LAND OF GOLD

Kakum National Forest - Seven Canopy Walks

DR JOSE CHAMELEONE:TUBONGE (OFFICIAL HD VIDEO)

Lloret de Mar

I always aim to be out of the country for my birthday weekend. This has not been possible for the last two years. Nonetheless, This year I chose Lloret de Mar as my birthday destination and I made it there!!

Lloret de Mar is a Mediterranean coastal town in Catalonia (Spain) and one of the most popular and important holiday resorts in Costa Brava. It is 40 kilometres from Girona and 75 kilometres from Barcelona. Although I found it cheaper and easier to fly in via the Barcelona Airport as you have a variety of flights unlike in Girona, where's only 2/3 flights a day. 

Tourist guide:- 

Unfortunately, when I went to Lloret de Mar; the weather was rubbish, constantly raining. We only had the sun for a few hours, which were only good for chilling by the pool drinking coktails. Like any tourist, I did some research on the main cultural places to visit in Lloret de Mar but was only able to go the Water World theme park. But here's a few ideas on where to go while in Lloret de Mar.

(Images from different Internet sites)

You find that nearer to the beaches; there's a number of stalls; which to me appeared to stock normal tourist souvenirs like key rings and magnets, nothing extravagant. But I was able to find this small fabric place that made souvenir towels within 2 hours and for a very small price. A medium towel  with two words sewn on costed  €11 (pic below )

- Church of Sant Romà: Gothic church built in 1522 as a refuge from attacks from Turkish and Algerian pirates

-Castle of Sant Joan: Medieval castle from the 11th century used to defend Lloret against any attacks from the sea such as that of the Genovese fleet in 1356 and during England’s war on Spain and France in 1805. 

- Monument to the Fisherman’s Wife: Bronze sculpture found at the end of Lloret beach erected in 1966 to commemorate Lloret de Mar’s Millennium. It is considered to be one of the town’s most emblematic symbols.

- Santa Clotilde gardens: Gardens designed in an Italian Renaissance style by Nicolau Rubió i Tuduri. Situated on top of a cliff offering impressive views over the sea.

And finally, Water World theme park :) 

This place was amazing; it definitely had my heart racing but loved it, will definitely do it again!! It had a number rides that challenged my fear of heights. However having been to the Siam Park in Tenerife, I feel like the rides in the water world are very similar; everything seems to require you to either slide or seat on an air ball. Whereas the Siam Park is filled with different kinds of rides the include heights and speed. 

Anyways here's a few pics of the rides in Water World (Lloret de Mar) 

NIGHTLIFE

Personally, I think Lloret de Mar is a perfect holiday place for young people aged between 20 - 30; simply because its quiet and relaxed during the day but as soon as the sun sets, it creates a lively  atmosphere that guarantees the clubbers a memorable night. 

The prices for drinks and entrance are very affordable. Most clubs do a deal; where u get free drinks or shots with your entrance tickets. Which I think is an excellent and cheap way to get u in the mood especially if you are looking to be club hopping. Plus they make 1L cocktail jugs for €6.

The music is versatile, your definitely guaranteed a good night out as all the clubs cater to music choices. They literally play the same kind of music as English clubs such as R&B, Pop, Hip Hop and surprisingly enough they have all the latest Afro-Beats music. 

Ciao

Xx

The Pearl of Africa - UGANDA (UG)

A wise traveler never despises his own country - William Hazlitt 

UGANDA

Hey Guys,

Its only right I do a post on my experience while in my home ground that is **UGANDA**. I am of Ugandan and East African heritage, spent a few years there but as many kids raised abroad, I sometimes feel like a tourist in my own country.

But as William Hazlitt said; "A wise traveler never despises his own country" so yeah, here's my tribute to my beloved Uganda.

I have only been to Uganda two times in the last 4 years but nonetheless, I have had the opportunity to  continuously discover the beauty of the country from visiitng landscapes such as the River Nile, Lake Victoria and Itanda falls as well as the capital city (Kampala) itself; I have also been able to indulge in the food and nightlife. I would say that Uganda became more popular in the western world in 2006, following the theatrical success of "The Last King of Scotland" filmed in the honour of the late President Idi Amin and lately after the London Olympics 2012 when Stephen Kiprotich won gold in the marathon.

Anyways, here's a quick history then pictures and tips.

Uganda is the Pearl of Africa, a country with fantastic natural scenery and a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. Uganda is found on the eastern coast of Africa, gained its independence in October 1962. Its capital city is Kampala which many would have seen in the recent episodes of Top Gear aired in March 2013. Besides the bad road traffic, the natural beauty of Uganda landed its nickname “The Pearl of Africa” from Sir Winston Churchill back in early 1900s because of its evergreen landscape, lakes such as Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, the River Nile and waterfalls like Owen falls dam and the Itanda falls as well as various mountains including Mountain Rwenzori.

Kampala in the day and night

It is the largest city in Uganda, it can be undesirable in the day, when the heat is hitting you and your stuck in the traffic, but it gives you an opportunity to see the working culture and the people of Kampala selling snacks on the street. 

TRANSPORT

You will find that the majority use the local forms of transport to get around. these includes taxis (they are mini vans) although some find motorcycles ( known as bajaji ) as the easiest, scariest, cheapest and fastest form of travel.

LANDSCAPES

The most famous River Nile has its source situated in the eastern Region of Uganda, known as Jinja. Jinja was a fishing village that benefited from being located on long-distance trade routes. I went to Jinja to attend my cousin's traditional wedding but before the occasion, I took a trip down to the Nile, as it was rainy i was unable to take clear pictures. However, further into the day, I visited another landmark "ITANDA FALLS". The sight of the flowing water and the blazing sun, played a huge part in proving Sir Churchill's description  of Uganda's natural beauty. Many Ugandans tend to eat freshly barbequed fish whilst near the water landmarks. Being the tourist that I am, i sure had a whole fish to myself. 

LAKE VICTORIA

Lake Victoria is not only the known source of the River Nile but it is also one of the African Great Lakes. The lake was named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, by John Hanning Speke, the first European to discover this lake. Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake by area, and it is the largest tropical lake in the world. Lake Victoria is the world's 2nd largest freshwater lake by surface area; only Lake Superior in North America is larger. In terms of its volume, Lake Victoria is the world's ninth largest continental lake.

THE EQUATOR

Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where the imaginary line that divides the earth into two half passes. The Equator or the Uganda equator crosses into Uganda at a point situated south of Kampala along the Kampala – Masaka road.

TIPS:- 

The main currency used is the Ugandan Shilling, although in some big places they tend to use the US Dollar.
Try to get atleast one ride on the bajaji; its an experience
Hold your bag closely when out in public (day and night)
Less jewelery is best
Have a meal (muchomo) out in the local pubs
Have some local food (matooke and beans); it hits the right spot

Visit the African Village for the best craft gifts

Visit the beach (Muyonyo and Gaba beach)and have some tilapia

Go to one of the National Parks and Zoos

Uganda at Night

• Make sure to club hop around Kampala from Kabalagala and sample clubs like Club Rouge and Silk and Guvnor Bar.
• As Ugandans are known for their drinking habits; be sure to try the national drink "Uganda Waragi"
• Avoid holding bags; use your jean pockets to hold only the necessary pieces.
• Avoid displaying your cell phone and again less jewellery is better
• Do not flash your money
• Do not leave drinks unattended
• When travelling back home; use a special hire taxi
• Travel with a Ugandan; they can get you out of trouble and can also get you good deals. Tourists tend to get exploited due to their lack product price knowledge.
• For women; dress abit conservatively to avoid attracting silly comments. 

PS. I aim to try and add more things to this post, but hopefully this is useful.

Still seeking more tips on blogging and how to reach more people. So please feel free to add comments and suggestions 

Thanks y'all

Kyali 

xoxo

Exploring thee BUDA and PEST

BUDAPEST 

Szia!!

I was first attracted to Budapest, mainly by its NAME! It is such a unique, beautiful, striking name. This led me to carry out some research about the city. I learnt a lot about their main tourist attraction feature that is the Thermal spas and baths. As well as their historical background; Budapest is actually composed of two different towns **BUDA** and **PEST**. Nonetheless, it does not take much reading to convince me of discovering a new city/place and capturing new Kodak moments!!!

So here goes a quick history then a few pictures of the places we visited!!!

Budapest is the capital and the largest city of Hungary.  Budapest became a single city occupying both banks of the River Danube united in 1873 of the West-bank Buda with East-bank Pest. It has been said to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe (I so agree!!). With its extensive World renowned sites including the numerous geothermal baths, banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, Heroes' Square as well as having the second oldest railway the Millennium Underground Railway and the third largest Parliament building in the world. 

If you have ever heard of the saying that "Budapest is at its most beauutiful at night" please rest assured because such is true. All the most important buildings such as the parliament and the bridges are lit up in numerous lights, this kinda adds an extra spark to it. However, as well as being pretty, the lights kinda make it hard to take pictures as they clash with the flash. It is such a pretty sight, you have to check it out. 

TIPS:- If you are looking to go to Budapest, I  would personally recommend for you to go in winter. I would also suggest that you take part in the sight seeing buses and boat tours in the late evening. Mainly because there's so many sites to see, so its works out cheaper, faster, safer and warmer on the bus. Also do take the boat trip as its part of the tour ticket for an experience. You will get to pass the seven main bridges along the Danube River. Currency :- Hungarian Forint

**Disclaimer** the pictures of the bridges are not taken by me. Mine did not look nice enough for the blog.

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath

It is one of the largest spa complexes in Europe. It's also the first thermal bath of Pest. It was built in 1913. The bath includes a whirling corridor, underwater effervescence production, neck shower, water beam back massage installed in the sitting banks and many other services such as a sauna (szauna). It can be easily reached by the local underground.

The Chain Bridge 

The Chain is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest.

The Elisabeth Bridge 

It is the third newest bridge of Budapest, Hungary, connecting Buda and Pest across the River Danube. The bridge is situated at the narrowest part of the Danube in the Budapest area. It is named after Elisabeth of Bavaria, a popular queen and empress of Austria-Hungary, who was assassinated in 1898. Today, her large bronze statue sits by the bridge's Buda side connection in the middle of a small garden.

The Parliament

The Parliament, built in Neo-Gothic style and located on the bank of the Danube, serves as the permanent seat of the National Assembly.

The Heroes Square

The Heroes Square is decorated by the statues of kings, governors and famous characters of the Hungarian history. At the foot of each statue a small relief depicts the most important moment of the life of the personality.

Nonetheless, I always aim to sample the main dish of each country that I visit. This time round we were blessed with the yummy **GALOUSH SOUP**. It is mainly composed of boiled potatoes and pieces of meat cooked together as a soup. If you ever find your way to Budapest, do try it, I'm picky with food but I loved it. It was definitely worth the risk!

Nightlife

There were so many clubs to choose from, as Budapest is known for its nightlife, we decided to ask for recommendations from our hotel receptionist as we had failed to decide (too many opinions). He recommended the ** MORRISON 2** yes there's three Morrison clubs, but the 2nd one is the largest and livest. Morrison 2 has more than two floors, you are definitely guaranteed a good time. The music is on point, the drinks are at a reasonable price but most of all the atmosphere and the staff is friendly. It is safe to say I had an amazing time, truly memorable. 

PS: - For those that maybe in search of a local store with familiar foods; there's a Tesco over there. I didn't need it, just thought to check it out. 

Thats all for now :D

I'm new to this blogging stuff, but I am here, excited and ready to explore. If you have any tips and suggestions on how I can improve my lil page, please do not hesitate to pass them along.

Thanks guys 

Kyali 

xoxo