6 or 7- star hotel?

Until very recently, we thought a 5-star hotel was the highest classification in the hotel range but in the last couple of years some 6 and 7-star hotels have appeared in the tourism sector. Here you can find a list of this sort of hotels. Obvioulsy these hotels offer luxurious accommodation only within the reach of a few as most people can´t afford to stay in them.

But what do you think a 6 or 7-star hotel is? What can it offer that other hotels don´t? Please leave your comments.

Below I have included a video of one of those 7-star hotels built in Dubai:

New Sickle-Cell Initiative Draws Medical Partnership

March 22, Luanda — The Angolan Health Ministry (MINSA), the US Oil Company "CHEVRON" and Baylor International Pediatric Aids Initiative (BIPAI) from Houston, Texas announce the creation of a sickle cell anemia screening program in the country.

Sickle-cell disease usually presenting in childhood, occurs more commonly in people (or their descendants) from parts of tropical or sub-tropical regions where malaria is or was common.  One-third of all indigenous inhabitants of Sub-Saharan Africa carry the gene.  Angola has one of the highest rates of infection of falciform anemia (sickle-cell disease) in the world. It is estimated that 10,000 Angolan children are born every years with the disease, which contributes to the aggravation of the death rate of children less than five years of age. 

United Nations statistics record that 220 out of every 1000 Angolan children in the country are born with sickle cells anemia and die before reaching five years of age. Sickle-cell disease, usually presenting in childhood, occurs more commonly in people (or their descendants) from parts of tropical and sub-tropical regions where malaria is or was common.  One-third of all indigenous inhabitants of Sub-Saharan Africa carry the gene. 

Sickle cell anemia is a disease passed down through families in which red blood cells form an abnormal crescent shape. Red blood cells are normally shaped like a disc.  Sickle cell anemia is caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin called 'hemoglobin S' which distorts the shape of the red blood cells, especially when exposed to low oxygen levels.  Almost all patients with sickle cell anemia have painful episodes (crises), which can last from hours to days. These crises can increase the prevalence of strokes and affect the bones of the back and the chest. Patients with sickle cell disease need ongoing treatment, taking supplements of folic acid, antibiotics and vaccines to prevent bacterial infections, and blood transfusions to ultimately treat a sickle cell crisis. 

The screening program, as part of Chevron's social corporative responsibility in Angola, will start in late in 2011 with an estimated USD $4 million budget. (Angop, UN WHO Reports 2011)

Stemming the HIV Tide

With an estimated 2% of the adult population living with HIV, at the moment Angola has one of the lower HIV prevalence rates in sub-Saharan Africa as deemed by UN health agencies.  During the 1975–2002 Angolan civil war, cross-country travel was nearly impossible, impeding the spread of HIV/AIDS. Since the war, however, movement has become less restricted, and the likelihood of HIV reaching once-isolated communities has increased dramatically. In 2009, UNAIDS estimated that 200,000 people in Angola were HIV positive.

With a relatively young population, coupled with widespread high-risk sexual behaviors and an ambivalence toward safe health practices, puts Angola in danger of a more severe HIV/AIDS epidemic.

This trend was experienced first-hand by Dr. Nicholas Comninellis, visiting doctor to CEML Hospital.  He writes:

"I first worked in Angola during its civil war and encountered all the injuries and disease of poverty one can possible imagine: gun shots, land mines, measles, malaria, typhoid fever.  What i did not see was HIV disease.  While the rest of Africa was being ravaged by HIV, Angola was spared - largely because no one from neighboring nations had any reason or courage to travel to Angola.  But now peace has come, so has commerce and tourism, and HIV.  For several days I've been caring for Paula, a young woman with TB infection in her lungs. Her vomiting has been constant, and malnutrition worsening day by day.  Her arms and legs are literally skin and bones.  I'm treating her with TB medications and IV fluids, but she's just not getting better.  This morning I tested Paula for HIV, and her positive result helps explain why Paula continues to decline.  Some in the US are lured into thinking that we're overcoming this disease - but its true of wealthier nations. Here the epidemic continues to be explosive.  Indeed, life in Angola is far better than during the war, but HIV reminds me that both peace has its costs, and peace also allows us to effectively mobilize again this and the other heartbreaking diseases of poverty!" 

In Angola, tuberculosis (TB) co-infection with HIV is a major concern. TB is the leading cause of death among people who are HIV positive. After decades of civil war, the country’s health infrastructure is not adequate to address the TB epidemic. In 2008, TB incidence was 290 cases per 100,000 population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Nineteen percent of newly diagnosed TB patients are also HIV positive. (USAID Angola Report 2011)


Check out Dr. Cominellis' blog inmedblog.us/nicholascomninellis and website for more information on international medicine INMED  www.inmed.us

Barcelona Attractions - Top 5 Places to Visit

Barcelona Attractions - Top 5 Places to Visit








Barcelona has emerged as one of the best tourist attractions in recent years, it has never been so much appealing for visitors to visit this lovely place filled with a plentiful of attractions. If you love to roam around then walking around the city is an ideal way getting to know to the place and also enjoy the Barcelonic atmosphere meeting people and watching them to their daily chores. Tourists especially enjoy beach attractions like the one at Platja de Sant Sebastia that is situated at the outskirts of Barcelona, while many people can try to pass their time in the most famous Barcelona tourist attractions of marine creatures at L'Aquarium. Another famous yet popular Barcelona tourist attractions include Barcelona Zoo that appeals to people of all the age groups,
you can probably enjoy your whole day out here with family and friends. Barcelona walking tours are the most famous attractions here where you can enjoy the feel of the city and also sight see varied places and get into the real history and insight of the place. The tours are usually organized by tourist information office of Barcelona, the tour takes you down from Ciutat Vella and lasts for over 90 minutes. Given below are some of the famous and popular places and attractions of Barcelona:

1. Sagrada Familia

If you only get to see one thing whilst in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia is it. This huge cathedral has been in a state of construction since as far back as 1882, and there is at least another 20 years or so until it is complete. It is the most famous building of the most famous Spanish architect of them all, Antoni Gaudi, who died in 1926. It is a project on a vast scale, a truly original monument that seems entirely fitting to such a fantastic city as Barcelona.

Gaudi worked on the building up until his death, focusing on nothing else for the last 12 years of his life. Its incredible, original design has made it instantly recognisable, and it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. A guided tour is worth taking to find out all about the history of the building. It's also found right on Metro Line 5 so it's easy to reach.

2. Parc Guell

La Sagrada Familia may be Gaudi's masterpiece, but Park Guell is a close second. This huge park is full of a large number of attractions designed by Gaudi, with new wonders appearing around every corner. It gets its name from Eusebi Guell, who commissioned it to be a luxury villa for himself, and was built between 1900 and 1914. At one point it was going to contain luxury houses for the rich residents of Barcelona, but luckily it was converted into a public park that you can walk around for free.

So impressive is the park that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it includes La Torre Rosa, Gaudi's old house that has now been converted into a museum. There are also numerous statues and a wonderful viewing area with a cafe to admire the city from above. It's a steep walk to the top, and there are even outdoor escalators to help along the way, but it's most definitely worth it.

3. Camp Nou

For any fan of the beautiful game, a trip to Barcelona should not definitely include a visit to the stadium of one of the best teams in Europe. The Camp Nou is one of the best stadiums on the continent, which is fitting as it is home to one of the best teams in the world. With a capacity of over 90,000, it is a vast arena that is impressive enough on a simple guided tour. But if you're lucky enough to catch a game here then it will be an experience you won't forget. And should you be really lucky and get a seat to witness the visit of Barcelona's arch rivals Real Madrid, you'll be able to watch one of the most passionate games in world football.

Built in 1957, the stadium also hosts a shop, a chapel for the players and the most visited museum in the whole of Catalonia, with over a million people making the journey to this Mecca of football to witness the over 400 trophies that Barcelona FC has managed to gather during its reign. Not to be missed.

4. Picasso Museum

Barcelona is a city of art, and nowhere do you realise this more than in the Picasso Museum. This is an absolute must for anyone with even the slightest interest in Pablo Ruiz Picasso, and for real fans it will be a definite highlight of your trip.

There are over 3,800 works in the permanent collection, a hugely impressive wealth of incredible artworks that show the development of the artist from young experimentalist to modern master. Opening back in 1963, the museum is rightfully placed in Barcelona, a city which Picasso shared a real connection with throughout his life.

Regular exhibitions are always changing, so you never know quite what you're going to get, and the building itself, situated right in the heart of the old city, helps bring the experience to life.

5. La Rambla

Once you've seen all the main attractions of Barcelona, get out in the open air and take a stroll down La Rambla. This is the large street through the centre of the city that is over 1.2 kilometres in length. Lined by trees and completely pedestrian, it stretches from Placa de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus monument.

It is in reality a number of different streets, all given different names for different parts. The final part, the Rambla de Mar, goes right down to the harbour. Lots of shops, restaurants and tourists fill the street, and on a sunny day there is no better way to see the city by foot.

Robert writes for DDG World who provide luxury apartment rentals in Barcelona. If you are planning on visiting this wonderful city, please check out the portfolio on offer direct from the DDG World website at http://www.ddgworld.com.

Asabaako Festival: a Celebration of Music, Peace and Culture on a Beach in Ghana

At West Africa Discovery we love to hear about community based events organised in West Africa for the people by the people, especially if it entails amazing music, a fun loving atmosphere, beach parties and loads of dancing!

Our friends at Blogging Tracks have recently organised, in association with the Moringa Tree, a festival in Ghana aiming to bring people from around the World, Ghana and the local community together to experience the fundamental universal constant which is Music! Below is an account of the organisation that went in to the event, how it all went and the vibe that transcended the whole festival. Enjoy, it's a great read and there are some amazing artists that you may want to check out.

AND SO...The Asabaako Music Festival train pulled into Busua village last weekend for two days of live music and SERIOUS beach parties!! After 2 years of figuring out how this might work and a mad few weeks of preparation, everybody came together to make the Asabaako Music Festival a very special event, combining the most beautiful beach setting with a mix of traditional to modern African and African-inspired music. People came from around Ghana and mixed with those from around the world, alongside a village of people whose energy, enthusiasm and welcome left everybody awestruck.

Our Asabaako DJs Kobby Graham, Rita Ray, DJ Juls and Guynamite made daytimes chilling by the beach, sipping on coconut milk and rum, just that little bit more perfect, spinning anything from Afrobeat to hip hop, afro-funk & soul to high life, reggae and loads more.

Asabaako is a way for us to provide a platform for younger artists with Bless the Mic, bringing a bus full of underground MCs from Takoradi to tear up this usually quiet village resort. Performances from Sketches, Spooky, Nero, Jay Billz, Pictures, King Arthur, Scurry plus Macho Rapper, while Kweku Ananse brought a whole different vibe with his solo balafon performance.

The Agona brass band got everybody moving, while one of Ghana’s hottest rappers, Yaa Pono, took the crowd in the palm of his hands with his distinctive flow and hard hitting punchlines.

Wanlov the Kubolor, our headline artist representing Pidgen Music, had already got the village’s attention by strolling through town in his trademark dreadlocks with nothing but a tight pair of swimming trunks. But things got really interesting when he introduced his African Gypsy band, including a French accordion player and violinist, to bring something completely different to Asabaako.

And the after parties...WOH. Man....they were serious. They were serious beach parties man. I can’t even really put them into words. Big ups to our Busua DJs, Shocka and Andy Stoner!

Smashed it.

It was a fantastic community effort, with boys from the village helping to put the stage together, running around picking up last minute generators, getting food together for our artists...and best of all, the village LOVED it. I’ve been walking through the street since having anyone from kids to old women shout “ASABAAKO!” at me as I go by. Which is nice.

OK, so preparation was a little complicated. What was supposed to be a 2-day beach party about 5 weeks before, took an interesting turn when US hip hop legend Talib Kweli tweeted to his 260,000 followers that he wanted to perform...despite the difficulty we knew we’d face, we gave it a go, had it lined up, but were then forced to cancel due to sponsorship problems...eventually taking us BACK to our original plan... (That’s a very long story short)

The past year has been an amazing experience of highs and lows, and it’s as if that was all building towards some crescendo of madness that carried into the last few hours of Asabaako 2011. Talib, no Talib....sponsorship, no sponsorship, bit of sponsorship maybe....but we got there, we did it, despite the various and plentiful challenges and pitfalls, we did it, and not without thanks to the dozens of people who helped us, along the way and on the day itself. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster like nothing you would ever imagine, but we’ve got there.

BIG LOVE to (in alphabetical order)...The first Asabaako is done, and preparation is underway for the next with an increased programme and international artists currently in discussions. And I’m telling you...BIG tings about to happen here in Ghana!

So I guess this is where we say thank you...It’s quite a list. So let’s get on with it. Thank you EVERYONE for EVERYTHING you’ve done to help us get where we are, for those who helped us out when times got hard, who believed in us when doubt reared its ugly head. Your support, guidance, advice, contacts and stress relief techniques have started something that more and more people now see will really, truly grow into something very special.

Achoo, African Rainbow (Bill, Sewa, Nana and the team), Africa Cola (Aicha, Pierre and the team), Akua and Louise, Akwaaba UK (Eben and Elliot), Ameyaw Debrah, Amy Clark, Bob Gallagher, Bibie Brew, Bill Bedzrah, Ben Bish Clark, Black Star Surf Shop (Naiomi, Yaw, Kofi, Charles, Ernest, Nat and the team), Bless the Mic, Busua Inn (Daniel & Oliver), Brown Berry, Dadson Lodge (Mama Betty, Julie and my many Dadson wives), David Thomas, Ebeneezer Bentum, Entertainment Revolution (Regis and Ben), Fayzbuqbwoi AbeikuQuansah Breezy, Fiona Stewart, Ghana Facebookers (Nana Yaw, Bizzy Mill, Eli, Gamel et al), GhanaWestCoast.com (Lorena and Stephen), The supportive family!, Green Turtle Lodge (Tom and Jo), Ian Bowden, Iso Paelay, Jay Hill, Jean Berthon, Jambo Lafferty, Jon K Fidler, Kajsa, Kate Marriage, Kobby Graham, Kofi Amponsah, Kweku Ananse, i-cr8 (T, Alima and the team), Lisa Lovatt-Smith of OrphanAid Africa, Macho Rapper, Macjordan, Mantse, Marie Howell, Melody FM and Gyandoh, M3nsa (next year I'm telling you!!), MMRS Ogilvy (Miguel, Nathalie, Fred and the team), The Moringa Tree (Chris Vaughan & the team), Nana Chillin, Nana Queci Otu Nketsia, Ms Naa, Neon Comms UK (Sam, Rols and the kids), Nick, Tom, Steve and the “overlanders”, Nii Ayertey Aryeh, Nii Sai Doku, Paa K Holbrook Smith, Paa Kwesi aka

RASTAMAN, Panji Anoff and Pidgen Music, Paul Stagg, Pete Nardini (Surf Shop & Black Star Development NGO), PY, Quantas, Rita Ray, Sidique, Skyy TV and Radio, The SRK, Stak Dollar Bundles and the OC crew, Takoradi Facebookers, Tacitus, Trenton Birch, Uncle Ralph Casely-Hayford, Valerie Lesbros, Vodafone (Cynthia and the B&S team), Wanlov the Kubolor, Yaa Pono, Yemisi Mokuolu of Out of Africa, and everyone else who's pointed us in the right direction or lent a helping hand along the way.

And a special thanks to all the people of Busua for letting us party on your beach, partying alongside us, helping to get everything together and for your continued support. We hope the festival will continue to bring business your way and show the world what a beautiful place you have here.

So, another mighty step... and now we continue. Join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/asabaako or visit www.asabaako.com for updates on the next event.

For more information on West Africa, its rich local heritage, and tours, accommodations and volunteer projects which will give you the opportunity to discover first hand how beautiful this region is, visit the West Africa Discovery website, or you can join us on Facebook.

The Impact of Protestant Missions on Angola

In their writings, Angolan historians do not understate the important role that Protestant Missions played in Angola's history. In the 19th century, with an growing interest in Angola, western nations made significant contributions and service to the country in efforts to give indigenous populations knowledge and training. Protestant missionaries built churches, schools, hospitals, and invested in agriculture and husbandry, training teachers, stonemasons, carpenters, tailors and nurses among others.

Beginning with the Evangelical Congregational Church of Angola (ECCA), this organization's presence dates back to 11 November 1880, when the first American missionaries arrived in Benguela. The head of the mission was 32-year-old Reverend William W. Bagster. He was accompanied by the 25-year-old Reverend William Henry Sanders, and the architect and teacher Samuel Taylor Miller. He was the very first black missionary to come to Angola. Others followed, and they spread throughout the nation, founding missions and contributing in this way to the education and training of countless Angolans. Missionaries built churches, schools and hospitals and instructed people how to till the land and how to raise farm animals. They trained teachers, stonemasons, carpenters, tailors, and nurses. They gave training to church workers, to catechists who gave religious instruction, to deacons, and to both male and female pastors.

The EECA came about with the creation of the Evangelical Missions of Bailundo, Camundongo, Chissamba, Dondi, Chilesso, Elende, Lutamo / Dondi, de Silva Porto, Bunjei, Litoral/Lobito, and Nova Lisboa/Bomba. Over time, the Evangelical Congregational Church of Angola was handed over to Angolans to run. 

The EBCA (Evangelical Baptist Church of Angola) is another important religious institution that was set up in Angola many years ago. It was founded in the North of Angola, and the EBCA today has churches in more than half the provinces of Angola, among them Zaire, Uige, Luanda, Cabinda Benguela, Bengo, Huíla, Lunda-Norte, Kwanza-Norte. 
The first missionaries reached the city of Mbanza Congo (formerly São Salvador), in 1878 from Britain. Then, in 1899, the British missionaries founded the Kibokolo Mission and in 1932 the Bembe Mission. The outbreak of hostilities in the war for Independence led to the Portuguese destroying the last two missions. The Mbanza Congo Mission was transformed into a Portuguese military barracks.


The Portuguese repression in the 20th century forced a great number of the Baptist population (and the faithful) to abandon Angola and take refuge in the former Belgium Congo. The ever-faithful Baptists however, did not despair, and they set up in 1969, in this new haven, the CCBCA (The Christian Church of the Baptist Church of Angola). In addition to their religious calling, Baptists also concentrated on building up the capacity of Angola’s future generations. Today, as before, they make contributions in the areas of education, health, social welfare, and other fields that are beneficial to improving people’s lives.

The Methodists also made significant contributions in Protestant Missions in Angola. The United Methodist Church in Angola was set up in 1885 by Bishop William Taylor. The Quéssua Mission is perhaps the best example of its service to training Angolans.  This mission, located near Malanje, was founded by American missionaries at the end of the 19th century.  Of the students educated here, many of whom went on to become important leaders in Angola such as Dr. António Agostinho Neto, the first President of Angola who was the son of a Methodist pastor.  Bishop Emídio de Carvalho, who headed the United Methodist Church for many years, is its greatest living symbol.(TAAG Austral Magazine)

Historic City Series: Soyo

Located in the northwest corner of Angola, Soyo is a historic city that well reflects the encounter between peoples of different cultures. It was in this region where the first contacts occurred between the first landed-Europeans and ancient peoples from the Kingdom of Congo in the fifteenth century, precisely at the mouth of the great Zaire or Congo’s river, which traverses the city of Soyo.
Formerly known as Santo António do Zaire, Soyo is a city located in the province of Zaire in Angola and has recently become the largest oil-producing region in the country, with an estimate of 1,200,000 barrels per day.

It was in Soyo at the mouth of the Zaire or Congo’s river, where the Portuguese navigator Diogo Cão docked his caravels in 1482, in the fifteenth century, serving King D. João II of Portugal.  He arrived in the territory that today comprises Angola, having found a well-organized administrative region. Thinking he had reached the extreme point of Africa (originally called the “Cape of Storms”, then Cape of Good Hope), Diogo Cão entered the river and reached M'Banza Congo, capital of the ancient Kingdom of Congo, which, like the Soyo watched the arrival of the Portuguese and later the Christian evangelization.

At the time, Soyo was a province of the Kingdom of Congo, which stretched from Gabon to the mouth of the Kwanza River in the present province of Luanda, which was the one that had the greatest influence among the six that constituted that ancient and powerful kingdom. After some initial suspicion, the people of the region received the Europeans, who left there some evidence of their territorial "discoveries".

And the marks of the past are also present at the nearby port in M'Pinda, where a huge cross marks the first Catholic Mass prayed in Angola. At the base of the cross, says: "From the Cross the Light" and "In Memory of the First Baptizes" (where the first inhabitants of Soyo were baptized in 1491, including Mani-Soyo, uncle and representative of King Nzinga Nkuvo from Congo, who was baptized 'Manuel').

At the time, M'Pinda was an important port of Soyo, where the first product trades such as copper and ivory were made, but then was used to trade slaves. It is estimated that more than 60,000 slaves were sent to S. Tomé and Brazil from M'Pinda; trades that would eventually provoke rebellion against the Portuguese colonists.

A gift of nature geographically adjacent to Soyo is the passage of the Zaire River, the second largest in Africa after the Nile; it is also the second in flow and forms the second largest hydrographic basin in the world. At its present flow levels, it is the seventh largest river in the world and the second in extend of water. It is navigable in Angolan territory to the county of Nóqui, about 80 nautical miles from the city of Soyo, along which inhabit small fishing communities.

The province of Zaire, where Soyo is located has six municipalities, about 600 000 inhabitants and borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The climate is tropical humid, suitable for the production of coffee (which is no longer made), cassava, sweet potato, banana, beans, citrus fruits, peanuts and cashews, among others, as part of a subsistence peasant agriculture. (TAAG Austral Magazine)

Top Fascinating Attractions to See on Malaysia Trip

Malaysia is no doubt the most beautiful country in South East Asia. It is one such country where you will find multi cultural attractions, rich heritage attractions, blissful ambiance, warm hospitality and on top pleasant climatic conditions that are worth to visit and explore. Truly speaking you will be spell bound by the enchanting tourism attractions and destinations which are one of its kinds in the whole of Asia. So due to all its multicultural attractions, it is lovingly called "Malaysia it's Truly Asia".



Some of the top attractions to visit on Malaysia Trip are listed below: 

Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is one of the most beautiful places of tourist's interest that is visited by thousands and hundreds of tourists from across the world. It is one such place in Malaysia whose unfathomable attraction is going to leave very visitor spell bound. Some of the most entrancing tourism attractions that are worth to visit and see during visit to Kuala Lumpur are Petronas Twin Tower, Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower, China Town, Batu Caves, little India, Thean Hou Temple and Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.


 

Cameroon Highlands
Cameroon Highland is one of the wonder in Malaysia which is visited by swarm of tourists all the year round. This beautiful place in Malaysia is amazingly blessed by the Mother Nature and has appealing attractions that are simply beyond visual delights. Its well organised tea gardens, misty hills dotted with evergreen natural wonderments, cool amiable climatic conditions and the well decorated small house, truly enhance the beauty of Cameroon Highlands. It is the destinations of all season and you truly speaking if you want to experince the bliss of haven in Malaysia, you can surely 
experience it in Cameroon Highlands.

Malacca
Malacca is an interesting place in Malaysia that is marvelously influenced by the Chinese, British, Dutch and Portuguese culture and traditions. It is one such place where you will find abundant of historical attractions that depicts the rich culture and tradition of Malacca and at the same time Malaysia. The most interesting place to visit on visit to Malacca are massive Pink Town Hall, Ethnographic Museum, St Paul's Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, antique shops, Chinese Street and many other interesting attractions. Melacca tourism attractions are sure to leave everyone spell bound and offer wonderful experience of Malaysia visit. 


Apart from these there are many other tourism attraction in Malaysia that include the Penang Island, Sarawak, Sabah, Tioman Island, Taman Negara National Park, Langkawi, Sandakan and many others. So book one exciting Malaysia package tours from the travel and tour management companies and enjoy vacation in this beautiful country of South East Asia, Malaysia in a delightful and memorable way. 

Malaysia trip is also made more delightful by the blissful ambiance, warm hospitality, well organised tourism attractions, friendly environment, world class accommodation facilities and the irresistible Delicacies that every tourism destination of Malaysia offer. So come to this beautiful country of Malaysia also tagged as Truly Asia and enjoy remarkable moments to relish in the memories forever. 

About Author / Additional Info:
Stive writes about various beautiful tours and travel destinations of the world. He is providing valuable information on Malaysia Tour and Kuala lumpur Genting Tours, etc. For more information visit http://www.malaysiatourpackages.org
 
Article Source: http://www.saching.com/ 


To visit the Tourism Malaysia Official Website, go to: www.tourism.gov.my

Interesting Facts About Brazil

Getting to know Brazil which is an enormously popular attraction among the international tourists is a must before you travel. Try to know a few interesting facts about Brazilian destinations that possess something unique and wonderful making them worthy of worldwide recognition. Before you get into the many attractions, interesting activities, fantastic beaches, uncommon wildlife, exotic places and many more, here are some interesting facts about Brazil:

Brazil is the biggest country in Latin America and one of the biggest in the world geographically. With a coastline of over 7,367 kilometers, Brazil's size is even larger than Italy, Portugal, Japan, Spain, Indonesia and South Africa combined.

In terms of religion, it is the biggest Catholic country and second highest Christian population which presents the tallest iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio de Janeiro which is considered on of the seven wonders of the world.

Brazil is the only country to have won 5 World Cup titles and is one of the main exporters of soccer players and coaches around the globe. Soccer or football (futebol, as it is called here) is a national passion played on the streets, fields, beaches, indoors, outdoors and of course. Maracanã is one of the world's biggest and most beautiful stadiums. World Cup 2014 and World Olympics 2016 will be in Brazil.

The world's largest rainforest which comprises 2.3 square million miles is found in the Amazon region in Brazil where the famous Amazon River is found. It is home to wonderful ecological displays enriched by diverse flora and fauna and unique animal species. Well, it also holds a record of deforestation and illegal logging and hunting.

The most extravagant and tourist drawing carnival is scattered around Brazilian cities mainly Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife and Olinda. It is an awaited moment of the year which requires long-term preparation in terms of choreography, music and production originality. With the lively samba rhythm, tourists both local and foreign can dance to their hearts' desire. While Carnival in big cities is commercialized, the one at the countryside is free for public participation and appreciation.

Brazil is one of the biggest agricultural and industrial exporters. Coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment. That is why, it is also among the top ten growing economies in the world together with China and India. Brazil is a Third World country with a First World economic performance.

Brazil is one of the most preferred travel destinations in Latin America due to its diverse attractions. 

Cheap Hotels in Hawaii: Maui

Visiting the best beaches in the world at the Island of Maui in a reverie Hawaii vacation is always not too expensive as you might think initially considering high hotel costs involved. You are right in thinking, but it is not necessarily that you have to stay in one of the luxurious hotels here. If you come here and search, you will find many of Maui economy hotels located along the high-end expensive resorts. Some of these economy hotels can even be sighted positioned at the very heart of the beaches; though, majority of them are located slightly away.

Maui economy hotels are ideal to stay in cheap rates while on a Hawaii vacation, when your primary interest is to enjoy exotic Hawaii beaches and keeping yourself busy participating in various excited beach activities. These hotels are able to afford offering inexpensive staying options to their customers for the reason that they don't arrange for any of the high-end amenities. All your basic accommodation needs will be fulfilled without compromising quality of service in that aspect, if you opt to stay in any of the Maui economy hotels. Sometimes, they may offer few additional leisure services to woo potential customers, but be careful while accepting such offers as they might charge you later for availing those extra services. Few prominent Maui economy hotels that you may consider while choosing cheap accommodation while on a Hawaii vacation at the Maui Island are:

o Hale Maui Apartment Hotel
o Maui Sugar Beach Inn
o The Plantation Inn

If you don't like crowd around during your Hawaii vacation, then Maui economy hotels might be ideal for you, as most of these hotels are small in size, and owing to their limited activity, ambience of these hotels remain calm and tranquil. What to do with the expensive room arrangements? Even staying with the cheap hotels, you can very well get access to the:

o Beautiful Hawaii beaches
o Sunbathing
o Swimming
o Snorkeling
o High-speed sea winds
o Golf courses
o Tennis courts
o Scuba diving
o Fishing
o Sailing
o Horseback riding
o Sight seeing
o Shopping, and
o Sea cuisines etc.

A true vacation does not have to be in expensive and luxurious resort. You can enjoy a beautiful Hawaii vacation in an Maui economy hotel as well.

This subject was about Cheap hotels in Hawaii Maui. thank you 

The Best Beaches In Venice, Italy

The beaches actuality are not absolutely up to the accepted of the best beaches in Sardinia but they are still admirable and amidst the best beaches in the arctic of Italy.


After lots of lying on sand and pond in the sea - assiduous analysis for sure. My ancestors and I accept produced our Venice Italy Beach Adviser and the beaches featured are the beaches that we anticipate are the best beaches in the Veneto.

Rosolina Beach


This Beach is over 8 kilometers long, with clean, accomplished sand. Because of the admeasurement of the Beach it is not often brimming except for August and on weekends in July. Not alone is this a continued Beach but it is over 100 meters wide.


You will charge to put up with the regimented rows of umbrellas, but because of the admeasurement of the Beach it is bearable. There is additionally affluence to do with best hotels alms pond pools and tennis courts. I would advance hiring bicycles and exploring a little as well. This is aloof the array of abode I like cycling - nice and flat.

Albarella Beach


Next Beach in the Venice Italy Beach adviser is aloof forth the alley from Rosolina. The Beach is on a clandestine island that avalanche aural a attributes reserve.


Albarella island is alone about bristles kilometers continued by two kilometers advanced and is acclaimed for accepting about two actor trees. The name, Albarella, agency Poplar tree.


The island is clandestine - alone guests blockage actuality are accustomed in and this abode is absolutely paradise if you accept kids - my bristles year old puts this as the cardinal one beach.

Alberoni


Alberoni is the last Lido beach. Venice Lido has absolutely a few beaches but this is my favorite. Not annihilation amazing but absolutely a affable abundant beach and chargeless as well.


Surprisingly it does not attending absolutely as abundant like an awning landing area as so abounding of the beaches about the arctic of Italy and bluntly I am not abundant into regimented rows of accouter chairs and umbrellas.


The Beach is set in a attributes assets and absolutely does assume a apple abroad from the hustle and bustle of Venice. A abundant abstraction if you feel active is to appoint a bike and analyze the island.

This subject was about the Best Beaches in Venice, Italy. thank you