well as pine trees such as loblolly and shortleaf pine.

The county’s hills and valleys provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including deer, turkey, rabbits, and squirrels. The rivers, streams, and lakes of Carroll County support a rich diversity of fish species, including bass, catfish, and bream, as well as waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and herons.

Human Impact:

Human activity has had a significant impact on the geography of Carroll County, particularly in the areas of agriculture, urbanization, and recreation. The county’s fertile valleys and rolling hills make it ideal for agriculture, with crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton being grown in the rich soils.

Urbanization and development are relatively limited in Carroll County, with most of the population concentrated in the county seat of Carrollton and the surrounding towns and communities. The county’s towns offer a range of services and amenities, including schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational opportunities, making them attractive places to live and work.

Recreation is another significant aspect of life in Carroll County, with residents and visitors alike enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The county’s forests, rivers, and lakes provide opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing, while its parks and recreational areas offer opportunities for picnicking, boating, and sports.

In conclusion, Carroll County’s geography, including its rolling hills, fertile valleys, and meandering rivers, makes it a unique and scenic region in the state of Georgia. From its abundant wildlife and natural beauty to its diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage, Carroll County offers a wealth of natural resources and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Despite the pressures of agriculture, urbanization, and development, the county remains committed to preserving its natural heritage and promoting sustainability for future generations.

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Geography of Chattooga County, Georgia https://www.commit4fitness.com/geography-of-chattooga-county-georgia.html Wed, 13 Mar 2024 17:31:02 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1846 Geography of Chattooga County, Georgia

Chattooga County, nestled in the picturesque northwest corner of Georgia, boasts a rich tapestry of geography, including rolling hills, dense forests, and meandering rivers. Encompassing an area of approximately 314 square miles, the county is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rural charm. This article will delve into the geography, climate, rivers, lakes, and other notable features that define Chattooga County. Check allunitconverters to learn more about the state of Georgia.

Physical Features:

  • Appalachian Mountains: Chattooga County lies within the southern extent of the Appalachian Mountains, a sprawling mountain range that stretches from Alabama to Maine. The county is characterized by its rolling hills, rugged terrain, and scenic vistas. The eastern portion of Chattooga County is marked by ridges and valleys, while the western portion is flatter and more densely forested. The county’s mountainous terrain provides habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species, including hardwood forests, wildflowers, and wildlife such as deer, black bear, and wild turkey.
  • Chattooga River: The Chattooga River, after which the county is named, is one of the most iconic and scenic rivers in the southeastern United States. Designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, the Chattooga River flows for approximately 50 miles along the Georgia-South Carolina border, cutting through steep gorges and forested hillsides. The river is renowned for its challenging whitewater rapids, pristine water quality, and scenic beauty. It offers opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, and hiking along its banks.
  • Forests and Wilderness Areas: Much of Chattooga County is covered by dense forests and wilderness areas, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, which encompass a significant portion of the county, offer extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, hunting, and birdwatching. The forest is home to numerous trails, scenic overlooks, and waterfalls, including the iconic Raven Cliff Falls and Tallulah Gorge.

Climate:

Chattooga County experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, relatively dry winters. The region’s climate is influenced by its elevation, topography, and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Summers in Chattooga County are typically hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often reaching into the 80s and 90s°F. Humidity levels can be high, particularly during the summer months, and afternoon thunderstorms are common, providing much-needed relief from the heat. Summer is a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and rafting along the Chattooga River.

Winters in Chattooga County are mild and relatively dry, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the 40s to 60s°F. Snowfall is infrequent but possible, particularly in the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains. Winter is a quieter time in Chattooga County, with fewer tourists and outdoor activities focused on hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the region’s scenic beauty.

Rivers and Lakes:

  • Chattooga River: The Chattooga River is the most prominent waterway in Chattooga County, winding its way through steep gorges and forested hillsides. The river is renowned for its whitewater rapids, which range from Class II to Class V in difficulty, making it a popular destination for experienced paddlers and thrill-seekers. The Chattooga River also offers opportunities for fishing, with trout being the most sought-after species.
  • Lake Tugaloo: Lake Tugaloo is a reservoir located on the Tugaloo River, a major tributary of the Chattooga River. The lake covers approximately 597 acres and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a popular destination for anglers. Lake Tugaloo is surrounded by forested hillsides and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Human Impact:

  • Outdoor Recreation: Outdoor recreation is a major driver of the economy in Chattooga County, with visitors flocking to the region to enjoy its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The county is home to numerous outfitters, guide services, and outdoor adventure companies that offer guided trips, equipment rentals, and instruction for activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and camping. The region’s natural attractions, including the Chattooga River, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, and Tallulah Gorge, draw outdoor enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
  • Agriculture: Agriculture also plays a significant role in the economy of Chattooga County, with farms and agricultural businesses contributing to the local economy and way of life. The county’s fertile soils and mild climate support a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. Livestock farming, including cattle and poultry production, is also common in the county. Agriculture provides jobs, income, and revenue for the county, as well as locally produced food and agricultural products for residents and consumers.
  • Conservation: Conservation efforts are underway in Chattooga County to protect and preserve its natural resources for future generations. Organizations such as the Chattooga Conservancy, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Forest Service work to conserve open space, protect wildlife habitat, and promote sustainable land use practices. Efforts are also underway to address environmental issues such as water pollution, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species, with initiatives to restore riparian buffers, improve water quality, and enhance recreational opportunities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Chattooga County, Georgia, offers a diverse array of natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty. From its rugged mountains and pristine rivers to its dense forests and tranquil lakes, the county boasts a rich tapestry of geography and natural resources. While facing challenges such as urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate change, Chattooga County remains a resilient and vibrant community with a deep connection to its land and heritage. Through collaboration, innovation, and conservation efforts, the county continues to balance economic development with the protection of its unique landscapes and ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

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Geography of Juab County, Utah https://www.commit4fitness.com/geography-of-juab-county-utah.html Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:30:27 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1843 Juab County, located in west-central Utah, is characterized by its diverse geography, arid landscapes, and a climate typical of the Great Basin region. Understanding the geography, climate, rivers, lakes, and other features of Juab County provides insight into the unique environmental characteristics that define this part of Utah.

Geography: Juab County spans approximately 3,413 square miles, making it one of the larger counties in Utah. The county is situated within the Basin and Range Province, marked by a series of north-south trending mountain ranges and intervening valleys. Check anycountyprivateschools to learn more about the state of Utah.

Topography: The topography of Juab County is characterized by mountain ranges, valleys, and desert terrain. The county includes parts of the Wasatch Range to the east, the East Tintic Mountains, and the Sevier Desert to the west. Elevations range from desert floors to the highest peaks in the Wasatch Range.

Climate: Juab County experiences a cold desert climate, typical of the Great Basin, with hot summers and cold winters.

Summers: Summers in Juab County are characterized by hot and dry conditions. Daytime temperatures often exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), and the region experiences low humidity. Clear skies are common during the summer months.

Winters: Winters are cold, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 20s to 40s Fahrenheit (-6 to 4 degrees Celsius). Snowfall is moderate, especially in the mountainous areas, contributing to the county’s winter landscapes.

Rivers and Waterways: Juab County is part of the Great Basin watershed, and while it lacks major perennial rivers, intermittent streams contribute to the region’s hydrology.

Sevier River: The Sevier River flows through the western part of Juab County. While the river is primarily fed by mountainous areas to the east, it plays a role in the region’s water resources and contributes to the Great Basin’s drainage system.

Lakes and Reservoirs: Juab County features several reservoirs and water bodies created for water storage and management.

Mona Reservoir: Mona Reservoir is located in the southern part of Juab County and serves as a water storage facility. It provides irrigation water for agricultural purposes and offers recreational opportunities.

Parks and Natural Areas: Juab County features parks and natural areas that showcase its diverse landscapes and provide spaces for outdoor activities.

Yuba State Park: Yuba State Park, located in the northeastern part of the county, surrounds Yuba Reservoir. The park offers camping, boating, and fishing opportunities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the reservoir’s scenic setting.

Farming and Agriculture: Agriculture plays a significant role in Juab County’s economy, with the valleys and irrigated areas supporting farming activities.

Farms and Fields: The fertile valleys of Juab County support agriculture, with crops such as hay, alfalfa, and grains cultivated in irrigated fields. Livestock farming, including cattle ranching, is also prevalent in the region.

Small Towns and Communities: Juab County includes small towns and communities that contribute to its local culture and community spirit.

Nephi: Nephi, the county seat of Juab County, is a central hub for local services, commerce, and community activities. The town reflects the county’s rural character and serves as a focal point for residents.

Transportation: Juab County has a network of roads and highways that facilitate local transportation and connect the region to neighboring areas.

Highways: Interstate 15 traverses Juab County from north to south, providing a major transportation corridor. Other state highways connect communities and offer access to recreational areas.

Mining Heritage: Juab County has a history of mining activities, contributing to the economic development of the region.

Tintic Mining District: The East Tintic Mountains in Juab County were historically known for their rich mineral deposits. The Tintic Mining District played a significant role in the extraction of precious metals, including silver, lead, and zinc.

Outdoor Recreation: Juab County offers outdoor recreation opportunities, attracting residents and visitors with its diverse landscapes.

Yuba Reservoir Recreation Area: Yuba Reservoir, part of Yuba State Park, is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking in the scenic surroundings of the reservoir.

Hiking and Off-Roading: The mountainous areas of Juab County provide opportunities for hiking and off-roading, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to explore the rugged landscapes and enjoy panoramic views.

Community Events and Festivals: Community events and festivals are integral to life in Juab County, providing opportunities for residents to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Juab County Fair: The Juab County Fair is a notable event that showcases agricultural achievements, features entertainment, and fosters community engagement. It celebrates the county’s rural traditions and heritage.

Education: Juab County is home to educational institutions that contribute to the community’s intellectual and cultural life.

Juab School District: The Juab School District serves students in the area, providing education and contributing to the county’s educational landscape.

Cultural and Historical Heritage: Juab County has a cultural and historical heritage, with sites that reflect its past and the traditions of the region.

Pioneer Relic Hall: The Pioneer Relic Hall in Nephi showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the county’s pioneer history. It provides insights into the challenges and triumphs of early settlers.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Juab County, Utah, is a region defined by its diverse geography, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a close connection to its agricultural heritage. The county’s mountainous terrain, valleys, and desert landscapes make it a distinctive part of the Great Basin region.

The cold desert climate, with its hot summers and cold winters, shapes life in Juab County and influences both agricultural practices and outdoor activities. Small towns like Nephi contribute to the county’s rural character, serving as centers of community life and reflecting the traditions of the region.

As residents and visitors explore Juab County, they have the opportunity to experience the outdoor recreational opportunities, appreciate the region’s mining history, and participate in community events that celebrate the cultural traditions of this Utah county. Juab County’s natural beauty, economic diversity, and community engagement make it a distinctive and inviting part of the state.

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Landmarks in Nigeria https://www.commit4fitness.com/landmarks-in-nigeria.html Sun, 10 Mar 2024 02:03:13 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1838 Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is a land of diverse cultures, vibrant traditions, and a rich history. Its landmarks tell the story of a nation with a deep connection to its roots, a dynamic modern identity, and a wealth of natural wonders. From historical sites to natural attractions and bustling urban centers, Nigeria’s landmarks showcase the nation’s multifaceted character. In this exploration, we will delve into some of the most significant landmarks in Nigeria, each contributing to the unique tapestry of this West African nation.

Lagos – Nigeria’s Economic Hub

National Museum Lagos

According to baglib, The National Museum Lagos, located in the heart of the city, is a repository of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. The museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts, including traditional art, archaeological finds, and ethnographic exhibits. Visitors can explore the rich history of Nigeria through sculptures, pottery, textiles, and other artifacts that span the nation’s various ethnic groups. The National Museum Lagos serves as a cultural landmark, preserving and showcasing Nigeria’s artistic and historical legacy.

Lekki Conservation Centre

The Lekki Conservation Centre, situated in the bustling city of Lagos, is a haven for nature lovers. Spanning over 78 hectares, the center features a canopy walkway, the longest in Africa, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wetlands and wildlife. The conservation center is home to diverse flora and fauna, including monkeys, crocodiles, and various bird species. It stands as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to environmental conservation within the urban landscape.

Nike Art Gallery

The Nike Art Gallery, founded by Chief Nike Okundaye, is a vibrant cultural space in Lagos dedicated to promoting Nigerian art. The gallery showcases a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary Nigerian art, including textiles, paintings, and sculptures. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich colors and narratives of Nigerian art, gaining insights into the nation’s cultural diversity and artistic expression.

Abuja – Nigeria’s Capital City

National Mosque Abuja

The National Mosque Abuja, also known as the Nigerian National Mosque, is a prominent religious landmark in the capital city. With its golden dome and elegant minarets, the mosque is a symbol of Nigeria’s Islamic heritage. The mosque’s architecture incorporates modern elements, reflecting the nation’s blend of tradition and progress. It stands as a place of worship and a testament to Nigeria’s religious diversity.

National Assembly Complex

The National Assembly Complex in Abuja is the seat of Nigeria’s legislative power. The complex, with its distinctive architecture, houses the National Assembly and the Senate. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and reflecting pools, the National Assembly Complex is not only a political landmark but also a visual representation of Nigeria’s democratic governance.

Aso Rock

Aso Rock, a large rock formation, is a symbolic landmark in Abuja and lends its name to the presidential residence, Aso Villa. The rock is a natural wonder and a popular destination for hikers and tourists seeking panoramic views of the city. Aso Rock represents the strength and resilience of Nigeria, both in its natural landscapes and political institutions.

Calabar – Historical and Cultural Hub

Slave History Museum

Calabar, with its historical significance as a major hub during the transatlantic slave trade, is home to the Slave History Museum. The museum, located in the Old Residency Building, documents the dark chapter of Nigeria’s history and the impact of the slave trade on the region. It stands as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those who endured the hardships of that era.

Calabar Drill Monkey Sanctuary

The Drill Monkey Sanctuary, situated near Calabar, is a conservation center dedicated to the protection of endangered drill monkeys. Visitors can observe these unique primates in their natural habitat, contributing to the efforts to preserve Nigeria’s biodiversity. The sanctuary reflects the nation’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species.

Enugu – Coal City

Ogbunike Caves

The Ogbunike Caves, located in Enugu State, are a network of caves and tunnels with historical and spiritual significance. The caves are a natural landmark surrounded by lush greenery and provide a tranquil setting for visitors. The site is not only a geological wonder but also a sacred place in the local Igbo culture, with each cave having its own unique story and significance.

Awhum Waterfall

Awhum Waterfall, situated in the Awhum town of Enugu State, is a captivating natural landmark. The waterfall cascades over a rock face into a pool below, creating a serene and picturesque environment. The site is not only a popular destination for nature lovers but also holds spiritual importance, with the Awhum Monastery nearby attracting pilgrims and visitors seeking both natural beauty and spiritual retreat.

Ibadan – Ancient City

Cocoa House

The Cocoa House, located in Ibadan, stands as a historical and economic landmark in Nigeria. Built in the 1960s, it was one of the first skyscrapers in West Africa and symbolizes Nigeria’s economic reliance on cocoa production. The building has been a key player in the nation’s economic history, serving as a center for cocoa trade and administration.

University of Ibadan

The University of Ibadan, established in 1948, is Nigeria’s oldest university and a leading educational institution. The university’s campus, with its distinctive architecture and serene surroundings, reflects the importance of education in shaping Nigeria’s future. The University of Ibadan has played a crucial role in producing scholars and leaders who have contributed significantly to the nation’s development.

Kaduna – Industrial and Cultural Center

Ahmadu Bello University

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, near Kaduna, is one of Nigeria’s largest and oldest universities. Named after the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the university has been a key player in the development of education, research, and innovation in Nigeria. The ABU campus features a mix of modern and traditional architecture, reflecting the institution’s commitment to academic excellence.

Nok Terracotta Figures

The Nok Terracotta Figures, discovered in Kaduna State, are archaeological treasures that date back to around 500 BCE. These ancient artifacts, including human and animal figurines, provide insights into the early cultures and artistic expressions of the people in the region. The Nok Terracotta Figures represent Nigeria’s rich archaeological heritage and contribute to our understanding of the nation’s prehistoric past.

Kano – Historical and Commercial Center

Kano City Walls

The Kano City Walls, built in the 14th century, are a testament to the historical significance of Kano as a center of commerce and culture. The walls, with their massive gates and defensive structures, once protected the ancient city. Today, they stand as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the architectural and historical heritage of Kano.

Kurmi Market

Kurmi Market, one of the oldest markets in West Africa, is a bustling commercial hub in Kano. The market, with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of goods, represents the longstanding tradition of trade and commerce in the region. Kurmi Market is not only an economic landmark but also a cultural one, embodying the spirit of Kano as a center of trade and enterprise.

Sokoto – Seat of the Caliphate

Sultan’s Palace

The Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto, also known as the Palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, is a historical and cultural landmark. The palace, with its traditional architecture and expansive courtyards, is the seat of the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, the Sultan of Sokoto. It holds a central role in the Sokoto Caliphate and symbolizes the region’s Islamic heritage.

Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau

The Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau, located in Sokoto, is an institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and culture of the Sokoto Caliphate. The bureau showcases artifacts, documents, and exhibits that highlight the rich cultural heritage and historical achievements of the region. It serves as a resource for research and education, contributing to the understanding of Sokoto’s role in Nigeria’s history.

Niger Delta – Oil and Cultural Heritage

Ogbia Town

Ogbia Town, in the Niger Delta region, is the birthplace of Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The town, surrounded by creeks and mangroves, is representative of the cultural and environmental diversity of the Niger Delta. It serves as a reminder of the region’s contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape and its unique cultural heritage.

Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, is an economic and cultural center in the Niger Delta. The city is known for its oil industry, vibrant markets, and cultural festivals. The Port Harcourt Tourist Beach and Isaac Boro Park are popular landmarks, offering recreational spaces and showcasing the city’s urban lifestyle.

Zuma Rock – Natural Wonder

Zuma Rock

Zuma Rock, located in Niger State, is a colossal monolith that stands as one of Nigeria’s most recognizable natural landmarks. The rock, with its distinctive human face appearance, is surrounded by myths and legends. Zuma Rock is not only a geological wonder but also holds cultural and spiritual significance in the beliefs of the Gwari people.

Yankari National Park – Wildlife Sanctuary

Yankari National Park

Yankari National Park, situated in Bauchi State, is Nigeria’s largest wildlife reserve. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, baboons, hippos, and various bird species. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the park, enjoy safari tours, and relax in the warm springs within the reserve. Yankari National Park represents Nigeria’s commitment to wildlife conservation and ecotourism.

Ogbunike Cave – Spiritual Oasis

Ogbunike Cave

Ogbunike Cave, located in Anambra State, is a network of caves and tunnels with historical and spiritual significance. The cave system, surrounded by lush vegetation, holds cultural importance for the local Igbo people. It is a sacred site used for rituals and ceremonies, with each of the ten chambers having its own significance. Ogbunike Cave is a natural and spiritual landmark that reflects Nigeria’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Arewa House – Historical Repository

Arewa House

Arewa House, located in Kaduna, is a center for historical research, documentation, and cultural preservation in northern Nigeria. The complex includes a museum, a research library, and archives that house valuable materials related to the history and heritage of the Arewa region. Arewa House plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of northern Nigeria.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s landmarks paint a vivid picture of a nation that cherishes its history, celebrates its cultural diversity, and embraces its natural beauty. From the ancient city walls of Kano to the modern skyline of Abuja, each landmark contributes to the tapestry of Nigeria’s identity.

The commitment to preserving cultural heritage, as seen in museums like the National Museum Lagos and Arewa House, reflects Nigeria’s acknowledgment of the importance of understanding its past. The natural wonders, from Zuma Rock to Yankari National Park, showcase the country’s ecological richness and commitment to environmental conservation.

Nigeria’s landmarks tell the story of a nation that has faced challenges and triumphs, shaped by its people, cultures, and landscapes. They invite both locals and visitors to explore the multifaceted identity of Nigeria, ensuring that the nation’s history, traditions, and natural treasures are appreciated and preserved for generations to come.

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Geography of Cascade County, Montana https://www.commit4fitness.com/geography-of-cascade-county-montana.html Tue, 05 Mar 2024 06:41:25 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1837 Cascade County, located in north-central Montana, is characterized by diverse geography that includes expansive plains, rugged mountains, and prominent water features. The county is home to the city of Great Falls and is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural richness. Understanding the geography of Cascade County involves exploring its climate, water features, landforms, and the significant role these elements play in shaping the region’s identity.

Geography:

Topography and Landforms: According to Computergees, Cascade County exhibits a varied topography, featuring both flat plains and mountainous terrain. The eastern part of the county is part of the Great Plains, characterized by vast expanses of rolling prairies. The western part of the county is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, including the Little Belt Mountains and the Big Belt Mountains.

The Missouri River, a prominent watercourse, flows through the county, creating a fertile valley that adds to the diversity of the landscape. Elevations in Cascade County range from the lower plains to mountain peaks, providing a range of ecosystems and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Climate:

Cascade County experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons. The climate is characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and low precipitation. The county’s location in the rain shadow of the Rocky Mountains influences its climate, resulting in drier conditions compared to areas to the west.

Winter temperatures can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summer temperatures can reach into the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. The semi-arid climate shapes the vegetation, wildlife, and outdoor activities in the region.

Rivers and Waterways: The Missouri River, one of the longest rivers in North America, flows through Cascade County, playing a significant role in its geography and history. The river creates a broad valley as it traverses the county, offering fertile land for agriculture and supporting diverse ecosystems.

The Sun River, a major tributary of the Missouri River, also flows through the county, contributing to the region’s hydrology. Numerous smaller streams and creeks add to the water network, providing habitat for wildlife and supporting the county’s natural beauty.

Lakes and Reservoirs: Cascade County features several lakes and reservoirs, both natural and artificial. Holter Lake, formed by the Holter Dam on the Missouri River, is a notable reservoir in the county. This large body of water provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based recreation.

Smaller lakes, such as Black Eagle Reservoir and Rainbow Dam Reservoir, contribute to the county’s scenic beauty and support outdoor activities. These water bodies enhance the overall appeal of Cascade County for residents and visitors alike.

Flora and Fauna:

The diverse landscapes of Cascade County support a variety of flora and fauna. The plains are covered with grasses and shrubs, adapted to the semi-arid conditions. As elevation increases into the mountainous regions, the vegetation changes to coniferous forests, including pine and fir trees.

The county is home to a range of wildlife, including deer, elk, bears, and various bird species. The river valleys and lakes provide crucial habitat for aquatic life, contributing to the ecological diversity of the region.

Agriculture:

Agriculture plays a vital role in Cascade County’s economy and geography. The fertile plains along the Missouri River valley are conducive to farming, and crops such as wheat, barley, and hay are commonly cultivated. Livestock farming, including cattle and sheep, is also prevalent in the county.

Irrigation from the Missouri River and its tributaries supports agricultural activities, contributing to the county’s role as a regional agricultural hub.

Urban Centers:

Great Falls, the largest city in north-central Montana, serves as the county seat and is a major urban center in Cascade County. The city is situated along the Missouri River and is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural amenities. Great Falls is home to various museums, parks, and historical sites, reflecting the county’s rich history and heritage.

The city of Belt, located in the Little Belt Mountains, is another notable community in Cascade County, known for its mining history and scenic surroundings. These urban centers contribute to the county’s economic and cultural vibrancy.

Outdoor Recreation:

Cascade County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities. The county’s diverse landscapes provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The mountainous regions, including the Little Belt Mountains and the Highwood Mountains, attract outdoor adventurers seeking challenging trails and stunning vistas.

The Missouri River and its reservoirs are popular for boating, fishing, and water sports. Holter Lake, in particular, is known for its fishing opportunities, attracting anglers in pursuit of trout and other species.

Cultural and Historical Sites:

Cascade County has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with numerous sites that showcase its past. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls commemorates the famous explorers’ journey through the area. The First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park preserves an ancient buffalo jump site, offering insights into the region’s Native American history.

The historic town of Ulm features a replica of the historic Ulm Pishkun, a buffalo jump used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. These sites contribute to the cultural identity of Cascade County and provide educational experiences for residents and visitors.

Transportation and Connectivity:

Cascade County is well-connected by a network of highways, including Interstate 15, U.S. Route 87, and Montana Highway 200. These roadways facilitate travel within the county and connect it to neighboring regions. Great Falls International Airport provides air transportation services, linking Cascade County to other parts of Montana and beyond.

The Missouri River, historically significant for transportation, remains a crucial waterway for both recreation and commerce. The county’s transportation infrastructure supports economic activities, tourism, and the movement of goods and services.

Conclusion:

Cascade County, Montana, with its diverse landscapes, urban centers, and cultural heritage, stands as a region shaped by its natural resources and historical significance. The Missouri River, mountains, and plains contribute to the county’s identity, offering a mix of outdoor recreation, agricultural productivity, and cultural richness. As residents and visitors explore the landscapes, engage in outdoor pursuits, and learn about the county’s history, they become part of the dynamic tapestry that defines the unique geography and heritage of Cascade County.

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Geography of Sussex County, Delaware https://www.commit4fitness.com/geography-of-sussex-county-delaware.html Mon, 04 Mar 2024 04:15:51 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1835 Geography of Sussex County, Delaware

Sussex County, located in the southern part of Delaware, is a region of diverse landscapes, rich history, and natural beauty. Encompassing approximately 938 square miles, the county is known for its coastal plains, scenic beaches, lush wetlands, and winding rivers. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the intricate details of Sussex County’s geography, including its climate, rivers, lakes, and notable landmarks.

Geographical Features:

According to computerannals, Sussex County’s landscape is characterized by its low-lying coastal plains, which gradually rise in elevation as they extend inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The county is situated within the Delmarva Peninsula, a flat, sandy landmass bordered by the Delaware Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

The coastal region of Sussex County is renowned for its pristine beaches, including Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island, which attract millions of visitors each year. In addition to its beaches, the county is home to several notable natural areas, including the Great Cypress Swamp, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, and Delaware Seashore State Park, which provide habitat for diverse wildlife and offer opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Climate:

Sussex County experiences a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The region’s climate is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which moderates temperatures and contributes to significant precipitation throughout the year.

Summer temperatures in Sussex County can be warm, with highs averaging in the 80s°F to 90s°F (27-32°C), while winter temperatures are relatively mild, with highs in the 40s°F to 50s°F (4-10°C) and lows occasionally dropping below freezing. The county receives the majority of its precipitation during the summer months, with occasional thunderstorms and tropical storms bringing heavy rainfall to the region.

Rivers and Waterways:

Sussex County is intersected by several rivers, creeks, and waterways that flow through its coastal plains and wetlands, providing vital habitats for wildlife and offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. The Indian River, one of the county’s major waterways, flows through the central part of the region, providing access to the Indian River Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to the Indian River, Sussex County is home to several other notable rivers and creeks, including the Broadkill River, the Nanticoke River, and the Rehoboth Bay. These waterways not only support local ecosystems but also play a vital role in tourism, recreation, and the region’s economy.

Lakes and Reservoirs:

While Sussex County is not known for its natural lakes, it is home to several man-made reservoirs and ponds that provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Red Mill Pond, located near Lewes, is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and picnicking, with its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.

In addition to Red Mill Pond, Sussex County is dotted with smaller lakes and ponds, including Trap Pond, Wagamons Pond, and Silver Lake. These water bodies offer serene settings for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and leisurely strolls along their shores, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the county’s natural beauty.

Notable Landmarks:

Beyond its natural features, Sussex County boasts several notable landmarks and attractions that showcase its rich history and cultural heritage. The town of Lewes, founded in 1631, is one of the oldest settlements in Delaware and is known for its well-preserved historic district, which features colonial-era buildings, maritime museums, and scenic waterfront parks.

Another iconic landmark in Sussex County is the Cape Henlopen State Park, situated on the shores of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including swimming, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, as well as historic sites such as Fort Miles, a World War II-era military installation.

In conclusion, Sussex County, Delaware, offers a captivating blend of coastal beauty, natural diversity, and historic charm. From its scenic beaches and wetlands to its historic towns and landmarks, the county’s geography reflects the rich heritage and natural splendor of the Delmarva Peninsula. Whether exploring its pristine waterways, lounging on its sandy shores, or discovering its storied past, Sussex County invites visitors to experience the timeless allure of coastal Delaware.

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History of Amazon https://www.commit4fitness.com/history-of-amazon.html Wed, 28 Feb 2024 04:21:46 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1834 In July 1994, Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in Seattle, Washington, as an online bookstore. Bezos, a former Wall Street executive, aimed to create a platform that could efficiently deliver books to customers. The company’s name, Amazon, was inspired by the Amazon River, reflecting the vast selection of products Bezos envisioned for his online marketplace.

Amazon quickly expanded its product offerings beyond books, adding music and videos. According to MCAT-TEST-CENTERS, the company’s initial success was fueled by its customer-centric approach, emphasizing convenience and competitive pricing. In 1997, Amazon went public, raising capital to fund further growth.

Diversification and Innovation: 2000-2009

The early 2000s marked a period of rapid expansion for Amazon. The company introduced the Amazon Marketplace in 2000, allowing third-party sellers to offer their products alongside Amazon’s own inventory. This move significantly broadened the range of products available on the platform.

In 2002, Amazon launched Amazon Web Services (AWS), a cloud computing platform. AWS would later become a major player in the technology industry, providing services to businesses and organizations worldwide.

Despite facing challenges during the dot-com crash, Amazon persisted with its innovative strategies. The introduction of the Kindle e-reader in 2007 marked a pivotal moment for the company, revolutionizing the book industry and laying the foundation for future ventures in hardware and digital content.

Global Expansion and Prime Membership: 2010-2015

During the early 2010s, Amazon continued its international expansion, entering new markets and acquiring companies like Quidsi, the parent company of Diapers.com. The company also invested heavily in fulfillment centers, distribution infrastructure, and robotics to enhance its logistical capabilities.

In 2015, Amazon celebrated the 20th anniversary of its founding with the introduction of Prime Day, an annual shopping event exclusive to Prime members. Prime, a subscription service offering benefits like free two-day shipping and access to streaming services, became a key driver of customer loyalty and revenue.

Acquisitions and New Ventures: 2016-2020

Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market in 2017 marked its entry into the grocery industry, combining online and brick-and-mortar retail. This move reflected Amazon’s commitment to exploring new markets and leveraging its technological prowess.

The company also delved into entertainment with the creation of Amazon Studios, producing original content for Prime Video. In addition, Amazon launched Echo and Alexa, smart home devices and virtual assistants, showcasing its ambition to dominate the emerging market of smart home technology.

Amazon’s valuation soared, making Jeff Bezos one of the richest individuals globally. However, the company faced criticism over its labor practices and market dominance, drawing attention from regulators and activists.

Leadership Transition and Pandemic Surge: 2021-Present

In February 2021, Jeff Bezos announced that he would step down as Amazon’s CEO, with Andy Jassy, the former head of AWS, succeeding him. Bezos retained a role as the executive chairman, focusing on projects like Blue Origin, his space exploration company.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on Amazon. While the company faced operational challenges due to increased demand and supply chain disruptions, its e-commerce business experienced a surge as more consumers turned to online shopping.

Amazon continued to innovate with initiatives like Amazon Pharmacy, entering the healthcare sector. The company also faced increased scrutiny from regulators regarding antitrust concerns, privacy issues, and treatment of workers.

As of the knowledge cutoff in January 2022, Amazon remained a global e-commerce giant with diverse business segments, influencing various industries. Its trajectory reflected not only technological advancements but also the evolving landscape of retail, entertainment, and cloud computing.

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Entertainment in Madeira, Portugal https://www.commit4fitness.com/entertainment-in-madeira-portugal.html Fri, 10 Feb 2023 07:23:47 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1506 Cuisine and restaurants in Madeira

In addition to the local cuisine, Madeira also has American, Italian, French, Venezuelan, Macroccan and Indian cuisines. The delicacy of the island is “epshada”, as the Portuguese call the saber fish. Tender juicy fillets are used in various dishes, but most often they are grilled and served with a side dish of bananas and passion fruit. Of the first courses, you should try “kataplana” – a soup made from different types of fish and seafood.

Bakalau is considered the national food – to cook it, you need to soak dried salted cod, and then stew it in a special way with chickpeas. The local shish kebab “eshpetada” is juicy pieces of beef rubbed with garlic and spices and baked on a bay branch skewer. The local fast food is the Bolo do caco bread tortilla. Stalls with this name can be found everywhere.

The branded alcoholic drink is not only madeira, but also “poncha” – a cocktail of cane alcohol, honey and juice, most often lemon or orange. The Curral das Freiras Valley is famous for its chestnuts, which are used to make a liqueur and serve as a snack.

You can have dinner with moderate alcohol from 70 EUR. The Maderian trademark Sabores au Kilo translates as “taste by weight” – in self-service canteens you can buy any food for 15 EUR per kg. You can also take it with you, and after 21:00 a 50% discount.

Entertainment and attractions

The motto of the island is “Nature. Walks. Peace.” Tourists here mainly admire the natural beauties and explore the sights. Walking along the levadas – irrigation canals that entangle the entire city with a network – is the best way to get acquainted with the local nature. One of the routes passes through a relict laurel forest – according to scientists, it originated at least 2 million years ago.

From the highest cape in Europe, Cabo Girao, in good weather, a stunning view opens up, moreover, the floor of the observation deck is transparent, which creates the effect of hovering over the abyss. No less beautiful view from the highest point of the island – Pico Ruivo. There is another site in the north near the city of San Vicente.

The hiking trail to the easternmost point at Cape San Lorenzo passes through a nature reserve. At the extreme western tip, there is a lighthouse, to which a road leads through a tunnel. Near the city of Sanatana is the Madeira Theme Park – an exhibition and entertainment space that gives an idea of ​​the traditional life and crafts of the islanders.

One of the streets of Funchal has been turned into a work of art – all the doors and shutters on Santa Maria are painted by local artists. Funchal Fort will be of interest not only to lovers of military history, but also to art lovers – there is an Art Museum there. The Madeira Museum is located in one of the oldest cellars in Funchal (Av. Arriaga 28). There are exhibits telling about the production and evolution of the famous drink, as well as documentary evidence – including letters from W. Churchill.

A lot of houses in the old center of Funchal are decorated with azulejos – Portuguese tiled paintings.

The pride of Funchal is the Botanical Garden with carpets of flowering plants and the Tropical Garden (Monte Garden), which, in addition to the palace-museum, has an oriental-style park and an open-air azulejo exhibition. At the exit of the Monte gardens, tourists are waiting for a local fun – a toboggan ride. Participants of this show are invited to sit in a sleigh woven from willow vines and ride on asphalt polished to a shine.

  • What interesting events take place in the summer in Madeira
  • What to do in Lisbon and Madeira

Weather

It is comfortable here in any season – warm, but never hot. From November to March it rains, the rest of the time they are rare. Strong winds are typical for this period. The water in the ocean warms up to the maximum temperature by July. The influx of tourists happens in the summer and during the Christmas holidays.

For the riot of vegetation and comfortable climate, Madeira is called the island of eternal spring. See citypopulationreview for weather information.

Due to the diversity of the landscape and the subtropical climate, the weather can change several times a day – so sunglasses with shorts and a windbreaker with a hat will come in handy. Most precipitation falls in the northern part of the island. Lush flowering in Madeira can be observed all year round.

Entertainment in Madeira, Portugal

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Palyakka and Pyhä, Finland https://www.commit4fitness.com/palyakka-and-pyha-finland.html Fri, 03 Feb 2023 07:40:59 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1503 Palyakka

Paljakka resort is located near the town of Kajaani, only 20 km from each other. Paljakka is located in one of the most beautiful and ecologically clean places in Finland in the middle of the snow-covered hills of the Paljakan nature reserve. Moreover, meticulous Finnish scientists have found out that the purest snow in the country falls precisely on the territory of Paljakki, thanks to which this resort is considered one of the best in Finland. The slopes of the Paljakka resort provide ample opportunities for both skiers with different levels of skiing and snowboarders. According to petwithsupplies, Palyakka is one of the largest cities in Finland.

Weather in Paljakka

Thanks to snow cannons, the ski season in Paljakka is one of the first to start in Finland.

Those wishing to spend a vacation on the slopes of Paljakka should take care of this in advance: the resort is very popular among Finns and Europeans, who prudently plan their vacation six months before it starts.

Phone numbers

8-10-358-8-phone number

How to get there

The flight from Helsinki to Kajaani lasts 50 minutes, while the train journey on the same route takes 8 hours. Then Kajaani to Paljakki (and Ukkohalla) is about an hour and a half transfer.

Trails of Pagliakki

Skiers of all levels will enjoy the slopes of Paljakki: the beginner lift starts right from the ski school, while the slopes of Jukänkieppi, Jyrkänparras and Louhenrinne challenge even seasoned slalom skiers. 9 tracks are illuminated, which allows you to significantly expand the “skating” time. The resort also has 3 tracks for snowboarders, kilometer-long toboggan runs and 80 km of flat skiing.

Entertainment and attractions of Paljakki

Dog sledding, snowmobile safaris, snowshoeing, competitions and entertainment. Lots of restaurants and bars. In Paljakka there is a cultural and sports center “Palyakka-Talo”, where you can play volleyball, basketball, tennis and many other games.

The resort of Paljakka has a real alpine toboggan run with a length of 1200 meters.

Pyhä

Pyhä is a ski resort in Lapland, located in the Arctic near Mount Pyhätunturi. The ski season here lasts from November to May, there is little snow, but snow cannons cope with the lack of snow cover. Most of the slopes are gentle, which is convenient for families with children and beginners, and for professionals there is an off-piste area. There are no noisy parties in the resort, but there is a large selection of apartments and restaurants where game is excellently prepared.

Near the resort there is another ski area – Luosto, you can ride on both slopes with a single ski pass.

How to get there

  • Plane Helsinki- Rovaniemi (1 hour 40 minutes), then transfer Rovaniemi – Pyhä (2 hours 15 minutes).
  • Train Helsinki – Kemijarvi (8 hours 50 minutes), then transfer Kemijarvi – Pyuhya (1 hour 20 minutes).

Pyuha Hotels

The hotels are built near the slopes and offer a high level of service. There are also deluxe apartments.

Pyhi slopes

The slopes of Pyhä are more known to lovers of extreme descents. A single ski-pass is sold to the lifts of the complex, a bus runs constantly between them (~ 10 EUR).

For fans of snowmobiling, more than 250 km of trails have been laid here, and snowmobiling is also developed. It is here that the most difficult track in Finland with the speaking name “Man’s Cry” is laid. Children’s trails start almost from the hotel. The resort has a ski school where you can order the services of a Russian-speaking instructor, as well as vocational training for children in the basics of skiing.

Entertainment and attractions in Pyha

From Pyhä you can go to the natural center of the Urho-Kekkonen National Park, Tankavaara “gold prospecting village”, Sodankylä local history museum.

Dog and reindeer sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobile safaris, excursions to amethyst caves.

Pyhä, Finland

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Castries, Saint Lucia https://www.commit4fitness.com/castries-saint-lucia.html Fri, 30 Dec 2022 03:22:33 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1500 Castries (Castries; or Kastris) is located in a natural harbor at the junction of the Gulf of Port-Kastris and the peninsula of Vaga. One third of the entire population of Saint Lucia lives here. The city, named after the Marquis of Castries, was founded in the 18th century by the French, later it went to the British crown and only at the end of the last century became the capital of an independent state. Today, Castries is a hospitable port for cruise ships, the tourist heart of the West Indies.

Note: according to allcitypopulation, the population of Saint Lucia is 184,401 (2021).

How to get to Castries

Not far from the city, almost next to the beaches of Vigi, is the George FL Charles airport, which receives planes from Puerto Rico, Martinique, Barbados, Trinidad and Antigua.

If you are flying in from New York, Miami, Atlanta and Toronto, then your plane will land at Hewanorra Airport, located on the other side of the island. There is a helicopter service between the airports. You can also get from Hewanorra to Castries by taxi, which will take about a couple of hours (and will cost about 80 USD).

In addition to cruise ships and private yachts, a ferry arrives in the harbor of Castries from Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Transport

Taxis can be hailed on the street, at the door of the hotel, or ordered by calling 452-1599. Always agree on a fare before traveling.

The main transport artery of the island surrounds it with a loop. Private bus service, not regulated by the schedule, connects the city with the south and north of the island. A trip to the south will cost 1.5 USD, to the north – 7 USD. Buses stop anywhere, but only if they have empty seats; You can buy a ticket for the trip from the driver.

Drivers often richly decorate the interior of their buses and carry passengers to fiery Caribbean music.

You can rent a car from Avis and Hertz agencies at both airports. The cheapest car (that is, without air conditioning) will cost 65 USD. For excursions inland, it is better to take an off-road vehicle. Renting scooters and motorbikes is only for experienced riders, as local drivers tend to be quite aggressive.

Water taxis are one of the mainstays of the business of local residents who will take you to any point on the coast or take you for a walk and a sightseeing tour.

Cuisine and restaurants

Traditional Caribbean cuisine based on fresh fish, vegetables, fruits (only bananas are used in cooking up to 15 types), goat stew, chicken and curry is widely represented in restaurants and cafes of the city. Try roti – flatbread with vegetables, meat and curry.

The best restaurants in the city are The Coal Pot, which combines Caribbean products and a French approach to cooking, and The Green Parrot, which offers guests international cuisine. Many small restaurants favored by the locals can be found in the Jeremy Market area and Derek Walcott Square.

Shopping

Duty free shops are located at or near the port at La Place Carenage and Pointe Seraphine malls. Souvenirs can be bought at the Jeremy Market. Ideal for gifts and as souvenirs, local artisans, jewelry and, of course, Caribbean rum: dark – Chairman’s Reserve and light – Crystal Lime.

The beaches of Castries

The nearest white sandy beach to Castries is Vigi, located 2 km north of the city, in close proximity to the airport. Also within reach are the beaches of Choc Beach, Malabar Beach and La Toc. All beaches are municipal and access to them is free.

Topless sunbathing is prohibited on the beaches of Saint Lucia.

Attractions and attractions of Castries

The only area that survived a series of devastating fires that engulfed the city in the 18th century is Columbus Square. On the square is the largest cathedral in the city – the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (the largest in the Caribbean), built in the late 19th – early 20th centuries. Another local attraction grows on the square – a 400-year-old samsan tree, under the spreading crown of which city picnics are regularly held.

King George Park is located in the northeastern part of Castries, behind it is a complex of government buildings, including the La Pavilion Museum, which displays exhibits on the history and culture of St. Lucia.

To the north of Castries is the Pigeon Island National Park – a historical monument of the times of the colonial wars between France and England, the ruins of an 18th century castle have been preserved in the park. Here you can see a lot of exotic plants and birds, including the “local celebrity” – the Jaco parrot.

In the north of the island, on the edge of a cliff, the church of St. John hangs over the sea. In addition to the legends associated with the happy rescue of sailors, this church is known for the fact that the scenes of the wedding of the sensational musical Mama Mia were filmed in it.

Castries, Saint Lucia

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Quito, Ecuador https://www.commit4fitness.com/quito-ecuador.html Fri, 23 Dec 2022 12:31:21 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1498 Quito is the capital of Ecuador, located in the Guaillabamba river basin, on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, at an altitude of 2850 m above sea level. The city is the second highest capital in the world and is surrounded on all sides by volcanoes.

Note: according to allcitypopulation, the population of Ecuador is 17.89 million (2021).

Walking around the city will already bring a lot of pleasure. So, let’s get acquainted: the north of Quito is occupied by modern residential areas, the business center is world-class, there are hotels for every taste and color, the historical center requires special attention, because it will take a lot of time to inspect the preserved ancient colonial monuments and buildings, but also At the same time, many impressions will be experienced, but it is dangerous to get out to the southern part, where there are old residential areas, without a local escort.

Shopping

In addition to historical beauties, for those who like to spend money, Quito provides this opportunity in numerous shopping centers: in Caracol, CCI (Inaquito) there are branded departments, in addition to this ice rink, bowling and 9 cinema halls, world clothing brands are collected in Quicentro. A special place for hangouts of local glamorous youth is Plaza Las Americas (the square of all the Americas), here you can eat “harmful” but mouth-watering food in the world’s famous fast-foods.

A 5-minute walk from CCI there is a charming indoor market Iñaquito, on the shelves of which exude all sorts of flavors of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, seafood. Particularly daring gourmets can try the assortment of the local “canteen”, where there are no dishes more expensive than 1 USD.

And the best seafood is delivered every Thursday and Sunday by 6 a.m. to Mercado America, a colorful market where you don’t have to buy anything, but just stare at outlandish creatures is already entertainment.

Supermarket Santa Maria helps out, where there is everything you need.

Quito Hotels

For picky foreigners, the Mariscal (gringolandia) area is most suitable, where the atmosphere of resort pathos reigns on the streets. A luxurious Hilton has been built in Quito, sparkling with the cleanliness and gloss of a Marriott.

Cuisine and restaurants

The variety of cuisines presented in numerous establishments is amazing, as well as the sophistication and originality of their furnishings. For example, the Italian restaurant Capuletto with a fireplace and an open pizza oven will satisfy anyone’s hunger, the price is 6-12 USD per dish, expensive wines are 100 USD and more.

You will not find more appetizing ribs of the American restaurant Adams Ribs, the atmosphere is appropriate: car numbers from all over the world, leather sofas, aromas coming from the kitchen. Dinner at the Greek restaurant Mozaica with meat, cheese, salads and hot wine will cost 20-25 USD per person.

An unusual gastronomic journey is guaranteed by a Brazilian restaurant, where the churascaria style of service implies different program options at different prices, a list of which can be found at the entrance.

You can have a quick and inexpensive meal at the Spanish fast-food El Español, whose branches are scattered throughout Quito. Of course, visiting Quito and not tasting Ecuadorian cuisine is a sin, so the Hornado cafe (translated as “baked”), located on the highway, is very loved by both tourists and locals. A huge selection of dishes from all sorts of varieties of corn, pork, soups. And all this to the unobtrusive accompaniment of a musical national band.

Excellent coffee and desserts are served at Corfu Coffee Shop.

Lookouts in Quito

The main observation deck of Loma El Panecillo is a gigantic stone woman who spread her huge wings over the city, protecting it from mythical dangers. Another nice place to spy on the city anthill is the open veranda of the Greek restaurant “Mosaic”: you sip mulled wine and admire Quito swarming at your feet for hours. The hall of the Bosque shopping center on the second floor offers a great view of the airport runway.

Entertainment and attractions in Quito

Tourists are most interested in the historical center, boastfully displaying the residence of the president. Indeed, there is something to admire, because the building is decorated with elaborate decorative balconies and artful wall paintings. The main square of the city – Independence Square is always crowded. By the way, there are more than 50 churches in Quito, and 7 of them are the largest and most famous (Basilica del Voto Nacional, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, Catedral) are located nearby. All cathedrals are open to the public, are active, and in many you can take a tour.

In addition, old houses with an intricately woven system of courtyards and terraces are curious. Among the narrow cobblestone pavements, where freshly washed sheets hung on ropes flutter overhead with snow-white wings, you feel the color and mood of the local city especially brightly. There is also a bullfighting arena in Quito – Plaza de Toro’s, where the best matadors of the world come to bloody fights with bulls.

An exotic spectacle is not for the faint of heart, but it’s still worth seeing at least once in your life, especially since bullfighting does not take place in Ecuador often, only on holidays.

Museums in Quito

There are enough museums in the Ecuadorian capital, and one of them conceals a huge number of entertaining exhibits in its blue-green walls. This is the Itchimbia Cultural Center, the expositions of which are frequently updated. Especially popular is the exhibition hall of the Peruvian Museum, where the history of the Incas is presented from ancient times to the present. The flickering of the unique exhibition “Gold of the Incas” also sinks into memory for a long time. The entrance fee is only 1 USD. The center is surrounded by luxurious greenery of the park of the same name.

9 things to do in Quito

  1. Take an evening ride through the historic district in a convertible carriage. The cost of the trip for 4 passengers is 12-14 USD.
  2. Buying a bunch of colorful souvenirs at the famous covered Indian market, which is open until late and where you can bargain for the lowest possible price, is the main entertainment for both the seller and the buyer. A poncho with an Indian ornament, for example, can cost from 10 to 30 USD, but it all depends on the pliability of the owner of the tray.
  3. Warm up in the mass free aerobics classes that take place on Saturdays at La Carolina Park.
  4. Be sure to cheer for your favorite team at the EL Estadio Olympico football stadium, where matches are played every Wednesday and Sunday. A dose of adrenaline is provided.
  5. Try to see the peaks of volcanoes in the sky-high distances – Cotopaxi (5897), Cayambe (5790), Antisana (5758), but this is in perfectly cloudless weather.
  6. Taste the monastery ice cream, which is actually prepared in the local monastery.
  7. Buy as souvenirs “fans” for fanning-kindling coals, woven from palm leaves. In the Suiza store, these charming crafts cost about 1-1.50 USD, and in the Santa Maria supermarket – 5 USD.
  8. Ride on chiva – “tourist rattletrap”. The system is as follows: you buy a ticket, sit down, you are given a hot, specific alcoholic drink, and then proceed according to the program you have chosen. Fun and noisy.
  9. On December 6, Quito City Day, participate in the cuarenta, a card tournament that captivates the gambling local population.

Parks of Quito

The sights of Quito include numerous parks: Metropolitano is the largest urban park in South America, most of which is occupied by a eucalyptus forest crossed by paths, and from the eastern regions of the park there are panoramas of the Cotopaxi volcano, Antisana and the Guaillabamba river valley.

In the shade of fragrant magnolias, it is pleasant to wander in the giant La Carolina park, where there are a lot of sports fields for football and basketball, facilities for skateboarders and cyclists. For “waterfowl” tourists, boats are rented on the lake, there is a dinosaur museum, a terrarium and an exhibition center.

El Ejido Park hosts a souvenir market every Saturday and Sunday, where you can buy copies of famous paintings made by local artists, as well as traditional sweaters, ponchos, carpets and jewelry brought from Otavalo. La Alameda Park is home to the oldest astronomical observatory in South America.

Equator line

Just 27 km from Quito is a memorial complex where the equator line runs. Here are the “Monument to the Equator”, the Museum of Ethnography and Culture “Middle of the World” and the picturesque ruins of Rumicho. The monument erected on the equator line is one of the most visited places in Ecuador.

Night life

In Quito, brothels are quite developed, which are covered with harmless signs of Night Clubs. In general, everything looks like a dance night show, the entrance to which costs up to 20 USD, with three cocktails included. Further, if desired, numbers, for example, up to 100 USD, bargaining is appropriate.

Quito, Ecuador

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US 319 in Georgia https://www.commit4fitness.com/us-319-in-georgia.html Fri, 16 Dec 2022 13:50:07 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1495  

US 319
Get started Moncrief
End Wadley
Length 215 mi
Length 346 km
Route
  • Florida
  • Thomasville
  • Moultrie
  • Tifton
  • Ocilla
  • Jacksonville
  • McRae
  • Dublin
  • Wrightsville
  • Bartow
  • Wadley

According to citypopulationreview.com, US 319 is a US Highway in the US state of Georgia. The route forms a secondary north-south route through the south and center of the state. The road is 346 kilometers long and does not pass through major cities.

Travel directions

US 319 in Florida comes from the state capital Tallahassee and reaches the state line between Florida and Georgia halfway between Tallahassee and Thomasville. US 319 is a 2×2 divided highway at this point. After driving for 25 kilometers through thick forests, you reach the town of Thomasville, which has a western and northern bypass. This is where the US 84 crosses. North of Thomasville, US 319 also has 4 lanes, but on a narrower profile, partly as a narrow 4-lane highway and partly as a 5-lane center turn lane. North of Thomasville, the forests become less dense and there are also meadows. The road has a bypass at Moultrie and then reaches theInterstate 75 at Tifton.

US 319 and US 82 then run together through the center of Tifton, after which both routes split on the east side of the town. US 319 runs roughly in a northeasterly direction, but has stretches due north and stretches due east. The road here has a more secondary character and is a two-lane road almost everywhere. Between Ocilla and Fitzgerald US 319 is double numbered with US 129, after which one crosses the Ocmulgee River south of Jacksonville, from here US 319 is also double numbered with US 441.

US 319 then passes through McRae, a small town but regional highway hub in central Georgia. Here you cross the US 23, US 280 and US 341, so that 5 US Highways come together here. US 319 then continues north through mostly wooded areas and connects to Interstate 16 south of Dublin. Dublin is a regional town where US 319 has a short double numbering with US 80, but US 441 splits off from US 319 again here. US 80/319 through Dublin has 2×2 lanes for a short time and crosses the Oconee River.

The last part of US 319 then runs in a northeasterly direction, also through predominantly forested area. Just before the terminus, US 319 has a short double numbering with US 221 in Bartow, after which US 319 turns east in Bartow and then ends a few kilometers to the east on US 1 in Wadley.

History

US 319 was added to the US Highways network in 1933, but at the time only passed through Florida. In 1937 the northern terminus was changed from Tallahassee, Florida to Thomasville, in the extreme south of Georgia, making US 319 only 15 miles through Georgia. In 1941, the northern terminus was changed to US 41 at Wenona, just south of Cordele. In 1945 the terminus was changed to Wadley, this route was more easterly than the 1941 route, which was numbered State Route 33. The town of Moultrie was the fork of the old and current route of US 319.

The US 319 runs somewhat artificially through the grid and only serves a small number of places larger than 5,000 inhabitants. On the official state highway map, the Tifton – Wadley section in particular has been considered a secondary route since the 1980s.

The southern portion of US 319 is part of the fastest route between Atlanta and Tallahassee. The main upgrades to US 319 were on the southern portion, the first being a Moultrie diversion in the first half of the 1980s. Presumably in the 1980s, the stretch from Moultrie to Tifton was widened to a narrow 4-lane road. About 1992-1993, US 319 between the Florida and Thomasville border was widened to a 2×2 divided highway as part of the Governor’s Road Improvement Program. About 2000, US 319 between Thomasville and Moultrie was widened to a 4-lane road, in part with a 5th center turn lane.

Veterans Parkway (Savannah)

Get started Savannah
End Savannah
Length 6 mi
Length 10 km
Route
Abercon StreetChatham Parkway

The Veterans Parkway is a parkway and freeway in the U.S. state of Georgia. The highway is located in the southwest of the city of Savannah and is 10 kilometers long.

Travel directions

The Veterans Parkway connects Abercon Street in the southwest with Interstate 516 in Savannah. The highway has 2×2 lanes and runs through low-lying coastal area that is densely forested. The highway runs along the west side of the Hunter Army Airfield and has only one junction apart from the start and end point. The highway is sometimes called the Southwest Bypass.

Road management

The Veterans Parkway is in Chatham County administration. It is one of the few freeways in the United States operated by a local government. The highway is unnumbered.

History

The highway was constructed in the mid-1990s and opened to traffic in 1996.

US 319 in Georgia

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Entertainment and Attractions in Pattaya, Thailand https://www.commit4fitness.com/entertainment-and-attractions-in-pattaya-thailand.html Fri, 09 Dec 2022 06:21:28 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1493 Many consider Walking street, bars and the sex industry of all colors, trends and styles flourishing around them to be the main attraction of Pattaya, but fortunately, the resort is not limited to this “hot” set at all and offers a whole scattering of activities and excursions for every taste. See JIBIN123 for Thailand customs regulations and visa requirements.

The majestic and vibrant Thai temples will help you stop and think. Perhaps the most popular (and how else if it can be seen from everywhere?) is the local Big Buddha or Big Buddha Hill. Here you can get acquainted with a whole complex of religious monuments and architectural compositions, get the blessing of the monks and cleanse your karma, buy souvenirs and contribute to the upkeep of the temple by donating a small amount. And on top of the hill a little cooler and fresher – also a reason to arrange a tour. Another famous object of worship is the wooden Temple of Truth, standing on Cape Rachvat in the Naklua region. Around there are a garden, a cafe, you can ride elephants or ATVs, admire the sea from the cape, in a word – spend the whole day slowly and measuredly.

The complete opposite of temples, but still an acquaintance with the local culture, will be a visit to Tiffany’s show. Only those who have seen with their own eyes have the right to snort or shake their heads in disapproval. They say that even the most severe Chelyabinsk and Tagil hard workers left the famous performance of the cabaret of transvestites with satisfied faces and whistling their favorite tunes. You can hardly think of a better ad. Oh, and Tiffany is one of the top ten shows in the world according to Travel.com magazine.

Mini Siam Park will help you see the whole world in 3 hours, which has collected on its territory miniature copies of famous sights from America, Asia, Asia and Europe: the Egyptian pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, St. Basil’s Cathedral. If all this has already been examined in the original, then you should pay attention to the beautiful copies of the most famous Thai temples and pagodas. Also lovers of miniatures should like the collection of the Museum of Bottles. In just a few rooms, there were about 300 bottles with copies of sights painstakingly collected inside them. It is also very convenient that the museum is located next to Mini Siam Park.

9 things to do in Pattaya

  1. Be sure not to be lazy and drive to the islands. The further the better.
  2. Walk from the hotel room to the top of Big Buddha Hill.
  3. For a self-respecting shopaholic, take a boat ride around the Floating Market.
  4. Seize the opportunity and gorge yourself on the delicacies of Indian cuisine from authentic Indian cafes.
  5. Go to the Tiffany Show. After all, are we in Pattaya or where?
  6. Ride on the footboard of a tuk-tuk, exposing your face to the wind and sun.
  7. Try never to answer in Russian phrases to annoying barkers and sellers.
  8. Take a walk down Walking street at night and then try to get to know her in the morning.
  9. In no case do not assume that when you see Pattaya, you see Thailand. To return here, only having visited at least three other provinces of the country.

Pattaya for children

Perhaps, Pattaya will not get rid of the “adult resort” stamp for a long time, but serious work is being done in this direction, and rest with a child is no longer perceived as something extravagant and unacceptable.

In May 2016, Thailand’s largest water park RamaYana was opened 30 km south of Pattaya. More than 50 water complexes and attractions await guests of all ages, many of which, according to the representatives of the park, have no analogues in Southeast Asia. You can order a transfer to the water park directly on the website of the entertainment facility. Given the scope of the park, it is better to go straight to the opening.

With older guys, you can go to the Dream World amusement park, which is located on the northern outskirts of Bangkok. It takes about 2 hours to get here from Pattaya; tours to Dream World are offered by many tour agencies of the resort. There is no analogue in Pattaya itself yet.

Other entertainment for children is getting to know the living world of Thailand. One of the most important zoos in the country Khao Kheow is located north of Pattaya. It will take at least a day to explore the famous open zoo, where you can walk next to the animals and feed them. But it’s better to be prepared to be asked to visit the menagerie again. To the south of Pattaya, Nong Nooch Tropical Park awaits guests – a beautiful botanical garden with an elephant show, a crocodile farm and a butterfly farm, a bird garden, restaurants, a hotel complex, swimming pools and other entertainment infrastructure. Slightly smaller, but no less interesting: Si Racha Tiger Zoo and Pattaya Elephant Village.

Attractions in Pattaya, Thailand

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Miami, Florida https://www.commit4fitness.com/miami-florida.html Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:13:54 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1488 On the wide white sandy beaches of Miami Beach, it is mainly about seeing and being seen. Enjoy tropical temperatures on your sunbed and feast your eyes. The chance that you spot a celebrity during your Miami holiday is very high, because Miami Beach is hip and happening! At night you can also bump into the stars in the many clubs where you can party until the early hours. And this city is also a true paradise for the shop-a-holic.

8 Miami landmarks

During a holiday in Miami there is a lot to experience for both the adventurous traveler and the luxury traveler. Miami has it all! Are you hesitating to take children on your Miami vacation? A holiday in Miami also offers plenty of options for children. You can also choose to extend the holiday to a Florida Holiday.

1. Miami Beach

According to growtheology, Miami Beach is the long coastal strip with beautiful white beaches from South Beach to North Beach. South Beach with the Art Deco section is the nicest and nicest part of Miami Beach. Ocean Drive is a street in the Art Deco section that sits right on the beach. This street is the landmark of South Beach, with more than 800 buildings built in an Art Deco and Cubist style.

2. Lincoln Road

Lincoln Road is located in South Beach and is Miami’s exclusive shopping street. For the real shop-a-holics, a holiday in Miami offers plenty of options. Here you can find all the exclusive brands: it is a true paradise for shoppers. You will also find star restaurants, trendy bars and hip nightclubs here.

3. South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park is a 17-acre urban park at the very southern tip of Miami Beach. Here you can walk or jog, and there is a restaurant and children’s playground.

4. Downtown Miami and Bayside Marketplace

Downtown Miami is a busy area of ​​Miami with many shops, restaurants and bars. In the evening you can visit a basketball game of the Miami Heat or attend a concert of a famous artist in the American Arena. If you love ballet, visit the Adrienne Arsht Center, home of the Miami City Ballet, during your Miami vacation.

You can view contemporary art at the Perez Art Museum Miami. Bayside Marketplace is located near Downtown Miami. This is a two-story outdoor shopping mall. The mall is located on the shores of Biscayne Bay, next to the Miami Marina. If you want to have a nice American style lunch, go here to The Hard Rock Cafe Miami.

5. Villa Vizcaya

Villa Vizcaya is located in the Coconut Grove neighborhood and was built in the period 1914-1916 for the entrepreneur James Deering. This villa is a fine example of Mediterranean Revival architecture. The villa has more than 70 rooms with furniture and paintings from the 15th to the 19th century.

6. Miami Seaquarium

Miami Seaquarium is one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States and is located on the island of Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay.

7. Little Havana

Little Havana is a vibrant Cuban neighborhood in Miami. Cafés serve Cuban coffee and on Calle Ocho residents discuss politics while playing dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park. This park is therefore called Domino Park by the residents.
It is a very nice neighborhood to walk through and enjoy a nice meal in a Cuban restaurant or drink a Cuba Libre on one of the terraces.

8.Wynwood

Wynwood is a neighborhood in Miami known for its many colorful murals. The district is an open-air museum with a large number of works by famous street artists. You can also find chic clothing boutiques in this district. The often young crowd visits stylish bistros and night bars here.

There is enough to do in Miami to spend an entire vacation. Do you also want to visit the rest of Florida, but also have enough time for Miami? Then choose a fly drive Miami trip where you pick up your car after a few nights in Miami to visit the rest of Florida.

History

Miami has a rough history of war, slavery and crime. The original inhabitants of Miami were the Tequesta Indians, who came from Southwestern California. Then came the Spaniards. They started a bloody battle against the Tequesta Indians and eventually the Spaniards managed to build a settlement. However, they left again after three years.

Around 1830, Richard Fitzpatrick set foot ashore. He owned a large plantation and had the original inhabitants work as slaves here. This led to a fierce battle; also known as the Florida Wars.

Around 1920, Miami was bursting at the seams because of allowing gambling in combination with alcohol. Hotels and houses were built at a rapid pace.

Around 1980, Miami was overrun with Cubans fleeing the Castro regime. The area quickly became overcrowded, causing many people to flee the city of Miami. The city fell into disrepair and was almost bankrupt. Crime was very high during this period. After this period, drastic measures were taken and Miami and Miami Beach respectively became a lot safer.

Today, Miami has grown into a trendy city, best known for its white beaches, hip nightlife and true shopping paradise. A vacation in Miami is a success for everyone!

8 Miami landmarks

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Hammamet, Tunisia https://www.commit4fitness.com/hammamet-tunisia.html Fri, 25 Nov 2022 08:36:32 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1486 Calm and conservative Hammamet is famous for its sandy beaches and modern thalassotherapy centers. This is a European class resort, one of the most respectable in Tunisia. Quiet relaxation is harmoniously combined here with the best nightlife in the country: there are a lot of cool discos, bars and restaurants. Most guests come here to combine relaxation with intensive wellness and rejuvenation treatments.

How to get to Hammamet

From any of the international airports in Tunisia – in Monastir, Enfid or the capital – Hammamet can be reached by intercity buses, minibuses, luages ​​or trains. The nearest airport is located at a distance of 48 km from the resort, in Enfid, but it is more convenient for individual travelers to travel from the main Tunisian air harbor by taxi or train. Check liuxers for customs and traditions of Tunisia.

Transport

Waiting for public transport in Hammamet is a waste of time. Only a few buses and fixed-route taxis of not the first youth run around the city, the direction of which is indicated in Arabic, and if you’re lucky, in French. But you can stop them right in the middle of the road, pay 3-5 TND to the driver or conductor – and rush off in an unknown direction. Prices on the page are for August 2022.

The bus station is located near the Yasmina beaute shopping center (C28, Hammamet). You can even leave from here to other cities on the buses of the SRTGN carrier.

It is much more convenient to get around Hammamet by taxi. However, the drivers do not speak English and are considered swindlers. Do not reset the meter after the previous passenger, instead of the day one, carry it at the night rate (1.5 times more expensive, the letter “N” is lit – pay attention), do not give change – in the order of things. Many tourists turn a blind eye to this, since the average price of a trip, even with such frauds, will be from 13 TND (both euros and dollars will be accepted).

Hammamet Hotels

The resort area is divided into Hammamet itself (northern and central) and the tourist area of ​​Yasmine-Hammamet with a wide promenade along the sea, modern hotels and developed infrastructure. Contrary to fears, new construction projects are not underway here, so Yasmin can be safely recommended to lovers of a relaxing holiday. “Fives”, “fours” and “troikas” were distributed along the coastline almost evenly.

There is a promenade in front of most of Yasmine’s hotels: formally they are considered to be on the first line, but in fact, to get to the beach, you need to cross the road.

Beaches

The beaches are, in fact, what it is worth going to Hammamet for. They stretch for many kilometers and differ from their neighbors in the region by finer, softer and lighter sand. Entry into the water is gentle everywhere, there are no waves, which is especially appreciated by tourists with children. Rental of sun loungers-umbrellas – from 2 TND per day.

The central, northern and southern (Yasmine-Hammamet) beaches of the resort are equally free for everyone and boast a well-developed infrastructure. For children – slides, swimming pools and play areas (albeit mainly in areas near hotels), for adults – bars and restaurants, for athletes – rent of all kinds of equipment at affordable prices. Diving, jet skiing, boating and water skiing are held in high esteem here.

Thalasso

In Hammamet, there is a thalasso in the hotels Royal Azur 5 * – Sol Azur 4 * – Bel Azur 3 *, Nahrawess 4 * (one of the largest in Africa, there is a complex of pools with sea water and more than 90 massage rooms), RIU Park El Kebir 4*, Aziza 4* and Mediterranee Thalasso Golf 3*.

In addition, almost every hotel has its own spa and balneotherapy center. The procedures there are similar, but, unlike thalasso, not sea, but ordinary water is used.

Shopping

Local souvenirs – edible and inedible. The variety of the latter is much greater, and the main one among them is the Berber wool carpet with the addition of silk. It is problematic to find a really high-quality “specimen”; not the most worthy samples are presented on the markets. For the best carpets (at a price of 1350 TND) it is better to go to Kairouan, which is a 1.5 hour drive from Hammamet.

Bags, accessories, sandals and slippers made of natural leather at a price of 120 TND, beautiful and bright pottery, dishes and kitchen utensils made of olive wood, less often copper, drums tam-tama are presented in abundance in local markets and shops. Exotic lovers will appreciate fez headwear and traditional men’s clothing, reminiscent of a straight dress.

From delicious souvenirs we bring olive oil (from 15 TND / l), halva, fig vodka “buho” (from 15 TND), Tunisian wine (from 20 TND) and spicy harissa sauce (from 3 TND per jar).

Shopping malls and shops lined the city’s main thoroughfare. But the most colorful shopping is in the famous market in the Old Medina (36.394054, 10.613224). Bargaining is necessary, prices are inflated several times.

5 things to do in Hammamet

  1. Enjoy the view of the bay of Hammamet from the walls of the Spanish fort.
  2. Dine on the freshest fish and seafood at the Barberousse Restaurant.
  3. Smell the flowers in the Botanical Gardens of the Hammamet Cultural Center.
  4. Take a course of thalassotherapy in one of the best thalasso centers in the country.
  5. Enough to take pictures in the “postcard” medina.

Cuisine and restaurants of Hammamet

In Hammamet, Pomodoro and Chez Achour fish restaurants, Le Barberousse, an institution with national Tunisian cuisine, are popular. Frog dishes can be tasted in the French La Terrasse in the northern part of the resort, pasta in the Italian La Traviata at the Calypso club.

You can have a cheap meal at the L’Olivier cafe chain. Sit with a cup of coffee or a hookah in one of the Arab cafes. Canari Tutti Frutti is famous for its freshly squeezed juices and ice creams. But for a romantic atmosphere, you should look into the traditional cafe Sidi Bou Hdid, “clinging” to the fortress wall of the medina from the sea.

Entertainment and attractions

While walking around the city, be sure to visit the Old Medina and Ribat, as well as the Spanish fortress of the 16th century, which are located on the seashore. Hidden in the depths of the medina is the Museum of the History of Hammamet.

Port Marina is considered the largest in North Africa: it is from here that the new part of the city of Yasmine Hammamet begins, in which a stylized “old quarter” is built.

Built in the 20s. of the last century, George Sebastian House, surrounded by cypress trees, with a pool, columns, antique bedrooms and Roman baths, will help tourists to satisfy the sense of beauty. In the garden there is an amphitheater of the 60s. with a modern sound and light system, where the International Arts Festival is held annually in July-August.

Walking through the territory of the Sebastian Botanical Gardens, look beyond the side of the amphitheater that overlooks the sea. You will see a wonderful ancient Roman mosaic, slightly overgrown with grass, but with a distinguishable ornament and bright colors.

The tourist complex “Medina – Mediterranea” is an open-air museum, which was conceived as a traditional Arab medina and designed in the Arab-Muslim style. Surrounded by a traditional defensive wall that hides the inner part of the city, the complex attracts tourists with its hotel, bazaar with products of Tunisian artisans, as well as a thoughtful recreation and entertainment area.

Excursions are organized from Hammamet to the city of Tunis, to the ruins of Carthage, to the Cap Bon Peninsula and to the Sahara.

Entertainment for children and adults

In order not to be stunned by many hours of daily spa treatments, they can be interspersed with trips to Medina-Yasmine, a tourist complex behind a stylized fortress wall, in which different parts of the country are recreated, cafes, restaurants and shops are open. There is also an amusement park Carthageland with many attractions for children and adults. The resort also has two world-class golf clubs, Yasmine and Citrus, the Friguia zoo (Friguia), a riding club, and the Laico hotel has a Blue Ice skating rink – nothing outstanding, but the ice is real.

It is better for citizens who are lazy, but thirsty for entertainment, to stay in the Paradis and Royal Azur hotels – water slides, without leaving the hotel, are guaranteed to them. The Sol Azur also has a casino. Another casino is open in South Hammamet at the Meda Center.

Despite its conservatism, Hammamet will not let tourists get bored. Fans of an active nightlife will love the disco area, which is only 10 minutes from Yasmine and 20 minutes from Hammamet North. It consists of two perpendicular streets with discos, bars and restaurants. One of the most popular discos in Hammamet is Oasis. Other popular local discos are Manhattan (by the way, one of the largest in all of Africa), Calypso, Safari, Nero, Oasis and Havana Club.

Weather

The beach holiday season in Hammamet starts at the end of April and lasts until the end of October. The sea warms up by mid-May and retains heat even in the last days of September. The peak of water and air temperatures falls on July-September: the heat becomes exhausting, subsides a little only at night, but thanks to the dry air it is easier to bear.

The winter season (October-April) is ideal for sightseeing tourism and visiting thalassotherapy centers. Gusty winds overshadow the rest during this period. But there is little precipitation here even in winter.

Hammamet, Tunisia

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Jyväskylä, Finland https://www.commit4fitness.com/jyvaskyla-finland.html Fri, 18 Nov 2022 15:33:50 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1484 According to wholevehicles, the town of Jyväskylä stands on the shores of the picturesque Lake Päijänne, 280 km north of Helsinki. For many years he has been known not only in Finland, but throughout Scandinavia thanks to his universities: the University of Jyväskylä and the Polytechnic Institute. But in recent years, they have begun to actively attract not only students, but also tourists. Fortunately, in addition to beautiful nature, the city has its own feature. The famous architect Alvar Aalto was born and raised here, who together with Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe created the so-called international style. The master’s creations are a real adornment of the landscape of Jyväskylä, which, thanks to a well-thought-out layout, landscaping and an abundance of educational institutions, museums and natural attractions, is even called “Finnish Athens”.

How to get to Jyväskylä

The most convenient way to get from Moscow to Jyväskylä is by plane. There are no direct flights, Aeroflot and Finnair offer to make a short transfer to Helsinki. It is 18 km from Jyväskylä Airport to the city, shuttles run between them, the schedule of which is tied to arrivals. Total travel time between the capital and destination: 4-5 hours. From St. Petersburg to Jyväskylä can also be reached by air. Finnair operates transit flights through Helsinki. Residents of St. Petersburg can also come to Jyväskylä by land transport: by train via Vantaa. You can also take the Allegro train to Lahti (2 hours 40 minutes), and then take a bus to Jyväskylä (3 hours). You can check the schedule and buy train tickets at the office. websiterailway carrier, bus – here (in English).

Transportation

Public transport Jyväskylä is represented by a developed network of bus routes connecting all parts of the city. On the streets you can see stops in different colors: blue and white for suburban buses (you can take them, for example, to the Nokkakivi amusement park or to Petäjavesi with a church listed by UNESCO), yellow and black for city buses. The main thing is not to confuse. In general, there is not much and no need for public transport – everything is nearby.

There are several bike rentals in the city. Taxis can be called by phone or you can find a car at special parking lots. In the central part of Jyväskylä, car parking is paid.

Jyvaskyla Hotels

Jyväskylä is a rather large city for Finland (more than 130 thousand people), so there are no problems with choosing hotels. Hotels here for every taste and budget. A comfortable Scandinavian-style room in one of the four-star hotels costs 100-260 EUR per day. A more budget option is a 3 * hotel near the coast of Päijänne for 90 EUR (breakfast included). Locals rent apartments for a day for 80 EUR per night. There are no hostels in the city.

Cafes and restaurants

There are enough restaurants in Jyväskylä. Stylish expensive establishments specialize in new Finnish cuisine, offering mainly tasting sets for 70-80 EUR with wine per person. More democratic cafes prepare seasonal dishes: in summer, these are salads from fresh vegetables, and in winter, pickles, smoked meats, and baked products. Buffet lunches are popular – unlimited food with salads, pickled vegetables, spaghetti, pizza, sausages costs a modest 13 EUR for Finland.

The most typical dishes are wild mushroom salad with potatoes and tarragon and sour cream mousse, duck breast with berry butter, fish casserole. Fast food is represented by Hesburger and McDonald’s chains. A set of burger, fries and a drink costs 10 EUR there.

Sights in Jyvaskyla

Jyväskylä is one of the main tourist destinations in the Central Finland region. But there are no narrow streets with gingerbread houses under a tiled roof. This is a city of northern design, which reveals itself in all its glory already at the station: the exterior of the futuristic building resembles a rounded wooden box. Nearby is the old station building of the 19th century, a monument under state protection.

Since Alvar Aalto is considered the main “star” of the city, it would be fair to take time to visit the museum in his honor (Alvar Aallon, 7). It is located on a hillside near Lake Jyväsjärvi. The walls of the building are lined with white stone slabs, and the doors of the main entrance are lined with copper plates. On the ground floor there is a lobby, a cafe, a souvenir shop and a library. The second floor houses exhibition halls and a gallery. The exposition consists of interior items and furniture made according to Aalto’s sketches, photographs of his work, accompanied by short explanations. In addition to the Alvar Aalto Museum, you can visit the Museum of Finnish National Costume (off. site), the Museum of Art (23 Kauppakatu Street), the Museum of Central Finland (off. site in English), the Museum of Aviation (off. site in English).

The heart of the city is the narrow and long Kauppakatu (Trading) street. It was laid on the site of an old tract, along which merchants actively traded. All the townspeople shopped here, so the street has always been the most important and popular. Modern Kauppakatu starts from the university campus, passes to the Church Park, there it becomes pedestrian and ends at the main square of the city of Are. The buildings along the street are occupied by hairdressers, shops, museums and galleries, banks and department stores.

Kauppakatu has its own secret – it is heated by a heating main laid underground. So even in winter it is very comfortable to walk on it.

Another favorite place for city dwellers to walk is Harju Hill (Ihantolantie 5), the main park area in Jyväskylä. You can climb the majestic steps of the Nero stairs to the top. The pine park houses the Museum of Nature of Central Finland, a summer theatre, numerous paths, an observation deck and a cafe overlooking the surroundings.

At 2 Cignaeuksenkatu Street, there is a whole craftsmen’s quarter called Toivola’s Old Yard. The area consists of low wooden houses with gates and courtyards typical of 18th and 19th century Finnish architecture. There are 7 buildings on its territory: a residential building, a hospital, a coppersmith’s house, a carpenter’s house, a Sparvin’s house (the carpenter Anders Sparvin lived here), a forge and a warehouse. They have shops, restaurants, master classes. And in summer the quarter hosts numerous festivals.

Jyväskylä, Finland

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Things to Do in Leuven, Belgium https://www.commit4fitness.com/things-to-do-in-leuven-belgium.html Fri, 11 Nov 2022 06:40:04 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1482 According to loverists, Leuven is a city in Flanders, Belgium. Leuven is best known as the beer capital of Belgium. The city owes this to the presence of the Artois brewery. Leuven is above all a lively student city, where the Catholic University of Leuven is located as one of the most important universities in the entire Benelux. Thanks to the atmospheric city center, more and more Dutch tourists are also discovering Leuven as a destination for a city trip. Rightly so. Because despite the fact that Leuven is considerably smaller than cities such as Antwerp and Brussels, this Belgian city has enough to entertain visitors for a day or longer. Leuven has many nice shops, cozy restaurants and a number of beautiful sights that are definitely worth a visit.

The nice thing about Leuven is that this place is not as crowded as the most famous Belgian city trip destinations. This gives you the feeling that you are walking in the city itself, instead of in some kind of open-air museum where you mainly see other tourists walking around.

Leuven ‘s Top 10 Things to Do

#1. town hall

The town hall is without a doubt one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. You will find this huge town hall on the Grote Markt. Leuven ‘s town hall is one of the most famous Gothic buildings in the world. No fewer than 236 statues adorn the facade and niches of the towers. They were installed between 1849 and 1880. They give the originally medieval building its characteristic appearance. Inside, different styles are represented. There are different Louis styles, but also Gothic styles are present. During a tour you will pass many beautiful paintings from the 17th to the 19th century.

#2. Squares

The bustling city of Leuven has a spacious historic city center. Such a history naturally includes large squares, where markets were once held or executions took place. The most generously sized square is Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein. Here you will find the large library of the University of Leuven. Markets are regularly organized here and it is the place for the annual fair. You will also find the Christmas market here every year. Another particularly large square is Martelarenplein. This is regularly the stage for large and small events. You will find this square at the end of the busy shopping street ‘Bondgenotenlaan’. Two other famous squares in the city are the Grote Markt and the Oude Markt. You really can’t miss the Grote Markt. It is located at the busy tourist crossroads of the city. This pedestrianized square has regular cultural events. The Oude Markt is also known as the ‘longest bar in the world’. Much of the nightlife starts here.

#3. Leuven University Library

The student city of Leuven does not only have large universities. It also has some very impressive and excellent university libraries. A beautiful monumental university library can be found on Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein. This Neo-Renaissance building was built between 1921-1928 and was designed by Whitney Warren. The 87 meter high tower is inspired by the famous Giralda of Seville.

#4. Large and Small Beguinage

Leuven still has two beguinages. A beguinage is an enclosed court that was established for women who devoted their lives completely to God. Within such a beguinage, these ladies could fully practice their rituals and customs and plunge into the faith. Unlike monasteries, these ladies were allowed to own personal property and generate income to support themselves. A church is often central to a beguinage. Two of these courts can still be found in Leuven. These are the Groot Begijnhof of approximately 3 hectares and the Klein Begijnhof, which consists of a main street with two alleys.

#5. Artois Brewery

Beer has actually been of great importance to the city of Leuven for centuries. Around the 15th century it was even wiser to drink brewed beer than to consume the polluted water that could be found in Leuven. Thanks to the excise duties already levied at the time, the city was able to flourish enormously. In the year 1717 the beer brewery of Leuven was taken over by Sébastian Artois and thus the lager Stella Artois was born. Today the brewery is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, but the Stella Artois logo still adorns the facade. Various tours can be booked.

#6. St. Peter’s Church

The Roman Catholic Saint Peter’s Church was built in the 15th century. In the following years, several additions and renovations took place. There have been multiple collapses and fires that have destroyed parts of the church. Nevertheless, the church still has plenty of beautiful pieces to admire. The construction of the towers has caused quite a few problems. The ground was not suitable as a proper foundation. That is the main reason that St. Peter’s Church still has unfinished towers.

#7. M-Museum

For a special combination between old and new art, you would do well to pay a visit to the M-Museum in Leuven. The Belgian architect Stéphane Beel is responsible for the special design of an old museum with a new sleek look. This can also be described as ‘the new simplicity’. All kinds of art such as photography, sculpture, design, painting and architecture from different times come together in this museum.

#8. The Fonske

In the center of town stands a remarkable statue of a student with water on his head and a book in his hand. This is ‘Fonske’ and you will find him behind the Sint-Pieterskerk on the Fochplein. Its official name ‘Fons Sampientiae’ means ‘Source of Wisdom’. It was therefore donated to the city of Leuven on the 550th anniversary of and by the University of Leuven. As is often the case in large cities, this image is regularly decorated by students.

#9. St. Donatus Park

For the necessary greenery, go to the Sint-Donatus Park in Leuven. This beautiful city park is located in the center between Naamsestraat, Vlamingenstraat and Charles Deberiotstraat. Several remains of the original city wall can still be found in this park. The park is laid out in the English style and was founded in 1866. It is a wonderful place to rest in the busy student city. On pleasant spring days and sunny summer days you will see the students eagerly making use of this nice place.

#10. Hortus Botanicus Lovaniensis

One of the largest botanical gardens in Belgium is located in the city of Leuven. This is popularly called ‘de Kruidtuin’. This beautiful scientific garden has a special collection of medicinal plants, which used to be closely associated with medicine. Exhibitions are regularly organized in the orangery. Garden enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll through this 2.2-hectare park.

Leuven, Belgium

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Landmarks of Segovia, Spain https://www.commit4fitness.com/landmarks-of-segovia-spain.html Fri, 04 Nov 2022 05:15:51 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1480 The Spanish city of Segovia is about an hour and a half’s drive northwest of Madrid. The perched city belongs to the autonomous community of Castilla y León. Segovia is a lesser known pearl of history, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. And that is not entirely unjustified. For example, the most important and also completely complete Roman aqueduct in Spain is located here. But the compact historic center has much more to offer. There are many stories and legends behind the fairytale Alcázar, the many palaces, monasteries and the cathedral of Segovia. Because even within the royal families it is not always rose scent and moonshine. The sights of Segovia even extend far beyond the city walls. Palaces such as Palacio Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso and Palacio Real de Riofrío are definitely worth a visit. In addition to all this world heritage, the city of Segovia is also great in organizing festivities such as ‘Fiesta de San Lorenzo’ and Segovia Festival. And it also has a number of fascinating museums, cozy restaurants and extremely cozy bars.

Top 10 sights of Segovia

#1. Aqueduct
In the municipal coat of arms of the city of Segovia, a clear image of the ancient aqueduct is visible. It is therefore the symbol of the city. This extensive Roman structure was built around the first century. The span is no less than eight hundred and thirteen meters. But the entire route that the water travels is about fifteen kilometers. The aqueduct is supported by some two hundred and twenty-one pillars. An aqueduct served as a water supply at that time. In this way, water from a river or other water source could be brought further into the country, and then provided cities and villages with clean water. Here in Segovia, the water from the Río Frío was transported to the city in this way.

#2. Palacio Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso
According to localbusinessexplorer, the royal palace ‘Palacio Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso’ is located just outside the center of the city of Segovia, on the northern slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The palace was built within the hunting grounds of former kings. King Philip V of Spain ordered the construction of a summer residence in the eighteenth century. And then it just got better and bigger. The tomb of Philip V and his second wife Isabel de Farnese can also be visited in the palace church. Palacio Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso, also called ‘La Granja’, has always been an important place within the royal family ever since. Besides marriages, funerals and births, important political decisions were also taken in La Granja, such as the signing of the ‘Treaty of San Ildefonso’, a reaffirming secret alliance between France and Spain. Palacios Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso is nowadays mainly a sight with unprecedented popularity. Tourists like to visit this historic building, the living quarters and the surrounding estate. Palacios Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso is nowadays mainly a sight with unprecedented popularity. Tourists like to visit this historic building, the living quarters and the surrounding estate. Palacios Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso is nowadays mainly a sight with unprecedented popularity. Tourists like to visit this historic building, the living quarters and the surrounding estate.

#3. Cathedral of Segovia
The almost ninety-meter tower of the Cathedral of Santa María de Segovia towers over the city. It is therefore an easy landmark of the city of Segovia. Segovia Cathedral was built around the first half of the sixteenth century on the Plaza Mayor. The Gothic architectural style is clearly visible both on the outside and on the inside. The widely acclaimed architect Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón was appointed as master builder for this. The Cathedral of Segovia has about eighteen chapels, a beautiful altarpiece by Francisco Sabatini and very beautiful stained glass windows. The ancient cloister leads you to a museum.

#4. Alcazar
The beautiful castle of Segovia is very similar to the fairytale castles in children’s books. And the history and legends may not be inferior either. The ‘Alcázar Real de Segovia’ on the Plaza de la Reina Victoria Eugenia, is a legacy from the nineteenth century. The previous palace was destroyed by a fire. There used to be a military defense fort on this spot. Only in the twelfth century was there talk of a castle, which served as a royal residence. The Alcázar gained real prestige in the fifteenth century, thanks to John II of Castile and later his son Henry IV of Castile. In particular, the announcement of the coronation of Isabel de Castilla as queen is inextricably linked to the Alcázar of Segovia. Her action is still seen as an example for political propaganda. Together with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon, the first foundations of the Spanish monarchy are laid. By the eighteenth century, the Alcázar was hailed as the ‘Royal School of Artillery’. The military training that could be enjoyed here quickly achieved status. Today, the Alcázar is primarily a tourist destination. Enthusiasts can enjoy the Artillery Museum.

#5. Monasterio de El Parral
The northern monastery of El Parral was built around the fifteenth century by order of Herdrik IV. ‘Monasterio de Santa María del Parral’ is located just outside the center on the right bank of the Ersma river. The monastery belongs to the Order of St. Jerome. The monastery complex consists of several buildings, which show different architectural styles. You can discover, among other things, the Mudejar, Gothic and Plateresque style. Notable sights are the altarpiece of the Virgin Mary, the tombs of Juan Pacheco and his wife Maria de Portocarrero and the decorated doorway ‘Puerta de la antesacristía’.

#6. Museum of Segovia
The history of Segovia is told in this museum through archaeological, ethnological and other artifacts. Museo de Segovia is a cultural institution founded around 1842. Before the collections were exhibited in the current Casa de Sol, a lot preceded it. For example, the museum was first located in a bishop’s palace, then in Casa del Hidalgo and now in a beautiful building on Calle del Socorro. The collection of Museo de Segovia comes almost entirely from the province of Segovia. Among the showpieces are Islamic keys from the fourteenth century, jewels from the necropolis of Madrona, ceramics from long before the era, works by Albrecht Dürer and glassware from Royal Glass Factory of La Granja de San Ildefonso. But clothing, historical and contemporary paintings, sculptures and old coins also belong to the carefully composed collection.

#7. Plaza Mayor
One of the most vibrant squares in Segovia is Plaza Mayor. Known as the “heart of the city”, this centrally located square features historic architecture. Here you will find the apse of the cathedral, the church Iglesia San Miguel and the town hall with the two turrets. Plaza Mayor also guarantees fun. The restaurants and bars present often have a terrace that is filled from morning to evening. Tourists and residents enjoy all the goodies that Spain has to offer here. On Thursdays the local goods market can be found here.

#8. Casa Museo Antonio Machado
Antonio Machado was a poet of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. He was born in Seville and later moved to Madrid with his family. This is where his love for the theater was born and the attraction to cities such as Paris became very enticing. Together with his brother this became reality and contact was quickly made with writers and poets such as Jean Moréas, Rubén Darío, Juan Ramón Jiménez and Paul Marie Verlaine. Encounters that would benefit his later own work. He finally arrived in Segovia in 1919 at retirement age, where he helped found the University of Segovia. And in 1927 he was elected a member of the Spanish Royal Academy. The modest house where he stayed at the time is now a museum. Casa Museo Antonio Machado on Calle de los Desamparados, shows how this acclaimed poet spent his days here fairly soberly. In addition to his own portrait, you can also admire works of art by Picasso and local artists.

#9. Palacio Real de Riofrio
The red colored palace ‘Palacio Real de Riofrío’ belongs to the royal family of Spain. The palace is located a few kilometers southwest of the city of Segovia, in a wooded area. It was built by order of King Fernando VI for his mother Isabel de Farnesio, wife of Philip V. He wanted her away from him because she interfered too much with him. As architect, Virgilio Rabaglio was hired who collaborated with Pedro Sermini. It became Rabaglio’s most important work. In the end, Fernando VI died before it was finished and the Isabel de Farnesio never lived there. Finally, the doors of Palacio Real de Riofrío were opened to the public in 1965. From that period it was possible for ordinary citizens to admire the inside of the palace. The royal residences are richly decorated and furnished with furniture, sculptures and tapestries from between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. There are also regular changing exhibitions to admire.

#10. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Esteban Vicente
On the Plaza Bellas Artes is the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Esteban Vicente. This museum has an inspiring collection of art that can mainly be characterized as abstract expressionist. This is not very strange, since the museum is named after Esteban Vicente, master of this art movement. Later, Vicente even devoted part of his life to teaching abstract expressionism at leading institutions in America. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Esteban Vicente is housed in a medieval building that once belonged to King Henry IV of Castile.

Segovia, Spain

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US 23 in Ohio https://www.commit4fitness.com/us-23-in-ohio.html Sun, 30 Oct 2022 04:58:00 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1476  

US 23
Begin Portsmouth
End Toledo
Length 239 mi
Length 385 km
Route
Kentucky

Portsmouth

Piketon

Chillicothe bypass freeway

South Chillicothe

Downtown Chillicothe

Metzger

Andersonville

Circleville

Columbus

Delaware

Marion bypass freeway

Waldo

South Marion

Downtown Marion

North Marion

Bucyrus

Wyandot

Upper Sandusky

Findlay

Findlay – Toledo:

Sylvania

Michigan

According to iamaccepted, US 23 is a US Highway in the US state of Ohio. The road forms a north-south route through the center of the state, from Portsmouth on the Kentucky border via the state capital Columbus to Toledo on the Michigan border. The road has largely been developed with 2×2 lanes, sometimes even as a motorway. The route is 385 kilometers long.

Travel directions

Southern Ohio

Near the town of Portsmouth, US 23 in Kentucky crosses the Ohio River from Huntington via the US Grant Bridge, and thus enters the state of Ohio. In the center of Portsmouth one crosses US 52, which follows the course of the Ohio from Cincinnati. The road then runs along the Scioto River in Scioto County to the north, with 2×2 lanes. The valley is quite wide, but the area is wooded and hilly. One then enters Pike County, and at Piketon one crosses SR-32, a 2×2 highway from Cincinnati to Jackson. Just before the town of Chillicothe, US 23 becomes a highway, and follows a short double numbering with US 35, the highway from Dayton. A little way north of Chillicothe, the highway ends again, and a 2×2 trunk road continues through Ross and Pickaway counties to Columbus. In Circleville you cross US 22, a main road from Cincinnati to Lancaster. Then the road continues along the Scioto River to the capital Columbus.

Columbus

One reaches the city of Columbus from the south, first crossing Interstate 270, the city’s ring road. The road then becomes a four-lane highway through the southern neighborhoods, and one crosses State Route 104, a short east-west highway in the south of the city. One then reaches the center of Columbus. First, one crosses Interstate 70, which is sunken, and runs from Indianapolis towards Wheeling. In downtown Columbus you cross a number of US Highways, US 33, US 40 and US 62. On the north side of the center there is a connection with Interstate 670, an east-west highway through the city. The road then splits into two one-way streets, Summit Street and 4th Street. Later, both roads rejoin, and US 23 continues on Indianola Avenue, parallel to Interstate 71, which runs to Cleveland. In the north of the city you cross Interstate 270 again, leaving the Columbus metropolitan area.

Northern Ohio

The I-475/US 23 fork on the northwest side of Toledo.

North of Columbus, US 23 is a 2×2 highway through Delaware County to the town of the same name. The road runs as a grade-separated highway through Delaware, where it intersects US 36 and US 42. This is followed by a 2×2 level section until Waldo in Marion County, after which the road becomes a highway for 25 kilometers, passing the town of Marion. It then enters Wyandot County, and the road forms a bypass around Upper Sandusky. It crosses US 30, which comes from Lima, and runs as a 2×2 highway to Mansfield in the east. Just north of Upper Sandusky, US 23 turns north and continues on 2×2 SR-15 to Findlay. US 23 is then a single-lane highway, through Seneca County, where it intersects a number of east-west routes, such as theUS 224, which runs from Findlay to Tiffin and Akron. The road then runs exactly over the county line between Wood and Sandusky counties. BRadner crosses US 6, an east-west route from Bowling Green toward Sandusky. The road then turns northwest, merging with US 20, the road from Toledo to Cleveland, parallel to the Ohio Turnpike.

It connects to Interstate 280, for through traffic to Detroit. US 20 and US 23 are double-numbered to Perrysburg, a southern suburb of Toledo. Here, US 23 continues over Interstate 75 and Interstate 475 around the city. There is no direct connection with the Ohio Turnpike. It then crosses US 20 again in the north of Toledo, after which I-475 turns east towards Detroit, and US 23 continues as a highway to the north. Soon after they reach the border with Michigan, after which the US 23 in Michiganas highway continues to Ann Arbor and Flint.

History

According to ACRONYMMONSTER, US 23 was created in 1926 and followed old turnpikes. The southern terminus at the time was US 52 in Portsmouth, on the border with Kentucky. In 1929 the route was extended into Kentucky.

The Ohio River Bridge in Portsmouth opened to traffic in 1927 and was a suspension bridge. This was replaced in 2006 by the current US Grant Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge. In 1988, the Carl Perkins Bridge opened slightly to the west.

Portsmouth – Columbus

Between Portsmouth and Columbus, US 23 has been completely widened to four lanes, partly as a 2×2 divided highway, partly as a five-lane road with a center turn lane. First, the section between Portsmouth and Chillicothe was completely widened to 4 lanes, largely around 1955. By 1959, the entire section from Chillicothe to Columbus had also been widened to four lanes.

Later, at Chillicothe, the road was rerouted over a freeway along the east side of the town. This happened in stages. The first phase opened around 1969 and was part of US 35 and did not serve north-south traffic yet because the connecting sections were not yet ready. Circa 1971, a new stretch of freeway opened from the US 35 bypass north of Chillicothe. A year later, the southern section opened, allowing traffic on US 23 to use the freeway around Chillicothe.

Worthington

US 23 was originally one of the main thoroughfares through Worthington, a northern suburb of Columbus. In 2015, ‘The Trench’ was opened, a one-way tunnel under a series of intersections for traffic heading north. The connection to Interstate 270 has also been adjusted. This allowed traffic from I-270 to the north to flow better and exit traffic jams were avoided.

Columbus – Carey

The section from Columbus to Carey has been widened in its entirety to 2×2 lanes, with occasional grade separations at key intersections. This was part of the upgrade from Columbus to I-75 at Findlay, but US 23 just misses Findlay, but turns off the 4-lane divided highway at Carey.

In the mid-1950s, US 23 between Columbus and Delaware was widened to a 2×2 divided highway. Traffic then continued through downtown, but a short freeway bypass was later constructed on the east side of downtown Delaware. This opened to traffic circa 1968-1969.

Circa 1965, the Upper Sandusky bypass and the 2×2 line continued to Carey. In the second half of the 1960s, the section between Delaware and Upper Sandusky was rapidly widened to 2×2 lanes, including a significant new 19-mile section of US 23 around Marion.

Toledo

In 1963, the freeway in northwest Toledo opened to traffic. This route ran from US 20 to the Michigan border. Along with US 23 in Michigan, this was a regional bypass of Detroit. With the opening of connecting Interstate 475 along the west side of Toledo in 1969, this gained importance. US 23 joins I-475 here.

US 23 in Ohio

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US 411 and 412 in Tennessee https://www.commit4fitness.com/us-411-and-412-in-tennessee.html Fri, 28 Oct 2022 18:14:28 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1473 US 411 in Tennessee
US 411
Get started conasauga
End Newport
Length 126 mi
Length 203 km
Route
Georgia

Ocoee

englewood

Madisonville

Vonore

alcohol

Seymour

Sevierville

Newport

According to Existingcountries, US 411 is a US Highway in the US state of Tennessee. The road forms a north-south route in the east of the state, from the Georgia border to Newport. US 411 is 203 kilometers long in Tennessee.

Travel directions

US 411 at Etowah.

The US 411.

US 411 runs more or less parallel to the border with North Carolina to the northeast, along the length of the Appalachian Mountains. US 411 is somewhat secondary in character, although parts are a divided highway. The route runs parallel to US 11 and Interstate 75 and therefore has little through importance. Aside from the city of Alcoa, the US 411 does not serve any larger towns either.

History

The original US 411 of 1926 ran between Bristol and Cumberland Gap, almost entirely in Virginia, via what is now US 58. Today’s US 411 was created in 1934 and was planned at the time to run all the way to Bristol, but initially ended on the state line between Georgia and Tennessee. In 1940 the route was extended into Tennessee to Maryville. In 1948 it was extended to Greeneville and in 1952 to Bristol on the Virginia border, making US 411 a north-south route through eastern Tennessee. Later, the northern terminus was shortened again, in 1976 to Greeneville and since 1984 to Newport.

Despite the fact that US 411 ran parallel to US 11 and later I-75, quite a few parts of the road have been widened to a 2×2 divided highway or a 5-lane road with a center turn lane. The 100-mile stretch from US 64/74 at Ocoee and Maryville was largely widened to 2×2 or 5 lanes from the late 1990s through about 2011. The oldest part is the bridge over the Tellico Reservoir, which is believed to have been built in 1979 when the dam was built by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Few upgrades have been made to the northern part of the route, because of the dense network of US Highways in this region, US 411 has a little dominant role here. A 5 kilometer 2×2 diversion west of Newport was completed in 2015. This required large-scale earthworks.

US 412 in Tennessee

US 412
Begin Finley
End Columbia
Length 168 mi
Length 270 km
Route
Missouri

SR-181

Lenox

West Dyersburg

North Dyerbsurg

Bells

Jackson

Lexington

Parsons

Linden

Columbia

According to anycountyprivateschools, US 412 is a US Highway in the US state of Tennessee. The road forms an east-west route through the western and central state of the state, from the Missouri border through Jackson to Columbia. US 412 is 270 kilometers long in Tennessee.

Travel directions

US 412 near Trenton.

US 412 forms an east-west route through Tennessee. It is the only US Highway in Tennessee that begins on the Missouri border. The stretch to Dyersburg is a freeway and also numbered as Interstate 155. From Dyersburg to Jackson, US 412 heads southeast as a divided highway with 2×2 lanes, after which it crosses Interstate 40 in Jackson. East of Jackson, about a quarter of the route is still a divided highway, the rest is single-lane until US 43 in Columbia. The road crosses the Tennessee River on this stretch.

History

US 412 is one of the newest US Highways and was only added to the network in 1982 and went straight through Tennessee, with an eastern terminus in Dyersburg. In 1984 the eastern terminus was changed to Jackson and in 1988 to Columbia, creating the current route.

Significant upgrades have been made to US 412. The western portion coincides with Interstate 155. In 1976 the Caruthersville Bridge opened over the Mississippi River and in 1979 the freeway was completed as far as Dyersburg.

The section from Dyersburg to Jackson has been completely upgraded to a 2×2 divided highway, partly with diversions. The eastern bypass of Dyersburg was completed in the mid-1980s. The 2×2 line between Alamo and Jackson was constructed in the early 1990s, followed shortly after by the Alamo diversion and doubling between Dyersburg and Alamo. By 1995, the entire route from Dyersburg to Jackson had 2×2 lanes.

To the east, portions of US 412 have also been widened to 2×2 lanes. By 2002, the doubling between I-40 and Lexington was completed. In the late 1990s, the section between Lexington and Chesterfield was widened, followed in 2012 by the section between Chesterfield and Parsons. Around 2002, a 5 kilometer long section between Hohenwald and Gordonsburg was widened to 2×2 lanes. In about 2014, a section east of Gordonsburg was also widened to 2×2 lanes.

US 412 in Tennessee

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California Culture and Sports https://www.commit4fitness.com/california-culture-and-sports.html Fri, 28 Oct 2022 03:57:26 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1467 Culture and lifestyle

Surfer in Santa Cruz

Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Los Angeles concert hall

According to watchtutorials, California is very similar in socio-cultural terms to the rest of the western United States, a culture that stems from the Wild West of the 19th century. In addition, the large groups of East Asian (especially in the Bay Area) and Hispanic (especially in the South) migrants have had a strong influence: the state is often referred to as a “melting pot” of different cultures. San Francisco has, among other things, one of the largest Chinatowns outside Asia and Los Angeles has, in addition to a Chinese district, also a Japanese and a Korean district. California – born Salinas writer (and Nobel laureate) John Steinbeck(1902–1968) in his oeuvre frequently describes the history and culture of the multicultural migrant society of California.

With Hollywood, California owns the largest part of the American film industry and an important part of other American media. Hollywood is home to many of America’s stars, giving the entire state a glamorous image. Surfing was introduced to California from Hawaii at the beginning of the 20th century and then became a stereotype of the California lifestyle. In the years just after World War II, skateboarding emerged in Los Angeles as a surfer’s pastime when waves were unavailable. In the 1960s, California was sung by groups like the Beach Boys, which gave the state to the general public an image of sunny beaches, an unhurried lifestyle, girls in bikinis and surfer dudes. This image was further spread by the Hollywood media, for example thanks to series such as Baywatch.

Research has shown that the population actually suffers less from burnouts and neuroticisms. In addition, the healthier climate and food means fewer people are obese than in the rest of the United States, although the American car and snack culture is also ubiquitous in California. That’s not to say that life is as easy as the stereotypes make it out to be. Eight of the ten most expensive cities in the US are located in California, and most Californians cannot afford to buy a home .

Both San Francisco and Los Angeles have many highly regarded museums and theaters and a lively nightlife scene. Notable Californian or Californian resident writers include Ken Kesey, Michael Chabon, Ray Bradbury, Alice Walker, and Isabel Allende. The wide variety of cultures ensures a very varied cuisine. San Francisco has a large number of Asian restaurants and Mexican cuisine is particularly evident in the southern part of the state. However, California also has its own cuisine.

Guitar music was introduced to California by the Mexicans long before the Beach Boys, with well-known 19th-century guitar virtuosos such as Manuel Ygnacio Ferrer (1828/1832–1904) and Luis Toribio Romero (1854–1893). When the state was overrun with Marines on leave from the war with Japan in the 1940s, San Francisco developed a vibrant jazz scene, especially bebop. The 1950s saw the rise of the so-called cool jazz of Dave Brubeck and Chet Baker. The state has also been a big part of American pop music. This is how worldwide famous pop and rock bands such as No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers or Linkin Park from California. An alternative pop music style that originated in California is skate punk, of which The Offspring and Green Day are the best known examples. Many well-known stoner rock bands have formed in California, such as Kyuss, Fu Manchu, and Queens of the Stone Age. Hip- hop is also represented in the form of the so-called west coast hip hop, which was especially dominant in the 1990s. Notable performers include Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. A variant originally from California is gangsta rap, a style that focuses on a violent lifestyle and big personal images and libidos.

University of California – Los Angeles cheerleaders during an American football game

Sports

The Olympic Games have been held in California three times: the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley. During the 1994 FIFA World Cup, games were played at Stanford Stadium south of San Francisco and the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. The state annually hosts the California State Games, an Olympic Games-based tournament for amateur athletes.

California has more professional clubs in major leagues than any other state and those clubs have large numbers of supporters. Especially for matches between clubs from the same region (derbies), a large part of the population is behind the TV. The most popular sports, as in the rest of the US, are baseball, basketball and American football. California baseball teams in Major League Baseball include the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Oakland Athletics, the San Diego Padres, and the San Francisco Giants. The NBA basketball teams are the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and the women’s (in the WNBA) Los Angeles Sparks. American football is represented by the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.

Ice hockey is also popular: the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings play in the National Hockey League. Football (American: “soccer”) is played by Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the San Jose Earthquakes.

Sports teams from Californian universities are also among the national top. These also have a large following among the population of the place where they are located.

California Culture

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US 231 and 27 in Tennessee https://www.commit4fitness.com/us-231-and-27-in-tennessee.html Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:28:25 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1471 US 231 in Tennessee
US 231
Get started State Line
End Westmoreland
Length 120 mi
Length 193 km
Route
Alabama

Fayetteville

Shelbyville alto

Murfreesboro

Lebanon

Westmoreland

Kentucky

According to watchtutorials, US 231 is a US Highway in the US state of Tennessee. The road forms a north-south route through the center of the state, from the Alabama border through Murfreesboro to the Kentucky border. US 231 is 193 kilometers long in Tennessee.

Travel directions

US 231 near Fayetteville.

US 231 bisects the state from south to north and intersects two Interstate Highways, I-24 and I-40. The largest city on the route is Murfreesboro, and the route is roughly two-thirds divided between the Alabama border and Murfreesboro. North of Murfreesboro is US 231 single lane. The route avoids the Nashville metropolitan area and runs east of it. US 231 also crosses the Cumberland River.

History

US 231 was one of the original US Highways of 1926, but at the time it only ran in Florida and Alabama. In 1952 the northern terminus was extended far north from Montgomery, Alabama to St. John, Indiana. This established the current route through Tennessee.

Parts of the route were later upgraded to a 2×2 divided highway or 5-lane road with a center turn lane. The southern section between the Alabama and Fayetteville border was widened to a 5-lane road with a center turn lane in or before the 1980s. Around 2000, US 231 between Shelbyville and Murfreesboro was widened to 2×2/5 lanes.

US 27 in Tennessee

US 27
Get started Chattanooga
End Winfield
Length 144 mi
Length 232 km
Route
GeorgiaChattanooga

Main Street

Downtown Chattanooga

4th Street

Manufacturers Road

Dayton Boulevard

Morrison Springs Boulevard

Mountain Creek Road

Dayton Pike

Middle Valley

Soddy Daisy

Sequoyah Access Road

Tsati Terrace

Dayton

rockwood

Harriman

oneida

Kentucky

According to Citypopulationreview, US 27 is a US Highway in the US state of Tennessee. The road forms a north-south route in the center of the state and runs from the city of Chattanooga on the Georgia border to Winfield on the Kentucky border. US 27 is a freeway in Chattanooga . The total route is 232 kilometers long.

Travel directions

US 27 at Graysville, 25 miles north of Chattanooga.

US 27 crosses the Georgia – Tennessee border in the town of Chattanooga and then continues on to Interstate 24, the highway from Nashville. The US 27 and I-24 are then double-numbered for 3 kilometers after which the US 27 turns north and forms a highway itself. This highway section is 37 kilometers long. The highway runs in 2×3 lanes along the west side of downtown, then crosses the Tennessee River. The highway then serves the Chattanooga suburban area north of the city. At Soddy Daisy the SR-111 exits, this is the highway to Cookeville. US 27 then ends as a highway and continues as a 2×2 divided highwayfurther, parallel to the Tennessee River. One passes through Dayton, a small town, and then reaches Rockwood, where one crosses Interstate 40. The road then travels north through less populated areas to Winfield on the Kentucky border.

History

US 27 was one of the original US Highways of 1926. However, US 27 did not run through Tennessee at the time, which followed two years later when the southern terminus was extended to Chattanooga. A further southward extension followed in 1934, completing the entire Tennessee route.

The route of US 27 was proposed in the 1960s as Interstate 175, which was to run from Chattanooga to Lexington, Kentucky, as Corridor J of the Appalachian Development Highway System (AHDS). Much of the route in Tennessee was later redesigned with 2×2 lanes, but not as a highway. The route would be impractical mainly north of I-40 due to the mountainous terrain. The plans never got much further than a $3 billion cost estimate.

US 27 originally had limited 2×2 or 5 lane routes outside the Chattanooga area. In the mid-2000s, a fairly long stretch from Dayton to Rockwood was widened from a single-lane road to a 2×2 divided highway or a 5-lane road with a center turn lane. In the 2018-2019 period, a 10-kilometer stretch in the Appalachian Mountains north of Harriman was widened to 2×2 lanes.

Chattanooga

US 27 in Chattanooga.

In 1959 the PR Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River in Chattanooga was opened. The freeway was built through Chattanooga in 1960-1963, along with the connecting I-24. Between 1975 and 1977, an eight-mile stretch of freeway was constructed north of Chattanooga, between SR-153 and SR-319, in the Soddy Daisy area. The missing section between US 127 in Chattanooga and SR-153 south of Soddy Daisy was originally supposed to have been built in 1980, but construction on this 14-kilometer stretch was delayed until 1987-1989. In the early 1990s, the highway section was extended another 2 kilometers to the north with the construction of State Route 111.

In 2002, the PR Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River was widened to 2×3 lanes. Between 2012 and early 2015, a short 3-kilometer stretch between the bridge and Signal Mountain Road was widened to 2×3 lanes. The project was completed on March 6, 2015. Between 2016 and 2021, the southern section of the highway was widened, a 3 km stretch between the interchange with I-24 and the Olgiati Bridge. The project was largely completed by February 2021.

Traffic intensities

Near the center of Chattanooga, 70,000 vehicles a day drive, decreasing slowly north to 36,000 at the north end of the freeway section.

Interstate 124

A short stretch through Chattanooga is an unsigned Interstate Highway, namely Interstate 124.

US 27 in Tennessee

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US 50 in Utah https://www.commit4fitness.com/us-50-in-utah.html Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:11:53 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1469  

US 50
Get started Garrison
End Cisco
Length 335 mi
Length 539 km
Route
Nevada

Delta

Holden

salina

Salina – Colorado state line:

Colorado

According to act-test-centers.com, US 50 is a US Highway in the US state of Utah. The road forms an east-west route through the center of the state, from the Nevada border at Garrison to the Colorado border at Cisco. Most of the route is double -numbered with other roads, most notably US 6 and Interstate 70. Only a small portion is numbered as US 50 only. The route is 539 kilometers long.

Travel directions

The US 50 between Scipio and Salina.

Just north of the hamlet of Garrison, US 50 in Nevada crosses the Utah border from Ely, also the boundary between the Pacific Time Zone and the Mountain Time Zone. On the border there is only a small gas station, after which a part of 130 kilometers without any village, and without any intersection with other roads follows through the deserted desert. The US 50 is double numbered here with the US 6. The landscape consists of a sand and rock desert with some mountain ranges. The road is lonely and has one lane in each direction. The road sometimes runs straight for tens of kilometers, and the first village is reached after more than 130 kilometers, namely Hinkley. This area consists of irrigated agricultural areas around the river Sevier. The village of Delta is the main town on the route in western Utah, and US 50 then exits toward Salina for a more direct route to I-70. Both roads come together again in eastern Utah. US 6 runs toward Spanish Fork in the northeast.

US 50 then heads southeast, and the road continues past Fishlake National Forest, but remains in desert territory. At Holden, the road merges with Interstate 15, the highway from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. This double numbering only lasts about 14 kilometers, after which the US 50 turns off again at Scipio and heads south. The road runs through a wide valley to Salina for 50 kilometers where there is an intersection with US 89, the road from Provo to Richfield in the south. Shortly thereafter, the road merges into Interstate 70. US 50 is double-numbered for the rest of the route through Utah with I-70 for 300 kilometers.

History

Route numbering

According to Liuxers, the US 50 was introduced in 1926. However, there was disagreement with Nevada over the route of this, Nevada wanted a southerly route via Ely, which followed the Lincoln Highway, while Utah wanted a more northerly route via the Victory Highway. In the end, Utah initially got his wish, US 50 to the west of Salt Lake City initially coincided with US 40. The route took a detour, first west from Salt Lake City to Wendover, then a long stretch south into Nevada to Ely, before heading west again. This dual numbering was discontinued in 1954 after a new paved road was built between Delta and the Nevada border and US 50 was routed over that route.

At the time, US 50 ran from Ely via Delta, Santaquin, Spanish Fork, Price and Green River to the Colorado border. This route coincided entirely with today’s US 6. In 1976, however, US 50 was extensively rerouted to a more southerly route via the newly constructed I-70 via Salina. This gave US 50 a zigzag route, from Delta via Holden, Scipio and Salina and from there via I-70 to Green River.

US 50 as an alternative between Denver and Salt Lake City

The route of US 50 between I-15 and I-70 is an alternate connection for traffic between Denver and Salt Lake City. Initially, this traffic will go through Wyoming, over I-25 and I-80 because this route goes through less mountainous terrain than I-70 in Colorado. A second alternative follows US 6 in Utah from Green River to Spanish Fork. The US 50 is the third alternative, via Salina. This route is longer than the alternative via US 6, but is largely via highways. In practice, however, this does not outweigh the considerably shorter route via the US 6.

Asphalting the US 50

When US 50 was introduced in 1926, no part of the current route was paved. Most of it was not even improved, but a dirt road that was difficult to drive on. In the 1930s the asphalting of the eastern part was given a high priority, in the period 1930-1937 the entire stretch from Green River to the border with Colorado was asphalted. This completely coincided with US 6.

Shortly after World War II, the first western section was paved, between Delta and Holden. This was the link between US 6 in Delta and the important US 91 in Holden. The part west of Delta was not tackled until the early 1950s, with the route partly being constructed as a completely new connection. The original dirt road ran via the 1950 meter high Margum Pass (now Marjum Pass), around 1952 an approximately 80 kilometer long asphalt road was built further south. This was the third paved road between Utah and Nevada at the time.

In the early 1950s, the part between Scipio and Salina was also asphalted. This made it possible to drive the entire route, but with the exception of the section between Salina and Green River, which was only accessible when Interstate 70 was constructed. Before I-70 was built, there were no paved roads in the entire region, this was virgin territory. I-70 opened in 1970 between Fremont Junction and Green River, and the section between Salina and Fremont Junction was completed in 1975-1976, replacing the old unpaved State Highway 10. This made it possible to drive the entire present-day route of the US 50.

Upgrades to the US 50

Other than double-numbering with I-70 east of Salina, no significant upgrades have been made to US 50 between the Nevada and Salina border since its original construction and tarmac.

Traffic intensities

About 1,500 vehicles drive daily between Delta and I-15 and 2,500 vehicles between I-15 and Salina. For the rest of the route, see Interstate 70 in Utah and US 6 in Utah.

US 50 in Utah

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U.S. Industry and Trade https://www.commit4fitness.com/u-s-industry-and-trade.html Fri, 26 Aug 2022 11:04:35 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1442 Industry

The US is rich in mineral resources and ranks first in the world in the production of oil, natural gasoline, molybdenum ore (Colorado, Idaho), mica (North Carolina, South Dakota), kaolin, phosphates (Florida, North Carolina), and salt. The USA is in second place in the production of coal, natural gas and sulfur.

The US is also a major producer of copper ores (Arizona, Montana, New Mexico), lead (Missouri), zinc (Tennessee, New York), and silver (Nevada, Idaho, Utah). Large and easily accessible deposits of iron ore are found in the Great Lakes region, especially near Lake Superior. Formerly famous gold mining (Nevada, California, South Dakota, Utah) is already limited, uranium production (New Mexico, Wyoming) is still important.

According to equzhou, the US holds nearly 1/3 of the world’s reserves of high-quality hard coal and anthracite, and about 1/8 of its lignite reserves. Coal deposits are mainly concentrated around the Appalachians, in West Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, but there are also significant deposits in Illinois and Ohio. The extraction of oil and natural gas is limited for strategic reasons and a large volume of valuable fuels is imported. Traditional deposits are located in Texas and Louisiana, large reserves are in northern Alaska. Mining has shifted from exhausted fields in California to the coastal shelf, while Oklahoma and Wyoming still have important production.

Even these large sources of fuel are not enough to satisfy the demand for electricity production, which is logically by far the largest in the world. 3/4 of electricity is produced by thermal power plants, the potential of water flows has already been practically exhausted, and after a serious accident in 1979 at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, the opinion on the use of atomic energy changed and the construction of new central offices soon practically stopped. Ten years after that event, California voters were the first to force the government to shut down the first nuclear power plant. Even so, the US has about half of all nuclear power plants in the world on its territory. Despite the support, the use of solar, wind, tidal and geothermal energy is still negligible.

The US is the world’s largest industrial power with a 25% share of world production. The most important branch is still engineering. Its backbone remains the production of means of transport, passenger cars (2nd place in the world) and buses, but also agricultural and construction equipment, currently provided by only a few large producers. The renowned production of aircraft, space and military technology was affected by the slowdown of the space program, the end of the Cold War and internal economic restrictions (a temporary recovery occurred only during the Persian Gulf crisis).

The traditional metallurgy of iron (Pennsylvania, Ohio) and non-ferrous metals, as well as heavy engineering and the production of building materials, lost their importance, and the electronics industry took second place. Thanks to the so-called microchip revolution, electronics and telecommunications technology have become the fastest growing industry and California’s Silicon Valley the world’s largest high-tech center. Other significant concentrations of “high-tech” are found in Florida, Massachusetts, Southern California, the Seattle area, and elsewhere. Also the petrochemical industry (the largest refineries are along the Gulf of Mexico) and pharmaceutical production, the production of tires (Akron in Ohio), paper, cigarettes, etc. are characterized by a large concentration in a few large enterprises, or companies. An important woodworking industry is concentrated in the states of Washington and Oregon,

Trade

The USA accounts for less than 15% of the world’s foreign trade turnover, while imports have long been outstripping increasingly less competitive exports. Currently, there is an increased focus on the Pacific region, especially Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, and in the future, China as well. The most important partner became Japan, which also surpassed Canada as an importer of American goods. To strengthen traditional ties, a free trade agreement (NAFTA) was signed with Canada in 1989 and with Mexico in 1992. However, its critics argue that the number of jobs in the US will decrease if part of the production is moved to Mexico due to cheap labor.

More than half of US exports are engineering products, especially transportation equipment, metal products, and electronics. Imports of fuels and raw materials exceed their exports by about five times.

Trade and finance are an important pillar of the US economy, and their importance continues to grow. As the largest source of capital, foreign investment and aid, the USA can exert its influence almost all over the world. Canada in particular, as well as all of Latin America, is heavily dependent on US investment.

Tourism is a significant source of income for the US, but the domestic one is more important. The number of foreign visitors is lower than in the case of France, and the income from foreign tourism is lower than the spending of American travelers. The importance of services is growing more and more. Cities like Washington, DC, Denver, Colorado or Miami, Florida get almost all of their revenue from them. Suburban department stores and shopping malls have changed consumer habits and are fueling migration from urban centers to the outskirts of cities.

U.S. Industry

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Top Sights in Tenerife https://www.commit4fitness.com/top-sights-in-tenerife.html Thu, 18 Aug 2022 17:50:17 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1429 Volcanoes, beautiful beaches, sleepy villages and amusement parks – Tenerife has some great sights to offer. Here are our top 5 things to do in Tenerife:

#1 Teide : The Teide is the highest mountain in all of Spain with 3715 meters of altitude. It is the symbol of Tenerife! Around the Teide there is a national park with a rough volcanic landscape and great hikes.

#2 Anaga Nature Park : Probably the greenest spot on Tenerife. Here there is one of the last laurel forests, hidden bays and mountains. Ideal for hiking, mountain biking or surfing.

#3 Playa de las Teresitas : One of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife. Golden sand in front of black cliffs and turquoise water. All around you will find many bars and chiringuitos.

#4 Drago Millenario : At 20 meters high and 6 meters in circumference, the largest dragon tree in Tenerife. He is said to be 1000 years old.

#5 Lago Martianez : Bathing area with seven saltwater pools surrounded by lava rock and palm trees. A unique combination of pool and sea.

The Teide is the top sight on Tenerife

How long should you stay in Tenerife?

In any case, Tenerife offers enough sights for a two-week holiday. Since you don’t fly long, a trip is worthwhile even for a shorter stay.

If you would like to visit other Canary Islands, we would definitely recommend a period of at least two weeks, as you also have to plan time for transit.

Tours and Excursions in Tenerife

We can only heartily recommend a tour, as very special memories are made here and your local guide simply has the coolest information about Tenerife. Here are our top tours for Tenerife.

Island tour : This tour is perfect if you are in Tenerife for the first time and want to get to know the island. You visit different places like e.g. B. Los Gigantes cliffs, El Medano beach and small villages.

Snorkeling with turtles : You can’t get any closer to the underwater world. You swim right next to sea turtles, see colorful fish and mystical reefs. And you don’t even need a diving license!

Tour to the national parks Teide and Teno : The rough rocky landscapes are the symbol of Tenerife. Discover the most beautiful vantage points and explore the national parks up close on a walk.

Hiking in the Anaga Biosphere Reserve : The Anaga mountains are probably the greenest part of Tenerife and a paradise for hiking. A tour of the biosphere reserve is almost a must.

Whale Watching Boat Tour : Who hasn’t dreamed of seeing a whale or dolphin up close? You can with this tour. Best of all, part of your ticket will be donated directly to Sea Shepherd.

Our hotel tips for Tenerife

Tenerife has a wide range of hotels of all types, from huge all-inclusive luxury hotels to charming guesthouses. Here are our Tenerife hotel tips for every budget.

hotel price category For booking
Las Pardelas Good & cheap This way
Hotel Alhambra Good & cheap This way
Suites de Franchy Better This way
Hotel Rural Ohana Better This way
Coral Suites luxury This way
Royal River & Spa luxury This way

Haven’t found the right hotel yet? Then take a look at our article on the most beautiful hotels on Tenerife.

Best travel time

According to cancermatters, Tenerife has a very pleasantly warm climate all year round and you can count the rainy days on one hand.

In winter, however, it can get a bit chilly in the evenings on Tenerife, especially when the wind is stronger. So if you want to go on a typical beach holiday, we can particularly recommend the summer months between May and September.

If bathing is not your priority and you would like to go on sightseeing tours and excursions, then Tenerife is worthwhile all year round.

Are you coming to Tenerife to surf? Then the winter might be interesting for you, when strong swells make for big, clean waves. However, if you are just starting to surf, this is not so relevant yet. On the contrary: the smaller summer waves are even better for practicing.

It’s always warm on Tenerife, so a beach holiday is always possible

Travel budget

Tenerife is comparable to the Spanish mainland in terms of price level . You can get some products here at particularly low prices, such as coffee or wine. A café con leche is usually available for 1.50 euros and a 0.33 liter beer for a good 1 euro.

As already mentioned, rental cars are particularly cheap. In addition, a reduced tax is levied on fuel in the Canary Islands, so that the price for 1 liter of petrol is usually only 1.05 to 1.15 euros.

As far as accommodation is concerned, you can budget around 40 to 60 euros per night for an AirBnB, around 70 to 90 euros for a hotel and over 90 euros for the large resorts.

The Teide

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The Hollywood Walk of Fame for Tourists https://www.commit4fitness.com/the-hollywood-walk-of-fame-for-tourists.html Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:19:06 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1425 The stars on Hollywood Boulevard attract millions of people from around the world year after year. Some travel to Hollywood because it’s a must on a California vacation. Others would like to pose for a photo or several with their idol’s badge.

And especially on the birthdays or deaths of well-known stars, numerous fans make a pilgrimage to the star of their idol to place flowers, cards and similar things in honor of the celebrity concerned.

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Some numbers, data and facts before your visit

  • • Muhammad Ali’s star is the only one who, at the request of the boxing legend, was not let into the sidewalk. It’s not on the floor, but on the wall of the Dolby Theater (Kodak Theater).
  • Gene Autry is the only person to have received a Hollywood star in every category to date.
  • Four stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame have been stolen so far and had to be replaced by copies. These are the stars of Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck and James Stewart and one of the five stars of Gene Autry.
  • Time and again there are typographical errors in the production of the Hollywood stars. The last such breakdown occurred in 2010.
  • In front of the Chinese Theater you will mainly find honors from the world of show business. Including many legendary celebrities, the so-called “Hollywood Royalty”.
  • Oscar winners are more likely to be found in front of the Dolby Theater.
  • Sixteen stars are named by their stage name only. These include, for example, the singer Shakira and the legendary escapologist and magician Houdini.
  • Each two stars have the same name, but honor different personalities. This affects Harrison Ford and Michael Jackson and ultimately led to fans making pilgrimages to the wrong star after the death of the King of Pop in 2009 and placing flowers and candles there.
  • The largest group represented by a single plaque are the Munchkins from the movie “The Wizard of Oz”.
  • Ten inventors were honored with Hollywood stars for their achievements in the film industry: Thomas Edison, Lee de Forest, Merian C. Cooper, Herbert Kalmus, Auguste and Louis Lumière, Mark Serrurier, Hedy Lamarr and Ray Dolby.
  • Two later US presidents received a Hollywood star as an award: Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump.
  • Occasionally, the location of the awards is chosen with a twinkle in the eye. Mike Myers plaque is in front of an adult shop, Roger Moore’s star was placed on 7007 Hollywood Boulevard based on his performance as James Bond and Ed O’Neill’s Hollywood star was known from “A Terribly Nice Family” based on his role in of the series in front of a shoe store.

The best time to visit the Los Angeles attraction

Hollywood is located in the north of Los Angeles, with Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue in the west and Gower Street in the east being the tourist center. Since not only the Walk of Fame is located here, but also other well-known sights, there are many people here all year round and also numerous people who would like to sell tours to the houses of the stars and more. At least in terms of temperatures, spring is considered the best time to travel. Ceremonies usually take place every couple of weeks and typically last around 45 minutes.

Attend a star unveiling on the Walk of Fame

In principle, anyone can participate in the unveiling of a badge free of charge. And since around 20 to 24 stars are awarded each year, the chances are good that a ceremony will also take place on Hollywood Boulevard during your vacation in California. However, the dates are usually only announced one week before the ceremony. The ceremonies start at 11:30 a.m. and end at 12:15 p.m.

There is a public viewing area at all ceremonies on the Walk of Fame. Access to the spectator area is free. However, neither chairs nor step ladders are allowed there. You should therefore wear comfortable shoes, bring enough drinks and protect yourself from the sun.

If you want it to be more comfortable, you can also watch the unveiling via livestream www.walkoffame.com attend. The live view of the stars, who often attend the award with their husbands, wives or even their entire family and are often accompanied by other celebrities during their appearance, will, however, escape you.

For an overview of the upcoming revelations, visit http://www.walkoffame.com/pages/upcoming-ceremonies. You can also use the star search on the website to search for your favorite star and find out the location of their badge.

In the immediate vicinity: the hand and shoe prints at the TCL Chinese Theater

The TCL Chinese Theater (former name: Grauman’s Chinese Theater) in the west of Hollywood Boulevard is at least as worth seeing as the Walk of Fame. Because in the inner courtyard of the building there are the hand and footprints of around 200 stars embedded in concrete, an even more personal memory than the stars. According to legend, the actress Norma Talmadge is said to have gotten stuck here with her shoes in the still damp cement and thus initiated this tradition. Officially the first were Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, whose imprints were taken during a formal ceremony. Grauman’s Chinese Theater opened on May 18, 1927

Many more followed, leaving hand and footprints and some other prints or personal messages. The hoof prints of the horses of the western heroes Gene Autry, Tom Mix and Roy Rogers are immortalized at the former Grauman’s Chinese Theater. The traces of the cast of the globally successful formats “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” are more current.

The tradition of leaving your handprints and footprints there goes back to the 20s of the previous century and even today it is a great honor to be immortalized here. Visiting the inner courtyard with the foot and hand prints is free. However, there is usually a large crowd here too. Also worth seeing is the imposing entrance gate of the TCL Chinese Theater made of 27 meter high red columns.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame for Tourists

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida https://www.commit4fitness.com/disneys-animal-kingdom-florida.html Fri, 05 Aug 2022 12:09:41 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1423 Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a special class zoo on a site that is larger than the other three parks combined. The Animal Kingdom only opened its doors in 1998 and could hardly save itself from the rush from the start.

The name Disney is primarily equated with animations, fairy tales and colorful, artificial fantasy worlds. Visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort experience that this is only one side of the coin. This huge amusement and amusement park near Orlando in Florida inspires again and again with the theme park in which everything is about animals and the preservation of their natural habitat.

Anyone who talks about Disney must also talk about animals. And that doesn’t just mean the well-known cartoon characters, but also the impressive documentaries that show the life of different animal species in the wild. Whoever wants to marvel at exotic animals away from the TV screen and learn more about them has the opportunity to do so in the world’s largest Disney theme park “Animal Kingdom”.

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Animal Kingdom is next to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios the fourth theme park of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and, with 10.4 million visitors in 2014, was the fourth most visited amusement park in the USA (seventh worldwide). The symbol of the park, which opened on April 22, 1998, is the tree of life, which is 44 meters high and 15 meters wide in the center of the site.

The “Animal Kingdom” is the youngest of the four large theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. It is divided into seven areas, each of which is on its own island. Of course, you will also meet the typical Disney characters here, visit fun rides and take a break in restaurants in between. Nevertheless, the Animal Kingdom has a very special character that clearly distinguishes it from all other theme parks. The reason for this is that in large parts you feel more like a zoo than an amusement park.

Here the animals are clearly in the foreground on 202 ha. The park is currently divided into six themed areas, with each area dedicated to a specific topic. A 7th area is to follow in 2017. Nonetheless, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is not only an animal, but also an amusement park that offers various rides and other attractions in addition to living creatures.

Oasis: First Steps in the Kingdom

If you enter the park you end up in the Oasis area, where the first animals are waiting for the interested visitor. Screeching, colorful parrots, cozy turtles and chattering ducks, but also grotesque anteaters and deer boars can be admired here as well as the small wallabies along the footpaths that lead to the main region of the park “Discovery Island”.

Discovery Island: At the center of the animal kingdom

Discovery Island is the focal point of Disney Park. The tree of life is located here. A 3D cinema has been integrated into this, which with “It’s Tough to be a Bug” takes visitors into the world of the Disney film “The big crawling”. Footpaths run from Discovery Island to all regions of the park and of course there are animals to be discovered here too. There are, for example, many species of birds, such as Old World vultures, cranes and flamingos, but also living fossils such as the Galapagos tortoise, lively otters and impressive axis deer.

Africa: Safari through the savannah and expedition through the rainforest

If you continue on the footpath to the Africa themed area, you will reach the meeting point for the Kilimanjaro safari expedition via a winding path and a luxurious garden gate. Here the tour begins in the huge Harambe Wildlife Reserve, a sanctuary that is said to be dedicated to the conservation of African animals. This was implemented in the form of an artificial savannah with hills and rocks that can be driven on with an open safari vehicle. This gives you the impression that you are really on safari in Africa. Rhinos, elephants or zebras can appear, lions, cheetahs and hyenas, but also crocodiles, ostriches or warthogs, to name just a few examples. You can take photos during the safaris, so it is worth taking your camera with you.

Another content of the Africa topic is the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, which leads along a forest path through a small African village, past exotic birds, rodents and reptiles to the gorillas. The hippos can also be observed underwater here.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Games, shows and animals up close

The Rafiki’s Planet Watch themed area can only be reached with the Wildlife Express Train. Here you drive past various buildings in the park and you can also take a look behind the scenes of the amusement park and, for example, watch the medical staff of the park at work. Interactive shows and games, the “Affection Section” petting zoo and the “Habit Habit!” Offer, which allows primates to be observed up close, round off the attractions in Rafiki’s Planet Watch as well as an adventure trail.

Asia: A tour through the rainforests of Asia

In addition to Africa, Asia also has its own subject area in the Animal Kingdom. Passing ancient ruins, the adventurous animal lover can explore the mysterious royal forests of Anandapur. They are said to have once been the hunting ground of wealthy maharajas. But today paradise is a reserve that can be explored, according to the story that was spun around this topic. Along the path past waterfalls, exotic animals such as Asian tigers, Komodo dragons, water buffalo and over 50 species of birds await interested visitors in an area modeled on their natural habitat.

And if that’s not enough, the high-speed roller coaster “Expedition Everest”, which was built into an artificial mountain range, and the river rafting attraction “Kali River Rapids” have the opportunity for a little extra thrill.

DinoLand USA: What would an animal park be without dinosaurs?

In addition to living animals, the Animal Kingdom also has a whole themed area dedicated to dinosaurs. Whether it’s the “Boneyard”, where you can dig for dinosaur bones, or the Cretaceous Trail, everything here revolves around the extinct lizards. In addition, the rides “Primeval Whirl”, “TriceraTop Spin” and various fun attractions such as horse races or can throwing await you in Dinoland.

Shows and specials

In addition to animals and rides, the amusement park has various performances and specials ready for its visitors. Shows such as the bird show “Flights of Wonder”, the musical “Finding Nemo” or the stage show “Festival of the Lion King” ensure entertaining pastimes.

In addition, as in other theme parks, visitors have the opportunity to meet life-size figures of their Disney stars and pose for a photo with them. You can find out which show is on at the Park website or directly on site.

Animal Kingdom at night

The animal kingdom never sleeps. After dark, the 20-minute show “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” invites the guests of the amusement park, the performers on a journey with music, singing and impressive light effects into the world of the human boy Mowgli and his animal friends and enemies consequences. The “Tree of Life” is also fascinating in the dark with its fascinating play of light.

Restaurants and accommodation

The Rainforest Cafe is located directly in the entrance area of ​​the park. There is also the “Yak & Yeti” restaurant in the Asia theme and the “Tusker House Restaurant” in the Africa theme. For those who visit the Animal Kingdom for several days, stand various accommodation options ready.

Address and opening times

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
  • 2901 Osceola Pkwy
  • Orlando, FL 32830
  • United States
  • Open: daily from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Disney's Animal Kingdom, Florida

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National Cuisine of Indonesia https://www.commit4fitness.com/national-cuisine-of-indonesia.html Thu, 28 Jul 2022 17:22:50 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1421 Cooking among the Indonesians has given rise to many beliefs. For example, a young girl is not recommended to sing while cooking – otherwise she will get an old man as her husband. It is also believed that a strong burning sensation in the mouth after spicy food can be got rid of by repeatedly turning the plate, and to avoid tears when peeling onions, it is enough to pierce one of the onions with a knife.

According to calculatorinc, the inhabitants of Indonesia consider rice to be the food of the gods and tell various legends about its appearance on earth – for example, according to one of them, a young man who went to heaven brought grains of rice from there in cracked heels. Among the Bataks in Sumatra, they hold the soul of a sick baby with boiled rice – the rice is so tasty that, having tasted it, the soul will no longer want to leave the child, and he will certainly survive.

Until now, not a single festive or solemn ceremony can do without rice. With wishes of well-being, they are showered with guests of honor or newlyweds. Giving an oath of allegiance, the bride and groom treat each other with glutinous (with saffron) rice. The national emblem of Indonesia is decorated with rice panicles, the image of rice is also present on the emblems of various parties and organizations.

Rice (nasi) is steamed, without salt or oil, and served separately. Nasi is the basis for other dishes, of which the most famous is fried rice seasoned with vegetables, small pieces of meat, fish, shrimp.

Noodles – originally a Chinese dish – has firmly established itself in Indonesia. Sauces and seasonings give it a peculiar taste. Here, just like in China, they believe that noodles are a symbol of a long and happy life.

The islands of the Indonesian archipelago are called the spice islands. Black and white pepper, tamarind, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, hot red or green peppers, peanuts, ginger, soy, garlic are essential components of hot spices.

Among meat dishes, Indonesian kebabs (sate) made from lamb, beef or chicken are the most popular. Indonesian men adore bovine testis sate because they are sure that they support male potency. Sate can be tasted not only in the restaurant, but also right on the street. They are prepared in braziers specially equipped on a bicycle or motorcycle. In the evenings, on the streets of Indonesian cities, the invocative cry of “sate!” is heard, and you just need to shout back, as numerous sellers of this delicious dish rush to you.

Other popular dishes are fried chicken, fish baked in a banana leaf, frog legs fried in dough. Very often in the evenings near the city ditches you can see boys with flashlights in their hands – they catch frogs. But the most delicious frogs, of course, are grown specifically for the kitchen. They are sold alive, tied in several pieces, at local bazaars.

A special place is occupied by swallow nests cooked in chicken broth. This is not only a delicacy, but also a medicine – for blood purification, asthma treatment, muscle tissue regeneration. Every year, hundreds of gatherers flock to the caves of Kalimantan, where swallows make nests from their saliva. Risking their lives, they climb long, rickety bamboo ladders with flashlights in their mouths. Some fall from dizzying heights and are crushed to death. But the temptation is too great – swallow nests are fabulously expensive, their collection gives a decent income.
But on the island of Bali, a favorite dish is lavar. These are finely chopped vegetables seasoned with fresh chicken or pig blood. Turtle meat and blood lavar is considered a delicacy and at the same time a life-prolonging dish. Often crushed turtle shell is mixed with meat. Lemon juice is added to keep the blood fresh. Lavar is the food of the gods, who, as the Balinese believe, descend to earth during numerous holidays and are invisibly present among people, sitting on the so-called lotus thrones specially reserved for them in temples. Therefore, lavar is one of the main sacrifices to the gods from the pantheon of Balinese Hinduism.

Traditionally food is served on a banana leaf. They eat with their right hand without cutlery. True, now they often use a spoon and fork, but never a knife! Before and after eating, the right hand is washed in a special vessel of water with a piece of lemon. Since the left hand is considered unclean, young children have an elastic band or thread tied around the wrist of their left hand so as not to be confused with the right.

Spicy food is usually washed down with cold water with ice. Soft drinks are also consumed: coconut milk with rice and palm sugar “bajitur”, crushed ice with sugar syrup and beans, a drink from sugar cane juice “air tebu”, ginger tea. Coconut milk is served directly in the coconut with the top cut off. They drink through a straw, and with a long spoon they scrape out the delicious white pulp from the inside.

Most Indonesians are Muslims and therefore do not drink alcohol. Indonesia produces very good “Isabella” and rice wine “Brem”, similar to port wine. The best local wine is Hatten, which is produced in Bali. For lovers of the classics – a large assortment of Australian, Californian and any European wines. The local palm vodka is called “arak”, served alone or with honey (as a liquor) and is well absorbed by the body.

For the sake of exoticism, you should definitely try “tuak” – beer from the juice of palm flowers.

The choice of delicacies is rich: fried banana “pisang goreng”, biscuits made from rice flour, fruit and sugar “dolol”, banana bread. A special place is occupied by a traditional Javanese cake made of white and yellow rice in the form of a truncated cone, symbolizing the well-being of the family. It is served on special occasions – birthdays, weddings, anniversaries. Guests are sure to eat at least a piece of the pie, take some of it with them in a banana leaf.

However, the best dessert, of course, is the numerous fresh fruits, ranging from bananas to exotic durian with an unbearable smell, but an unusually delicate taste, reminiscent of a mixture of grated nuts and strawberries. Indonesians are very fond of durian and eat it right on the street. Due to its high calorie content, high protein content, and extraordinary tonic power, it is called the king of fruits. It is believed that durian makes the body hot, and it is customary to seize it with a cooling mangosteen, the most exquisite fruit in the world. It is a red-brown apple-sized fruit with sweet and sour white slices inside. It is known that the English Queen Victoria fell in love with the mangosteen so much that she promised a reward to the one who would deliver it fresh to England!

National Cuisine of Indonesia

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Texas Population and Economy https://www.commit4fitness.com/texas-population-and-economy.html Fri, 22 Jul 2022 10:05:48 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1419 Population. – After California, according to act-test-centers.com, Texas is the other major expanding US state. On the demographic level in the seventies and eighties it went from 5th to 3rd place among the federated states. Economic development is even more sustained and brings further prospects for demographic growth, also facilitated by the large availability of space. In fact, T. is the largest state after Alaska, and unlike this or other large states of the West (California) it is almost entirely flat. In the moment of overcrowding in the industrialized and densely populated area of ​​the Northeast, this factor becomes just as important as the strictly economic ones. Population growth, initially linked to farming and mineral resources, especially oil wealth, has recently occurred for two reasons: Sun Belt : the rise of high-tech industries and the attractive natural environment, especially for relatively mild winters. Thus there was an immigration of both young people, workers and technicians, and the elderly, in search of an ideal place for retirement. The inhabitants had already doubled between 1930 and 1970, passing from 5.8 to 11.2 million; but the growth was later even more rapid, bringing the total to 14,225,000 residents at the 1980 census and 16,986,000 at the 1990 census. The population density is relatively low (24 inhabitants / km 2), but very unevenly distributed. The highest is in the eastern counties and in the coastal strip, with peaks of about 100 inhabitants / km in urban areas, while in the West the density falls below 10 inhabitants / km 2. The demographic structure is still mainly young, with 25% under the age of 15; the inhabitants over 65, despite the aforementioned migration of the elderly, are still only 10%, below the national average.

As in the rest of the United States, the cultural mosaic is complex in terms of both race and religion and ethnicity. Blacks in the state are within the limits of the national average, standing at around 16%; their presence is concentrated in large cities, with 27% in Houston, 26% in Dallas and Fort Worth. The other minority of some importance is that of the Hispanics, here almost always of Mexican origin, due to the proximity to the very long border with Mexico. The residents of Hispanic origin are officially 25% of the population, that is 4.3 million, but illegal immigrants or seasonal workers increase this figure considerably. Present in all cities and also in smaller towns and in the countryside, they count over half of the population in San Antonio, the true US capital of the Mexican minority. A similar conspicuous presence occurs in the city of El Paso, on the border. The complex cultural picture is completed by large minorities of German and Irish origin, while citizens of Italian origin are few in number (2%). Religious affiliation is also closely linked to ethnic origin: Catholicism prevails in the southern counties, Bible Belt, that is, where confessions of rigid Protestant ethics (Baptists, Methodists) prevail.

The urban population covers 80.3% of the total. There are five metropolitan areas with over half a million inhabitants; to these are added a dozen centers with over 100,000 inhabitants. While the capital Austin, along with El Paso and San Antonio, is an average city, the two true metropolises are Houston and Dallas. The Houston-Galveston metropolitan area exceeds 3.7 million inhabitants. and it is the main center of oil trade; some of the most important oil companies are based here. But because the business movement of these companies takes place on an international level, far beyond local interests, Houston has become the oil capital of the world. Dallas forms a metropolitan area of ​​approximately 4 million residents along with Forth Worth. The two centers have maintained a ‘ only statistical union, but now they are involved in the same development plans due to the need for spaces to be allocated to new industries and transport and trade infrastructures. A common structure is e.g. the new international airport, equidistant from the two centers, has become the fourth US airport.

Economic conditions. – The Texan economy has a reputation for being prosperous, and so the stereotype of the Texan is that of a wealthy if not wealthy person. In reality there is a wide range of incomes in the state, not excluding less well-off categories, for which the average per capita income remains below the national one by about 8%. The economy has grown in the past based on agriculture and livestock and the primary sector still has significant productions. The land dedicated to crops is less than 20% of the total, with an almost exclusively extensive type of cultivation, while most of the territory is occupied by grazing. The 27 million q of wheat make up just 5% of the national production, but the production of cotton (4.6 million bales) is about 1/3 of the total. The Texas is still one of the major suppliers of meat in the country, with its 13.7 million head of cattle, mainly raised in the open air, in the eastern area; the south-west of the state, more arid, is instead occupied by sheep farming.

Oil is the foundation of Texas’ industrial fortunes. Its extraction, now accompanied by that of methane, takes place along the coast and also on the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Production dropped in the 1970s, then stabilized over the next decade. The processing of crude oil is done almost entirely within the borders of the state, bringing added value and derivative industries, such as petrochemicals. Furthermore, the presence of oil has brought significant capital to the Texas, which has allowed the financing of a wide range of other industries. Among these are the recent advanced technology productions, especially electronics and armaments. As in the analogous Californian case, a specialized technological area was formed in Texas: in Dallas there is the so-called Silicon Prairie, where computer parts and electronic communications equipment are manufactured.

Texas Population

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What to See in Anjar and Jebel (Lebanon) https://www.commit4fitness.com/what-to-see-in-anjar-and-jebel-lebanon.html Fri, 15 Jul 2022 03:17:34 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1416 Anjar (Lebanon)

According to aparentingblog, 58 km east of Beirut in the Bekaa Valley is the famous city of the Umayyads – Anzhar. It is believed that Anjar was founded between 705 and 715 by the Umayyad dynasty on the site of the ancient city of Guerra. The Umayyads became the first hereditary dynasty in Islam to rule after the Prophet Muhammad. The place for the founding of Anzhar was not chosen by chance, because trade routes leading to Damascus, Homs, Baalbek and the southern regions of the Middle East intersected here. This predetermined the fate of Anzhar as one of the largest shopping centers in the region. The historical heritage of Anzhar is truly unique. First, unlike other ancient cities Lebanon, whose age is several millennia, Anjar reached its peak of development in the first decades after its foundation. Secondly, it is an excellent example of a prosperous trading city located not on the coast, but in the hinterland. Thirdly, it is the largest surviving monument of the Umayyad empire. The area of the Anjara archaeological zoneis 114 thousand sq.m. At the main entrance to the excavation area, sections of the fortress wall with gates and towers have been preserved. On the walls you can see ancient inscriptions and drawings, the oldest of which date back to 741. From the fortress walls stretches the main street of the city – Cardo Maximus 20 m wide, decorated with stone arches and columns. Along the street you can see the ruins of several hundred small shops. In the place where Cardo-Maximus Street intersects with another Decumanus-Maximus Street, there is the so-called tetrapylon – a building in plan that looks like a square, at the corners of which columns rise. A little to the south, the remains of the Grand Palace are interesting. To date, the southern section of the wall and several arcades have been preserved from it. Near the Grand Palace there is a mosque and the Small Palace. In addition, in Anjara public baths were excavated, the architecture of which was completely borrowed from the Romans.

8 km northwest of Anjar is the wine capital of Lebanon – the city of Zahle. It is located at an altitude of 900 m and is surrounded by vineyards. It is the only city in the Middle East with a predominantly Catholic population. Zahle was founded about 300 years ago. In 1885, a railway was launched through the city, which connected the Bekaa Valley with Syria. The city center is located on both banks of the Barduini River, on the west bank is the Old Town, on the east – banks and shops. In the Old City, old private houses are interesting, among which are the house of the Turkish sheikh Khalil Geh of the 17th century, the Government House of 1885 with a museum on the history of the city, numerous hotels the end of the 19th century, the oldest church in the city is the Sayudit Zalzali Church of 1700, the Church of St. Elias of 1720 and the Monastery of the Virgin Mary of 1720 with the largest bell tower in the country, where the icon of the Virgin Mary is located, donated to the city by the King of Prussia. Also in Zahle is the tower of the Virgin Mary, which the locals consider the patroness of not only the city, but the entire Bekaa Valley. The tower is located on the Tel Chia hill and has a height of 54 meters. It is crowned with a bronze statue of the Virgin Mary 10 m high. There is an observation platform on the tower, where tourists are delivered by an elevator. On the northern outskirts of Zahle, along the banks of the Barduini River, the Wadi El-Araesh valley stretches, which means “wine valley”. Here, several centuries ago, restaurants of traditional cuisine began to appear. Now in the valley are the best restaurants in the city, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. In Zahle, tourists are offered numerous wine tours. Of particular interest are tours to the city of Ksara, where the wine of the same name is produced, as well as the national alcoholic drink – arak.

Jebel (Byblos) (Lebanon)

Jebel, known in antiquity as Byblos, is located on the Mediterranean coast, 40 km north of Beirut. It is believed that Byblos was founded in 5000 BC. It is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world. It was in Byblos on the lid of the stone sarcophagus of King Ahiram that the most ancient writings were found – Phoenician, dating back to the 13th century BC, and it was here that the foundations for creating books were born. This is confirmed by the fact that such words as the Bible, bibliography, etc. have come from the name of the city. During the time of the Phoenicians, Byblos was a major trading center in the Mediterranean, but under the Mamluks and Turks, the city turned into a small fishing village and lost its significance.

Today, Jebel is a living history of the country: visiting it, you can see the buildings of various eras, from the time of the origin of civilization in these parts to the present. The historical part of the city is a vast area of archaeological excavations, it is surrounded by a wall. Right at the entrance to the Old City, you can see the medieval Byblos Fortress, which was built in the 12th century by the Crusaders. Also, the fortifications of the Crusader era are represented here by the remains of the fortress walls. Under the Crusaders in 1150, the church of St. John was also built in Byblos. Of the more ancient city buildings, the ruins of the Phoenician temples are interesting: the Great Temple and temple of Balat-Jebel 2700 BC, as well as the temple of the Obelisks 1600 BC. Next to the Byblos Fortress is the Wax Museum, where the history of the region is told through wax figures. Nearby is an old market where you can buy souvenirs and antiques. Next to the market is the Fossil Museum. It contains an extensive collection of bones of ancient sea inhabitants found in the vicinity of the city, whose age reaches several million years. The Old City of Jebel hosts the international Byblos Festival every summer.

Ruins of ancient Byblos can be seen not only on land, but also in coastal waters. Items and remains of buildings from the time of the Roman Empire, which lie at the bottom of the sea in the vicinity of Jebel, attract a large number of divers. Also from Jebel you can go north to the popular beaches of the cities of Chekka and Batrun or south to the main resort area of ​​the country – Jounieh . In addition, 30 km from Jebel is the most popular and most developed ski resort in the country – Faraya-Mzaar.

Jebel (Lebanon)

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Azov, Rostov Region (Russia) https://www.commit4fitness.com/azov-rostov-region-russia.html Fri, 08 Jul 2022 05:26:56 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1411 According to animalerts, the city of Azov is located in the Rostov region on the left bank of the Don River, not far from its confluence with the Taganrog Bay of the Sea of Azov. Rostov-on-Don is located 42 km northwest of Azov. The first settlement on the site of modern Azov was formed in 1067 by the Polovtsy, who captured the Don River Delta. This settlement was named Azak. The coastal location of Azak and its favorable economic position at the crossroads of trade routes from Asia to Europe attracted many. There was a constant struggle for the fortress built here. In the 13th century, Azak was conquered by the Genoese. They established the trading fortress of Tana near the settlement.

In the 15th century, Azak was taken by the Turks and became the northern port of the Ottoman Empire. The Turks built new fortifications, which were known in Russia as the Azov fortress. From Azov they traded black caviar, fish and slaves. On June 18, 1637, the Cossacks retook the fortress, and for five years it was the capital of the Don Cossacks. In 1641, the Turkish army laid siege to Azov, five thousand Cossacks held the line for four months, after which the Turks retreated. However, in 1642, the Cossacks left the fortress in order not to start a war with the Ottoman Empire, for which Russia was not ready. All Azov fortifications were blown up. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1735-1739, the fortress was recaptured by Russia. At the end of the 18th century, Azov was the center of the Azov province, at the beginning of the 19th century it was a settlement of the Yekaterinoslav province, in 1888 it was annexed to the Don Army Region and transferred under Cossack control. In 1926, Azov again received the status of a city. Azov today- a developing international seaport and a large industrial center. There are many historical sights left in the city, and its proximity to the Sea of Azov attracts many tourists every year. The air of the Sea of Azov is saturated with calcium, iodine and bromine, which gives it healing properties. It is believed that it has a beneficial effect on the neuroendocrine, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, on thermoregulatory and metabolic processes, and increases tone. The coastal part of the Sea of Azov is shallow, so it is perfect for families with children. From Azov, you can go to the beach areas of the Taganrog Bay, the most popular places are the vicinity of the city of Taganrog (50 km north of Azovalong the coast), Pavlovo-Ochakovskaya Spit and Chumbur-Kosa (60 km south of Azov).

Numerous cannons installed throughout Azov, and the monument to Peter I, which was erected in 1996 to mark the 300th anniversary of the Russian fleet, are reminiscent of the rich history of the city. Not far from the city center in the vicinity of the port, the remains of the Azov fortress are visible. Parts of the ancient ramparts have been preserved here. The Turks poured them in, and Peter I actively used them during campaigns against Azov. The surviving rampart has a rounded shape, its height reaches 15 m. Nowadays, cannons of the Azov fortress are installed on it. From the ancient defensive structures of the fortress, there is also a moat and Alekseevsky gates, which are cut into the bulk shaft. Their construction dates back to the end of the 17th century. At first they were made of wood, and in 1801-1805 they were rebuilt in stone. Near the gates there are memorial plaques and monuments, among which the monument to the Don Cossacks who participated in the Azov seat stands out. The ramparts offer a beautiful view of the surroundings of Azov and the Don River Delta. From here to the city port stretches a pine park with stone figures of ancient warriors. At the end of the park there is a monument dedicated to the capture of Azov by Russian troops under Peter I.

Not far from the ramparts is the Powder Cellar. This is the only surviving fortification of Catherine’s times in the southern part of Russia. The powder magazine was built in 1799. In 1967, to celebrate the 900th anniversary of Azov, an exposition and diorama “The Capture of Azov by the Troops of Peter I in 1696” was opened here. In addition, the Powder Cellar stores items related to Azov from the era of Peter the Great: ancient tools and monuments of iconography and fine art. In the courtyard of the cellar, you can see a model of a burial mound with authentic Polovtsian stone statues.

The powder cellar is under the jurisdiction of the Azov Historical, Archaeological and Paleontological Museum-Reserve. This is one of the largest museums in the southern part of Russia. It tells about the nature and history of the Don region. Here are presented the fauna and flora of the forest-steppe zone and the floodplain of the Don, an archaeological exposition with materials from excavations on the territory of Azov, expositions dedicated to the campaigns of Peter I, the Russian-Turkish wars, the civil war, the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 and the modern life of the city. The museum contains such unique exhibits as gold jewelry, details of horse harness, gold and silver dishes and weapons found in burial mounds, the only trogontherium elephant skeleton in the country, whose age is 600 thousand years, and the skeleton of a deinotherium elephant, about 5 years old. million years.

Azov, Rostov Region (Russia)

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Zamora, Castile-Leon (Spain) https://www.commit4fitness.com/zamora-castile-leon-spain.html Fri, 01 Jul 2022 03:35:24 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1407 According to allunitconverters, the city of Zamora is located in the northwestern part of Spain on the banks of the Duero River, 220 km northwest of Madrid and 40 km north of Salamanca. Zamora is the capital of the province of the same name.

Initially, the Lusitan tribe lived here, which in the 1st century BC. was captured by the Romans, after which it became one of the points of the great “Silver Road” – the road that connected the southern and northern parts of Spain, along which the Roman troops advanced from south to north. Later, the city fell into the hands of the Arabs, and in the period from the 8th to the 11th centuries it became the site of fierce battles between the Arabs and Christians. During the centuries-old struggle, the city was overgrown with a ring of defensive walls. Between the 12th and 13th centuries in Zamora Many churches were built, some of which have survived to this day. Due to the abundance of churches and buildings built in the Romanesque style, Zamora is called the “Museum of Romanesque Art”. The Roman bridge Puente de Piedra leads to the Old Town, surrounded by fortified walls. Three main entrances to the city have been preserved along the fortress wall: the gates of Doña Urac (“Northern Gate”), Puerta Traicion (“Gate of Betrayal”), where King Sancho II was killed by conspirators in 1072, and Olivares. Through the gate of Olivares you will get to the Cathedral which is located on a high hill. The cathedral was built between 1151 and 1174. The dome of the cathedral with four turrets, made in the Byzantine style, at the base of which there are 16 arched windows, a square belfry and a richly decorated entrance to the cathedral “Archbishop’s Gate”, located opposite the Bishop’s Palace, are integral symbols of Zamora. Inside the cathedral, the decoration of the choir, whose carvings date back to the 16th century, the altarpiece of the late 15th century by Fernando Gallego and the chapel with the figure of Christ (16th century) by Gaspar Becerra are interesting. A museum has been opened at the Cathedral, where objects of religious art are collected, as well as a collection of tapestries of the 15th-17th centuries. The cathedral is surrounded by a park, which also houses a medieval castle. The castle was built between the 10th and 12th centuries. In addition to the remains of a medieval castle, here you can see the ruins of pre-Roman buildings. In addition, from the hill on which the castle is located, a beautiful view of the entire city opens up.

Walking through the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Town, you will see many Romanesque churches of the 11th-13th centuries: San Idelfonso, San Cipriano, La Magdalena, Santiago del Burgo, Santa Maria la Nueba, San Juan de Puerta Nueba and La Horta. Next to the Church of Santa Maria la Nueba is the Samana Santa Museum with a unique collection of religious sculptures by famous Spanish sculptors such as Ramon Alvarez, Mariano Benliure and Ruiz de Sumeta. Also in Zamora, Renaissance-style buildings are worthy of attention: Hospital, where the provincial government now sits, City Hall and the palaces of Momos (15th century) and Cordon (16th century). The Kordon Palace houses the Museum of Zamora, which presents archaeological finds from prehistoric times, collections of paintings and sculptures from the 14th-20th centuries, and materials on the history of the region.

The best time to visit Zamora is during Holy Week before Easter. It’s in Zamora some of the most colorful and interesting religious processions are held.

23 km northwest of Zamora in the town of El Campillo, the Church of San Pedro de la Nebe is interesting. The church was built in the 7th century. It is a fine example of Visigothic architecture with Celtic, Germanic and Byzantine elements. 70 km north of Zamora is the city of Benavente. The Romanesque churches of the 12th century Santa Maria (inside you can see Gothic sculptures and groin vaults) and San Juan del Mercado, as well as the 16th century Caracol tower with many windows, which remained from the castle of the earlier construction of La Mota (12 century). Toro is worth a visit 30 km east of Zamora.(Toro) – one of the most famous wine-growing centers in Spain. The city is built in the form of a fan. In its center is the Romanesque church of Santa Maria la Mayor, which was built in the 12th and 13th centuries in the likeness of the cathedrals of Zamora and Salamanca. Once the southern entrance to the church (now it is located inside the building) crowns the portico “His Majesty”, decorated with sculptural compositions on the theme of the life of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ and the Last Judgment. Inside the church, special attention is paid to the unique frescoes depicting the pregnant Virgin Mary and the Virgin Mary with a fly on her cloak. There is an observation deck near the church, which offers a beautiful view of the endless fields surrounding Toro, the ancient Roman bridge thrown over the Duero River, and the nearby Alcazar castle of the 10th century, from which 7 towers and fortress walls have been preserved.

You can also go from Zamora to the city of Salamanca which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here is one of the oldest universities in Europe.

At the junction of the borders of the province of Zamora, the province of Salamanca and Portugal, the Los Arribes del Duero nature reserve extends. It stretches along the banks of the Duero River, along which the border between Spain and Portugal runs.. For many centuries, the Duero River cut through the local rocks the deepest river canyon in the entire Iberian Peninsula, about 100 km long and up to 500 m deep. In addition to its picturesque landscape (a winding riverbed flowing between the sheer walls of the canyons, and waterfalls), the reserve is famous for its nature. The climate here is mild, so among the oak forests along the banks of the river you can see vineyards, olive, almond, orange and lemon trees. The reserve is a habitat for about 200 species of birds, 47 species of mammals and 21 species of reptiles. Here you can meet such rare birds as black stork, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, hawk, vulture and eagle owl. Hiking trails are laid along the river and observation platforms are equipped. In addition, very popular water excursions in the park. From the town of Playa del Rostro (Playa del Rostro) start 1, 5 hour boat trips (you can also sunbathe and swim here), and from the village of Vilvestre (Vilvestre) – excursions on catamarans. Guided tours can be booked at the park’s tourist office, which is located near the Saucelle dam, or at Salamanca.

In the north-west of the province of Zamora, near the border with Portugal, the Sierra de la Culebra (one of the few places on the Iberian Peninsula inhabited by Iberian wolves) and the Sierra Cabrera (here Lake Sanabria is located – the largest glacial lake not only in Spain, but in the entire Iberian Peninsula). Between these mountains at an altitude of 960 m is the village of Puebla de Sanabria. (Puebla de Sanabria), where the spirit of the Middle Ages is everywhere: an impregnable castle stands on a high hill, small stone houses along narrow cobbled streets, and 15th-century buildings decorated with coats of arms in the central square.

Zamora, Castile-Leon (Spain)

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Resorts in Rostov-on-Don, Russia https://www.commit4fitness.com/resorts-in-rostov-on-don-russia.html Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:51:34 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1404 According to citypopulationreview, 10 km east of Aksai is the village of Starocherkasskaya (the former city of Cherkassk). This is one of the oldest settlements in the Rostov region, it was supposedly founded in 1570 by the Cossacks-Cossacks and named Cherkassk. At the beginning of the 19th century, when the capital of the Cossacks was moved to Novocherkassk, the city of Cherkassk was renamed Starocherkassk, and by the end of the 19th century it lost its city status. Many historical events took place in the village – from here in 1637 the Cossack Azov campaign began, from here in 1667 Stepan Razin led the Cossacks to the Volga, and in 1708 the leader of the Peasant War Kondraty Bulavin was killed here. Today, the village of Starocherkasskaya is a historical and architectural museum reserve – ancient Cossack houses of the 17th-18th centuries, palaces-fortresses of Cossack chieftains and religious buildings have been preserved here, in general – more than 20 objects and more than 50,000 exhibits.

The historical center of the village is the legendary square Maidan. Here are located ancient cannons, the yoke of the Azov city scales and the main attraction of the village – Ensemble of the Military Resurrection Cathedral. The cathedral was erected in the period from 1706 to 1719 by Moscow masters in the Ukrainian baroque style, in the middle of the 18th century a bell tower was installed here. The construction of the cathedral took place under Peter I and his personal participation. It has preserved a unique six-tier carved iconostasis with 125 icons of the 18th century, under the choirs of the cathedral you can see a number of pictorial compositions on the subjects of the Old and New Testaments, and in the altar compositions – a canvas larger than 50 square meters. m. In the gallery of the cathedral are stored the remains of the military ataman Kornily Yakovlev, as well as the chain of Stepan Razin, with which he was chained in 1671, while in the cathedral. In addition, the Ataman Compound memorial complex is interesting in the village .. The local old house belonged to the trading Cossacks Zhuchenkov, this is the only ataman estate that has survived in the south of Russia. The estate hosts themed exhibitions.

In Starocherkasskaya, the house where Kondraty Bulavin died, the Peter and Paul Church of the middle of the 18th century, in which Ataman Platov was baptized, the Transfiguration Church (1740) with a cemetery at the Ratnoy tract, from where the Cossacks went on campaigns and where atamans of the 17th-18th centuries were buried, were also preserved. At 5 km from the village, on the Vasilyevsky hillocks, the ramparts and ditches of the earthen Annenskaya fortress (1730) are visible. Be sure to visit the Monastic tract, which is located 7 km from Starocherkasskaya. In 1974, a memorial complex of mass graves was erected on its territory in memory of the soldiers who died during the Azov siege during the Civil and Great Patriotic Wars. Novocherkassk is located 40 km northeast of Rostov-on-Don. It was here that in 1805 the capital of the Don Cossacks was moved. Today there are about 200 monuments of history and architecture in the city. At the entrance to Novocherkassk there are two triumphal arches erected in honor of the participation of the Don Cossacks in the Patriotic War of 1812. The arches are decorated with a poetic inscription in honor of Emperor Alexander I. Cathedral Square is the center of the cityand Azovskaya Square. The Military Ascension Cathedral rises on Cathedral Square. It can be seen from any corner of Novocherkassk, because the height of the cathedral reaches 75 m. This is the third largest Russian cathedral after the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow and St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg and the main temple of the Don Cossacks. The military Ascension Cathedral was built in the period from 1805 to 1905 in the neo-Byzantine style, it was destroyed twice, its current version is the third. At the base of the cathedral there is a temple-tomb – the Lower Intercession Church, which was built from the remains of the former Ascension Cathedral, half gone underground. Here are the burial places of prominent military and church figures of the Don – the Reverend Archbishop of the Don and Novocherkassk John, Ataman Matvey Ivanovich Platov, heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812 Vasily Vasilyevich Orlov-Denisov and Pyotr Yakovlevich Baklanov.

The Ascension Cathedral is decorated with sacred inscriptions and wall paintings depicting episodes of Don history. Next to the cathedral stands a bronze a monument to Yermak, the Don ataman, the conqueror of Siberia, and a monument to General Ya.P. Baklanov, hero of the Caucasian War. In the center of Azovskaya Square stands Michael the Archangel Church, which was built in 1870, and from where the Cossack army went to war with Napoleon. In the Platovsky Square of Novocherkassk, a monument was erected to the founder of the city, Ataman M.I. Platov. Behind it is the Ataman Palace, which was the official residence of the Don chieftains, as well as the place of stay for members of the imperial family during their trips to the Don. Now the palace building has been transferred to the Museum of the History of the Don Cossacks. On the second floor there is a memorial exposition that tells about the system of ataman power and the role of the personalities of the Don chieftains in the history of the Don army.

The Museum of the History of the Don Cossacks was opened in 1899. He tells about the history and nature of the Don region. The museum fund has 120,000 items. The main building of the museum exhibits collections of military Cossack Kleinods, military and regimental banners of the 18th-19th centuries, Cossack military and household costumes of the 19th-20th centuries, premium, granted weapons, as well as edged and firearms, letters of commendation, documents of the military office and village administrations., an extensive collection of paintings of the 18th-20th centuries, a collection of books and newspapers. The pride of the museum is the world’s only collection of Cossack banners, bunchuks, regimental standards of the Don Cossacks of the 18th-20th centuries. In addition to Cossack rarities, the museum exhibits petrified remains of animals and plants, tools of primitive man, objects of Scythian-Sarmatian culture, the Greek colony of Tanais and the Tatar city of Azaka. The Museum of the History of the Don Cossacks, in addition to the Ataman Palace, has several more branches – house-museum of M.B. Grekov, where the famous battle painter lived and worked, the memorial house-museum of I.I. Krylov, a landscape painter who bequeathed about 1000 of his paintings to the city, and the museum of the Novocherkassk poet V.V. Kalmykov. From the museums of Novocherkassk, one can also single out the Museum of the History of the Don Viticulture with collections on the history of winemaking from ancient times to the present day.

Resorts in Rostov-on-Don, Russia

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Culture of Azerbaijan https://www.commit4fitness.com/culture-of-azerbaijan.html Fri, 17 Jun 2022 01:56:22 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1401 NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS, CULTURE

A lot of things in the country are subject to age-old customs and traditional Islamic norms, so certain rules of conduct should be observed. In public places, women should avoid overly revealing or tight clothing and miniskirts, and men should avoid shorts or sleeveless T-shirts. At the same time, neatness in clothes is highly valued here, and there are no restrictions on wearing European or sportswear in everyday life. There is also traditionally a very respectful attitude towards places of worship (when visiting mosques and mausoleums, one should observe the norms traditional for all Islamic countries), but unlike many nearby Islamic states, there is no fanaticism towards mosques and tombs of saints, for many local residents these are objects of sincere respect and respect, but nothing more. The locals themselves, especially the women, dress quite strictly, preference is given to dark colors. But much attention is paid to bright accessories and jewelry. The hospitality of Azerbaijanis is widely known. In this, in general, poor country, they know how to receive a guest with truly Caucasian cordiality and scope. Refusal of an invitation to visit can be regarded as a personal insult. But no one will be imposed on this issue – the desire of the guest is the law, so you can always agree with the hospitable host for another time of the visit. Often the host or another interlocutor gives the guest gifts, and often not the cheapest ones, so it is recommended to have a small set of souvenirs or gifts with you. Local women, especially in rural areas, usually do not interfere in the conversation of the host with the guests, even if there are also representatives of the fair sex among them. They will set and serve on the table, but they will probably refuse to share a meal with foreign guests, so you should not insist on this. Increased attention to the mistress of the house, or an attempt to involve her in a conversation, can also be perceived disapprovingly. When entering the house, be sure to take off your shoes and follow the instructions of the owner. Usually, tea is served first, then main courses, herbs and fresh vegetables, and then sweets or dovga. It is not customary to take food with the left hand. Rice is taken with a pinch, some dishes are also considered not shameful to take with your hand or a piece of bread. In urban settings, a meal is usually held according to European standards, with the presence of cutlery and individual portions.  In rural areas, especially when it comes to some kind of community holiday, the rules of behavior at the table are more free and informal.

HOLIDAYS

  • January 1 – New Year
  • January 20 – Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Totalitarian Regime
  • March 8 – International Women’s Day
  • March-April – Novruz-Bayram
  • May 9 – Victory Day
  • May 28 – Republic Day
  • June 15 – National Salvation Day
  • June 26 – National Army Day
  • October 18 – Independence Day
  • November 12 – Constitution Day
  • November 17 – National Revival Day
  • December 31 – Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis around the world

Religious holidays are also celebrated – Ramadan-Bayram (February 9), Gurban-Bayram (Kurban-Bayram, April), etc.

Azerbaijan: Money and currency of Azerbaijan

Money, CURRENCY Azerbaijani manat (AZM, put into circulation on February 1, 1993), equal to 100 kopecks (“qapik”). According to allcitycodes, there are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 manats (due to inflation in the early 90s, “kopiks”, as well as banknotes of 1, 5 and 10 manats, almost out of circulation). US dollars are unofficially widely circulated in all areas. Russian rubles are limitedly accepted only in some stores and sometimes in the markets. Since January 1, 2006, new “denominated manats” have been put into circulation in Azerbaijan – banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 manats, as well as metal coins in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 50 qepiks. One “denominated manat” is equal to 5,000 old manats. From January 1 to December 31, 2006, old-style money will be accepted for making all types of payments, receipts to accounts and money transfers and exchanged by banks without restrictions. After January 1, 2007, old-style money will cease circulation, but at the same time, regardless of the amount, it will be exchanged by the National Bank and its structures without restrictions, indefinitely and without charging a commission.In Baku, banks are open from 09:00-09:30 to 17:30 (some banks continue their work until late in the evening, and many exchange offices work around the clock), in the periphery, opening hours are usually from 09:30 to 17:00 -17:30 (some banks only work with clients until noon). You can exchange money at banks, hotels and numerous currency exchange offices (located throughout the capital and other large cities, as well as at airports). Some stores have their own exchange offices. Credit cards are accepted for payment, mainly only in large supermarkets of the capital, in some hotels and banks. Using credit cards in the province is almost impossible. Traveler’s checks are accepted to a limited extent only in large hotels and banks, but gradually an increasing number of institutions are switching to their service.

Culture of Azerbaijan

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Interesting Facts About Japan https://www.commit4fitness.com/interesting-facts-about-japan.html Thu, 09 Jun 2022 17:27:41 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1399 Japan, due to its location and the veil of alienation, removed not so long ago, has a very peculiar culture and traditions. Probably, everything here seems interesting. After all, the way of life is very different from ours.

According to weddinginfashion, the national religions of the Japanese are Shinto (“the way of the gods”) and Buddhism. Shintoism arose on the basis of totemic ideas of antiquity. He absorbed the cult of ancestors, as well as many traditions of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. The Buddha’s teaching was one of the most important components of the cultural flow carried by a few emigrants from the continent to the Japanese islands. True, neither in Korea nor in China did Buddhism play such an outstanding role as in Japan. The most common branch of Buddhism in Japan is Amidaism, in which the basis of the cult is the worship of the Buddha Amitabha – the ruler of the Pure Land – a Buddhist paradise. The Zen school, which preaches the achievement of the ideal of Buddhism – revealing the essence of the Buddha in oneself – by immersion in deep self-contemplation, has become widespread in Japan.

What is very pleasing in Japan (and even surprising in a good way) is safety. This is one of the safest countries on the planet. You can walk here at night through the streets and lanes without fear for your life and wallet. And even if you leave your bag somewhere, it is unlikely that anyone will be interested in it, except to hand it over to the police. Everywhere there are signs, almost all of which are duplicated in English. If you have a map – a plan of the area, even in English, they will help you find it and not get lost, or they will advise you on the best way to go.

Despite all the “ceremoniousness”, the Japanese remain very tolerant of other cultures, customs and habits. There are very few prohibitions and taboos in Japan, and even if they exist, they fit within the framework of common sense. Sometimes it comes to the ridiculous – the Japanese simply believe that visitors cannot understand how to behave in Japan, while treating tourists like children. Unlike us, the Japanese are used to doing everything as it should be: in a special place, at a set time, in an appropriate environment. Thus, if the Mount Fuji season is announced to end on August 31st and begin on July 1st of the following year, no Japanese would ever think of hiking on the slopes of Mount Fuji on September 1st.

The Japanese are very polite and reserved. They always treat guests with hospitality and may even stop you on the street and ask you to take a photo with them. Even in the largest metropolitan areas, the streets are extremely clean, there are trash cans everywhere. At the entrance to temples, some public places or private houses, it is customary to take off your shoes, and make a small bow at parting – this symbol indicates respect for the interlocutor.

The Japanese subway, namely the Tokyo subway, is not the self-moving mass of people familiar to us. People in the subway “Country of the Rising Sun”; help to move, or rather to enter the car, special workers – “pushers”. Thus, the task of these metro workers is to pack the crowd inside the cars. In total, Tokyo has 13 subway lines with a total length of 286.2 km – this is the 3rd largest network in the world (after New York and London).

Tokyo has its own Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty, the latter standing on Odaiba, one of the artificial islands in Tokyo Bay. And the Japanese Eiffel Tower even surpasses the original in size by 13 m, given that due to its magnificent design, taking into account new technologies, it is 3,000 tons lighter, all 9 television stations, 5 FM radio stations are broadcast from here, and cameras installed on the tower monitor urban traffic.

Harajuku is quite common in the big cities of Japan – a style in youth fashion, a combination of several styles. “harajuku girls” are usually dressed in something unusual, even wild.

On sufficiently large streets of Tokyo, there are special corrugated yellow paths for the blind – oblong stripes indicate the direction, circles – stop before the fork, turn, street crossing.

Now in Japan, a new type of service is gaining momentum – renting pets for an hour. The fact is that for some Japanese people who love pets, but cannot keep them in their tiny apartments due to the limited size of the living space or strict rules of residence, such services at the pet store are becoming more popular every day. For approximately $140, customers can take their dogs home for the night. In this case, customers are given a daily ration of food and a plate for water, as well as a cage in which the dog will sleep.

Interesting Facts About Japan

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Georgia in the 1990’s https://www.commit4fitness.com/georgia-in-the-1990s.html Fri, 03 Jun 2022 14:10:50 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1387 Having become an independent republic in 1991, Georgia was affected by a prolonged phase of serious internal instability. Between 1991 and 1993 it was in fact the scene of a civil war that split the same nationalist alignment that had led the country to independence, pitting the supporters of Z. Gamsakhurdia, president of the Republic from April 1991 to January 1992, against a heterogeneous spectrum of opposition forces, civilian and military; these grouped together in 1992 around E. Ševardnadze, former Soviet foreign minister, who, returning to Georgia, assumed the functions of head of state. In addition, troops of the Tbilisi government were engaged in two different conflicts against the Abkhasa and Ossetian minorities who, opposed to the separation from the USSR, had in turn promoted a secessionist policy, while the demand for greater autonomy was expressed by the Ajara minority (of Georgian origin, but of Muslim religion) and inter-ethnic tensions were recorded in the areas inhabited by Armenian and Azerbaijani minorities. This complex situation frustrated, in the first years following independence, the efforts for the consolidation of new political structures and for economic reconstruction, as well as for the strengthening of the international role of the country, which suffered a strong isolation also due to the opposition policy in Moscow and the consequent refusal to join the CIS. Only from the end of 1994 Georgia entered a phase of relative pacification, characterized by the progressive but difficult reaffirmation of the central authority, which in previous years had also been threatened by clashes between the numerous existing private militias, responsible for repeated acts of terrorism. Meanwhile, entry into the CIS at the end of 1993 had effectively sanctioned Georgia’s return to the Russian sphere of influence.

According to themakeupexplorer, the relations between Georgians and the various ethnic minorities present in the country suffered a serious deterioration since the end of the 1980s with the establishment of nationalist forces in Tbilisi: South Ossetia, inhabited by an Iranian-speaking population, was affected by violent clashes since 1989 and has since claimed its integration into the Russian Federation. The ceasefire signed by Ševardnadze and B. El´cin in June 1992 allowed the start of a difficult negotiation process on the political status of the region, within which, alongside the reaffirmation of the principle of the territorial integrity of Georgia, emerged the prospect of a form of broad autonomy for South Ossetia (1997). Meanwhile, control of the autonomous republic of Abkhazia had been assumed by the secessionist forces, which after a bitter conflict had entered Sukhumi (the capital of Abkhasa) in September 1993. At the end of the year, negotiations were started for the definition of the status of Abkhasia. However, the clashes continued, despite the dispatch of a United Nations Observer Mission to Georgia (United Nations Observer Mission), joined since July 1994 by a CIS pacification force composed mostly of Russian troops. The turning point in relations with Moscow, which had made possible the intervention of Russian forces in an anti-Khasa function (after Moscow had been accused of supporting the separatists for years), had been sanctioned by various security and cooperation agreements, which provided for between the ‘other the maintenance of Russian military bases in Georgia (February 1994) and the common defense of the border with Turkey (March 1994), the latter consolidated by the Georgian participation in the Multilateral Treaty on the Defense of the External Borders of the CIS (May 1995). The situation in Abkhazia found no solution and again in the first months of 1998 there was a violent resumption of fighting, followed in May by a new ceasefire.

The various conflicts (which caused several thousand deaths) and the dramatic economic and social problems connected with them, such as the displacement of several tens of thousands of refugees, hit Georgia hard hard; as agricultural and industrial production declined drastically, the country found itself increasingly dependent on international aid. The stabilization policy, promoted by the government with the support of the IMF at the end of 1994, allowed the start of a relative improvement in the economic situation, favoring the gradual re-establishment of central authority during 1995 ; this process was accompanied by a trend towards the strengthening of presidential powers, sanctioned by the Constitution approved in August 1995(it also changed the official name of the country from that of the Republic of Georgia, assumed in 1990, to that of Georgia). In the elections for the new unicameral parliament (November 1995), the party of Ševardnadze, the Union of citizens of Georgia, obtained a majority of the seats, a result confirmed in the subsequent elections of October 1999. At the same time elected President of the Republic by direct universal suffrage, Ševardnadze deepened, in the following years, the program of structural reform of the economy. At the same time, the president worked to strengthen the country’s international role: admitted to the UN in 1992, Georgia signed (April 1996), at the same time as Armenia and Azerbaijan, a partnership and cooperation agreement with the European Union. In January 1998, Ševardnadze escaped an attack in Tbilisi in which two of his bodyguards were killed.

Georgia Country in the 1990's

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North Korea Economic and Political Crisis https://www.commit4fitness.com/north-korea-economic-and-political-crisis.html Fri, 27 May 2022 08:12:22 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1385 North Korea, after having officially communicated the reactivation of all heavy water nuclear plants, which had been closed under a 1994 agreement with the United States, South Korea and Japan, also announces the withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty nuclear. In April he will declare that he is in possession of atomic weapons and that he intends to test them. The increasingly determined stances of Pyongyang introduce serious disturbing elements in a particularly delicate area of ​​the world chessboard, such as that of Southeast Asia.

Economic and political crisis

A certain number – not large but significant – of those North Koreans live in Beijing who did not flee their country but were sent abroad to study, completely at public expense. According to thedressexplorer, they study architecture so that, once they return home, they can build fashionable villas for the ruling class, or music to provide a diversion to their leaders’ TV-free evenings. A close relative of the North Korean president is said to reside in a luxurious apartment in Beijing, where he can enjoy an unimaginable standard of living in Pyongyang. Powerful Mercedes-Benz cars enter and exit the embassy, ​​located in the center of the Chinese capital, and the few North Koreans who meet at the airport, easily identified by their Kim II Sung badge, wear designer clothes.

Faced with this, one might think that the times of hunger and famine are over for North Korea. Instead, witnesses from the country report stories of extreme poverty, of children with growth problems caused by malnutrition, of medicines that go bad due to the lack of electricity for refrigeration. And the migratory flow to China does not seem to stop. The number of North Koreans who have sought refuge in China is estimated to be between 100,000 and 300,000.

In Pyongyang, Western products can be bought in the modern ‘Friendship’ department stores, structured on the old Soviet model, where customers can only enter by showing the badge belonging to the upper hierarchy. Electricity lights up the once dark nights in Pyongyang, and ‘Dear Leader’ Kim Jong II is said to be surfing the Internet on a satellite link that bypasses antediluvian telephone lines. Meanwhile, the casino of one of the hotels in central Pyongyang, which is run by a former Macau worker, boasts officially imported waitresses from the neighboring Chinese province of Liaoning. It is a world where, despite all the official Communist rhetoric, the lucky few can enjoy life, while the vast majority barely survive. Certainly this does not happen only in North Korea: it is a condition common to many nations in Latin America or Africa. But those states do not attract the attention of the whole world by spreading tales of natural disasters that have caused seven years of famine and demanding help. Nor do they launch missiles at neighboring nations or engage in extortion attempts such as “give me rice and I won’t fire rockets at you.”

The enormous socio-economic discrepancy within the country is hidden by an ideology that officially condemns the unjust distribution of wealth and certainly has never openly encouraged private enrichment, as happened in Deng Xiaoping’s China, where, moreover, there is no their income differences are as striking as in North Korea. If these disparities had led to an increase in productive investment they would have been useful, but this is not the case, nor is there any trace of the increase in agricultural production that marked the beginning of economic reforms both in China and in China. Vietnam. In reality there is no sign of any kind of reform, while the nation appears to be ruled by the only ‘necrocracy’ in the world,

North Korea Economic and Political Crisis

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Holidays in Cambodia https://www.commit4fitness.com/holidays-in-cambodia.html Fri, 20 May 2022 08:10:47 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1376 For a Russian tourist, holidays in Cambodia began to open relatively recently, compared to the same Vietnam. Partly, the reason for this was the turbulent situation in the kingdom, which was torn apart by a civil war for a very long time. But for a decade now it has been living without wars and strife, inviting guests from all over the world. Beach holidays here are perfectly combined with visiting ancient sights, and there is something to see in the country.

Pros and Cons of Cambodia

Advantages

  • Warm sea and clean beaches
  • Cheap food and accommodation in general
  • Friendly locals
  • Unique architectural monuments
  • Lots of great festivals

Disadvantages

  • Language barrier – the population does not even speak English well
  • High crime rate outside tourist regions
  • Dangerous wildlife – spiders, snakes and predatory reptiles
  • Strict laws and heavy fines for foreigners
  • Catastrophic state of medicine – lack of hospitals and doctors

Climate

Regardless of the month you plan your vacation for, Cambodia will almost certainly delight you with a hot tropical climate, with the exception of the strict boundaries of the seasons – dry and wet. The strongest monsoon rains, leading to floods, go from May to October inclusive, from November to April – the dry season, when you can fly without fear. Due to the low-lying terrain throughout the country, the critical level of relative humidity is always above 90%. According to toppharmacyschools.org, this also affected precipitation – the average minimum is 1500 mm per year.

Visa and customs

For legal stay in Cambodia, Russian tourists will need a visa, which can be issued in two ways – in advance at the embassy or upon arrival. Both situations will require the following package of documents:

  • Completed application form in Russian or English;
  • Passport valid for at least six months at the end of the trip;
  • Two color photos 3×4 cm without corners and ovals;
  • Visa fee payment receipt of $30.

In the absence of photographs at the time of arrival, a foreigner is provided with a fine, which he pays on the spot, after which he will be invited to a room for a picture.

Until 2014, in order to go on vacation, Cambodia set a mandatory condition for the availability of medical insurance. Not very decent border guards still take advantage of the guests’ ignorance and charge $20 per person for not having a policy. You can stop this by knowing the language and calmly declaring your rights.

Read more about the rules for obtaining a visa and the country’s customs regulations here.

Frequently asked Questions

Question:

Is there a rating system for hotels in Cambodia, and if so, how to choose a room so as not to be deceived upon arrival?

Answer:

Hotels in the country are frankly worse than in neighboring Vietnam, so you should not count on luxurious service even in the declared “fours”. The SPA category is available only in five-star complexes, they are more in line with the asking prices. The “troika” will have everything to live in peace, including a slow but free Wi-Fi channel. Tourists are rarely deceived here, but cases of theft in rooms do happen. When you check in, ask for a safe in the room or at least a storage box at the reception desk. There you need to put return tickets and originals of all documents. Make a color copy of passports in advance – sometimes the police stop guests on the street for a routine check.

Question:

When is the best time to plan a vacation in Cambodia? How prone is the country to hurricanes and other disasters?

Answer:

The peak of the swimming season in coastal regions is March-April. If you don’t want to get on the first wave of monsoon showers with thunderstorms and stormy winds, it’s better not to call in in May, although some extreme people don’t care. Floods are possible in June, and tsunamis and other troubles – from September to October.

Question:

They say that even in resort towns it can be dangerous on the streets in the evenings, is that true? Who to call in case of a robbery?

Answer:

Unfortunately, there are risks of robberies, but only in cases where tourists demonstrate their wealth with jewelry, expensive watches, etc. There is only one rule here – do not break away from your “friends” and do not deviate from the proven route. As for emergency services, Cambodia even created a special body – the tourist police, which can be called at: (023) 724-793 from any device. Rescue service and ambulance – 119. Notify the Russian embassy about the accident by phone: + 855 12 786 402.

How to avoid being scammed in Cambodia?

Unfortunately, Cambodia cannot guarantee a 100% relaxing holiday. Every now and then there are precedents that spoil the mood of our tourists, and become the cause of unnecessary spending. The following video illustrates some of the scams and demands for bribes in the kingdom that foreigners face.

Holidays in Cambodia

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Popular Destinations in Cambodia https://www.commit4fitness.com/popular-destinations-in-cambodia.html Fri, 13 May 2022 02:43:05 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1373 Phnom Penh

When wondering where to relax in Cambodia, you will probably first find yourself in Phnom Penh – the capital of the kingdom, the city of a thousand cultures and temples. From here, buses with tourists depart for the main resorts, although there is something to see in the metropolis itself.

  • Andyeducation: Introduction to education system in Cambodia, including compulsory schooling and higher education.

Attractions

Like other Asian capitals, all the memorable places in Phnom Penh can be divided into historical and religious buildings and modern objects. The first group of places to visit includes:

  • Royal Palace;
  • Silver Pagoda;
  • Wat Phnom Monastery;
  • National Museum.

The second group of attractions is no less interesting:

  • Olympic Stadium (the Games have never been held there);
  • Monument of Independence;
  • Museum of the Genocide.

Shopping

All shopping in Phnom Penh starts at the Yellow Market, or Psar Thmei. This is the local Grand Bazaar with its lanes, covered areas and arcades, which in themselves are a work of art, and it’s not worth talking about the number of shops located here.

Other shopping areas worth visiting include:

  • Russian Market;
  • Shopping center “Sorya”;
  • Market Street – Street 148.

Sihanoukville

A quality beach holiday in Cambodia is strongly associated with the name Sihanoukville among guests from all over the world, although literally half a century ago it was a colonial French port without the slightest hint of tourism. Now there are tens of kilometers of a well-equipped zone with developed infrastructure and entertainment.

Beaches

The coastal sectors of Sihanoukville are a huge number of ennobled areas of pure golden sand, including the following names:

  • Serendipity Beach;
  • Ochheuteal Beach;
  • Koh Poah;
  • Sokha Beach;
  • Otres Beach.

Shopping

Despite the obvious tourist bias of the city and the province as a whole, there are few large complexes as such, and all trade is carried out in the markets. Moreover, these same bazaars are also centers of cultural life, with real open-air stage venues, where American indie rock bands sometimes come on tour.

Key markets are:

  • Psar Ley;
  • Psar Pinichik;
  • Otres;
  • Central Market.

Siem Reap

The city of Siem Reap, located in the north of the country, is known not so much for its memorable places as for its UNESCO monuments, which are part of the Angkor palace and temple ensemble, located a half-hour walk. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world fly here to capture the unique lotus-shaped temples and other famous structures.

Attractions

Actually, the complexes of Angkor Thom and Angkor Bat are the very World Heritage Sites for which numerous tourists come here. There are dozens of temples, fortifications and other buildings on their territory, the most famous of which are:

  • Bayon Temple;
  • Elephant Terrace;
  • 54 towers of the Bayon Pyramid;
  • Pre-Kan Monastery;
  • Pre-Neac Pean Basin.

Of the objects that are not related to the temple complexes, it is worth visiting:

  • Lake Tonle Sap and its floating villages;
  • Angkor National Museum;
  • Apsar Theatre;
  • Royal Gardens;
  • Military Museum.

Battambang

Like Siem Reap, the city of Battambang is the starting point for sightseeing tours of the whole region, rich in ancient temples, monasteries and ruins of fortresses that once played a special role in the history of the Asian kingdom.

Attractions

Rich in colonial architecture, the city is actually interested in the bulk of the guests with two small hills: Mount Phnom Sampov and Phnom Banan. Despite the funny name for the Russian ear, the peak keeps the ruins of an ancient monastery of the XI century, miraculously survived after centuries of wars. Another mountain became famous for its temple, which can only be reached by climbing a ladder of 700 steps.

In addition, Battambang has an interesting Provincial Museum and many other objects:

  • Pagoda of the White Elephant;
  • Crocodile farm;
  • Lotus farm;
  • Dumbong statue.

Souvenirs

Despite the rather low standard of living in the country, a vacation in Cambodia cannot do without memorable purchases that guests make, both within the city and in village markets. The variety of such goods is limited, but there is still a mandatory shopping program, and you should not ignore it.

Khmer silk

Basically, women’s scarves and bright capes are made from it, less often – the fabric itself is bought, from which it will then be possible to make whatever your heart desires. The only negative is that natural dyes fade very quickly, but the price will please even the most economical tourists.

Krama

Another textile gift is a natural cotton scarf, which is also the only element of national clothing that has retained its everyday meaning. It is somewhat reminiscent of “Arafatka”, only with a more universal purpose

Shagreen accessories

Here, this word refers to the skin of three types: shark, stingray or crocodile. Bags and wallets from it are very durable and bright in appearance. For those who want to be even more original, python and even ostrich material will do, but it will not be as durable as shagreen

Kampot pepper

Spices from this small town are known all over the world, and local markets are literally littered with bags of large grains of fragrant “peas”. In other stores you can see milk chocolate with such a peculiar filling.

Wild honey

It is a mystery how it is harvested, if at least some of the stories about how aggressive the bees are in the jungle are true, but a jar of such natural sweetness can be stored at any temperature for more than one year.

Stone Buddha

Unlike neighboring Thailand, in Cambodia it is not forbidden to export images of Gautama, and on the contrary, it is warmly welcomed in the name of spreading the most peaceful religion on earth. And the way these figurines are cut out by a grinder from huge boulders is a separate sight, albeit a very noisy one.

Children’s paintings

No kidding, the best street artists in the country are schoolchildren who paint in oils on small wooden boards. For many of them, selling their creations to tourists is the only way to save money for education, so why not buy

Green coffee

Here, the Arabica beans really resemble ripe pistachios, but they are already fully prepared for grinding. And the price is attractive – no more than $ 10 per kilogram

Battambang

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Malta Attractions https://www.commit4fitness.com/malta-attractions.html Fri, 06 May 2022 04:21:20 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1370 Gozo’s Rock Gate

The symbol of the island of Gozo was just a short walk from the village of San Lawrenz. The so-called Azure Window with a length of 100 m was a popular photo motif until it collapsed in a storm in spring 2017. It is hard to believe that this huge karst archway was of natural origin. The 20 m high rock was undermined by the force of the sea in such a way that a gigantic hole in the form of a window was created. Behind the rock gate, a small culvert led to the Dwejra Salt Lake.

Valletta’s Grand Master’s Palace

The Grandmaster´s Palace was completed in 1574 in the capital Valletta. The largest palace in Malta was the official residence of numerous rulers. Today it is used by the President for state receptions, among other things. Outwardly simple, one finds inner courtyards, a fountain with a water feature, magnificent rooms and noble tapestries within the complex. Some important paintings are housed here. The palace armory has an impressive and extensive collection of weapons from the 16th to 18th centuries. Rifles, cutting and thrusting weapons as well as cannons and suits of armor are on display here, among other things.

  • Educationvv: Provides school and education information in Malta covering middle school, high school and college education.

Blue Grotto

A deep blue and turquoise coloration of the water characterizes the 30 m high Blue Grotto on the southwestern coast of Malta. Between the cities of Żurrieq and Hagar Qim, a branch leads down to the most impressive grotto in the cave system. Excursion boats often visit the six caves with their grotto arches. The sight of the Blue Grotto is particularly beautiful in the early morning hours, when the sun’s rays shining through the grotto opening make the water shimmer in intense colors.

Comino Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon of Comino, Malta’s most beautiful bay, is located on the small and car-free island of Comino. The island is easily accessible by excursion boat from Malta and Gozo. The yellow sandy bottom and the turquoise water offer grandiose light effects and are ideal for diving, snorkeling and surfing. During the summer months, the lagoon is a popular destination and if you want to secure a spot in the sun, you should start as early as possible in the morning.

National Natural History Museum Mdina

Malta’s former capital, Mdina, is located in the central west of the island and still exudes medieval charm. Besides the Bishop’s Seat and the Cathedral of St. Paul, the Natural History Museum is one of the most visited attractions in Mdina. The museum is housed in the Vilhena Palace, an 18th-century palace. There are exhibits on biology and earth sciences, as well as a historically significant collection of rocks, birds and exotic insects. The large fossil collection of the Natural History Museum is particularly impressive for children.

Gozo’s Ggantija Temples

At 5800 years old, the Ggantija Temples in Gozo are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. The complex of the two connected temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a modern visitor center. The megalithic temple remains on a high plateau near the city of Xaghra mean giants. According to tradition, they were created by a giantess in a single night.

Gozo

Gozo is the second largest island in the archipelago. Hills, valleys and rugged cliffs characterize the landscape. Nature lovers will find Gozo’s iconic Rock Arch, Calypso Grotto and Kercem Aqueduct. Diving enthusiasts have plenty of beautiful underwater landscapes, caves and wrecks to explore on Gozo. In addition to archaeological monuments and baroque churches, the 18th century stone windmill in the village of Xaghra is also worth a visit. Xaghra is also home to the alabaster stalactite caves of Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s Grotto, as well as the remains of the Neolithic megalithic temples of Ggantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Stone Circle of Xagħra.

Valletta

Valletta, the capital of Malta, was built of sandstone by the Knights of St John and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2018 it is “European Capital of Culture”. The port and fortress city is dotted with ornate churches, palaces, museums, shops and cafés. Valletta immerses you in a fascinating world in which the history of the city can still be felt in the present. Impressive sights are St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, the large natural harbour, the Barrakka parks and countless historical buildings. You can treat yourself to a break in Café Cordina: with a Maltese pastizzi, a puff pastry filled with ricotta and peas, you can watch the hustle and bustle on the streets outside.

National Natural History Museum Mdina

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Niue Geography and Climate https://www.commit4fitness.com/niue-geography-and-climate.html Sun, 01 May 2022 08:26:07 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1366 About 2,400km northeast of New Zealand is Niue, which is surrounded by a triangle consisting of Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tonga. This is an island where most of the inhabitants are of Polynesian origin and which is usually called “The Rock” which refers to the island’s traditional name “Rock of Polynesia”. Niue is classified as a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand and it is precisely New Zealand that is responsible for a lot of Niue’s diplomatic relations. Those who live on the island have New Zealand citizenship and the British monarch acts as head of state.

Geography and climate

This island is a coral reef in the South Pacific, and there are three nearby coral reefs without land. These are: the Beveridge reef which lies below the surface but dries when there is low tide, the Antiope reef which is a round plateau with a diameter of about 400 meters, and the Haran reef.

Niue is considered one of the world’s largest coral islands and the coasts are lined with high limestone cliffs and coral reefs. The coral reef has only one proper opening on the west coast near the capital Alofi. Along the coast there are also plenty of limestone caves and a lot of nice beaches where you can swim and get close to nature. There are places where you can swim with sea snakes that are certainly poisonous but still harmless.

The island has an oval shape with a diameter of about 18 km. There are two large bays on the west coast. Alofi Bay is in the middle of the west coast while Avatele Bay is in the south. It is precisely on the west coast of these bays and around the capital that most of the island’s inhabitants live.

On this island there is land that has a fairly unique chemical structure. High levels of iron and aluminum oxides and also of mercury have been measured in some places. In addition, it has been possible to measure very high levels of natural radioactivity. The earth’s constituents are very similar to those found on deep seabeds, but it seems that the island’s soil originates in weathered coral reefs. The radioactivity found on the island has not led to health problems, which is probably due to the fact that it is not so high that the population would be affected by it.

According to bridgat.com, the climate on the island is tropical and this means that it is hot and humid and that you have a rainy season between November and April.

History

It is believed that the indigenous people of Niue came from Samoa and from Tonga. During the beginning of the 18th century, there does not seem to have been a national leadership or a leader. Instead, several different leaders led parts of the population. Sometime during the 18th century, the tradition of a royal house was introduced. The first European to see Niue was James Cook who came to the island in 1774. He made three attempts to land but did not get permission from the inhabitants to climb the island. He gave the name Wild Island, which must have been because those who came to welcome him were painted in what appeared to be blood. Niue was long known as Wild Island or Savage Island in English until they started using the original name Niuē which means “see the coconut”.

Niue Geography

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About USA https://www.commit4fitness.com/about-usa.html Fri, 22 Apr 2022 00:03:17 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1363 The official name is the United States of America. It is in third place in the world in terms of territory and fourth in terms of population. The United States was founded in 1776 by uniting 13 British colonies that declared independence from Britain. The United States has the world’s largest economy, the most powerful navy and large army, is a founding member of NATO and has a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The US economy is characterized by a large amount of natural resources, high technology, well-developed industry and science, and the service sector. The political system – a federal republic, now consisting of 50 states and the Federal District of Columbia, is defined in the Constitution by the principle of separation of powers: legislative, executive and judicial.

US geography

According to Calculatorinc, the main territory of the United States of America is located on the North American continent and borders in the north with Canada, in the south with Mexico, the east coast is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the west coast by the Pacific Ocean. In the far north is the state of Alaska, the territory of the United States is a number of islands in the Caribbean Sea (Puerto Rico) and in the Pacific Ocean (Hawaii, Midway, American Samoa, Guam, etc.) A number of other islands with different status are also under the influence of the United States . All climatic zones are represented on the territory of the USA, from arctic to tropical. Almost the entire west of the starna is occupied by the Cordillera mountain range, covered with dense forests of coniferous trees. One of the longest rivers on the planet, the Mississippi has a length of 6.420 km and flows into the Pacific Ocean. Northern border of the main territory adjacent to Canada,

Capital

Washington.

Area

The area of the country is 9.518.900 km².

Population

The US population is about 313,232,000 people.

Currency

The official currency is the American dollar (USD).

Language

The state language is not defined by the Constitution. Formally (but not legally) it is English.

Visa

Visa is obtained at the US Consulate

Climate

On the territory of the United States, all climatic zones are represented, from the arctic in Alaska to the tropical (Hawaii). The Pacific coast is characterized by a temperate and subtropical climate. The Atlantic coast is continental-marine, the Cordillera highlands and the inner plateau are continental. The average temperature in July is +13… +22°C, on the western coast +16…+26°C, in the east and south of the internal plateaus and plateaus – up to +32°C. The average January temperature ranges from -24.5°С in Alaska and -18°С in the north of the Central Plains, to +12°С in the southeastern United States and up to +20°С in Florida.

Sightseeings of USA

List of 10 attractions that tourists choose: Times Square in New York, Las Vegas Boulevard, National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington (DC), Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida, Disneyland Park in California (Anaheim), Fisherman’s Wharf/Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco, Niagara Falls on the border with Canada (New York State), Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and Navy Pier in Chicago. Also of note is the Iolani Palace in Hawaii (the only royal palace in the US) and the oldest ski resort in Snowbasin.

Kitchen

Despite the stereotype of fast food as the main cuisine of the United States, the country can be safely ranked among the culinary capitals of the world. The cuisine, like the state itself, is international: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Moroccan, Russian, etc. Nevertheless, pork ribs, pumpkin soup, steaks, stuffed turkey, burgers, meat roll, baked potatoes. Well, fast food in the face of McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, etc. For breakfast – chips with milk, muesli, scrambled eggs with bacon. From drinks – tea (usually cold with lemon and ice), coffee (Americano, a little like European coffee), juices, specific local beer, good Californian wines, whiskey and bourbon, as well as rum. It should be noted,

Transport

The main modes of transport are road, air and rail. Outside the cities, public transport is poorly developed, the emphasis is on personal vehicles. In large cities there are subways, cities are served by regular buses. Tram and bus services remained only in some US cities (Boston, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Denver, Minneapolis). To rent a car, you must have a driver’s license and be over 21 years old. It is worth considering that car insurance may be more expensive than the rental price.

Currency exchange

In the course of US dollars, bank cards, traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at bank branches. Banks are open from 9:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday, the exchange rate and commission do not always please tourists, so it is better to pay with bank cards.

Electricity

120V/60Hz, plug types A (two vertical flat pins) and B (different from A by the presence of a round ground pin).

Religion

51.3% of the US population are Protestants, 23.9% are Catholics, 12.1% do not belong to any denomination, 1.7% are Mormons, 1.6% are members of another Christian denomination, 1.7% are Jewish, 0.7% Buddhist, 0.6% Muslim, 2.5% other or unspecified, 4% atheist (2007 CIA World Factbook).

Security

Tourists should pay attention to the possibility of petty theft on the streets. Valuables are best kept in hotel safes. When choosing a hotel, you should pay attention to the organization of security in it (the presence of security, perimeter alarms, video surveillance). In closed public places, in case of incidents, you must contact the security of the institution. You can use the phone and call the rescue service by dialing 911. At the airport, upon arrival in the country, you may be asked about belonging to terrorist groups, it is highly recommended not to answer such questions with jokes. The same baggage may be searched for drugs, weapons, pornographic materials, ejectable knives, explosive materials, lottery tickets, pirated video, audio and computer products.

Health

Carefully read the terms of insurance, if necessary, purchase additional insurance. The level of healthcare organization is very high and not cheap, so insurance will be quite justified.

About USA

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Trip to Rwanda https://www.commit4fitness.com/trip-to-rwanda.html Fri, 15 Apr 2022 07:26:29 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1361 Lake Kivu

According to computerannals, Lake Kivu in Rwanda is one of the most unusual lakes in the world. Big. 2700 square kilometers. Deep. Surrounded by mountains. It is one of the seven African Great Lakes.

Visa to Rwanda

Citizens of all countries receive a visa upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and at all land borders.

A single entry tourist visa costs $50 (exceptions apply for some countries) and is valid for 30 days.

A single-entry conference visa costs $30 and is valid for 30 days.

The multiple entry business visa costs $50 and is valid for one year.

The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, costs $100 and is valid for 90 days.

For more information on visas or work permits, please contact the Rwanda Immigration and Emigration Authority.

Visa applicants must be in possession of a valid passport or other acceptable travel document. The document must be valid for at least six months on the date of entry into Rwanda.

Visas can be issued in advance by applying online, with the option to pay online or upon arrival. Alternatively, applications can be submitted at Rwandan diplomatic missions in the country of residence.

Visa extension applications should be submitted to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. An extension visa must be applied for while the original visa is still valid.

Important details before the trip

PCR tests for coronavirus and other medical requirements and features

To enter Rwanda, you must first pass a PCR test for coronavirus in a certified laboratory, as well as fill out a medical form at the link: https://travel.rbc.gov.rw/travel. After filling it out, you should choose the method of payment for the PCR test for coronavirus upon arrival – by credit card on the website or on the spot. PCR test cost: $60.

PCR tests for coronavirus in Rwanda are required before any activity related to interaction with primates: whether it is trekking to mountain gorillas, or chimpanzees, or golden monkeys. Even visiting the suspension bridge in Nyungwe, which is home to 13 primate species, requires a negative PCR test. It is important to bear in mind that during such activities, in addition to this, it is mandatory to wear a medical mask.

Stock up on patience and hand cream: hand treatment with an antiseptic gel in Rwanda is mandatory when visiting any public place, as is temperature measurement. But such rituals make Rwanda one of the safest countries in the world in terms of the spread of coronavirus infection!

There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Rwanda from Russia.

Visa

Russian citizens need a visa, which can be obtained at the airport upon arrival or can be applied online in advance. Visa on arrival fee: US$50. The cost of a visa when applying online through us: 70 USD.

Weather

The weather in Rwanda is changeable, especially in October-November and our spring. As a rule, the rains are short-term, and soon give way to the sun, but it is impossible to know for sure in advance. Be sure to take warm clothes with you: thermal underwear (if available), fleeces, jackets and raincoats. The most important thing is trekking shoes with ankle support and long trousers, which we recommend tucking into socks during trekking. The rest will be provided by the hotels: hats, backpacks, leggings, rain ponchos, water and backpack covers. A wooden walking stick is also provided on site, however, if available, we recommend bringing trekking poles with you. There are thickets of nettles in the habitats of gorillas, so you can take thicker trousers or wear thick thermal underwear under your trousers. On Lake Kivu, be sure to use sunscreen: even if there are clouds in the sky, a small amount of sun reflected from the water surface of the lake is enough to get a sunburn. Most of Rwanda is highlands with an average altitude of 1500m. above sea level, so there are few mosquitoes here, but it will not be superfluous to take repellent on the road.

Additionally

In Rwanda, single-use plastic products are banned, let’s protect nature together, preserving the amazing cleanliness of this state.

Hot water sometimes does not appear immediately when the tap is opened, but the wait is not long. Most places in the country use solar energy to heat water.

By tipping porters, guides and trackers in the parks, you are making a big contribution to the development of the tourism and conservation industry and helping the local community.

Keep a place for souvenirs in your suitcase – beaded jewelry and handmade wicker baskets, colorful fabrics, coffee and tea of ​​the highest quality, drums, wooden figures – all this will meet you more than once on the way, immediately causing a desire to take a piece of Rwanda with you.

Please note, however, that if your itinerary includes domestic flights with Rwanda Air, your luggage is limited to 23 kg on those flights.

Trip to Rwanda

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Brisbane, Australia https://www.commit4fitness.com/brisbane-australia.html Fri, 08 Apr 2022 01:57:43 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1355 Today, Brisbane is a curious mixture of modern metropolis and colonial tropical city. The architecture of the city combines the spiers of Victorian churches with palm trees planted in front of skyscrapers of bluish glass, surrounded by vast parks. The special atmosphere of an ultra-modern metropolis and a pleasant climate that allows you to spend most of your time outdoors contribute to a calm and measured life typical of tropical cities. In Brisbane, the average temperature in summer is 20-27 degrees Celsius and in winter 20-21 degrees Celsius.

Brisbane is the capital of one of Australia’s most prosperous states, Queensland, and one of Australia’s most important cities. Combined with the excellent climate, this makes it an important center for conferences, seminars and exhibitions of world importance.

Brisbane Airport is one of the main international and local airports in Australia, so many travelers from exotic parts of Australia or Oceania stay here for one or two nights, waiting for the right flight or just to add variety to their long journey.

It was the discovery of the Brisbane River, named after the then Governor Thomas McDougal Brisbane, that began the colonization of the area. Brisbane, the modern administrative center of Queensled, is located 25 km from the sea on the river of the same name, which flows into the ocean in Moreton Bay. In 1829, the largest penal colony was located in this bay, in which about a thousand convicts were kept. Free colonists were allowed to settle at least 80 km from the bay. In 1842, the colony was closed, the convicts were transferred to another place, the area was declared a zone free for settlement, and the land was sold. Cattle breeders came here with their herds and settled in these lands.

The churches of St. John and All Saints. In the Brisbane Valley, the old properties of Bellevue and Caboonbah have been preserved. Ipswich, a small river port on the Brisbane River, linked rich farms from the Darling Valley to Brisbane. The colonial architecture of many buildings still testifies to past prosperity today. Maryborough, a port north of Brisbane, became a major export center for wool, sugar and timber.

In general, the colonization of the area was carried out slowly until 1867, when gold was discovered in Gympie. Brisbane slowly became the center of the area. Bridges were built that connected the northern and southern parts of the city, separated by a bend in the river. Commercial warehouses stretched along its banks, and soon a customs building appeared. A characteristic feature of Brisbane in the 1880s. there were Victorian churches and colonial banks.

Currently, the business center is not as big as in Sydney or Melbourne, and is located a block north of the river bend. Towers worthy of New York’s Wall Street are staffed by people dressed in business suits despite the tropical humidity.

Shops and shopping centers are concentrated on Adelaide, Albert, Edward streets and around the pedestrian center – Queen St. Mall. The multinational crowd, consisting of Australians, Greeks, Vietnamese, Koreans and Cambodians, is always in a hurry somewhere. Here, natives, distinguished by their peculiar skin tone – ocher color – play the local musical instrument didgeridoo, attracting Japanese tourists who think that this annoying monotonous sound comes from the depths of the past.

Restaurants and nightlife centers are concentrated in the City on Queen St. Mall and on the first floors of business skyscrapers that open restaurant terraces and dance floors by the Brisbane River on warm nights. When the velvet night descends on the city, it is illuminated from Kangaroo Point, on the other side of the river. To the north of the City is the Fortitude Valley area with a small Chinatown. In all directions from the center, within an hour’s drive by car, there are suburbs with beaches.

Brisbane seems to be created for lovers of flora and fauna. You can get great pleasure by visiting the Botanical Garden, which was founded in 1855 and is located in a bend formed by a bend in the Brisbane River, in the very center of the city; here you seem to be transported to another reality, you find yourself in the middle of an old engraving – from here, through a hedge formed by bearded date palms and giant banyans, you can see the towers with their facades of bluish glass – as if in front of you is a city of the future.

The Zoo is also worth a visit – more than a hundred representatives of the local fauna are gathered here, in the tropical mini-forest under the net you can see tree frogs with suction cups on their paws, black cockatoos that are on the verge of extinction, frogs with a snout instead of a nose, two-meter lizards, taipan snakes nicknamed “the killer”, lizards with a blue glowing tongue, carnivorous bats, and a whole hall of drowsy koalas adjoining the eucalyptus grove to make it easier for them to sleep their 18 hours a day.

It will be interesting to visit the Butterfly House – a large collection of giant Australian insects, among which there are stinging and aquatic species. Numerous spiders are shown on the screen, the bite of some of which is deadly. In the noctarium you can see scorpions and giant spiders, the world’s largest cockroaches and Hercules mites.

And finally, the tourist zoo Lone Pine – here the animals are kept in large pens, and tourists come here to pet koalas and take pictures with these adorable animals in their arms. Here you can feed kangaroos of various sizes, which are willingly eaten from your hands. The rest of the Australian fauna is represented by wombats, dingoes, possums and a large number of local colorful birds.

The climate in Brisbane is warm (hot in summer), subtropical with a predominance of sunny days. The city lies at the same distance from the equator as Miami, Johannesburg and Delhi.

Brisbane is always warm, even during the Australian winter (June-August). Although there is no winter as such, the best time to visit is from October to May.

The average ocean water temperature in the Brisbane area in summer (November-April) is 23-28 C, and in winter (June-August) about 20 C and very rarely drops below 18 C.

Brisbane, Australia

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Agra, India https://www.commit4fitness.com/agra-india.html Fri, 01 Apr 2022 06:55:09 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1352 The city is located in northern India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the Ganges valley on the western bank of the Yamuna River, about 200 km southeast of Delhi (4 hours drive). Agra was founded in the 15th century. Here was the court of the Mughal emperors in the XVI-XVII centuries, until the capital was moved to Delhi. The city, located in a convenient location on the banks of the Jamna River, flourished under the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Craftsmen brought from many parts of India and from Persia and Central Asia created luxurious palaces, forts, mausoleums and parks. The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Akbar’s former capital Vaterpur Sikri are now recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. With the decline of the Mughal empire, Agra was captured by the Jats, Marathas and, in the early 19th century, by the British.

Agra is an interesting tourist town that has perfectly preserved its old medieval appearance with narrow, crowded streets, silver and gold shops, historical buildings and masterpieces of Mughal architecture.

The city is known all over the world for the mausoleum of Shah Jihan’s beloved wife, the pearl of Indo-Islamic architecture – the Taj Mahal Palace. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, covered with marble and covered with verses from the Koran, the monument is a fabulous work of art floating in the air. Pay attention to the 22 small domes located above the gate, symbolizing the time spent on the construction of a perfectly symmetrical monument with a beautiful garden and park ensemble. The interior of the building will amaze with its luxury, decorated with precious and semi-precious stones, which were worked on by real masters of jewelry.

Legend of the Taj Mahal
According to legend, the Indian Shah Jahan was captivated by the unusual beauty of a poor girl who traded in the city market, and made her his beloved wife. There is, of course, evidence that Mumtaz Mahal was a distant relative of the Shah’s mother, but most tend to believe in the touching story of the “Indian Cinderella.” Fate gave them seventeen of the happiest years of life together, during which they did not part for a day, Jahan was very attentive to his wife and even asked her advice in many ways. But Mumtaz Mahal died during the birth of their fourteenth child, since then the Indian ruler has never been happy.

To perpetuate the memory of his beautiful wife, he ordered the construction of an equally beautiful mausoleum, the equal of which the world has not yet seen. Craftsmen from all over the region worked on the palace of precious snow-white marble, the best architects of India and Europe were involved, in total about two tens of thousands of people were employed in the construction, and it lasted more than twenty years.

It should be noted that not a single earthquake could destroy this splendor – the construction site was so well chosen.
Proximity to the river made it possible to build a luxurious park around the mausoleum with a unique irrigation canal. The entrance to it is decorated with an unusual gallery with graceful columns. The facade of the mausoleum is a square, which, as it were, is pierced by semicircular niches, thanks to which the massive building looks weightless, and the high snow-white domes and minarets create a feeling of “floating”.

The Taj Mahal is especially unusual from the opposite bank of the Jamna – the sun’s glare reflected from the ripples of the always restless river draw intricate patterns on the snow-white marble walls. The inner walls of the mausoleum are decorated with painted tiles, inlaid with precious stones and pearls.
Once upon a time, even the front doors were made of pure silver, but they, like many other valuables, have been replaced.

Red fort
Two and a half kilometers from the Taj Mahal is the Red Fort of Agra. The fort was built under the leadership of the ruler Akbar, who had a passion for red. The construction was continued by his grandson (mentioned above Shah Jihan), the buildings of this time are white marble. The fort is surrounded by a moat, which in former times was filled with the waters of a nearby river. The walls of the fort, in terms of resembling a crescent moon, rise to 22 meters. The architecture of the fort is an interweaving of the traditions of Islamic and Hindu architecture. A beautiful legend tells that the last years of his life, Shah Jihan, overthrown from the throne by his son, spent in captivity in the Red Fort, admiring the mausoleum where his beloved rested through a barred window.

Fatehpur Sikri. No less interesting for tourists is Fatehpur Sikri or the City of Mosques of Emperor Akbar. A number of legends are connected with the appearance of this amazing place, one of which says: Emperor Akbar wanted a son so much that he went in search of the Sufi mystic Salim Shikhti, it was on the site of the future city that he prayed for help and soon the emperor really had a son. After the miracle happened, Akbar vowed to build a dream city on this site, and it happened. For a long time, the city amazed residents and visitors from all over the world with its beauty. The inner fortress of the city, the mint and squares to this day remind of the perfect feat and skill of the architects of that time. Here is the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Shihti, where thousands of pilgrims come from all over India.
Emperor Akbar, who had done so much for the city, died in 1605. He began to build the mausoleum during his lifetime, choosing for this a square-planned park Chakhar-bagh. The tomb of the emperor is made of red sandstone, decorated with marble mosaics and carved panels.

Agra, India

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Attractions in Madagascar https://www.commit4fitness.com/attractions-in-madagascar.html Fri, 25 Mar 2022 14:15:29 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1350 IFATI

Zombitse Vohibasia National Park: This park is the most important relic dry deciduous forest site in Madagascar. Zombitse Vohibasia is a transitional zone between the dry and wet forests of Madagascar, so the flora there is especially rich within the protected area. Baobabs and some orchids are quite common there. The number of animal species living in the park is also impressive: 15 small mammals, 2 carnivorous and 8 lemur species, 85 bird species, 33 reptile species and 8 amphibian species.

ANKANINNI NOFI

Ai-Ai Island Visit: You will board a pirogue and go rafting down the Pangalanes Channel, sailing to the famous Ai-Ai Island. Approximately 15 minutes from the hotel, about 6 aye-ayes – Madagascar mites live in free conditions. This is a fluffy blackish mammal, listed in the Red Book, leading a nocturnal lifestyle and resembling a lemur, with a long tail and thin oblong fingers. You will have about an hour to explore the island and return home.

NUSY-BE

Nosy Be is an archipelago of small islands located northwest of Madagascar. The archipelago includes the small islands of Nosy Komba, Nosy Fanihi, Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Iranha, Nosy Tanikeli, as well as the Mitsio and Radama archipelagos.

Nosy Be is also the main island of the archipelago, which stretches for 26 km from north to south and 20 km from east to west. This is the main resort of the region, embodying all the ideas about the perfect beach holiday.

In addition, the island grows a large amount of sugar cane, coffee, as well as sesame, rice, corn, sweet potato and cassava. Around 1910, the island began to grow ylang-ylang, which is why it received the name “perfume island”.

ANACAO

Anakao is a small fishing village located 45 km south (easily accessible by boat). Forget the hustle and bustle and enjoy the beauty of the truly magnificent Andovoke Bay – more than one and a half kilometers of sandy beach with azure water. On the clear horizon, you can see waves crashing against one of the longest coral reefs in the world.

Transfer to Anakao: The best way to get to Anakao, 45 km to the south, is by speedboat. Anakao is not an island, it is a beach resort. The huge Onilakhi River blocks the way at the Ianantsoni level. Before 9:30 am at the port, you will board a speedboat that will comfortably take you to Anakao in less than an hour.

After sailing along the sandy coast of Sarodano and leaving the lagoon behind, you will make your way through the Tropic of Capricorn, at the mouth of the Onilakhi River. It is here that you can see whales (from June to September), dolphins and flying fish.

And finally, you will sail along the coast between Soalara and Anakao, from the sea or the lagoon, depending on the tides. An experienced skipper will drop you right in front of your hotel on Anakao Beach.

ANJAJAVY – Anjajavy Hotel

By plane you can fly to the private resort of Anjajavi. The flight will take approximately 1.5 hours. Anjajavy Hotel is a member of the Relais & Chateaux association and is ranked as a 4 * + hotel according to European standards. It is ideal for discerning eco-tourists. Anjajavy Hotel is one of Madagascar’s luxury lodges, the perfect place to end your journey through this exciting and surprising country. It is located on the west coast of Madagascar, 120 km north of the city of Majunga in Anjajawi, on a beautiful peninsula.

The 550-hectare nature reserve surrounding the hotel has 4 distinctive features: a dry deciduous forest of palisade and ebony trees, baobabs and other endemic plants of Madagascar; mangrove forest; unique limestone rock formations and magnificent beaches. In addition, several species of lemurs, reptiles and other endemic flora and fauna are found in the reserve. In addition, bird lovers can watch some water birds here, such as the Malagasy black-necked ibis.

Note: baggage weight limit: 20 kg per person without the possibility of reloading. The size of the suitcase must not exceed 140 cm (height + width + depth). For security reasons, persons weighing more than 80 kg must report their weight in advance.

SAINT MARIE

Sainte Marie (aka Nosy Buraha) is an island off the northeast coast of Madagascar. From June to September, many humpback whales come to these places for breeding purposes. An excursion can be organized for you, during which you will have the opportunity to observe these amazing creatures.

Alternatively, you can go to the small island of Ile aux Nattes, located south of Sainte-Marie. You can also enjoy a beach holiday there.

Attractions in Madagascar

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India Tourist Information https://www.commit4fitness.com/india-tourist-information.html Thu, 17 Mar 2022 18:05:50 +0000 https://www.commit4fitness.com/?p=1345 It is often said that India is not a country at all, but a whole continent. It stretches from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala. It covers an incomparable spectrum of landscapes, cultures and peoples. Being on the streets of any Indian city, you will come across shoulder to shoulder with representatives of many great religions of the world, many castes and outcasts, different skin tones of local residents.

Tours to India will also allow you to get acquainted with temple rituals that date back to the era of the Egyptian pharaohs, the onion-shaped domes of mosques that were erected in India centuries before the dream of the great Taj Mahal, as well as feel the echoes of British rule in India on almost every corner.

It is surprising that so much of the past is still preserved in India, given the rapid pace of development in India today. The country gained its independence only in 1947, but began to develop rapidly economically only in the early 90s of the 20th century. To date, the economic reform in India, which was initiated by Rajiv Gandhi, has turned the country into a new consumer market, in dire need of new goods and technologies, with a new way of life. The land where the Buddha himself lived and taught in the past, whose religious festivals are as old as the rivers that sustain them, is the second largest software producer in the world, has its own satellites and nuclear weapons.

It is difficult to find a more religious country than India. The very landscape of the subcontinent – its rivers, waterfalls, trees, hilltops, mountains and cliffs – includes a vast sacred geography for adherents of more than a dozen religions rooted here. India’s countless holy sites are a network of pilgrimage routes that tens of thousands of believers can travel on regular trains, buses specially decorated with festive tinsel, bicycles, barefoot, individually or in groups.

However, India’s biggest problem is still the poverty of its people. It remains a harsh fact of life for about a quarter of the inhabitants. No other nation in the world has slums on the scale of Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta. Doesn’t have as many malnourished children, uneducated women, and homes without access to water treatment and waste management.

Nevertheless, despite all its shortcomings, upheavals and sometimes insoluble paradoxes, India remains one of the most colorful and vibrant countries in the world. It combines simplicity and high spirituality, cult love, legendary Bollywood and incredible music. India is a country that the traveler will remember forever.

When preparing for a trip to India, you must prepare a package of documents necessary for a tourist (a voucher from a hotel or a sending travel operator in India, a medical insurance policy, an air ticket, a foreign passport with a visa). You must arrive at the airport two hours before departure to check in for the flight and check in your luggage.

Arriving in India, you must understand that India is very multinational and has a very large number of common religions. The people of India themselves are very hospitable and good-natured, smiling and tolerant of foreigners.

India: locations. According to Thesciencetutor, India is located on the western coast of the Indian subcontinent. The area of ​​the territory is 3287263 km2. The capital of India is Delhi.

India: capital. The official capital of India is the city of New Delhi, which is actually a small area of ​​the city of Delhi, a huge metropolis of 13 million with dozens of attractions and a very busy life – office and shopping centers are combined with small houses and traditional markets. The contrasts of Delhi amaze tourists! From what is worth visiting, at least: the minaret of Qutub Minar, the Temples of the Lotus and Lakshmi Narayan, the Presidential Palace and the tomb of Humayun.

India: language. The main languages ​​of the country are Hindi and English, although in different states of the country from one to 3 languages ​​are recognized as official (in total, 23 languages ​​are official in the country).

India: visa. The price for a visa to India is $130. A visa to India for Ukrainians is issued online and is valid in India for 60 days. You can get it by filling out a questionnaire, providing a scan of your passport and an electronic photo. A visa for a period of more than 60 days is issued in person at the Consulate of India. Tour operator in India Sitis Travel provides all necessary assistance in obtaining a visa.

India: features of customs control. Customs regulations in India impose a limit on alcohol – up to 0.95 liters of spirits. For tobacco products above the amount of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, you will have to pay a duty. Of course, the import of drugs, weapons and ammunition, explosive materials is prohibited. Knives, scissors, lighters and other dangerous items are prohibited in hand luggage. In addition, the export of skins and products from rare animals, birds and reptiles is prohibited. As for jewelry, the export is limited to jewelry worth more than 2,000 rupees (except those bought in duty free).

India: climate. The climate in India is quite diverse – most of the country can be classified as a territory with a tropical climate, but in the north of India there is a pronounced tropical monsoon climate, and in the southern part of the country – a subequatorial climate.

Also in India there are areas with a cold climate of the Himalayas with a pronounced seasonal difference in weather – in these areas in winter the temperature can drop to -2 degrees. During the same period, the temperature will be +28 degrees in the south of the country, and +15 degrees in the center. India is also diverse in terms of precipitation – in the desert regions in western India there are no more than 100 mm per year, in the center of the country up to 400 mm of precipitation per year, but there is in India the wettest place on the planet – the Shilong Plateau, where up to 12,000 mm of precipitation falls. The climate in Goa is very comfortable all year round – subtropical. There is no sweltering heat due to the proximity to the ocean, but there is a lot of humidity from April to October. The most comfortable in Goa will be a vacation from October to March.

India: time. The time zone of India differs from Ukrainian and 2.5 hours in summer and 3.5 hours in winter.

India: dress etiquette. Over the past century, the clothes of the inhabitants of India have not changed much. The most popular women’s clothing is a sari (usually it is a single piece of any fabric, having a length of 5 – 9 meters). Women wrap themselves in saris in a special way. Indian men mostly prefer to wear shirts and trousers. There is a bottom general rule for Hindu clothing – it should cover the arms, legs and shoulders (this is especially true for women’s clothing).

India: hygiene. To visit India, special vaccinations are not required, but remember that India is a tropical country and there are a lot of foci of various diseases, and you need to be very careful about food, drink and general hygiene in India (you only need to drink bottled water, eating on the street is not allowed wash your hands frequently). We do not recommend drinking milkshakes, various drinks with ice. Also, please note that it is necessary to be careful about food in cafes and restaurants, as the body of a European cannot always calmly endure peppered food with the use of many spices. Take care in advance of the presence of a first aid kit with preparations for insect bites, disinfectant wipes, and a supply of products that improve digestion.

India: currency. The official currency here is the rupee. One dollar can be exchanged for approximately 65 rupees.

India: tips. Tipping in India is at your own discretion. Usually, in restaurants, you can leave about 10% of the bill for tea or say not to bring change, and, for example, boaters, porters, drivers can be left from 10 to 60 rupees.

India: telephone. It will be most profitable to buy a local SIM card in India (it costs approximately 500 rupees). For example, Airtel (good coverage) or Idea (good rates for mobile internet). It is better to choose a suitable tariff before traveling on the official website of the operator or ask the seller on the spot. But the card is only valid in the state where it was purchased. In others, roaming will operate. To purchase, you will need a copy of your passport, visa and photo card. You can also make calls via Skype or through telephone call centers, as well as machines.
Emergency numbers in India: 100 for police, 101 for firefighters and 102 for ambulance.

India: electrical network. In India, the mains voltage is 230 V, and the sockets are standard European ones without or with grounding (an additional third plug on the plug).

India: official holidays. There are a lot of holidays and festivals in India. The most interesting will be such festivals in India:

  • Holi Festival (in March, in 2017 – 13.03, in 2018 – 2.03, in 2019 – 20.03) – a celebration of the beginning and awakening of spring! Thousands of residents of the country and tourists, wishing happiness, sprinkle each other with colored paints, colored spices or tinted water. Tens of thousands of people take part in the colored “battles” on the streets, and the festival itself gives millions of emotions and is the most favorite among tourists.
  • Diwali (October-November, 07.11 in 2018) is celebrated by most of the country, the celebration of the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. During these 5 days of the holiday, you can see thousands of lanterns, fireworks, flowers, songs and dances.
  • Ganga Mahotsava (November, in 2018 – from November 11) – a holiday of the sacred river Ganges, also lasts 5 days. These days in Varanasi, on the banks of the river, there are dances, songs, washing in the river (“washing away of sins”), and at night – an incredibly beautiful launch of lanterns on the water.

India Tourist Information

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