Tourism Ecstasy in San Blas Cusco, Peru!

Tourism destinations should be overloaded with delights and San Blas Cusco is no exception to that. It’s regarded as one of the top destinations in Peru and a Must-Visit before setting off to the famed Machu Picchu.

Found below, are the top tourist spots among many in Cusco, once the Incan Capital.

1. Alpaca

The Furry Alpaca is the most loved and revered animal in all of Peru, Cusco included. The thick will which comes on it is quite expensive and adorned with colorful scarfs or threads. It’s not wise to be near it, even though you may find many on the streets for it is pre-owned. If you can spare 5 to ten Soles, a photo-op is a possibility which you can treasure for life.

2. Plaza de Armas

The plaza de Armas in Cusco should be right at the top of your priority list. The plaza is a Tourist Haven with thousands mingling either to eat or shop. The activities last through the night.

You will spot the Cusco cathedral, which has many paintings. The most famous of such paintings is the Guinea Pig, which is found at the very center of the Last Supper painting.

3. A Historic District

It is time to take a tour of the unseen and our real travel begins. Hatunrumiyoc is rightly called the Historic District, and it has twelve angled stones crafted into the Inca walls. It is one stone only and neither visitors nor locals can touch it.

4. The Sun God

The Inca’s considered Inti their Sun God as the most powerful and built a shrine which is located at Avenida El Sol which is in Cusco. After the Spanish invasion, the architecture became a mix of both Inca and Spanish. The temple is called Coricancha.

5. Inti Riyami Festivals.

If June finds you in Cusco, consider yourself lucky. Cusco is undergoing a colossal change as it prepares itself for the Inti Riyami which is the celebration of the Sun God. Tourists are welcomed by the locals as they jointly witness and celebrate the colorful festivities.

6. Breath-taking View

Just in case you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience in Cusco, try viewing the Mirador de San Cristóbal, Plaza Santa de Santa Ana, and the Mirador de San Blas and be delighted with the panoramic view of the city below amidst the Andes Mountains. The access to the view is easy as it lies just a few kilometers from the main plaza. If this is not enough to satisfy you, prepare for a picnic. You may have to go to a high altitude and reach Qenko to access more breathtaking views.

7.San Pedro Market

A ten-minute walk is all that it takes to reach the Andean market, also popularly known as the San Pedro Market. The transformation you will undergo is nothing new as you enter the gates of the market.

They call it the Old Cusco life and the aroma catches your nostrils. It could be sheep blood oranges. The popularity of this market is compared to the visit to Machu Picchu. You can shop for anything you want and there are thousands to cater to your belly needs.

In case you’ve decided to visit it early in the morning hoping to avoid the real crowd, you are in for s surprise. The crowd is huge at any point of the day. Drink the freshest of juices or try the Soup made out of a Sheep’s head for breakfast. It’s a different and unique adventure, that’s all!

8. Muse ode ARTE Pre colombino:

Located in Cusco, it is situated in the San Blas District. The pre- Colombian museum has more than 450 artifacts that have been collected and gathered from their earlier place of safekeeping.

9. Planetarium Cusco:

They have their own planetarium in Cusco and their own way of interpreting the skies. There are briefings given to visitors, but the main event is star-gazing; provided the weather is conducive.

10. The Irish Pub:

A two-minute walk from the Central Plaza is the Paddy’s Irish Bar ‘. Many would vouch that the bar transports you to Ireland as it is loaded with Irish favorites. Soccer games on large TV screens with beer flowing on all cups are almost an everyday scene at ‘Paddy.’ It is the right break for the tourists who have been binging on Peruvian food to taste Western food.

11. The rare bean bar Chocolate Workshop

You may have had experiences of a different kind touring Cusco. Other rare experiences await you as in the bean to bar workshop and witness the conversion of the bean to chocolate bar. You can taste all the samples provided you have a sweet tooth.

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Belgium Food- Savory and Delicious All The Way

Belgium is considered one the top tourist attractions not only in Europe but in the entire world. They have everything for a tourist to roam around and gaze in excitement. The most significant concern for a tourist is food. Belgium comes out with flying colours with its Belgium food, which is considered the most delicious apart from their beer and drinks, which is always a part of the meal. In other words, Belgian food has French quality and is served in German quantity, which is overwhelming.

10 Best Belgium Food to Try

Found below are their top ten food cuisines which are not only popular but also tasty!

1. Belgian fries

When one talks about ‘ Fries,’ it is pretty natural to attach a prefix to it and call it ‘ French Fries.’ But the truth is different from the myth. Certain strange co-incidences lead to this belief. American soldiers in WW1 were stationed in Belgium, but they thought they were in France. Moreover, French was a common language spoken in Belgium. 

They tasted the delicacy and called it French Fries, and that is a Belgium fact! The French started their Fries almost a century later. Belgian fries differ from the recipe of the French. The fries should not be soft, not unfrozen before frying. 

The potatoes are fried twice to make them one cm thick. In Belgium, they serve it with a sauce that has also become the practice worldwide. It is considered the tastiest side dish, and it’s added to UNESCO’s list of cultural dishes since 2014. Would it be surprising if someone told you that a museum is dedicated to ‘Belgian Fries’? Do visit the ‘Friet Museum ‘ in Bruges, Belgium to know more.

2. Belgium Chocolate

Belgian traditions ring in yet another delicacy, and that’s Belgian chocolate. There is nothing weird about chocolate makers worldwide making them and paste a label ‘ Belgian Chocolate’ around it. The point is, imitations are imitations, and you taste this gourmet in Belgium.

 In a country filled with chocolatiers, how can anyone possibly choose one? You order coffee or tea; you would receive a few Belgian chocolates with it, and that is a Belgian food fact.

3. Grey shrimp Croquettes

You can do your best to avoid Grey Shrimp Croquettes which is pure Belgium food but you are sure to fail. They are such a delicacy, and they can be found in every seafood restaurant in Belgium. You need not order for them as they are included in the menu, and these crustaceans arrive in a small bowl for you to snack on. 

The shrimps, which are grey, are harvested by fisherman who travels by horseback. Croquettes made from scratch have an exterior that can be crispy.

4. Carbonade flamand eor stoofvlees

A steak and an ale stew, Sweet & Sour, has a typical recipe but many variations. The variations exist because families hand it over to their immediate generation, and that generation is doing the same. These Belgium food recipes do have certain ingredients in common like

• Bread
• Bacon
• Shallots
• Carrots and mushrooms
• Red wine and perhaps a pinch of dark chocolate too!

To keep the meat tender and the flavor intact, the cooking process is deliberately kept slow after marinating them. 

 To enhance the taste of Carbonade Flamand eor stoofvlees, it’s best to have it with French Fries, noodles, and vegetable salads with a mug filled with beer.

5. Sole meunière

Fish dishes are plenty in Belgium, but only a few can be called classic like the Sole meunière. ‘Meunier’ means ‘ Miller’s wife,’ and this refers to the process. The fish is dipped in seasoned flour and then fried using a pan containing minimum butter. 

As per tradition, it has to be a brown butter sauce and to obtain that rich taste, lemon juice and chopped parsley are added. The Belgians and the French make it tastier by adding a few potatoes or boiled Frites as Belgian desserts.

6. Chicon Au Gratin

Some of the more popular Food like Chicon au gratin can be found in every nook and corner of the streets but not in the a-la-carte of a restaurant. The Endive is a vegetable leaf, and a Flemish specialty is a key ingredient. 

Generally, the Endive can be found in appetizers, soups, etc. To make up the dish, prime boiled ham acts combined with leafy vegetables and the regional cheese. It gets served with mashed potatoes. It would be noteworthy to mention that the Endives that are being sold in the USA are imported by Belgium only.

7. Filet Americain

You can order a Filet Americain in Belgium and react with a shock to see cold and seasoned raw minced beef served in place of a juicy steak for this is the Belgium food version. Lean seasonings are added to the steak to enhance its flavors. The various seasonings are done with

• Mustard
• Ketch- up
• salt
• Pepper
• Egg yolk
• Picked union.

There are two ways one can enjoy the Filet Americain. The first option is to spread it evenly on toasted bread. The second is to eat it as part of the main course with pickles and Frites accompanying it. When this dish is ordered in a Belgium restaurant, you can witness it near your table and choose one of the two options above.

8. Moules Frites

Ask any Belgian to name a famous Belgiam food specialty! Also, ask them if they have not had Moules Frites recently. The answer would be ‘ No’! The fact is that 30 million tons of Moules Frites get consumed every year in Belgium.

 In other words, that’s an average of 3 kgs per Belgian per year. There are many ways to cook and consume these. Some cook them in white wine, and some use parsley or butter. A few skip the wine and prefer the Belgian drinks, say a beer with a dash of cream and vegetable stock added to it. 

It was in 1781 that they combined mussels and Frites in a dish. The Frites are fried twice to retain their crispness. Since its availability is everywhere, neither can you avoid them nor should you try avoiding them; A Belgium visit is considered incomplete without them.

9. Stoemp

With Potatoes dominating the mix of vegetables, all are mashed up together. The other vegetables included in this Belgian food are

• Kale
• Endive
• Carrots
• Onions
• Spinach
• Many Greens.
• Turnips
• Spinach.

It would not be a bad idea to add milk/cream to this mix.

10. Paling In’t Green

A dish which can become more enjoyable provided you have some bread and Frites alongside it. Paling In’t Groen is a dish celebrated through a long passage of time by the Belgian Dutch (Flemish). The green sauce has eels in it which is the exact translation of Paling In’t Groen. 

Going by Belgium Traditions, these were eels caught in the River Scheldt which flowed in-between Dendermonde and the port city of Belgium Antwerp. The green herbs that went into the mix in the olden days were found in the riverbank. With the passage of time, a sauce created with a planned bunch of herbs that include

• Chervil
• Mint,
• Sorrel,
• Watercress,
• Parsley
• Thyme.

The secret is making the sauce is that it should be made after everything else is set up. The reason is that the vibrant color disappears quickly. 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

• Is Belgiam Food good?

There is no doubt that Belgian food happens to be the closest to their heart for many. Chocolate, waffles, Belgium fries are the tastiest, and when they coupled with Belgian desserts, it’s the most delectable combination. Belgian drinks are always a part of the meal. 

• What is a typical Belgian breakfast?

The typical Belgian early morning breakfast is similar to its neighboring country, the Netherlands. It is a Belgian food fact that they do not eat their most famous Belgian food, waffles a snack available in tourist areas of their large cities traditionally. As per Belgium traditions, breakfast consists of loaves of bread that may be toasted/untoasted, with many marmalades with various jams and chocolate. Standard toppings include cheese and sliced meats. On Sundays, it’s a different breakfast altogether with croissants and Pastries, but repeats are avoided strictly.

• What is Belgium famous for?

Apart from the fact that Belgium is famous for its food, it’s one of the European countries packed with tourist attractions. They are preserved perfectly, and some are many centuries old, which narrate the cultural heritage of Belgium and its cities. Some are:

1. Grand Place, Brussels
2. The Canals and Belfry of Bruges
3. The Battlefields of Flanders
4. Ghent’s Gravensteen and Old Town
5. Horta Museum and Town Houses
6. Cathedral of Saint Bavo, Ghent
7. Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges
8. Grand Place Antwerp

• What are Belgium Famous food ?
• Belgian Fries
• Moules-Frites
• Stoemp
• Grey shrimp Croquettes
• Speculaas
• Belgian Waffles
• Waterzooi
• Belgian Chocolates
• Tomates aux Crevettes Grises
• Sirop de Liege

 

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February Extravaganza in the Nordic Land of Iceland

Introduction:

A genuinely mysterious country. A country with a name that indicates their weather. A country in a remote corner of this world. A country that has significantly less population. And a country we all want to visit and enjoy its scenic spots. A country called Iceland.

It is a million-dollar question on what could be the best time to visit this Nordic Island State. None want to miss any of that fantastic sightseeing which has been narrated a thousand times. Found below are specific descriptions of the weather in Iceland throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

December to February:

It is very chilly and temperature at -30 degrees C. Best to avoid.

February to March:

It’s Equinox time, and the Northern Lights put up a fantastic display. It does the same between September and October. The question is, which month is ideal if you consider the full package?

November to January:

Daylight is scarce, and the Aurora never appears. Best to avoid these months.

June – July:

Iceland becomes the land of the midnight sun, thus disallowing sleep. Best to avoid.

September: 

Snow and ice and makes driving difficult. Best to avoid.

February – March:

Apart from the magic spectacle of the Aurora’s, the Orcas also swim in these waters. You can be a boat to capture this wildlife moment, which is also rare.

The Verdict:

From the above, it is clear that Iceland in February is the perfect month to visit it. Thermal gear is a necessity. In the passages found below, more clarity is made available to strengthen the case for a visit to Iceland in February.

February weather in Iceland:

Snow does cover the mountain peaks. The weather does start getting warmer in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik.

The Sun does arise late at 10.20 am. Unlike other seasons, it allows seven hours of good daylight, which is enough to cover the scenic spots. The temperature would range between – 2 degrees C and 3 degrees C. It is bound to grow warmer as days pass by. Therefore, it is bound to be cold, but daylight does exist in Iceland in February.

Things to do In Iceland in February

1. THE REYKJAVIK FOOD WALK

Hire a local guide or befriend a local to walk you through one of the best food experiences on offer. The walkthrough would take three hours to get to know local history and visit the best food restaurants.

Imagine tasting Icelandic Icecream in a cold country and wanting more. The famous Icelandic Hot- dog and cheese are on your menu too. Lamb soups and freshwater caught fish for the day fill up your stomach with delight. Exploring Reykjavik cannot be done in a better way than the food walk.

2. HIKING EXPEDITION TO THE WATERFALLS AND GLACIERS:

Exploring Sólheimajökull Glacier that belongs to the imposing icecap of Mýrdalsjökull that is located on Iceland’s south coast. It’s hardly 100 miles from Reykjavik and easy to climb a glacier. Sólheimajökull is all the way impressive as it descends from Mýrdalsjökull.

Mýrdalsjökull, by the way, has covered up an infamous volcano called Katla, and you should realize that you are on top of it, protected by the thick layer of ice. Sólheimajökull is just a few km off the ring road, which encircles Iceland.

From here, you can make your way to the magical twin waterfalls called Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, which are frozen in February. Yet, it is magic, as you see the Waterfall to Earth, but it’s in a frozen state.

3. THE FUR PONIES OF ICELAND:

Iceland is proud of its horses. They protect them in ranches as these horses are unique to Iceland. They are not allowed to breed with the other kind, and they have survived more than 1000 years. The fur automatically grows on them during winter, and they do look lovely. Horse-riding is part of the tour, so enjoy these pony rides.

4. The Golden Circle:

Golden Circle is a term that pops up too often when someone discusses tourism. It’s a must-see and is a combination of three spots. You would first visit the Gullfoss Waterfalls is a two-tiered massive waterfall. In February, the waters appear frozen, and the ice glistens. In summer, this Waterfall is the mightiest and has strong currents.

Next are the Geysers—an area of Hot springs. The site has mud pits that are boiling all the time, which causes the Geysers to explode into the air up to 100 feet. The activity occurs every few minutes and is considered one of the most visited spots in Iceland.

The last stop would be the National Park of Iceland, Þingvellir. This is a place where nature resides. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can do the following there:

• Go Snorkeling at Silfra

• Marvel at the Langjökull Glacier.

• Walk along the Þingvallavatn, which happens to be the largest lake in Iceland.

• Go for a hike in the Almannagjá, which is a gorge lying within the confines of the Þingvellir National Park. Here, you will witness the beauty of the Waterfall that is a must-visit tourist spot when you are in the Golden Circle trip. It’s been made more popular ever since the release of the popular serial Game of Thrones.

You can find the Secret lagoon in the village of Flúði. It is a thermal pool, and the steam rises from the natural hot springs. You can bathe in this pool as the Geysers erupt every fifth minute. There are locker facilities available to change into your swimming gear and bars with food.

The Northern Lights in February

A strange but natural phenomenon occurs sixty miles above Earth. The Earth’s atoms are consistently hit by the charged-up particles of the Sun. Photons are released in this chemical reaction and emit many colors in the dark. This display of colors is called ‘ Aurora’ and takes place between 5- 11 pm.

Equinox time in Iceland is the best time to spot these Northern lights. February is Equinox’s time in Iceland. The Dancing Aurora’s is popularly known as the one massive attraction to tourists in Iceland in February.

Events in February

Some many festivities and events take place in Iceland in February. A few of them are:

• A Festival Called ‘The Winter Lights. ‘The theme behind the festival is celebrating all forms of lights and waiting for brighter days.

• Valentine’s Day may not be appealing to the locals, but it’s the foreign tourists who celebrate by visiting romantic spots

• Yet another music festival called ‘ Sonar Music ‘ showcases famous music artists and new talents in this music festival, which lasts three nights.

• Bolludagar precedes Easter by six weeks and is known as bun day. The theme behind this festival is fun and straightforward. People should keep eating meatballs, cream-filled buns, and fish balls and not bother about the quantity.

If this was not enough, the Sprenguidagur Festival, which follows the Bolludagar, is the limit. You need to eat till you burst! And all that happens in Iceland in February.

February Daylight Tours of Iceland

From the first day of February till the last, six minutes of daylight is gained every day. So what about Daylight Tours in Iceland? Here are your options.

• The Northern lights can be seen and enjoyed in February.

• You can enjoy the Ice cave Tours with all those icicles with knife-like points hanging dangerously.

• Explore the Blue Lagoon in Iceland during February that is more of a spa. It’s soothing to swim here and natural treatment.

• Watch the Geysers shoot 100 ft into the air while enjoying bath in the hot springs

• Travel north and enjoy a tour of Akureyri. Enjoy those colorful houses and sip a coffee at Hafnarsrtaeti, which is the Main Street of Akureyri.

The other places of interest sound are:

• The Penis Museum, which is unique and has the most extensive collection of all marine and mammal animals’ phallus.

• Art Museum of Iceland – The Reykjavik

Popular Museum of Iceland – National Museum

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is February the only month where we can spot the Northern Lights?

A: No. You can view it clearly between September and April, which includes February.

• Can we view the Northern lights from any part of Iceland?

A: Yes, as long as you watch north. It is not only Iceland from where you can see the Northern Lights. Places that are close to the Arctic also get to witness this. Such countries include Northern Canada, Alaska, and some Scandinavian countries.

•  What kind of clothes should one pack when traveling to Iceland in February?

A: The weather is expected to be cold and can go down to 2 degrees C. Here is the list:

• Underwear should be thermal or wool only

• Boots. Hiking boots preferred

• Swimming gear

• Lip balms

• Sunglasses/ goggles

• Thick padded socks

• Gloves and scarves

Conclusion:

A visit to Iceland is indeed a heartwarming experience. It is undoubtedly one of the most scenic places on this planet, and February is an ideal month to visit.

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