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Paris

One of my friends likes to travel. He would recommend Paris! Check him out at Dexksos Inc!

Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for its stunning architecture, rich culture, and romantic atmosphere. It is a destination that has been drawing tourists from all over the globe for centuries, and it is easy to see why. From the historic landmarks to the world-renowned museums, Paris has a lot to offer visitors. In this article, we will explore why Paris is such a great tourist destination.

First and foremost, Paris is known for its stunning architecture. The city is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the world, from the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral to the grand Château de Versailles. One of the most iconic structures in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, which attracts millions of visitors every year. The tower was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair and has since become a symbol of Paris and a must-see attraction for tourists.

In addition to its historic landmarks, Paris is also known for its vibrant culture. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, which house some of the greatest works of art in history. Visitors can also enjoy live performances at venues like the Opéra Garnier and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. Paris is also famous for its fashion, with world-renowned designers like Chanel and Dior based in the city.

Another reason why Paris is a great tourist destination is its rich history. The city has been a cultural and intellectual hub for centuries, with writers and artists flocking to the city to find inspiration. The Left Bank of the Seine River was home to the literary and artistic movement known as the Lost Generation in the 1920s, and today it is still a haven for artists and writers. Visitors can also explore the city’s many historic neighborhoods, such as the Marais and Montmartre, to get a glimpse of what life was like in Paris in the past.

Paris is renowned for its culinary scene, with a rich history of delicious and iconic dishes. Here are some culinary delights you should try when in Paris:

  • Croissants: Paris is famous for its buttery, flaky croissants, which are a must-try for breakfast or as a snack.
  • Macarons: These delicate, colorful confections are a Parisian specialty. You can find them in many patisseries around the city.
  • French onion soup: This hearty soup is made with caramelized onions and beef broth, topped with crusty bread and melted cheese.
  • Steak frites: A classic French dish, steak frites is a simple but delicious combination of grilled steak and crispy fries.
  • Coq au vin: This traditional dish consists of chicken cooked in red wine with vegetables and bacon.
  • Escargots: These are snails cooked in garlic butter and herbs. They may seem intimidating to some, but they are a true Parisian delicacy.
  • Baguette: The iconic French baguette is a staple of the Parisian diet and is best enjoyed fresh and warm from the bakery.
  • Cheese: France is famous for its cheese, and Paris is home to many cheese shops where you can sample a variety of delicious cheeses.
  • Chocolate: Paris has a long tradition of chocolate-making, and you can find some of the world’s best chocolate in the city.
  • Wine: France is known for its wine, and Paris has many wine bars and shops where you can try a variety of delicious wines from different regions of France.

Paris has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of options for entertainment, socializing, and cultural experiences. Here are some of the things you can do in Paris at night:

  • Visit a cabaret: Paris is famous for its cabaret shows, including the iconic Moulin Rouge and the Lido. These shows offer a dazzling display of music, dance, and costume, and are a must-see for anyone visiting Paris.
  • Explore the bars and clubs: Paris has a wide variety of bars and clubs, ranging from elegant cocktail bars to underground nightclubs. Some popular areas for nightlife include the Marais, Pigalle, and the Latin Quarter.
  • Enjoy a late-night dinner: Many restaurants in Paris stay open late into the night, so you can enjoy a leisurely dinner with friends or family. Some of the best late-night dining options include brasseries, bistros, and street food vendors.
  • Take a night walk: Paris is a beautiful city at any time of day, but it takes on a special magic at night. Take a stroll along the Seine River or through the illuminated streets of Montmartre to experience the city’s romantic and enchanting ambiance.
  • Attend a concert or performance: Paris has a thriving music and theater scene, with many performances taking place at night. Check out venues like the Opera Garnier or the Philharmonie de Paris for a memorable cultural experience.
  • Visit a night market: During the summer months, Paris hosts a number of night markets where you can shop for artisanal crafts, vintage clothing, and street food.

Overall, Paris has a diverse and exciting nightlife scene that caters to a range of interests and tastes. Whether you prefer dancing, dining, or cultural experiences, you are sure to find something to enjoy in the City of Light at night.

Of course, no discussion of Paris would be complete without mentioning the city’s romantic atmosphere. Paris is often called the “City of Love,” and for good reason. The city’s beautiful architecture, charming streets, and scenic parks make it the perfect destination for couples. Visitors can take a romantic stroll along the Seine River, enjoy a candlelit dinner at a cozy bistro, or take in a show at the Moulin Rouge.

Finally, Paris is a great tourist destination because it is easy to get around. The city has an extensive public transportation system, including the metro and buses, which makes it easy for visitors to explore all that Paris has to offer. The city is also walkable, with many of the major landmarks and attractions located within walking distance of each other.

In conclusion, Paris is a great tourist destination for many reasons. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant culture, rich history, culinary delights, romantic atmosphere, and easy accessibility, the city has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in art, history, fashion, food, or romance, Paris is a destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.

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Places to Visit on a Madagascar Wildlife Holiday

A Madagascar wildlife holiday is a wonderful chance to see some of the country’s unique animal species – but it’s also a chance to explore some of the truly unique landscapes as well. It’s often

an underrated pleasure of a tour looking at the animals, and wildlife enthusiasts often find that – even subconsciously – they enjoy the benefits of seeing animals in a habitat and environment they are suited to, instead of in the artificial confines of a zoo or similar institution. Here’s a quick look at a few of the places that you might visit on a successful wildlife tour.

Central Highlands

A mountainous region in Central Madagascar, the region stretches to 800 meters above sea level – although there’s no need to worry you’ll need climbing gear to explore the lower areas. On a Madagascar wildlife holiday, a visit to some of the areas surrounding the mountains can reveal plenty of the country’s animal life – it’s home to species of bats, rodents, tenrecs, and lemurs. Since the Central Highlands are separated from the Northern Highlands by a low-lying valley named the Mandritsara Window, it’s a place where you can see animals that are very rare in other regions.

Isalo National Park

For travelers interested in a wide variety of terrains, there’s nowhere better to explore than Isalo National Park. It features plenty of different environments – from sandstone formations and deep canyons to grassland and palm-tree lined oases. Those on their Madagascar wildlife holiday will find plenty to look at – the park is home to over 80 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, and several different species of lemur, including the Ring-tailed Lemur, Red-fronted Lemur, and Coquerel’s Giant Mouse Lemurs. The wide expanse of the park means trips may need a longer duration in order to have a hope of seeing the widest possible range of animals – they can last from several hours to a week, or even longer!

Avenue of the Baobabs

While it may not be the first location that springs to mind when contemplating a Madagascar wildlife holiday, this iconic area can really give a feel for the country and its incredible flora and fauna like no other place can. With baobab trees about 30 m in height and over 800 years old lining a dirt road, it certainly has a unique atmosphere for a traveler eager to learn as much as they can of this wonderful country and the animals living in it.…

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Madagascar’s Diverse National Parks

If there’s one place on Earth that is especially worthy of recognition and conservation when it comes to the natural world, that place is Madagascar. Wildlife holiday enthusiasts often find that simply spotting the animals that interest them wouldn’t be half as fulfilling without gaining a practical, first-hand appreciation for the climate and environment these animals prefer. Travelers in Madagascar find that their appreciation of the beautiful natural spaces is borne out by the National Parks of the island – six of them declared World Heritage Sites in 2007, under the name ‘Rainforests of the Atsinanana’. Here are a few details on the parks themselves.

Andohahela

One of Madagascar’s most distinctive national parks, Andohahela is (paradoxically) not distinctive for any one type of environment, but rather for the range of environments it contains. Its wide variety of habitats make the park a wonderful place for a Madagascar wildlife holiday if seeing a diverse range of species is your goal. Since the park covers over 760 square kilometers of the Andes mountain range, there are many different environments within its borders; from rainforests to a dry, spiny forest kept safe from the oceanic winds by the mountain range. With such a range of habitats, there are plenty of animal species to be seen by eager nature lovers.

Marojejy

Settled in the Sava Region in the north of the island, the Marojejy National Park is centered around the Marojejy Massif, a mountain chain over 2000 meters high. The elevations and rugged terrain of the area creates a unique effect – diverse habitats for animals that change rapidly in relation to a walker’s altitude. A day spent in Marojejy National Park on a Madagascar wildlife holiday will reveal plenty of different species that enjoy a variety of climates. At least 118 species of birds, 148 reptile and amphibian species, and 11 species of Lemurs are known to reside in the Marojejy Massif, meaning there’s an unparalleled opportunity for walkers to see the array of animals the country has to offer.

Masoala

If you’re hoping to see distinctive animals such as the Red Ruffed Lemur, the Madagascar Day Gecko, the Red Owl and Tomato Frog, and even the elusive nocturnal Aye-Aye, then Masoala National Park is the place to go for your Madagascar wildlife holiday. With its range of habitats – including rainforest, coastal forest, marshes and mangroves – the Masoala peninsula is exceptionally diverse, and so particularly valued as a national park. It’s a particularly evocative place to visit, and catching a glimpse of rare creatures in such beautiful surroundings can be the experience of a lifetime.…

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Ten Reasons to Travel to Madagascar

The Indian Ocean island of Madagascar is an under-visited tourist destination. Here are ten reasons that might inspire you to go.

1. Meet a fossa and a giant jumping rat

The fossa is the largest of the island’s carnivores and is neither cat nor dog. The giant jumping rat is the size of a large rabbit and retreats like a Jumping Jack!

2. Explore a pirates’ graveyard

On the island of Ile Sainte Marie is the world’s only pirates’ graveyard.

3. Learn about fady

Fady (pronounced fuddy) is the nucleus of local law and, whilst it varies from region to region and home to home, it basically commands the Malagasy to love, honor and respect their fellow people and the environment which gives them life. It is fady to sing whilst you are eating as it will make your teeth grow long!

4. Swim with turtles

I love to follow them whilst they are searching for new foraging grounds among the coral – often they glance back over their shoulder to take a curious, but superior, look at me as if asking ‘What strange small whale is that?’

5. Walk in a rainforest

The Masoala Peninsula lies in the north west part of Madagascar (in the Masoala National Park) and boasts the largest protected rainforest in the country. The canopy is 30 m high and the area enjoys an average annual rainfall of 6000 mm. That’s six meters of rain!

6. Travel on Viko Viko – the little train like no other

Another ‘only in Madagascar’ is Le Micheline’s Viko Viko. A train dating back to 1930 that runs on rubber tyres.

7. Visit a mermaid

Mermaids are not mentioned in any of the guide books simply because they are tricky to find, and no guide book writer has ever seen one. Many Malagasy folk will be happy to regale you with their own mermaid stories and will swear absolutely, without faltering, that they have seen one. The rum is good in Madagascar.

8. Hear the song of an indri and see the wink of an aye aye

Beautiful in its loneliness, the song of the indri (the largest of all living lemurs) is one of the main reasons for visiting Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Another sight (if you are very, very lucky) that you will never forget is that of an aye aye. The aye aye is no longer as endangered as once thought but they are still endangered – and very difficult to find. One place where ‘very difficult’ becomes just ‘difficult’ is Nosy Mangabe.

9. Frogs’ legs and other culinary delights

Probably the only good thing left behind by the French colonists was their cuisine. Local Malagasy chefs produce meals worthy of the best French tables and include fresh crab, prawns and crayfish; sushi, pate de foie gras (from very gently fed local ducks) and surprisingly yummy deep-fried frogs’ legs. And there is chocolate! Produced from cocoa plantations in the north of Madagascar, Malagasy chocolate is to die for.

10. Make a difference

The world is vast and there are many problems. When we think of ‘making a difference’ by recycling, reducing our carbon footprint, or buying organic foods it often feels like cleaning up after an earthquake with a dustpan and brush. Many of us give up before we even start. But this is not the case in Madagascar. Madagascar is a living museum; home to a huge collection of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Leaf-tailed geckos, hog-nosed snakes, the black parrot (also known as the Vasa parrot), lemurs, orchids, frogs, and chameleons that are endemic to this island are all under threat as greedy outsiders destroy the forests for the precious woods and minerals. Because the country is so poor and run by an inexperienced government the people are forced to stand by with no alternative but to allow this destruction of their cherished land. Tourism is a viable option – and it is growing rapidly as an alternative source of income. Your tourist dollar really can make a difference to the lives of the people of Madagascar. Help preserve Madagascar with your tourism and you can help – in a tangible, immediate way – to preserve the earth for generations to come.…

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Shopping in South Korea: What You Can Consider Buying

We were extremely excited when we touched down at the Incheon International Airport. I had done lots of research on South Korea and brought with me the shopping list that I had prepared earlier. No items to be spared, we were determined to make this trip a fulfilling one!

Although we had constantly reminded ourselves to be gentle with our pockets, we arrived home with bags of Korean specialties. We did a great deal of shopping in Seoul and Jeju Island, fully utilising every compartment of our luggage bags to make rooms for the things that we bought. Like Singapore, South Korea is a good place to shop. If you are visiting South Korea, here are my recommendations.

— Korean Ginseng —

An expensive and nourishing herb, Korean Ginseng is widely known for balancing the “chi” in the body, good for the overall well-being of the body. I got to know from the sales assistant that Korean Ginseng is also effective in relieving menstrual cramps in women. Grown in the mountains, Korean Ginsengs between four to six years old are harvested and sold. The older the Korean Ginseng, the higher the price it demands.

Besides the normal “white” Korean Ginseng that I have mentioned earlier, you will also be able to find what is known as the Red Ginseng in South Korea. The Red Ginseng is prepared by treating “white” Korean Ginseng in Chinese herbs, giving it a red colour. It is known to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction in men.

Apart from being the main ingredients for many of the Korean cuisines such as the Ginseng Chicken, Korean Ginseng can be taken on its own in small slices or in the form of powder. As Korean Ginseng tastes a little bitter, you may want to consider buying honey coated Korean Ginsengs. The sweetness of honey helps to curb the bitterness of the Korean Ginseng a great deal.

If you find Korean Ginseng too expensive, Korean Ginseng products such as ginseng candies and rice cakes are good and affordable alternatives. Korean Ginseng and ginseng products can be found in many shops in Seoul.

— Amethyst —

We visited an amethyst shop in Seoul. Amethyst is a gemstone that is purple in colour and many women’s favourite. I was amazed by the Korean’s creativity and brilliant workmanship in jewelleries. Amongst the beautiful pieces of amethyst jewelleries, I came across an amethyst bracelet that could be folded into a four-leaved clover pendant! You should see the “WOW” written all over my face! Amazing!

We were told by the sales assistant that amethysts come in two grades – Grade A and B. Grade A amethysts are darker in colour and more expensive while Grade B amethysts are less expensive but in a lighter purple. Drop some hints to your partner. You might just get yourself an amethyst bracelet as your birthday present!

— Honey —

Honey is good at soothing any discomforts caused by a sore throat. Should you be visiting the Jeju Folk Village, buy yourself a few jars of honey, a perfect gift for everyone back home! Here is a trick that you might want to try. Scoop two tablespoons of Korean Honey into a bowl, followed by some water. Gently sway (not shake) the bowl, allowing the excess honey to stay at the base. Notice that polygons of the same sizes, similar to the cells in a beehive, start to appear in the honey!…

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Traveling to South Korea – Now is a Great Time to Book Reservations

Now is a great time to visit Korea. Although you have heard a bit of unpleasant news lately about the region and might be skeptical, you should reconsider, let me tell you why. Prices have been reduced 30%, as tourists have been shying away from this great region of significant historical wonder. And yes, there is some unfortunate news too.

Recently, North Korea tests another nuclear weapon in an effort to show the world their strength. Previously, North Korea had promised in six nation party talks to make a trade and stop making nuclear weapons. Those negotiations have fallen through and now North Korea has sat in defiance of the international community by launching missiles, long range ICBM type and detonating a second nuclear weapon.

One thing that folks do not understand is that all these shenanigans in North Korea are hurting the travel and tourist industry in Korea, because people hear something negative about the region and then are afraid to travel near there, even though it is perfectly safe to visit South Korea.

North Korea’s defiance is not aimed at aggression towards South Korea, rather at trying to put itself back on the world stage as a “player” amongst more powerful nations of the world. Whereas this is very unfortunate for the South Korean economy during our Global Economic slowdown, it is also very good for those who wish to save some serious money on travel.

For instance, Asia Airlines has reduced rates and you can get a travel package to visit Japan, China and/or South Korea all together for a really low rate. One of the best known Travel Tour Companies and one I like to use is HanaTour, it’s perhaps the largest in all of South Korea.

“You’ll love South Korea” says Min-Young Kim, one of the top travel specialists in the business, “Now is probably the best time to book a trip, as prices have been reduced considerably.” Perhaps, it does make sense to take advantage of this international crisis and much to do media events, and save yourself and family some money on travel, as the rates are excellent right now.

If your budget travel plans require you to get the best deals possible, then you’ll want to take advantage of this one-time dip in prices. Hotels, airfair and tours are all significantly reduced for this region throughout the travel industry.…

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South Korea Tourist Destinations for an Astonishing Holiday Tour

South Korea is a sovereign state in East Asia. It is home to many pre-historic sites, palaces, majestic forts, ancient shrines, national parks, cultural villages, waterfalls, verdant valleys and, golden beaches and islands. With so much to offer the South Korea tourist destinations have attracted many tourists from different parts of the world.

Seoul is the capital of South Korea since 1394. It is a sophisticated and bustling commercial center and is Korea’s number one destination for foreign visitors. Changdokkung Palace is surrounded by Secret Gardens and the Chongmyo Shrine which is set in wooded grounds is home to the ancestral tablets of the Kings of the Joseon Dynasty. You can visit Itaewon district for fashion shopping and nightlife. Lotte World is a huge entertainment complex with a theme park, sports facilities, luxury hotel and many more. Seoul is one of the major South Korea tourist destinations.

Andong is famous for its old culture and aristocrats. The Andong Folk Village and Folk Museum displays the relics of ancient Korean culture. In the restaurants of Andong you can have traditional Korean food. During the autumn Mask Dance Festival takes place in Andong. Busan is the second largest metropolis of South Korea. It is home to the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park. From this tower you can view the entire city. You can also visit the UN Cemetery where many UN soldiers of the Korean War were buried. Jeju Island is home to many lovely beaches, fishing facilities, scuba diving, waterfalls and hot springs. You can also visit the Jeju Folk Village Museum and Folkcraft and National Museum. Jeju Island is also home to the tallest mountain, Mount Hallasan which has a beautiful Crater Lake. Those who like nature will not be disappointed at all by South Korea tourist destinations.

Haeinsa is known to have the holiest Buddhist shrine in Korea. It is basically a ninth century Buddhist temple located in Gayasan National Park. It consists of 81000 wooden blocks which have the entire scriptures printed on them. These blocks can be viewed through a slatted window.

Korean cuisine is based on tofu, meats, noodles, vegetables and rice. Pekpan is a typical Korean meal which consists of rice and many side dishes like the Kimchi which is the fermented vegetable dish. Kimchi is also the most famous Korean cuisine and is served with every meal. Puulgogi is thin strips of beef marinated in onion, garlic, black pepper, sugar and soy sauce. Pajeon is a pancake made of flour and eggs with green onions, fresh baby clams or oysters cooked on frying pans. Those visiting South Korea tourist destinations should definitely try local Korean cuisines.…

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Reasons Why You Should Visit South Korea

1. All year celebrations

Consistently, there are a greater number of celebrations in South Korea than one could Attend, a couple of main festivities everybody likes to participate in. At the point when the snow melts and the climate gets hotter, pink and white cherry blooms change South Korea into a magical wonderland for a small period towards the start of spring, and a large number of individuals come to see the blooms from everywhere throughout the nation. Buddha’s Birthday is another Major occasion celebrated in May with lantern parades and performances at nearby temples, while in fall, Koreans commend their own Version of Thanksgiving amid Chuseok and respect their ancestors during proudly conducted ceremonies. Actually, there are celebrations in each month of the year for every taste.

2. Rich history

South Korea has a long history going back a thousand years. Because of the natural isolation of the Korean Peninsula, the nation’s way of life hasn’t changed as much as in different regions. Still today, you can remain in wonder of the absolute significant cultural heritage sites of the nation, for example, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace situated in Seoul. The city of Gyeongju is likewise a place of historic value and is regularly called a ‘museum without walls’. Gyeongju was the capital of Korea during the Silla Dynasty from 57 BC – 935 AD and is home to countless royal tombs, royal palaces, and temples that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

3. Throbbing society

Because of their long history, South Koreans have an assortment of customs they have kept alive throughout centuries. ‘Still today individuals love to dress in traditional clothes (hanbok) – you can lease it to wear around Seoul and Jeonju’, for instance. In Modern Seoul, you can still find traditional hanok house neighborhoods with lovely tea houses that have been in existence for decades. This blend of old and new is really Fun to Explore when traveling in South Korea.…

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Antwerp – More than just the Diamond Capital

Antwerp is most famous for being the diamond capital of the world, but there is much more to be known about this Belgian city with a population of 472,000. One reason that Antwerp emerged as a trading center for the world’s diamonds is its location on the right bank of the River Scheldt, which links to the North Sea. In fact, Antwerp is Europe’s second-largest port.

Antwerp is not a tourist city per se, however it is a bustling place that offers much interest and entertainment to visitors, with great night life, a wide array of restaurants and top notch shopping opportunities. There are also many historical architectural buildings to take in, most notably the massive 14th-century Cathedral of our Lady which to this day remains the tallest building in the city. The Church of St. James has a stunning interior of Baroque design and houses the tomb of the famous painter Rubens.

The main square in Antwerp is impressive as well with a stunning town hall and a wide array of 16th-century guild houses. For you castle lovers, be sure to visit the waterside Steen Fort, a restored remnant of the once-mighty and extensive fortified citadel.

There are many great museums in Antwerp, most notably the Royal Fine Arts Museum near the southern quays which features an extensive collection of paintings by the Dutch Masters, as well as Rubens, Titian and Van Dyck.

And of course you want to visit the diamond quarter with its traditional Jewish character. Antwerp is also a center for fashion design, and a visit to the Antwerp Fashion Center around Meir street will enlighten you as to the latest Flemish fashions and designs. Antwerp also features a great city zoo established back in 1843 with over 4000 animals.…

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Visit Antwerp

Visitors to the country of Belgium will find the city of Antwerp to be a most interesting place to spend some time. Here you will find there is a wealth of activities to be found. You will be able to find this great city on the right bank of the River Scheldt. This river is linked to the North Sea by the Westerschelde estuary. The city of Antwerp which is both a city and a municipality of Belgium is the capital of the Flanders region. As the city has both a rich and diverse heritage you will find there are many interesting places to visit. Many of the buildings that you will find in the city reflect this heritage and can be admired as part of your sightseeing of Antwerp.

In addition to sightseeing around the city, you will find there are numerous other pleasures that you can take part in as well. These will include shopping at the many boutiques and shopping centers in Antwerp as well as looking in at the many local shops which sell items which can be used both for everyday usage as well as for gifts. You will also be able to enjoy the cuisine of Antwerp in the many restaurants located in and around the city. The numerous hotels, inns and other forms of accommodation will provide you with an excellent place to relax in between looking around the city.

Of the many sights that you will be able to find in Antwerp, you may wish to visit the Het Muntplein. This is a place where you will be able to see numerous graffiti artists creating fabulous graffiti artwork in peace. As this place is well known you may be able to see the various artworks or even a competition taking place here. The graffiti contests occur here in Antwerp regularly. Besides taking a look at the unofficial area of graffiti you may be interested in seeing the Palace of Justice. As you look at this building you will find there are two buildings which have been built for this purpose. The older Palace of Justice was built in the 19th century and it is located on the Britselei. You will find this building is a red brick building.…

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Visiting Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium as well as its largest metropolitan area, with a population of over 1.8 million as of 2008. Brussels is known as the home of many political organizations, specifically being the political headquarters of NATO as well as the European Union.

The revolution that gave Belgium independence occurred in Brussels in 1830. The city was largely redeveloped towards the end of the 19th century, and although few earlier buildings remain, there is still a strong sense of history in Brussels. The one area that still features historical buildings including some wonderful Gothic architecture is the Grand Place, the cobbled market square at the heart of the city. The majestic City Hall building along with an array of guild houses is wonderfully lit up at night.

The Royal Palace of Brussels and the Laeken Castle, with its large greenhouses are also worth seeing, as is the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The stock exchange building, with its Classical front, is also a marvelous piece of architecture.

Brussels is also home to the world’s most famous bronze statue — the slightly risqué Manneken Pis. Cultural attractions are where Brussels truly shines, with over 100 museums. Begin with the Museum of Modern Art and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, where you will see an extensive collection of painters, including of course the Flemish painters. If you’re a fan of René Magritte, you will be happy to know that the Magritte Museum contains the largest collection of Magritte in the world.

You must partake in Brussels’ famous culinary offerings, such as the Belgian waffle, Belgian chocolate, french fries of course and wash it all down with any of the numerous beers that Belgium is so accomplished at creating. And yes, brussels sprouts really did originate in Brussels.

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