Travel

Which major cities in the UK produce the most carbon emissions, on an average day? If you’re curious about how green some of the major cities in the UK are and which cities have some work to do in order to greatly reduce their carbon emissions, you’ve come to the right place! Simply continue reading to learn about the severity of a few of the UK’s largest cities’ carbon emissions. Better yet, to get an accurate picture of each figure you’ll get to compare emissions against well known structures and landmarks in the UK.

Emissions against famous landmarks and structures in the UK:

London:

As expected England’s capital, London produces the most carbon emissions in the whole of the United Kingdom. In just a single day, London produces 81,294 tonnes of carbon. If you have a bit of trouble picturing exactly how much carbon this equates to, a visual comparison may prove useful. 81,294 tonnes of carbon could create a massive carbon cube which would stand 254 m high. In comparison, one of London’s most famous landmarks the Shard, only measures 310 m in height.

Birmingham:

London isn’t the only city who produces enough carbon in a single day, to dwarf its most famous landmark. Birmingham, another of England’s largest cities produces 11,557 tonnes of carbon in a day. In cube form 11,557 tonnes of carbon could produce a large 184 m carbon cube. Which would dwarf Birmingham’s BT Tower. Which stands at just 152 m tall.

Leeds:

Leeds creates 10,862 tonnes of carbon per day, which is a similar amount to the amount of carbon Birmingham produces on a daily basis. If you’re curious about the size of Leeds’ carbon cube, it would stand 181 m tall. How does this compare to the height of Leed’s most famous landmark? Leeds Town Hall which is a 19th century historic building only reaches 69 m in height and is less than half as tall as Leed’s daily carbon cube.

Glasgow:

How does one of Scotland’s largest cities compare to England’s major cities when it comes to daily carbon emissions? On a normal day, Glasgow produces around 7,175 tonnes of carbon. Which is a significantly smaller number than those attributed to England’s major cities, London, Birmingham and Leeds.

To get a visual feel for how much carbon Glasgow produces on a daily basis, Glasgow produces enough carbon on an average day to create a carbon cube which is 157 m tall. In comparison to one of Glasgow’s much loved landmarks, the Glasgow Tower is much shorter and only measures 127 m tall.

Brighton:

Brighton is the most unique city which features in our carbon emissions list, as it has a prominent landmark which is actually taller than its daily carbon cube. Brighton creates 2,466 tonnes of carbon in a day and could create a large 110 m tall carbon cube. While Brighton’s most famous landmark the i360 is 162 m tall. Much taller than Brighton’s daily carbon cube.

After reading all the facts which are listed above, hopefully you now have a clear idea of how much carbon, some of the major cities in the UK produce on an everyday basis.

 

When you travel a lot, it’s inevitable you’ll run into difficulties – especially when you fly. So many things can go wrong and when you have hours – or even a whole night – to wait until you take off, it’s easy to feel all is lost and your trip is ruined. But what can you do to deal with this? How can you make sure that when you’re stuck in the airport, you’re comfortable?

Here are a few tips to help you cope:

Check out your rights

The most common things that result in passengers having to wait in the airport are when their flight’s cancelled or delayed, or if they’re denied boarding. All three of these are rough and, as it’s beyond your control, it can feel like you’re totally helpless. However, in many cases you are actually entitled to compensation and, depending on the flight distance, route and the airline, this can be up to € 600! You can easily calculate how much you can claim online with companies like MYFLYRIGHT and they’ll even pursue your case for you. So, while you’re waiting in the airport, it may help alleviate some stress to be proactive and start getting the ball rolling on your compensation!

Packing prep

Even on short flights, it pays to pack your carry-on with (travel size!) toiletries, some snacks, a change of underwear and socks and some comfy clothes – it may seem like overkill, but you know flight cancellations and delays are unfortunately common – as too is overbooking of the plane. It’s worth it to take a slightly larger carry-on bag so you can guarantee comfort while in the airport – you’ll be so thankful you thought ahead, and it makes all the difference.

Explore

Most airports have plenty of shops you can check out – and now more than ever, you deserve a treat! Why not splurge on some decent noise-cancelling headphones, or a luxurious neck pillow to make your journey more comfortable? You can also see if your airport has something unusual to help pass the time – some these days have art galleries, swimming pools, aquariums, ice skating rinks and even wedding chapels! Failing that, a stroll round the Duty Free and finding a bargain can also do the trick!

Eat, drink, relax!

The moment you accept the situation is when you realise you can actually turn this around and make it an enjoyable experience. No, really! Just like treating yourself in the shops, you can also get a tasty bite while you wait. A lot of airports have stepped up their game in terms of cuisine and, as well as the local fayre, you can try food from all over the world. You can even have a little caviar and champagne if you’re feeling fancy. If you’re looking for a cosy corner, head to a café, get yourself a nice cup of coffee and a slice of cake, sit back and relax.

So, even when you have a day-long wait at the airport, it doesn’t have to be the experience from hell – by preparing for the worst, you can actually make the best of your situation!

It’s such a bummer when you go on a trip and you get sick. You might have to change all your plans because you’re no longer physically capable of doing them. You might even have to stay in your hotel all the time, while your friends are enjoying the holiday. If you want to avoid getting sick while you travel, these are the tips that you need to remember.

Avoid eating street food

You might want to try street food because you feel interested in understanding the local culture. These dishes reflect the cultures and traditions of the country. However, you need to be cautious about determining where you’re going to find your meals. If you wish to try street food, you need to check the preparation of the ingredients. If you can’t guarantee that they’re healthy or sanitary, you might have to change your plans. You can look for a decent, but an affordable restaurant where you can find quality meals that also reflect the local culture. If you’re staying longer in the same city, you need to start to cook your meals in your hotel. It will also help you save a lot of money.

Sleep early

Just because you’re on a trip doesn’t mean that you will spend every evening partying with your friends. You need to be aware of your schedule. If you have an early trip the following day, you need to sleep early. You also don’t want to break your sleep cycle since it might be difficult for you to adjust the moment you head back home. If you always stay up late, you might not enjoy the places that you visit during your day trip. Besides, if you’re into nights out, you can always have them once you get back home. You travel because you want to try something new.

Bring appropriate clothing

Before you leave home for your trip, you need to check the weather in your destination. It helps you determine which clothing you will pack for the trip. Sometimes, wearing inappropriate clothing could cause fever and other illnesses.

Avoid going to crowded places

When you’re in the middle of a crowd, it’s possible that you might get sick. Some diseases are airborne, and being close to other people could put you at risk. If you’re going to places that are usually crowded, you can look for a better time to go there.

Bring your medicines with you

Even if you try your best to avoid getting sick, it’s still possible that you will. Therefore, it helps if you bring your medicine kit with you. Bring the medicines that you will need until you can ask help from a medical professional. You can also consider checking out https://www.anytimedoctor.co.uk to find a travel medical kit.

Don’t hesitate to go to a doctor if you can no longer take the pain, or you’ve been sick for quite some time. You also have to consider going back home and cancel the remaining days of your trip if you’re no longer feeling well.

Daffodils are beginning to bloom, trees are starting to blossom and lambs are appearing, wobbily-legged in fields up and down the country. Yes, winter is almost behind us, meaning we can make way for spring before very happily welcoming summer. Christmas went by an instant and January is forever a busy blur – and this means you fully deserve an indulgent, well-deserved spring break.

So, where are the best destinations for your first adventure this year?

Peak District

From the lavender fields of Provence to the blue domes of Santorini to the baron wonders of the Grand Canyon, the world has many beautiful landscapes. And the Peak District is no different. Arguably the most stunning natural landscape in England, it makes for some awe-inspiring scenery and is also known for its beautiful stately homes. You can find Chatsworth House here, the residence of Pride and Prejudice’s Mr Darcy, the Jane Austen classic.

Barcelona, Spain

Fancy a sprinkling of some warm, sunny weather? Look no further than Barcelona. Just a stone’s throw from Spain’s coastline, Barcelona makes for the perfect mix of bustling city break and beach getaway. The cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region has everything you could possibly need; energetic nightlife, a glorious beach, stunning architecture, amazing food and, of course, brilliant football.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Spring break in Amsterdam is an experience for sure. The Dutch capital is a fantastic visit at any time of year, however, as it’s downtime during spring you’re more likely to find fewer tourists. Enjoy the canals and winding bike paths before indulging in the city’s mesmerising art and culture vibe. If you’re after a party scene, Amsterdam becomes something of a party hotspot during spring – boat parties and pub crawls, there’s never a dull moment. Release your inner wild side!

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the best weekend trips in the UK. The Scottish capital is awash with history, cuisine and culture, meaning there is plenty to see and do. Plus, it’s all pretty compact. Visit the famous castle, hike to Arthur’s Seat, pick up some designer goods on Princess Street, spend a day at the Zoo and show your brave side at the dungeons. The city has a number of sights and a profusion of style.

London, England

It’s no secret that London is one of the busiest capital cities in the world, but this is what makes it a brilliant getaway any time of year – and spring is no different. Catch a show at the West End, take a stroll through one of the city’s many large parks – Hyde Park, St. James’ and Richmond are all truly amazing and full of greenery.

There are also plenty of museums to keep you entertained all year round – the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are just two of many worthy of a mention. And what city break is complete without some art? In London, you’re sure to find galleries in abundance, including the National Gallery and Tate Modern.

Of course, there’s also all of the main highlights; Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, Big Ben, the London Eye, as well as many underrated gems such as Kew Gardens and Little Venice. The capital is also plentiful with amazing hotels, such as the Dorsett Hotel, Shepherds Bush, where you can relax and replenish after a full on day during your well-deserved spring break.

 

Mexico City is one of my favorite places to visit in the world and without my good friend Stacey L Tokunaga moving down there, I may never have realized just how cool this city is. To put your finger on exactly what there is to love about Mexico City is not easy, it is a city which blends old and new, it is a vibrant and at times chaotic city and it is packed with things to do and places to see. No matter whether your are looking for a traditional Mexican experience or something a little more modern, this is a city which really delivers. Stacey has taken me all over this city during my time there and these are what I would consider the ‘must do’ experiences and attractions.

Eat Tacos

You can’t leave Mexico City before you have tried the staple Mexican meal, tacos. Throughout the city there are restaurants and vendors selling these beautiful little snacks and there is a massive range of fillings to choose from. You can eat pork, beef, fish, sausage and lamb tacos, all cooked in different ways, and you’ll even find a number of options for vegan tacos.

Visit Xochimilco

Something many don’t know is that Mexico City was built on the dried beds of two lakes and in the south of the city there is an expansive canal network to explore. This place is called Xochimilco and it makes for a greta afternoon out. They have these canal boats called Traijineras which are all beautifully decorated and can fit about 25 people. You can hire the entire boat or head off with others on the boats to explore some of sights you’ll see around the canal.

Anthropology Museum

Mexico has more museums than any other capital city in the world and the most famous of them all is the Anthropology Museum, close to Chapultepec Park. This museum features thousands of artifacts from the ancient civilizations which once called Mexico home and they have the largest collection of meso-american pieces in the world. Expect to spend around 3-4 hours here as you learn about the history of these civilizations and the huge impact which they made on the world, from astronomy to math, physics to foods, you’ll learn a whole lot more about Mexico than you can think of.

Eat at the Torre Latino

The Zocalo district in Mexico City is the historic center of the capital and there is much to see and enjoy here, including the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a gorgeous theater situated here. To get the most out of this, head up to the 42nd floor of the Torre Latino for some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the city. The food up there is pretty good too and if you are worried about earthquakes then don’t be, even in the massive quake of 1985 which decimated the city, the Torre Latino stood tall and the only damage reported was a broken window!

The sights of the United States of America are not only the Statue of Liberty and skyscrapers, the Dream Factory and the White House, but also thousands of other cultural objects and natural phenomena that cause admiration. In the United States there are a lot of national parks, but the most popular of them are at a decent distance from each other, so Americans go on a road trip. Another feature: in large parks and reserves, tourist service is at a high level, it is easy to find hiking routes and engage in extreme sports.

Surrealistic landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Death Valley, the grandiose Niagara Falls on the border with Canada, turbulent rivers, deep caves, geysers, the harsh nature of Alaska, active Hawaiian volcanoes are the country’s legendary natural treasures, which, along with the achievements of engineering – monuments, bridges and skyscrapers – millions of tourists inspire independent travel annually.

America can be considered as a beach or shopping destination. One of the best options for a family trip is a route through the world’s best amusement parks. The excursion program in large cities is certainly observation platforms, parks, museums and galleries, theaters; for children – zoos and aquariums.

The United States also features world class hotels and halls such as the Congress Hall. Congress Hall offers casual 4-star accommodation in Cape May. It also has an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and a fitness center. A variety of personalized services are available to hotel guests, including valet parking and a concierge. Welcoming and professional, the reception team is available at any time.

The rooms at Congress Hall are all air-conditioned and offer wireless internet access in the rooms, an iron and an in-room safe. Smaller comfort, bathrobes are provided. Guests of Congress Hall can relax in the on-site bar, which is ideal for enjoying a drink. Services in Congress Hall include: Concierge, Elevator/Lift, 24-Hour Reception, Safe-Deposit Box, ATM/Cash Machine, Meeting Rooms, Laundry service, Shops, Souvenirs/Gift Shop.

Congress Hall is a convenient base for visiting Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum and Willow Creek Winery. It is also ideally located for exploring West Cape May and Wildwood.

Furthermore, in the United States, the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, was famous for its geysers and unearthly beautiful landscapes. Rare birds live here, the largest population of bison is represented. The Biosphere Reserve occupies part of the territories of three states, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park is protected by UNESCO, and tourism in these places has been put on stream: about two million visitors stop at the campsites of the park every year, there are information centers and museums.

Yosemite Picturesque Park is located on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Yosemite Valley is one of the most visited American reserves – largely due to its convenient location and well-established routes from Los Angeles. The attractions of these places are giant sequoias, vertical granite rocks, transparent lakes and waterfalls.

 

Adelaide has been ranked among the top ten most liveable cities in the world – so you can be sure that you’ll enjoy your time, however long you’re in the South Australian capital for. However, with so much to see and do, you may want some help planning your trip to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Here are just a few things you might like to see and do:

Adelaide Zoo

Come face to face with more than 2,500 animals across 250 species at this zoo. This is one of the city’s most popular attractions and is the second oldest zoo in Australia, first opening back in 1883. You get even closer to your favourites with an animal encounter. Koalas, meerkats, tree kangaroos, lions and yellow-footed rock wallabies are all waiting to meet you. If you want to see even more animals, then you can choose a ‘Two Zoo Pass’ when you book your tickets and visit the Monarto Safari Park too.

Rundle Mall

If you fancy a spot of retail therapy, then head for the Rundle Mall. This is the city’s main shopping street and is home to more than 700 local and international retailers as well as 300 services. While you are browsing, make sure you stop to admire the iconic sculptures that line the street including a giant cockroach and life-size bronze pigs as well as the impressive decor of Adelaide Arcade. There is late night shopping here every Friday.

Cleland Conservation Park

If you want to see animals in their natural habitat, then pick up car hire at Adelaide airport and you can easily make the 20-minute drive from the city centre to this conservation park. Here you can expect to see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, wallabies as well as dingoes, birds and snakes. You’ll get the opportunity to hand feed the animals and listen to keeper talks to learn more about them. This park is a member of the South Australian Tourism Hall of Fame after winning the ‘Significant Tourism Attraction’ at the South Australian Tourism Awards.

Adelaide Central Market

Foodies will be in heaven at this market – or ‘Adelaide’s food hub’ as it is also known. There are more than 80 stalls to browse at the country’s largest fresh produce market. You’ll find everything from fruit and vegetables to meat and seafood as well as bakeries and health food. Make sure you check what events are on when you are here, you may be able to take part in a cookery class or enjoy the live music on a Friday night.

Art Gallery of South Australia

The Victorian building, situated in the city’s cultural precinct, is home to the finest – and largest – collection of art in the country. Here you can browse more than 45,000 works of art ranging from sculptures and paintings to textiles and ceramics. There are also European and North American pieces as well as Asian exhibits, including the country’s only permanent Islamic gallery.

The Adelaide Botanic Gardens

These gardens are a tranquil escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you have been to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, then you’ll be able to see the similarities as this green space was influenced by the English gardens. Don’t miss the Palm House, Bicentennial Conservatory, the National Rose Trial garden and the Museum of Economic Botany.

Now you know what there is to see and do, you can start planning a few into your itinerary.

 

What to see in Bangkok? Bangkok is the capital of Thailand with a population of 9 million people !, a city with many contrasts, intense heat, heavy traffic and a lot of nightlife is what you will find when your plane lands, but be careful, impressions can Cheat at first sight, this colorful city has plenty of places to visit and experiences to live. If it’s your first time to visit Bangkok then my opinion is to hire the local guide and let a local show you around.

If you are searching for the best places to visit in Bangkok then don’t worry. In this article, we will tell you the top 10 places to visit in Bangkok, so read the complete article carefully

Here you have the top 10 of the main places to visit in Bangkok.

10. Chinatown:

To start with this list of the best places to see in Bangkok I will start with this famous neighborhood and it will sound a little bit by name, right? This is the Chinatown, where you can enjoy all the cuisine of the city it is its multitude of restaurants and food stalls and also an endless number of stores where you can buy “some whim”

9. Lumphini Park:

One of the lungs to visit in Bangkok and is that despite being a very populated city you have some green areas where you can take a pleasant walk, in this park you will find people doing sports at all hours, I recommend you visit it at night to Enjoy all its essence surrounded by the lights of the buildings of Bangkok.

8. Khao San Road:

This street is the place where all backpackers traveling to Thailand pass, it is located near the Chao Phraya and its translation into Thai means “white rice” (these Thais always thinking about food …), it has accommodations to very Good prices, bars, clubs, food stalls, restaurants, travel agencies and even people who read the future at hand! So if you want to know what fate will hold you already know that this street has to be marked on your list of things to see

7. The canals of Bangkok:

They are also known as “Bangkok Klongs” and are places that people from Thailand used to use for transportation and commerce to such an extent that Bangkok became known as “The Venice of the East,”. Mostly on the streets, but you can still visit some traditional floating markets like the Amphawa floating market or take a boat ride through the canals that still exist.

6. The views of the Sirocco Bar:

If you want to enjoy a complete view of the city, the Sirocco Bar is your place, famous for its views and for also appearing in a scene of the movie Hangover in Thailand, you can have a drink while watching the city from above, yes to enter you must wear long dress pants and shoes.

5. Shopping centers:

The national sport No.1 in Thailand if it were not for muay Thai, something you will often find in Bangkok will be the shopping centers and that is that in Thailand they have an almost sickly obsession with these sites, incredible shopping centers with up to eight plants such as Central World, luxury places like Siam Paragon, sites dedicated to technology such as the Pantip Plaza or for fakes such as the MBK are just some of the shopping centers you’ll find in Bangkok.

4. Jim Thompson’s House:

You cannot miss in your list of things “what to do in Bangkok”, these are six traditional Thai-style houses that belonged to Jim Thompson a foreigner residing in Thailand who was dedicated to the silk business in the country, was a collector of art and after his mysterious death these houses became a kind of silk museum about Thailand, to visit you must take a tour that is available in a lot of languages.

3. Wat Arun:

The temples of Bangkok are gorgeous and the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) is one of the prettiest, it is located near the Chao Phraya River and is one of the oldest and best-known tourist attractions in the Thai city, despite its Name the best time to enjoy the views of this temple is in the afternoon when the sun is behind you.

2. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Phra):

This temple houses the statue of the famous reclining Buddha, a gold-plated Buddha 46 meters long and 15 meters high that refers to the death of Buddha in Nirvana, is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok and has with the record of the largest Buddha image in all of Thailand.

1. The Royal Palace:

This palace was the residence of the kings of Thailand until 1946, it was built in 1782 and today it is probably the best-known tourist attraction in Bangkok, in the immense complex you can see different temples, Buddha figures, and museums of different themes, in addition, This palace houses the temple of Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred temple in Thailand and where the famous Emerald Buddha is located

 

If we went back in time a few years, we’d find that Greece was once a great deal more popular as a tourist destination than it is right now. The last decade hasn’t been a happy one for Greece when it comes to how it’s perceived on the global stage – a sharp recession followed by an internationally-funded bailout has generated a lot of unwanted press. That’s taken some of the shine off it as a vacation destination, which is a shame because it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

If you’re considering a vacation to Greece – and you really should – then you’ll find the Greeks will be very happy to see you. Tourism is a huge part of their economy, and as the country rebuilds itself it’s going to extra mile to make sure visitors feel welcome, and then go home and tell all their friends about how great it is. That way, they’ll want to come as well! It’s also a little cheaper to go than it may have been in the past – lower demand has meant lower prices, and so right now is a good time to take advantage before they shoot up again.

Before you set off to Greece and its enchanting islands, though, there are a few things you ought to know about the country. We’ve condensed them into five fast facts, so consider this a handy reference guide!

History And Modernity Are Fused Together

Greece is famous all around the world for its ancient myths and legends. We’ve all heard about Mount Olympus, and the great Greek god Zeus. Many people will have fond memories of Ancient Greece being their favorite subject when they were at school. That fascination has evidently followed people into adulthood; if you go to a mobile slots website or the related casinos, you’ll find various mobile slots based on Greek myth. Zeus has several mobile slots named in his honor. There’s even a mobile slots game based on Pandora! Just like with the mobile slots, though, modern Greece has fused the old and the new together.

Many of the structures of Ancient Greece are still standing – the Parthenon being the best-known and most mysterious (did you know it contains no straight lines or right angles?) but in many cases, the modern towns and cities have grown up around the old monuments. Don’t expect them to be standing alone in an open field – there’s probably a McDonald’s around the corner!

It’s A Bit Smoky

If you’re a smoker, firstly you should quit. Secondly, you’ll probably love Greece. If you’re a non-smoker, you might be in for a bit of throat irritation. There are more smokers in Greece than there are anywhere else in the European Union (and possibly the world). There have been various government initiatives aimed at reducing the smoking rate, but the issue is that Greeks don’t seem all that interested in giving up.

Smoking is theoretically banned in all indoor spaces, although in rural areas you’ll likely find nobody enforces or pays any attention to that ban. In busy outdoor spaces, you’ll probably be followed by the smell of smoke wherever you go. Make sure you take plenty of changes of clothes, and consider a face mask if it particularly bothers you.

Greek Retailers Prefer Cash

In the major Greek cities (for example Athens, which we’ll go ahead and assume is one of your planned destinations), you won’t have to look very far for an ATM. Almost everywhere else, you will. Some of the islands you might want to visit won’t have an ATM at all. Even if they did, they wouldn’t be much use to you; many traders and retailers only accept cash. You’re unlikely to have a problem with large, global brands, but if you want to get a taste of Greek culture and shop at authentic Greek stores, you’ll need to carry cash on you at all times.

If it’s not clear whether a shop or venue accepts card payments, make sure you get clarification on the matter before you attempt to make any purchases. If you waste a merchant’s time by trying to proceed with a purchase you can’t pay for, you may find out that the stereotypes of Mediterranean temper are well-founded!

Drive At Your Own Risk

You might find that the driving style of Greeks is a little more aggressive than you’re accustomed to. If they think you’re moving too slowly, they’ll have no qualms about overtaking you. That overtake might happen on either the right or left side. Motorcycles seem to operate according to their own rules, and weave in and out of traffic without warning (and there are a lot of them). If you’re not accustomed to it, it can be very stressful.

Because of the stress of driving, you might prefer to take a taxi, but you should also be aware of taxi etiquette, too. It’s not unknown for a taxi driver to pick up a fare while your ride is already underway. If the driver can figure out a way to drop you and your new friend off along the same route, they’ll do it. If this happens, don’t worry – you’re not expected to split the fare. Your driver will have a separate tab running for each of you. In a lot of ways, it’s a more efficient way of running taxis than is the norm in the USA!

They Don’t Get Drunk

Greece is the nation that gave the world ouzo. Because of that, you might think they drink ouzo like the Russians drink vodka, and that a Greek bar is, therefore, an exceptionally rowdy place. The Greeks do love a drink, but they’re especially good at knowing their limits. You will rarely see a drunk Greek anywhere. They’ll eat, drink, and be merry, but merry is as far as the majority of them go.

As you’re in their country, you’ll be expected to conduct yourself in a similar manner. The Greeks don’t take kindly to public drunkenness. Years of exposure to British and American bachelor parties on the islands have made them even more wary of this than they used to be. Enjoy a drink on your vacation, but do so in moderation. You’ll be more likely to remember your spectacular trip that way!

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

As the Philippines’ oldest urban center, Manila has a long and storied past from even before the Spanish conquest in the late 16^th century. This has resulted in many historic landmarks that have withstood the Spanish and American colonial periods, a short span of British rule, as well as Japanese occupation in World War 2.

Moreover, despite marked urbanization, the city’s official boundaries remain relatively compact if you’re not counting the surrounding municipalities that make up Metro Manila. As a result, it’s possible to tour the most important historical sites in quick fashion. You can even easily book a hotel near St. Luke’s Extension clinic close to the U.S. Embassy or around Ermita and still roam around the city from there. So, if you’re looking to experience old Manila, here are four important places that should be on your list.

The National Museum Complex

Though its initial structures were constructed only during the early 20^th century, the National Museum Complex maintains its historical importance as the custodian of the country’s most important cultural artifacts. Inside the complex are the National Museums of Fine Arts, Anthropology, Natural History, as well as the National Planetarium. Arguably, the museum’s most important pieces are two gigantic paintings: the “Spoliarium” by Juan Luna and the “Assassination of Governor Bustamante and his Son” by Felix Resureccion Hidalgo. These two paintings are famous for winning the gold and silver medals respectively in the 1884 Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts, beating out other entries from many European painters.

The Nakpil-Bautista House

Located in the city’s Quiapo district, the Nakpil-Bautista House is a large and old house that starkly contrasts with its busy and chaotic urban environment. Though the surviving structure dates only to 1914, the building was built on two lots where two houses had originally stood. It’s primarily known as having been the later home of key figures in the country’s early revolutionary history. From an architectural standpoint, it’s also unique among old Philippine houses due to design elements which borrow from the Viennese Secession art movement. This gave it a minimalist look that was ahead of its time. Today, the spacious interiors have also been preserved and transformed into a museum that you can easily visit.

Escolta Street

Formerly Manila’s commercial and financial center, Escolta is now one of the city’s most important historical areas. This long street runs from east to west, parallel to the Pasig River. Its eastern point begins at the district of Santa Cruz’ main plaza, ending at the Plaza Moraga in the district of Binondo. As one of the city’s oldest streets, Escolta is home to a number of important heritage buildings and historical landmarks. Today, these structures have been repurposed and are still in use. A good example is the neo-classical Don Roman Santos Building, which now operates as a branch of one of the country’s main banking institutions. Meanwhile, the Calvo Building now houses a museum which pays tribute to the area’s heyday as a frequent haunt of the rich and famous. With its many other interesting sites, you’ll be glad to know that the area is also easily accessible by multiple means. The easiest of which is by train through one of the city’s main metro rail lines.

Intramuros

Intramuros is a walled area within the city of Manila that originally functioned as the Spanish colonial government’s seat of power. The old city hall within was then transformed during the American colonial period into the headquarters of the Philippine Commission.

Despite the near-destruction of Intramuros during the Japanese occupation in the Second World War, post-war reconstruction efforts have allowed it to continue as an important heritage site. These days, parts of the outer wall are open to the public—with some portholes manned by replicas of the cannons that had once kept watch over the city. Meanwhile, within the walls are many places of interest, including old churches like the San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral. Many old structures are also still in use, such as the old Palacio de Santa Pontenciana, which is now the headquarters of the Philippine Red Cross. Meanwhile, a sizable chunk of the old Fort Santiago’s interior has been turned into a museum that celebrates the life of Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero.

Despite many modern developments, Manila still possesses a connection to its storied past through many remaining historical sites. As there are many other important places of note scattered throughout the city, make sure to take your time to fully experience the Manila’s rich past.

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