The official name of Costa Rica is the Republic of Costa Rica. Capital city of the country is San Jose. It is not a densely populated country. It is predicted that about 4 million people live here. Costa Rica has a long past. Before the exploration of America, it was inhabited by some tribes and colonies. This combination makes Costa Rica an interesting area. It was controlled by different country and communities. Finally, in 1850 Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain. Official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. In Costa Rica people with different origins live all together. White, black, African, Chinese and people from some other different countries live here. They believe in various religions. Some of them are Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and the others.

Costa Rica is a country of natural beauties and geographical diversity. Islands, waterfalls and volcanoes form the general geographic features of Costa Rica. Along with rich geography, there are also many animal species and rich plantation in the country.

Activities in Costa Rica
Historical aspect of Costa Rica is a feature that you should closely explore. As it has a rich past and many communities and countries contributed to it, in every part of the country the effect of these can be seen. There are some historical and archeological sites and antiques. Seeing them should be a part of your activities list in Costa Rica.

Natural beauties of Costa Rica should keep in mind. It is a country of waterfalls, volcanoes and islands. Some tours are held especially to go see beautiful and natural waterfalls. La Fortuna Waterfall and La Paz Waterfall are the biggest and popular destinations of visitors. You should certainly see these beauties.

Ecotourism is an aspect attracting tourists from all over the world. In the world, Costa Rica is one of the leader countries of ecotourism. The national parks and natural areas are worth to see. If you are a nature lover, Costa Rica is waiting for you!

What about the natural heritage? Costa Rica has various animal species and plantation. It is a rich area especially for researcher. However, you should also see these features of Costa Rica. Wildlife is untouched in some parts of the country. Visiting them should be a part of your vacation in Costa Rica.

A vacation without traditional flavors is useless. Costa Rica’s cuisine was affected by previous culture. This is the reason making it so various and different. Generally natural and fresh products are used for dishes. You should taste traditional dishes in Costa Rica.

Do you like music? Do you want music be a part of your activities during your vacation? Then you should go Costa Rica! In Costa Rica many music genres are found together. This is an interesting feature especially for outsiders.

For a travel guide of Costa Rica visit costarica.com

Official name of Greece is the Hellenic Republic. The country is located in south Europe. It is found such an important geological location that in order to go many countries, you have to pass this country. Greece is a small country. However, it is a tourism center. It has a very long historical past. This old country is also very modern. This mixture of history and modernism is one of the points attracting tourists for vacation in Greece. 

Athens is the capital city of the Hellenistic Republic, in other words Greece. Official language is Greek. However, as it is a tourism place, English speaking people are also common. In this small country, approximately 11 million people live. If you wonder the geography of the area, it is a typical Mediterranean country. The country is surrounded by sea, there are mountainous areas. All around the year, the weather is warm or hot. If you like sunny days, Greece is a country of lots of sunny days. Economy of Greece depends on industry, technology, fishing and tourism. Tourism is one of the major income sources of this country. Transportation web is well developed. In addition to public transportation within the country, sea and air transportation are widely used. This point makes your vacation in Greece easier and more enjoyable.

Activities in Greece
First of all, history and archeology are inseparable activities of a vacation in Greece. As it is an old and archeologically rich country, visiting and seeing historical sites, museums and archeological sites should be a part of your holiday.

Tourists prefer Greece for their vacation because it has also many natural beauties. Especially sea and long coastlines are worth to see. You can swim, go fishing or just sit and relax at the beach. These are some of the activities you can do in dream country Greece.

Sport activities are very popular in Greece. Along with amateur ones, professional organizations are held in the country. Up to now, Greece has hosted many international sport organizations including Olympic Games. If you want to be an audience in such organizations, follow sport organizations schedule. In addition to this, you can do sport during your vacation. Running, swimming, playing volleyball are just some of the activities you can do in Greece.

Greece has a very distinctive cuisine. Mediterranean cuisine dominates it. Fresh fruit and vegetables, sea products and olive oil are widely consumed. You should certainly taste these different dishes during your vacation. There are traditional restaurants and many of them are very close to the sea. Tasting Greek cuisine is very different at these restaurants. The products used in the dishes are also so natural that you will feel healthier yourself.

Greece is said to be a cradle of civilizations. This means you can see many historical, classical, Hellenistic works in Greece. There are museums, churches, architecturally important buildings, roads, temples, ancient sites, piers and many other places you can visit and enjoy.

The canyon was formed after the movements of Colorado River. It took centuries and this natural beauty is unique. Grand Canyon is such an interesting and great natural piece that the world history can be followed with it. The deepest point of the canyon is approximately 1600 meters. 450 meters long and 400 meters wide, The Grand Canyon covers a large area.

Grand Canyon attracts tourists from all over the world. The weather conditions affect the tourism season. With elevation weather conditions change. In the higher points, the temperatures fall below zero.

Visiting Grand Canyon
If you are planning to see and go around Grand Canyon, you should visit the historical buildings found close to the area. There are cabins, hotels, depots and many other constructions. Some of them are Grand Canyon Railway Depot, Bright Angel Lodge, Lookout Studio, Verkamp’s Curious and the others. The area is historically and archeologically rich.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities for the Grand Canyon. It is a very suitable place for such an activity. Around the world people come here for hiking and climbing. For hikers Grand Canyon is a unique experience. In addition to that, other sport activities such as climbing and running are also popular activities you can do here.

After going around Grand Canyon, you may want to stay overnight. You can camp close to the area. However, there are some rules for camping because the area requires protection. Thousands of people experience camping in this different atmosphere. You will certainly enjoy this!

Seeing Grand Canyon from sky is possible. There are plane and helicopter tours. The scenery from the sky is much more impressive. You can see every part of the canyon. This is one of the special activities of Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon was attracting people who want to hunt. The area is suitable for hunting and there are many animal types in this natural environment. With time, it lost this feature. There are restrictions about hunting. Especially nowadays there are some works to protect Grand Canyon. The nature, animal species, environment, plantation and air needs special care.

Wildlife of Grand Canyon is worth to see and examine. If you are interested in such issues, you should certainly visit Grand Canyon National Park. There are many wildlife programs going on in the area. These are searching and observation. You can follow these programs and learn the area well.

Grand Canyon offers educational programs for teachers and students. This is an adventure chance for everyone. It is also a good way for children to learn nature and wildlife. During all the year, many organizations are held with such purposes. Follow them, join and have great time while visiting Grand Canyon.

Visit Grand Canyon National Park web page.

Travel to Egypt

Once upon a time, being the tallest building of the world, Great Pyramid of Giza has always been an important world heritage. It is one of the wonders of ancient world. The name of the pyramid is various, Great Pyramid of Giza, Khufu’s Pyramid, Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops.

Architecture of Giza Pyramid
Why and how such a building was constructed? Imagine the conditions of that age, there were not any technological devices, there was only human force. Now, in our modern world, we can not build such a building, what made the ancient people to build it?

It is predicted that Giza Pyramid was built for Pharaoh Khufu as a tomb. It is huge in size. Height of the pyramid is approximately 138 meters. The weight of it is predicted to be more than 6 million tones. There is not exact information about who built it. However, Khufu’s official and architect Hemon are most probably built it.

There are predictions about the construction. Some scientists claim that stones were brought from somewhere else, they were brought at that shape and workers replaced them. Some others say that stones already existing in the area were carved and the pyramid was built. There is not exact evidence. However, it is a fact that human made such a building.

Parts of Great Pyramid of Giza
In the Great Pyramid of Giza, there are three chambers. These are King’s Chamber, Queen’s Chamber and unfinished chamber. The largest of them is the unfinished one. Entering the pyramid, two ways lead you. One of them takes you to the unfinished lowest chamber. There are speculations about the construction aim of this part. It is thought that this chamber was built for burial. However, later Pharaoh wanted somewhere else.

King’s chamber is very large. The chamber consists of two shafts. These could be used for fresh air or for some other beliefs. Ancient people believed that the soul of king go and come through these shafts.

Queen’s chamber is found between unfinished chamber and King’s chamber. It is the smallest chamber. The construction is similar to King’s one. It has a large door, and new holes were found by researchers.

Visiting Great Pyramid of Giza
Egypt is a tourism center with its rich history, archeology, nature and art. Being cradle of the civilization, it attracts millions of people. Visiting pyramids is an inseparable part of a vacation in Egypt. Great Pyramid of Giza is a charming construction you should certainly see.

Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the places you should visit during your vacation to Egypt. For a vacation article, read also Vacation in Egypt.

Travel to Turkey
Temple of Artemis

Once upon a time, the temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, now there are only some columns remaining. Nearly the entire of the temple was ruined.

History of Temple of Artemis
The temple is dedicated to goddess Artemis. It was built in 6 BC. It is totally marble. The construction took a long time. The site area is older than the temple. It is predicted that Lydian and Lelege societies inhabited the area.

The Temple of Artemis was designed and built by Cretan architect Chersiphron and his son Metagenes. King of Lydia Croesus gave the required financial support for the construction of the temple.

The area that temple was built on a boggy area. It is predicted that such an area was chosen intentionally. It was a precaution for possible earthquakes. When the construction of the Artemis Temple ended, it became a visitation point for traders, kings, tourists, and believers. They brought some goods, jewelry for the honor of Artemis goddess.

This old site and temple faced many attacks and it was restored many times. The biggest event in its history is Herostratus’ ruining the temple. The temple was destroyed in 4 BC by Herostratus. He believed that the temple would be world wide famous after that event. Despite being destroyed, fame was important. The temple was restored only after the death of king. However, this was not the first and the last destroy of the temple. It was destroyed by Goths during their rush. The temple was rebuilt by Roman Emperor Constantine. With time, the temple lost its religious importance. The ruins of the construction were used in different constructions.

Architectural Features of Artemis Temple
The researches show that the temple was built in three periods. In the first period, there was an altar in the area. Then the Temple of Artemis was built. Finally, restoration period began.

The entire of the temple could not reach to our age. We know only what is recorded. The data shows that it was approximately 155 meters high and 55 meters width. The temple was built totally from marble. Columns formed the temple. It was not just a building. In it, there were many art works. It was a displaying center. Statues, sculptures, paintings made by famous artists of the era were displayed in the temple.

Tourism and Temple of Artemis
Ephesus ancient city is a tourism center. Read the article Pearl of Aegean: Izmir – Turkey to get more information about Ephesus. Visiting Temple of Artemis is a part of Ephesus tour. The temple is not in good condition. However, it is still worth to see this historical and mythological site.

Travel to Turkey

Now Zeugma antique city is found in Gaziantep, Turkey. Zeugma city was a very important trade way. It was used as a passage way. The area of the city is approximately 20000 square meters. It is near the river Fırat. That makes it economically and militarily important.

History of Zeugma Antique City
Zeugma was founded by Seleucus Nicador. It was one of the biggest cities of Commagene Kingdom. In 1 AD, the city was under the control of Roman Empire. The city was named after Seleceus Nicador. The name was changed in 1 AD, the name “Zeugma” was given to the city. In its long history, Zeugma faced many attacks. Some of them ruined it. When Sassanids invaded the area, Zeugma was damaged. After that, the city becomes the land of Roman Empire. Islamic rushes affect the city. People left Zeugma due to these rushes and Islamic population inhabits it. In 17th century, a village named “Belkıs” is founded in the area.

Why Is Zeugma So Important?
Excavations found a unique city. Zeugma is one of the oldest, greatest cities of the world history. It combines culture, history, art and archeology. The city is famous for its mosaics.

The collection of Zeugma consists of mosaics, bullas, and statues. Zeugma is the city of mosaics. Only a small part of mosaics could be found with excavations. These are Roman works. This kind of mosaic can be found in two places in Turkey, Zeugma and Ephesus. If you also wonder about Ephesus read also TRAVEL: Pearl of Aegean: Izmir – Turkey.

Half of the area found with archeological excavations is covered with mosaics. That makes it world wide famous. Some of them were taken to Gaziantep Museum. Who made these works and why? The area was a common point for traders, for passengers. It was a point where people from the entire world met. These attracted the attention of artists. Lots of painters, sculptures came to Zeugma and left all these masterpieces to our age.

A world record was broken in Zeugma. A collection of more than 100.000 bullas were found. Bulla is a kind of seal used for letters. Finding so many bullas shows the great state archive of Zeugma. On every bulla, there are different figures. These figures give us information about economical, cultural situation of the era. The collection is displayed in Gaziantep Museum. It is one of the richest bulla collections of the world.

Sculptures and statues found in Zeugma are other unique parts of the city. The styles sculptures used here lead the other artists. Combining traditional and cultural elements of the area, works that can be seen only in Zeugma were made. Examining these different sculptures and statues is highly recommended during your visitation.

The city is divided into three, A, B, C. With excavations, A and B parts met with sunlight. There is not an excavation work for part C. There is a project to establish a museum at that part. However, ironically A and B parts is under water! A dam was built on the city!

Travel to Turkey: Antalya

Antalya is an old province. Since 3 BC, the city was inhabited by people. Different kingdoms inhabited the area. This is what makes it historically so rich. Ancient and Hellenistic period, Byzantium period, Ottoman ages are just some of the historical periods it saw.

The city Antalya is very close to Mediterranean. The mild effect of Mediterranean shows itself in Antalya. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are warm and rainy. Anytime you can visit the city. Weather is always good and suitable for a vacation.

For a nice vacation, transportation should be easy and satisfying. To this big city, Antalya, you can reach by air, sea or by public transportation. Being a tourism center, transportation by air is popular. In the city there is Antalya Airport. Sea transportation requires development. However public one is available and good in conditions. There are buses, services to every spot of the city.

Tourism is the major economical source of Antalya. In addition to that, commerce, industry and agriculture on fertile lands bring prosperity to the city.

Activities in Antalya
Antalya is a city of many different activities. It is a suitable city for everyone. If you like history, architecture, nature, mounts, waterfalls, sea, sports, festivals, fairs, parks, Antalya is waiting for you!

For history lovers, there are many places in Antalya to visit. It is an old province and it has a rich history. There are sites coming from old period, there are cities, monuments, buildings. Aspendos ancient city, Perge ruins, Olympos village, Termessos city, Ariassos city are just some of the historical places.

Kaleici is the symbol of the city. Once being a castle, now the building serves as hotel, bar, store, restaurant. Museum visiting should be a part of your holiday in Antalya. Antalya Archeology Museum and Kaleici Museum are the places representing history and civilization of this old city.

The city hosted many different civilizations. This means different religions. In Antalya, there are mosques and churches together. Broken Minaret was a Byzantium church. Now it is an attraction place. Yivli Minaret was a mosque, and it attracts tourists with architectural features of it.

International festivals and fairs are held in Antalya province. The most famous of them is Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. There are also some other organizations such as Antalya Festival, Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. You can follow these international and great organizations.

Swimming, yachting, snorkeling, diving, biking and climbing are some of the options if you enjoy being in nature. Antalya is naturally a charming city.

Accommodation options in Antalya are various. It is a tourism city with hotels, motels, hostels and some other ones. You can find anywhere suitable for your holiday budget among these options.

Visit Antalya city guide.

Why such a place was built? What was its function? For what people used it? The Colosseum was used as an arena. Emperors held gladiator contests. Public shows, war plays, dramas based on mythology were all performed in the Colosseum. The main reason of holding such organizations was entertaining public and showing power of emperor. The function of the building changed with time. Rather than entertainment, it was used for commercial reasons, housing, shopping and religion.

Architecture of Colosseum
Now the Colosseum is not in good conditions due to earthquakes and devastating effects of time. Additionally, stone robbing caused great damage. However, the sight of it is still great. It is one of the most charming historical buildings of the world. It is the symbol of power of Roman Empire.

In the walls of Colosseum travertine and iron were used. The building is elliptical. The outer wall is 48 meters, the elliptical side takes 189 meters and the area is 24.000 m². There are eight entrance of the building. The Colosseum was designed to hold thousands of spectators. Predictions show that the building can host more than 80.00 people; it is a great number, isn’t it? The building was designed level by level. At that age, class system was rigid. There were different levels for different classes. Levels were divided for nobles, knights, slaves, women, gladiators, wealthy people.

Arena is the main part of the Coliseum. This part was designed separately. A wooden ground covered with sand, it was suitable for gladiators. The hypogeum, designed for the service of game, was built in the shape of tunnels. Organizations, games, activities at such a building create a sector. There were stores around the Colosseum providing necessities of spectators and gladiators.

Colosseum and Christianity
When the Colosseum was built, it was not regarded as a religious place. Rather than religion, it was associated with entertainment. However, the Coliseum is an important place for Christianity. With time, it became a place of martyrdom and pilgrimage. Becoming a popular religious spot for Christians began with Pope Pius V. Pilgrims was expected to collect sand from the arena with his suggestion. There were saints living near the building. Religious people served to the Coliseum, they repaired, restored the building. Every Easter, Good Friday crosses are found in the arena and a performance depicting the last hours of Jesus Christ is acted under the control of Pope.

Visiting Colosseum
The Colosseum is a tourism center. Being the greatest building of Roman Empire, with its charming sight it attracts millions of tourists every year. In 2007, it was selected as one of the New Wonders of the World.

A Famous Archeological Site: Chichen Itza

When people in this region moved to somewhere else, Chichen Itza was left to its destiny. Some parts of the site were burned or collapsed. There are evidences showing that these were made intentionally. However, most parts of the site are still in good conditions. With excavations, many figures, parts, buildings were found.

You can find the name “Chichen Itza” interesting; it is the original name of the site. Chichen Itza means “At the mouth of the well of the Itza” in Maya language. Chichen Itza is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

There are baths, ballrooms, temples, shops, and palaces in the site. Temple of the Warriors is in the shape of a pyramid. On the walls of the temple, there are depictions of warriors. Another temple found in Chichen Itza is High Priest’s Temple. This temple is small compared with the other buildings. One of the greatest constructions of the site is Castillo. It is also called as the Temple of Kukulkan. In many photographs of Chichen Itza, you can see this step pyramid building. From four sides of it, there are stairs to the top. A feature of Castillo makes it unique in the world. During sunset and sunrise, from the corner of it, a shadow in the shape of a serpent appears. It is Kukulcan and there are visitors coming only to see this mysterious event. Playing ballgame was very popular at these old ages. In site Chichen Itza, seven ballrooms were found. The biggest of them is the Great Ball Court. The court is located near Castillo. Inside the building, on the walls there are paintings of ball gaming and ball players. El Caracol is one of the parts of Chichen Itza worth to see. It takes its name from the snail shape of the building. The stone was carved in a spiral shape. It is predicted that El Caracol was used as observation room. Sun, moon, stars were observed and the building was designed to watch the movements of the sun.

After visiting the site, seeing caves of Balankanche is recommended. The caves are very close to Chichen Itza. They are accepted as sacred. Many items, pottery, paintings of Maya civilization can be found in the caves. The exploration of Balankanche caves is very new. Only after 19th century, with excavations they were found.

Tourism and Chichen Itza
Maya civilization is a popular topic in our modern world. The lifestyle of them, how they survived, what they did, we all wonder about these. The curiosity brings search, and after Chichen Itza met with sunlight, people began to visit the site.

In the beginning of 19th century, the site was owned by private investor. Tours were held for tourists. These tours brought revolution to Chichen Itza. New routes were built, transportation became easier. The official tourism sector began only after 20th century. After that the visitors did not just visit the site, they spent days to visit it. It was an opportunity to live in this mysterious atmosphere. The land ownership changed hand from time to time. Lastly, the land is owned by a local family, Barbachano family.

After being selected as a world wonder, Chichen Itza attracts more visitors. This event increased the expectations. The Mexican government is waiting more tourists in coming years. As it is visited by more and more people, security is becoming a problem. Carelessness of people can give harm to history and archeology, so some rules are put. Visitors are not allowed inside the buildings any more. There are only some parts visitors are allowed. However, even these limited areas are good examples of world heritage and they are worth to see.

A World Tourism Centre: Dubai

Along with being a tourism center, Dubai is also a city of trade, commerce and business. The languages used in the city are Arabic, English, Hindi and Urdu, as it is an international place, you can find anyone speaking English, so communication is easy.

Transportation is easy in Dubai by air, the capacity of Dubai International Airport is enough to hold millions of passenger. Two additional airports are being built in Dubai, and this will make the transportation easier. Within the city, bus system works well, there is bus service to every point of the city, in addition to this, subway system is under construction.

Activities in Dubai
The city Dubai looks like small, however there are many places to visit and many things to do. As the time passes, many new places are added to this list. First of all, the symbol of the city is the seven star hotel Burj. It symbolizes luxury, and in many categories it is classified as the best. One of the tallest buildings, one of the most luxuriously constructed buildings, the only seven star hotel and many other unique features.

If you look for something else different from sea and beach, there are archeological sites in Dubai, the excavations date back to 7th century. For a history lover, it is a chance to see and examine these sites.

Villages represent the traditional elements of the area, in these villages traditional arts are performed, you can find potter makers, and you can buy hand made gifts. If you want adventure in a village, it is time for adventure! Desert life, trips to natural beauties, learning camel riding is the other choices of you.

If you are in Dubai due to commercial reasons, Dubai World Trade Center is a place that you will certainly visit. The building is so great and charming that looking at it, you can understand the economical, commercial growth of the city.

People from different nations and religions make up the population of Dubai, however Muslims is the major part of the population and Grand Mosque and Jumeirah mosques are places to visit. The sights of the mosques are great, if you go there, you will be charmed with the architecture and sight of them.

Gold Souk is the bazaar selling only gold. It is incredible. Imagine all shops full of gold. There are small and big shops from where you can buy different jewelery models.

Visit the official site of Dubai City