Thursday, August 2, 2007

Travel Attractions In Canada

Canada is prominent for its exquisiteness and natural splendor. It is empowered with excellent hotels and immense restaurants. Canada is a domicile of parks, magnificent tall buildings and tradition sites.

To name some of the great views without which traveling Canada is considered to be incomplete are the CN Tower, rail route from Vancouver to Jasper, the national park, the Stanley Park, polar bears, whales, ice bergs, parliament buildings, Louise Lake, and many more exciting places.

CN tower located at Toronto is the world's tallest building and is depicted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The rail route from Vancouver explores the rocky mountains to Jasper. These rocky mountains are an emblem of Canada.

The Banff national park is the perfect place to have the benefit of watching wild life or delving into the mountains or the beauty of lakes. Stanley Park stretches over 1000 acres with a route of 8km for bicycling, the Vancouver aquarium, beaches, Water Park, tennis courts, and many other exciting places of thrill.

Churchill is an inviting place for polar bears during September and a wonderful travel attraction for tourists in Canada. The main parliament building standing in the centre of federal government of Canada is open for tourists.

The carnivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The winter carnival is celebrated with pomp for two and a half weeks and is of absolute attraction to all the people over the world. Experiencing night parades, ice fishing, concerts, dogsled rides, horse drawn sleigh rides, skating, snow baths, and to top it is the stay at the famous ice hotel.

Shopping malls are one of the great attracting places of tourists. The west Edmonton mall is the largest mall in the world with copious shops, eating houses like restaurants and hotels, Water Park as well as amusement park, submarine lake, and one of the exquisite features of this shopping mall is that the sales tax is excluded.

Niagara falls are Canada's most famous attractions as the water plunges from a cliff of 56m and viewing the mist boat that sails to the base of the waterfall is enthralling. The Toronto zoo is a shelter for numerous animals and is a great place of attraction in Canada for tourists. The lion safari gives you an open opportunity to ride on elephants.

Natural beauty has engulfed Canada, while adding to the attractions of tourists are the man made tourist attractions in Canada. The stampede park is a man made place to conduct events and other functions throughout the year. It is indeed a world of paradise and exploring it becomes essential during ones lifetime.

About Author:
James Brown writes about Air France promotion code, BBC Canada Shop promo code and Doubleday Canada coupon codes

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Why Do People Jump Off Cruise Ships?

As a 30 year cruise industry veteran, website, I can honestly say that I am perplexed as to why more people seem to be jumping overboard. It is certainly tragic when this occurs and the news media seems to report these phenomena more frequently and with more in-depth coverage than other similar events. This probably because cruising is in and of itself more interesting and sexy than most other forms of leisure travel. And approximately 85% of all North Americas have not taken a cruise so there is an element of mystery to the process.

Does this mean that cruise ship travel is any less safe than it was ten or fifteen years ago? I think not. If one takes a look at the number of incidents against 12 million travelers, it is relatively small number. That of course does not mitigate the grief and anxiety of family members and we certainly sympathize with the people left behind.

On the other hand, people have made posting on cruise community boards that they are hesitant to cruise due to 'safety' issues. In virtually every case of a passenger going overboard, the action was an individual decision fueled by alcohol, carelessness or the end result of suicidal tendencies. Some passengers who go overboard have survived but most do not.

Cruise lines are making concerted efforts to reduce these occurrences but is it reasonable to hold the lines at fault for the actions of their passengers? Like a high rise hotel, or tall building, there are just too many places where someone can jump from.

As alcohol consumption seems to be a key factor in many of these tragedies, there is a increased emphasis on controlling excessive drinking on board with additional training being conducted with bar and security staff. But, just like ashore, if someone is set on getting drunk, it is hard to stop them. And this seems to go hand in hand with the proclivity to try to balance on a railing or tightrope walk on a 10 story high stairwell railing. Clearly, if one does this at a large hotel or office building and falls, the outcome is going to be the same.

In 2004, there were 32,439 suicides reported in the US equating to a rate of 11.1 per 100,000 residents. The cumulative number of total overboard incidents (includes rescued passengers and crew members) since 2000 is 85. This would tend to indicate that while this phenomena is sensationalized by the media and does need the attention of the public and the cruise operators, it is by no means approaching levels anywhere near the national norm. Again, it is a tragic occurrence when it results in a fatality and needs careful thought and oversight as mentioned above.

But should it enter into the vacation decision-making process? The answer is Yes and No. Yes, like all travel options, common sense and situational awareness are requisite. But to the extent that cruise travel could be deemed hazardous, we feel that it is no more worrisome than any other vacation destination choice.

Cruise smart and you will cruise safe.

About Author:
Joe Ewart is a 30 year cruise industry veteran and a member of the Cruise Lines International Association Hall of Fame. He is CEO and editor of http://www.CruiseJungle.com an informaational cruise web site desgined for consumers.

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Discover The Best of The Caribbean in The Rosario Islands National Marine Park, Cartagena, Colombia

The Rosario Island Coral Reef System is one of many marine National Parks in the Caribbean sea, and one of 46 in Colombia. The park covers an area of about 20 hectares of coral reef and 43 different islands.

The reef was formed hundreds of years ago. Volcanic activity deep below the earths surface pushed the seabed up over time, allowing coral beds to form and marine life to flourish. Today the area is home to more than 1,300 species of plants and animals and is a fantastic location for diving, snorkeling and other recreational water activities.

In 1977 the area was declared a National Park by the State Ecological Authority, for the purpose of protection, preservation and study of this fragile eco system of marine life. But declaring the site a National Park has not been enough to protect the reefs from damage, and today the area still remains under threat.

After two years of research and data gathering, a report was published in 2002 on the Status of Coral Reefs in Southern Tropical America. The project was a joint initiative of authorities from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Venezuela.

The report stated that 'The coral reefs, have changed radically in the last 35 years, in particular during the 1980's, due mostly to anthropogenic stresses compounded by natural disturbances.' Research shows an alarming decline in the coverage of the reef by live coral in the area. Warmer sea temperatures contribute to the damage by killing off live coral and exposing the dead, calcified coral underneath. This is known as coral bleaching. Other threats include lower fish populations and high incidence of coral disease and large populations of sea urchins, who feed on live coral.

The report blames sewage pollution, tourism impact, resource extraction, over fishing and coastal development as the main causes of damage to the area, compounded by natural problems such as shifting weather patterns (El Nino), hurricanes and runoff from rivers in the region.

Whilst the larger rivers such as the Amazon, Orinoco and Magdalena deliver nutrients to the sea, they also deposit sediment and pollution which can slow coral growth or kill off existing corals. Fish and other organisms in the water require coral as a food source or to provide protective habitats from their predators, without it, the species could suffer population loss, and ultimately, extinction.

The report warns that 'the rate of coral reef decline will not be reversed until there is more effective government intervention and recognition that policies and laws need to be implemented and enforced.'

It recommended further study and mapping of the region, ongoing long term monitoring, funding for conservation efforts, and laws to prevent damage by tourism and resource extraction. Since then, international and local efforts have been made to manage and protect the marine park through these recommendations.

In the mid 1980s, the Rosario Islands Oceanarium was established. A research and education centre that hosts international events in marine life research, regularly collects data from within the National Park and presents information to members of the public about the state of the marine environments in Colombia.

As well as the Museum of Marine Life, the Oceanarium features many open water pens to display and provide protection for marine animals such as fish, dolphins and sharks. The animals are free to come and go as they please, but when at the oceanarium, they are provided with food and medical attention. The scientists at the centre have been able to collect valuable information about the state of the animals health as well as closely monitor their natural environment as a result.

Visitors to the centre not only have the chance to enjoy an encounter with the diverse range of animal and plant species that live in the National Park, but also the chance to learn about the the threat to the park and what efforts are being made to protect it.

Unfortunately, despite being one of the top five countries in the world with the most natural diversity, Colombia's efforts to clear international debts and the fight to eradicate armed conflict have taken funding priority over helping conservation efforts for this and other National Parks in the country.

Research, park management and conservation projects are largely funded by international conservation aid, private organisations and their sponsors and private donations. A small portion also comes from eco-tourism projects.

Conservation groups are hopeful that as Cartagena's popularity as a great tourist destination strengthens, the government will provide more support for the protection of this valuable natural wonder. In the meantime, education seems to be the park's best chance of survival. Its up to visitors, local tour operators and residents to take responsibility and care for the area, to protect it so that future generations can enjoy its beauty.

About Author:
Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company
specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Seville and Barcelona through its
web pages Cartagena Colombia apartment rental
Apartamentos por dias Cartagena
Cartagena Colombia apartments

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Flood Hit Brits Head For Spanish Sun

From a million unsold holidays just a few weeks ago, travel agents in the UK have seen a sharp turnaround in their summer season fortunes, as Britons fed up with weeks of rain and the heaviest flooding in living memory ditch home holidays in favour of an overseas trip.

The top destination is Spain, with the Balearic islands of Menorca, and in particular Majorca, heading the list. The Spanish mainland's Costa Blanca and Portugal's Algarve are also popular choices for families wishing to get away from it all.

With a rush for the sun, low prices and good deals are becoming hard to come by, and many holidays are selling at full price, with some companies even being able to increase their original prices with demand so high.

The general advice seems to be to get a low price, holidaymakers need to be at a travel agents as soon as they open as there are so few about, or to regularly check internet sites for holiday companies like Thomas Cook and Thomson Holidays in the hope that they might bag a bargain.

'It's good news for the travel industry', commented one Menorca travel guide, 'just a few weeks ago it looked like there would be plenty of availability and prices would have to be slashed to lure people into a summer holiday abroad. But now with higher prices and strong demand hotels and the holiday industry in general can look forward to an unexpectedly good year.'

A spokesman for ABTA, the association of British travel agents, commented that April was so warm that everyone expected summer to be a scorcher and a lot of people decided not to go abroad. Now they are all rushing to book.

The floods affecting large parts of England have claimed four lives, and left a hundred thousand homes without water for two weeks in parts of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Insurance companies have warned that the floods will cost small businesses millions, and insurers are expecting tens of millions in claims from homeowners. The British government has offered emergency aid to the worst affected areas to help with the cost of the clear-up. Yorkshire in the north of England saw some of the heaviest flooding, with thousands of homes left without power and three people dying.

The surge in holiday bookings comes at a particularly opportune time for the three Balearic islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza, who were doing better than many holiday areas before the British floods.

Clubbers from around Europe, and especially from the UK, descend upon Ibiza in the summer months for a week - and often two - of non stop partying.

Ibiza runs second only to the UK's main cities of London, Manchester and Liverpool in terms of popularity for clubbers, and some of the Ibiza clubs are as well known as any in the UK.

The three Balearic Islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza might be close to each other, but they are all different in character and the type of tourist they typically attract.

A surprise is that the amount of time spent on Ibiza by each tourist is longer than on Menorca and Majorca - destroying the myth that Ibiza is primarily for long weekends or short trips for a couple of nights in the club.

Recent findings by the Balearics Tourist Authority show that after Ibiza, Menorca visitors stay on average for 11 days, with Majorca just behind. And the same pattern emerges for spending per day, with Ibiza top, Majorca second, and Menorca last.

The amount spent by Ibiza tourists averaged 94 Euros a day - a huge contribution to the island's economy, looked on enviously by Majorca and Menorca.

About Author:
Holidays and Hotels in Menorca are available at YourMenorca.net

The guide for the Spanish holiday island includes villa holidays from Meon villa holidays , with holiday flights and car hire included for perfect villa holidays at James villas

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Cruise Planning Ideas For Planning Your Dream Cruise In Good Time

Getting this right means that you can lie back and enjoy, safe in the knowledge that everything is in place for a perfect time.

Here are a couple of important things to consider:-

1) Pack For Your Cruise Wisely

Cruises usually go where it's hot! The cruise lines are pretty savvy people and know, unless you are a bit of a masochist, that you'd like warmth by the ocean as you cruise.

That said, there are often cruises in the Northern Hemisphere that travel to cooler locations, like Alaska or the Baltic states, where warmth is not such an issue (on the contrary!), though reflected sunlight might still be.

As far as other cruise planning goes, you will need to consider what you might need for a prolonged spell away from the basics. There are no supermarkets on an ocean liner (though there are shops for most things you might need, it's usually the one thing you forgot that you can't get hold of!).

Apart from the weather, clothing needs additional consideration, especially when it comes to dining. Depending on the cruise, you might need a stack of different exotic frocks to show off. If you are a man it can often be the one tux, so don't feel left out. Your partner will just have spent a bit more, that's all!

2) Cruising Fun - Watch the Sun

While the weather is on our minds, it's worth remembering that the sun is much more intense whilst at sea and cool breezes can mislead you on temperature, so, as part of your cruise planning, take high factor sun protection.

This is much more critical if you are vacationing with small children. They will feel the heat and suffer the conditions of the sun a lot more than grown ups (though they need to take care too).

By making sure that you take adequate clothing and sun protection, you will make sure that you have a happy vacation and all get by to tell the tale.

The sun will also mean that your system is more susceptible to those unfortunate tummy illnesses that can often beset vacations, so an adequate supply of fluid might be necessary. Of course you will be able to find this on the ship, but you may need to take maybe even specialized fluid replacement salts.

Making the best use of your time is important to you, especially when you have a lot of things to do. So making sure that the cruise planning you do is worthwhile and making your life easier, as you organize your dream cruise is vital. This will ensure that you get the best vacation that you will remember for years to come.

About Author:
(c) 2007 Hawaiian Cruises Online. Look no further - all the Hawaiian Cruising information you'll ever need, in the 50+ pages that are totally free. Destinations; cruise lines; 'what's on'; eating options and more, all at Martin Haworth's website, http://www.Hawaiian-Cruises-Online.com

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Pittsburgh is in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is located in south western Pennsylvania, halfway between Chicago and New York City. It is one of the safest cities of its size in the United States and ranks among the cleanest cities in the United States.

Station Square, is a restored 19th-century rail road building that houses more than 40 specialty shops and more than a dozen restaurants. In the South Hills, shoppers can buy designer fashions and home furnishings for adults and kids at the Galleria, or enjoy a great selection of stores at South Hills Village, Village Square Mall and along Mount Lebanon's Washington Road business district.

The Strip is best known for its collection of clubs. The Strip has a Jekyll and Hyde personality. First thing in the morning, it is the farmer's market. Fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, meat, flowers, specialty ingredients, and hard-to-find ethnic foods. The same energy flows through the lunch hour, with hordes of locals and tourists alike devouring reubens and matzo ball soup at the Small man Street Deli. At night falls, the neighbourhood takes on a decidedly different vibe. Converted warehouses and factories house dance clubs like The World and cutting-edge restaurants like Roland's.

Carson Street is packed with a striking variety of bars and restaurants that attract every one from bikers to yuppies and this area of Pittsburgh is very pedestrian friendly.

Fort Pitt is in the Bouquet's Blockhouse, Pittsburgh's oldest building. It stands as a reminder of Fort Pitt and the original 18 acres which grew into the City of Pittsburgh. The Fort Pitt Museum, is located next to the Blockhouse, and offers a wide variety of exhibits and dioramas which covers the early French expeditions into the region to the beginning of Pittsburgh's industrial age.

The Andy Warhol Museum is located on the North Side. The museum features permanent collections of art and archives. Temporary exhibitions, including the work of other artists, are presented on a regular basis.

In the historic West Park on Pittsburgh's North Side, is the National Aviary, America's only independent indoor non-profit bird zoo. The Aviary is home to more than 600 birds of more than 200 species, many of which are threatened or endangered. From hummingbirds to Andean Condors there are birds from just about every corner of the world, with particular emphasis being placed on rain forest and wet land habitats. The birds are all kept in natural planted exhibits.

About Author:
Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Pittsburgh Rental Site

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Spain Surges into Position as The Second Top European Destination for International Tourists

The success of the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona was the catalyst for prompting a new generation of interest in Spain as The next big European destination.

Its not hard to see why: with its close proximity to the UK and other popular countries in Western Europe like France and Italy, with a good mix of new and improving infrastructure, a fair share of well preserved ancient relics from bygone eras, not to mention a reputation for more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Spain has something to offer every kind of tourist.

Since the games, and especially during the past five years, the country has continued to enjoy a rapid growth in tourist numbers, strengthening its public profile as a leading European destination for travellers from all over the world.

According to the report The Balance of Tourism in Spain, published by The Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce, Spain was host to almost 350 million visitors in 2006, an increase of 5% from the last year's statistics, and comfortably placing the country as the second top destination for international travellers within Europe, second only to France.

Of course, an increase in tourist numbers spells an increase in tourist dollars spent, offering Spanish businesses in the tourism industry a fantastic growth opportunity that looks set to continue in years to come.

As well as a general growth in tourist numbers, the industry has also noticed a shift in accommodation preferences. It seems that today's tourists are becoming more interested in renting a private apartment, away from other tourists and in a well connected residential area, as opposed to renting a room in a hotel or hostel.

Visitors are now, more than ever seeing apartment rental as a more affordable and flexible alternative to hotel accommodation, listing advantages such as added privacy, independance, freedom to prepare their own meals, and come and go at whatever hour of the day or night they please.

Affordability is also a huge factor. An apartment in Barcelona shared amongst a family or group of four people, for example, can cut the nightly cost of accomodation in half, compared to local hotel prices. This has brought excellent stability to the apartment rental business, and in turn, the opportunity for aggressive expansion.

Gaizka Pujana, owner of a sucessful holiday apartment rental business in Spain started out small in Barcelona with just one apartment in 2003. Since then, he has aquired a portfolio of fifteen apartments in Barcelona and has recently expanded into Madrid, Seville and the Costa Del Sol. Pujana attributes his success to steady and growing business.

He says Spain is a beautiful country. The people are friendly, the culture is rich and the sun is shining. Its not hard to see why this country is heading towards the number one tourist destination in Europe.

Along with small business success, further opportunities and challenges arise for local and regional authorities, who bear the responsibility of expanding and maintaining the infrastructure necessary to receive so many visitors.

But the numbers say it all, and visitors keep coming back year after year, to enjoy a taste of the Spanish sun and lifestyle.

About Author:
Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company
specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Seville and Barcelona through its
web pages apartment rental Barcelona
barcelona apartment rental
barcelona apartments

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Mumbai is Technically Indias Second City

Located on the west coast of the subcontinent Mumbai faces out into the Arabian Sea. Mumbai is technically Indias second city, but in many ways, this progressive economic powerhouse is Indias first.

It was formerly known as Bombay. It is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, the most populous city of India and by some measures the most populous city in the world with an estimated population of about 18 million.

Its streets ahead of the rest of the country in many ways and has managed to cobble together capitalist dynamism, pompous history and fractured social elements particularly well.

Although its not a tourist destination in the true sense of the word, it is one of Indias more liveable and lovable cities. Mumbai has a character of its own, and bearing in mind what a disaster services can be in India, Mumbai is a breeze.

If you arrive at Mumbai by train the first thing that catches your attention is the massive architecture of the station at which you have arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. This main railway station of Bombay is one of the major tourist attractions in the city.

The best time to travel to Bombay is between October and March. The skies are clear and the weather is cool and pleasant.

Visit Mumbai at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi. It is an 11 day festival, which comes in the month of August and September. Mumbai is in its full bloom during this time and the celebrations reach their climax with the immersion of idols of Ganesha elephant headed god in the sea.

Some of the most famous museums and art galleries in India are found here. The Kala Ghoda area in South Mumbai teems with them, particularly the Prince of Wales Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Once again, most of them are concentrated in South Mumbai

Mumbai has a few beaches, including one in the downtown area. However they arent that great and the water off Mumbais coast is not clean. The relatively better ones are in the Northwest Mumbai area.

Colaba is the main tourist area, with shops, restaurants, hotels and the main landmarks.

The Floral Fountain, for some reason, finds its way into guidebooks and onto the tourist itinerary. It may be old and historic but its very little to look at and certainly not worth seeking out.

Take a visit.

About Author:
Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Mumbai Rental Site

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Dining and Drinking in Paris

Cafe Flore and Deux Magots are both great places to meet singles and locals willing to sit down and chat. Buy a fancy coffee and the newspaper and sit down for a bit. This is definitley not some hot pick-up spot, for that you'll need to try a bar. However, if you are either new to the area or just hanging out for a week or so, you are likely to get a good line on what you should see and do while you're in town.

Most people will tell you that wine and France go together like peanut butter and jelly. The legal drinking age in France is 18, yet you don't see many out tying on a buzz. The citizens of France typically drink as a social activity, not to get drunk. Wine and tapas bars are great places to to socialize and meet new people.

If you want a truly unique experience, try Lo Sushi, which has a rotating sushi bar where diners get to help themselves to the delectable sushi and sashimi. Try Bel Canto, a chain restaurant devoted to Opera songs. Each quarter hour, one or several waiters or waitresses stop what they're doing to sing an opera tune while accompanied by a pianist.

There are a few things to remember when dining out in Paris, or anywhere in France for that matter. As with most European countries, the tip is included in your tab. If you order food at the bar, stay at the bar because there is a difference in prices. If you sit at a table, you will not find yourself rushed through dinner as you are in America. Your meal may not come in what you consider the correct order; drinks, appetizers, main course, dessert, but you will get all your food.

The waitstaff at the restaurants can tend to be what Americans consider slow as they only worry about doing one thing at a time. However, this helps you to enjoy your meal and your social time with your friends and family. When you're finished eating you can say, "J'ai fini. L' addition, sil vous plait," which means "I'm finished. The check, please." You will not be expected to leave your table after your check is paid, it is yours for as long as you want it.

Remember, standard custom is to round up to the nearest euro since the gratuity is included in the check. Also, if you do not finish your food, do NOT ask to take it home. There are no 'doggy bags' in Paris and culturaly, it is considered rude to ask.

So, there you have it. A few great places to eat and a few tips to keep you fluent in the culture of dining and drinking in Paris. Enjoy your trip and enjoy the food!

About Author:
Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company
specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Seville and Barcelona through its
web pages Paris apartment rental
Paris apartments
apartment rental Paris

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory

Shopping in Barcelona

St. Joseph Market is one of, if not the most popular markets in town. It is best known as Mercat de la Boqueria. Opened originally in 1836, it is a roofed catalan market with interesting architecture and atmosphere, not to mention a wonderful variety of products to choose from. Here you will find reasonably priced food, flowers and handmade stuff.

If you're traveling with children, be sure to hit up the central sidewalk of Las Ramblas Ave, almost in front of La Boqueria market. There you will see many street stalls selling all sorts of small animals from birds to lizards to hampsters and dogs. Many locals say this is quite like an American petting zoo.

Walk around the Old Town (Gotic-Ribera-Born) and you will find a less known but equally interesting market. Mercat de Santa Caterina, which was closed for many years, was re-opened in 2005. The most interesting feature of this less crowded market is the colorful and wavy ceramic roof. Once inside the market, your choices are much the same, but you will not find yourself fighting all the tourists at the more popular market, Mercat de la Boqueria.

Walk towards the steps of the Santiago and you will come across small craft shops that appear to be old homes. Go inside and drink in all the wonderful handmade items, from silver jewelry and handmade toys to flamenco fans, paper-mache masks, textiles, beads, glass plates and mosaics. These will serve as great sourvenirs and will likely be the topic of conversation for years to come.

If you love chocolate, stop by Cacao Sampaka. The treats you will find here are exceptional and are only found in Europe. More specifically, there are less than 10 shops that carry these divine works of art. Because Cacao Sampaka are the manufacturers of chocolate, they control the entire process, from choosing the beans to the packaging of the product; and it shows. Only here can you find friend corn with bitter chocolate, salted sunflower seeds with bitter chocolate, lemon peels covered in chocolate, chocolate sauces, jams and spreads.

Caelum is the Latin word for Heaven and the folks that opened Caelum Shop/Cafe knew exactly what they were offering. Everything in this shop has been created by monks and nuns from several monestaries and nunneries throghout Spain; jams and preserves, cakes and biscuits, marzipan and liquors. The packaging makes them great gifts and recently they've added a cafe on the ground floor so you can try before you buy. If you take the stairs down even further, you will find yourself back in time in the old Jewish bath house; these baths date back some 400 years.

Before you leave, make sure to visit Fantastik. This is the place that has labeled itself 'bazaar bizarro' and in it you will find trinkets, toys, gadgets and colorful goodies, both useful and useless. The price tag ranges from expensive to dirt cheap so there is something for everyone. Pick up cute things from around the world including matchboxes adorned with rhinestones from India or woven technicolor plastic floormats, lanterns and chests made rom soda cans from Africa. Bring a friend home a Luchadora mask from Mexico or any one of their posters, t-shirts or memorabilia.

When in Barcelona, shop as the locals do. Visit and enjoy the outdoor markets and the crafty little shops and bring something unique home for everyone on your shopping list!

About Author:
Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company
specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Seville and Barcelona through its
web pages apartment rental Barcelona
apartments Barcelona
Apartment Barcelona

Source: Arkilite.com Travel Free Articles Directory