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Friday, March 02, 2007

Branson Missouri's Free Attractions

Coming to Branson, Missouri on your next vacation does not mean you have to pay an arm and a leg to have a good time. You will find there are several different ways to spend your time in Branson without having to spend a dime. The beauty that abounds in this Ozark's paradise is enough to provide you with the incentive you need to travel to the area. However, where you go may be dictated by how much you can afford.

Branson, Missouri is not the type of big town metropolis where everything costs you something. You can actually come to the area on a budget and still take away as much, if not more from the entire experience. The whole family will love the quaint and serene settings. From a walk along the lake's edge to a picnic lunch or swimming excursion, there are plenty of low cost activities for the whole family to enjoy and take in when traveling to this beautiful area.

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery

You can explore the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery at no cost to you. The Hatchery, which provides trout to the nearby White River, is located outside of the Branson city limits. However, it is not too far away, a mere six miles to the southwest. This is the largest facility in Missouri to produce and stock trout. This is done through the Conservation Trout Production Program through Missouri's Department of Conservation.

The Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery was built in 1957. The first successful trout production occurred back in 1958. On average, 301,000 lbs. of trout are produced here each year. These catchable trout make up over one million trout that are produced annually.

From this million, close to 500,000 trout each year is placed in Lake Teneycomo. The Lake also receives 225,000 trout from Neosho National Fish Hatchery, which is located in the Southwest Ozarks. All of the other trout produced by the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is stocked in trout management areas around Missouri. This, of course, includes the White River, which is known for its successful trout fishing programs.

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is responsible for producing both rainbow and brown trout in order to meet Conservation quotas. The facilities at the hatchery provide both eggs and fingerlings so trout is successfully produced. On over 211 acres (84 acres developed), you will enjoy a visit to the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. A quarter of a million visitors come to the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery when they visit Branson, Missouri, each year.

A trip to the hatchery provides an informed tour of the premises with information on the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. On your free tour, you will learn about the entire trout production process from start to finish. Explore the world of trout incubation, tank maintenance and issues, raising and spawning young in ponds, and you can even feed the hungry-fish while enjoying the fresh, mountain, Ozark air.

Stone Hill Winery

Stone Hill Winery has a 150-year history of producing wine. This heritage makes for the best wine in the region. You can explore world history and technology when you go on a free tour of the Stone Hill Winery facilities. This winery has been awarded for excellence in the wine making industry. Now it is your turn to find out exactly what makes the Stone Hill Winery in Branson, Missouri, so magnificent.

The Stone Hill Winery is one of the most popular attractions in Branson. With main facilities in Hermann, Missouri, the Branson division of the winery still provides an amazing opportunity to learn about and experience the wine making process. Stone Hill Winery is the oldest winery in Missouri. It is also the most awarded in the region. The Branson location is an amazing 12,000 square feet in size!

Visitors to the Stone Hill Winery have been coming here since 1986. The tour lasts one hour and you have the opportunity to taste the amazing, flavored wines as you make your own determination of whether Stone Hill Winery really is the best winery in Missouri. During your tour, you will travel through the winery and view the systematic process for producing wine.

You will get the chance to view a short film on the winemaking tradition in Missouri. This outlines the main headquarters for the Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Missouri, which boasts vineyards and cellars.

From here, you will be invited to smell the scents of maturing Sherry. This intoxicating aroma is baked and aged in oak casks. On the rest of your Stone Hill Winery tour, you will have a chance to watch the winery bottle its famous Spumante wines. Every 15 minutes, a new tour begins and they are no cost to you or the other members of your family.

Travel To China's Paradise In Yunnan Province

If you are on a tour to China and decide to stop at Yunnan province, then you are guaranteed a wonderful time with Chinese minority groups. Yunnan is a beautiful province which is proud of its ethnic minorities and culture; this is reflected in the lifestyle of the locals who inhabit the community. Considered as one of the beautiful places to go in China, the province of Yunnan is a place that celebrates life. It can be divided into different cities namely Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Zhongdian and Deqin. Each of these cities has various sightseeing and highlights which attracts tourists all year round.

Kunming is known as the city of eternal spring which is usually the best city to travel to in China in spring. This is because of its mild climate which has in turn boosted the tourism and natural beauty of the city. With over four hundred types of flowers and orchids in the various gardens, it is no wonder horticulturists and nature lovers’ flock to this part of China to spend some time. Kunming is also known to be the center of the Yunnan minority culture where over 25 different ethnic groups live together. The major ethnic minorities have their various cultures, languages, and customs and celebrate different festivals. Major highlights to see in Kunming include the stone forest, a long acre of karsts limestone formations which were formed into cliffs, peaks, caves and arches; the birds and flowers market where different species of birds and flowers are sold; Dian Chi Lake, the Yunnan nationalities museum and the World Horticultural Expo garden.

Dali is another city in Yunnan well known for preserved relics for historical interests. The beautiful sceneries, different traditions, the locals and the unique environment are what makes Dali a stop over for tourists on their Yunnan province tour. For example the Old town of Dali is a place that was set up in the Ming Dynasty where you will find well preserved traditional styled houses of the Bai people. These houses were built with unique designs featuring grey tilted roofs, stone walls, windows and doors carved in dragon patterns. The streams fed by the run offs from the Cangshan Mountains and the idyllic courtyards and peaceful streets which were well known in the ancient times have now become a place of interest for visitors. Major highlights in Dali include the Erhai Lake, an ear like shaped Lake, the Three Pagodas, the Butterfly Fountain and Dali Museum to enrich your knowledge about the history and culture of Yunnan.

Lijiang is an old town resting in northwestern Yunnan. It is located on a plateau which rises on an elevation of 8,530 feet above sea level. Lijiang Old town is Yunnan’s mecca for most Chinese tour groups and this is because of the magnificent landscape which it has. The Old town is a world heritage relic site as listed by UNESCO. It has a number of attractions for tourists to visit, many of which includes The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: a snow capped mountain which looks like a jade dragon lying in the clouds when seen from Lijiang, the tiger leaping gorge believed to be the deepest gorge in the world which attracts rafters and adventure tourists. Other interesting things to do in Lijiang are the use of cable cars to the top of Cangshan Mountain to witness a panoramic view overlooking Erhai Lake and the traditional musical concerts.

Zhongdian and Deqin should be the final destination on your Yunnan province tour. It is one of the three counties that form the Diqen Tibetan Autonomous Territory. With some of its history based on the concept of Shambhala, a mystical city in Tibetan Buddhism; it was formerly called Zhongdian County and was later renamed to Shangri-la after the fictional land in the book ‘Lost Horizon’ in 2001. Shangri-la is considered to be a mythical distant paradise on earth characterized with great beauty and peacefulness; this is why many travelers come to this place to spend some peaceful time. This town has also been used by hikers and mountaineers as a gateway to Tibet. Some of the major highlights in this town include the Emerald Pagoda Lake (Bita hai Lake), the Meili Snow mountain (God Mountain) and the Ganden Sumtseling Gompa monastery. This monastery is a 300 year old complex which has around 600 monks. The small town is centered with multi story temples filled with statues and colorful paintings of Tibetan lamas, guardians and mandalas. The landscape of Zhongdian is not enough to describe in words, it gives a kind of feeling which is difficult to describe; this is why most people recommend a visit to Zhongdian and its sacred temples.

Maui Town of Lahaina

Nestled between the waters of Auau Channel towards Lana'I Island and the strong peaks and valleys of Mauna Kahalawai, is the historic town of Lahaina. This town, sometimes known as the jewel in Maui's crown, is one of the most visited spots in the area.

In fact, about 83% of Maui's visitor population (2 million people), visit the town of Lahaina annually.

Lahaina is known for having quite a history that has led to a diverse cultural population. Over one thousand years ago, Polynesian settlers came to the town of Lahaina to build a home. The area was perfect as it offered numerous freshwater streams, fertile soil, beautiful weather, and pristine valleys. The area is still as beautiful today as it was back then. At least 18,000 people call the town of Lahaina home on a full-time basis. Millions more visit the area each year.

The scenery and the entertaining options are what keep people coming into Lahaina each year. From the colorful waterfront to the world-famous Front Street, it is easy to see why this area of Hawaii is as popular as it is. You will find plenty to do and see when visiting the town of Lahaina. Below are a few of the most popular options.

Jodo Mission
The town of Lahaina is home to the Jodo Mission, the largest Buddhist community outside of Japan. Located against the splendid West Maui Mountains, the Jodo Mission offers a temple, a bell tower, pagodas, and a small park where a statue of Buddha is located. This is one of Lahaina's busiest attractions.

Lahaina Hongwanji Mission
The Hongwanji Mission was built in 1910 and was originally a temple and a small school. Today, the Mission shows off the history of the Japanese community in Lahaina. The temple at Hongwanji is home to the annual August O-Bon Dance. This dance offers a celebration of life and death, thousands of candles, and the pounding of rhythmic drums.

Moku'ulu-o-Lele
Located on Front Street in the Downtown area of Lahaina, is Moku'ula, one of the most historic parts of the island. Moku'ula is a small island that eventually became a park. Around the island was a set of sacred ponds (Mokuhinia). This spot has been home to giant lizards, Maui Chiefs, and Kamehameha Kings. After the 1900's, the area was turned into a park. Today, some of the ponds and other historical artifacts are being unearthed in a restoration project.

Old Fort Walls of Lahaina
The Old Fort Walls are the last of ruins of a fort that once stood near the courthouse and overlooking the now defunct canals in Lahaina. The fort was originally created to help protect the town of Lahaina. Canons had been shot at Reverend Richard's home when he convinced the King to ban women from the ships that would come into the area. Visitors that would come to the area assumed the fort was for aesthetics and not for protection. Eventually, the fort was torn down and provided bricks to the area prison. The old ruins that were once part of the fort walls are all that remain.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Pack Your Creativity for Travel

If you haul yourself across the world or even across the country, you want to have a rich experience. You may hit up an urban center for the stimulation of architecture, museums, shops and hyper activity. Perhaps you are heading to a relaxed, remote, more natural setting in the beach or the mountains. Your travel plans may involve a family visit. In any case, you want to get the most for your vacation time.

Travel with a creative mind and absorb places in unique ways. I have gotten a lot out of going my own way. Unexpected meetings, relishing the details of a place and discovering my inner resources all have contributed to rich travel memories. Check out the following ways to mark your journey with your own unique stamp.

1. Research before you go. Read one or two books about your destination to get a feel for weather, cultural differences and places you want to see. Read novels, stories, poems that evoke a place in addition to travel guides. Check the internet to find out what art shows, concerts or special events will be taking place. A few years ago I visited Paris and the city was celebrating cinema by reducing the price ($2.50!) of all films shown in the city from 6 - 7 pm. This was a relaxing and rejuvenating way to transition from day to night. I found out before I went by surfing the internet.

2. Make your own guidebook. As you read about your destination on the internet or in books, take notes in a small journal about places you want to visit, hours of operation, phone numbers and addresses. Bring this instead of carting along clunky books.

3. Find alternative places to stay instead of spending tons of money on hotels. Put it out there that you are looking for alternative lodging. Some options include staying with new friends, doing a home exchange, renting an apartment or trying out a hostel. I found an incredibly cheap apartment in a great neighborhood on homeexchange.net. Servas http://www.servas.org/ is a membership organization. You host travelers in your home and in return are able to go stay with locals around the world and see what it is like to live there. These are just a few possibilities. Explore others on the internet via message boards and web sites devoted to travel.

4. Create a piece of art as you go. Take a journal, pens, glue stick and maybe a lightweight set of colored pencils or paints. Take notes, do quick sketches, create collages and glue in cards, postcards, and gallery tickets that you collect on your trip. If you don't want to do the gluing while en voyage, glue an envelope in the back of your journal and collect your ephemera there. Put it together on the ride back home or do it when you get back to give yourself a visual reminder of the great trip you had.

5. Photos. Try leaving the camera at home. In many places you can buy postcards of places you are visiting that will be a better picture than you can take. Spend more time in the location rather than framing it in photos to show back home. If you must take a camera, get creative. Plan specific photo themes, such as photos of all the guides you have if you take tours, photos of people you see on the street, window displays, or you in creative poses with the landscape or people you meet.

6. Visit a place and experience it as you would at home. Do things that are part of your home routine such as go to an exercise class or gym, going to flea markets or yard sales, check out a movie. Go to grocery or other stores you frequent at home and check out how they do it. People watching is a great way to access a culture, even in your own country.

7. Get lost. Wander the city or country and don't worry about not knowing where you are. Set out without an agenda and let your surroundings pull you in. Stop for a coffee or snack when you feel like it, linger where you are compelled to linger, and don't hesitate to ask directions if you get lost. While in Paris I wanted to walk along the Canal St. Martin. There was a woman at a bus stop and I asked her which way to the canal. She spent a good ten minutes pointing out the best route, telling me what she likes to do, and giving me an impromptu guide to the neighborhood. I ended up taking her favorite route along the flower and tree-lined canal, ogling the houseboats and imagining a life on the water.

8. Play art buyer. When you visit art galleries or museums, pretend that you have an unlimited art budget and you want to deck out your home. This is a fun way to interact with art. It allows you to ask the questions "What would I want to live with and how would this art enhance my life?" Imagine the piece as part of your daily scenery. What does this tell you about your taste when you see yourself with the piece all the time?

9. Plan a budget and stick with it. Take a certain amount of spending money and commit to spending every cent of it before you go home. This is a fun way to be with money, especially if you are accustomed to being frugal at home. If you have to spend money you may splurge in unexpected ways.

10. Buy a series of things. Find inexpensive, lightweight things you can bring home to remind you of your trip. Scarves, cards, and notebooks are fun to bring home. I like to buy food items that I can't get at home or cosmetics that are unique to the place. In Paris I found a discount dishes store and bought a little French pitcher, a ceramic mustard pot, and a tiny salt spoon and salt cellar for my sea salt. These are now daily reminders of the French way of life.

11. Meet new friends. When I announce plans to travel somewhere, people often tell me, "I have a friend there." On this last trip to Paris I connected with a few people before I went, made a few appointments, and enjoyed dinners and cafe time with new friends, who gave me the insider's perspective on Paris.

12. Take good care of yourself. Traveling can be very tiring as you absorb new sites and sensations. The following things will keep your health strong so you can really enjoy the trip: multivitamins, lots of water, ear plugs, a travel candle in a lightweight container, respecting your natural rhythms even when out of your normal routine.

13. Create an intention for your trip. What is it really about for you? Do you want to learn as much as possible. Relax as much as possible, make new friends and contacts? Be clear before you go about how you want to be and what some possible outcomes could be for your trip. Then let them go and allow what comes to come. I have spoken with Tonya Bassett, a travel coach who helps people to clarify their travel intentions and goals. Check out http://www.mytravelcoach.com for great resources to create meaningful voyages.

Information On Spain

When traveling or moving to Spain, you will want to get some basic information on Spain. There are fifty provinces in the country. The country's largest metro areas are Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia, Seville, and Bilbao. Take some time to learn about the region where you will be staying. Reading travel magazines, newspapers and information online will help you get to know the area and culture.

Here’s some information on Spain: Passports and Customs

All of the documentation you will need to display to enter the country depends on your situation. If you are from a non European Union country you will need to show a valid passport to enter Spain. Even then, residents of some countries are required to show a visa.

If you’re a Resident of countries, which are members of the European Economic Community, you’ll need to show national identification documents. A few countries residents must still show a visa with these documents. Contact the Spanish consulate in your home country if you’re not sure what you need. They’ll help you find out what you need.

Becoming familiar with the rules of customs in Spain will save you time and stress when you arrive. For personal items, such as cameras, jewelry, video equipment and similar gear there are no customs charges. Be sure to ask for a receipt for these items at customs to justify your entry with them.

Customs charges and limits on some things apply when entering the country. The limits are on items such as perfume, cigarettes, and wine. If you’ve gone over the limit, you’ll need to pay additional fees. There’s no limit on the amount of money you can bring into Spain. This can be in either Euros or foreign currency.

You can bring your pets through customs, providing that you have the proper documentation. You’ll be asked to show a certificate of origin as well as a health certificate for your pet. You’ll also be mandated to show that the pet has had all necessary vaccines, especially rabies. Your veterinarian must sign the certificates.

Here’s Information on Living in Spain and Spanish Culture

There are variations in the food. Food represents the geographic cultural history of the residents. You’ll see the influence of the Moors in some of the spices used in Spanish cuisine, for example cumin and saffron. The cultural history of the countries peasants can be seen in the delectable soups and stews, as well as in freshly grown vegetables.

A popular dish in the Valencia region is Paella. The original recipe had its beginning in the Spanish Civil War. The original recipe consisted of rabbit, homegrown veggies, and rice. Paella is still popular in this region, as well as in other.

Exotic Panama Considered Central America's Hottest New Tourism Destination

With its teeming rainforests, hidden beaches, and rich history and culture, the tiny isthmus that was once only known for a Canal, is now making sound waves as perhaps the most authentic travel destination in Central America. Over the past few years, thousands and thousands of visitors have been flocking to Panama, the literal and figurative crossroads of the Americas, and the trend doesn’t appear to be letting up.

Panama’s high safety rating, tropical climate, and retirement incentives are drawing more and more visitors from the States everyday. Condos in cosmopolitan Panama City overlooking the Pacific Ocean for $200,000? Beach houses within walking distance from white sand beaches, $110,000? Giant tracts of oceanfront land selling at $0.25 per square meter? They sound too good to be true, but thanks to Panama’s low cost of living and still relatively young real estate sector, anyone can get a piece of the action. Pair that with its Costa Rica allure of secret waterfalls, uninhabited beaches, and spectacular wildlife to see why the growth in Panama in 2006 was bigger than any country in the region.

“You have to visit Panama to believe it” says Casey Halloran, owner of Panama Luxury Vacations, an American-style travel agency with offices in Panama. “By the time your vacation is up, you’ll feel like you’re on the inside of some travel secret”. With experience in Costa Rica, Halloran believes Panama is destined for greatness, if not having achieved it already. He’s quick to point out though, that things aren’t always as good as they seem. “As always for a developing or emerging country, you’re going to hit a lot of snags. Immoral practices are like snowballs in that once they start rolling, they become hard to stop, so you need to address them at inception.”

Panama has worked hard over the past decade to rid itself of the Noriega stigma that so many people still blindly refer to. The government has cleaned up its act, personal safety in the country is better than ever, and the expansion of the Panama Canal as well as a new seat on the UN Security Council will be drawing more international attention than ever—a watchdog-like effect that is sure to encourage good behavior.

See the nation’s deeply-rooted history in age-old ruins outside the City’s metropolitan skyline. Visit the Kuna Indians, a tribe who’ve fought off colonials for nearly 500 years, who now offer eco-resorts within their own private 360-island archipelago. Walk through the telling streets of Casco Viejo, the old city, where pirates like Henry Morgan stomped and trudged long long ago. And of course, how could we forget Panama’s biggest treasure and undoubtedly its greatest shortcut, the Panama Canal. For a country that’s long been a melting pot of culture, it appears that the world’s vacation and real estate trend-setters are now eyeing Panama as the hotbed for development.

Still partially considered a travel secret, the Caribbean and Pacific shores of Panama lie hushed, awaiting what will presumably be the fastest and most powerful tourism growth in Central America. The country’s capital, Panama City boasts a Miami-esque nightlife, the restaurant scene is innovative and constantly reinventing itself, the ocean-front banking skyline conjures up images of a young Argentina, and the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo evoke a breezy afternoon Cuban charm. “Panama today is hotter than it’s ever been” Halloran says, “and for a secret that’s been kept quiet for so long, it’s about time we let it out.”

Island Paradise, Sri Lanka as a Tour Destination

Have you picked on island paradise Sri Lanka as a tour destination?

The island of Sri Lanka is shaped like a teardrop in the heart of the Indian Ocean and is the world’s famous producer of Ceylonese Tea, known for its restorative qualities and spirit-reviving ability to de-stress and detoxify. A unique blend of varied culture, crafts and cuisine makes Sri Lanka an exciting and adventurous bid for a tour destination, especially for the nature lovers that global tourists need be. Earlier referred to as Ceylon, long-remembered for being the location of the radio station belting out golden oldies and clever commentary by the host of the program, Sri Lanka is today a multicultural and metropolitan mix of modern and tradition lifestyles.

Sri Lanka as a tour destination: what it offers the modern tourist today, socially and culturally.

A unification of various cultures and languages, Sri Lanka also affords an openness and genuine acceptability to all its citizens and visitors in terms of reverence for secular beliefs. Different religions co-mingle with Buddhism and Islam, Christianity and Hinduism receive equal veneration from the state, as do the different tongues spoken here; predominant ones being Sinhalese, Tamil and English.

Sri Lanka as a tour destination: a quick guide to popular hotspots

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital affords a glimpse into the country’s evolving strength as a modern and proudly-true-to-its-culture civilization and so, is a must visit spot; while other hotspots of tourist interest include Kandy, Galle, Sigiriya, Trincomalee, Hikkaduwa, Nuwara Eliya and Jaffna!

Hartford Attractions - Wadsworth Athaeneum

Hartford is a city rich in all forms of culture. If you love art and culture you have no shortage of museums to go and experience. One of the best museums in the city also happens to be the oldest in the United States. That museum is the Wadsworth Athenaeum and it is well worth a visit. Keep reading and learn a little about this museum and find out why you should go for a visit.

The Wadsworth Athenaeum opened its doors in 1842 which makes it the oldest public art museum in the United States of America. That is not the only reason that it is worth seeing however. It also happens to be home to some of the greatest works of art in the country. The museum specializes in American paintings which range from the 19th century and go all the way through to the 20th century. Some of the works housed there include those painted by such famous artists as Thomas Cole, Frederick Church and Albert Bierstadt. The museum does not just house American artists however. It is also home to famous artists of the world such as Monet, Picasso and Whistler. In addition to art you will also find furniture and other memorabilia from past eras. The museum has something for every different artistic taste so you are sure to find something that you like. This makes the Wadsworth Athenaeum definitely worth a visit so hopefully you have decided to go for a visit. You will not regret it.

If you want to check out the Wadsworth Athenaeum you can find the museum at 600 Main Street in Hartford Connecticut. Before you go you should call the information line at 860-278-2670 for current ticket prices, current hours and for any special events that might be going on. Have fun.

Madrid - The Center of Iberian Fun!

What Madrid may lack in exquisite architecture when compared to other cities in Spain, it makes up for this in its wealthy and vibrant arts and cultural scene, energetic lifestyle, and a hedonistic and all consuming nightlife environment!

It would be unfair to slot Madrid as just a cultural destination. Madrid is a true cosmopolitan with pubs, clubs, cafes, discotheques, and fine dining restaurants, a contrast of lifestyles and ideologies, and an exhausting party circuit.

Madrid holds the distinction of being the capital of Spain since 1562. Moreover, it’s located on the geographic center of this Iberian Peninsula. Added to this, the central location and high altitude of the city, makes sure that the summers are warm and dry while the winters are cool and pleasant.

A historical city, it has many great monuments and among them stand tall, the medieval center that dates back to the Habsburg Empire and the famous Prado Museum. Although, many visitors come to Madrid, with an unbridled eagerness, for the famous art palaces dotting the cityscape, they none-the-less find themselves totally seduced by peculiar and decrepit museums scattered around the city. Some others travel across miles, to experience the revelry of the traditional tapas bars and binge on the numerous gastronomical offering in this historical city.

This relatively little-known city gained over-night recognition when Philip II concurred to make it his capital, back in the 16th Century. Although the walls of the fell in 1860, Madrid we see now, is still the hot seat of power and bureaucracy. Madrid can be mapped based on three prime reference points – the Puerta del Sol, the city’s out-and-out centre; the Plaza Mayor, nucleus of the Golden Age; and the splendid Plaza de Cibeles, with its awesome display of architecture wealth.

The big three museums, also referred to ask the ‘Golden Triangle’ - the Prado Museum, on the city’s ‘Museum Mile’ and one of Spain’s main attractions, is well-known for its astonishing collections of works from Renaissance masters; while the Thyssen Museum is the home to the eclectic and extensive range of private Western art collections; and the last of the trio, Sofia Museum is devoted to the extraordinary variety of modern art in Spain by Miro, Dali, and Picasso among others.

Prevent yourself from an overdose of art and visit the Plaza de Toros, the largest bullring in Spain, and catch the bullfighting action absolutely live! For those of you, who are less bloodthirsty, participate in the overpowering Mexican wave as the players of Real Madrid or Atletico de Madrid try to bend it like Beckham.

After such intense action, a good bite is just what your tired body will need. Head to the Botin Restaurant. Touted by the Guinness Book of Records, as being the oldest restaurant in the world, you are kept in august company, for this is the place were Goya worked before he became a painter, while Hemingway pronounced it to be his favorite restaurant. Whatever is your choice of enjoyment, one thing is for sure, you may leave a bit surprised but you will most probably not leave disappointed.