Thursday, 19 May 2011

Recommended Hotels in Bogota

#1. Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia
Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia located in the north of Bogota only 30 minutes away from International Airport. This Hotel was perfect for business or leisure, it is close to the city's main financial and business districts as well as renowned art galleries for indulging in a spot of culture.
Average Price /night* : $188 - $361


Hotel contact details

Carrera 13 # 85-80 Cundinamarca  0 BOGOTA,  COLOMBIA
(+57)1/6212666 - (+57)1/6220692

#2. Boutique Alma Hotel
The alma boutique hotel is a new hotel concept, created with all the soul, charm and set in a theme and style.
Accommodations with exceptional amenities, personalized with a romantic and artistic, quiet and fun, with great respect for the privacy of our guests, where everything revolves around them, since they arrive until they leave.
Average Price /night* :
$71 - $130

                                                                   Hotel contact details

           Cra 5 no. 57-79 Bogota - Colombia
          (+ 57)1212 1800 - (+ 57)310 751 3663
reservas@hotelboutiquealma.com

#3. Bogota Marriott Hotel
The modern hotel Bogota Marriott, located in the new financial and enterteinment center of Salitre, is just 10 minutes away from International Airport El Dorado. The hotel offers the highest speed Internet Access available (18mb bandwidth). Exclusive sound proof windows in rooms guarantee you the best rest.  Exquisite and elegant Italian food restaurant, sushi and tapas bar to kick back, taste a drink, and enjoy your favorite music. Stepping out of this Luxury hotel you will find two of the most important and recognized shopping malls in Bogota and also the Chamber of Commerce. Maloka Interactive center and Salitre Magico amusement park are just minutes away from the hotel.
Average Price /night* : $183 - $351


Hotel contact details
Av. El Dorado # 69b - 53 - Bogotá, Kolombia
(+57) 1 4851111

#4. Casa Paulina Hotel
This cheap budget hotel has 25 rooms.
The hotel is right next to the Transmilenio station located in the Chapinero area; close to the business, financial and commercial downtown center. Easy access to any point to the city. The reception is manned around the clock and offers a wake-up service.
Rooms include cable TV, Internet access and a minibar with cool drinks and snacks. Non-smokers can request special non-smoking rooms. located in the Chapinero area; close to the business, financial and commercial downtown center. Easy access to any point to the city and close to the Transmilenio station.
Average Price /night* : $33 - $44                                        
                                        Address
: Calle 63 # 17-18 - Bogota - Colombia

#5. Charlies Place Hotel
A cozy and quaint hotel & spa located in the residential neighborhood of Santa Ana in North Bogota, Colombia. Guests will find at Charlies Place Hotel personalized style service, english speaking staff, and the best rates in North Bogota.
The hotel has an excellent location in Bogota and is within walking distance of the Santa Ana Mall, Santa Fe Hospital, Santa Barbara Mall, Teleport Business Center and World Trade Center. We are 20 to 30 minutes away from the El Dorado International airport.
Average Price /night* : $55 - $75
Hotel contact detailsCra 8-D No 106-84, Bogota, DC, Colombia Tel: +57 1 214-6069
(USA Number) 1 305 433 2368

Bogota--Beautiful Place To Visit

City Overview:

Bogotá is a city of contrasts. From its founding in 1538 until today, it has been growing steadily and shaping its identity. Bogotá was a typical colonial city in the beginning, but around the turn of the 20th Century, other European tendencies began to replace the dominant Spanish influence. France's influence is evident in many of the palaces built during this period. Residential areas show English influence in houses built during the mid-20th Century. And finally, one can feel the United States' influence in the new skyscrapers and huge shopping centers built toward the end of the 20th Century. The best way to experience this vast variety of architectures is by visiting Bogota's distinct districts, which retain their rich individual characters. Immerse yourself in the city's culture, entertainment and varied cuisine.

Barrio La Candelaria

This, Bogotá's oldest district and its historical center, dates back to the city's foundation. Keep your eyes open as you walk these streets as points of interest abound. The district is located between Calle 7 and Avenida Jimenez de Quesada, and between Carreras 1 and 15, and it is comprised of two distinct zones, easily distinguishable by their location and style. The residential sector lies toward the eastern hills. It is famous for its colonial houses with their wooden balconies and clay tile roofs. The once white walls are now painted in bright colors more in keeping with the spirit of the city. This area contains many places worth visiting, including Casa de Poesía Silva , the Palacio de San Carlos , the Casa del Marques de San Jorge , the Biblioteca Luis Angel Arango , the Teatro Colón , and the churches La Candelaria , San Ignacio and Nuestra Señora del Carmen .

West of Carrera 7, you will find the Plaza de Bolívar , with the Capitolio Nacional and the Edificio Lievano , built during the Republic, as well as the Palacio de Justicia , the Museo 20 de Julio , the Catedral Primada , the Capilla del Sagrario and the Palacio Arzobispal . A few steps toward the south, you will come across Palacio Echeverry , and Palacio de Nariño , the presidential residence.

Nueva Santa Fe, part of a project to revive the city center, lies to the south of La Candelaria. The new neighborhood is a perfect example of late-20th-century architecture in Bogotá. Nearby, you will see the impressive Archivo General de la Nación . Toward the north end of La Candelaria, very near the intersection of Avenida Jimenez de Quesada and Carrera 7, you will find another collection of interesting sites, such as the Palacio de San Francisco and the churches of La Tercera , La Veracruz and San Francisco . Other places of interest include the Plaza de Santander , the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) and the Universidad del Rosario, on the square of the same name.

Centro Internacional

The area surrounding the Hotel Tequendama is known as the Centro Internacional. Many worthwhile sites lie close by. The International Center is an important shopping and trading area full of interesting buildings and entertainment. Opposite the hotel is the church of San Diego . Slightly further north, you'll find the Torre Colpatria , and towards the east lies the Museo de Arte Moderno and the Biblioteca Nacional . Across from these two buildings to the north is the Parque de la Independencia, which in turn adjoins the Planetarium and the Plaza de Toros La Santamaría (bullring). Highlights in the north end of this area include the Museo Nacional and the Parque Central Bavaria, a wonderful example of the modern architecture of Bogotá. Behind the hotel, you will find the Centro de Convenciones Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada (convention center).

El Salitre

Characterized by its many parks and open green spaces, this is the best area for sports and relaxation in the west end of Bogotá. Come to walk, run or just sit. Features of the district include the Unidad Deportiva El Salitre, the Jardín Botánico (botanical garden), Salitre Magico amusement park , Palacio de los Deportes, Museo de los Niños (children's museum) and Parque Simón Bolívar , the largest green space in the city. Toward the southwest, you will find Maloka , an interactive science center, and Ciudad Salitre, one of the most successful town-planning projects in Bogotá.

Avenida Chile

Also known as Calle 72, this is one of the most important business sectors in Bogotá. Perhaps the most interesting place in the area is the Granahorrar shopping center, right next to La Porciúncula church. This area is full of all different types of restaurants. Further north you will come across the Colegio Gimnasio Moderno, a school famous for its beautiful installations and for having educated several important national politicians.

Chapinero

This area between Calles 60 and 70 and between Avenida Caracas and Carrera 7 was one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Bogotá in the mid-20th Century. Although it has gradually lost its prestige over the years, it is now an important shopping area. You will also find interesting buildings here, including the Neo-Gothic church Nuestra Señora de Lourdes and the Teatro Libre .

El Campín

On Avenida Ciudad de Quito, between Calles 53 and 63, lies the important sports and entertainment area of El Campín. Football (known in the United States as soccer) games are held regularly in the Estadio El Campín . Circuses and amusement parks visit the surrounding area frequently.

Carrera 15

Recently converted into the largest pedestrian-only zone in Bogotá, this area between Calles 72 and 100 has become one of the most important commercial districts in the north of the city. Along the length of the street you will find important cafes, restaurants and shops. Have a look at the Mercado de las Flores (flower market) in the Parque El Virrey, just off Calle 87. Carrera 15 is also one of the most popular places to go out at night in Bogotá.

La Zona Rosa

This area is particularly famous for its restaurants and discotheques. The nightlife here is perhaps the liveliest in Bogotá. During the day, people come to shop, and at night they come to eat, dance and have fun. Into its small area, La Zona Rosa packs bars, restaurants and clubs that cater to every taste and every rhythm.

La Calera

This route through the city's east hills has one of the widest assortments of restaurants and discotheques in Bogotá. The area offers spectacular views of the city both by day and by night. On the weekends, the Vía de La Calera attracts and challenges many cyclists, who ride up and down one of the steepest streets in the city.

Parque de la 93

Since its beautification, the area around this park has become one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Bogotá. The area is characterized by its wide range of international restaurants, many of which have terraces overlooking the park. This is an ideal place for a gastronomic tour of the five continents.
 
Things To Do:

Pay a visit to the popular El Museo del Oro which exhibits a huge number of gold artifacts.
In case you are an art connoisseur, don’t forget to make an excursion to the Botero Museum which displays works of Picasso, Renoir, and Matisse etc.
Since the city has numerous libraries as well, you surely need to explore the most famous ones atleast, like the Virgilio Barco Library, El Tunal and El Tintal.
Do take a ride on the traditional horse-drawn carriages to explore the city.
Make a tour to one of the innumerable spa centers of the city.

Shopping and Sports:

Make sure you visit the La Candelaria, if you are looking for some antique shopping. The Town Center is crammed with numerous clothing stores, jewelry stores, bookshops and music shops. Besides these, Unicentro is another wonderful shopping plaza. For sports fans, there is the famous indoor arena, Coliseo Cubierto El Campin. You can also enjoy golf, soccer and horse riding in Bogota.

Nightlife in Bogotá:

Bogotá is known for its exciting nightlife all over the world. You will find a large number of clubs, bars and pubs in the city. However, the most famous ones are; Bar Venus, Disco Bar Salome Pagana and Hard Rock café Bogotá.

Famous Festivals:

Ibero-American theater festival is one of the most famous performing arts festivals held after every 2 years in either March or April. Bogotá’s Carnival (August 6) is also very popular with the tourists as it comprises of Masquerades, dances and parades. Summer festival and Rock al Parque are the other two enthralling festivals.

Friday, 13 May 2011

16 Most Dirtiest City in The World

16. Bamako, Mali

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 43.7
Bamako, the capital of Mali, and the country’s largest city is situated on the Niger River. Rapid population growth, coupled with unbridled urban pollution, are among the many health and sanitation challenges facing the capital. Several droughts have caused migration from rural areas to the urban environment of the capital, which has only led to more water management issues.

15. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 43.4
A recent World Bank study shows that cancer and respiratory disease rates are up due to increased air pollution in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Increased levels of benzene, from motorbike petrol, and increased dust particles, amounting on average to nearly three times the WHO-stated healthy limit, contribute to these rising numbers. In a city characterized by a rainy season, waste management and sanitation also face challenges.

14. Moscow, Russia

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 43.2
In a city where you can pay $3,000 a month for an apartment that doesn’t even have clean running water, Moscow also has troubling levels of air pollution, which present a daily strain on lung health.


13. Bangui, Central African Republic

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 42.1
Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic, faces water and sanitation challenges similar to its neighboring countries’ capitals. A rapidly increasing population, coupled with a lack of adequate waste and water management, places stresses on the capital city.

12. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 40.4
The capital of this east African country continues to grow populationwise, putting a stress on the city’s sanitation programs. Solid waste, entering the Msimbazi River, contributes to widely spread infectious diseases among the population.


11. Ndjamena, Chad

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 39.7
Ndjamena, the capital city of Chad, faces multi-faceted water management challenges. A main site for concern here is the Conventional Basin of Lake Chad, upon which the country’s main fisheries greatly depend. Also noteworthy–the continual influx of population growth, accelerated by the migration of neighboring Sudanese refugees from Darfur, which places an unexpected strain on water management

10. Brazzaville, Congo

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 39.1
Air pollution from emissions, lack of potable water and the contamination of the city’s water from raw sewage contribute to the laundry list of health and sanitation concerns for Brazzaville, the capital of Congo. Each of these press upon the life expectancy of the local population.

9. Almaty, Kazakhstan

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 39.1
The marriage of petroleum-based industry and insufficient safeguards against pollution sets the stage for an environmental crisis in this city. Toxic waste dumps require a huge price tag for improvement and an even larger price for neglect.

8. Baghdad, Iraq

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 39
Poor water quality in Baghdad threatens to exacerbate the the transmission of water-borne diseases in the city. Fatal outbreaks of cholera struck several provinces of the country, including Baghdad from August 2007 to December 2007. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) also says air pollution, resulting from burning oil and aggravated by war, is cause for concern.

7. Mumbai, India

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 38.2
India’s government hopes to transform Mumbai back into a burgeoning metropolis after recent economic decline. A recent private-sector report, Vision Mumbai, proposed changes in infrastructure, pollution control and economic growth strategy, which contributed to the seeking of approximately $1 billion of aid from Indian government.

6. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 37.9
Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, faces one of the worst sanitation problems on both the continent of Africa as well as in the world. The lack of adequate sanitation programs results in infant mortality, low life expectancy and the transmission of water-borne diseases.

5. Mexico City, Mexico

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 37.7
Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, and the capital of North American air pollution, estimates unhealthy ozone emissions nearly 85% of the year. Mexico’s geographical location–in the center of a volcanic crater and surrounded by mountains–only serves to lock in the air pollution, causing smog to sit above the city.

4. Port au Prince, Haiti

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 34
The country’s politically inspired violence and corruption are well documented. Equally dangerous: its air and water. Serving as one of the main ports on the island of Hispaniola, Port au Prince is central to Haiti’s economic development. A lack of pollution controls, however, contributes to the widespread environmental problems confronting the Haitian city.

3. Antananarivo, Madagascar

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 30.1
Madagascar, located off of the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, makes this year’s list with its capital city, Antananarivo. Well known for its variety of unique flora and fauna, Madagascar has often been referred to as the world’s eighth continent, but the effects of the human population are quickly leaving their footprint.

2. Dhaka, Bangladesh

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 29.6
Located in southern Asia, between Burma and India, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh battles with the constant threat of water pollution. Surface water is often thick with disease and pollutants from the use of commercial pesticides. With an estimated 150 million people living in a relatively small area, cleaning up the problem won’t be easy.

1. Baku, Azerbaijan

Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 27.6
Surrounded by Iran, Georgia, Russia and Armenia on the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan has long been an oil hub. As a consequence, Baku, the capital, suffers from life-threatening levels of air pollution emitted from oil drilling and shipping.

22 Weird and Funniest Place Names in The World

22. Cockburn, Western Australia
Although this name is often pronounced “Coburn” by those who stand to lose from its awfulness, who actually reads that when they see this word? Oh, how it burns.
cockburn on google maps

21. Twatt, Orkney, Shetland Islands, Scotland
The Shetland Islands, pronounced “Shitland Islands” if you have an accent like mine, make up a happy little area north of Scotland where it’s too cold for trees to grow. I am related to approximately half the population of the Shetland Islands, share a last name with a quarter of them, and can probably trace my ancestry back to Twatt if I try hard enough. The pride!
 
20. Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu, New Zealand
This town also held guinness longest place name in the world record. Locals call this hill in Hawke’s Bay “Taumata” because… Well. Hope you know why ?


19. Muff, Ireland

We here at Wonder World love puerile humour. They have a town called Muff.. GyaHahahahahaha.

18. Looneyville, Texas, United States
Little Looneyville was named for storekeeper John Looney in the early 1870s. But who gives a shit. This is a hilarious name for a town in the state that brought us Dallas, the Bush Twins and Waco. How awkward must that be when you go to college? “Hey guys, my name’s Sue and I’m from Looneyville!”


17. Titty Hill, Sussex, England

Falling squarely into the extensive Stupid Place Names From England category, Titty Hill is probably located just north of…

16. Thong, Kent, England

Which actually is south-east of…(you know where).

15. Gravesend, Kent, England

Oh, come on, England. Graves End? What a nasty, depressing little name. You could have at least gone all the way with this one and called it Corpse Feet.

14. Wetwang, Yorkshire, England

Okay, so I’ll cut England some slack. It’s an old country. You know, if the United States is Google, then England is IBM. Their country is older than fucking dirt. They can’t be blamed for having names that sound funny in 2007. But this is kind of ridiculous. Wetwang? I’m surprised they don’t have towns called Squishy Vagina or Infected Scrotum.

13. Spread Eagle, Wisconsin

If I were mayor of Spread Eagle, I’d be making diplomatic advances towards the city leaders over in Wetwang to form a Sister-City relationship. Or maybe more of a Platonic-Friends-City relationship. After that, we’d just take thing slow and see what happened.

12. Bald Knob, Arkansas, United States

Well, I guess it’s better than Hairy Knob. I assume England already has that one covered.

11. Cockup, Cumbria, England

Cumbria is a county in the very north-west of England. What the backwoods of Alabama are to America is what Cumbria is to Britain. They talk funny up there. Thus, it isn’t thoroughly surprising that they have a town called Cockup. What do you call someone from this place? A Cockupper? Cockupeleite? Cockuppian? Cockupican? I suppose it’s mildly better than Wetwangger.

10. Whiskey Dick Mountain, Washington State, United States
As hard as America tries, it can’t compete with Britain’s high standards. This was a good effort, though. Well done, Washington.

9. Hookersville, West Virginia

Undoubtedly named before “hooker” meant “prostitute who picks men up on street corners,” Hookersville combines two crimes of place-naming. One, a dirty sounding adjective (they couldn’t have chosen “Pleasant”? “Sunny”? “Happy”?) And two, they added “ville” to the end of the town’s name. Affixing “ville” to the end of a town’s name is like dressing your silly little dog in a cardigan and letting him carry his leash around in his mouth. It just makes the poor animal look fucking stupid.

8. Hell, Michigan, United States
The people in this town at least seem to have a good sense of humour about their home’s unfortunate name. Although, I’m sure there’s some midwestern idiots in Hell who get all offended and defensive when the town shows up on lists like this. I’m looking forward to reading their insightful emails and comments.

7. Toad Suck, Arkansas, United States

So that’s what they do down in the big AR.

6. Middelfart, Denmark

I guess it’s not so funny to them, but how do we know that “Seattle” doesn’t mean “Big Fat Stinking Turd” in Danish? That’s right, we don’t. And it probably does.

5. Horneytown, North Carolina, United States

Its proximity to Hookersville, West Virginia is no coincidence. I also assume that, like Hookersville, the naming of Horneytown took place before “horney” meant “aching for a hot piece of ass” with an extra “e”. But I’m starting to wonder why, pride and tradition aside, the townspeople in these little places never saw it fit to change their homes’ names? Do they enjoy being ridiculed by the entire English-speaking world?

4. Shitterton, Dorset, England

I wonder if they bleep out the first part of Shitterton’s name if it’s mentioned on TV in America?

3. Disappointment, Kentucky, United States

Le sigh. Never mind. You live in a small town in Kentucky. At least it was appropriately named.

2. Fucking, Austria
The idiots who live in Fucking, Austria had a vote in 2004 to determine whether or not they should change the town’s name, and you know what they did? They voted against it, preferring instead to put up with international ridicule, numerous stolen road-signs and horrific Google results.
But hey! the hands-down winner, again from New Zealand is:

1. Whakapapa

Why is this the worst place name in the world? In Maori, the native language of New Zealand, the “wh” sound is pronounced “f”. Say it aloud in your office and see what happens.


Source : Drivl

Sunday, 8 May 2011

Six Best Climbing Route in Asia

As a mixture of large and expansive continent with the island countries, Asia is a dynamic geological landscape.
Plus the volcanic activity in the Pacific Islands. As the result is a fantastic place for walkers and climbers.
The area has many beautiful landscapes, from the warm beaches, tropical forests, to the snowy mountains.
And This time, we highlight the route that get you closer to nature.
And here is a list of six best climbing route in Asia.

Abel Tasman Coast Track, New Zealand

Photo credit - patleahy
                      
New Zealand is probably one of the best country in the world to climb, so it will be a big mistake if I did not put it into this list.
Although this is a difficult choice and everyone has a personal opinion, I am still on my favorite choice in Abel Tasman.
Walk along the northwest coast of the island of Tasmania, you'll get a pretty flat route and keep giving you views of the sea. However, you can still explore the flora and fauna in the vicinity. Crossing the sea and river,  water flow will make the journey more exciting, but spend your time to sit down and relax on some beaches which are almost virgin and clean along the journey.

Wilson Trail, Hong Kong
 Photo credit - yunmeng

Not far from a collection of neon lights and smoke pollution in Hong Kong, there is an interesting route. (Prepare for a face mask if you are sensitive to pollution). You can walk into the New Territories for a long pedestrian paths and scenic, but you also can find a climbing lane on the island of Hong Kong.

Popular choice is the Wilson Trail, along the 87 km route from Stanley Island to Nam Chung in Kowloon Peninsula. This path will be tiring, but you will find beautiful views from the peaks along this route.




Tiger Jumping Gorge, China
Photo credit - hectorgarcia

If you want a wonderful adventure in China, then go to the Jumping Tiger Gorge, in Yunnan. There, you can climb, looking attractive landscape in one of the deepest river in the world. With a length of 15 km, the gorge is named "Tiger Jumping" because of a legendary tiger once leapt from the edge of the cliff to escape from a hunter. Still, this is not an easy leap, because the closest distance between cliff is 25 meters wide.
The path named "High Line" is a bit cramped, but always awake and have some good rest accommodation. You can also walk closer to the river to feel depth of the valley of the cliff and saw the water, but sometimes these lines can be unstable and less secure. Cliff path is not safe to climb along the rain in the summer.


Overland Track, Australia
Photo credit - rickmccharles

Located in the most beautiful area along 65 km of Australia's , Overland Track in Tasmania is a place you must visit if you are in this island. From Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair spread the wonders of nature, and along the road you can see some of the highest mountain in Tasmania and beautiful waterfalls. This path is also very suitable to see the unique ecosystem of the island. Quite challenging but worth when compared it with similar route of this region.


Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan

Photo credit - acordova

Tajikistan seems to be a popular destination lately, but it is still difficult to reach this place. Believe it or not, the Pamir Mountains are so beautiful and still virgin.  It offers hiking and walking paths that suitable for all ages. You need a permission (which is not expensive) to access these route. Make sure you bring all necessary equipment and preparations before climb the mountains. Gharm Chasma and Julandee is a great starting point for exploring this area. And the most importan things, Do not forget to bring a camera!


Fuji Mountain - Japan
Photo credit - Molas

There are phrases, "You are wise to climb Fuji Mountain once, but you are a fool if climb it twice." Located very close to Tokyo, Mount Fuji looks very big and hard to climb, but the climbers of all ages and experience levels have climbed it without difficulty. The best time to climb this place is at July-August, because that period was the best weather and most snow had melted.
Even so, the route will still be quite muddy, so you
should prepared a good boots. Seeing the sunrise at the summit of Mount Fuji is an amazing experience, there's no much place could beat it. To do this, you should begin to climb since the afternoon, the day before. Then stay at the cabins that are available along the road. This is a popular choice, there are many huts that you can stay and the system is very friendly for tourists. Just remember, once you've done, there are still a few hours before your transport back to your accommodation (if staying in Tokyo). And that means you will have a long journey.

Thanks for vising my blogs,  Sorry for my bad english
: )