Kenya, Africa

Kenya, crossed by the equator, is located in the east of the African continent by having neighboring South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda. To the east, it is bordered by the Indian Ocean for about 536 km. Mount Kenya (5199m) is the highest point and Tana is its longest river. Its capital and largest city is Nairobi. The official languages are Swahili and English. National parks and reserves represent 8% of the total area of the territory and the main tourist attraction of the country. The country has 26 parks, 34 reserves and 5 sanctuaries. Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Sibiloi National Park, Central Island National Park and South Island National Park (the latter three are national parks of Lake Turkana); are listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.

Tips

The best way to visit the country is with a local guide either alone or in groups. Usually the groups are formed of 4 or 5 people with a guide. There are several tour operators who offer various trips and diversity of housing.
The country is well known by tourists who like doing photo-safari.

Howard Johnson Hôtel Finca Maria Cristina, Brandsen, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Howard Johnson Hotel Finca Maria Cristina is 99 km from the city of Buenos Aires, in the district of Colonel Brandsen. It is a new concept for lovers of the countryside and comfort, in a rural environment, with everything you might need, so that passengers feel at home being away from her. The place has 55 hectares surrounded by eucalyptus and other species of plants, making customers feel in nature. The hotel has different options ranging from occupying space twice to the country house for up to 8 people, 140m2, garden with pergolas, swimming pool, fireplace or stove and outdoor barbecue in privacy and comfort, they have 2 or 3 bedrooms, some bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, cold-hot air, cable TV and independent garages. You can enjoy a typical home kitchen with 2 choices for each course, but if you do not want what they offer, you can also replace it with another option. Obviously, grilled meat, garden vegetables and the best Argentine wines are among the options. The hotel has two entertainment rooms or simply to rest. At the moment there are two swimming pools and the spa will be available soon.

Tips

You can spend a night, a week or rent for a month, from 2 to 8 people spaces.
The place is also prepared for family or corporate events.
If you want to arrive quietly without renting a car from Buenos Aires, you can do it by helicopter from Puerto Madero.
If you want to invest in Argentina, next to the hotel some lofts were built and they are available for sale.

Carmen Convent, Padron, La Coruna, Spain

The Carmen Convent is located in Padron, La Coruna, Spain, on the way to Santiago de Compostela, 22 km from the city of Santiago. The building was built between 1717 and 1752 with a neoclassical style on a promontory next to the river Sar, under the leadership of the Discalced Carmelites Brother Peter of the Mother of God. Alonso de la Peña y Montenegro, Bishop of Quito, had donated a sum of money for its construction. The convent was opened in 1752, belonging to the religious community of the Discalced Carmelites, but in the twentieth century, the building was taken over by the Dominicans who occupied it until the early 80s of this century, but as the building was in very poor condition and the community did not have enough resources to repair it, they had to move. Only a Dominican remains on site to direct and supervise the restoration work carried out by trade schools, with the provision of various public institutions, the students here found their center of learning and work. Carpenters, masons, locksmiths, in fact, young people around the city who are learning a trade, are part of this great work.

Tips

You can reach the monastery by bus, train, car or simply on foot.
The only Dominican who lives in the monastery continues to give the mass in the usual schedule.
On the convent site, you can get great photos of the place.