Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius

by Aurelija Brazenaite

Vilnius is the biggest city and the capital of Lithuania. Vilnius is located in the Southeast of Lithuania and even two beautiful rivers flow through it. Vilnius is one of the greenest capitals in Europe. More than 40 % of territory is covered with green trees and plants. Vilnius has five Tourism Information Centers. Go there and get your free maps and the best advices.

There are many interesting and attractive sightseeings that must be seen and many activities that you should try. From the Gediminas Castle hill you can admire green and historical Vilnius panorama or an amazing sunset, which all colors in red. If you really enjoy watching town’s panorama, you also should go to the Hill of Three Crosses.

The Old Town with small streets is worthy for tourists attention as well. There are several museums like Museum of Genocide Victims and the Cathedral in the heart of Vilnius. Vilnius is very rich with many churches of different styles and epochs. The most famous is gothic Ona Church. Once you are in Lithuania, do not miss your chance to visit very cozy artists’ district called Uzupis.
Nature lovers will be amazed by beautiful and very green Verkiai and Pavilniai National Parks. Also, there are other beautiful parks such as Sereikiskiai and Vingio.
Couples, singles or families can rent bikes, canoes. Also, you can take long promenades in the most beautiful parks or have some extreme sports like climbing trees.

Vilnius is full of restaurants, cafes and night clubs. If you are searching for places where to eat or have
fun, you will find it without any efforts. You should be aware that only 18 years old or in some places only 21 years old can enter a night club. Do not forget that most of night clubs are opened on weekends.
Lithuanians are friendly, but at first sight it may look contrary, because not everybody likes to speak with strangers, especially in other language. Mostly older people do not know English, but they know Russian language very well. You should ask younger people for advices or other help.

Try to avoid visiting sleeping dorms, dark places and market zones, where you can be robbed and cheated. Also, if possible never allow yourself to be provoked by drunken clubbers. You should know that prostitution is illegal in Lithuania, so be very careful with some women.
Most of Lithuanians are Christians and they do not have any special customs. They celebrate all National and Christian holidays. It is very common to say hello by shaking hands between men. Women kiss each other into cheeks only if they are very good friends.


People living in Vilnius often go to eat in local restaurants or cafes. Most of restaurants bring outdoor furniture for warm seasons. You can sit outside and watch passers-by and admire the town. You should try a cold soup called Saltibarsciai. It is made of kefir, eggs, cucumber, beetroots and onions. It is the best dish for the hot day. Also, do not forget to eat Cepelinai, which main ingredients are potatoes and
minced meat.

Lithuania is very famous for its tasty beer. Try our local live dark or light beer.
If you are a fan of fast food, you can go to McDonald's or Hesburger. Mostly Lithuanians do not eat fast food very often. They prefer cooking at home.

Vilnius has very good public transport infrastructure. Students, young persons and retirees prefer going by bus or by trolley. Working people usually go to work by car. You should be aware that you can stick in traffic after working hours.
europe

Karachi, Pakistan

Karachi – The City Of Lights


By Ansab Khan


Karachi, a city of Pakistan, East Asia, is one of greatest cities of the world. It is highly population density city having over 20 million people not only from within the country but also from other countries such, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and other adjacent countries. Karachi is capital of Sind province, and it is hub for the people of Pakistan where everyone is warmly welcomed. Usually people come from across the country to find job, as Karachi is heaven for commercial purposes, having international airport and Ports.


Its summer time, and if you are planning to take tour in Karachi, this is right time and right choice for you, as Karachi is situated near sea which makes the climate moderate in every season.
Karachi is heaven for tourist, and believe me if you heard someone saying that he has visited the entire Karachi, then he is laying. They are so many attractions for tourist such beaches, parks, museums, Historic places[list] and buildings, entertainments and many more, you can keep counting.
One interesting thing you will find in Karachi is bike and biker, this is the only thing that you can enjoy and avoid as well. how you can enjoy is biking skills of youngsters, the way they ride bike is noticeable but it is dangerous too because rush of traffic but these guys have not fear and worries about anything when they start the bike, they forget everything and enjoy their ride which causes crucial accidents on daily basis.


Besides this, the funniest part of Karachi transportation is public transport which includes Rickshaw, Ching Chi, Buses, and Mini Buses. They are highly decorated and the funny quotes, saying and one liner written on them are epic, if you know local language, you would really enjoy them. I’m quoting some for you with English translations. “Maa ki Dua, Jannat Ki Hawa”, (Mother’s Prayer, Heaven’s Air), Sharmeeli Nagin (this is really tough for me, Sharmeeli mean Shy and Nagin mean Female Snake, Shy Female Snake, and now imagine this is written on slow paced bus driving exactly before, how would be feel…) “Dekh Magar Pyar Say” (Watch But with Love) and the last but not the least, “Himmat Hay Cross Kar, Warna Bardasht Kar”, (Cross, if you have courage, otherwise tolerate.)


There are several food streets in Karachi, in North Nazimabad, Hussainabad, Burns Roads, Boat Beson, and Do Darya etc which have local and international restaurant. The most famous foods are biryani, nihari, haleem, Karhai and barbecue. You also have international cuisine such as Arab, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, South Indian, and Korean etc. there is one another thing that is Pathans’ Tea Stalls and shops on every corner, normally youngsters spend their weekend nights on tea stall having chit chat with hot tea. There are load of tea shops but one famous is Café Piyala near Gulberg, you must visit once.


Karachi is the fun and people loving city, accommodate every kind of people. You can have food with minimal or no amount. Although it is good point of attraction for tourists nevertheless tourism is reduced drastically because the unrest and uncertain situation in Karachi. General Election has been held in Pakistan, it is hoped that this will be effective positively the situation overall.

#Famous Places in Karachi
Beaches Seaview, Manora Island, Sandspit Beach, Hawke's Bay Beach, Paradise Point, French Beach, Cape Monze, Nathiagali Beach

Museums National Museum of Pakistan, Pakistan Air Force Museum, Pakistan Maritime Museum.

Parks Bagh Ibne Qasim, Boat Basin Park, Mazar-e-Quaid, Karachi Zoo, Hill Park, Safari Park, Bagh-e-Jinnah, PAF Museum Park, Maritime Museum Park
Historic places and buildings Chowkandi graveyard, Mewa Shah Graveyard (One of the Largest Graveyards of Pakistan), Karachi Port Trust, Sindh High Court. Hindu Gymkhana, KMC Head Office, Ghulam Husain Khalikdina Hall, Frere Hall, Empress Market, Jehangir Kothari Parade, St Patrick's Church, Mohatta Palace and Karachi Cantonment Railway Station buildings
Entertainment Arena, Atrium Malls and Cinema, Capri Cinema
Water Parks, Amusement Parks, Shopping Malls,
Clubs.