Asia Travel

CAMBODIA - ASIA TRAVEL HOTELS RESORTS TRAVEL TOURS RESERVATION Cambodia Travel Information Map of Cambodia Siem Reap Phnom Penh Banlung (Rattanakiri) Kampong Som (Sihanoukville) Check out the other Mekong regions Airport pick up Click here for Alphabetical Listing of Cambodia Hotels & Resorts Please Click Hotel Name ------- Siem Reap -------- Angkor Century Angkor Diamond Angkor Hotel Angkor Sapphire Angkor Village Bopha Angkor City Angkor Grand Hotel D'Angkor Golden Angkor Hotel De La Paix Neak Pean Hotel Nokor Phnom Pansea Angkor Hotel Princess Angkor Prum Bayon Royal Sofitel Angkor Shinta Mani Ta Prohm -------- Phnom Penh --------- Holiday International Hotel Hotel Le Royal Intercontinental Hotel Micasa Hotel Star Royal Hotel Sunway Hotel Cambodiana Hotel Juliana Hotel Regent Park Hotel Bayon Phnom Hotel Princess Phnom Penh ------- Kampong Som ------- Holiday Palace Resort Seaside Resort Golden Sea Hotel Claude's Bungalow ------- Banlung -------- Banlung Guesthouse Bangkok Office Hours (GMT + 07:00) Monday - Friday 09:00 - 18:00 Saturday 09:00 - 13:00 CLOSE ON SUNDAYS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Cambodia Package with Accommodation!! Click here to reserve hotels with up to 70% Discount (Prepayment Basis) Room Rate at US$ 20 and above Koh Kong International Resort Room rate at US$ 40 and above Nokor Phnom Hotel Room rate at US$ 50 and above Bopha Angkor Hotel Room rate at US$ 60 and above Ta Prohm Hotel Angkor Hotel Room rate at US$ 80 and above City Angkor Hotel Room rate at US$ 100 and above Angkor Village Hotel Angkor Village Resort Grand Hotel D'Angkor Hotel De La Paix new!! Pansea Hotel Royal Sofitel Angkor Shinta Mani Click here to send electronic birthday cards... Asia Travel

France Travel

FRANCE Geography History Politics Culture Transportation Lodging Restaurants Museums and Monuments Nightlife Currency 1. Geography France is bordered by the English Channel to the North; Belgium and Luxembourg to the Northeast; Germany, Switzerland and Italy tothe East; the Mediterranean Sea to the South; Spain and Andorra to the Southwest; and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. It includes theisland of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea to the Southeast of the mainland. The country's 210,026 squre miles offer vastly diverse scenery. It is comprised of the Alps and Pyrenees mountain ranges, the valleys of the Loire, Rhone, and Dordogne rivers, and the fertile flat lands and cliffs of Normandy and the Atlantic coast. France is bordered by 1800 miles of coastline. 2. History France was originally inhabited by Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon peoples. After the disintegration of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, it was settled by Gauls - a Celtic people. In the 8th century, Charlemagne established his Frankish empire stretching from the Pyrenees to the Baltic. Over the next several centuries the feudal lords of Paris consolidated power over various regions, creating for the first time a French nation. The reign of Louis VI from 1108-1137 represented the first time that royal authority came to fruition in certain areas of France. There remained however powerful rulers who served as Louis VI's vassals in name only, such as the Dukes of Normandy. During the FrenchRenaissance, Francois I helped develop the chateaux in the Loire Valley. These luxuries reached their peak during the reign of the SunKing Louis XIV (1643-1715) in which the power of the French state was further centralized and France became the major Europeanpower. Louis XV's reign (1715-1774) saw a time of prosperity as well as a growing gap between rich and power. During this period, the nobility and clergy were exempt from the payment of taxes. These disparities culminated in the French Revolution of 1789 which overthrew Louis XVI and sought equality of the individual before the law. Rising army commander Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the weak and unpopular governemnts of the end of the 18th century in 1799.Five years later he was declared Emperor and attempted to establish a French empire in Europe. In 1812 Napoleon's good fortune wasreversed after his failed invasion of Russia. He was exiled and his army dismantled but escaped and returned to France for a briefHundered Days until he was defeated at Waterloo by the Duke of Wellington. The 19th century saw France waver from republic to monarchy to republic to empire, and finally back to republic. It faced an emerging Germany in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871and again as the network of treaties and alliances collapsed in 1914 with the assassination of the Austrian Grand Duke Ferdinand in Serbia. In the interbellum period, after the Versailles Treaty, France recovered the Alsace-Lorraine region originally lost in the Franco-PrussianWar, and established a new electoral system based on proportional representation. With the advances of Nazi Germany into Poland in1939, France once again declared war on Germany and entered WWII. However, it was swiftly occupied by the Nazis who establishedthe Vichy Regime from 1940-1944. The Fourth Republic was established after the war but could not resist the pressures induced by the Algerian Conflict. General deGaulle, former Resistance leader of the exiled anti-Nazi government during WWII, established the Fifth Republic. 1968 saw the adventof student and industrial workers riots threatening to overthrow the fledgling Republic. Throughout the 1970s, conservative presidents and centre-right majorities governed in France. The Socialist party experienced its firstvictory in 1981 with the election of Francois Mitterand who remained in office until 1995. Jacques Chirac, the former mayor of Paris and Prime Minister in cohabitation with Mitterand was narrowly elected President in 1995. Edouard Balladur was first appointed PrimeMinister but was succeeded by Alain Juppe who was committed to streamlining the public sector. Having called for an early election, Chirac is now governing in cohabitation with the Socialist Lionel Jospin, his competitor in the 1995 election. 3. Politics The strong executive branch of the 5th Republic is directed by the President who is elected by direct popular vote for a 7-year term.The legislative branch is governed by a bicameral parliament comprised of a 577-member National Assembly which is elected for 5-yearterms, and the 321-member senate which is elected for 9-year terms with one-third of the seats up for reelection every 3 years. France's main foreign commitment is to the European Union. Its relations with Germany have been considered to be the pillar of the integration movement. France continues to be active in multifarious regions of the world as a means to assert its status as a worldpower. In opposition to American hegemony, France has come into conflict with the United States on a number of instances, most notably at the Uruguay Round of negotion on the 1993 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and with regards to the commandof armed forces in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. France has conducted several military interventions in Africa where it maintians a significant economic, military, and cultural presence inmany former colonies. In the Franc Zone, many francophone African countires have linked their currencies to the French franc. Frenchmilitary involvement also existed in French Polynesia in the 1995 when the Chiracien goverment conducted a series of nuclear tests atthe Mururoa atoll. Rioting broke out on Tahiti, the main island and severe international condemnation followed. French domestic politics are also rocky as Chirac and Jospin attempt to govern cohesively side-by-side. With an unemployment rate at arecord high of 12.8%, they are finding it difficult to streamline their country's economy to meet the strict criteria necessary for entry into the scheduled European Union economic and monetary union. 4. Culture The official language is French, but many regional dialects such as Basque and Breton exist. Many French speak basic English, but polite efforts to speak French are generally appreciated. 90% of the French population is Roman Catholic. There exists a Protestant minority, and representatives of almost every religion exist. The family is still relatively central to French life, as are long meals with excellent wine and gastronomical delights. The cuisine varies by region as does the wine. Most everything shuts down between noon and 2pm during the week and closes on Sundays. Major national holiday include January 1, Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Ascension Day (May 8), Whit Monday (May 19), Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption Day (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), and Christmas (December 25). In addition,much of the less touristic parts of France slow down the month of August when everyone is on holiday in the often crowded coastal towns. 5. Transportation Visas are not required of U.S., Canadian, New Zealand, or EU citizens. Visas are required however of South Africans and Australians. AIR : France's national airline is Air France(AF), domestically Air Inter(AI). RAIL : Societe Nationale de Chemins de Fer (SNCF) operates an extensive rail network. Timetables are well-organized and color-codedto coincide with peak hours. Tickets are not valid until punched in the orange machine at the entrance to the platforms at the trainstation (la gare). Seat reservations are recommended for international trips, and are mandatory on EuroCity (EC), InterCity (IC), and TGV (train a grande vitesse/ high-speed) trains. All 3 mandate a ticket supplement (between US$3-18) and a reservation fee (betweenUS$2-3). The French Railpass which must be purchased outside France permits 3 days of travel within one month (US$145) with up to 6 additional days available (US$30 each). BUS : usually well-priced and well-organized. The bus station (gare routiere) is usually near the train station. PARIS : AIR : Most transatlantic flights arrive at Aeroport Roissy- Charles de Gaulle, NE of Paris. To get to town, take Roissy Rail, a cheap combination bus-rail system. To get to Roissy Rail, take free shuttle bus to train station, ride RER train B3 to the city. Taxis will be extremely expensive. Air France also offers a clean and safe shuttle bus service to various points in Paris as well as to Orly Airport. Flights arriving at Aeroport d'Orly, S of Paris usually arrive from various points in Europe. To get to town, take free shuttle bus to Orly train station and take RER C2 to central Paris. Or Air France shuttle buses also service Orly. RAIL : Gare du Nord services northern France, Belgium, Britain, Netherlands, Scandinavia, and northern Germany. Gare de l'Est services eastern France, Luxembourg, northern Switzerland, southern Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Gare de Lyon services southeastern France, southern Switzerland, Italy, and Greece.Gare d'Austerlitz services the Loire Valley, southwestern France, Spain, and Portugal.Gare St. Lazare services Normandy. Gare de Montparnasse services Brittany and the TGV to southwestern France. Within Paris, the subway (Metropolitain, Metro, M) is efficient and quick. Lines are numbered but are referred to by their final destinations.Connections are called correspondances. Coupon Vert allows unlimited weekly travel.Carte Orange is an ID which accompanies the Coupon Vert. The Reseau ExpressRegional (RER) is a commuter train to the suburbs and an express subway in Paris. BUS : use same tickets as Metro which may be purchased from driver. NICE : AIR : Aeroport Nice-Cote d'Azur. Take Sunbus 23 "St. Laurent" from the train station. The airport bus runs from the bus station by pl Massena. RAIL : Gare SNCF Nice-Ville, avenue Thiers is in the center of town next to the tourist office. Trains run frequently to Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, and elsewhere in France, Italy, and Spain. In summer months, several trains connect with the TGV from Marseille to Paris. BUS : Gare Routiere, promenade du Paillon to Monaco, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, and Cannes. Sunbus to museums and youth hostels. Can buy 5 ticket booklets or weekly passes at agency or kiosk at sq. Leclerc. Bus 12 goes from train station to pl Massena and the beach. LYON : AIR : Aeroport Lyon-Satolas E of Lyon. Take bus from Perrache via Part-Dieu. RAIL : Part-Dieu and Perrache stations both have TGV trains to Paris. Perrache is more central. Part-Dieu is the business district on the east bankof the Rhone. The Metro operates with tickets good for 1hr in 1 direction withbus and trolley connections included. Can purchase 1 day unlimited travel at tourist and TAG offices, not in stations. Troleys operate from pl. St. Jean to St. Just and the top of Fourviere. BUS : Perrache train station to Annecy, Grenoble. Philbert handlesmany domestic routes. Eurolines runs throughout Europe. Iberbus goes to Spain. 6. Lodging HOTELS : Room and all meals (pension) are most often offered with a stay of 3 days or longer. Room, breakfast, and one meal (demi-pension) are often offered outside peak holiday periods. Hotels are generally not expensive but have strict standards. Hotels docharge extra for a third bed in a double room and will charge extra for extra occupants. Logis de France are small or medium sized inexpensive hotels with basic clean and comfortable accomodations. Hotels de Tourisme are graded into categories according to government quality regulations. CAMPING : 7000 campsites exist throughout France. Some have tents and/or caravans for rent. Prices vary but all graded campsitesprovide water, toilet, and washing facilities. YOUTH HOSTELS : Hundreds exist throughout France. Simple accomodation at very low prices. Stays are usually limited to certain agebrackets and to 3-4 nights a week. Most require membership in the National Youth Hostel Association. Some accomodations are privaterooms and others are bunk-beds in shared rooms. Some have curfews. Reservations are advised during peak-seasons. This is a great way to travel cheaply and meet interesting people. Further information may be obtained from national youth hostel organizations. PARIS : HOTELS : Hotels in Paris may be the most practical for most and maybe the most economical for large groups. Costs range, and cheaper rooms maynot come with private baths. You may pay extra for the key to the hall shower. Rooms disappera quickly after morning checkout, so reserve ahead. They usually require one night's deposit. HOTEL DE NEVERS : -53, rue de Malte, 11e, tel: 01 47 00 56 18 HENRI IV : -25 place Dauphine, 1e, tel: 01 43 54 44 53 HOTEL STE-MARIE: -6 rue de la Ville Neuve, tel: 01 42 33 21 61 YOUTH HOSTELS : Most Parisian hostels don't have many restrictionswhich may be found in other hostels. They do often have maximum stays. Theyusually include breakfast and showersin the price. Only 2 HI hostels exist in the city proper. The rest are private hostels or fosters. CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE PARIS (BVJ) : -Paris Louvre- 20, rue J.-J. Rousseau, 1er., tel: 01 42 36 88 18 -Paris Quartier Latin- 44, rue des Bernardins, 5e., tel: 01 43 29 34 80 AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE JULES FERRY (HI) : -Jules Ferry- 8 bd Jules Ferry, 11e, tel: 01 43 57 55 60 AUBERGE INTERNATIONALE DES JEUNES : -10, rue Trousseau, tel: 01 47 00 62 00 LYON : HOTELS : A financial center, Lyon has little lodging during the week,but many openings on the weekends so plan ahead. First try the hotels near Perrache, then near Pl. des Terreaux if they are full. CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE SEJOUR : -46 rue du Commandant Pegoud, tel: 04 78 01 23 45 RESIDENCE BENJAMIN DELESSERT : -145 av. Jean Jaures, tel: 04 78 61 41 41 HOTEL VAUBECOUR : -28 rue Vaubecour, tel: 04 78 37 44 91 YOUTH HOSTELS : AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE (HI) : -51, rue Roger Salengro, Venissieux, tel: 04 78 76 39 23 NICE : HOTELS : Summer accomodations require advance reservation.Most affordable and clean hotels surround Notre-Dame rue d'Angleterre,rue de la Suisse, and rue de Russie. HOTEL BACCARAT : -39 rue d'Angleterre, tel: 04 93 88 35 73 HOTEL LES ALIZES : -10 ru de Suisse, tel: 04 93 88 85 08 HOTEL DES FLANDERS : -6 rue de Belgique, tel: 04 93 88 78 94 YOUTH HOSTELS : Very often full, especially summer months.Camping in front of the train station is a dangerous idea, even in groups. AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE (HI) : -rte. Forestiere du Mont-Alban, tel: 04 93 89 23 64 RELAIS INTERNL DE LA JEUNESSE CLAIRVALLON : -26 av Scuderi, tel: 04 93 81 27 63 RESIDENCE LES COLLINETTES (HI) : -Summer only! 3 av Robert Schumann, tel: 04 93 86 58 48 7. Restaurants LUNCH / DINNER : a complete meal includes an aperitif (pre-dinner drink), an entree (an appetizer), a plat (main course),salad, cheese, dessert, fruits, coffee, and a digestif (after-dinner drink). Wine is typically taken with meals. Boisson comprise means that you are entitled to a free drink, often wine, with your meal. In restaurants, fixed-price 3-course meals (menus) begin at 60f. A 15% gratuity is most often included in the price (service compris). BREAKFAST : continental breakfast usually includes your choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate; and breads and pastries with jam. PARIS : Cafes : LA COUPOLE : -102 bd du Montparnasse, tel: 01 43 20 14 20 LA CLOSERIE DES LILAS : -171 bd du Montparnasse, 6e, tel: 01 43 26 70 50 LES DEUX MAGOTS : -6 pl St-Germain des Pres, 6e, tel:01 45 48 55 25 RESTAURANTS : AU TROU NORMAND : -9 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11e, tel: 01 48 05 80 23 LES FOUS DE L'ISLE : -33 rue des Deux-Ponts, tel: 01 43 25 76 67 CHEZ LES FONDUES : -17 rue des Trois Freres, 18e, tel: 01 42 55 22 65 CREMERIE RESTAURANT POLIDOR : -41 rue Monsieur-le Prince, 6e, tel: 01 43 26 95 34 TY BRIEZ : -52 bd de Vaugirard, 15e, tel: 01 43 20 83 72 LYON : RESTAURANTS : LE SUD : -11 pl Antonin Porcet, tel: 04 72 77 80 00 CHEZ MOUNIER : -3 rue des Marrioniers, tel: 04 78 37 79 26 CHAERT ET FILS : -11 rue des Marroniers, tel: 04 78 37 01 94 LA MERE VITTET : -26, cours de Verdun, tel: 04 78 37 20 17 CHEZ CARLO : -22 rue du Palais Grillet, tel: 04 78 42 05 79 NICE : RESTAURANTS : O MICHELANGELO : -28 cours Saleya, tel: 04 93 80 05 27 NISSA SOCCA : -5 rue Ste-Reparte, tel: 04 93 80 18 35 LE FAUBOURG MONTMARTRE : -39 rue Pertinax, tel: 04 93 62 55 03 RESTAURANT DE PARIS : -28 rue d'Angleterre, tel: 04 93 88 99 88 8. Museums and Monuments PARIS : MUSEUMS : LES CATACOMBS : -1 pl Denfert-Rochereau, 15e-5-6 million Parisians buried in former limestone mines CENTRE NATIONAL D'ART ET DE CULTURE GEORGES-POMPIDOU : -Palais Beaubourg, 4e.-Musee National d'Art Moderne, 20th century art MUSEE DES EGOUTS DE PARIS : -Quai D'Orsay and pl de la Resistance, 7e. -Sewer Museum MUSEE DU LOUVRE : -Palais-Royal, 1e-Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samotrace,David, Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People, MonaLisa MUSEE D'ORSAY : -1 rue de Bellechasse, 7e-1848-1914 Impressionism, etc. MUSEE PICASSO : -5 rue de Thorigny, 3e MONUMENTS : ILE DE LA CITE/ ILE ST-LOUIS : -Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris-Palais de Justice -Ste.-Chapelle LATIN QUARTER/ St-GERMAIN-des-Pres : -Pantheon-La Crypt-Le Jardin des Plantes-Boulevard et Place St-Michel-Jardin du Luxembourg FAUBOURG ST-GERMAIN : -Espanade des Invalides-Musee de l'Armee / Napoleon's tomb-Tour Eiffel LOUVRE/OPERA/MARAIS/BASTILLE : -Louvre-Jardin des Tuilleries-Place Vendome-Palais-Royal-Opera CHAMPS ELYSEES/ BOIS DE BOULOGNE/ LA DEFENSE : -Place de la Concorde-Obelisque de Louxor-Avenue des Champs-Elysees-Arc de Triomphe-Bois de Boulogne-La Defense MONTMARTRE / PERE-LACHAISE : -Basilique du Sacre-Coeur-Butte Montmartre-Cimetiere Pere-Lachaise, Jim Morrison's grave LYON : MUSEUMS : MUSEE GALLO-ROMAIN : -17 rue Cleberg-mosaics, helmets, swords, jewlery MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS : -Hotel de Ville-French, Spanish and Dutch painters-Italian Renaissance. MUSEE D'ART CONTEMPORAIN : -Quai Charles de Gaulle-Modern Art MONUMENTS :-Basilique Notre-Dame de la Fourviere-Vieux Lyon-Cathedrale St-Jean-Place Bellecour NICE : MUSEUMS : MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS : -33 av Baumettes-Fragonard, Monet, Sisley, Degas, sculptures MUSEE MATISSE : -164 av des Arenes de Cimiez MUSEE NATIONAL MARC CHAGALL : -av du Docteur Menard MUSEE D'ART MODERNE ET D'ART CONTEMPORAIN : -Av St-Jean Baptiste and Traverse Garibaldi MONUMENTS :-Promenade des Anglais-Jardin Albert 1er-Espace Massena-La Colle du Chateau-Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe St-Nicolas-Monastere Cimiez 9. Nightlife PARIS : DANCE CLUBS : -Les Bains, 7 rue de Bourg l'Abbee, 3e, tel: 01 48 87 01 80-Le Balajo, 9 rue de Lappe, 11e, tel: 01 47 00 07 87-Le Palace, 8 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 9e, tel:01 42 46 10 87 BARS : -Le Bar Sans Nom, 49 rue de Lappe, 11e, tel: 01 48 05 59 36-Le Piano Vache, 8 rue Laplace, 5e, tel: 01 46 33 75 03-Cafe Charbon, 109 rue Oberkampf, 11e, tel: 01 43 57 55 13 LYON : DANCE CLUBS : Check out quai Romain Rolland,quai de Bondy, and quai Pierre Scize in the old city. BARS : -Albion, 12 rue Ste-Catherine-Le Verre a Soi, 25 rue des Capucins-Le Broadway, 9 rue Terraille NICE : DANCE CLUBS : -Chez Wayne, 15 rue de la Prefcture, tel: 04 93 13 46-Master Home, rue de la Prefecture, tel: 04 93 80 33 82-Le Studio, 29 rue Alphonse Karr, tel: 04 93 82 37 66-De Klomp, 6 rue Mascoinat, tel: 04 93 92 42 85-The Hole in the Wall, 3 rue de l'Abbaye, tel: 04 93 80 40 16 10. Currency The basic currency unit is the French franc (Ffr), which is issued in both coins and paper notes, and is subdivided in 100 centimes.Coins are in denominations of Ffr 10,5,2, and 1 + 50,20,10, and 5 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Ffr 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Some first-class hotels exchange foreign currency. Also the Credit Mutuel, Credit Agricole exchange currency. Shops and hotelsare prohibited from accepting foreign currency. American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and Travellers checques are widely accepted. Also Visit These Travel Pages GO BACK TO HOMEPAGE

Mexico Travel

Guadalajara Mexico - Travel Tourism Vacations  You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors > Other Places > Guadalajara Mexico - Travel Tourism Vacations Travel Go Mexico Essentials Packing List for Travelers to Mexico Health Information Mexico / C. America Safety Considerations Travel Books Mexico and Central America Tourism Offices Mexico/ Central America Articles & Resources Mexico Mexico City Acapulco, Mexico Cancun Yucatan Baja Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Other Places Photos of Mexico Belize, Central America Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Mexico / Central America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Mexico / Central America for Visitors Guadalajara Cathedral Photo thanks to KSU.edu Stay up to date! Guadalajara Cathedral Photo thanks to KSU.edu Email to a friend Print this page Elsewhere on the Web Guadalajara Photos Guadalajara City Scenes Most Popular Mexican Music La Paz, Mexico Quinceanera Packing List Tijuana, Mexico What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Related Topics California for Visitors South America for Visitors Caribbean for Visitors Mexican Cuisine Guadalajara, Mexico From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! The "Pearl of the West" Guadalajara, founded in 1542 by the Spanish conquistadors, is located in the western-central part of Mexico, in the state of Jalisco. It is a large and beautiful Mexican colonial city sitting on a high plateau more than 5,000 feet above sea level. The city is close to Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest lake, and is also close to the famous beach resort town of Puerto Vallarta. As the second largest city in Mexico with a population of several million persons, Guadalajara is a busy metropolis, and a major center of Mexican commerce. Despite its size, however, it is an easy city to navigate, and the residents are friendly and helpful to visitors. Guadalajara (and its surrounding area) is the birthplace of some of the most recognizable symbols of Mexico including mariachi music, the jarabe tapatío (Mexican hat dance), sombreros and tequila, and many consider Guadalajara to be the most traditional of all of the larger Mexican cities in the country. The city, while a large metropolis, nevertheless retains a small provincial town flavour with its numerous plazas, colonial buildings, broad tree-lined avenues, fountains, parks and colorful flowers. The city is famous for its local craftsmen, who produce a wide variety of high quality handmade items that are highly prized the world over. Because of its location at an altitude of 5000 feet above sea level, Guadalajara has a very comfortable climate year-round. Winters are mild and spring-like, and summers rarely get too hot. The wonderful climate, in large part, explains the city's enormous popularity as a retirement area. Guadalajara is not normally regarded as a resort town, and it is an ideal vacation destination for the traveler who is seeking a change of pace or escape from the traditional Mexican resort scene. The following are some of the many things to do and see in Guadalajara: Guadalajara Historic Center Perhaps the most beautiful area in the city is the historical downtown area of Guadalajara or "Centro Histórico", consisting of several large outdoor plazas, colonial buildings, museums and outside coffee places and restaurants. It is a great starting point for a leisurely stroll through the city's cultural center, enabling one to explore and obtain a taste of the town's gorgeous colonial architecture. The largest of the plazas in this area is the Plaza Tapatia, an huge 8 square-block plaza filled with important historical buildings and architecture, and a social meeting place for local residents to spend their free time in the evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays. As an alternative to exploring the area on foot, a unique way to see the historic center and the downtown area is to hire a Calandria - horse drawn carriages offering tours for nominal prices. Metropolitan Cathedral The Plaza Tapatia in downtown Guadalajara is the site of the city's most famous landmark - the Metropolitan Cathedral. Although construction commenced in 1561, the Cathedral took over 100 years to complete. The massive church, with its unique 65m high yellow-tiled twin steeples resembling inverted Calla Lillies, is an incredible example of Gothic, baroque, moorish and neoclassical architectural styles. The Cathedral houses the figures of many saints, has eleven alters and it is the final resting place for the assassinated and much beloved Cardinal Posadas. Guadalajara Zoo This wonderful zoo with lush vegetation is located about 9 miles from downtown Guadalajara, on the Barrancas de Oblatos - large deep gorges with rivers flowing over the edges. A mini-train travels throughout the zoo and will let you see all of the local animals, as well as many exotic animals from throughout the world. Connected to the zoo is a children's amusement park ("Selva Mágica") with dozens of different rides and other attractions for children, including a marine park with dolphin and seal shows. Parque Agua Azul This huge park is located just south of the city and is divided into two parts, connected by a bridge. There are large open green areas, an orchid house, a butterfly house, bird house, and various special attractions for the kids. Musical and cultural shows are performed regularly in the large outdoor auditorium, known as "La Concha Acústica". Local musicians perform along an area in the park known as "Musicians Boulevard". The Libertad Market Located in the historic center of Guadalajara is the Libertad Market ("Mercado Libertad"), said to be the largest market in Mexico under one roof. Inside this bustling and colorful market you will find dozens upon dozens of small stalls selling a wide range of products including Mexican handicrafts, household goods, food, chilies and leather goods. You can buy huaraches (sturdy Mexican sandals), authentic Mexican food, paper flowers, embroidered clothes, hammocks, guitars, hats, leather purses, belts, wood carvings, and so on. The very large food section of this market will dazzle you with its colors and aromas.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico

Argentina Travel: Build yourself

Travel to Argentina: Information on the country Argentina www.spanishcourses.info www.spanishcourses.info not only provides information on Argentina , but also information on countries, cities and Spanish courses and an independent directory of language schools in Spain and Latin America . » CLICK HERE to go to the information on Argentina with complete navigation environment. Classiefied ads with photos to meet people from Argentina, find friends, pratise Spanish (language exchange) or travel together. » More information inside - click here General information on Argentina Argentina Information on Argentina » View map of Argentina Argentina, the country between the mountains of the Andes and the Atlantic Ocean, with its fantastic capital Buenos Aires, its Pampas and Gauchos, the famous wine of the Mendoza region and the Patagonian landscapes in the south. » List of Spanish language schools in Argentina » Press, newspaper, television channels and radio in Argentina » Conjugate regular and irregular Spanish verbs Inhabitants: 38.740.807 Money: Peso Argentino (ARS) Spoken languages: Spanish Borders with (Country names in original language): Chile, Uruguay, Brasil, Bolivia, Paraguay Capital: Buenos Aires Typical products: Red wine of Mendoza, Argentine steaks Geography of Argentina Argentina can roughly be divided into three parts: The fertile plains of the Pampas in the northern half of the country, the centre of Argentina's agricultural wealth; the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in the southern half down to Tierra del Fuego; and the rugged Andes mountain range along the western border with Chile, with the highest point being the Cerro Aconcagua at 6,960 m. Pampa Plains A plains region interrupted only by the the small mountains of Tandil and La Ventana sierras. Its tourist potential is mainly reflected on the big city of Buenos Aires. An industrial and commercial pole that offers an intense cultural activity. Besides the large number of beaches on the Atlantic Coast in the Pampas region, Tandil and Ventana offer an impressive landscape. Photo provided by Nicols Ariel Zonvi Mar del Plata Film Festival If you like the movies, you can come to one of the most important Spanish-speaking film festivals in a beautiful coastal city on the banks of the sea. The Mar del Plata Film Fest is a perfect conjunction of art, theory, critical, market, industry and popular assembly. Projection of National and international movies Awards for producers, actors and directors. The “Ombú” Award of gold, silver and platinum is given with the presence of foreign and national artists. The festival is organized by the National Institute of Movies and Visual Arts. (See link below) Information provided by CICLO Buenos Aires Central Sierras The Region of the Sierras is peppered with small mountains crossed by plentiful rivers, streams and artificial lakes. There are many small cities and villages to visit and explore. Adventure tourism, swimming and water sports are the main activities to take part in. Photo provided by cordoba.net Cuyo It is an arid mountainous region, which is cut by plentiful rivers that make up majestic canyons such as that of the Atuel Canyon. Rafting, mountaineering, trekking and many other adventure activities are all possible here. Excellent ski resorts such as that of Las Leñas Valley. Visits to wineries. Northeast Cascades, rapids and waterfalls are the main features of Iguazu Falls. The Littoral offers numerous beaches, islands and ideal places to practice swimming and water sports. There are thermal fountains and hot springs in several cities. Andean Patagonia The mountainous Patagonia region, peppered with natural lakes, glaciers and woods is one of the most astounding landscapes of Argentina. Excellent for adventure tourism activities like trekking, rafting, and mountaineering. Water sports and excursions in its numerous lakes. There are excellent snow skiing resorts such as Chapelco, Mount Cathedral and many hot springs soak in after. Atlantic Patagonia The eastern part of Patagonia that borders with the Atlantic Ocean and sometimes called the Patagonian Plateau, posseses a very distinct relief. An area rich in sea life. In the northern area, you will find good beaches for swimming with comfortable water temperatures. Scuba diving is one of the other important attractions. The Gaucho The word "gaucho" was used in the regions of the River Plate, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil,(although there the word is gaúcho) to name the horse riders of the planes or "pampas", who kept cattle. The origin of this word is not very clear. "Guahu-che" is the most popular one and means "people who sings sadly"; it comes form araucano and denotes melancholy. The ‘gaucho’ is the fruit of the mixture of Spanish and aborigine blood; he started to create his own personality in the primitive vaquerías of the colonies. There he learned the tasks connected to cattle rising with a singular skill and founded his body to his inseparable friend: the horse. He spends most of the time on horseback, which is why he hates agriculture, since he must be standing all day long. His indomitable value made him the bases of the South American Independence. He was a shepherd in times of peace and a soldier in times of war. The big area of the "pampas" planes finally moulds his conduct. He is very free, of simple habits and leads a wandering life. That freedom which he faces his life with brings back to him a lot of misfortunes. He was excluded for a long time, but as time passes by he was popularly accepted and the word gaucho is now synonym of uprightness and nobility of heart. Information provided by CICLO Buenos Aires Photo provided by CICLO Buenos Aires The China (gaucha) The "Gaucha" is also called "China". She was the loyal companion of the "gaucho". Her occupation was to grow corn, watermelon and onion. She baked their bread and used the mortar and pestle for crushing the charque, the wheat and corn. She brought up the children and she also wove her companion’s ponchos. She was as a good rider as he was. She used to wear a cotton shirt, underskirt and headscarf. She usually wore two braids. Sometimes she would also wear a loose and low-cut dress. She liked smoking. Information provided by CICLO Buenos Aires Photo provided by CICLO Buenos Aires City Info and cities with Spanish languge schools in Argentina: Bariloche Crdoba Gualeguaych Mendoza Santa Fe Buenos Aires Links - Argentina: »www.iberospanish.com Spanish school BERO (Buenos Aires) »www.set-idiomas.com.ar Spanish school SET IDIOMAS (Crdoba) »www.academiabuenosaires.com Spanish school Acad. Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires) » www.camuniaviajes.com These pages will guide you in the search of the tourist destination that you want, with great variety of accomodations and activities that can be carried out during your vacations in Argentina. » www.travelsur.net Argentina Vacation - Argentina Travel: Build yourself a trip to Argentina or choose from our ready made packages. » www.literatura.org Contemporary literature of Argentina (Website in Spanish only) » www.mardelplatafilmfest.com Mar del Plata Film Festival - One of the more important Spanish-speaking film festival » To add a link Travel Service - Argentina » Find cheap flights to Argentina » Rent a car in Argentina » Find a hotel in Argentina www.spanishcourses.info www.spanishcourses.info not only provides information on Argentina , but also information on countries, cities and Spanish courses and an independent directory of language schools in Spain and Latin America . » CLICK HERE to go to the information on Argentina with complete navigation environment. » Esta pgina sobre Argentina en espaol (This page about Argentina in Spanish) » Diese Seite ber Argentinien in deutsch (This page about Argentina in German) Spanish courses and language schools worldwide - HOME » close ad spanishcourses.info launches club-buenosaires.com It's Summer It's cheapest It's Tango ... 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It's B u e n o s A i r e s We help you to find the most convenient Spanish school the most suitable accommodation an appropriate flight That's what we can do for you. » Click for more information www.spanishcourses.info www.spanishcourses.info Learn and study Spanish with Spanish courses in Spain and Latin America www.spanishcourses.info is an independent directory of Spanish language schools from all over the world - All school information provided by the schools themselves. » www.spanishcourses.info - HOME (with complete navigation menu) ۞ In other languages: » Esta pgina sobre Argentina en espaol (This page about Argentina in Spanish) » Diese Seite ber Argentinien in deutsch (This page about Argentina in German) Spanish courses INFO brings to you: Information on countries and cities all over the world, where you can study abroad and learn Spanish Presentations of Spanish language schools with photos, courses, accommodations, and fees Contact the schools DIRECTLY and for FREE (without any intermediary) Many language programs with information and descriptions of them and a link to their own homepage Spanish regular and irregular verbs - tenses online provided by the schools A lot of links to interesting web sites about the countries and cities Book flights and hotel reservation services check flight and hotel availability for your Spanish speaking destination. Classified ads to find people to practise Spanish, travel together or make new friendships. Next country: » Description of the country Bolivia » Press, TV and radio stations of Bolivia » Spanish language schools in Bolivia Previous country: » Description of the country Venezuela » Press, TV and radio stations of Venezuela » Spanish language schools in Venezuela » www.spanishcourses.info - HOME (with complete navigation menu) Spanish & Family in Mlaga (Spain) Homestay with a Spanish family in Malaga (Spain) Sometimes it could be cheaper and more effective: Select the school you want and organise your homestay in a Spanish family during your Spanish language course by your own! » More information

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Disney Vacations - Orbitz - Disney Vacation Packages Welcome to Orbitz. Sign In. Register now. Disney Vacations Discount Travel Directory > Vacation Packages > Disney Vacations Book your Disney vacation through Orbitz. With the most low fares, hotels and cars, its easy to create a package that suits your needs and budget. Plus, you can book your tickets to Disney attractions before you get to Orlando, Anaheim, Paris or Tokyo. Use Orbitz to book your next Disney vacation its the key to a Magic Kingdom getaway. Accommodations for Your Disney Vacation Before heading to one of the world's favorite destinations and most popular theme parks, explore the wide variety of Disney vacations on Orbitz. In Orlando, Disney World offers a sprawling resort that kids and parents alike can spend days exploring. Start by unpacking your bags at the British-Colonial style Grosvenor Resort, near Downtown Disney and Disney's West Side. Stroll down Main Street, U.S.A in the Magic Kingdom all the way to Cinderella's Castle, Space Mountain or other beloved attractions. Or take your caravan to Disney's luxurious Animal Kingdom Lodge, a unique retreat with an African dcor. Many rooms, with their handcrafted furnishings, have balcony views of an expansive wildlife reserve. See giraffes, zebras and other exotic animals without leaving your hotel. And, should you be on the hunt for other wildlife, Disneys Animal Kingdom theme park is located right next door. Then head for Disney-MGM Studios and find what happens behind the scenes on movie sets and TV shows. Or explore new frontiers and international pavilions in the high-tech world of Epcot. On the West Coast, explore the original Disney vacation at Walts Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland. Take a spin in a teacup, ride the famous Monorail and dare to enter the Haunted Mansion. Check into the Disneyland Hotel located adjacent to the Downtown Disney District. Or book a room at Disneys Grand Californian Hotel inside the California Adventure park. The relaxing, luxury retreat celebrates early 20th Century Arts and Crafts architectural style. Book Your Disney Vacation Now! Mickey, Minnie, Donald and all your friends await you on your Disney vacation. So find your perfect trip from the widest selection of travel choices on Orbitz. More. Easy. Orbitz and Go! Wishes Come True Disney Vacations Magic Your Way Vacations are a tremendous value and include Resort, Tickets, Guest Transportation and more! Learn More! Disneyland Tower Of Terror Vacations The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™! at Disneyland® Resort ©Disney is a frightenly fun time for the whole family! Learn More! Disneyland Snow White Musical Vacations Come to the Disneyland Resort and experience first hand the classic tale of Snow White live on stage! Learn more! Disney Vacations: My Trips | My Account | Flight Status | Site map | Contact us | Terms and conditions | Privacy | About Orbitz Orbitz for Hotels | Orbitz for Business | Advertise on Orbitz | Become an affiliate | Careers | Media | Investors OrbitzSaver Low Rate Guarantee Flights | Hotels | Car Rentals | Cruises | Vacations | Travel Deals | Travel Guides by 360i Orbitz guards your privacy and security. We're certified by TRUSTe and Verisign. © 2001-2004, Orbitz, LLC. All rights reserved. CST 2063530-50 From: To: Leave: Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan 2005 Feb 2005 Mar 2005 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Return: Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan 2005 Feb 2005 Mar 2005 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Travelers: 1 2 3 4 Adults (18+) 0 1 2 3 Children (0-17) --