by Grant Wills
Siam Chiang Mai. The Rose of the North.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's 2nd largest city and the center of culture and arts in Thailand. Chiang Mai celebrated its 700th year anniversary about 7 or 8 years ago. Siam Chiang Mai is the Home of adventure Tourism in the far North of Thailand. Chiang Mai was the capital of Siam for many years, being serviced from the south by river barge on the Mai Ping River. The large morning markets are still situated by the Mai Ping. All the main Consulates are still in Chiang Mai, with the British Consulate taking up a large block. The British had considerable influence here in the 1800s and early 1900s, helping the Thai Government set up the mail, railway and transport infrastructure. Thailand means FREELAND. Thailand was never colonized as they had a very astute King who did his schooling in Europe, When the British and French started encroaching on Thailand he summoned the respective consoles to his Palace and put forth the proposition that went something like this, We have (the Kings personal army) 5000 battle trained elephants with full body armour, you have cannon. Your cannon will take out some of my elephants but the other 4000 will trample you to death, we also have a massive army of foot solders that will mop up any survivors. To the British consul he said as a peace offering I will give you all the land on the other side of the mountains bordering Burma. As for Thailand at this time of history it was very hard to service (because of the mountain range). To the French he said something along the same lines but offering them all the land on the other side of the Mekong river. Both Governments looked at the logistics of the situation and accepted the proposition. Thailand has always maintained large armed forces as it was surrounded by hostile Countries who over the last 1000 years or so have each at one time or another ruled the whole Area. During the cold war America supported Thailand to the hilt with planes, tanks, equipment and training. During the Vietnam War the Americans had many bases here, Airport bases at Uban Thani etc. Then came Air America (but that's a whole story on its own) with arms for drug deals, CIA backing of the Hill tribe Drug Lord Armies, as in the CIA's mind they were the bastion against Russian and Chinese communist forces. Many of the treaties put in place in the cold war with the Shan people etc of Burma are still in place today and ratified by each incoming Prime Minister.
Thailand was the launching pad for the secret War in Loa, Cambodia and of course Vietnam. That all said explains why the Thai's are such a happy care free people, they have never had there spirit broken and don't have the undercurrent of hate that you see in a lot of the old French and British colonies. Thailand is a sub Tropical paradise, with plenty of lush rain forests, rivers and lakes. The mountains of the north run down to the flatlands and ocean. Chiang Mai is 11 or so hours by train from Bangkok or 1 hour by plane, It has its own International Air port, so depending on were you are coming from you can fly straight into Chiang Mai. If you take the train from Bangkok the overnight sleeper is a good idea (book a bottom bunk) you get on the train, they serve dinner, make up the beds and you wake up in the morning for breakfast coming into Chiang Mai all for the price of dinner back home. Thailand is a safe pace to travel; I have travelled back and forth from New Zealand for many years making 20 or more return trips with out ever having any thing stolen or the like. Getting over 16,000,000 tourists a year, tourism is its no one $ earner surpassing the rice crop for export $s. From Chiang Mai you can book and plan small excursions into the unknown ha (Burma, Laos and China) with return air tickets from as little as $50 - $150 or you can book on a over land cross river execution to Laos. Traveling up to Chiang Kong and then across the river to Loa.
http://thai-smile.blogspot.com/2007/10/siam-chiang-mai.html
30 October 2007
29 October 2007
Great Maui Vacations for Families
by Judy Christensen
Maui is a great destination for families as well as honeymooners.
The Hawaiian word for family is 'ohana. Like many Hawaiian words, it evokes a feeling, an emotion, more than a literal "blood relation" meaning. It means belonging, to a group of relatives or a wider community, whose members support and nurture each other - like any family. Family is one of the touchstones of Hawaiian culture.
Family members of all ages will have a great time in Maui. There are so many things to see and do, and a wide variety of accommodations to appeal to families of any size or age.
The main resort areas are Ka'anapali, Kapalua, and Wailea. Each is a planned community, with accommodations and ammenities designed with visitors in mind. The resort communities of Maui have an abundance of condominium complexes, unlike Mexico or the Caribbean.
For families, condominiums provide the most comfortable, home-like atmosphere. There are condos available with up to 3 bedrooms, plus sofa beds, and can accommodate up to 8 people. There is no need for multiple hotel rooms or eating out at every meal. While no one wants to spend their vacation cooking for the family, having breakfast, snacks or quick meals in the condo save the family time and money - and it's much more convenient than getting dressed and getting into the car to go to a restaurant for breakfast or a light lunch after a swim.
Condos also generally have laundry facilities in the unit - you can toss some clothes in the washer before you leave for the day and into the dryer when you get home - and pack half as many clothes! This is especially good for young children, who often require several changes of clothes during the day.
Resorts also have activity desks to help you plan your stay. Kayaks and snorkle gear are generally available, and in some areas, you can snorkle right from the beach in front of your resort. The activity desk can also help you arrange a tour or guided activity, if you prefer.
Here are some of the family-friendly activities you can choose from:
- Swimming. Check with the activity desk for the best beaches for small children - it may not be the beach in front of your resort. Children, like everyone else, need to be careful in the ocean, but they don't need to avoid it. Just find out which beach to go to, and ask the lifeguard on duty for tips on enjoying the water.
- Snorkling. Even relatively young children can snorkle if they are so inclined. Seeing the colorful fish is a great activity for kids! Just be sure to check with the desk for a calm, shallow bay - and have the child wear a life vest for safety. Resorts often offer lessons and gear, or they can direct you to a local shop.
- Surfing. Older children can learn to surf at one of the many surf school or camps on the island. Some of them (such as Goofy Foot) guarantee you will be standing on the board and riding a wave at the end of a 2-hour lesson.
- Scuba diving. There are even more diving schools, and older children can take a lesson with you. Exploring the varied marine life deep under the ocean surface is a wonderful family activity.
- Building sand castles and lounging in the sun. Need I say more?
- Horseback riding. You may not think of horses in Hawaii, but the islands have a rich agricultural heritage, and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) use horses just as they were used in the Old West. Seeing Maui on horseback allows you to see areas that are inaccessible any other way. And kids love horses!
- Drive the Hana highway (or take a tour). The scenery along the Hana highway is breathtaking - which is why it's a good idea to let someone else do the driving. The driver, unfortunately, needs to focus on the road and will miss the beauty of the lush foliage and waterfalls, so very different than the western side of the island. A tour also travels the rough roads circling the island, where rental cars are prohibited. This is a great way to see the whole perimiter of the southern island, and a treat for the whole family.
- Take a whale watching excursion. From December to April, humpback whales make their home on the western shores of Maui. There are thousands of them, and while you can often see them from shore, a boat trip gets you up close to the action. The whales are accustomed to the tour boats (and the boats are very respectful of the whales), so they often will swim right along side the boat for several minutes. You might see a mother and calf, or watch them breach the surface and dive below. A sunset cruise is a special treat.
- Take a hike. There are trails throughout the island, from easy walks to more strenous hikes past waterfalls, through lava tubes, and up hills. Some are guided, but you can pick up maps at tourist offices. A guided tour offers more information about your surroundings and its history.
- Take a ride on the Sugar Cane Train. This historic steam locomotive runs from Ka'anapali to Lahaina, and has open-air coaches to view the spectacular scenery along the way. There is also Hawaiian entertainment and stories of the railroad's role in the history of the island.
- Take a helicopter or small plane tour. There is no better way to see the island than from above. Maui has 5 distinct ecological zones, and the striking contrast between the dry western side and the lush, green eastern coast is best viewed from the air.
In addition to these activities, you can check with your resort's activity desk for age-appropriate activities offered at the resort itself. Many have hula or lei-making lessons, or art classes. You can let the kids enjoy themselves while you catch some rays on the beach!
Don't dismiss Maui as a honeymoon destination only. If you spent your honeymoon there, re-visit it with the kids - you'll experience a whole new island!
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=664187
Maui is a great destination for families as well as honeymooners.
The Hawaiian word for family is 'ohana. Like many Hawaiian words, it evokes a feeling, an emotion, more than a literal "blood relation" meaning. It means belonging, to a group of relatives or a wider community, whose members support and nurture each other - like any family. Family is one of the touchstones of Hawaiian culture.
Family members of all ages will have a great time in Maui. There are so many things to see and do, and a wide variety of accommodations to appeal to families of any size or age.
The main resort areas are Ka'anapali, Kapalua, and Wailea. Each is a planned community, with accommodations and ammenities designed with visitors in mind. The resort communities of Maui have an abundance of condominium complexes, unlike Mexico or the Caribbean.
For families, condominiums provide the most comfortable, home-like atmosphere. There are condos available with up to 3 bedrooms, plus sofa beds, and can accommodate up to 8 people. There is no need for multiple hotel rooms or eating out at every meal. While no one wants to spend their vacation cooking for the family, having breakfast, snacks or quick meals in the condo save the family time and money - and it's much more convenient than getting dressed and getting into the car to go to a restaurant for breakfast or a light lunch after a swim.
Condos also generally have laundry facilities in the unit - you can toss some clothes in the washer before you leave for the day and into the dryer when you get home - and pack half as many clothes! This is especially good for young children, who often require several changes of clothes during the day.
Resorts also have activity desks to help you plan your stay. Kayaks and snorkle gear are generally available, and in some areas, you can snorkle right from the beach in front of your resort. The activity desk can also help you arrange a tour or guided activity, if you prefer.
Here are some of the family-friendly activities you can choose from:
- Swimming. Check with the activity desk for the best beaches for small children - it may not be the beach in front of your resort. Children, like everyone else, need to be careful in the ocean, but they don't need to avoid it. Just find out which beach to go to, and ask the lifeguard on duty for tips on enjoying the water.
- Snorkling. Even relatively young children can snorkle if they are so inclined. Seeing the colorful fish is a great activity for kids! Just be sure to check with the desk for a calm, shallow bay - and have the child wear a life vest for safety. Resorts often offer lessons and gear, or they can direct you to a local shop.
- Surfing. Older children can learn to surf at one of the many surf school or camps on the island. Some of them (such as Goofy Foot) guarantee you will be standing on the board and riding a wave at the end of a 2-hour lesson.
- Scuba diving. There are even more diving schools, and older children can take a lesson with you. Exploring the varied marine life deep under the ocean surface is a wonderful family activity.
- Building sand castles and lounging in the sun. Need I say more?
- Horseback riding. You may not think of horses in Hawaii, but the islands have a rich agricultural heritage, and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) use horses just as they were used in the Old West. Seeing Maui on horseback allows you to see areas that are inaccessible any other way. And kids love horses!
- Drive the Hana highway (or take a tour). The scenery along the Hana highway is breathtaking - which is why it's a good idea to let someone else do the driving. The driver, unfortunately, needs to focus on the road and will miss the beauty of the lush foliage and waterfalls, so very different than the western side of the island. A tour also travels the rough roads circling the island, where rental cars are prohibited. This is a great way to see the whole perimiter of the southern island, and a treat for the whole family.
- Take a whale watching excursion. From December to April, humpback whales make their home on the western shores of Maui. There are thousands of them, and while you can often see them from shore, a boat trip gets you up close to the action. The whales are accustomed to the tour boats (and the boats are very respectful of the whales), so they often will swim right along side the boat for several minutes. You might see a mother and calf, or watch them breach the surface and dive below. A sunset cruise is a special treat.
- Take a hike. There are trails throughout the island, from easy walks to more strenous hikes past waterfalls, through lava tubes, and up hills. Some are guided, but you can pick up maps at tourist offices. A guided tour offers more information about your surroundings and its history.
- Take a ride on the Sugar Cane Train. This historic steam locomotive runs from Ka'anapali to Lahaina, and has open-air coaches to view the spectacular scenery along the way. There is also Hawaiian entertainment and stories of the railroad's role in the history of the island.
- Take a helicopter or small plane tour. There is no better way to see the island than from above. Maui has 5 distinct ecological zones, and the striking contrast between the dry western side and the lush, green eastern coast is best viewed from the air.
In addition to these activities, you can check with your resort's activity desk for age-appropriate activities offered at the resort itself. Many have hula or lei-making lessons, or art classes. You can let the kids enjoy themselves while you catch some rays on the beach!
Don't dismiss Maui as a honeymoon destination only. If you spent your honeymoon there, re-visit it with the kids - you'll experience a whole new island!
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=664187
Spain Ad Campaign Targets British Tourists
by Roger Munns
From the late 1950's when overseas travel became available to the masses, Spain and her islands have consistently been the favourite destination for the British, Germans, Swedes and other Europeans.
Even when longer haul destinations in Europe like Cyprus, Malta and Greece became possible, and later holidays in Florida and even more recently Australia became economically viable for more people, Spain has maintained her popularity.
Part of the appeal of Spain is that it is just a short flight away from the UK, with Majorca and Menorca, two of the popular Spanish islands, taking under two hours from London's Gatwick Airport. Fares have dropped dramatically in recent years with the advent of low cost airlines flying to Mallorca, Menorca and mainland Spain, making the possibility of more than one visit a year to the island by many tourists a reality.
Such was the appeal of Spain and the opportunity to holiday abroad in the 1960's and 70's parts of Spain saw a rapid hotel and holiday complex building programme, with some areas changing from quiet coastal villages to concrete jungles, but despite this the tourists still flocked in, later to consider other areas that hadn't been developed as much. Emerging holiday destinations view the development of Spain in the early days of mass tourism with caution, and Spain itself has introduced tougher building and planning regulations to ensure their initial errors aren't repeated by developers ever anxious to build a new hotel resort.
New competition from Eastern European countries is a threat to Spain's holiday market dominance, and the decision has been made to spend some money on advertising the Balearics in particular to the British and German markets.
The three Balearic Islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza might be close to each other, but they are all different in character and the type of tourist they typically attract, making the advertising campaign necessarily a diverse one to reach the different markets for the three different Balearic islands. A surprise for example is that the amount of time spent on Ibiza by each tourist is longer than on Menorca and Majorca - destroying the myth that Ibiza is primarily for long weekends or short trips for a couple of nights in the club.
But one thing does bind the three islands - the number of tourists from Germany, UK, and the Spanish mainland - which together make up over 80 per cent of their visitors.
The UK advertising campaign for Majorca includes a team distributing information at London's Victoria Station. Trains from Victoria run several times an hour to London's Gatwick Airport, allowing easy access to Mallorca for Londoners.
One spin-off from sustained tourism in Spain has been the number of Brits and Germans moving to the country and her islands, bringing with them the money they have made from selling their businesses and homes plus a pension, boosting the local economies further.
And the tourists who decide to call Spain home are becoming more involved with their new local governments and politics. Spain seems to be the new frontier for many weary inhabitants of the crowded towns and cities in the UK and Germany. While this trend bodes well for the Spanish economy, no one yet knows what sort of impact the influx of expatriates will do for Spain's political destiny.
Today, in 2007, nearly one million former British citizens call Spain their new home, and nearly a quarter of those are eligible to vote in Spanish elections. While they are allowed to vote on national issues, they are still curtailed from voting in local or regional elections, but that may change in the near future as more immigrants arrive on the sun-soaked sands of islands like Majorca, where British voting trends have decided the results of some elections already.
The San Fulgencio area, located in the Alicante province of Spain, currently heads the lead in foreigners calling Spain home now, with three quarters of them being British. Majorca and Menorca continue to be the most popular destinations for many Britains looking for new homes, new horizons and new destinies, and only time will tell what this means overall for Spaniards.
For Spain, spending money on attracting tourists doesn't just pay off with a two week holiday and spending spree - in many cases it's a case of a much bigger prize as the tourists buy a home and convert from being a holiday maker to living there full time.
From the late 1950's when overseas travel became available to the masses, Spain and her islands have consistently been the favourite destination for the British, Germans, Swedes and other Europeans.
Even when longer haul destinations in Europe like Cyprus, Malta and Greece became possible, and later holidays in Florida and even more recently Australia became economically viable for more people, Spain has maintained her popularity.
Part of the appeal of Spain is that it is just a short flight away from the UK, with Majorca and Menorca, two of the popular Spanish islands, taking under two hours from London's Gatwick Airport. Fares have dropped dramatically in recent years with the advent of low cost airlines flying to Mallorca, Menorca and mainland Spain, making the possibility of more than one visit a year to the island by many tourists a reality.
Such was the appeal of Spain and the opportunity to holiday abroad in the 1960's and 70's parts of Spain saw a rapid hotel and holiday complex building programme, with some areas changing from quiet coastal villages to concrete jungles, but despite this the tourists still flocked in, later to consider other areas that hadn't been developed as much. Emerging holiday destinations view the development of Spain in the early days of mass tourism with caution, and Spain itself has introduced tougher building and planning regulations to ensure their initial errors aren't repeated by developers ever anxious to build a new hotel resort.
New competition from Eastern European countries is a threat to Spain's holiday market dominance, and the decision has been made to spend some money on advertising the Balearics in particular to the British and German markets.
The three Balearic Islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza might be close to each other, but they are all different in character and the type of tourist they typically attract, making the advertising campaign necessarily a diverse one to reach the different markets for the three different Balearic islands. A surprise for example is that the amount of time spent on Ibiza by each tourist is longer than on Menorca and Majorca - destroying the myth that Ibiza is primarily for long weekends or short trips for a couple of nights in the club.
But one thing does bind the three islands - the number of tourists from Germany, UK, and the Spanish mainland - which together make up over 80 per cent of their visitors.
The UK advertising campaign for Majorca includes a team distributing information at London's Victoria Station. Trains from Victoria run several times an hour to London's Gatwick Airport, allowing easy access to Mallorca for Londoners.
One spin-off from sustained tourism in Spain has been the number of Brits and Germans moving to the country and her islands, bringing with them the money they have made from selling their businesses and homes plus a pension, boosting the local economies further.
And the tourists who decide to call Spain home are becoming more involved with their new local governments and politics. Spain seems to be the new frontier for many weary inhabitants of the crowded towns and cities in the UK and Germany. While this trend bodes well for the Spanish economy, no one yet knows what sort of impact the influx of expatriates will do for Spain's political destiny.
Today, in 2007, nearly one million former British citizens call Spain their new home, and nearly a quarter of those are eligible to vote in Spanish elections. While they are allowed to vote on national issues, they are still curtailed from voting in local or regional elections, but that may change in the near future as more immigrants arrive on the sun-soaked sands of islands like Majorca, where British voting trends have decided the results of some elections already.
The San Fulgencio area, located in the Alicante province of Spain, currently heads the lead in foreigners calling Spain home now, with three quarters of them being British. Majorca and Menorca continue to be the most popular destinations for many Britains looking for new homes, new horizons and new destinies, and only time will tell what this means overall for Spaniards.
For Spain, spending money on attracting tourists doesn't just pay off with a two week holiday and spending spree - in many cases it's a case of a much bigger prize as the tourists buy a home and convert from being a holiday maker to living there full time.
28 October 2007
The Bahamas, A Great Choice For Travel and Vacation
By: Robert Barner
This group of 700 islands, beginning sixty miles east of the Florida coast, is dazzling in its diversity. Activities like golfing with your family, world class bone fishing, or just hanging out and relaxing at the beach. For diving and snorkling the Bahamas boast the world's third longest barrier reef and visibility of over 200 feet. You can also explore the world's longest underwater cave and cavern system at Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama. Great shopping, and the resorts start at $33.00 dollars a day up to $300 a day.
The island of New Providence is divided into three main tourist areas -- Nassau, Paradise Island and Cable Beach.
Hotel complexes dominate expansive Cable Beach, which underwent a recent facelift, transforming it to a mecca for visitors who prefer beachcombing with options for exercise and lively entertainment nearby. Luxurious accommodations are offered in resorts of all sizes and types with gourmet food, world-class entertainment, sports facilities (including a golf course) and some large casinos never more than a few steps away.
Nassau, the capital, adds a grand British undertone to island life. Pink government buildings at Rawson Square (actually a circle) face cruise ships whose passengers are drawn to a day of duty-free shopping downtown. A new museum interpreting the colorful Junkanoo tradition is tucked at wharf side in the ships' shadows. Tiny pubs and restaurants dot Nassau's narrow side streets. And a bustling straw market houses hundreds of vendors ready to bargain with souvenir merchandise. You can even catch a ride on a horse drawn carriage.
Cross the bridge to Paradise Island where beaches are first- class and the resort selection is excellent -- from upscale chic on stately estate grounds, to a yoga retreat, condo facilities (great for family vacations), and large luxury properties (one with a glass tunnel for viewing marine life and a low-key water park). Activity abounds at every turn. Paradise Island has an excellent golf course and its own small airport.
Grand Bahama, with resort development at both Freeport and Lucaya, has the same features on a smaller scale. Golf, tennis, water sports and duty-free shopping are popular and plentiful. And the island moves at a leisurely pace.
Kick back further and visit the Out Islands, favored by explorers who prefer their island life quaint, quiet, simple and barefoot. No rules here, just relaxation and recreation on land and sea when the spirit moves you. Interesting and excellent small and mid-sized hotels and family-run guest houses are interspersed with touches of history and hundreds of friendly faces. Out Island exploration is especially popular with eco-tourists in search of unspoiled island atmosphere, game fishermen seeking a record catch and all those who prefer to daydream in idyllic surroundings
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
This group of 700 islands, beginning sixty miles east of the Florida coast, is dazzling in its diversity. Activities like golfing with your family, world class bone fishing, or just hanging out and relaxing at the beach. For diving and snorkling the Bahamas boast the world's third longest barrier reef and visibility of over 200 feet. You can also explore the world's longest underwater cave and cavern system at Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama. Great shopping, and the resorts start at $33.00 dollars a day up to $300 a day.
The island of New Providence is divided into three main tourist areas -- Nassau, Paradise Island and Cable Beach.
Hotel complexes dominate expansive Cable Beach, which underwent a recent facelift, transforming it to a mecca for visitors who prefer beachcombing with options for exercise and lively entertainment nearby. Luxurious accommodations are offered in resorts of all sizes and types with gourmet food, world-class entertainment, sports facilities (including a golf course) and some large casinos never more than a few steps away.
Nassau, the capital, adds a grand British undertone to island life. Pink government buildings at Rawson Square (actually a circle) face cruise ships whose passengers are drawn to a day of duty-free shopping downtown. A new museum interpreting the colorful Junkanoo tradition is tucked at wharf side in the ships' shadows. Tiny pubs and restaurants dot Nassau's narrow side streets. And a bustling straw market houses hundreds of vendors ready to bargain with souvenir merchandise. You can even catch a ride on a horse drawn carriage.
Cross the bridge to Paradise Island where beaches are first- class and the resort selection is excellent -- from upscale chic on stately estate grounds, to a yoga retreat, condo facilities (great for family vacations), and large luxury properties (one with a glass tunnel for viewing marine life and a low-key water park). Activity abounds at every turn. Paradise Island has an excellent golf course and its own small airport.
Grand Bahama, with resort development at both Freeport and Lucaya, has the same features on a smaller scale. Golf, tennis, water sports and duty-free shopping are popular and plentiful. And the island moves at a leisurely pace.
Kick back further and visit the Out Islands, favored by explorers who prefer their island life quaint, quiet, simple and barefoot. No rules here, just relaxation and recreation on land and sea when the spirit moves you. Interesting and excellent small and mid-sized hotels and family-run guest houses are interspersed with touches of history and hundreds of friendly faces. Out Island exploration is especially popular with eco-tourists in search of unspoiled island atmosphere, game fishermen seeking a record catch and all those who prefer to daydream in idyllic surroundings
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
27 October 2007
Experience the Morocco Culture
RON VICTOR
Morocco has an amazing culture. If you are friendly and courteous enough by nature, then you would soon start making good friends with the local people. Further if this happens you would be invited for a meal, so it is good to maintain some of the local customs. For example, you would normally take off your shoes when entering inside any house. You could follow a host’s example in this regard. Also, it is a fine idea to take a gift of some sort with.
If you are in a home at Morocco, you may take some pastries or some sugar with you. If you are in the county, it might be better to purchase a live chicken for the household that is likely to not be quite so well off. A home call is may be the most bona fide way to sample Moroccan dishes. Most Moroccan foodstuff is eaten with the hands.
Souks are a way of life in Morocco and you can generally wont have to go far to find one for yourself. You could often get good bargains here, but keep in mind that most Moroccans would have a lot more experience than you might when it comes to bargaining the price so you will hardly ever find yourself able to get better than that which is offered.
If you are going for a morocco tour and if you desire to take photographs of the local people, it would be wisest to ask their permission. Taking a photograph of someone with out their authorization – particularly in rural areas – could certainly cause offense. On the contrary, taking photographs of someone you have become gracious with is generally very welcome.
In general, Moroccan culture could be very exiting and worldly wise experience. The people are really friendly and the place extremely colorful. Hospitality is really a part of their culture so you can clout up friendships almost anywhere if you have the right attitude. Usually, this results in further friendship with these lively and interesting people and a real taste of Moroccan life. So you can plan for a Morocco tour in the near future for having a life time experience.
www.experienceittours.com
Morocco has an amazing culture. If you are friendly and courteous enough by nature, then you would soon start making good friends with the local people. Further if this happens you would be invited for a meal, so it is good to maintain some of the local customs. For example, you would normally take off your shoes when entering inside any house. You could follow a host’s example in this regard. Also, it is a fine idea to take a gift of some sort with.
If you are in a home at Morocco, you may take some pastries or some sugar with you. If you are in the county, it might be better to purchase a live chicken for the household that is likely to not be quite so well off. A home call is may be the most bona fide way to sample Moroccan dishes. Most Moroccan foodstuff is eaten with the hands.
Souks are a way of life in Morocco and you can generally wont have to go far to find one for yourself. You could often get good bargains here, but keep in mind that most Moroccans would have a lot more experience than you might when it comes to bargaining the price so you will hardly ever find yourself able to get better than that which is offered.
If you are going for a morocco tour and if you desire to take photographs of the local people, it would be wisest to ask their permission. Taking a photograph of someone with out their authorization – particularly in rural areas – could certainly cause offense. On the contrary, taking photographs of someone you have become gracious with is generally very welcome.
In general, Moroccan culture could be very exiting and worldly wise experience. The people are really friendly and the place extremely colorful. Hospitality is really a part of their culture so you can clout up friendships almost anywhere if you have the right attitude. Usually, this results in further friendship with these lively and interesting people and a real taste of Moroccan life. So you can plan for a Morocco tour in the near future for having a life time experience.
www.experienceittours.com
Long-haul flying from Manchester - 8 tips to reduce the effects of jet lag
Based in the north of England, Manchester Airport handles 22 million passengers a year flying to more than 225 destinations worldwide. This vast array of destinations has led to more and more travellers venturing further a field and, whether you are flying for business or pleasure, long-haul flying and jet lag often go hand in hand.
Jet lag occurs when the body’s rhythms are out of sync with your destination time – the body operates on a 24-hour cycle, and travelling to a different time zone alters the body’s natural rhythm causing jet lag. The more time zones you cross the worse it can be - travelling east has a greater affect on jet lag than travelling west. It is easier on the body’s biorhythms to add a few extra hours to the day, as in travelling west, than reducing the number of hours in a day when travelling east. The speed with which your body can realign itself to your new time zone, adjusting its body rhythm to daylight, darkness, eating and sleeping in the new time zone, affects the length of time you experience jet lag for.
Jet lag can cause any or all of the following symptoms:
• Fatigue and lethargy • Insomnia • Disorientation • Swollen hands and feet • Headaches • Digestive problems • Irritability or anxiety • Lack of concentration • Loss of appetite and nausea • Dehydration.
It is often thought that it takes a day to recover for each time zone travelled through – this is great news for travellers on a week’s holiday or a business traveller on a three day conference halfway across the world!
So what can you do to minimise the affects of jet lag? The following tips are designed to help you avoid the worst of jet lag and realign your body clock as soon as possible.
1.Drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Water is best but, if you find drinking large amounts of water difficult or just plain boring, fruit juice and herbal teas will do.
2.If you are due to land in the morning at your destination, try to sleep during the flight. Sleeping on board a plane in cramped conditions isn’t easy but take off your shoes and try to get comfortable. An eye mask and ear plugs with help block out cabin distractions and a blow up neck rest should add to your comfort. Even if you are unable to sleep throughout the flight, just try to rest, close your eyes and try to ‘switch off’.
3.If you are due to land at night, try to stay awake throughout the flight. Read a book, listen to some music but try to resist sleeping as this will mean you will be unable to sleep destination time and take longer for your body clock to adjust. 4.Set your watch to your destination time as soon as you get on the plane and try to live by it straight away. Try to eat at times appropriate to your destination time not departure time.
5.Some people reduce the impact of time zone changes by gradually adapting their routine by an hour or so a few days before they travel. By getting up an hour earlier or staying up later for a few days prior to departure depending on their destination time.
6.If you arrive in the daytime, try to avoid the temptation to sleep, get outside in the sunshine - daylight, or any light, is a major factor in resetting your internal clock. If you are exhausted and have to sleep try to limit a nap to one hour – set an alarm clock or your mobile phone to wake you.
7.If you arrive at night and don’t feel sleepy, try a warm bath and a glass of warm milk – a natural sleep inducer.
8.Resist the urge to party all night for the first couple days and get a couple of good nights’ sleep. This should help you adjust your body clock to your destination time and make for a more enjoyable stay.
http://www.amazines.com/Travel_and_Tourism/article_detail.cfm/349154?articleid=349154
Jet lag occurs when the body’s rhythms are out of sync with your destination time – the body operates on a 24-hour cycle, and travelling to a different time zone alters the body’s natural rhythm causing jet lag. The more time zones you cross the worse it can be - travelling east has a greater affect on jet lag than travelling west. It is easier on the body’s biorhythms to add a few extra hours to the day, as in travelling west, than reducing the number of hours in a day when travelling east. The speed with which your body can realign itself to your new time zone, adjusting its body rhythm to daylight, darkness, eating and sleeping in the new time zone, affects the length of time you experience jet lag for.
Jet lag can cause any or all of the following symptoms:
• Fatigue and lethargy • Insomnia • Disorientation • Swollen hands and feet • Headaches • Digestive problems • Irritability or anxiety • Lack of concentration • Loss of appetite and nausea • Dehydration.
It is often thought that it takes a day to recover for each time zone travelled through – this is great news for travellers on a week’s holiday or a business traveller on a three day conference halfway across the world!
So what can you do to minimise the affects of jet lag? The following tips are designed to help you avoid the worst of jet lag and realign your body clock as soon as possible.
1.Drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Water is best but, if you find drinking large amounts of water difficult or just plain boring, fruit juice and herbal teas will do.
2.If you are due to land in the morning at your destination, try to sleep during the flight. Sleeping on board a plane in cramped conditions isn’t easy but take off your shoes and try to get comfortable. An eye mask and ear plugs with help block out cabin distractions and a blow up neck rest should add to your comfort. Even if you are unable to sleep throughout the flight, just try to rest, close your eyes and try to ‘switch off’.
3.If you are due to land at night, try to stay awake throughout the flight. Read a book, listen to some music but try to resist sleeping as this will mean you will be unable to sleep destination time and take longer for your body clock to adjust. 4.Set your watch to your destination time as soon as you get on the plane and try to live by it straight away. Try to eat at times appropriate to your destination time not departure time.
5.Some people reduce the impact of time zone changes by gradually adapting their routine by an hour or so a few days before they travel. By getting up an hour earlier or staying up later for a few days prior to departure depending on their destination time.
6.If you arrive in the daytime, try to avoid the temptation to sleep, get outside in the sunshine - daylight, or any light, is a major factor in resetting your internal clock. If you are exhausted and have to sleep try to limit a nap to one hour – set an alarm clock or your mobile phone to wake you.
7.If you arrive at night and don’t feel sleepy, try a warm bath and a glass of warm milk – a natural sleep inducer.
8.Resist the urge to party all night for the first couple days and get a couple of good nights’ sleep. This should help you adjust your body clock to your destination time and make for a more enjoyable stay.
http://www.amazines.com/Travel_and_Tourism/article_detail.cfm/349154?articleid=349154
26 October 2007
Bangkok Tourist Attractions Information
by Alex Albert
Bangkok Tourist Attractions are one of the major reasons that attract legions of travelers to Bangkok every year. The city is packed with old temples, historical monuments, parks and museums. Bangkok tourist attractions have greatly influenced and promoted tourism in Bangkok. Whenever you come to this bustling city, keep some days aside to surf the various Bangkok attractions.
Wat Phra Kaew and the neighboring Grand Palace together make up perhaps the most impressive tourist attraction in Bangkok. Though, it is no longer the Royal residence that it was, it's still an incredible compound of glittering buildings, golden spires, mythical guardian figures and the revered Emerald Buddha.
Wat Pho, conveniently positioned right next to Wat Phra Kaew and is famous for housing Bangkok's gigantic Reclining Buddha which is 46 meters long and 15 meters in height. It's also Bangkok's largest temple complex. Wat Arun, otherwise known as the Temple of the Dawn, is a 100 meter high Khmer style prang with an excellent location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Despite the name, it's best seen in the evening with the sun setting behind it. Ko Rattanakosin is the old royal city area and there are other attractions here amongst the famous temples listed above. Lak Meuang, the city shrine, is often full of worshippers and there's a resident dance troupe for hire. Nearby Wat Mahathat is one of Bangkok's most important temples, and in it's grounds is a large amulet market.
If you have an interest in Thai and Asian art, history and culture, this do visit the various museums in Bangkok. The city has an extensive National Museum, which is reportedly the largest in all of South East Asia. Another very important Bangkok attraction is Dusit, which is mainly an administrative district, and where the current royal palace is now located. There are other attractions around here to see like Bangkok's reasonable zoo, the impressive Vimanmek Teak Mansion and Wat Benjamabophit or the Marble Temple. The Chinatown district of Bangkok is yet another very important tourist attraction of Bangkok. It mainly consists of busy, narrow streets packed with cheap gold shops, markets, fabric shops, pharmacies selling the traditional Chinese medicines, street stalls and consistent traffic jams.
Some of the other Bangkok tourist attractions include Jim Thompson's House, the impressive home of the Thai silk entrepreneur, Suan Pakkard Palace, the Erawan Shrine, the prestigious Chulalongkorn University, a well run snake farm, Lumphini Park, Siam society and many more.
http://thai-smile.blogspot.com/2007/10/bangkok-tourist-attractions-information.html
Bangkok Tourist Attractions are one of the major reasons that attract legions of travelers to Bangkok every year. The city is packed with old temples, historical monuments, parks and museums. Bangkok tourist attractions have greatly influenced and promoted tourism in Bangkok. Whenever you come to this bustling city, keep some days aside to surf the various Bangkok attractions.
Wat Phra Kaew and the neighboring Grand Palace together make up perhaps the most impressive tourist attraction in Bangkok. Though, it is no longer the Royal residence that it was, it's still an incredible compound of glittering buildings, golden spires, mythical guardian figures and the revered Emerald Buddha.
Wat Pho, conveniently positioned right next to Wat Phra Kaew and is famous for housing Bangkok's gigantic Reclining Buddha which is 46 meters long and 15 meters in height. It's also Bangkok's largest temple complex. Wat Arun, otherwise known as the Temple of the Dawn, is a 100 meter high Khmer style prang with an excellent location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Despite the name, it's best seen in the evening with the sun setting behind it. Ko Rattanakosin is the old royal city area and there are other attractions here amongst the famous temples listed above. Lak Meuang, the city shrine, is often full of worshippers and there's a resident dance troupe for hire. Nearby Wat Mahathat is one of Bangkok's most important temples, and in it's grounds is a large amulet market.
If you have an interest in Thai and Asian art, history and culture, this do visit the various museums in Bangkok. The city has an extensive National Museum, which is reportedly the largest in all of South East Asia. Another very important Bangkok attraction is Dusit, which is mainly an administrative district, and where the current royal palace is now located. There are other attractions around here to see like Bangkok's reasonable zoo, the impressive Vimanmek Teak Mansion and Wat Benjamabophit or the Marble Temple. The Chinatown district of Bangkok is yet another very important tourist attraction of Bangkok. It mainly consists of busy, narrow streets packed with cheap gold shops, markets, fabric shops, pharmacies selling the traditional Chinese medicines, street stalls and consistent traffic jams.
Some of the other Bangkok tourist attractions include Jim Thompson's House, the impressive home of the Thai silk entrepreneur, Suan Pakkard Palace, the Erawan Shrine, the prestigious Chulalongkorn University, a well run snake farm, Lumphini Park, Siam society and many more.
http://thai-smile.blogspot.com/2007/10/bangkok-tourist-attractions-information.html
24 October 2007
Booking a Holiday, Tour or Vacation in Laos
by Stuart Cheese
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have been to. I try to give a good opinion on those places and offer some helpful advice. Here then, are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Laos.
When you visit Laos you will notice immediately how important the culture, heritage and Buddhism are to its inhabitants. Laos is located between Vietnam and Thailand in the south east of Asia. It is a beautiful country with many rivers, rugged mountains, forests, plains and plateaus. Laos has been isolated from outside influences so the tourist gets a unique view of traditional Southeast Asian life. With its fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley and the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos has got to be one of the highlights in Asia. Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with the rainy season during the months of May to November and the roads can become washed out & the dry season starting from December to April. The weather is not too hot and there is less rainfall between November and February. The most popular time that tourists actually visit Laos are December to February but the good thing is there are not too many during these times.
For trekking or visiting the mountains, May and July are good, warm, dry months to experience them. One of the most beautiful places in Laos is Luang Prabang and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It is a magical ancient city that seems to have stood still in time surrounded by its mountains.
In the centre of the city of Laos is Mount Phousi. From this amazing standpoint you will witness stunning views of the hills and temples that surround it. Khone Phapheng is considered to be the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and with this in mind makes it an amazing place to experience. You will find this waterfall at the southern end of Si Phan Don home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. The Pak Ou Caves are an absolutely spectacular sight to behold. One of the caves is filled with hundreds of statues of the Buddha which can be seen through a rugged hole in the cliff face. If you want to see this amazing scene up close then it is possible to climb out onto the dock where the beautifully carved stones will lead you up to the entrance of the cave. There are statues of Buddha's absolutely everywhere that you look, balancing on stone shelves, lining the stairs and in the nooks and crannies in the cave. Pilgrims and kings have gone to the caves to worship for at least the last 500 years. Pha That Luang is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos which was built in the 16th century.
The temple was destroyed by a Thai invasion but has since been restored to its former glory. There are some people that believe that relics of the Buddha are housed in this temple. This temple has become a symbol of Lao nationalism due to the architecture including the Lao people's culture and identity.
There is a wonderfully unique place known as the Plain Of Jars, located in the remote north east of Laos, where you will find hundreds of huge stone urns. These stone jars cover an area of several square miles and have become a great crowd puller. The urns are one of the most enigmatic ancient sights in Asia. To this day the many jars have kept their secret from the many historians who have tried to date them and discover what they actually signify.
In the province of Champasak you will find an amazing mountain Temple dating back to the 5th century which is known as Wat Phu, is an impressive ruin of Khmer style. There are a number of carved rocks above the temple site, each of them resembling different animals including a cobra, an elephant and a crocodile. Some believe that these rocks may have been used for human sacrifice in times gone by.
http://www.oneworldtours.co.uk/laos/
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have been to. I try to give a good opinion on those places and offer some helpful advice. Here then, are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Laos.
When you visit Laos you will notice immediately how important the culture, heritage and Buddhism are to its inhabitants. Laos is located between Vietnam and Thailand in the south east of Asia. It is a beautiful country with many rivers, rugged mountains, forests, plains and plateaus. Laos has been isolated from outside influences so the tourist gets a unique view of traditional Southeast Asian life. With its fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley and the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos has got to be one of the highlights in Asia. Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with the rainy season during the months of May to November and the roads can become washed out & the dry season starting from December to April. The weather is not too hot and there is less rainfall between November and February. The most popular time that tourists actually visit Laos are December to February but the good thing is there are not too many during these times.
For trekking or visiting the mountains, May and July are good, warm, dry months to experience them. One of the most beautiful places in Laos is Luang Prabang and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It is a magical ancient city that seems to have stood still in time surrounded by its mountains.
In the centre of the city of Laos is Mount Phousi. From this amazing standpoint you will witness stunning views of the hills and temples that surround it. Khone Phapheng is considered to be the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and with this in mind makes it an amazing place to experience. You will find this waterfall at the southern end of Si Phan Don home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. The Pak Ou Caves are an absolutely spectacular sight to behold. One of the caves is filled with hundreds of statues of the Buddha which can be seen through a rugged hole in the cliff face. If you want to see this amazing scene up close then it is possible to climb out onto the dock where the beautifully carved stones will lead you up to the entrance of the cave. There are statues of Buddha's absolutely everywhere that you look, balancing on stone shelves, lining the stairs and in the nooks and crannies in the cave. Pilgrims and kings have gone to the caves to worship for at least the last 500 years. Pha That Luang is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos which was built in the 16th century.
The temple was destroyed by a Thai invasion but has since been restored to its former glory. There are some people that believe that relics of the Buddha are housed in this temple. This temple has become a symbol of Lao nationalism due to the architecture including the Lao people's culture and identity.
There is a wonderfully unique place known as the Plain Of Jars, located in the remote north east of Laos, where you will find hundreds of huge stone urns. These stone jars cover an area of several square miles and have become a great crowd puller. The urns are one of the most enigmatic ancient sights in Asia. To this day the many jars have kept their secret from the many historians who have tried to date them and discover what they actually signify.
In the province of Champasak you will find an amazing mountain Temple dating back to the 5th century which is known as Wat Phu, is an impressive ruin of Khmer style. There are a number of carved rocks above the temple site, each of them resembling different animals including a cobra, an elephant and a crocodile. Some believe that these rocks may have been used for human sacrifice in times gone by.
http://www.oneworldtours.co.uk/laos/
23 October 2007
Beautiful Coastal Scenery in the Rias Baixas
by Scott James
Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Rias Baixas further.
If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Rias Baixas.
Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal as far as tourism is concerned.
The natives of Galicia if you trace them back far enough have origins very similar to their Celtic cousins in the north and are justifiably proud of their language and culture and these connections no matter how stretched or tenuous give them their sense of regionalism and uniqueness.
Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region.
Slowly but surely in the 20th century, Galicia began to develop and today traditional lifestyles rub shoulders with modernity throughout the region whilst at the same time the region has lost none of its more traditional culture and within the tourism economy this is starting to show real benefits.
This southern part of Galicia's west coast consists of a series of four Rias or inlets set amongst pine covered hills and really is a most beautiful location.
The beaches on this part of the coast are extremely good, the scenery is terrific and beaches are extremely safe for tourists to bathe in and given that the climate is much milder than on the wild Coast to the north and you can understand why there is such an appeal for this part of Galicia for tourists.
This part of the Galician coast is very much the most popular part and whilst as has been said that the beaches are good they are perhaps not as good as those found further north round the Coast da Morte.
The Rias Baixas is very much the coastal tourist attraction as far as most Galicians are concerned and the description of the area can be very confusing. Firstly there is this general conception that the Rias are like Norwegian Fjords and whilst there may be an argument to be had on this issue further north, in the Rias Baixas the waters are very shallow and the beaches very sandy. The majority of the quality shell fish provided by Galician fishermen is farmed and caught in this area.
There are parts of the coast line of the Rias Baixas that are popular but by and large the coast is unspoilt. The areas around Vilagarcia de arousa and Panxon are the made tourist areas but there are quieter areas of the Rias such as the stretch of coast between Muros and Noia.
This part of the Galician coastline provides some of the richest and most fertile fishing areas on the entire Spanish coast and the climate in this area is such that it produces the finest in Galician Wines.
Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Rias Baixas further.
If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Rias Baixas.
Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal as far as tourism is concerned.
The natives of Galicia if you trace them back far enough have origins very similar to their Celtic cousins in the north and are justifiably proud of their language and culture and these connections no matter how stretched or tenuous give them their sense of regionalism and uniqueness.
Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region.
Slowly but surely in the 20th century, Galicia began to develop and today traditional lifestyles rub shoulders with modernity throughout the region whilst at the same time the region has lost none of its more traditional culture and within the tourism economy this is starting to show real benefits.
This southern part of Galicia's west coast consists of a series of four Rias or inlets set amongst pine covered hills and really is a most beautiful location.
The beaches on this part of the coast are extremely good, the scenery is terrific and beaches are extremely safe for tourists to bathe in and given that the climate is much milder than on the wild Coast to the north and you can understand why there is such an appeal for this part of Galicia for tourists.
This part of the Galician coast is very much the most popular part and whilst as has been said that the beaches are good they are perhaps not as good as those found further north round the Coast da Morte.
The Rias Baixas is very much the coastal tourist attraction as far as most Galicians are concerned and the description of the area can be very confusing. Firstly there is this general conception that the Rias are like Norwegian Fjords and whilst there may be an argument to be had on this issue further north, in the Rias Baixas the waters are very shallow and the beaches very sandy. The majority of the quality shell fish provided by Galician fishermen is farmed and caught in this area.
There are parts of the coast line of the Rias Baixas that are popular but by and large the coast is unspoilt. The areas around Vilagarcia de arousa and Panxon are the made tourist areas but there are quieter areas of the Rias such as the stretch of coast between Muros and Noia.
This part of the Galician coastline provides some of the richest and most fertile fishing areas on the entire Spanish coast and the climate in this area is such that it produces the finest in Galician Wines.
Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Rias Baixas further.
If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Rias Baixas.
Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal as far as tourism is concerned.
The natives of Galicia if you trace them back far enough have origins very similar to their Celtic cousins in the north and are justifiably proud of their language and culture and these connections no matter how stretched or tenuous give them their sense of regionalism and uniqueness.
Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region.
Slowly but surely in the 20th century, Galicia began to develop and today traditional lifestyles rub shoulders with modernity throughout the region whilst at the same time the region has lost none of its more traditional culture and within the tourism economy this is starting to show real benefits.
This southern part of Galicia's west coast consists of a series of four Rias or inlets set amongst pine covered hills and really is a most beautiful location.
The beaches on this part of the coast are extremely good, the scenery is terrific and beaches are extremely safe for tourists to bathe in and given that the climate is much milder than on the wild Coast to the north and you can understand why there is such an appeal for this part of Galicia for tourists.
This part of the Galician coast is very much the most popular part and whilst as has been said that the beaches are good they are perhaps not as good as those found further north round the Coast da Morte.
The Rias Baixas is very much the coastal tourist attraction as far as most Galicians are concerned and the description of the area can be very confusing. Firstly there is this general conception that the Rias are like Norwegian Fjords and whilst there may be an argument to be had on this issue further north, in the Rias Baixas the waters are very shallow and the beaches very sandy. The majority of the quality shell fish provided by Galician fishermen is farmed and caught in this area.
There are parts of the coast line of the Rias Baixas that are popular but by and large the coast is unspoilt. The areas around Vilagarcia de arousa and Panxon are the made tourist areas but there are quieter areas of the Rias such as the stretch of coast between Muros and Noia.
This part of the Galician coastline provides some of the richest and most fertile fishing areas on the entire Spanish coast and the climate in this area is such that it produces the finest in Galician Wines.
Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Rias Baixas further.
If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Rias Baixas.
Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal as far as tourism is concerned.
The natives of Galicia if you trace them back far enough have origins very similar to their Celtic cousins in the north and are justifiably proud of their language and culture and these connections no matter how stretched or tenuous give them their sense of regionalism and uniqueness.
Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region.
Slowly but surely in the 20th century, Galicia began to develop and today traditional lifestyles rub shoulders with modernity throughout the region whilst at the same time the region has lost none of its more traditional culture and within the tourism economy this is starting to show real benefits.
This southern part of Galicia's west coast consists of a series of four Rias or inlets set amongst pine covered hills and really is a most beautiful location.
The beaches on this part of the coast are extremely good, the scenery is terrific and beaches are extremely safe for tourists to bathe in and given that the climate is much milder than on the wild Coast to the north and you can understand why there is such an appeal for this part of Galicia for tourists.
This part of the Galician coast is very much the most popular part and whilst as has been said that the beaches are good they are perhaps not as good as those found further north round the Coast da Morte.
The Rias Baixas is very much the coastal tourist attraction as far as most Galicians are concerned and the description of the area can be very confusing. Firstly there is this general conception that the Rias are like Norwegian Fjords and whilst there may be an argument to be had on this issue further north, in the Rias Baixas the waters are very shallow and the beaches very sandy. The majority of the quality shell fish provided by Galician fishermen is farmed and caught in this area.
There are parts of the coast line of the Rias Baixas that are popular but by and large the coast is unspoilt. The areas around Vilagarcia de arousa and Panxon are the made tourist areas but there are quieter areas of the Rias such as the stretch of coast between Muros and Noia.
This part of the Galician coastline provides some of the richest and most fertile fishing areas on the entire Spanish coast and the climate in this area is such that it produces the finest in Galician Wines.
New Norfolk: The Perfect Laid Back and Lush Location
by Gavin Wyatt
With a wealth of natural resources, beautiful scenery and stunning vistas Tasmania is full of surprises as a touring destination. It is the most ideally situated state in Australia for a campervan holiday, and in fact there are few places in the world that can touch it in this regard. Over its relatively small surface are spread hundreds of natural attractions, from thick forests to rocky mountains to bright blue freshwater lakes and everything inbetween. For a relaxing and rewarding getaway many tourists are basing themselves in the picturesque town of New Norfolk, a secluded historic town surrounded by some of Tasmania's finest landscapes.
Just thirty minutes drive from Hobart, New Norfolk is perfect if you want the excitement and freedom of a campervan holiday but do not wish to spend countless hours behind the wheel. There is enough to do in the town and the surrounding regions to fill your holiday, and the great thing about Tasmania is that if you want a change of scene then new and fresh attractions will never be far away. New Norfolk is situated in the lush and green Derwent Valley, so between the amazing heritage attractions in the town and the natural attractions of the valley there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Being an established town with a long and rich past, New Norfolk is home to a number of historically significant heritage buildings. Willow Court is one such building, originally built as a military hospital in 1830. Many metres in length, but just one room wide, it is a unique building with a long and wide verandah and gabled two storey sections at either end and in the middle. Originally built to house invalid convicts, it is now part of the Royal Derwent Hospital.
The Oast House is also popular amongst tourists, and not just for the hearty meals it serves, or the well stocked gift shop. Built in 1867, it was a working Oast House from that year until 1969, and the old hops fields still surround the hill on which it is built. It now houses a museum where there are displays on old hops farming methods and the history of the Derwent Valley. It is a family run enterprise, so you are bound to be made to feel welcome while looking around.
Just out of town, in a small village called Plenty, lie the infamous Salmon Ponds. In operation since 1864, this was the first trout farm in Australia and it has been preserved in its working order. Boasting immaculately well-tended gardens, you can pass your time here in the Museum of Trout Fishing, or the Tasmanian Angling Hall of Fame. An on site restaurant also serves up the freshest trout you will ever encounter!
The Derwent Valley itself is home to a thriving yet relaxed community that are fiercely proud of their beautiful home. The Derwent River supports the lush vegetation of the region, and is the basis of all the settlement here. Spreading into a wide and majestic river when it reaches New Norfolk, it is perfect for water based activities such as kayaking and fishing, and the valley provides endless bushwalking opportunities and scenic walks. Early settlers planted hundreds of poplar trees in the valley, and in the autumn months their changing leaves create a sea of bright gold that visitors find dazzling and inspiring.
Mt Field National Park is located in the Derwent close to New Norfolk, and is probably Tassie's best loved park. It is especially renowned for its range of waterfalls, of which the mighty Russell Falls is the most visited. The trees in this park seem to tower higher than anywhere else in Tassie, and the giant ferns and the layers of moss that seem to cover everything lend it a mystical, fairy tale appeal. The vegetation on Mt Field changes the higher you climb up the mountain, from tall blue gums at the base to rainforest as you go higher and then to alpine vegetation near the top. This diversity adds to the appeal, and the array of wildlife you are likely to see only serves to increase this appeal.
So for your next holiday, be sure to give Tasmania some serious consideration. And when deciding where to go when you get there, remember New Norfolk and its beautiful surrounds will have something for the whole family, and is definitely worth a visit.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=657364
With a wealth of natural resources, beautiful scenery and stunning vistas Tasmania is full of surprises as a touring destination. It is the most ideally situated state in Australia for a campervan holiday, and in fact there are few places in the world that can touch it in this regard. Over its relatively small surface are spread hundreds of natural attractions, from thick forests to rocky mountains to bright blue freshwater lakes and everything inbetween. For a relaxing and rewarding getaway many tourists are basing themselves in the picturesque town of New Norfolk, a secluded historic town surrounded by some of Tasmania's finest landscapes.
Just thirty minutes drive from Hobart, New Norfolk is perfect if you want the excitement and freedom of a campervan holiday but do not wish to spend countless hours behind the wheel. There is enough to do in the town and the surrounding regions to fill your holiday, and the great thing about Tasmania is that if you want a change of scene then new and fresh attractions will never be far away. New Norfolk is situated in the lush and green Derwent Valley, so between the amazing heritage attractions in the town and the natural attractions of the valley there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Being an established town with a long and rich past, New Norfolk is home to a number of historically significant heritage buildings. Willow Court is one such building, originally built as a military hospital in 1830. Many metres in length, but just one room wide, it is a unique building with a long and wide verandah and gabled two storey sections at either end and in the middle. Originally built to house invalid convicts, it is now part of the Royal Derwent Hospital.
The Oast House is also popular amongst tourists, and not just for the hearty meals it serves, or the well stocked gift shop. Built in 1867, it was a working Oast House from that year until 1969, and the old hops fields still surround the hill on which it is built. It now houses a museum where there are displays on old hops farming methods and the history of the Derwent Valley. It is a family run enterprise, so you are bound to be made to feel welcome while looking around.
Just out of town, in a small village called Plenty, lie the infamous Salmon Ponds. In operation since 1864, this was the first trout farm in Australia and it has been preserved in its working order. Boasting immaculately well-tended gardens, you can pass your time here in the Museum of Trout Fishing, or the Tasmanian Angling Hall of Fame. An on site restaurant also serves up the freshest trout you will ever encounter!
The Derwent Valley itself is home to a thriving yet relaxed community that are fiercely proud of their beautiful home. The Derwent River supports the lush vegetation of the region, and is the basis of all the settlement here. Spreading into a wide and majestic river when it reaches New Norfolk, it is perfect for water based activities such as kayaking and fishing, and the valley provides endless bushwalking opportunities and scenic walks. Early settlers planted hundreds of poplar trees in the valley, and in the autumn months their changing leaves create a sea of bright gold that visitors find dazzling and inspiring.
Mt Field National Park is located in the Derwent close to New Norfolk, and is probably Tassie's best loved park. It is especially renowned for its range of waterfalls, of which the mighty Russell Falls is the most visited. The trees in this park seem to tower higher than anywhere else in Tassie, and the giant ferns and the layers of moss that seem to cover everything lend it a mystical, fairy tale appeal. The vegetation on Mt Field changes the higher you climb up the mountain, from tall blue gums at the base to rainforest as you go higher and then to alpine vegetation near the top. This diversity adds to the appeal, and the array of wildlife you are likely to see only serves to increase this appeal.
So for your next holiday, be sure to give Tasmania some serious consideration. And when deciding where to go when you get there, remember New Norfolk and its beautiful surrounds will have something for the whole family, and is definitely worth a visit.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=657364
14 October 2007
Italy As a Center of Tourism
Traveling around the world one can visit a lot of beautiful places, for example, Rome, Milan, and Naples. All of them are very popular and outstanding, but still Rome deserves much attention. It is the most wonderful part of Italy. This city is unique to some extant, as it has small country within the city- Vatican, with the head of the Pope. One more reason of Rome being a wonderful city is a great number of parks and lakes. Moreover, Rome is famous for its theatre, Opera Houses and Galleries, where one can see a lot of masterpieces, like works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Another beautiful place is the Sistine Chapel with its amazing art on the ceiling. One more interesting city which is worth seeing is Naples. It is famous for its beautiful scenery and great number of medieval castles. Everybody, who visits Naples, always admires its beauty, its ocean with wonderful natural landscapes and Art galleries, for example Castel Sant’Elmo. Besides, in the city there are some gothic cathedrals, which can amaze with their beauty. The city possesses its many fashion industries. Milan is the exact city for those who like skiing and spending lazy days. From the Alps, one can see beautiful landscape and site of the whole city. The most wonderful time to travel through Italy is spring, as one can enjoy calm and practically desert beaches and beautiful spring landscapes. The night life of Italy is also very attractive. There are a lot of good restaurants, which is always ready to propose its guests only the best menu. For those who like dancing, there are a lot night clubs and discos. For the tourists who want to have action-packed night out of the towns, there are parties basically on every street, dance halls and a lot of other attractions. So, Italy is wonderful country for tourism and for spending time in the best way.
http://yourdissertation.com/
http://yourdissertation.com/
10 October 2007
Go North with Alaska Vacation Packages
By Aj Yeakel
Whether you want to tour Alaska by sea, foot, or even snow shoes, there are plenty of Alaska vacation packages that can fit both your needs and your budget. Guided tours are one simple solution that can help you maximize your Alaska vacation experience.
One of the most popular Alaska vacation packages is the cruise package, offered by many of the leading cruise lines. With so many glaciers and so much wildlife to see, taking a cruise through Alaska is a one of the best ways to see the most hidden features of the state. A cruise is also a great option for many other reasons. With plenty of entertainment, attractive ports of call, and fascinating tours that take you off of the ship, it is hard to not have a blast on Alaska cruise vacation packages. Plus, you’ll only have to unpack once, which is definitely an appealing benefit to this type of Alaska vacation package.
From Anchorage, to Seward, to South Denali, there are so many amazing sites to see on any of the many Alaska vacation packages. One of the most popular packages includes Mt. McKinley, a stunning mountain by just about any standards. Another popular stopping point is the Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, you’ll feel like the ice age is still upon us. Alaska is truly a place that is in constant change. So no matter how many times you visit you don’t have to see the same sight twice.
Whether you want to travel by air, land, or sea, there are many different varieties of Alaska vacation packages that can take you around this beautiful state. Alaska is a state with more floras and wildlife than you could imagine. Therefore, having a guide to explain the many ecosystems can come in handy. If you are going it alone (sans guide), there are still plenty of opportunities to explore Alaska’s wonderfully unique sites. Either way, Alaska is a truly enjoyable vacation experience and is definitely a place you have to visit at least once in your lifetime
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aj_Yeakel
Whether you want to tour Alaska by sea, foot, or even snow shoes, there are plenty of Alaska vacation packages that can fit both your needs and your budget. Guided tours are one simple solution that can help you maximize your Alaska vacation experience.
One of the most popular Alaska vacation packages is the cruise package, offered by many of the leading cruise lines. With so many glaciers and so much wildlife to see, taking a cruise through Alaska is a one of the best ways to see the most hidden features of the state. A cruise is also a great option for many other reasons. With plenty of entertainment, attractive ports of call, and fascinating tours that take you off of the ship, it is hard to not have a blast on Alaska cruise vacation packages. Plus, you’ll only have to unpack once, which is definitely an appealing benefit to this type of Alaska vacation package.
From Anchorage, to Seward, to South Denali, there are so many amazing sites to see on any of the many Alaska vacation packages. One of the most popular packages includes Mt. McKinley, a stunning mountain by just about any standards. Another popular stopping point is the Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, you’ll feel like the ice age is still upon us. Alaska is truly a place that is in constant change. So no matter how many times you visit you don’t have to see the same sight twice.
Whether you want to travel by air, land, or sea, there are many different varieties of Alaska vacation packages that can take you around this beautiful state. Alaska is a state with more floras and wildlife than you could imagine. Therefore, having a guide to explain the many ecosystems can come in handy. If you are going it alone (sans guide), there are still plenty of opportunities to explore Alaska’s wonderfully unique sites. Either way, Alaska is a truly enjoyable vacation experience and is definitely a place you have to visit at least once in your lifetime
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aj_Yeakel
05 October 2007
Refreshing and completely unique Iceland
by Asberg Jonsson
Iceland is a small island situated in the North Atlantic Sea and is recorded as the westernmost country of European continent. It lies 800 kilometers far from Scotland in northwest direction and 970 kilometers from Norway in west direction. The northern coast of Iceland is touching Arctic Circle just a bit. The position of Iceland makes it accessible by air and waterways only. Keflavík airport, Iceland's international airport is connected with twenty big cities of Europe and America and delivers services of about 115 international flights in a week.
There are two words that can be joined with Iceland without any questions or doubts. They are refreshing and unconventional. The nature of Iceland is unscathed and becomes even more interesting and magical with the presence of spouting geysers, active volcanoes, plummeting waterfalls, huge mountains, vast lava grounds and some very beautiful lakes full of superstitious stories. The fjords, the glaciers and the highland plains provide the tourists' with some spectacular and supernatural sights they will not get to see elsewhere in this world with the sense of complete silence and extreme nature. In case of man made beauties, the nightlife of capital city of Reykjavik is considered legendary and is one of the best in the world. It is supported by number of social and cultural activities that takes place there almost 24/7. The infinitesimal size of Reykjavik adds to the advantage as the entire city can be seen only by walking on foot.
For those who are in search of some high flying action, Iceland again stands ahead of all and offers huge natural spaces to enjoy most of the outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, horse riding, caves exploration, hiking, swimming, skiing, river rafting, kayaking and not to forget driving on mountains on an enhanced four wheel drive. Iceland also presents great differences in flora and fauna at every mile and hence, it is a numero uno loved spot for ornithologists. One thing which cannot go unnoticed while discussing about Iceland is the fact that it provides world's best whale watching spots and destinations.
This country attracts tourists all around the year. People are drawn here naturally because of its diversification in landscape and also because of its vital energy and shades of lights and seasons that gives new scenes on every visit. Iceland is considered the world's youngest country from geological point of view and is continuously growing in size. A volcanic explosion in 1963 on the southern shore of Iceland and it was named Surtsey. The latest explosion in Vatnajokull glacier occurred in 2004.
As told earlier that one can find every natural activity here next in the list is geothermal heating. It is one of the many subterranean activities occurring in Iceland. The flawless supply of geothermal heat is used very wisely and extensively for thermal spas, keeping house warmer during chilly winters. Iceland is second biggest user of geothermal energy in the world and it is marginally behind China.
Though the name appears very cool to the world but slowly and steadily, it has proved that, Iceland is not shy of showing what it has and what it is capable of having.
www.icelandvisitor.com
Iceland is a small island situated in the North Atlantic Sea and is recorded as the westernmost country of European continent. It lies 800 kilometers far from Scotland in northwest direction and 970 kilometers from Norway in west direction. The northern coast of Iceland is touching Arctic Circle just a bit. The position of Iceland makes it accessible by air and waterways only. Keflavík airport, Iceland's international airport is connected with twenty big cities of Europe and America and delivers services of about 115 international flights in a week.
There are two words that can be joined with Iceland without any questions or doubts. They are refreshing and unconventional. The nature of Iceland is unscathed and becomes even more interesting and magical with the presence of spouting geysers, active volcanoes, plummeting waterfalls, huge mountains, vast lava grounds and some very beautiful lakes full of superstitious stories. The fjords, the glaciers and the highland plains provide the tourists' with some spectacular and supernatural sights they will not get to see elsewhere in this world with the sense of complete silence and extreme nature. In case of man made beauties, the nightlife of capital city of Reykjavik is considered legendary and is one of the best in the world. It is supported by number of social and cultural activities that takes place there almost 24/7. The infinitesimal size of Reykjavik adds to the advantage as the entire city can be seen only by walking on foot.
For those who are in search of some high flying action, Iceland again stands ahead of all and offers huge natural spaces to enjoy most of the outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, horse riding, caves exploration, hiking, swimming, skiing, river rafting, kayaking and not to forget driving on mountains on an enhanced four wheel drive. Iceland also presents great differences in flora and fauna at every mile and hence, it is a numero uno loved spot for ornithologists. One thing which cannot go unnoticed while discussing about Iceland is the fact that it provides world's best whale watching spots and destinations.
This country attracts tourists all around the year. People are drawn here naturally because of its diversification in landscape and also because of its vital energy and shades of lights and seasons that gives new scenes on every visit. Iceland is considered the world's youngest country from geological point of view and is continuously growing in size. A volcanic explosion in 1963 on the southern shore of Iceland and it was named Surtsey. The latest explosion in Vatnajokull glacier occurred in 2004.
As told earlier that one can find every natural activity here next in the list is geothermal heating. It is one of the many subterranean activities occurring in Iceland. The flawless supply of geothermal heat is used very wisely and extensively for thermal spas, keeping house warmer during chilly winters. Iceland is second biggest user of geothermal energy in the world and it is marginally behind China.
Though the name appears very cool to the world but slowly and steadily, it has proved that, Iceland is not shy of showing what it has and what it is capable of having.
www.icelandvisitor.com
02 October 2007
Guiding Your Family Adventure Travel
by Alex J Smith
Can you still remember the thrill and chill of adventure films like Indiana Jones? But of course, who will forget the breath taking travel adventure that the protagonist's experienced? Now, you do not need to be Indiana Jones in order for you to experience travel adventure and excitement. In addition, you can have both adventure and vacation in one in just few steps.
Why do you need to have a travel guide? Basically, these are suggestions in order for you to enjoy and relax and have a fruitful vacation escapade with your love ones.
Relaxation and unwinding are main reasons of taking a travel adventure. Of course, no wants to have a chaotic travel especially when you are traveling with your family.
Here is a list of guides in order for you to have smooth travel adventure!
First and foremost of the guide, let your kids be involved in the planning. Let them speak and be vocal on what kind of travel they would want to have. This will allow them to be more excited and they will surely be looking forward for your family travel day to come. By doing this, you are also sorting their interests, their likes and dislikes. In addition, you are also building in your kids the value of decision and organization.
Family adventure packages are good. Search or scout for companies that can offer great and good deals. Most of the companies now are having different gimmickries in order to attract customers. Having this will also help you to find the cheapest offer. Some are offering discounts and others are giving away freebies. Choose the best package that will give you the best memorable family travel adventure at a good price.
Another guide is finding the perfect itinerary. Of course, you will have your family adventure travel so the itinerary should fit and suit you and your family's interest and desire. Do not opt for places that will kill your excitement. In addition, you should also consider you family member's condition. Yes, you are looking for family adventure but travel adventure should not always mean "extreme."
If you already have your vacation place, it is the time now to fly. However, checking your bags is a necessity. Be sure that you have the right attire and gears. Do not forget to bring you first aid kits for emergency and back up copy of every document for your flight.
These are just few travel adventure guides on how you can have the soundest family travel. However, the happiness of your vacation would still lies on you hands.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=633624
Can you still remember the thrill and chill of adventure films like Indiana Jones? But of course, who will forget the breath taking travel adventure that the protagonist's experienced? Now, you do not need to be Indiana Jones in order for you to experience travel adventure and excitement. In addition, you can have both adventure and vacation in one in just few steps.
Why do you need to have a travel guide? Basically, these are suggestions in order for you to enjoy and relax and have a fruitful vacation escapade with your love ones.
Relaxation and unwinding are main reasons of taking a travel adventure. Of course, no wants to have a chaotic travel especially when you are traveling with your family.
Here is a list of guides in order for you to have smooth travel adventure!
First and foremost of the guide, let your kids be involved in the planning. Let them speak and be vocal on what kind of travel they would want to have. This will allow them to be more excited and they will surely be looking forward for your family travel day to come. By doing this, you are also sorting their interests, their likes and dislikes. In addition, you are also building in your kids the value of decision and organization.
Family adventure packages are good. Search or scout for companies that can offer great and good deals. Most of the companies now are having different gimmickries in order to attract customers. Having this will also help you to find the cheapest offer. Some are offering discounts and others are giving away freebies. Choose the best package that will give you the best memorable family travel adventure at a good price.
Another guide is finding the perfect itinerary. Of course, you will have your family adventure travel so the itinerary should fit and suit you and your family's interest and desire. Do not opt for places that will kill your excitement. In addition, you should also consider you family member's condition. Yes, you are looking for family adventure but travel adventure should not always mean "extreme."
If you already have your vacation place, it is the time now to fly. However, checking your bags is a necessity. Be sure that you have the right attire and gears. Do not forget to bring you first aid kits for emergency and back up copy of every document for your flight.
These are just few travel adventure guides on how you can have the soundest family travel. However, the happiness of your vacation would still lies on you hands.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=633624
01 October 2007
I Love Touring Paris - The First Arrondissement
by Levi Reiss
The first arrondissement is at the center of Paris on the Seine River's right bank. It includes the western part of Ile de La Cité, one of the two Parisian islands. In ancient times this district was the heart of the Roman city of Lutetia. It occupies less than a square mile (less than two square kilometers) with a declining population of under seventeen thousand. But it employs more than sixty thousand people and attracts many, many tourists. Here are some of the reasons why.
Les Halles became the city's central market, covered in 1183. Read Zola's 1873 novel Le Ventre de Paris (The Belly of Paris) for a timeless picture of this unique setting demolished in 1971 and replaced by a huge underground modern shopping center, the Forum des Halles. The world's largest underground transportation station Châtelet-Les-Halles serves a half million train passengers and a quarter million subway passengers daily. Make sure to see the historic Gothic Church of Saint-Eustache where young Louis XIV received communion. This church boasts several Rubens paintings and offers organ concerts in the summer.
The Musée du Louvre (Louvre Museum) greets more than eight million tourists a year, more than any other art museum in the word. It was called the Musée Napoléon in honor of all his war booty; which was eventually returned to the rightful owners. The initial "Castle of the Louvre" was founded in 1190 at the western edge of Paris to defend the city. The oldest standing building was begun in 1535. The Louvre contains almost four hundred thousand objects including twelve thousand paintings. Two of its most famous items are the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Plan to spend a lot of time in this fabulous museum.
The Sixteenth Century Tuileries Palace was built for Catherine de' Medicis, the widow of Henry II. Louis XIV lived there while waiting for the Palace of Versailles to be built. The Tuileries Palace was later used as a theatre but its gardens remained popular among the local upper crust. Louis XVI and family stayed there under house arrest and the building was stormed during the French Revolution. Subsequently both the revolutionaries and Napoleon used the buildings. Both Joséphine and Marie-Louise had magnificent bedrooms. Unlike the Paris City Hall and portions of the Louvre, the Tuileries Palace was not rebuilt after its destruction in 1871. The Tuileries Garden covers about 63 acres (25 hectares) and includes the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume, a contemporary art museum. There is a lot of talk about rebuilding the Palace. The original plans and many photographs are archived, and the Palace furniture and paintings were safely stored prior to its destruction. The cost of rebuilding is estimated at about $400 million (300 million euros) supposedly financed by subscription and not by taxes.
In the meantime why not visit the Palais Royal, former home of Cardinal Richelieu in spite of his vow of poverty. Many other bigwigs lived there over the years. During the French Revolution a guy nicknamed Philippe-Egalité (Equality Phil) became popular for opening the Palais-Royal gardens to all Parisians. His oldest son Louis-Philippe was King of France from 1830 to 1848. An Abbé wrote a little poem about the garden "Dans ce jardin on ne rencontre ni champs, ni prés, ni bois, ni fleurs. Et si l'on y dérègle ses moeurs, au moins on y règle sa montre." ("In this garden one encounters neither fields nor woods nor flowers. And, if one upsets one's morality, at least one may re-set one's watch.") A nearby café was the rallying point for the taking of the Bastille. Today's Palais Royale is the center of many government offices and some building of the Bibliothèque Nationale (Nationale Library) most of which have been relocated to less interesting parts of town.
The Comédie-Française or Théâtre Français is France's only state theater and one of the few with a permanent troupe. It is often considered the home of Molière but in fact he died before it was built. During the French Revolution it was closed and the actors were imprisoned. The Comédie-Française is the current resting place of the heart of Francois-Marie Arouet, more commonly known as Voltaire.
For a break from so much history visit Paris's second-oldest department store La Samaritaine on the banks of the Seine River. By the way, its name comes from a hydraulic pump with a guilded sculpture of the Good Samaritan located near the Pont Neuf (New Bridge), Paris's oldest bridge. The store was closed for safety reasons in 2005 and may not yet have reopened. The plans are to make it more upscale upon reopening.
If you feel like splurging consider the Hôtel Ritz, which was originally built as a private home in the early Eighteenth Century. The word ritzy comes from this hotel and similar lodgings in London and Madrid. A part owner was the world-famous chef Auguste Escoffier who revolutionized French cuisine and once trained Ho Chi Minh as a pastry chef. Famous guests include Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Marcel Proust, Charlie Chaplin, and Coco Chanel, who lived there for over thirty years. This hotel was the last stop for Dodi Al-Fayed, son of its owner, and Diana, Princess of Wales before their tragic demise in August, 1997.
Of course you don't want to be in Paris without sampling fine French wine and food. In my article I Love French Wine and Food - A White Beaujolais I reviewed such a wine and suggested a sample menu: Start with Cuisses de Grenouilles (Frogs Legs). For your second course savor Quenelles de Brochet (Poached Fish Dumplings). And as dessert indulge yourself with Galettes de Pérouges (Pérouges Pancakes). Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.
www.wineinyourdiet.com
The first arrondissement is at the center of Paris on the Seine River's right bank. It includes the western part of Ile de La Cité, one of the two Parisian islands. In ancient times this district was the heart of the Roman city of Lutetia. It occupies less than a square mile (less than two square kilometers) with a declining population of under seventeen thousand. But it employs more than sixty thousand people and attracts many, many tourists. Here are some of the reasons why.
Les Halles became the city's central market, covered in 1183. Read Zola's 1873 novel Le Ventre de Paris (The Belly of Paris) for a timeless picture of this unique setting demolished in 1971 and replaced by a huge underground modern shopping center, the Forum des Halles. The world's largest underground transportation station Châtelet-Les-Halles serves a half million train passengers and a quarter million subway passengers daily. Make sure to see the historic Gothic Church of Saint-Eustache where young Louis XIV received communion. This church boasts several Rubens paintings and offers organ concerts in the summer.
The Musée du Louvre (Louvre Museum) greets more than eight million tourists a year, more than any other art museum in the word. It was called the Musée Napoléon in honor of all his war booty; which was eventually returned to the rightful owners. The initial "Castle of the Louvre" was founded in 1190 at the western edge of Paris to defend the city. The oldest standing building was begun in 1535. The Louvre contains almost four hundred thousand objects including twelve thousand paintings. Two of its most famous items are the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Plan to spend a lot of time in this fabulous museum.
The Sixteenth Century Tuileries Palace was built for Catherine de' Medicis, the widow of Henry II. Louis XIV lived there while waiting for the Palace of Versailles to be built. The Tuileries Palace was later used as a theatre but its gardens remained popular among the local upper crust. Louis XVI and family stayed there under house arrest and the building was stormed during the French Revolution. Subsequently both the revolutionaries and Napoleon used the buildings. Both Joséphine and Marie-Louise had magnificent bedrooms. Unlike the Paris City Hall and portions of the Louvre, the Tuileries Palace was not rebuilt after its destruction in 1871. The Tuileries Garden covers about 63 acres (25 hectares) and includes the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume, a contemporary art museum. There is a lot of talk about rebuilding the Palace. The original plans and many photographs are archived, and the Palace furniture and paintings were safely stored prior to its destruction. The cost of rebuilding is estimated at about $400 million (300 million euros) supposedly financed by subscription and not by taxes.
In the meantime why not visit the Palais Royal, former home of Cardinal Richelieu in spite of his vow of poverty. Many other bigwigs lived there over the years. During the French Revolution a guy nicknamed Philippe-Egalité (Equality Phil) became popular for opening the Palais-Royal gardens to all Parisians. His oldest son Louis-Philippe was King of France from 1830 to 1848. An Abbé wrote a little poem about the garden "Dans ce jardin on ne rencontre ni champs, ni prés, ni bois, ni fleurs. Et si l'on y dérègle ses moeurs, au moins on y règle sa montre." ("In this garden one encounters neither fields nor woods nor flowers. And, if one upsets one's morality, at least one may re-set one's watch.") A nearby café was the rallying point for the taking of the Bastille. Today's Palais Royale is the center of many government offices and some building of the Bibliothèque Nationale (Nationale Library) most of which have been relocated to less interesting parts of town.
The Comédie-Française or Théâtre Français is France's only state theater and one of the few with a permanent troupe. It is often considered the home of Molière but in fact he died before it was built. During the French Revolution it was closed and the actors were imprisoned. The Comédie-Française is the current resting place of the heart of Francois-Marie Arouet, more commonly known as Voltaire.
For a break from so much history visit Paris's second-oldest department store La Samaritaine on the banks of the Seine River. By the way, its name comes from a hydraulic pump with a guilded sculpture of the Good Samaritan located near the Pont Neuf (New Bridge), Paris's oldest bridge. The store was closed for safety reasons in 2005 and may not yet have reopened. The plans are to make it more upscale upon reopening.
If you feel like splurging consider the Hôtel Ritz, which was originally built as a private home in the early Eighteenth Century. The word ritzy comes from this hotel and similar lodgings in London and Madrid. A part owner was the world-famous chef Auguste Escoffier who revolutionized French cuisine and once trained Ho Chi Minh as a pastry chef. Famous guests include Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Marcel Proust, Charlie Chaplin, and Coco Chanel, who lived there for over thirty years. This hotel was the last stop for Dodi Al-Fayed, son of its owner, and Diana, Princess of Wales before their tragic demise in August, 1997.
Of course you don't want to be in Paris without sampling fine French wine and food. In my article I Love French Wine and Food - A White Beaujolais I reviewed such a wine and suggested a sample menu: Start with Cuisses de Grenouilles (Frogs Legs). For your second course savor Quenelles de Brochet (Poached Fish Dumplings). And as dessert indulge yourself with Galettes de Pérouges (Pérouges Pancakes). Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.
www.wineinyourdiet.com
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