Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

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30 Reasons to Holiday in Croatia

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Are you looking for a getaway break with a difference? Are you tired of the same old beach resort holidays but don’t want to travel to the other side of the world? Croatia is a perfect solution. The food is fabulous, there’s plenty to explore and you still have the option of spending time at the beach.

Stunning scenery and mountains to climb, as well as national parks and trails to explore means you can indulge your adventurous side. If history is more your thing, then Croatia won’t disappoint.

Discover unusual traditions, quirky places, islands and so much more with a holiday in Croatia. Game of Thrones fans will be delighted by the tours on offer, giving you the chance to visit some famous sites from the hit show.

The beaches might be rocky, but you can still enjoy an ocean retreat or book into one of the hotels with salt water pools. Whatever you’re looking for, Croatia makes an ideal break from the stress of daily life. The infographic below reveals some interesting facts about Croatia that can make your holiday even more special.

From Atlanta to Catalonia: Exploring Barcelona’s Hidden Gems this Xmas

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When you think of Barcelona, what images does it conjure up?

The fairytale wonders of Park Güell? Gaudi’s stunning architecture at Sagrada Família? The funfair at Tibidabo? Picking up a bargain at Las Ramblas? Lionel Messi?

Admittedly, Spain’s second largest city is as famous for its architectural triumphs and sporting heroes as it is for its position as one of the major cultural and economic centers in Europe.

It’s a wonderful city jam-packed with things to see and do, which is why we recommend swapping Atlanta for Catalonia this Christmas and jetting off to Barca for a holiday with a twist.

But first …

Flying from the world’s busiest passenger airport can throw up its own challenges, so to make sure your journey from Hartsfield-Jackson gets off to the best possible start, we recommend pre-booking a parking spot using the Atlanta airport parking comparison service Looking4.com.

Not only will this save your blood pressure, it’ll save you time circling the airport trying to find a parking spot—and you can even opt for a meet and greet service, which means you can drop your car off at the terminal. Magnífico! (as they say in España).

Now … on to the other important stuff …

Poblenou Cemetery

Fair enough, it’s not the cheeriest start to your trip, but the stunning architecture of Poblenou Cemetery is enough to raise your spirits (no pun intended). Located in calle de Taulat, the first cemetery here was opened in 1775.

Check out the two sections of the cemetery, with egalitarian burial niches at the front and monuments and mausolea at the rear, reserved for Barcelona’s wealthier residents to erect expensive reminders of where they lie.

Dine in the Dark

Unless you’ve been kidnapped, held hostage and blindfolded, it’s doubtful you’ve spent much time eating your meals in darkness.  However, at Barcelona’s Dans le Noir, you can break with tradition and engage your other senses as you sit down to some expertly prepared food.

Embark on a sensory journey as your perception of taste and smell are flipped on their head, with a unique atmosphere radiating through the restaurant. If it sounds odd, that’s because it is, but it’s an intriguing way to dine out for the evening.

Enjoy a Sub Zero Drink

Ever dreamed of sipping tasty cocktails while temperatures dip between -2°C and -10°C? When you get to Barcelona, you can make that dream a reality thanks to Icebarcelona. Located in the Condal City, it offers the world’s first ice bar situated on a beach.

Designed by internationally renowned artists, this extremely cool hangout is frequented by locals and tourists alike. The experience lasts for around 45 minutes, which is plenty of time to take a few snaps before checking out the shores of the Mediterranean.

Now it’s over to you …

Do you have any unusual attractions you’d like to visit when you head to Barcelona? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.

Karachi: The land lost in Colonial times

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Karachi can be safely ranked on the verge to be the second largest city in the world with a population crossing 23.5 million. The most popular city of Pakistan, is also the most religiously, linguistically and ethnically diverse. The gateway to the country, Karachi is home to many of Pakistan’s museums and other cultural institutions. On Tue economic front, Karachi also generates around 35% of Pakistan’s Tax revenue, moreover during the 1960s; Karachi was widely seen as an economic model around the world. But it is also the cheapest city to live in, according to many. Home to most of Pakistan’s media, this city is the face of both sides of the coin.

You can visit this city through the Jinnah International Airport which offers flight destinations throughout South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe, and North America etc. Booking from reliable sites can even get you Cheap Dubai to Karachi flights, Cape Town to Karachi, Auckland to Karachi, Sydney to Karachi flights and more of the same.

Now that you are here, how about we go about discovering the city:

  • PAF Museum, Karachi: It is an Air Force museum with over 30 aircraft on show, including an Indian Gnat which was captured by Pakistani forces in 1965. Apart from this, you will also be able to see a number of old fighter jets and other antique aircraft. Not just whole structures, but engine parts are also on display which tells us how it all works.
  • French Beach: The French Beach is considered to be the reserve of Karachi’s upper classes and expatriates. Here you will be able to enjoy the cool breezes, clear beach, and a calm atmosphere. Moreover, there is a small fishing village surrounded by a boundary wall which is dotted with huts and thus available for rent. It is recommended to just book a hut there and enjoy a night’s stay. The clear waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. The various cliffs which dot the countryside create a scenic look which will never bore you.
  • Karachi Safari Park: A safari is not something anyone wants to miss, especially when it is filled with viewing facilities like a chairlift and safari tracks along with two natural lakes. There is also a privately funded amusement park, Go Aish, in its vicinity. This is a great place to visit with kids and family. There are also food and ice cream stalls if you ever feel the munchies.
  • Mohatta Palace Museum: Built in the posh seaside locale of Clifton offers a diverse range of activities. Here you will first notice the colored windows on the exterior, a wall of stone, an arch and minarets. Get ready to just get lost in its architectural splendor.
  • National Museum of Pakistan: It offers the most varied exhibition of Pakistan’s history and culture. When you enter, right at the entrance you will find a large relief map of the vast territory of southwestern Asia shows routes that linked various regions. Inside, there’s chronologically placed material from Stone Age, village cultures of Baluchistan and the great Indus Valley Civilization.

Karachi always welcomes its visitors so be ready to see a city which is a great reminder of how to combine the past with the present

A Guide to Visiting Spain this Winter

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Spain is often seen as one of the best destinations for holiday-makers to rest their heads. With an extensive coastline and a history that has roots deep in the past, there is no wonder people turn to Spain when they are looking for their dose of sun and culture. Arguably the most loved part of Spain is its ability to attract year-round great weather. This means that dreams of beach holidays or sipping on sangria in the sunset can be achieved during the winter months. This makes for the perfect break from bleak British weather, but you should always make sure to follow some foolproof tips when it comes to planning your trip.

Make the most of the beaches

Visiting Spain without indulging in one of its many beaches is a mistake that should be avoided. With stretches of golden sand and the chance to enjoy fresh seafood, there is no wonder that Spain is known as a hub for beach holidays across the world. Though there are many beaches on the mainland, some of the best for winter getaways can be found on island archipelagos like the Canary Islands. To ensure you escape the crowds of winter sun-chasers, a trip to the smaller island of Fuerteventura is recommended. You can put the jewel in the crown of your trip by browsing villas in Fuerteventura, which can add luxury and a sense of privacy to your trip. Unwind in a villa, rather than an impersonal hotel room.

Visit iconic cities

Although beach retreats are an unmissable part of Spain, you should still take the time to explore some of its most famous cities. From the sightseeing capital of Madrid to the architectural haven of Barcelona, there is something here that everyone can enjoy. If you are hoping to see the true Spain, you should take a trip down to the south to Seville. Here, you can see ancient buildings and cobbled streets, where the weather is notably sunny for most months of the year.

Indulge in Spanish cuisine

In terms of culinary delights, Spain has an array of options for you to try on every day of your holiday. For example, if you order a drink in a traditional Spanish bar, you are likely to have a plate of tapas brought out for you to snack on. If you are hoping to fill your stomach at lunchtime, you should try the Valencian marvel of paella, which often includes tender chicken thighs and fresh seafood. At any time of the day, a glass of cool sangria is perfect when you are hoping to cool down, but there are also many vineyards dotted around the country that offer you the chance to try local wine.

Take a dip in nature

There are some people who hope to escape to Spain during winter to experience the landscape without the blazing summer heat. With unique spectacles like the pink lake at Torrevieja, to the towering volcano at Teide National Park, there is something here for every nature lover to enjoy. Ideally, you should still aim to bring sunscreen with you on your trip, as spending so much time outdoors means you may be at risk of sunburn, even in winter.

Enjoying a Safari in Uganda

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A safari is always an incredible adventure. There’s just something to special when you’re roaming around pristine and untouched nature, and observing the wonderful animals go about their day. Sometimes they look back, and sometimes they don’t, but they’re always fun to watch – and a safari is just as educational as it’s fun, especially when in Uganda.

Why Uganda

Routinely featured as National Geographic’s top destinations, Uganda is a gorgeous land with unbelievably beautiful sights, amazing animals, and pristine nature that’s impossible to forget about. Every single minute out in the Ugandan wilds is an adventure, and there’s no adventure like a Uganda adventure. With its many natural trails, beautiful Rwenzori Mountains, and even the jewel of Africa that’s the Nile River, it’s impossible to not have a wonderful time in Uganda, especially when on Safari.

What is the Ugandan Safari?

Due to its location in the heart of Africa, there’s an incomparable amount of gorgeous wildlife in Uganda. There’s always a fascinating animal to see, practically any way you look, and while there are no critically endangered species, there are some that are near threatened, or endangered. With many unique animals, like the gorgeous zebra, or the noble giraffe, and the roaming buffalos, there are hundreds of mammals found in the lands on Uganda. What’s also great is that you’ll be constantly surrounded with varied nature, like cultivated apple trees, coffee plantations, wide savannahs, and all around beautiful nature.

When to go on a safari in Uganda

The country of Uganda has arguably the best climate in the entire world. Because the equator runs through the heart of the country, the weather is constantly mild, warm, and it’s great even in the rain season. This means that going on a safari is a year-round affair, as it’s always possible to go on an adventure and roam in the wonderful Ugandan nature to observe its glorious wildlife. While the weather is always good, it’s not always perfect, especially in April and May, but that’s when the safari is most heavily discounted – this doesn’t mean that it’s not a great time to visit, but rather almost not as great as the rest of the year.

Things to do while on a Safari in Uganda

As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, there are numerous things to see and do in Uganda. Namely, Uganda is the spot where the river Nile starts flowing through Africa as it exits Lake Victoria, and water rafting on the Nile is one of the best things to for a little variety between safari expeditions. Lake Victoria also offers plenty of unique spots, as it’s the largest lake in Africa, and is considered one of the most beautiful places to see in all of Uganda.

A safari is always an incredible adventure. Uganda is definitely a place to visit all on its own, but couple with the thrill of a safari it definitely becomes something that everybody should do at least once in their lives, because it’s a completely unforgettable experience.