Rabu, 31 Mei 2017

The High Line is one of New Yorks newest attractions. It an old railroad turned into a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. The part that is open to the public runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 30th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. It is about 1 mile long and has a lot of places to sit down and relax, and there are also cafes and an area for vendors. There are many entrance points to the High Line; Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 16th Street, 18th Street, 20th Street, 23rd Street, 26th Street, 28th Street, and 30th Street, and some of them have elevator. There are plans in place to extend the High Line to 34th Street. NYC High Line-2545The High Line was built in the 1930s, and lifted freight traffic 30 feet in the air, removing dangerous trains from the streets of Manhattans largest industrial district. No trains have run on the High Line since 1980. The High Line has some of the old railroads integrated into the park. Friends of the High Line, a community-based non-profit group was formed in 1999 when the historic structure was under threat of demolition. The first part of the park going from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street opened for the public in 2009. The next section from 20th Street to 30th Street opened in 2011. NYC High Line-2428The parks attractions include naturalized plantings that are inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the disused tracks and new, often unexpected views of the city and the Hudson River. There are also some interesting art pieces spread along the walkway. As the park is above street level, it can be used as an effective way to walk between Gansevoort Street and 30th Street on the West Side, no traffic light and the view is better. It is also a perfect spot to take a break from the busy city life. It is amazing how easy it is to forget the busy streets of New York as one strolls along the walkway. The High Line is also an interesting place for portrait photography. It offers a wide range of backgrounds. More information about the High Line and the opening hours can be found on their website. Below are more pictures from the High Line.

Jumat, 26 Mei 2017

Ladakh is the land of mystery and adventure and not for the fainthearted. With its harsh climate and terrain, Ladakh has become the hub of adventure in India and attracts adventure seekers from far and wide, whether it be whitewater rafting in the Indus and its tributaries, mountaineering, skiing, bike and jeep safaris or for trekking.
Trekking: Trekking possibilities in Ladakh range from short, daylong hikes over the mountain slopes or across a ridge to long, trans-mountain range treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. For example, the trek from Lamayuru in the Indus Valley to Darcha in Lahaul across the Zanskar takes nearly three weeks. Most of the established routes traverse the Zanskar range which separates the Indus Valley from Zanskar. The 10-day Markha Valley trek, the 11-day Lamayuru - Padum traverse and the Stok-Khangri round trek are the more popular ones among the numerous options available in this lunar landscape. In recent years, parts of the Ladakh range between the Indus and Shayok valleys have also become available fro trekking. The typical trekking season extends from early June to mid-October. But localized treks within the Indus Valley can undertaken even in May or even after September. On the other hand, some routes are suitable only for late autumn as during the summer, the bed of narrow valleys through which the tracks lie become turbulent streams, as in the case of the 13-day Hemis-Markha-Padum trek. The winter access to the Zanskar Valley is actually along the frozen surface of the Zanskar river. This route, also known as Chaddar, calls for elaborate arrangements, but it is perhaps the most exciting trek in the world. 
River rafting: A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and funning it requires technically skilled participants and careful organization. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs. In recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive alternative to trekking and features on the itinerary of most visitors. Several agencies in Leh offer attractive rafting packages. Ask for details at the Tourist Office at Leh. They will also be able to provide some rafts on hire. The most difficult but exciting option for river running is on the Zanskar along its spectacular course through the gorge in the Zanskar mountains, between Padum and Nimo. This is suitable only for well organized white-water expedition, prepared for several days of river running and camping in absolute wilderness. Participants are required to be trained rafters themselves while the arrangements should be assigned to a dependable professional agency. Adequate arrangements for rescue coverage is an essential pre-requisite for embarking upon a white -water expedition on river like the Zanskar.

Mountaineering: The area most frequented by foreign climbers is the Nun-Kun Massif in the Great Himalayan Range. Its easy accessibility from the Kargil-Pudum road and the shortest possible approach march to the base camps makes this massif the most attractive climbing destination in the Great Himalaya, necessitating advance booking years ahead. Among its six known peaks accessible from the Suru Valley, Nun (7,135m) and Kun (7,077m ) are the highest summits.
The area nearest to Leh is Stok-khangri Massif in the Zanskar mountains, south of Leh. The base camp for the various peaks of this massif is about two days trek from the village of Stok. Among its known peaks, Stok-khangri (6,150 m) is the highest ; it offers a spectacular perspective to the central expanse of the Indus valley which it dominates. Other peaks in the area include Gulap Khangri (5,900 m), Matho West (5,950m) and Kantak (5,275 m). The much higher Konglacha peak (6,700m) lies south-west of Leh and is reached via Rubak on the first leg of the Markha Valley trek from Stok. Many unnamed peaks in the altitude range of 5,500 metres and 6,400 metres are also available for climbing in the same region. This entire area falls well outside the Inner Line, or restricted area.
North of Leh, across the Ladakh Range and the Nubra Valley, lies the Karokoram range. It soars to a number of known peaks which are, however, within the restricted area and so not freely accessible to foreign climbers except with special permission from the Government of India. The most prominent summits in this range which are accessible from various parts of the Nubra Valley include, Saser-I (7,415 m), Saser -II (7,513m ) and Saser III (7,495 m).
The climbing season extends from mid - May to mid -October, the ideal period being from June to September because during this time only Ladakh remains unaffected by the monsoon which holds sway over most of the Himalaya. Foreign climbing expeditions are required to obtain permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for climbing all listed peaks. A booking fee, based on the height and popularity of the allotted peak, is charged and a Liaison Officer is assigned to every climbing team. The minimum period required for processing applications is six months. Every authorized expedition is provided with adequate rescue coverage in the events of accidents and illness.
Jeep Safaris: The jeep safari through Ladakh is an excellent way to explore the remote regions. The picture-post-card-pretty landscapes in and around Leh beckon nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Each day of the Ladakh itinerary offers an opportunity to explore the barren wilderness of Ladakh. The culturally diverse people add to the charm of the jeep safaris in Ladakh. The desolate mountains of this high altitude desert and deep ravines reveal the natural beauty of Ladakh. One of the most exciting jeep safaris in the Himalayas is through Ladakh. The Tso Moriri, Nubra and Dah Hanu offer the toughest and most terrific Jeep safari in the Himalayas. Crossing the Khardung la pass, considered to be one of the highest motor able roads in the world is an experience in itself.
The jeeps are the fastest, easiest, and most comfortable means of local transport in Ladakh. Several jeep safaris are conducted at any given time. The scheduled jeep safaris take the tourists to the places of their interest. Arrangements for the meals, accommodation, guides and porters during the jeep safaris are meticulously planned and executed. Dehydrated foods, potable water, juices, tents and other camping gear, spares for the jeep, first-aid kit, and fuel are the other details that must be looked into. Acclimatization and obtaining the Inner Line Permits for Ladakh are the other issues to be considered while planning a jeep safari. The driving experience on the rough roads of Ladakh adds the tinge of adventure.

Minggu, 23 April 2017

The way of Shikoku: Japan best known pilgrimage route The Shikoku Henro is a journey of pilgrimage that runs through 88 temples Buddhist around the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the archipelago of Japan. This 1,200 km route attracts every year thousands of pilgrims from around the world. To understand the meaning of this Shikoku road should know a little more about the figure of Kukai, a great character of Japanese history. Kukai was born on the island of Shikoku in the 8th century and very young even becomes a Buddhist monk and is dedicated to asceticism and meditation. In their daily lives, Kukai roams the island visiting spiritually significant sites where to meditate. In fact, visit some temples that already existed, although some of the many legends that were born in the heat of the Shikoku road, say that it was he who founded all the temples of this route. 20140531 224555 81955081 Kukai visits China on official duty and returning, he founded a new ShingonBuddhist, creed, one of the main branches of Japanese Buddhism. The figure of Kukai enjoys great respect in the Japanese society, even reach you attributed the invention of alphabets, hiragana and katakana, that combined with Chinese characters, are now the basis of Japanese writing. Kukai, after his death and following Japanese custom, is known by the name of Kobo Daishi. Only in the 17TH century, when recovering the security after a century and a half of wars, Shikoku road becomes tremendously popular. Sets the custom of pilgrimage to Shikoku to make this Holy route, visiting the 88 temples. When do the Shikoku Henro Road runs along the perimeter of the island going through all kinds of landscapes, forests, coastlines, plains and mountains. The best time to walk is during the autumn, with gorgeous colors that accompany the paths through the Woods; or spring, with its flowery pop and mild climate. The summer is too hot for the Walker, as well as the rigorous winter. It must be borne in mind that the season of rains in the area begins in June, so it the months of April and may are the most appropriate and when large numbers of pilgrims are concentrated on roads. 640px P4022665 8 How to dress We know that any activity in Japan holds many small details symbolic, secret that discover, rituals that follow. In this case, the pilgrims of the Shikoku Henro must dress of form Special: a jacket short white of cotton or uwagi, a hat of straw and a stick of wood. How much time takes As in any pilgrimage route, it will depend on the interest and reason for each pilgrim. In addition, there are keep in mind if you are going to perform all the way and visit 88 temples, or if you just want to make a stretch. On the other hand, of course it depends on the time available and the budget you have for this trip. The route full of 1,200 km and 88 temples, takes about 45 days of regular walk. He road of Shikoku has established contact with the road of Santiago, to cast hand of his experience in this type of itineraries and thus improve different aspects practical as signaling, accommodation, services of support, etc. Any world traveler can perform the Shikoku Henro although he does not speak Japanese. It is true that by the experiences that Ive read, it is recommended to know a minimum of that language in the majority of stops are not services in English or for any another language except for the local. If you want to embark on this tourist and spiritual journey through the path of Shikoku, I recommend you read the blog Shikoku Henro Trail (in English) with all the detailed information for further practical information on where to stay, where to start or How to make the path of Shikoku.

Sabtu, 22 April 2017

Amsterdam is a city of museums, more than fifty await us in the streets, between them some as indispensable as The Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and The Anne Frank House. Now, it also hopes us MUCUS, a new museum dedicated to the stars of art in Amsterdam.

It is The Modern Contemporary Museum, and we are going to find in the neuralgico-museisticos heart of the city, at the Museumplein, the Museum Square, a public space located in the southern part of Amsterdam. MUCUS opens with exhibitions of artists Banksy and Andy Warhol.

The MUCUS is privately owned, promoted by Lionel and Kim Logchies, owners of the consolidated LionelGallery. This new art gallery they seek to attract a young, broad and international audience which show recognizable and universal artists of modern contemporary creation.

This includes the rock stars of the art, where you will find great figures in successive exposures. Which await us these days are those devoted to such recognized names as Banksy (four monkeys) and Andy Warhol (with his iconic lithographs of Marilyn Monroe).

MOCO Amsterdam
What we later find in the Museum, even do not know. But we will continue mindful of their displays because we have a new appointment in the Dutch capital.

The chosen location for the and Museum could not be better, at 20 of Honthorststraat, is next to the large art galleries in the city: the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh and the Stedelijk Museum. The chosen building is a luxurious Palace, The Villa Alsberg, five floors and more than 1,200 square meters, which by the way still on sale.

New Museum Amsterdam MUCUS can be visited daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter and from 10 to 20 hours in summer. Every Friday open till 21 hours. Adult entry costs 1250 euros and child (6 to 16 years) 750 euros. The high price might take back to many visitors, and more in an environment where other proposals are more attractive. But for lovers of modern art will probably become a compulsory stop.

Rabu, 19 April 2017

Are you currently thinking about traveling to a faraway land, where you’ll be able immerse yourself, within the culture and history of another country? When it comes down to it, you will definitely want to consider traveling to India, as there are numerous advantages for doing so. For instance, you will be able to find many beautiful attractions, within the country, as long as you choose the right tourist destination to visit. On the other hand, there are many exciting things to do, when visiting this country. Of course, everyone should think about adding India to his or her top destinations, within the world. Of course, you will want to look at the information below, since it will provide you with the advantages of traveling to India.

Affordable Travel Destination

When all is said and done, traveling on vacation can be extremely difficult, but it is usually worth it in the end, since it will give you the time to bond with your kids, while allowing you to get rid of tons of built up street. Of course, it is possible to travel to some countries much cheaper than others. This is especially true, when it comes to India, which has a thriving economy and low rates. In fact, if you’re using the American dollar now, you will be able to transfer that money into riches, as the Indian rupees. This will allow you to purchase more and enjoy more activities, during your travels.

Affordable Travel Destination

Friendly Locals

On the other hand, you should make sure to find a tourist destination, which will provide you with friendly locals, who are going to invite you in and speak with your friendly. Of course, it could be even better, if you’re able to find a country, where you will be able to speak easily with the residents, without having to worry about having a translator. In order to do this, you will want to consider traveling to India, where many of the residents are capable of speaking the English language. On the other hand, India has a hospitality that is above and behind anything you’ve ever seen before.

Friendly Locals

Plenty of Accommodations

You should also remember that India is filled with accommodations, which will make your stay much more enjoyable. For instance, it is possible to find many cheap lodging options, within the country regardless of the city that you decide to visit. On the other hand, you will be able to find public transportation through, which will allow you to get some one location to another easily. On the other hand, you should remember that everything would be very affordable.

Traveling India Accommodations

Finding Lodging

When it comes down to it, you’re going to want to use a free 99acres alternative to help you find the lodging options, which are available to you, within India. The Housing.com app, which is likely the best, will give you the option to search through these properties, without looking at those that do not peak your interest. This can be achieved, by using the app’s highly customizable search feature.