Antananarivo, Madagascar’s vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and historical depth. Perched on a series of hills, the city’s layout is characterized by its steep streets and traditional architecture. The Royal Palace, or Rova of Antananarivo, is a central landmark, offering a glimpse into Madagascar's royal past. Although much of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1995, the site remains a significant cultural and historical monument.
From the elegant streets of Budapest to the rolling hills of the countryside, Hungary captivates with its diversity and charm. Budapest, often called the "Pearl of the Danube," boasts architectural wonders like the iconic Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, where travelers can unwind in warm, mineral-rich waters.
This quaint port city is breathtakingly beautiful! Surrounded by peaks, Seward fjords are the perfect whale and porpoise habitat, and both seals and puffins fill the Alaska SeaLife Center. Those looking for a challenge can hike the western trail to the summit of Mount Marathon.
Chichicastenango, often simply called "Chichi," is a vibrant town in the highlands of Guatemala that offers an unparalleled cultural experience. Known for its lively indigenous market, which takes place every Thursday and Sunday, this bustling bazaar is one of the most famous in Central America. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Mayan culture while browsing colorful textiles, handcrafted masks, and traditional pottery.
Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. The Park encompasses the alkaline Lake Nakuru and has earned fame as the greatest bird spectacle in the world. The gathering of hundreds of thousands of greater and lesser pink flamingos. The massive flock of birds color the waters a delicate pink and feed on the abundant algae which thrives in the lake's shallow warm waters.
Lake Nakuru is subject to fluctuation in depth and once in every 20 to 30 years it dries up completely, in which case the flamingos and pelican fly over the Managaai crater to the more remote waters of Lake Bogoria. Lake Nakuru National Park covers 78 square miles, most of which is the lake itself. Nakuru has also been declared a black rhino sanctuary and has a number of these endangered animals underguard. Other wildlife found here are leopards, buffalo, Rothschild's giraffes, waterbucks, reedbucks, hippos, baboons, pelicans, and cormorants. The acacia savannah which surrounds the lake is itself beautiful and provides an area particuarly delightful for game viewing.