Many cosmopolitan cities all over the world could be your family's ideal summer vacation destination. They have countless attractions which are suitable for visitors of all ages and have memorable spots to spend a few days, a week, or perhaps even longer. Big cities have large populations, which means traffic can sometimes be a hassle. The mass transit system can also seem quite complicated to people unfamiliar with the city and its environs....more
There's truly no better way to enjoy and appreciate Mexico than a good old road trip. Contrary to popular opinion, Mexico has an excellent road and highway system, and there's certainly no shortage of fascinating and beautiful places to visit. Take Baja California for instance. This long thin peninsula south of San Diego ranges from rugged desert landscape to dramatic seashores and from world-class beach resorts to hideaway villages.You can hike...more
On 13th October 2010, the last of 33 miners trapped by an accident at the San Jose copper-gold mine near Copiapo, Chile was winched to safety. He had been at a depth of 2,300 feet below ground level. He had spent 69 days trapped underground with his companions after a shaft collapsed at the notoriously dangerous mine where the deaths of 8 miners had been reported over the last 12 years.This high publicity incident was a catalyst for Chile's mining regulation agency to bring the hammer down, closing 18 mines within days and scheduling a further 300 for closure. It's easy to condemn Chilean mining as unsafe and exploitative, but what are the real pros and cons of the industry?Pros1) Mining is a great source of income for Chilean workersChilean copper mine workers are among the highest-paid miners in South America. However, inflated wages are used to entice workers to mines with poor safety records, as in the case of San Jose; mine workers were paid around 20% more for their troubles.2) Generally Chilean mines have a good safety recordSan Jose is an example of a smaller mine at which standards are known to slip. However, the larger mines generally owned by multi-nationals or the state...more
Imagine yourself and family; traveling over rugged jeep trails, hiking through deep lush jungle, fording a river a few times, swimming into and scrambling hundreds of yards through an ancient cave, and finally arriving at a massive chamber filled with skulls, human bones, and pottery.There are no lights hanging from the cave ceiling or walls....more
It's no secret; Colombia has a very bad reputation in the past, much of which people still feel is true today. When Colombia is mentioned in conversation, it is hard not to bring images to mind of Pablo Escobar and his drug trafficking exploits of the 70s and 80s. But it's time for Colombia to shed these unfair associations. The country is now...more
As with many countries, Peru holds its top atheletes in high esteem. Every major bank wants them to endorse their products, and you'll frequently see a toned athelete sitting uncomfortably in the spotlight on television, being interviewed by a selection of cheery presenters. If you're heading to Peru for a vaction, here are some well known atheletes that you can discuss with a proud Peruvian, who will probably be delighted that you know about some of their greatest achievers.The SwimmerJuan Carlos Bello is more popularly known as Johnny Bello for his expertise in swimming. He learned how to swim at the age of seven and from 1965 to 1973 dominated the four major styles of swimming, winning many medals in South American and Pan-American swimming contests. He participated in the Olympics in Mexico in 1968 and in Munich in 1972. He was also a sports leader, being president of the Peruvian Sports Federation Swimming Club and is currently Vice-President of the Peruvian Sports Swimming Federation, in charge of the Committee on Open Water Swimming. He ran for the presidency of the Peruvian Olympic Committee in 2009.The FootballerTeofilo Cubillas, a former player of football (or soccer) is...more
You're planning on a Mexican beach break. Sun, sea, sand and...well...who knows? The thing is, you don't want all the hassle of arranging flights, transfers, haggling with hotels, booking tours, and the multitude of other things that will eat into...more
Melbourne is filled with a numerous number of wonderful food stops and feature one of the most varied kinds of cuisines. The key to tasting the best cuisines that Melbourne has to offer is by simply knowing where to go in the city. What most food...more
If you're either looking for options for a Colombia vacation or are trying to decide where to go for a Latin America vacation, you'll be delighted with your decision to visit Medellin.However, Medellin is a Colombia destination that is commonly know...more
We hadn't gone on a vacation overseas for a really lengthy amount of time. So after my spouse encouraged that we should get off on a vacation I got particularly fired up and could not wait to start off looking. I looked everywhere to locate a best...more
Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa has long been regarded as one of the most acclaimed writers, playwrights, essayists and literary critics in Latin America. Recently this reputation was confirmed by the prestigious 2010 Nobel Prize for Literature....more
As we all are know that Diwali festival is coming soon. It is the most celebrating festival of India. Now not only India but many other countries are celebrated it with great pleasure. Diwali word was coming from Deepavali that means line of lights....more