Maui, Hawaii, USA

rose Leave a comment

Maui is the second largest island of the archipelago of Hawaii, a part of the State of Hawaii, in the United States and form the County of Maui with three other islands: Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. According to Hawaiian tradition, the name of the island is linked to the legend of Hawaii ‘ hawai’iloa, the Polynesian navigator who allegedly discovered the archipelago. Maui is also called ‘the Valley island’ from the very fertile isthmus between its two volcanoes: Haleakala and Mauna Kahalawai. It is a destination where stunning landscapes and peaceful coexist with luxury resorts. On the West Coast you will find resorts complexes where you can relax but the East Coast is less developed. One of the isolated cities worth the detour: Hana and its beautiful beaches. You will also find golf courses, waterfalls and historic sites. Due to its irregular topography, weather conditions are varied on time or quite short distances; for example, the Haleakala National Park has 7 different climate zones. Haleakala Crater, highest point of the volcano East Maui is at 3.055 meters above sea level.

Tips

If you want to visit the Haleakala Volcano, the largest sleeping volcano in the world, you must dedicate a whole day.
You can also visit Black Rock (Puu Kekaa), a sacred place in Hawaiian mythology where the souls of the dead crossed the realm of the spiritual.
If you like shopping, you will find a large open air market with dozens of shops and eclectic boutiques at Whalers Village.
You can also take a unique and beautiful trip by train to Lahaina.
If you’re attracted or interested in underwater life, visit the Maui Ocean Center; ideal to visit with children.
From December to April, you can also watch the whales.

Invalid Displayed Gallery

Cervantes Universe Interpretation Centre, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain

rose Leave a comment

The Cervantes Universe Interpretation Centre is located in one of the most symbolic places of the city around the figure of Miguel de Cervantes: the chapels of Oidor and Antezana in Alcala de Henares, Madrid. These chapels are part of the temple where the author of Don Quixote was baptized, the parish church of Santa Maria Mayor, which unfortunately disappeared. It was a baroque church of the fifteenth century. In the interior, among other objects we can see the baptismal font and a reproduction of the baptismal certificate of Cervantes, dated October 9th, 1547. Throughout the year, special exhibitions are offered there.

Tips

Monday is closed. Schedules of the center are from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 13:30 and from 17:00 to 20:00.

Chinchero, Peru

rose Leave a comment

Chinchero is at 30 km from Cusco, at 3 760 m, is considered one of the most interesting villages in the region; located on an inca site. It controlled the access to the Sacred Valley. There are still important Inca traces like the walls made from blocks that are perfectly adjusted. Its streets are narrow and they are cut in the middle by a canal. Water is also present between the houses. The women of the village dressed in colourful costumes, were organized in a cooperative and demonstrate the staining of wool with natural products such as roots or spices. They wash the wool with roots, they show you the way to tint them and after that the older women show you how to work it to make their craft products. During the demonstration, you will be invited to drink coca tea.

Tips

You can go on an excursion, taking a bus at Cusco or by van or by car. Chinchero is included in a tourist ticket that includes visits to four cities in the region or in another ticket which includes 16 tourist attractions with museums. You can still visit it without a ticket even though they’ll ask you insistently for it.
It is true that the demonstration that women make to tourists is interesting but the true Chinchero is the one with the houses made with adobe and straw, with animals from the farm and the green valleys; you will discover it by yourself going without an excursion. It is worth venturing a bit and walk 1 km in the direction of Cusco to reach Piuray Lake.
If you walk along the road above the village you will find the ancient church of Chinchero abandoned today but much more authentic than the one which includes the tourist circuit. Its roof is totally destroyed but we can always see its front.
Talking about crafts, it’s not worth to go there to buy them cause they are the same items that you can find anywhere in the region.

Invalid Displayed Gallery