Burundi

Burundi Flag

Why visit Burundi?

Birdwatching, forestry, mountainous scenery and wildlife.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Handbags, masks, pottery, shields, statues, straw baskets, wicker items and wood carvings.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Boko Boko (porridge). Boko boko Harees (chicken stew). Marahagwe (bean soup).
  
• Local Drink to Try: Impeke (beer).  Urwarwa (banana beer).
  

Fun Facts

• Around 1000AD, settlers arrived.
  
• In 1890s, ruled by Germany.
  
• In 1918, ruled by Belgium.
• In 1960s, became independent.
  
• In 1966, Prince Ntare V (1947-1972) became a teenage king after his father fled the country.
• In 1994, a missile fire purposely shot a small plane known to be carrying Juvénal Habyarimana (1937-1994), Rwandan President and Cyprien Ntaryamira (1955-1994), Burundian President prepared to land in Kigali (Rwanda). 
  
• In 2010, students of Westwood High School (Quebec, Canada) funded a new village elementary school (Rwoga).
  
• As of 2017, Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) is the only airport with a paved runway serviced by four airlines.
  
• Known for bringing neutrality and peace.
  
• Growers of bananas, beans, cotton, coffee, rice and sweet potatoes.
  
• Citizens have a low expectancy rate, 43 (men) - 47 (women).
• Smallest African country.
• Long rooted Precolonial Era ethnic groups of Hutu, Tutsi and Twa.
• Formerly named Ruanda-Urundi.
• Germain Rukuki, Defender is serving a 32 year prison sentence for advocating on human rights.  
  
• Average farm size is approximately one acre.
  
• The "cent" was only circulated while ruled under Belgium.
• During social gatherings drinking from the same container culturally represents "unity".
• Only around 10% of boys attend secondary education.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: New Year's Day, Unity Day, Cyprien Ntaryamira Day, Labour Day, Ascension, Independence Day, Assumption, Rwagasore Day, Ndadaye Day, All Saints' Day and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• Restaurant sanitations are below our standards.
• Official language is French, however only Kirundi is recognized.
  
• On Lake Tanganyika there's a Ferry Service to Kigoma, Mpulungu, Tanzania and Zambia.
  
• Prone to corruption, education, poor healthcare access and a weak infrastructure.
• Medical care is inadequate.
• Homosexuality, is illegal subject to a fine ($50,000-$100,000FBu) and 2-3 years in prison.
  
• Offers no bus connections to neighboring countries.
• AIDS/HIV, Chikungunya, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Schistosomiasis, Typhoid Fever and Zika are present.
  
• International borders may close without notice.
• You must carry original (and color photocopies) of your passport and VISA with you at all times.
• Power outages occur frequently.
  
• It's illegal to photograph airports, border control, government buildings and military.
  
• Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of Bujumbura.
  
• Public transportation is unregulated, unreliable, and considered unsafe.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Vaccination Required: Yellow Fever. 

Since 8/11/20, is a Level 4 Travel Advisory due to crime, health and political violence.

• Best Time to Visit: June - August
• Coolest Month: December
• Hottest Month: September 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                     All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso Flag

Why visit Burkina Faso?

Birdwatching, culture, film festivals, hunting, markets, national parks, nature and nightlife. 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Artwork, beaded items, embroidery, fabrics, jewelry, leather goods, masks, metal sculptures and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Fufu (accompanied by a soup). Ragout D'Igname (yam soup). Riz Gras (rice stew).
• Local Drink to Try: Banji, Bissap (sour). Degue. Dôlo (beer). Palm Wine. Zoom Kom (grain water).

(Drought Season), Saaba (Kadiogo Province), Burkina Faso. Photo Credit: YODA Adaman/Unsplash. 

Fun Facts

• In 1973, archaeologist discovered arrowheads, chisels and scrapers dating back from 14000BCE - 5000BCE.
  
• In 1890s, invaded by France.
  
• Until 1984, formerly named Republic of Upper Volta.
  
• Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara (1949-1987), President from 1983- 1987 was overthrown and assassinated.
  
• In 1998, Omnisport Stadium (Bobo Dioulasso) was built to host Africa Cup of Nations.
  
• France provides support and training to the police.
  
• Largest quantity of elephants than any country in West Africa.
  
• Economically funded by international aid.
• Exporter of cotton and gold.
• Faces high levels of food insecurity.
  
• Boys receive preference for education.
  
• High school costs approximately $50US per student annually.
  
• Most radical climatic variation in the world from severe flooding to droughts.

(Market), Burkina Faso. Photo Credit: RobertoVi/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Festival International des Masques et des Arts (FESTIMA), Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), (March) Festival des Masques et des Artes, National Culture Week of Burkina Faso, (April) Festival Jazz, (May) Symposium de sculpture sur granit de Laongo, (September) Semaine National de la Culture, Tabaski Festival, (October) Festival International de la Culture Hip Hop, International Art and Craft Fair and Ouagadougou (SIAO).
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Revolution Day, International Women’s Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Independence Day, Assumption Day, Martyrs Day, All Saints Day, Proclamation of the Republic, Christmas, Korité, Tabaski and Mawlid.

(Housing), Burkina Faso. Photo Credit: Imo Deen/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Official language is French, spoken by 15% of the population, most commonly spoken language is Moore. 
  
• One of the least developed countries in the world.
  
• Medical services are limited and below our standards.
  
• Customs often asks for purchase receipts for artwork.
• Only drink bottled water!
• Restaurant sanitation conditions are usually below our standards.
• To avoid bilharzia (parasite) do not swim or wade in lakes or streams!
• Showing knees is not welcomed, so do not wear shorts. 
• Flies and mosquitoes are rampant.
  
• Do not use your left hand in exchange for anything with natives.
• Do not shake hands of the opposite sex in public.
• Do not display affection in public places (holding hands, kiss, or rub).
• During the Rainy Season (June - October) power outages and washed away roads are common. 
• All foreigners (and citizens) are required to carry photo ID passports. Otherwise, subject to a fine.
  
• Prone to water shortages.
  
• Malnutrition is common amongst children and women.
  
• Polygyny is permitted and practiced.
  
• Dengue, Malaria, Meningococcal Meningitis, Schistosomiasis and Tuberculosis are present.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Required Vaccination: Yellow Fever. 

As of 10/19/20 is a Level 4: Do Not Travel due to crime, kidnapping and terrorism.

Dusty Season is November - March.

• Best Time to Visit: November - March
• Coolest Month: January 
• Hottest Months: March - May

(Food Storage), Burkina Faso. Photo Credit: Imo Deen/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Douroula, Ruins of Loropéni and W-Arly-Pendjari Complex.

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria Flag

"The Land of Roses"

Why visit Bulgaria?

Offers travelers beaches, birdwatching, camping, charming towns, cultural events, hiking, history, lakes, mountain ranges, museums, parks, relaxation, ruins, skiing, mineral spas, tombs, valleys, water sports and wildlife.

Rila Monastery (Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila), Bulgaria. Photo Credit: vladunis/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carpets, ceramics, cognac, embroidery, handmade jewelry, lavender products, leather goods, pottery, rose oil, weavings and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Banitsa (breakfast). Gyuvech (stew). Shopska Salad. 
• Local Drink to Try: Ariana (beer). Astika (beer). Boliarka (beer). Greyano Vino (mullied wine). Mavrud (red wine). Rakia (liquor).

Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria. Photo Credit: arexander/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Oldest European country, founded in 681AD.
• Danube River is their only navigable river.
• The Rila Cross (Rila Monastery) made from one piece of wood featuring 104 religious scenes and 650 miniature figures often created by a magnifying glass.
• Large coal producer.
  
• Home to the oldest tree, Baykusheva Mura (Granit) dating back over 1650 years.
  
• Ranks one of the most corrupt countries in the European Union.
  
• First country to grow wheat and vegetables in space. 
  
• Findings reflect the earliest arrival of modern humans in Europe.
• Largest protected nature area amongst all of Europe.
• Leading exporter of lavender and rose oil used in perfumes.
• Islamic veils are unacceptable in schools.
  
• Was the world's second largest wine exporter.
  
• Weight lifting is a signature sport.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Bulgarian Footballer of the Year, International Festival of the Masquerade Games, (February) Golden Grapes Festival, (March) Horizon Festival, International Film Festival, (April) International Folklore Festival, (May) Black Box International Festival, Carnival, (June) Cherry Festival, Flower for Gosho Festival, International Children's Folklore Festival, International Music Festival, Meadows in the Mountains, Rose Festival, (July) Kavarna Rock Fest, Sand Sculptures Festival, Theatre Festival, (August) International Jazz Festival, Spirit of Burgas Festival, Watermelon Festival, (September) International Film Festival Love is Fally and Plum Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Liberation Day, International Workers' Day, Saint George's Day, Bulgarian Education Culture Slavonic Literature Day, Unification Day, Independence Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Teteven Balkan Mountains, Ribaritsa (Lovech Province), Bulgaria. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Select beaches are topless.
• Depending on location ski season is November - May.
  
• City areas are prone to theft (pickpocketing/purse snatching).
• Illegal to remove beyond their border.
• Ferry service available from Varna to Odessa (Ukraine) between May -September.
• Rail links to Greece, Romania, Turkey and Serbia. Express trains with direct routes to Kyiv (Ukraine), Minsk (Belarus), Moscow (Russia) and Saint Petersburg (Russia).
• ATM card skimming and credit card fraud is common.
  
• Inflated alcohol prices are known to be charged to travelers in high-end bars and nightclubs to travelers.
• International Driving Permit required. 
• Police Officers may not collect fines.

Lavendar Fields, Bulgaria. Photo Credit: todorgd/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Vaccinations not required. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.

Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Photo Credit: Arvid Olson/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: June - September
• Cold Months: December - February
• Hottest Months: June - August
• Peak Season: June - August

Belogradchik (Vidin Province), Bulgaria. Photo Credit: Arvid Olson/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient City of Nessebar, Boyana Church, Madara Rider, Pirin National Park, Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe, Rila Monastery, Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, Srebarna Nature Reserve, Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak and Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari.

Church of Sveti Sedmochislenitsi (The Black Mosque), Sofia, Bulgaria. Photo Credit: 5163451/Pixabay 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                    All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Brunei

Brunei Flag

Why visit Brunei?

A great nearby stopover developed destination for architecture, beaches, caves, coastline,  jungle, local art, modern city, rainforest and wildlife.

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Brunei. Photo Credit: vyngor/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Brass, bronze and silver goods.
  
• Local Cuisine to Try: Ambuyat (flavourless starch). 

Fun Facts

• Around 1400AD, discovered by Awang Alak Betatar. 
  
• By 16th Century (1501-1600), Islam was rooted.
• In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521), Portuguese Explorer visited.
  
• In 1578, fought against Spain (Castilian War).
  
• In 1846, attacked by Britain.
• In 1888, became a British protectorate.
  
• In 1929, discovered petroleum.
• Late 1941, invaded by Japanese.
  
• In 1984, became independent from United Kingdom.
• Highest per-capita income in the world.
  
• Around 167,000 barrels of oil are produced daily.
  
• Housing is available and subsidized for all citizens.
  
• Imports approximately 60% of their foods.
  
• Japanese built the runway at Brunei International Airport (BWN).
  
• Education including post secondary is free to all citizens. Students may also receive expenses and tuition and expenses for studies abroad.
• There's no personal income tax.
  
• Absolute monarchy government with generations of the Sultan Family  control.
• Parents of stateless status are required to apply for a special pass in order for their child to be born in the country.
  
• Promotes self food sufficiency with rice.
• One of the highest car ownership rates in the world contributed to fuel prices, low import tax and transportation systems.
  
• The 9 mile Brunei Bay Bridge costs $1.6 billion connecting Muara and Temburong Districts.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: New Year's Day, National Day, Armed Forces Day, Sultan's Birthday, Start of Ramadhan, Nuzul Al-Quran, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Hari Raya Aidil Adha, Islamic New Year, Birth of the Prophet, Isra Mi'raj, Christmas Day and Chinese New Year.

Good to Know

• Sight attractions are limited and nightlife is nonexistent.
  
• Year round humidity.
• Has four districts: Belait (west), Brunei-Muara (central), Temburong (east) and Tutong (west-central).
  
• Official language Standard Malay uses the Arabic and Latin alphabet. English is widely spoken. Arabic and Chinese also spoken.
• Homosexuality is illegal.
  
• Do not drink alcohol in public, it's illegal. Sale of alcohol is banned!
• Shark finning is banned.
  
• Death penalty is applied for drug use, smuggling and trafficking.
• Shoes are not permitted in mosques.
• Do not shake hands with the opposite sex.
• Do not hold hands or display affection in public!
  
• Avoid pointing with your index finger in public areas.
• Public criticism of Sultan or Royal Family members is illegal and punishable.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp and six VISA pages.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Vaccination not required. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $15,000BND.

Monsoon Season is September - February.

• Best Time to Visit: March - October
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Months: March - September
• Peak Season: June - August

Peat Swamp Forest, Brunei. Photo Credit: Ken Shono/Unsplash

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                  All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Brazil

Brazil Flag

Why visit Brazil?

Known for art, beaches, birdwatching, boating, carnivals, colonial towns, culture, dunes, embroidery, fishing, gems, golf, hiking, history, horseback riding, jungles, lace, mountains, nightlife, rain forest, river, scuba diving, skiing, snorkeling, snowboarding, surfing, waterfalls and wildlife.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo Credit: ASSY/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, ceramics, coffee, football jersey, footwear, jewelry, leather goods, pottery,  swimsuits and woven hammocks.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Brigadeiros (chocolate fudge balls). Cocada (coconut candy). Feijoada (stew). Moqueca (seafood stew).
• Local Drink to Try: Cachaça (liquor). Caipirinha (cocktail).

Iguazú Falls (Iguaçu Falls), Brazil. Photo Credit: Jack Lee/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• From 6000BC in the Amazon basin pottery has been found.
• During 16th Century (1501-1600), a large cane sugar exporter.
• From 1500-1800, received over 2.8 million slaves from Africa for sugarcane crops.
• During 1690s, Gold Rush started.
  
• Until 1808, was a  Portuguese Colony.
• In 1822, became independent. 
  
• In 1865, their last invasion (Paraguayan War).
  
• In 1888, slavery abolished.
• In 2002, received a $30.4 billion rescue package.
  
• In 2014, hosted FIFA World Cup.
  
• In 2016 , hosted Olympic Games.
• Largest country in both Latin and South America. Fifth largest country in the world. 
  
• Only nation to win the FIFA World Cup five times, ranked among the best in the world.
  
• Largest producer of coffee, oranges, soybeans and sugarcane.
  
• A pioneer finder for oil in deep waters.
  
• Only country in the world with the equator and Tropic of Capricorn.
• Has the largest armed forces amongst Latin America. 
  
• World's largest exporter of chicken meat.
  
• Well known for precious stones: agate, amethyst, aquamarine, emerald, garnet, tourmaline and topaz.
• Fourth largest car market in the world.
  
• Approximately 20 million passengers pass through (Guarulhos) São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) annually.
• Bolivia and Paraguay have been granted free ports (Santos).
  

Paraty (Costa Verde), Brazil. Photo Credit: Auluz Auluz/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Three Kings Festival, Washing of the Steps of Bonfim Church, (February) Carnaval, Celebration of Yemanjá the Goddess of the Sea, (June) Bauernfest, Bumba-meu-boi, Festas Juninas, (July) Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty (FLIP), (September) Film Festival Rio BR, (October) Cirio of Nazaré, Grand Prix, International Film Festival, Jazz Festival, São Paulo Bienal, (November) Aleijadinho Week and (December) Santa Barbara.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Tiradentes, Labour Day, Independence of Brazil, Our Lady of Aparecida, All Souls' Day, Proclamation of the Republic and Christmas.

Museu das Missões, São Miguel Mission, Brazil. Photo Credit: maxicarre/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Portuguese is the official language.
  
• Gold is usually in 18K.
  
• Has four time zones. 
  
• Crime and theft are common in airports, bus stations and cities.
• Zika virus is present.
• Offers free health service available to all. Health insurance or self pay offer premium care.
• Always carry a photocopy of your passport for citizenship proof. 
• Birdwatching is usually best between July - September. 
• Amazon Region is best July - August.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Photo Credit: Jose Guertzenstein/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000BR.

Museum of Tomorrow, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo Credit: LyraSid/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: March - November
• Coldest Month: June
• Hottest Month: January 
• Peak Season: December - March 

Itajubá, Brazil. Photo Credit: Claudio Kirner/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, Brasília, Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves, Central Amazon Conservation Complex, Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves, Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia, Historic Centre of São Luís, Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina, Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás, Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda, Historic Town of Ouro Preto, Iguaçu National Park, Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Miní, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa María Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of São Miguel das Missões (Brazil), Pampulha Modern Ensemble, Pantanal Conservation Area, Paraty, and Ilha Grande - Culture and Biodiversity, Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes Between the Mountain and the Sea, Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas, São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão, Serra da Capivara National Park and Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site.

Pedra Furada, Piauí, Brazil. Photo Credit: Fabiano Panisson/Pixabay 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

Ouro Preto (Serra do Espinhaço Mountains), Brazil. Photo Credit:  Marion Jeannoel/Pixabay 

                                       All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.