5 places to go Travel for the Party of your life
1. Ibiza Closing Parties, Spain
Ibiza celebrates the culmination of its nightlife season every September by throwing huge parties in a week that has been referred to as “the most hedonistic week of the yearâ€. Party every single night at any of their numerous clubs, and you do not have to worry as the club opening days are staggered so you will not have to miss out on one party for another. Dance and socialize the night away; it is sure to be a week to remember.
2. Oktoberfest, Germany
Definitely a party for those who love their beer! This is the world’s largest beer festival held in Munich, Germany, and usually takes place between September and October. Numerous beer tents are erected, each with different themes and personalities. Choose one of your preference and head in for all-you-can-drink beer! Although admission is free, no one is allowed to go in once tents are full, which happens quickly so be sure to head over there in the morning.
3. Carnaval, Brazil
This is one of the world’s biggest street parties and it takes place in Salvador, Brazil, in February each year. The party consists of numerous music bands, dancers and thousands of partying locals and foreigners, all equally determined to have a good time. Be sure to try the Cachaça, the local brew that will really get you into the party mood.
4. Las Fallas, Spain
In honour of St Josephs Day, locals in Valencia, Spain, burn huge papier-mâché sculptures amidst a roaring street party fuelled further by SangrÃa, the tasty local brew. Be sure to purchase your own sculpture – sculptures depicting local and international politicians are usually available for sale – and have fun torching them while partying the night away with friendly locals and fellow travelers all having a rocking good time.
5. Songkran Festival, Thailand
Celebrate the Thai New Year in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with a big splash. This is a party with a difference, as Thais usher in the New Year by having a huge festival where your sole aim is to drench everyone around you with water and have a thoroughly good time while doing it. Whether with water guns, buckets, water balloons or bottles, you too can join the fun. The festival-like atmosphere and water concept makes for a fantastic party experience, enhanced of course, by the abundance of the local whiskey. This festival takes place in April.
Spanish School Peru – What an Experience!
If you are not the typical student, then you may enjoy the unique learning experience offered by the Spanish school Peru. You have surely heard about the famous lost city of the Incas, Machu Pichu and the many other cultural treasures Peru presents. Today, you have the opportunity to learn Spanish Peru, visiting the city of Lima and discover beautiful landscapes. Ancient ruins await you, surfing experiences and cooking classes will add even more glamour to your learning program.
On the first day of your arrival, you will be welcomed by the staff at the Spanish school Peru. You will be presented the school, the Spanish courses schedule and be guided through a city tour. The next day you will start the actual classes, taking part in conversation clubs and many other great things. Being a cultural experience, students often visit different neighborhoods of Lima, enjoying the numerous museums and other cultural attractions. The Latin nightlife is another opportunity to learn Spanish Peru, meeting new people and taking delight in delicious drinks.
Lima is a city defined by its ancient history and rich culture. There are many natural beauties to be discovered but just as many beautiful people to get in contact with. During your learning experience at the Spanish school Peru, you will be taught the Spanish language but also get the immense opportunity to discover Peru. Sights like Cuzco and Machu Pichu will be revealed to you, the City of Kings being a place where tradition, culture and modernism blend to perfection.
For those who want to learn Spanish Peru, walking through the streets of Lima is a great advantage. At the same time, you can improve your knowledge of the Spanish language discussing with local people, in discos, bars or restaurants. You will be impressed with the sandy-white beaches, numerous parks and cultural diversity. Peruvians are famous for their cooking but also for being some of the friendliest people in the world.
The Spanish school Peru is situated in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Lima, Miraflores. There are plenty of great restaurants, parks and shopping centers for your personal enjoyment. You can decide to go trekking, discover the unique cultures of Chancay and Chimu, visit hot springs and one-of-a-kind Andean landscapes. For adventurous persons, there are many sports available within the program: canoeing, paragliding and surfing. You can learn Spanish Peru, right here in Lima, the city where culture and adrenaline come together like in no other part of the world.
There are certain special programs for you to enroll, including the one with volunteer work projects. Apart from studying the Spanish language, you will take care of ill people, those with disabilities, the elderly and children. This project is longer, varying from one to six months, being suited for those who want to follow a medical career or those with an interest in supportive care. If fun is on your mind, there is also the Spanish and Surf program, where Spanish courses are included with surfing lessons. Many students prefer to go and explore the Spanish language in multiple locations: Lima, Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile.
The learning experience includes several Spanish levels, students being usually split into small classes and examined through weekly tests. Group lessons are held, with special focus on beginners and key interest areas. For those who are facing difficulties or want a better understanding of the Spanish language, qualified teachers offer private sessions or tutoring courses. Online, one can find out detailed information about these programs, accommodations, activities and excursions plus medical Spanish courses, registration applications and prices. All for the best Spanish learning experience!
SECOND HOME IN BUENOS AIRES
SECOND HOME IN BUENOS AIRES -
WHERE BUYING A PROPERTY IS A GOOD INVESTMENT
Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, is nowadays one of the favorite vacation retreats for contemporary travelers and a desired choice for foreign investors from all over the World.
People who buy a property in Buenos Aires will benefit from a real estate boom set to continue many years on. Buying a property in Buenos Aires is a firm investment, which will reward investors with outstanding capital gains in the near future.
Whether you want to buy a second-home and plan to keep it for a long time or would rather resell it to make a profit, you should consider Buenos Aires, where buying a property is a good investment. There are several reasons.
Buyers of a second home in Buenos Aires will benefit from the capital appreciation of 15% expected this year, the increasing cash flow from renting the property (8% to 12% annually), low maintenance expenses and a current low tax policy in property, among others.
Getting a property in Buenos Aires helps buyers to make a reasonable financial move. Despite a slight increase in prices, Buenos Aires apartments are still easy on the pocket compared to other countries.
A two-bedroom apartment in the exclusive neighborhood of Parlermo costs 130,000 US dollars. Excellent lofts and new urban developments in the trendy areas of Palermo Soho and San Telmo can be purchased from 80,000 US dollars upwards.
Acquiring a property in Buenos Aires – famous all over the world for its international cultural offer and amazingly wide-ranging nightlife – will enable the vacationers to try the most exclusive activities and taste the exquisite flavors of a contemporary vacation hot spot.
There are many structures being developed these days in the Argentinean star capital. This turns it into a great opportunity for investing and making good profits. Dozens of buildings that are under construction stand out in Buenos Aires. This phenomenon began shortly after the economic crisis started in 2001.
Buying a property in Argentina is an open process to overseas investors. Foreigners can purchase a property in Argentina without restrictions (except in certain national security areas). However, having an agent or consultant based in Argentina helps the second-home buyer in the property buying process.
South America’s Hottest Hotspot: Buenos Aires
By Roy Witman
Sophisticated. Glamorous. A rival to New York and Paris. All these are frequent descriptors of South America’s hottest hotspot: Buenos Aires. Drawing visitors from all over the world, the capital of Argentina boasts centuries old architecture, an amazing nightlife and a spirit of friends, family and fun that are a way of life.
This home of the tango is not only famous for a passionate dance that has spread the world over, but also for some intriguing scenery, culture and excitement. Let’s explore!
Casa Rosada (The Pink House)
Unlike any government building in the world, this pink house really is pink. Why? As a display of solidarity, the colors from opposing parties (red and white) were blended. The result was pink. With an appearance more like a castle than a government building, the Casa Rosada was built in 1580. Still today, Granaderos wearing colorful uniforms, secure the building much like guards at Buckingham Palace in London.
Plaza de Mayo (May Park)
The oldest park in the city, Plaza de Mayo is where people meet. In the center is Pirámide de Mayo, the first monument the city ever had. Always flooded on national holidays, Plaza de Mayo is the gathering place for fun as well as protests and shows of support for the government. Multiple movies have been filmed with this park as their backdrop including “Evita” staring Madonna.
Tortoni Coffee House
Who could imagine an ancient coffee house? But it’s true! Built in 1858, Tortoni is the oldest literary coffee house in Argentina. Still to this day, tango and jazz bands play every night.
Cultural Mecca
But bars and bands is not the only entertainment in Buenos Aires by far. Quite the cultural Mecca, frequent concerts, theater performances, art galleries, plays and more can be found.
Nightlife
With an overflowing spirit for life, Portenos (citizens of Buenos Aires) are passionate people who love to party. You can join in the fun! Tango shows, bars and clubs bring out citizens and tourists alike every night of the week.
Guided Tours
Day tours through all the beautiful architecture, flea markets and exceptional shopping venues, give you the opportunity to see (and buy!) all things Buenos Aires. For night owls, night tours are available that will show you all the best places to dance till dawn. More of a sports nut than a dancing queen? Guided soccer tours give you an up close and personal look at the nation’s favorite pastime.
Weather
Because Buenos Aires is located in the southern hemisphere, their seasons are reverse from western countries. Winter is from June to August, summer from December to February, spring from September to November, and autumn during March, April and May.
Mild temps all year deliver highs of 86F in summer and 59F in winter meaning there’s no need for heavy coats or other gear.
With an upcoming bicentennial in 2010, now is the perfect time to visit. Buildings and monuments are being revitalized and the city is in preparation for the soon-coming onslaught of visitors. You can beat the crowds to this ever-popular destination when you book a cruise to Buenos Aires now for your next vacation.
Five Affordable World Travel Destinations
So
you want to travel the world but you have a tight budget?
Are you tired of reading about everyone else’s exotic adventures and
ready to have some of your own? Have
you always wanted to take an international vacation but thought you couldn’t
afford it? There are numerous
travel destinations across the worlds that are both exciting and affordable.
Five of them are described here to give you ideas and get you started
planning your own getaway.
There
are two ways to approach affordable vacations to distant destinations.
Either you will save money getting there or the savings will occur once
you arrive at your selected spot. If
you want the trip there to be affordable, many travel consolidators recommend
choosing well-known destinations that are served by numerous airlines and
receive millions of travelers each year. The
competition for customers usually drives costs down for everything from lodging
to tour packages. Airfares between
major hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of discounts
and last minute travel deals.
London
In
Europe, London is a top pick for affordable vacation destinations, for these
exact reasons. Not only do you have
more flights to choose from, they are cheaper than if you flew to a more remote
location. On average, staying in
London may be a bit more expensive than other European destinations, but the
seemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants, transportation, tours, and
other travel essentials gives travels opportunities to mold their vacation to
fit their budgets. And you can use
London as your home base to set out on day trips to other more exotic locations
or buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote countries without the expense
of flying there.
Playa
del Carmen, Mexico
This
theory also works well for traveling in the Caribbean.
Belize is an appealing destination, with wonderful Caribbean beaches and
a lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently emerged as a popular
travel destination, it is more expensive than Cancun, Jamaica or other
well-traveled locations along the Mayan Riviera.
With fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are few
moderate lodging options. Development
of larger luxury resorts have begun to boom, but the only real alternative for
those on a budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate from
home and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing to try.
Although
there are many options for affordable vacations in the Caribbean, an excellent
pick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessible
via flights to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest in the region, Playa
is just a half hour away. It is
filled with a multitude of lodging choices, from expansive luxury resorts on the
ocean to quaint but clean hotels downtown.
From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and other locations
on the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel where
snorkeling is prime and the attractions are many.
For
Asian destinations, travelers often do better to focus on saving money once they
get to their destination. Depending
on your country of origin, getting to just about any spot in Asia is going to be
a sizable chunk of your travel budget. The
difference will come from the cost of lodging, food, entertainment and other
travel expenditures once you arrive. By
choosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you can save a
great deal on your international vacation.
A drink or dinner in Tokyo will cost you many times more than what it
would in Saigon. The key here is to
go where your dollars buy you more and where the local cost of living is low.
Tioman
Island
An
affordable yet exotic choice for Asia is Malaysia and specifically Tioman
Island, knows as the mythical ‘Bali Hai’ from the film ‘South Pacific.’
Tioman Island is located at the southern end of the east coast of
Malaysia on the South China Sea. Its sandy beaches, bordered by lush jungles and
stunning mountains make it a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal for sun
lovers, snorkelers and divers. The
island also has many villages for exploring and shopping.
English is widely spoken and the
rates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging package for a suite at
a lovely oceanside resort averaging around 100 U.S. dollars.
Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry from the
mainland. Although the trip can
take over two hours, it is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphin
watching along the way.
Buenos
Aires
South
America also has many destinations that are affordable because of the savings
once you arrive. Locales like Rio
de Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top destination, are coming down in price but
are still more expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, where
the rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes further.
A
huge metropolis that is more European than South American, the city has much to
offer including cultural events, thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, and
a host of tours and excursions. La
Boca, with its street performers, shops, and unique architecture is a big
tourist draw. The large number of
choices for lodging, restaurants, and activities provides opportunities for
budget travel and savings. Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for an
international destination, with discount fares from the U.S. averaging around
$500 round trip. Buenos Aires might
not be one of the most exotic or inspiring destinations in South America, but it
is a city that everyone should see at least once, and with some of the most
affordable rates and fares around, it makes the list as a top South American
destination.
Las
Vegas
The
list would not be complete without a North American destination, and the champ
of all affordable locales is Las Vegas. It
too is a city that should be seen at least once, and many world travelers return
again and again for the gaming, art, shows and people watching that just can’t
be found anywhere else. Close
enough to other top U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides other
options for those who have had their fill of casinos.
The
city has long been known for its cheap vacation packages with hotels and resorts
that offer discount rates for rooms, meals and entertainment in hopes of
attracting people to their gaming tables. Airfare
rates into Vegas are some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matter
the origination destination. And
with more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a lodging
choice that fits your budget.
The
world provides hundreds of affordable travel destinations. With all the options available, there is no excuse to put off that
life-long desire to travel to exotic places at the far ends of the earth. Destinations can be researched on the Internet or your
travel
consolidator can make
recommendations and help with locating cheap
international airfare and
lodging rates that fit your budget. So
what are you waiting for? Get out
there and explore the world.
Study Abroad – 4 Steps To Choosing The Right Program
Choosing a study abroad program is not easy. Don’t get trapped into choosing something that’s not right for you. Take control of the process! To help you with the process of researching, choosing, and applying for a study abroad program, AmeriSpan is happy to share “4 Steps To Finding The Right Study Abroad Program.†Following these simple tips can help ensure that you have the best possible international study abroad experience, whether you want to study Chinese in China or learn Portuguese in Brazil.
Step 1: When & What Works For You?
Write down your goals and constraints. In order to find a study abroad program that meets your academic, financial, and personal needs, you need to clearly define your goals and constraints. What is it that you want to accomplish? When can you go? What can you afford? While your dream may be to study Spanish in Barcelona, does it make more financial sense right now for you to learn Spanish in Guatemala now, and try out that new knowledge while taking a semester abroad in Spain next year?
Step 2: Where To Go?
Select a location BEFORE you select a program. AmeriSpan strongly believes that atmosphere is a key ingredient in the overall learning recipe. You will learn more in an environment where you feel comfortable. Are you a big city person or do you prefer small towns? What do you like to do outside of class? Do you prefer a busy nightlife or fewer distractions from your studies? Are you interested in Latin American indigenous cultures, or are European cultures more enticing? For example, if you love the beach and water sports you might want to try a program to learn French and surfing in Biarritz, France, but if you love museums and shopping, you might rather study French in Paris.
Step 3: Which Programs Meet Your Needs?
Research and compare program details. Not every international study abroad program is right for every student. When evaluating different programs, we recommend that you answer the following questions:
- What are the deadlines, start dates, and payment policies? What are the requirements? (language, grade point average, etc.)
- Are the elective courses taught in English or the local language?
- How big are the language classes?
- Where is the campus located? (near a city center, public trans., etc).
- What facilities are offered? (on-site cafeteria, computer lab, library).
- What are the housing options?
- What out-of-class activities are offered?
- What excursions are included?
- Are volunteer or internship opportunities available?
- What other services are included? (travel insurance, cell phone, etc.)
- What type of transcript is provided? (US college or foreign university)
One of the best tools for researching and comparing study abroad programs is the Internet. There are also study abroad blogs popping up where you can pick up helpful tips, such as http://www.abroadbloggers.com/
Step 4: Who Puts It All Together?
Find the right study abroad provider. Independent organizations and private/state universities both provide study abroad programs at foreign institutions worldwide. In your research, you may find that the program you want is offered by several organizations. Therefore, you should select the one with the best service and value, and that you feel the most comfortable with. Remember that you will be studying far from home, or even overseas. You will have a better time learning Spanish or studying Italian in a foreign land if you are confident with your agent. Here are some questions for you to ask when evaluating different study abroad providers:
- Are they reputable? Ask for references, how many students they send, and years in business.
- Are your questions answered in a complete, friendly, and timely manner?
- Do they demonstrate a good understanding of the location and the finer details of the program? What do you get for your money?
- Do they provide extra services? (excursions, cell phones, in-country transportation, extra activities, other lodging options, etc.)
- Are the payment and refund policies flexible? (credit cards, late registration, postponements, etc.)
These are your 4 basic steps. Sure, there is more to think about before you study abroad, but if you follow the above advice you are on your way to selecting an excellent study abroad program.
Downtown Austin – Urban Living
One of the more recent developments in the Austin real estate market are the multitude of loft condominiums springing up smack-right in the middle of downtown. This new push towards urban living reflects an interest in a pedestrian-oriented community, optimal for those who work in Austin’s business center, but also attractive to others who appreciate an abundance of amenities offered within walking distance. Downtown Austin has much to offer Austin residents, whether they work, live, or visit this area which truly represents the cultural heartbeat of the city.
Austin’s downtown is bursting with shops, cafes, galleries and nightlife. Whether looking for antiques at the beloved Whit Hanks, seeking esoteric ethnic treasures at Tesoros, or shopping for home furnishings at Bella Home or Zanzibar, the shops are local, and the wares are unique. In addition to Starbucks, there are plenty of cafes around, including Little City, and Drogo’s Cafe do Brazil. Art galleries, including Art on Fifth and Artworks, are scattered throughout the area, and the nightlife – well, it can’t be beat.
Most of the new lofts are far enough away from the entertainment districts to provide relative quiet, but are close enough to make a night out on the town just a short walk or cab ride away. The bars, music venues and restaurants of the famed Sixth Street district now have competition from the bustling young crowds of the Red River scene. The Warehouse District continues to be one of the most vibrant entertainment areas in the city, although the new 2nd Street shopping and dining area is thriving as well.
Downtown Austin is home to some of the finest restaurants in the city. Louie’s 106 has enticed downtowners with its Mediterranean tapas and steaks for years, and the Driskill Grill offers another close fine dining experience. Eddie V’s and McCormick & Schmick offer superlative seafood, and Sullivans, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Fleming’s are top-notch steak houses. The varieties of food run the gamut as well – from Spanish food at Malaga, to Italian at La Traviata, from sushi at Kenichi or Kyoto to Southwestern cuisine at Z-Tejas.
One the most attractive parts about Austin’s downtown is its proximity to the nature and beauty found at Lady Bird Lake, as well as the Town Lake parks and trails. The plentiful outdoor activities provide the urban dweller with opportunities to walk, run, bike, and boat – all within walking distance of the sleek and sophisticated apartment buildings springing up. Waterloo Park, Republic Square, and other smaller patches of green add to the options for outdoor activity.
Downtowners will find their grocery needs admirably met by the flagship store of the Whole Foods Market chain. This Austin-based business launched their enormous new store in 2005, making fresh and organic produce, dairy, meats and seafood available. In addition to staples, an on-site bakery and international groceries, Whole Foods offers an abundance of prepared foods, from soups, salads and sandwiches, to pizza, seafood and a raw foods stand.
With all of life’s necessities within walking distance, it is no wonder that Downtown Austin real estate is thriving as a residential community.
Reasons to visit Curitiba
With its international airport, you can fly directly into Curitiba, Brazil. This city is the capital of the Brazilian state of Parana and is the largest city in the southern part of the country. It began as a village established by the Portuguese in 1693 and was named “Vila da Nossa Senhora da Luz dos Pinhais”, which means “our Lady of the Light in the Forest”. The town became know as Curitiba in 1721 and was designated as a city in 1812.
Today this is a sprwling city of 26 municipalities, so you know that there ar eplnety of tourist attractions for all visitors. It has a subtropical climate and Curitiba is the coldest of the cities in the country. You can really enjoy a visit here with the mild weather and not feel overburdened by heat. It is quite comfortable for walking around with an average sumnmer temperature of about 21.
When in Curitiba, you just have to visit the city that never sleeps. This is called 24 Horas Street and has 34 shops that are opern twenty-four hours a day. This includes clothing stores, stores where you can grab a sandwich and banks. Whether you are looking to buy a book or take in the nightlife, you will always find it open here on this street.
The Botanic Gardens of Curitiba resemble French gardens with a carpeting of flowers to greet you at the entrance. You can visit the greenhouse, sit by the water fountain or walk the paths through the native forest. There is also a botanical museum where you will find researchers from all over the world.
See the German traditions of the country when you visit the german Woods. This 38,000 square acre destination has replica of a wooden church. The John and Mary path is a delight for children as it tells the tales of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. See the panroamic view of the city from the Philosopher’s Tower and the reproduction of a Casa Mila faade in the german Poetry Square.
The Italian Woods is the place to go for parties by the Italian community of the city. The cherry trees of Japan Square were sent from Japan. Here you can wander through the trees or stop in the Tea House for a welcoming snack. Visit Tingui Park to see the statue of a Tiniquera Chieftain and the Unkranian Memorial paying homage to the first immigrants to Brazil from the Ukraine.
The transportation system of Curitiba is very uncomplicated so you won’t have any difficulty being able to get around the city. It is best to use this system rather than drive yourself, because this is a feat in itself.
F1 Drivers Do Monaco
Look out in that passing lane; zipping along past you may be an F1 driver on his way home!
The Grand Prix season over for this year, drivers have spread out to the four corners of the globe for some R & R. Home sweet home for many drivers is still Monaco. Different ports of call beckon others home.
Recently, British driver Lewis Hamilton announced his decision to move to Switzerland. What led to the decision? Some might surmise it’s tax-related. Certainly, it’s an attractive option for the wealthy. Although he has stated he’s moving there to escape the extraordinary amount of public and media attention he receives in Britain, life in the fast lane needs slowing down sometimes.
Monaco remains the premiere spot to call home for the Grand Prix drivers of the F1 circuit. It contains the district of Monte Carlo with its famous casino, first-class hotels, and leisure facilities for the jet-set crowd. Is it any wonder that it’s a favourite spot for these elite drivers? They can unwind from a gruelling season and still get up-to-speed when they choose; enjoying the exotic nightlife in this country.
Who lives in Monaco when they’re not traipsing the world’s finest F1 courses? Here’s a who’s who:
* British driver Jenson Button
* German driver Nico Rosberg
* Alex Wurz of Austria, who just recently announced his retirement
* David Coulthard of Britain
* Felipe Massa of Brazil
* Giancarlo Fisichella of Italy
Each May, Monaco hosts its own Grand Prix race. It’s one of the most prestigious stops on the Grand Prix tour with a rich history behind it. The first race ran in 1929. The Monaco Grand Prix is one-third of the Triple Crown of Motorsport. The other two are the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 hours of Le Mans. All three display drivers at the top of their game on courses known to test the limits of endurance and technical driving skills.
As the Grand Prix circuit winds its way from continent to continent, it certainly speaks of Monaco’s charm that many drivers end up there at season’s end. This resort by-the-sea offers entertainment, tax breaks and respite from the F1 circuit.
What an F1 circuit it has been this year. It began in March of 2007 in Australia and ended in October in Brazil. The circuit passed through the Middle East, Europe, North America, Japan and China. Time spent in Monte Carlo, after it’s all said and done, seems like what the doctor ordered.
This small country, with just over 32,000 people, is the second smallest independent state after the Vatican. According to former F1 driver, Johnny Herbert of Britain, most Grand Prix drivers live in Fontvieille. This is prime real estate; a fabricated harbour built in the 1970’s in Monaco, close to Monte Carlo. The country itself is roughly the size of New York City’s Central Park.
Although the primary reason for the well-paid Grand Prix drivers to live here is taxes – or the lack of- there has to be more to it than that. If it were just that, they’d all live in Switzerland or the Bahamas or offshore on a tugboat (albeit a very luxurious one).
You have to believe there’s more to it than the monetary savings. You would think the racing history of this principality lures drivers in; Grand Prix drivers having racing oil in their blood. Sure, they also have a taste for the finer things in life which Monaco offers. Nevertheless, there’s a history here. The greats of F1’s of the past have left their stamp in Monaco.
The Circuit de Monaco holds onto the memories of greats like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Jackie Stewart. These were stalwarts of the sport who won on the course multiple times. It also doesn’t forget the likes of Niki Lauda, Jody Sheckter and all the others who have won here.
There’s racing history tucked in this parcel of land between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. Grand Prix drivers know that and it’s not hard to understand why so many of them live in Monaco and Monte Carlo.
St. Petersburg, Florida, vacation
St. Petersburg, Florida, or as the local residents fondly refer to this fabulous city as St. Pete; hosts many cultural attractions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, a Holocaust Museum, and the Salvador Dali Museum, home to the largest collection of Dali’s in the world, including number of famous and large scale paintings as The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.
There are many other art galleries and entertainment venues for the aesthetic individual. Howsoever, the most popular St. Pete attraction is the St. Petersburg Pier, where the activities include fishing, boating, festivals, shopping, dining, a spectacular nightlife, and of course, the pier aquarium.
In the center of St. Petersburg, Florida is The Sunken Gardens…4-acres of awesome botanical gardens. And, for the true nature lover, is Boyd Hill Nature Park on Lake Maggiore…245 acre preserve of endangered plants and rare wildlife of Tampa Bay.
St. Pete is famously known for its number one beaches at Fort De Soto Park at the far southern tip of the city. Sunset at North Beach in Fort De Soto Park is awesome…magical. As you stand there you can feel the exalted power of the Ocean and marvel at the rays of sunlight as they touch the undulations of the water’s surface.
The panache of St. Petersburg, Florida activities is a delightful combination of cruise and music, when you cruise the Bay waters on a vintage paddleboat to the bodacious southern rhythms of Dixieland Jazz.
There is a plethora of tours to the seas of crystalline waters complete with playful dolphins. For your ultimate Florida vacation, take a cruise…take all of them, you will not be disappointed.
The Florida Aquarium is an aquatic experience with thousands of aquatic animals and plants, including live sharks and rays in a touch pool.
The days alone do not solely belong to St. Petersburg, for the nightlife is incorrigibly romantic and alive with the wondrous sounds of people enjoying the night and the music and the dance to the warm, subtropical breeze of the sweeping coastline.
As restuarants go, some of them can become a very popular attraction. For when you are hungry, Colombia Restaurant on the Pier, boasts Spanish and Cuban influenced seafood dishes with the aqua blue beauty of St. Petersburg’s Tampa Bay.
For when you are tired, there are those wonderful resort hotels with balconies and Ocean views.
St. Petersburg, Florida is not merely a place for a vacation…it is a place where one becomes alive again.
