South Florida

South Florida... my 2nd home... There's always something to do! From Miami Beach to Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale.

Take a walk by the famous street in South Beach (known by locals as SoBe): Ocean Dr. You will feel as walking at one of the Hollywood films (Scarface, The birdcage, Bad Boys, There's something about Mary...) Exotic cars, famous restaurants, Deco style hotels, stores open until 2am (some of them) and the most gorgeous and sexy people from around the globe in one place! If you're lucky enough, you might even walk into a celebrity or through a film set! How many have I seen?! Or take a picture next to Casablanca's car and Humphrey Bogart.

In South Beach, Collins and Washington Av. are very well known by its stores plus the awesome nightlife. You can find lots of restaurants, pubs, variety of night clubs as Mansion where you might even party with Paris Hilton, Matt Damon or Vin Diesel!

SoBe is so sexy and HOT that there's a World Erotic Art Museum in Washington Av.

Close to the South Miami Beach, in Downtown Miami take a walk at Bayside, a shopping mall, there's always a show at night by the marina. Remember Will Smith's video 'Miami' at the end of the song? There are restaurants, stores and bars in front of the bay. At Bayside, you can also enjoy a tour that'll take you to where celebrities live and around the famous canals, by the day or night. A very tourist spot!

Miami, melting pot of culture as I call it, you can find diverse restaurants where you can experience a latin breakfast, an Italian lunch and then a Greek dinner. All in one city, authentic Mexican, Spanish, Venezuelan, French, Turkish, Brazilian cuisine. You want it, you'll find it. 

Family time? Visit Miami Sea Aquarium in Key Biscayne or Miami Metro Zoo to the South by the US1.


Ft. Lauderdale is part of South Florida, another beautiful city to visit. If feel like driving while getting to know the area, I love going from South Beach driving north by A1A to Dania Beach. Gorgeous beaches along the way, stores, malls, and lots of bridges with a great view for amazing pictures. So roll the windows down and enjoy the time!

Live it up few hours by the beach in Ft. Lauderdale and across the street you'll find restaurants and stores. Then, get dress for the night and have dinner at Las Olas Blvd at any of the restaurants in the area. Very romantic too!

Only few minutes by car from Ft. Lauderdale beach, visit the Hard Rock Cafe & Casino in Hollywood. More than 20 restaurants, night clubs, bars and stores open until late.

Don't forget to get to know more about the Seminoles! From Miami, take the famous Calle 8 and go north until you reach to the Everglades. They have different spots where you can take a ride on an Air Boat, listen to the stories of the area, watch an alligator show and get to know more about their history!

And remember to keep clean the city and respect the nature. Also, check out Acceso Total 29's video about Miami Beach, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale (last 2, in Spanish only)

Gran Sabana

FINALLY!! I was waiting for that moment a long time ago! After 4 of my friends and I decided to go to Canaima National Park for a week, I couldn't wait any longer. I've seen pictures from friends and family and La Gran Sabana looked so gorgeous that I was dying to go there. But, naturally, being there is not the same as looking at a picture or even videos. The experience of driving through those beautiful views, looking at the Tepuys so close to me, breathing nature, it was something that I have to do again and again... and again! So, when are we going again?? :)

The trip was amazing, first because of crew (great friends) and of course the whole time that we spent in Bolivar State.

We drove for about 5 hours from Lecheria, Anzoategui to Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar. The only thing we needed to worry about, was getting the gas tank full every time we could. After El Tigre, Anzoategui; there were no gas station for a long time.

There is a very beautiful part on the way to Puerto Ordaz that we felt we were in Canada or something like it. For about 15 minutes, we drove through a Pine Forest. It was something that at least in Venezuela we haven't seen before. Neither of us! Just amazing!

We kept driving and arrived at Bolivar State. How did we know? We needed to pass by the Orinoco River and the newest bridge over the river made us stop and take pictures.

One thing I have to add, the roads in Bolivar state are in great conditions! *clap clap for another state in Venezuela!* Great for road trips!

We wanted to go to La Llovizna in Puerto Ordaz, so we can add it to our Acceso Total video, but we found out that the whole city needs its own video! So anytime soon we'll be visiting that city again.

From Puerto Ordaz to the entrance of La Gran Sabana it was going to be another 6 hours. So we decided to spend the night in Guasipati, only 3 hrs away from Puerto Ordaz. A small town. We didn't like the hotel where we spent the night, but of course, we weren't waiting for a 5 star resort. It was pretty messy and from 1-5 of cleanliness, maybe a 2 1/2. But I guess all the hotels by that area were going to be the same, besides it's just to spend the night. So, don't mind about it! Just lock yourself in by night!

Next morning, we find the only place where we can had breakfast and it was good! Yummy 'pastelitos' and passion fruit juice! ;) The name of the place Joy Full, can't miss it cuz it's on the route you've been for hours! :) 

Gotta keep going on the road!

After few hours we finally arrived at La Piedra de La Virgen where they welcomed us to La Gran Sabana! (well, it was just a sign that said so) The drive from there to our next stop is the worst! I mean, the road is not damage at all, but a LOT of curves in a very narrow way. Uh, another thing I have to add, there are a lot of security (National Guards) on the way, I guess that's a good thing.

Once we were over those curves, the view in front of us was delightful! We stopped at the Soldado Pionero. From there you can have a nice 1st look at one of the Tepuys (far view, but good). That stop is not of a big deal, but just the beginning of a great trip ahead! So keep your cameras with you all the way!

On the way to Santa Elena de Uairen (the last city before crossing to Brazil), there are a lot of amazing places to stop and enjoy nature! Falls, rivers, streams, and just the entire way made us keep the cameras out to take pictures and capture great clips. Seriously, do not miss any second!

Some of the spots where we took a walk or it's just great for a picture: Kama Meru, Rapidos de Kamoiran, Quebrada de Jaspe and Soroape. Of course, there are a lot more, but hopefully next trip I'll get to know more :) (I'm not kidding, when are we going?? :) hehe)

To cross everything to Santa Elena de Uairen, it's about 3 hours without stopping, but of course you will want to stop everywhere! Just remember to keep the gas tank full! (see below to know where we pump it and we were fine!)

In Santa Elena de Uairen, we stayed at Ruta Salvaje and they even have plans for different things you can do while visiting La Gran Sabana. We went rafting with them! So much fun! We walked inside a water fall, water was cold, but worthy! And we also did with them paragliding so we can have a better view to show you at Acceso Total! and well... it's always fun to do those kind of things!

And without a doubt, you can't stay in La Gran Sabana and forget to spend some time during the night watching the stars! I think we saw about 7 shooting stars :) and even the milky way was noticeable!

In less than 30 minutes from Santa Elena, we were visiting Brazil! Well, a very tiny spot of the country. We went to the border line and took some pics with both flags and then we had lunch at the small town in Brazil. It's not a big place and it's not beautiful, but at least we ate 'churrasco' and had 'caipirinhas'.

TIPS for gas:
This is very important if you're doing a road trip to Santa Elena de Uairen.
If coming from Puerto La Cruz, at El Tigre: full tank. There's nothing until you get to Puerto Ordaz.
Pump it again in Puerto Ordaz. Doesn't matter how much you have in the tank, do it!
At Km 88 (San Isidro) after El Dorado, Pump it again! it's the last one for the next 80km ahead (or so)
At Rapidos de Kamoiran they have a gas station, plus a small place to eat. This is the only place for gas on the road before Santa Elena. 
In Santa Elena, there are 2 gas station, it all depends on the car's tag to know which one to use. But ask first because usually (or at least during high season as we went) tourists can go first. 

Enjoy our 2 videos special about La Gran Sabana only at accesototal29.blogspot.com :)

Respect the nature and keep it clean!

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!

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! :)

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

Atlanta 2

Finally arriving in Miami!

During the 2nd day we went to the Historic Center of Rv. Martin Luther King Jr. AWESOME! A place you can't skip while in Atlanta. Is free to enter, donations are welcome! So keep it clean and take care of it during your visit. First, there was an expo about his life with pictures, videos, documents, objects and more. Although I think it was at the moment we went. Then, we walked to a firefighter department by the well known Auburn Av. where MLK was born and grew up. From there we went with a guide - who actually met the King family and march for equals human rights - to MLK's house.

The house is totally original! Of course, there are few things for security reasons that are update. 2 floors, 6 bedrooms, back yard and loads of history to hear. It was amazing to be there.

From there, we drove back to Florida. We slept in Orlando, went around the city and Kissimmee and around 7pm we were back in Miami!

Road trip: Atlanta...

My long day, Sat August 9th...

Waking up at 6am to drive from Miami to Atlanta! Around 7am we were on the road, and I couldn't drive as I do (80-85MPH :) yeah I drive fast) cuz a weekend ago I've got my 1st ticket, 15 mph over the limit (oops) and everytime I hit 75 my parents went mad. lol but I'm a good driver! I love to drive! :)

Half the way, already bored. It's all straight, keeping the same speed, trees, farms.... that's all I saw.

Around 8pm we arrived at Atlanta, Georgia! Yei! But we didn't make reservation whatsoever :) We took a look at 3 different hotels and decided to stayed at a Hilton Garden Inn (1501 Lake Hearn dr.) Of course, Hilton means GREAT service. Good price for a great place. Indoor pool, jacuzzi, bar, free Internet, parking lot and what I loved the most free cookies and coffee at the lobby lol
1st day we went to Down Town.

Our 1st visit in Down Town, the Aquarium. I think if you buy the ticket over the Internet, it's cheaper. And I think it's better to go by the afternoon since there are less people, specially if it's a Sunday as we went. The line was long that morning to get in! But it's a MUST see while in Atlanta. 

Then we walked to CNN. Every 30 minutes or so, there is a tour for an hour inside the CNN studios and you get to ride the longest and highest escalator that will take you up in 2 minutes and 30 seconds. It was fun and you get to know more about the most famous news network in the world.

Close to CNN and the Aquarium, there's the Coke museum. We didn't get inside but it looks like fun.

Tomorrow we'll be going to the Martin Luther King Jr. center.