Discover your inner self as you travel

Travelling is one of life's great joys. It's a way to explore the world and learn about places you've never been before. Here are some ways to travel with a little difference.

The fun lies in the unknown: An itinerary can be helpful but you need not lose your sleep over it. Let your curiosity lead you in exploring a restaurant in a little known corner of the city where you are travelling or a local market which might not be there in the travel guides. Not strictly following a schedule can sometimes give you memories to cherish for all times to come. Be a gypsy at heart.


Find your own path: Get rid of the herd mentality. Just because the whole world is going ga ga over a particular destination, you need rush there. Decide your travel destination as per your interests, passion and the like. And travelling in a group might be easy and safe too but life is not all about playing safe. Travelling is about discovering your inner self.

Explore: Indulge your taste buds and discover the local cuisine. Travelling is all about broadening your horizon. Be open to experiments and allow yourself to soak in new experiments. Be observant the way people speak, the way they dress or the music played in the cafes. Use your senses to the fullest and discover a whole new world. If you are the one who maintains a journal then keep notes. This will also help you to look back with a different perspective.

Weirdest celebrations from around the world

People around the world seem to be celebrating funny days throughout the year. Here's a look at some that stand out.

August 23 was celebrated as Vada Pav Day, not that anyone needs a day to celebrate the staple snack of Mumbai. But it was only six years ago — when a food chain registered the vada pav as its main business and corporatized it — that people start celebrating as Vada Pav Day.

While Vada Pav Day might be one of the 'serious' days celebrated during the year, when compared Proof Read Day, Be Late for Something Day, Namesake Day, Middle Child Day or World Rat Day. We bring to you some of the weirdest days celebrated during the year.

World Nude Day (February 6): The day commemorates setting yourself free. It's not about being vulgar. It's about having fun without your clothes. Many celebrities have done photoshoots and ads on World Nude Day over the years, but we wonder how practical it is for regular folks to celebrate it.

Pi Day (March 14): Just when you thought that you were done with Math and left it behind at school, comes March 14 to remind you to celebrate Pi, which is the relationship between the diameter and the circumference of a circle.

World Rat Day (April 4): It's been a decade since April 4 has been declared World Rat Day. Now you have a day in which you can possibly be nice to the usually reviled rodent.

International Pillow Fight Day (April 6): This has to be one of the most popular days to celebrate, as everyone loves a good pillow fight! Perhaps you can commemorate it with a slumber party.

World Naked Gardening Day (May 8): This day is celebrated by horticulturists for nude recreation. "Although the event is associated with the socio-cultural naturist movement, its founders assert the day is intended to be 'lighthearted, and devoid of politics'. One controls weeds, plants flowers and cuts hedges while naked, and this has been said to be a healthy practice. So next time you want to do something different, wait for May 8.

Towel Day (May 25): Towel Day is celebrated as a tribute to Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. On this day, fans of the author carry towels to work or school for their daily activities to celebrate the fact that a towel is the "most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have". The most important point to remember on this day is to not panic. No matter what the day throws at you, you have your towel to protect you — unless you want to go the Ranbir Kapoor way in Saawariya.

World Naked Bike Ride Day (June 13): Similar to the World Naked Gardening Day, people take to the streets on their bicycles, naked. So go ahead and celebrate your free spirit.

World No Panty Day (June 22): This day is meant for women to celebrate a day that gives them freedom from panties. So all the guys out there might want to mark this on their calendars.

Bikini Day (July 5): It is the anniversary of the invention of the bikini and the goal is for people to head to the nearest beach in their itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny two-pieces.

International Kissing Day (July 6): Have you forgotten the simple pleasures of life? Well July 6 is just the day for you to rediscover that. Go ahead and indulge in some kissing, but spare strangers!

Bad Poetry Day (August 18): Always wanted to write poetry but never been great at penning verses? Then this is your day to celebrate your 'work of art'.

World Mosquito Day (August 20): Yes! There is a day to celebrate mosquitoes too! It commemorates the day when Dr Ronald Ross discovered that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. But we are not sure if that means that you can't kill a mosquito on that day and wait to get bitten.

World Coconut Day (September 2): World Coconut Day was declared in 1998 in Vietnam to generate more awareness on the importance of coconut. So chill out by drinking coconut water through the day.

Boyfriends Day (October 3): Celebrate the day dedicated to your boyfriend by making it special for him or, he can make it special for you.

Mother-in-law Day (October 27): Close on the heels of Boyfriends Day, comes Mother-In-Law Day. Try pamper your moms-in-law on this day.

All Over World! Amazing summer getaways

Tired of the same old destinations? Whether you want a slice of the extravagant culture of Hong Kong and Singapore, or bask in the quite serenity of the white Roman beaches, or swear by the luxurious hill-stations around the world — there is something for everyone's multifarious tastes in this summer holiday planner.

Hong Kong, Macau: Aptly called the 'Vegas of the Orient' Macau offers the most glittering slew of slot machines and gives Vegas a run for its money.

Greece: Whether its through the pulsing night-life of Mykonos , the earthiness of Delphi or the rugged Cretan mountains, Greece is like a breath of fresh air.

Singapore: Get ready to shop till you drop at the Great Singapore Sale going on till July 28. Enjoy dazzling deals on just about everything, everywhere.

Turkey: The land of the delectable Baklava, Turkey has more to it than just a lick-your-plate-clean cuisine. It is a legacy in itself that will leave you asking for more.

Canadian rockies: If traveling is synonymous with mountains, then the Canadian Rockies is just the place for you.

New Zealand: Be it the rich Maori culture or the adrenaline-rush at the Fox glacier, black-water rafting or zorbing, the Kiwis are sure going to up the excitement in your trip.

Australia: The sun-kissed harbour city of Sydney the festive grace of Adelaide or the gamut of art at Brisbane, Australia is a destination you would want to head the summer-planner.

Spain: Spain's diversity stirs the soul. Wherever you go, you'll find yourself reveling with admiration.
Washington DC: Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country. 

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Winter’s last snowy gasp pesters Washington region

By the thousands, people who thought they were uniquely clever called it March Madness, and just as many with long memories wagged their fingers with talk of some year in the past century when it snowed in April. But for most people in the Washington DC region, Monday’s late-season snowfall was a pain in the tuchis.

It felt like winter’s afterthought, a belated delivery of something most people dread in the heart of the season and few were ready to entertain after three cold, dreary months bereft of noteworthy snow.

Even many school children, who draw double delight in the stuff when it shuts down their classes, were robbed of that pleasure because they already were on spring break.

After a frosty start to the day on Tuesday, temperatures were forecast to roll up toward 50 degrees, consigning the remaining snow to the storm sewers. Winter-weary weather watchers said they now believe only what they see for themselves.

“Every time this winter when they've predicted something, it’s never occurred,” said Drucie Andersen of McLean, recalling the warning of a major snowstorm a couple of weeks ago. “After that last one, they kind of lost their street cred.”

On Monday morning, the “ wintry mix” she expected instead dropped more than three inches of snow on her daffodils.

Up to six inches of snow was reported west and north of the District. Reagan National Airport had more than one inch of snow for the first time since January 2011. Power outages, the best bellwether of any local storm’s muscle, were no greater than the number on any sunny day.

A crash Monday morning in the Glenn Dale section of Prince George’s County killed two men, though authorities were still trying to determine whether the accident was related to the snowy weather.
Two of the big school systems — in Fairfax and Montgomery counties — were among several already closed for spring break. In Prince George’s, officials pushed back the start of the school day by two hours, as did public schools in Culpeper, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties.

Nick Peters of Severna Park said his drive into Washington wasn't bad once he got west of the snow-covered highway outside Annapolis. In Middleburg, Va., Jennifer McCloud rejoiced, “I don’t have to slog into town and deal with the slush and the mush.”

The snow was not expected to affect Washington’s renowned cherry blossoms.
“The good thing is we did get a cold snap,” said Carol Johnson, a National Park Service spokeswoman. “So the blossoms aren't out, which means that the snow won’t knock the blossoms off.”
She said the Park Service is sticking with its prediction that blossoms will be at their peak from April 3 through April 6.

“It’s really very, very hard to predict,” Johnson said.
The snow should all be but a memory by Friday, when the Nationals take on the New York Yankees in an exhibition game that will shake the winter cobwebs out of Nationals Park.

Not so fast, say those with a long memory, who remember a snowy ballgame in April, 26 years ago. That was during baseball’s very long winter in Washington, those years without a team when benevolent major league nines dropped in for guest appearances.

In 1987, it was the Phillies and the champion New York Mets, headed north from spring training, who stopped at RFK Stadium for a charity exhibition game.

Like Monday, the forecast that April 5 was for a cold, wet day.
The newspaper said, “Going on 16 years after it left for Texas, baseball is back. Unfortunately, winter is too, but organizers believe the two can coexist for a day at RFK Stadium.”
The organizers proved wrong.

There were 38,437 people in the stands and snow flurries in the air as the two teams trudged from the relative warmth of their dugouts. The fans’ show of support took on civic significance, for the previous autumn Washington had been the only city in the country that had higher television ratings for a Redskins “Monday Night Football” game than for the seventh game of the World Series.

Ted Lopatkiewicz of McLean, now 60, was one in the shivering throng.
“It snowed and it snowed,” he recalled Monday. “They made it to the fifth inning.”
Called after that, it went down in the preseason baseball books as a 1-0 win for the Mets. It went down in the weather books as one of those days when it snowed in Washington in April.


William Branigin, Mike DeBonis, Susan Svrluga, Ovetta Wiggins, Michael E. Ruane, Robert Barnes and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report.

Tour to Washington DC

Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the United States, located between Virginia and Maryland on the north bank of the Potomac River. The city is home to all three branches of the federal government, as well as the White House, the Supreme Court and the Capitol Building. More than 500,000 people live in Washington, D.C.

Washington, DC offers an array of options for seeing the city. Take a tour on a futuristic Segway, bike your way around the sites or simply sit back on a double-decker bus. For those with niche interests, DC offers tours for foodies, history buffs, ghost hunters ... even junior spies!

The manicured yet inviting Japanese-style garden at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, once the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. 

Hillwood's gardens were designed for cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and located at one of her former homes. Wooded paths connect the gardens and encircle the sweep of lawn on the mansion's south side. Among Hillwood’s delights: a Japanese garden featuring a waterfall and bridge, a rose garden and greenhouses containing more than 5,000 orchids.

 Giant pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

International Spy Museum

Bike the Sites under the cherry blossoms

  
Amelia Earhart Vega at the National Air and Space Museum

  
Only in DC can you see the original U.S. Constitution and stand where Martin Luther King, Jr. said “I have a dream.” From touring The White House to attending School for Spies, we’ve got once-in-a-lifetime attractions you should make part of your history.

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What’s causing extra slow traffic at D.C.’s 11th St. Bridge

There are some changes in the traffic at 11th Street Bridge and D.C. 295 north of the bridge after reconstruction of the Bridge. So, travelers should have been care about the traffic congestion.

The 11th Street Bridge reconstruction changed the connections between the freeways on the banks of the Anacostia River. A lot had to be done within a small space to give freeway drivers the links they longed for while creating separate connections primarily for local traffic.

In the aerial photo at the top of the page, you see the main thing bothering morning commuters now. The photo was taken for the bridge project toward the end of the morning rush hour. Traffic from Capitol Hill toward the Anacostia side (top to bottom in the photo) is very light.

Traffic remains heavy on the inbound side, going toward the Navy Yard, Capitol Hill and I-395. That stream is coming north on I-295 in the left side of the photo and from the southbound lanes of D.C. 295 on the right side.
In the middle, drivers are weaving between lanes. Many came in from southbound D.C. 295 are trying to move left so they can be in the two lanes that go through toward I-395, downtown D.C. and the 14th Street Bridge.
This pattern will remain until 2014, when demolition and reconstruction on the Capitol Hill side of the rider will allow for a third inbound through lane, eliminating the need for some of that weaving.

For now, the slowdown on the bridge for the weaving drivers ripples back onto I-295 North and D.C. 295 South. Drivers heading north should line up for the bridge’s far left lane, so they can avoid getting involved in the weave. Drivers on Singh Limo Service DC 295 South who have patience and don’t like to change lanes too much should stay in the left-most lane on the bridge ramp, so they have to change lanes only once to reach the lanes that go through to I-395.

World's 5 most romantic dining destinations

Whether it's a lazy brunch or a candle-lit dinner by sand dunes, the world's greatest cities offer tantalising options for dining with your beloved

Bangkok

Bangkok has some of the most romantic locations for guests having destination weddings, on their honeymoon, celebrating their anniversary, "babymoon" or just escaping from everyday life. One such is lebua, which has the world's highest al-fresco restaurant. Named Sirocco, it's located on the 63rd floor of the hotel and offers a feast for the senses and an invitation to romance. Melt your lover's heart with an unforgettable romantic dinner there. With the glittering city lights below while overlooking the River of Kings, a smile and a toast will say much more than words. Spice up your relationship in a memorable night under the stars at "Sky Bar", a multi-award winning sky-high bar overlooking the city and the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok's most exclusive and distinctive dining destination of Tower Club at lebua also presents the finest international cuisines to accent every moment of love; modern innovative European cuisine at Mezzaluna on 65th Floor, sumptuous Asian cuisine at Breeze on 52nd Floor and the most delectable of international buffet at Cafe Mozu on M Floor.

Prague

Find inspiration in Prague for a romantic proposal at one of its castles, chateaux and gardens. Whether you tour Prague in a horse-drawn carriage or dine in a Gothic vaulted cellar, your Prague break will be pure romance. Begin your romantic break in Prague with an evening cruise on the Vltava River. Break for a romantic dinner in an intimate eatery looking across the river, an atmospheric vaulted cellar restaurant in the Old Town or request a table with a castle view. Book advance tickets for The Marriage of Figaro at Prague's State Opera. Break open a bottle of local Bohemian Sekt sparkling wine atop Petrin Hill beside Prague's Eiffel-Tower model and scented rose gardens.

Florence

All it takes is a stroll through the ancient city of Florence, the gentle wind whispering the same natural endearments as in the Renaissance, to conjure romantics. Take a romantic break while soaking up the sun at one of its many outdoor cafes, or indulge in something sweet at Rivoire, Florence's famous chocolatier. Villa La Massa is a fascinating 16th century Medicean dwelling on the outskirts of Firenze. Since the building was turned into a luxury hotel in 1948, many Hollywood celebrities have stayed here — Clark Gable, Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, to name a few. More recently, David Bowie and Iman took over the Villa for their wedding. Il Verrocchio has an indoor dining hall with a vaulted ceiling and a unique terrace overlooking the Arno with a view onto the famous Rufina hills.

Dubai

Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, the centre of Dubai's heritage and conservation efforts, lies nestled within a green and verdant oasis amongst some of Arabia's most impressive dune and desert landscapes. Resembling an ancient Bedouin encampment this secluded, internationally-awarded hideaway resort offers personal and seductive experiences of the region's history and hospitality, in absolute comfort. Embracing the culinary cultures of the East and West, dining at Al Maha Desort Resort and Spa is an experience to savour and remember. With an excellent team led by the multiple award-winning Executive Chef David Miras, all the menus are meticulously prepared and flawlessly executed. Every dish is hand-made, using the finest, fresh organic ingredients from around the world. Relax in the intimacy of a romantic meal, tailor-made exactly to your requirements and served on your private deck outside the suite.

San Francisco

Perched atop one of the city's highest hills since 1924, the elegant The Huntington Hotel in San Francisco is a warm, welcoming tribute to an era when travel was truly glamorous. With superb skyline views, a tranquil spa, and an award-winning gourmet restaurant, they are a truly prestigious address. Reserve one of their newly renovated downtown San Francisco hotel rooms for a delightful sense of intimacy usually found in a private downtown residence. Located off the lobby of the Huntington Hotel, the Big 4 Restaurant offers a soft, romantic atmosphere. Begin your evening in the lounge relaxing by the cosy fireplace with wine or cocktails. Live piano entertainment fills the space with refreshing soul nightly. Immerse yourself in San Francisco dining by candlelight. Chef Ciccarone-Nehls personally develops all the menus for this innovative restaurant, featuring an eclectic mix of starters and light fare as well as a full range of pastas and house specialties for heartier appetites. The menus at this San Francisco restaurant change regularly to reflect the availability of fresh seafood, game, fowl, vegetables, fruits, or holiday favorites. 

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10 Best Spots in The World for Seeing The Sun Rise

1. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii, USA
Boarding a bus in the wee hours of the morning is a pain, particularly on vacation when the greatest indulgence is sleeping in. But the alarm-clock acknowledgement is worth it if the payoff is watching a sunrise from above the clouds, on the top of a volcano. Various van tours offer the trip through Haleakala National Park in Maui, picking visitors up at 3 am and dropping them off to see the event from the summit. The view is worth the travel time!

2. Svalbard, Norway
The sun rising here holds an almost magical appeal for visitors. Situated north of the Arctic Circle, the northernmost inhabited spot on the planet features the midnight sun, a phenomenon where the sun stays continuously in the sky for 24 hours a day. Glaciers and mountains clutter Svalbard's horizon, painting a landscape that merely enhances the event.

3. Angkor Wat Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat any time of day is powerful, but arriving early enough to watch the sunrise offers visitors an even greater spectacle. The preserved temple attracts travellers from around the world, providing them insight into Khmer and Hindu mythology and history. It's advisable to dedicate more than a day to explore the sacred grounds.

4. Fiji 
Smack dab on the 180-degree longitude line, Fiji is one of the first spots in the world to see the sun rise every day. The South Pacific destination is a favourite among lovers of turquoise seas and white-sand beaches. Tip: Follow an sunrise up with a morning exploration; the 'soft coral capital of the world' offers some of the best scuba diving in the world.

5. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania 
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a fun attraction for adventure travellers. You have one of the most enchanting sunrises in the world here. From Kili's summit — 19,341 feet above sea level — dedicated souls can soak up the sights.

6. Stonehenge, England
Equinox devotees gather here every year for the Vernal Equinox. A place of sun worship still, Stonehenge is a mysterious destination that holds deep spiritual value for travellers. Stonehenge is also known for its magical sunrise. 7 TRES CRUCES, PERU A six-hour bus ride from Cuzco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, Tres Cruces is undeniably worth the long trek. It presents a mind-blowing sunrise to visitors. The view boasts celestial hues and camera moments from above the clouds.

8. Tulum, Mexico
The coastal oasis of Tulum draws spiritual travellers and yoga-types year-round to soak up exquisite culture, history and scenery all in a single spot. Visitors are up with the sun (and often in bed shortly after the sun goes down). No need to set an alarm in Tulum, where sun worshippers gather at the shoreline daily to watch the sunrise.

9. Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
The most impressive sunrises in the United States occur every day across the Grand Canyon. Cool purples melt into shades bronze and orange against the inspiring scenery, arguably Maricopa, Hopi, and Mather points and spots along the South Rim are recommended as places to catch the best sunrise. For watch this lovely place with Singh Limo Service DC at cheap rate

10. Mount Sinal, Egypt
First a history refresher: Jews, Christians and Muslims alike believe that Moses received the 10 Commandments at the biblical Mount Sinai, as said to be mentioned in the Torah, Bible and Koran. An important religious destination, Mount Sinai today draws believers who scale the route by foot for religious purposes, and for the chance to see one of the most inspiring sunrises in the world.

The National Mall - Washington DC, USA

About the National Mall

Situated on the banks of the Potomac River, the National Mall is a two-mile swath of land bound by the U.S. Capitol to the east and the Washington Monument to the west. Visitors to "the Mall" will find a wide, pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined boulevard with moving monuments and memorials, world-famous museums and impressive federal buildings along Constitution Avenue.

The National Mall welcomes millions of visitors every year, but it has also played host to many history-making events. This is where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech to hundreds of thousands who marched on Washington. This is where protestors - from those opposing the Vietnam War during the turbulent 1960s to the peaceful protests of the 1980s punctuated by the AIDS quilt, to modern-day marchers rallying for and against everything from reproductive rights to big business- make their voices heard.

Monuments & memorials on the Mall

The National Mall is home to the country’s most famous monuments and memorials. The Lincoln, Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorials all reside here. You’ll also find the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the National World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

DC’s monuments and memorials are free and open to the public 24 hours a day. Spread out across just two miles, it’s fairly easy to see them all in a day or two (be sure and include some time to rent a paddle boat at the Tidal Basin, where the Jefferson, FDR and MLK memorials are located). If walking the Mall isn’t in your plan, you can also rent a bike, Segway or see the sights via the hop-on, hop-off bus. Be sure to check out our Tours of DC's Monuments & Memorials for more information.

Museums on the Mall

The National Mall is also home to many of the country’s most popular museums. Smithsonian museums along the National Mall include the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian Castle.

The expansive National Gallery of Art, which features two wings of traditional and contemporary art, is also conveniently located on the Mall. The museum’s sculpture garden hosts free Jazz in the Garden concerts on Friday evenings during the summer and transforms itself into an ice skating rink during the winter.

For more information on navigating all 15 Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, read Visiting the Smithsonian Museums.

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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS WASHINGTON DC

America’s capital is the ultimate political city and the centre of attention as voters prepare to choose their president on 6 November, the occupant of its key edifice, the White House (1). Whether Obama or Romney wins, Washington is a fascinating, historic metropolis that merits exploration.

Touch down

Most flights from the UK land at Washington Dulles (001 703 572 2700;metwashairports.com), 26 miles south of the centre. British Airways (0844 493 0787; ba.com), United Airlines (0845 607 6760;unitedairlines.co.uk) and Virgin Atlantic (0844 209 7310; virgin-atlantic.com) all fly here daily from Heathrow. United also covers the route from Manchester.

Metro bus 5A departs once an hour at weekends (every 40 minutes on weekdays), taking 50 minutes to the landmark square of L’Enfant Plaza (2) for a fare of $6 (£4). Super Shuttle (001 800 258 3826; supershuttle.com) runs shared van transfers to central hotels: $29 (£18) for a one-person booking, $39 (£24) for two. Washington Flyer Taxis (001 703 572 8294; washfly.com) is the official airport cab service. The drive takes about 40 minutes, costing $56-$64 (£35-£40). If you wanted go with more luxurious transportation limo service DC at affordable cost call @ 888-523-8661 or check out for more info and offers at www.singhlimodc.com

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Get your bearings

Washington was founded as a political capital in 1791. Its location was chosen by the man whose name it takes, George Washington, at a point between the established cities of the north-east and the Southern states. It occupies its own zone (the District of Columbia), independent of the 50 states, hemmed by Virginia to the south and Maryland to the north – at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.

The centre spreads out around the National Mall (nps.gov/mall), a two-mile grassy strip that ebbs east to west as it plays host to the country’s most significant monuments and museums. Beyond, the city is organized into a simple grid. Streets that run south to north are numbered (eg 14th Street), while major east-to-west avenues bear letters (such as F Street).

Local transport (001 202 637 7000; wmata.com) consists of the five lines of the Metrorail subway system, and Metro buses. Metrorail fares are complex and vary according to time – but a single journey in the centre during off-peak hours (9.30am-3pm; 7pm-midnight) costs $1.70 (£1). A one-day Metrorail pass is $14 (£9). Bus fares are $1.80 (£1.10).

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