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The Sri Lankan Odyssey – Exploring Sri Lanka

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The sun had just been rising slow as the blue waves splashed into the beach front, the horizon stretch at Negombo was slowly spreading with orange and occasional pixels of black dots at the end of it, in constant motion. Wide beaked seagulls strutted across the beach, hopping. Hiding away from their eyes are puny crabs.  They run diagonally into the tiny holes on the wet sand. A little amusement and awe at that splendid image is only going to add into my stash of visual fortunes and so I stopped in curiosity.

I paused near the shore, white and golden sands all over my feet, wind that blew and pampered me, head to toe with the flip-flops studded with mud that shone; I waited for a good view of the huge boats and their bounty. Coconut palms agreed in unison.

A long walk on the white sands gave me a lot of memories to paint my heart walls with. Those tiny pixels from far the horizon had now turned into huge boats as they approached the shore. One of them came over right in front of me! It was one of the best sights that my eyes treasured! The boat made a creaking noise, as though it wasn’t so happy to have gotten back into the land. A few fishermen onboard, still in their prime of enthusiasm even after the rough seas, jumped off the trawlers, tugged at the honey-coloured ropes fasted on one of the brass beams. I watch, in utter amusement.

The pointy wooden nose of the large boat dripped wet, salty from the sea. The large sails fluttered happily, in the wind.

I peeked, into the large belly the boat had, and I found fishes piled, colourful with button eyes and the relieved smiles on the fishermen. The large boat swayed on the loose waves and the fishermen pulled the ends of the rope to bring it to rest, on the shore. They pulled hard, raising many ‘ahoy’s that echoed through the pristine, breezy beach. The boat although, hardly was in a hurry!

I couldn’t miss this golden opportunity in no time and so I kept down my flip flops, took an end of the thick rope from an old fisherman, tugged at it hard, twining it around my wrists and pulled hard, towards me. The boat moves in, tearing the waves beneath. For a split second, the waves touched over my feet, sending a trail of goose bumps through my spine on the balmy sunny day.  The large boat approached the shore as the oars made clinking noises as it clang the padlocks on the inside of the boat. The padlocks safeguarded an iron trunk that probably contained the passports and documents of these fishermen, just in case when they battle the sea and it’s mighty bounty. The fishermen, who were left on the trawler, jumped off and gave me a warm smile for my team play.

As I continued my walk on the beach, with the flipflops in my hand a tune on my lips, I turned back, looking at the large boat. The fishermen are engrossed in unloading the fish into small buckets and boxes. A bunch of crows are snooping around, swooshing and flying crisscross, in the hope for some fish off the boat. Dogs are at a distance with puppy eyes, in hope as well. Cats lurk behind the boxes, only to be shooed away by the menfolk. A few people have come and stood by the boat, talking to the head fisherman. He is arguing, sometimes disagreeing, and shaking his head vigorously. He is happy for sometime and immediately to another man, he shouts. At work, I see that he is.

He probably owns the ride and masters it.

Unpacking. Transferring. Bargaining. Buying. Shifting. Whispering. Hustling. Whistling. Cacophony.

Catamaran beach hotel

Catamaran beach hotel

I retreat into my cozy room at the Catamaran beach hotel at Negombo. It’s a peaceful property on this calm beach front. Rich with heritage architecture and excellent client service, they are just a pleasure to be with.  We see wonderful ethnic wooden furnitures abundantly used on this property. Outside the hotel, on the sands and overlooking the sea, some vendors who sold rugs and curios are calling out at tourists for their share of earning. How buying has influenced us all so! A little girl who sold antique jewellery pieces calls out at me, displaying a chunky necklace she lifts up from her tray of goodies,  “madam, this! This! You want?”

A huge badam tree not so far off, has a couple of young boys playing cards under. They shout in excitement at the poker game, startling a dog that was sleeping in the shade. A lonely cycle was resting on the tree trunk as I sipped my apple mojito at the Catamaran hotel Bar on the first floor. Looking down the balcony, I see a large swimming pool with blue water and an aquamarine beach ahead of me. Life just felt good.

But I had more to discover in this tiny beach town. As evening comes, I am off, to a flea market at the end of the beach. I can’t wait to lay my hands on beaded jewelery and sip some hot piping tea. So, tell me, when do you want to come over?

lazing around

lazing around

closer view.

closer view.

Sri Lankan beach shacks

aqua blue pool

aqua blue pool

Sri Lankan beach coconuts

Lazy warm benches for rest

Lazy warm benches for rest

sri lankan hawkers

hawkers

sri lankan sellers who sell rugs

sellers who sell rugs

 

 

The view through the Catamaran beach hotel at Negombo.

The view through the Catamaran beach hotel at Negombo.

 

 

Furnitures in teak wood

beach hotel - the inside

beach hotel – the inside

highly expressive, roaring appetite for books, food and design; have occasional bouts of flippancy to all things needed. Always hungry for Biryani. Nomad. Binger. Lover.

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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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