Visiting Australia For The First Time
The Land Down Under holds a huge variety of sights and activities for tourists, ranging from its exotic fauna to the landscapes and seascapes that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Travellers to Australia can see all the biggest sights in a matter of a week or two, but they should not be fooled by the continent’s small population. It is the size of the United States and is mostly sparse desert, so travelling by car or bus is not recommended. What’s more, it is far away and requires a flight that can be as much as a full day to get to the country.
Perhaps the greatest attraction in all of Australia is its coasts. As an island nation, you can find sandy beaches and plenty of fun water sports wherever you land. You can try many activities or just a few but without doubt; the most compelling is a snorkel trip to the Great Barrier Reef. This thousand-mile-long coral reef, visible from the moon, dominates eastern Australia’s coast. With more species of fish in a single reef than in the entire Caribbean, it is the diving experience of a lifetime. If you are trained to scuba dive, you can get even deeper to check out the fish, corals, and sea snakes. Go through ancient shipwrecks from ships that did not make it past the reefs. Marine animals like dolphins, whales, and sharks roam the reefs, so you can get a kick out of seeing the largest animals in the sea on patrol. Surf in the incredible waves of the Gold Coast and go on a horseback ride at sunset on Cable Beach. Once the day is done, eat the delicious seafood that thousands of restaurants across the country provide.
With dozens of natural parks across the country, visitors to Australia can see animals visible nowhere else on earth. The cute (but not always cuddly) koalas that roam the treetops pop down for a closer look while kangaroos hop around on legs that could kick down a door. The saltwater crocodiles grow larger in Australia than anywhere else except Egypt, while turtles and seals roam the shores in search of food. You can hike, bike, kayak, or go ATV’ing through the national parks in order to get your fill of adventure and sightseeing across the breadth of Australia.
Destination Guide - Bergamo, Italy
Tourists heading to the more popular destinations of Italy could be forgiven for not knowing of this hidden gem in the Lombardy region. Bergamo is an easy train journey from the hustle and bustle of Milan with the benefit of having its own airport. A short taxi ride brings you to the lower city (Bassa) where the majority of accommodation can be found. If this is your first time to Italy, you may be horrified at the carefree style of driving, with little regard to other road users!
While Bassa is pleasant enough with its fair share of bars, restaurants, and shops, Bergamo is still very much a working town. For those requiring a little history to savour, then a trip to the upper city (Alta) is an absolute must. The journey itself provides some entertainment by way of an old-fashioned funicular, which children in particular will adore, often full of local women intent on talking over each other!
There are many beautiful buildings to wander around, admiring the architecture and occasionally seeking refuge from the Mediterranean sun. The most famous sites such as the Cattedrale di Bergamo can become crowded. The best option is to look for the hidden side streets, each of which will reward you with a plethora of photographic opportunities.
Of course, the food here is outstanding, and even a simple pizza is elevated to a gastronomical delight! Gelato is another favourite and comes in an astonishing variety of flavours. The Bergamo locals can happily make a coffee last for hours, and you can follow their example, relaxing and people watching. Aperitivo hour is a popular evening stroll, calling at local bars for free snacks!
So, what are you waiting for? A visit to Bergamo should be on your wish list for an authentic Italian experience.