Las Vegas

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". This is probably one of the most famous quotes known and for those who have watched the film 'The Hangover' knows that everything can happen in Las Vegas, from a broken tooth to a tiger in your bathroom. It is probably not the best place to go in our age, especially because we're not allowed in many places. But my friends and I've decided that as soon as we are 21, we are certainly visiting Las Vegas. For those who loves to gamble, Las Vegas is the perfect place. One thing that doesn't lack in this cities are casinos, which are open all night long for those who wants to have a good time and earn money if you are lucky! Nightlife in Las Vegas is also considered to be the best. It is the kind of place that can make you stay awake all night long. But after the busy night, it is always good to have a great place to relax. In Las Vegas, there are luxurious themed hotels such as the Excalibur, Sphinx of Giza and Luxor. Besides from all the partying, there is also activities to do as a family. You could go on a sightseeing tour of the Grand Canyon and see its immense size. Las Vegas also offers many shows and events for everyone. It has one of the best musical and theatrical shows in the world such as the Blue Man Group. It is also recommended to visit the Circus Circus, which is the world's largest circus and carnival. As you can see, Las Vegas offers activities for everybody so that all visitors may have the time of their lives. When I have the appropriate age, it is probably the 1 city I will visit together with my friends!

Photo from here

Vancouver

2010's Winter Olympics' host is known to be one of the top 10 cities to visit. One of the reasons why you should visit Vancouver is because of its natural beauty. Vancouver has a great urban environment but at the same beautiful nature. Stanley Park, Burnaby Mountain and Grouse Mountain are some of the many parks, mountains, beaches and great views in this city. Vancouver is the perfect city for those who are fans of outdoor sports. Skiing and snowboarding in Vancouver can't be beat, which is why it was chosen as 2010's Winter Olympics' home. You can also go mountain-biking, hiking, kayaking, and etc. I definitely want to go skiing or snowboarding in Vancouver one day! Robson Street is the place for those who love to shop because there is wide range of stores you can chose from. Another place is the Commercial Drive where you can find many boutiques and don't forget to visit the new department store called Holt Renfrew. Food in Vancouver is also known to be delicious because they are all locally grown and produced. Those you love to eat should definitely visit Granville Island and its Public Market.

Vancouver is a place that everybody would love, from those who wants to relax to those you loves exciting sports. It is a city known to be extremely beautiful and I hope I'll be able to visit this wonderful city one day.

Picture from here

Salvador

Salvador, Bahia was our WOC destination in 9th grade and it was the best WOC trip we had until now. Brazil's first capital is surely a beautiful place notable for its architecture, culture and beaches. Salvador has preserved most of the historic building and we were able to see that in the Pelourinho, which is the historical centre of Salvador. Each and every building was unique and we thought it was beautiful. Salvador's culture was greatly influenced by the africans, we can see it in Salvador's cuisine, music and religion. It's cuisine is simply delicious but heavy because it is spicy and based on seafood. All the ingredients and techniques are all typically African. Acarajé and moqueca are two of the most traditional dishes. Capoeira is a mix of dance and martial arts used only for defense in a combat. Music accompanies this fight with instruments such as the berimbau, which makes it very entertaining to watch. It was dance/martial art practiced by the slaves. The religion dominating is called the Candomblé, where there is a god for each element such as the sun, wind, earth, water, etc. We visited many churches in Salvador and they were very beautiful. Apart from the historical part, we also visited some beaches where we were able to relax and enjoy the sun.

I surely had a lot of sun in Salvador, especially because I went with my friends. We visit many places from museums to beaches. Don't forget to buy the famous colorful wish bracelets when visiting Salvador.

Natal

I would like to start my 2nd semester posts with the place I visited this vacation, Natal, the capital and larges city of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. It is a place full of natural beauties and it is also very safe making it a perfect place to visit with your family. The most famous tourist attraction is probably the Dunas (Dunes), which is a big area full of sand looking like a desert. It is the perfect example of natural beauty in Natal, I personally thought it was beautiful. In the Dunas, buggy rides are offered to take a ride through the Dunas and you can chose to have the ride with or without emotion. Of course I chose with emotion, although my mom wanted to kill me we all enjoyed the ride because it was very entertaining. Buggy rides aren't the only entertainment you can find in the sand, there is also a dromedary ride where you immediately feel like you're in india because they make you wear the colorful cloths on your head. They're slow, but I thought it was so amazing because I'd only seen people riding dromedaries in films. You can also go sand boarding on a big natural ramp. It can be a little tricky at first, but after 2 times I was able to get to the finish line without falling. Beaches are also a major tourist attraction. There are more than 1 beach in Natal and we visited a different one every day. Each and every one of them was beautiful and clean, but DON'T forget to use a lot of sunblock because the sun is very strong and I got really tan. You can also take a ride in Asa Delta in one of the beaches, it makes you feel like you're flying and you can see the whole city from up there!! I enjoyed spending my new years in Natal, it is certainly a very calm, beautiful and relaxing place to spend your vacations. It is a great place for people of all ages to have a good time.

Greece

Greece is known to be the perfect wedding destination or honeymoon because it is a lovely and romantic place. The beautiful greek beaches offers the tourists a perfect place to relax under the sun. There are many beaches you can chose from because Greece has 6,000 islands and every single one of them is beautiful. Another great reason to go to Greece is it's culture. Greek culture is very interesting and full of the most famous myths today. Cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, Delphi, Crete or Santorini offers many famous archeological sites such as the gods temples. Wherever you go, there is always something ancient to visit, learn, and take pictures. Many of these places where used as a scene in a movie, so it is very interesting to visit these worldwide famous sites. Food is definitely one of the many reasons to visit Greece. Fish, gyros, greek salad and feta cheese are only some of the traditional healthy greek cuisine. Entertainment is also provided in Greece, such as sailing in the Mediterranean, windsurfing, biking, and etc. Greece is a calm place to relax or have a romantic vacation. I'd probably want to go to Greece further on. It looks like a perfect place to visit.

*Photo taken from here

Cancun

Cancun, Mexico has transformed itself from a deserted strip of sand into one of the best vacation destinations of the world; it is considered to be Mexico's jewel. Although I have not been to Cancun yet, I know of many people who have and they all thought it was beautiful. The first reason to visit Cancun is probably the beaches. It is a 17 km long silver, white beach that is fully open and accessible to the public; a perfect place to relax. Mexico is also known for its spicy yet delicious foods such as the famous tacos. In Cancun, it is proved that you won't be spending a day without having good food. There are many variations besides mexican food for those who are not able to eat mexican food. In Cancun, you can also have one of the best shopping experiences in places such as the Kukultan Plaza, which is a 60,000 square meter space full of shops. Along the cost, the entire 17 km is filled with the best resorts that offers the tourists the best. It is known to have the best resorts that you won't even want to get out of it. Although inside the resort is great, one has to get out to visit the famous ruins. Cancun is surrounded by Mayan temples that are almost 2000 years old. You will be able to see the wonderful constructions of those who lived long before us.

Cancun is definitely another place I desperately want to go because of all of its great rumors. Many friends have gone to Cancun and they all said that they had the time of their lives. From the rumors and information I got, Cancun really seems like a perfect vacation destination.

Photo taken from here

Florianopolis

Florianopolis, the capitol of Santa Catarina in Brazil is an exotic vacation destination. It is actually a tropical island that is connected to the continent by a famous bridge. Florianopolis (a.k.a Floripa) is also known for its beautiful beaches. In total, there are 42 different spotless beaches with golden sand and blue waters. From personal experience, I warn everybody to use a lot of sunblock because the sun is very strong and I suffered from sunburns. Don't forget to stay long enough in the beach to watch the sunset because it is simply perfect and a great time to relax. For all of those who are fans of sea food, Floripa is heaven on earth. Floripa is known to have the best sea foods such as fish, oysters, shrimps, crabs, lobsters, etc. Even though I am not a very big fan of seafood like my parents, I just couldn't stop eating. I'd never eaten such good seafoods in my life. All the adrenaline filled activities may not be good to go right after eating so much but they are sure very exciting! These activities include parachuting, surfing, and etc. Floripa matches everybody's taste and style, from great hotels to fun activities.

Florianopolis is a very calm and safe city, so all of you looking for a place to relax and get a good tan, I assure you that this is the right place. Florpa will certainly reach all your expectations and create a remarkable experience, at least it did for me.