All about travel

Galicia – Journey to another Spain

Europe
Spain

PatrickJullien

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17. August 2020

The region of Galicia, in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, belongs to Spain, but it is very different. Instead of fiesta, paella and flamenco, the region captivates with its naturalness: rough coasts, ancient villages and wide forests characterize the picture. The few large cities are a lively contrast. Galicia is best known as the destination of the Camino de Santiago. But the area also offers picturesque landscapes and places steeped in history in many other places.

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Sea and originality

Galicia is characterized by the sea. The approximately 1,500-kilometre-long coastline offers an interesting mix of steep cliffs and long sandy beaches. A special feature are the many fjord-like bays, which are called Rías here. The Rías Baixas in the south invite you to swim with shallow water, while the northern Rías Altas impress with their high rock walls. There are numerous small fishing villages along the entire coast. Fishing and mussel farming still serve as a livelihood for many people here. Countless wooden rafts on which the mussels grow bear witness to this.

The interior of the country also shows itself originally. In the small villages, the stone houses covered with slate stand out. They often have a grain or corn store, the Hórreo, as an outbuilding. Away from the villages, extensive forest stands dominate the landscape. In the east of Galicia, the high mountains of the Cordillera Cantábrica represent the natural border with the rest of Spain.

The climate and cuisine are as varied as the landscape. Due to its location on the Atlantic Ocean, there is a lot of rain, wind and fog. This is reminiscent of other coastal regions of Western Europe such as Brittany. The cuisine is dominated by fish and seafood, which is unparalleled in freshness and variety. Mussel lovers in particular will get their money’s worth. Mussels, scallops, razor clams, barnacles, oysters – here you will find everything your heart desires. The fields also contribute to the cuisine. Galicians are proud of their regional potatoes, corn and cheese. An insider tip is the popular regional white wine Albariño.

By the way, many people in the autonomous region still speak Galician in everyday life. But the vast majority of locals can also communicate well in Spanish or other languages.

Galicia: Lively cities with a long history

Santiago de COmpostela, Galicia — The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Image: artem evdokimov / shutterstock

The cities of Galicia form a counterpoint to the otherwise rather rural character. There you will find imposing cathedrals, lively promenades and renowned universities.

The Galician capital Santiago de Compostela is the terminus of the popular Way of St. James. There the pilgrims pick up their pilgrimage certificate in the cathedral. The church, like the lively old town, is a World Heritage Site. The port city of A Coruña is also buzzing with life. The extensive beach promenades are excellent for strolling. The city’s landmark, the Tower of Hercules, dates back to Roman times and is the oldest lighthouse in the world still in operation.

Another Roman building is the more than two-kilometre-long city wall in Lugo. Its gates and towers fit impressively into today’s cityscape. The city of Ourense was also founded by the Romans. They already used the hot springs that still bubble up from the ground all over the area today. Some of the thermal springs are located in the Park As Burgas in the center of the city.

Pontevedra, Galicia — The picturesque village of Potevedra, Image: José Carlos Castro Antelo / shutterstock

One of the most beautiful Spanish cities is Pontevedra. The town is picturesquely situated on the banks of the Ría de Pontevedra. The historic town houses and arcades as well as the many cosy squares and narrow streets transport the visitor to another time. Nearby is Vigo, the largest city and economic center of Galicia. The old fishermen’s quarter of O Berbés and the fortress of O Castro are worth seeing. Those who climb the hilltop site will be rewarded with beautiful views of the city and the Ría de Vigo.

Dream beaches and Celtic villages

Away from the cities, there are countless places in Galicia that are worth a visit. For example, off the coast of Vigo lies the enchanting archipelago of Illas Cíes. These uninhabited islands were called “islands of the gods” by the Romans. Seabirds, dolphins and whales cavort there. The more than one kilometre long dream beach Praia de Rodas attracts with white powder sand. If you like it a little more sporty, you can admire the natural paradise on one of the marked hiking trails. As the number of visitors to the islands is limited, it is advisable to obtain permission for access well in advance.

Cape Fisterra, Galicia — Cape Fisterra, Image: Noradoa / shutterstock

At Cape Fisterra and the nearby beach of Langosteira, the Atlantic Ocean shows its rough side. The stretch of coast is called Costa da Morte (Coast of Death) because many ships used to crash between storms and cliffs there. Fisterra is considered the unofficial end of the Way of St. James. Many pilgrims still walk the approximately 100 kilometers from Santiago de Compostela to the Cape. With this section and the official part, the Camino de Santiago passes through Galicia for a total of a good 250 kilometres. If you want to avoid the crowd of pilgrims, you will find many alternatives. The various side routes of the Camino de Santiago are much quieter and just as interesting. The O Camiño dos Faros hiking trail along the coast or a tour through the Ribeira Sacra wine-growing region also offer beautiful views.

In many places, Galicia shows its millennia-old history. The oldest testimonies are the dolmen stone tombs from prehistoric times, which are scattered throughout the region. The foundation walls of the old Castro villages, such as the well-preserved complexes in A Guarda and Castro de Rei, date from the settlement by the Celts. The stone village of O Cebreiro, located on a ridge at the beginning of the Galician Way of St. James, is also impressive. This town of only 100 inhabitants exudes a magical atmosphere with its Celtic huts (pallozas) and the pre-Romanesque church. This also applies to the extensive Oseira monastery complex in the centre of Galicia. It combines architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque and is known as the Galician El Escorial because of its size.

Diverse experiences for all tastes

Hiking along famous paths or off the beaten track, relaxing on deserted beaches, excursions into an ancient history and lively cities – Galicia convinces with incredible diversity. The region between the sea and the mountains offers breathtaking nature and testimonies of the past at every turn. Excellent seafood cuisine and down-to-earth people make the experience perfect. So the trip to Spain’s green northwest will be remembered positively for a long time.

Jerusalem – thrice holy city

Asia
Isreal

PatrickJullien

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15. August 2020

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Jerusalem is not only a tourist destination: it is a pilgrimage destination and place of pilgrimage, the center of three world religions. Nowhere else do Judaism, Christianity and Islam live so close together, nowhere else is history and religion so palpable as in Jerusalem.

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Jewish Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the cultural and religious center of Israel and Judaism. The area around the city was already inhabited 6000 years ago, making Jerusalem one of the oldest cities in the world. Around 1000 BC, the biblical kings David and Solomon ruled over the city. Later it was occupied by the Romans. Jesus visited Jerusalem and was sentenced to death there. In the seventh century AD, Muslim forces conquered the city and built some of Islam’s most important mosques.

Since the June War of 1967 , Jerusalem has been inhabited mainly by Jews, but Christians and Muslims – and their buildings – are also still represented.

Western Wall Jerusalem — The Western Wall, Image: JekLi / shutterstock

The most famous sight of Jewish Jerusalem is certainly the Western Wall, also known as the Western Wall. It was part of the Jerusalm Temple, which was built about 2500 years ago. Thousands of Jews come here every day to pray. Members of other religions can also walk through the sanctuary without any problems, which is why it has also become a popular tourist destination.

Not far from the Western Wall is the Temple Mount. It is the most important holy place of Judaism, and the third holiest place of Islam. The Jerusalem Temple used to stand here. In the seventh century, the Islamic Dome of the Rock was built, which is the oldest place of worship in Islam. It is richly decorated; the golden dome is particularly impressive. Attention: Access to the Dome of the Rock has only been allowed to Muslims for several years. Members of all other religions are denied access.

Temple Mount Jerusalem — Panoramic view of the Christians, the Jewish and Muslim sacred places of Jerusalem, Image: Kyrylo Glivin / shutterstock

By the way, all these sights are located in the old town – so a visit is almost mandatory! The streets and alleys of this old part of the city surprise at every corner with interesting buildings and historical remains. That’s why it’s a good idea to just walk around, get lost in the old town and its history. By the way, most of the sights can only be reached on foot. The old town is very small – it measures only 0.9 km².

Christian Jerusalem

Mar Elias Monastery, Image: Alon Adika / shutterstock

The monastery of Mar Elias was founded in the 6th century. Its Greek Orthodox architecture is just as fascinating as the view that offers itself over the whole of Jerusalem.
Another center of Christian Jerusalem, indeed of Christianity in general, is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It stands where, according to tradition, Jesus was buried. The church is almost 1700 years old, and is visited by Christians from all over the world and of all denominations.

On Palm Sunday, thousands of believers gather to celebrate the ascension of Jesus. In the New Testament Gospels, the Mount of Olives is given as the place where Christ was taken up into heaven. The hill, which is also located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is also sacred to Muslims and Jews: both religions believe that the Last Judgment will be held there.

Muslim Jerusalem

Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Image: Kyrylo Glivin / shutterstock

In addition to the aforementioned Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem is home to another important building of Islam: the al-Aqsa Mosque. It is one of the oldest mosques in the world. It was already mentioned in the Koran as a “distant place of worship”, but was not built until a hundred years later. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven there. The mosque is also located in the old town.

Jerusalem Today

Modernity has long since arrived, but Jerusalem is timeless. In the midst of the trendy cafés and tourist restaurants are ancient buildings, minarts and church towers adorn the city as well as multi-storey office buildings and television antennas. Backpackers and travelers mingle with believers, American fast food restaurants line up with traditional restaurants. The almost one million inhabitants and the countless tourists who find their way to Jerusalem every day make the city an extremely lively and lively place.

Since Israel is very small in area, there are several day trips from Jerusalem – e.g. to Tel Aviv. The city by the sea is considered the economic and social center of Israel, and is characterized by its beautiful beaches and first-class bars. From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv it is only an hour by car! The biblical cities of Bethlehem and Nazareth are also very easy to reach – Bethlehem is only nine kilometers from Jerusalem.

While there can sometimes be conflicts between the three religions, they live peacefully together in everyday life – if not always with each other, then at least next to each other. This multi-religious climate gives Jerusalem its very own charm, which can only be experienced so intensively in the “holy city”.

So if you want to get to know Israel, if you want to get to the source of the three Abrahamic religions, you will find no better place than Israel. The holy city makes history and religion palpable on every street corner. An experience that will remain unforgettable!

Baku – Between History and Modernity

PatrickJullien

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9. August 2020

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Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. The city is home to several universities, research institutes and museums. It is also considered an important economic and cultural centre.

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Baku and the trade in oil

Due to its favorable location, the history of the city is significant. It was an important transport hub early on, and in the early modern period, Baku is mentioned as a centre of trade.

The natural oil deposits of the area are also significant. The oil was already used before the birth of Christ. Later also to illuminate the temples of the Zoroastrians. Marco Polo reported on the oil trade as early as the 13th century. Baku even delivered its raw material to India with caravans.

The first mechanical oil drilling in 1846 was followed by many more. Until the beginning of the 20th century, half of the world’s oil came from Baku. This boom led to a huge increase in the city’s population and Baku’s growth exceeded that of Paris, London and New York.

Sights in and around Baku

The Maiden’s Tower – Landmarks and Riddles

Maiden's Tower Baku — Maiden’s Tower in Baku, Image: Dmitry Erokhin / shutterstock

The almost 30-meter-high tower on the coast of the Caspian Sea belongs to the old town of Baku and is therefore also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was probably part of the eastern fortification, which no longer exists.

Neither the time nor the purpose of the construction could be clearly determined so far. The tower dates back to the 11th century at the latest, but could also have its beginnings as early as the 5th century.

The construction of the tower is extremely unusual. Originally, its interior consisted of a hollow cylinder, but in the 60s several mezzanines were added. The clay tubes, which are embedded in the walls, also puzzle the researchers and give rise to various theories about their purpose. So it is possible that the tower was intended as a fire tower for the worship of the gods. But even on the outside, the otherness of the building becomes apparent. Today it serves as a museum and vantage point, from which you can see all the way into the bay, because the waves of the lake, which once broke directly under the tower, were pushed further out by artificial embankments.

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs – Pearl of Baku

Icheri Sheher, Baku’s Old Town, Image: Zatevahins / shutterstock

As the name suggests, the palace was built in the 15th century by the Muslim dynasty of the Shirvanshahs. The building complex is located on the hill of the İçəri Şəhər district.

In 1411, the construction of the residential palace began, making it the oldest building in the palace. In addition to it, the mosque, the mausoleum of Seyid Yahya Bakuviund, funerary vaults and other architectural structures are also part of the complex. UNESCO called the place “one of the pearls of Azerbaijani architecture”.

In addition to the architecture, there are also some museums and exhibitions to marvel at today.

Ateshgah of Baku – Temple of Fire

Ateshgah from Baku — Ateshgah, the fire temple of Baku, Image: Robert Nawrocki / shutterstock

The fire temple of Baku was built in the 17. and 18th century as a monastery complex. However, its origins date back to antiquity. Until late In the 19th century, Hindu and Zoroastrian rituals were performed there. It was only abandoned with the increased oil production in the vicinity because the company extinguished the sacred fire caused by natural gas. In 1925, the temple was finally completely abandoned.

Since 1975, the restored complex has been an open-air museum and with the help of gas pipes, an imitation of the sacred fire is once again created.

Flame Towers – Flames in the middle of the city

Flame Towers, Baku — The Flame Towers, Image: ETIBARNAME / shutterstock

In addition to its rich history, Baku is also a stunningly modern city. The Flame Towers are a visible testimony to this. The three towers were built between 2007 and 2013. The highest of them reaches a height of 181.7 meters.
At night, the viewer is offered a special spectacle, because in the darkness the towers seem to come to life. Due to their lighting, they actually look like flickering flames.

The buildings contain offices, apartments, shops and hotels. In addition, the observation deck is open to everyone and allows a stunning view over the entire city to the Caspian Sea.

Heydər Əliyev Merkezi – Signs of Modernity

Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku — Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, Image: Elnur / shutterstock

Another sign of modernity is the Heydər Əliyev Merkezi (Heydar Aliyev Center). The complex offers around 100,000 m² of space for the National Museum, various exhibition, concert and conference halls and a library.

The cultural centre was designed by the Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Construction lasted from 2007 to 2012. Two years later, the building received the Design of the Year award from the Design Museum London .

With its innovative, flowing form, the building blends beautifully into the surrounding park and almost creates a sculptural impression.

Yanar Dağ – The Burning Mountain

An unforgettable natural phenomenon is the fire, which has been burning not far from Baku since ancient times. It is caused by the natural gas in the soil. Some of the flames shoot out of the 10-meter-long crack up to three meters high into the sky. This natural earth fire is one of the few that can still be admired in the world today and Marco Polo already reported on this wonder of nature. The flames are particularly impressive in the dark and have already served as a source of inspiration for many.

Langkawi – Small island with a big culture

PatrickJullien

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31. July 2020

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Langkawi – Small island with a big culture

Langkawi is Malaysia’s holiday island and still a real insider tip. Holidaymakers who are looking for relaxation, but also variety, who already know Thailand or do not want to visit it , will find a little gem here with fantastic beaches, evergreen forests and yet urban infrastructure and thus the amenities that make a holiday perfect. Langkawi is also still relatively unknown as a travel destination, so it is not too crowded even in the high season. The island, located west of the Malay Peninsula, is easily accessible and can boast many sights, diverse food and a colorful culture. Malaysia does not advertise itself as the real Asia for nothing.

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Langkawi, where Southeast Asia, Thailand, India, China and the West meet

STrand Cenang Langkawi — Dream beach in Cenang, Image: AsiaTravel / shutterstock

What makes Langkawi special is the unique fusion of different cultures into a harmonious overall picture. Malaysia not only offers the indigenous Southeast Asian way of life, but is also home to Thai, Chinese, Indians and Arabs. For over a thousand years, these cultures have lived side by side, creating a unique new culture that presents itself to visitors mainly through the wonderfully varied cuisine, but also unique architecture. Langkawi is home to the Perakanan houses, which were built by Chinese exiles in recent centuries. They are best explored in Penang. In addition to cuisine, culture and architecture, Langkawi also offers fascinating culture and friendly hosts who are just waiting to fulfil all the wishes of holidaymakers – the influence of Thailand cannot be denied.

Small island, but a lot to discover

The Langkawi Sky Bridge (pedestrian bridge) offers fantastic views, Image: Leonid Sorokin / shutterstock

Nature is probably the most important attraction of the island. c is actually not just one, but consists of almost a hundred small limestone islands and rocks, similar to the famous James Bond rock (which is in Thailand, however). In the north of the island there is a black sand beach, where the sand consists of dark volcanic rock. Inside, numerous nature parks invite you to explore rocks, waterfalls and lakes. The evergreen surroundings offer numerous photo opportunities. And there is also a lot to explore underwater. But culture is not neglected either. Those interested in culture can visit the local museum or marvel at the fascinating local architecture. The different peoples who have shaped the island have left their mark here: in addition to mosques, there are Chinese and Thai temples as well as traces from the colonial era of the Portuguese and British. Numerous festivities take place during the course of the year. Although Malaysia is Muslim, Islam meets Asian openness here. So there is also a very active nightlife, especially near the two most popular beaches of the island.

Pure nature and culture in a melting pot of cultures

What makes Langkawi perfect is the combination of beach, mountains and city, so that everyone from beach vacationers to culture seekers get their money’s worth. The long sandy beaches, lined with palm trees, invite you to swim, sunbathe or relax. The water is crystal clear and offers refreshment from the tropical heat. The limestone cliffs off the coast make the idyll perfect. Those who want to be active can go hiking in the mountains and enjoy the fresh air of the evergreen forests. There are no dangerous animals, and the island is too small to get lost. And after a relaxing stay at the beach or actively exploring the interior, holidaymakers can then review the day in the city in the evening with the delicious food on offer or with a colourful cocktail. Boutiques and shops also invite you to stroll and shop (duty-free). Langkawi offers a bit of everything.

Easy way to get to Langkawi

There are four ways to get there. There are no direct flights from Europe. The easiest option is by plane. There are connections to and from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, as well as Penang, a nearby island whose architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But there are also flights to Langkawi from Thailand. This makes it easy to integrate the beach holiday into holiday planning through connecting flights. The second option is by boat or ferry. However, the way from Kuala Lumpur is likely to be rather arduous. But to and from Penang there are some commercial lines. Finally, holidaymakers can also travel by train – on the mainland, of course, and then take the ferry. However, train journeys are often lengthy and exhausting due to the climate. From Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar it takes a little more than ten hours. Theoretically, the trip can also be done by car, as an alternative. However, although safe independent and convenient, this is the most expensive alternative. Due to Langkawi’s good connections, the stay can be perfectly integrated into a round trip Thailand-Malaysia.

Best time to visit Langkawi

Although Langkawi is a tropical island, there are ideal times to visit. The weather is tropical and warm all year round, but typhoons also become more frequent during the second half of the year, which can lead to significant travel disruptions – not to mention rainy holidays. The best time to visit is December to April, when there is a dry season (but it is also very hot). Then the storms have subsided and it rains very rarely. During the rainy season (rest of the year) it rains daily, not all the time, but the one or two hour of rain can make it extremely humid, which makes physical activity very difficult.

The almost perfect holiday island

Langkawi offers almost the perfect holiday for those who are drawn to faraway places. Tropical sandy beaches, hospitable locals, excellent cuisine and a lot of nature and culture that you can still discover for yourself. This is either a perfect start to the Asian adventure or the end of a Malaysia or Thailand round trip. Discover Langkawi while the island is still an insider tip!

Marseille: Port city with charm, culture and delicacies

PatrickJullien

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22. July 2020

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Marseille: Port city with charm, culture and delicacies

In the beautiful port city of Marseille, French charm and maritime flair meet. It is one of the oldest cities in France and is located on the Gulf of Lion. In addition to the beautiful landscape, Marseille offers interesting cultural impressions, which even made it the Capital of Culture in 2013. The port metropolis enchants its visitors with many sights and an unmistakable atmosphere, which is particularly noticeable at the Vieux Port, the old port of the city.

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Marseille maritime at the Vieux Port

Old Port, Marseille — The old port in Marseille, Image: Vieux Port / shutterstock

The yachts of the rich and beautiful sail in the water, the salty scent of the sea combines with culinary smells from the surrounding restaurants. A fish market takes place every morning on the harbour quay, where the fishermen’s catch of the day can be admired and, of course, purchased. It doesn’t get any fresher than this. Vieux Port doesn’t just attract tourists. It is also a meeting place for many locals. Here you can enjoy life with a good meal and a glass of wine. It is particularly atmospheric in the evening. Then the area exudes all its charm. The restaurants are decorated with romantic wind lights and candlelight dinners are held on the yachts. For lovers of maritime flair, the Old Harbour is the perfect place to stroll and relax. In addition, you can quickly reach many surrounding sights from here.

Marseille impresses with its variety of museums

More than 20 museums offer rich historical variety. The Musée d’Histoire de Marseille, for example, provides an attractive and very lively insight into the city’s history. In addition to historical recreations and films, there are suggestions for special walks, children’s programs or virtual “contemporary witnesses”.

La Vieille Charité, Image: Pani Garmyder / shutterstock

The Vieille Charité was once a hospice for the poor and is now used as a cultural and museum centre. It is home to the Musée d’Arts Africains, Océaniens, Amérindiens and the archaeological collection of the Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne.
A collection of 850 works of art can be admired in the Musée Regards de Provence . The art objects range from modernism to the present day. Represented artists include Marcel Dyf, Joseph Garibaldi and Adolphe Monticelli. Bikers on holiday in Marseille should definitely visit Le Musée de la Moto. On display are various motorcycles from the 70s and 80s, special prototypes and also posters and newspaper articles.

The Savonnerie du Midi soap factory with its soap museum takes guests to one of the last historic soap factories and brings the production and history of soap closer.

From imposing architecture to historic districts, Marseille is well worth a visit

It is not only the variety of museums that provides plenty of variety. The picturesque port city also has a lot to offer in terms of other sights. The Swiss architect Le Corbusier is responsible for one of them. His residential complex Cité radieuse impresses with its imposing architecture that is visually reminiscent of a passenger ship. Colour accents complete the extraordinary sight.

Inside the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, there are beautiful mosaics, mobiles with ships and signs of thanks. The church is located on a hill and thus offers not only its own beauty but also a breathtaking panoramic view over the city.

Directly at the Old Port, the view falls on Fort Saint-Jean. The fortress was built in 1660. Its towers allow for a wonderful sea view.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city a little, take a leisurely stroll through Parc Borély. The main attraction here is the Château Borély castle complex. There are also a number of leisure activities and the opportunity to visit the adjacent botanical garden.
Enchanting buildings, beautiful squares, colourful houses and antique signs can be discovered while strolling through the steep streets of Le Panier. In this oldest district, you can experience the everyday life of Marseille.

Bouillabaisse and other delicacies

Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille — Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde, Image: Sergey Novikov / shutterstock

France is enjoyment and therefore there are also dishes and specialties in Marseille that you should definitely try on a holiday in the port metropolis. At the top of the list is the bouillabaisse. It is a seafood stew seasoned with garlic. A paste with olive oil, capers and various herbs is particularly popular on fresh baguettes. Its name: Tapenade.

There is also a special speciality from the hearty cuisine in Marseille. The stew Daube consists of beef braised in wine with carrots, onions and tomatoes. Those with a sweet tooth will love Navette de Marseille. The small biscuits taste simply tempting due to the production with orange blossom aroma and good olive oil.

If you are looking for a traditional alcoholic drink, you will always come across Pastis in Marseille. The spirit tastes of liquorice and anise. It is a typical summer drink, but it also tastes good at other times of the year. It is usually served on ice cubes and infused with water.
These and many other delicacies also make Marseille an attractive culinary holiday destination. If you go shopping in the “Comptoire Mathilde” boutique before returning home, you can treat yourself to some culinary delights such as high-quality olive oils, spices or chocolate spreads at home.

Not typical and yet beautiful: Holidays in Paraguay

PatrickJullien

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22. July 2020

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Not typical and yet beautiful: Holidays in Paraguay

Paraguay is certainly not one of the classic holiday destinations. However, only if holidays only mean wind, water and waves. But you will definitely get all the other beauties on a holiday in Paraguay. The South American country is an underrated destination with many beautiful places and sights that we have summarized in this article.

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The Iguazú Falls

Iguazu Falls, Image: sharptoyou / shutterstock

The fact that Paraguay is not overrun by tourists has some advantages. For example, there are still many untouched sections of nature that can be admired. The almost 40 nature reserves alone speak for themselves. Among the most popular sights are the Iguazú Falls. They are located in the triangle between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Right next to the breathtaking natural spectacle is the hydroelectric power plant, which should be worth a visit, especially for those interested in technology.

Jesuit reductions in Paraguay

Jesuit Reductions Paraguay — Jesuit Reductions, Image: RPBaiao / shutterstock

On the Paraná River, the Jesuits created settlements from 1610 onwards, the so-called Jesuit Reductions. In the south of the country, these can be visited by tourists. In the meantime, the ruins of the settlement have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to go to the city, you should pay Asunción a visit. The city centre dates back to the 19th century. It was completely demolished by the dictator Francia and then rebuilt. The architects paid attention to a typical checkerboard pattern. Many churches and museums await visitors here. The city is known worldwide as probably the greenest capital of all.

Cordillera-Caacupe

If you drive about 50 kilometers east from the capital, you will come across Caacupé, the capital of the Cordillera. Here visitors encounter one of the few mountainous landscapes in the area. The place is one of the most famous and is the scene of the Madonna de los Milagros festival every December. In addition, locals and people from neighboring countries come every year. In the heart of the city is also the largest church in the country, which was canonized by the Pope in 1988. The pilgrimage church Basilica San Francisco shines in a neo-romantic style and should definitely be visited. The huge dome of the church in particular invites you to take a good photo.

The Franciscan Monastery in Atyrá

Paraguay also has a lot of insider tips in store. One of them is located near Atyrá. The Franciscan Monastery is a new building in the classical style with strong elements from South America. Many handicraft subtleties and a cheerful architectural style land here to admire. The monastery has made it its goal to enable encounters and not to seal itself off completely. Therefore, events often take place in the monastery. Even guest rooms are offered there. For an overnight stay or a day trip, the holy Kloister is definitely a good choice.

Ciudad del Este

As the name suggests, Ciudad del Este is located in the east of the country. More precisely, in the border triangle together with Argentina and Brazil. Even though Asunición is actually the economic main point of the country, Ciudad del Este generates by far the most sales. Although not always completely legal, the proximity to neighboring countries allows many shops. The town is connected to Brazil via the so-called “Bridge of Friendship”. A river forms the border here. In the middle of the river lies an island that has not yet been awarded to either country. Especially for us Western Europeans, the enormous chaos on the streets there is exciting and imposing. The place is popular as a starting point for visits to the ITAIPU power plant.

Other exciting places in Paraguay

If you are in the country, you should visit the Plaza Juan de Salazar. The city’s cathedral dates back to 1845. Directly in front of the building is an exciting monument to the first governor of Paraguay. There is also an archiepiscopal museum in the area. Here you can find paintings. relics and historically valuable objects of sacred art. In the city center is the seat of Congress – the Palacio Legislativo. In addition, you will find the Government Palace, which is modeled on the Louvre in Paris. In the Jardin Botanvio, animal and nature lovers in particular feel at home – there the entire biodiversity of Paraguayan flora and fauna can be observed and admired. In the centre of the country, on the other hand, tourists appreciate the shopping streets of Palma, Olivia and Estrella.

You should also definitely pay a visit to the gigantic Mercado Cuatro market. Here you can find food of all kinds in fresh quality at enormously low prices. Delicious fruits, vegetables and various types of meat are available for purchase. It is precisely thanks to the cattle market in the state that there is a particularly large supply of beef. If you can’t make it home to the hotel or caravan, you can also taste the delicious dishes from local suppliers directly on site. The regional food can hardly be tasted more authentically.

San Bernardino

The city was built by German settlers as early as 1881. It is located on the beautiful Ypacarai Lake and is one of the most important tourist centers for the local population. In addition, this place with around 5000 inhabitants is the place of death of the anti-Semitic agitator Bernhard Förster, who emigrated to Paraguay in 1886. The city is about 40 kilometers away from Asunción.

Must-haves for your next destination

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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17. July 2020

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This year, traveling is a little different for all of us. Nevertheless, we want to treat ourselves to a nice break from everyday life and go into the must-haves that should not be missing in any suitcase in 2020:

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All-rounder bag

The bag is not only an important companion in everyday life, but also when traveling. It is therefore best to choose a model that is suitable for staying at the beach and for traveling by plane, as luggage is of course always very limited. When traveling, tote bags or shoppers are particularly suitable for storing all important utensils, such as travel documents, a book or the beach towel. A great it-piece when traveling are, for example, these practical Michael Kors bags, which can be combined with different outfits at the same time and become the perfect companion on vacation as well as on the beach!

The dress

The dress is, like every summer, the it-piece par excellence. The summer dresses of 2020 are made of light fabrics and preferably for wrapping – whether midi or mini length, they are available in almost every color and they exude pure summer feeling! You should pay attention to the right material, then they are not only comfortable to wear, but they also fit well in the suitcase and, depending on the look, can be worn on the beach, for a stroll through the city or for a night out. Particularly trendy this year: especially light pastel shades and playful floral patterns are very popular.

The sneakers

A pair of sneakers also belong in every luggage – or even better: wear to the flight/journey. Of course, the most important thing is that they are comfortable – for any hikes, long walks or even rainy days – a pair of sneakers is a must. In addition, you can now also dress them up by combining them with a beautiful dress, rather more elegant!

The Fabric Mask

This year, the mask should not be missing in our luggage, as masks are still compulsory in almost every country, especially in shops. So why not match the mask to the outfits and use it specifically as an accessory. Especially self-sewn masks made of fabric are very practical, as they can be chosen to match the outfit. In addition, the masks are more sustainable and can be easily washed after wearing.

The hat

The hat is a trendy sun protection, especially on the beach, which also enhances the outfit. Of course, both important as head and sun protection, but it can also look really elegant – Caribbean feeling included, so this year the hat in the color white is a great alternative to the boring straw hat. You can spice it up with the matching oversized sunglasses and a scarf that is casually tied around it – matching the bikini, of course – a real diva look for the beach!

The most beautiful boat routes along the Croatian island paradise

PatrickJullien

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14. July 2020

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The most beautiful boat routes along the Croatian island paradise

Croatia was neglected as a holiday destination for a long time and was known at best as an insider tip. This has changed significantly recently and Croatia has long since welcomed numerous tourists year after year. In 2018 , for example, there were around 19.7 million tourists. Croatia also offers many islands that can be worth a visit. Many of them are almost untouched and can be discovered on a boat tour. Where you can find the right boat, how the booking works and more are described in more detail below.

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On tour with the right boat

When it comes to choosing the right boat for the boat tour to the Croatian islands, tourists have a free choice. It plays a role what comfort is desired or whether you want to go on a discovery tour in Croatia as a couple or as a group. Zizoo, the world’s largest booking platform for boating holidays, offers a correspondingly large selection of different boat types:

Sailboats
Powerful motorboats
Lightning-fast catamarans
Houseboats

The bottom line is that nothing is left to be desired. Each tour group will find the vehicle for their own boat tour in Croatia. A small addendum: Charter boats in Croatia are cheapest when booked from Saturday to Saturday.

Beautiful boat routes in Croatia

1. Visit Krk by boat

One way to experience the beauty of the islands in Croatia by boat is to take a boat tour from Split towards Krk. The island is already very popular with tourists, but still offers many beautiful and secluded corners. Ideal for getting away from it all and enjoying nature.

2. Discover Brac, Hvar and Co.

Brač, Zlatni Rat, Golden Horn — The beach Zlatni Rat / Golden Horn on #Brac, Image: artem evdokimov / shutterstock

But the island of Brac also invites you to visit Croatia by boat. From Sukosan you can reach the island, for example. Brac is the third largest Croatian island and a whole 40 kilometers long. Here, too, you have enough freedom to find untouched corners and dedicate yourself to the secrets of the island in all togetherness.

In general, however, Croatia offers a whole range of other islands that can be reached by chartered boat. From the larger cities, this is usually not a problem and therefore Rab, Hvar or Susak are often popular destinations for holidaymakers.

Conclusion: The Croatian islands are easy to discover by boat

Boat tours are among the highlights that Croatia has to offer for its visitors. Here you can get to know the island diversity of the Central European state wonderfully and fall in love with many spots. But individual boat trips are also possible in Croatia without any problems and offer many a paradisiacal spot. So if you want to enjoy a slightly different holiday with a special view, this is the right place for you.

Holidays in Baden-Württemberg are always an experience

PatrickJullien

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13. July 2020

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Holidays in Baden-Württemberg are always an experience

Baden-Württemberg is located in the southwest of the Federal Republic of Germany and borders France and Switzerland. Baden-Württemberg is one of the most popular travel destinations in Germany. Every year, an average of 49 million people stay overnight in the charming state. It scores with its diverse cultural landscapes and lively cities. Popular holiday destinations are above all the Black Forest, Lake Constance, the Odenwald, the Swabian Alb, the Electoral Palatinate and the Stuttgart region.

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Enjoy the beauty of Baden-Württemberg in the Black Forest

Münctertal, Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg — View of Münstertal in the Black Forest, Image: Funny Solution Studio / shutterstock

One of the most important recreational areas in Baden-Württemberg is undoubtedly the Black Forest. It is one of the most visited German low mountain ranges. It is also known as the home of the cuckoo clock. The Black Forest has a length of 200 kilometers and a width of 60 kilometers. It borders on Lake Constance, the Swabian Alb and the Kraichgau, among others.

The northern Black Forest comprises the region between Karlsruhe, Pforzheim and Baden-Baden. Hikers in particular get their money’s worth in the area. There they will find hiking trails with a total length of 2000 kilometers. In addition, 600 kilometres of groomed ski trails are available for winter sports enthusiasts.

Popular in both the summer and winter months is the Black Forest High Road, which lies between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt. It enchants with its wonderful view, which reaches as far as the plain of the Upper Rhine and the Vosges.

But the central and southern Black Forest are also worth a visit. The Central Black Forest with the areas of Villingen-Schwenningen, Rottweil, Lahr and Offenburg presents a variety of landscapes worth seeing. The southern Black Forest extends to the border triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland. There, the towns of Freiburg, Titisee-Neustadt, Lörrach and Breisach invite you to take a trip. With Feldberg, Blauen, Kandel, Belchen and Schauinsland, visitors will also find the highest elevations in the Black Forest. Hotzenwald and Hochschwarzwald are suitable for skiing.

Lake Constance

Another popular recreation center in Baden-Württemberg is Lake Constance. It is located between the Alps and the Jura and covers an area of 538 square kilometres. 236 streams and rivers supply water to Lake Constance. In addition, the inland waters are rich in fish.

The most popular excursion destinations around Lake Constance include the cities of Meersburg and Constance as well as the flower island of Mainau on the Upper Swabian Baroque Road. A wide variety of flower species can be admired on Mainau. There are also regular exhibitions and concerts.

Numerous places on Lake Constance have boat connections. In many communities, buildings from the Middle Ages can be visited. But the unique landscape of the region is also worth a look. It also offers countless opportunities for water sports, cycling and hiking.

The Swabian Alb

From the High Rhine to the state border between Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria lie the Swabian Alb and its foothills. Typical features of the Alb include the castles and palaces, which offer an interesting foray into history.

But some museums such as the Limes Museum in Aalen are also worth a detour. Thus, important finds from the Roman era can be admired in the museum. In addition, knights’ games are held in Aalen every year, which are well worth seeing.

Other recommended destinations in the Swabian Alb are the towns of Heidenheim with Hellenstein Castle, Braubeuren with its famous monastery complex, the old imperial city of Ulm with the world’s highest church tower and Schwäbisch Gmünd with its architectural monuments from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods.

In addition, the Swabian Alb is a paradise for hiking. There are 13,000 kilometres of hiking trails available. There are also opportunities for cycling, horse riding, kayaking, hang-gliding and golf. In winter, cross-country skiing can be practiced, among other things.

A visit to Baden-Württemberg’s capital Stuttgart

Stuttgart, Porsche Museum — The Porsche Museum at night, Image: Markus Mainka / shutterstock

Stuttgart is the state capital of Baden-Württemberg. With about 2.8 million inhabitants, it is the sixth largest city in Germany. The Stuttgart Region is one of the largest conurbations in the Federal Republic of Germany and is always worth a visit.

The image of the city is characterized by numerous hills, valleys such as the Neckar Valley or the Stuttgart Valley Basin, the Palace Garden, the Rosenstein Park and many green spaces. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the TV Tower. Finally, there are several castles and palaces to admire.

In the Stuttgart region, a large number of historic castles and fortifications can be visited. The area scores with its charming landscape and picturesque lakes. In the Remstal and Stromberg area, wine lovers and gourmets get their money’s worth. Numerous inns invite you to visit there.

The Odenwald

A popular low mountain range in Baden-Württemberg is the Odenwald, which stretches as far as Hesse and Bavaria. It is one of the most important local recreation areas in the Rhine-Main region. The towns of the Odenwald do not radiate any hustle and bustle and are considered ideal for a relaxing trip. The Odenwald is also known for its viticulture, which was already practiced by the ancient Romans. Winegrowers’ festivals take place annually in Bensheim, Groß-Umstadt and Heppenheim. Of course, there are also many wine bars there that invite you to stop for a bite to eat.

Typical of the Odenwald communities are their idyllic half-timbered houses and medieval alleys. A particularly good opportunity to admire the fantastic landscape is offered by boat trips on the Neckar. They lead past beautiful towns, palaces and castles.

The Electoral Palatinate

The Electoral Palatinate refers to the Baden region of the Rhine-Neckar area, which is located in Baden-Württemberg’s northwest. In part, the Electoral Palatinate also belongs to Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. Mannheim and Heidelberg are among the best-known cities in the region. Other places worth seeing are Hockenheim, Weinheim, Schwetzingen, Eppelheim and Reilingen.

The area of the Electoral Palatinate was already appreciated and settled by the ancient Romans, who planted the first vines there. The mild climate allows the cultivation of various vegetables and fruits.

The border with the Odenwald is formed by the Bergstraße, which is characterized by its many hills and villages. Numerous castles and castle ruins are among the sights of the area. One of the biggest visitor attractions is Heidelberg Castle, the former residence of the Counts Palatine.

No less worth seeing is Mannheim Castle, which served as the successor residence of the Counts Palatine. Schwetzingen Castle, on the other hand, was used by the electors as a summer residence. Another attraction in Mannheim is the Luisenpark as a botanical garden, zoo and leisure facility at the same time.

City trips in Baden-Württemberg

Schlossplatz Stuttgart — The Schloßplatz in Stuttgart, Image: Sina Ettmer Photography / shutterstock

In addition to the state capital Stuttgart, there are several cities in Baden-Württemberg that invite you to visit. These include above all the spa and spa town of Baden-Baden in the western part of the state. Baden-Baden also gained fame as a city of art and an international festival city. Another attraction is the city’s famous casino.

Freiburg im Breisgau scores with its cathedral, the city’s most important landmark, as well as the Freiburger Bächle, the Schlossberg on the edge of the old town, the local mountain Schauinsland and the Mundenhof animal enclosure.

The university town of Tübingen enchants with its historic old town. A visit to Hohentübingen Castle is also recommended. From there, an impressive overview of Tübingen’s old town can be obtained.

The Baden-Württemberg cities of Karlsruhe, Heilbronn, Ravensburg, Hohenheim, Reutlingen and Esslingen am Neckar are also worth a visit.

Europa-Park in Rust

Europa-Park, Rust — Europa-Park in Rust, Image: Eva Bocek / shutterstock

Of course, Baden-Württemberg also has some amusement parks to offer its visitors. The most famous of these is the Europa-Park in Rust. No amusement park in Germany is visited as often as Europa-Park, which can be found between Freiburg and Karlsruhe.

It is divided into 17 different subject areas. 13 of them are dedicated to European countries such as France, Spain, Greece and Russia .
There are also themed areas such as the world of children, the kingdom of the Minimoys, the adventure land or Grimm’s fairytale forest. Among the many attractions are the Silver Star, the second highest roller coaster in Europe, the Matterhorn Blitz, Euro Mir, the witches’ swing “Curse of Cassandra” or the water roller coaster Poseidon.

But there are even more amusement parks in Baden-Württemberg such as the Traumland amusement park on the Swabian Alb, the Tripsdrill adventure park near Cleebronn and the Ravensburger Spieleland on Lake Constance.

Kazakhstan sees its future in tourism

PatrickJullien

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11. July 2020

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When in 2006 the US mockumentary “Borat – Cultural Learning from America to Make Benefit for the Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” by the British comedian and actor Sacha Noam Baron Cohen celebrated international cinema successes, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry initially threatened to sue for the obvious, albeit clearly satirically exaggerated degradation of the world’s largest landlocked country with an area of over 2.7 million km².

However, the government of the sparsely populated Central Asian country with only 18.3 million inhabitants quickly recognized the immense advertising potential of the film character for its own tourism and after the number of tourist visas applied for by foreign guests had increased tenfold in a very short time after the cinema release of “Borat”, they even thanked its actor for the unexpected help.

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State subsidies to significantly expand tourism in the future

Sharyn National Park, Kazakhstan — Sharyn National Park, Image: Andrey Bocharov / shutterstock

In fact, tourism has evolved from a niche to a significant economic factor in Kazakhstan over the past two decades. In 2000, for example, less than 1.5 million visitors came to the country, in 2012 there were already over 4.8 million, and in 2016 there were already a good 6.5 million guests. In 2014, the Kazakh cabinet adopted the so-called “Tourism Industry Development Plan 2020” with an investment volume of 4 billion US dollars for the extensive expansion of tourism infrastructure and the creation of about 300,000 new jobs in the industry. In the course of this, the visa requirements for entry were also significantly simplified in the same year, so that EU citizens and German citizens now only need a passport, but no longer a visa for their stay in Kazakhstan of up to 30 days.

An English prince has helped an old Soviet ski resort to new glory

Shymbulak, Kazakhstan — The winter sports resort of Shymbulak, Image: remizovka / shutterstock

Experts and connoisseurs unanimously welcomed this initiative of the Kazakh government as a long overdue step in the right direction to finally bring the country, which is so interesting in terms of landscape and culture, a little closer to the international public. Kazakhstan also gained a certain fame through the skiing holiday that the member of the English royal family Prince Harry spent there in the winter of 2014 with his now former girlfriend Cressida Bonas. The traditional winter sports resort of Shymbulak, a good 25 kilometers south of the city of Almaty in the far southeast of the country, was already the venue for various ski competitions and training camps of the Olympic team when it belonged to the USSR. As part of the above-mentioned tourism plan, Shymbulak is to be increasingly promoted as a destination for wealthy winter vacationers from countries such as China and India in the future.

Almaty – The historic city on the Silk Road

This project seems to make quite sense due to the proximity to the venerable Kazakh capital Almaty, which is the largest and former Kazakh capital with over 1.8 million. According to archaeological finds, today’s almost 700 km² urban area was permanently settled over 2,000 years ago. Almaty was also known in Europe until the 16th century due to its geographical location on the legendary Silk Road, in the “City of Apples or Apple Trees”, which has been renamed since 1993, there are still many buildings and museums worth seeing as well as sacred buildings and theaters. These include the 371-metre-high television tower built in 1983 on the 1,130-metre-high local mountain Kök-Töbe, the Ascension Cathedral from 1907 and the St. Nicholas Cathedral from 1908. Guests of the city also like to visit the “Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan” with over 300,000 exhibits, the “State Museum of the Arts” founded in 1979 with 22,000 works of art, and the “Museum of Folk Music Instruments”, which reopened in 2013 with currently over 1,200 instruments from Kazakhstan and around 40 other countries.

The huge rocky gorge is made for rapid rides on the long river

In the surrounding, 224,000 km² province of Almaty, there is also a lot to see and discover for visitors to Kazakhstan who are interested in nature and culture. The official administrative seat of Taldyqorghan currently has a good 145,000 inhabitants, and the local history museum and the neighboring Shansgurov Museum are frequently visited here. The rock carvings in Tamgaly, which are up to over 4,500 years old, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The small border town of Dostyk can be used for travel to China. The mountains around the town of Talghar, which are up to over 3,000 metres high, are popular among hikers. Architecturally more strongly influenced by Chinese than Russian or Kazakh, the mosque in the city of Sharkent is built between 1887 and 1892. The most famous natural monument in the Almaty region is the almost 90-kilometre-long “Charyn Canyon”, which is often compared to the US “Grand Canyon” because of its appearance and has also been increasingly used for whitewater rafting with rubber dinghies in recent years.

Where the legendary warlord Genghis Khan had his meal cooked

The rough and rugged rocky gorge, which glows red in the sun, is also part of the 127,000-hectare national park named after it. There are currently a total of 13 national parks in Kaschhastan, of which the areas of Altyn-Emel, Chonghar-Alatau, Ile-Alatau, Kolsai Lakes, Sairam-Ugam and Tarbaghatai are equally located in the southwest of the country. In the north, on the other hand, there are the national parks of Bajanaul, Bujratau and Burabai as well as Kökschetau and Qarqaraly, and in the far east is the country’s largest national park, Katon-Karagai, with an area of almost 644,000 hectares. Well-known attractions in the Altyn-Emel National Park are the so-called red and white mountains Aktau and Katutau as well as a historic cooking place of the mythically glorified former Mongol leader Genghis Khan. In the Bajanaul National Park there are three lakes that are much visited in the summer months, north of the Dschongghar-Alatau National Park the 2,650 km² Alaköl Lake, which is designated as a bird sanctuary. In the 112,000-hectare Qarqaraly National Park in central Kazakhstan, the two lakes Baceen and Shaitankol are popular destinations for locals.