Russia Travel Guide, climate:

Russia Travel Guide - Information and Advice Russia Travel Guide Information and Advice 'A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma' Churchill St Petersburg Travel Guide | Moscow Travel Guide Russia Map | Russia Pictures Russia Travel Guide, climate: Best: May, June, Sept, Oct. July/August can be wet . Worst: Nov-March [winter is long, dark and extremely cold with short days, but the snow scenes will be stunning. Early Spring is muddy, slushy and falling icicles kill! ] Length of stay: Minimum worthwhile stay, not including flights: Moscow or St Petersburg are excellent for a wild and wooly underwear weekend. Recommended: 2 weeks to take in Moscow, St Petersburg and some of the surrounding towns - such as the Golden Ring - and countryside. The Trans-Siberian Railway to Irkutsk [Lake Baikal] will require at least 5 days. Main Russia Festivals Guide : 25 Dec- 5 Jan, Russian Winter is celebrated with traditional activities such as music, dance, sleigh rides, folk shows. New Year's Eve tends to be a family/friends occasion, so not wildly exciting. late Feb-early March, Goodbye Russian Winter, as above. Easter Sunday, Moscow, procession and service in stunning Kolomenskoe [Orthodox] church. April/May, Moscow Music Spring Festival , classical music. May 9, Victory Day Parade, Moscow. A stirring military procession. June, the White Nights arts festival is St Petersburg's liveliest event. April/May, St Petersburg Music Spring Festival , classical music. For some precise dates, more suggestions and information see: Colourful Festivals or European Festivals Activities Guide: The country is spacious - to say the least - and outdoor activities are popular but facilities and safety measures can be primitive so get specialist advice before undertaking anything halfway dangerous. Hiking: There is no shortage of excellent trekking terrain, just a shortage of marked trails or maps, so extracting information from locals regularly is essential, and as a consequence a few words of the language are vital. Either that or get a good guide. Lake Baikal [see Russia travel favourites, right], the Elbrus area of the Caucasus, west Ural Mountains and Altay Mountains are prime targets. Check the travel safety situation . White Water rafting: The Katun River in the Altay Republic, Vladisvostok and Kamchatka. Climbing: The Elbrus area of the Caucasus are superb but get specialist advice before arriving in Russia, safety aspects included . Cycling: roads are often in bad shape, cars and drivers even worse shape, but bike travel can still be rewarding, with care, a tough bike and essential spares. Local hospitality is tremendous. Canoeing: rivers can be heavily polluted so inland water travel is difficult to recommend, though the Volga River delta is supposed to be alive and delightful, while the coasts up north offer prospects of isolated adventure. Boat cruises: either on posh tourist boats or cheap, dilapidated Russian craft. The main highway is the Volga River and boats go to/from Moscow, Novgorod, Volgograd and many other attractive cities. Volgograd to Rostov-Don is supposed to be the most interesting section. June-September only. Fishing: mostly salmon out east e.g. from Vladivostok and Khabarovsk. Skiing: Cross country skiing is traditionally more popular than down-hill skiing; snowboarding is becoming increasingly popular and heli-skiing is available and remarkably good value. There are more than a hundred ski areas, many of which need modernisation, though some resorts in the Caucasus Mountains offer good facilities and comfortable accommodation. For instance, Cheget in the Baksan Valley offers challenging runs, including the longest of 2.5 km; or Mount Elbus - Europe's highest peak at 5,642m [1,8513 ft] - hosts one of Russia's largest resorts, Prielbrusye. There are at least 20 ski slopes within 50 miles of Moscow and some can even be reached by metro! Ice Skating: Possibly the country's most popular pastime with frozen lakes and outdoor rinks all over during the long winter and even indoor rinks open in the summer. Inexpensive and very cheerful. Banya bathing: this Russian style sauna is a good way to experience authentic Russian social life, particularly if you are a graduate of an old British public school where extreme heat, cold and beatings were a way of life. There are banyas everywhere, ranging from appallingly dilapidated to highly polished. The Trans-Siberian Railway This week long, non-stop 10,000km [6,000mls] or so ride travels from Moscow to either: - Vladivostok on Russia's Pacific coast. - via Mongolia to Beijing. - via Manchuria and Harbin to Beijing. This is reputedly one of the world's great train journeys but does not necessarily deliver a comfortable or fascinating experience for everyone. Downside: - there are no showers, except for a few lucky 1st class travelers. - conditions will be cramped. - dining car food will be abysmal. - the scenery is mainly dull, tending towards endless forests and grassy plains, interspersed with the occasional log cabin, log village or vast lake. The train stops for 10 minutes a few times a day, leaving no time to explore, just time to aquire emergency supplies from the platform. - As a consequence, life on the train is paramount, and this depends on various factors coming together. Is your car attendant cordial? Are your fellow passengers interesting? Does anyone snore? Do you mind living off fairly basic food for six days? Can you happily stare out of a dirty window looking at birch trees for hours on end? Is TV an integral part of your life? Do you have a good selection of books with you? Do you like vodka? And so on... Upside: - you can arrange to take a stop over at key points en route, for example attractive Irkutsk [see Russia travel favourites, right] and nearby huge, mountain-hemmed Lake Baikal. Siberian timber buildings are often charming, colourfully decorated and carved. - due to the fame of the train and the number of serious travellers on it there will almost always be someone interesting you can find to chat to for days , though a good companion and a monster picnic hamper [loaded with - you've guessed - vodka] would be a useful starting point. - if you are actually going east/west for a purpose - such as for work in Japan or China - you will be saving the air fare. Train Survival hints: - don't drink the tap water. A samovar [hot water pot] in each carriage supplies sterile water. - clean your window to improve views and photos. - stand well clear when flushing the toilet , it can backfire if the train travels at speed. - learn a few key Russian phrases to charm your surly attendants. - take lots of vodka with you . You can buy some snacks, fruit, cigarettes etc during 15 minute stops at stations, but no alcohol, and you will be doing a lot of socialising! Russia Travel Star Guide: Monuments **** Shopping and souvenirs *** Walkability *** Food Quality and Variety *** Value for Money *** Hotel Prices and Value *** Beaches black sea Wildlife * Landscape *** Local People **** Architecture **** Safety ** Nightlife and Clubbing ***** Health Problems ** Museums ***** Why Travel to Russia? This vast and diverse country, occupying the top chunk of a continent all the way from Poland to Japan - and a big chunk of world history too - demands travel attention. The architecture is both glorious and hideous, the history is monstrous, the art is sensational and the people can be touchingly friendly . Absurd Fabergé eggs? Extraordinary onion domes? Caviar crepe? Yes, please. A hard day's White Night in St Petersburg? Slamming vodka with your taxi driver? Da! Big , brutal, beautiful and intriguing, Russia is an enigma that's got to be sampled by any serious traveller. Downside: - Accommodation is hardly cheap if comfort is an issue, though plenty of budget options are available. - Hygiene can be a problem. - Officials are often unpleasantly boorish . - Crime and corruption in the cities requires an ever-open eye . - Despite the size of the country, internal flights are unreliable and Russian airlines have the world's worst safety record. Some Russia tra vel favourites: 1] ***Moscow, a diverse and interesting city with masses of history, action and must-see spectacles, though not on the same planet as St Petersburg for elegance. See Moscow Travel Guide . 2] ***St Petersburg , one of the world's most beautiful cities, with many splendid buildings and museums, including the spectacular Hermitage, with a sophisticated service industry. See St Petersburg Travel Guide . 3] ***Novgorod, 190 km [118mls] south of St Petersburg , an important political and artistic centre from the 9th century and still holds a wide and varied collection of magnificent structures including Russia's oldest cathedral, frescoes galore, and plenty of glorious oddities. 4]***The Golden Ring,a few hours travel northeast of Moscow, are a collection of attractive historic towns dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. These can be visited on day trips, but better, hire a car or join a boat with a guide and take your time to enjoy: ***Suzdal , the most important town in the Golden Ring, Suzdal used be a political and religious centre and has more than fifty quaint and well-preserved old structures. About 210km [131 mls] from Moscow. It is a major tourist attraction, yet still retains an enchanting, pre-Soviet atmosphere. **Vladimir is famed for its Golden Gate and two splendid cathedrals. About 180km [112 mls] from Moscow. **Rostov. This quiet, rustic town offers the usual churches but also a lovely lake and spectacular kremlin. **Yaroslavl is much bigger than other towns in the Ring but totally crammed with gorgeous churches, if you haven't seen enough. 250kms [156mls] from Moscow. 5] **Irkutsk , the 'Paris of Siberia', is a long way from anywhere except Mongolia, but is on the Trans-Siberian train route [see more info left] and well worth a stop-off. The city is mostly charming, with considerable Chinese influence and some magnificent architecture, including typically elaborate Siberian 'gingerbread' houses. Another of Irkutsk's attractions is the proximity to lovely, 636km [398mls] long Lake Baikal where hiking, biking, horse trekking, fishing and boating are big time. The north end is the most beautiful and isolated. Listvyanka village is a popular place to stay for tourists. 6] ***Cruising the Volga River via some superb old towns like Kazan [ancient Tatar city], Shiryaeva and Ulyanovsk [Lenin's birthplace]. See Boat cruises, left. 7]**Black Sea, Sochi. This is a Russian beach resort town with a warm climate and sophisticated health spas [sanatoria], with beaches and tennis courts, scenically situated at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. 8] ** Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains is a pretty, pleasant city except perhaps for Tsar Nick II and his family who met their end here and the USA's U2 spy pilot who was shot down in the area. The place offers excellent architecture, museums, entertainment and access to the Urals for varied activities. Cuisine Guide: You can eat well and inexpensively nowadays, especially in cafés and fast food places in the cities. Do choose places that look clean and are busy , poor hygiene could result in intestinal blowout. Moscow and St Petersburg in particular have seen an astronomical growth in cafés, bars and restaurants, including classic Chinese, Japanese and Italian offerings, western fast food chains and traditional Russian cuisine . Russian food tends to be rich and on the heavy side in winter , such as meaty dumplings, meaty cabbage rolls, cabbage soup with sour cream, and the national icons - borscht [beetroot soup], blinis [pancakes] and caviar, while lighter foods like superb soups and salads are around in the summer . Avoid eating shellfish except in St Petersburg and street ice cream anywhere. Drinks: We all know the varied pleasures of vodka, particularly drunk chilled and in one gulp, but Russia also does a fine line in local beers with lively flavours, good champagne, not such good wine , passable tea and effective coffee. Russians love to press drinks on foreigners so prepare your excuses now. Or practice chugging. Accommodation guide: You are supposed to have a place booked in order to get a tourist visa . There's a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotels at silly prices to cheapish hostels at around $20 pn, but it's important to book well ahead for the June-September season. Private home stays are widespread , giving the tourist relatively good value rooms and a close look at real Russian life. The downside is that the place may be out of the way, the bed lumpy and the morning-after breakfast provider in-your-face during your recovery time. Camping is fine in many places though - as usual - check with locals before bedding down. Organised camping sites are rare and usually open mid-June to mid-September. Russia Tours Tour operators offering travel to Russia can be found in our listings here: Russia Tours For links to Tourist Offices, Embassies, Cheap Air Tickets, Currency Converter, Climate, Language advice, other online Travel Guides and more, visit Bugbog Travel Directory Map of Europe Travel Safety: Travel to Chechenya and the north Caucasus is not recommended; check the Foreign Office site or tour operators for up-to-date warnings. Otherwise stay on the regular tourist routes. Don't flash your cash! Pickpocketing and bag filching may occur on crowded public transport while hotel rooms are by no means thief-proof. Lock everything into your bags before leaving the room and use a safe deposit if there is one. Take care with taxis. Don't get in if there is anyone other than the driver inside, and don't necessarily trust the driver. See Safety page. Travel Health: Do not drink Russian tap water , not even for cleaning your teeth. Check you are up to date with all jabs, and consider including vaccinations for diptheria, typhoid, hepatitis A and B. A flu jab is also useful if you plan to travel to Russia in spring or autumn when the bugs are rampant. Foreigners usually prefer to be treated at private clinics, which are very costly. Get Insurance! Costs: Russia can be good value if you don't mind slightly crude accommodation and eat/drink at local establishments rather than typical tourist places. Change money for roubles only at official exchanges or banks. Cash is easier to change than travellers cheques. Tipping: About 10% to taxi drivers and 10-15% to waiters in restaurants. Electricity : Electric sockets are 230v and take 2 round pin plugs. Internet: There are masses of reasonably priced web cafés in bigger cities. Local travel: The big cities have good metro and bus services at low prices . Locals enjoy life as illegal taxi drivers for extra cash. Beware though, some are pure evil, others wonderful, hospitable guides. Hitch-hiking is common for Russians but not advisable for tourists . Intercity travel: Trains connecting Moscow to St Petersburg are common, efficient and inexpensive . The Aurora day train takes 6 hours, the evening train 4 hours. Passenger boats are common between cities - tho' slow - including Moscow to St Pete. For exploring the countryside around big cities consider car hire, with or without a driver/guide. It's not expensive and very convenient. International travel: Moscow and St Petersburg are both easy to reach from many European cities by fast, efficient trains and buses ; other Russia cities are more difficult to access directly. Language: Some locals speak English, French, or German but ability to recognise the Cyrillic alphabet and a few words of Russian would really help your experience along. Visas: All visitors need a visa which needs a hotel/hostel booking . If you plan to travel in Russia you may want to see our: China Travel Guide Japan Travel Guide Austria Travel Guide Czech Republic Travel Guide Finland Travel Guide Hungary Travel Guide Turkey Travel Guide Travel Pictures | Destination Finder | Exotic Places | World Festivals | World Wonders | Safari Wildlife | Beaches | Top of Page European Places | Walking Tours | Travel Health | Travel Safety | Travel Directory | English Speaking Places | Tours Gap Year | Site Map | Travel Guide Homepage | Contact | Press | Advertising | Legal | Maps | Travelogue © 2000-2005 Bugbog

European Vacation 1985 Holiday

Mutant Reviewers from Hell do "National Lampoon's European Vacation" Mutant Reviewers from Hell do National Lampoon's European Vacation 1985 Holiday Road Summary Capsule: The Griswald family wins a trip to tour all of Europe. Justin's Rating: *GONG!* Justin's Review: The Griswalds are back and on TV... a game show, to be precise. After a lot of humiliation (not to mention french kisses) by the game show host, the wacky family wins an all-expenses paid trip to Europe. Thus, another journey is launched, and countless (well, I suppose you can count them, it's just a hyperbole people!) disasters will ensue. European Vacation is generally agreed to be the worst of the four Vacation films, and I'd have to concur. It has a lot of good moments that are unfortunately held together with the duct tape of bad plotting. By taking the Griswald family out of their semi-natural habitat and focusing more on the "ha-ha everything's foreign" aspect instead of the family themselves, we end up with just a very lackluster ride. It's a lot like one of those travel agency videos where they're trying to show you as much scenery as possible at the expense of a lot of content. Sure, Chevy Chase isn't too bad, and a fourth of the script really does seem inspired. Watch for Eric Idle (of Monty Python fame) as a very sincere Englishman who keeps apologizing every time he's hit by Clark Griswald. But for every good scene, you get three like the one where the Griswald car gets caught up in a traffic circle and cannot leave and cannot leave and cannot leave... well, you get the idea. One of the strangest and most disturbing parts of this film involve Audrey Griswald. In this movie, she's chubby going on super-chubby. Yet the filmmakers try to make her also sexy, so we end up with a kid who's fat and eats a lot yet is hit on by pretty much every guy in the film. I'm not saying fat doesn't equal unsexiness, but it's bad form for films to give a character such polar opposites (gross and sexual). Maybe it's just me (all of you out there repeat in chorus: "It's you"), but Audrey was just too bizarre in this movie. There's some sort of loose plot thread involving a certain amorous video tape of Ellen (Bevery D'Angelo) and international conspiracy, but *shrug*. Sometimes I feel like I could do an entire movie review in nothing but body language. About the only really positive thing I can say about European Vacation is that National Lampoon didn't give up on the series, and two more sequels were made, both a lot better than this movie. Didja Notice? It is revealed in the intro, on his passport, that Clark's middle name is Wilhelm. The Movie Store! European Vacation : Movie [VHS] Intermission! That's John Astin who is the host of "Pig In A Poke". For those ultimate cult fanboys out there, Astin is best known for his role of Professor Gangriene in the later three Killer Tomato movies. Groovy Quotes: Stewardess: Can I get you anything to drink? Clark: Honey? I guess I'll have a Coke. Stewardess: Do you want that in the can? Clark: No, I'll have it right here. If you liked this movie, try these: Vacation Christmas Vacation Vegas Vacation main page reviews by title reviews by category reviews by dvd mutant viewings what is this? mutant bios frequently asked questions features MUTANT archive comments poolman's picks main page reviews by title reviews by category reviews by dvd mutant viewings what is this? mutant bios frequently asked questions features MUTANT archive comments poolman's picks

Golf Vacations Simply find

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Car Insurance, Home Insurance, Travel Insurance quotes uk Main content Car insurance and home insurance - online discounts car home travel pet breakdown van motorcycle Car insurance - buy online for up to 10% discount Home insurance - 20% introductory offer plus 10% discount online Annual travel insurance from as little as £50.38 10% off breakdown cover online We also offer pet insurance , motorcycle insurance and van insurance . Car Find out more... Get quote Home Find out more... Get quote Travel Find out more... Get quote Retrieve your quote Amend quote Buy a policy Your quote Site map | Affiliates | Careers | Press office | Contact us | Route planner | Nodding dog | Legal | Accessibility Churchill Insurance Company Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England and Wales under no: 2258947 VAT no: 243830669. Registered address: Churchill Court, Westmoreland Road, Bromley, BR1 1DP. Churchill Management Limited. Registered in England and Wales under no: 02158416. Registered address: Churchill Court, Westmoreland Road, Bromley, BR1 1DP. Contact details for both companies - Tel: 020 8313 3030. Calls may be recorded. Fax: 020 8285 8846. E-mail: info@churchill.com . Conditions apply.   Churchill and the Churchill Dog character are trade marks of Churchill Insurance Company Limited. Our products and services - online quotes   Car Insurance - Buy car insurance online for up to 10% discount Home Insurance  - 20% introductory discount plus 10% online discount on Churchill Home Insurance Travel Insurance - Insurance cover for single trip or annual policy to cover holidays Pet Insurance - Give your dog or cat the cover they deserve at a price you can afford Breakdown Cover   - 10% off Churchill Breakdown Service online Motorcycle Insurance - Competitive motorcycle insurance rates Van Insurance  -  Save money by buying your van insurance online Quick links for product information Car & Motor Insurance >  Car insurance >  Van insurance >  Motorcycle insurance >  Breakdown cover   Home Insurance >  Home insurance >  Pet insurance >  Contents cover >  Buildings cover Travel Insurance >  Holiday insurance >  Ski cover >  Golf cover >  Wedding cover >  Cruise cover >  Snowboarding cover >  Multi trip >  Single trip You currently have javascript disabled or are using a browser that does not support the javascript technology. For details on Churchill's (Brand specific) products and how to obtain a quotation please click on the Accessibility link in the page footer

Mexico Travel Information Site

Mexico Travel - Information Site For Travelers - by mexico_travel RSS | ATOM | FOAF OPERA COMMUNITY  Log in | Sign up Skip navigation . Mexico Travel Information Site For Travelers Blog Photo album Links About Mexico Travel: Mexican Cinema Wednesday, 28. December 2005, 06:10:06 Mexican Movies The history of Mexican cinema goes back to the beginning of the 20th century, when several enthusiasts of the new medium documented historical events most particularly the Mexican Revolution – and produced some movies that have been only recently been rediscovered. During the 1920s very few movies were produced, especially given the political climate that was still very unsettled. In the 1930s, once peace and a degree of political stability were achieved, cinematography took off in Mexico and several movies still experimenting with the nascent medium were done. It is important to notice how early Mexican cinematographers were influenced and encouraged by Sergei Eisenstein's visit to the country. During the 1940s the full potential of the industry developed. Actors, actresses, and directors became popular icons and even figures with political influence on diverse spheres of Mexican life. The industry received a boost as a consequence of Hollywood redirecting its efforts towards propagandistic films, which left an open field for other industries. Mexico dominated the film market in Latin America for most of the 1940s without competition from the United States film industry. The golden era of Mexican cinema took place during the 1940s. Actors like Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, Cantinflas, Joaquin Pardave, María Felix, and Dolores del Rio gained recognition. Gabriel Figueroa became an internationally acclaimed cinematographer and Emilio Fernandez and Luis Bunuel directed some of Mexico's most important movies. During 1990s the era of the Nuevo Cine Mexicano took place with high quality films by Arturo Ripstein, Alfonso Arau, Alfonso Cuaron and Maria Novaro. The most famous films produced at this time were Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate) and Sexo, Pudor y Lagrimas. Comments (0) Travel Mexico: Mexican Baby Names Tuesday, 27. December 2005, 08:40:37 Mexican Name Keep in mind that these names come from various parts of the country and can be derived from different cultures. The spellings and meaning may vary slightly from region to region - check with your family or other resources if this is important in naming your child. Mexican Baby Boy Names - Antonio - Carlos - Cesar - Crespin - Cruz - Daniel - DeMario - Doroteo - Eber - Elbanco - Eleazar - Elieis - Emilio - Enrique - Enriqueta - Ernesto - Eru - Erubiel - Felix - Filiberto - Flaco - Francisco - Gabriel - Graciano - Hector - Heraclio - Humberto - Ignacio - Isdel - Isidoro - Ivan - Izek - Jaimenacho - Jarini - Javier - Jesus-Ernesto - Jesus - Joel - Jorge - Jose - Juan-Carlos - Juan - Juaquine - Kasper Mexican Baby Girl Names - Beatriz - Berenice - Bertha - Cecilia - Christina - Cierra - Crotilda - Dominga - Dora - Elodia - Elsa - Elvia - Encarnacion - Erendira - Esmeralda - Eufemia - Eva-Yolanda - Flaca - Gabriela - Geavonna - Graciela - Grizelda - Guadalupe - Guliana - Hilda - Inez - Irma - Ivonne - Juana - Juanita - Katia - Katiana - Kristina - Leahonia - Leandra - Leticia - Lilia - Liliana - Manuela - Maria - Maricruz - Marilu - Marlina - Martha - Materia - Michaela - Michelle - Miranda - Myra - Nailea - Ofelia - Olademis - Pasha - Patricia Cheers.... Comments (0) Mexico Travel: About Its Music Monday, 26. December 2005, 07:36:25 Mexico Music The music of Mexico is extraordinarily diverse and features a wide range of different musical styles. The most well known Mexican genre by far is mariachi, a style of traditional Mexican son which is considered old-fashioned but respected traditional music and is usually listened to as modern music. Mexican ranchera the ranchera is a type of Mexican song. Although closely associated with the Mexican mariachi groups which evolved in Jalisco in the post-revolutionary period. (country music) styles, including norteno and banda, are not only popular within Mexico itself, but they are also frequently enjoyed by Mexican immigrants in both rural and urban American communities. Norteno, similar to Tejano music and Tex-Mex , which may refer to:, arose in the 1930s and 40s in the Rio Grande border region of southern Texas. Influenced by Bohemian immigrant miners, its rhythm was derived from the European polka dance popular during the 1800s Banda, similar to norteno in musical form, originated from the Mexico state of Sinaloa during the 1960s. Other new styles such as cumbia, pop. , and rock have seen increased popularity as the music of Mexico faces a new generation of young people. Southern Mexican folk music is centered around the marimba, which remains popular in Chiapas and Oaxaca. In Yucatan the traditional Jarana music and dance is popular. Modern Mexican musical styles are also changing Mexican music. Cumbia, pop, hip-hop, and rock, which are heavily influenced by music from the Caribbean islands and the United States, are increasingly becoming popular among Mexican youths on both sides of the border good link: Made in Mexico Comments (0) Transport in Mexico Saturday, 24. December 2005, 10:51:18 Mexico Transport Mexico The United Mexican States or Mexico 's land transportation network is one of the most extensive in Latin America. More than 4,000 kilometers (2,400 mi.) of four-lane highway have been built through government concessions to private sector contractors since 1989, of which 3,500 kilometers (2,100 miles) have been constructed since 1994. The vast majority of these expressways are toll roads, like in most other developing countries. (Originally awarded under Build-Operate-Transfer concession schemes, most of these private highways have since been "rescued" by central government financial intervention to save the operators from bankruptcy.) The 26,622 km (16,268 mi.) of government-owned railroads in Mexico have been privatized through the sale of 50-year operating concessions. In the 1980s and 1990s, the government allowed the private operators to abandon nearly all passenger rail service. A plethora of private intercity bus lines serve the nation. Passenger rail service to the Copper Canyon region still operates, due to the remote nature of the area and tourist ridership. Tampico, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz , on the Gulf of Mexico, are Mexico's two primary seaports. Recognizing that the low productivity of Mexico's 108 ports poses a threat to trade development, the government has steadily been privatizing port operations to improve their efficiency. A number of international airlines serve Mexico, with direct or connecting flights from most major cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Latin America. Most Mexican regional capitals and resorts have direct air services to Mexico City or the United States. Airport privatization, based on Mexico's successful experience with seaports, is nearly complete. Comments (0) Important DaysTo Remember Friday, 23. December 2005, 08:34:45 holidays Mexico * 1st Jan: Ano nuevo (mexican name) - New Year (english name) - New Year's day * 5th Feb : Dia de la Constitucion - Constitution Day - Celebrates the ratification of the Constitution of 1917, adopted after the Mexican Revolution. * 18th Mar: Expropiacion Petrolera - Oil Expropriation - President Lazaro expropriated foreign-held oil wells to facilitate Mexico's industrial development * 21st Mar: Natalicio de Benito Juarez - Benito Juarez's Birthday - Birthday of Benito Juarez president and statesman who stood against the French occupation * 1st May: Dia del Trabajo - Labour Day - Commemorates the Haymarket Riot of 1886 * 5th May: Batalla de Puebla - Cinco De Mayo - Celebrates the victory against French forces in the city of Puebla. (not an official holiday) It is also widely celebrated in the United States among Mexican-Americans. * 16th Sep: Dia de la Independencia - Independence Day - Celebrates the Grito de Dolores an event that marked the start of the independence war against Spain on the eve of 1810 * 12th Oct: Dia de la Raza - Day of the Race - Commemorates the discovery of America in 1492 by the Italian navigator Christopher Columbus, who was sponsored by the Spanish sovereigns, Isabella of Castille and Ferdinand of Aragon. * 2nd Nov: Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead - Mexicans honour their dead relatives and/or friends with candles, food offerings, altars and pre-Hispanic rituals. * 20th Nov: Dia de la Revolucion - Revolution Day - Celebrates the beginning of the Mexican Revloution in 1910 * 12th Dec: Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe - Day of virgin Guadalupe - Celebrates the day that our lady of Guadalupe appeared on Tepeyac hill to the native. * 25th Dec: Navidad - Christmas - Celebrates the nativity of Jesus also celebrated as secular winter holiday Comments (0) Mexico Travel: Religion Thursday, 22. December 2005, 07:27:08 Mexico Religion Mexico is predominantly Roman Catholic (about 89% of the population), with 6% adhering to various Protestant faiths (mostly Pentecostal), and the remaining 5% of the population adhering to other religions or professing no religion. Some of the country's Catholics (notably those of indigenous background) syncretize Catholicism with various elements of Aztec or Mayan religions. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) enjoys a growing presence in the major border cities of northeastern Mexico. Judaism has been practiced in Mexico for centuries, and there are estimated to be 100,000 Jews in Mexico today. Islam is mainly practiced by members of the Arab, Turkish, and other expatriate communities; Mexico's indigenous Muslims number only a few thousand or less, although recent years have seen some growth of Islam in Chiapas. Comments (0) Mexico States and Cities Wednesday, 21. December 2005, 21:37:23 Mexico City Mexico is divided into 31 states (estados) and a federal district. Each state has its own constitution and its citizens elect a governor as well as representatives to their respective state congresses. 1.Aguascalientes 2.Baja California 3.Baja California Sur 4.Campeche 5.Chiapas 6.Chihuahua 7.Coahuila 8.Colima 9.Durango 10.Guanajuato 11.Guerrero 12.Hidalgo 13.Jalisco 14.Mexico 15.Michoacan 16.Morelos 17.Nayarit 18.Nuevo Leon 19.Oaxaca 20.Puebla 21.Queretaro 22.Quintana Roo 23.San Luis Potosi 24.Sinaloa 25.Sonora 26.Tabasco 27.Tamaulipas 28.Tlaxcala 29.Veracruz 30.Yucatan 31.Zacatecas Distrito Federal The following is a list of the biggest Metropolitan Areas of Mexico in order of population: * Mexico City * Guadalajara, Jalisco * Monterrey, Nuevo Leon * Puebla, Puebla * Tijuana, Baja California * Leon, Guanajuato * Toluca, Mexico * Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua * Torreon, Coahuila Comments (0) Mexican Jokes Wednesday, 21. December 2005, 10:16:21 Mexican Jokes » The American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, "Only a little while." The American then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?" The Mexican said, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs." The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?" The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life." The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and eventually New York where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise." The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?" To which the American replied, "15 to 20 years." "But what then?" asked the Mexican. The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions." "Millions?...Then what?" The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos." » There was a German, an American, and a Mexican. They were walking in the woods. Suddenly a heard of buffalo came at them. They ran and ran until they saw a shack and went in it. 2 days later the buffalo left. The men got out of the shack only to find layers of crap everywhere! They were forced to jump in because there was no way out. The German took a leap and said, " It's not bad, it's only up to my waist. " The American took a leap and said, " It's not bad, it's only up to my knees. " Then the Mexican took a leap and said, " It's not bad, it's only up to my ankles. " The American asked, " How did you do that. " The Mexican replied in a muffled voice, I jumped in head first. » What kind of cans are there in Mexico? Mexicans. Comments (0) Mexico Travel: Currency Converter Tuesday, 20. December 2005, 07:57:15 » Currency Converter, where you can convert to and from major foreign currencies. Can't keep all those rates in your head? Create a wallet-sized currency cheat sheet to take with you on your trip. Please select the currencies you'd like to use for your exchange from below. Then choose the category of conversion results you would like to see; Select the Convert Currency button once you have made your selections. Links Travel Calculator & Currency Converter » GCI Trading » X-Rates » Yahoo Finance These sites are reliable and offers free but accurate currency conversion tools or calculators. Tourists or Travellers can use these calculators to see the latest currency conversions. Enjoy your Mexico trip. Comments (0) About Mexico Friday, 9. December 2005, 07:33:56 The United Mexican States or Mexico is a country located in North America, bordered to the north by the United States , to the south-east by Guatemala and Belize , to the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. » It is the most northerly and most westerly,and third largest country, in Latin America and is at the same time the most populated Spanish-speaking country. Mexico is divided into 31 states (estados) and the Mexican Federal District (Distrito Federal). The Mexico City Metropolitan Area, which includes the Federal District and adjacent parts of México State , is one of the most populous cities in the world. » Capital : Mexico City » Language : English & French » Currency : Mexican Peso » National anthem : Mexicanos, al grito de guerra source: Travel World ................................ The culture of Mexico reflects the complexity of Mexico 's history through the blending of Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican civilizations and the culture of Spain , imparted during Spain 's 300 year colonization of Mexico. » In Mexican culture, it is usually considered undesirable to show weakness or open oneself to others outside of the family. As a result, a strong sense of community is not a trait of Mexican culture, because strong friendships cannot be built without some level of closeness. Relationships are generally approached with a gauge of disbelieve because of fear of betrayal, which for a Mexican is one of the most humiliating experiences one could go through. » Mexico is known worldwide for its folk art traditions, mostly derived from a combination of indigenous and Spanish crafts. Mainly distinguished among handicrafts are the clay pottery made in the valley of Oaxaca and the bird and animal figures made in the village of Tomala . Colorfully embroidered cotton garments, cotton or wool shawls and outer garments, and colorful baskets and rugs are seen everywhere. » With an estimated 2003 population of about 104 million, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Nominally, the country is predominantly Roman Catholic (89%), with 6% adhering to various Protestant faiths and the remaining 5% either adhering to other smaller religions or remaining unaffiliated. | U s e f u l L i n k s :- » Mexican - Embassy » Ancient Mexico .......................................... Mexico Hotels » Hotels differ from motels in that most motels have drive-up, exterior entrances to the rooms, while hotels tend to have halls with interior entrances to the rooms. The cost and quality of hotels are usually relatively indicative of the range and type of services available. Due to the enormous increase in tourism worldwide. » Basic accommodation consisting of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand only have largely been replaced by rooms with bathrooms. Other features many travelers do not want to do without today are a TV, a telephone, an alarm clock, a small refrigerator. » Mexico hotels. The cost and quality of hotels are usually relatively indicative of the range and type of services available. Due to the enormous increase in tourism worldwide, during the last decades of the 20th century common standards, especially those of smaller sstablishments have improved considerably. For the sake of greater comparability, various rating systems have been introduced, with the one to five stars classification being the most commonly used. | Top Mexico Hotels » Hotels of Mexico » Andale Mexico » Different World » Planet Holiday » Trip Advisor » Mexico Travel Net ............................ Mexico Restaurants A restaurant is a business that serves ready food and beverages to be consumed on the location. The term covers a variety of scene and a range of cuisine styles. Restaurants are sometimes a feature of a larger complex.There exist many likely businesses for restaurants, depending on local traditions and the procedure and price of the meal; *0ne sits down, a waiter comes to take one's order, and later brings the food; one pays after finishing eating *0ne orders at the counter; after preparation the food is brought to one's table; paying may be on ordering or after eating *0ne collects ready portions » Mexico restaurants range from unpretentious lunching or dining places catering to people working nearby, with simple food served in simple settings at low prices, to expensive establishments serving refined food and wines in a formal setting. In the former case, clients are not expected to wear formal attire. In the latter case, clients generally wear formal clothing, though this varies between cultures. | Top Mexico Restaurants » Cancun Blast » Appetite Net » Mexico Resturants » Citi-Guide ...................................... Mexico: Climate & Weather Mexico 's climate is less uneven and warmer. The key aspect in Mexico 's climate variation is that of its geography. Bordering the Gulf of Mexico are lowlands characterized by hotter, more humid climate than the higher elevations of the country. » Mexico has distinct wet and dry seasons. Nearly all of the country experiences a rainy season from June to mid-October and notably less rain during the rest of the year. February and July generally are the driest and wettest months. Mexico City , for example, receives an average of only 5 millimeters of rain during February but more than 160 millimeters in July. Coastal areas, especially those along the Gulf of Mexico , experience the largest amounts of rain in September. | Role Of Mexico Climate - Gulf of Mexico will provide insight into the role of tropical climate system on global climate. » Rainfall varies widely both by location and season. Arid or semiarid conditions are encountered in the Baja Peninsula, the northwestern state of Sonora, the northern altiplano, and significant portions of the southern altiplano. » Mexico faces noteworthy ecological threats upsetting almost every section of the country. Vast expanses of southern and southeastern tropical forests have been striped for cattle raising and agriculture. » Mexico's vast coastline faces a different, but no less difficult, series of environmental problems. | For Latest Mexico Weather Updates; » M e x i c o W e a t h e r » M e x O n l i n e .................................... Mexico Heritage Mexico is most prominent to tourists for its many prehistoric ruins, popular beach resorts, generally warm-to-hot climate, and unique culture. Tourism in Mexico peaks during December and mid-summer. A one hour drive to the northeast of Ruta Puuc are the surviving remains of the city of Mayapan . This settlement was controlled by Chichen Itza to the east, now a large archaeological site with many interesting ruins. » The central and southern parts of Mexico was host to several pre-Hispanic civilizations, with the most prominent being the Aztec, Mayan , and the Olmec. There are numerous tourist destinations where these ruins can be viewed. Along the gulf coast area in the state of Veracruz are more archaeological sites, with the Olmec ceremonial center of Tres Zapotes, the ruins of the large Totonac city of Zempoala , and the ruins of El Tajín with the Pyramid of the Niches. The city of Xalapa contains the Museo de Antropología, a notable museum featuring a collection of massive Olmec head sculptures. » Moving to the north, the central region about Mexico City contains several archeological sites. To the southwest are the massive ruins of Teotihuacán , including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl . To the southeast near the city of Cholula is the Great Pyramid, visible from the city center. Just to the north of Cholula are the well-preserved ruins of Cacaxtla city. | Mexico Heritage Resources » Travel Mexico » Our Mexico » Mexico Expo » World Heritage your comments @ Travel T World Comments (1) Showing posts 1 - 10. 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