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Città di Castello

Città di Castello is a city in the north of Umbria in Italy.

Understand
Città di Castello is situated on a slope of the Apennines, and is the main town of the upper valley of the River Tiber. The city is mostly built of brick, since the local sandstone erodes very rapidly. At the beginning of the Iron Age the Etruscans settled in the valley, on the right side of the Tiber, and the Umbrians on the left.

Get in
Città di Castello is 56 km north of Perugia and 104 km south of Cesena on the S3bis. It is connected to the A1 highway by the SS 73 from Arezzo.

By train, Città di Castello is on the Terni – Sansepolcro line. Terni can be reached directly from Rome.

See

 * Palazzo Comunale. The Council building (also called Palazzo dei Priori) is one of the most outstanding municipal sites in Umbria. It was built between 1322 and 1338.  A grand sixteenth century staircase leads to the wide Council Hall, where some Roman ruins are conserved.
 * Torre Comunale (Municipal Tower). The tower (XIII Century) is a symbol of Communal power which was also used on occasions as a jail. The tower is also known as "Torre del Vescovo" (Bishop's tower), because it joins Bishop's Palace. The top of the tower can be visited, with excellent views of the historical centre and the whole Upper Tiber Valley.
 * Pinacoteca Comunale (Municipal Gallery). This is an art museum with mostly Renaissance works. It is notable for its external decoration by Giorgio Vasari and includes works by Luca Signorelli, Raffaello, Andrea and Giovanni Della Robbia, Ghiberti and Ghirlandaio. 10.00 - 13.00 and 14.30 - 18.30 Tuesday to Saturday; Sunday and holidays 10.00 - 18.30. Closed Monday. Entrance  5
 * The Cathedral (Duomo). The cathedral, now mostly eighteenth century, has an altar-front of chased silver dating to the twelfth century. The Museo del Duomo, or cathedral museum, is famous for the Canoscio hoard, a set of Late Antique silver spoons and plates with Christian motifs.
 * The Burri Collection. Alberto Burri was an Abstract Expressionist Painter who lived between 1915 and1995 and came from Città di Castello. The Fondazione Palazzo Albizzini "Collezione Burri", was instituted in 1978 by the painter himself. The Collection is housed in two museums. Palazzo Albizzini is an elegant Renaissance mansion of the second half of the XV century that houses works by Burri from between 1948 and 1989. The Ex Seccatoi del Tabacco (former tobacco dryers) was opened in 1990.  In its 7,500 square meters it houses big cycles and sculptures produced between 1970 and 1993. A total of 257 works can be seen in the two museums. Tuesday to Saturday 9 -12,30 / 14.30 – 18.00. Sunday and Public Holidays 10.30 -12.30 / 15.00 – 17.00. Closed on Monday (when not public holiday), December 25th and January 1st. From November to March the former Tobacco Curing Barns are open only upon request, to be made at least 3 days in advance.

title: Città di Castello


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City of Commerce

Commerce is one of the Gateway Cities of Los Angeles in Southern California.

Get in
Interstate 5 and Interstate 710 pass directly through the City of Commerce.

Go next
Downtown L.A. is about 5 miles away, but it can take 45 minutes to get there during period of high traffic.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: City of Commerce


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City of Rocks National Reserve

City of Rocks National Reserve is a unit of the United States National Park System that is in South Central Idaho. The reserve is popular with hikers and rock climbing who come to wander through the maze of massive boulders (some over 100 meters tall).

Visitor information

 * Park website

By plane
The nearest air service is Burley(charter) (45 miles), Twin Falls (85 miles), Salt Lake City (170 miles), Boise (215 miles), Pocatello (100 miles).

By car
The reserve is 45 miles south of Burley, Idaho. From Boise and the west, take I-84 to Declo exit 216 and south to Idaho route 77 to Albion, Elba, and Almo. From Pocatello and Idaho Falls, take I-86 & I-84 to the Declo exit and then south to Almo. From Salt Lake City take I-15 north to Tremonton, then west on I-84 to Snowville and then routes 30 and 42, or continue north on I-84 to Sublette exit 245 and go west toward Malta, Elba, and Almo. There is a seasonal summer route through Oakley via Route 27.

By public transportation
There is no public transportation to the reserve.

Fees and permits
A day-use fee is not collected at City of Rocks; however, there is a $12 per night per site fee for overnight camping. Additional vehicle fees are $5 per night pet vehicle.

Get around
The only roads in the reserve are not paved, but are well-maintained gravel roads. The City of Rocks Backcountry Byway crosses the reserve from east to west, and many of the reserve's destinations and campsites are along this road.

Do
Rock Climbing is the most popular activity in the area, hiking and mountain biking are also very common. There are miles of trails in City of Rocks along with more in Castle Rocks State Park and many of the longer trails take you through the Sawtooth National Forest. Almo puts on a town festival called Almo Wild West days and it is always the last Friday and Saturday in June. They'll have dancing and music, magic shows, competitions that anyone can sign up for and there is talk of adding more stuff in the future.

Local guide Indian Grove Outfitters offers guided horseback rides, they go for as little as 1½ hr up to a 6-day, 5-night pack trip.

Durfee Hot Springs is a fun place to visit; you can purchase day passes or buy them with a stay at the Almo Inn. The hot springs have been around forever and the Durfee's have renovated them and it's a nice place to go relax.

Buy
Tracy General has a gas station and serves unleaded fuel along with diesel, they also house a US Post Office and sell most everything you'd ever need, including crafts from the local residents.

Eat
There are no restaurants, stores or vending machines within the park. In Almo, 5 minutes from the park, the Outpost Steakhouse has a full service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Outpost has great steaks and tacos. There is also a convenience store called Tracy General store, where you can buy beer, gas, diesel, ATM, internet, and all other convenience store items.

Drink
The park has several fresh water sources in the park. Two of them are pump wells that are located just off the road near a parking area (one near Bath Rock and the other is near the Breadloaf). The water sources are marked on the park's map. Aside from the wells, there is nothing else in the park. If you are thirsty, you'll be traveling to nearby Almo.

Lodging
The Almo Inn in Almo is a western-themed hotel with 8 units and 3 one-room cabins.

Camping
City of Rocks has approximately 50 camping sites that are spread out within the park, along the main road. Most of them feel quite secluded as they are nestled among the trees and large boulders of the park. Camping is only allowed in designated areas and a $12 fee is charged per night for each camping site used. Each site is limited to eight people and one vehicle, there is an extra $8 pet night charge for a second vehicle. Camp sites can be reserved online and reservations are recommended during the weekends when the sites fill up quickly. Otherwise, you can pay for your camp site at the Ranger station east of the park in Almo.

The campsites are primitive, facilities include picnic tables, bbq grills and fire rings. There are pit toilets scattered about the sites, all within walking distance but some of the more secluded walk-in sites may be a few minute walk away. There are two fresh water wells within the park.

There are no showers in the park. The nearest showers are at the General Store in nearby Almo ($4 for a shower and $0.50 for a towel rental). Another pleasant option is to visit the new Durfee Hot Springs in Almo where you can combine a shower with a hot water soak.

Garbage bins are located near the pit toilets within the park.

Backcountry
Camping is only permitted in the designated campsites within the park.

Stay safe
The primary dangers while staying in the park are the natural elements. The high elevations of the park ensures that the weather changes constantly. In the summer, hot days coupled with cold nights are the norm and it is not uncommon to experience snow during any time of the year. Wind and rain can also be extreme and dangerous to the unprepared visitor. Though coyotes are common in the area, and cougars are present, wildlife does not pose much of a threat in the park as long as food is not left in the open.

Go next
The Albion District of Sawtooth National Forest is directly north of the City of Rocks where there are mountains, alpine lakes, campgrounds, hiking trails, and other recreation opportunities. Castle Rocks State Park is north of the City of Rocks and the town of Almo.

title: City of Rocks National Reserve


text:
Ciucea

Ciucea is a small town in Crișana, near Oradea, Romania.

Go next
Huedin

title: Ciucea


text:
Ciudad Acuña

Ciudad Acuña is a city of 216,000 people (2019) in Coahuila, on the Rio Grande (locally known as the Río Bravo), which marks the U.S.-Mexico border. It attracts cross-border tourism from the U.S. with handicraft shops, hotels, typical restaurants and international cuisine.

Understand
Old Mexico hands consider this to be one of the more pleasant and easier border crossing points along the entire Rio Grande. Has a couple really pleasant Tex-Mex restaurants.

There are two border crossings from the neighboring city of Del Rio in the U.S. state of Texas:
 * via Lake Amistad Dam International Crossing, and
 * Del Río-Ciudad Acuña International Bridge.

Movie goers may recall Ciudad Acuña as the quintessential border town in the Robert Rodriguez film, El Mariachi. It is also seen in No Country for Old Men.

Climate
The climate of Ciudad Acuña is one of the most extreme in the country, similar to that of the great plains of the southern United States. It has short and cold winters, very hot summer and mild spring-autumn. In late spring and early summer, extreme events such as tornadoes of strong intensity caused by the last cold fronts of the season can occur. Frosts are common every winter and there are many cold days (maximum temperature below 10ºC) in this season.

Get in
There are no scheduled flights to Ciudad Acuña International Airport.

Del Rio International Airport is the closest airport. It has scheduled flights from Dallas/Fort Worth.

See

 * Cuartel Militar Antiguo, C. Pino Suárez 1, 28 de Junio. Old military barracks. Offers good vantage point of city and USA.

Do

 * — Family friendly river park, nice place for a nature walk or a picnic

Buy
There are a lot of handcrafts materials and fabricated goods among the Cuidad Acuña’s mercados or workshops

Drink

 * "Boys' Town" is an entertainment district in an area south of Ciudad Acuña and contains a few after-hours bars and brothels.
 * "Boys' Town" is an entertainment district in an area south of Ciudad Acuña and contains a few after-hours bars and brothels.

Connect
As of Dec 2021, Ciudad Acuña has 4G from Telcel, and if you're lucky from AT&T / Unefon. You might also get a signal from the US carriers. 5G has not reached this area.

title: Ciudad Acuña


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Ciudad Bolívar

Ciudad Bolívar is in Bolívar state in Venezuela.

Understand
Ciudad Bolívar is located on the banks of the Orinoco River. It is named after Simon Bolívar, Venezuela's Independence hero.

It is a frequent stopoff point on visit to Angel Falls and is a good place to find tour companies to take you there. Its previous name Angostura (thin ribbon) represents the river's last navigable port.

By car
It's a long drive to Ciudad Bolivar but nonetheless the city is well-served by route 16 northeast to Anzoátegui and a fast highway to Puerto Ordaz and Ciudad Guayana.

By bus
There are buses from several cities including Caracas, Maracay, and Barinas (15 hours). Most buses go through Caracas. From the bus station there you can get buses anywhere and also walk to taxi for airport. Ciudad Bolivar to Caracas is 8 hours. Ciudad Bolivar to Santa Elena (border with Brazil) is also about 8 hours.

Get around
If walking is not an option the best way to get around in the city is by taxi. Taxis are cheap in Venezuela. At night call for a taxi as it can be hard to find one on the streets.

See
A fairly decent colonial town center, worth a wander.

Eat

 * 'El Fogon de La Madama: - Really nice soups, Guyanese dishes, local favorites, very special homemade hot sauces and salsas for sale and uniquely preserved all natural sundried dessert fruit sweets (sun dried papaya 'lechoza' is a favorite that is unsurpassed anywhere else). By reservation Orinoco Basin minestrone, fried and croquette fish dishes, Creole Caribbean and English curry specialties are all available at El Fogon de La Madama in a beautiful market overlooking the river. Ask for Patrick and Carla at the fish market. They are well known there and reviewed in tony Caracas magazines and newspapers. This place is famous for its fish dishes. They also have beer.

Mid-range
Posada Don Carlos in the town center 'casco viejo' is spectacular. Really special architecture, service, appointment. Very nice rooms, elegant atmosphere, good food. Also has dormitory hammocks and bunks. You can use them to get excellent tours to jungles, on rivers, to Angel Falls, Roiraima, Tepuis and more. German owner has 20 years experience in this region of Venezuela. They have connections throughout Venezuela to Colombia and beyond.

Drink
After 7PM everything closes down in the city center.

Stay safe
After sunset the city center turns deserted. Try to avoid moving around after 8PM. The Paseo Orinoco is said to be infamous for muggings at night.

Go next

 * Ciudad Bolivar is the departure point for tours to Canaima and Angel Falls.
 * Tours up the Rio Caura, a tributary of the Orinoco, can also be arranged from here, where you can see some impressive wildlife and waterfalls. A 5-day tour with Soana Travel (office at Calle Bolivar and Calle Dalla Costa) costs US$300.

By bus
If you want to go to Mérida take a bus to either Maracay (Several a day) or Barinas (twice daily) and take a connection from there to Merida. Try to avoid the less safe terminal in Valencia.

title: Ciudad Bolívar


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Ciudad del Carmen

Ciudad del Carmen (sometimes just Carmen) is a city in Campeche, Mexico. Its territory is framed by beautiful landscapes of lake and marine type, complemented by the existence of archaeological remains and by the lush tropical vegetation.

Understand
The city is on an island between the Laguna de Terminos and the Gulf of Mexico. Until the 1980s it was connected to the rest of Mexico only by boat; it is now connected to the mainland on either end by bridges and causeways on Highway 180.

The population is about 191,000 (2020). Its economy is mainly based on oil, though there is also still a significant fishing industry.

For centuries Ciudad del Carmen was a sleepy fishing town. In the 1970s, petroleum was discovered in the area and it became an oil boom town. The city is dominated by workers of the oil industry. It is not a real tourist place, although there are a few attractions and facilities for those passing through.

By car
Highway 180 connects to Villahermosa to the west and Campeche to the north east.

By bus
Ciudad del Carmen is accessible from a number of cities through the ADO bus line. First-class fares to Cancun are M$570, and fares to Campeche are M$168.

Get around
Taxis are plentiful and Uber is available.

See

 * The Iglesia de la Virgen del Carmen or Cathedral and a few buildings nearby date back to the Colonial era. On Parque Principal Zaragosa, Calle 33, about 6 blocks east of the city's west coast, about a dozen blocks north of Highway 180.
 * The Museum in the old Victoriano Nieves Céspedes Hospital building (Calle 22 between 41 and 41B). It reviews the pre-Columbian times, as well as the history of Ciudad del Carmen and its impressive incorporation into the economy of modern Mexico. They highlight here the excellent examples of Mayan pottery, a ship integrated to the permanent exhibition, the early history of the Island of Tris, the expulsion of English pirates and the foundation of the Carmen prison, in addition to the large stick extraction of dye during the first half of the 19th century.
 * Streets and historical buildings: Ciudad del Carmen has ancient and narrow streets, such as the old Calle del Comercio (now 22), which along with the adjoining roads, were silent witnesses for more than 290 years of the development of extractive commercial activities such as dye stick, precious woods and chewing gum.
 * Marian Diocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen and Zaragoza Park. The urban heart of Ciudad del Carmen is located in the area formed by the Marian Diocesan Sanctuary and Zaragoza Park.
 * El Zacatal Bridge and Malecon: The El Zacatal bridge is the longest bridge in Latin America of its kind, with a length of 3861 meters and a width of 9 meters. It is one of the busiest in the country as it is the entrance to the Yucatán Peninsula, it has two lanes, one in each direction, passable by any type of vehicle. Every day, at 20:00 and 21:00, there is a light and sound show. Illuminating the bridge synchronously with the decorative elements of the boardwalk, during this show a video about the history of the island of Carmen called "Ventanas" and a video about tourism in Campeche is transmitted. If you are lucky you can see dolphins from the bridge and on the boardwalk at sunset.

Do

 * Fishing. Between the Gulf and the Lagoon, there is a variety of salt water fish in the area.
 * The Parque Principal Zaragosa (across from the Municipal Palace, near the waterfront north of the Highway) has free live band concerts Thursday and Sunday evenings.
 * Beaches: The coastal area of Ciudad del Carmen and of the Isla del Carmen, is made up of beautiful beaches. Some have various tourist services. In the urban area of Ciudad del Carmen the following beaches are located: Snail, Lace, Manigua, and North Beach. To the east of Ciudad del Carmen, on the Isla del Carmen, there are the following beach areas: Bahamitas, Tortugueros, Port Royal, and Punta San Julián.
 * Laguna de Términos: Bathed by its waters, to the south of Ciudad del Carmen is the Laguna de Términos. Species such as bass, crustaceans, shrimp, manatee and dolphins, among others, reproduce successfully in its waters.
 * Beyond the lagoon extends the Protection Area of Flora and Fauna of Laguna de Términos. Large mangrove forests, swampy areas, low flood forests, medium and high jungles, tular, carrizales and popales serve as a reservoir of species - crustaceans and fish - and form a favorable site for nesting and habitat for Birds, reptiles and mammals.

Eat
There are a variety of budget and mid-range restaurants in town. Local specialties include fresh seafood, pork & bean dishes, and tamales colorados.

Drink
When night falls on Ciudad del Carmen, the city streets come alive as locals and tourists go out for an evening in the many bars, restaurants, public parks, plazas and clubs of this beautiful island. Carmen has a very lively night scene, so don't miss all the clubs. The locals "carmelos" know how to party, and they’re good at it. In the Malecon you can find many coffee shop and small bars or just have a walk there in from of the Mexican Gulf.

In Playa Norte, don't miss the nightlife in from of the main beach of the city.

On Concordia Avenue:

Sleep
A number of hotels and pensions of various price ranges. Prices are higher than in most smaller Mexican cities, but still reasonable compared to the USA or Europe.

Budget
Microhotel, good, cheap and comfortable, contact joviedo@hotmail.com

Stay safe

 * Police 3820205 or 060
 * Red Cross 3823130

Go next
To the west on Highway 180 is Villahermosa and Tabasco. To the east is Champoton, Campeche, and Yucatan.

From Carmen, you can visit several sites with various tourist attractions, located in the southwest of the State of Campeche, stories like Palizada, Isla Aguada, Atasta, Sabancuy and Candelaria.

title: Ciudad del Carmen


text:
Ciudad del Este

Ciudad del Este is the most eastern and second largest city of Paraguay at the border with Brazil. Its main attraction for visitors is shopping. This place is one of the access points to a great natural wonder of the world, the Iguaçu Falls, a few kilometers away in the neighboring cities of Foz do Iguaçu and Puerto Iguazu.

Understand
In the city center, a myriad of shopping malls, arcades and department stores offer imported goods of luxury brands at unbeatable prices, making thousands of tourist-buyers coming during the day while the shops are open only to return home in the afternoon with the shopping bags full of bought merchandize.

Also very close is a unique feature rarely seen around the world, a tri-nation viewpoint where the borders of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina meet at the mouth of the Iguazú river into the Paraná river. Other interesting sights to see around Ciudad del Este are the Itaipú hydroelectric dam at Hernandarias, the second largest in the world, the Monday river waterfall, as well as some interesting museums and nature reserves of the Atlantic Forest of South America.

Ciudad del Este metro area has a population of 550,000 inhabitants (2019) which includes the districts of Presidente Franco, Hernandarias and Minga Guazú. It is the capital of Alto Paraná Department and is known as ciudad jardín (garden city) for its numerous parks and green areas.

History
Ciudad del Este was founded in the mid-20th century, in 1957, with the name Ciudad Presidente Stroessner as a tribute to the dictator ruling Paraguay at the time, General Alfredo Stroessner. The city name was changed in 1989 after the fall of the Stroessner regime by the current Ciudad del Este (city of the east) as it's at the eastern border of Paraguay with Brazil.

In the beginnings there were only an airstrip, two main avenues and the foundation stone for the church. The city started to grow steadily, first with the opening in 1968 of an international bridge to Brazil over the Paraná river, then since 1973 with the construction of the Itaipú hydroelectric dam, which meant that thousands of engineers and construction workers moved with their families to live over here. Large subdivisions and new neighbourhoods were built and the city became a mecca for anyone in Paraguay with entrepreneurship.

But the most significant key element in the transformation of Ciudad del Este to a major city has been the inter-border commercial trade with Brazil, a giant economy with a huge internal consumer market heavily tax burdened. Local businessmen, mostly from the Middle East and China, saw this as an opportunity and convinced Paraguayan authorities to import almost all goods tax-free, thereby creating a significant price difference between Paraguay and Brazil. This situation has made downtown Ciudad del Este the main shopping destination for thousands of Brazilians, who come lured by the chance to buy low-priced electronics, clothing, household appliances and many other items that can cost up to 80% cheaper than if they were bought in Brazil. Forbes magazine once mentioned Ciudad del Este as the third most important shopping destination in the world after Hong Kong and Miami.

Economy
The local economy depends to a large extent on the border trade between Paraguay and Brazil, although a large part of it is considered smuggling by the Brazilian government. This is due to the activity of sacoleiros (Brazilian tourist shoppers) who cross the border to buy products in Ciudad del Este that then are resold in São Paulo and all along southern Brazil. The issue is that according to Brazilian import regulations, the purchase of items by Brazilians travelling abroad must be "for personal use only" and up to a monthly limit of US$300 per person. However, the sacoleiros, from the Portuguese word sacola (bag), do this every day, creating a very lucrative business of buying low-priced products in Paraguay and then reselling them in Brazil (up to 50%-80% more expensive). This business flow produces hundreds of millions of dollars and has allowed large stores and shopping centers in Ciudad del Este to be built very close to the border so that tourists do not have to walk more than 500 m into Paraguayan territory to buy products and take them back to Brazil.

Another significant aspect of Ciudad del Este's economy is the agribusiness sector, with soya in particular. The soil in the Alto Paraná region is one of the most fertile in the world, so it has fostered the establishment of large soya plantations throughout the Eastern region of Paraguay which has led to large economic development with the sale of agricultural machinery, fertilizers, and the construction of large grain storage silos; the region has developed as a center for hundreds of trucks used in the transport of soybeans to seaports on the Brazilian Atlantic coast.

Talk
Ciudad del Este is a bilingual community. Spanish and Portuguese are spoken side by side. Also there is a large Arab and Asian community, which run most of the local shops, so Arabic and Chinese are normally heard when you walk along the shopping arcades throughout the downtown area. English is spoken only in hotels and travel agencies.

Immigration
Crossing the borders can be a bit tricky. Sometimes, buses do not stop at the border. In this case, you need to go there first and get the entry stamp before taking the bus out. If you get in, you just get off at the border and walk the rest. Otherwise, you can always walk back to the border and do the immigration work. Nowadays, many nationalities do not need a visa and just receive a 90 days free to stay stamp. This considerably lowers the hassle in case you miss it, because generally you are allowed in. Visas on the other hand can be denied, and if you get in without proper permission, this can be a huge problem. Either way, as long as you have a valid entry stamp, everything should be fine. Do not bother so much about the exit stamp, no one will search your passport for the other country's exit stamp. Also, not having the exit stamp you can jump between countries, especially Brazil and Paraguay as long as you are in the region.

Locals can cross the border and stay for up to 24 hr on either side without reporting to immigration or even carrying a passport (an ID card is sufficient). This is however not the case for citizens from elsewhere.

To visit Ciudad del Este from Puerto Iguazu proceed as following:
 * 1) Leaving Argentina is straight forward. You will get stamped out of the country automatically.
 * 2) When entering Brazil, you need to report to immigration to get your passport stamped, Since locals don't have to, taxi drivers and buses will often by-pass immigration, leaving you without proof of legal entry. Even when you report to immigration, border guards may try to tell you that no stamp is necessary, mainly because entering all your detail into the computer takes quite a while and they don't want to be bothered. However the large signs next to the immigration hall are rather clear about what you need to do, and if you do get stopped without a stamp for any reason later on, you'll very likely have to pay a bribe.
 * 3) When leaving Brazil, you need to get stamped out, which won't be a problem if you were stamped in.
 * 4) When entering Paraguay, you will need to get stamped in by immigration. Beware: Paraguay immigration will not stamp your passport if you haven't legally left Brazil (i.e. been stamped out). While most locals just bypass immigration - and doing the same it is probably not all that difficult - if you do get caught, you'll face large fines/bribe requests. Paraguayan border guards are obviously aware that many tourists do not get stamped in and thus stop unsuspecting tourists trying to leave the country. The option then is to pay a large bribe or be arrested and deported straight back to your home country - which is obviously a major hassle - both financially (paying for a new flight) and due to the fact that your luggage will be left at the hotel in Argentina/Brazil.

It is also possible to take a bus from the Puerto Iguazú bus terminal through Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu), across the "Friendship Bridge" and into Ciudad del Este. The bus is specially marked "Foz, Puerto Iguazú, Ciudad del Este" or simply "Paraguay" and leaves from Puerto Iguazú bus terminal at platform 7 every hour and costs AR$5. The ride to the Friendship Bridge will take approximately 45 min and you will be required to disembark at the Argentine border crossing to obtain an exit stamp before re-embarking the bus for the rest of the journey. If you're required to have a visa to enter Brazil and don't have one, make sure that the bus will take you all the way across the Friendship Bridge and into Ciudad del Este before boarding the bus. If it does not then it will drop you off right before the bridge and you will have to walk through immigration (exiting Brazil) and run the risk of being stopped and questioned by the Brazilian Federal Police about how you got into Brazil without a visa. Explain to them that you only wanted to visit Ciudad del Este and were unaware that the bus would not take you all the way. Also add that you will be returning straight to Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) at the end of the day.

By bus
The (bus terminal) is 1,5 km south of the city centre near Avenida Bernardino Caballero and next to the 3 de Febrero football stadium.
 * There are frequent buses from Asunción (5 hr) and Encarnación (4 hr) in the south.
 * There are international connections to São Paulo (with Pluma for example).

From nearby Brazil and Argentina

 * The most common way to arrive is across the Puente de la Amistad (Friendship Bridge) which connects Ciudad del Este in Paraguay and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. There are frequent bus connections, also to and from Puerto Iguazú in Argentina. Taxis sometimes do the trans-border trip as well.
 * A couple of km south of Ciudad del Este, where Rio Paraná and Rio Iguaçu join, is a ferry crossing to Puerto Iguazú in Argentina without crossing Brazilian territory. The ferry runs hourly during daylight hours for AR$5. There's a bus to Ciudad del Este passing close-by. From the centre (Av. General Bernardino Caballero), take a bus labeled Tres Fronteras (destination, not the company name) and ask to be dropped at la balsa (the ferry). Both countries have immigration facilities on their respective side of the river, so the ferry can be used not only for day tours but also for official border crossings.
 * There are two direct buses from Florianopolis (Brazil) into Ciudad del Este, 14-15 hr. The same buses in the opposite direction go from Ciudad del Este at 15:30 and 17:00 for GS.270,000.
 * There is a daily direct bus from São Paulo (Brazil) into Ciudad del Este, 15 hr. The same bus in the opposite direction goes from Ciudad del Este at 13:30 for GS.300,000. Furthermore, there are two cheaper weekend connections from São Paulo into Ciudad del Este. They go from Ciudad del Este to São Paulo Fridays and Saturdays at 14:30 for just GS.250,000.
 * The latter two-days-a-week connections also serve Rio de Janeiro, GS.400,000 from Ciudad del Este.
 * Alternatively, take one of the more frequent connections (at least 6 a day) into Foz do Iguaçu and take the border bus (R$5.50) from there—see there for more details. These connection include considerably cheaper daily bus connections using the so called "freight buses" into Foz do Iguaçu—they are just half price the regular buses, around R$130.

By plane
To get from the airport to the city center you can take a taxi for about GS.140,000 or the Minga Guazú bus, which leaves from the airport toward Ciudad del Este once a day at 13:00. The bus fare is GS.3,000.

By car
If you arrive with your own car, make sure you find a parking lot. Usually the local touts will lead you to one. However, if you do not feel comfortable with the situation you still can research a parking lot in advance as some of them have websites on the Internet.

By bus
There are many local city buses available, typically charging GS. 4,000-5,000. It is common and advisable to sit down without paying due to the number of people boarding and disembarking as well as the fast pace of traffic. The driver's assistant will come by eventually to collect your payment and make change.

The trip between the centre and Hernandarias for the Itaipu attractions is GS. 5,000 (as of March 2023).

By taxi
Taxis are available, but are unmetered. Always agree on a price before getting inside. If possible, contact your hotel in advance to find out what the normal fares should be (GS.20000-30000 from the bus station to Hotel Austria or Hotel Munich for example). Taxi drivers commonly attempt to overcharge foreigners either by quoting an unreasonable fare up front, or claiming they had quoted a higher fare at the end of the trip. Paying with exact change or close to it will provide leverage in case the driver attempts to increase the fare at the end of the trip. At the bus station, there is a sign that lists prices to typical destinations.

For the adventurous, motorcycles taxis are common and a fast way to move through the heavy traffic near the Puente de la Amistad (bridge). Drivers are generally easy to spot due to their reflective shirts and should provide you with a helmet.

Money
Do all your money exchange in the main shopping area. Even getting Brazilian Real for US dollars or euros is considerably better than on the Brazilian side—and the bus ticket to Ciudad del Este is just R$5.50 one-way. (Calculate the effective rate: Dolares Compra / Real Venta, if not even they are able to provide you with a direct rate). In June 2018, they were giving very competitive direct Brazilian Real for US dollars rates. But of course, they also do guaranis for dollars and reais. Shop around for the best deal, there are about a dozen places. Avoid dealing with any of the street changers! But be aware, do not exchange with the unreliable street vendors. Most exchange bureaus close by 15:00, and even the latest at 16:00.

Eat
Due to the premium placed on street-front property, Ciudad del Este's eateries and dining establishments are commonly found inside multi-leveled shopping malls and are relatively scarce on the main street of San Blas.

As a consequence of considerable immigrant populations, Ciudad del Este has a diverse variety of ethnic food options that one can take advantage of. Arab food can be found off the main streets and in many shopping centers and typically serve good Shawarma/kebab to go. Chinese and Korean food restaurants can also be found. Your best bet is to ask a local to direct you to the nearest restaurant or eatery. Additionally, because of the large influx of Brazilian nationals that enter Ciudad del Este every day, the most popular restaurants are those which serve typical Brazilian fare and are easy to find.

For some of the better-looking Asian restaurants, try exploring the areas around the corner of Adrian Jara and Av. Boquerón. Not far from the same area are some US style burger houses. Above the "Area Iris" supermarket (corner of Av. Pioneros del Este and Adrian Jara) is a good but relatively expensive Japanese restaurant. In the supermarket various foods and other supplies can be had. Outside the supermarket, cheap hotdogs are available (but ensure that the hotdogs are heated well and not merely warmed - and this heating advice is recommended for foods from all street vendors).

Many street vendors grill delicious and cheap asado at night on Cap. Miranda just north of the main route through town. A plate of asado with manioc is GS.10,000, and salad, bread, and a liter of beer can be had for an additional GS.10,000.

Vegetarians will have to ask around, but outside the city center there are a few vegetarian Chinese restaurants. Friends have reported that an Indian vegetarian restaurant called Gourangas is located behind the Municipalidad, not far from the city centre.

Like most businesses in Ciudad del Este, you can pay for food with Argentine, US, Paraguayan, or Brazilian currency and expect to receive change in the same currency used for payment.

Stay safe
Ciudad del Este might indeed be a little more dangerous than other cities in Paraguay. It has many dark alleys, overly many male tradesman, going forth and back around the border, and it is close to the Brazilian border. However, if you are aware and mind dark places at night, you should be safe.

Connect
Free WiFi is available in the park in front and from the itself.

Go next

 * Iguaçu Falls – One of the world's most famous waterfalls on the border between Brazil and Argentina, a little over 30 km to the southeast.

To Brazil

 * Foz do Iguaçu – A city just across the border in Brazil.

To leave Ciudad del Este back across the Friendship bridge, one has three options: 1) Walk back across the bridge and wait in line at Brazilian immigration along with scores of people returning from shopping. 2) Take a bus from the bus terminal that goes into Brazil or directly to Puerto Iguazú and wait in the long line of cars. 3) Hire a motorcycle to take you across the bridge through the line specifically for motorcycles that is rarely ever stopped by immigration officials. This can be rather dangerous as the driver will weave in and out of incoming traffic. This option is by far the quickest and took the Author 3 minutes to get from one end of the Friendship Bridge on the Paraguayan side, to the other end of the bridge on the Brazilian side - past immigration. Cost: AR$10.

To Argentina

 * Puerto Iguazú – A city in Argentina, less than 10 km south from Foz do Iguaçu.

There is a ferry (balsa) to Argentina from Presidente Franco, just outside Ciudad del Este. You can get there from Ciudad del Este by bus for GS.2,500 (as of October 2016): take the red Matiauda which says "3 Fronteras" and ask the driver to let you know when get out. It's about half an hour in bus, and then you have a 500 m walk downhill. The ferry costs GS.10,000 per person if you're on foot.

There may also be buses that go directly to Argentina without doing immigration paperwork in Brazil.

title: Ciudad del Este


text:
Ciudad Guayana

Ciudad Guayana is a city in the state of Bolívar in Venezuela. It is constituted by Puerto Ordaz and San Félix, two originally independent tows that have sprawled and merged into one single city. The city's economy is based on heavy industry, including huge aluminum and steel export plants.

Understand
Ciudad Guayana was founded in 1961 by merging two towns on both of the riversides of the Orinoco, San Félix and Puerto Ordaz as a single city. The (BR-174) which connects the Orinoco towns of Ciudad Bolivar and Ciudad Guayana (or Puerto Ordaz) to Brazil. Buses run this route regularly. Puerto Ordaz is Venezuela's fastest growing town and is known for some spectacular waterfall parks within the city itself. The visitor infrastructure is still young but the university has long provided a good audience for interesting restaurants and nightspots. San Felix is the colonial town but has no historic building of note and contains the poorer sections of the sprawling urban area. Puerto Ordaz was founded in 1952 as an iron ore port.

Many industries have settled in it, since its geographical position gives it many advantages, but the mining and particularly iron being its main industry. The iron ore is transformed into high grade iron ore pellets in local factories. The bulk of the areas production is exported. The state of Bolivar is also rich in bauxite, gold, diamonds and various kinds of clays for brick production.

Since its foundation it has grown from two fledgling towns into the Guayana region's most important industrial center, and a hub of growth in a typically under populated region of Venezuela. The city stretches 40 kilometers along the south bank of the Orinoco. With approximately 1,300,000 people, it is a large city by Venezuelan standards. It is also the country's fastest-growing city, due to its important iron industry. It is also one of Venezuela's five most important ports, since most goods produced in Bolívar are shipped through it into the Atlantic Ocean, via the Orinoco river.

The Caroní River is a major river of the Orinoco basin in South America, having its source in South Eastern Venezuela, in the Guiana Highlands. It is a blackwater river, with the dark color of the water due to leaching from decomposed plant sediments, not from the amount of iron around the riverbed as is often suggested. The Caroní river meets with the Orinoco river and merges into it for approximately 13 km. The two rivers meet where Ciudad Guayana (city of Guiana) now exists. This city was created by the fusion of old cities of San Felix and Puerto Ordaz, on either side of the river.

By plane
There are several flights per day that link Puerto Ordaz with the capital Caracas (airlines Aserca, Aeropostal, Rutaca) with an estimated duration of 50 minutes. Flights everyday to Margarita island with Conviasa airlines with a duration of 45 min. Flights to Canaima (Gran Sabana) with small planes and airlines can be found in travel agencies and the airport.

By bus
The main bus terminal is. There are daily bus services from the capital Caracas, taking just over 13 hours. Regional buses also connect frequently with neighbouring Ciudad Bolivar. Express buses run from Santa Elena de Uairen, Maracay, Valencia and Caracas to the Puerto Ordaz bus terminal, which is somewhat out of town.

Get around
The main routes are served by buses and porpuestos. Some of the main sights are only accessible by taxi.

See

 * Guri Dam and Reservoir - Hydroelectricity provides some two thirds of Venezuela's energy needs, most of which comes from Guri. You can take a tour round the facilities.
 * Guri Dam and Reservoir - Hydroelectricity provides some two thirds of Venezuela's energy needs, most of which comes from Guri. You can take a tour round the facilities.
 * Guri Dam and Reservoir - Hydroelectricity provides some two thirds of Venezuela's energy needs, most of which comes from Guri. You can take a tour round the facilities.
 * Guri Dam and Reservoir - Hydroelectricity provides some two thirds of Venezuela's energy needs, most of which comes from Guri. You can take a tour round the facilities.
 * Guri Dam and Reservoir - Hydroelectricity provides some two thirds of Venezuela's energy needs, most of which comes from Guri. You can take a tour round the facilities.

Mid-range
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Go next
The city has a Brazilian consul, on the way down to the Gran Sabana. This is the second last place before reaching the border where you can ask for a Brazilian visa (necessary for US, Canada, ...). The last place is at Santa Elena de Uairén, 12 km from the border. Getting the visa takes usually 1-3 days.

title: Ciudad Guayana


text:
Ciudad Obregón

Ciudad Obregón is a city in Sonora, Mexico. Food is very important to the city's culture, and it hosts a wide variety of international and traditional Mexican restaurants. There are ample tourist attractions, and as the city is surrounded by scenic mountain views and the warm Sea of Cortez, it is becoming a very popular all-year-round Mexico tourist destination.

Understand
Ciudad Obregón is the agricultural capital and the second largest city in the state of Sonora, with a population of around 450,000 people. Less than 100 years old it is a young, modern and vibrant city providing all the services you would expect from a city.

By plane
Ciudad Obregón has its own international airport which receives flights from most major Mexican cities and from Tucson, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. If you are travelling from most European destinations, your flight will probably involve a transfer from Mexico City Airport to Ciudad Obregon using Aeromexico Connect, who provides four daily flights between Mexico City and Ciudad Obregón.

By car
The Federal Highway 15 passes through the centre of Ciudad Obregon and is the main road that runs from the Nogales Mexican border all the way to Mexico City. The highway provides a 4-lane traffic system, which is very well paved. Between various towns and cities on your journey to Ciudad Obregon, you will find several toll roads. The toll roads provide the safest way to travel by road vehicle and present the best conditions collect fees that go towards maintaining the road conditions. The toll road fees are very cheap and provide free breakdown and roadside assistance by the Green Angels.

If you are bringing a car in from the United States or Canada (including rental vehicles), you will need to have insurance through a Mexican company, if you have an accident call these companies immediately, in most cases a representative from the insurance company will be dispatched to the scene of the accident, be prepared to wait for them, though no more than 2 hours.

Ciudad Obregon is about 9 hours drive from Phoenix, Arizona, and 7 hours from Nogales.

By bus
There are several bus companies that provide services from within Arizona, USA and several main cities within Mexico. Buses are usually very well equipped and provide one of the safest methods of transport between cities. You will find that most buses have onboard entertainment, air conditioning and toilet facilities. Buses tend to stop for 15 minutes between destinations allowing passengers time to purchase refreshments from the various bus depot kiosks.

Get around
The public bus services in Ciudad Obregón are very well organised. The most popular company ‘SUBA’ operate new air-conditioned buses and provide services to most destinations within the city and for less than M$15 (pesos) (one-way); they provide a very comfortable and cost effective solution for getting around.

There are several car rental companies in Ciudad Obregón, including international companies such has Hertz. Car hire prices tend to be similar to what you would expect to pay in America and Europe and usually include insurance. To hire a car is straightforward providing you are 25 or over, have a valid driver’s licence and a credit card

Do

 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.
 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.
 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.
 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.
 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.
 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.
 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.
 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.
 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.
 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.
 * The Álvaro Obregón Dam (also known as the Oviáchic dam) is 24 km from the city by road to the north. It is popular for fishing and has family recreation such as water parks, spas, streams. Also Dique 10, a dam where water sports, mountain biking and extreme sports are practiced and enjoyed, a viewpoint with a wide view of the dam and the Yaqui River valley.

Eat
The best thing is to eat beef in all its varieties: tacos, cuts, machaca, jerky and in burritos. The quintessential sweet snacks are coyotas. It also has excellent seafood which you can enjoy in the Paredón, which is an estuary. And the other option is to eat bass and its derivatives in the Oviachic Dam, in addition to having an excellent view of the desert and the dam.

title: Ciudad Obregón


text:
Ciudad Perdida de Teyuna

Ciudad Perdida ("Lost City" in Spanish) is an ancient, ruined city located in the Colombian jungle close to Santa Marta.

Understand
The city was built between the eighth and the fourteenth centuries by the Tayrona Indians. Nowadays only circular stone terraces covered by jungle remain, but the views and the location of the site are extraordinary. The local name for Ciudad Perdida is Teyuna.

Get in
Treks to Ciudad Perdida are arranged by six different authorized companies in Santa Marta and Taganga. It is not possible to visit the site on your own. The government made an agreement with tour companies, which results in a four-day tour costing COP$1,750,000 and a five-day tour COP$2,050,000 per person (April 2023). Depending on the season, tours may leave every day or every few days. If you have one or two travelling companions, you are almost assured to be able to leave on the day of your choice.

Make sure to bring appropriate gear for trekking, including good walking boots, mosquito repellent, a sleeping bag, appropriate clothing for hiking and for nights, more mosquito repellent, and a water bottle. You will also want to take a pack of cards, a small amount of cash, a headlamp, flip flops, swimwear, towel, toilet roll, hand sanitizer or soap, snacks and a book.

Note that helicopter tours were outlawed in 2010 after studies demonstrated that the helicopter landings were causing site deterioration.

Typical itinerary
The whole trek, starting in is 44 km long. It is offered as a 4-, 5- and 6-days tour. All of them have approx. three hours at the archeological site itself.

If taking the 5 days (4 nights) variant, the trekking times per day are approx. 4½ hr, 8½ hr, 2 hr, 4½ hr, 4½ hr.

See

 * During the trek to you will pass many little streams and waterfalls, some of which you can swim in, and which have great views. There are several steep uphill climbs (the worst one takes about an hour on the first day), but it is worth it. Overall, because of afternoon rains, you only hike for about 3–4 hours per day (depending on the duration; you will walk more per day on the 4-day trek).
 * Although the community atmosphere while walking is great, it is also fun to spend an hour or so away from the group while trekking to see more wildlife, particularly on the 3rd day.
 * During the trek you will also cross many indigenous people in their typical white dress, especially by the village of.

Do

 * You will end up playing cards a lot during rest periods; it gets dark quite quickly and while the thought of walking in the jungle sounds good, you will be knackered. Plus, it's not a great idea to go wandering about at night outside of the camps.
 * In addition to playing cards, make sure to bring a book and some kind of reading light for the downtime each day and night.
 * Take advantage of opportunities to swim when you can! But as soon as it starts to rain, get out and get uphill—you are about to witness a tropical flash flood.
 * As much as you might want to just put your head down and keep walking, take the opportunity to watch for wildlife or take in the amazing scenery.

Buy
In addition to the occasional beer or Gatorade purchasing possibility listed below, you can bring a bit of extra cash to negotiate for random items from people you meet. It is illegal—despite the difficulty of enforcement—for non-military personnel to have in their possession official Colombian military uniforms or equipment, so don't buy those if offered.

If you want to get a photo with the soldiers in the city itself, then a small present will get you all the time in the world with them. Think about what a young man trapped in the jungle for 8 weeks would like, such as sweets or magazines with plenty of pictures.

Eat
Meals are included in the price of the tour. The food is basic and scrumptious after intense activity, with plenty of beans, rice, and meat, plus a bit of salad. Dinner and lunch are accompanied with... Tang? Don't worry, you'll be tired enough where everything tastes fantastic. Expect a break or two during the day's hike to stop and refuel with a sugar kick from some fresh fruit.

Drink
Bottled water, Gatorade, Coca-Cola and beer are sold on most of the campsites for COP$2000–3000 each. Prices go up the further you go and reach COP$5,000 at the last camp. Bring extra cash! Better yet, pack a full bottle of something stiff to uncork and share with your new friends after reaching the city.

Sleep
Sleeping space is under a communal shelter in bunkbeds with mattresses under netting. Some cabañas have tents so you can snuggle with another trekker. Blankets are provided and worth it; even if the evening is warm, it can get very cold at the higher altitudes.

Cope
Showers are available at the camps along the way (but lingering in the rivers during crossings makes for a good rinse in the meantime). Just be aware that remaining dripping wet for extended periods in an already humid environment can lead to fungal infections and just generally smelling bad, so it is good to dry off completely after swimming, showering, etc.

Bring at least one full bottle of bug spray and at least one pair of long pants and one loose, long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the swarms during rest periods and breaks. Mosquitoes and biting flies are a constant nuisance, especially when you are resting or stopped at camp; when you are actually hiking and moving, the problem is less severe. Bring more bug spray than sunscreen, as often you will be hiking with substantial tree cover.

For each piece of electronic equipment you choose to bring (cell phone, camera, etc.), purchase a waterproof, crushproof drybox. Footwear: An absolute must is a pair of quick-drying, teva-like sandals for river crossings. The actual hiking can be done with hiking boots, hiking shoes, or tennis shoes. For most people, hiking boots are advisable as the terrain can be extremely rocky, muddy, and – most importantly – slippery. Probably the most important consideration is to bring a pair of shoes that have a strong grip and are well broken in.

Also bring dry clothes to change into at night. During the rainy season, you should expect to be totally soaked by the afternoon rain. A rain cape covering you and your backpack is also a good idea.

In 2020-2021 they installed water filters in all of the camps. While before many people would get sick with stomach problems, diarrhoea and/or vomiting due to hygienic problems, this is very little now. (Though make sure to bring your own hand disinfectant and medication, and maybe avoid meat and leave the salad aside to reduce your risk.)

Go next
If you feel that the Lost City trek is too expensive or takes to long to fit in your travel plans, consider doing the short trek to El Pueblito in Tayrona National Park.

All tours normally start and end in Santa Marta or Taganga. If you talk to your tour company they can also pick you up (or drop you off) at La Aguacatera (on the street to Palomino) or at the entrance of Tayrona National Park.

title: Ciudad Perdida de Teyuna


text:
Ciudad Real

Ciudad Real is a city of 75,000 people (2018) in Castile-La Mancha, Spain, and capital of the province of La Mancha, made famous by Cervantes, whose literary anti-hero Don Quixote wanders the local plains, tilting at windmills.

By train
Frequent trains run to and from Madrid and less frequently to Almagro. There is direct connection by bullet train (AVE) with Madrid.

By bus
A few buses a day run to and from Madrid, Almagro, Jaén and Valdepenas.

See

 * The Plaza Mayor sits in the centre of Ciudad Real. Today, only two parts of the wall that surrounded the city in medieval times remain standing, including the Toledo Gate.
 * The Mudejar (Arab) Puerta de Toledo from the former city walls.
 * The Don Quixote Museum, next to Parque de Gasset.
 * The Iglesia de Santiago is the most beautiful and oldest church in Ciudad Real. It was built at the end of the 13th century in romanic style. Its style is Gothic. It is decorated with gothic paintings and with seven-headed dragons, the ceiling is decorated with stones forming eight pointed stars.
 * The gothic Iglesia San Pedro, built in the 14th and 15th centuries. Its style is Gothic, and it houses the tomb of Chantre de Coca, confessor and chaplain of the Catholic Monarchs.
 * The Museo Elisa Cendreros exhibits an old collection of fans and carved wood.
 * The Ermita de Alarcos is the oldest church in Ciudad Real.
 * Ciudad Real Cathedral, built in the 16th century, has the second-largest nave in Spain and a magnificent Baroque altarpiece.

Do

 * One of the most popular festivals in the city is La Pandorga, which takes place July 30 and 31. On the last day of the month the festival honours its patroness, La Virgen del Prado. The usual attire of the participants consists of jeans, a white shirt, and the traditional handkerchief.

Drink
Tapas bars are plentiful near the Plaza San Francisco, Plaza del Torreon, and Plaza Mayor, serving regional specialties (pisto manchego) and national favourites (tortilla espanola). Thursday through Saturday nights, the Plaza del Torreon fills with young people drinking the hours away until the discos open around 03:00.

Consulates

 * 🇷🇴 Romania

title: Ciudad Real


text:
Ciudad Victoria

Ciudad Victoria is a city of 305,000 people (2010) in Tamaulipas, in the northeast of Mexico at the foot of the Sierra Madre Oriental.

Understand
Ciudad Victoria is named after the first president of Mexico, Guadalupe Victoria.

In 1825 Ciudad Victoria became the state capital. It is home to higher education institutions such as the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas and the Technological Institute of Ciudad Victoria. General Pedro José Méndez International Airport is located on the outskirts of the city.

By car
The city is 246 km (153 mi) from Monterrey, and 319 km (198 mi) from the US - Mexico border.

By bus
The city has a bus station and terminals of several companies with service from Monterrey, Tampico, Altamira, North of Veracruz, Tamazunchale, Valles, Reynosa, Saltillo, Matamoros, Mante and Soto la Marina.

Get around
There are 32 bus and mini-bus routes that circulate in the city and the surrounding areas.

See

 * Tamaulipas Cultural Centre: A cultural space that houses a public library, the Amalia G. de Castillo Ledon theatre, a cinema and several auditoriums for exhibitions and presentations of cultural and artistic activities such as dance, music presentations, sculpture, painting, literature and theatre.
 * The Tamaulipas Regional Museum of History offers visitors a sample of the state's cultural heritage.
 * Juarez Theatre: A theatre that houses the Institute of Historical Research under the administration of the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas. The building encloses a mural by the Tampico painter Alfonso Xavier Peña.
 * Juarez Theatre: A theatre that houses the Institute of Historical Research under the administration of the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas. The building encloses a mural by the Tampico painter Alfonso Xavier Peña.

Do

 * Tamaulipas International Festival: During October, the state of Tamaulipas celebrates the Tamaulipas International Festival in each of its municipalities. In this festival musical and cultural events are held, such as concerts, operas, and plays.
 * Los Troncones Ecological Park: a tourist and ecological centre in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Oriental, in the Ejido La Libertad. It is a recreational park surrounded by vegetation with a stream, waterfalls and flora and fauna. It is equipped with grills, gardens and children's games.

Eat
The gastronomy of Ciudad Victoria is composed of three main elements: meat, corn and seafood; in addition to grilled meat, dried meat and chorizo. One of the most typical foods of the city are the gorditas, these consist of small thick corn tortillas stuffed with shredded meat, nopales, scrambled eggs, and beans, among other ingredients. It also has many restaurants focused on typical Mexican food, the well-known "taquito."

Desserts of the region are made with walnut, sweet potato, cocadas with pineapple and walnut, among others. Crystallized fruits and gorditas are also sweetened with piloncillo.

title: Ciudad Victoria


text:
Cividale del Friuli

Cividale del Friuli is a city in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Understand
Cividale del Friuli is a small jewel in the far north-eastern corner of Italy. Traditional histories say that it was founded by Julius Caesar, who gave the town its first recorded name: Forum Iulii (which has now become the name of Cividale's region, Friuli). However, archeologists have found remains of older Celtic settlements on the site.

In the Middle Ages, Cividale become a capital of the Lombards. Cividale was the seat of the Patriarch of Aquilea (as that Roman city had been destroyed by Huns) until the 1200s, when the Patriarchs moved to Udine.

In June 2011, Cividale and six other cities of the Lombards together were named a collective UNESCO World Heritage Site, Italia Langobardorum: Cividale del Friuli, Brescia, Castelseprio in the province of Varese, Spoleto, Campello sul Clitunno in the province of Perugia, Benevento and Monte Sant'Angelo. The recognition rewards Cividale's remarkable medieval treasures.

By train
From Udine, take a regional train to Cividale. The ride lasts about 20-25 minutes. Consult the timetable in advance.

Note that in Udine the trains depart from the normal train station, but train tickets for Cividale are sold from a newspaper kiosk in front of the train station building (not from the ticket desk or ticket machines). A ticket must be validated before boarding, but this can be done by a normal Trenitalia validator.

Go next
Udine - a city with a beautiful Venetian-style square and a small castle

title: Cividale del Friuli


text:
Civita Castellana

Civita Castellana is a city in the north of Lazio in Italy.

Understand
Civita Castellana was settled during the Iron Age by the Falisci, who called it Falerii. It was already important 3,000 years ago, protected from invaders by its high position and surrounding stream and cliffs. The Romans defeated the Falisci in 396 BC and in again in 241 BC after a revolt by the locals who were then required to build a new, less defensible, city about 5 km away. This is known as Falerii Novi (see "Go Next").

The original city was repopulated in the early Middle Ages because it offered greater protection, and the new name of Civita Castellana was first mentioned in 994. In the following centuries the city flourished.

Get in
Civita Castellana is located about 60 kilometers north of Rome. By car from Rome’s ring road, the GRA, take the SS2bis (known as the Cassia bis or the Cassia Veientana) until Gabelletta and then the SS311 in the direction of Nepi. Civita Castellana can also be reached by the Italian state railway from Tuburtina/Trastevere stations (not Stazione Termini) to Civita Castellana/Magliano Sabina. Locally this station is known as Borghetto for the frazione of Civita in which it is located. The local bus company, Vitertur, operates a service for commuters to the center of Civita. Tickets can be bought in either of the bars at that station for the sum of one euro. The MetRoma service from Piazzale Flaminio is limited to peak commuter travel hours and takes about 90 minutes to reach CC. The last half hour is stunningly beautiful but the trip overall is longer than it should be if the track were doubled or if the line had not been made to take the scenic route around Monte Soratte100 years ago. The local bus company, COTRAL, connects Saxa Rubra station to CC via the Flaminia and it is also sometimes a painfully slow service. Daily tickets cost €9 return (biglietto giornaliero) and can be used on the state railway, Cotral bus and the Metroma service (as well as all over in Rome if originating from CC).

See

 * The Cathedral of S. Maria Maggiore, (Il Duomo). This is a very attractive building. There is considerable Cosmatesque work (geometrical floor mosaics) both inside and out. Uniquely, this duomo has a Cosmatesque facade (signed and dated in gold mosaic tiles, dated 1210) as well as Cosmatesque floor mosaic work. These patterns were created in the Middle Ages from thin slices cut from colored marble and columns left in the ancient ruins. The name derives from a Roman family, the Cosmati, who did this sort of work. Similar Cosmati floors can be found in Rome, Anagni and Spoleto. The high altar is fashioned from a sarcophagus of the 3rd or 4th century. The ancient crypt is fascinating and well worth visiting. Sadly the interior was redone in the 1740s but retains  many of its antique marble columns. The organ is the same one on which the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played. Outside, the effect of the beautiful portico, dating back to 1210, is somewhat spoiled by the modern fence that protects it. To see what the original interior would have looked like, visit the Basilica at nearby Castel Sant'Elia.

 * The fortress (Forte Sangallo). This fortress was built by Pope Alexander VI and completed by Julius II with the erection of the octagonal keep. It's an excellent example of military architecture and is still very well preserved. In the early 19th Century it served as the main prison for northern Lazio and became known as the Papal Bastille as it confined many Italian patriots. It now houses the local Etruscan Museum (though most of the Faliscan and Etruscan finds from the area enrich the collection of the Villa Giulia in Rome. Open daily, except Monday, it can be toured free of charge after signing the visitors book. Doors open every hour on the hour, last entrance at 6PM

Buy
Great local ceramics at the shop of Vincenzo Dobbolino (aka Mastro Cencio). His store is an Alladin's cave of skilled reproductions of classical wares - Etruscan, Greek, Faliscan, medieval, as well as his modern, original pieces. The shop is impossible to miss if coming from the main free parking lots as the result of a newly executed facade that looks like a giant version of a red-figure vase. Vincenzo is also knowledgeable about local topography, history, flora, fauna and hiking trails. He will lead you on a tour for a modest fee (to cover his expenses and time) and has a sunny and pleasant disposition. A true artisan and a gentleman.

Fausto Mancini: a talented local ceramicist and painter with a shop at the corner of the main piazza (Matteotti) and Via Garibaldi. Classical shapes and historically accurate glazes and colors.

Drink
STAPPO! - A new wine bar with a good selection of moderately-priced wines is located in an alleyway, closed to traffic, just off Piazza Matteotti in the centro storico. They also have light lunches and dinners. Owner: Roberto.

Vine Idee - Piazza della Liberazione (new part of town): wine, lunch, dinner, pizza.

The Club: new black and white themed bar in Piazza Matteotti with comfy tables outside, umbrellas, helpful service.

Sleep
Civita suffers from a dearth of central, affordable accommodation.

The Relais Falisco is a very nice example of this French chain's service, located in Via Don Minzoni, just 50 meters from the Duomo. It is situated in the renovated Palazzo Feroldi delle Rose and is air-conditioned and staffed by helpful receptionists who all speak English. Rooms (approximately 80 of them, both singles and doubles) include a breakfast buffet and the hotel has wifi throughout, as well as private parking.

The other "local" accommodation is well outside of town.

Go next
Civita Castellana has a rich history, and was for centuries one day's ride north from Rome along the Via Flaminia - a place to stop and change horses. Civita is a superb base from which to explore Northern Lazio (by car).It was also one of the first locations that drew outdoor painters in the 18th century, and many of the views they painted are still unspoiled today. The local building material is mainly tufa, and the region is full of tufa cliffs and gorges, Etruscan burials and wonderful small towns.

Most amenities are within easy waking distance here in the old center of this ancient town, historically the center of the Faliscan empire. The Faliscans were contemporaries of the Etruscans and Civita finally fell to the Romans in 241 BC. It is built on a naturally defensible bluff. Civita also has a wonderful Antonio da Sangallo fortress built around 1500, which was a Papal palace and then a prison, and now a museum displaying Faliscan and Roman relics, where there is a free music festival every July. There are wonderful things to see all over the region: Viterbo has one of the best preserved medieval centers in Europe and the Terme dei Papi bath complex, Sutri, Calcata, Nepi, the Via Amerina (an ancient road lined with burial chambers carved into the rock), Monster Park at Bomarzo, Villa Farnese at Caprarola, Villa Lante at Bagnaia, nearby Castel Sant'Elia with its 12th century Basilica and Sanctuary, the beech forest - La Faggeta - near Soriano, where the Romans came to capture wild animals for the sport in the Colisseum, also Amelia, Calvi, Otricoli, Lago di Bracciano, Lago di Vico, Faleri Novi, Oriolo Romano, Vignanello, Vasanello, San Martino al Cimino, Bolsena, Montefiascone, Tuscania, Civita di Bagnoregio. So many wonderful and uncrowded places to visit. It's a wonderful area to be based to see the wonderful Renaissance gardens of Lazio as well (check out: www.secretgardensitaly.com for itineraries), and is near enough to the main A1 highway to allow day-trips to such places as Perugia, Orvieto, Todi, among others. Good coffee, food and wine and many festivals celebrating local food and traditions all summer long. Tuesdays and Fridays there is a smaller fresh fruit/vegetable market in the old part of town, and on Saturday mornings there is the big fresh market in the new part of town.

The best way to explore the area surrounding the town is on foot. There are superb trails down to and along the many rivers that have always defined this area. Descending into the surrounding woods is truly like stepping into the countryside as it was 3000 years ago. Local group Argilla (http://www.turismocivitacastellana.it ) organizes excursions along these trails regularly, in cooperation with the Federtrek, for individuals and groups. The locals are friendly!

 * Falerii Novi is 6 km west of Civita Castellana. It is situated on a slight volcanic plateau. There are extensive walls, considered to be excellent examples of Etruscan/Roman city walls. Built out of tufo rock, they are about 2 km long. S. Maria of Falerii was built around the 12th Century. The church has been restored and can be visited weekends. The adventurous can reach Faleri Novi by following the Via Amerina from just outside Civita (leaving a car at the parking lot of the Quercia restaurant) and proceeding through the countryside. Large stretches of the original wall are preserved but not well cared for.
 * Calcata is a small town resting on top of a crumbling rock. Taken over by "hippies" in the '60s when the locals moved out, it is now a laid-back artists' colony with an interesting and diverse population. Be aware that Calcata is mainly closed during the week - shops and restaurants are generally only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Be prepared to park in the big lot in Calcata Nuova and walk into the tiny town below - parking is difficult weekends. Just beyond Calacata are the falls of Monte Gelato near Mazzano and a hiking trail up to the ancient settlement at Narce. Calcata is connected to Civita Castellana by a trail through the Parco del Treja - a hike of approximately 12 kilometers, challenging in places, but beautiful, that follows the river bed, emerging along the Via Flaminia a few km outside of Civita.

title: Civita Castellana


text:
Civita di Bagnoregio

Civita di Bagnoregio (pronounced Banyoregio) is a small Italian hill town in the province of Viterbo, region of Lazio, in central Italy.

Understand
Civita di Bagnoregio is actually two remote towns. Civita is on a hill accessible only by a long stone walkway that begins at the end of the road from neighboring Bagnoregio. Once, Civita was the larger community and Bagnoregio the satellite. Today, Civita has only about 14 year-round residents, so few that Civita is nicknamed "the Dead City." Many of the buildings in Civita are being purchased by rich Italians who come here for vacation. However the town suffers constant erosion of its volcanic rock into the valley below.

Civita is a charming medieval city, almost utterly untouched by the Renaissance. (The façade of the church was remodeled during the Renaissance, but the city is otherwise entirely medieval.) Despite its nickname, during the tourist season, Civita bustles with day trippers.

The long bridge into Civita is steep—and it gets steeper as it rises. This is a challenging climb for anyone not in particularly good shape.

By bus
To get to Civita, you will need first to get to Bagnoregio. There is a bus from Orvieto; the bus is run by Cotral S.p.A. and costs €2 each way. It leaves from Orvieto's Piazza Cahen, which is just outside the top of the funicular. Download the latest timetable from Cotral's Website. You can buy tickets in the station bar, or on board the bus (try to have exact change).

From where the bus drops you off there is a minibus that goes up to Civita. Alternatively you can walk, it only takes about 15 - 20 mins, so if you just missed a minibus it is almost certainly faster to walk. Simply walk up the hill and follow the main road, if you have any doubt ask at the gas station or the tourist information centre near the gas station if open.

By car
The simplest way to get to Bagnoregio from Orvieto is to get on the autostrada and follow the signs to Lubriano and Bagnoregio. A more scenic route takes 20 minutes longer. From the freeway, pass under hill-capping Orvieto, with signs to Lago di Bolsena and Viale I Maggio on your right, and take the first left to Bagnoregio, winding through Canale and great Orvieto views.

Once you get into Bagnoregio, you can park either at the bus lot at the edge of town or at the base of the stone walkway. (Follow the yellow signs to Civita to reach the parking lot.) There is a parking charge of €1 an hour, which you can pay at the shop or the restaurant. Parking may be free on weekdays or off season when there's no attendant.

Alternately, you can walk from Bagnoregio to the Civita bridge (it takes about 20 minutes) or take a €1 yellow minibus (pay the driver) from the gas station to the base of the walkway. You can ascend to Civita only on foot, but taking the bus from Bagnoregio will cut your walking distance in half. One or two buses leave each hour, starting at 7:38AM Monday to Saturday and 8:53AM Sunday. The last bus leaves at 6:24PM

Do

 * In Bagnoregio, market day is on Monday in the gas station parking lot.

Eat
Bagnoregio

Civita

Sleep
Civita

Bagnoregio

Go next
There are many other hill towns in the area, including Orvieto, Pienza, Montalcino, and Montepulciano. From Orvieto, both Florence and Rome are short train rides away.

The bus service between Bagnoregio to Orvieto costs €3.20 for the one-hour roundtrip. From Bagnoregio, there are six departures daily except Sunday at 5:30, 9:55, and 10:10AM and at 1, 2:25, and 5:25PM During the school year from September to June there are also departures at 6:35 and 6:50AM and at 1:35 and 4:40PM

title: Civita di Bagnoregio


text:
Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia is a city in Metropolitan Rome, region of Lazio, in central Italy.

By car
From any departure point, reach the A12 Genova – Rome highway and exit at Civitavecchia. Follow the signs for Civitavecchia centro/Sardegna on S.S. 1 Aurelia for about 3 km.

By train
From any departure point, arrive at the Rome Termini train station. From here, take the regional FR5 trains or Intercity train to Grosseto and get off at the Civitavecchia station.

See "Get Out" below for using trains to reach Rome.

By boat
Civitavecchia is the ferry port of Rome with daily ferries departure to Sardinia Olbia and Porto Torres, Barcelona, Palermo, Tunis and Porto Vecchio. For timetable and itinerary, have a look at TraghettiWeb. The port also affords docking facilities to large cruise ships traversing the Mediterranean. Cruise Passengers have use of a free shuttle to the port entrance, within easy walking distance of stores and a train station for economical travel to Rome. (See same section for Rome.)

By taxi
There are many shuttle service companies such as Fiumicino-Shuttle.com that offer low-price shuttle service with limousines or minivans that you can book in advance online without credit card and then pay the driver. A transfer from Rome or Fiumicino Airport from/to Civitavecchi port or hotels can be booked starting from €90 or a minivan for €149.

Get around
Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, is the point of arrival and departure of hundreds of ships, cruises, ferries travelling all around the Mediterranean. From here it is possible to reach Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, Spain, France, some other small islands, and even north Africa. A good transportation system links the port to the Eternal City.

See

 * National Archeological Museum Preserves exciting finds from the Roman port and Taurine spas (just outside Civitavecchia), and the 845 inscription that celebrates the city's reconstruction after being destroyed by the Saracen.
 * Michelangelo stronghold The impressive fortress built in the sixteenth century with the assistance of the great Michelangelo Buonarroti.
 * Terme Taurine The thermal complex built by the Roman Emperor Trajan is still well preserved. The rest of the Terme Taurine are north, around 1 hour walking from the harbour. Civitavecchia Pro Loco provides free buses from the harbour. For information ,
 * Ficoncella Thermal Bath North of the city close to the Terme Taurine there is the Ficoncella bath frequented by Romans and still popular with the Civitavecchiesi. The modern name stems from the fig plants among the various pools.
 * La Cattedrale The cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi was built by the Franciscans over an existing small church built from 1610. The current edifice, with Baroque-Neoclassical lines, was erected in the eighteenth century. It's situated between the historical centre of the city and Viale Garibaldi.

Eat
The main street between the train station and the harbor has a lot of restaurants, pizzerias, bars, etc. for some good food that can be found relatively cheap. Many people hang out here at night and sit around and have a bite to eat and some vino. Great place to people watch in this small town.

Connect

 * Phone centre, Via Dalmazia 3 (also internet)
 * Calamatta Phone, Piazza Calamatta 11/A -12 (also internet)
 * Via Gian Lorenzo Bernini (300-400 m straight behind the train station)

Go next

 * Santa Severa Castle. This castle is on the sea a few miles in the direction of Rome along the Via Aurelia. It was first mentioned in 1068 and is built on the site of a Roman fortress. The courtyard is a pleasant place to stroll around and at weekends there is always something going on. If it gets too hot the beach is right next door. The castle of Santa Severa can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday: 09:30 - 12:30 and 14:30 - 18:00. For information,.

From Civitavecchia you can go almost anywhere in Europe. Train travel offers many benefits.

Rome.
 * As the primary seaport for Rome, Civitavecchia has trains that frequently take commuters and cruisers into the city. Commuter trains take about 80–90 minutes to reach the main station in Roma...the Termini...and to return from there.  With fairly-early departures, the service makes effective day-trips possible...though rush-hour times find them rather full.
 * Tickets cost about €4.5 each way. Or you can purchase round trip B.I.R.G. tickets for roughly twice that. As of Summer 2009, the latter tickets allowed you unlimited use of Rome city buses and the Metro.
 * Cruisers are usually provided shuttles from their ship to and from the port pedestrian entrance. From there, you'll find the train station about a 10-minute walk along the seashore.
 * Take care with your belongings...few needed for a day-trip. Commuter train cars are designed with a platform-level center section for boarding, with seating accessed by narrow stairs that induce many people to leave packages and luggage on the center.  Thieves can grab such items and jump off the train just as the doors close at any en route stop.
 * Drinks are allowed on the trains.

title: Civitavecchia


text:
Civitella del Tronto

Civitella del Tronto is a city in the province of Teramo, in Italy. It is located in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park.

Understand
Civitella’s main claim to fame is that at the time of the Unification of Italy in 1861, it was the last city to accept unification. In 1816 it was annexed to the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (see Italy-History). The fortress of Civitella was the last stand of that Kingdom after it had already surrendered in Gaeta, Naples and Sicily, being merged into the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. Civitella surrendered on 20 March 1861.

Get in
There are a few daily bus services from Teramo and from S.Egidio alla Vibrata. By car from Rome, take the A24 Autostrada to Teramo and then the SS81 going north in the direction of Ascoli Piceno.

See

 * The Fortress of Civitella is the largest fortress in Italy, and the second largest in Europe. It is located on the top of a rocky cliff, and is around 500 m long and 45 m wide. It was built during Spanish domination between 1564 and 1576 and represented the northern border of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The fortress can be visited and there are some great views from the top.  In Italian only.

Go next
Civitella is close to Teramo and Ascoli Piceno

title: Civitella del Tronto


text:
Cixi City

Cixi (慈溪市 Cíxī Shì) is a city in Zhejiang Province.

Understand
The city has many factories so the air quality is not that good. This is small city with a total population of about 1.7 million people. 1 out of 4 people are business owners. It's a small city, but it is relatively affluent. Many of the hotels are booked by locals and not travelers because that's the way they like to party. The people here speak a Cixi dialect of Chinese. The weather here is cold during winter.

Get in
There are three major cities with airports surrounding Cixi. Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Ningbo. From Shanghai, take a bus from the South Station (南站 Nánzhàn) It takes approximately 2 hours and ¥82 as of November 2009.

Get around
Taxis start at ¥7 and up. All licensed taxis are equipped with GPS locators. If you don't see any taxis on the road, dial (0574)63981234 and the dispatcher will find a cab within your vicinity and send him your way. 3-wheel coaches are available as well.

See
Zhishan Park.

Do
Enjoy the local saunas/massage services

Laundry Haircut Workout Watch a Movie Shoot Pool Buy a Mac

Buy
Yang mei (red bayberry) products: dried, steeped in wine.

Eat
Yang mei when in season. There are chestnut vendors at many intersections in downtown.

Drink
There is no designated Bar Street like in other Chinese cities. The clubs are scattered throughout the main part of town. This is not a bottle service town. When you go into the clubs, you will not see anybody drinking whiskey. Everybody drinks beer because the whiskey is counterfeit. The market rate is ¥350 for 24 bottles of beer. Or ¥200 for 12 bottles of beer.

Clubs

Bars

KTV - with female hosts for hire

KTV - bring your own girls

Connect
The area code for Cixi is 0574. When calling from overseas, dial +86 574 XXXX-XXXX. For information and services dial 114. For a taxi near you, call +86 574 6398-1234

Go next
You go to Ningbo, Hangzhou or Shanghai for air travel. To get to those cities, you would need to take a bus or a taxi. There are two bus terminals in Cixi, the East Station or the South Station.

title: Cixi City


text:
Clacton

Clacton in Essex, also known as Clacton-on-Sea, is the largest town in the Tendring Peninsula. It's between Jaywick and Holland-on-Sea.

By car
Exit the A12 at the Colchester North exit onto the A120, and then the A133 all the way into Clacton.

By bus
Buses serve Clacton from most parts of North-East Essex, including Colchester (every 30 minutes, approx. 1 hour journey time), Walton and Frinton (every 30 minutes, approx. 30 minutes journey time) and Harwich (every hour, approx. 45 minutes journey time). There are also 3 National Express coaches per day to London (#484, approx. 3 hours journey time) and 1 National Express coach per day to Liverpool, via Cambridge, Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester etc. (#350, approx journey time 12 hours to Liverpool). As there is no distinct bus station, finding the correct stop within the town centre can be a problem, mainly because of a lack of any maps, and the digital displays at each stop only show departures for that street. If in doubt, walk out to the train station as most routes pass here.

By bicycle
National Cycle Route 150 runs along the coast from Frinton-on-Sea & Walton to the NE to Jawick (just past the golf club) to SW.

Get around
The main town centre is fairly compact and can easily be covered on foot.

By car
Clacton is a fairly driver-friendly town with cheap, plentiful parking, although during the summer holidays or the Clacton Air Show, parking and traffic can be problematic.

By bus
The two main operators of suburban routes are First Essex and Hedingham Omnibuses. The former operates a handful of suburban routes at half-hourly intervals, one of which serves the out-of-town Tesco hypermarket. The latter operates regular shuttle services to the Clacton Common Shopping Village.

Buy
The town centre areas feature the usual high-street shops (Argos, WHSmith, Marks & Spencer etc.), as well as plenty of seaside tourist shops. There are several decent sized supermarkets including Fiveways, Morrisons, Lidl and Tesco, the latter of which is quite a way out of town but can be reached by local bus.

The Clacton Common Shopping Village, located on an industrial estate on the edge of town, is one of two 'factory outlet' shopping malls in Essex (the other being Freeport, near Braintree). It mostly consists of numerous stores selling discontinued clothing lines at discount prices.

Connect
Clacton and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of Feb 2023, 5G has not reached this area.

Stay safe
General precautions and common sense apply, avoid anywhere that looks rough and try to avoid walking the streets at night. Jaywick to the west of Clacton is extremely impoverished and rundown (especially the Brooklands area), commercial areas and the beaches are safe, but wandering around residential streets is ill-advised.

Go next

 * Frinton-on-Sea
 * Ipswich
 * Harwich
 * Colchester

title: Clacton


text:
Clanton

Clanton is a small town in Metropolitan Alabama near Lay Lake and the Confederate Memorial Park, with close ties to peaches.

See

 * Big Peach Water Tower, 86 Peach Tower Rd. Look for this iconic water tower near the junction of I-65 and highway 145 north of Clanton.

Buy

 * Peach Park, 2300 7th St S. Produce market specializing in peaches, peach cobbler, fried pies, ice cream, and sandwiches.
 * Durbin Farms Market, 2130 7th St S. A similar sort of cafe/farmer's market centered around peaches, with cobbler and ice cream. +1 205-755-1672

title: Clanton


text:
Clara

Clara is a town in County Offaly in the midlands of Ireland. It's on the main Dublin-Galway railway and has become a commuter town for the capital, with a population of 3400 in 2022. Its main sight, 2 km south, is the wetland of Clara Bog.

Get in
Trains from Dublin Heuston take an hour to Clara via Portarlington and Tullamore, with five or six daily. They continue west to Athlone then branch either to Athenry and Galway or to Roscommon, Castlebar and Westport. The is south side of town.

Bus 73 traverses the country from Waterford via Thomastown, Kilkenny, Carlow, Stradbally, Portlaoise and Tullamore to Clara and Athlone. There are two M-Sa; the one Sunday bus continues north to Ballymahon and Longford.

Flagline Bus 818 runs four times M-Sa between Athlone, Clara and Tullamore.

By road from Dublin follow M6 to junction 5. From there N52 heads south to Tullamore, but you need to circle north through Kilbeggan to get onto R436 to Clara.

In 2008 there was a wildly ambitious plan to create "Ireland Midlands Airport" near Clara, but nothing came of it.

Get around

 * Evil men – demons in human form (...) lure girls from the town to go for motor drives into the country, and you know what happens - it is not for the benefit of the motor drive. It is for something infinitely worse. — sermon circa 1930

So you'd better walk or cycle.

See

 * The town grew up in the 19th century when there was a textile industry, with St Brigid's RC church at its centre. North on higher ground beyond the green is St Brigid's Church of Ireland church of 1770, and somewhere buried around it was the monastery.
 * is within the town library on Ballycumber Road, open M-F 10AM-5PM, free. Informative exhibition on this and other Irish bogs. The bog is 2 km south with no buildings there, since they'd damage the habitat.
 * takes you on a 1-km circuit of the bog. After the last Ice Age, a lake backed up against an esker (a ridge of debris) then infilled. Over millennia the poorly-drained surface built up into a dome, a "raised bog". These formed across prehistoric northern Europe but most succumbed either to deliberate drainage, or to road-building which creates a channel that empties the bog. Cutting the "New Road" to Rahan (by which you get there) in the 19th century collapsed the dome, and its fringes were nibbled by peat-cutters. That might be sustainable on a traditional cottage scale but certainly not as the peat-burning industry it became in the 20th century. So a once-common habitat (much too common, if you were an early traveller trying to squelch across Ireland) is now rare and endangered. Clara Bog has been sufficiently scarred to scupper its bid for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nevertheless it's one of the best examples in the country, and its drainage has been halted. It's free to access 24 hours: the parking layby is small but you're unlikely to find it busy. Don't step off the boardwalk, the habitat is fragile, and remember those grotesque bog-bodies you saw in the museum in Dublin.
 * — see Tullamore for this monastic site along N52.
 * is a village 12 km south with remains of a monastery from the 11th and 12th century, plus early modern churches. It's on the Grand Canal, which is navigable from Dublin to the Shannon.
 * on the boundary with County Westmeath is named for a feat of medieval horsemanship and is graced by a horse sculpture of doubtful fame and provenance. This tale goes round and round more often than a Formula One Ferrari; its contortions involve a World War I Italian flying ace, minor European nobility, Scuderia Ferrari racing team, and their former driver Eddie Irvine. Such anyway was the baloney and horse-doodoo fed to the eejits persuaded to buy this prancing horse statue and erect it in 2000. So there it stands, outside Paddy Ryan's pub at the junction of R446 and R391: "Horseman, pass by" as WB Yeats put it.

Do

 * Clara Swimming Pool is a 25-m pool. It's on Ballycumber Rd just north of the railway station.
 * Clara Sports and Leisure Centre is 200 m west of the pool. It's open daily.
 * Golf: Esker Hills Golf Club is 10 km southeast off R420. Blue tees are 6617 yards, par 71. There's also a driving range 1 km east of town.
 * Read and pass on: Ballycumber is a tiny village 5 km west of Clara. In 1983 Douglas Adams' Meaning of Liff defined Ballycumber as "One of the six half-read books lying in your bed". This sparked the idea of an exchange now called BookCrossing, where books are left in public places; some 12 million are in circulation.

Buy

 * Centra facing St Brigid's Church is open M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 8:30AM-10PM.

Eat
Strung along the main road are Rose Garden, Macari's takeaway, Mill Bar, King Kebab, Jel's Kitchen and Yummy House.

Drink

 * Along on the main road are Baggot's Back door, Nigel's Place, Dessi Dolan's and Christy Cowen's.
 * See Tullamore for the Tullamore Dew and Kilbeggan distilleries. Both offer tours.

Connect
As of April 2021, Clara has 5G with Three, but next-to-no signal from Eir or Vodafone.

Go next

 * Tullamore is best known for its two distilleries.
 * Athlone has a castle and fine cathedral.
 * Birr has a pleasant Georgian centre. Within the castle grounds, the "Leviathan" was for 70 years the world's largest telescope.

title: Clara


text:
Clare (disambiguation)

There's more than one place called Clare:

Australia

 * Clare - a town in the Clare Valley
 * Clare Valley - a wine region in the state of South Australia

Ireland

 * County Clare - in the Shannon Region of Ireland

United Kingdom

 * Clare (Suffolk) - a small town in England

United States of America

 * Clare (Iowa) — a city in Webster County, Iowa
 * Clare (New York) — a town in St. Lawrence County, New York
 * Clare (Michigan) — a town in Clare and Isabel Counties, Michigan

title: Clare (disambiguation)


text:
Claremont

There is more than one place called Claremont:

United States of America

 * Claremont (California) - A town in California.
 * Claremont (New Hampshire) - A town in New Hampshire.

South Africa

 * Claremont (Cape Town) - A suburb of Cape Town in the Western Cape.

title: Claremont