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Journey to Candolim in Goa, A Mini Russia and Europe. Review

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Candolim in goa, mini russiaSituated on the western coast of India, Goa is one of the smallest state in India. It is also one of the newest territory that joined India after India’s Independence, newest being Sikkim. Goa was an enclave of Portugal till 1961 when India and Portugal engaged into military conflict that lasted 36 hours and a 451 years of Portuguese rule was brought to an end becoming a national tragedy for Portugal, but rejoice in India for gaining its historical land.

Today Goa is the holiday destination for Indians as well as foreign tourists. Goa, which is famous for its warm sea water, and clear sky is most popular from October to April. Goa receives heavy rainfall from the month of June to September which is the off season, but still some adventurous tourists visit Goa during these months to experience the wildlife of the western ghats much away from the beaches.

Being back from London, enjoying the night life and party environment in the London bars, Goa is different. Although Goa is famous for its late night beach and cruise parties, the kind of Goa which we saw was calm and peaceful with a little bit of hustle and bustle.

We started from Delhi International Airport and landed on Dabolim Airport in Goa in the evening time. By the time we reached our hotel resort,  which was 45 KM far from the airport, it had become dark. Candolim in North Goa, is comparatively a peaceful and beautiful place. The market alongside a double lane main road was lightened by shop hoardings and yellow street light.

I can say from my observation that Candolim is a mini Russia. Shop banners, signboards, hotel instructions, menu cards in every restaurant were in Russian language and everyone from hotel reception to shopkeepers to waiters knew very fluent Russian though with a distinct accent. My teammate who was also from Russia joked that she feels like home here. Wherever we went we could hear people talking in Russian as the number of tourists coming from Russia is very high.

goa russian language
Usage of Russian language in Goa

Restaurants around are very professionally themed and will involve you completely in typical Goan environment. All the restaurants have their own way of absorbing you, from live music to karaoke. With perfect blend of lighting and old English/American and Russian songs from country to jazz, it lightened the mood and made the evening perfect. Most of the restaurants serve wide variety of food, from `classic Indian to authentic local Goan food to European. And all of this in very reasonable price around ₹400 for two people without drinks. Drinks are available in all the restaurants.

candolim restaurant, the world reporter
Team TWR at a restaurant in Goa (c) TWR

Candolim also has two major super markets, so if you want to cook or make sandwich at your room you can buy everything required for daily needs at very cheap prices. Fruits sold in Goa are very tasty but very costly too. If you want to try some exotic Indian fruits, consider Delhi or Mumbai or any other city which you would be visiting on your trip.

candolim market
Super Market at the Candolim Main Road (c) TWR

Walking on the Candolim streets is a different experience all together. Candolim main road is a narrow two lane road but has less traffic and pedestrian rush. The road is accompanied by markets alongside. There are shops mostly selling souvenirs, clothes, swim wear, semi precious stones or there are restaurants. At night it is lightened by yellow street lights and colorful lights coming from the shops and the restaurants. During day time it is showered by the golden sunlight forming very clear pattern of your shadow on the street. Sun is amazingly bright and people from different parts of the world look amazing bathing with the sunshine together.

candolim main road
Candolim Main Road, (c) TWR

The place had large number of resorts and high quality guest houses, we chose Alor Grande Holiday Resort and were very happy with the service, ambiance and quality. It was more like a big modern apartment complex developed in goan style. In just ₹4500 per night you will get Swimming pool, WiFi (Paid), included breakfast, laundry service and parking facility, the hotel is less than 100m from Candolim main road and main market. And less than 500m far from the Candolim beach.

candolim resort
Alor Grande Holiday Resort, Candolim (c) TWR

Candolim beach is also a peaceful place where sea water is clean and warm. Most of the tourists are from Europe (especially Britain) and Russia. It is the place to sit and relax for sunbath listening to the sounds of waves striking the shore. If you love water sports, you can go for water surfing, motorboat and parachute. As soon as you will enter the beach people will come to you asking if you need shacks or if you want to go for water sports. Beach shack costed only ₹100 per person, per day. And an umbrella costed ₹50. The shack guy was nice and he offered umbrella for free the next day. He will keep coming to ask you if you need anything like snacks, meals or drinks, he will bring it right to the place where you are sitting. Many massage practioners, fruit sellers and tattoo makers will also approach you. Unlike other places, no tourist guides will come after you to hire them. Goa is the place to experience and enjoy yourself.  It becomes really hot in the month of February after 2 o’ clock and it becomes difficult to stay after that on the beach.

candolim beach
Candolim Beach (c) TWR

You can take bike, scooter, or car  on rent and go to nearby and adjacent beaches of Calangute and Bagha, which are equally nice and famous.

Start your day with rich Indian breakfast, walk to the sea, enjoy the sun and warm sea water. When it starts to get hotter, walk down the street, it is a good time to shop. Enjoy the European or Indian lunch in a restaurant. Walk back to your room, watch bollywood movie clips on the TV. Don’t just indulge in running everywhere, seeing everything and getting busy in taking photos, because you will miss the whole point of spending time together and enjoying the present moment. In the evening go back to the beach to see the magnificent sunset, walk down the street and enjoy the jazz and country music playing everywhere. Have a sip of the wine and relax and stimulate your senses with dinner.

Also Read: Goa off the beaten path, Whole Goa in One Day!

You will be glad that you spent your vacation here, this place is suitable for the tourists of all ages, couples and family. Candolim is Goa in the real sense and a mini Russia.

Russian by roots, global citizen by choice. In love with India and Indian culture, love to report everything from politics to military news. Against the controlled media.

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Discover the finest tours across Morocco: an adventure oasis

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Morocco is a North African country renowned for its contrasts and many wonders. Its territory stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Moreover, it boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years and a culture that intertwines Berber people, Arab heritage, and French influence. 

If you’re in search of Morocco desert tours that allow you to explore and experience unforgettable adventures in the country, the options are as diverse as its landscapes. You can immerse yourself in the impressive urban landscape of Fez, savour the exquisite cuisine of Marrakech, relax on the coasts of Essaouira, and, of course, journey through the Sahara Desert via various tours, which will also invite you to explore numerous cities and towns of Morocco, and indulge in unique activities. If you’re keen to discover more about the desert tours that Morocco has to offer, this article will introduce you to some of the finest.

Tours from Marrakech to the desert

From the vibrant city of Marrakech, you can find numerous tours departing towards the desert, promising to offer you a unique and unforgettable experience. One of the most popular Marrakech desert tours is the trip to the Zagora desert, which over two days allows you to explore the High Atlas. 

Here, you can admire landscapes of breathtaking beauty and visit Berber villages that reflect their culture and origins to the teeth. Upon arriving in Zagora, you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels at sunset, followed by a cosy night under the stars in a traditional camp. 

If you’re seeking an even deeper and comprehensive experience, you can also undertake three-day tours from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, which give you the chance to explore the popular Erg Chebbi dunes, as well as including visits to historic kasbahs, fertile valleys, and allowing you to observe the interesting local life in the oases.

Camel Trekking in Merzouga

Merzouga is also the perfect starting point for a Camel trekking Morocco, thanks to its spectacular sand dunes. Through this activity, you can experience nomadic life, trekking through the Erg Chebbi dunes, known to be the highest in Morocco. 

At the same time, you can opt for a one-night camel excursion, where you’ll enjoy the sunset in the desert, a traditional dinner around a campfire, and a night in a Berber tent. Then, upon awakening, you’ll witness the tranquillity and beauty that can only be offered by the sunrise in the desert. 

For those more adventurous individuals, there are also options for multi-day trekking, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit numerous nomadic communities and explore the unique geography of the desert. Ultimately, camel trekking tours are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the beauty and simplicity of the Sahara Desert.

Tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert

Fez, the impressive imperial city steeped in history and culture, is another starting point for embarking on a Sahara desert tour. It’s a typical two-day tour that takes you from the antiquity of Fez through the Middle Atlas mountains to the entrance of the desert

Along the way, you can see cedar forests with wild monkeys and the dazzling Ziz Valley. Then, once you’ve reached Merzouga, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a camel ride to the desert camp, where you’ll spend the night. 

On the other hand, tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert also often offer the possibility of visiting local villages and markets, providing you with an authentic insight into desert life. Finally, you’ll have the unforgettable experience of sleeping surrounded by the immensity of the dunes and under the stars of the desert sky.

Whether it’s exploring ancient Berber villages, trekking across towering sand dunes, or experiencing the tranquillity of a desert night under the stars, these tours promise an adventure like no other. Book your Moroccan adventure today and create memories to last a lifetime.

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Discovering Valencia and the Valencian Community: an unforgettable holiday experience

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Valencia, with its Mediterranean charm and a rich history seamlessly intertwined with modernity, stands out as a unique tourist destination in the Valencian Community and one of the main attractions on the entire Iberian Peninsula. Explore everything you can do in this wonderful region, where magic, natural beauty, and culture offer a wide range of options for enjoyment.

Spain is one of the most tourist-oriented countries in the world. Its extraordinary natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, excellent tourist services, and a wide range of entertainment options make it one of the most visited destinations in the European continent. Among the regions and cities that contribute to Spain’s international tourist significance, Valencia, and the entire Valencian Community undoubtedly take the top positions, always preferred by both national and international visitors.

Transport: Essential for your adventure

The first thing to organise before travelling to Valencia is the transportation within the city. Fortunately, there are excellent options to meet all types of needs, preferences, and budgets. A good idea is to use Uber Valencia services, with a broad network of vehicles available from any part of the city, at any time, without restrictions and at quite reasonable prices. It is an efficient, practical, and modern means of transportation accessible through their corresponding mobile application. Who doesn’t know about this extraordinary transportation service in these times?

However, if you enjoy immersing yourself in the daily lives of the city’s residents, you can purchase Valencia bus tickets and explore the city using this comfortable and cheap form of transportation.

The Municipal Transport Company (EMT) Valencia is responsible for providing public transportation services in the city, with high-quality buses perfectly equipped to ensure maximum comfort. Their routes cover not only Valencia but also reach nearby towns such as Alboraya, Alfara del Patriarca, Sueca, Burjassot, Tavernes Blanques, Moncada, Vinalesa, and Sedaví.

Drinking water from the taps

An interesting and significant feature is that Valencia tap water is entirely suitable for human consumption; in other words, it can be consumed directly from the tap without any sanitary risks. Tap water in Valencia undergoes strict quality controls to ensure its potability. Competent authorities constantly supervise the water supply to ensure compliance with the highest standards set by the European Union. Controls include periodic tests to determine the presence of possible contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, harmful residues, and heavy metals. Being in Valencia, you can be confident that tap water is well treated and will not pose any problems.

Shopping: Exploring the best stores

In addition to its fascinating beaches, beautiful tourist sites, modern architecture, historic centres, stunning landscapes, nature, gastronomy, festivals, traditions, and exciting nightlife, Valencia shopping tours are another interesting attraction to explore in this wonderful city.

The majority of shops and shopping centres throughout the Valencian Community are open every day, including Sundays and holidays, ensuring that you can shop whenever your heart desires. Shopping is a relaxing activity that also provides the opportunity to find items and products that may not be available in your hometown.

Valencia boasts stores of the finest trendy brands, modern shopping centres, and complementary services, making any shopping spree an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, Valencia and the Valencian Community offer a truly enchanting experience, seamlessly blending the allure of its Mediterranean charm with a rich historical tapestry and modern vibrancy. From efficient transportation options like Uber Valencia to the exploration of the city’s daily life through bus rides, the journey is as convenient as it is immersive. Moreover, the assurance of safe tap water underscores the city’s commitment to quality living. In addition, the vibrant shopping scene, coupled with Valencia’s myriad attractions, ensures that every visit becomes an unforgettable adventure. So, embark on this unique odyssey, where history, culture, and contemporary life converge to create memories that linger long after you’ve bid farewell to this captivating corner of Spain, you won’t regret it. 

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Cheapest place to buy a house abroad

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Buying a house or making investments in development projects was always a great way to access a better life. This can be seen in foreign lands, where families and investors find great opportunities to live or invest —and profit of—. The dominican republic real estate is one of the best ways to do so.

Buying property oversea

Nowadays, many people find that the best way to invest in the real estate business is to look oversea; there are incredible countries and opportunities to get our money’s worth. Between the best places, we can mention the Caribbean shore and, in Europe, the Spanish peninsula —between many others—. These places are beautiful and the respective real estate markets are strong.

Nevertheless, the people who have most success in this area recommend getting a great assessor in property law & investment from the country in which we want to make our investment. The cost of doing so is marginal, but it can help us to avoid any inconvenient or delay in the process.

Which are the best options to buy abroad?

Spain

According to the specialists, Spain can be one of the most attractive places to live and invest. There, the opportunities are bigger and more lucrative, as this country contains some of the most exclusive cultural and historical sites in the world, and is one of the most selected destinations because of his great landscapes and beaches.

The real estate law is especially hard, and requires the listing of a professional that can resolve the different aspects of the purchase. Even more, if we want to invest in an urban project, they bring comfort and security to the process —they are guaranties of the success of our investment—.

Even though the spain real estate business can be complex and overwhelming for someone who doesn’t know the law —many taxes must be pay and there’s an abundance of documentation that must be presented to avoid any inconvenient—, it remains one of the best options to buy abroad.

The Caribbean shores and Dominican Republic

Across the Atlantic, one of the most lucrative and safer investments out there remain in the Caribbean shores; in the Dominican Republic real estate business. If we want to buy a house to live in or if we want to put our savings in a safe and profitable financial instrument, there’s no better place.

Effectively, this country is much cheaper than Spain. This is one of the most important reasons why so many people choose to live there. In the Caribbean, we can find many affordable properties and developments of ever-growing performance in a market of great demand.

There, we can find many properties close to the most incredible shores in the whole continent; even more, the prospect of growth in this market, over the years, will give us a profit over our investment that can’t be match.

Many specialists recommend investing in the Dominican Republic real estate. Then also indicate the benefits of hiring a property law advisor that can provide knowledge and experience in the matter. The cost of doing so is relatively low, and it betters our chances to buy a cheap house abroad.

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