During my visit to Dubai I, of course, visited many places, trendy hotels, beaches, chic districts but also the famous Burj Khalifa (Burj meaning tower in Arabic). I spoke about it briefly in my article on Dubai but I decided to devote an article to it. In this article, you will find all my advice for a successful visit to Burj Khalifa. Its history, how to book your ascent of Burj Khalifa? What are your options for visit Burj Khalifa ?

First of all, for what it won’t talk to, Burj Khalifa is, quite simply, the tallest tower in the world. Burj Khalifa is therefore 828 meters high, for 160 floors. It consists mainly of apartments, offices and also a luxury hotel. This tower is located (obviously) in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It is located in the district of DownTown Burj Khalifa. This district is really spectacular, you can walk there for long hours. We will talk soon about the different things to see and do in the surroundings.

Burj Khalifa history

For the record Burj Khalifa was originally not to be called Burj Khalifa but Burj Dubai. Indeed, the tower was renamed at its inauguration with the name of Sheikh Khalifa, Emir of Abhu Dabi and President of the United Arab Emirates. In the midst of the financial crisis, the emirate of Dubai was hampered in its frenzied construction momentum by a lack of money. Dubai therefore did not have the financial means to complete its huge Downtown project. Burj Khalifa. It is therefore the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi which came to the aid of Dubai by financing the crazy project of Dubai to the tune of 10 billion dollars. In return, the tower was renamed Burj Khalifa.

The Burj Khalifa project began in 2003 when one of Dubai’s leading real estate companies decided to build the tallest tower in the world. Initially the tower was to measure only 560 meters in height but in view of the many similar projects, the promoter decided to considerably increase the size to arrive at this final size of 828 meters. Although it has undergone many controversies, especially on the working conditions of workers, the tower is a real technical feat. The figures are staggering, 39,000 tons of steel, 330,000 cubic meters of concrete for a total of more than 22 million cumulative working hours. The tower can accommodate more than 35,000 people at the same time distributed in the 304 hotel rooms and 900 apartments that compose it.
It was in 2010, on January 4, that the tower was inaugurated. Today it is possible to visit Burj Khalifa by accessing different floors (the 124, 125 and 148th) open to the public.

Visiting Burj Khalifa is a must in Dubai, the ascent of this tower is called ” At The Top “For floors 124 and 125 and” At The Top Sky » for floor 148. This visit is, of course, not free. The price varies depending on the floor you want to access. Indeed, it is possible to visit Burj Khalifa by joining one of the three floors open to the public: the 124th, 125th or 148th. It is mandatory to book your ascent of the tower in advance. Once you have entered Burj Khalifa, you will first wait in a sort of waiting room in which you can admire a miniature representation of the tower.

Once your turn has arrived, you will therefore pass security gates and a souvenir photo. Further on, you will advance through several corridors of the tower until you reach … the end of the queue. I you therefore strongly recommend the purchase of skip-the-line tickets. So let’s resume our queue through several corridors, plunged into darkness with a timeline telling you the history of the tower and exposing you its impressive figures and records.
Finally your turn. You will therefore enter one of the two elevators available to tourists. Large elevators, very design, also totally black with a small counter that shows you which floor you are on.

The elevator starts up, and even though we can’t see the outside, we feel the elevator pick up speed, reaching its maximum speed of 18 meters per second (world record). The floors indicator scrolls through the numbers to a pretty impressive visit. Be careful with the ears, they get blocked very quickly and will hurt you slightly.

Once at the top, you arrive in a large room, completely glazed and offering you an exceptional view. You can also go out onto a small terrace. Look up, you will have a rather strange feeling when you see what is left in height, almost 400 meters. The height of the tower is truly impressive. From this point of view you will be able to see almost everything. First of all, the roof of the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa lake, the city is its innumerable towers (which will immediately seem smaller to you), in the distance you will see “The World”, the artificial islands of Dubai then in the distance. horizon la jumeirah palm. Many “interactive binoculars” are available and show you the different places in the city that you see, you can even see what they look like at night, thanks to the screens of these binoculars.

You will find, on this floor, a souvenir shop as well as a stand to have your photograph taken.
A new queue awaits you before descending, just as quickly, via the same elevator.
I advise you to visit Burj Khalifa by day, but to stay near it to admire the tower at night. The lighting of the tower and the district is really sumptuous. You can also opt for a combination which will allow you to enjoy the café located on the ground floor of the tower.

Burj Khalifa in numbers

• 330,000 m3 of reinforced concrete
• 39,000 tonnes of steel beams
• 142,000 m2 of glass
• More than 24,000 windows
• 57 elevators
• The fastest elevator in the world: 18m / second or 40 km / hour
• 22 million cumulative working hours
• Tallest tower in the world: 828 meters high
• 160 floors
• Highest panoramic terrace in the world: 452 meters
• The tower is (theoretically) visible 90 km away.
• Cost of the tower: $ 1.5 billion

My opinion on the Burj Khalifa

For me, a visit to Burj Khalifa is a must-see in Dubai. This tower, the tallest in the world, is truly surprising. From start to finish the experience is unique. Even the ascent, in the fastest elevator in the world, is an experience in itself.
The view from the top of the tower is impressive and offers a breathtaking panorama of the city of Dubai and its surroundings.
So this is a tour that I highly recommend if you are visiting Dubai.

Around Burj Khalifa

Visiting Burj Khalifa also means visiting the neighborhood that surrounds it. In addition, this tower, the district and the surroundings are among the most attractive in Dubai. You will find many hotels there, including the famous The Address, the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world, a veritable labyrinth of shops where it is pleasant to cool off when the heat becomes hard to bear outside. You will also find the Burj Khalifa Lake with its impressive Dubai Fountain, a real aquatic spectacle with the highest water jets in the world. A visit to Dubai should be near these fountains. One should not miss under any circumstances one of the shows that animates the fountain. Every day at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday), then in the evening every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. and until 11 p.m. the fountains of the basin come alive and offer a beautiful sound and light show. The Dubai Fountain’s water jets are among the tallest in the world, rising to over 275 meters in height. More than 6,000 lights illuminate this pool of water located at the foot of Burj Khalifa. It is even possible to see the spectacle up close by opting for a boat trip on this body of water!

Burj Khalifa: Questions / Answers

What year was Burj Khalifa built?
Work on the tower began in 2003 and ended in 2009. The inauguration was celebrated in 2010.
How high is the tower?
The tower measures 829 meters with the antenna.
Which floors of Burj Khalifa can you climb to?
It is possible to reach floors 124, 125 and 148.
What is the price to visit Burj Khalifa?
It all depends on the floor you want to go up to.
Between € 30 and € 47 for floors 124 and 125. Prices vary depending on the hour.
Between 80 € and 115 € for floor 148. Here too the prices vary according to the time of day.

During my recent trip to Morocco, I, as you may have understood, visited the magnificent artisanal city of Fez. This city is actually split in two with on one side the new city comprising the royal palace and more typical European and American shops with an architecture that combines modernity and tradition. On the other hand, the medina of Fez which takes us into the splendor of Morocco and its quality craftsmanship.

This is why I am writing this post to let you know about our choice by explaining to you the advantages it could bring us throughout our stay. First of all, we hesitated for a long time when choosing our accommodation between these two solutions. Indeed, the new city has the advantage of more nocturnal activities while the medina offers various activities throughout the day with many visits such as tanneries, palaces (of Glaoui in particular) or the Medersa Bou Inania.

Riad Adarissa, a quality location

Our choice finally fell on the medina and more precisely on Riad Adarissa. The latter has the advantage of being located very close to the main entrance to the medina, namely Bab Boujloud. To get there from Fez train station, count around ten dirhams by taxi. Once you arrive there you will be there in just 5 minutes of walking. The route also has the advantage of being simple, because the medina is full of streets and you can get lost easily. You can still count on the friendliness and kindness of the locals to show you the way in the event of a mishap.

Once, in Riad Adarissa we find everything that makes the charm of Morocco with an open courtyard. The staff were also very courteous and helpful throughout our stay. We were also treated to a Moroccan tea on our arrival. It is also in this same courtyard that we had a hearty and typically Moroccan lunch. Nothing better before starting a day of travel.

The Mohammed Leftah room

The rooms are spacious and very comfortable. After a good day of walking in the medina, it is all the more appreciable. They are also fully functional with everything you need to keep up to date with the latest news or activity feeds from our favorite social networks. A safe is present, which is reassuring if you do not want to carry a too heavy bag during the busy days of visits.

Mohammed Leftah Room
Average price: 67 € / night

Equipments:

• TV with satellite dishes
• Internet par wi-fi
• Safety deposit box
• Telephone socket
• Air conditioner
• Heater

A traditional bathroom

The bathroom is just as spacious and combines modernity and tradition. Indeed, an artisanal seal was available in the shower to be able to rinse off. I have to admit, it turns out to be very effective, especially since we had quite a bit of desert sand left on us.

Soak up the sun in the medina

This Riad also offers a magnificent terrace, which will delight more than one in the summer evening. We find there the typical style of Andalusian and Arab fortifications. This also allows you to gain height over the whole of the medina and to be able to admire the Marinid tombs or the minarets nearby. Unfortunately, we did not have time to take advantage of it with our busy schedule and the temperatures which can be cold in March.

In summary, finding accommodation while traveling is always a delicate step and Riad Adarissa convinced us with its quality, its prime location in the medina.

Information on Riad Adarissa:
Site : http://www.riadadarissafes.com/
Tel : 00 212 652-487977
Adresse : Talaa Kebira | Derb Sidi Yaala n° 4, Fès 30200, Maroc

Today I continue to tell you about my trip to Morocco, after my week-long trip in this country, a short trip to Rabat, capital of Morocco, and one of the 4 imperial cities of Morocco with Fez, Marrakech and Meknes .
You should know that although Rabat is the capital of Morocco, the city is not the largest. We spent two days there and I think that is enough for visit Rabat, or at least most of what I would qualify as “unmissable”.

Practical information for visiting Rabat

Rabat-Salé Airport:

Rabat has an airport very well served by many companies. You will be able to find many cheap flights by comparing different airlines.
Once at the airport you will have to go to the city center. There are several solutions for this:

• By taxi: The taxi is a means of transport widely used in Morocco, they are of two types, “large” taxis, white Mercedes and “small” yellow taxis. At the airport you will only find large taxis. These will take you to any location in town.
• By shuttle: There is a shuttle connecting Rabat airport to the city center. This is taken opposite the exit of the airport. You will reach the city in about twenty minutes, all for around € 2.
• Rent a car : If Rabat is just the starting point for your trip to Morocco, then it may be a good idea to hire a car at the airport. It is also possible to rent one in the city center. Again, be sure to compare car rental prices. I recommend the use of RentalCars which is, for me, one of the most efficient comparators on the market.

Getting around Rabat

As in many cities, the city center is not particularly convenient to visit by car. Whether you have rented a car or not, I advise you to travel on foot or by tram. Rabat has two very convenient tram lines for getting around.

Visit Rabat: the essentials of Rabat

Visit Rabat, the Kasbah of the Oudayas

The Kasbah des Oudayas is a place that is imperative to visit. Indeed, set aside a few hours to stroll through the quiet and narrow streets of this former military camp. Built in the 12th century this military fort is, at the base, used to defend the city from enemy tribes and then grows in importance by becoming a Ribas (military camp) used to monitor the mouth of the Bouregreg river.
This ribat is also used a little more by the Moroccan army during the conquest of Andalusia.
The name of the city comes from this word, Ribat. Today this old fort is a city within a city. Surrounded by walls, this district of Rabat is famous thanks to its streets painted in white and blue. At the bend of a small street you will certainly come across the Maure café, an essential address in the Kasbah where it is pleasant to have a tea while contemplating the panoramic view of the mouth of the river and the beach.

The Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum

Originally this tower was supposed to be the minaret of the largest mosque in the world. The construction of the mosque was stopped after the death of Sultan El Mansour. Long abandoned, the tower is at the end of its restoration. This is located at the end of a large esplanade, the oratory, dotted with 312 columns. On the other side of it is the Mohammed V Mausoleum where the body of the late king rests as well as that of his son Prince Moulay Abdellah.

Not far from Rabat, visit Salé

Despite the large size of the city, the capital of Morocco, Rabat is not the city where you will find the most to visit in Morocco. If you are staying for several days in Rabat I advise you to go to Salé. Salé is a town located a few kilometers from Rabat on the other side of Bouregreg.
Salé has a medina, and one of the largest mosques in Morocco. However, what makes Salé so charming is undoubtedly Borj Adoumoue. The walls of Salé, by the sea, adorned with cannons are very pleasant, especially at the end of the day.

Small tips for visiting Salé. The city is rather easy to access. I advise you to take the Tramway in Rabat, in the direction of Hay Karima, and get off at Bab Lamrissa or at Salé station. You then arrive at the gates of the medina. To reach the borj you will have to walk a few tens of minutes.

Where to sleep in Rabat?

Even though Rabat is broken down into many neighborhoods, two of them are the most important. The Medina district, which represents old Rabat and the more modern district, the Hassan district where you will find, for example, hotel chains like Mercure or MGallery from Sofitel. The Medina district will have the advantage of offering atypical hotels such as magnificent riads, old residences, private mansions renovated into accommodation to accommodate passing travelers. Some of these accommodations are pure marvels like Dar Shâan or Dar Mayssane to name a few.
For my part, I had the chance to sleep in Riad Azahra, located in the medina, this riad offers very good value for money. If you want to know more about this riad, do not hesitate to read my article dedicated to my accommodation in Rabat.

After having made you discover some of my rentals in Fez and Rabat and after having made you discover my trip in the Moroccan desert, I will try to make you visit Fez.
Fez is the second largest city in Morocco, with nearly 1.2 million inhabitants. Fez has, on several occasions, been the capital of Morocco.
We are going to review the essential places of this city and I will give you some tips for visiting Fez. First of all, you should know that the city of Fez is divided into three large sectors, the medina (historic center), the new city and the royal district.

The medina of Fez or Fez El Bali, the historic center of Fez

The mosques of the Medina of Fez

The medina of Fez is the largest medina in the Arab world, therefore it has many mosques, more than thirty, some of which are very old and very well renovated, such as the El-Qaraouiyyîn mosque founded in the 9th century. Unfortunately, I could not tell you more about the mosques in Fez, indeed mosques in Morocco are prohibited for non-Muslims.

The medersas of the Medina of Fez

Madrasas or madrassa, are schools or universities, religious or secular, in the Arab world. The medina has several, some of which are very well preserved and renovated. Admission is payable, a few dirhams only, to enter the courtyard of the madrassa. I had the opportunity to visit two of the most beautiful medersa in the medina of Fez.

Medersa Bou Inania

The Medersa Bou Inania was built around 1350. It is the only medersa to have a minaret. It also has a water clock. The decoration of this Medersa is impressive, the details of the inlays on these walls are quite impressive.

Médersa Al Attarine

Built in 1323, the Medersa Al Attarine is one of the most beautiful Medersa in Fez and one of the best preserved. Small regret, of this old Koranic school you can only visit the courtyard. It will cost you 10 dirhams.
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The Chouara tanneries of Fez

You should know that you will find 3 different tanneries in the medina of Fez. The most famous, the largest and also the oldest are the tanneries of Chouara. Visiting the tanneries is a must during your stay in Fez. It is a unique place where animal skins are worked so that they are transformed into slippers, bags or any other leather-based product.
The visit of these tanneries will show you the different stages of this preparation as well as the different tanks in which these skins are immersed. You will also see the drying of these.

Tips for visiting Chouara tanneries

Be aware that when you walk in the medina of Fez, you will have the unpleasant surprise of being alpaca by a multitude of people wishing to drive you and show you around the tanneries. Even if you will feel like these people want to take you there for free, you are sure to come across someone asking you for money to access the tanneries.
Even if, theoretically, there is no charge to enter, be prepared to donate a few coins to be able to enter. Nothing excessive, 10 dirhams (around 1 euro). It is a bad thing for a good because the visit quickly becomes a “guided” visit where you are explained the different stages and processes of transformation of the skins.

The Glaoui Palace

The Glaoui Palace is one of my most memorable visits to the medina of Fez. Off the busy streets of the medina, the Glaoui palace, built in the 19th century, was the palace of the Glaoui of Marrakech. It was here that he stayed during his visits to Fez. This palace has not been used since the 1950s and this is where all the peculiarity of the palace lies. Indeed, Abdou, the only resident of the palace, cannot maintain and renovate this monumental palace. And yes, I didn’t tell you, but this palace covers 13,000 square meters and has more than 1,000 rooms. Abdou is a painter, plastic artist, he exhibits his paintings around the world at various events. You will be able to contemplate some of them during the visit of the palace. The tour only covers a very small part of the palace, but the visit is well worth it. No fixed price, you give what you want, the money will be used for the renovation of the palace.
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Visit Fez, its royal district

Visiting Fez also means visiting its royal district. The royal district, where the royal palace is located, is an obligatory stage of your visit to Fez. This one is located between the old city with its districts, Fés El Bali, Fès El Jdid and the new city. The royal palace is located on the Place des Alaouites. You cannot miss it with its imposing facade. Unfortunately you won’t see any more. You will not be able to go inside you can nevertheless contemplate the impressive door.
Merinid tombs

The Mérinides is a dynasty that reigned over Morocco between the 13th and 15th centuries. They settled in Fez for a period and founded Fes El-Jdid. They have therefore left their mark on all of Morocco and more particularly Fez.
It is therefore in this city that you can discover the ruins of the Merinid tombs. Unfortunately, not much of these tombs remains, but I still recommend this stop during your visit to Fez. Indeed these ruins being located on a hill you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the medina of Fez.

Small tips for visiting the Merinid Tombs

The Merinid tombs are located a little outside the city, they are not easily accessible on foot or even by public transport. If you haven’t rented a car, I recommend taking a taxi. You will quickly understand that it is the most practical public transport to get from one place to another in Fez. The trick is to ask the driver to wait for you not far from the tombs. You can ask him to wait 20 to 30 minutes, which is more than enough to enjoy the ruins and the view of the medina.

Where to stay in Fez?

Fez is a relatively large city separated into 3 main parts. The question of accommodation will inevitably come to your mind and to visit Fez well it is better not to be wrong about the location of the accommodation.
As I told you Fez is divided into 3 large districts, Fes El Bali which is the oldest district of Fez. Fez El Bali is the medina, entirely pedestrianized, picturesque, full of life during the day with its alleys full of small stalls mainly based on crafts. It is the most touristic district. It was in this neighborhood that I stayed. You will inevitably come there during the day. In the evening the medina gradually empties. There you will find a few restaurants and places to have a drink.

Fez El Jdid, again a more recent medina. I did not go to this medina at night, but only during the day. You will find the living side of Fez El Bali but you will undoubtedly be less disoriented.
The new city is the most recent district of Fez. This one looks like most big cities in Morocco. You will find a multitude of bar restaurants. This side of town is much more lively in the evening.
Several choices are therefore available to you for accommodation when you visit Fez. For my part, I will recommend the medina and if possible stay in a riad, this typical Moroccan accommodation is very pleasant and the people particularly welcoming. I invite you to make your choice on a vacation rental site like Vacances.SeLoger.com for example. There are many riads there and you can refine your choice according to your budget and the desired equipment. In this regard, do not hesitate to choose a riad with air conditioning if you plan to visit Fez during the hot season!

Wondering where to sleep in Montreal? How not to tell you about one of the best hotels in Montreal. Absolutely beautiful, it is located in the heart of old Montreal! We had the chance to stay there during our passage through this beautiful city during a road trip in Quebec.

A hotel of history and culture

First of all, let me quickly introduce you to the history of this unique place. This boutique hotel, located just behind the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, overlooks the gardens of the Sulpicians’ Seminary. This religious community is still present in these places today.
You will not be able to miss the many architectural testimonies of this period throughout your visit to the hotel, starting with the magnificent remarkable stone facade upon your arrival.

Throughout your stay, the Saint Sulpice hotel wishes to provide its customers with a unique experience combining modernity, luxury and history. You can find within the hotel itself a selection of works of art presented in different forms: book, exhibition and film!

The book is the result of collaborative work between different writers who have been invited to stay at the hotel so that this unique place can be their source of inspiration. Thus, each of the 14 guests produced a piece of news according to their respective desires. This collection is available to customers for reading. And if you’re a fan, you can even pick up a copy.

During our visit, we were able to discover the works of the famous Quebec designer Jean-Claude Poitras. The concept is simple: each floor of the hotel is associated with a different theme. And this theme is given a musical atmosphere broadcast throughout the floor concerned. The association of the works of Jean-Claude Poitras with the musical universe of François Dompierre, a great Quebecois composer, offers us a unique moment of escape. This immersion is an original experience, worthy of one of the best hotels in Montreal, such as the Saint Sulpice.

To finish on this cultural part, you can also watch a short film called La Valise. This film is produced by the hotel itself! Four characters and a suitcase will take you to explore the Saint Sulpice hotel in a rather original way.

An exceptional location for one of the best hotels in Montreal

It is obvious that the choice of your hotel will depend greatly on its location. And to be the best hotel in Montreal, what better place than Old Montreal to set up a business? Le Saint Sulpice is perfectly located both for tourists who come to discover this beautiful city, and for professionals on a business trip. You can enjoy a wide choice of tourist activities to do on foot from your hotel: visit Notre-Dame Basilica, stroll along the Old Port, visit Old Montreal and its underground city, go to Chinatown Chinatown and the Village, or visit the must-see Pointe-à-Callière museum.
As you will have understood, the Saint Sulpice is the ideal hotel for visiting Montreal.

Room and services

After having discovered the universe of our floor through the works of Messrs Poitras and Dompierre, we move towards our suite. And there … wow! A large bedroom, with all the comforts of a suite: a living room with fireplace (using an electric fireplace), a magnificent bedroom, a bathroom as a girl could dream of (with the very beautiful products). L’Occitane beauty salon) and a customer well-being corner with a Nespresso coffee machine (an important detail for us), minibar and other sweets to make you feel at home. In short, you will understand, this room is perfect for a stay in Montreal, whatever the duration: one night, a week or more!

If you are traveling with a car, note that this is not a problem during your stay at the Saint Sulpice hotel: a parking service is provided so that you have no problem to manage during your stay. The valets take care of everything!

And finally, if your soul of a great sportsman apprehends this trip because it represents a break in your training, reassure her, a gym is at your disposal during your stay. And to comfort you after the effort, you can take a tour of the Scandinavian Spa. A unique moment of relaxation in a contemporary and ecological environment.

Sinclair restaurant

The room is good, but breakfast is also very important for us French people! We took it in the hotel’s very nice dining room. A bright room, well decorated and quiet. A good start to the day. Here, breakfast is served at the table, no buffet. You will have the choice between different plates (continental, Canadian or more focused on health), but also with a selection of local specialties. We took the continental plate: very good and generous enough for a breakfast!

In order to fully experience the experience, we took our midday “lunch” at the hotel restaurant, the Sinclair. If you are a foodie, a lover of good food, mixing originality and flavors, come and take a look at this Montreal restaurant. As I said earlier, the hotel is located near a business district. The restaurant is one of the landmarks for these businessman to come and have a good but also quick “lunch”.

Regarding the meal, we were really spoiled! We had the chance to taste various and varied specialties: crab, foie gras, squid, tuna tartare,… And for each dish, its own wine for optimum tasting.

In addition, the chef is attentive to his supply: fresh and local products! Everything we love.
The little extra of this most beautiful hotel in Montreal? Le Saint Sulpice is the only hotel in Montreal where you can enjoy a beautiful terrace, flowered and shaded in summer, sheltered from cars and tourist traffic. A significant point that brings a touch of charm.

And to conclude on this rather gastronomic part, we particularly appreciated the bar area. A cozy space, by the fireplace in winter, where you can discover or rediscover a whole range of cocktails or warm up with a delicious hot chocolate.

Let’s continue our little trip in the state of Yucatan by going further east. You can easily find accommodation in the city of Mérida which is the main city of the state. Although not a beach fan, a detour to the port town of Progreso is worth the trip, if only for a good seafood and fish restaurant and a little swim.

The unmissable sites to visit this part of Yucatan are Uxmal, Dzibilchaltun and the Puuc ruta. There are many other sites to see, but you have to know how to choose, unless you are staying there longer!

Uxmal

The Puuc city par excellence, Uxmal was the political and religious capital of the region between the 7th and 10th centuries. The name “Uxmal” means “three times built”, although we have little knowledge of the history of this site, we can notice that the pyramid of the Soothsayer seems to have been raised 3 times. The Xiu tribe ruled Uxmal for a long time.

Entering the site we first discover the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, bypassing it we arrive in a series of small quadrilateral before arriving at the large quadrilateral of the nuns. This palace is a perfect demonstration of the Puuc style with its sober walls while the roofs are teeming with sculptures and mosaics. In the alignment of the southern access, one can see the ball playing field.

The visit continues to the Governor’s Palace. This 99m long building was a demonstration of authority on the part of Señor Chaac who ruled the region around AD 900. The royal throne, representing two jaguars, is in perfect alignment with the planet Venus, a proof of more knowledge of the Mayan peoples if necessary. On the roof we find a huge waving serpent and two-headed snakes similar to those in the Nuns’ Quadrangle.

Going around the palace, you arrive at the great pyramid which is only discovered on the north face. From above, the view of the site and the jungle is breathtaking. We then realize the size of the site and the potential of other wonders not yet revealed in this jungle.

The Puuc route

Uxmal is central to many other lesser sites like Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna. These ruins form the Puuc ruta. It is possible to tour these sites in one day by car (approximately 120 km).
These ruins reveal the Puuc style, with the sober walls and the abundant roofs as evoked in Uxmal. In this region, there are no cenotes like in Chichen Itza to keep water, the rain god was then one of the most important, symbol of fertility. This is the god Chaac that can be recognized in each of these sites.

You can end the route with the Loltun caves. Impressive in size, ancient civilizations used them as shelters and as a place of worship in the depths.

Be careful on this road, access to all sites is chargeable. In Loltun, the visit must be guided but the guide is not included in the entry price. Make sure you have enough cash for this day, the sites are not equipped with card readers or ATMs from international banks.

Dzibilchaltún

Located a few kilometers north of Mérida, this archaeological site is considered one of the most ancient. Less tall than Chichen or Uxmal, he is well known for his temple of the seven dolls. This temple owes its name to the clay figurines found there. Standing at the end of a long alley, its openings are in line with the sun during the equinoxes.

Behind the square of the site containing various temples and buildings, you will find the cenote Xlacah, flush with the ground, it invites you to a refreshing swim in this magical place. As in Uxmal, you will not be able to miss the many iguanas which take the sun on the hot stones.

At the exit of the site, you can also visit the Museum of the Maya people which will allow you to understand a little better the life in the region until the Spanish conquest.

Mexico City is the largest city in the world, walking around it one is surprised to discover a mixture of pre-Columbian, colonial and American cultures. There are many neighborhoods to visit, and countless museums. Here is a selection of what stood out to me the most during my visits as well as my advice for visiting Mexico City.

Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is a woodland of some 600 hectares in the heart of Mexico City. The museums, the botanical garden, the zoo, the lake and many other attractions make it a very pleasant place to walk around without worrying about the city moving a few meters away.

It is also an important historical place. It is indeed on the hill of Chapultepec that the Aztecs settled in the 13th century before founding Tenochtitlan, which later became Mexico City. The colonists built there Chapultepec Castle, located at the top of the hill. During the war against the United States a famous battle in Mexico gave rise to the legend of the child heroes of Chapultepec.

At the edge of the park is the National Anthropology Museum which allows you to discover the pre-Columbian civilizations since the arrival of man on this continent until today.

Between relaxation and culture, this park should therefore be a must on your visit to properly visit Mexico City.

Visiter Mexico: El Zocalo

El Zocalo is the main square in the historic center of Mexico City. We find there the multicultural aspects of the country and the city. The huge cathedral in the Spanish style recalls the colonies while a few meters further is the archaeological site of the major temple. This temple is the great pyramid of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which was updated during works in 1978.

In the center of the square, the huge flag of Mexico flies in the wind. This flag is a great pride for Mexicans. On the side of the square we can see the National Palace and going a little further we find some pedestrian streets that can lead us to the Palace of Fine Art which recalls the passion of the former president Porfirio Dias for France at the beginning. of the twentieth century.

Relaxation in Mexico City

To properly visit Mexico City you should spend a few days there as there are so many places to see. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can walk in the parks or in quieter neighborhoods. It is very pleasant to walk in Coyoacan for example, it is a colonial district, it almost feels like a Spanish village.

Thanks to the climate of the region, there are many flat roofs, which makes it possible to have terraces of cafes in height. Ideal for forgetting the cars for a michelada, these very refreshing Mexican beers with lemon.

And finally, the Condesa district, you can stroll along the less frequented boulevards and therefore more pleasant than the main avenues like Reforma. You will find all kinds of restaurants there, I believe that not one type of cuisine is lacking in this area!

If you love Mexico, discover Oaxaca and its region.

Discover Oaxaca, in the south of Mexico, far from the activity of the capital or the north of the country. We quietly discover an atypical culture and friendly inhabitants. Between crafts, local cuisine, colonial city, nature and archaeological site, this part of Mexico has something to dazzle.

From the city of Oaxaca is less than an hour by plane from Mexico City, many tourist routes will allow you to enjoy the region.

Handicrafts – Teotitlan del Valle

The village of Teotitlan del Valle has an important textile tradition. His tapestries are renowned and are sold around the world just like oriental tapestries. Here we can discover all the stages of the manufacture of a carpet. From washing wool to remove impurities, to weaving, including wool spinning and coloring. Demonstration and practical work in support, you will discover the art of wool spinning, how from a few plants and 100% natural blends, we can create all colors as bright as they are varied. We can also admire the people weaving large rugs that will be finished… in several months.

Oaxacan cuisine

Discovering Oaxaca goes through the discovery of its cuisine, one of the best in the country. In the heart of the colonial city, you can enjoy all the Oaxacan specialties in the shade of the arcades of the Zocalo square or in the market. Tlayudas, chapulines, queso, mole negro, you can taste anything, but be careful with spicy dishes for those who are not used to it. The great specialty of Oaxaca is Mezcal, an agave-based alcohol but quite different from Tequila. There are several types of Mezcal depending on the distillation, we can also find a larva at the bottom of the bottle, which slightly modifies the taste of the drink. A mezcalcito, as the locals call it, is most often eaten as a shot with “sal de gusano” and a slice of orange.

Discover Oaxaca: Monte Alban

Discover one of the greatest archaeological sites in Mexico. Located on a summit, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama. The museum presents the archaeological discoveries that were made in Monte Alban and that contributed to the understanding of the Zapotec culture.This site is further proof of the superiority of the
pre-Columbian cultures in science, and in particular in astronomy. We discover the pyramids, the temples, a sacred playground, the “pelota”.
Fairly easy to access and only 10 km from the city of Oaxaca, Monte Alban is an essential passage.
Nothing like a guide who can tell you about the social organization and the rituals of this ancient civilization.

Mitla

Far from the immensity of Monte Alban, its neighbor Mitla is no less interesting and is essential to discover Oaxaca. Here it is the finishes that impress. The walls of the temple are covered with geometric stone friezes. These friezes would represent the symbols of the Zapotec civilization and in particular the feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl, a deity found in many pre-Columbian civilizations.

Boil the water

If you like to be impressed by original landscapes, you cannot miss Hierve el Agua, literally “the water that boils”. In the heart of the state of Oaxaca, two immense petrified waterfalls, shaped for millennia by water very loaded with minerals which allows sediments to settle while flowing very slowly along the cliff. At the top of the waterfalls, you can swim in the natural pools. “Boiling water” is in fact relatively cold, it is the minerals that give an impression of bubbling. The tourist circuits take you there through Santa Maria del Tule, Teotitlan and Mitla. However, it is quite disappointing to arrive at such a site to find yourself in the middle of a crowd of tourists. It is also possible to spend a day on the trails that descend into the valley in order to fully enjoy the landscape.

You certainly know it if you follow me, after my long 15-month trip to New Zealand, it was in Thailand, then in Laos, that I stopped over for about twenty days.
My international flights landing and taking off from Bangkok, I took the opportunity to visit the city. The immense Thai capital of nearly 10 million inhabitants conceals things to do and to see, in particular, you will see it, many temples.
Apart from these impressive religious constructions, the city has also been able to modernize in recent decades to now be one of the most modern cities in Southeast Asia with an incalculable number of skyscrapers, each one higher than the other. .
Let’s embark together for Bangkok to discover these essential places.

Royal palace

The royal palace is undoubtedly the must-see number 1 in Bangkok. It is by far the most visited places in the city. The Royal Palace, built in the late 1700s is none other than the former residence of the King of Thailand. The royal palace is a vast complex made up of a multitude of buildings and small, richly decorated squares. The decorations are, in fact, what makes this palace special. Numerous statues of Buddha throne all over the palace.
The highlight of the show is none other than the Emerald Buddha, true jewels of the temple.

Wat Pho

Located right next to the Royal Palace, Wat Pho is for me the second must-see in Bangkok. Famous around the world, especially after its appearance in Leonardo Dicaprio’s film “The Beach”, Wat Pho is home to one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the country. An immense Buddha, all in gold leaf clad which measures nearly 50 meters in length and 15 in height. All around the reclining Buddha are many small pagodas like what you can see in the royal palace.
Note that to visit Wat Pho and in particular to enter the palace which houses the reclining Buddha, it will be necessary to adopt adequate clothing. First of all, you must take care to remove your shoes (as in all temples in Thailand) but also cover your shoulders and not wear skirts or shorts that are too short.

Wat Arun

Located on the other side of Chao Praya, the river that winds through the city, is Wat Arun. Wat Arun is the largest temple in the city. Over 300 years old, this temple is one of Bangkok’s must-sees. You can get there and walk around the different structures. It is possible to climb on the larger one and enjoy a breathtaking view of Bangkok. At night, Wat Arun is simply beautiful, all lit up.

Floating markets

A visit to a floating market also seems to be a must when visiting Bangkok. Take a boat ride through the small canals as you would in the streets of a market in France. On either side of the stream are the vendors, also installed in sort of small boats with all their products.
There are several floating markets in Bangkok, some being very touristy, others much less so. We can cite, for example, the most famous, Damnern Saduak, located a hundred kilometers from Bangkok all the same. Bang Khu Wiang, located much closer to the city center, is also very famous but it takes place very early in the morning, between 4 and 7 a.m.

Discover Ayutthaya

About 80 kilometers from Bangkok is: Ayutthaya! Why am I telling you about this city located outside of Bangkok. Quite simply because there are day trips to discover this city. What’s special about her? Ayutthaya is quite simply the ancient capital of Thailand. Indeed it was until 1767. That year, after its destruction by the Burmese army, Bangkok took the place of capital. Ayutthaya is today, and since 1991, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These many ruins and temples make it special and attract tens of thousands of tourists every year.

Bangkok and its malls

Now let’s move on to the modern city side. And yes, because Bangkok is not just temples, palaces and floating markets. The city is resolutely modern in many neighborhoods. The most striking aspect of this modern side is undoubtedly its malls. These huge, ultra-modern shopping centers have sprung up like mushrooms across the city. If you want to check out some of these malls, then head to Sukhumvit Road. On this big avenue you will find many malls, among them, one of the most modern, Terminal 21. On more than 6 floors you can discover the hundreds of shops, restaurants or cafes of this huge shopping center.

Rooftop

I tell you about it in the introduction of this article, rooftops are particularly impressive in Bangkok. A real must for a visit to Bangkok, an evening on a rooftop will fill your eyes.
Here are two of the city’s most famous rooftops, the Sky Bar at Lebua at State Tower. It is on this rooftop that some scenes of the famous “The Hangover” were filmed.
For my part, it was at the Vertigo at the Banyan Tree Hotel that I went. The roof of this luxury hotel is amazing. The view is breathtaking and the cozy atmosphere of the lounge bar contrasts sharply with the streets of Bangkok. Of course, the price of drinks and fantastic cocktails do not have the same price!

Here is for this tour of the essentials of Bangkok, if you want to have more ideas on the things not to be missed in Bangkok, you can take a look on the Expedia site which will give you good ideas of activities to do. in Bangkok.

Some tips for your trip to Bangkok

If you want to travel to Bangkok or elsewhere in Thailand then choose your period well. Indeed certain seasons are not really favorable to the discovery of this country. Winter should be favored, ie from the month of November to the month of March. The temperatures are certainly high, but the humidity is lower. The summer period is hot but above all very humid with a very pronounced rainy season.

During my road trip in Southeast Asia, I visited the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. This step was not initially planned since most of our trip was to take place in Laos. It was a few weeks before our departure that we noticed that one of the most famous festivals in Thailand: Loy krathong, known under the name of “festival of the lanterns” took place there during 3 days at the time of our passage.

So here we are in Chiang Mai but it is not the city I am going to tell you about today but rather my accommodation, simply fabulous.

Let’s start the visit with the location.

First of all let me tell you about its location. It is located relatively close to the airport, away from the city, which allows it to be quietly positioned, far from the ambient hubbub of the city. To reach the city, most of the time we used the Uber app which, for a handful of baht, takes us to the gates of the old city located 3 kilometers away.

To finish on its location, note that one of the most prestigious temples in the city is located a few minutes walk from the hotel, Wat Umong which I recommend.

A real haven of peace

As soon as you enter the hotel grounds, you feel in a haven of peace as the calm of the place strikes us. The hotel is actually made up of several small “houses”, each of these houses being a bedroom with a small living room and a large bathroom, but we will talk about the bedroom a little later.

The hotel is centered around a very beautiful central swimming pool with all around the “common” buildings such as the reception, several terraces for breakfast but also a bar, a little further there is a library as well as several small lounges which are available to customers.

The general feeling returned by the hotel is that of serenity, in fact you move in the middle of omnipresent vegetation which provides an effect of space and appeasement. The decoration of the hotel is refined in a particular style, a mixture of styles mastered wonderfully.

The rooms, between modernity and tradition

After exploring the hotel, head to the rooms. These look like small bungalows on stilts. Your room is therefore located on the “first floor” like traditional raised houses, in particular to prevent insects from entering.

Our room is divided into 3 rooms, a good size room with a king size bed, an “office” and living room area, then a large bathroom, all white, with a bathtub, a large shower and Japanese toilets.

The bedroom is well insulated with several air conditioners, ideal for staying cool, away from the heat that is sometimes difficult to bear outside.

Breakfast, a must not to be missed

Let me tell you about breakfast. This one is very generous, you will have the choice between different types of breakfast, American, European or even Thai. Whatever your choice of breakfast, it will be accompanied by a basket of local fruits such as dragon fruit, very popular in Thailand.

We therefore end the visit of Villa Mahabhirom on these photos of the breakfast. The hotel will be an ideal place of relaxation and serenity a stone’s throw from the center of Chiang Maï.