Cruise & Travel

Aqua Room

Aqua is the first luxury cruise ever seen sailing through the Amazon. Has 12 finely decorated suites with panoramic windows that offer a wonderful view from the outside. 4 suites are interconnected for greater comfort for passengers traveling with family.

The social areas are in the dining lounge at the interior and exterior, located on the observation deck and the boutique.

Accommodation:
Up to 24 passengers with private facilities
(Additional accommodation for a child in each cabin)

Cabins:
12 suites:
- 4 Master Suites 240 square feet / 22 m2 each
- 8  Suites from 230 square feet / 21 m2 each
- All with panoramic windows and exterior view
- All with air conditioning and seating area where
- 4 interconnecting suites for families

All cabins include: area, internal communication system and hot water 24 hours a day.

Aqua 800

Others:
Electricity: 220 volts
Water Treatment Plant 7000 liters of water
Safety radio communication system with separate battery, satellite phone, life jackets, flare signals, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in each cabin.
Boats: Three auxiliary aluminum boats equipped with four stroke engines with low emissions, constant radio communication with the boat. Each boat has a capacity of 8 to 10 passengers.
Crew: 16 plus 3 naturalist guides, bilingual (English-Spanish).

The price of this cruise goes from US$ 2100.00 for 3 nights, per person. The cruise travels 3, 4 and 7 nights, the most expensive of US$ 4900.00. These prices are in the basic suite. The ride is incredible and worthwhile if the pocket allows. For more information, visit www.amazonriverexpeditions.com

Big Ben

Big Ben is the name that is known to the Great Bell of Westminster, the largest of the bells inside the tower and part of the Great Clock of Westminster, as well as (erroneously) to the Clock Tower of the Palace Westminster, located in London. The tower is located on the northwest corner of the building that houses the headquarters of the two Houses of the British Parliament.

The clock tower

The tower was built as part of the new building designed by Charles Barry, after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire the night of October 16, 1834. The tower is designed to Victorian Gothic style, and is 96.3 m high. The Gothic style was eventually chosen by the British Empire’s need to differentiate from other nations in those days, they felt less strong, where parliaments are governed primarily by the classical style.

The body of the tower (61 m) consists of a brickwork with stone cladding, and the remaining 35 meters form the needle cast iron which is crowned with the tower. The tower is seated on a base of 15 meters square and has a weight estimated at 8667 tons. The four watches are located at 55 meters tall.

Because of the land where the building is built, the tower leans slightly to the northwest, about 220 mm. Also a few millimeters annually ranges east and west, due to thermal effects.

The clock and its faces

The clock tower was the largest in the world in its time, capable of every hour with the precision of a second. The clock mechanism was completed in 1854, but the tower was not fully constructed until four years later.

The four sides of the clock and its fields were designed by Augustus Pugin. Each side has a spherical structure of iron, 23 feet in diameter containing 312 pieces of opaque glass. Some of these pieces can be removed to check the hands of the clock. At the base of each face of the clock there is an inscription in Latin: ‘DOMINO Sálvame FAC Reginam NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM’ ( ‘God save our Queen Victoria I’). The hand that marks the hours measured 2.7 meters long, while the minute mark that measured 4.3 meters.

The name “Big Ben” was the original 16-tonne bell in the tower, cast in 1856. Since the tower was not yet finished, the bell was installed in the “New Palace Yard,” but the bell was broken, and was remade into a campaign of 13.8 tons, which is used today. The new bell was mounted on the tower in 1858 with four more bells, which are responsible for providing quarters.

On September 7, 1859 the clock went into operation.

Today is one of the tourist attractions of the city of London. Millions of people visit it each year. It is an emblem of the city.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a skyscraper of 102 floors, the tallest building in New York City, a magnificent example of Art Deco architecture of the period since its completion in 1932, with observatories on floors 86 (air terrace free) and 102, which provide spectacular views of the city.

Every night, the 31 upper floors glow with a color representing the four seasons. On the second floor with the New York Skyride, a flight simulator that takes visitors on a journey around and above the attractions of the city.

Built during the Great Depression and so-called labor at very low costs. The time required were lifted only 410 days, which worked at the same time more than 3000 workers. The foundation began to excavate the January 22, 1930 construction began at a rate of 4.5 floors per week until its grand opening on May 1, 1931.

The number of steps that need to climb to reach the plant 102 are no less than 1860, they performed in the famous marathon New Yorkers, in a promotion that may require between 30 minutes and two hours. Located in the Midtown area at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 34 West Calkle, this colossus has become the symbol of power in the U.S., surpassing the Chrysler Building. However, it is no longer considered a symbol of power in 1974 with the opening of the Sears Tower in Chicago.

Having been displaced as the tallest building in town with the construction of the Twin Towers, returned to this place after the tragedy of September 11. Although it has now been surpassed by many other high skyscraper, remains a symbol of New York and his image has appeared in over 100 films, including “King Kong”. Skip to the Empire State observatory provides one of the best views of the island and it is precisely that which leads to more than 3.5 million people visit each year.

Nightview of New York City

Facts and Events

The building has 73 elevators that travel at a rate of 366 meters per minute. The structure required the use of a 60,000 tonnes of steel and 10 million bricks. The coating includes 20,000 m2 of Indiana limestone and marble of 1000 m2 and the total area is 204,385 m2.

The price of entry to the observatories are:

Adults: US$ 19
Students (12-17 years) and Pensioners: US$ 17
Children (6-11 years): US$ 13
Children under 5 years: Free

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was constructed around 1462, at the height of the Inca Empire. It was abandoned less than 100 years later. It is likely that most of its inhabitants were wiped out by smallpox before the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the area, and there is no record of their having known of the remote city. Hiram Bingham, the credited discoverer of the site, along with several others, originally hypothesized that the citadel was the traditional birthplace of the Inca of the “Virgins of the Suns”.

Another theory maintains that Machu Picchu was an Inca “llacta”, a settlement built to control the economy of these conquered regions. Yet another asserts that it may have been built as a prison for a select few who had committed heinous crimes against Inca society. Research conducted by scholars, such as John Rowe and Richard Burger, has convinced most archaeologists that rather than a defensive retreat, Machu Picchu was an estate of the Inca emperor, Pachacuti. In addition, Johan Reinhard presented evidence that the site was selected because of its position relative to sacred landscape features—such as its mountains, which are purported to be in alignment with key astronomical events that would have been important to the Incas.

Intihuatana Stone

The Intihuatana stone is one of many ritual stones in South America. The Spanish did not find Machu Picchu so the Intihuatana Stone was not destroyed as many other ritual stones in Peru were. These stones are arranged to point directly at the sun during the winter solstice. Intihuatana also is called “The Hitching Point of the Sun” because it was believed to hold the sun in its place along its annual path in the sky. At midday on March 21 and September 21, the equinoxes, the sun stands almost above the pillar—casting no shadow at all. Researchers believe that it was built as an astronomic clock or calendar.

Intihuatana Stone

Tourism

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As Peru’s most visited tourist attraction and major revenue generator, it is continually threatened by economic and commercial forces. In the late 1990s, the Peruvian government granted concessions to allow the construction of a cable car and development of a luxury hotel, including a tourist complex with boutiques and restaurants. These plans were met with protests from scientists, academics, and the Peruvian public—all worried that the greater numbers of visitors would pose tremendous physical burdens on the ruins.

Extras: A tour for Cusco and Machu Picchu is about US$ 600.00, not including airfare.  In addition, Machu Picchu was considered one of the seven wonders in the last election few years ago. The experience is unforgettable.

Walt Disney World

For many years one of the most important destinations for tourism and entertainment is Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida.

This world of fun whose main character is the famous Mickey Mouse, has several parks within their areas, each with a different atmosphere and style, but always giving great importance to the magic and excitement familiar details that will has earned during its entire existence.

Cinderella Castle is the hallmark of this brand, and is located on the first park created by Disney, called Magic Kingdom. It hosts a recreated world of magic and memories, which surround us with their classical and modern attractions, bringing to mind the early days of animation, along with memorable characters that have accompanied our childhood and youth, and lasting until today.

Over the years they have created three parks within the Disney area. Epcot was created to recognize the advances in technology, to show that Disney was no stranger to this development and also contribute their quota to the growth of technology. It also has a visit to some of the most important cities in the world, to know their habits and engage at least a few hours, with everything related to each of the countries shown. After the park was built cinema, which was formerly called MGM, now called Hollywood Studios, which involves the classic world cinema, with the most memorable films of all time and the glamor that is the U.S. show. A very fun park for those who enjoy the film in all its stages. And the last one created by Disney park is almost new Animal Kingdom, which combines life in the jungle with the customs of different cultures, separated by continents.

In this post will mention some of the major attractions of each park, but soon also commented on the outskirts of each park and the hotels that Disney has, which is a separate story. Now we know the most incredible attractions.

Magic Kingdom

- Pirates of the Caribbean: Jack Sparrow Includes (Classic)
- Splash Mountain (Classic)
- Big Thunder Mountain (Classic)
- The Haunted Mansion: Include the bride remastered (Classic)
- Space Mountain (Classic)
- Phillarmagic (4D attraction)

Hollywood Studios

- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Classic)
- Rock and Roller Coaster, Starring Aerosmith
- Toy Story Mania
- Star Tours (Classic)
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (Classic)
- Journey into Narnia
- Lights, Motors, Action! (Show)
- Voyage of a Litlle Mermaid (Show)
- The Great Movie Ride (Classic)

Epcot

- Spaceship Earth (Classic)
- Ellen’s Energy Adventure
- Mission Space
- Test Track
-The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Soarin ‘

Animal Kingdom

- Expedition Everest
- Dinosaur
- The Boneyard
- Kali River Rapids
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- Primeval Whirl
- The Tree of Life
- Kilimanjaro Safaris

Most attractions have the Fast Pass system, which allows you to not expect much in the ranks and be able to maximize the time. Ticket prices for a single day is US$ 80.00, but the low price when purchased packages of several days. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com

Cancun's Beaches

Cancún (pronounced can-koon) is a coastal city in Mexico’s easternmost state, Quintana Roo. It is the municipal seat of Benito Juárez municipality and a world renowned tourist resort with modern beachfront hotels surrounded by the Bahía de Mujeres (Bay of Women), the Caribbean Sea, and the Nichupte and Bojorquez lagoons. The mainland downtown commercial section (Cancún City), connected to the island by two bridges, has broad avenues lined with whitewashed shops, restaurants, and hotels.

In Cancún there are about 140 hotels with 24,000 rooms and 380 restaurants. Four million visitors arrive each year in an average of 190 flights daily. The hotel zone is one of the most exclusive internationally, with upmarket restaurants, bars, and the like which have catered for quite a number of the rich and famous. The hotel zone tends to be rather expensive as it is aimed at visitors and relies on the all inclusive hotels to keep them all in this area allowing prices to soar. Downtown is home to less expensive places to shop like Walmart, Comercial Mexicana and Soriana, not to mention several flea markets like the one in the hotel zone. On the opposite side of the island from the Caribbean Sea is the Nichupte Lagoon, which is used for boat and snorkelling tours of the area.

Nightlife
The City night club, Mexican Independence Day 2006Most clubs normally sell a wrist band ticket for entry inclusive of “free drinks”, however to get “free drinks” requires tipping the waiters regularly. The main large clubs in the Hotel Zone include “The City”, “Daddyo’s” and Coco Bongo. Mexican Independence Day will offer distinct entertainment throughout Mexico and this extends to Cancun, night clubs will provide live entertainment such as traditional Spanish guitar players, cock fighting etc.

Downtown Cancún offers a more cultural aspect, there are cuban/salsa type bars/restaurants. There are also many clubs for all types of people, including gay clubs like Karamba or Glow, but the hotels are more accessible to all types of travellers, including some with lower rates. International brands in Downtown area include Radisson Hacienda Cancún, Best Western Plaza Caribe, Oasis America.

Marine life
There are many opportunities and organised trips for speed boating, scuba diving etc. Cancun hosts many geological parks with lush marine life. Cancún’s hotel zone also has an interactive aquarium where visitors can see the marine diversity of the area. There are also a variety of locations where visitors can “swim with dolphins” and feed sharks.

Weather
The temperature of the city is warm, moderated by the marine breeze which circulates through its avenues. The temperatures are typically between 26°C and 36°C (78.8°F and 96.8°F) all year round. Hotel rooms with air conditioning are essential. Terrific lightning illuminates the night sky and hurricanes remain a rare hazard.

Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The Eiffel Tower was a “temporary” construction by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exposition but the tower was never dismantled and is now an enduring symbol of Paris. It is visible from many parts of the city as are the Tour Montparnasse skyscraper and the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur on the Montmartre hill.

The Historical axis is a line of monuments, buildings and thoroughfares that run in a roughly straight line from the city centre westwards: the line of monuments begins with the Louvre and continues through the Tuileries Gardens, the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe centred in the Place de l’Étoile circus. From the 1960s the line was prolonged even further west to the La Défense business district dominated by square-shaped triumphal Grande Arche of its own; this district hosts most of the tallest skyscrapers in the Paris urban area.

The Invalides museum is the burial place for many great French soldiers, including Napoleon, and the Panthéon church is where many of France’s illustrious men and women are buried. The former Conciergerie prison held some prominent ancien régime members before their deaths during the French Revolution. Another symbol of the Revolution are the two Statues of Liberty located on the Île des Cygnes on the Seine and in the Luxembourg Garden. A larger version of the statues was sent as a gift from France to the United States in 1886 and now stands in New York City harbour.

The Palais Garnier built in the later Second Empire period, houses the Paris Opera and the Paris Opera Ballet, while the former palace of the Louvre now houses one of the most famous museums in the world. The Sorbonne is the most famous part of the University of Paris and is based in the centre of the Latin Quarter. Apart from Notre Dame de Paris, there are several other ecclesiastical masterpieces including the Gothic thirteenth century Sainte-Chapelle palace chapel and the Église de la Madeleine.

The Great Wall

The Chinese were already familiar with the techniques of wall-building by the time of the Spring and Autumn Period, which began around the 8th century BC. During the Warring States Period from the 5th century BC to 221 BC, the states of Qi, Yan and Zhao all constructed extensive fortifications to defend their own borders. Built to withstand the attack of small arms such as swords and spears, these walls were made mostly by stamping earth and gravel between board frames.

Qin Shi Huang conquered all opposing states and unified China in 221 BC, establishing the Qin Dynasty. Intending to impose centralized rule and prevent the resurgence of feudal lords, he ordered the destruction of the wall sections that divided his empire along the former state borders. To protect the empire against intrusions by the Xiongnu people from the north, he ordered the building of a new wall to connect the remaining fortifications along the empire’s new northern frontier. Transporting the large quantity of materials required for construction was difficult, so builders always tried to use local resources. Stones from the mountains were used over mountain ranges, while rammed earth was used for construction in the plains. There are no surviving historical records indicating the exact length and course of the Qin Dynasty walls.

Most of the ancient walls have eroded away over the centuries, and very few sections remain today. Later, the Han, Sui, Northern and Jin dynasties all repaired, rebuilt, or expanded sections of the Great Wall at great cost to defend themselves against northern invaders.

A section of the Great Wall near Beijing during winterThe Great Wall concept was revived again during the Ming Dynasty following the Ming army’s defeat by the Mongols in the Battle of Tumu in 1449. The Ming had failed to gain a clear upper-hand over the Mongols after successive battles, and the long-drawn conflict was taking a toll on the empire. The Ming adopted a new strategy to keep the Mongols out by constructing walls along the northern border of China. Acknowledging the Mongol control established in the Ordos Desert, the wall followed the desert’s southern edge instead of incorporating the bend of the Huang He.

Unlike the earlier Qin fortifications, the Ming construction was stronger and more elaborate due to the use of bricks and stone instead of rammed earth. As Mongol raids continued periodically over the years, the Ming devoted considerable resources to repair and reinforce the walls. Sections near the Ming capital of Beijing were especially strengthened.

The Great Wall

Towards the end of the Ming Dynasty, the Great Wall helped defend the empire against the Manchu invasions that began around 1600. Under the military command of Yuan Chonghuan, the Ming army held off the Manchus at the heavily fortified Shanhaiguan pass, preventing the Manchus from entering the Liaodong Peninsula and the Chinese heartland. The Manchus were finally able to cross the Great Wall in 1644, when the gates at Shanhaiguan were opened by Wu Sangui, a corrupt Ming border general, after being bribed. The Manchus quickly seized Beijing, and defeated the newly founded Shun Dynasty and remaining Ming resistance, to establish the Qing Dynasty.