Author: Astone Miya
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In search of Simón Bolívar
Two centuries ago, in August 1819, the patriot commander Simón Bolívar defeated royalist Spanish forces to liberate Colombia and kick-start the South American independence movement. But who was he – and where can you follow in his footsteps? Bolívar in brief Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar Palacios Ponte y Blanco was…
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Ten top tapas bars in Andalucia
According to legend – well, one legend, anyway – tapas were invented in Seville, when bartenders placed a saucer on top of a glass of wine to keep out the flies, then added a little ham or some olives. In any case, Andalucia is the heartland of this quintessentially Spanish snack – and here are…
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Sri Lanka’s Sacred Summits
Adam’s Peak At the top of Sri Lanka’s holiest mountain, Sri Pada (‘holy foot’), is a giant footprint believed variously to belong to Lord Buddha, Shiva and Adam, and therefore sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike. Join the pilgrims setting out in the early hours to reach the peak in time to see the…
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Street Food in Vietnam
Mark Lowerson has lived in Hanoi since 2002. Together with his partner, Tu, he runs Street Eats Hanoi. What change have you seen in Hanoi’s culinary scene since you arrived? At the level that I tend to roll in – street food – there hasn’t been much change at all. I’m still eating at some…
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Best of Bolivia
1 La Paz The capital city is building up its 21st-century credentials, but it still has its market streets where you can shop in the countless stores for multicoloured textiles and musical instruments, or head higher up into the indigenous area for produce and traditional items. 2 Tiwanaku Just a short ride from La Paz,…
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Best Wilderness Experiences
Snorkelling and diving off the islands of Brazil’s northeast Brazil’s tropical islands are as pretty as any in Southeast Asia and, for now at least, remain free of Bob Marley theme bars and buzzing mopeds. The wildest and most beautiful are off the coast of northeastern Brazil. The Abrolhos are a string of little rocks…
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Top Ten Views in Rio
Perhaps more than any other metropolis, Rio is a city of wonderful views. Every beach, every peak and every street corner has a view. Most are breathtaking. Here’s a top 10, in no particular order. Prainha beach and Praia do Pontal, Barra, from the viewpoints in the Parque Natural Municipal da Prainha When: early morning…
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6 great Spanish journeys
Transport comes in so many different forms in Spain – each with its own joys. Explore the country by train and tram, bike and boat, car and cablecar to discover fabulous views and historic highlights in Andalucia, Catalonia, Mallorca, the Canary Islands and more Railway station, Bilbao Ride the slow train Best for… scenic…
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Offbeat Central America
Explore the roads less travelled across this fascinating region to discover hidden Maya remains, idyllic tropical islands and charming colonial cities León, Nicaragua Nicaragua A land born of poetry, fire and brazen revolutionary spirit, few countries can boast such an authentic character as Nicaragua. The countryside is a lush, pastoral ramble of organic coffee fincas…
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24 hours in La Paz
The ideal La Paz day is a slow one with plenty of time for appreciative wandering through its stall- and people-laden streets and with café breaks for high-altitude recuperation. After a good start to the day with breakfast in a café on Linares or Sagárnaga, check out the Witches’ Market along Calle Linares, note the…