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Founded in 1575 by Paulo Dias de Novais, Luanda, the capital city of Angola, is a mélange of "old and new" since it is divided into two parts: the Baxia which is the old part and the Cidade Alta, the modern metropolis of Luanda.
Much of the old Luanda retains its heritage as a Portuguese colonial city where several buildings of historical significance like the Armed Forces Museum, the St. Miguel Fort, and the National Bank of Angola elbow a number of 17th century churches such as the Church of Our Lady of Nazzari, the Cathedral dos Remedios and the Sagrada Familia. The modern side, on the other hand, which starts at the Ilha de Luanda which is joined to the mainland by a land bridge, is dotted with a string of islets, with several casinos, bars and restaurants which serve Luanda's national cuisines which include the savory farofa, chicken muamba, mufete de cacuso, fish calulu and corn funge.
Today, while Luanda is enjoying its status as the most expensive city in the world next to Tokyo, the sight and smell of poverty still pervades the air as young children sift through the roadside trash searching for some "form of sustenance." However, the visitors who still want to enjoy the African ambience that Luanda exudes can continue their sightseeing to nearby attractions such as the three islets of the Mussolo Peninsula and the Slavery Museum to the mouth of Kwanza River, where they can have their afternoon picnics.
Visiting the nearby provinces is also another option if they wish to exhaust their energy. Namibe, for instance, which is a piece of land in the Atlantic Ocean, is where the weird-looking desert plant of Welwitshchia mirabilis can be found which looks like a giant octopus. Since Namibe is nestled in the Namib Desert, visitors can have some game hunting in this corner of Luanda. Other than the desert, the province also boasts pristine beaches like the Bibala Beach which is known to have healing properties.
A detour to Kwanza Sul's thermals springs, caves and waterfalls, is also possible, which can be a good springboard to explore Kwanza Norte and the Huambo Province, famous for its colonial style buildings, named as the provincial center of Angolan history. Also notable is the salubrious climate and the fertile soils of Huambo, which is suitable for all kinds of crops to thrive all year round.
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San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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