Shopping in Montevideo

Shopping in Montevideo? Why not? That is actually a great idea if you have some hours to kill. Here are some of the main places for shopping that you can find in Montevideo. Hope that they will be of use for everyone who is planning to travel to Montevideo and is still wondering what to do there.

·        Markets:

The Feria de Tristán Narvaja is a bustling Sunday street market that sprawls for several blocks, starting at the corner of Avenida 18 de Julio and Calle Tristán Narvaja. You'll find everything from second hand clothes to souvenirs to live animals (and much more) on sale.

The Villa Biarritz Fair, on Saturdays until 1500 in Parque Zorilla de San Martín-Ellauri, is an atmospheric market selling local produce and handicrafts. Mercado de los Artesanos, at San José 1312, is another decent crafts market, open most days except Sunday.

·        Shopping Centres

Punta Carretas Shopping at José Ellauri 350 was once a prison but is now the city's largest shopping centre. It houses fashionable shops, a multiplex cinema and restaurants.

Montevideo Shopping Centre on Avenida Luis Alberto de Herrera was the city's first shopping mall, with 180 shops to suit most tastes and budgets.

·        Key Areas

Woollen textiles and wood crafts are good buys that also reflect Uruguay's rural heritage. The shops around Plaza Independencia sell all types of leather, including rabbit, but do check the quality of both the material and the workmanship.

Manos del Uruguay is a not-for-profit cooperative with outlets throughout the city. It combines contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.

·        Opening Times

Shops in Montevideo are generally open Monday to Friday 09.00 till 09.30-18.00 or 19. 00 and Saturday 09.00-12.00. Small shops tend to close at lunch and even on Saturdays. Larger shopping malls are usually open all week, including evenings.

If you want to enjoy the shopping fever of Montevideo, you have to stay at least a couple of days here. You can stay in one of the Montevideo hotels or some other kind of accommodation in Montevideo. There are either cheap or luxurious hotels in Montevideo – it depends on your savings and wants. The quality of the service in all places of accommodation in Montevideo is excellent and for sure it will meet your expectations.

How to get to Kanchanaburi, Useful Travel Information

Getting to Kanchanaburi is very, very easy due to its close proximity to Bangkok. 99% of visitors, regardless of where you are travellng from in Thailand, will pass through Bangkok en route to Kanchanaburi.

There's no airport in Kanchanaburi and currently only 3rd class trains run from Bangkok, so in reality unless you have your own car the best way to travel to Kanchanaburi is by bus or taxi.

1.     Getting to Kanchanaburi by Bus

From the Southern Bus Terminal ("Sai Dai"), buses leave every 30min for Kanchanaburi, the last one departing at 10.30pm. The journey takes a little under two hours.Tickets for a standard air-conditioned bus. This is by far the easiest way to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi!

2.      Getting to Kanchanaburi by Train

As the railway link between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi is only a local line, this is a journey to be undertaken only by the VERY brave! From Thonburi station in Bangkok, only 3rd class trains run along this route and the journey takes a staggering FIVE HOURS!

What do we mean by 3rd class? - No windows, no fan, wooden seats, lots of chickens!

3.      Getting to Kanchanabury by Taxi

The fastest, but most expensive way to get to Kanchanaburi! From anywhere in Bangkok, taxi drivers will be able to get you here in about 90 minutes for anywhere between 1,000-3,000 Th.Baht, all depending on your bargaining skills!

If you can find a Thai speaker to do the bargaining for you, it would be a lot better!

These are the most common means of transport with the help of which you can easily reach Kanchanaburi. Arriving in the city, you have to find a place of accommodation (if you still didn’t do that). If it is not a high season, you will complete that soon, but otherwise you have to be more persistent! Hotels in Kanchanaburi are appropriate for people with high or standard income. But no matter the category of the hotel in Kanchanaburi, you will be satisfied with the quality of the service. Traveling to Kanchanaburi will be a real adventure for you! If you ever have the chance to travel to Thai, don’t miss out the opportunity to visit Kanchanaburi.

Juan Griego, Venezuela

Juan Griego got its name from its founder, Juan the Greek from the 1500s. As a navigator, he traveled to different island and soon landed on this one. In Juan Griego, he started his business of transporting captive Indians to Santo Domingo. During his stay, he became the most prominent citizen in the island, earning him the right for it to be named after him.

This island played a big role in the War of Independence of Venezuela. In 1881, this city played the role of a battle port and served as a place for battery construction for the military. Being a major part of the biggest war in the country, tourists would surely see a large collection of war artifacts. If you are interested of learning more about Venezuelan history and seeing a real battle port for yourself, you should definitely pay Juan Griego a visit.

Other than being a former battle port, this place also has beautiful churches that would be worth your attention. One of which is the Parish of San Juan Evangelista. With its gothic styling, this church still remains the city’s symbol up to this day.

Juan Griego is of course not only filled with war artifacts and beautifully-constructed churches but also beaches. It is also famous for its bay where you can see probably one of the most striking views of the sunsets ever. You can enjoy the beach and have a great time shopping for souvenirs that can only be found in South America.

Reading the information above you will get the impression of a very magnificent place where you can spend an excellent holiday. Planning a travel to Juan Griego you have to find accommodation. There are great opportunities for choosing a good hotel in Juan Griego. There are either cheap or luxurious hotels in Juan Griego. To guarantee your stay in the chosen hotel in Juan Griego, it is better to make an online reservation, especially when we are talking about high season. To sum up, I will say that visiting Juan Griego in Venezuela will be an unforgettable adventure! So if you have the chance to be a part of that heaven place, don’t miss it out!

The Beauty of Travel in Sharjah

Sharjah is one of the seven Emirates located on the surface of the United Arab Emirates. It is also one of the most attractive destinations for tourists because it provides a wide range of attractions no matter what your age is. Here there is a list of some of the most beautiful and interesting places in Sharjah that are worth visiting.

1.     Al Hisn

Located in the heart of old Sharjah, in Al Shukh district, is this two-storey fort, originally constructed in 1820. Now a museum, the rooms exhibit a world of local history and charm including old coins and weighing scales, jewellery, arms and ammunition, a window to the pearl trade, and several interesting photographs and maps.

2.     Islamic Museum

The Islamic Museum near Al Qassaba Square showcases the different aspects of Islamic heritage. There are manuscripts in Arabic, pottery items, scientific instruments, and glass and metallic items on display in the museum. The museum is also opened in the weekends.

3.     Sharjah Natural History Museum & Desert Park

Approximately 28 kms from Sharjah is the desert park which provides a living showcase of the wonderful world of desert ecology, flora and fauna. The park also contains the state-of-the-art museum which takes you through time, looking at man and his environment, and the fascinating world of the deserts and seas, both past and present. Among the many wonders is a real meteor and a fossilized thigh bone of a dinosaur.

4.     Heritage Museum

Located in the renovated two-storey Al Naboodah family house, the oldest in Sharjah, is this museum. Each room has a different theme. The Arabian Gulf Room, the Children's Room and the Kitchen are the major draws. Traditional costumes and jewellery, old doors, clay and copper pots, chests , and traditional games are on display. 

5.     Majlis of Ibrahim Mohammed Al Midfa 

Located between Souq Al Arsah and the waterfront, it is noted for its noted for its unique round windtower. On display are several small yet interesting items, a personal collection donated by the majlis owner, Al Midfa.

Other attractions in Sharjah include Hisn al Sharjah or Sharjah Fort, Majilis Ibrahim Bin Mohammed Al Midfaa, Sharjah University City, and magnificent buildings of Sharjah. Khor Kalba is an important nature reserve with mangroves and Kalba specie of the white collared Kingfisher. The reserve is situated south of Fujairah.

Deciding to spend your holiday in Sharjah, you have to think about your place of accommodation. There are plenty of hotels in Sharjah. You have the opportunity to choose the hotel in Sharjah that your pocket will allow, which in my opinion is a great advantage.

Top Attractions in Sukhothai (Thailand)

There’s really only one reason people visit Sukhothai - to wander the crumbling ruins of what was once Thailand’s very first capital city. Spread out over 45 square kilometers, the impressive remains of temples, chedis and stupas testify to the grandeur this town possessed from the 13th to 15th century, viewed as the Golden Age of Thai civilization. The new parts of Sukhothai are pleasant enough, but pale in comparison to the remnants from its heyday.

1.     Sukhothai Historical Park

The ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom are one of Thailand’s most popular and impressive historical sites. UNESCO agrees, placing the grounds on its prestigious list of World Heritage Sites. Within the walled park, which lies 12kms from the new city of Sukhothai, are the remains of 21 ancient buildings divided into five zones. Each zone has a modest entry fee and contains its own highlights, but some of ancient Sukhothai’s most stunning ruins are located outside the Historical Park. Rent a bicycle or motorbike to escape the crowds and get a deeper insight into the foundation of modern Thailand. 

2.     Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

Before you begin exploring Sukhothai’s old city, stop by this impressive museum dedicated to the Sukhothai Kingdom for an educational background. Exhibits include the best artifacts unearthed from the ruins as well as important Buddhist relics and religious imagery. Your all-access pass to the old city includes a visit to this museum.

3.     Si Satchanalai - Chaliang Historical Park

Located about 50kms north of Sukhothai is this even more atmospheric section of the Sukhothai World Heritage Site. Less crowded and more rustic, this massive 720 hectare park seems untouched compared to the more popular old city section in Sukhothai. Surrounded by a moat which is 12 meters wide, this ancient collection of temples and stupas is well worth the effort to get there. Bicycles can be rented at the entrance to make explorations easier, and the information center will give you maps and a decent history lesson

4.     The Temples of Sukhothai Historical Park

Wat Mahathat, completed in the 13th century, is Sukhothai’s largest temple, and home to the enormous Buddha figures sitting among its ruined columns. It’s located away from the main complex. Wat Si Chum, with its famous spiredmondop and its 15m seated Buddha, is another top draw at the park. Wat Saphan Hin sits atop a hill in the west zone offering incredible views over the entire complex. Even Hinduism had a role in the ancient kingdom, as evidenced by the Khmer-style towers of Wat Si Sawai.

The mentioned attractions are only a part of the great variety of places of interest located on the surface of Sukhothai. Only a day will not be enough to take the best from the city so you need to find a place to stay. There is a wide range of hotels in Sukhothai. To guarantee your reservation, it is better to make an online reservation for the chosen hotel in Sukhothai in advance.