Lowland region South East from Zagreb is called Turopolje. It is beautiful and fertile mass of fields and rivers with one hilly section - Vukomericke Gorice. Cultural, historical andarchaeological sites are plentifully. From prehistoric, Roman, Medieval and later times different sites and traces can be seen. Ethnological treasures found in national costumes, ways of stitching, songs, structure of old farmer units and so on are still being discovered and preserved.
Small wooden chapels are absolutely unique for Turopolje. Its rich history was marked with numerous manor houses belonging at one time or another to foreign and local nobility. One of the major natural resources are big oak forests. (Connection with wooden structures)
Velika Gorica is the main center. It is placed only 16 km South from Zagreb and is considered to be part of greater Zagreb. It's position is near the airport and close to big road junction. Velika Gorica is dynamic, fast growing town often neglected because of the capitals vicinity. In it's center is Turopoljski grad erected in 18Th century. That place was a seat of Noble Municipality of Turopolje. It has a long and proud history marking many laws, regulations and rules typical for this part of Croatia. Turopoljski grad today is a local museum with small but interesting collections.
Important and valuable site near Velika Gorica is Andautonija (Scitarjevo, 8 km NW from the town). It used to be political and military center of Illyrian tribe Andautonians and after they lost it became Roman municipium. Andautonija is hexagonal in plan with remnants of Roman building, parts of the road, spa, pottery, coins and so on. The traces of ancient Romans are found in many villages near Scitarjevo. They are worth visiting.
This is the place where Fiddler on the roof was filmed many years ago.
One of the greatest treasures of Turopolje region are wooden churches and chapels. It is believed that this way of building started already in the Middle ages and became more and more common in the years of Ottoman invasion and destruction. It was common, practical and desirable in 17 Th century to replace former church (made from brick) by wooden structures.
These churches and chapels are with no doubt most precious examples of traditional folk architecture. Very famous are Santa Barbara in Velika Mlaka, Holy Apostles in Busevec, on the Plesko field near the airport is chapel of the wounded Christ and so on.
Only five wooden sacral buildings have been preserved till today.
Kravarsko, Orle and Pokupsko are other three municipalities in the Turopolje region. Their past go to distant times.
Turopolje and Velika Gorica used to be very agricultural. In a manner it still is but with growth, spreading and nearby Zagreb it became center for local recreation and entertainment. It hosts small and big carnival, St Georges day in April, International Folklore Festival in June. Beer festival and so on.
Galzenica gallery and Kordic gallery offer interesting projects for art lovers. Museum of Turopolje (mentioned before) is a must to visit.
Near Velika Gorica is lake Cice and a village with same name. In the nice and warm weather it is a place to visit for swimming, water skiing and sun bathing.
Some parts of Turopolje were badly damaged in Homeland war but effort and industrious approach of local people already changed it. Section of Vukomericke Gorice became residential areas combined with previous weekend houses only. Many commercial facilities stretch with the road that connects Velika Gorica with Zagreb. Although it became indisputable part of metropolitan area so many charm is still preserved and it would be shame to miss it.

By: Josephine Boehm
Josephine Boehm is an Art Historian and author. If you want to read more of her writing visit her blogs: Guide to Croatia and Josephines art history blog. Her web site Croatia vacations is a great place to find short information about every major vacation resort in Croatia.

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The Carnival of Rio is one of the most popular annual parties in the whole world. The exuberant floats, the beautiful samba dancers, and the contagious joy of its people make Brazil the ideal spot for those searching for excitement and unique experiences. In fact, once you hear the rhythmic beating of the drums, your feet will start moving turning you into another participant of this great celebration that takes place in Samba schools, on Avenida Marques de Sapucai, or in the street blocks. But Brazil offers much more - It offers natural beauty and green areas like no other place. It's a place injected with life. From the Amazon rainforest to the Iguazu Falls, there is definitely plenty to see and do in Brazil.

What to do?

Looking for exuberant nature? Head north to the Amazon rain forest where you will find thousands of unique species of plants and animals, and also indigenous tribes. Make sure to book a tour, so you can get the most out of this experience while staying safe. Manaus is the capital of the Amazonas State and the best place to go to visit the Amazon Forest. Belem is the second largest city in the Amazon region with religious festivals and traditional markets.

Looking for beautiful beaches? Head northeast to Salvador (Bahia), Olinda, Recife or Natal. It is considered the country's sunniest region with colonial architecture and street parties all year round.

Looking for cosmopolitan cities? Head southeast to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. In Rio you will find beautiful beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema along with the famous open arms statue - Christ The Redeemer. The statue is a symbol that represents the culture of the people from Rio (Cariocas) and their welcoming hospitality. Cariocas are known for their easy-going, laid-back culture in contrast to the more reserved people from other cities. Sao Paulo is Brazil's largest, richest and most cosmopolitan city defined by a diverse cultural and business life. Sao Paulo is so diverse that is home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. It also has strong Italian and Arab influences. The people of Sao Paulo are known as hard-working and industrious people contrasting with the Cariocas and the people from other regions.

Where to eat?

Brazil's national dish is feijoada, a hearty stew made of black beans and pork. It's a heavy dish, so take your time before eating it. Excellent seafood can also be found in the coastal towns of Brazil. Brazilian snacks called lanches include a wide variety of pastries such as coxinha, empadinha, and pastel. If you are in the mood for good barbeque, try the Brazilian "Churrasco" served at many restaurants. A restaurant meal with a drink usually costs $10 making eating out a very feasible experience for those on a budget. Fast food is also available and you will find as many Bob's (a famous fast-food chain in Brazil) as McDonald's in the big cities.

Where to stay?

In the Pantanal region - a place full of wild like and wetlands - tourists usually stay in fazendas, which can be described as big ranches. Boat hotels are also a popular option for tourists who want to have a relaxing time fishing and watching the Pantanal wildlife. In the big cities, you will find 5 star hotels as well as pousadas (guesthouses) and hostels.

Visas & Documents

* Citizens from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay may enter the country with a valid ID card and stay up to 90 days. * Citizens from the following countries are required to present their passports for stays of up to 90 days: South Africa, Croatia, all EU countries (except Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bulgaria, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Philippines, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Morocco, Namibia, Panama, Slovakia, Slovenia, Malta, Surinam, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Venezuela. * Citizens from the following countries currently need a visa for Brazil: Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, United States, El Salvador, Nicarágua, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Armenia, Lebanon, Siria, former soviet countries and others not listed above. * United States citizens are required to pay 100 US Dollars for a 5 year visa.

By: Denisse Romero
Study Abroad and Travel Portal
http://www.macquil.com
Denisse Romero is the founder of MacQuil.com, a study abroad and travel portal. She also enjoys teaching foreign languages and advising students from all over the world.

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Trinidad and Tobago, two islands set in the Caribbean Sea. The name Caribbean conjures up images of blue seas and white sand beaches set against green hills. It brings to mind images of lying on the beach sipping pina coladas or rum and coca-cola. For the holiday traveler Tobago meets those expectations. For the outdoor enthusiast however, Trinidad and Tobago can be islands of outdoor recreation adventure with hiking trails and hidden waterfalls, bird and turtle watching, cycling through verdant countryside or kayaking past wildlife filled forests.

Trinidad and Tobago has a range of hiking opportunities with many of the hikes leading to waterfalls. Rincon waterfall in the Rincon valley on the north coast of Trinidad is a 250-foot vertical drop. The hike begins in the valley amidst small farms, fording several crystal clear streams and then winds uphill, culminating with a steep descent to the base of the waterfall. The 32 kilometer trail from Blanchissuese to Matelot on Trinidad's north coast is considered a jewel. Along the hike one alternates from unspoiled rainforest to untouched beaches. Starting from Blanchissuese you encounter Paria Bay after two to three hours (depending on the hiker's level of fitness). A short trail from the beach leads to Paria waterfall where there is a deep clear pool below the falls surrounded by heliconia, fringed lilies, and philodendron. If you choose to continue the hike after Paria Bay, the trail rambles over a succession of small ridges, crossing several small streams, until you next encounter Gran Tacarib, which is a 1.2 kilometer crescent shaped beach. From Gran Tacarib the trail continues to the Madamas river and then Madamas Beach. Both Madamas Beach and Gran Tacarib are nesting sites for Leatherback turtles, during the nesting season of March to September. After Madamas it is a continuation of the up and down hiking and crossing small streams and then the Petite Riviere river. The trail continues through abandoned estate lands with cocoa, coffee, tonka bean, nutmeg and papaya (pawpaw) until you arrive at the Matelot River and the village of Matelot.

For those who want to lie on the beach but also engage in some outdoor activity there are several less strenous hikes. Argyle waterfall on the outskirts of Roxborough in Tobago is an easy hike along the Argyle River to a three level waterfall. The hike to the Rio Seco waterfall on Trinidad's north-east coast goes through semi-cultivated land and then through stately mora forests to a small waterfall with a refreshing emerald pool, ideal for swimming.

Both Trinidad and Tobago abound with birds and at almost every turn an avian spectacle can be observed. Trinidad and Tobago has some of the most diverse bird species to be found in one location with over 460. This variety in species can perhaps be attributed to the fact that the islands lie close to South America so migration is easier, resulting in unusually diverse fauna. Asa Wright Nature Center, is Trinidad and Tobago's premier birding location and it has been widely recognized as one of the most successful eco-tourism stories in the world. The listing of birds that can be seen at this center is too long for this article but has been identified in the vicinity of 159. Some of these birds include; Purple Honeycreeper, Green Honeycreeper, Crested Oropendola, Silver-beaked Tanager, White-necked Jacobin hummingbirds, Bananaquit, Red-legged Honeycreeper, White-chested Emerald hummingbird, Cocoa Thrush, Chestnut Woodpecker, Great Antshrike. This Nature Center is located at a height of approximately 1,200 feet in the hills of the Northern Range, seven miles from the town of Arima. It is reached by a single lane road that winds through verdant countryside dotted by small villages and isolated houses. There are numerous trails throughout the property and very knowledgeable guides.

Grafton Wildlife Sanctuary, Tobago, is a former cocoa and coconut estate that was destroyed by Hurricane Flora in 1963 and as a result was converted into a wildlife sanctuary. It is approx. 200 acres in size and is covered in secondary forest. There are three main forest trails. As you enter, the first trail on the right leads downhill and is relatively short. The second trail on the left also gradually leads downhill and then eventually climbs uphill. The main trail, which is directly facing the entrance, leads uphill and winds past several abandoned estate buildings and stables. There are benches along the main trail and at some points they provide panoramic views. There are at least three smaller trails that branch off from the main uphill trail but these are not always maintained. The three main forest trails are maintained. It is possible to spend an enjoyable hour or an intense four hours. The entire sanctuary abounds with birds of varied species.

Trinidad and Tobago are islands in the Caribbean Sea so there are myriad opportunities for kayaking. However for those who do not want to contend with large waves, ocean swells and ocean currents, Trinidad and Tobago offers a choice of sheltered saltwater and freshwater kayaking opportunities. Two kayaking areas of particular note are Bon Accord Lagoon and the Godineau River.

The azure waters of Buccoo Bay and the Bon Accord Lagoon in Tobago are sheltered by the offshore Buccoo reef, providing a kayaking area with only gentle swells. Kayak rentals are available at the nearby Storebay and also at Pigeon Point. The fringing Mangrove swamps of the Bon Accord Lagoon provide a scenic contrast to the white sand beaches along Pigeon Point and at the center of Buccoo bay. The offshoots of the reef also shelter the adjacent Milford Bay, allowing one to kayak to the south-east from Bon Accord Lagoon around Pigeon Point and into Milford Bay or vice-versa.

The Godineau River in south Trinidad, also known as the South Oropouche River, is one of the rivers in Trinidad that provides a year round kayaking opportunity as the water level is always sufficient. Kayaking in the Godineau area takes you through a variety of habitats, from saltwater mangrove swamp to fresh water marshland to partially cultivated areas. A variety of birdlife can be seen on these kayak trips including Scarlet Ibis, Southern Lapwing, Osprey, Savannah Hawk, Wattled Jacana, Cattle Egret, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Lesser Yellowlegs, Black-bellied Whistling Duck and a variety of migrating ducks (during the northern winter). This kayak trip can be started either from the sea along the area known as the Mosquito Creek or inland from the Woodland area.

Trinidad's network of old agricultural & oilfield roads plus (relatively) quiet country roads, along with hiking paths provide a range of surfaces and environments for cycling. In addition terrain ranges from flat land to rolling inclines to hillsides. For those with a preference for road biking almost every area of Trinidad has country roads with reduced vehicle traffic. The cross-country rider will be able to find undulating land with natural vistas. Those whose interest lies in mountain biking can find forest trails with logs, bamboo and streams across the trail requiring navigation and dexterity.

So the next time you are looking for outdoor recreational activity with a difference, experience Trinidad and Tobago, islands of Adventure.

By: Brian Ramsey
Brian Ramsey operates the web site, Outdoors Trinidad and is the author of the CD, Discovering the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago, birdsoftt.com.

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The stunning and lesser explored island of Tobago in the Caribbean is a true hidden treasure; Tobago offers visitors a return to traditional family and social values, it offers you sun, sea, sand and smiling faces in abundance, excellent cuisine, an incredibly affordable cost of living, deserted beaches, coral reefs, rainforests and it is an island directly accessible from the UK and the USA which is well south of the hurricane route.

If you’re looking for an alternative holiday destination where you will be able relax, kick back and contemplate the finer points of life in style and in sunshine, why not take a closer look at Tobago – in fact, why not book yourself a week away in this Caribbean paradise!

In Tobago the local people are friendly and welcoming towards overseas visitors because their island has not been dogged by charter holiday companies and property developers exploiting their values and constructing high rise accommodation – rather the Tobagonians are proud to introduce you to their island and their values. In Tobago families still raise children together, children are brought up to respect their elders, church services are well attended weekly and more emphasis is placed on achieving a good quality of life and a harmonious work/life balance rather than on working solely for the pursuit of personal gain.

It’s a common reaction to a holiday in Tobago to return home and readjust your own family and personal life once you relearn from the Tobagonians how to have a better quality of life!

There are many sights, sounds and flavours to experience when you travel to Tobago and despite the pace of life being incredibly laid back there are many adventures to be had. Visitors can learn to scuba and snorkel around the reefs, they can sail and enjoy an abundance of water sports, safaris and rain forest excursions are popular, there is world class golf, fantastic fishing, rare and beautiful flora and fauna to discover and stunningly beautiful, deserted white sandy beaches to sunbathe on and rejuvenate the soul.

The general awareness that Tobago as an idyllic Caribbean retreat is beginning to rise and as a result the very first five star property development comprising villas and apartments located around a spa and beach resort has been given permission for construction. Many developers have applied for permission to build large scale real estate developments in Tobago but this particular development at Culloden Reef is the only one to get the go-ahead because the developers are creating a sustainable and environmentally responsible community ensuring the ongoing protection of the rare and beautiful natural landscape around the resort.

What this ultimately means though is that if you’re looking for the ultimate escape then you can take a holiday in Tobago – or go one better and purchase a home in this, the most peaceful Caribbean island retreat and then you can get away whenever the mood takes you.

By: Rhiannon Williamson
Rhiannon Williamson writes about buying property abroad and showcases new property developments in the Caribbean and around the world on her site http://www.PropertyDevelopmentWorld.com.

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As the largest city on the Iberian Peninsula, there is an abundance of interesting things about Madrid.

Madrid is the capital city of Spain. Operating under the Spanish name of Villa de Madrid, Madrid is the third most populated city in the European Union. London and Berlin precede Madrid. The European Union was founded in 1992. It consists of twenty-seven democratic nations in Europe, in addition to the countries that they represent, France, Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.

Madrid is located in the center of the Castillian plain, just along the banks of the Manzanares River. It is apart of southwest Europe's Iberian Peninsula It is the largest city on the Iberian Peninsula, which is comprised of Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar. The city sports a population topping three million. Madrid's partners with Barcelona, another Spanish city, and Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, as one of the financial centers of the Iberian Peninsula.

The capital city plays a pivotal position in the nation's business and banking. Madrid is Spain's headquarters for Public Administration, Government, and the royal monarch. The business industry is housed in Madrid's Southern fringe district. Other features of the neighborhood include factories for textile, food, and metal working.

Madrid is surrounded by a number of sizzling Spanish cities. Aranjuez is sandwiched on the Southern tip of Madrid, just near the Tajo River. The special vegetation and trademark weather in this region of the city solidifies it's place as one of the popular parts of the city. Just outside of Madrid, Alcala de Hernares is an urban enclave rich in art and history. Here are a few more interesting places:

Madrid's Opera Theater, also commonly known as the Royal Theater or Teatro Real, is the city's main theater district.

The Royal Palace, which once served as the home of the King, marks the entrance to the historic theater. The Royal Palace now serves as a monument of paintings by artists including Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, El Greco, and Caravaggio.

The Cuatro Torres Business Arena is the newest modern addition to Madrid's financial district. The business district is comprised of four skyscrapers with the tallest being the two hundred fifty meter high Repsol Tower. The Repsol Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Spain and the third tallest in Europe. The Sacyr-Vallehermoso Tower, the Crystal Tower, and the Espacio Tower round out Cuartro Torres' other skyscrapers.

Madrid is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. The Paseo del Prado is one of the most important cultural spots in the city. Dubbed the Golden Triangle of Art, the Paseo del Prado is comprised of three museums, the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. The Prado Museum features one of the most revered galleries of art ranging between the fourteenth and nineteenth centuries. The Prado was originally founded as a museum of paintings and sculptures. The Prado Museum includes five thousand drawings, two thousand prints, one thousand coins and medals, and nearly two thousand art works. The Thyssen Bornemisza Museum opened during the roaring twenties, and includes art collections from the periods of impressionism and expressionism. The Sofia Museum is the Spanish national museum with a specialty in twentieth century art. The museum, which officially September 10, 1992, was named in honor of Queen Sofia. It houses Pablo Picasso's Guernica.

While Spain is the second most popular destination in the country, Madrid is undisputedly the top city within it.

By: Richard Monk
Richard Monk is with FactsMonk.com - get daily facts each and every day.

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Legendary, beautiful, marvelous... This is Saint Petersburg - "the Northern Venice" of Russia - far and enchanting, attractive and fascinating. This is the city where you can find what you have desired for a long time, it is the place in this great World where your dreams come true!

St. Petersburg was founded on the Neva River by Tsar Peter the Great, on the 16th of May, 1703. Surely, the city is considered to be not a very old one, but it undoubtedly has a rich and powerful history, the study of which can help you to understand that a good deal of the greatest dates in the world and Russian history is connected with St. Petersburg. They say, the city is the cultural capital of Russia, and anybody can hardly deny this fact. At a glimpse, one becomes aware that culture permeates through all the city, leaves its trace in all the spheres of St. Petersburg life. Firstly, the look of the city - its architectural grandeur, luxurious parks, inviting streets, avenues and lanes, plenty of rivers and canals, the view of the Gulf of Finland - gives us an estimate of the large scale and grandiosity of St. Petersburg. Secondly, the enormous number of cultural institutions - museums and art galleries, palaces of culture, theatres, concert and music halls, movie theatres, and so on and so forth - grant a lot of diverse positive impressions which give us an idea of the great potential ability of art to influence our life making it better, richer, brighter.

No matter if you come to St. Petersburg alone or with your family and friends, whether you on vocation or on business, you should certainly visit some of the greatest St. Petersburg places of note. Slip not the chance to stroll along the most famous avenue of the city - Nevskii Prospect -where you will see many historical and gorgeous buildings, the marvelous sculptures of the Anichkov Bridge, the picturesque Griboedov Canal... An autobus city tour will help you to see other avenues and streets with their beautiful sights. A night city tour will give you a chance to see all the beauty of the illuminated city, and to watch a very well-known and attractive eye-catcher - swinging open of the city bridges. If you are tired of roads and traffic jam, take a boat city tour on rivers and canals of St. Petersburg. It will allow you to enjoy the marvelous sights of the city being afloat.

After that, indubitably, you will wish to visit a celebrated place.

There is a wide range of famous museums in St. Petersburg, and the first ones to visit are: the Hermitage (or the Winter Palace) which is so huge that one can scarcely observe all the treasures kept there in even a several years' time, the Russian Museum which is one of the greatest picture galleries in the World, the Peter and Paul Fortress situated on the Zayachiy Island which was erected for the purpose of defense and which is a historical museum at present.

Irrespective of your religion you should visit the splendid Orthodox cathedrals of St. Petersburg which present architectural and decoration masterpieces, beginning with the Kazansky Cathedral with its mighty semicircle of columns, the St. Isaac's Cathedral which is one of the biggest dome buildings in the world and which has a colonnade permitting you to observe the city center, and the Spas-na-Krovi Cathedral with its unique outer décors.

And never miss the opportunity of going to the illustrious suburbs of St. Petersburg, such as Peterhof with its renowned fountain cascades located in front of the Great Peterhof Palace, the Pavlovsk Ensemble with its vast park where you can feed squirrels in summer, Pushkin where there is still the spirit of the great poet's age.

In actual fact, it is impossible to enumerate all the values of this great magnetic city, it is much better to see everything with one's own eyes. Saint Petersburg always greets any tourist with outstretched arms!

By: Alexandra Korneeva
This site www.hotels-of-saint-petersburg.com can be of great help for you if you plan to visit Saint Petersburg or just want to know it better. There is much information about the city, and a database of comfortable apartments and hotel rooms where you can stay during your visit.

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