World Travel Guide

Nothing in Québec seems more important than the province's ongoing struggle to preserve its cultural identity. On a couple of occasions, the people of Québec have voted on the issue of the province becoming a sovereign nation. At the last referendum, in 1995, the province was as close as it has ever been to separating from Canada. However, the people of Quebec voted to remain an important province in Canada.

But the political issues surrounding Québec shouldn't overshadow its remarkable beauty and the vibrancy of the people who live there. A wonderful mixture of culture, language, architecture and landscape make Quebec a thrilling and educational area to visit.

Montreal and Québec City are Québec's largest cities. Montreal is a beautiful city renowned for its nightlife and world-class restaurants. Québec City, the predominately French-speaking capital, is webbed together by historic cobblestone streets and its distinctive culture.

Michigan is the only state that borders on four of the five Great Lakes. The state has the peculiar shape of a mitten and residents can often be seen raising their open right hand and pointing to where they live. Michigan actually consists of two big peninsulas, joined at the top of the Lower Peninsula by I-75 and the Mackinac Bridge. The topography of the Lower Peninsula consists of low rolling hills giving way to a northern tableland of hilly belts. The Upper Peninsula is level in the east, with swampy areas; the western region is higher and more rugged.

On the shores of the great lakes you find many attractions: Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear, Isle Royale are all national lakeshores.

Lansing is the capital of Michigan but Detroit is the biggest city. Detroit is the car capital of the world. The Sloan Museum, the Henry Ford museum, and the Automotive Hall of Fame celebrate this role.

Though on the outskirts of Europe, Sweden was never a cultural outpost. The reigning royalty often invited foreign artists to their courts and also stimulated the development of local artists. Furthermore the Swedish developed their own traditions in design, painting and architecture. Gothenburg city hall was a widely followed example of traditionalistic architecture.

The four largest cities Stockholm, Norrköping/Linköping Twin Cities, Gothenburg, and Malmö display different characteristics. Stockholm, the capital, is beautiful, hi-tech oriented and rich in historical heritage.

Near to Stockholm you find the historical city of Uppsala as well as Birka, Nyköping and Sigtuna. A classic venture is to go by old-time steam-ship through Göta Kanal (the Blue Ribbon of Sweden) which connects Gothenburg with Stockholm.

The Göta Kanal carries both private boats and cruises through the central plains and valleys of Sweden known for its medieval history as well as its modern history of aviation and electronics. The City of Linköping is home to SAAB Aerospace and boasts the origins of the mainframe computer. Its University of over 28,000 students is best known for computer engineering, modelling and simulation technologies. Together with its neighbor Norrköping, these two cities make up Sweden's fourth largest city region of over 250,000 inhabitants.

In the south the more industrial Gothenburg at the western "front side" of Sweden is the industrial heart of the country. The city is dominated by the large international port. Malmö in the south is cosier and has a more common touch. This city is an easy daytrip from Copenhagen in Denmark.

Sweden's great and vastly unspoiled nature is very diverse and offers you new and unexpected beautiful views every time you visit it again. The south has warm and sandy beaches, an open rural landscape with beautiful manors and patches of woods. In the central part, the coast is dominated by thousands of small islands, the skerries, consisting of more or less bare rocks carved and polished by the latest glaciation. The landscape becomes more and more dominated by the woods, spotted with many lakes and smaller agricultural areas. The further to the north you move, the more the woods take over. Skerries give you the impression of travelling through a chain of lakes all the way to the Finnish border, as you move along the coast. The rivers become greater, the forests darker, the people fewer in the north. Close to the Norwegian border, the mountains get higher and rougher. Lappland in the northwest, north of the polar circle, lets you experience the emptiness of polar tundra in alpine environment.

Sweden became rich and powerful thanks to its great natural resources, the iron ore mines in the far north and in the central part, the forestry-based industry and cheap electricity from water power. Today, the country is in the frontline of IT development and infrastructure.

That may not sound like much of a reason to travel to anywhere, but if you can’t swap stories about the lines at Disney World, the mosquitoes in the Everglades, the cold spring water at Ichetucknee, or the superiority of the white sand beaches of the Panhandle, well, I’m sorry my friend, but you’re just out of the loop.

With 16 million citizens and 170,000 square kilometers of land, Florida is as large and as varied as a medium-sized country, and as such can’t be seen in a weekend. It has been said that to truly understand a culture (and Florida has several), one must spend months immersed in it. With Florida this is a dangerous proposition. Many people who come to visit end up staying for the rest of their lives-which can make a person a little crazy.

Florida, of course, is known for many things: the Everglades; the sun, sand, and surf that make up Florida’s 1500 kilometers of beaches; the Florida Keys; South Beach, the trendiest place in the world at the moment; and, oh yes, Disney World. But there is much more.

Florida’s western Panhandle is home to some of the finest beaches in the United States. The only elevation to speak of in the entire state is here, as are the state’s only caverns and some of the best canoeing around. The north central area of the state is home to the state’s capital, Tallahassee, with a number of fine museums , as well as to the famous Suwannee River. Opportunities for fishing, cave diving, and indoctrination in Southern small-town culture abound.

Northeast Florida is home to the state’s largest city, Jacksonville, to the oldest continuously inhabited city in America, St. Augustine, and boasts the headquarters of the Professional Golf Association. Golf, fishing, history, and the oldest marine park in the country, Marineland, make northeast Florida well worth a visit.

Further south you’ll come to world-famous Daytona Beach, as well as the site of the American space agency, NASA, in Brevard County--well worth seeing. Central Florida is dominated by Orlando and its well know coterie of theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and more tourist attractions than you can shake a stick at.

Disney World is a must-see for any family, and contains so many attractions it can take at least a whole week to visit them all. Disney World has 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a bunch of beautiful themed resort hotels, and golf courses. You can get the traditional Disney experience at the Magic Kingdom, you can get up-close with various animals at Animal Kingdom, you can go behind the scenes at MGM Studios, and you can explore the world of today and tomorrow at Epcot. Each theme park, as well as many of the resorts, have multitudinous dining options: From simple counter dining at McDonalds all the way up to the only 5 star, black tie restaurant to be found in the Orlando area. When combined with the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks, its pristine golf courses, and other surrounding attractions, the Disney property provides plenty of fun for all ages.

But don’t miss the charming small citrus towns south of Orlando or the lake towns to the north. To the west lie Tampa and St Petersburg, beautiful cities with beaches to match. Tampa boasts a Busch Gardens theme park, but the real attraction here is the Gulf of Mexico, whose calm green waters and white sandy beaches are suitable for sunning year-round

South Florida is worth visiting there is still an unparalleled experience. Although Fort Lauderdale is no longer a Spring Break haven, and Miami has seen its share of urban troubles, as any large metro area would but the beaches, the people, the Everglades, and the experience of it all is not to be missed. And of course no one has truly seen Florida who has not taken the long journey down U.S. 1 through the keys to Key West, the ultimate vacationer’s paradise, where it’s as easy to fill your day with activity as it is to do nothing at all.

Located in central Europe, Austria is a landlocked country bordered by the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland. The country was a centre of power in Europe at the time when it was ruled by the mighty Habsburgs. Although today it is relegated to being a minor player in the European Union, Austria offers some of the most impressive destinations on the Continent.

The capital Vienna was once the citadel of the Habsburgs who ruled the country for over 600 years. The city is an architectural gem and a centre of music from the medieval times. The Hofburg (Imperial Palace) and the adjoining Augustinian Church are two of the marvels of architecture. Other notable sights in Vienna include the Museum of Fine Arts, Belvedere Palace, and the Sigmund Freud Museum.

The southern city of Graz with its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, the largest in central Europe, has a very relaxed and mediterranean flair.

It is situated on the sunny side of the Alps and offers an exciting architectural mix between old - winding lanes and the remains of a castle that has never been taken - and new - Kunsthaus gallery with its blue bubble and an artificial island in the river - both created for Cultural Capital of Europe recently. With every sixth inhabitant being a student, it also offers a lively pub scene. The hilly wine growing region nearby is a great destination for an excursion.

Salzburg, the city that gave Mozart to the world, is a picturesque abode surrounded by tall mountains. Your tour of Salzburg is incomplete without a visit to the 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle, the Museum of Fine Arts, and St. Peter's Abbey. Four kilometres to the south of Salzburg is the interesting Hellbrunn Palace whose grounds contain trick fountains and water-powered figures.

If destinations off-the-beaten-track fascinate you, Austria has plenty of them too. Wels and Steyr are small cities worth a visit. Rust, and Gurk are some good places to explore along with the Eisriesenwelt Caves, which, incidentally, are the largest accessible ice caves in the world. Another interesting place to visit is Bad_Ischl, the famous spa, where the Austrian Emperors spent their holidays.

Austria is thronged by tourists round the year. Summer is the ideal time for sightseeing while in winter the slopes of the Alps offer ample opportunities for skiing. The Arlberg region with St. Anton or Salzburg with Radstadt has some of the best skiing resorts in Austria. Up in the Alps, the Gemuetlichkeit of the Austrians makes you enjoy a stay in the snow, skiing or hiking.

There is no other state with so many national parks dedicated to Native Indian civilizations. From Bandelier in Los Alamos to the ancestral Pueblo Indian ruins in Aztec to Chaco Culture National Historical Park , the whole state has many places where you can learn about this important cultural heritage. Plan to visit one of the 19 pueblos, the Navajo Nation, or one of the Apache nations.

Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The Taos people have been in the area for over 1000 years, although the village has been moved several times. The current eye-catching adobe structures date back to the early 1800s. Some of these buildings are four stories high and ladders are used to reach the upper floors and the roofs. Also in the mountains near Taos you can find skiing at several ski resorts.

Albuquerque and Santa Fe are the main urban areas in New Mexico. Both are attractive towns with excellent tourist infrastructure. They are good starting points for exploring the north central portion of the state, where one can find many colonial villages, verdant forests, and high mountain country.

Northwest New Mexico is often called "Indian Country" due to the large populations of various Indian Nations in the area; Grants, Gallup, and Farmington are good bases for exploring this diverse and interesting region. Here you'll find the oldest continuously inhabited city in the US, the venerable Pueblo of Acoma, and the world heritage site of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The tallest mountain in this region is sacred Mount Taylor, part of the Cibola National Forest and one of the "four sacred mountains" of Navajo legend. Zuni Pueblo is the largest of the New Mexico pueblos and can be visited from either Grants or Gallup. With an enticing mix of public lands, ancient and modern Native cultures, and four season climate, this region offers much to the southwest traveler.

Southern New Mexico is dominated by Las Cruces, a fast growing city that has warm winters favored by retirees and others fleeing the snow belt. The rugged terrain of the Gila region in the southwest of the state is home to Silver City and many small mountain towns.

For hiking and other outdoor activities, El Malpais National Monument and White Sands are spectacular national parks, where anyone with a love for the outdoor can spend whole weeks.

The emperors, or tsars, made the city their base of rule until 1712, when the capital was moved to Saint Petersburg. Moscow was restored as Russia's capital in 1918, and it served as the capital of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) from 1922 until 1991. Since then Moscow has been the capital of the Russian Federation.

Moscow has a long and dramatic history. The city has been completely destroyed and rebuilt again many times throughout the years. Its most ancient wooden buildings disappeared in fires. Each time the city was resurrected from the ashes, it became more and more beautiful. For every rebuilding, the most talented and famous architects were invited from around the world to restore Moscow.

This history of reconstruction Moscow has undergone is part of the reason she has absorbed the many different and diverse styles that visitors experience here. Stalin's epic and monumental buildings neighbor with small two-store nineteenth century town houses, while splendid cathedrals peer out from behind modern skyscrapers. Even in the heart of Moscow, in the Kremlin, old churches compete with the immense Congress Palace for space.

Despite the size of the city (about 900 square kilometers) and the scale of many of the buildings and avenues there, the general layout is easily grasped - a series of concentric circles and radial lines, emanating from the Kremlin; the center being compact enough to explore on foot.

The Kremlin and its surroundings are a great place to spend time. In the summer the temperature can get high. This surprises many people, as they associate Russia with snow. I arrived in June and was met with fantastic 90F heat. I headed straight for the Kremlin and Red Square, and found this is to be real hangout for young and old alike, with street bars everywhere and people jumping in the fountains to keep cool. The Kremlin deserves a full circumnavigation to appreciate the architectural splendour. This area is a very cool place to chill out!

Málaga's coastline forms part of The Costa del Sol, a special part of the Mediterranean -- so you are in for a treat during your Malaga vacation. The climate is temperate, with an average of 86°F during the summer months and 64°F during winter. This is due to the mountains that protect the coast from cold north winds.

Málaga was first a Phoenician colony and later came under the control of the Greeks, Carthaginians, Visigoths, Arabs, and Christians. Today it is a maritime city rich in culture, some of whose remains are on view at the Archeological Museum. The friendly people and wonderful climate also encourage a stroll through the old walls and the remains of the Muslim palaces of the Alcazaba fortress. Through its gardens next to the sea - they are adorned with palm and orange trees and jacaranda. Visitors can also visit the house where Picasso was born, there on the wide, lively Plaza de la Merced or take in the view of the city from the top of the Gibralfaro Castle.

Top Ten Things to do in Malaga

Finca La Concepcion – Considered one of the most important and the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe, this 150-year-old botanical garden features giant ficus, araucarias (one 147-foot-tall specimen is the tallest tree in the province, palms, cycads, bamboo from China, and a wide variety of exotic flowers. Visitors can also stroll through the gardens and explore the many ornamental pools filled with waterlilys, frogs, turtles, and toads. One-hour guided tours are offered year round. Address: Carretera de las Pedrizas (SN 331). Take bus No. 61 from Alameda Principal in Central Malaga on weekends and holidays. Information: +34 952 252 148

Mueso Picasso Malaga – Museo Picasso Malaga is the city’s most renowned museum. It consists of 14 paintings, 9 sculptures, 44 drawings, a sketchbook from the Royan series containing 36 drawings, 58 engravings, and 7 ceramic pieces donated by Christine Ruiz-Picasso, widow of Picasso’s eldest child, Paul Ruiz-Picasso. In addition, the collection also includes 22 pieces donated by Picasso’s grandchild. Also onsite are Roman and Moorish remains, which were uncovered during restoration work on the palace that is now home to the museum. Museo Picasso Malaga is open Tuesday-Thursday 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and Sunday and holidays 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Address: C/San Agustin 8, Ph: +34 952 127 600, E-mail: info@museopicassomalaga.org, www2.museopicassomalaga.org.

La Alcazaba – La Alcazaba is a Malaga landmark that dates back to the 700s. The entrance, known as Christ’s Door or Puerta del Cristo, is where the first mass was celebrated after the Christian victory over the town. If you head just below the entrance to La Alcazaba you will find the ruins of an ancient amphitheatre dating back to the second century AD. Location: Calle Alcazabilla

Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro – This magnificent hotel features one of the best views Malaga has to offer. Located in the old quarter of the city on Mount Gibralfaro, this four star hotel features 38 elegant suites, a swimming pool on the top floor, an excellent restaurant, and a beautiful Picasso painting on the wall. All Parador de Malaga-Gibralfaro guests can use the facilities of the Parador del Golf, located on the outskirts of Malaga. Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro address: Castillo de Gibralfaro, s/n (29016) Malaga, Ph: +34 952 221 902, E-mail: gibralfaro@parador.es, www.parador.es. Average room rate 123EU ($200US).

The Cathedral – Malaga’s Cathedral also called “La Manquita” (one armed woman) due to only one completed tower, was built between 1528 and 1782. Just a few highlights include: 40 statues of the saints and a 16th century retable. The structure features beautiful stone work on the façade and Renaissance and baroque styles on the interior. Address: C. de Molina Larios, Ph: +34 952 215 917.

Museo Unicaja de Artes Populares – This arts and crafts museum features items used between the 17th and 20th centuries and other worthy pieces. On display are ceramic figures, clay figures, folk costumes, fishing equipment, furniture, horse-drawn carriages, and more. Hours are 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Saturday 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Address: Pasillo de Santa Isabel, 10, Ph: +34 952 217 137, www.museoartespopulares.com.

Plaza de la Malagueta - Plaza de la Malagueta is the largest bullfighting ring in Malaga. The ring, designed by Joaquin Rucoba, opened in 1876 and it can hold up to 14,000 spectators. Marabella, which opened in 1964 holds up to 9,500 spectators and Antequera, opened in 1848, holds up to 8,200 spectators. There are more than a dozen bullrings in and around the city of Malaga. Plaza de la Malagueta is located at Calle de Cervantes, Ph: +34 852 221 727, www.la-malagueta.es. Hours: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Santiago Church – The foundation of this church dates back to July 25, 1490 making it the oldest church in Malaga. Pablo Picasso was baptized here in 1881. Major points of interest include the Mudejar Tower, sculptural works, and pictorial works such as Oil of the Virgin of the Child's Souls of Guevara, Christ's Baptism, an Apostle San Andrés, the Good Shepherd, the Immaculate Conception and the Virgin del Rosario. Santiago Church: Granada Street. Hours: 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Gibralfaro Castle - Gibralfaro Castle/Fortress offers some of the most amazing panoramic views the city has to offer. This is the original place where Gibralfro lies and it is located next to La Alcazaba. Ducts from two of the castles towers connect La Alcazaba and Gibralfaro.

Town Hall – Town Hall is the most fascinating modernistic structure in Malaga. It was built between 1912 and 1919 and it features a neo-baroque style, gorgeous gardens, and excellent views of Alcazaba and Gibralfaro.

Vast plains. Rolling hills. A beautiful seaside. Hard to believe that all of this and more can be found in one State: Texas.

The second largest state in the United States (behind Alaska), Texas boasts a variety of cultures, lifestyles, and opportunities for adventures. Like the makings of a Hollywood movie, cowboys still drive cattle across the wide-open spaces and organizations reenact the legendary Battle of the Alamo.

Nicknamed the Lone Star State from its stint as an independent republic in the early 1800s, Texas and its myriad of different cities has something to offer everyone, from the family who wants to get away from it all, or the die-hard adventurer, looking for something new.

Texas is renowned for its hospitallity. People of any culture or creed are always made very welcome here, as long as they don't "mess with Texas"!

A vast country spanning the steppe and deserts of Northeast Asia, Mongolia has maintained much of its centuries-old nomadic tradition. Although low on distinctive, historical "sights," it is of significant interest to those seeking a unique culture, rough scenery and wildlife. Horse treks through the country with camping in the traditional gers are a perfect way of discovering the traditional Mongol way of life. Mongolia has a unique and durable traditional culture, centered around the herding lifestyle. Herders remain semi-nomadic, moving their animals with the seasons as they have for centuries. Half of Mongolia's population is rural, and tending to livestock remains the backbone of the Mongolian economy.

Despite the popular image of Mongolians as nomadic herders, it is an increasingly urbanized country. Over a third of Mongolians live in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. Other major urban centers are Darkhan and Erdenet. In these cities, especially Ulaanbaatar, there are still a number of Buddhist sites, testament to the once profoundly Tibetan-Buddhist character of the culture before Communism.

Located 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok or only about two-hour drive, Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousand of pleasure-seeking tourist from all over the world. Visitors can windsurf, water ski, swim, sunbath, snorkel, sail, or take trips to offshore coral islands. They can rent water scooters to explore Pattaya bay, and motorcycles and jeeps to explore neighbouring-beaches.

Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit every pocket. Facilities range from air conditioned opulence to basic simplicity. Essentially, the visitor has the choice of luxury hotels with private-beaches; bayside hotels and bungalow; and "inland" economy-class hotels and guest houses.

Pattaya offers some of Thailand's choicest seafood in several specialty restaurants. Steak houses and fast-food outlets provide attractive alternatives and gourmets and gourmands alike find satisfaction in restaurants featuring French, Italian, Swiss, German, Hungarian, Scandinavian, English, Indian, Moslem, Japanese, Chinese and Thai Cuisines.

From families to individual visitors, Pattaya offers something for everyone and all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday.

Also worth a look is close by Jomtien beach about 3 kms south. This is a rapidly developing area with emphasis on beach life rather than sleaze. There are several excellent golf courses within 15 minutes taxi ride including the 27 hole Phoenix, and the excellent Pattaya Country Club (check for sport days which include a free lunch and a round for 15 dollars) Further south (30 mins) is the Navy course near Sattahip, this is beautiful and still cheap (18 holes for 25 dollars).

As the largest city in the south of the Netherlands, Eindhoven offers a wide spectrum of facilities in the areas of shopping, nightlife and performing arts. Eindhoven has grown spectacular with the expansion of multinational corporation Philips. They started producing light bulbs in a factory that still exists today and now hosts a museum. In recent years the city has also provided the backdrop for sports events like cycling's ProTour time trial. Most popular and famous sporting event still is the football club PSV Eindhoven, known for its successes in the past and contend for the future. You're welcome to enjoy a match in the attractive Philips Stadion. After a match, or just after a day of shopping, you can visit one of the enourmous choice of pubs, bars or discos in the city. For visitors who want to break their journey, there is more than enough choice of hotel accommodation. In brief, Eindhoven is a city where plenty of things are happening.

Let there be Light

The city began to develop shortly after the invention of the light bulb. Since this time it has become one of the most important European cities for knowledge, technology and design. There are many high tech companies in Eindhoven which attract students from around the globe. Many of the buildings are quite modern as the Second World War almost completely destroyed the city. Out of the rubble arose new buildings and some are quite unique.

There are several important museums in the city. One of the best for modern and contemporary art is Van Abbemuseum. Here you can view art by El Lissitzky, Chagall, Picasso, Kandinsky, Appel, Mondriaan and Theo van Doesburg. The Artificial Light in Art Center has a unique collection of sculptures and paintings with a focus on artificial light. Walk through the historic open-air museum to see how to brew your own beer. Learn how an Iron Age blacksmith worked and see what life was like in the Middle Ages.

There are plenty of green spaces in the city and many parks and gardens to explore. This is one of the greenest cities in the country and the main areas include the woods found at Strijp, Stadswandelpark, Grenneper Parks and Dommeldal. The spot for walking and cycling is Gennerper Park. This is quite unique as you will not find such a large green area in a city anywhere else. Enjoy De Tongelroop, a lovely swimming paradise, the ecological farm, miniature golf, environmental educational center, sporting facilities and the ice sports' center to name a few activities and facilities within the park.

Some of the main areas to enjoy during the evenings include De Markt which is in the city center. When the weather is nice you will find all the terraces full. There are many grand cafes as well as the Holland Casino. Just across from the central station is Staionskwartier which is the trendy dance bar area. If you want to go pub crawling then head to Stratumseind as there are more bars on this street than anywhere else in the entire country. If you are looking for a more cultured and quieter evening, the De Bergen is a beautiful area of the older part of the city.

Sao Paulo is centered around the Praça da Se, where there is a stone mark symbolizing the "point zero" of the city. The subway system is clean and efficient but covers only a few areas of the city, although extensions are being made. Interesting neighbourhoods to visit include Jardins, Itaim and the Ibirapuera Park.

The main sights in the city include the different neighborhoods with their special Italian, Japanese or Arabic influences. They have their own characteric atmosphere and it is a lot of fun to just walk around, go to one of the many small restaurants or have a drink somewere.

Brazilians say that paulistanos (Sao Paulo locals) live to work and to eat. Which is probably true. Food in Sao Paulo is the best in the country and rivals that of any major capital in the world. If you are there and like to eat meat, make sure you try the rodizios (barbecue) or feijoada (pork and beans - served only on wednesdays and saturdays). The pizzas are also extremely tasteful and a must-eat. You can find it from a wide range of restaurants from the simplest delivery place to fine expensive ones.

Sao Paulo is also very much a party town. You can get stuck in traffic in the middle of the night when party animals return from their hunt.

Automotive traffic in Sao Paulo is complicated, specially in main routes, all along the day during weeks and gets worse at rush hours (from 8 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 8 pm). Laws to regulate traffic includes a rule forbidding cars to circulate at specific week days depending on the final number of their license. In the weekends the traffic is better with some complications in places where there are bars, shoppings or other public atractions.

Sao Paulo has the largest underground transportation system in Brazil; the "Metro". It is not as comprehensive as the trains in Europe or North America, but it serves most of the important areas. It is the safest and cleanest way to get around Sao Paulo.

Considering a Cannes vacation? Not too sure what to expect during a trip to Cannes? If the answer is yes and yes, then there are a few things you should know about this awe-inspiring resort city on the fabulous French Riviera.

Cannes is famous for couture, clothing-optional beaches, and the Carlton. And of course, Cannes is the place where Coco Chanel got that famous tan that sparked a worldwide obsession with the deepest, darkest shade one could possibly achieve. But what most people really think of when hear "Cannes" is the star-studded annual Cannes International Film Festival. You will definitely hear less and less about what Cannes is really about and more and more about who's wearing (and not wearing) what to the Cannes International Film Festival during the first half of the year.

If you must go during festival time (or if you want to), be prepared for plenty of flashing cameras, celebrities galore, controlled chaos, and no vacancy signs at the Carlton, Hotel Martinez, and just about any other hotel or Chateau from Cannes to Nice and beyond.

Also, you will have a tough time getting into many Cannes restaurants during this time as well and your chances of getting into a screening are nearly nearly zero percent. If you can avoid taking a Cannes vacation during this time, great! When the town isn't so focused on celebrities and film, you can enjoy everything Cannes has to offer to the very fullest - and then some.

Cannes enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate year around, so with the exception of the mid-May, when the Cannes International Film Festival takes place, anytime is a good time to go. While you will find plenty of tourists here every single month of the year, summer is the most popular time to go. The beaches, promenades, boutiques, nightclubs, and restaurants are at their peak and people are really just out to have a good time when the temperature is at its hottest. Some of the most popular Cannes activities and attractions include: Plage de la Croisette, Promenade de la Croisette, Iles de Lerins, Musee de la Castre, the old town of Cannes, Ile St. Honorat, the Carlton, and Notre Dame de Bon Voyage to name a few.

So, now that you know a bit more about Cannes and what it has to offer, here is a bit of information about getting there. If you're flying, you will arrive at Nice International Airport ( www.nice.aeroport.fr). Nice is roughly 16 miles from Cannes and the drive from the airport is around 30 minutes. Buses from the airport run every 40 minutes daily and visitors can catch a taxi at Gate A1 (Terminal 1) and Gate A3 (Terminal 2). Central Taxi Riviera Nice can be reached by calling +33 04 93 13 78 78. The cost for a taxi ride to the city of Cannes or your Cannes hotel from the airport should be somewhere around: 65EU-70EU ($100US-108US) 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and 67EU-82EU ($104-$127US) 7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. Another taxi company, that can be found in Canne, is Allo Taxi, +33 04 93 99 90 77, www.taxicannes.fr.

Cannes official tourist office, The Office de Tourism, is located at 1 bd. De La Croissette and it can be reached by calling +33 04 93 39 24 53. The official website is www.cannes.com. Tourist information can also be found at Le Cannet Tourist Information Center +33 04 93 45 34 27, www.lecannet.fr, Email: tourisme@lecannet.com.

Top Ten Things to Do in Cannes

Promenade de la Croisette - Also known as "Boulevard de la Croisette," features upscale shops and boutiques as well as and nightclubs, world-class restaurants and cafes, and scenic (private) beaches.

Plage de la Croisette - This is home to Cannes's most magnificent and most expensive beach as well as the areas top hotels. Entrance fees at the Cannes beach range from 15E-22E ($19-$34 US) and it includes lounges, mattresses, use of the showers, parasols, and a snack kiosks. The beach also offers easy access to beaches that allow you to dine in your bathing suit. Cannes Beach made the Forbes "Top Ten Topless Beaches" list in 2007. Plage de la Croisette is between Vieux Port and Port Canto.

Ile St-Honorat - Sunbathing, strolling, and sightseeing -- Ile St-Honorat offers this and more. The kicker is that this small island -- only one mile long, is the second largest of the Lerins Islands. Points of interest if you want to tour the island include the Abbaye de St-Honorat, home to medieval ruins, early 20th-century ecclesiastical structures, and some 30 Cistercian monks. Visitors can also hike through the islands pine forests. FYI: Smoking is not allowed on the island.

Musee de la Castre - Open since 1952, Musee de la Castre features everything from Mediterranean artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Syria, and Rome, and primitive art from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, to musical instruments from around the world and 19th-century Cannes landscapes. Address: Le Suquet, Cannes, Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Ph: +33 04 93 38 55 26

La Suquet - La Suquet is the Old Town of Cannes. Built on the site of a Roman military camp, La Suquet is the highest point in Cannes. Here, you will find the 14th-century Tour de Suquet or "Lord's Tower," as well as the 12th century Chapel of St. Anne. La Suquet offers spectacular views of La Croisette and most locals say it's the perfect place for a stroll on a sunny summer day.

Ile Ste-Marguerite -- Home of Musee de la Mer, Ile Ste-Marguerite has plenty of sites to see and numerous recreational opportunities. Musee de la Mer highlights artifacts, paintings, mosaics, and ceramics as well as artifacts from Arab, Ligurian, and Roman civilizations. Fort Royal, Ph: +33 04 93 38 55 26. Musee de la Mer is open April-September, Tuesday-Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. and October-March, Tuesday-Sunday 10:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

La Palme d'Or - La Palme d'Or is the number one choice for the see and be seen crowd and those with deep pockets. Many celebrities dine here, especially during the International Cannes Film Festival. The restaurant serves the finest modern French cuisine in the region and it also features some of the finest views. The restaurant has terraces overlooking the sea. Location: Hotel Martinez, 73 La Croisette, Ph: +33 04 92 98 74 14. Open Sunday and Tuesday-Friday. Lunch: 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner: 8:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. www.hotel-martinez.com

Intercontinental Carlton Cannes - The luxurious Intercontinental Carlton Cannes was built in 1911 and it is not only the most popular place to stay in Cannes, it is also a major tourist attraction. The exterior features are absolutely magnificent with twin gray domes and the design style of the Belle Epoque period. Once inside, visitors will find a grand entrances, elaborate rooms, and the popular waterfront balconies -- available in the most expensive rooms in the hotel located on the upper floors. Onsite, visitors will also find a variety of upscale restaurants, bars, and cocktail lounges. Tours are available. 58 BD. La Croisette, BP 155, Ph: +33 04 93 06 40 06. www.ichotelsgroup.com

Notre Dame de Bon Voyage - This 1879 church is probably the most notable church in Cannes. The faux gothic style is a sight in itself as well as the entrance designed by artist Roger Capron. Location: Square Merimee, Cannes, Ph: +33 04 93 39 16 22.

Festival de Cannes (International Cannes Film Festival) - The International Cannes Film Festival, founded in 1946, needs no introduction. This is the oldest and most prestigious film festival in the world and the star-studded event takes place every year during the month of May. Contact: 3, rue Amelie, 75007, Paris - France, Ph: +33 01 53 59 61 00, E-mail: festival@festival-cannes.fr, www.festival-cannes.fr

VietNamNet Bridge – The largest and longest downpour since the early of the rainy season has flooded Hanoi this morning, July 13.