Friday, July 11, 2008
DOLMABAHCE PALACE (MUSEUM)
Until the 17th century the area where Dolmabahçe Palace stands today was a small bay on the Bosphorus, claimed by some to be where the Argonauts anchored during their quest for the Golden Fleece, and where in 1453 Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror had his fleet hauled ashore and across the hills to be refloated in the Golden Horn.Video & Text Source : Ministry Of Culture & Tourism This natural harbour provided anchorage for the Ottoman fleet and for traditional naval ceremonies. From the 17th century the bay was gradually filled in and became one of the imperial parks on the Bosphourus known as Dolmabahçe, literally meaning “filled garden”.A series of imperial kösks (mansions) and kasirs (pavilions) were built here, eventually growing into a palace complex known as Besiktas Waterfront Palace.Besiktas Waterfront Palace was demolished in 1843 by Sultan Abdülmecid (1839-1861) on the grounds that it was made of wood and incovenient, and construction of Dolmabahçe Palace commenced in its place.Construction of the new palace and its periphery walls was completed in 1856. Dolmabahçe Palace had a total area of over 110.000 square metres and consisted of sixteen separate sections apart from the palace proper. These included stables, a flour mill, pharmacy, kitchens, aviary, glass manufactory and foundry. Sultan Abdülhamid II (1876-1909) added a clock tower and the Veliahd Dairesi (apartments for the heir apparent), and the Hareket Kösks in the gardens behind.The main palace was built by the leading Ottoman architects of the era, Karabet and Nikogos Balyan, and consists of three parts: the Imperial Mabeyn (State Apartments), Muayede Salon (Ceremonial Hall) and the Imperial Harem, where the sultan and his family led their private lives. The Ceremonial Hall placed centrally between the other two sections is where the sultan received statesman and dignitaries on state occasions and religious festivals.The palace consists of two main storeys and a basement. The conspicuous western style of decoration tends to overshadow the decidedly Ottoman interpretation evident most of all in the interpretation evident most of all in the interior plan. This follows the traditional layout and relations between private rooms and central galleries of the Turkish house, implemented here on a large scale. The outer walls are made of stone, the interior walls are made of stone, the interior walls of brick, and the floors of wood. Modern technology in the form of electricity and a central heating system was introduced in 1910-12. The palace has a total floor area of 45.000 square metres, with 285 small rooms, 46 reception rooms and galleries, 6 hamams (Turkish baths) and 68 lavatories. The finely made parquet floors are laid with 4454 square metres of carpets, the earliest made at the palace carpet weaving mill and those of later date at the mill in Hereke.The Mabeyn where the sultan conducted affairs of state is the most important section in terms of function and splendour. The entrance hall known as the Medhal Salon, the Crystal Staircase, and the Süfera Salon where foreign ambassadors were entertained prior to audience with the sultan in the Red Room are all decorated and furnished in a style reflecting the historical magnificence of the empire. The Zülvecheyn Salon on the upper floor serves as an entrance hall leading to the apartments reserved for the sultan in the Mabeyn. These apartments include a magnificent hamam faced with Egyptian marble, a study and drawing rooms. The Ceremonial Hall situated between the Harem and the Mabeyn is the highest and most imposing section of Dolmabahçe Palace. With an area of over 2000 square metres, 56 columns, a dome 36 metres high at the apex, and a 4.5 ton English chandelier, this room stands out as the focal point of the palace. In cold weather this vast room was heated by hot air blown out at the bases of the columns from a heating system in the basement. On ceremonial occasions the gold throne would be carried here from Topkapi Palace, and seated here the sultan would exchange congratulations on religious festivals with hundreds of statesmen and other official guests. On such traditional occasions foreign ambassadors and guests would sit in one of the upper galleries, another being reserved for the palace orchestra.The traditional Turkish palace was a complex of buildings with diverse functions rather than a single large building with an impressive façade. In this respect Dolmabahçe Palace is a departure from traditional concepts in imitation of western ideas. Inside, however, the Harem was as strictly isolated from the rest of the palace as in earlier centuries, despite being under the same roof. The self-contained Harem occupies two thirds of the palace, corridors linking it to the Mabeyn and the Ceremonial Hall. Access to the Harem was by iron and wooden doors, through which only the sultan could pass freely. Here are a series of salons and galleries whose windows look out onto the Bosphorus, and leading off them the suites of rooms belonging to the sultan''s wives, the high ranking female officials of the Harem, and the sons, brothers, daughters and sisters of the sultan. Other principal sections are the suite of the Valide Sultan (sultan’s mother), the so-called Blue and Pink salons, the bedrooms of sultans Abdülmecid, Abdülaziz and Mehmed V. Resad, the section housing the lower ranking palace women known as the Cariyeler Dairesi, the rooms of the sultan’s wives (kadinefendi), and the study and bedroom used by Atatürk. All the main rooms are furnished with valuable carpets, ornaments, paintings, chandeliers and calligraphic panels. Restoration of Dolmabahçe Palace has now been completed and every section is open to the public. Two galleries are devoted to an exhibition of precious items of various kinds, and fine examples of Yildiz porcelain from the National Palaces collection are displayed at the Iç Hazine (Privy Purse) building. Paintings from the National Palaces collection can be seen in the Art Gallery, where they are displayed in rotation in the form of long-term exhibitions. On the lower floor beneath this gallery is a corridor containing a permanent exhibition of photographs showing the bird designs which feature in the palace’s architecture and its furnishings and ornaments. Abdülmecid Efendi Library in the Mabeyn is the other principal exhibition area at Dolmabahçe. The Mefrusat Dairesi at the palace entrance now houses the Cultural and Information Center, which is responsible for research projects and promotion activities carried out at all the historic buildings attached to the Department of National Palaces. The center contains a library, mainly relating to the 19th century, which is available for researchers.There are cafes in the grounds near the Clock Tower, the courtyard of the Mefrusat Dairesi, the Aviary, and the Veliahd Dairesi. Items available in the souvenir shops here include books about the National Palaces, postcards, and reproductions of selected paintings from the art collection. The Ceremonial Hall and gardens are available for private receptions. Special exhibition areas have now been established, and numerous cultural and art events are held in the palace.
istanbul - Historical Places
HISTORY OF ISTANBUL Across the country, there are thousands of archeological sites, historical places and ancient cities, as well as magnificent scenic spots and natural wonders. Since Roman times, Asiatic Turkey has been known as both "Asia Minor" and "Anatolia". The European part of Turkey is called Thrace. These lands have been continually inhabited since the Stone Age. Because Anatolia is located like a natural bridge between continents.
HISTORY OF ISTANBUL
Across the country, there are thousands of archeological sites, historical places and ancient cities, as well as magnificent scenic spots and natural wonders. Since Roman times, Asiatic Turkey has been known as both "Asia Minor" and "Anatolia". The European part of Turkey is called Thrace. These lands have been continually inhabited since the Stone Age. Because Anatolia is located like a natural bridge between continents, no other country in the world has acquired so many historical treasures. The Aegean Sea, the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus form the western boundaries of the Anatolian peninsula. Beside the Dardanelles are the ruins of the famous city of Troy — a memento of thousands of years of history- and on the shores of the Bosphorus rises Istanbul in all her beauty and splendor, keeping the memories of her past alive. There are many legends related to the foundation of Istanbul. According to the best known one, around 650 BC, a sea tribe from the Aegean left their city Megara and began to look for a new homeland under the leadership of Byzas. According to the customs of the age, before any such undertaking an oracle had to be consulted. The oracle in the Apollo temple in the famous town of Delphi advised Byzas to settle opposite the "land of the blind". The migrants searched for such a land for a long time. When they came to the headland of present-day Istanbul, they were delighted with the fertile lands and the advantages offered by the natural harbor, the Golden Horn. They also noticed the people living across the stretch of water. The migrants decided that those people must have been blind if they could not appreciate the opportunities of this ideal place and settled on the opposite shore, and they were convinced that they had found the land the oracle had described. Excavations have revealed finds dating back to the 3rd millennium BC at the tip of the Golden Horn and on the Asian side. The city of Byzantium existed as an independent state, but succumbed from time to time to the superior powers ruling the region. The acropolis of the city stood where Topkapi Palace stands today. It had a well-protected harbor, still used today, in the Golden Horn. A fortified city wall starting here surrounded the city and reached the Sea of Marmara. Byzantium was an important seaport and a center of trade under the Roman Empire. However, it sided with the wrong party during a struggle for the throne in 191 AD, and after a siege that lasted two years, it was conquered and razed by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. The same emperor later reconstructed the city on a larger scale. New city walls were built and the city was adorned with new buildings. By the 4th century AD the Roman Empire had expanded considerably, and the capital Rome lost its central position in the empire. While looking for another city as his new capital, the Emperor Constantine the Great finally chose Istanbul, realizing the strategic position of the city at the intersection of sea and land routes and the importance of its perfect climate. New city walls were constructed, enlarging the city again, and numerous temples, governments, palaces, baths and a hippodrome were built . Finally in 330 AD it was officially declared . the capital of the Roman Empire. Many ceremonies were organized for the occasion, which marked the beginning of a golden age. Although the city was initially called the Second Rome or New Rome, these names were soon forgotten to be replaced by "Byzantium" and in later ages by "Constantinopolis", while the people favored the name "Polis". The successors of Constantine the Great continued to improve and beautify the city by building new avenues, aqueducts, monuments and edifices. The first churches in the city were also built after the time of Constantine. The Roman Empire was divided into two in 395 AD. Although the Western Empire collapsed in the 5th century, the Eastern Empire, which was administered from the capital, Istanbul survived for over 1,000 years afterwards. This empire was named as the Byzantine Empire by modern historians. Byzantium had a very interesting history, because its development was influenced both by the earlier Anatolian civilizations and, more importantly, by Christianity; its laws and rules were adopted from Rome, but its pomp and ceremonies from the East. The city was enlarged once more with the erection of new city walls in the first half of the 5th century. The magnificent city walls on the landward side that we see today were built by Emperor Theodosrus If. They are 6,492 m long. In the 6th century, the city, that now had a population of over half a million, lived through another golden age during the reign of Emperor Justinian. The famous Hagia Sophia is the work ot this emperor. The later history of the Byzantine Empire and its capital Istanbul is filled with palace and church intrigues and Persian and Arab attacks. The throne frequently changed hands after bloody feuds between royal families. Between 726-842, all kinds of religious images were outlawed in the city during the iconoclastic movement.This led to much destruction (and much concealment) of paintings and statues. The Latin invasion was a dark page in the history of Istanbul. It started with the invasion of the city by the armies of the Fourth Crusade in 1204, and for many years all the churches, monasteries and monuments in the city were robbed of their treasures. Although the Byzantines regained control of the city in 1261, Istanbul never fully recovered its former wealth. CONQUER OF ISTANBUL by SULTAN MEHMET 2nd Increasing threats of the expanding Ottoman Empire finally came to an climax when, following a siege of fifty-three days in 1453, the city was captured by the Turks. The large caliber cannons of Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror, used for the first time in history, were one of the factors that enabled the Turks to penetrate the city walls of Istanbul. Another factor contributing to the conquest was that the Byzantine Empire had reached the end of its natural life span. Mehmet, who was only 21 years old then, moved the capital of the Ottoman Empire to Istanbul, increased the population of the city by bringing in immigrants from different regions of the country, and started to reconstruct the deserted and wrecked city. He granted freedom of worship and social rights to the former inhabitants. It was thanks to the rights granted by Mehmet that the Patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox is even today located in Istanbul. Some of the dilapidated churches in the city, including Hagia Sophia, were renovated and converted into mosques. Istanbul was fully reconstructed within a short period after it was conquered by the Turks. A century later, Turkish art had left its mark on the city, and domes and minarets dominated the skyline. In the 16th century, when the Ottoman Sultans assumed the office of Caliphate, (chief civil and religious authority of Islam) Istanbul became the center of the Islamic world as well. The city was totally reconstructed and acquired a magical ambiance under the sultans. Although no wars featured in Istanbul's history during this time, frequent fires repeatedly devastated large sections of the city. The Imperial Topkapi Palace built on the site of the old acropolis commands an extraordinarily beautiful view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. As a result of closer contacts with the West, mosques and palaces in European style were built along the shores of the Bosphorus by the 19th century. These numerous palaces, built in a very short time, also symbolize the decline of another empire. For at the end of World War I Istanbul witnessed the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire was broken up and while the internal and external enemies were fighting among themselves for a larger share of the spoils, one of the valiant commanders of the Turkish army was engaged in a struggle on behalf of the Turkish Nation. This national hero, Mustafa Kemal, founded the Republic of Turkey after a war of independence that lasted more than four years. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk assumed the Presidency of this first republic in Asia, and changed the course of his country toward the principles of western civilization. The Sultan and his family were exiled, the Caliphate was abolished, the Latin alphabet was adopted, the fez and veil were outlawed, and women were granted voting rights. By the time Ataturk died in 1938, the Republic of Turkey was already recognized as a member of the western world. The relocation of the capital to Ankara never reduced the importance of Istanbul, and this incomparable city continued to maintain its enchanting appearance and life style. The Republic of Turkey has now proceeded for 75 years on the path of reason, based on scientific thought and facts, that was pointed out by Ataturk. The people of the country are determined to continue their march in the direction of contemporary civilization. The next millennium will be an even more prosperous age for the secular and democratic republic. The citizens of the country will follow in the footsteps of Ataturk as individuals who are independent, enlightened, unfettered in life and religion, at liberty in prayer and education, free in will, and loyal to the country. ISTANBUL GENERAL INFORMATION : The first of the seven hills on the promontory has been the most important and dynamic part of the city in all ages. When the city was first founded, the acropolis was a typical Mediterranean trading center surrounded by city walls. This trading center was enlarged and rebuilt during Roman times. The most prominent buildings and monuments of the Roman era were built in the vicinity of the Hippodrome. Very few relics of these works have endured to the present day. The imperial palace, known as the "Great Palace", used to spread over an area extending from the Hippodrome down to the seashore. Only the mosaic floor panel of a large hall remains from this palace today. The Augusteion, the most important square of the city, used to be here, and between the square and the main avenue there was the Millairium victory arch. The road used to extend as far as Rome and the stone marking the first kilometer was located here. The baths, temples, religious, cultural, administrative and social centers were all in this district. The area maintained its importance in the Byzantine and Turkish eras. Therefore some of the most important monuments of Istanbul such as the Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art and the Basilica Cistern are all located around the Hippodrome. The main streets in the city (those leading down to the harbor and those extending toward the city walls in the west) started at the Hippodrome and followed the slopes of the hills. The streets were lined with business establishments and mansions. The side streets were narrow and some were stepped. Some of the main streets had two-galleried sidewalks. There were spacious squares along the route and the side roads forking from these squares led to the city gates. The main avenue was called the Mese, and Via Egnetia, the road to Rome, started at the Golden Gate (Altmkapi). Hippodrome means square for horses. The Hippodrome was built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus towards the end of the 2nc* century and it was extended to an immense size by Constantine the Great. Some historians claim that it could seat thirty thousand spectators, while others put the figure at sixty thousand. The main attraction was the two or four-horse chariot races. In Roman and Byzantine times, the Hippodrome served as the city's main meeting, entertainment and sports center until the 10tn century. Like many of the other monuments in the city, it lost its importance with the Latin invasion in 1204. Besides the chariot races and gladiator fights with wild animals, there were performances by musicians, dancers and acrobats. There were many public holidays during Roman times to allow opportunities for all these activities. The Hippodrome was shaped like a gigantic "U" and the imperial box, built like a balcony with four bronze horses on its roof, was situated on the eastern side. The sand-covered surface of the Hippodrome was divided into two by a low wall around which the chariots raced. On this wall stood monuments brought here from different corners of the empire and the statues of famous riders and their horses. Successful chariot drivers were very wealthy and could have anything they wanted. Originally there were 4 teams of drivers whose supporters' clubs formed large quarrelling factions and competed for position and prestige in the city. From time to time politics intermingled with the races, and the clashes between competing forces turned into bloody massacres. The original ground level of the Hippodrome was 4 or 5 meters lower than the present surface. Three monuments have remained to our day: the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the Walled Obelisk. In the Turkish era, too, festivals, ^ceremonies and performances used to be organized here. The Palace of Ibrahim Pasa opposite Sultan Ahmet Mosque is the sole example of the imposing private residences of the 16th century. This elegant building now houses the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. Only the round southern end of the vast Hippodrome has survived. This is a brick structure decorated with tall vaults. In later ages, all of the stone blocks and columns of the Hippodrome were used for building material. The ruins in the park to the right of the entrance to the Hippodrome belong to 4th" and 5th century private palaces, and a little further along there are the remains of the Byzantine Hagia Euphemia church. TEXT SOURCE : GOVERNOR'S OFFICE .
HISTORY OF ISTANBUL
Across the country, there are thousands of archeological sites, historical places and ancient cities, as well as magnificent scenic spots and natural wonders. Since Roman times, Asiatic Turkey has been known as both "Asia Minor" and "Anatolia". The European part of Turkey is called Thrace. These lands have been continually inhabited since the Stone Age. Because Anatolia is located like a natural bridge between continents, no other country in the world has acquired so many historical treasures. The Aegean Sea, the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus form the western boundaries of the Anatolian peninsula. Beside the Dardanelles are the ruins of the famous city of Troy — a memento of thousands of years of history- and on the shores of the Bosphorus rises Istanbul in all her beauty and splendor, keeping the memories of her past alive. There are many legends related to the foundation of Istanbul. According to the best known one, around 650 BC, a sea tribe from the Aegean left their city Megara and began to look for a new homeland under the leadership of Byzas. According to the customs of the age, before any such undertaking an oracle had to be consulted. The oracle in the Apollo temple in the famous town of Delphi advised Byzas to settle opposite the "land of the blind". The migrants searched for such a land for a long time. When they came to the headland of present-day Istanbul, they were delighted with the fertile lands and the advantages offered by the natural harbor, the Golden Horn. They also noticed the people living across the stretch of water. The migrants decided that those people must have been blind if they could not appreciate the opportunities of this ideal place and settled on the opposite shore, and they were convinced that they had found the land the oracle had described. Excavations have revealed finds dating back to the 3rd millennium BC at the tip of the Golden Horn and on the Asian side. The city of Byzantium existed as an independent state, but succumbed from time to time to the superior powers ruling the region. The acropolis of the city stood where Topkapi Palace stands today. It had a well-protected harbor, still used today, in the Golden Horn. A fortified city wall starting here surrounded the city and reached the Sea of Marmara. Byzantium was an important seaport and a center of trade under the Roman Empire. However, it sided with the wrong party during a struggle for the throne in 191 AD, and after a siege that lasted two years, it was conquered and razed by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. The same emperor later reconstructed the city on a larger scale. New city walls were built and the city was adorned with new buildings. By the 4th century AD the Roman Empire had expanded considerably, and the capital Rome lost its central position in the empire. While looking for another city as his new capital, the Emperor Constantine the Great finally chose Istanbul, realizing the strategic position of the city at the intersection of sea and land routes and the importance of its perfect climate. New city walls were constructed, enlarging the city again, and numerous temples, governments, palaces, baths and a hippodrome were built . Finally in 330 AD it was officially declared . the capital of the Roman Empire. Many ceremonies were organized for the occasion, which marked the beginning of a golden age. Although the city was initially called the Second Rome or New Rome, these names were soon forgotten to be replaced by "Byzantium" and in later ages by "Constantinopolis", while the people favored the name "Polis". The successors of Constantine the Great continued to improve and beautify the city by building new avenues, aqueducts, monuments and edifices. The first churches in the city were also built after the time of Constantine. The Roman Empire was divided into two in 395 AD. Although the Western Empire collapsed in the 5th century, the Eastern Empire, which was administered from the capital, Istanbul survived for over 1,000 years afterwards. This empire was named as the Byzantine Empire by modern historians. Byzantium had a very interesting history, because its development was influenced both by the earlier Anatolian civilizations and, more importantly, by Christianity; its laws and rules were adopted from Rome, but its pomp and ceremonies from the East. The city was enlarged once more with the erection of new city walls in the first half of the 5th century. The magnificent city walls on the landward side that we see today were built by Emperor Theodosrus If. They are 6,492 m long. In the 6th century, the city, that now had a population of over half a million, lived through another golden age during the reign of Emperor Justinian. The famous Hagia Sophia is the work ot this emperor. The later history of the Byzantine Empire and its capital Istanbul is filled with palace and church intrigues and Persian and Arab attacks. The throne frequently changed hands after bloody feuds between royal families. Between 726-842, all kinds of religious images were outlawed in the city during the iconoclastic movement.This led to much destruction (and much concealment) of paintings and statues. The Latin invasion was a dark page in the history of Istanbul. It started with the invasion of the city by the armies of the Fourth Crusade in 1204, and for many years all the churches, monasteries and monuments in the city were robbed of their treasures. Although the Byzantines regained control of the city in 1261, Istanbul never fully recovered its former wealth. CONQUER OF ISTANBUL by SULTAN MEHMET 2nd Increasing threats of the expanding Ottoman Empire finally came to an climax when, following a siege of fifty-three days in 1453, the city was captured by the Turks. The large caliber cannons of Sultan Mehmet, the Conqueror, used for the first time in history, were one of the factors that enabled the Turks to penetrate the city walls of Istanbul. Another factor contributing to the conquest was that the Byzantine Empire had reached the end of its natural life span. Mehmet, who was only 21 years old then, moved the capital of the Ottoman Empire to Istanbul, increased the population of the city by bringing in immigrants from different regions of the country, and started to reconstruct the deserted and wrecked city. He granted freedom of worship and social rights to the former inhabitants. It was thanks to the rights granted by Mehmet that the Patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox is even today located in Istanbul. Some of the dilapidated churches in the city, including Hagia Sophia, were renovated and converted into mosques. Istanbul was fully reconstructed within a short period after it was conquered by the Turks. A century later, Turkish art had left its mark on the city, and domes and minarets dominated the skyline. In the 16th century, when the Ottoman Sultans assumed the office of Caliphate, (chief civil and religious authority of Islam) Istanbul became the center of the Islamic world as well. The city was totally reconstructed and acquired a magical ambiance under the sultans. Although no wars featured in Istanbul's history during this time, frequent fires repeatedly devastated large sections of the city. The Imperial Topkapi Palace built on the site of the old acropolis commands an extraordinarily beautiful view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. As a result of closer contacts with the West, mosques and palaces in European style were built along the shores of the Bosphorus by the 19th century. These numerous palaces, built in a very short time, also symbolize the decline of another empire. For at the end of World War I Istanbul witnessed the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire was broken up and while the internal and external enemies were fighting among themselves for a larger share of the spoils, one of the valiant commanders of the Turkish army was engaged in a struggle on behalf of the Turkish Nation. This national hero, Mustafa Kemal, founded the Republic of Turkey after a war of independence that lasted more than four years. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk assumed the Presidency of this first republic in Asia, and changed the course of his country toward the principles of western civilization. The Sultan and his family were exiled, the Caliphate was abolished, the Latin alphabet was adopted, the fez and veil were outlawed, and women were granted voting rights. By the time Ataturk died in 1938, the Republic of Turkey was already recognized as a member of the western world. The relocation of the capital to Ankara never reduced the importance of Istanbul, and this incomparable city continued to maintain its enchanting appearance and life style. The Republic of Turkey has now proceeded for 75 years on the path of reason, based on scientific thought and facts, that was pointed out by Ataturk. The people of the country are determined to continue their march in the direction of contemporary civilization. The next millennium will be an even more prosperous age for the secular and democratic republic. The citizens of the country will follow in the footsteps of Ataturk as individuals who are independent, enlightened, unfettered in life and religion, at liberty in prayer and education, free in will, and loyal to the country. ISTANBUL GENERAL INFORMATION : The first of the seven hills on the promontory has been the most important and dynamic part of the city in all ages. When the city was first founded, the acropolis was a typical Mediterranean trading center surrounded by city walls. This trading center was enlarged and rebuilt during Roman times. The most prominent buildings and monuments of the Roman era were built in the vicinity of the Hippodrome. Very few relics of these works have endured to the present day. The imperial palace, known as the "Great Palace", used to spread over an area extending from the Hippodrome down to the seashore. Only the mosaic floor panel of a large hall remains from this palace today. The Augusteion, the most important square of the city, used to be here, and between the square and the main avenue there was the Millairium victory arch. The road used to extend as far as Rome and the stone marking the first kilometer was located here. The baths, temples, religious, cultural, administrative and social centers were all in this district. The area maintained its importance in the Byzantine and Turkish eras. Therefore some of the most important monuments of Istanbul such as the Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art and the Basilica Cistern are all located around the Hippodrome. The main streets in the city (those leading down to the harbor and those extending toward the city walls in the west) started at the Hippodrome and followed the slopes of the hills. The streets were lined with business establishments and mansions. The side streets were narrow and some were stepped. Some of the main streets had two-galleried sidewalks. There were spacious squares along the route and the side roads forking from these squares led to the city gates. The main avenue was called the Mese, and Via Egnetia, the road to Rome, started at the Golden Gate (Altmkapi). Hippodrome means square for horses. The Hippodrome was built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus towards the end of the 2nc* century and it was extended to an immense size by Constantine the Great. Some historians claim that it could seat thirty thousand spectators, while others put the figure at sixty thousand. The main attraction was the two or four-horse chariot races. In Roman and Byzantine times, the Hippodrome served as the city's main meeting, entertainment and sports center until the 10tn century. Like many of the other monuments in the city, it lost its importance with the Latin invasion in 1204. Besides the chariot races and gladiator fights with wild animals, there were performances by musicians, dancers and acrobats. There were many public holidays during Roman times to allow opportunities for all these activities. The Hippodrome was shaped like a gigantic "U" and the imperial box, built like a balcony with four bronze horses on its roof, was situated on the eastern side. The sand-covered surface of the Hippodrome was divided into two by a low wall around which the chariots raced. On this wall stood monuments brought here from different corners of the empire and the statues of famous riders and their horses. Successful chariot drivers were very wealthy and could have anything they wanted. Originally there were 4 teams of drivers whose supporters' clubs formed large quarrelling factions and competed for position and prestige in the city. From time to time politics intermingled with the races, and the clashes between competing forces turned into bloody massacres. The original ground level of the Hippodrome was 4 or 5 meters lower than the present surface. Three monuments have remained to our day: the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the Walled Obelisk. In the Turkish era, too, festivals, ^ceremonies and performances used to be organized here. The Palace of Ibrahim Pasa opposite Sultan Ahmet Mosque is the sole example of the imposing private residences of the 16th century. This elegant building now houses the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. Only the round southern end of the vast Hippodrome has survived. This is a brick structure decorated with tall vaults. In later ages, all of the stone blocks and columns of the Hippodrome were used for building material. The ruins in the park to the right of the entrance to the Hippodrome belong to 4th" and 5th century private palaces, and a little further along there are the remains of the Byzantine Hagia Euphemia church. TEXT SOURCE : GOVERNOR'S OFFICE .
Friday, June 20, 2008
Alicante
Alicante
Alicante, and it's wonderful boulevard with palm trees and shopping streets, is one of the most well-known towns along the Costa Blanca.
Known for its miles of sandy beaches, Alicante is a starting point for thousands of tourists every year.
Famous for its excellent weather, the city invites you to take a trip along the coast or to the wonderful island of Tabarca. Along the Alicante harbor you find beautiful long alleys for nice relaxing walks, enjoying the palm trees and the mild climate.
Video: Alicante
With many historical buildings around the entire city, Alicante offers countless sightseeing attractions, from cathedrals to churches and of course a wonderful harbor area. Additional to sightseeing, direct from the harbor area, a long wide sandy beach leads its way up to San Juan. Just drop your towel on the sand and enjoy a wonderful day in the sun.
During summer time, Alicante with its Airport, is a starting point for many Costa Blanca tourists, while during the winter months tourists and residents tend to live along the coast in places like Benidorm, Calpe and Denia.
Alicante's location: The Costa Blanca lies on the east coast of Spain. to the south is the Costa Almeria and to the north, the Costa Dorada. Alicante has about 340 000 habitants (2005 numbers) and lies directly at the Mediterranean sea.
Famous for its excellent weather, the city invites you to take a trip along the coast or to the wonderful island of Tabarca. Along the Alicante harbor you find beautiful long alleys for nice relaxing walks, enjoying the palm trees and the mild climate.
Video: Alicante
With many historical buildings around the entire city, Alicante offers countless sightseeing attractions, from cathedrals to churches and of course a wonderful harbor area. Additional to sightseeing, direct from the harbor area, a long wide sandy beach leads its way up to San Juan. Just drop your towel on the sand and enjoy a wonderful day in the sun.
During summer time, Alicante with its Airport, is a starting point for many Costa Blanca tourists, while during the winter months tourists and residents tend to live along the coast in places like Benidorm, Calpe and Denia.
Alicante's location: The Costa Blanca lies on the east coast of Spain. to the south is the Costa Almeria and to the north, the Costa Dorada. Alicante has about 340 000 habitants (2005 numbers) and lies directly at the Mediterranean sea.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Cavalli Beach House Retreat
The Cavalli Beach
The Cavalli Beach House Retreat is situated in an absolute waterfront location on the eastern coast in the north of New Zealand.A comfortable four hours drive north of Auckland or a thirty five minute commuter flight from Auckland to Bay of Islands Airport. Forty five minutes drive from Kerikeri. Helicopter pad available.Although seemingly remote, the Retreat is only 15 minutes drive from the famous Kauri Cliffs Golf Course and within an hour of the Bay of Islands attractions.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
London
London Tourism and Travel Guide
Photo by lisanti
Traditional London is alive and well—with a healthy dose of experimental theater, haute cuisine, and techno beats. Today, lesser-known gems like Spitalfield's Market and trendy Clerkenwell compliment the popular tourist highlights. Though the weather can be dreary, a visit to this thriving city is anything but.
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London Hotels
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The Metropolitan
From $502
Victoria Park Plaza London
From $175
Holiday Inn London Mayfair
From $226
Merlyn Court Hotel
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Copthorne Tara Hotel
From $154
All London Hotels (668)
Things To Do in London
Name
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Type
Tower of London
Tourist Attractions
British Museum
Museums
Westminster Abbey
Museums
London Eye (Millennium Wheel)
Tourist Attractions
Buckingham Palace
Tourist Attractions
All Things To Do in London (1119)
London Restaurants
Name
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Wagamama
Asian
Fifteen
Central European
Hard Rock Cafe
American
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American
Gordon Ramsay
French
All London Restaurants (855)
Top London Photos
One of the towers
by mlvk
Approaching the Abbe...
by callen60
Along the Thames
by EsslingerBrian
All London Photos
London Nightlife
Name
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Ye Olde Mitre
Bars
Shakespeare's Globe
Museums
Half Price Ticket Booth
Concerts and Shows
Criterion Theatre
Concerts and Shows
Dominion Theatre
Theater and Movies
All London Nightlife (726)
London Experiences
Name
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Tea at the National Cafe
callen60
Making London Affordable
callen60
Walking in London: Westminst...
callen60
London on the Cheap
callen60
London, Part 4
tvordj
All London Experiences (319)
London Journals
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London, Free and Easy
callen60
Kings Cross to Islington
MichaelJM
Photo by lisanti
Traditional London is alive and well—with a healthy dose of experimental theater, haute cuisine, and techno beats. Today, lesser-known gems like Spitalfield's Market and trendy Clerkenwell compliment the popular tourist highlights. Though the weather can be dreary, a visit to this thriving city is anything but.
Sponsored Links
500 Hotels in London
Save up to 50% on your booking. Low rates and great availability!www.booking.com/London-Hotels
Bed and breakfast london
Always 30£/night. Always central Reserve online instantly & securelywww.London30.com
Hotels London
60 luxury & design hotels selected in London center. Special rates!www.splendia.com/London-Hotels
London Hotels
Name
Avg. Member Rating
Rates
The Metropolitan
From $502
Victoria Park Plaza London
From $175
Holiday Inn London Mayfair
From $226
Merlyn Court Hotel
Check Rates
Copthorne Tara Hotel
From $154
All London Hotels (668)
Things To Do in London
Name
Avg. Member Rating
Type
Tower of London
Tourist Attractions
British Museum
Museums
Westminster Abbey
Museums
London Eye (Millennium Wheel)
Tourist Attractions
Buckingham Palace
Tourist Attractions
All Things To Do in London (1119)
London Restaurants
Name
Avg. Member Rating
Type
Wagamama
Asian
Fifteen
Central European
Hard Rock Cafe
American
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
American
Gordon Ramsay
French
All London Restaurants (855)
Top London Photos
One of the towers
by mlvk
Approaching the Abbe...
by callen60
Along the Thames
by EsslingerBrian
All London Photos
London Nightlife
Name
Avg. Member Rating
Type
Ye Olde Mitre
Bars
Shakespeare's Globe
Museums
Half Price Ticket Booth
Concerts and Shows
Criterion Theatre
Concerts and Shows
Dominion Theatre
Theater and Movies
All London Nightlife (726)
London Experiences
Name
Review Usefulness
Member
Tea at the National Cafe
callen60
Making London Affordable
callen60
Walking in London: Westminst...
callen60
London on the Cheap
callen60
London, Part 4
tvordj
All London Experiences (319)
London Journals
Name
Journal Usefulness
Member
London, Free and Easy
callen60
Kings Cross to Islington
MichaelJM
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Why Do I Crave Gas Station Chicken?
Every once in a while I get a weird craving for gas station chicken. Anyone who’s been on a road trip knows that gas stations in the middle of no where have the best fried chicken. I’m not saying you won’t need some Tums to get you through afterwards, but it sure is tasty.
It’s no different here in SW Orlando. The best fried chicken can be found at Dodge’s Store on highway 50 in Winter Garden. The address is 12961 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 if you wanna get directions. I swore to myself never to eat gas station food again when I got sick from a Blimpies sub that I got at a gas station once, but gas station chicken is another thing altogether.
With gas prices around $4 a gallon, it makes the fried chicken at Dodge’s seem like an outright steal. For $1.99, you can get 2 hot wings and a chicken strip which make for a quite a tasty snack. You can also get plenty of zings, dings, jo jo’s, fries, turkey legs, and of course, good old apple pie for about the same price as a gallon of gas. The price of gas is getting out of hand.
Everyone there is super friendly and it feels like you’re in a small town eatery where everyone knows your name and they’re glad that you came yet you’re at a gas station. There’s just something about the smell of car fumes and fried chicken that appeals to me I guess.
It’s no different here in SW Orlando. The best fried chicken can be found at Dodge’s Store on highway 50 in Winter Garden. The address is 12961 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 if you wanna get directions. I swore to myself never to eat gas station food again when I got sick from a Blimpies sub that I got at a gas station once, but gas station chicken is another thing altogether.
With gas prices around $4 a gallon, it makes the fried chicken at Dodge’s seem like an outright steal. For $1.99, you can get 2 hot wings and a chicken strip which make for a quite a tasty snack. You can also get plenty of zings, dings, jo jo’s, fries, turkey legs, and of course, good old apple pie for about the same price as a gallon of gas. The price of gas is getting out of hand.
Everyone there is super friendly and it feels like you’re in a small town eatery where everyone knows your name and they’re glad that you came yet you’re at a gas station. There’s just something about the smell of car fumes and fried chicken that appeals to me I guess.
The Orlando Regional Realtor Association released the latest statistics for Orlando today and it shows some promising signs. For the first time this year, the inventory of homes is less than the level seen in the same period for 2007. There’s currently 19.6 months of inventory on the market which seems like a lot, but at least we’re headed in the right direction.
The number of total properties under contract show a distinct trend upward in the graph and the number of sales has increased every month in 2008. We had 1,276 sales and 3,225 properties under contract in May 2008. I believe this means more homes are selling.
Another promising statistic is that fewer homes are coming on the market. We definitely don’t need to add to the glutton of inventory already on the market, so I’m excited to see this. For the market to truly reach a point of stabilization, we really need to see an inventory level that’s far less then 19.6 months.
We’re not there yet, but the statistics show that there definitely is a steady march towards improvement underway for the real estate market in Orlando.
The number of total properties under contract show a distinct trend upward in the graph and the number of sales has increased every month in 2008. We had 1,276 sales and 3,225 properties under contract in May 2008. I believe this means more homes are selling.
Another promising statistic is that fewer homes are coming on the market. We definitely don’t need to add to the glutton of inventory already on the market, so I’m excited to see this. For the market to truly reach a point of stabilization, we really need to see an inventory level that’s far less then 19.6 months.
We’re not there yet, but the statistics show that there definitely is a steady march towards improvement underway for the real estate market in Orlando.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Lake Whatcom Washington State
Lake Whatcom
Bellingham's Lake Whatcom is a beautiful timber lined freshwater lake nestled in the foothills between the shores of Puget Sound and magnificent Mount Baker. Lake Whatcom is Washington's 4th largest freshwater lake stretching over 12 miles from end to end with the north shore in Bellingham and the southern most end in the laid back community of Sedro Woolley. The wooded shoreline around lake Whatcom is dotted with lakeside resorts, a summer camp, scenic parks and private homes-- everything from quaint summer cabins & rustic log homes, to majestic waterfront mansions with their very own docks.
Lake Whatcom is stocked with fish each year by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The lake is popular for fishing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking & even canoeing. - Northwest families have been camping and vacationing along its shores for generations. Lake Whatcom has a number of communities around its shore
s but one of the largest is the master planned lakefront community of Sudden Valley. This resort community has its own marina, boat ramp, private beach access, and highly regarded golf course designed by Ted Robinson.
Lake Whatcom is stocked with fish each year by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The lake is popular for fishing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking & even canoeing. - Northwest families have been camping and vacationing along its shores for generations. Lake Whatcom has a number of communities around its shore
s but one of the largest is the master planned lakefront community of Sudden Valley. This resort community has its own marina, boat ramp, private beach access, and highly regarded golf course designed by Ted Robinson. Monday, June 9, 2008
Cracow
Krakow, Cracow - call it what you will - a big welcome to our travel guide to Poland's "cultural capital"! Cracow Life brings you a general guide section of information, the latest news, as well as tips, suggestions about travel and money, a city centre map, guide and introduction to culture to get you started, as well as a comprehensive low-down of the very best restaurants, hotels and apartments, pubs, nightclubs and cafes, shops and places to have fun in the city. We try to keep it light-hearted but informative. We've been to all the places reviewed on the site, so you'll get a first-hand idea of what it's like. Cracow is a vibrant city with great cultural and historical dignity, which provides a glorious backdrop to all the fun. Hey, what other World Heritage site can boast the highest density of bars and pubs in the world? You get the idea!Whether you're just booked to travel or already in the city, we're here to help you make the very best of your stay. We love Cracow - that's why we live here - and we look forward to passing on all the best information and tips about the place, so that you'll be as enthusiastic about it as we are!
We're always working hard to improve the site, with new articles added to our news section daily and a constantly-updated calendar of events going on in the city. Don't forget that we are always ready to help out with advice and suggestions for your stay - so do take advantage of our local knowledge when it comes to choosing your hotel or other place to stay. We really value your comments and suggestions - so get in touch and let us know what you think about Cracow, what you'd like to see on the site, and any other great bits of information you think we should know about.
See you in the city, or join us at the weekends in nearby Zakopane, Poland's mountain resort! And don't forget to check out our other guides to Warsaw, Gdansk, Poznan and Wroclaw!
Friday, June 6, 2008
The Early Years of Germany
The Early Years of GermanyFrom a traveler's perspective, history of the territory that today represents Germany needs a closer look with the times of the Romans to pursue a campaign of expansion into Germanic territory.Germanic Tribes and Romans were involved in numerous battles which prompted Romans to build the Limes, a fortification 300 kilometers long, in the first century A.D. Cities like Cologne, Mainz or Trier do have their origins in ancient Roman settlements, in Trier impressive buildings dating back to these times can still be visited.
From the times of Roman influence up until the partition of the Frankish Kingdom by Charlemagne, history cannot be labeled as German history. But these are the times when European basics were shaped from a cultural, religious, ethnical and territorial perspective. Only during the Saxon Dynasty about 1000 A.D. something like the conscience of a German kingdom occurred, and started to replace the ancient Frankish kingdom. The city of Aachen still today shows the power of the Frankish kings.
From the times of Roman influence up until the partition of the Frankish Kingdom by Charlemagne, history cannot be labeled as German history. But these are the times when European basics were shaped from a cultural, religious, ethnical and territorial perspective. Only during the Saxon Dynasty about 1000 A.D. something like the conscience of a German kingdom occurred, and started to replace the ancient Frankish kingdom. The city of Aachen still today shows the power of the Frankish kings.
Medieval Germany was dominated mainly by struggles within the German Empire as well as the catholic church. The notion of “Holy Roman Empire of German Nation” implies the growing political distance between Rome and Germany.The geographic spread of Germany changed continuously over the centuries. Although all of Germany was under the control of the Emperor, his power was so weak or uncertain, that many local authorities had to maintain order. Nevertheless being located in the center of Europe, Germany was active in international trade as well as manufacturing and therefore prospered during the fourteenth and fifteenth century.In 1517, with the posting of Martin Luther's theses, an era of religious tensions began, which seemed to have an end through the Peace of Augsburg in 1555. But in 1618, the Th
irty Years' War began, and by its end in 1648 (Peace of Westphalia) large parts of Germany were devastated. Politically, Germany was even less united than before and a long period of economic decline began.
To withstand the growing revolutionary french power, at the end of the 18th century, Austria and Prussia built an alliance, which didn't help to stop Napoleon and his military victories. The effect of the French occupation amongst others was the reduction of geographical entities within Germany from about 300 to merely 40.In 1862 King Wilhelm I. of Prussia chose Otto von Bismarck as his minister president. After the wars against Austria, France and Denmark it was Wilhelm I. who was crowned as German Emperor in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles.
irty Years' War began, and by its end in 1648 (Peace of Westphalia) large parts of Germany were devastated. Politically, Germany was even less united than before and a long period of economic decline began.To withstand the growing revolutionary french power, at the end of the 18th century, Austria and Prussia built an alliance, which didn't help to stop Napoleon and his military victories. The effect of the French occupation amongst others was the reduction of geographical entities within Germany from about 300 to merely 40.In 1862 King Wilhelm I. of Prussia chose Otto von Bismarck as his minister president. After the wars against Austria, France and Denmark it was Wilhelm I. who was crowned as German Emperor in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles.
The entire German territory was occupied by foreign armies, forming four occupation zones. In 1946 the United States and Britain formed the Bizone, which was later on joined by France to build the Trizone in 1949.The growing conflicts between the Western Allies and Russia led to the approval by the Western military governors of the new Basic Law on May 23, 1949, and on that date a new state, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or BRD) came into existence. Only a couple of months later, in the soviet occupation zone the new People's Council was convened for the first time on October 7, 1949, and on the same day the constitution of the German Democratic Republic (GDR or DDR) went into effect.During the following four decades, both German countries chose to follow completely different paths, both from a political as well as economical perspective.
After a short but powerful period of peaceful manifestations in Eastern Germany, on November 9, 1989 the GDR border police unexpectedly opened the Berlin Wall.On October 3, 1990 the Eastern German Volkskammer agreed to the German unification, and on midnight that same day, the German Democratic Republic joined the Federal Republic of Germany.Many differences between both German States have disappeared but at many places, traces of Eastern Germany can still be found, which is one of many reasons to travel through Germany.
After a short but powerful period of peaceful manifestations in Eastern Germany, on November 9, 1989 the GDR border police unexpectedly opened the Berlin Wall.On October 3, 1990 the Eastern German Volkskammer agreed to the German unification, and on midnight that same day, the German Democratic Republic joined the Federal Republic of Germany.Many differences between both German States have disappeared but at many places, traces of Eastern Germany can still be found, which is one of many reasons to travel through Germany.
Alicante Spain
Alicante Spain
Alicante, Spain with its beautiful boulevard and pleasant shopping street, is one of the most well-known towns on the Costa Blanca. The coast of Alicante and the Costa Blanca owes its name to the beaches stretching for several kilometers and attracts many sun worshippers and pleasure seekers. The sun in Alicante shines virtually
Alicante Airport
One of the biggest airports for charter flights in Spain. From A
licante Airport to Downtown, Benidorm or Denia, where to get the Bus to the city? Where are the long term parking lots?
licante Airport to Downtown, Benidorm or Denia, where to get the Bus to the city? Where are the long term parking lots? Costa Blanca - Benidorm and Denia
The different ways to go to Benidorm, one of the biggest tourist cities in Spain and Denia from the city. From the new Benidorm to Alicante Airport bus to the FGV train. All this in the Benidorm - Denia and Costa Blanca section.
Public Transport
Where to catch a train from Alicante? And the downtown bus station where is it? - Looking for taxi stops in Alicante - All this in the Alicante Public Transport section.
Alicante Hotels
Where to get a good hotel and where to stay - downtown or along the Costa Blanca ? Where to find a good restaurant for a excellent paella ? - All this in the Alicante hotel section.
Alicante Streetcar
The new Alicante streetcar from the harbor area to the beaches of San Juan and El Campello. Not yet like an underground, but a very modern and easy connection. More about it in our Alicante Streetcar underground section. The electric car leads its way out of the city directly on a new rebuilt line along the coast of Alicante.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Tripura Cultural Tour INDIA
Tripura Cultural Tour
Places Covered :Delhi - – Agartala - Jamphai Hills - Neermahal – Matabari - Dumborr.
Day 01 : Delhi - Kolkata – Agartala Arrive at Agartala, meet and assisted by Boni Tour and Travelspersonnel and drive to hotel. Evening free at the local bazaar.
Day 02 : Agartala – Jamphai Hills Drive to Jamphai Hills of abods of eternal spring due to its climate characteristic from the summit of hill the view of the country is exceedingly charming. Overnight at Jamphai Hill.
Day 03 : Jamphai Hill – Agartala . Morning drive back to Agartala . Afternoon visit the Maharaja Kalyan Manikya initiated the excavations of lake Kamalasagar, 27 km from Agartala. There’s a popular 16th century Kall temple with edge of the lake. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Agartala – Neermahal – Matabari Drive to Neermahal, which is located at Udaipur. Tripura’s lovely lake palace on lake Pudrasagar , Neermahal , is Eastern India’s only water place. After Neermahal we will visit Matabari which is one of the most important and much venerated attractions of Tripura. Here is the ancient temple of Matabari or Tripurasundari.
Day 05 : Agartala – Dumborr. Morning drive to the great lake of Dumboor, which is surrounded by verdant hills. There are 48 island. The lake, which is the store house to numerous birds of all samples and color. You can also take a boat ride around this pretty lake.
Day 06 : Agartala – Delhi/Kolkotta Free for shopping and other individual activities. Overnight in Houseboats.
Day 01 : Delhi - Kolkata – Agartala Arrive at Agartala, meet and assisted by Boni Tour and Travelspersonnel and drive to hotel. Evening free at the local bazaar.
Day 02 : Agartala – Jamphai Hills Drive to Jamphai Hills of abods of eternal spring due to its climate characteristic from the summit of hill the view of the country is exceedingly charming. Overnight at Jamphai Hill.
Day 03 : Jamphai Hill – Agartala . Morning drive back to Agartala . Afternoon visit the Maharaja Kalyan Manikya initiated the excavations of lake Kamalasagar, 27 km from Agartala. There’s a popular 16th century Kall temple with edge of the lake. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Agartala – Neermahal – Matabari Drive to Neermahal, which is located at Udaipur. Tripura’s lovely lake palace on lake Pudrasagar , Neermahal , is Eastern India’s only water place. After Neermahal we will visit Matabari which is one of the most important and much venerated attractions of Tripura. Here is the ancient temple of Matabari or Tripurasundari.
Day 05 : Agartala – Dumborr. Morning drive to the great lake of Dumboor, which is surrounded by verdant hills. There are 48 island. The lake, which is the store house to numerous birds of all samples and color. You can also take a boat ride around this pretty lake.
Day 06 : Agartala – Delhi/Kolkotta Free for shopping and other individual activities. Overnight in Houseboats.
Best Beaches of Puerto Rico
Best Beaches of Puerto Rico
Based on a recommendation by one of our readers, we ventured to the islands that make up Puerto Rico and came back with some of the most astonishing beaches! Yes, even next to our arrival airport - San Juan International, there's a community beach that's hard to beat.
As we followed the 272 miles of dramatic coast, we stop at each of the best beaches in the area. There are beaches for bird watchers; beaches for swimming; beaches for sailing; surfing, diving, snorkeling, kiteboarding, windsurfing, boogie boarding - one for each passion!Taino Indians called these beaches home when Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World in 1492. But Spanish explorers made them extinct in little time when they exploited them and brought disease the Tainos had no defense against.
With the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico became a possession of the United States. Citizens became American Citizens. Nonetheless, a battle for autonomy runs warm throughout much of the land. Many are divided because they want what American citizenship gives them, yet they desire autonomy as well.Politics aside, the people we found in Puerto Rico were so hospitable - it reminded us of our journey to Buzios, Brazil. And, truthfully, the beaches are very similar. Here, you'll find beach vendors. These are people who sell goods right on the beach. We found all types of delicious Caribbean food, from seafood to chicken - most cooked right on the beach over hibachis.Other vendors sell sarongs and towels, suntan lotion, and souvenirs. A few stay at posts near the entrances to the beaches, and a few wander the beaches. This is customary here. Some of the balneareos - beach areas - had a few dollar access fee. And they use the American dollar here - so no exchange.Speaking of that - American citizens can fly down here on nothing more than ID and an airline ticket. You don't need a passport. That's convenient and simple - so you have no excuse not to check out some of these beaches soon.We found the beaches well kept and five of them are world class Blue Flag beaches - an honor very hard to acquire. Come venture with us as this month we take a close look at the many Beaches of Puerto Rico!
Based on a recommendation by one of our readers, we ventured to the islands that make up Puerto Rico and came back with some of the most astonishing beaches! Yes, even next to our arrival airport - San Juan International, there's a community beach that's hard to beat.
As we followed the 272 miles of dramatic coast, we stop at each of the best beaches in the area. There are beaches for bird watchers; beaches for swimming; beaches for sailing; surfing, diving, snorkeling, kiteboarding, windsurfing, boogie boarding - one for each passion!Taino Indians called these beaches home when Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World in 1492. But Spanish explorers made them extinct in little time when they exploited them and brought disease the Tainos had no defense against.
With the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico became a possession of the United States. Citizens became American Citizens. Nonetheless, a battle for autonomy runs warm throughout much of the land. Many are divided because they want what American citizenship gives them, yet they desire autonomy as well.Politics aside, the people we found in Puerto Rico were so hospitable - it reminded us of our journey to Buzios, Brazil. And, truthfully, the beaches are very similar. Here, you'll find beach vendors. These are people who sell goods right on the beach. We found all types of delicious Caribbean food, from seafood to chicken - most cooked right on the beach over hibachis.Other vendors sell sarongs and towels, suntan lotion, and souvenirs. A few stay at posts near the entrances to the beaches, and a few wander the beaches. This is customary here. Some of the balneareos - beach areas - had a few dollar access fee. And they use the American dollar here - so no exchange.Speaking of that - American citizens can fly down here on nothing more than ID and an airline ticket. You don't need a passport. That's convenient and simple - so you have no excuse not to check out some of these beaches soon.We found the beaches well kept and five of them are world class Blue Flag beaches - an honor very hard to acquire. Come venture with us as this month we take a close look at the many Beaches of Puerto Rico!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Beach Parks" & Beaches on the Big Island of Hawai'i !
Beach Parks" & Beaches on the Big Island of Hawai'i !
The Big Island of Hawai’i has over 266 miles of coastline. Many beaches on the Big Island are “Beach Parks” meaning they have facilities and a host. A "BEACH" means that it generally lacks facilities but has a "host" or owner. You pack out what you bring in!!
Types of Beaches on the Big Island.
1) Black Sand-
These beaches are made by the erosion of basalt or are created when a lava flow comes in contact with the sea. The molten rock fractures as it is rapidly cooled and some of the molten earth becomes gains of black sand.
2) Coral Rubble-
This type of shoreline is composed of pieces of coral and coral heads. The rocks and coral heads are broken off the reef and deposited onto the shoreline during large surf.
3) Green Sand-
Green Sands Beach is composed of a greenish semiprecious stone known as olivine that is mixed with black sand.
4) Salt & Pepper-
A mixture of white sand made from coral and black sand created by Madam Pele mixed with shell fragments from the sea.
5) White Sand-
The natural occurring white sand was created from the coral reefs offshore. It is not the same stuff you see on the golf course and at certain resorts.
Ahalanui Park
This relatively unknown county park offers a natural geothermally heated pool that is lifeguarded. The perimeter of the warm pool is shaded by hau trees. The water temperature is warm and comfortable. The pool measures approximately 50x20 yards (45x18m) and is protected by a seawall.
-
'Anaehoomalu Bay
The name of the area indicates the importance of these fish ponds. A full-size "mullet" is an 'anea and ho'omalu means "to protect". Only ali'i (royalty) were allowed to take fish from the pond. Follow the ancient trail that goes around the perimeter of the pond. Signs placed along the trail provide information.
-
Green Sands Beach
The beach at Papakolea or Green Sands Beach is composed of green and black sand. The grains of greenish sand are made of a semi-precious stone known as olivine. Pu'u o Mahana has been eroded by the surf and slowly torn down to expose the cinder cone's core.
-
Hapuna State Beach Park
The beach is made of soft white sand (as you'll discover in the shower when you get home). Hapuna offers swimming and body boarding in small waves. Please use caution when the surf is large. Check with the lifeguards if you have any questions. Turtles can be seen by the rocks at the ends of the beach.
-
Holoholokai Beach Park
This park is located between the southern edge of Puako and the Orchid Resort. The park has recently been improved: 3 new fire pits/grills have been added and the underbrush has been cut back to improve the beautiful ocean view and to provide a breeze. By the restroom, is a bike rack that can hold six bikes.
-
Hookena Beach Park
North of the main beach are some great tidepools and a couple of blowholes. If you walk south towards the end of the beach and look up you can see a lava tube in the side of the cliff. It is partially hidden behind a kiawe tree and it is about 100 feet above the beach. Use caution and bring flash lights.
-
Isaac Hale Beach Park
There is a small geothermal pond in Pohoiki located just outside the park. From the boat ramp, follow the path just above the high water mark past the red house towards the bay. The path will lead you to the warm pond in 3-5 minutes. The pond is located about 50' back from the beach.
-
Ka Lae Historical District-"South Point"
South Point or Ka Lae is the most southern point in the United States. The South Point Area is surrounded by the Ka Lae National Historical District. On the way to South Point or Ka Lae "the point", you will pass many trees that are growing sideways due to the constant wind.
The Big Island of Hawai’i has over 266 miles of coastline. Many beaches on the Big Island are “Beach Parks” meaning they have facilities and a host. A "BEACH" means that it generally lacks facilities but has a "host" or owner. You pack out what you bring in!!
Types of Beaches on the Big Island.
1) Black Sand-
These beaches are made by the erosion of basalt or are created when a lava flow comes in contact with the sea. The molten rock fractures as it is rapidly cooled and some of the molten earth becomes gains of black sand.
2) Coral Rubble-
This type of shoreline is composed of pieces of coral and coral heads. The rocks and coral heads are broken off the reef and deposited onto the shoreline during large surf.
3) Green Sand-
Green Sands Beach is composed of a greenish semiprecious stone known as olivine that is mixed with black sand.
4) Salt & Pepper-
A mixture of white sand made from coral and black sand created by Madam Pele mixed with shell fragments from the sea.
5) White Sand-
The natural occurring white sand was created from the coral reefs offshore. It is not the same stuff you see on the golf course and at certain resorts.
Ahalanui Park
This relatively unknown county park offers a natural geothermally heated pool that is lifeguarded. The perimeter of the warm pool is shaded by hau trees. The water temperature is warm and comfortable. The pool measures approximately 50x20 yards (45x18m) and is protected by a seawall.
-
'Anaehoomalu Bay
The name of the area indicates the importance of these fish ponds. A full-size "mullet" is an 'anea and ho'omalu means "to protect". Only ali'i (royalty) were allowed to take fish from the pond. Follow the ancient trail that goes around the perimeter of the pond. Signs placed along the trail provide information.
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Green Sands Beach
The beach at Papakolea or Green Sands Beach is composed of green and black sand. The grains of greenish sand are made of a semi-precious stone known as olivine. Pu'u o Mahana has been eroded by the surf and slowly torn down to expose the cinder cone's core.
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Hapuna State Beach Park
The beach is made of soft white sand (as you'll discover in the shower when you get home). Hapuna offers swimming and body boarding in small waves. Please use caution when the surf is large. Check with the lifeguards if you have any questions. Turtles can be seen by the rocks at the ends of the beach.
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Holoholokai Beach Park
This park is located between the southern edge of Puako and the Orchid Resort. The park has recently been improved: 3 new fire pits/grills have been added and the underbrush has been cut back to improve the beautiful ocean view and to provide a breeze. By the restroom, is a bike rack that can hold six bikes.
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Hookena Beach Park
North of the main beach are some great tidepools and a couple of blowholes. If you walk south towards the end of the beach and look up you can see a lava tube in the side of the cliff. It is partially hidden behind a kiawe tree and it is about 100 feet above the beach. Use caution and bring flash lights.
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Isaac Hale Beach Park
There is a small geothermal pond in Pohoiki located just outside the park. From the boat ramp, follow the path just above the high water mark past the red house towards the bay. The path will lead you to the warm pond in 3-5 minutes. The pond is located about 50' back from the beach.
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Ka Lae Historical District-"South Point"
South Point or Ka Lae is the most southern point in the United States. The South Point Area is surrounded by the Ka Lae National Historical District. On the way to South Point or Ka Lae "the point", you will pass many trees that are growing sideways due to the constant wind.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Del Mar Beaches
Del Mar Beaches
It's remarkable indeed that Del Mar has managed to maintain its rural yet sophisticated feel even in the face of a burgeoning North County population boom. If you rise early in the morning you may still find trainers from the famous Del Mar racetrack exercising their horses on the beach by The River Mouth. Head inland on Via De La Valle and you'll find stately ranches and polo fields. But the beach is what started it all, and visitors keep coming year after year. There are three main beaches in Del Mar, all large and with lots of s
and.
and.Across from the race track, where the San Dieguito River meets the sea and (as they say in Del Mar) the turf meets the surf, The River Mouth is a broad wedge of beach with lots of room for volleyball games and a gathering place for dogs. The swimming here isn't too good, due to the shallow sandbars and unpredictable currents, but it's well protected from wind and surf - a perfect spot to introduce small children to the sea or help them build their first sand castle.The northern half of Del Mar City Beach, from 15th Street to The Rivermouth, is arguably San Diego's finest. It's a fantasyland of architectural dream houses flying colorful flags fronting a wide sand beach with good swimming, intermediate surf and easy access at every block. If only there were more parking, there'd be no argument at all. The main impact zone for crowds and parking is at the south end near Powerhouse Park, and the 17th Street lifeguard tower is ground zero. Most of what little parking is available here is metered, and you may have better luck with the higher numbered streets to the north, or across the highway on the east side of Coast Boulevard. On special occasions like 4th of July and Labor Day, people start arriving at dawn to stake their claims.South of 15th Street, bluffs line Del Mar City Beach, though they are neither as high nor as steep as elsewhere in North County. At all but the highest tides, the beach is totally passable all the way to Torrey Pines, and there are a number of sketchy, unsanctioned trails down from the cliffs. A dirt path paralleling the train track on the bluff is a favorite of walkers and joggers, who can go for miles without encountering a car or crossing a road. There are some patchy reefs offshore along here, creating some fairly good surf breaks at 15th Street, 11th Street, 7th Street and south of 4th Street at a place called G-Spot (so named for the womblike storm drain pipe that disgorges surfers onto the beach from an unmarked dirt trail above). People other than surfers and joggers do use the beach here, but most prefer the northern zone.
DirectionsFrom the 5 FWY exit Del Mar Heights Road or Via De La Valle and head west. Del Mar Heights leads to the south end of Del Mar at PCH and 4th Street; Via De La Valle meets PCH on the extreme north end of Del Mar at the Rivermouth. To find the main beach area, follow the Coast Highway to the intersection of 15th Street and Coast Boulevard, midway between these two points. All of Del Mar's beaches are named after its numbered streets, so finding any specific spot referred to here is as simple as locating the same street.
OfferingsEverything you could ever hope for except adequate parking. Lifeguard towers every few blocks from 15th Street north to the Rivermouth; a grass park area with playground, bathrooms, showers and recycling bins; and nearby restaurants, shops and hotels. The fairgrounds and racetrack offer open-air concerts, the annual county fair, Fourth of July fireworks and horse racing throughout the summer. For beach info call 858-755-1556
DirectionsFrom the 5 FWY exit Del Mar Heights Road or Via De La Valle and head west. Del Mar Heights leads to the south end of Del Mar at PCH and 4th Street; Via De La Valle meets PCH on the extreme north end of Del Mar at the Rivermouth. To find the main beach area, follow the Coast Highway to the intersection of 15th Street and Coast Boulevard, midway between these two points. All of Del Mar's beaches are named after its numbered streets, so finding any specific spot referred to here is as simple as locating the same street.
OfferingsEverything you could ever hope for except adequate parking. Lifeguard towers every few blocks from 15th Street north to the Rivermouth; a grass park area with playground, bathrooms, showers and recycling bins; and nearby restaurants, shops and hotels. The fairgrounds and racetrack offer open-air concerts, the annual county fair, Fourth of July fireworks and horse racing throughout the summer. For beach info call 858-755-1556
Considerations
Traffic and parking are Del Mar's only drawback, especially at the height of the summer fair and racing seasons, but also on weekends and at workday rush-hour throughout the year. No helpful hints or sneaky shortcuts beside the obvious: come early; stay late. If it's any consolation, know that your patience will be well-rewarded as soon as you ditch the car and make it to the sand.
Warning
It is not advisable to use any of the cliff trails here. Also, Del Mar is one of those infamous San Diego beaches where the sand can take the skin off your feet on a hot summer day. Don't forget to bring shoes or sandals.
Canadian Beaches
Canadian Beaches
Canada is large and has shores along the Atlantic, Labrador Sea, Daffin Bay, Hudson Bay, Arctic Ocean, Beaufort Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Because of the coldness of the seasons, most swimming is done in freshwater lakes and indoors. But there are still many thousands of beautiful shorelines, and thus beaches, to see in its over 100,000 miles of coastline. Although the following are along major bodies of water, the other divisions also have plenty of water in the form of freshwater lakes.
Official Site of the Canadian Tourism Commission is on canada.travel. This site is fully developed with all the different aspects of Canada that you would like to explore.
Beach photos of Canada include:* Canada beach images on Google.
For some Canada non-beach photos, check out:* Canada Photos and Pictures on canada-photos.com
British Columbia
Official Site of the Canadian Tourism Commission is on canada.travel. This site is fully developed with all the different aspects of Canada that you would like to explore.
Beach photos of Canada include:* Canada beach images on Google.
For some Canada non-beach photos, check out:* Canada Photos and Pictures on canada-photos.com
British Columbia
British Columbia is in southwestern Canada along the Pacific Ocean. Victoria, its capital, is on Vancouver Island. Vancouver is an important city in British Columbia. British Columbia is historic and offers whale watching opportunities.
There are many miles of beautiful beaches beween the mainland and Vancouver Island. Beach areas include Fairhaven, French Beach Provincial Park, Ninety Mile Beach, Qualicom Beach. Detailed information on the many beaches of British Columbia can be found here.
There are many miles of beautiful beaches beween the mainland and Vancouver Island. Beach areas include Fairhaven, French Beach Provincial Park, Ninety Mile Beach, Qualicom Beach. Detailed information on the many beaches of British Columbia can be found here.
Manitoba
Manitoba has a shoreline along Hudson Bay
For some Manitoba non-beach photos, check out:* Manitoba photos on canada-photos.com
Manitoba has a shoreline along Hudson Bay
For some Manitoba non-beach photos, check out:* Manitoba photos on canada-photos.com
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is on Chaleur Bay, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Northumberland Strait, the Bay of Fundy, and Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Bay of Fundy is in New Brunswick. The Bay of Fundy is well known for having the highest tides. The Bay supports migratory birds and an abundant range of sealife from the mudflats to the open waters.
For some New Brunswick non-beach photos, check out:* New Brunswick photos on canada-photos.com
New Brunswick is on Chaleur Bay, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Northumberland Strait, the Bay of Fundy, and Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Bay of Fundy is in New Brunswick. The Bay of Fundy is well known for having the highest tides. The Bay supports migratory birds and an abundant range of sealife from the mudflats to the open waters.
For some New Brunswick non-beach photos, check out:* New Brunswick photos on canada-photos.com
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Winter Romantic Honeymoon
Information about the best winter honeymoon places. Find romance and passion moments in the best honeymoon colder destinations.
Winter honeymoons are as much enjoyable and romantic as any other honeymoon and even more since when it is cold outside, it is warm inside and there is no better time to cuddle and to stay really close to each other. Winter is a marvelous season and should be enjoyed just as much as summer so take a look at some of these winter honeymoon destinations where you will have the chance to experience the most amazing time together.
When it comes to find the best winter honeymoon destinations for you to enjoy your honeymoon, people usually think of ski centers. In the western coast of North America and Canada you will find the best ski centers, but also in many European villages there are many ski and snowboarding centers where many activities and sports can be performed. While the American town of Aspen is famous across the world, Europe has places like Kitzbuhel (Austria), Chamonix (France), Canazei (Italy), Courchevel (France) or Livigno (Italy).
If you don’t like ski centers but still want to enjoy a winter holiday, you don’t have to worry. There are many alternative places to visit and enjoy. In the first place, both North America and Europe offer the most beautiful cities where snow is a friend of the house and where there are also many things to do and to be entertained with. We must mention the American cities of Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and of course, New York. The Canadian cities of Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg are also great in winter.
Europe is home to lots of winter places and in this sense, each major capitol or city has a beautiful and peculiar winter so try places like Paris, London, Madrid, Berlin, Moscow, Rome, Venice, Florence, Manchester, Dublin among others. South America is also home to some of the most beautiful winters, especially in the region that is known as the Patagonia and that is shared by both Argentina and Chile. There you have amazing European like landscapes and lots of activities such as whale watching, cruises, ferries, colonies of penguins and other sea animals, mountain adventure and the best cottages and cabins where to stay, as well as the most delicious typical gastronomy.
Enjoying your winter honeymoon is really up to you and you will see that even though you are not lying on the beach, you will still be able to enjoy lots of amazing places and wonderful scenarios.
When it comes to find the best winter honeymoon destinations for you to enjoy your honeymoon, people usually think of ski centers. In the western coast of North America and Canada you will find the best ski centers, but also in many European villages there are many ski and snowboarding centers where many activities and sports can be performed. While the American town of Aspen is famous across the world, Europe has places like Kitzbuhel (Austria), Chamonix (France), Canazei (Italy), Courchevel (France) or Livigno (Italy).
If you don’t like ski centers but still want to enjoy a winter holiday, you don’t have to worry. There are many alternative places to visit and enjoy. In the first place, both North America and Europe offer the most beautiful cities where snow is a friend of the house and where there are also many things to do and to be entertained with. We must mention the American cities of Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and of course, New York. The Canadian cities of Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg are also great in winter.
Europe is home to lots of winter places and in this sense, each major capitol or city has a beautiful and peculiar winter so try places like Paris, London, Madrid, Berlin, Moscow, Rome, Venice, Florence, Manchester, Dublin among others. South America is also home to some of the most beautiful winters, especially in the region that is known as the Patagonia and that is shared by both Argentina and Chile. There you have amazing European like landscapes and lots of activities such as whale watching, cruises, ferries, colonies of penguins and other sea animals, mountain adventure and the best cottages and cabins where to stay, as well as the most delicious typical gastronomy.
Enjoying your winter honeymoon is really up to you and you will see that even though you are not lying on the beach, you will still be able to enjoy lots of amazing places and wonderful scenarios.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The 10 Most Beautiful Places in America
It's a nation so blessed with sights -- natural and man-made -- that you could ask all 300 million residents for their favorites and expect 300 million different answers. So how do you go about picking the country's 10 most beautiful spots?
More travel reports: 10 Places to Eat Take in the flavors of the nation.10 Best out-of-the way Spots We take you off the beaten path.America the diverse Places that celebrate our nation's many faces.Top 10 places to have fun The classic summer prerogative -- good, old-fashioned fun.10 Most Beautiful Places in America A nation blessed with sights -- natural and man-mad5. Golden Gate Bridge in San FranciscoEngineering marvel, art deco icon, monument to progress: The Golden Gate Bridge does much more than connect San Francisco to Marin County. Named for the strait it spans -- the 3-mile passage between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific -- the bridge is a grand symbol of one of the world's most striking cities. Completed in 1937, the $35 million structure of concrete and steel embodied a city's unquenchable spirit -- and, by extension, the nation's. Set off by its signature orange paint job, twin 750-foot towers that seem to disappear into the heavens and spidery cables that stretch like harp strings, the Golden Gate was unlike anything else ever built. At 4,200 feet, the main suspension span was easily the world's longest. (Almost 70 years later, it ranks seventh.) Facts and figures tell only a partial story: Admired as a practical feat, the bridge is beloved as a work of art, one of the greatest the 20th century produced in any medium. For more, go to sfvisitor.org. e.America's 10 Best Historic Landmarks Defining moments and places in the evolution of our democracy. 10 Must-See sites: Understanding of what it means to be American.
Well, for starters, you go about it very boldly. You solicit opinions from travel writers and photographers, poll your colleagues, and talk to outdoor enthusiasts, historic preservationists and relatives who, every time you see them, seem to have just returned from another fabulous trip. In putting together USA WEEKEND Magazine's annual summer travel story, our editors did all that. To help frame the unenviable -- all right, nearly impossible -- task of limiting America's most beautiful attractions to a mere 10, we also offered a few guidelines. Nominees had to be publicly accessible and reasonably well-known. Iconic stature wouldn't hurt a place's chances, and, given the want of any objective way to measure beauty, sentimental favoritism was an acceptable tiebreaker. In other words, we instructed our experts to follow their hearts. After reading the top 10 list they produced, we hope you'll do the same.
More travel reports: 10 Places to Eat Take in the flavors of the nation.10 Best out-of-the way Spots We take you off the beaten path.America the diverse Places that celebrate our nation's many faces.Top 10 places to have fun The classic summer prerogative -- good, old-fashioned fun.10 Most Beautiful Places in America A nation blessed with sights -- natural and man-mad5. Golden Gate Bridge in San FranciscoEngineering marvel, art deco icon, monument to progress: The Golden Gate Bridge does much more than connect San Francisco to Marin County. Named for the strait it spans -- the 3-mile passage between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific -- the bridge is a grand symbol of one of the world's most striking cities. Completed in 1937, the $35 million structure of concrete and steel embodied a city's unquenchable spirit -- and, by extension, the nation's. Set off by its signature orange paint job, twin 750-foot towers that seem to disappear into the heavens and spidery cables that stretch like harp strings, the Golden Gate was unlike anything else ever built. At 4,200 feet, the main suspension span was easily the world's longest. (Almost 70 years later, it ranks seventh.) Facts and figures tell only a partial story: Admired as a practical feat, the bridge is beloved as a work of art, one of the greatest the 20th century produced in any medium. For more, go to sfvisitor.org. e.America's 10 Best Historic Landmarks Defining moments and places in the evolution of our democracy. 10 Must-See sites: Understanding of what it means to be American.
Well, for starters, you go about it very boldly. You solicit opinions from travel writers and photographers, poll your colleagues, and talk to outdoor enthusiasts, historic preservationists and relatives who, every time you see them, seem to have just returned from another fabulous trip. In putting together USA WEEKEND Magazine's annual summer travel story, our editors did all that. To help frame the unenviable -- all right, nearly impossible -- task of limiting America's most beautiful attractions to a mere 10, we also offered a few guidelines. Nominees had to be publicly accessible and reasonably well-known. Iconic stature wouldn't hurt a place's chances, and, given the want of any objective way to measure beauty, sentimental favoritism was an acceptable tiebreaker. In other words, we instructed our experts to follow their hearts. After reading the top 10 list they produced, we hope you'll do the same.
1. Red Rock Country (Sedona, Ariz.)
Ever since the early days of movies, when Hollywood has wanted to show the unique beauty of the West, it has gone to Sedona, a place that looks like nowhere else. Beginning with The Call of the Canyon in 1923, some hundred movies and TV shows have been filmed in and around town. We fell under Sedona's spell, too, and while debating our No. 1 spot kept returning to it for the same reasons Hollywood does: The area's telegenic canyons, wind-shaped buttes and dramatic sandstone towers embody the rugged character of the West -- and the central place that character holds in our national identity. There's a timelessness about these ancient rocks that fires the imagination of all who encounter them. Some 11,000 years before film cameras discovered Sedona, American Indians settled the area. Homesteaders, artists and, most recently, New Age spiritualists have followed. Many cultures and agendas abound, but there's really only one attraction: the sheer, exuberant beauty of the place. People come for inspiration and renewal, tawny cliffs rising from the buff desert floor, wind singing through box canyons, and sunsets that seem to cause the ancient buttes and spires to glow from within. We hear the canyon's call and cannot resist. For more, go to www.sedona.net.
2. Nighttime view from Mount Washington in Pittsburgh
In a nation with a wealth of stunning
cities full of compelling stories, ranking Pittsburgh as the No. 2 beauty spot is perhaps our most surprising choice. But the Steel City's aesthetic appeal is undeniable, as is its very American capacity for renewal. Standing atop Mount Washington, the steep hill that rises giddily on the city's south side, sightseers enjoy the unforgettable panorama of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers flowing together to create the mighty Ohio, that waterway so essential in the nation's settlement. The rivers cup downtown's lustrous Golden Triangle, where landmark skyscrapers thrust upward like rockets. At night, lights twinkle on no fewer than 15 bridges. Almost as breathtaking as the vista itself is the urban renewal that made it possible. A century ago, a pall of smoke lay so thick over town that streetlights burned all day. As Pittsburgh continues an evolutionary course that has taken it from trading post to transportation hub to industrial goliath, we salute its reinvention into one of America's most scenic and livable communities. In the life of a city, there's nothing more beautiful, or inspiring, than a renaissance. For more, go to pittsburgh.net.
3. The upper Mississippi River
For third-place honors, we turn to an area less celebrated than others, but nonetheless packed with the unique beauty our nation abounds in. Its low profile makes it all the more charming. To truly appreciate the Mississippi, we leave the familiar territory of Huck and Tom and take a spin on the Great River Road as it runs alongside Old Muddy's upper reaches through Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. One of the nation's most scenic routes, it winds over hills, atop towering bluffs and through one 19th-century river town after another. The sites along the way read like chapters in American history. Ancient Indian burial mounds punctuate rolling parkland, sidewheelers ply the river, and villages on either bank present fine examples of Steamboat Gothic, the ornate architectural style born in the heyday of river travel. In Galena, Ill., 85% of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. At Trempealeau, Wis., the Trempealeau Hotel has offered haven to watermen since 1888. The whole laid-back region's real draw is the river itself. Steady and timeless, it makes one fine traveling companion as it rolls toward the Gulf.
4. Hawaii's Na Pali Coast
At the country's extreme western edge, half a world away from the cradle of the American Revolution, we gain a flash of insight into the restlessness that drove our forebears from New England to the Pacific Ocean and beyond. They pushed west in search of paradise. Amid the coral reefs, beaches and mist-shrouded volcanic peaks of Hawaii's oldest island, they surely found it. Along the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coast of Kauai, verdant mountains plunge 4,000 feet into the sparkling Pacific. A short hike inland, where Hanakapi'ai Falls pours into a crystal pool and tropical flowers dapple the lush hillsides, the play of color and light creates the effect of an Impressionist painting gone native. Experience the splendor at your own risk: The hardest thing about a trip to Kauai is boarding the plane to go back home. For more, go to kauaivisitorsbureau.org.
Monday, May 26, 2008
America's most visited memorials
“The purpose of Memorial Day is to honor America’s war dead,” says Joe Davis, the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Director of Public Affairs, offering a blunt reminder of the intent of a holiday that originated in the U.S. after the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” an occasion for citizens to lay flowers at the graves of those killed in battle.
While that intent is at times drowned out by the din of summer-inaugurating celebrations, solemn ceremony tends to be the order of the day at monuments and memorials throughout the country that commemorate (and mourn) America’s wars and soldiers.
Visitation peaks at certain public monuments on Memorial Day (at Arlington Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, for example, an annual presidential wreath-laying ceremony draws large crowds), but public war memorials attract steady traffic throughout the year, and the better-known monuments draw millions annually. We looked at the National Park Service’s data on annual visitation to its various park “units” to compile a list of the 15 most-visited “memorial” destinations. While the NPS war-related sites and monuments have numerous designations (some are dubbed National Monuments or Memorials, others are National Historic Places; still others are called National Military Parks), we chose the top war-related sites, in terms of average annual visitation (from 2003 to 2007), regardless of their official categorization. As might be expected, Washington, D.C.’s iconic war statues, walls and plazas dominate the top of the list. Gavriel Rosenfeld, Associate Professor of History at Fairfield University, refers to the nation’s capital as the “nerve center of memorials.” In addition to Arlington Cemetery (which itself contains dozens of monuments and memorials within its boundaries), the Washington, D.C. area is home to the National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials, among many others.
While that intent is at times drowned out by the din of summer-inaugurating celebrations, solemn ceremony tends to be the order of the day at monuments and memorials throughout the country that commemorate (and mourn) America’s wars and soldiers.
Visitation peaks at certain public monuments on Memorial Day (at Arlington Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, for example, an annual presidential wreath-laying ceremony draws large crowds), but public war memorials attract steady traffic throughout the year, and the better-known monuments draw millions annually. We looked at the National Park Service’s data on annual visitation to its various park “units” to compile a list of the 15 most-visited “memorial” destinations. While the NPS war-related sites and monuments have numerous designations (some are dubbed National Monuments or Memorials, others are National Historic Places; still others are called National Military Parks), we chose the top war-related sites, in terms of average annual visitation (from 2003 to 2007), regardless of their official categorization. As might be expected, Washington, D.C.’s iconic war statues, walls and plazas dominate the top of the list. Gavriel Rosenfeld, Associate Professor of History at Fairfield University, refers to the nation’s capital as the “nerve center of memorials.” In addition to Arlington Cemetery (which itself contains dozens of monuments and memorials within its boundaries), the Washington, D.C. area is home to the National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials, among many others.
The architectural styles of this array of memorials comprise polar opposites within the space of a few miles. Rosenfeld says that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the National World War II Memorial represent distinctly different forms of commemoration. The former, a sunken, V-shaped black granite wall inscribed with the names of the war’s casualties, takes what he calls a “humble aesthetic form,” while the latter assumes a more “traditional, heroic style.”
iStockphoto.com
In 1958, President Eisenhower approved the creation of a memorial to honor the 1,177 crew members who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Completed in 1961, the USS Arizona Memorial sits atop the submerged remains of the battleship. A steady trickle of oil still leaks from the sunken hull. Visitors per year: 1,539,986.
Situated on the National Mall between the Washington and Lincoln Monuments, the World War II Memorial was designed by Austrian-American architect Friedrich St. Florian and features a semicircle of pillars (representing the U.S. states of 1945) flanked by arches adorned with eagles and wreathes. Although it opened only a few years ago—in 2004—“it looks like it could have been built right after the war,” says Rosenfeld. “Its style is what many historians would call pompous or monumental—it’s hardly self-effacing.”
In fact, says Rosenfeld, “A lot historians distinguish between memorials and monuments. The latter are meant to be admired or looked up to, while memorials are more admonitory—to remind us not to forget a certain lesson.”
iStockphoto.com
In 1958, President Eisenhower approved the creation of a memorial to honor the 1,177 crew members who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Completed in 1961, the USS Arizona Memorial sits atop the submerged remains of the battleship. A steady trickle of oil still leaks from the sunken hull. Visitors per year: 1,539,986.
Situated on the National Mall between the Washington and Lincoln Monuments, the World War II Memorial was designed by Austrian-American architect Friedrich St. Florian and features a semicircle of pillars (representing the U.S. states of 1945) flanked by arches adorned with eagles and wreathes. Although it opened only a few years ago—in 2004—“it looks like it could have been built right after the war,” says Rosenfeld. “Its style is what many historians would call pompous or monumental—it’s hardly self-effacing.”
In fact, says Rosenfeld, “A lot historians distinguish between memorials and monuments. The latter are meant to be admired or looked up to, while memorials are more admonitory—to remind us not to forget a certain lesson.”
Friday, May 23, 2008
Winter Place Alabama
Winter Place Alabama
Winter Place was built in 1855 by Joseph Samual Winter and his wife Mary Elizabeth Winter. One of the country's leading architects of the time, Samuel Sloan of Philadelphia, designed Col. Winter's first home and it is believed that Sloan desig
ned Winter Place as well. Sloan also designed the Governor's Mansion in Raleigh, NC. Mary Elizabeth Winter is the namesake for the very historically significant Winter Building, which she inherited from her Father, John Gindrat in 1854.
An 1880 census shows the Winter family living in the North House while their daughter Sally Gindrat Winter Thorington was living the South House with her husband Robert D. Thorington and family. The South House has been in the Thorington family ever since. The North House was out of the Winter family from 1946-1951 but has been in the Thorington family ever since.
ned Winter Place as well. Sloan also designed the Governor's Mansion in Raleigh, NC. Mary Elizabeth Winter is the namesake for the very historically significant Winter Building, which she inherited from her Father, John Gindrat in 1854.An 1880 census shows the Winter family living in the North House while their daughter Sally Gindrat Winter Thorington was living the South House with her husband Robert D. Thorington and family. The South House has been in the Thorington family ever since. The North House was out of the Winter family from 1946-1951 but has been in the Thorington family ever since.
On September 29th, 2005, Winter Place was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage primarily for housing the first offices of the Confederate Army.
Built in 1841 by John Gindrat to ho
use the Montgomery branch of the Bank of St. Mary's. In 1854 was willed to his daughter, Mary Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Winter.On April 11, 1861, Confederate Secretary of War Leroy Pope Walker sent telegram from second floor offices of Southern Telegraph Company to Charleston authorizing Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard to fire on Fort Sumter. Subsequent bombardment was first military action of War Between the States.
London's cosy winter places
London's cosy winter places
Bleak January weather may be urging you to stay in eating comfort food in front of the telly, but resist the temptation to hibernate at home – the capital is full of warming winter venues, be it a snug pub, a c
osy café, an intimate restaurant or a toasty Turkish bath
osy café, an intimate restaurant or a toasty Turkish bathCafé at Foyles
The most easygoing and relaxing place you’ll find on Charing Cross Road, this unpretentious joint (on the first floor next to Ray’s Jazz) serves up all the expected café grub: sarnies, salads, flapjacks, fantastic coffee. And it’s a more cerebral alternative to Starbucks and the like.Café at Foyles, 113-119 Charing Cross Rd, WC2 (020 7440 3207/http://www.timeout.com/external_link/?http://www.foyles.co.uk) Leicester Square tube. Open Mon-Sat 8am-9pm; Sun 10am-6pm.
Porchester Spa
Getting off the sofa is hard. Getting out of a bath? Impossible, particularly if you’re sitting in these traditional Turkish baths, which boast two Russian steam rooms, three Turkish hot rooms, a log sauna, an ice-cold plunge pool, plus a range of hamam treatments and massages.Porchester Spa,Queensway, W2 (020 7792 2919/http://www.timeout.com/external_link/?http://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisureandculture/sports/porchesterspa.cfm) Bayswater or Queensway tube. Open Mon-Sun 10am-10pm. Ladies: Tue, Thur, Fri; men: Mon, Wed, Sat. Three-hour session £20.35.
Bourne & Hollingsworth
Decked out just like your great aunt’s front room circa 1930, this tiny bar hidden under a newsagent at the bottom of Charlotte Street only opened recently – and if we’re honest, we were reluctant to tell you about it. The cocktails are superb, and they somehow find room to fit live music into the space. Prohibition-era themed parties and radioscript recitals are pencilled in for February.Bourne & Hollingsworth, 28 Rathborne Place, W1 (020 7636 8228) Tottenham Court Rd tube. Opening times vary.
Candid Café
Beaten-up sofas, drapes on the walls and battered wooden furniture… you’d have to work hard to find somewhere as comfy as this Angel stalwart. There’s a gallery next door if you fancy a touch of culture, and a courtyard if by some miracle it’s warm enough to sit out.Candid Café, 3 Torrens St, EC1 (020 7837 4237/http://www.timeout.com/external_link/?http://www.candidarts.com) Angel tube. Open Mon-Sat 12noon-10pm; Sun 12noon-5pm.
Nikita’s Russian Restaurant
This small, decadent restaurant has two private dining booths, each seating six, full of cushions, mirrors and a heavy curtain to pull closed for privacy. Two private dining rooms each seat 15.Nikita’s, 65 Ifield Rd, SW10 (020 7352 6326/http://www.timeout.com/external_link/?http://www.nikitasrestaurant.com) West Brompton tube. Open Mon-Thur 6.30pm-11.30pm; Fri, Sat 6.30pm-1am.
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