Introduction to Madrid. Orientation Walk

This orientation walk is designed as a 2.5-hour introduction for visitors to Madrid during which our docent—a local scholar—will help contextualize the city’s landscape, architecture, cuisine and culture within the broad chronology of Spanish history.

During the course of this walk we’ll gain insight into the history and the urban development of Madrid, which has been the capital of Spain since the mid-sixteenth century. Starting with the city’s Arabic underpinnings, our docent will trace the trajectory of Spanish monarchy through to French occupation and Civil War and dictatorship in the 20th century. The approach will very much be an overview of these events, designed to give us our bearings, as both Spanish monarchy and the Civil War and Franco, are dealt with more deeply in other Context walks.

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Wakatobi Marine National Park, South East Sulawesi

Wakatobi Marine National Park is lies just off the south – eastern tip of Sulawesi, variable paradise for snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts. It can be reached by chartered flight from Denpasar direct to Tomia or by shipline of PELNI which call in regularly at the Port of Bau-Bau.

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Where to Camp in Africa?

Our preference might be five star resorts, but with the current climate forcing many to downsize their holiday spend, travellers are changing their habits.

Acacia Adventure Holidays has identified a new breed of “camping converts,” who are forgoing luxury for a more intrepid experience. When questioned 15% of their adventurers said that the ongoing credit crunch was behind their decision to camp, while over 70% of this group reported that they were now hooked on less extravagant holidays in Africa.

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Sahara, Marrakech Desert Trip and Atlas Mountains

Have the chance to explore the best of Southern Morocco.

The beautiful Atlas mountains,Oases covered with lush palms, centuries old Kasbahs, mud-brick berber villages, a wild landscape made of gorges,and the Sahara Desert with its sandy dunes…

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Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, Gardens and Architecture

My posts have touched upon the development of the Turia gardens, with glimpses of Cabecera and the Bioparc at the western boundary. Continuing along, past the botanical gardens, we put aside the romantic setting of Monforte and Jardines del Real for another time.

Proceeding along the Turia, as the walkway wraps around the city’s lovely old quarter, we meandered along Ricardo Bofill’s contemporary layout adjacent to the music palace.

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The World’s Most Sacred Mountains

Some mountains have attained legendary status for their danger and difficulty. Others simply dominate the landscape, commanding the attention of all who pass by. Still other mountains are revered as sacred.

Whether thought to be the homes of gods or the sites of important historical events, these sacred mountains continue to draw pilgrims who often endure extreme hardships to show their devotion.

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