Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Famous Places in Honduras For Your Holiday

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Famous Places in Honduras For Your Holiday
Travel tips for your trip to Honduras Hotel Maps Famous Places in Honduras helps you to make your trip to Honduras in the holiday a Splendid One




Honduras is a Central American nation known for its wonderful vacation spots, scenic richness, spectacular beaches, and more. A traveler would find a new reason to love this place every time he visits the Honduras and takes in its beauty through the eyes. It is this that makes this nation an attractive holiday spot round the year. So if you're planning a vacation there, Honduras will never let you down.

Let's take a look at some of the finest places in Honduras to help you decide better for your next holidays.

A visit here would remain incomplete if you miss out the Copan Ruinas, a tourist-friendly village with a warmth that can keep you rooted here longer than you'd think. The city square at Copan is ideal for spending time with your dear ones or you may enjoy the ice-cream, apple pie and the espresso at the Welchez Café. If you're out with your beloved, make sure you look up the evening sky during your stay here. You'd know how amazing it can get!

Now if you'd want a touch of history and archaic delights, San Pedro Sula valley is the place to be. The Museum of Anthropology and History would keep you occupied for hours and it's worth the visit for sure.

The Gracias town may be a simple and humble place, but it is outstandingly rich in history. The colonial architecture of the churches can keep anyone gaping in stunned wonder and appreciation. You have hiking trails near Gracias if you're looking for some adventure.

Some kilometers east of the Gracias are the interesting La Esperanza. The journey from Gracias to La Esperanza is one of the most visually satisfying in the entire Honduras and if you can experience this once, it's sure to remain etched in your memory forever.

The best is reserved for the last. A holiday at Honduras is only half made if you're not stepping foot at the Bay Islands, one of its 18 departments and perhaps the most scenic. The inviting blue waters around the amazing beaches with splendid coral reefs could only mean one thing--a Bay Islands vacation rental can accentuate your experience in such a locale by the privacy it usually offers. This has the world's second largest barrier reef, which attracts scuba divers and snorkelers.

The capital of Bay Islands, Roatan is a must-see at Honduras. It has all that it takes to make your holiday memorable and exciting--the beach shops, the soda breaks, the famous Honduran beer, water taxis, great island music, thrilling water sports, good food and more. You may go for a Central American vacation rental here at Roatan to enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Real Estate Investments in Honduras

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Real Estate Investments in Honduras
Travel tips for your trip to Honduras Hotel Maps Famous Places in Honduras helps you to make your trip to Honduras in the holiday a Splendid One


Honduras epitomizes the beauty of the Seas fulfilling the adventures of life. It is more that you have imagined. Whether you are planning for a tropical retreat on a hill top or in a remote and secluded area, Honduras real estate investment is a worthwhile choice to consider.

Honduras is a democratic republic in Central America which was formerly known as Spanish Honduras to distinguish it from British Honduras (now Belize). Honduras is bounded on the north by the Caribbean Sea, on the east and south by Nicaragua, on the southwest by El Salvador and the Pacific Ocean, and on the west by Guatemala. Major land area is mountainous, with swamps and forests in the east. The short stretch of southern coast on the Gulf of Fonseca with San Lorenzo and port of Henecan, is the sole Pacific outlet. With such surroundings, it acquired the luster of a perfect destination for relaxation.

Honduras real estate investment is profitable primarily because the city has beaches that rises gently to offer beautiful views over the sea and over to the mountains of mainland Honduras. The Honduras property is easy to build on with road and power to the property line. But considering the facts about the city, the best way to borrow the funds to make a real estate purchase is to mortgage.

Living in Honduras offers homeowners the best scenic views. The city offers thrilling canopy rides, mountain biking, deep sea fishing, kayaking and rafting, worth mentioning for those who want to live life adventurously. The expanding network of Honduras real estate agents and associated developers allow the clients to look in for potential emerging markets and source for re-sale properties and even provide access to property related information.

The most compelling reason to buy a property in Honduras is the reasonable price that it offers. Keeping in mind the climatic conditions of the city, the architects have designed apartments that are breezing with amazing sea views, sunset and of course the sand beaches. The spectacular ocean view properties are available for construction of villas and estate residence. The magnificent views are heart throbbing and rooms are spacious with large kitchen and dining areas along with a comfortable living room.

At the commercial front, many business opportunities are available in Roatan. There are ample prospects of living your dream if you are interested in running your own hotel, spa, restaurant or a brewery.

But before you make up your mind for the kind of property that you want to purchase, it is better to get a clear view and idea about the price and location. Know what you're looking for size wise and shop around. You need to do your homework first to get some great deals on Honduras real estate property. Look in for what exactly you need and go ahead with it accordingly.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Money Exchange for Honduras -Services - Money

http://travel-to-honduras.blogspot.com/2011/10/money-exchange-for-honduras-services.html
Money Exchange for Honduras -Services - Money
Travel tips for your trip to Honduras Hotel Maps Famous Places in Honduras helps you to make your trip to Honduras in the holiday a Splendid One





Hemisphere: Northern

Continent: North America

Location: In Central America. Neighbors: Guatemala on W, El Salvador, Nicaragua on S

Area: 43,433 sq mi, 112,492 sq km

Form of Government: Multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly 128)

Population: (2007) 7,484,000

Population Density: (2007) persons per sq mi 172.3, persons per sq km 66.5

Principal Language(s): Spanish, Amerindian dialects

Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%

Capital: Tegucigalpa

Capital Population: 900,400

Capital Average Temperature: N/A

Major Cities: San Pedro Sula 558,200, Choloma 177,400, La Ceiba 150,400, El Progreso 107,400

Topography: Caribbean coast is 500 mi long. Pacific coast on Gulf of Fonseca is 40 mi long. Country is mountainous with wide fertile valleys and rich forests.

Economy: G.D.P. $ 191.3 billion

G.D.P. per Capita: $ 19,000

Vital Statistics: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2005): 28.5 (world avg. 20.3). Death rate per 1,000 population (2005); 6.0 (world avg. 8.6) Total fertility rate (avg. births per childbearing woman 2005) 3.50. Life expectancy at birth (2005) male 66.5 years; female 70.7 years

Government Website: www.gob.hn

Credit cards:

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Some banks offer cash withdrawal with Visa or Mastercard.
Travellers cheques:

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Banking hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1600 (some banks open until 1800). Some branches open Sat 0900-1200.
Currency restriction:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Currency exchange:

Pounds Sterling cannot normally be exchanged; visitors should therefore take US Dollars, which are easily exchanged in banks, major hotels, airports and bureaux de change. The bureaux de change usually offer a quicker service and better rate than banks.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Health and Medical Information for Honduras

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Health and Medical Information for Honduras
Travel tips for your trip to Honduras Hotel Maps Famous Places in Honduras helps you to make your trip to Honduras in the holiday a Splendid One




Honduras is a country in Central America, located northeast of El Salvador and sitting in between Guatemala and Nicaragua. The capital and most populated city is Tegucigalpa, having just over 1 million people living in the city. Other populated areas include San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, Copan, and Lempira. The country has an area of 112,090 square kilometers and a population of approximately 7.8 million people. Having the second largest coral reef in the world, Honduras is hoping to emerge as a tourist destination for scuba diving. In the meantime, the country is faced with challenges brought by poverty and political instability.

The Honduran healthcare system is not on par with western standards, which has collectively been a result of an unstable Government, mismanagement and poor coordination of public health care programs. As listed by the World Health Organization, the health care system in Honduras is further compounded by various challenging factors such as limited training resources in public health, inequality of health care access, poor health information systems, and social violence.

Frequent and severe hurricanes add further challenges to this developing country. 'Hurricane Mitch' swept through Honduras in 1998, leaving the country completely devastated; claiming over 6,500 lives and leaving 1.5 million people displaced. Torrential rain resulted in landslides wiping out around 25 villages and 33,000 houses. 70 to 80 percent of Honduras' transportation infrastructure was destroyed, including bridges and roads. Thousands of buildings and houses were also damaged including 123 healthcare facilities. More recently, the 2005 tropical storm 'Gamma' killed more than 30 people and left tens of thousand people homeless.

Over half of the country’s population is confined to rural areas. This is a concern as public services and government presence within rural Honduras is very limited and basic. Health care is provided by medical clinics, which are spread out sparingly and provide only basic medical care. Some areas in rural Honduras are very remote, having virtually no presence of health care facilities.

Quality of medical care and access to resources are reflected by the individual's economic status and geographic location in Honduras. While health care services are confined to the urban areas, these facilities, whether private or public, are generally not on par with western medicine standards. Travel is required for those living in rural areas and overseas evacuation to the US is necessary if there is a serious health condition or medical emergency. Further to this, health care costs in the US are regarded as one of the most expensive places in the world to receive treatment. Adequate healthcare in Honduras therefore comes at a high cost. As such, expats are highly recommended to obtain an international health insurance policy that includes coverage for evacuation and repatriation in the event of a medical emergency.

Private healthcare facilities offer the best level of medical care within Honduras however shortages of modern medical equipment and specialty staff are often experienced. Those who can not afford private health care endure overcrowded public facilities in urban cities, offering only basic medical care. Patients in Honduras, with higher income levels, often travel to the United States if they require complex or specialty treatment such as cardiac surgery or oncology services. Expats should obtain a comprehensive health care plan that includes access to healthcare facilities within Honduras and overseas in the US.

The best hospitals in Honduras are located in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, as well as San Pedro Sula and the Bay Islands. In Tegucigalpa, Hospital Viera is a private facility offering primary health care and inpatient services, including emergency stabilizing care. The Hospital La Policlinica and Hospital Centro Medico are also located in the capital city providing emergency, inpatient, and primary health care. The city of San Pedro Sula has two private facilities including the Hospital Del Valle and the Hospital Centro Medico Sampedrano (CEMESA), both offer adeqaute primary health care and emergency services. Other private hospitals in Honduras include Hospital Vicente D’Antoni located in La Ceiba, and the Wood Medical Centre within Roatan.

AIDS and tuberculosis are highly prevalent in Honduras. Approximately 60 per cent of Central America's HIV/AIDS cases are reported from Honduras. The country relies heavily on foreign assistance. Americares, a US not-for-profit organization, supports the Torax Hospital. Based in Tegucigalpa, the facility provides diagnostic and treatment for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis patients.

Access to water and basic sanitation are among the country’s most concerning public health issues; lack of potable water leads to a high incidence of water borne disease cases, high infant mortality rates, and low life expectancy in Honduras. Cases of bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever are consistent throughout the year, with major outbreaks during high rainfall. Expats living in Honduras should drink bottled water and practice sterilization methods such as boiling water or chlorination.

Violent crime in Honduras is one of the country’s major social problems, particularly the involvement of youth in violent gangs. Following the election of Carlos Roberto Reina Idiaquez in 1993, the country was promised economic and social reforms, however the situation did not improve and by 2003, under the new election of President Maduro, Government laws were put forward against illicit associations. New laws put many gangs in jails, however violent crime was still a serious problem in Honduras. Despite efforts, Honduras continues to have one of the highest violent crime rates in the world.

Honduras endures frequent and severe outbreaks of Dengue fever, which result in fatalities and the overcrowding of public health care facilities. Particular areas affected are Olancho in the east and Choluteca in the south. However, Dengue fever cases are reported widely across the country. The worst dengue fever outbreak in 30 years occurred in 2010, resulting in more than 66,000 cases and 83 reported deaths from June to December of that year. It is highly important that expats living in Honduras take the necessary precautions in protection against the virus by wearing long sleeved clothing and insect repellent while outdoors; be extra diligent following seasons of high rainfall. Immediate medical attention is required if an individual is displaying the symptoms of Dengue Fever in order to avoid deterioration in their condition.

Scuba diving in the Bay Islands is an increasingly popular activity in the Honduris. However with limited and basic medical facilities, the activity poses a potential risk for people visiting the area. There is a decompression chamber nearby on Roatan and Utila, however in the event of a serious diving accident, medical care is limited on the island. Emergency evacuation will be necessary in the event of a medical emergency. It is therefore highly important that expats take out a health insurance plan which affords them coverage with emergency evacuation and repatriation services.

Expats with respiratory problems, such as asthma, should be particularity cautious during the dry season from February to May, as agricultural burning and forest fires frequently degrade the quality of the air. Expats who experience exacerbation of respiratory symptoms should consult their health care provider.

Health insurance is recommended. There are hospitals in Tegucigalpa and all the large towns. Mosquito nets are recommended for coastal areas.
Food and drink:

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised in rural areas and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks:

Dengue fever and American trypanosomiasis Chagas disease may occur. Hepatitis B is present. HIV/AIDS is a growing problem.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Short History Of Honduras and Culture

http://travel-to-honduras.blogspot.com/2011/10/short-history-of-honduras-and-culture.html
Short History Of Honduras and Culture
Travel tips for your trip to Honduras Hotel Maps Famous Places in Honduras helps you to make your trip to Honduras in the holiday a Splendid One


Mayan civilisation reached the region that is now western Honduras around the fifth century AD. The Mayas remained in control for the next 300 years after which several different ethnic groups moved into the area from Mexico and Colombia. Contact with Europeans began soon after Christopher Columbus landed on the Honduran coast in 1502. During the early 1520s, the region was subjugated by a variety of conquistador expeditions, each of which laid claim to a part of it. Cortés, who arrived in 1525 via Mexico, imposed some order on the squabbling groups but after his departure, the local conflicts resumed as before. Only after the discovery of gold and silver deposits in the 1540s was some order imposed on the region; large numbers of slaves from Africa were then imported to work the mines.

Once the deposits were exhausted at the end of the 16th century, Honduras became a colonial backwater and remained so until the collapse of the Spanish empire in the Americas in the early-19th century. As Spanish power disintegrated in the wake of the Napoleonic wars, the Central American territories were in disagreement as to whether to join Mexico or establish their own federation of states. The latter course was chosen, with the acquiescence of Mexico. From a longer-term perspective, this development clearly eased the process whereby the USA came to dominate the whole central American region. During the early 20th century, Honduras was governed by a series of caudillos, notably President Carias who dominated the country during the 1930s and 1940s.

Carias' rule is widely viewed as a key period in Honduran political history: while the peaceful environment he created allowed substantial social and economic progress to take place, this was at the price of serious internal repression and kowtowing to powerful foreign interests. Something which neither Carias, nor any of his immediate predecessors or successors, were prepared to tackle was the question of land reform, an issue that was the basis of much Honduran politics in the latter part of the 20th century. From the late 1950s onwards, weak civilian governments prompted the army to assume a greater role, launching several coups in the process.

This feature of Honduran politics became particularly important during the 1980s, when Honduras was the main base for the US-backed 'Contra' rebels fighting the Sandanista government in Nicaragua. Soon after the end of that war in 1989, national elections were held in Honduras. The two main parties, the Partido Nacional (PN) and the Partido Liberal (PL), fought a close contest for both the presidency, which was won by the PN candidate Rafael Leonardo Callejas, and the National Assembly, in which the PL won a small majority of seats.

The 1990s, however, were dominated by the PL, which gained control of the presidency and legislature in 1994 and held on to them in 1997. But at the most recent polls in November 2001, the Nacional candidate Ricardo Maduro recovered the presidency for his party, while the Liberals also lost their majority in the national assembly.

The government was faced with repeated outbreaks of civil and labour unrest throughout the late 1990s as it tried to bring austerity measures to tackle the country's economic difficulties. There has also been persistent domestic and international pressure to address the numerous human rights abuses that have continued despite the return to civilian government (most recently the killing of large numbers of 'street children'). Wary of antagonising the military, the government has moved carefully, although the soldiers are gradually coming to terms with its loss of political influence and by 1999 were prepared to submit to full control by the civilian government. Among those who had suffered the most at the hands of the military was the indigenous Indian population. In 1994, the government offered them a long-overdue package of rights and assistance: not unreasonably, it was rejected as inadequate and relations between the communities and the government remain poor.

Honduran foreign policy during much of the 1990s was heavily influenced by economic matters, in particular the conclusion of free trade and other economic agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala. Honduras is also involved in a number of complex disputes over territorial waters in the Caribbean Sea, involving Nicaragua and Colombia.
President Ricardo Maduro was elected in 2002 and immediately began an offensive against the soaring crime rates. Despite his efforts, crime has continued to rise with street gangs (known as 'maras') being blamed. Drug trafficking and gang violence are major problems in the country and the economy is struggling. Strikes and demonstrations are common.
Opposition candidate Manuel Zelaya Rosales was declared the winner of the November 2005 presidential elections, defeating former communist Porfirio Lobo. He will take power from Maduro on 27 January 2006. Zelaya, standing for the Liberal Party, pledged to tackle the worsening crime problem by maintaining life sentences for the most serious offences and doubling police on the streets.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Honduras Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details

http://travel-to-honduras.blogspot.com/2011/10/honduras-accommodation-hotel-guide.html
Honduras Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details
Travel tips for your trip to Honduras Hotel Maps Famous Places in Honduras helps you to make your trip to Honduras in the holiday a Splendid One




Hotels in Comayagua

When you are on a trip to Comayagua, you would find several Hotels in Comayagua to provide splendid accommodation option and impeccable services. Hotels in Comayagua serve as the perfect place for the tourists who come to spend their vacation in this spectacular city of Comayagua. The Hotels in Comayagua are renowned for taking care of the needs of both the holidaymakers as well as the business travelers.

When you are in Comayagua you would find that there are varieties of hotels in Comayagua. Thus here you would find budget hotels too along with the luxurious 3 Star, 4 Star and 5 Star hotels.

The best thing about several hotels in Comayagua is their location. You would find that most of the hotels in Comayagua located near the International Airport, central railway station and the bus depot. From these hotels you can easily access the important landmarks as well as the business and commerce hub.

The facilities at Hotels in Comayagua conform to the international standards. In most of the hotels, you would find an array of well-appointed and beautifully furnished rooms. These hotels in Comayagua also feature a wide collection of the room amenities for the tourists. These amenities include air-conditioning unit, mini bar, refrigerator, en suite with bath tub and shower, color television and telephone.

The hotels in Comayagua are also renowned for their excellent dining facilities. In these hotels in Comayagua you would find exquisite restaurants that roll out both local and international dishes to the guests. You can also relish the various local as well as international liquors at the on site bars of the hotel.

The luxury hotels in Comayagua are extremely popular among the business travelers. This is because these offer a wide range of business and banquet facilities to the guests. In fact, the best places to organize any important business meeting or private party are the conference rooms and banquet halls of these luxury hotels in Comayagua. Business center is a common feature in these hotels in Comayagua. Various services such as faxing, copying and printing facilities are offered to the guests.

As a guest of any of the luxury Hotels in Comayagua you can avail of the comprehensive range of recreational facilities. These facilities are swimming pools, gymnasium, sauna and tennis courts or golf courses.


Hotels in La Ceiba

There are numerous Hotels in La Ceiba catering to every need of the guests. Situated in the northern coast of Honduras on the Caribbean Sea, the port city of La Ceiba is one of the favored destinations in Central America. There is no dearth of accommodation options in La Ceiba since there are various Hotels in La Ceiba.

The La Ceiba hotels offer not only cozy rooms but also a host of modern amenities and services. These hotels aim at providing the guests the utmost relaxation and comfort. All sorts of possible facilities are extended out to them to make them feel at ease always.

Barcelo La Aurora is one of the top-notch La Ceiba accommodation options. This hotel is situated at a distance of about 25 kilometers to the eastern part of the La Ceiba Airport. The various room amenities in this hotel feature air-conditioning system, direct dial telephone, television with satellite channels, safe deposit box and mini bar. The Los Blasones Restaurant is the perfect venue for a fine dining experience. Among the other facilities, the noted ones include laundry service, and fitness and pool facilities. There is a separate convention center too for the executive guests. They can host any meeting, conference and presentation with the assistance of the hotel.


Among the other hotels in La Ceiba the La Quinta Hotel is another suitable option for lodging. This hotel houses 113 rooms for the guests. Each room is air-conditioned and is furnished with various modern amenities such as telephone, television with cable connection, refrigerator, radio alarm clock and in-room safe. The private bath is fitted with shower. A maid service is provided on a regular basis to ensure the guests of a relaxed stay in the hotel. There is a swimming pool and fitness facilities for guests. Facilities for photocopying and fax are provided to those who are in need of them. The other facilities include laundry service, car rental services, gift corner and currency exchange facility.

Another notable option to put up at in La Ceiba is the Coco Pando Resort Hotel. Nestled between the Goloson International Airport and the centre of the city of La Ceiba, this hotel features an advantageous location. Tourists putting up here can easily visit attractions such as the Pico Bonito National Park, Cayos Cochinos Marine Reserve, Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge and Congrejal River, all of which are situated within close proximity to the hotel. Apart from the well-equipped rooms, the Iguana Bar and Restaurant is a favorable place to dine with some of the scrumptious delicacies prepared here.

To mention few more noted hotels in La Ceiba, these consist of Hotel Palma Real, Gran Hotel Paris, The Lodge at Pico Bonito, and Hotel El Colonia.

Hotels in San Pedro Sula

There are a host of Hotels in San Pedro Sula. These Hotels in San Pedro Sula are also well equipped to deal with the tourist rush in the winter months of November to March. Apart from its fantastic restaurants, museum and cultural center San Pedro makes a great place from where to begin your discovery of Honduras. With many attractions nearby, it is connected by the most complete network of highways in Central America, making it a breeze to visit the different points of interest in the area.

Honduras's second city, and the country's driving economic force, San Pedro Sula sprawls across the fertile Valle de Sula at the foot of the Merendón mountain chain, just an hour from the coast. Flat and very uninspiring ,staid and simple to look at, and for most of the year San Pedro Sula is uncomfortably hot and humid, this is a city for getting business done in rather than sightseeing. It is well known for being the transport hub and the birth of the economic miracle in Honduras's north.

On a more optimistic note then San Pedro Sula can be compared to Tegucigalpa, with its own international airport, foreign consulates, and a wide range of hotels, restaurants and shopping outlets - travelers coming from the north rarely need to visit the capital.

Nestled in the heart of the city these two hotels offer five star luxury and great amenities a stone's throw away from the important centers of the city. One can relax on a sun lounger before a dip ion the outdoor pools or even work out in the fitness rooms and savor the fine wines on offer in any of these hotels which offer world class luxury. The Hilton Princess San Pedro Sula Hotel and the real Intercontinental San Pedro Sula welcomes the gusts with open arms and everyone is welcomed into the world of great five star comfort.

The city in general and the hotels in particular are world class and the reputation of the city began to rise with the steady banana industry in the late nineteenth century, when the city rapidly fortified its role as Honduras's commercial center. With its outer reaches continuing to sprout factories, many of them foreign-owned, and a population now in the region of 600,000, San Pedro ranks as one of the fastest-growing cities in Central America. Fortunes now according to all reports are soaring for this great city and many economic developments are gaining ground.

One of the first Spanish settlements in the country, founded by Pedro de Alvarado in 1536, today's San Pedro bears almost no resemblance of its pre-twentieth-century incarnation. The city of San Pedro Sula has some fine hotels like the Hotel Hilton Princess San Pedro Sula which along with the Real Inter Continental provide five star luxury amidst the snuff that is on offer in terms of accommodation in San Pedro Sula.

San Pedro Sula has some of the best sights and sounds of the Honduran mainland and you do not need to go the the capital Tegucigalpa to have a feel of the city or the Honduran way of life. Hotels in San Pedro Sula are thus well equipped to deal with a large influx of people from, all walks of life. San Pedro Sula always is teeming with vendors, shoeshine boys, moneychangers and general people taking the air.