Showing posts with label Pamplona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pamplona. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Florida Tourist Attractions - Islands of Adventure, Orlando

Considered by some to be the best theme park in Orlando, Islands of Adventure has better characters than the Magic Kingdom, better rides than Universal Studios, better food than Holy Land and better architecture than Gaudi's cathedral in Spain. OK, maybe that's going a little overboard, but just wait until you get on that Spider-Man ride.

Island of Adventure is the sister park of Universal Studios Florida, and most information, including admission prices, is identical. However, Guest Services (407-224-6350), disguised as the Open Arms Motel, does not exchange foreign currency, Lost & Found can be reached at (407-224-4245) or by calling them directly.

Some of the rides include:

- Marvel Super Hero Island

This is a thrill-lover's paradise, with 2 of the most unforgettable rides in Florida. Comic book heroes and characters patrol this area, so keep an eye out for your favorites.

- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

After the space shuttle, this ride may be the coolest thing in Florida. Hop onto the combination roller coaster/motion simulator quickly - Spider-Man needs you now! Super villains rendered in state-of-the-art 3-D are on the loose (jumping on your car and chasing you around with giant electrical plugs), and it's up to you and your favorite web sling-er to stop them. I don't want to give too much away, so just know that this is a spectacular experience. You must be at least 40 inches tall and children under 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult.

- Doctor Doom's Fearfall

This is less scary than it looks, which is great for timid folk but a bummer for adrenaline junkies. You'll be shot up in the air, which will take your breath away, and then dropped - but gently, and not very far.

- Incredible Hulk Coaster

One of those coasters with a surprise twist, which might turn you Hulk green if you're just eaten! Watch that first hill, Dr Baxter!

- Storm Force Accelatron

Another barf-o-rama, this one's on par with Walt Disney World's Mad Tea Party - only in the dark. Good luck with keeping down your last meal.

- Toon Lagoon

Continuing the theme of superhero-comics, old cartoon favorite come into life here with spontaneous shows, midway games and a truly soaking water ride. There's just something indescribable about seeing Popeye busting a move in the streets.

- Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls

The confused Canadian Mountie has his hands full keeping logs jam-packed with tourist from hurtling over the edge of - oh no - a massive waterfall! Be warned - you will get soaked on this boat ride, which probably has the best design of anything like it.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Pamplona ? a Complete Adventure

Although bullfights may be the main and popular event in Pamplona, there are many more beautiful sights and places worth visiting. There are plenty of valleys and peaks intertwined with the ancient structures dating back to the early centuries. Eastern Pamplona Try the breath-taking Roncal Valley, which is surrounded by a few looming mountains, with peaks as high as 2000 m or the Salazar Valley, which houses a typical village against the picturesque mountain ranges for a nature focused excursion. Here, you will also discover the 13th century monument, Nuestra SeƱora de Musquilda, which is a Romanesque basilica. The town of Roncal holds some manorial homes as well as the more famous Mausoleum of Gayarre, a renowned opera singer. There are lots of activities to keep a visitor occupied during the winter in Belagua and Isaba, as these towns are well equipped with winter sports facilities. With the historical San Salvador de Leyre monastery nearby, this ancient building sits impressively on a big rock, housing the archbishop's seat and kings' tombs. Legend has it that the monk, San Virila, spent 300 years listening to some birds' beautiful singing as he was meditating. Today, you can also appreciate the sounds of the Gregorian Chorals monks, whose daily performances have enthralled many listeners. There are more castles and nature parks in this part of the region, which are full of history and great personalities from days of old. Southern Pamplona This part of Pamplona houses a lot of ancient palaces and has Renaissance relics in the old churches. For example, you will see wonderfully conserved fortresses in Olite, which once belonged to the Navarra kings. Many ancient structures here have been fortified and conserved to enable visitors to enjoy the full resplendent view of the region. This region has very fertile land, as it is nourished by the Ebro and Quelles rivers. Its Moorish streets and ancient cathedral, with Bardenas Reales Natural Park in the midst of a strange and dry landscape, make this place an interesting area to discover some historical and natural treasures. This is how Estella is made famous; although it is 900 years old, it still holds a historical importance as well being alive with fresh trout and eels, which find their way to the region's cuisine recipes. The Baztan valley is an excellent location to view the beautiful panorama of the valley, with the town Eliozondo right on the Baztan River. Way of Saint James Some of the legendary monuments can be located in this part of Pamplona, along the pilgrimage path. The Holy Ghost chapel, or Silo de Carlo Magno, was supposedly built in the 12th century but its origin is not ascertained; nevertheless, this chapel is placed above a cave, which has dead pilgrims buried. Similarly, another nearby chapel, Santiago Chapel, has a bell tower, which rings to assist lost or attacked pilgrims along the way. Folklore and Festivals The best and most popular festival in Pamplona happens in San Fermin, where its annual bullfighting event shocks thousands of spectators worldwide, via television. Hundreds of white shirted young men are chased, by a stampede of bulls, through the town streets. Challengers of this feat can end up in blood, sweat, and tears. This spectacular event happens on every July 7th, followed by a week of partying, festivity, dancing, singing, drinking, and all forms of celebration, making it the year's most adrenalin-flowing event. The region is full of other festivities throughout the year that celebrate some traditional or historical events. These celebrations are always lively, with traditional dances and songs. A special day is observed on June 24th where pilgrims from all over the region head towards a cave in Yanci for cleansing through the three springs. It is believed that the spring waters can cure illnesses miraculously.