The post Embrace Costa Rica’s Pura Vida Mentality On Your Trip There appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>This Spanish expression, meaning “pure life,” is a sort of national slogan for the Costa Rican people. Embodying the Costa Rican spirit and mentality, it’s a powerful phrase that tells us so much about why this country is so special.
One thing that you’ll notice when traveling around San Jose, the Costa Rican rainforests, or its beaches, is that you’ll almost never find anyone who is stressed. So, why is this? Pura Vida!
Pura vida roughly sums up a mentality that can be described as “this is living!” Costa Rica is known for being relaxed, laid-back, and optimistic, and all of these things are traits that will become readily apparent as you travel around this country.
Are you ready to give “pura vida” a try? If so, book your trip to Costa Rica soon!
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]]>The post Havana, Cuba’s Most Memorable Spots appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The Malecon
Situated between Havana’s city center and the Caribbean sea is the Malecon, a five-mile-long esplanade and avenue that offers up relaxed vibes and beautiful views. Stretching from the mouth of the Almendares River to the Havana Harbor, nothing is more quintessentially Havana than this.
Old Havana
Despite years of turmoil and rule that attempted to minimize Cuba’s colonial history, much of it is still preserved in Old Havana, a gorgeous neighborhood which features colorful building facades and 1950s Cadillacs. Get a taste of the Havana that you always dreamed of here.
National Capitol Building
The former home of the center of Cuba’s government is the National Capitol Building, where the country’s Senate met for many years. Currently undergoing restoration work in order to serve as a home for government meetings again, you will notice an eerily similarity between it and the US Capitol.
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]]>The post Discover Brazilian Gold Mining Heritage in Ouro Preto appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>From the late 17th to the late 19th centuries, Ouro Preto saw hundreds of gold mines open in the surrounding area and became the home of the gold industry in Brazil. This led to the city of around 70,000 becoming the capital of the region and one of the wealthiest places in South America.
This heritage can still be explored today, as the city has kept its colonial buildings dating back to these days, where some of the gold extracted from this area can still be seen today, especially in churches.
There are numerous former gold mines in the area surrounding Ouro Preto which can still be visited as well, including Mina do Chico Rei, located near the city center and next to the famous Nossa Senhora da Conceicao temple.
The Museu da Inconfidencia is another must-visit place in Ouro Preto to learn about how gold mining started and created conflicts in the area, as its focus is a failed 18th-century rebellion in which miners from the area looked to break free from Portuguese rule.
In short, if you are at all interested in the mining history of Brazil, you owe yourself a chance to visit this fascinating city!
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]]>The post Places In Colombia That Will Make Your Heart Dance appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Bogotá
An amazing mix of architecture, good food and nature – where else can you find this if not in the capital, Bogotá.
Walking through the streets you’ll see all kind of shops, markets and restaurants where you can taste pan de yucca and ajiaco, a typical Colombian dish. You can also run into some music festivals and conventions, and as complete opposite – you can go hiking on the Andes.
Cartagena
One of the most romantic cities in the world will capture your heart too. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city has a rich history and tradition, and also a rich cuisine.
Así es CartagenaThe posta negra cartagenera is a dish you must try – it’s beef served with coconut rice that taste’s amazing!
The Coffee Cultural Landscape
You can’t visit Colombia without tasting original Colombian coffee. The Coffee Cultural Landscape is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can enjoy this warm beverage.
Seventeen towns around the departments of Valle del Cauca, Quindio, Risaralda and Caldas compose this site and are guilty for probably the best coffee in the world.
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]]>The post How To Fall In Love With Cartagena, Colombia appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The Old Part
A walk through the old town is the best way to get to know Cartagena’s culture and history – and you will get to see the whole city from above!
Totumo Volcano
Totumo is a volcano with hot mud instead of lava. It’s not an everyday experience to take a bath in hot mud, but it can be very interesting since you can’t sink – you can just float on the mud. Sounds fun, right?
Torre Del Reloj
This clock tower is the border that separates the old town from the new part and is a great entrance that will take you to the historical side of Cartagena.
La Comida
One of the best things about Cartagena is the great food you can find in the Gethsemane area and the Old Town. Try La Comida!
Houston’s Got Spice (@houstonsgotspice)Colombian coffee
Colombia is known for its coffee, and there are currently two trends among caffeine lovers: old companies that produce and sell coffee in the markets and new hipster movements that offer more aromatic coffee in small cups.
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]]>The post These Tasty Snacks Will Make You Feel Like You’re In Brazil! appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Brigadeiro
This is probably what heaven tastes like. Brigadeiro are truffles made with milk and rolled up in chocolate sprinkles. If you think this sounds good, imagine how it would taste if there was a strawberry in the middle. As we said before – like heaven.
Pão de Queijo
If you love cheese, then you will adore these cheesy puffs! Casava flour is the main compound, so they’re gluten-free. Filled with cheese, crispy and available in different sizes, they are the perfect snack!
Joelho
It’s everyone’s guilty pleasure! This thick bread filled with ham and cheese not only tastes good, but it makes you feel good too! Joelho means knee in English, but your stomach will definitely fall for it.
Mandioca Frita
If you want to find a healthy alternative to French fries, then stop looking because this is it. Fried cassava is one of the most popular snacks and it’s so crispy and delicious that you’ll forget about French fries in no time!
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]]>The post Want to Practice Your Spanish? Check Out These Cities! appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Here are four cities that I recommend if you want to practice and test your español.
Bogota, Colombia
Colombia’s capital city is full of museums and parks and is surrounded by the gorgeous Andes Mountains. The Spanish spoken here is clear and easy to understand, making it a perfect proving ground for your improving Spanish!
Madrid, Spain
The Spanish capital is one of the largest Spanish-speaking cities on the planet with over 3 million inhabitants. It’s easy to practice your Spanish when ordering tapas or grabbing a cafe con leche from a vendor in Retiro Park.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is an underrated destination, combining the architecture and elegance of Europe’s best cities with a Latin rhythm and soul. Don’t be surprised if it’s hard to understand the thick porteno accent, but you’ll have a great time either way.
(@conociendo.ba)San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is an interesting fusion of the Spanish and English languages as well as American and Latin American traditions. If your Spanish is still shaky, don’t worry! Here, you can practice the language while also knowing that many natives speak English if you need help.
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