Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

destinations

5 things you can’t stop raving about in Dubai

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It is no secret that Dubai has become the most preferred destination in the last few years. For instance, between 2017 and 2018, the city received over fifteen million visitors from all over the world. There are lot of reasons why a lot of people visit and fall in love with the city.

Here are some reasons why the city is gaining popularity

1. Rapid development

Dubai has changed so much over the last few decades. If you get a chance to talk to a person who visited Dubai in the eighties, they will be describing a completely different city from what it is today. It is one of the most rapidly growing cities in the world.

Due to the rapid development, it is estimated that 24 percent of all cranes in the world are located in Dubai. At any moment, there is a skyscraper under construction to enhance the skyline. Apart from buildings, there is a wide range of man-made marvels that give visitors a great first impression. Creek Beach at Dubai Creek Harbour, Port de la mer and Bluewaters Residences are some of the prominent residential projects in Dubai.

2. Great shopping experience

Budget is one of the biggest factors to consider when traveling. There is a common misconception that Dubai can only accommodate rich shoppers. On the contrary, shoppers of any income level can find something in the city. Due to low taxes, commodities are cheaper compared to other cities like New York or London.

3. Sandy desert and the beach

In most cases, the fun offered by the beach and the sandy desert is often underestimated. There is a wide range of activities that visitors can enjoy in the desert such as riding camels and ATVs. On the other hand, Dubai has some of the best beaches in the world. The city gets around 300 days of sun in a year, meaning that you can spend almost the whole year on the beach.

4. Diversity

One of the greatest things about the city is its diversity. It is estimated that over eighty percent of the city’s population is foreign. This makes the city become a melting pot of cultures and traditions from all over the world.

5. Low crime rate

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world with a crime rate at almost zero percent. There are very strict laws and regulations in the city. Also, the police force is highly equipped with top of the range technology.

Emaar Beachfront apartments are an ambitious project developed by Emaar Properties. The project is sold off plan and is expected to be completed by 2021. Take up this chance and become part of the fastest growing city in the world.

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.