Prado Gardens, Talavera de la Reina, Spain

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Prado Gardens is a historical heritage of Talavera de la Reina surrounding the Basilica which gives them their name. We find a mixture of different European and Arab styles with a predominance of French-style garden. Its design and construction was made in 1864 but obviously there have been renovations and restorations. At the origin the Prado was the meeting place and walk around the city. We notice the Arabic and Moorish influence in the decor with the use of bricks and ceramics from Talavera; for example, in the construction of public toilets, we see that they are of Arabic origin. Among the most important monuments we find the Fountain of the frogs, the Temple of Music, the lake known as the home of ducks where we can see some cages with birds and pheasants; the monument to the mother, among others. In the park Alameda, which is an extension of the Prado Gardens, we can see artistic ceramics bridges. Ceramic is present even in banks.

Tips

In the Temple of Music there are shows during the summer.
You can go by bus from central Madrid.

Palermo, Sicily, Italy

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Palermo, capital of Sicily, Italy. Sixth port of the country, is located on the North coast of the island. Its climate and its exceptional cultural heritage promote tourism. The majority of its cultural wealth is located in the old centre: churches, theaters, monuments that will capture your attention, no doubt. It is also famous by its markets to the unique atmosphere. There are several districts as the  Borgo Vecchio (old town), I Candelai, La Vucciria among others, which are known to have a good nightlife with cafés, restaurants and discos.

Tips

If you arrive at the Borsellino airport, take the Trinacria Express train you will arrive in the city in 45 minutes without spending a lot of money.
If you arrive at the port, do not attempt by carriages and different kind of motorcycles that people will try to hire to you to make you arrive in the city by saying that it is very far, nothing real, you can walk quietly by visiting the old centre. If you still want to do this ride, do not pay the first requested price, it is necessary to reduce it because they usually ask you the double for ultimately will come down it to half or less. Make sure that the person has a tourist permit to carry you on this kind of vehicle.
There are 3 lines of tourist buses that will let you know the fair city for only some coins per day, take it at the station or at the port.
If you want to have a beautiful panoramic view of Palermo, visit the sanctuary of Santa Rosalia (Patron Saint of the city) on Monte Pellegrino (606 metres).

Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa, Canada

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The Canadian Tulip Festival was born with the gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs done by Princess Juliana of the Netherlands in 1945 in Ottawa to thank the role Canada played in the liberation of the Netherlands, and they offered refuge in Ottawa, to the members of the royal family during the Second World War. It is the largest of its kind in North America and it also celebrates the arrival of spring flowering public places in Ottawa with a million of tulips of 50 varieties. The greater presence of tulips is in the gardens of Commissioners Park, at Lake Dow but you can also find various appearances of the festival throughout the city. The tulip is the official flower of Ottawa and it also became the floral symbol of international friendship. The international community adds shows to the festival; exhibitions and cultural performances reflecting cultural diversity in the city. This year there is a new covered area, the Aberdeen Pavilion, with a tulip garden and sculptures inside, located at Lansdowne Park.

Tips

Spend 2 days in town, it’s worth it, you can enjoy the day to visit the park and see some shows or just know the city in the evening. There are free concerts, shows, children’s activities, etc.
There is an official opening ceremony with a parade of vintage cars and a closing ceremony with fireworks at Dow’s Lake.

It will be held from May, 10th to May, 20th  2018