Welcome to Atlanta

Atlanta, the capital of the state of Georgia is also the most populace city in the United States. The city is one of the most important economic centers in the Southern United States and is considered as a Gamma World City. After the destruction it faced during the Civil War in 1864, Atlanta was reincarnated and later became the industrial and commercial center of the South. In 1868, Atlanta became the fifth city in the nation to serve as the state capital. The city is the county seat of Fulton County and a portion of it extends into DeKalb County. The city, known for the busiest international airports in the world in terms of passenger traffic, is governed by a mayor and a city council. Atlanta is the residence of the Governor of Georgia in Buckhead and is also a home to Georgia Public Broadcasting headquarters and Peachnet.

Atlanta Health & Safety
Atlanta is a large metropolitan area, and as such, one should take the normal precautions when visiting this city. For example, do not leave valuables in your car (particularly within sight).
A few details specific to the area:
Many people feel comfortable riding MARTA (the mass transit system) at night, and by most accounts is safe (others avoid it). Solo female travelers might want to select an alternate form of transportation in the evenings, but daytime travel is very safe and has lots of passengers who use it to travel to/from the airport.
Interstate driving is safe, but can tend to be harrying for those not accustomed to driving in large cities. It seems that the interstates are either at a dead standstill (rush hours), or cars are flying by at Mach 2. It's not unusual to see drivers doing 80 when the traffic is light, so exercise caution and stick to the middle in right lanes if you don't want to be overtaken by a SUV. The signage doesn't always give you a lot of notice before an exit (especially at the 85N to GA400N exit) and there's often a last minute scramble of cars at those points, so pay attention to exits and watch for drivers trying to make a last minute switch.
Downtown is fairly deserted at night, so exercise caution when parking or walking. There are quite a few panhandlers in the area. If you're staying downtown, stick to well-traveled sidewalks or take taxis to nearby destinations. However, the Ambassador Force of Downtown Atlanta is a group of individuals in uniform with pith helmets, like safari hats. They patrol the streets and have direct access to police, and will be happy to escort you anywhere you need to go. Also, if you need directions or information to virtually anywhere in the city, they will help you out. More info.
Buckhead is a business district with high-end shopping, restaurants, and businesses. As a result, there is some petty crime in the area, so again, exercise caution departing your car/parking/returning to your car from shopping. A stroll down Peachtree from your hotel to a restaurant or shopping would be considered very safe during the day or at night.
Outside the Perimeter (areas outside 285, particularly on the North side) are considered to be very safe. Most of these areas are suburban. The "Perimeter" area includes a business/shopping district, and is very safe to walk around (although it's probably easier to drive in these areas).
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Lisbon Health and Safety

Being home to over 600,000 people, Lisbon is a fairly large city. Keeping that in mind, it is a good idea to use the same safety common sense that one would use when visiting any large city. To avoid being pickpocketed, men should carry wallets in their front pockets and women should hold their bags by their bodies, not their straps, while walking or shopping. Women should also keep a close eye on their bags while eating in restaurants or using public transport. Hotel safes should be put to use to store valuables and money, and a photocopy, not the original, of your passport should accompany you when you go out. Leave the original in the safe. Carry only small amounts of cash and avoid wearing expensive jewelry and engaging in behaviors that thieves may notice, such as overtipping.
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Tourist Attractions: The city, which has many cultural and historical monuments, is a famous tourist destination.

Transportation: The city has a reliable transport system. Metro is the city's major public transport system. Bus, funicular and tram services serve the city. Portela Airport, located in the heart of the city with international flights to any destination worldwide links the city with other parts of the world.

Hotels: The city provides wide selection of hotels that serve cheap as well as luxurious reception. Hotel Miraparque Lisbon, Best Western Hotel Flamingo Lisbon, Comfort Inn Embaixador Hotel Lisbon, Comfort Hotel Principe Lisbon, Sana Rex Hotel Lisbon, Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental and Sana Reno Hotel Lisbon are the world-class hotels in Lisbon.

Places of Attraction: Baixa or Pombaline Downtown, a district constructed after 1755 Lisbon earthquake is organized in a grid system and network of squares. It is a famous tourist attracted spot. The Castle of Sمo Jorge, situated on the top of the tallest hill of the central city, Praça do Comércio with the beautiful façade of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceiçمo Velha, Rossio Square, Restauradores Square, Elevador de Santa Justa, an elevator in Gothic revival style, Jerَnimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Padrمo dos Descobrimentos a monument of the Discoveries, are the well known monuments in the city. The city that is rich in architecture is worldly known for Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Traditional Portuguese, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. It is also known for many museums such as The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga -National Museum of Ancient Art, the Museu dos Azulejos -Museum of Portuguese-style Tile Mosaics, the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian- Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Oceanلrio de Lisboa and the Lisbon Oceanarium the largest in Europe, are the various museums in the city that preserves the cultural and historical reminiscence. The monument to Christ the King that stands on the left side of the river, in Almada is the largest in Europe and is often viewed by tourists.
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Welcome to Amsterdam

Yes, Amsterdam has its Red Light District and hash-selling coffee shops, but they are just a small part of this world-class city. Studded with canals and bridges, Amsterdam begs to be explored by foot or bike. Visit the Anne Frank House, view masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, shop the Waterlloplein flea market and let your nose lead you to the floating flower market. The locals are famously friendly, so strike up a chat (most speak English) over a beer at a brown café.

Amsterdam Health & Safety
Amsterdam is a major urban area and is at least as safe as other major European cities. Violent street crime is virtually unheard of. That said, always be aware of where your valuables are. As in all crowded situations men should keep their wallets in their front pockets. Women should have a good hold on their handbags. Pickpockets do work the train station (Centraal Station), the trains back and forth to the airport, trams, and crowded areas. Make sure your other valuables, i.e., cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc, aren't hanging out there to be snatched by passers by.
In the Red Light District, do not attempt to take pictures of the women on display in the windows because somebody is bound to harass you or even take your camera. If you think nobody is watching you, you are wrong. They have eyes everywhere which you never notice. Be respectful.
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Amsterdam Tourist Board
There are four offices of the Tourism and Convention Board of Amsterdam (VVV Amsteram) located at:
- Schipol International Airport (office of VVV Holland), in hall 2, open every day from 7AM to 10PM
- Central Station, on platform 2b, open Monday-Saturday 8AM to 8PM, Sunday and public holiday 9AM to 5PM
- Stationsplein, in the Holland Koffiehuis (in front of central station), open every day from 9AM to 5PM
- Leidesplein (corner with Leidsestraat), open Sunday-Thursday 9.15AM to 5PM, Friday-Saturday 9.15AM to 7PM
For more info, visit their website at http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/
These offices are a great resource once you arrive in Amsterdam. They also sell tickets and do bookings. They can be very busy.
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Essaouira Culture

For hundreds of years Essaouira has been Morocco's craft and cultural center. Its artisans and artists are world-famous for their unique pottery, intricate wood carvings, gold jewelry, hand-woven rugs, and ceramic tiles. The area is also well known for its music, including the Gnaoua music from the descendents of the region's sub-Saharan slaves, in celebration of which an entire festival is held for almost a week each June. Essaouira's traditional Moroccan Chaabi song style can also be heard at parties and celebrations throughout the city. Essaouira is also famous for its dance, its unique style a combination of Greek, Roman, Spanish, Jewish, and Arabic traditions developed over several centuries.

Also well known throughout the world is Morocco's cuisine, a style of cooking that uses lots of spices, fish, and dried fruits. Along with this cuisine is the country's argan oil, a nutritious oil extracted from the nut of a tree that grows only in southern Morocco. It is used in cooking in much the same way that olive oil is, as well as for medical and cosmetic purposes. The area is also famous for its mint tea. This drink is served throughout the country and is seen as a symbol of friendship.

Essaouira Health & Safety

Unlike many places in the Middle East, Morocco has a thriving tourist economy and is considered to be safe for travelers for the most part. However, if you are going to Essaouira, a large tourist destination, it is smart to keep a few key points in mind in order to avoid becoming the victim of tourist-aimed crime, something which is prevalent in the region. Always use your hotel's safe. Do not carry valuables on your person or carry more cash that needed. Men should avoid carrying wallets in their back pockets and women should pay close attention to their bags while dining or riding in buses or taxis. Avoid going out at night alone, especially on foot. It is better to hire a taxi, even if you are only going a short distance. Also be sure that you have all of your immigration papers in order, and to carry a copy of your passport with you at all times, not the real thing. That should be kept in a safe place. Be sure also to have emergency numbers for the police and fire department on hand.

Tangier Culture

Tangier has a hugely multicultural society, predominantly Muslim, but with small Christian, and Jewish communities. Over the years Tangier has attracted famous writers including Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. Beat writers who visited or lived here include Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg and Brion Gysin, who was also a painter. Notable artists who lived and painted here were Eugene Delacroix and Henri Matisse.
Celebrities who have stayed in Tangier include The Rolling Stones, who also recorded with the Master Musicians of Jajouka and Bachir Attar in the kasbah in 1989. Tangier was a favorite home to Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton, whose lavish parties at Sidi Hosni put Tangier on the map in the international press during from the 1950s through the early 1970s. Forbes magazine publisher Malcolm Forbes held his 70th birthday party in 1989 at his Palais Mendoub for 800 guests, flown in from all over the word, spending over $2.5 million in a week-end celebration.

Tangier seems to have attracted writers. Paul Bowles first visited the city in 1931 and moved there permanently in 1947, remaining until his death in 1999. He wrote his famous novel The Sheltering Sky in Morocco. In 1954 beat writer William S. Burroughs arrived and wrote the Naked Lunch, which alludes to this city. William Ginsberg, another beat writer, also arrived in 1954 with his friend Peter Orlovsky, and again in 1961 along with Jack Kerouac and Gregory Corso, staying at the Muniria. Writers Gavin Lambert, Gavin Young and Tahar Ben Jelloun also have writen and lived here at various times. Perhaps the most famous Moroccan author was Mohamed Choukri to live in the city was Mohamed Choukri, best known for his controversial and candid aubobiography For Bread Alone. Paul Bowles collaborated with Choukri on the translation and he wrote the introduction.

Tangier Health & Safety
Safety should be a concern if you are traveling alone or arriving at night. If you are taking a ferry over from Spain, you will be pressured into getting a "guide" to show you around the city. Be warned that you will most likely be given a little tour but then taken to a "School of Rugmaking" where you'll be pressured into purchasing overpriced rugs/blankets. Ideally, you should have a map of the city before you arrive along with accommodations and arrangements on how to get to them.

Don't feel pressured into getting a guide. If you get one, be prepared to a quick stroll pointing to "this house is from an Italian artist that bought it for X thousand Euros", that one is where Paul Bowles lived, my grandfather was the gate keeper of the Kasbah, blah, blah", all stories that only by accident will be true. Then you'll be asked some money to help his family, "anything you feel it's fair", but don't think they will be happy with just 20 or 30 Dirham for a 15 min. "tour". Perhaps worse is when the tour is bigger or they try to take you to their friends' shops, which happens more frequently than not.
If your concern is safety and you feel that your attention may be not enough, or you simply like to have guidance, try to get an official guide. They exist, in theory, and they can be easily identified because they have some badges or id. cards and must be dressed in c"jellabas". And you can allways ask at the hotels, tourism information offices and travel agencies. As almost everywhere, safety is hardly measured, as one's bad experience can have been only "bad luck" in the most peaceful place on Earth and there are situations where everybody you know that went to place that is famous for its crime rate had no problems. To make thing even more complicated, you have places where the crime rate is high but tourists are rarely involved and the contrary - relatively peaceful places where there is much pitty theft targeting tourists, so the actual numbers on crime and theft, if they exist also don't help much on clarifying the situation.

Casablanca Health & Safety

Casablanca is a safe place to visit. Having said this, there are certain precautions that travelers should take in order to ensure a smooth trip through Morocco. Like always, common sense is the most important tool for staying safe.
This is a general recommendation for any unfamiliar area, but should be followed in Casablanca as well: Avoid traveling alone at night. If staying with a group is not an option, make sure to remain in lighted areas and take safe modes of transportation (car or taxi). Walking alone at night is never a good idea, especially for women.
Although it is not a major concern, street crime and petty theft does occur in Casablanca. Don’t carry around large amounts of money, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or looking flashy. Drawing un-needed attention to one’s self is never a good idea. Try blending into the crown instead of sticking out.
Visit the Morocco Safety Website for information about certain scams that are aimed towards tourists in busy cities.
Heading to the beach poses certain dangers. Valuables should never be left unattended at the beach. Doing so is asking for trouble. Also, visit the American Red Cross website for some useful water safety tips. source : www.tripadvisor.com

Agadir : Know Before You Go

Agadir Health & Safety :

While you still want to be a smart traveler (travel in groups, don’t flash large sums of money, don’t leave expensive items in plain view in your rental car), you should travel to Morocco knowing that you are going to a reasonably safe area. There are police on active patrol about every 100 metres in Agadir, including the beach, and this appears to be an effective deterrant. While you will be bothered by people on the street in the touristy areas, they are usually more annoying than anything else. Violent crime is especially rare. Most American cities have much more violent crime.
As for the tap water, do not drink it in your hotel. Although fortunately brushing teeth and rinsing a toothbrush should not harm, drinking it might indeed give you an upset stomach.
The only real food danger is in the form of local dairy products and undercooked meat. You don't need to be on Malaria pills, and yellow fever is not a concern. You might want to update your Hepatitis shot before you leave just to be safe.So remember to travel smart, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself. You are in a beautiful country, and so go out and explore it! Most of the Morrocans are quite able to speak French, but English is not so easily understood. So, in order to make it easier all round, brush up on French. Even a few friendly greetings like "salut, ca va" and "non merci" will be helpful to you, whether in the street, in a taxi, or in a hotel.