Ely Sakhai

Rio de Janeiro

Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro is called the city of 4 million people, which is by many people named as the most beautiful city in the world, says Ely Sakhai. It is also called by its full name: St. Sebastian from the January River. When on 20th of January, 1500 Portuguese with 6 caravels [...]

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Colorful fireworks, loud music, the rhythm of samba that awakens senses, ecstatic dancers in skimpy costumes and a huge number of people who flock from all over the world to watch this Brazilian madness is the picture and opportunity of The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, says Ely Sakhai. CARNIVAL The first festival in Rio [...]

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Cruising is more beautiful way to get acquainted with the city, the coast and the sea says Ely Sakhai. The modern Robinsons can go from harbor to harbor through the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and can see the amazing island. Island of Tortola (Virgin Islands): It is the largest and the most populous in [...]

Niagara Falls – The Honeymoon Capital

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world and the second largest waterfall in the world after Victoria Falls, says Ely Sakhai. Some 12 million tourists per year visit these waterfalls and enjoy their stunning beauty. They are a natural border between the United States and Canada. Niagara River quietly [...]

Belize – A Paradise Garden of the Maya Peoples

Seated between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize offers everything that the tourists may imagine says Ely Sakhai. This is the place where they can find wondrous natural beauty, rich cultural history and above all – peace of their minds. Belize is described as a “good country for the blood pressure.” This “Caribbean Garden of Eden” is [...]

Rio de Janeiro

May 15th, 2013

ely sakhai

Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro is called the city of 4 million people, which is by many people named as the most beautiful city in the world, says Ely Sakhai. It is also called by its full name: St. Sebastian from the January River. When on 20^th of January, 1500 Portuguese with 6 caravels anchored under the famous Sugar Loaf to drive away French, considered the bay to be some river and therefore named the river as it was indicated in the calendar.

When founding the city, some 15 years later, was kept the name but added the name of a saint. Over time name got shortened, calling the city of Rio de Janeiro, or just Rio.

What entitles Rio to, with the fully right, have the title of the most beautiful city in world? “There may be more beautiful than Rio’s bay, which look like alpine lake”, said world traveler Ernest Hesse-Wartegg, “of course there are higher mountains, more beautiful shapes than those which surround the bay, there are also larger cities than Rio, there are and some big cities in the tropics, which lie in an extraordinary landscapes – but a unification of sea and islands, the alpine chains and metropolitan image, all that clad in the most beautiful tropical splendor like such in the bay at Rio de Janeiro – there is no such thing on the planet”.

With another thought is the world traveler A.E.Johann. Nor the huge boulevards, nor mountains behind Rio, or standing 25m high above the city the statue of Christ, or a multitude of skyscrapers in the metropolitan region of Copacabana are not, in his opinion the best thing in Rio, “but the girls on the beach, powerful and silver waves of the Atlantic, and the alluring coastline that stretches below the tall houses miles away in gentle curls”.

Rio is especially beautiful when it can be seen from the boat. It stretches along the 180 km long bay. The city shows its most beautiful side when viewed from Corcovado, 700 m high hill with the statue of Christ. Rio is most beautiful in the twilight when light turn on. From 1763 till 1960 Rio was the capital of Brazil – almost 200 years. However this city survived losing that role, as it never ceased to be a spiritual center in the country, says Mr. Sakhai.

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

April 18th, 2013

ely sakhai

Colorful fireworks, loud music, the rhythm of samba that awakens senses, ecstatic dancers in skimpy costumes and a huge number of people who flock from all over the world to watch this Brazilian madness is the picture and opportunity of The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, says Ely Sakhai.

CARNIVAL

The first festival in Rio dates back to the year 1723, and it was attended by immigrants from Portugal islands of Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde. The original goal of the carnival was that all participants are fully wet at the end. People would keep going out onto the streets with buckets of water, and anyone could become a potential “victim”, and the party was even attended by the rich and influential people, and also those in the government.

COMPETITION

Today, the purpose of the carnival is somewhat different, as it is an opportunity for the competition of many samba schools. Their competition also represents the highlight of the festival, and each of the schools must select a topic that will be presented, and so every year the audience at the festival enjoys the imaginative costumes and the wild creations from dancers. Anyway, all schools must follow the strict rules of the contest, and present their acts at a precisely defined sequence. Street festivals are backing part of the carnival, which takes place outside the main street and outside the famous Copacabana beach, and in them can participate everyone, regardless if they are locals or guests.

SAMBA

However, most of the visitors are mainly coming to Rio during The Carnival because of the samba and exotic dancer. Samba was created in Brazil by the African slaves who worked on plantations of fruit, coffee or cotton. Although the dance evolved, in the villages is still preserved the traditional samba. However, this is not the only dance that can be seen during the carnival, because there is also Lund, Polka and Maksis, end Ely Sakhai.

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

April 5th, 2013

ely sakhai

Cruising is more beautiful way to get acquainted with the city, the coast and the sea says Ely Sakhai. The modern Robinsons can go from harbor to harbor through the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and can see the amazing island.

Island of Tortola (Virgin Islands): It is the largest and the most populous in the British Virgin Islands. Tortola is a mountainous volcanic 20 km long and 5 kilometers wide island, where tourism is the main industry. In the capital city of the island, Road Tauno is placed a botanical garden where the visitors can see 62 species of palm trees, various tropical flowers, birds and parrots. The popular big Cane Garden Bay is offering a memorable experience for all who like to enjoy on the sun. This is place with the most street festivals and beach parties in the world.

Barbados: Barbados belongs to the Lesser Antilles, but it is far away from the group of islands that make Lesser Antilles. The name was given by the Portuguese and it means “bearded”. It is referring to the local trees i.e. to the banyan tree whose roots are hanging as a beard. This island is known for its exotic sandy beaches and coral reefs that are surrounding the whole island. Although Barbados is only 34 km long and 23 km wide, it is one of the countries with the highest standard in the world and it is an important tourist destination.

Barcelona: Barcelona is a lively cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean coast, with about four million inhabitants. It is the capital city of Catalonia. Barcelona is decorated by the gaudy edifices of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. The park Guelj is part of the world cultural heritage under the protection of UNESCO. The most famous work of Gaudi is the cathedral “Sagrada Familia”, which is still building says Sakhai. In the center of the old part of Barcelona is standing out the works from the medieval Gothic period by which the whole neighborhood got its name Bario Gothic. The unique and different Barcelona is considered as one of the most beautiful European cities.

Niagara Falls – The Honeymoon Capital

March 28th, 2013

ely sakhai

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world and the second largest waterfall in the world after Victoria Falls, says Ely Sakhai. Some 12 million tourists per year visit these waterfalls and enjoy their stunning beauty. They are a natural border between the United States and Canada. Niagara River quietly flows, leaving from Erie Lake, nearly 37 miles and near Lake Ontario it turns into a raging beast performing a dramatic fall from a height of about 150 feet. At the edge of the cascade is placed Goat Island which divides the river in two parts. American Falls, on the eastern side are forming a straight line, 358 yards long, while Canadian Falls are more than twice wider.

It is interesting that Niagara River, at Horseshoe Falls, is deeper than the height of the waterfall. The river at that point is 184 feet deep and the waterfall is 170 feet high. American waterfalls are divided into two parts and they are less impressive than the Canadian Falls. That’s why most of the tourists visit Niagara Falls from Canadian side.

Known for their beauty, the Niagara waterfalls are popular tourist destination, but they are also a source for electricity. There is placed world’s first power plant, whose construction was largely credited to Nikola Tesla who invented it.

Niagara falls are one of the most desirable locations for weddings and honeymoon. Every year on the Canadian Niagara Falls are coming about 50,000 couples for honeymoon and marriage. That is why this city became a major Canadian city for marriage. This tradition started back in the 1804, when Napoleon’s younger brother, Jerome Bonaparte brought there his wife to enjoy the beauty of the waterfall, remarks Sakhai.

Belize – A Paradise Garden of the Maya Peoples

March 22nd, 2013

ely sakhai

Seated between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize offers everything that the tourists may imagine says Ely Sakhai. This is the place where they can find wondrous natural beauty, rich cultural history and above all – peace of their minds.

Belize is described as a “good country for the blood pressure.” This “Caribbean Garden of Eden” is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico, in the heart of former homelands of the Maya.

The position of Belize has determined its rich history. It was discovered by Columbus, but at 1638^th begun the fight between the British and the Spaniards for its supremacy. At 1840^th the British finally declared it as their colony and they called it British Honduras. This country has acquired its independence at 1981^st.

This country and its inhabitants (a mixture of different peoples and races) are so relaxed that you cannot behave differently says Ely Sakhai. Belize is much more like their insular neighbors and it is the country which offers everything – from the amazing natural beauty to rich cultural history.

Karakol, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Altun Ha, Xunantunich – these are just some of the archaeological sites, the Mayan heritage. Belize is definitely a paradise for divers. Along the coast there is a magnificent coral reef, the second largest in the world, and only a half mile from shore are placed a numerous islands of coral sand, which are fantastic for scuba diving and the other water sports.

Jelsa on Hvar

March 7th, 2013

ely sakhai

Island of Hvar, king of the Dalmatian islands, since ancient times is known for its important strategic and nautical position, rich with various historical periods, cultural and natural resources and literature, starts Ely Sakhai. Thanks to its mild climate, warm winters and pleasant summers, many guests, scientists and unexpected travelers, attracted by the lush Mediterranean nature, enjoy the fresh fish and good vines. Today, Hvar is considered as one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world.

At the center of island is Jelsa, a clean and welcoming place, friendly and prone to guests and travelers.

The island is surrounded by two high peaks – to the west is St. Nicholas and on the east is Hum. On the southern part are hills Ogden Samotorac and Gozd, while on the northern side Burkovo mound protects it from the northern winds.

The beginnings of tourism on the island date back to the distant past, in ancient times and the Middle Ages, which is evidenced from Villa Rustica.

During Middle Ages the island was visited by many adventurers, naturalists, ethnologists and archaeologists who came here to study plants, minerals and ancient monuments. Organized tourism began in 1868 with the establishment of Hygienic Society of Hvar headed by Bishop George Dubokovic.

Jadran Hotel is the oldest hotel in Jelsa dating back from 1911. Fast development of tourism and construction of hotels, guest houses, apartments, restaurants, bars, discotheques and other tourist facilities starts at the end of 60’s of the twentieth century, when tourism becomes main industry on the island.

The most pleasant walks are those along the coastline, pine forests, shady groves, nursed paths and picturesque villages scattered across the hills and valleys full of Mediterranean vegetation (especially lavender) and herbs with well-preserved rural streets and squares.

Jelsa and island of Hvar are rich with numerous cultural and historical monuments that are found in churches, parks, fields, caves, on the streets and elsewhere. The whole island has a wealth of jagged coastline with islets, with numerous bays and headlands where guests can feel comfortable and peaceful.

Bays and headlands are very suitable for sunbathing and swimming – sand, gravel or stone, and large flat rocks near the thick pine forest and a light breeze offer guests refreshments and much needed shade during hot summer days, finishes Ely Sakhai.

Aruba – Caribbean Red Gold

February 20th, 2013

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Fine white sand, pleasant tropical climate and turquoise waters are the main advantages of the Aruba Island. The easy way of living, seductive nature and positive hosts make everyone give in to the charms of this little paradise on earth, says Ely Sakhai.

To get a real picture of Aruba, you need to walk around its most popular beaches. Palm Beach is one of the largest and most visited. Its calm waters are perfect for swimming, and in the sand can easily be found interesting shells. Katalina bay is completely deserted, but it is ideal for diving because of the numerous fish and a variety of vegetation, while Prins bay is known as a favorite place for those in love, for romantic picnics and escape from the urban bustle. Aruba also attracts many adventurers who enjoy its beaches in various water sports. Its beaches are among the cleanest in the world and are smoking here is strictly forbidden. Whoever violates this prohibition, will be confronted with a fine of $250! Residents here are very proud of the natural beauty of their island and realize this is a very serious issue.

Eco-tourism in the last few years is rapidly developing in Aruba, so Arikok Park organizes various excursions. However, for families with small children far more interesting is visiting local parks with animals, the butterfly farm, park of donkeys and many bird sanctuaries. Visitors here are also intrigued by the numerous caves, among which the most interesting is Huliba.

The atmosphere on the whole island is worm, especially in the capital Oranjestad, where every Tuesday is organized festival of food, music and Bombino handicrafts. Bombino means welcome in the language of Papiamento.

Popular dish here is Kesia Yen, which is made from fish and Gouda cheese, spices and special dark sauce, and is served with corn bread. Sopi di Pisca is exotic fish soup which is made with coconut and meat. For those who do not like to experiment with food, it is safest to order fish made in traditional Aruban way, finishes Ely Sakhai.

Ethno village Stanisici

February 14th, 2013

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At the exit of Bijeljina city is located Ethno village Stanisici. This resort, beyond the present time and space, takes us back to ancestors and nature, and awakens an admiration of the simplicity of life, starts Ely Sakhai. Here you can rest your eyes and soul, become nobler and wiser while listening to gurgling brook and mill.

Ethno village “Stanisici” was founded in 2003 and today consists of two areas, one which shows the worldly life and is entirely built of wood – wooden houses with centuries old furniture, paved paths, and two lakes at the village center. The second part has spiritual character, with medieval architecture built of stone, which is actually a replica of historical and religious significance.

The village consists of several mills, dairy farms, blacksmith shop, a stone well, a barn and authentic wooden houses showing the furnishings and costumes.

The mill was built in 1937 and is still in use along with the watermill from 1917 which still grinds flour for muffins that are served at the restaurant. Inside is all that is needed for the miller to stay in it during the season of wheat milling. The dairy dates from 1948. It is a small facility for milk processing and storage of dairy products in wooden bowls.

Thessaloniki – The gates of Central Europe

February 7th, 2013

ely sakhai

It is a Greek pearl which depicts a turbulent history, traditions and culture of antiquity. Its lively boulevards are overlooking the intermittent sun that seems like it is sinking in infinite azure. This cosmopolitan destination is strewn with streets full with a variety of ancient monuments which for centuries defy the time and each year attracts more and more tourists – says Ely Sakahi.

Its port is rightfully known as “The gateway to Central Europe”, and even today in the city’s main promenade can be seen ships alike Titanic, which silently stand illuminated below the golden glow of sun.

Thessaloniki was founded in 316th BC by Cassander, who was then king of Macedonia. Until then the name of Thessaloniki was Terma and current name comes from king’s wife name (Thessalonica) which has been retained to this day. Thessalonica was the half-sister of Alexander the Great, who, accordingly to the legend, hearing that her brother was dead, jumped into the sea to drown herself but instead has turned into a mermaid which sailed to the ships with a question whether her brother was alive. When the sailors would confirm that her brother is dead, she would then turned into a Gorgon and devour their ships.

The symbol of this city with a population of over one million people is the White Tower, which was part of fortifications for defense of the city and is situated close to the sea. Unfortunately, now this tower stands alone, combining the desert of water with urban oasis. This tower was built in the fifteenth century, on the place where once stood an old Byzantine tower serving as prison at that time and was know by the name of The Bloody Tower.

The most prominent site in the main street Tsimiski is The Arch of Galerius otherwise known as Kamara, says Ely Sakahi. Now it represents only a part of the former palace of Galerius which was located on the site. It was constructed of bricks and decorated with relief that is remarkably well preserved to this day. On it you can see the campaigns and battles of the Emperor Gallery.

Huts on water – Few spectacular destinations

January 30th, 2013

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If you want to spend your vacation in peaceful place then pile dwellings, huts built over the water on wooden platforms that carry the poles is the right choice for you. Ely Sakhai presents the top five destinations where peace and relaxation are guaranteed.

If you want your room service to come in a canoe while you are resting on the terrace watching exotic fish swimming beneath you, and enjoying the sea breeze, then you must visit Bora Bora, with its symbol of a tropical paradise – houses on stilts.

Bora Bora Nui resort and Bora Bora Spa

Bora Bora Nui resort has around ten pile dwellings, including two villas. This resort was named one of the ten most romantic places in the South Pacific.