Visiting Luanda, the Most Expensive City in the World

This city is not the most famous in the world. Not like New York, Tokyo or Vienna. But one city in Africa has been twice crowned as the most expensive city in the world version of Mercer, a human resources consulting firm.

A high-class professional expatriate can earn $ 10,000 a month in this city. If you are a banker, prepare to receive a salary of US $ 8 thousand a month. Domestic servants alone earn no less than US $ 500 per month.

Large brand outlets crowded, for example Hugo Boss who opened his second store just within walking distance of the first store. On the streets, luxury cars side by side. Porsche Cayennes shares the road with the latest Cadillac Escalades and Range Rover.

Looks interesting to be a place to stay is not it? The CNN Travel page explains some of the contexts that make Luanda the most expensive city in the world.

First, because Luanda is the capital of Angola, the second largest oil-producing country. Power generation and economic growth are rising as the world's oil prices skyrocket. Not only that, everything in Luanda had to be imported.

The reason, the city is one of the 'victims' 27 years of civil war that just ended 2002 ago. All infrastructures are paralyzed and Luanda loses the ability to self-sufficiency in food. Are all goods imported, of course accompanied by high taxes?

The monopoly of the supply chain and the presence of political forces make the prices of goods and services sky high. Not to mention the corruption scandal, which creates collusion pricing reaches the highest point.

Luanda's income is not just that. They still have hotels that also fix high prices. Last night, you have to spend US $ 500 for a five star hotel. Below that, prices range from US $ 300-350. The mid-level lodgings cost US $ 300-350.

However, do not think Luanda is a too horrible city to visit. The city is still quite friendly to travelers, as long as you are clever to find interesting locations to visit. For the hotel, does not need the grandiose ask for five stars? Just prepare US $ 300 to stay at Executive Hotel Samba. The price was worth it for the facilities there.

Step out of the hotel; do not imagine you are in Hong Kong. Although the density and number of famous branded outlets are similar, the price may differ greatly. You'd better head to the suburbs to enjoy Luanda's natural exoticism. Mingling with the locals.

Not many are the city parks and museums that you will find. But walking along Marginal can replace it. Marginal is an interesting location stretching from the local port to Ilha, a gorgeous peninsula jutting into Luanda Bay.

From there you can see the beauty of a whitewashed Portuguese castle situated on a hill. The fort was standing firmly facing the city, witnessing the dynamics of life there. If you are interested, you can go up that hill and find a museum of armed forces.

The beach can also be the best destination in Luanda. There is a very remote island that is well worth a visit, namely Mussulo Island. The bungalows are comfortable on one side and the beach is beautiful on the other side. Simply spend $ 5 to rent a vehicle to get there from Embarcadouro Pier.

Or, if you are a lover of natural beauty in the form of a cliff, drive 40 kilometers to Miradouro da Lua. Cliffs, peaks and valleys will welcome you. The beautiful silence was enhanced by the ranks of the Baobab tree and the vast expanse of savannas.

As for surf lovers, make sure the beach in southern Luanda becomes your destination. Cabo Ledo beach is the best place to surf.

Before returning to the middle of the city, do not forget to taste some typical Luanda food. Mufete is one that is worth a try. It is a blend of local peanuts braised with palm oil, roasted tilapia, onion sauce, sweet potatoes, and yucca. It costs about US $ 17....

Andorra, Homely Small Country

Andorra, a small country flanked by two French and Spanish nations. Saves an earthy beauty that makes it different from other European countries.

Paradise Shopping Europe

Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra. Being at an altitude of 1,000-1,200 above sea level. In winter this place is crowded with tourists, especially from Spain and France. Here they can enjoy snow and skiing as much. When visiting in the summer, we will not meet snow in Andorra.

However, no need to be disappointed because in addition to paradise skiing, Andorra is also a shopping paradise. Items sold are non-taxable. Hence the price can be more tilted. Especially in the warm season, Andorra lodging prices are cheaper. Our star hotel room for example, cost about 60 euros night the currency is euro.

In the center of Andorra la Vella, goods sold are very varied. Small shops dominate. Most shops sell small electronic appliances. Start smartphones, tablet pc, toy gadgets, fans, blenders, and cameras. Clothes, branded handbags, watches, gold jewelry, shoes, and perfumes, are also often raided by buyers. In Andorra, branded goods are sold cheaper. Sold in official stores and department stores, so buyers are confident of its authenticity. Electronic goods also have an international warranty.

Andorra la Vella's Old Town

As the capital of the country, Andorra la Vella population is less than 23 thousand inhabitants. The extent was only about 30 sq. Km. In addition to the shopping center, not many tourist destinations in the capital. So I walked to the old town. The most famous buildings in the old city are the church of Sant Esteve and Casa de la Vall. Esglesia de Sant Esteve is located right near the old town entrance of Placa Princep Benlloch. He has stood since the 11th century BC, Romanic style on one side. The stone tower is visible from the bottom of the Andorra la Vella valley. This church can be accessed free of charge at the hour.

The ancient looking Casa de la Vall stone building is actually the Andorra parliament building. This building is not too big, three-story and wooden windows. Outside it have reliefs and sculptures. From its vast courtyard we can gaze down the valley floor and the surrounding green mountains. Enter in the front; I see ancient chairs and tables. A small banner explains the brief history of Andorra's parliament in both English and Spanish. There is a special tour in order to see the inside of the building.

Hiking in Rec Del Sola

The most famous sights here are the Rec del Sola and the Rec de l'Obac, both of which are the canals that drain water from the springs above Andorra la Vella. The side of the canal is then made into sidewalks and wooden fences. Be a fun place for short hiking for anyone. The length of each road is about 2.5 km.

The green leafy mountain of trees rose from all directions. Wooden villas appeared between the dense trees. Stone cliffs adorn the surface of the mountain. Down below, the capital has not yet shown any significant activity fluctuations. The sun began to appear among the mountains. Small gardens owned by the population looks fertile planted with various vegetables. The roadside funnel turned out to be an open channel about half a meter wide. The water is clear and cold. In some places there is a warning in Spanish. It seemed to notice that it was drinking water. Every now and then I meet the local people who walk around in the morning.

La Margineda Bridge

In the morning before leaving Andorra, I had a chance to visit an old bridge in Margineda. According to one site, this is the largest bridge in the medieval Andorra. Upon my arrival here, I found nothing but solitude. There was only one young woman pausing to take pictures.

In addition to the renovated stone bridge, there is nothing else. It's very hard to see this old bridge. Some of the road is overgrown with grass. There is a path across the street. Hiking trails. An information board explains that on the other side there are several species of plants that can grow in cold and damp chalk.

Down the village of Encamp and La Massana

The next destination I visited was the village of Encamp and La Massana. You can take a bus or taxi to get to the two villages. What is interesting about this village is the quiet atmosphere. There is rarely a passing vehicle. The houses and buildings were made of stone, small, decorated with flowers by the window. In the dining area some people were sitting relaxed on the benches outside.

Interesting attractions in both villages are two hanging gondolas to transport skiers. Although not the ski season, in the summer, the gondola still works because on the mountain, there are restaurants that are still open. From up there we can see the spectacular scenery.

The Beaches That Are Paradise for the Nudism

1. Gunnison Beach (New Jersey, US)

The beach lying on the Sandy Hook peninsula, New Jersey is the only legalized nude beach in the state of the United States, as well as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook. Come early on this beach to get the best sunbeds in fine weather or also be part of the local community there, Friends of Gunnison, which often runs a variety of exciting beach activities

2. Haulover Beach Beach (Florida, US)

Located north of Miami, Haulover Beach is also one of the legalized nude beaches in the United States. This beach is a favorite place for naturists (nudist beach lovers) from North Florida for many years, plus naturists from Canada and Europe.

But this beach is not a whole beach naked, but mixed with other public beach. Haulover Beach has an area of 40 hectares with a 2.4 km long coastline. At the northern end of the 0.6 km long coastline is a bare beach area that has been approved by the city government. But there is no clear separation except for simple fences and warning boards, "After this point, you will find naked people." In 2009, the world's largest ever nazed swimmer world record has been done.

3. Baker Beach (San Francisco, USA)

The location of this beach is on the peninsula of San Francisco, California, United States on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Baker Beach has a length of 800 meters which starts right at the Golden Gate Bridge. If visiting the northern part of this beach, it will see the tourists naked because very many people choose naked while enjoying the view stare at the Golden Gate. Even in 1986-1990, the Burning Man Festival was held here.

4. Blacks Beach (San Diego, USA)

Blacks Beach is a secluded part under Torrey Pines cliffs located in the Pacific Ocean, making it still in the San Diego area even though the management is in two parts. The advantages of this beach are the atmosphere is so clean because tourists are prohibited to throw garbage here. In addition to what makes it famous is the Blacks became the largest naked beach in the United States with a long coastline reaches 100 meters.

In addition to people who want to sunbathing, this beach is also often enjoyed by surfers. There, they can surf in the waves that are sometimes quite dangerous, as well as removing his clothes if interested.

The Wonders of the World: Tipaza or Tipasa in Northern Algeria, Africa

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Tipasa is an ancient historical site that Rome has conquered. And these ruins are the former base of the Roman warriors when they will conquer the Mauritanian Empire. Tipasa itself is a unique form of ruins, because its structure and artifacts show that it is a relic of the Phoenician, Roman, and Bizaitun kingdoms. Beside this monument there are also the ruins of Palaeochristian, the tomb of the Kings of Mauritania.

Tipasa is located 70 km west of Algiers. In its complex Tipasa itself is in three places, two of them in the Archaeological Park of the Royal Mausoleum of Mauritania. And one other site is in the western part of Sahel Algiers highlands, 11 km from the south of Tipaza City, Algeria. Tipasa lies in the coordinates 36 ° 33'58 "N 2 ° 28'50" E

The archaeological site of Tipasa is one of the most remarkable archaeological complexes of the Algerian Maghreb, and perhaps one of the most significant to study contact between eastern and western civilizations. And the best custom mix in human history.

Archaeologists have seen the age of these ruins ranging from 7 to 2nd century BC. And at the end of the 2nd century Tipasa was the center of a very rapidly maritime civilization dubbed by the Mauritanian kingdom. From this ruins seen the mixture of culture that exists, because this city is the target of the great kingdom in the world at that time.

Cross History

At the beginning of the founding of the Kingdom of Mauritania, the population was a nation that embraced the teachings of Abraham (Prophet Ibrahim). Because of the rapid trade in this area and make the city became the city of tranquility maritime so that this kingdom became the target of a great kingdom like Rome. And initially built this monument is as a guard post against the Kingdom of Pharaoh in Egypt.

The strength of the kingdom of Pharaoh overthrew the kingdom of Mauritania and established its maritime trade and defense center in Tipasa. From here mixed up the local culture of Tipasa with the ancient Egyptians. Thus the culture and structure of the building was renovated as the building was enlivened, by making the basement as storage of the corpses of government officials and Tipasa community leaders.

After the destruction of the state, which according to Islam, the Pharaoh and his armies were drowned in the sea? So naturally the royal family of the Kingdom of Mauritania reshapes his government. But do not end there, the government roma attacked in the early 3rd century AD under the commander of the St. Fendric Salas, from Rome. Until the next British government fell into the hands of the Christians of the Roman Empire. In the 4th century around the year 484 AD the Roman king and bishop sent troops to Tipasa but did not find anything there except the ruins of Tipasa monument itself, so under the direction of the head of the Christian religion founded the church in the complex Tipasa.

In 6th century, Muslims and occupied it invades Tipasa Roman rule and replace it under the caliphate of Umar bin Khattab. And expand Islam there and there was a partial demolition of the building turned into a mosque by the Muslims. However this did not last long. Because at the beginning of the caliphate of the Umayyad Muawiya this area were able to free themselves. But the influence of Islam there is not exhausted just because a lot of local people who have converted to Islam  last king of Tipasa government and the governor of the region at the time of the caliph Yazid in Syria. And the name was changed Tafassed Tipasa, in Arabic.

Tipasa monuments around the city and now is home to the largest group that uses language Algerian Berber West, they are the ones Chenoua.

The name is the same but different

Another town called Tipasa, in Latin Timesis, is located in Constantine Province, 88 km (55 miles) south of Annaba, with a height of 957 m above sea level, now called Tifesh.

Some of the monuments in Tipasa that signify Roman culture are floors adorned with high-quality paving’s mosaics, depicting scenes from everyday life, or geometric patterns. The Vandal invasion of the 430 did not mark the definitive end of Tipasa's prosperity, but the city was recaptured by Byzantine in 531 AD, gradually falling in the 6th century.

Cities and architectural attributes, decorations and construction materials, all retaining the original aspects that express the values, as defined at the time of the property inscription. As well as the boundaries for these three sites include ensemble of remnants that witness to the extraordinary city planning, architectural value, history and archeology of the property. These properties are vulnerable due to the impact of urban development, unregulated tourism and population growth.

The legal and management framework of this site includes Laws 90-30 (regional law), 98-04 (on protection of cultural heritage), Permanent Safeguards and Site Presentation Plans (PPSMV), Land Works Plans approved by Tipasa communal assembly (POS) and Protection Plan And Presentation of archaeological sites and site buffer zones (PPMVSA), in preparation codified by Executive Highest decision. A new establishment, the Office of Cultural Property Management and Exploitation, in coordination with the Cultural Directorate of the (provinces) is now managing the Tipasa archaeological site