North and Central America – Countries in the Box

National Air and Space Museum

By recipesinthebox | June 20, 2022

National Air and Space Museum (Washington, USA) – expositions, opening hours, address, phone numbers, official website.

Are you sure that your childhood dream of becoming an astronaut will never come true? Do not rush to conclusions. Still ahead.

The museum is located in two buildings – the premises of the National Mall in Washington and in a breathtaking building near the airport.

Of course, we do not promise a landing on Mars, but we can easily promise the docking of the Soyuz with the Apollo, being inside the cabin of the spacecraft and observing the stars. To do this, you just need to go to Washington, where you should definitely visit the National Air and Space Museum. After all, it is in this museum that you can get acquainted with the world’s largest collection of spacecraft and aircraft. See acronymmonster for nickname of Arkansas.

Museum opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:30

Address: 655 Jefferson Drive, SW Washington, DC 20560; tel. 202 357-2700.

National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, USA) – expositions, opening hours, address, phone numbers, official website.

Of great interest to people interested in the history, languages, literature, art and life of the indigenous peoples of America is the National Museum of the American Indian, which opened its doors in 2004.

Theater, music and dance are at the center of the Museum of the American Indian. However, the so-called “Golden Wall” attracts special attention. This display of over 400 pieces of art, including masks, coins and jewelry, tells museum visitors about American history from the late 15th century. In total, the museum collection has more than 800 thousand exhibits and 125 thousand photographs.

National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History (Washington, USA) – expositions, opening hours, address, phone numbers, official website.

Immerse yourself in the history of the United States with the National Museum of US History. The exhibits presented in this museum tell visitors about the culture, social life, technological progress and politics of the country.

In addition, the halls of the National Museum of American History exhibit numerous items that once belonged to prominent figures in America, including George Washington himself. This museum has an amazing collection of Renaissance and European Baroque artists.

In the halls of the National Museum of American History are exhibited numerous items that once belonged to prominent figures in America.

It should be noted that the museum serves as a venue for musical performances and festivals, lectures and symposiums, as well as other events in which everyone can participate.

Museum opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:30.

Address: 14th Street and Constitution Ave., NW; tel. 202 357-2700.

National Museum of African Art

National Museum of African Art (Washington, USA) – expositions, opening hours, address, phone numbers, official website.

Perhaps, being next to the National Museum of African Art, many do not even suspect what is under their feet. Yes, right under your feet, because the main exhibition areas of the museum are located on three underground floors. Otherwise, it cannot be.

After all, the museum has a rather large collection of amazing items that tell visitors about ancient and modern African art. Believe me, it is unlikely that all these treasures of Africa, and there are about 7 thousand exhibits, could be placed in an above-ground pavilion, in fact, through which you can get into the museum dungeon.

Museum opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:30.

Address: 950 Independence Avenue, SW, tel. 202 633-4600.

National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC

National Museum of Natural History in Washington (Washington, USA) – expositions, opening hours, address, phone numbers, official website.

Everyone knows that dinosaurs are especially popular with children, especially boys. In Washington, you can find these long-extinct giant reptiles at the National Museum of Natural History, which has an exhibition of dinosaur skeletons. However, it is worth noting that in this museum, there is something for parents to see. Perhaps the most interesting exhibit is the legendary Hope diamond with a value of 45.5 carats.

The National Museum of Natural History will surprise you with its exposition: life-size stuffed animals will make you tremble with delight. In addition, you will have the opportunity to view more than 125 thousand exhibits: plants, minerals, animals, minerals and precious stones. A nice bonus is that photography is not prohibited here.

Address: 10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW; tel. 202 357-27-00.

National Postal Museum

National Postal Museum (Washington, USA) – expositions, opening hours, address, phone numbers, official website.

Believe me, even if you are not a real philatelist, and collecting stamps is of absolutely no interest to you, you are unlikely to leave the National Postal Museum empty-handed. Having learned all about the history of postage stamps, you will surely want to buy a couple of stamps as a gift or for your own future collection, which you will want to collect right during the tour.

The museum houses many interactive exhibits on the history of the US Postal Service and the history of postal services around the world.

By the way, we draw your attention to the fact that, despite the fact that the Postal Museum is operated by the Smithsonian Institution, it is located next to the railway station, and not on the territory of the National Mall.

Museum opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:30

Address: 2nd Massachusetts Ave., NE; tel.: 202 357-3030.

Cities and Resorts in the United States of America

By recipesinthebox | June 13, 2022

All US cities and resorts for travel. List of the most famous regions, regions, cities and resorts in the USA: population, codes, distances, best descriptions and reviews of tourists.

New York

One of the most famous cities not only in the United States, but throughout the entire globe, of course, is New York full of incredible energy – the embodiment of youth, success, and activity. New York is already a landmark in itself, here every district, street or even building is covered with some kind of legendary halo. See citypopulationreview for state facts, symbols and history of Arkansas.

The most famous and recognizable symbol of America, which is located in the City of the Big Apple, is, of course, the 93-meter Statue of Liberty. It is located on Ellis Island, it was there that a new life began for millions of people who came to the North American continent, inspired by the dream of making a untold fortune. Today, a ferry runs from Manhattan to the island every day. There is also an Emigration Museum on the island, where the atmosphere of the early 20th century is fully recreated.

Also in New York, it is worth visiting the respectable Manhattan with its clearly designed avenues, bohemian neighborhoods, luxurious parks and, of course, the longest street in the world – Broadway, where absolutely everything is. And by all means, being in this city, you need to walk along the world’s oldest suspended Brooklyn Bridge. This hero of many Hollywood films is no less impressive in real life. And, of course, for just twenty dollars, look at the metropolis from the height of the one hundred and second floor of the famous Empire State Building.

The most famous and recognizable symbol of America, which is located in the City of the Big Apple, is, of course, the 93-meter Statue of Liberty.

The capital of USA

Many interesting sights are also concentrated in the capital of the USA – Washington, among which the Capitol stands out first of all. This is one of the most majestic and luxurious buildings in the States, having not only a presentable facade, but also an even richer interior decoration. By the way, this is the tallest building in the capital, no other should exceed its 55-meter height. It has its own so-called Capitoline Statue of Liberty – a six-meter sculpture of a woman with a sword and shield, as well as a helmet decorated with eagle feathers.

The Capitol is not just a place where the US Congress deals with vital matters, but also a very interesting and original museum, the beauties of which can be enjoyed absolutely free of charge by coming to a special registration desk at eight in the morning on a weekday to stand in line, go through strict control and get entrance ticket. Tourists are offered to take a look at the grandiose dome from the inside, where the most significant events from the history of the United States are very filigree depicted on it, as well as to get acquainted with the sculptures of the country’s most prominent political figures.

Also in Washington attracts the attention of the White House, numerous parks and museums, the main of which is the museum complex with libraries, galleries and exhibition halls of the Smithsonian Research Institute, the entrance to which, by the way, is also absolutely free. Among others, there are also memorial museums dedicated to prominent American presidents, the Spy Museum and even the International Museum of Women’s Art.

The Capitol in Washington is not just a place where the US Congress does business, but also a very interesting and original museum.

Chicago

Chicago is no less rich in amazing sights, the favorite of children and adults, Walt Disney, was born here, and the legend of the American mafia, Al Capone, conducted his stormy activities here. First of all, the hundred-story John Hancock Center, one of the tallest buildings in the United States, is very popular with tourists. On the ninety-third floor of which there is an observatory that offers simply stunning views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. The observation deck of the 110-story Sears Tower building with a unique glass balcony is also popular. Also in Chicago is one of the largest Shedd Aquariums in the world, one of the best museums of fine art, an unrealistic number of drawbridges and city parks.

US cities

In general, in each of the major US cities you can find a lot of interesting places: this is the old Quincy market, founded back in the century before last, in Boston, and the legendary Golden Gate in San Francisco, and the most gambling Las Vegas Boulevard in the city of the same name, and the art deco district in Miami, and the fabulous “Walt Disney World” in Orlando…

Nature & Parks USA

In addition, the natural wealth of the United States is striking – the picturesque Colorado Grand Canyon, the mighty Cordillera chain, the coasts of two oceans, the Valley of Geysers and the famous desert Death Valley, and most importantly, the unique lakes and the famous Niagara Falls.

Museums in Washington DC

By recipesinthebox | March 14, 2022

Smithsonian Information Center (The Castle), 1000 Jefferson Drive SW
The first building belonging to the Smithsonian Institution now houses the information center. In addition to a 24-minute video about the Smithsonian Institution, there are interactive touch screens in 6 languages (touch-intensive screens) with further information, also about other sights of the capital.

Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort Place, SE, anacostia.si.edu
Temporary exhibits on African-American history, art, and culture in the Capitol Region, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and Freer Gallery of Art, Sackler Gallery at 1050 Independence Avenue, SW., www.asia.si.edu, Freer Gallery of Art on Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW
temporary exhibitions of Asian art and works by American artists of the 19th and 20th centuries in the Freer Gallery. The Peacock Room is the only surviving example of the work of the emigrated interior designer James McNeill Whistler. Both museums are connected by underground exhibition rooms.

American Indian Museum, Fourth Street & Independence Ave., SW, www.nmai.si.edu
The exhibitions on the indigenous people are a main attraction. In seasonal weddings, only temporary – free – tickets may be issued for the visit. January, February and the beginning of March are low in visitors. There is more activity on the weekends than on the weekdays.
Also the online article of the world on Sunday from 06/11/05 ” Wigwam in a central location ”

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, corner of 7th St. SW and Independence Ave., www.hirshhorn.si.edu
Paintings and sculptures in a cylindrical museum building and the surrounding garden.

National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue, SW, www.nmafa.si.edu
Collections on African art and culture.

National Museum of American Art, www.americanart.si.edu
Paintings, sculptures, folk art, photographs and graphics by American artists from the 18th century to the present day.
More details in an article in the newspaper USA Today.

National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW, www.mnh.si.edu
Great museum of natural history and science with stuffed mammals, dinosaur skeletons, tarantula feedings in the insect zoo, living coral reefs and collections of precious stones, including the 45.5 carat Hope diamond. A total of more than 120 million objects and a Johnson IMAX theater.

National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F Streets, NW, www.npg.si.edu
Collection of portraits of famous Americans from politics, sports, literature, stage and film. The Hall of Presidents contains the official portraits of the US presidents.

National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, americanhistory.si.edu
Museum of the history of the United States with exhibits on politics, technology, science and culture. Highlights are the flag that inspired the anthem The Star Spangled Banner, the robes of some first ladies at the inaugurations, as well as quilts, cars and locomotives.

National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave., NE, www.postalmuseum.si.edu
A collection of mail planes, stagecoaches, rare stamps and letters and a Pony Express exhibit.

National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, nationalzoo.si.edu
More than 3,000 mammals, birds and reptiles.

National Air and Space Museum

6th St. and Independence Ave., airandspace.si.edu

The aviation museum is one of the largest on earth. Shown are the history and development of aerospace, including the Wright Brothers’ aircraft, Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis” aircraft and the Apollo 11 command module. Furthermore, lunar and space research are presented, rocket flight, military and computer technology. A planetarium, multimedia programs and IMAX big screen films complete the offer.

With nearly 9 million visitors a year, the National Air and Space Museum is the most visited museum in the world. It continues to grow: 28 miles from town, on the southeast corner of Dulles International Airport, the Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center was opened as an outpost. The hangar-like main hall is as big as three and a half football fields. 200 aircraft and more than 130 exhibits from space travel are shown in their final stages, either standing or floating. The main attractions include the Lockheed SR-71 (“Blackbird”) spy plane, the first Concorde, prototypes of the space shuttle and Boeing 707, and the infamous “Enola Gay”, which dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

Mexico General Information

By recipesinthebox | February 14, 2022

Mexico is an incredibly beautiful country located in North America. This is truly a paradise for tourists, because the rest here is extremely diverse. The Latin American state, on the one hand, is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, on the other hand, by the Caribbean Sea, therefore it is here that the best, world-famous sandy beaches are located, the beauty of which cannot be imagined without seeing them at least once. Therefore, it’s time to book a tour to Mexico from Minsk and go on an exciting journey!

Holidays in Mexico are so diverse that they will appeal to both fans of incendiary entertainment and those who want to learn more about the country’s culture by visiting numerous historical sites. Mexico is also a paradise for diving enthusiasts, because it is here that the largest coral reefs in the region are located. Surfing beaches, which can be practiced at almost every resort in Mexico, are waiting for beginners and professionals. The climate in the country is tropical and subtropical. It is warm in winter and hot in summer. It is quite cool in the highlands, while hot weather reigns on the coast, so consider these nuances when choosing a tour to Mexico from Minsk.

Having chosen tours to Mexico for your vacation, you will see the famous Lake Atitlan, relax on the best beaches of the Caribbean Sea, visit many interesting excursions, taste amazing Mexican cuisine. Shoppers will be able to purchase unique souvenirs, silverware, fabrics and much more.

Tours to Mexico are annually chosen by millions of tourists who are eager for new experiences, and it is difficult to imagine a country more suitable for such a varied and unforgettable vacation. Call us and we will organize your unforgettable vacation in hot and colorful Mexico!

LIST OF DOCUMENTS FOR OBTAINING A TOURIST VISA TO MEXICO

List of documents required for obtaining a tourist visa to Mexico for citizens of the Republic of Belarus:
(if you have a visa to Canada, Schengen, USA, Japan, Great Britain, a visa to Mexico is not needed)

Passport valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip with 2 blank pages in the Visa section;
2 color photographs 3*4cm, not older than 6 months, on a white background, without glasses, the face should be completely open (it is desirable for girls to remove bangs and pin up their hair);
Certificate of employment for the last 6 months.

Requirements for a certificate of employment :
1. on letterhead with a seal and signature of the director and accountant, indicating the address of the place of work, phone number, position of the employee. If the applicant is a director, the certificate is signed by other authorized persons (deputy director and accountant).
2. work period “from dd/mm/yy to present” (at least 1 year)
3. salary (at least $550 per month). Only the average monthly salary is allowed.
4. be sure to indicate the equivalent of the salary in USD
5. if the salary is scheduled by months, then when submitting documents on the 1st day of a new month, the previous month must be registered. For example, we submit documents on March 2 – the salary for February should be registered.

For non-working – a photocopy of a student card + a certificate from the institute, pension certificate, work book;
For individual entrepreneurs – a copy of the certificate of registration + bank statement.
Bank statement STRICTLY with the movement of funds (both incoming and outgoing transactions) for the last 3 months. Balance at the end of each month and the final balance of at least 1500 USD (in any currency). The statement must indicate the currency of the account.

ATTENTION! If the average monthly salary is above 600 USD, a bank statement may not be provided. If the balance on the bank account is more than 1500 USD, a certificate of employment may not be provided. If the period of work is less than 1 year, a bank statement is required.

Pensioners over 65 years old – a copy of the pension certificate. References and extracts are NOT REQUIRED!

Sponsoring is allowed (salary and/or account balance multiplied by the number of sponsored persons):

Husband sponsors wife or husband’s wife – attach a copy of the marriage certificate
Parents sponsoring children under 24 – attach a copy of the birth certificate. If the “child” is studying, attach a certificate from the university; if he works, but the salary is small, a certificate from work is still attached.
Children sponsoring parents – attach a copy of the birth certificate. If the parents work, but the salary is small, still attach a certificate from the parents’ work.

For minors:

notarized permission from both parents to obtain a visa to Mexico for a child (not to be confused with consent to leave). Permission can be one from both parents for all children.
a photocopy of the birth certificate;
copies of passports of both parents;
if the child visits Mexico with one of the parents, it is necessary to provide a notarized written permission to export the child from the second parent + a copy of his passport;
if the second parent is absent, an appropriate document is provided (certificate of death, certificate from the registry office that the child is recorded according to the mother, etc.)

ATTENTION! The embassy has the right to change the rules for admission and the deadlines for processing documents without prior notice, and also has the right to request additional documents.

Saint Martin Geography

By recipesinthebox | October 25, 2021

Saint Martin is one shared between France and the Netherlands Caribbean island. The only land border between these two countries is located on the 94 square kilometer island. This chapter deals with thatFrenchPart of the island of Saint Martin, the part of the island of Sint Maarten belongs to the Netherlands Antilles and is therefore also presented in the chapter Netherlands Antilles.

Saint Martin is located about 250 kilometers north of Guadeloupe and belongs to the so-called Northern Archipelago. The highest point is the Pic du Paradis (424 meters). Until 2007, Saint Martin and the island of Saint Barthelemy formed an arrondissement of the overseas department of Guadeloupe. Since February 22, 2007, Saint Martin is a French Territorial Collective (Collectivité d’outre-mer). Saint Martin belongs to the European Union and represents the westernmost point of the community. The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus on November 11th 1493, the day of Saint Martin.

Geographically, the island is divided into two parts : Grande-Terre and Terres-Basses, which are connected by two narrow strips of land, and include the salt water pond, “étang” of Simsonbaai. The capital of the French Saint Martin is the port city of Marigot, with around 5,700 residents. Sights here include the colonial style buildings.

Everywhere along the coast, where there are 37 white sandy beaches, there are more strips of land that separate saltwater ponds from the sea. With the exception of the picturesque town of Colombier, the interior is practically uninhabited. Walkers and hikers can walk through the green valleys and hills in peace. On the impressive rocky beaches or the flat white sandy beaches, everyone will find their ideal place for swimming or sunbathing. For active people, all kinds of water sports are offered in the warm and crystal clear water. Snorkeling, scuba diving in the coral reefs, windsurfing and much more.

Saint Martin (Caribbean): important dates for your trip

Area: 54.4 km². The island of Saint Martin is the smallest land mass in the world, shared by two independent states (France and the Netherlands).

Population: 30,615 (July 2011, CIA). Creoles (mulattos), blacks,Guadeloupe Mestizos, whites, East Indian

Population density: 563 people per km²

Administrative headquarters: Marigot (approx. 5,700 residents)

Highest point: Pic du Paradis, 424 m

Lowest point: Caribbean, 0 m

Form of government: Until 2007, the French part of Saint-Martins belonged together with the neighboring island of Saint-Barthélemy to the arrondissement of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe, the Arrondissement des Îles du Nord (Arrondissement of the Northern Islands).
After a referendum, Saint-Martin separated – alongside Saint Barthélemy – from Guadeloupe on February 22, 2007 and became its own collectivité d’outre mer. The administration corresponds to that of a French commune. Non-French people from an EU country are allowed to vote in local council elections on Saint Martin. Saint Martin is the westernmost part of the European Union.

Head of Government: President of the Territorial Council Aline Hanson, since April 17, 2013

Head of State: French President Francois Hollande, since May 15, 2012

Language: The official language in Saint Martin is French, English and Creole are also spoken

Religion: Mostly Catholics (95%), but also Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Hindus

Local time: CET – 5 h

There is no change between summer and winter time on Saint Martin.
The time difference to Central Europe is -5 hours in winter and -6 hours in summer.

International phone code: + 590

Internet identification:.fr and.gp are used, since 2006.mf

Mains voltage: 220 V, 50 Hz. An adapter is usually not required.

Saint Martin (France): Map and Geography

Saint Martin (officially: collectivité de Saint-Martin) is a French overseas territory in the Caribbean. It was created on February 22, 2007, and covers the northern part of the island of Saint-Martin and the neighboring islands, the largest of which is Île Tintamarre. The southern part of the island, Sint Maarten, is part of the Netherlands Antilles.

The highest elevation in both the French Area as well as on the entire island is the Pic du Paradise with 424 m.

There are no rivers, however numerous dry river beds. The hilltops and slopes are covered by dry forest.

Salt Lake City Utah Travel Guide

By recipesinthebox | May 31, 2021

Salt Lake City is the modern capital of Utah. Tourist highlights are a visit to the Salt Lake Temple, the heart of the Mormon temple complex “Temple Square” as well as the Utah State Capitol and the Fort Douglas Military Museum.

The city calls itself a ski city – and for good reason. 11 ski areas are only about an hour away from Salt Lake City International Airport. A city trip is included on a ski vacation in Utah.

Religion, music, genealogy: the city center of superlatives

Along with Israel, Salt Lake City is one of the world’s most popular destinations for religious tourism – not least because of the Temple Square , which is located in the heart of the city center.

With three to five million visitors annually, the Mormon religious square is Utah’s most visited attraction. Salt Lake City has a total population of 181,743.

The Salt Lake Temple , which embodies the faith community of the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” like no other building, has also had a lasting impact on the cityscape:
It is not only an architectural flagship of the city, but also determines the numbering and arrangement of the surrounding streets – all of which lead to the temple.

The Family History Library , located west of the Salt Lake Temple, contains the world’s largest collection of genealogical data.

Another highlight is the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir , whose choir rehearsals are open to the public every Thursday between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. In the summer months, the rehearsals take place in the conference center.

The Utah State Capitol on Capitol Hill is also in the immediate vicinity of Temple Square. The Capitol is the result of centuries of development and was completed in 1916 according to plans by architect Richard KA Kletting, who himself comes from Utah. The landmark is particularly beautiful to look at in spring – when the more than 400 blossoming cherry trees take the place.

Culture and theater

In addition to numerous bars and restaurants, the pulsating city also has a lot to offer culturally. With a performance by the Plan-B Theater Company in the Rose Wagner Theater you get the best entertainment away from the mainstream. Those who prefer it classic can visit a performance of the Utah Symphony in Abravanel Hall and children will get their money’s worth in the Gateway Mall thanks to laser shows, 3D films and a planetary museum.

Shopping and entertainment

Just a few steps south of Temple Square is the City Creek Center , which was named “best retail development” in North and South America at the 2012 International Property Awards. The state-of-the-art mall has a fully retractable glass roof and features waterfalls, hourly fountain shows and a bubbling stream that runs through the entire project structure. A total of 110 shops are integrated into the shopping center.

Alternatively, the Trolley Square , which is located around 2.5 kilometers southeast of the City Creek Center, offers numerous opportunities for recreational activities. The shopping area, which has been recognized as a historic site, contrasts with the ultra-modern City Creek Center.

Thanksgiving Point

Every November, Eat like a Pilgrim is celebrated at Thanksgiving Point in Leni, about 25 miles south of Salt Lake City.

Even if the name “Thanksgiving Point” fits perfectly, it originally had nothing to do with traditional Thanksgiving. Rather, the founders of Thanksgiving Point made so much money with a software company that they wanted to give some of it back to the community and built this complex in the mid-1990s, which is now the Museum of Ancient Life , an ingenious dinosaur museum , a golf course Includes gardens and much more.

The Museum of Ancient Life has the largest dinosaur exhibition in the world with 60 complete skeletons. There are also 50 interactive displays that make it possible to touch real fossils, dinosaur bones and dinosaur eggs and thus immerse yourself in the world of prehistoric times. In the “Jr. Paleo Lab ”, children can experience paleontology up close and prepare prehistoric fossils. The fossils can be kept and taken home.

Even when it’s not celebrating Thanksgiving , Thanksgiving Point is always worth a stop, either to visit the gardens, have a snack in the café or to visit the museum. This can really be recommended to everyone, whether families with children or adults, it is worth it!

Getting there

Delta Air Lines takes travelers from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol directly to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and back. For German travelers on a flight with a stopover in Amsterdam, the lack of “immigration” when switching is particularly interesting. SLC is known for its punctual flight handling and proximity to the city itself. This means that downtown Salt Lake Cities can be reached in just 10 minutes from the airport.

Mexico City and Puebla

By recipesinthebox | May 3, 2021

Our exciting group trip to Mexico City begins with excursions in the city and its surroundings. The huge capital Mexico City is built on top of the ancient Aztec cult site Tenochtitlán. The center of the Aztec universe, the Templo Mayor, still remains with ruins in the modern Zocaló square. On this large square is also the more modern and stately National Palace, where the president has his work premises in a part of the building. The palace also houses huge murals by the famous artist Diego Rivera. Here you can follow Mexico’s eventful history interwoven in a single large painting. We meet his wife Frida Kahlo, also an artist, in the Blue House. If you have seen the film “Frida”, you will soon recognize the interior of her parents’ home. Frida and Diego lived here and many of the celebrities of that time came here for big parties. A great experience is the visit to the huge Sun and Moon Pyramids in Teotihuacán. How could such huge buildings be built without modern aids? In Xochimilco, we are seduced by the Mexicans’ ease of laughter and desire for music and partying. The city of Taxco dazzles with all its beautiful silver objects! On your day off, you can visit some of the world’s leading museums of anthropology and modern art. Shopping and entertainment? Sure! There is a rich selection here. Mexico City is also a green city and you can stroll around the huge Chapultepec Park. The last two nights we spend in the “ceramic city” Puebla. The trip there goes through wooded national parks and fertile farmland, a real contrast to the capital’s dense and sometimes chaotic buildings. Welcome to the fascinating country of Mexico!

Day 1: Travel to Mexico (Mexico City)
Flights to Mexico City. Arrival in the Mexican capital the same day. We leave directly from the airport and check in at our hotel for rest. Meals are included on board the flight. Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 2: Xochimilco
Culture and folk life characterize the program this day. First there will be a visit to the charming Saturday market “Bazaar del Sábado” which is located in neighborhoods you never thought existed in this giant city. Artists and artisans gather around the small square to exhibit their work. Then we stroll through the colonial district of Coyoacán to see the Blue House, former residence of Frida Kahlo. Then there are literally other tones. Out in Xochimilco, the townspeople themselves gather during the weekends and therefore Saturdays offer a wonderful life. You take a seat in the boats and head out onto the canals in what was once called “the floating gardens”. The trumpets clatter and the song sounds. Here it is popular, festive and a wonderful atmosphere. On the way home we visit the beautiful Dolores Olmedo Museum which is housed in a charming colonial building. Here are also some paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. We pass the university campus and see the beautiful mosaic on the library building. Here, as well as at the nearby Olympic Stadium, we take a photo break. Overnight in Mexico City. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 3: City tour The
artist Diego Rivera’s monumental fresco on Mexico’s history in the National Palace will be a natural prelude to the city tour. The palace was built where the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, used to be. Ruins from part of the temple area, Templo Mayor, have been excavated and can be seen next to the palace. We also visit the National Cathedral, which like the palace is located at the Plaza de la Constitución. This magnificent square is usually called the heart of Mexico. The tour of Mexico City continues through the city’s bustling street life with wide boulevards, magnificent monuments, trendy shopping streets, lush parks and exclusive residential areas. In the afternoon we visit the market La Ciudadela which sells handicrafts from all over Mexico. Overnight in Mexico City. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 4: Guadalupe Basilica and Teotihuacán
The morning begins with a visit to the Guadalupe Basilica, one of Latin America’s holiest sites. It will be time to experience the life of the people outside the sanctuary where religion and commerce are mixed in a very special way. Native American cultures have succeeded each other in Mexico. The city of Mexico City itself was built by the Aztecs, while the Teotihuacans built the huge Pyramids of the Sun and Moon just over 30 km outside what is now central Mexico City. The dimensions of Teotihuacán are enormous and as a modern human being one can only marvel that all this was created without our modern technical aids. The size becomes even more concrete if you choose to climb one of the pyramids. But remember – it’s easier to get up than to get down … After lunch it’s time to return to the hotel. Overnight in Mexico City. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 5: Cuernavaca and Taxco
Today’s full day trip goes south and we pass through a beautiful mountain area towards the city of Cuernavaca, “the city of eternal spring”. Cuernavaca was already used by the ancient Native American cultures as a “summer place”. After a short walk in the center, the journey continues through fertile farmland and at lunchtime the old silver town of Taxco appears. After lunch we go on a journey of discovery in this charming city. There will also be time on your own, and maybe you will linger at the square to experience the life of the people and the lively commerce. But it is important to remember that not everything is even silver that glitters! Comfortable walking shoes with a rubber sole are recommended in Taxco. Overnight in Mexico City. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 6: Mexico City
All day it’s time on its own. You can visit any of Mexico City’s museums; the museum of modern art has a world reputation. The opportunities for shopping are also great. You can also take a lovely walk in the huge Chapultepec Park. In the evening, you might head to Plaza Garibaldi to listen and not least watch the many orchestras trying to capture the interest of the spectators. Overnight in Mexico City. (Breakfast)

Day 7: Mexico City – Puebla
The morning offers a visit to the Anthropological Museum, one of the world’s most beautiful and interesting museums. Here we experience the country’s rich past and admire fantastic art treasures from Mexico’s different Native American cultures. After lunch we leave the big city Mexico City and travel through an exciting landscape to the ceramic city of Puebla where we check in at our hotel. Overnight in Puebla. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 8: Puebla
In the charming colonial city of Puebla located in the shadow of the volcano Popocatépetl, the atmosphere is completely different than in the huge Mexico City. Much of the Spanish architecture remains here with beautiful, flower-decorated courtyards, covered sidewalks and playful fountains. The city is famous for its tiles and there are good opportunities for shopping. In the evening we gather for a joint farewell dinner. Overnight in Puebla. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day 9: Return from Mexico City
The day is free for your own walks in Puebla. In the afternoon transfer to the airport in Mexico City for the return journey. Meals are included on board the flight. (Breakfast in Puebla)

Day 10: Return
Flight to the place of boarding.