Wonderful Rome

We went back to Europe and the first stop this time was the wonderful city of Rome. I believe that the best way to get to know a city it's by walking by its historical streets. Everything is close enough, and besides, strolling by the city, you'll get to discover more details of it that you won't see it as well as riding a bus or in a taxi. So wear comfortable shoes, take it easy and enjoy. 

We stayed at a hotel very close to the Coliseum. From the hotel by Via dei Boschetto to the Coliseum was about 10 minutes -walking- and to the Piazza Navona, about 30 minutes passing by many different historical sites and famous spots. 

We only got day and a half to get to know everything we could. Our first afternoon wasn't as relaxing as we thought, since we had jet lag, and for me, it's really difficult to get some sleep on a flight. However, I was so excited to be in Italy that a couple of cappuccino helped me. And, come on, I was in Rome! :)


Even when I was very sleepy, and I was amazed to be in Italy; while we were getting closer to the hotel, what actually pinched me and let me know I wasn't dreaming, was the sight of the great Coliseum in front of me.


After we checked in, we walked to Fonatana di Trevi, passing by Palazzo Quirinale that now days is known as the President house. From the square in front of the Palazzo, you'll get to see part of the city and even the Pantheon. After walking by many vendors, souvenir stores, and alleys; we stroll to Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti at Piazza di Spagna. 138 steps that leads you to the church Trinita dei Monti. 

Close to the Spanish Steps is the most famous street thanks to its stores, including Prada, Coach and Tiffany. Walk by Via dei Condotti and enjoy the gorgeous designs. Maybe do some shopping! -don't forget to get me something! ;)-


By the end of the afternoon, we couldn't skip to enjoy a delicious gelato in the middle of the warm weather. I guess having a cappuccino during winter time will do just great! For me, either one works amazing at any time of the year.

By our second day, the first stop was Vatican City. We took a taxi from the hotel to the world famous Piazza San Pietro. It was going to be a really long walk, though. The feeling, that at least I got, while arriving to this amazing place was unique. It doesn't matter what's your believe, the architecture is breath taking. Remember to wear clothes that cover legs and shoulder so you can enter to the Vatican (and any other religious building in Italy).  And if you want to visit the museum and the Sistine Chapel, check the schedule before, since it's not always open. 

After spending the morning at Vatican City, we went to Piazza Navona. A very attractive hangout to enjoy a late afternoon while having dinner or just some wine at many of its cafes and restaurants. There are some vendors and artist with beautiful paints and draws by the fountain in the middle of the square. 


By that time, I ran out of battery of my video camera, so remember to bring extra battery or a cable to charge. While having lunch, my camera was charging. You don't want to miss anything!


Few steps away from the Piazza, you'll find The Pantheon. Free to enter and great history behind it. The only light coming through, is a hole -window- on top of the dome. If it rains, it will rain inside, but the water will run directly to the center of the Pantheon. Take a walk inside this amazing structure that means 'temple of all Gods', and feel part of history.

One of the sights you cannot miss while staying in Rome, is the ancient side of the city, the world famous Coliseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine. They have a special ticket that will get you to those three places. Walking through the same streets that the romans, centuries ago, used to walked by, makes you feel from that era. Naturally, just missing their clothes. The Coliseum used to be the place where the gladiators fought. They also used it for haunting and recreations of famous wars. Now days, at those ruins, you can visit a museum and different levels of the Coliseum. The Roman Forum, used to be the center of the old city, where a lot of business took place.

Another point of interest you might want to see, is Altare della Patria where the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuelle II is located. I actually suggest you to walk from Piazza Venezia, right in front of Altare della Patria until you reach the Via dei Fori Imperiali, where the Roman Forum, the Palatine and at the end of the road, the great Coliseum are located.


We also visited Piazza Campo dei Fiori, which together with Piazza Navona, are the most famous squares in Rome. More cafes, restaurants and stores are waiting for you. 


One thing I loved from Rome, it reminded me of some cities in Venezuela (my country), at most of the squares we walked through, I saw people hanging out, very chill out, having few drinks. 


Check out AT29's video about this amazing city.  
Keep clean the city! :) 

Panama city, Panama.

Another city, more great places to see. 

We went to Panama city only for the weekend, and I wish I could go back for more days so I can visit other cities. 

During our first day, we took a taxi to go to Casco Antiguo, the old downtown. Although, it looks like its houses are getting fixed and improve, it's a nice place to take a walk and enjoy the history. In there, we visited San Jose Church, where you can appreciate a very big and antique gold altar in it. 

After San Jose Church, we took a walk by a long path by the Plaza de Francia (France Square) and in front of the bay, only for pedestrians from where you can see the beautiful Causeway Amador and part of Punta Paitilla, where part of the modern city is located. We also took the opportunity to get some souvenirs hand made by Panamanians. 

At the Casco Antiguo you can also find the Presidential House, Bolivar Square, the Cathedral, museums as the Panama History museum, theaters and lots of colonial history to walk by its streets. 

Another place where you can take a long walk and enjoy the nice weather, maybe ride a bike or capture beautiful pictures of the bay, it's at the Balboa Avenue. A long (and very new) way with a marine, parking spaces and gorgeous view to the sea and surrenders. 

We also went by taxi to the Causeway Amador. There, you can enjoy an afternoon at one of the many restaurants of the area. There's also a marine and various stores.

By the way, I found it very easy to catch a taxi anywhere. Just be careful with the rates, since they can tell you different prices, but still very affordable. 

Naturally, you cannot miss to visit the world famous Panama Canal. It's amazing to see how great it all works after 100 years. To know the whole history behind it, thanks to the museum and a video (they play it every 15 minutes both in English and Spanish). At the museum, they also have a small but nice aquarium. There's also a restaurant and a cafeteria where, at both places, you can enjoy a view to the ships passing through the Miraflores locks. Besides, while you are anywhere outside of the place, either at the top roof or at the main floor, a tour guide will tell you (both in English and Spanish) stories and history about the canal and how the locks work. And everybody at the place will treat you as a V.I.P for sure!

After doing some shopping and getting to know Panama City, we spent half day at the beach side of the country. This time (hopefully we'll be coming back soon for more), we went to Santa Clara. Located at the west to Panama City. We visited one of the beaches, where we enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant located at the sand and with a wonderful view of the beach. They will charge you about $5 (or less) per person to get inside the beach. Clear water and white sand, but use protection because the sun might be very strong. 

Don't miss AT29 video about Panama and our trip! www.accesototal29.blogspot.com (soon) and remember to keep clean the places you visit! :)

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Now this is my favorite spot to visit in Colombia!

Visiting Cartagena feels like going back in time, thanks to its architecture around the city, specially at the Old Cartagena Town.

During our first day, we visited Old Cartagena Town. But before entering by the main door, by the Clock Tower (La Torre del Reloj), and even when it was the middle of the day, very hot weather courtesy of the bright sun on top of us, we enjoyed a walk by the Convention Center, the Camellon de los Martires and the water front.

Few blocks away, there is a restaurant La Cocina de Socorro, very popular and a nice typical place to have sea food. Don't forget to try arroz con coco and patacones as side dishes. Yummy!

Old Cartagena town, it's a city surrended by a great wall where it used to be the main city years ago and now you can walk by its streets and enjoy every single minute of it.

By the end of the day, before sunset, take a ride by the old city in a coche (a horse-drawn carriage) while listening to some stories and history about the city. Just amazing! Later, watch the sunset at Cafe del mar listening to chill out music while having a drink. Nothing more relaxing than that!

To begin a nice night, enjoy a local beer or tropical drink at the many bars and cafe in the squares around the old town, like Santo Domingo square, with live typical music and dance every other time and vendors walking around.

By night, it's usually very windy, and most of the places are outdoors, so you might want to take something to cover yourself.

You don't need a car in Cartagena, there are taxis everywhere, cheep and easy to catch them.

During our second day, we took one taxi from the Hotel. The driver gave us a tour around the whole city of Cartagena and Manga, telling us everything we needed to know. It was fun, and we've got to know everything in the city as a private tour. So don't hesitated to ask a taxi from your hotel to give you a tour.

Weather is really hot, don't forget a hat and protection! Wear comfortable shoes since you're gonna be walking a lot. And take your bottle of water with you everywhere, although before entering to any of the sites, there are always vendors with water and even beers for refreshment. Just be careful they might charge you more of what the real price is.

On the 'taxi tour', first we went to Club de pezca a beautiful restaurant by the bay, great place to enjoy an early dinner. Then, we visited La Popa, an old monastery on top of the mountain, where you can glance the whole city from a different - and highest - view. You can see La Popa from anywhere in the city, a large white house on top of the mountain. Later, the taxi took us to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. There are some tunnels underground, great spots for pictures, a shop on top of the castle and a nice view to the great wall.

On our way back to the old city, we passed by the statue of La India Catalina, a native woman that was sent away to learn Spanish so she can be a translator between the Indians and the Spanish colony.

Back in the old city, we made our last stop at Las bovedas. A place that used to be for prisoners and slaves back in the days, now you can buy variety of souvenirs for friends and family. Try at the local #23 where we got great presents for family and friends.

There are different places to visit and enjoy during your time at the Old Cartagena. Close to the Torre del reloj you'll find Colon Square, close to it the Hard Rock Cafe. By the Bolivar Square, take a tour at the Palacio de la Inquisicion. Other museums you can visit are The Gold museum which is free to enter; Naval Museum and The Modern Art Museum. We also went to Casa de San Pedro Claver, he was a protector of the slaves.

There are hundreds of stores where you can get gorgeous leather wallets or purses, or just a simple gift to take home.

One thing you may notice, the streets name change at every corner (inside the old city only), so it can be a little complicated if it's your first time visiting.

And remember to keep clean the places you visit! :)

Don't miss AT29's video about this gorgeous city! www.accesototal29.blogspot.com

Margarita Island

Every time I can, I visit Margarita Island in Nueva Esparta State, Venezuela.

Today, you can take a plane from different parts around the globe directly to this tropical island without stopping in Caracas.

From Anzoategui State, in Puerto la Cruz, you can go to Margarita by ferry in 3 or 4 hours (it all depends which Ferry, I recommend you to use the Express (3 hrs or less), it's cleaner, secure and faster.

I usually stay for 3-4 days and you can visit every corner of the island, plus the neighbors such as Cubagua and Coche. Naturally, you'll find lots of beaches and every one of them are different and perfect for every one. My favorite one is El Yaque (close to the airport and ferry port), although it's pretty windy but it's a great spot to practice sports such as Kite and Wind surf. From there, you can take a boat to Coche Island. At El Yaque, you can find small hotels but perfect to stay and relax, restaurants along the beach, a pizzeria, few stores. It's a small town that makes you fee away from everything. Even at night, especially during the weekends or holidays, a great party takes place by few deejays at the beach, so forget about shoes, join the party in your swimming suit! 

If you rent a car, however you can find a taxi everywhere (always try to get them from the hotel or a mall), take a trip around the island. I did it once and it was amazing to see a lot of the beaches, gorgeous views and great places to stop and take a picture. Remember how cheap the gas is in Venezuela!

Other beaches to visit, El Agua and Parguito, the party will begin at the beach during the highest season (specially during Holy week and carnival). There are very pleasant hotels by El Agua beach, plus restaurants in front of the beach, and little stores perfect to buy souvenirs for family and friends that are missing out the fun in Margarita Island!

Pampatar another place you can't miss to go. Restaurants where you can enjoy a fun time with friends or a romantic moment with that special one. Plus there's a fort where you can enjoy the gorgeous view to the bay.

Close to Pampatar, Sambil mall will invite you buy from its stores, from local to international brands. Remember Margarita is taxes free!

In Juan Griego, you'll find another fort on top of the hill, and take a walk around the stores in town. Since Margarita is located in the Caribbean sea, there are a lot of forts to visit, each one with different history.

Late in the afternoon, walk by 4 de Mayo and Santiago Mariño. Lots of stores, vendors by the sidewalk where you can find handicrafts and more from locals.

Naturally, Margarita not only brings you the best during the day, the night life is full of energy wherever you go! Visit the beautiful place of Kamy Beach (yes, right by the beach!). One of my favorite places to visit is an English pub 'The British Bulldog' at Centro Comercial Costa Azul. Live music every night with great local bands, in English or Spanish, it is a great place to hang out. If feel like going to a chill out place, I really like spending some time in Yaque Beach, where they have few lounges by the beach.

Remember to watch Acceso Total's video about Margarita and Coche Island! What are you waiting for to book your trip?? :)

Keep clean the beaches and places you visit!

Florida Keys

All you need is a car to drive from Miami and enjoy a great time in the Florida Keys!

If you have enough time, take it easy then! Drive early in the morning from Miami through the US1 south. Doesn't matter where you look, it's a breathtaking view.

The first Key to meet, Key Largo. Stop by the Bass Pro Shop and enjoy the beautiful scenery while shopping. In Key Largo you'll find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, camp for the weekend, rent a boat or enjoy scuba diving in the first underwater park created in USA! Amazing things you can't find anywhere else, such as the Christ of the Abyss.

Keep going until Islamorada. Acceso Total 29's favorite place to visit is right there, Holiday Isle! Enjoy a yummy lunch in front of the ocean and don't forget to try the Pina Coladas and the famous Key Lime Pie! And why not renting a wave-runner? Feel closer to the clear waters!

Close to Holiday Isle, you'll find Theater of the Sea. Watch and swim with dolphins, sea lions, sting rays and more beautiful animals from the sea.

Next to visit, Marathon. Before crossing the famous 7 miles bridge, stop by the Dolphin Research Center and know more about those amazing and beautiful animals. And later enjoy the sun at Sombrero Beach. 


Take a walk at the entrance of the 7 miles bridge, wonderful place for pictures.

After the long bridge, you'll meet the Lower Keys where Bahia Honda State Park is located. More beautiful beaches to see and enjoy!

Drive carefully, you might see adorable Key Deers on the way to Key West!

Welcome to Key West! Even when it's a small city, you'll never get bored because there's always something to see and do! From bars, live music, excellent restaurants, rides by trolleys around the city or you might even rent a scooter and go around the key on your own!.

Get to know the Southernmost Point in USA, only 90 miles from Cuba!.

One thing I really want to do: take a tour to visit Dry Tortugas National Park.

What I love the most? By the end of the afternoon, take a walk by Duval Street. Party never stops there! However, before the party, enjoy the sunset with live entertainment and vendors by the dock!

I never have a bad time while visiting Key West! Love it! You won't regret of visiting!

Enjoy the road trip through the Florida Keys www.accesototal29.blogspot.com You can also check it out with English subtitles here


Keep it clean! ;)

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)

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!