Author Archives: OROGOLD

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The Madrid Zoo and Aquarium

Madrid Zoo and Aquarium in Spain

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Located in the Casa de Campo, the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium first opened its doors in 1770, and is currently one of the largest zoos in Spain. Sprawled out at just under 50 acres, this zoo boasts a wide range of different animals and exhibits, making it one of the city’s most popular attractions.

The Zoo Animals
The Madrid Zoo is one of the only zoos in the world to house giant pandas, making this a highlight of the visit for many. The zoo is part of a giant panda conservation program, giving you a unique opportunity to see these gentle, peaceful creatures up close. Other mammals within the zoo range from lions and tigers to giraffes and koalas, and, unlike many zoos that use cages to house their animals, the Madrid Zoo makes use of wide moats, to enable the animals to experience more of a natural habitat.

Shark in aquarium

The Aquarium Animals
With a huge salt water aquarium, the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium is able to showcase quite the variety of sea creatures. The aquarium opened in 1995, and was the first marine tropical aquarium in Spain, earning it quite the reputation. From the bull shark to the sandbar shark to different sea turtle species, you are bound to see so many animals that you have never seen before here, and, thanks to the Shark Tunnel, these can be seen from such a close distance. You will also be able to explore the dolphinarium, which was built in 1987 and is home to nine bottlenose dolphins.

Shows and Exhibitions
The Madrid Zoo and Aquarium has an action-packed schedule of shows and exhibitions that visitors can watch, and these will enable them to appreciate these animals from a new perspective. The dolphin show is one that showcases the incredible skills and abilities that dolphins have when it comes to learning, while the sea lion show is another one that will have you marveling at the intelligence of these sea creatures. The free flight exotic bird show is also not to be missed, and neither is the birds of prey show, which is another free flight one.

Flamingos on a lake in the zoo

Restaurants and Cafés
With so much to see and do at the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium, visitors tend to feel quite hungry during the day. Fortunately, there are several restaurants and cafés to choose from, and these are located all over the grounds of the zoo, meaning that you are never too far away from a bite to eat. Whether you opt for the African inspired Restaurant Kibanda or the seasonal dishes at Restaurant Bagaray, the eateries at the zoo will definitely not disappoint.

The Madrid Zoo and Aquarium is open throughout the year, although certain shows and exhibitions only take place on specific days, making it worth checking out their website in advance if there is a particular one that you are hoping to catch. This is a zoo that really strives to educate the public on animals, and the importance of conservation, making it a great place to visit with the entire family.

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Awesome Structures and Sights in Madrid

Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, Spain

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Madrid is home to so many awesome structures and sights, with many of these having historical significance. From Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace, these are a few structures that really manage to showcase Madrid’s architectural highlights.

Almudena Cathedral
Construction of the Almudena Cathedral began in 1879, but, due to it being abandoned for a while, was only completed in 1993, after which it was consecrated by Pope John Paul II. The cathedral is extraordinarily grand, and while its exterior may seem traditional, its Neo-Gothic interior is actually wonderfully modern, featuring work by a range of contemporary artists.

Plaza Mayor
Completed in 1619, Plaza Mayor is built in a traditional Herrerian style, which can easily be seen through its towering slate spires. This is the main square of the city and is also one of the prettiest sights that you will see in Madrid, with its cobblestone streets surrounded by apartments with wrought-iron balconies and 17th-century frescoes. Over the years, this site has seen a number of different events take place, from royal ceremonies to bullfights, and today is home to an enchanting array of historical monuments, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Tourists gathering around Prince's Gate of Royal Palace (Palacio Real) and Monument to Philip IV in Plaza de Oriente Square

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The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is most definitely one of Madrid’s finest structures and will impress you with both its exterior as well as its interior. This Italianate Baroque landmark was completed in 1764 and boasts almost 3000 rooms, 50 of which are open for the public to explore.

Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de Espana
While Madrid does boast a number of magnificent historical structures, it also has buildings that feature contemporary architectural styles, providing a beautiful contrast to the city. The Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de Espana structure is the perfect example of this, as this structure has a circular shape, with a roof adorned with pointed elements, leading to its nickname of the Crown of Thorns. While the purpose of the building seems to be constantly changing, it still attracts a number of architecture buffs from all over the world, not only because of its unique design but also because of how complex construction would have been.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid, Spain

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Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas
Whether you love it or you hate it, bullfighting has long since been a part of Spain’s history and traditions, and Las Ventas was always at the very heart of this. Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas is one of the largest bullfighting rings in the world and has been designed in a Moorish architectural style, complete with a massive arena that can seat up to 23,000 spectators. There are guided tours of this ring so that you can learn more about its history, as well as the fights that went on here, and these tours will take you out onto the sand, as well as into the royal box.

Just about anywhere you go in Madrid, you will come across a number of different awesome structures and sights. From historical squares to contemporary buildings, Madrid is a city that really showcases some of the world’s finest architecture.

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El Rastro Market and Shopping

El Rastro Market in Madrid, Spain

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The most popular open-air flea market in all of Spain, El Rastro is held throughout the year on Sundays and public holidays, and is the perfect place to go if you are hoping to do some shopping in the city. Whether you are looking for antiques and curiosities, or fashion and accessories, you will find all of this and more at the El Rastro Market.

When to Visit
As mentioned above, El Rastro is open on Sundays and public holidays, but, if you want to be able to beat the crowds, you do need to time your visit quite carefully. The market is open from 9am until 3pm, and it is around noon when the crowds really start to swell, making it best for you to start exploring the market before this time. While the crowds do add to the overall atmosphere so much, they can also make it quite difficult for you to properly navigate the stores. However, there is one exception to this rule, and this is for those who are hoping to bag a good bargain. If this is the case, then you need to arrive near closing time, as this is when many vendors tend to shave around 20% off of their original asking price.

A clothing stall at El Rastro Market in Madrid, Spain

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Trying on Clothing
You will find such an incredible variety of clothing for sale at El Rastro Market, and these vary from traditional Flamenco dresses to vintage designer goods to kitschy tourist t-shirts. With so many different types of clothing brought in from countries all over the world, you can imagine how varied the sizes are between them. However, unlike at many other markets around the world, the vendors at El Rastro are happy for customers to try clothing on, meaning that you can ensure that it really does fit before making your purchase.

Explore the Side Streets
In addition to the actual market stalls, there is plenty of other shopping to be done around El Rastro. The side streets may be small, but they are often filled with so many different types of unique stores, as well as more vendors sprawled out across the pavements. Calle de los Pintores, which means Street of the Painters, is one that art lovers should not miss, as there is so much artwork for sale here, while Nuevas Galerias and La Galeria Piquer have some truly one-of-a-kind individual stores.

Crowd at El Rastro Market in Madrid, Spain

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A Bite to Eat
El Rastro is located in Madrid’s La Latina district, which is known for its Spanish restaurants and bars. There are many tapas restaurants to be found here, making this a great opportunity to try a few authentic tapas dishes. Alternatively, if you are not in the mood for Spanish cuisine, you will find everything from Indian restaurants, such as Bombay Blue, to Arab tea houses here.

El Rastro Market is always an exciting place to head to for a spot of shopping, as you never know what you will end up finding. From rare vintage designer clothing to souvenirs that you can take back home with you, this is a market that appeals to both tourists as well as locals.

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Fall in Downtown Sacramento

Fall season in downtown Sacramento, USA

After a long and hot summer, locals in Sacramento usually welcome in the crisp, cool days of fall with open arms. For those who want to make the most of all that the season has to offer, here are a few of the best fall activities to try in the city.

Sacramento River Fall Foliage
Fall foliage is always one of the highlights of the fall months, and the best place in Sacramento to view this is along the Sacramento River. The river is lined on both sides by a variety of different trees, all of which transform from green to golds and reds in the late fall months. While you can simply take a stroll along the river to take in all of the colors, you could also try out a river cruise, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy a meal or a glass of champagne as you cruise by the stunning foliage.

View of Old Sacramento

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Walking Tours
With the weather being slightly cooler in the fall, this is a great time of the year to sign up for a walking tour, as you will not feel as overwhelmed by the heat as you would have in the summer. There are so many different tours available, depending on what you are interested in. For those who want to soak up some history, try a historic walking tour of Old Sacramento, or, if you are an avid foodie, sign up for food tours that showcase the city’s culinary specialties.

Fall Festivals
There are so many fall festivals to choose from in Sacramento, ranging from music to food to beer. The California Brewers Festival is always a popular one, as this showcases an incredible selection of local brewers and beers, as does Oktoberfest, which is also a great place to soak up some German culture. The annual Farm to Fork Festival is another one that you should not miss, especially since Sacramento is the farm to fork capital of the United States, guaranteeing the highest quality food. For those visiting Sacramento with their family, including young children, do not miss out on the Delta Fall Harvest Festival, which offers everything from grape stomping to pumpkin picking to hay rides. The Sacramento Harvest Festival is also worth checking out, and this takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving, with everything from music and entertainment to hundreds of stalls where you can do some shopping.

Woman picking red apples

Apple Hill
As you would imagine from its name, Apple Hill is abundant with apple trees, and there are over 50 ranches located here. In the fall, these apples are ripe for picking, and many of the ranches here offer pick-your-own experiences for visitors. Denver Dan’s is one of the very best orchards to head to, as they grow over 50 different varieties of apples, giving you the opportunity to sample different types and learn about the unique features of each.

Sacramento is a fantastic destination to visit throughout the year, but it definitely does take on a magical air during the months of fall. From bountiful harvests to seasonal festivals, this is a great time of the year to visit California’s capital.

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Top Five Outdoor Activities in Sacramento

Couple cycling in the outdoors

Sacramento enjoys gorgeous weather throughout the year, and there will always be days when it is just too beautiful to stay cooped up inside. From splashing away in the river to taking a bike ride, here are the top five outdoor activities that California’s capital has to offer.

Cycling The American River Trail
The American River Trail stretches for 32 miles, beginning at the heart of downtown Sacramento and ending up at Folsom. While it is just as enjoyable walking this trail, this does mean that you will not get to see all of it, which is why cycling is usually the preferred option, as there is so much scenery that you will not want to miss. If you do not want to cycle on your own, there are many different cycling events that you can sign up for, as well as races if you are feeling especially competitive.

The Sacramento River
There are so many outdoor activities to be found along the Sacramento River, making this a great spot for water-lovers to head to. In the summer months, the water levels are lower, but there are still plenty of stretches that are great for white water rafting, making this one of the most popular river sports. Alternatively, there are many outlets that rent kayaks for the day, or, if you would prefer something more relaxing, you could simply grab a tube and float your way down the river.

Amusement Parks
Sacramento is home to several different amusement parks, and these are always a fun way in which to spend a sunny day. Funderland is one of the most popular, and is designed for children between the ages of 2 to 12, as is Fairytale Town, which features characters and play sets from popular fairytales. If you are seeking out a larger, more thrill-focussed amusement park, you may have to head further afield to the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, which is about a two hour drive from the city center.

Man playing golf outdoors

A Round of Golf
Sacramento boasts several spectacular golf courses, making this a haven for those who enjoy the sport. Each course is quite unique in its own way, such as with Teal Bend, which features 250 acres of natural wetlands and the largest all-grass driving range in the entire city. Dark Horse is a course with quite an innovative layout, while the granite quarry turned lake at Turkey Creek is the focal point of the course. For those who are seeking out a private, rather than public, golf course, head to the Winchester Country Club, where you will be able to enjoy amazing views of Sacramento Valley as you play.

William Land Park
Although William Land Park may be located in the heart of the city, it is easy to forget that you are in Sacramento once you enter its green, expansive grounds. There are so many different outdoor activities that you can try your hand at here, from baseball to the zoo, and there are also several outdoor special events held here throughout the year.

For those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, you will definitely have fun in Sacramento. Whether you are into adrenaline-filled sports or simply want to lay back and soak up some sun, you will be spoilt for choice with all that the city has to offer.

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Night Life in California’s Capital

Night at Sacramento, USA

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While Sacramento may already be buzzing during the day, the city comes to life in a whole new way once the sun goes down. From sleek cocktail bars to pulsating nightclubs, here are some of the night life spots in Sacramento that you will not want to miss out on.

Mix Downtown
Many would consider Mix to be the most sophisticated club in Sacramento, especially since they have 25 different wines available by the glass. This is a rooftop club that offers fantastic views of the city from its open patio, as well as fire pits and heated lamps for those chillier evenings. If you are looking for a bargain, try to plan your visit during happy hour, or on a Sunday when there are so many drink specials available.

Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co.
The Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co. pride themselves on showcasing some of Sacramento’s fresh produce, and use this to create one-of-a-kind concoctions. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy a few cocktails, all of which feature such a unique mix of ingredients, resulting in flavors that you will have never tasted before.

DJ making the crowd upbeat at Vanguard

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Vanguard
While Vanguard may be one of the smallest nightclubs in the city, its intimacy and original décor helps it to stand out from its competition. The brick walls add a laid back feel to the venue, while the leather armchairs and books almost make it feel like a library. However, thanks to the resident DJ that spins a mix of hip hop and house, as well as handcrafted cocktails, this is a club that is always jumping.

The Park Ultra Lounge
For those seeking out a sophisticated nightclub at which you can really dance the night away, the Park Ultra Lounge is the place to go. While you may have to queue up for a while outside before entering, the wait is usually worth it thanks to the clubs expansive layout. In addition to its massive dance floor, the club also boasts several different bars and a fire pit, as well as plenty of table space, which is something that is lacking from many of the other nightclubs in the area.

Performance at Harlow's, Sacramento

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Harlow’s
Harlow’s is known for its live music, and showcases renowned musicians as well as up and coming locals. Whether you are into blues and jazz or classic rock and roll, there will no doubt be a musical act performing here that you will love. The club has been designed in quite a clever way, in that you can see the stage from just about everywhere, while the dance floor is large enough to not feel too claustrophobic. The outdoor patio here is also a highlight, with many considering it to be one of the finest in the city.

Sacramento boasts some incredible night life, and this is something that every visitor should experience at least once during their stay. Whether you head to Hook & Ladder for some speciality cocktails, or do some wine tasting at Mix, the nightlife that you will find in California’s capital will definitely not disappoint.

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Culture and Food at the Youm Al Bahar, Kuwait

Food on a plate

Located in Kuwait City on Gulf Road, Youm Al Bahar is a heritage village situated right by the sea. From craft stores to authentic local restaurants, this is a great spot in the city to head to if you would like to soak up some of Kuwait’s culture and food.

Family-Friendly
When you first enter Youm Al Bahar, you will notice a sign saying that admission is for families only. While this may seem odd to some international visitors, this is actually a great step that was taken, as it means that the atmosphere here is always quite relaxed, friendly and safe.

Local Food and Snacks
Within Youm Al Bahar, there are a number of restaurants and cafés that serve up freshly made local snacks. Food is always such a significant part of a culture’s heritage, making this a great way to taste the true flavor of Kuwait. The stuffed Arabic breads are a must-try, and these are stuffed with everything ranging from cheese to spices and herbs, while the wafting scent of the kebabs cooking will no doubt tempt you over for a sample. If you would prefer something sweet, give Luqaimat a try, which are sweet dumplings that are crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. Of course, you cannot leave the city without tasting machboos, which is famous for being the national dish of Kuwait. Consisting of rice that has been cooked with rose water and saffron, served up alongside meat and a garlic tomato sauce, this is a dish that you will not forget.

Shopping
Shops and stalls can be found throughout Youm Al Bahar, and these sell a variety of local goods. Local crafts tend to be the highlight here, and, even if you are not looking to make a purchase, these are still so interesting to browse, as they display such a high level of workmanship. In addition to the crafts, you will find everything from leather sandals to musical instruments to herbs and spices here, creating a wonderfully diverse shopping experience.

A Local Experience
While Kuwait City may have experienced so much development over the years, a visit to Youm Al Bahar is a great way to enjoy an authentic local experience, getting a glimpse into what Kuwait used to be like. In addition to all of the restaurants at Youm Al Bahar, you will also notice a number of local coffee shops. Head into one of these and order a cup of traditional mint tea, and then, if you have some time to spare, join the locals in a game of backgammon, of which you will find many around the area.

Youm Al Bahar is open every day of the week throughout the year, although if there is a specific shop or restaurant that you are hoping to visit, it would be worth checking out their opening times beforehand, as each of these is run individually. Whether you are seeking somewhere authentic for a bite to eat, or want to do a spot of shopping, including some one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home with you, the heritage at Youm Al Bahar makes it one of the highlights of a visit to Kuwait City.

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Nature, Updated, at the Al Shaheed Park

Park in Kuwait City

Located on the edge of Kuwait City, the Al Shaheed Park is the largest urban park in Kuwait. For those looking to experience nature, history and culture, all in one place, make sure that you include a visit to the park while you are exploring Kuwait.

The History of the Park
The area that the Al Shaheed Park is in was originally created in 1964, with the aim of it being a formal Green Belt Park. As this grew into a garden, the area experienced quite a bit of renovation and development over the years, after which it was turned into the Al Shaheed Park, along with the aim of commemorating the country’s martyrs.

The Park’s Museums
The Al-Shaheed Park is home to two museums, both of which are worth touring if you are already going to be visiting the park anyway. The first is the Thekra Museum, which is a memorial museum that educates visitors on Kuwait’s history, including the battles that the country experienced, as well as the Gulf War. The second museum is the Habitat Museum, which is an environmental museum that aims to preserve and showcase the local environment and wildlife of Kuwait. This museum is quite a new one, as it was only inaugurated at the beginning of this year, but already has a wide array of geographical and environmental exhibits.

Historical Highlights of the Al Shaheed Park
There are a number of historical monuments dotted around Al Shaheed Park, which you will see as you make your way around the grounds. From the old city gates, which are in the exact same place that they were when they were first put up in the late 1800’s, to the Constitution Monument and the Martyrs Monument, you can learn so much about Kuwait’s history simply by taking a stroll around the Al Shaheed Park.

The Underground Tunnel
Lying beneath the Al Shaheed Park is a long underground tunnel, which was built in order to connect Kuwait’s green belt. This tunnel has now been completely renovated, and features a number of pieces of art, as well as three-dimensional Portuguese tiles that light up the passageway in vibrant shades of blue and green.

Other Facilities at the Park
In addition to the museums and historical monuments, there are plenty of other things to do at the Al Shaheed Park. The open-air amphitheater is where you can catch a number of live performances and special events, while the gift shop and book shop are always fun to explore, especially if you are looking for a unique souvenir to take home with you. Of course, be sure to stop off at one of the park’s restaurants or cafés if you are looking for a bite to eat, as they serve up tasty local food.

The Al Shaheed Park sprawls out for almost 20 hectares, and just about every area within it has been recently refurbished and updated. While the hustle and bustle of Kuwait City is always exciting, there will come a time when you need some tranquillity, making the Al Shaheed Park the perfect escape to head to.

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Discover Art at the Tareq Rajab Museum

Woman examining an art piece

Located in Kuwait, the Tareq Rajab Museum consists of over 30,000 items that have been collected over the past 50 years, with many of them dating back to over 250 years ago. The museum itself was founded by a couple who were passionate about history, culture and folklore around Asia, and who wanted a way to share this with the public.

The History of the Museum
The Tareq Rajab Museum was founded by husband and wife Tareq Sayed Rajab and Jehan Wellborne. Jehan was extremely passionate about learning about the history and life of other cultures, especially when it came to folklore and traditional topics. After the couple married, they travelled all over the Islamic world and beyond, including South East Asia and the Far East, collecting artefacts and taking photos that they knew would be right at home in a museum. While it took them many years to collect everything, they were finally able to open their museum to the public in 1980.

The Museum’s Collection
The Tareq Rajab Museum is home to quite a varied collection of artefacts, ranging from embroidered costumes to Tibetan jewelry. Jewelry and traditional dress are quite a focal point within the collection, especially when it comes to Silver Folk jewelry, as the museum owns 10,000 pieces of this, although only 2000 are on display at one time. The Gold Room in particular is a fascinating one, as this traces gold jewelry and ornaments all the way from the pre-Islamic period. When it comes to the costumes and clothing, the Tareq Rajab Museum boasts one of the largest collections of these in the Arab world, but there is also a small collection of Chinese costumes and embroideries that are worth looking at, especially the rarer pieces from the 17th century. There are also a number of musical instruments on display here, and these come from various gulf countries, as well as Afghanistan, Tibet and Kashmir. For those who want to learn about the museum’s collection in more depth, pay a visit to the on-site library, where you will find a number of reference books and documents.

The Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Art and Calligraphy
The original Tareq Rajab Museum collection was quite a small one, but this continued to grow over the years. This soon led the couple to expand their museum by adding in two additional buildings, one of which is now called the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Art and Calligraphy. As you can tell from its name, this museum places a strong emphasis on Islamic calligraphy, with several rare and important Arabic manuscripts to be found here. The second museum addition is the Dar al Cid, which is also run by the couple, and contains quite a diverse selection of art exhibits.

Although there is no signage that marks the entrance to the museum, you will no doubt immediately notice its carved wooden doorway as soon as you see it. Try to allow yourself at least an hour to tour the museum, although if you have a particular interest in textiles and jewelry, you are likely going to want to spend much more time here.

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Visit the Mark Twain House this Fall

Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut

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Located in Hartford, Connecticut, the Mark Twain House was home to Samuel Langhorne Clemens, otherwise known as Mark Twain, and his family, from 1874 to 1891. Today, the house is a museum, as well as a National Historic Landmark, because this is where the famous author wrote some of his most iconic pieces.

The Construction of the House
Mark Twain and his family first moved to Hartford in 1871, and then hired an architect to design their house a couple of years later. Mark Twain’s wife, known as Livy, had quite a bit of input into the design of the house, even drawing sketches to depict how different elements should look like. While the couple did have to deal with several delays and construction issues, the house was finally complete, and the family enjoyed what Mark Twain referred to as the happiest days of their life in this house.

The Museum
The Mark Twain House and Museum is home to over 16,000 objects that relate to Mark Twain and his life. The main collection consists of pieces that originally belonged to the family, or to the family of Mark Twain’s wife, and includes everything from the couple’s famous angel bed to the last pair of glasses that Mark Twain wore to clothes that belonged to the couple. There is also a separate Archival Collection, which includes a number of photogaphs and documents that were either created, received or collected by Mark Twain, his family and his friends. Some of the highlights of this collection include a love letter that Mark Twain wrote to his wife, and photographs of his daughters. The museum is also home to a few Special Collections that mostly feature library materials that have significant value, such as special editions of Mark Twain’s work.

New Exhibitions
The Mark Twain House and Museum is constantly striving to improve upon their collection, and they have recently introduced two new exhibits to the museum. The first is called Twain’s Temper: Top Ten Tantrums and Righteous Rages, with the books, letters, illustrations and political cartoons exploring the many different factors that used to make Mark Twain particularly angry. The second new exhibit is titled Renewing the Royal Chamber, and features the couple’s Mahogany Suite, which has recently been immaculately restored. The restoration effort was a huge one, with an incredible amount of attention paid to just about every detail within the bedroom, ensuring that it is as historically accurate as possible.

Guided Tours
The Mark Twain House and Museum offers a number of different guided tours for visitors, with one of the most popular being the standard House Tour, which will provide you with a fascinating insight into Mark Twain and his family. For those who enjoy theatrics, the Living History Tour is a must-do, as these are led by historical characters in period dress, and include plenty of fun photo opportunities. The Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours are also interesting, as these explore the ghostly tales that surround the Mark Twain House.

The Mark Twain House and Museum is open daily during the fall months, making it easy to plan a visit. For those who are fans of Mark Twain, who is famous for being one of the world’s greatest writers, a visit to the museum is an absolute must, as you will learn so much more about this enigmatic man.