If you are planning a trip to Buenos Aires in Argentina, then there is something you absolutely must try – the tango! This passionate dance is full of twists and turns accompanied by music that is full of zesty percussions and vibrant horns. A trip to Argentina is not complete without an attempt to learn this dazzling dance.

The tango originated in the underbelly of Argentina, but the true origins of both the word and dance have been lost. Many historians speculate that the tango came from a mix of the different poorer peoples in the country.

The tango was rejected by high society when it first emerged, but as time went on it became more and more accepted. As the dance developed,  various instruments came into use and the music evolved as much as the dance itself. It wasn’t until the tango was introduced to Paris that it exploded in popularity. Eventually, the tango arrived in New York in 1913 and has become popular ever since.

When visiting Buenos Aires, you will see many different places that offer tango lessons. It is great fun to take a lesson with your partner. If you are a little on the shy side, there are shows and nightclubs where you can see the tango in action.

Visit Buenos Aires where you can get a first-hand look at rich Latin culture and pick up a few new dance moves!

Costa Rica means “rich coast” and the country truly lives up to its name. It has a wonderful climate, an advantageous geographic position, and its rich natural resources. If you are a nature lover, you will definitely want to pay this country a visit. The local wildlife is often the main reason why people from all over the world travel to this tropical paradise.

Costa Rica holds two very important titles: first in the Happy Planet Index and most “green” country. The country plans to be carbon neutral by 2021. The people of Costa Rica call themselves “Ticas” are very proud of their country and are very committed to keeping it healthy. They fiercely protect their land and wildlife. As one of the most bio diverse countries in the world, Costa Rica is home to approximately 500,000 species. Many of these can be seen in person at Manuel Antonio National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, or one of the other beautiful parks in the country.

Some of the species that can be found here are scarlet macaws, quetzals, marine turtles, toucans, monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and many more.  In terms of sea life, you can usually see dolphins, whales, sharks, jellyfish, manatees and starfish. Some animal species, like the jaguar and tapir, are very elusive and rarely seen by visitors. To maximize the amount of wildlife you will see, it is ideal to have a naturalist guide as they are trained how to find the-hard-to-spot animals like sloths.

Butterfly lovers will be delighted by the amount of butterflies in Costa Rica. There are over 1,250 species of butterfly and 8,000 species of moths in this country and they play an important role in its biodiversity. They also give an interesting look into how the animals and insects of Costa Rica can adapt to their surroundings to survive. For instance, swallowtail caterpillars disguise themselves as bird droppings to hide from predators.

Traveling to Costa Rica will give you an experience like no other, especially if you are a nature lover! Take advantage of the opportunity to see some of the most wonderful native wildlife in the world.

Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is  at the crux of a culinary crossroads; it mixes elements of Chinese, Indian, and Tibetan cuisine. This creates a truly unique experience for travelers visiting the region. If you are the type of person that enjoys a little spice, Bhutan is the place to find it. Its most popular dish, ema datschi’, is made of very hot chili peppers cut into strips and served with a spiced cheese sauce. Bhutan food is definitely not for the bland palette as it uses a variety of meats, beans, rice and of course, spices. If you are up to a culinary challenge, you will be handsomely rewarded!

Staples of Bhutan food include red rice, which has a wonderfully nutty flavor, buckwheat, lentils and corn. Meat is also used very often, and you will find that cuisine from the hills uses a lot of chicken, pork, mutton and yak. On cold days, the locals will eat dried vegetables with chilies and cheese. The diet here consists of high protein and healthy fats, with cheese and dairy mixed in. They also make use of leftovers by frying them with rice for snacks.

A popular ingredient in Bhutanese food is Yak and not a morsel is wasted. The locals use the animal to produce milk, butter, cheese and will consume the meat. Similar to other meats, yak is normally prepared with vegetables and chilies.

Food here is often very simple. For instance, asparagus grows well in Bhutan and is boiled or steamed and served laced with butter. Other common vegetables of the area include mushrooms, radish, potato, onion, and cabbage. Dishes are created by combining these basic elements and adding some chilies.

It is important to understand the cuisine of Bhutan, but also important to understand the culture. When you are offered food say, “meshu meshu” and cover your mouth with both hands. By doing this you are refusing the food. After doing this a few more times you may accept. This is considered polite and is a part of their culture. Once you accept the offering, be ready for the heat of the food. Bhutan may have a considerably cold climate, but they make up for it with the exceptionally fiery food. Most professional chefs can accommodate Westerners who are not used to intense spice, but if you are up for a challenge, order your food Bhutan style!

One major reason why South Africa continues to grow as a tourism destination is because it constantly defies perceptions. One might expect wildlife in this area to be bout wild game and nocturnal animals, but South Africa has so much more to offer. Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg offer visitors a more modern take on nightlife.  Bars, clubs, restaurants and live music are all available for travelers on a nightly basis.

New York might be considered the city that never sleeps, but Johannesburg is a close competitor. Its bars, pubs and clubs are open until the early morning hours. You can find both live music and DJs at these venues. Stop by the trendy Movida, where the Moulin Rouge meets South Africa. This popular place is known for its full-throttle parties and private VIP lounges. If the upscale crowd is not your scene, consider stopping over to St. Tropez where the clientele is younger and the music is louder. From bohemian to R&B to jazz, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

If you are among the elite jet set,  then you will want to visit Cape Town as it is home to a number of excellent, upscale options. Here you can sunbathe during the day and enjoy cold drinks while dancing at night.

Port Elizabeth is another great city you will want to check out. It is known as “the Friendly City”, and you will see why once you experience its great nightlife. Hotspots like Aqua, News Cafe’ and 9 Yards are all places you will definitely want to go.

Africa has an abundance of natural beauty that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, but its man-made attractions can be just as exciting. To see a different side of South Africa, investigate the nightlife. You definitely won’t be disappointed

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