Category: Central America

Rose Burillo – Reasons Why I Fell In Love With The Incredible Mexico City

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If you were being hyper-sensitive then you could certainly pick out a number of negatives about living in Mexico City. Despite the issues which the place may have however, there are far more reasons to love it than to hate it. I have been living here now for just over 4 years and during that time I really have fallen in love with the place.

If you have ever thought about visiting then it really is something which I would urge you to do, and here is exactly why I would urge you to do that.

The Food Options

The Mexican kitchen is sensational and what the capital city does is bring the food from throughout the republic. On top of this the city offers a wide range of food options from around the world and all of that is why the food here is so sensational.

Range of Neighborhoods

There is a wide range of neighborhoods to visit in the city and each one is different from the next. For example we have the likes of Polanco which is high end, we have Condesa which is filled with trees and quaint streets and we also have the oilers of Zocalo which is a bit rough and ready but is packed with historical features and sites.

The People

If you were to  judge the people here by the way that they drive then you would probably say that they were rude and aggressive. Thankfully however the way that they act on the road is not how the locals are in person, and my experience here is that they are incredibly welcoming and warm to strangers. I was lucky to have a friend here when I first arrived, Rose Burillo, and she was super helpful with helping me get accustomed to the city, she is the perfect example fo what the people are like here.

Streets Are Alive

The streets here are very much alive and each day there is something going on. In the street outside my home there is a market every Saturday and on a daily basis there are people stopping by to play the trumpet, sell sweets or tamales, and there is just such a vibrant feel to the streets here in the city.

Parks

If there is one thing which this city has done so well it has been the installation of many parks. First of all we have Chapultepec which is an enormous park which can be found in the center of the city. This is one of the largest urban parks in the world and it is a great place to enjoy an afternoon walking, cycling or even taking a boat out on the water.

Sundays

IT may sound like an odd thing to say but I have never enjoyed a Sunday as much in any other city on the planet than I do here. I think that ultimately this is because of the chaos through the week, but the reality is that when things calm down and you head out for a peaceful walk, this is a city with some truly beautiful parts to it.

If you haven’t visited yet, I would highly recommend that you do.

What To Pack For A Week In The Bahamas

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So you have decided to jet off to the island nation of the Bahamas for a week or two and you’re about to start packing your bag in preparation for the best week you’ve had in as long as you can remember. The sun, sea and sand await your arrival and you can’t wait to kick back on the beach with a cocktail or two and really soak it all up, but what should you pack? Read ahead to find out the top things to remember to include in your bag for the best trip possible.

Sunscreen, Aloe Vera, After Sun Moisturiser

It sounds obvious to pack sunscreen, but the truth of the matter is that in many countries where the sun is out almost constantly they really take advantage of those people who forget their sunscreen and they charge out the nose for it. Save yourself potentially $5-$10 per bottle and pack it ahead of time. The same goes for things like Aloe Vera cream or Nivea After Sun – it can be fairly expensive outside of your home country, so it’s best to take some along with you. After Sun cream will double as a moisturiser, making sure your skin stays soft and supple after some sun exposure so it doesn’t tighten up and get painful, dry or itchy – a true investment.

A Scarf or Shawl or a Cardigan/Sweater

Depending when you go, evenings can actually be a bit chilly, especially if you’re going to be doing things like going for walks on the beach or having cocktails on the seafront. Those ocean breezes can really cool down by night, so if you’re travelling between December and April, it can be a good idea to take a scarf, shawl, cardigan or sweater. Both men and women will benefit from this, and it’s a doubly good idea to make sure whatever you bring will be usable for both casual and fine dining in case you could be doing either.

Extra Necessities

It depends on the traveller and what you like to do, but bringing flip flops/sandals is a given but what about hiking boots or good walking shoes? Are you planning to do a lot of walking or are you more of a beach bum? It’s a good idea to think seriously about things you want to do and pack accordingly. If you like snorkelling it can be a good idea to purchase this in your home country before setting off – it’s likely you could rent snorkels and masks in the Bahamas, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Likewise make sure you take at least one pair of cheap flip flops you can slip in and out of quickly on the beach.

So there you have a couple of great suggestions for the ideal things to pack for a holiday in the Bahamas. Make sure to think of what you like to do and what you plan to do and pack accordingly so you don’t find yourself caught out and caught short so you truly enjoy every moment of your beachy holiday!

Must Sees And Do’s In The Dominican Republic

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If you’re heading to the Dominican Republic for your next holiday, you might be wondering what there is to see and do that you shouldn’t miss while there. Depending what you like to do and your various interests, the Dominican Republic is perfect for both history buffs as well as beach bums, budget travellers and luxury seekers. Read ahead to find out more about the Dominican Republic and the things you should make time for when you’re on the island.

La Aurora Cigar Factory

Cigars have long been a tradition of the Caribbean, from the Dominican Republic to Jamaica and especially Cuba so it stands to reason that the cigar factory in the Dominican Republic at Santiago de los Caballeros is one of the best in the region. Come and experience the history first hand of one of the Dominican Republic’s best cigar brands and learn about all the work that has gone into making it the well known brand it is today. Purchase a sample for yourself to take home from the gift shop and enjoy a bit of the Dominican Republic anytime you want.

Alcazar de Colon

This building, now museum, is the oldest Viceregal building in the Americas and is a shining example of historical Spanish colonial architecture in Santo Domingo. While it’s only around half the size it originally was, it’s still an impressive building nonetheless with numerous rooms, gardens and a colourful history, having been build by Diego Colon, the son of Christopher Columbus.

The Ruins of Monasterio de San Francisco

A keen piece of heritage in the Santo Domingo colonial zone this former monastery was built by the Franciscan monks in or around 1508 and was the first monastery built in the new world following initial colonisation. A few hundred years later, the monastery was used as a mental asylum but when it was damaged by a hurricane it ceased its use for that purpose. These days it’s seen as one of the most historic sites in the city and is used for various events. It’s also protected under law.

Beaches, Seas and Sands

The Dominican Republic is, of course, home to numerous beaches and therefore also home to numerous outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, swimming, water sports, fishing, and just plain old sun bathing. Day trips can be arranged to snorkelling and diving sites from most hotels on the island, and they’re well worth it. Some of the coral gardens and sea life in the area are stunning in their beauty and are definite must sees.

So there you have a couple of great suggestions for things you have to see and do on the island of Dominican Republic. Remember that the national language is Spanish. With so many things of historic significance, paired with water activities and a generally beautiful position in the Caribbean, this makes the Dominican Republic the ideal place for any sunny holiday.