Ten Destinations That You Should Reach In Cuba

Author: Jonathan Williams

Cuba is recognized as the largest island in the Caribbean Islands. It is further subdivided into three provinces; namely, the Western Cuba, the Central Cuba, and the Eastern Cuba. This is a wonderful country to visit as it has lots of beautiful places for visitors to explore as well as a very rich culture to share. Listed below are the popular tourist destinations in Cuba.

1.) Havana

Havana is Cuba's capital city, and it is also one of the most popular tourist spots in the country as well as the world. Here, there are lots to see like the Museum of the Revolution as well as the Capital Building, and you should certainly visit the Havana Club Rum Factory as well as the Plaza de la Revolucion. You should also take advantage of strolling along the Prado Street as well as El Malecon at night.

2.) Baracoa

This was the first capital city of Cuba until the mid 1500s. What you will be doing here most of your time will be relaxing in its pristine beaches and soaking in the sun. You should also visit El Yunque as well as Yumuri where you can take a relaxing stroll.

3.) Pinar del Rio

In Pinar del Rio, you should visit La Estrechura where you can view the Cuyaguateje River. You will also see here a lot of bohios, which are the characteristic houses of rural Cuba. If you want a nature walk, then you should go to the Valley of Isabel Maria where you can enjoy its magnificent sight as you walk.

4.) Santa Clara

You can find in this city the mausoleum for Che Guevara. There are daily tours here that you can take advantage of, just keep in mind though that taking photographs is not allowed inside the mausoleum. You can also see here a museum dedicated to Che Guevara, and it is a must-see destination also.

5.) Santiago de Cuba

This is a great place to visit if you enjoy hiking and mountaineering. Once you reach the summit of the mountain range called La Gran Piedra, you will be greeted by a sight so beautiful as you gaze at nature all around you. You can also dip your tired feet in the Carpintero River and have a quick rest there.

6.) Trinidad

This place is famous for its waterfalls that can be found just near the town of Topes de Collantes. You can reach them by car or by one of the guided tours going to the area. Once you are done with your visit to the falls, you always have the salsa dancing to look forward to when you reach the city square.

7.) Cayo Largo

This is a little island in Cuba that is fast becoming popular. It offers a lot of activities to do such as swimming and bowling as well as singing in a karaoke bar. This is also the only nudist beach in Cuba.

8.) Jardines del Rey

What makes up Jardines del Rey is a group of tiny islands. These islands are Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo as well as Cayo Romano and Cayo Paredon Grande. Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are the only developed islands in Jardines del Rey and are fast becoming favorite beach resorts.

9.) Maria la Gorda

The main tourist attraction in this little village is its water activities. Here, you can go snorkeling. The village also offers some scuba diving activities where you will get to see beautiful marine animals.

10.) Varadero

This is also a primary beach resort in Havana, Cuba. Here, you can go on catamaran trips and go snorkeling. You can also visit the Bellamar Caves.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ten-destinations-that-you-should-reach-in-cuba-329420.html

About the Author
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/cuba to view or share Cuba travel videos.

10 Great Tourist Destinations You Can Go To In The Bahamas

Author: Jonathan Williams

The Bahamas is well known all around the world as one of the greatest travel destinations, and one of the main reasons is because of its pristine beaches and natural wonders. At the Bahamas, you can spend your vacation at the beach sipping tropical drinks or you could dive and discover the marine life that abounds near its shores. Whatever the reason, the Bahamas is sure to offer travelers everywhere a well deserved time for rest and relaxation, and here are 10 places you could go to when visiting this island paradise.

1.) Beaches in Bahamas

These are the two most popular beaches in the Bahamas. More than two miles long, Cabbage beach is dotted with tropical trees such as coconut, casuarinas and sea grape. Paradise beach near Atlantis resort is also a great beach destination for tourists, especially for those staying at the hotel. Other popular beaches here are the Gold Rock Beach, Xanadu Beach and Lucaya Beach.

2.) Lucayan National Park

In this park, tourists can enjoy a myriad of activities. The activities include spelunking or cave exploration where you will see the interesting rock formations in the caves and kayaking down a mangrove lined creek. Swimming in the beaches lined with coral sands is, of course, the most popular.

3.) Andros Island

In this island, you can go snorkeling and diving to see the abundant and diverse marine life in its shores. In fact, the island boasts of one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. In this reef, you will see elkhorn corals and other coral formations stretching out more than 100 miles.

4.) Blue Lagoon Island

The Blue Lagoon Island located in Nassau showcases dolphins that you can swim with, play with or ride. For the less courageous, there are docks where you can relax while watching these wonderful animals. You also get to enjoy the beautiful scenery this offers.

5.) Paradise island Outdoor Aquarium

This popular tourist destination has 11 exhibit lagoons where tourists can see 200 species of different marine animals. The Acrylic tunnels that undermine the sea creatures' habitat enable tourists to see piranhas, lobsters, jellyfish, green eels, sharks, giant groupers. You can see many other creatures as well in their natural habitats.

6.) Pirates of Nassau

Prepare to be enthralled and fascinated by the life of pirates in this venue located at the heart of downtown Nassau. Here, tourists are taken into an educational program that educates people about the life of pirates through interactive programs. This is a great way to get to know Bahamas' culture more.

7.) Bahamas Historical Society Museum

This historical museum showcases exhibits that show the island's history from the time of Columbus to the present. Here, you will see scores of Lucayan-Taino-Arawak artifacts. The artifacts here give tourists a glimpse of the lives of the people in the distant past.

8.) The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation

This museum located in Vendue house was once the place where slave auctions and sales of goods from shipwrecks were held. Today, the place serves to educate people on the rich history and culture of the Bahamas. Artistic works of famous Bahamian artist Amos Ferguson is also showcased in this museum.

9.) Crystal Cay

This place is an aquarium and a zoo spanning the whole of New Providence Island. Here, you can view the fascinating animals either by going up the 100 feet high observation towers or go down a staircase for a view of the corals, tropical fishes, sponges and other marine life. You can reach this island through Nassau docks or through Arawak.

10.) Fort Charlotte

Fort Charlotte is a military site located in West Bay Street and Marcus Bethel Way in Nassau. It was built sometime in the late 18th century and was named after George the Third's wife. Here, you can take a scroll and see the waterless moat, dungeons, drawbridge and ramparts.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/10-great-tourist-destinations-you-can-go-to-in-the-bahamas-329538.html

About the Author
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/bahamas to view or share Bahamas travel videos.

Ten Magical Places Of Brazil

Author: Jonathan Williams

Brazil is a country that is full of life and full of color. Because of its heritage and culture, this has also become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This country has become a popular honeymooner's choice because of the variety of sights and sounds that Brazil can give to any tourists, and here are the ten must-go-to places if you are going to Brazil.

1.) Rio's Hunchback.

Anybody who wants to go to Brazil should visit the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. This is a famous landmark in Brazil, and anybody can enjoy the magnificent sight this can give them. Along the way, one can always enjoy nature such as the diverse flowers and the butterflies.

2.) Iguazu Falls.

If you want nature at its best, then why not go bike riding along Iguazu Falls. This is a magical place to behold as it is always a beauty to see a permanently shining rainbow through the falls' mist. This is also a great way to see Brazil's wildlife.

3.) Amazon.

Nothing beats exploring the Amazon jungle. There is so much to see in this wilderness that any other country will pale in comparison. Here, you will get to see animals native to Brazil as well as the huge diversity of its trees and flowers, truly a magnificent sight to behold.

4.) Rio de Janeiro.

What better way to see Rio de Janeiro than to hang-glide and enjoy a bird's eye view of this great place from above. From a peak in Pedra Bonita in Gavea, you get to soar above the wonderful place and see the forests below. After you are done hang-gliding, then why not visit Sco Conrado's equally beautiful beaches?

5.) Pantanal.

Pantanal is a great place to visit if you want to see a plethora of sea life. Take a horse-riding tour of the area to see more of its creatures. Or, you can always explore the area on your own.

6.) Aquario Natural.

This is a great place to visit if you want to go snorkeling. Here, you will see a vast variety of wonderful and vibrant tropical fishes. You can also visit Rio Sucuri where you will surely be captivated by the wonderful sight of its waters and the clear skies.

7.) Chapada Diamantina

If you love hiking or mountain bike riding, then this great place is a must for you to visit. Here, you can ride or hike along its wonderful trails and get a look at nature at its best with its beautifully-colored birds. Trekking and bike riding is not the only activity here as you can also visit caverns and wonderful waterfalls, and also, you can set up camp for the night to visit the grotto.

8.) Rio Novo.

The best way to explore this part is to go rafting. Here, you get to enjoy some peace and tranquility as you drift along its waters, or you can bring a book to read as you leisurely travel along Rio Novo. If you are lucky enough, you can catch glimpses of its creatures like the deer and the wolf.

9.) Ubatuba.

If you want to see more of Brazil's sea life and creatures, then one of the most wonderful places to visit is the Ubatuba. With its beautiful and clear beaches, this has become a wonderful tourist spot. Go scuba diving around the tiny islands that can be found in its coasts.

10.) Ouro Preto.

To see more of Brazilian culture, then walk along the cobblestone streets of this town. Here, you will see Baroque churches. Also, you can see here beautiful fountains, ruins, and mansions.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ten-magical-places-of-brazil-329415.html

About the Author
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/brazil to view or share Brazil travel videos.

Video Analysis Of The Basketball Free Throw

Author: Dudley Tabakin

With the NCAA basketball tournaments about to begin and the regular season of the NBA about to end, we know many of you are spending a lot of time either watching or playing basketball. In honor of March Madness, our videos this week are of a basketball free throw. We have video of two subjects with very different techniques shooting a free throw. We have set up our camera on the side of the subject, as we wanted to evaluate the subjects ball release angle.All the videos can be found at http://videosportsanalysis.blogspot.com .

Notice that both the free throw shooters are right-handed therefore it would have been more appropriate for us to shoot the video from the other side of the court, so that we would have a clear view of the right arm. However, in this case, lighting conditions and other background interference meant that shooting from the left side of the athlete would result in a sharper image to analyse. We were, however, lucky that in both videos we can see enough of the shooting arm and ball to evaluate the release angle that we are interested in.

A feature of many free video analysis software is that we can compare two subjects side by side. When comparing 2 subjects, it is important to also synchronize the video to a specific event. We synchronized the two subjects' free throws at the point of ball release. We need to synchronize video for comparison because not all videos are the same length, as some subjects may take longer to shoot their free throw than others. If we tried to analyze two videos of free throws that were not synchronized, we would have a very difficult time ensuring that we could see both subjects releasing the ball at the same time. The free video analysis software we used allows us to synchronize side by side video.

We are going to suggest some improvements for subject 1 based on a little bit more video analysis we did with a free video analysis software package.

Here are two freeze frame images of Subject 1 (top) and Subject 2. Using free video analysis software, we have calculated the angle of release for both subjects, and zoomed in on their arms and the ball at this release point. Subject 1 released the ball at 48 degrees to horizontal while Subject 2 released the ball at 70 degrees to the horizontal.

Now for some basic physics. The diameter of the basketball rim should be exactly twice the diameter of the basketball. In other words, two basketballs can fit through the hoop at the same time (if everything is perfect and there is no net). During a free throw or any basketball shot from the outer court, we are throwing the ball on an arc. The ball needs to move forward as well as up (for most of us) to get it into the net. The ball can either move on a flatter arc (Subject 1) or on a steeper arc (Subject 2). On a flatter arc the ball will not go as high but will move forward further and quicker; on a steeper arc, the ball will go higher and not as far. This means a free throw on a steeper arc will come down straighter and take advantage of the size of the basketball rim, while a flatter free throw will need to be far more accurate as a ball moving forward is more likely to hit the rim.

Subject 1 should try to put his free throw on a higher arc to take advantage of the physics described above. He can see immediately from this video analysis that his free throw is at a 30 degree flatter angle at release than Subject 2 and while practicing his free throws, should concentrate on releasing the ball on a higher angle. Once Subject 1 has some time to practice, we will get another video of him and see how he has improved.

Hope you enjoyed this first full Video Analysis. Remember that you too can do this type of in-depth analysis. All you need is a video camera and a little understanding. Follow us to get more tips, tricks, and understanding in using your video camera to analyze different sports.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/basketball-articles/video-analysis-of-the-basketball-free-throw-820700.html

About the Author

Dudley Tabakin is Co-Founder of Sadaka, LLC http://videosportsanalysis.blogspot.com, a motion capture and biomechanics consultancy. Clients include FootJoy, Titleist, Warrior Hockey, Vicon Motion Systems, Innovision Systems Inc. and other Sports and Motion capture and biomechanics software companies