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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Our Travel Log
As part of my Rio Carnival and São Paulo trip to Brazil earlier this year, I made my way up north to the city of Manaus — known as the door to the Amazon Rainforest. Manaus, also referred to as the Heart of the Amazon, is the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Amazonas. The seventh-largest city in Brazil sits near the confluence of the Rio Negro and Solimões river — just a few kilometres to its east.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Our Travel Log
By complete coincidence, as I walked the streets of Manaus' historical district, in the northern Brazilian state of Amazonas, my eye caught a beautiful yellow 19th-century building this past February. The classic French Belle Époque style building featured what looked like an upscale café or restaurant. I asked a friendly attendant at the front gate if it was possible to go in for a coffee.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Our Travel Log
Affectionally known as Sampa, the Brazilian city of São Paulo, the biggest metropolis in the country, has South America's largest and most culturally diverse population. Paulistanos, the name given to the city's inhabitants, make up an urban population of over 12 million souls (21+ million if counting Greater Sao Paulo). It's home to the largest Portuguese-speaking city in the world — around 50% of which holds full or partial Italian ancestry. Paulistanos are also natives to over 200 countries — including the largest concentration of people of Japanese descent outside of Japan.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Our Travel Log
Carnaval is one of the most crowded times in Rio de Janeiro, along with New Year's Eve, when thousands of tourists flock to the city to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Experiencing the Rio Carnaval is a popular bucket list item. I was fortunate to tick the Rio Carnaval box this year, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Our Travel Log
Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is known for its fantastic shopping, selection of international restaurants, luxury hotels and theme parks. But it's also an excellent destination for adrenaline seekers. Of course, you might think of skydiving above the iconic palm islands — as experience by actor Will Smith. But did you know the Dubai Autodrome offers the once-in-a-lifetime experience of driving a Formula 1 race car or a wide range of exotic vehicles like a Ferrari, Porsche or McLaren?
Read more: Fulfill your need for speed in Dubai
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
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Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is one of Africa's top tourist destinations. The oldest working harbour in the continent attracts 24 million visitors annually. It's not difficult to see why. The work, live, eat and play destination where the ocean meets South Africa's Mother City offers spectacular views of the iconic Table Mountain.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Our Travel Log
The Houghton Hotel is Johannesburg's newest 5-star property. It's so new that I wasn't even listed on the Uber app. I instead had to add the adjacent Houghton Golf Club's address as a substitute. It's located a bit out of the way and a perfect option if you're looking to stay in a quiet area, away from the hustle and bustle of central Johannesburg.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Our Travel Log
Are you looking to experience the ultimate wilderness experience in Namibia's Etosha National Park in style and luxury? Emanya@Etosha Game Lodge is a perfect option. This 5-star safari lodge is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Etosha National Park's eastern von Lindequist gate.
Arriving at Etosha Lodge after a long 6-hour drive from Windhoek, undertaken shortly after landing at Hosea Kutako International Airport on a flight from Johannesburg, this was a welcome sumptuous abode.
Read more: Emanya Lodge: Luxury at the edge of Namibia's Etosha Park
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Category: Our Travel Log
The Strand Hotel Swakopmund is one of those underrated 4-star properties which should definitely be considered a 5-star. Located directly along the idyllic Swakopmund Mole (promenade), it boasts direct access to the town's main beach.
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