Top 20 most expensive cities in the world

20 place - Dubai, UAE (52 - position in the ranking of 2008)


19 place - Helsinki, Finland (21)

The best places of the world

France, Champagne (Aube), Troyes, Place Alexandre Israel.

Spain, Valencia, Principe Felipe Science Museum and reflection in pool.

Walt Disney Parks

Amazing carnaval Rio 2008

February 2, in the city of Rio de Janeiro has launched a traditional carnival. Rio de Janeiro is among the biggest cities in South America and the most popular of cultural celebrations is the Carnaval.

Photos: ©Reuters, AP, AFP, DPA

The fire festival "Up-Helly-Aa"

"Up-Helly-Aa" is a very impressive spectacle, a celebration of Shetland history, and a triumphant demonstration of the islanders' skills and spirit. This northern Mardi Gras lasts just one day (and night) and held on the last Tuesday in January. Only men can take an active part in the celebrations "Up-Helly-Aa". The first celebration was in 1878.

Lerwick, Scotland. (Photo: AFP)

Sancheoneo Ice Festival in Korea

People drop lines in holes on a frozen river at a trout fishing festivity in Hwacheon, about 20 km (12 miles) south of the demilitarised zone separating two Koreas, northeast of Seoul. The trout fishing event was part of the annual ice festival, which attracted more than 1,000,000 people and lasts for three weeks in January.

(Xinhua Photo)

Cuba inside out

Visa and legal issues for Cuba
A tourist visa card (visada tarjeta del turista) is necessary for travellers from most nations. This visa, which is really little more than a piece of paper on which you list your vital statistics, costs between 15-25 CUC (or 15-25 Euro), depending on where purchased. It is usually valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at any immigration office in Cuba - beyond this you would need a pretty good reason. Canadians are the exception, getting 90 days on arrival and can apply for a 90 day extension. Your passport needs to be valid at least six months past the end of your planned return.
Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda (28 days), Barbados (28 days), Belarus, Dominica, Grenada (60 days), Malaysia (90 days), Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines and Singapore who can stay 30 days without visa.
It is important to note that there is also a departure tax of CUC 25, to be paid in cash when departing Cuba.
On arrival you must already have a legal housing booking (hotel or casa particular) for at least three days. If you've written in the name of a good hotel on the tourist card, the officials should rarely ask for proof.
Cuban customs can be strict, though they sometimes go easy on tourists.