Thursday, October 8, 2009

Merida, Venezuela

In Venezuela you can visit gorgeous beaches across the coast. You can drive to the South to go to the jungle, savannahs and see the highest fall in the world. Go to the country side and see beautiful farms. Visit the tallest and longest cable railway in the world in Merida State!

Merida is where you can enjoy nice cold weather in the country. I went from Caracas by car and it took us about 10 hours (with few stops to have lunch and rest in the country side). We stopped first at Mucuchies town. Very cold! (compared to other cities in Venezuela) Love it. It's a small place but pretty nice. It has the main square (Plaza Bolivar) with a church and gorgeous view! Everything looks as a movie set in the XIX Century. Clean and narrow streets.

Then we went to the State capital city, named after the state, Merida. There you can visit the longest and tallest cable railway. (it's been close for a year since they are doing some repairs and updates). There are 4 different stations on the way. With restaurants, stores and of course, the view of the whole city is amazing, plus you can get to play with snow on the top of it. Enjoy the 4765mts (15633 feet) over the sea level. Try to go in the morning since it can be cloudy later. (if it's open of course)

Some other activities you can enjoy while in Merida, visit 3 theme parks. La montaña de los sueños which it's about movies, tv and radio from the 50's, 60's and 70's; Los Aleros will make you feel in the XIX Century; and La Venezuela de Antier that will show you different sides of Venezuela and their typical dances, music and arts. Thanks to Alexis Montilla, the creator of the parks, you will have an amazing and different time during your visit.

Other place to see if you are with a car, Pico El Aguila, Laguna Mucubaji and Mercado Municipal de Merida where you can find a lot of typical sweets and handicrafts.

Acceso Total 29  will show you the best of Merida.


Keep the city and places you visit clean!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Cancun!

I always wanted to go to Cancun while in college for Spring Break, but I got the chance after I graduated. Few great, relaxing days and the wait was rewarding!

First of all I have to recommend you the hotel where I stayed. Oasis Viva Beach. Love it! Everything was included. The perfect price for all we needed. All 3 meals plus national drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic). So I spent most of my afternoons relaxing at the beach, beautiful view to the clear waters and with a pina colada in my hands. The only thing I can complain, the sushi bar. I think they were soooo slow! Everything else, great! Everyone was very polite, ready to help you when you need it.

If your plan is to relax, don’t worry about renting a car. There are taxis everywhere. Besides, most of the hotels by the Zona Hotelera (Hotel zone) will have plenty of activities to do during the day and night. In my hotel -well, the one where I stayed -, there are 2 pools, some bars (including 1 inside the pool), a volleyball net inside the beach (yes, inside the water!), you can rent kayak or a wave runner. Plus, it was very close by a mall and a lot of mini stores to buy souvenirs.

If you prefer to go out and explore the city, then rent a car (don’t do it by Caribbean Rent-a-car. I did it and they didn’t have a van after we did a reservation and they said they had a van. Besides they didn’t even try to fix it and they were very rude and impolite). Around 2 hours away from Cancun you should… no, I’m sorry.. you HAVE to go to Chichen Itza. It’s very very hot (at least in summer when I went) so wear protection! Try to look for a tour guide; don’t do the tour by yourself. Even if you know a lot about their culture and Maya History, you won’t regret when a local Maya will tell you all the little secrets you won’t find on books. The tour is about 2 hours, but it’s amazing!

In general, Cancun is a very clean city, everyone was very kind and nice, and of course, gorgeous beaches!

Don’t forget the night life! (who would?) There are a lot of places to visit. A variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Go bar/club hopping! From latin music to hip hop.

I hope I can visit Cancun soon! I’d love to discover more of this place!

Don’t miss Acceso Total’s episode from Cancun!! :) or 'Beh Túulis' (Acceso Total in Maya) :) accesototal29.com

Keep the city and beaches CLEAN! :)

Friday, July 24, 2009

A weekend in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as the Switzerland of Latin America. I think they are right. I thought it’s a gorgeous country, very peaceful, happy and no army! Yei! Plus very green. Everywhere I looked, beautiful green views from their mountains and very clean streets.

I went to San Jose, the capital. My first night I visited El Pueblo (The town). It’s a place where you can find some restaurants, bars, clubs and stores. I had dinner at one of the restaurants where food was great! I'm sure every restaurant at El Pueblo will have great dishes. Delicious!

Next day in the morning, I visited Down Town San Jose. First I went to the Gold Museum, which is located under the Plaza de la Cultura (The Culture Square). Nearby is the Theater, where you can feel in Paris since it has the resemble of the Opera House in Paris. I took a tour inside the Theater and got the opportunity to watch some rehearsal for an Italian play.

The Cathedral is a block away. Beautiful place to visit in front of a gorgeous square.

There are taxis everywhere in San Jose, I suggest you to rent a car if you would like to travel to other cities.

What I like the most from the country, the short distance between towns. I’d be doing a lot of road trips if I lived there. Just be careful driving, since there are a lot of curves on the way courtesy of the mountains.

From San Jose, I went to the North West, close to the Nicoya Gulf. I visited the cities of Orotina and San Mateo. Enjoyed a delicious Ceviche de Mango and of course, fresh sea food in front of the beach.

One of the things I enjoyed in Costa Rica, is the variety of sports. During an afternoon, I visited a park, Turubari, close to San Mateo. They offer you horse rides, a long walk across the park getting to see different animals and plants, rappel, canopy and an incredible flight as Superman.

To the north of the Alajuela city, I visited Poas Volcano. Although, I couldn't see the volcano very weel, since it was very cloudy (and cold). But I enjoyed a walk across the park and looking at those big leaves known as sombrilla de pobre.

I hope I can go back to Costa Rica soon, since I want to go to the beaches next time!

Don't forget to take a look at our video in Acceso Total accesototal29.com (visit the blog)

Keep it clean!


Monday, May 18, 2009

Pintando con luz Anzoategui

Holas!!

Chequeen esta pagina http://pintandoconluzanzoategui.blogspot.com/ estare de invitada el 20 de junio en la exposicion! Los invito a conocer a excelentes fotografos del oriente del pais y obvio, vallan apoyarme :)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

a weekend in Bogota

From this beautiful city I have a lot of great things to say. Every person is so nice, polite and I'm sure they are willing to do anything to make you feel comfortable! I think they were always in a good mood!

The streets are very clean! And there are a lot of places - maybe most of them - that use recycled paper and do everything possible to help our planet! *clap clap clap* :)

There is security everywhere, public transportation is great, and I think it's always on time. There are taxis everywhere plus the Transmilenio buses.

My first night in town, I went to a nearby city Chia where I visited Andres Carne de Res. A very original restaurant, very big, where you will have fun while eating. They have special events through the day and night, great food and awesome drinks :).

Another city I visited near Bogota, is Zipaquira (about 40min away) where the famous Salt Cathedral is located. Yes, SALT.. the cathedral is underground and everything is made by salt! the crosses, the statues, you even walk in salt! It's a place you MUST visit if you go there. Besides, is good for your health! You get an hour tour inside where they explain every detail about the origins and future plans.

In Bogota you have a lot of malls to visit, with local and international stores. A variety of cafes, restaurants and bars around the city. A lot of squares and beautiful gardens to walk around and relax. Plus the wonderful weather that I love, it's always cold, but a nice cold to enjoy the city. That's because Bogota is located 2600 meters (about 8,530 feet) over the sea level. And if you want to go higher... visit Monserrate, where you can go by cable car. There is a churh, some mini stores to get some souvenirs, have lunch at some of the restaurants and see the nice view of Bogota!

One of my favorite places I visited at night was the Zona Rosa where the Andino Mall is located plus a square with a lot of bares and restaurants to hang out at night. From local beers and food to an irish pub and thai food!

And don't forget to go to Downtown! Visit some of the museums as Botero (free to visit!) and the Gold Museum. Also, take a walk by the Bolivar Square in front of the Cathedral. Mine advise, take a taxi everywhere, besides you don't have to worry about where to park and there's always a taxi in front of you on time and secure!

Keep the city clean!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Celebrating our 1st anniversary!!

Hello!! :)
Last week it was Acceso Total's birthday! :) yei! Hopefully you all have been enjoying our segments, and we still have a lot to show you! don't forget to visit us @ www.accesototal29.blogspot.com and we're still working on www.accesototal29.com where you will find much more about us, the program, pictures, tips for traveling........ a lot more!

check out a video we did for our 1st anniversary!!



enjoy! :) and thanks everybody for the support! :)

Friday, January 23, 2009

Xmas Madrid 2008

Freezing... but a great time!
Ana and I went to Madrid to spend Christmas and New Year. We had an AMAZING time in the old continent.

It was my 2nd time in Spain, this time I got to know El Escorial, Toledo, Segovia and more of the parties of course!

If you go to Madrid for at least 1 week you can get to know all that as well (I spent 3 weeks)

To get to Toledo (to the South) or to Segovia (to the North) is about an hour by car (or you can take the train from Atocha Station close to El Prado Museum). Just take less than a day for each city and to walk around them.





Toledo has one of the oldest cathedrals in the country that at some point (a long time ago) was the main Cathedral in Spain. You can also visit La Casa del Greco, don't forget to try Masapan, visit Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, take a look at the Rio Tajo (the river), and enjoy the antique architecture of the whole town!

In Segovia you can visit the Alcazar Castle which it was the inspiration for the Disney Castle. Take a look at the Roman aquaduct that's been there for more than 2000 years!








Back in Madrid, besides visiting museums as El Prado and Reina Sofia (that you can visit them for free on Sundays), enjoy a tour at the Bernabeu Stadium, walk and shop around Sol, La Gran Via and Callao; have some "tapas y cañas" (tipical Spanish dishes and beer) at La Latina, and have lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe and don't forget to take a look at the National Library which is beautiful and has a Museum.

And of course, the night life in Madrid is amazing! There are hundreds of bars and clubs around the city. I think I saw at least one in every block. During the summer (when I first visited Madrid), Plaza Mayor (in DownTown) is a great place to hang out, have a Sangria jar and a tapa while relaxing at the end of the afternoon. Close to it, you can find a Belgium bar where you can get all types of beers (I had a 12degrees beer) or our favorite: Irish Pubs. And of course, visit the typical Spanish bars where you can find, at some of them, a special treat such as 1 tapa + 1 caña = 1€. You will have fun at night, always, all the Spanish people LOVE having fun and they all will treat you GREAT!

Check out our Madrid and Segovia video only at accesototal29.blogspot.com

fotos 2008 pics