English Blog

Istanbul is a city that not only connects two continents, Asia and Europe, but also connects the west with the east of the world. Due to its geographical position, it has always become an important center for living throughout history. Istanbul was established in the 17th century B.C and it was hosted many different civilizations. It served to be the point of unification of cultures, religions and civilizations. It became the capital of three giant empires all through history, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul brings together in an incomparable geography the structures that were the products of different civilizations thanks to this splendid past. It was enlisted as the UNESCO World Heritage in 1985.

TOP 3 PLACES TO VISIT in Istanbul

1. AYA SOFIA

There are many important monuments in İstanbul, but this venerable structure – which was commissioned by the great Byzantine emperor Justinian, consecrated as a church in 537, converted to a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 and declared a museum by Atatürk in 1935.

2. BLUE MOSQUE

Istanbul’s most photogenic building was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I. The mosque’s wonderfully curvaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and six slender minarets. Blue İznik tiles adorn the interior and give the building its unofficial but commonly used name.

3. GRAND BAAZAR

The colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar is the heart of İstanbul’s Old City and has been so for centuries. Starting as a small vaulted bedesten (warehouse) built by order of Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461, it grew to cover a vast area as lanes between the bedesten, neighbouring shops and hans (caravanserais) were roofed and the market assumed the sprawling, labyrinthine form that it retains today.

WHEN TO GO

The best times to visit Istanbul are from March to May and between September and November. That’s when crowds at the city’s attractions are manageable, room rates are average and daytime temperatures generally sit between the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit degrees. Peak season – from June to August – sees temps soar into the low 60s to low 80s, and accommodation prices increase to match the demand from incoming tourists. December through February, meanwhile, are the cheapest months to visit, but Istanbul’s rainy, snowy and chilly conditions (temps are in the high 30s to high 50s) mean you’ll have to don cold weather attire and lug an umbrella during your stay.

Why the New York City is called the Great Apple?

During the time of the 30`s it was used to make reference to Jazz musicians who came to N.Y, which had as their main objective to reach this City, referring to the phrase «There are many Apples that has the tree of success, but New York is the Great Apple».

THE BEST SEASON TO GO TO N.Y

This City has a cold climate the higher part of the year, but the best season to visit are the months of April- May and September- October.

WHAT TO DO IN N.Y

You have many places to visit, Parks, Buildings , Stores, Neighborhoods, Restaurants , Museums. Some of this are.

THE TIMES SQUARE

Before called the Square Longacre, located in the corner to the Broadway Avenue and 7ª Avenue, the zone of the Times Square is conformed by blocks located in the middle of the 6ª Avenue and 8ª Avenue. It gets it’s name from the The New York Times offices located in the One Times Square building. It Stands out by it’s animation and luminosity.

EMPIRE STATE

It is a Lookout that has two options to choose from, the first is in the 86th floor and the second is at the 102nd floor, you need to pay approximately 32us or 20us more to go up at the 102nd floor, the hours of attention is the 8am to 2am.

STATUE OF LIBERTY

Located in the Island of Liberty by the mouth of the Hudson River. It was a present from the French government to commemorate the declaration of independence, it was inaugurated on October 28th, 1886. open from 8:30am to 4pm , It is necessary to go by ferry to get to the Island.

BRIDGE OF BROOKLyN

Constructed between 1870 and 1883, it’s an emblem of engineering, it is a metallic hanging structure with a distance of 1.825 meters of length and 486 meters wide and a height of 521 meters. You can meet the bridge by walking, by bicycle or by car.

GRAN CENTRAL TERMINAL

The Central Station is the icon of many movies, it is also the largest train station in the world it’s name received by the New York Central Railway, the station is open daily from 5:30 am to 2:00 am. Inside you find objects that keep so much history to tell.

5TH AVENUE

Shopping lovers should not miss an appointment in New York City, This happens when tourists visit the corner of Fifth Avenue an 57th street. It’s not just any corner, it’s about the expensive ones in the world, where best brands located their stores.

BEST MUSEUMS OF NEW YORK CITY

New York has more than 100 museums throughout the City, we can highlight some as

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History

The intrepid Sea- Air- Space Museum

CHINATOWN

Chinatown is a neighborhood whit a large number of Asian migrants where there is also large area of Commerce, its Chinese New Year celebration are very popular which are based on the Unisolar Calendar . We can definitely say that it is entering another country whiting the City of New York.

BY: ZULMA DUARTE

Turistic Guide for the wonderful city of Atenas

Athens is the capital of Greece and its most important urban center. In the city live about 665,000 people, more than 4 million if we count it’s metropolitan area.

Athens is recognized as the cradle of ancient western philosophy and it’s mythology, for its infrastructure, landscapes, culture and history about our wonderful past, which is why it is one of the favorite destinations for travelers from around the world

When to go:

You can go in any time that you want, but is recommended go in:

• December or end of the year.
• Summer (since June to September) in the Atenas festival , the main summer event.

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Where to go:

Plaka: To begin to know this beautiful city, I recommend that you go to Plaka to visit the oldest neighborhood, as well as one of the most attractive and lively areas of the city, known as the neighborhood of the gods due to its proximity to the Acropolis. The Plaka neighborhood is one of the best areas of the city to find souvenir shops where you can buy some souvenirs, or try Greek cuisine in one of its many terraces and «tavernas». The Acropolis: It is the most important place in Greece, its ruins represent its time of greatest splendor. It is located on a summit that rises 156 meters above sea level, and it is possible to see it from most areas of the city. The Acropolis of Athens contains some of the best-known monuments of the classical Greek era: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Niké and the Propylaea are some of the most important and striking constructions.

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The Parthenon

Is the main building of the Acropolis architectural complex, as well as the greatest symbol of the beauty of classical architecture in ancient Greece. Built between 447 and 432 B.C., the imposing building with a Doric style was created to shelter a colossal sculpture of Athena Parthenos made of wood, ivory and gold, which had a height of twelve meters.

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Erechtheion: Is an Ionian temple built in the most sacred place of the Acropolis, where the goddess Athena made the first olive tree of the Greek lands flourish. The most striking area of ​​the Erechtheion is the roof of the southern gallery, which is supported with the help of the Caryatids, six female-looking columns that hold the temple’s roof.

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the Licabeto hill:

Is a small mountain of 278 meters high since where get the best wiew of the city. Is in the neighborhood and from there can see the Acropolis and big part of the city.

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What to do:

• The commercial street of Ermou is the avenue most important, from the Syntagma square start the tour for the stores.

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• Go to the «taverns » to enjoy of the Athenian and Mediterranean gastronomy.

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• Go to the small port «The Pireo» to watch the sea and taste food.

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By: Sofia Moreno M.

Level 4

São Paulo´s attraction lies in its people and its vibrant cultures.

São paulo is the most populous city in brasil, besides being the largest portuguese-speaking city in the world. The municipality is also the world´s 12th largest city proper by population, the name of the city honors the apostle Saint Paul of Tarsus.

When to go to São Paulo?

The best time to visit São Paulo is from March to May or October to November when the temperatures are comfortable, the city sees less precipitation and premier events are in full swing. Because it’s located in the Southern Hemisphere, the city sees opposite seasons from the Northern Hemisphere.

Things to do in this city?

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• Indoor:
• Pinacoteca do Estado: This art museum is the oldest in São Paulo and houses an extensive collection of Brazilian art from the 19th century until today.
• Theatro Municipal de São Paolo: Modeled after the elegant Palais Garnier in Paris, São Paulo’s Theatro Municipal is a work of art. This grand theater was built between 1903 and 1911, and the design of its detailed facade incorporates Renaissance, Baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau styles.

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By: Juan D. Maestre

Cancún is a city located to the east of Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo. Has approximately 700.000 inhabitants and is considered a great international tourist destination.

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Big and lively decorations, handicrafts in bright colors and of all sizes in honor of death, are common in Mexico.

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The cenotes, are deep water wells, fed by the filtration of the rain and by currents of subterranean rivers. It’s a fun and refreshing experience to swim in them.

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And finally, their delicious food, make Cancún a wonderful place to go on vacation.

by Mónica María Escobar Ocampo.

VENICE

It is a city located in the northeast of Italy. Its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, is located on a group of islands in the Venetian lagoon, in the north of the Adriatic Sea. Its geographical peculiarity, as well as its ancient history and its rich monumental and artistic heritage, have made Venice one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

BEST TIME TO GO…

As in the places of Mediterranean climate, in Venice the winters are light and the summers are very hot. The best climate is enjoyed during the period from May to September, saving the months of July and August in which it is very hot. During the fall there are abundant rains and winter is characterized by strong storms and low temperatures.

So when to travel to Venice?
The best time of the year to travel to Venice is the last days of the month of August and the month of September. You will enjoy a pleasant climate and you can not only enjoy the beaches near Venice and the walks, but also go out to party without any fright. The most important thing is that in this period there will be no rain or wind, which will ensure your enjoyment. Similarly, with a similar climate, it is an interesting time in the last weeks of spring.

THE BEST PLAN YOU CAN DO IN VENICE…

Private excursion in gondola for the great channel of Venice the most popular highlights:
Experience the unique experience of exploring Venice in a private gondola Discover the fascinating gondolas and gondoliers of Venice Admire the beautiful palaces and rich cultural heritage of Venice Discover the authentic charm of the city from the water It is a perfect activity to discover a different face of Venice.

Discover the square of San Marcos, “the most beautiful hall in Europe”.
The most important square in Venice, the social, political and religious center of the city for centuries and one of the most emblematic places in Italy internationally. This original square of the ninth century was already referred to as «the most beautiful hall in Europe» by Napoleon Bonaparte. St. Mark’s Square, continuously packed with pigeons, houses some of the most beautiful monuments of Venice on its surface of about 180 meters long and 70 wide. This is the case of the Ducal Palace, the Basilica of San Marcos and its Campanile, or the Orologio tower.

Cultural visits to museums cannot be missed in any Italian city; As happens throughout Italy, Venice is also a territory of museums of great cultural wealth. Among the most prominent classics is the Gallerie dell’Accademia, founded in 1750, which today is one of the most important museums in the entire country.

Night of drinks in Venice? Yes, Why not?
Venice has an interesting nightly entertainment if you know how to find it. The party starts early and the hottest places and the most popular venues are located around the Plaza de San Marcos. As more bohemian areas, the animation moves to the neighborhoods of San Polo and Cannaregio.
As for the discos, the problems caused by noise pollution in the city do not proliferate too much. Although it is not a very funky city, there are some discos like the Venice Jazz Club or the Disco Club Piccolo Mondo that make you a good night’s drink.

By Adaly M. Ruíz Díaz Tagle

Buenos Aires (BA) is the capital federal of Argentina country of south america, and the most important city. It’s localated in central eastern region of the country, near to La Plata river.

WHEN TO GO

• The best time to visit BA is from april – june or september – december.
• Fall and spring also boast reasonable prices
• These seasons usher in mild temperatures, thin crowds and colorful follage.
• Between june and august is usually filled with rainy days, cold winter temps and few tourist.

THINGS TO DO

• Meet the city BA iluminated by the light of night.
• Get on a bike and live a differents way to see the city.
• Travel line offers you an exclusive tour where you will discover the history, present and future.

By: Rosa Irreño Gutiérrez

The trip start in Santiago del Chile, you must take a flight to Punta Arenas, south of Chile. The time less cold is of November to February, Austral summer. Punta Arenas is located in Tierra de Fuego, close to strait of Magallanes and it´s considered «the gate of Antartic», since from this place, the people start trip to the Antartic continent.

In Punta Arenas there are many bars with good beer, these remember great navigators, like Shacketlon and Pardo, Francis Drake, Magallanes, etcetera. You can visit Magdalena island and get to know the Magallanes penguin, close, very close.

You can travel to Puerto Natales (north of Punta Arenas) and you know the national natural park Torres del Paine, beautiful and wonderful sedimentary rock mountain. Unforgattable landscape. Also, you can visit the cave to Molodon, a big prehistoric bear.

If you don´t want to go north, you can go south and visit Ushuaia city, in Argentina. You would cross the channel in ferry and enjoy the natural landscape, where you can see wild animals. Ushuaia is in the Beagle channel, passage tha conduce to Puerto Williams (Chile), the last city of South-America.

Finally, in any of these places, you could visit to glaciars, imposing and majestic, and have a drink with millenary ice.

By Oswaldo Coca Domínguez

Fukuoka is located on the north coast of Kyushu – Japan. Ranked in the 10th position of the most livable cities in the world according to Monocle magazine. Fukuoka is praised for its green spaces in its metropolitan area, which was awarded the title of city in 1972 by ordinance of the major government.

When to go…

Its climate is generally mild, the average temperature is 17 °. From June to July it is the rainy season, then the summer follows with temperature can exceed 30 ° even at night. Autumn has a pleasant climate and incredible views, but it is usually a time of typhoons. Winter is very cold, but it is rare that the temperature is below 0 °, but you can expect several centimeters of snow cover with a maximum of 5cm. The best time to visit Fukuoka is in the spring when Sakura trees bloom and the weather is pleasant.

Things you can do in Fukuoka

• Visit Maizuru Park overlooking Fukuoka Castle, which is filled with lights at night.

• Go shopping at Canal city Hakata , where you can buy everything you have in mind and enjoy the shows of dancing fountains to the rhythm of the music every hour.

• If you are looking for tranquility and clearing yourself of worries, taking a walk through Nishi Park and its sanctuaries is a good solution.

• If you prefer culture, visiting the Fukuoka museum is the best idea, but if you prefer something a little more artistic, it is best to visit the art museum in the middle of Ohori Park.

• If you are intrigued to know a little more about the future, visiting Robosquare can give you an idea, it is a fun place where you can interact with different types of robots, the best thing is that it is completely free.

• Nothing like climbing the tower of Fukuoka to have a pleasant view of the city. The tower has three viewpoints, the first at 116 meters high, the second at 120 meters and the last at 123 meters.

• In the «Marine world Umino-nakamichi» you can enjoy incredible marine shows and incredible views of the underwater world.

Marine world Umino-nakamichi

• Although Fukuoka has a variety of parks covered with beautiful flowers such as the «Uminonakamichi Seaside park», the «Nokonoshima island flower park» is considered to be the best par excellence.

By Carlos Hidalgo P.

introduction

It is the most populated city in southern Italy, capital of the Campania region, and the Metropolitan City of Naples. Within the terms of the municipality of Naples live just under one million inhabitants,  which, together with those of the metropolitan city, amount to more than three million. It is located halfway between Mount Vesuvius and another volcanic area, the Flégreos Fields. It gives name to the gulf on whose banks it sits.

It has an enormous historical, artistic, cultural and gastronomic wealth, which led Unesco to declare its historical center, the largest in Europe, a World Heritage Site.

WHEN TO GO

Naples has a climate of transition between the Mediterranean climate and the humid subtropical climate

• The best months to visit Naples are late April, May, September, and early October. (Great weather and not as busy as summer.)
• The sunniest month of the year is July.
• The hottest month of the year is August (high temp: 31°C). July is almost as hot (high temp: 30°C).
• The driest month of the year is July (30mm of precipitation and 3 days with rain).
• The coldest months of the year are December, January, and February (high temp: 13°C).
• The wettest month of the year is November (140mm of precipitation and 11 days with rain).

things to do

1-Naples: Amalfi Coast

2- Pompeii & Herculaneum

3- Teatro di San Carlo

4- National Archaeological Museum

5- Castel dell’Ovo

by jorge gaviria