Small Gray Bear

Looking for a getaway close to Metro Detroit? Look no further. Lexington, Michigan is located in the beloved thumb of the Lower Peninsula. Only an hour and a half drive from Southeast Michigan it brings outdoor activities for hunters, fishermen and sunbathers alike.

Lexington is location on the shores of Lake Huron providing boaters a wonderful place to water ski, snorkel, swim and relax. Boaters are able to rent slips in the Lexington Harbor and enjoy the amenities that the downtown area has to offer. Quaint little shops ranging from fudge shops, clothing stores to the historic General Store, there's something for everyone's taste.

Downtown Lexington is home to great restaurants and entertainment. Looking for a gourmet sandwich or pizza? Make sure to visit Smackwater Jacks. Smackwater Jacks offers visitors, such treats as, freshly baked Focaccia bread, homemade soups, cappuccino's and of course their famous sandwiches and pizzas. Visit the Cadillac House if you want to catch a game on their big screen or share a cocktail with many of the locals in the area. Lexington's newest addition is their theatre, The Lexington Music and Theatre Company. Catch plays put on by local area actors. If you are looking to play some golf, visit Lakeview Hills. Lakeview Hills offers challenging courses through water, sand and trees. Golf isn't the only game they offer. After having some dinner, challenge your partner to a game of bowling.

You don't need a boat to enjoy any of Lexington's amenities. Along the lakeshore you'll find many cottages, cabins and bed and breakfasts to hang your hat. So whether you are trying to get away from the city or just want to enjoy Lake Huron, Lexington, Michigan offers plenty to do.

In brief this article covers a few questions commonly asked about climbing Kilimanjaro.
Q. We hear the Marangu route is overcrowded and should be avoided?
A. Marangu route must be booked in advance, this route uses huts for accommodation and to avoid overcrowding numbers are strictly supervised. It is or at least was the most popular route for first time climb. Most operators now recommend the Machame route for your first attempt on Kilimanjaro.

Q. Does an extra day help acclimatization?
A. Most guidebooks recommend that climbers spend an extra day during the Marangu route climb. Statistics can be quoted to back up an argument for or against an extra day for acclimatization. Every person I have ever spoken to who took the extra day did not regret it. All other matters aside an extra day spent on the ascent is great because it makes the whole climb more relaxed and gives an opportunity to go on some pleasant walks. The most important factor for success is the overall approach to the climb, listen to your guide.
Q. If there is a problem on the mountain what are the rescue procedures?
A. The national park operates a rescue service, and the huts on the Marangu route are linked to each other and to the park headquarters by radio. In the vast majority of emergency cases, the problem is altitude related and the solution is an immediate and rapid descent. All registered guides are experienced at dealing with such cases and can bring climbers down to safe altitudes very quickly and without park assistance
Q.The success rate on Kilimanjaro is less than forty percent. Is this true?
A. Some people climb Kilimanjaro without taking the climb seriously and have a nasty shock as they realize what they have let themselves in for. Therefore they may be inadequately equipped and fed; they then have a miserable time ending up with a fruitless climb. Make sure that you are properly informed and equipped. I would say most guides have [or at least claim to have] a success rate to the crater rim in excess of 90% and to Uhuru peak at around 85%. It is said that reaching the summit is a bonus, but should never be seen as the sole aim of the climb - but who starts to climb Kilimanjaro without wanting to reach the summit - to do this be prepared and listen to your guide because he knows best!
Q.How cold does it get on Kilimanjaro?
A. The temperature at the top of the mountain vary; at times it is only a degree or two below freezing, but it is possible to have temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, especially in with wind chill factor. At times there are snow blizzards and to walk across the saddle in a blizzard is hard work. It has been known for snow to stop climbing on the mountain for short periods.
Q.What should I know about altitude sickness?
A. There are different types of altitude sickness. "Acute mountain sickness" is common, and is not as frightening as its name suggests. The symptoms are headaches, nausea and vomiting, though not everyone suffers from all the symptoms. Normally, symptoms fade after a few hours, but if they do not a climber may need to turn back, especially if vomiting is leading to dehydration.
A much more serious type of altitude sickness is called oedema. This is a build-up of fluid in the body, and when the fluid collects in the lungs or the brain a serious condition develops which requires immediate action which is a rapid descent to a lower altitude, where recovery is usually miraculously fast.
I recommend sun creams with SPF 30, as the sun near the equator is very strong. Don't forget to have something to protect your lips as well and not forgetting personal items & toiletries toothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene items.

In brief this article covers a few questions commonly asked about climbing Kilimanjaro.
Q. We hear the Marangu route is overcrowded and should be avoided?
A. Marangu route must be booked in advance, this route uses huts for accommodation and to avoid overcrowding numbers are strictly supervised. It is or at least was the most popular route for first time climb. Most operators now recommend the Machame route for your first attempt on Kilimanjaro.

Q. Does an extra day help acclimatization?
A. Most guidebooks recommend that climbers spend an extra day during the Marangu route climb. Statistics can be quoted to back up an argument for or against an extra day for acclimatization. Every person I have ever spoken to who took the extra day did not regret it. All other matters aside an extra day spent on the ascent is great because it makes the whole climb more relaxed and gives an opportunity to go on some pleasant walks. The most important factor for success is the overall approach to the climb, listen to your guide.
Q. If there is a problem on the mountain what are the rescue procedures?
A. The national park operates a rescue service, and the huts on the Marangu route are linked to each other and to the park headquarters by radio. In the vast majority of emergency cases, the problem is altitude related and the solution is an immediate and rapid descent. All registered guides are experienced at dealing with such cases and can bring climbers down to safe altitudes very quickly and without park assistance
Q.The success rate on Kilimanjaro is less than forty percent. Is this true?
A. Some people climb Kilimanjaro without taking the climb seriously and have a nasty shock as they realize what they have let themselves in for. Therefore they may be inadequately equipped and fed; they then have a miserable time ending up with a fruitless climb. Make sure that you are properly informed and equipped. I would say most guides have [or at least claim to have] a success rate to the crater rim in excess of 90% and to Uhuru peak at around 85%. It is said that reaching the summit is a bonus, but should never be seen as the sole aim of the climb - but who starts to climb Kilimanjaro without wanting to reach the summit - to do this be prepared and listen to your guide because he knows best!
Q.How cold does it get on Kilimanjaro?
A. The temperature at the top of the mountain vary; at times it is only a degree or two below freezing, but it is possible to have temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, especially in with wind chill factor. At times there are snow blizzards and to walk across the saddle in a blizzard is hard work. It has been known for snow to stop climbing on the mountain for short periods.
Q.What should I know about altitude sickness?
A. There are different types of altitude sickness. "Acute mountain sickness" is common, and is not as frightening as its name suggests. The symptoms are headaches, nausea and vomiting, though not everyone suffers from all the symptoms. Normally, symptoms fade after a few hours, but if they do not a climber may need to turn back, especially if vomiting is leading to dehydration.
A much more serious type of altitude sickness is called oedema. This is a build-up of fluid in the body, and when the fluid collects in the lungs or the brain a serious condition develops which requires immediate action which is a rapid descent to a lower altitude, where recovery is usually miraculously fast.
I recommend sun creams with SPF 30, as the sun near the equator is very strong. Don't forget to have something to protect your lips as well and not forgetting personal items & toiletries toothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene items.

A Costa Blanca holiday is a popular destination in summer and winter. For a totally unique experience, consider an alternative to the typical summer beach vacation. Climbing tours, walking tours and sea kayaking are a great way to enjoy nature and relax on your vacation.
Climbing Costa Blanca Holiday
The Costa Blanca is a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts. The favourable weather makes for a long climbing season. The Alicante province is one of the most mountainous areas in Spain. Limestone mountains run from the coast inland. There are over 2500 climbing routes along the Costa Blanca.
Guided climbing tours are available all over the region. The mild temperatures and inexpensive flights in the winter make these tours popular. There are packages for beginners to advanced climbers. Group tours and one on one instruction are available for people of all levels of ability.
Most tours won't require climbing experience, unless it's a tour for advanced climbers. Most will expect climbers to be reasonably healthy and fit enough to keep up the pace. You will be asked about health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, illness or other conditions that may interfere with your ability to climb. Some companies require that you have medical insurance.
Courses include instruction in climbing, including basic rope techniques. Safety, knots, techniques and self rescue are taught in most courses. You will learn traditional climbing, fixed bolt or a combination of both methods.
The average day on these tours is eight hours a day of instruction and climbing. As you gain knowledge, the climbs become more difficult. By the end of the week, you will have attained a good basic knowledge and climbing skills.
Many tour companies supply all necessary equipment. For these, you will only need to bring climbing shoes. Most packages include breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodations. You will be given an itinerary and information about what is included in the package price. Weekly tours are generally five or six days.
Other Costa Blanca Holiday Adventures
If you are interested in something a little less adventurous, but still want to enjoy nature, consider walking tours. Walking tours are available for a long weekend or an entire week. These give you an opportunity to explore nature, valleys, ruins, old farms, rock formations and many sites that are accessible only on foot.
Walking tours in the autumn, winter and spring are a great choice for mild weather. This is a great off season vacation experience. When you book your trip, you will be given an itinerary with information on the areas you will be visiting and the daily schedule.
Most tours include accommodations and meals. Depending on the tour, you may stay in one place for the duration and get a bus to the start of each day's tour. In other cases, you may stay in a few different places. Meals are included with most tours. You will need to bring comfortable clothing and walking gear.
Village to village tours allow you to experience the rural village life, rather than the tourist areas. You will experience magnificent views, quaint villages, historical sites and palaces. Tours are available in costal towns as well as interior villages.
If you want to spend your time in the water, consider a sea kayaking tour. These tours are available in short, one hour tours that you can enjoy as part of your vacation. For a longer experience, consider a one or three day tour. Most tours don't require kayaking experience, but you must be able to swim.
These tours are available year round. Most include all equipment; you will just need to bring appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Longer tours include meals and accommodations.

The Rocky Mountains spectacular mountain scenery, pristine national parks, fascinating old gold mining towns, and authentic wild-west re-creations attract millions of visitors to the region every year. The Rockies stretch from Canada to New Mexico (more than 3,000 miles) and are perfect for touring, especially during the summer months, when the temperature (during the day) averages a very comfortable 70-80 degrees F. It gets very cold here in winter, so plan your drive for the warmer months, when roads are sure to be open and the attractions are at their best.
If you're an independent traveler that enjoys touring by car, here's an itinerary that includes some of the regional highlights. Travel time is about two weeks and the total distance about 1500 miles. Be sure to take your rain gear and of course your camera.
On your first day, take a good look around Denver - especially the lower downtown area, with its trendy shops, restaurants and galleries. If you've still got time, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is worth a visit.
Next day, head for Cheyenne, just 102 miles to the north. An interesting place to stay is the Nagle Warren B&B (an 1880s cattleman's mansion). Be sure to visit the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, to have a look at their western art exhibitions. Every July, the town celebrates Frontier Days, complete with parade, rodeo and many wild-west themed events.
There's lots to see in South Dakota, so make an early start and head for Custer State Park, about 264 miles to the northeast. Plan to stay at least a couple of nights. The park, located in the Black Hills, has 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain, terrific fishing, jeep tours to see the bison herds, and panoramic hiking trails. You can stay at the State Game Lodge, or pitch your tent in a pine forest alongside a gently flowing stream.
Back to Wyoming and beyond
Drive back to Wyoming, northwest to Sheridan (235 miles), where a stay at the Ranch at Ucross, Clearmont, (about 30 miles south of Sheridan) features delicious home cooking, and a sing along in the evening around the piano. It's a great way to get the feel of this ranching area, set between the plains to the east and the Big Horn Mountains to the west.
Start out early and head due west, for the 240-mile trip to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The area is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and geothermal activity - two-thirds of the world's geysers are located in the park! Be sure to book your accommodation well ahead and stay for at least two nights. And watch out for the bears!
The next leg of your journey is a short drive (80 miles) to the magnificent Grand Teton National Park, with its dramatic, jagged mountains, pristine lakes, and glaciers. Here there's plenty of outdoor activity - boating and fishing, hiking, climbing and horseback riding - so plan on staying for at least a couple of days. For accommodation, you might try the Painted Buffalo in Jackson - a very trendy, friendly town.
Start off early and you'll get to Steamboat Springs for lunch (385 miles). Along the Victorian boardwalk you'll find many western-style restaurants where you can sample the renown Rocky Mountain oysters (bull testicles). In the afternoon, take a look through the antique shops or try a relaxing tube cruise down the Tampa River. Then early next morning, before the 3-hour drive back to Denver, go for a hot air balloon ride - the perfect finish to a most memorable trip.

The stunning Garden Route runs from South Africa's most popular tourist destination, Cape Town, for 800 km along the scenic coastline between this city and Port Elizabeth. The area enjoys a Mediterranean maritime climate and the trip is regarded as one of the world's truly classic coastal drives.
As you drive along the well-forested coastal plain, you'll find freshwater lakes, lovely lagoons filled with water birds, indigenous forests of giant yellowwood trees and fields covered in colourful wildflowers. It's easy to see why visitors are drawn to this beautiful region year-round.
One of the highlights of a drive along the Garden Route is a stop at the sleepy coastal town of Hermanus near the southern-most tip of Africa. The town is situated next to a 12-km path that runs along the cliff top, right next to the ocean. From May to December, pods of Southern Right Whales swim to within 20 metres of the cliff as they travel along the coast.
The more adventurous traveller can try some heart-stopping shark cage diving, sea kayaking, abseiling, scuba diving, sand boarding, and paragliding. Those looking for something more relaxing to do can visit the vineyards in a nearby valley and do the short drive to the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean.
You will have to drive inland to visit Oudtshoorn, which was built in the early 1800s, in the centre of the Klein Karoo, a semi-desert area wedged between the coastal mountains to the south and the spectacular Swartberg mountain range to the north. The town was the world capital of the Ostrich feather industry during Victorian times, and many grand houses from that era are still standing today. There's plenty to do in Oudtshoorn - you can try riding an ostrich at an ostrich farm, take a tour through the magnificent Cango Caves that stretch for kilometres throughout the mountains, visit the vineyards, and even stroke a Cheetah at Cheetahland.
Back on coast, the Garden Route takes you to George, located on a 10-km plateau that runs from the majestic Outeniqua Mountain to the Indian Ocean. Besides enjoying whale watching, surfing, swimming, scuba diving and paragliding, you'll find three of South Africa's top golf courses are also located here. The Fancourt Golf Estate is especially popular, with an 18-hole course designed by Gary Player, a golf academy, exclusive hotel and conference centre, restaurants, and numerous sporting facilities.
Further along the coast toward Port Elizabeth is the town of Knysna, also a very popular tourist destination. This laid-back town is situated between a lush indigenous forest, home to the last of the forest-dwelling elephants in Africa, and a beautiful lagoon teeming with birds and other wildlife. The oysters grown in this unpolluted lagoon are among the tastiest in the world. The closest beach is in nearby Buffalo Bay, a favourite spot for fishing, surfing and swimming, as well as whale and dolphin watching. The entire area surrounding Knysna, with its incredible biological richness and beauty, is a paradise for the eco-traveller, with plenty of places to camp, hike, canoe, kayak, and observe the unique wildlife.
At Plettenberg Bay, there are ten important nature reserves as well as marine reserves. The endangered Southern Right Whale calves in the bay from July to December, and seals and dolphins live here all year round. In the bay you can snorkel and scuba dive on unique soft coral reefs, and on the beach you'll find a wide range of water sports on offer, including fishing, surfing, swimming and sailing. Nearby, there are superb hiking and mountain biking trails, horse riding, kayaking and canoeing in scenic Nature's Valley and Stormsriver.
Your drive along the Garden Route ends in Port Elizabeth, on the shores of beautiful Algoa Bay.

New England's vivid autumn colours, dramatic rocky coastline, majestic mountains, delicious seafood, and friendly people attract millions of visitors to the region every year. These six New England states, nestled in the scenic northeast of the US, are perfect for touring, especially from May to October. Since winters are very cold and snowy, plan your drive in the warmer months, when the roads are safe and the scenery is at its best. Many travellers plan their drives in October, when the autumn foliage is spectacular.
This driving tour of New England takes in many of the regional highlights. It will take you about two weeks and the total distance is around 800 miles.
Boston Before you start your drive, give yourself a day or two to have a look around Boston. If you enjoy walking, you can follow the 'Freedom Trail' for a look at some of the city's historical sights, have a coffee at Quincy Market, then finish up with a stroll on Boston Common. Keen shoppers can head for the upmarket shops on Newbury Street and the rest can take a 'Duck Tour' of the city, on land and river. Consider staying at the friendly Copley Square Hotel, located near Boston's top attractions.
Coastal New England Get up early and head north along the North Shore, through coastal New Hampshire and on up to Kennebunkport, Maine (85 miles). Just before Kennebunkport, in the town of Kittery, there are 120 outlet shops, filled with great bargains over a one-mile stretch. Plan to stay for one or two nights in Kennebunkport, where you can go whale watching, deep-sea fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and take a lobster boat tour. The Nonantum Resort, right on the river, is a great place to stay. The dining room menu includes delicious steamed lobster and fresh fried oysters and clams.
The White Mountains The next day's drive takes you to the picturesque White Mountains, in the state of New Hampshire (116 miles). Along the way, you'll go through North Conway, where you can take an 11-mile trip through the mountains on the Conway Scenic Railroad or you can head for Mount Washington, for a strenuous hike to the top of the state's highest peak. Plan to stay for a couple of nights. The Rivergreen Resort, on the banks of the Pemigewassett River, in nearby Lincoln has plenty of family activities year round.
The Green Mountains On or about day five, your 145-mile journey takes you to the Green Mountains, in the state of Vermont. Consider staying at Stowe for two nights, and do the half-day canoe trip on the Mad River or you can explore the scenic Stowe Recreation Path by bike. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Plant, in nearby Waterbury, offers tours and free samples of ice cream. 'Sound of Music' fans should stay at the Austria-themed Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe.
The Berkshires Now head south toward the Berkshire Hills, where you'll find many art museums and galleries, and in summer, several summer theatre festivals. Stop to have a coffee in the classic New England village of Woodstock and, further down the road, visit the Quechee Gorge, a spectacular river gorge a mile long and 165 feet deep. Plan to stay for a night or two at Williamstown, just over the border in Massachusetts. A perfect place to stay is the Williams Inn.
Newport Your classic New England drive now takes you south through the Berkshires and on to Newport, Rhode Island (186 miles). Plan to stay a couple of days, to browse through the city's trendy boutiques, art and antique galleries, and to marvel at the luxurious yachts moored in the Newport marina. The Best Western Mainstay, situated right in the heart of Newport, is comfortable and affordable.
Cape Cod The last stop on your journey is beautiful Cape Cod, just 82 miles east of Newport. Here you can cycle, walk, browse the shops and galleries, and relax on the beautiful beaches. Excursions to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, inhabited islands to the south, are very popular. Consider staying for a couple of nights at the Cape Codder Resort and Spa. Leave plenty of time for the last 72 miles back to Boston - indulge yourself in one last delicious seafood lunch along the way, to top off a fantastic trip.

The classic 380-mile Pacific Ocean coastal drive, along scenic Highway 101, between Los Angeles and San Francisco, takes you through Carmel and Santa Barbara, and along a dramatic Big Sur coastline. You can stop along the way to see many attractions - highlights include the Monterey Bay Aquarium and William Randolph Hearst's hilltop castle.
Begin your journey with a tour around Los Angeles' affluent Rodeo Drive to see how the movie stars live, then after a dose of glamour and glitz head for hip Venice Beach for a spot of people watching. Continue on to Santa Barbara, where you can tour the city's spectacularly beautiful Wine Country, go for a hiking or biking tour, visit the many beautiful gardens or relax on the beach. Moving north you pass through the predominantly Danish town of Solvang, where draft horses pull an authentic Danish streetcar through the town.
You may be ready for a stopover by the time you reach St Luis Obispo, which has a delightful downtown area known as Mission Plaza, set alongside a creek, with the beautifully restored mission nearby. If you'd like to experience over-the-top kitsch, stay at the 109-room Madonna Inn at with its thematically decorated rooms. Next day you could drive to Prismo Beach, bordered by the Oceano Sand Dunes, where you can actually drive your vehicle onto the beach. Just up the road at Simeon you'll find the Hearst Castle with its 165 rooms. Don't miss the Billiard Room or the Celestial Suite indoors, or the magnificent surrounding formal gardens, modelled after gardens in Spain and Italy.
The Big Sur Road and Monterey
From here, the road winds along the coastline, with breathtaking views of the surf below on the left, and the Big Sur Mountains rising to 5,000 feet on the right. Take your time, as the road has many blind corners. Around Carmel, you can visit some of California's old Spanish missions. At Monterey, spend some time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the United States, and one of the best in the world. It's packed with marine exhibits, displaying more than 550 different species. The Outer Bay exhibit features the marine species found in the waters of the eastern Pacific.
The final leg of your classic drive takes you through Santa Cruz, where a long-established surfing culture inspired movies (such as Gidget) and the music of artists like The Beach Boys. Surfing fans might like to stop at the Surfing Museum and visit the beach to see if the surf's up.
Arriving in San Francisco, one of the most visited cities in the US, with its famous bridge and steep hills, is always a buzz. You should do all the touristy things like ride a cable car, visit bustling Chinatown, and walk along Fisherman's Wharf, where any number of restaurants might tempt you. Try to take the ferry trip to Alcatraz, for a glimpse of the old penal system, and you'll understand why no prisoners escaped this harsh, isolated institution. A walk around the huge Golden Gate Park is an arboreal and floral delight and the perfect ending to your classic drive.

A trip on the California Zephyr, across much of the North American continent, is considered one of the great train journeys of the world. Launched in 1949 and re-launched in 1983, the Zephyr became an American icon as one of the country's earliest transcontinental lines. The train runs from Union Station in Chicago, to Emeryville, near San Francisco in California. This spectacular 3-day journey starts on the plains of Illinois, continues on across the regal Rockies and High Sierras via Denver, and on through the arid Nevada flatlands, ending in California.
You can choose a spacious coach seat or reserve a roomette or bedroom in one of the Superliner sleeping cars, depending on your budget. The Dining Car serves full meals in a comfortable setting, and sandwiches, snacks, and beverages are available for purchase at the Cafe Bar. The Sightseer Lounge Car has large picture windows and movies are screened here, including features for children during the summer months.
The journey
The journey follows the historic trail of gold prospectors and carpetbaggers in the frenetic Gold Rush days. Day 1 passes through charming Illinois farming country, interspersed with quaint rural townships, across the mighty Mississippi River into Iowa. The river winds off in its imposing passage as the Zephyr chugs serenely along. Time seems to stand still along this mid-west stretch.

On Day 2 the Zephyr arrives in booming Denver. The skyscrapers of this modern metropolis are dramatically etched against a backdrop of the massive Rockies in the distance. For a big city, the air is remarkably clear and refreshing. You get a chance to stretch your legs at the station here, while the train is refueled and cleaned. After Denver, the Zephyr begins a long upward pull into the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies where the rocky foothills jut from sweeping plains. Pine trees dot the ochre-coloured hillsides, which often plunge down into deep river valleys, with bubbling, fast-running streams.
The views from the train windows, especially those of the Sightseer Lounge Car, are stunning and generally uninterrupted by man-made obstacles. The only intrusion appears to be the train itself, glimpsed from its own window, becoming part of the immaculate scenery as it wends its way along the river courses and valleys. The Zephyr passes through Moffett tunnel, a nine-mile long tube of darkness which takes around 10 minutes to pass through. On the other side, the rivers, mountains and pines continue to dominate the view. The yellow and red rock become the canvas upon which rushing waters and thick pine forests are drawn.
By Day 3, the Zephyr is in the Nevada flatlands, well into California. In the High Sierras you are treated to a never-ending procession of dramatically beautiful views, broken only by the occasional bridge, or by the mountain sides themselves. Alpine Donner Lake passes, serene in the valley of sweeping ranges.
Finally, at the Emeryville terminus, shuttle buses to San Francisco wait for you trainside. You’ll feel relaxed by the no-rush feel of the journey, and inspired by the unparalleled scenery and the breath-taking vastness and variety of the North American continent.

There are many opportunities for sightseeing in Malaga. The city was founded by the Phoenicians. At different times throughout its history, it was under the rule of Roman and Moorish influences. This can be seen in the ancient ruins and architecture of the area. Remnants of all these historical periods stand in various areas and structures in the city.
The city is home to several old churches and museums. A few are located in old palaces or fortresses. You can experience the history of the area in the ancient Roman and Moorish structures. Other attractions include festivals, beaches and night life.
Churches and Museums for Sightseeing in Malaga
The Cathedral in Malaga was originally the site of a Mosque. When the Catholic Kings took over, they began the construction of a cathedral on the site. This was not finished until the year 1728. A variety of architectural styles can be seen, most from the later period. The cathedral contains two chapels and beautiful choir stalls.
There are a few other well known churches that are tourist attractions in the city. La Inglesia del Sagrario is a gothic style church that was also built over an old Mosque. This church was constructed in 1448 and contains beautiful reliefs and sculptures.
Santuario de la Virgen is another beautiful old church. This church was built in the Andalusian Baroque style of architecture. This church contains the tombs of the counts of Buena Vista.
The city is also home to several museums that are worth seeing. Malaga is the birth place of Pablo Picasso. This building is located in the Plaza de Merced. There is a museum dedicated to the artist. In addition, several galleries throughout the city display his works.
There are several other museums throughout the city. The Diocesal Museum contains an amazing collection of religious art. The museums of Popular Art and Culture and Museum of Arts contain a variety of art works from Spanish artists. The Museum of Arts is located in an old palace.
Attractions for Sightseeing in Malaga
Alcazaba is the King's Palace. This building was constructed in the eleventh century. The palace contains an archaeological museum with a wide variety of exhibits. The remains of an ancient Roman theatre are located on the site. Around the palace are gardens and fountains.
Near the palace is the Castillo de Gibralfaro. The original structure was constructed by the Phoenicians. The Moors built a fortress over the site in the fourteenth century. This fortress is still there and is open for tours.
Malaga is home to several festivals throughout the year. Many have a religious basis, mainly Catholic. January 6 is the procession of the three Magi. There are a variety of processions during Easter week that are quite impressive and attract Catholics and non Catholics to the city. The Feast of Corpus Christi in May is a festival that lasts for several days.
Music festivals can be seen in the summer months. The Feria de Verano takes place in the third week of August. This festival features Flamenco music. There is a celebration that includes authentic regional dress and parades of horses.
Flamenco music can be enjoyed in typical Malaga night life. The sea side promenade is home to several clubs and bars that play live music. You can sit on the terraces and enjoy the music and night life. The La Malaguenta section is a fashionable area for modern night life.
The cuisine in the city is a mix of typical Mediterranean style. The food is light, fresh and healthy. The menu in many restaurants contains a variety of shrimp and seafood dishes. An abundance of fresh vegetables are used in the recipes. Cold soups, known as Gaspatchos, are served in the area.