Gaudi in Barcelona – Visiting Buildings Designed by Antoni Gaudi

Gaudi in Barcelona - Visiting Buildings Designed by Antoni Gaudi

Barcelona is known for its vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, and stunning architecture. One of the most notable architectural styles in the city is the work of Antoni Gaudí, the celebrated Catalan architect known for his unique and imaginative designs.

Gaudi in Barcelona – Visiting His Fascinating Work

Gaudí was born in 1852 in the city of Reus, near Barcelona. He studied architecture at the Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura in Barcelona and quickly gained recognition for his innovative and imaginative designs. His most famous works are located in the city of Barcelona, where he spent most of his career.

The most iconic building by Gaudi in Barcelona is the La Sagrada Familia, which is still under construction. This massive church has been in the works since 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026. The Holy Family Church shows a unique and imaginative design, a mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. The exterior of the building has intricate carvings and sculptures, and the interior features stained glass windows and elaborate columns.

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Five Places to Visit in Gay Avila, Spain – Keep Calm and Wander

Five Places to Visit in Gay Avila, Spain - Keep Calm and Wander

5 Places to Visit in Gay Avila

Here are five places to visit in gay Avila, Spain. This medieval city is a stunning city located in the heart of the country. Known for its rich history and stunning architecture, Avila offers visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to experience the beauty of Spain. Here are five things to see in Avila that you won’t want to miss.

Avila is famous for its massive walls, which are considered to be some of the best preserved in Europe. The walls were built in the 11th century to protect the city from invaders. Today they stand as a testament to the city’s rich history. Visitors can walk along the walls, which are over 2 kilometers long, and admire the stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Avila Cathedral is a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of the city. Built-in the 13th century, the cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It features beautiful stained glass windows, ornate carvings, and intricate sculptures. Visitors can explore Spain’s first Gothic Cathedral and admire the stunning art and sculptures that adorn the interior.

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Visiting Bolivia’s Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon) – Keep Calm and Wander

Bolivia's Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon) - Keep Calm and Wander)

Visiting Bolivia’s Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon)

Bolivia’s Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon), located in the Bolivian Altiplano, is a natural wonder that must be seen to be believed. The shallow lake, fed by hot springs, is a stunning shade of reddish-orange, with white borax islands dotting its surface.

The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including three species of flamingos – the Chilean, James’s, and Andean flamingos. These vibrant birds can be seen wading through the shallow waters, searching for food.

In addition to the flamingos, visitors may also spot llamas, vicuñas, and even the occasional viscacha (a type of rodent) along the shores of the lake. One of the most popular ways to experience Laguna Colorada is by taking a guided tour through the reserve.

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Hiking the Sta Ana Volcano in San Salvador – Keep Calm and Wander

Hiking the Sta Ana Volcano in San Salvador - Keep Calm and Wander

Standing at the base of the majestic Sta Ana volcano in San Salvador, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and adventure. The highest towering peak is 2,362 m. (7,749 feet) in El Salvador loomed above me, beckoning me to come closer and explore its hidden secrets. Hiking Sta Ana Volcano in San Salvador would check off one of my bucket lists: walking on top of an active volcano.

Hiking the Sta Ana Volcano in San Salvador is an experience not to be missed for any avid hiker or nature lover. The hike was about 4-5 hours round trip and took us through a beautiful forested trail with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

After a short briefing from our guide (only 3 of us!), we set off on the hike, ascending the volcano’s steep slopes. The trail was well-marked and easy to follow, but the ascent was no walk in the park. The heat and humidity were intense, and I found myself quickly drenched in sweat as I climbed higher and higher.

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Visiting Gay Bogota, Colombia – Keep Calm and Wander

Visiting Gay Bogota, Colombia - Keep Calm and Wander

Visiting Gay Bogota – From La Candelaria to the Gold Museum

Bogota, the vibrant and lively capital of Colombia, offers a wealth of exciting things to do and see for visitors who are only in the city for a day. From its rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife to its breathtaking natural beauty and bustling street markets, there is something for everyone in this diverse and dynamic city. Here are some of the top things to do in gay Bogota for a day.

First, take a stroll through the historic center of the city, known as La Candelaria. This charming neighborhood is filled with colonial-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and vibrant street art. Visit the historic Plaza de Bolivar, the heart of the city, and the stunning Catedral Primada, the oldest cathedral in Colombia.

Next, head to the gold museum, known locally as the Museo del Oro. Located in the heart of La Candelaria, this museum is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold in the world. The museum offers fascinating insights into the history and culture of the indigenous people of Colombia.

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Bangkok’s Wat Arun at Night – Keep Calm and Wander

Bangkok's Wat Arun at Night - Keep Calm and Wander

Visiting Bangkok’s Wat Arun at Night

The vibrant city of Bangkok transforms into a sparkling oasis of lights and sounds as the sun sets on Bangkok. And at the heart of it all sits Wat Arun, the iconic temple known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views.

Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is one of the most visited temples in Bangkok. Its towering spires and intricate details make it stand out among the city’s many temples. But Wat Arun at night truly shines.

As a warm glow illuminates the temple, the intricate details of its stonework and glazed ceramic mosaics come to life. The spires, decorated with Chinese porcelain, shimmer, sparkle in the light, creating a mesmerizing effect.

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Hiking the Rainbow Mountain in Peru – Keep Calm and Wander

Hiking Rainbow Mountain in Peru - Keep Calm and Wander

Hiking the Rainbow Mountain in Peru (outside Cusco) has been on my list since I saw the photos in National Geographic Magazine. I told myself that if ever I’ll be in Peru, there are two things I’d like to do/see: Visit Machu Picchu and Hike Rainbow Mountain. I conquered these two in July 2022!

For clarity, the locals call Rainbow Mountain by two names: Montaña de Siete Colores and Montaña Vinikunka. This is definitely, the second most incredible hike I’ve ever done in my life!

Where is the Rainbow Mountain in Peru?

The Rainbow Mountain is in the Peruvian Andes, about a 3-4 hour drive outside Cusco. The mountain gets its name from its colorful stripes, which are caused by mineral deposits in the rocks. The colors are incredibly vibrant after rain and in good weather.

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Riding the Bolivian Death Road – Keep Calm and Wander

Bolivian Death Road - Keep Calm and Wander

Biking the Bolivian Death Road is the ultimate thrill-seeker’s destination. Many people consider it the “World’s Most Dangerous Road.” I can proudly say that I survived it, despite being naive about riding a mountain bike. And, yes, I fell on my bike – a tough fall. Read more of that later in this post.

Why it’s called the Bolivian Death Road?

When it comes to adrenaline-pumping activities, a few things can compare to hurtling down a mountainside on a bicycle. And when it comes to mountain biking, few places can compare to Death Road in Bolivia.

Death Road, also known as “Camino de la Muerte,” is a 64-kilometer stretch of road that connects the city of La Paz with the town of Coroico. The road got its nickname from the fact that, prior to 2006, it was responsible for an average of 300 deaths per year. In recent years, however, a new, safer highway has been built parallel to Death Road, and as a result, the number of accidents has decreased dramatically. Then, the Death Road was relegated to history – until mountain bikers discovered it. Thus, when you’re in Bolivia, every hostel, hotel, and other accommodation is pimping the Bike Tour to Death Road.

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Visiting Botero Museum in Bogota – Keep Calm and Wander

Visiting Botero Museum in Bogota - Keep Calm and Wander

The Botero Museum in Bogota is a must-see destination that will blow your mind away. It’s not your regular museum infested with European paintings but with the works of Colombia’s living artist – Fernando Botero. Even if you’ve never heard of his name, you have seen some of his works.

The first time I read about Fernando Botero was on a 30-minute train ride from Bratislava to Vienna. Someone left a magazine on a seat next to mine, and I found a feature of Botero’s paintings and sculptures. His works are definitely one of a kind, something you should see before your naked eyes.

Visiting the Botero Museum in Bogota

Botero is, perhaps, fascinated with oversized characters of humans, animals, and objects. You could describe them as fat, plump, or chubby. Or others might say, cute. And one thing I notice is that – all his subjects have flawless, smooth skin!

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Visiting Gay Monserrate in Bogota, Colombia – Keep Calm and Wander

Visiting Gay Monserrate in Bogota, Colombia - Keep Calm and Wander

Visiting Gay Monserrate in Colombia

Visiting gay Monserrate in Bogota was the first on our itinerary when we happened to have a 16-hour layover in Colombia. We left the airport at 7:30 in the morning, and our tour guide was already waiting for us at the gate, and he whisked us off immediately to our first destination – 10,000 feet above sea level.

There are two ways to reach Monserrate: on foot or by taking a funicular or a cable car. We opted for the former because we wanted to see more in such a short time.

When we arrived at the ticket booth, we were among the few tourists going up. There was no line-up, so it was easy breezy for us. As we started our ascent, the views of the city slowly revealed through broken clouds. We were really hoping that the clouds would be gone by the time we arrived at the top of the hill.

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