10 latest experiences http://www.hereorthere.com/members/joejourneys en-us A preserved 16th century historic colonial town 5 hours from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, a treasure between the sea and the mountains. The only traffic allowed into the town center is foot traffic and bicycles, which makes this my kind of place. Though this isn't a budget holiday, things here tend to cost much more than other places in Brazil, it certainly should not be overlooked. Spending days hiring your own boat from the pier to explore more than 60 islands and over 300 beaches, or hire a bicycle and and ride the 8km to the Gold Trail and fabulous waterfalls in the mountains. For more information and photos visit my website at http://wwwjoejourneys.com/passport/brazil/paraty.html Parati, Brazil joejourneys Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:38:53 +0000 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/joejourneys/experience/1338 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/1338 The draw to Istanbul must be the difference in culture, sitting on the edge of Europe and Asia, it mixes and blends perfectly between the two. The main attractions being Aya Sofia and the Blue Mosque, loaded with tourists. I visited during the end of Ramadan where there was a carnival atmosphere and sense of celebration and faith. The chants from the mosques calling for prayer time several times per day can make you feel eerie and strange, but have the guts to visit a true mosque and watch the prayers unfold. The Grand Bazaar is a must, with over 4000 shops to choose from, but haggle hard! The Spice Bazaar is also worth visiting to stock up and take back with you. A visit to Istanbul is not complete without going to a Hamam (Turkish Bath), warm up on the round elevated platform before being scrubbed by the attendant, then washed down from head to toe under the hot and cold basins. Treat yourself to extras, like an oil massage and face scrub, you'll leave peeled and reborn. Taks... Istanbul, Turkey joejourneys Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:50:13 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/joejourneys/experience/1081 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/1081 While traveling around Portugal I found this small Chapel of Bones in the back of Igreja do Carmo, what once was a graveyard for monks and nuns was excavated and and placed in a new chapel, where the walls and ceilings build with the bones and skulls of those from the graves. To access the chapel you need to enter the church and ask for the priest or caretaker (though there is always someone there) and with a small donation (1 or 2 Euro) you will be taken to the back where you'll be free to explore. For more information visit http://www.joejourneys.com/passport/portugal/faro.html Faro, Portugal joejourneys Sat, 06 Oct 2007 13:23:08 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/joejourneys/experience/995 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/995 A 13th century ancient mine takes you up to 135 metres below ground to discover underground tunnels, chambers, chapels, lakes and even a resort. Claustrophobia sets in as you descend down the long shaft into the earth but all is forgotten when you soon discover the world beneath. Created 20 million years ago, this subterranean labyrinth stretches 250 kilometres, was declared a World Hertitage Site in 1978 for its unique features. Just a short distance from Krakow, you soon find yourself beneath the earths surface on a tour of the under-world to find chapels carved out of the earths stone and salt with huge caverns like cathedrals. Lakes and chambers are beautifully lit up by the spotlights along the path. The tour lasts for about an hour when you finally finish at the worlds deepest restaurant at 125 metres before taking a miners lift back to the surface. Visit http://www.joejourneys.com/passport/poland.html for more information and links on the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Kraków, Poland joejourneys Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:41:52 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/joejourneys/experience/706 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/706 Brighton is a great escape from London, but its annual event of Brighton Pride always attracts the most interesting characters in a festive mood to celebrate Gay Pride. It really is one of the best gay pride events anywhere, the party mood and the attractions and rides held at Preston Park are certainly worth the trip, you can dance and party in the huge outdoor tents or chill on the grass with your mates. Friends and family are all welcome, its an event for all, and being by seaside its a perfect place to chill out and have some fun. For more information visit www.joejourneys.com/passport/uk/england/brighton.html for more pics on the event. Brighton, United Kingdom joejourneys Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:05:20 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/joejourneys/experience/644 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/644 One of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, recognized by the United Nations for its mix of people and cultures where you'll find yourself among distinct neighborhoods as little Italy and Portugal. There is so much to do, including the CN Tower, the tallest free standing structure and highest observation deck in the world - SKY POD! I challenge anyone to walk on the glass floor! There are far too many things to mention here, visit www.joejourneys.com/passport/canada/toronto.html for a complete list of places and events in Toronto. Toronto, Canada joejourneys Sun, 05 Aug 2007 20:14:19 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/joejourneys/experience/641 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/641 Manhattan and the big apple, New York City, my first time and what an impression it made on me. Like Hong Kong is to the east, New York is to the west. It left a lasting impression, is the capital of commercialism, Times Square is the mecca of outdoor advertising... and it certainly satisfies the visitor. Tall buildings, a concrete world that keeps a bit of paradise in the heart of it all, Central Park, the escape from the towing concrete and glass cathedrals. Find out more at www.joejourneys.com New York City, United States joejourneys Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:45:35 +0100 http://www.hereorthere.com/members/joejourneys/experience/176 http://www.hereorthere.com/experiences/176