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Explore Map Itineraries To stay To eat Transportation Useful numbers powered by Home Discover the area Art, culture, entertainment Leisure Shore Excursions & Transfers Places to visit Suggested Itineraries Archeological Sites The Baths of Traiano Churches Monuments Madonnina di Pantano Tourist Port of Riva di Traiano The Surrounding Area Info for travellers News Citizens utility Companies and shops Where to stay Where to eat Places to visit Madonnina di Pantano In 1995 a phenomena occurred that could be said to be paranormal; a miracle which left national public opinion literally astounded and which has set off number debates within the Italian and foreign catholic environment and even caught the attention of the Holy Father. In fact, on 2 February of that year, on the occasion of the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of May, a small statue of the Madonna portraying the Queen of Peace and coming from Medjugorie, started to cry blood tears in the garden of a family living in the parish of S. Agostino at Civitavecchia. Well, from that day until the 15th of March, the statue of the Madonna cried for 14 times in the presence of many people who have given sworn testimony in front of a Theological Commission, instituted by the Bishop who held the statue in his hands the last time the blood tears fell; here, having overcome any doubts, he paved the way to official recognition. While these events were taking place, there were numerous debates and open confrontations between those who ascertained that it was an authentic miracle, and those animated by skepticism who assumed that the incident was purely the fruit of human and not Divine intervention. The statue was then scientifically examined with positive results. There were no tricks or internal hidden devices and the tears were human blood. Finally, after various difficulties, on 17 June 1995 the Bishop placed that statue in a display case situated in the Parish of S. Agostino and displayed it for worship by the faithful. From that day on, there have been considerable pilgrims, even worldwide, that have come to worship the She who everyone now calls "The Madonna of Civitavecchia".

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NZ Photo Gallery Portuguese [Brazilian] (Português Brasileiro) Chinese-Big5 (台灣) Chinese-GB2312 (中国) English* Hungarian (Magyarul) Slovenian (Slovensko) North IslandRegions of the North Island Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It is located on the south of the North Island. Wellington is situated around a large harbour and ranges. It is a very hilly city, which gives rise to some very inovative architecture. 78 files, last one added on Feb 04, 2006 Tongariro National Park The Tongariro National Park is located roughly in the center of the North Island. It contains the three volcanoes: Mt Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. Mt Ruapehu provides the main skiing areas for the North Island. 14 files, last one added on Sep 18, 2004 Kapiti Island Kapiti Island is located about 40kms north of Wellington. It is a special place as it is a reserve for New Zealand native flora and fauna. All pests on the island were erradicated around 1996, and since then the native plant and bird species have flourished. Access to Kapiti Island is by permit only and the number of visitors are limited to a maximum of 50 per day. 16 files, last one added on May 21, 2005 Egmont National Park Egmont National Park is located in the central west coast of the North Island. Egmont is the European name, but is being phased out in favour of the original name Taranaki. Mt Taranaki is a classic coned shaped volcano that has been dormant for a long time, although it is expected to erupt sometime in the future. 3 files, last one added on Aug 02, 2004 Tararua Forest Park The Tararua Forest Park is about 50km north of Wellington and covering 155,000 hectares. This is a rugged area of steep sided hills covered largely in native beech forest with wind-lashed ridges of rotten rock and tussock grass rising to over 1500 metres in places. 13 files, last one added on Dec 17, 2004 The Wairarapa region is located on the south eastern side of the North Island. It is a large farming area and contains up and coming wineries. It is also noted for its very rugged coast line and great fishing. Wellington Region The Greater Wellington Region includes the coastline to the north and to the east (bordered by the Rimutaka Range). The coastline provides popular beaches and fishing areas. South IslandRegions of the South Island Abel Tasman National Park is located in the north of the South Island. It is New Zealand's smallest National Park and one of the busiest. It contains magnificent sandy beaches and rainforests 8 files, last one added on Jun 05, 2004 Nelson Lakes National Park Nelson Lakes National Park is located near the top of the South Island. It covers a large area of mountains and the two main lakes, Rotoroa and Rotoiti. 17 files, last one added on Aug 02, 2004 Kaikoura is located on the north weast coast of the South Island. It is surrounded by large snow covered mountains (in winter) that almost reach the sea. Kaikoura is very famous for its year round population of male sperm whales. The whales, dolphines and seals are very accessable and numerous in this area. Mt Cook or Aoraki is the highest mountain in New Zealand at a height of 3754m. It was actually 10 metres taller a few years ago, but suffered an enormous avalanche. The area also contains Tasman Glacier which is the longest in New Zealand. Cantebury Region The Canterbury Region is located on the east coast of the South Island. It includes the city of Christchurch, the fertile Canterbury plains, wonderful coastline and the mountains which rise straight up from the plains. Mt Hutt is the main ski area and is located just 1 hours drive from Christchurch. 13 files, last one added on Nov 12, 2005 Dunedin/Otago Peninsula The Dunedin region is located in the south east of the South Island. The city of Dunedin has some wonderful architecture and a real Scottish influence, particularly Lanlock Castle. The Otago Peninsula which surrounds Dunedin is a great wildlife haven. It is well known for its albatross colony as well as seals and pengiuns. West Coast of the South Island is a rugged and sparely populated region. It contains spectacular scenery ranging from beaches, rain forests, glaciers and the highest mountains in New Zealand. Routeburn Track The Routeburn track is located quite close to the Milford Track in Fiordland. It is considered by many to be the best rainforest/sub-alpine track in New Zealand. 9 files, last one added on Dec 17, 2004 Queenstown is described as the adventure capital of New Zealand and probably the world!. You can try activities such as heli-skiing, jet boating, bungy jumping, fly by wire, hiking and the list goes on. It is in an ideal location to visit the surrounding areas such as Milford Sound and the well known walking tracks. 35 files, last one added on Mar 21, 2008 Wanaka is about 45 minute drive from Queenstown. The town is situated on Lake Wanaka and surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. Milford Sound is located in Fiordland in the south west of the South Island. It is one of the most well known areas in New Zealand. It is almost impossible to portray the immense scale the towering cliffs and sharply rising peaks of the area. All of the Sounds in the area are actually Fiords and were incorrectly named. The difference is that a Fiord is a flooded glacial vallery and a Sound is a flooded river valley. 312 files in 18 albums and 2 categories with 167 comments viewed 294571 times Last additions Home | Postcards | Maps | Links | Technical Info | Who am I | Copyright

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View Full Day 1:14 pm Anne of Green Gables Anne Shirley is a romantic, mischievous redhead desperate for a place to call home. She is also afflicted with an exhausting habit: she cannot stop talking. However, the longer Anne Shirley remains, the harder it is for Matthew and Marilla to imagine Green Gables without her. Part 2 of 4G 2:30 pm Above Yellowstone This first-ever aerial tour celebrates Yellowstone's natural wonders and provides a brief contextual history of its geology, Native peoples, wildlife and its current status as a destination for 3.6 million annual visitors. A few of the scenes in the special include: The Lamar Valley, The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Forest Fire, The Geyser Basins and parts of Yellowstone as seen during the flight of a Bald Eagle.G 3:30 pm Barbra Streisand - One Night Only at the Village Vanguard Streisand returns to her roots of more than 40 years ago when she was honing her craft and discovering her artistry in New York's West Village. The audience at the 2009 concert is packed tightly in the tiny jazz club and includes friends, celebrities, and 74 lucky winners of various online contests. The singer, backed by a jazz quartet, gives them all a lifetime thrill with songs from her album Love Is the Answer and enduring favorites.G 5:00 pm Travels with Rick Steves - An Idaho Public Television Special 7:00 pm Great Performances "Phantom of the Opera at Royal Albert Hall" This fully-staged 25th anniversary production stars Ramin Karimloo as The Phantom and Sierra Boggess as Christine. The original Phantom and Christine, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, make guest appearances. Other illustrious past Phantoms, including Peter Joback and Colm Wilkinson, join forces for a powerful rendition of "Music of the Night."G 11:00 pm New Tricks "The Gentleman Vanishes" The UCOS team reinvestigates the disappearance of a leading scientist, whose wife has recently received a number of anonymous emails from someone claiming to know what happened to him.G <<Previous Month

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Mad About Madrid The Madrid Travel Guide Excursions from Madrid Hay Festival Segovia September 12, 2006April 1, 2014Alun John According to Wiki: Since 1988, Hay-on-Wye has been the venue for a literary festival, sponsored by The Guardian newspaper, which draws a claimed 80,000 visitors over ten days at the beginning of June to see and hear big literary names from all over the world. However, from the 21st-24th September, 2006 the festival will decamp to Spain for the Hay Festival Segovia. They have quite a lineup organised for the event, including Bob Geldof, Martin Amis, Ian Mc Ewan, Antonio Muñoz Molina, Ian Gibson, Doris Lessing, Fernando Savater, Chris Stewart and Vikram Seth will be amogst the speakers. There will be a concert by Bob Geldof and various film screenings. If you’ve never been to the unbelievably beautiful city of Segovia, this will be a fantastic opportunity. Purchasing Tickets Click here to buy tickets over the Internet > Buy tickets over the phone from 1st September: +34 902101212 (9:00 am- 9:00 pm) 7€ per event 3€ per screening Related ArticleSegovia – Alcázar , Aqueduct, Cathedral and great food Art & Culture, Excursions from Madrid Leave a comment Strawberry Train 2006 May 9, 2006April 4, 2014Alun John I completely forgot to write about the Strawberry Train (Tren de a Fresa), which leaves Madrid’s Atocha Station and travels to the beautiful Royal Palace of Aranjuez. Luckily, seeing some strawberries on Ben and Marina’s site reminded me! The price includes: A ‘historic’ steam train which takes around 50 minutes to get to the town of Strawberries served on board by stewardesses dressed in period costume Bus to the Royal Palace Free entry to the Royal Palace (with a tour guide – though probably in Spanish) 24 Euros for adults, 16 Euros for children May: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th June: 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th Departs Atocha: 10.05 | Arrives Aranjuez: 10.55 Leaves Aranjuez: 6.00 p.m. | Arrives Atocha: 6.50 p.m. Full Details can be found on the Tren de la Fresa site. Excursions from Madrid Leave a comment Heavy Snow in the Mountains Around Madrid February 21, 2006Alun John I have blogged about this quite a few times this year. So, I’m sure that once more won’t make much difference. I have just taken a look at the Sierra Norte website and, as you can see above, there is heavy snow there. Taking a look at the El Mundo weather page, I saw that the forecast for the mountains for the next few days is snow and cold weather – pretty good weather for skiing I should think. Here is an article I have blogged about skiing before on this site: Skiing in Madrid However, if you can’t get out to the mountains, you can always see them from the Parque del Oeste or even the Templo de Debod. Map of “Local” Train Network in Madrid January 23, 2006Alun John I have had a number of people asking me for details on how to get to Madrid ski resorts and, having written an article on Recommended Excursions from Madrid recently, I thought it might be a good idea to create a link to the map for Madrid’s Cercanias trains. The Cercanias (or local) train network in Madrid is excellent – it is reasonably priced (ridiclously cheap compared to the UK!), always on time and very clean. You also have one or two trains which are "double decker"-style. The Cercanias train system goes out in all directons from the main stations in Madrid: Atocha, Chamartin and Nuevos Ministerios. Included on the network are El Escorial, Cercedilla and Alcalá de Henares. If you’re a walker, or skier, you will need to look at the villages/towns on the C8 and C9 line. Recommended Excursions from Madrid January 16, 2006Alun John These are just a few of the places that I have visited down the years and which I would definitely recommend. I would say that one or two of them (like Salamanca, Cuenca and even Avila) may warrant an overnight stay due to their distance. However, that shouldn’t be a bad thing as they have some beautiful hotels and/or paradors. Segovia – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home of the famous Roman aqueduct, Alcázar and Cathedral. A wonderful place to walk around, with some great restaurants and bars. Toledo – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home of the painter El Greco and famous for its swords and for the mix of Moor, Christian and Jews who have lived there down the ages and who have all left their mark on this fabulous city. Look out for the Cathedral, Greco’s House and the Alcázar.Avila – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reputed to be the longest walled city in Europe, Avila is a city famed for being the brithplace of Saint Teresa de Jesús and is a treasure trove of churches and palaces. It is the capital of Castilla-León and is famed fr its T-bone steaks and Yema de Santa Teresa (sweet cakes).Aranjuez – Declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, Aranjuez is famous for its wonderful Royal Palace and for its beautiful gardens which sit next to the river Tagus (Tago). Cuenca – Guess what? Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and famed for its Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas) the Enchanted City (Ciudad Encantada) on its outskirts and beautful town centre . One of the Hanging Houses actually houses the Spanish Museum of Abstract Art.Alcalá de Henares – This city, to the East of Madrid, is famed as being the birthplace of Cervantes who wrote Don Quijote. It also has one of the most important unviersities in Spain and a number of important buildings and churches, not to mention its historic quarter. And by the way, it’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site!Salamanca – Considered to be one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities, Salamanca is renowned for its Univeristy, which is reputed to be one of the oldest in the world. The city has a beautiful Plaza Mayor, which many consider to be equal to or better than Madrid’s.El Escorial – El Escorial is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site and is famed for its huge Royal Monastery. It was built by Phillip II and was designed to be the political centre of his empire. Aside from the monastery, museum, palace and library you will find the Royal Pantheon which houses the tombs of virtually every Spanish king since Phillip II’s time and numerous priceless paintings. Nearby you have the Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caidos) where the Fascist Dictator Franco is buried – it is a rather disturbing, yet impressive monument – a church built into a mountain. Snow Falls on Madrid Mountains November 21, 2005Alun John Last week some pretty heavy snow fell on the mountains surrounding Madrid, though I am not sure whether enough fell for the ski resorts to open. For those who don’t know you can actually go skiing in the mountains surrounding Madrid – the ski resorts are under an hour from the city centre. Last year was pretty good for Madrid’s skiers as some great snow fell. To find out more about Skiing in Madrid’s Mountains: Navacerrada, Valdesqui, La Pinilla and Cotos, check out these sites:NevasportNevasport ForumsBuscanieveValdesqui (Very poor website)La Pinilla Ski StationXanadu (Massive Indoor Ski Centre) Thanks to my brother-in-law Vicen for this. Excursions from Madrid Leave a comment Cervantes’ Birthplace Museum August 7, 2005Alun John This year marks the 400th anniversary of the first publication of Cervantes’ Don Quijote, one of the most famous and important books/characters in world literature. There are a number of events going on in Madrid to mark the event throughout the year but you may be interested in paying a trip to Cervantes’ Birthplace Musuem, in the city of Alcalá de Henares just outside Madrid (35 minutes by train).Here is an overview of the museum from the website: The Cervantes Birthplace Museum is a monographic museum owned and run by the Autonomous Region of Madrid, and housed in the building where, the scholars tell us, the writer was born. It brings to life the various areas of an affluent household during the 16th and 17th centuries, recreating an environment intended to provide visitors to the rooms with a sense of the former residents as they went about their daily lives. The museum, which has been in existence since 1954, organises workshops for children, talks, concerts and book launches. Getting ThereAtocha Train Station (See ‘Cercanias’ section on Renfe website)Opening Times Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm Strawberry Train to Aranjuez 2005 March 30, 2005Alun John If you’re looking for something slightly out of the ordinary, you may be interested in taking a trip back in time on a steam locomotive, commonly called the ‘Strawberry Train’, to the town of Aranjuez, home of one of the famous Spanish Royal Palaces. The first train of the year departs on 31st March and will run every Saturday and Sunday from Atocha Station. The journey includes a free pass to the beautiful Royal Palace of Aranjuez and a plate of strawberries, served by stewardesses dressed in traditional dress. Prices: 24 Euros adults; 16 for childrenDeparture: Atocha Station; Fri-Sat at 10.05 am Snow in the Mountains near Madrid December 4, 2004Alun John I just received a couple of pictures from my brother-in-law, Vicente Fernández, which show the amount of snow that has already falling in the mountains around Madrid. The first shot shows the mountain range, whilst the second is a webcam image from the ski resort of Valdesqui taken today at 1.13 pm. The Valdesqui website says 2 runs are already open. Click the image for an enlarged shot. Excursions from Madrid 1 Comment Toledo – Don Quijote, El Greco, Mosques and Synagogues August 20, 2004Alun John Toledo is one of the jewels of Central Spain. It belongs to the province of Toledo and is the capital of the autonomous region of Castilla la Mancha. The city, located 70 km south of Madrid, is perched on a hill with the river Tajo (Tagus) at it feet. Toledo was decreed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 much of it due to the fact that it is known as the “city of the three cultures”, because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together there for centuries. Even today you can find its rich cultural heritage in its churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues. Here is a brief histroy from Spain.info: “The city of Toledo has its origins in Toletum, the name the Romans gave to this settlement on the banks of the River Tagus after its conquest in 190 BC. The city maintained its importance for centuries and, in the Visigothic era, became the capital of Hispania (6th C.). The arrival of the Arabs in the 8th century, together with the presence of Christians and Jews, made Toledo the “city of the three cultures”. This was one of the Toledo’s most splendid periods when, among other important events, the Toledo School of Translators was founded. Later, when Carlos V came to the throne in 1519, the city became an imperial capital.” Read more → Art & Culture, Excursions from Madrid 1 Comment The Strawberry Train (Tren de la Fresa) May 10, 2004Alun John From now until September, it will be possible to take a nostalgic journey into the past on a steam locomotive. The train is meant to depict what was the second peninsular line, inaugurated in 1851 by Isabel II. Operating out of Madrid’s Atocha station and with the Royal town of Aranjuez as the destination, passengers will be able to take a journey on this train with stewardesses dressed in period costume, who serve fresh strawberries – typical fruit from the area. Though the Royal Palace of Aranjuez was used as a retreat in the time of the Catholic Kings and Queens, it was Phillip II who told his architects, the same ones who built designed El Escorial, to further change and expand the palace. Fernando VI and Carlos III also had a hand in the development in the palace we now see and which sits on the rivers Tajo and Jarama. The result is a beautiful palace with fabulous gardens. Still snow in the Madrid mountains March 5, 2004Alun John It’s only a 50 minute drive from Madrid (an hour by bus) but as the picture shows there is still snow at Valdesqui, in the Madrid mountains. See also: Skiing in Madrid San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Valle de los Caidos February 29, 2004March 31, 2014Alun John The town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is situated in the Guadarrama Sierra, around 60 kilometres from Madrid. The main attraction of the town is the monastery of El Escorial, built by the Spanish King Phillip II to commemorate the victory against the French in 1557 and was considered the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. The monastery was the work of Juan Bautista de Toledo and Juan de Herrera. Like many other parts of central Spain, like Segovia and Avila, El Escorial is a UNESCO world heritage site. It was recognised as the political centre of Phillip II’s empire and was completed in 1584, the actual interior decoration wasn’t competed until the start of the 17th Century. The size of the place was meant to characterise the size of the empire: huge and the idea was to belittle visitors – it certainly succeeds! Segovia – Alcázar , Aqueduct, Cathedral and great food November 29, 2003April 1, 2014Alun John For anyone visiting Madrid and looking for a worthwhile excursion, then Segovia should be be number 1 on your list. Having got married there, and had my son christened there, I have a great fondness for the place. Segovia is a wonderful mix of Roman Spain, Medieval and Renaissance Spain and Modern Spain all rolled up into one. The city is around an hour’s journey from Madrid, and is in Spain’s Castilla Leon region. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has 3 very important sites, dotted around the city: the Roman Aqueduct, the Gothic Cathedral and the Alcázar, not to mention its multitude of churches and palaces. November 17, 2003Alun John Yes, you did read the title correctly! You’d never think that in a city which experiences such hot summers (up to 40C+), that you’d be able to find a ski resort within an hour. Heading out to Navacerrada, north of Madrid, you will find ski stations which the king of Spain often frequents. You can get to Navacerrada by Cercanías trains. At weekends, and on public holidays, the roads and ski stations are full of Madrileños taking an opportunity to get out of the city to ski and breath fresh mountain air. Read more → Excursions from Madrid 5 Comments Blog Update Signup Enter your email address:Delivered by FeedBurner Categories Art & Culture Barrios, Buildings and Parks Excursions from Madrid Films and Theatre Getting To/Around Madrid Madrid Bars and Cafes Madrid History Madrid Hotels and Hostals Madrid Travel Guides Madrid Walks My Madrid Sport & Relaxation Adverts Annual Archives 2014 (8) Search on Booking.com

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Missing Listing? Search Leisure Places of interest Nottinghamshire Although Nottinghamshire is best-known internationally for Robin Hood and his band of merry men the county existed as an administrative unit for several hundred years before the man in tights stalked Sherwood Forest No visitor to Newark can fail to be curious about the impressive remains of the medieval castle overlooking the River Trent. Newark museums and the Gilstrap Centre For people who want to discover the hidden secrets of Newark's past, visits to the town's museums are a must. The collegiate grammar school at Southwell Minster is most likely to have been the alma mater of Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury during the reign of Henry VIII and compiler of The Book of Common Prayer which remains the bedrock of Anglican liturgy. Sherwood Forest's links with the legend of Robin Hood make it one of the most visited woods in the country Sherwood means shire wood and the forest sometimes used to be referred to as Nottingham Forest. Robin Hood There are just a few legends that have gathered enough momentum to spill over their county boundaries and sweep through a nation. There are even fewer that have held enough magic to fascinate a global audience for decades. Newark Parish Church Newark's medieval parish church which stands in the centre of the town is one of the finest and largest parish churches in the country. Edwinstowe Edwinstowe in Sherwood Forest was named after Edwin the King of Northumbria which covered an area stretching from the River Trent to Edinburgh. Newark Palace Theatre Newark's premier theatrical facility comes in the form of the Palace Theatre in Appletongate. This impressive building has recently undergone external improvements including a new colour scheme and roof repairs. Newstead Abbey Nottinghamshire has a proud literary tradition and among its former residents is the tempestuous poet Lord Byron who lived for a time at Newstead Abbey and had his first volume of poetry published in Newark. Anyone wanting a perfect day out with lots to do and see in one place need look no further than Clumber Park. The Major Oak The Major Oak is thought to be the largest and oldest tree in Sherwood Forest. It is situated in the wood's Birklands area, which gets its name from the large number of silver birches that grow there.

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3385 NE 188th Street Aventura, Fl 33180 Performing at Aventura Arts & Cultural Center (Jan 25 - Jan 25) An Evening With SARGE: Hilarity and music and more hilarity featuring Sarge's dangerous signature trio "The Don's". Sarge is an entertainer who has performed worldwide to adoring audiences. His side splitting comedy, touching vocals and stunning display of dexterity as a pianist have wowed crowds for decades. He is one of the highest energy, multi talented acts in show business today. Sarge has worked in film, television, and has worked with some of the biggest names in show business today. An extraordinary piano player, hysterical standup comedian, phenomenal singer... Sarge is a Triple Threat. YOU HAVEN'T LAUGHED THIS HARD SINCE THE LAST TIME YOU SAW SARGE...Guaranteed! To visit the official website of Sarge, go to: iamsarge.com This show may contain material not appropriate for children under 13 years old. Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Announcing the new Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. This elegant high-tech facility provides a wide range of performing arts and cultural programming options for patrons of all ages. Set amidst a spectacular waterfront setting in the heart of Aventura, Florida the Cultural Center is easily accessible to Broward County and area airports. This exciting new landmark, managed by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (PACA), brings an extraordinary new world of cultural opportunities to one of the most desirable and vibrant destinations, Aventura - The City of Excellence. Websitehttp://www.aventuracenter.org Contact Phone305-466-8002 x.1 Box Office Phone954-462-0222 Box Office [email protected]

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Alaska Fishing Industry Jobs Sharing Economy / Gig Economy Home/Animal Jobs Section/Well Known Wildlife Biologists, Naturalists, and Animal Trainers Animal Jobs Section Well Known Wildlife Biologists, Naturalists, and Animal Trainers From animal trainers, to wildlife biologists, conservationists, and naturalists, there are a few people who immediately come to mind when animal careers are mentioned. For example, Cesar Millan (also known as The Dog Whisperer) has made a very successful career out of training dogs and their humans. Millan specializes in rehabilitating dogs that society has given up on, and the results have proven amazing, so much so that he has had his own television show, The Dog Whisperer, on National Geographic, as well as successful training service to share his wisdom. Millan was born and raised in Mexico, and earned the nickname “El Perrero” (Spanish for “The Dogman”) because he always seemed to be surrounded by a pack of happy dogs. When he came to America, he broke beyond sit-stay training and tapped into dog psychology. Today, Millan is as famous for his techniques as he is for his results, and he has traveled the country imparting his dog training wisdom on dog owners far and wide. He also authored several books, including Cesar’s Way, which was a number-one fixture on the New York Times best seller list. Another famous animal guy is Jeff Corwin, a wildlife biologist and the Emmy-winning host of Animal Planet’s The Jeff Corwin Experience. He has authored several books, including Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World. In addition to hosting his television show, Corwin also delivers lectures on wildlife, ecology and conservation to audiences across the U.S. He created EcoZone, an interactive museum and environmental education center in Norwell, Mass., where he grew up. Corwin is an expert in rainforest animals, and he has a bachelor’s degree in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State College, as well as a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Animal handlers and wildlife experts can regularly be seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Access Hollywood, Extra and other shows. Students will no doubt recognize the name Jane Goodall for her work with chimpanzees, particularly those in East Africa (specifically Tanzania). Goodall was the first to observe chimps using tools much like humans do, which bridged the connection between man and ape more firmly. Goodall received her PhD in ethology from Cambridge University in 1965, and then returned to Tanzania to conduct more research. She also established the Gombe Stream Research Centre. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation to ensure her legacy of working with chimps would remain long after she was gone. Lastly, the world mourned the loss of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, who was born in February 1962 in Victoria. His family moved to Queensland in 1970 to start a small reptile park at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, which is now Australia Zoo. This is where Irwin developed his true passion for living creatures and his insatiable desire for knowledge and the sharing of that information with others. When his parents retired in 1991, Steve stepped in to run the show. Irwin volunteered with the Queensland Governments East Coast Crocodile Management program. In June 1992, Steve married Terri Raines, and they spent their married lives dedicated to the cause of informing people about wildlife and helping animals. Irwin died in 2006 after his chest was fatally pierced by a stingray barb while filming in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Dark Side of Animal Careers (NEXT PAGE) Animal Care Industry Overview Working with Animals and Wildlife Veterinarian Jobs Veterinary Technician Jobs Alternative Medicine and Naturopathic Veterinarians Research Veterinarians Veterinarian Degree Programs Veterinary Schools and Costs Animal Job Profiles Biologist Jobs Ecologist Jobs Animal Education Jobs Wildlife Rehabilitation as a Career Animal Behaviorist Jobs Animal Physical Therapist Jobs Animal Trainer Jobs Doggie Daycare Jobs Animal Groomer Jobs Making and Selling Pet Products Working at a Kennel Pet and Animal Handler Jobs Dog and Cat Show Judging Jobs Zookeeper Jobs Professional Animal Breeding Animal Photography Jobs Animal Rescue Jobs Animal Control Jobs Equine Jobs Canine Jobs Feline Jobs More Animal Jobs Animal Television Shows The Dark Side of Working with Animals Industry Career Trends Insights – One Animal Lover’s Career An Animal Lover’s Education – Degrees and Internships Career Paths in the Animal Field Memorable Animal Related Work Experiences Animal Care Employers Jobs at the Cincinnati Zoo Jobs at the Philadelphia Zoo Jobs at the San Diego Zoo Jobs at the St. Louis Zoo Jobs at the Humane Society

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Grab your chance to make use of one of London's most spectacular public spaces, and make the Park your next event venue. Work With Us The Park is a sensational events destination, hosting music festivals, concerts, corporate conferences, community markets and numerous individual meetings and company events. In only its first year of operation, the Park earned a nomination in Time Out’s London First Awards in recognition of its contribution to the city’s cultural life. All this against its background as host of the once-in-a-generation London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With its excellent transport connections and prime location in the heart of a vibrant and growing community, the Park is an easily accessible space in a thriving part of East London. Stage an outdoor event: Worldclass venues and city landmarksapple provide a stunning backdrop for any outdoor event on the Park. Our outdoor event spaces, which are all licensed for a wide range of activities, include: Alfred’s Meadow (North East Lawns - approx 5,000m2, up to 1,500 people). Named after King Alfred (commemorating one of his battle victories) the lawn is located on the banks of the River Lea. The tranquil setting, backdrop of the river and sunsets makes it an ideal venue for local community and corporate events. Hopkin’s Fields (North West Lawns - approx 12,000m2, up to approx 20,000 people). An open, flat events space ideally suited to music and large scale events. Mandeville Place and Carpenters Lock (up to 500 people). At the heart of the Park these spaces are well suited to attractions requiring high footfall as well as intimate events, such as product launches and theatrical performances. South Lawn (approx 25,000m2, up to approx 20,000 people). The backdrop of the Stadium and London Aquatics Centre and proximity to Stratford stations make this the ideal venue for musical, mass participation and corporate events. Stratford Waterfront (approx 19,000m2, up to 19,999). On the main entrance to the Park this event space is particularly well suited to longer term hires looking for high footfall. Venues and attractions Many of the world-class sports venues and attractions across the Park offer space for event and corporate use – from the viewing platform of the ArcelorMittal Orbit and the gallery spaces of the White Building to the Copper Box Arena and the 1,000 seat Here East auditorium. Outdoor events To check availability and approximate hire fees or to make an enquiry regarding outdoor events please contact the Events Team at [email protected]. Please let us know brief details of the event, your preferred dates and event space and how many people will be attending. Should you wish to proceed we will be very pleased to discuss and assess your detailed requirements to allow a firm hire quotation to be calculated for you. Indoor events ArcelorMittal Orbit & the Podium (for 50 to 250 people). A creative collaboration between artist Sir Anish Kapoor, and Cecil Balmond the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the tallest sculpture in the UK and an intriguing new landmark on the London skyline. At 114.5m tall, it is both a work of art and a thrilling public experience making it the perfect venue for a wide range of corporate and social events within its two viewing platforms, which also incorporate two of Anish Kapoor mirror installations for more dramatic effect. The Podium is situated at the foot of the ArcelorMittal Orbit and is flanked by the Zaha Hadid designed London Aquatics Centre and Olympic Stadium on the other. It has a ground floor and upper tier hospitality spaces with viewing terraces offering unparalleled views of the Park and its iconic venues. To enquire about bookings in either the ArcelorMittal Orbit or the Podium please call 0333 600 6099 or email [email protected] Copper Box Arena (for 20 to 7,500 people). One of London’s most flexible indoor venues, with a central auditorium including retractable seating, allowing for a wide range of different sports, concerts, conferences and exhibitions. Also includes provision of smaller studio spaces for intimate events. To enquire about bookings please contact Reception & Enquiries Tel: 020 8221 4900 Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre (for 20 to 1,500 people). The centre boasts indoor facilities for a wide range of occasions. To enquire about bookings please contact Natasha Banks at [email protected] Lee Valley VeloPark (for 20 to 6,700 people). Lee Valley VeloPark is the first place in the world where you can enjoy track cycling, road racing, BMX or mountain biking, in one place. The venue is also ideal for a wide range of social and business occasions providing a stunning backdrop for any event. To enquire about bookings please contact [email protected] London Aquatics Centre (for 20 to 2,500 people). Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, this venue provided the breathtaking backdrop to countless world records and Ellie Simmonds’ dramatic swim into the history books. The venue also accommodates the London Aquatics Centre events space which offers a truly unique space overlooking the competition and diving pools which is perfect for private functions. To enquire about bookings, please contact [email protected] London Stadium (10 to 60,000 people). From 2016 the Stadium becomes the new home of West Ham United FC and UK Athletics, as well as a major live music venue. It will be open all year round for visitor tours, arts and cultural events, conferences and other sporting activities. To enquire about bookings please contact the Events Team on [email protected] Timber Lodge Café (for 10 to 150 people). Brilliantly designed to blend into the natural landscape and produce its own green energy from solar panels. Inside, the Unity Kitchen Café offers all the facilities and refreshments you need on a day out at the Park ideal for smaller scale events. To enquire about bookings please Kaliopi Carras on 020 7241 9076 or [email protected] Please note that LLDC reserves the right to refuse consent for any hire that may be considered to be controversial or could harm the reputation of the Corporation. Please note that during the pre-election period, no political hires will be taken. In the lead up to this period, extra-sensitivity will be applied to ensure political neutrality is maintained. The decision to refuse consent will be made by the Executive Director of Park Operations and Venues, with any appeals going to the Chief Executive. Download the application pack. Email the Events Team. Don't Miss Out! Sign up for our Park enewsletter. Park Hospitality Brochure Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a top London destination for events of all kinds, and boasts a range of flexible meeting spaces, each with their own unique flavour and offering.

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Australia : English Business Partners Australia : English International HomeAbout ThailandDestinationCentralBangkok About Bangkok As the political, economic, cultural, culinary, and spiritual capital of Thailand, Bangkok features both old-world charm and modern convenience, at times served up in an apparently chaotic manner, but always with a gracious smile. Visitors can travel by bus to Bangkok from Thailand’s neighboring countries with varying levels of ease. From Malaysia, one can cross by bus into Thailand through various border checkpoints in Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces, although most busses will head to the hub of bus travel into, out of, and around southern Thailand, Hat Yai. From Hat Yai there are direct busses to Bangkok. Most busses from Laos originate in Vientiane and cross the Mekong River to the Thai border town of Nong Khai, where it is possible to arrange for a bus transfer to Bangkok. The primary route on a Cambodian bus to Thailand is across the border at the respective towns of Poipet and Aranyaprathet. From Aranyaprathet one can easily arrange bus or minibus transport to Bangkok. At present, the only standard train service to Bangkok is via the Malaysian border town of Butterworth. Travelers from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur can travel by train to Bangkok, but not without stopping to change trains. The journey from Singapore can last up to 48 hours as two changes of trains are required and there are numerous stops along the way to Bangkok. First class sleeper cars can make a train trip to Bangkok more enjoyable, though comfort and convenience come at a price; one can travel the Eastern & Oriental Express, a throw-back colonial-style luxury train that services Butterworth and Bangkok on a once weekly schedule. Bangkok serves as a major international hub for air travel, with the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) hosting over 40 million visitors and transit passengers each year. Dozens of domestic and international air carriers bring passengers to Bangkok from most major cities in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. In addition to outstanding dining and shopping, the Suvarnabhumi Airport features a transportation center that provides visitors with easy transfer from the airport to destinations throughout the kingdom as well as rail, bus, taxi, and limousine service to all districts in the Bangkok metropolitan area. The city center is only 30 kilometers west of the airport and features a new electric rail line that provides easy access to the city center. The former primary airport, Don Muang, located 20 kilometers north of the city center, no longer services international flights, functioning as a minor domestic airport and airstrip for charter flights to and from Bangkok. The Grand Palace Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style.Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes. The City Pillar Shrine According to an old Thai tradition, a city pillar had to be built upon the establishment of a new city. King Rama I had the Bangkok city pillar erected near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Sunday, 21 April, 1782, with the citys horoscope inside. The original pillar was made of cassia wood known as Chaiyaphruek, measuring 75 cm. in diameter and 27 cm. high. In the reign of King Rama IV, the old dilapidated pillar was replaced by a new one made of the same kind of wood, measuring 270 cm. high and standing on a base of 175 cm. wide, sheltered by a Prang-shaped shrine as it appears today. The shrine also houses images of protective deities including Thepharak, Chaopho Ho Klong, Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Song Mueang, Chaopho Chetakhup and Phra Kan Chai Si. King Prajadhipok Museum It was during the reign of King Prajadipok as King Rama VII that Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. This museum presents the life and tumultuous times of The Kings reign. 2002, Level 20, 56 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 AUSTRALIA Tel:(61 2) 9247 7549 Disclaimer

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> Imagineering > The Prop Room The Prop Room This is a new restaurant idea I had that could replace the stale and boring backlot tour. The idea was originally posted by me on 8/26/09 to the discussion forums at Intercot.com, one of my favorite Disney World discussion forums. The backlot tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has become stale and boring over time and needs to be replaced. The following is an idea I had recently for a new restaurant that could take the place of the Backlot tour. I think it would be a neat idea to use the front part of the backlot tour, and turn it into a new restaurant. They could call it the “Prop Room”, or the “Prop Warehouse” or something like that. It would be kind of like Planet Hollywood, but on a grander scale. They’ve already got a small “warehouse” as part of the queue that could be used to line the walls with the items in there. They would just have to expand the floor space and build a kitchen. The waiters and waitresses could all be aspiring actors working in Hollywood. They would be dressed in coveralls as if they worked in the warehouse, or they could be wearing different prop costumes as if they had been on set. They would all have an attitude of “I’m only doing this job until I get my big break”. They could brag about a small role they had in a commercial, or knowing somebody who knows somebody whose cousin is a director who said they could get them in a movie “next week”. Or, they could be an older person, who once had a small role in a movie nobody’s ever heard of, and act frustrated when they tell about it and nobody knows it. They could also have an occasional “director” walk in and make a scene about not being able to get his props, or how his props were being used at somebody’s table. Or, he could find a “star” in the room, and do a screen test on the spot, and end it by feigning interest, only to have one of the waiters/waitresses get mad because he never gave them a callback. Another idea would be to have one or two of the street performers make an appearance and demand that they get a table right away because of their “stardom”. There are multiple ideas that could be used here, these are just a few I thought of. The food could be themed to different classic movies, the recipes “supposedly” from some of the stars themselves. They could use old “mock” props for serving pieces and platters. The tables could have famous script lines printed on them. They could also have pictures of stars’ portfolio pictures, and maybe a list of the different movies they were in. An issue that I thought of after posting this was that DHS already has 5 restaurants, Hollywood & Vine, 50’s Prime Time Café, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, The Hollywood Brown Derby and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano . So, one of these would most likely have to go. If I had my say, I would choose to axe Sci-Fi. I really like the atmosphere and theming at Sci-fi, but the food and the service have never lived up to the theme for us. It’s a shame really, because it’s a neat idea, but this is the one I would choose. I believe they could actually replace Sci-fi with this idea and it might make a good fit for the location. Tags: DHS, MGM, Restaurant, WDW Historic WDW Attendance levels

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OpSail2012 USA-DC Friendly's SuisseGas Cruzan Rum Operation Sail refers to a series of sailing events held to celebrate special occasions and features sailing vessels from around the world. Each event is coordinated by Operation Sail, Inc., a non-profit organization established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and must be approved by the United States Congress. Often referred to as OpSail or Op Sail, the event has the goals of promoting good will and cooperation between countries while providing sail training and celebrating maritime history. It is also sometimes erroneously referred to as "Tall Ships". While the tall ships form the centerpiece of the event, smaller sailing vessels also participate. Op Sail events, when scheduled, are run concurrently with the annual International Naval Review, which features present-day warships from various navies. Six Op Sail events have been held to date, in 1964, 1976, 1986, 1992, 2000 and 2012. The event culminates in the Parade of Ships on the Hudson River and in New York harbor on July 4, Independence Day. The United States Coast Guard cutter Eagle has been the host vessel to all six Op Sail events. read more signs deal with OpSail organizers announced Wednesday that the corporate sponsors are: Mohegan Sun; Lawrence &amp; Memorial Hospital; Hall Communications of Norwich; The Day Publishing Co.; Levine Distributing Co. of Norwich; Ocean Marketing of Guilford; the Waterford-based Coca Cola Bottling Co. of Southeastern New England; and Dominion Energy, operators of the Millstone Power Station in Waterford. Read more at www.theday.com Star-Spangled 200 provides a compelling opportunity to associate with two of America&#8217;s most treasured icons- the Star-Spangled Banner flag and the National Anthem. The multi-year commemoration kicked off in June 2012 with Star-Spangled Sailabration, which attracted more than 1.5 million visitors during a weeklong, free maritime festival. To read the full economic impact report from Sailabration, click here. Major events continue through September 2014 when all eyes will be on Maryland as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the writing of &#8220;The Star-Spangled Banner.&#8221; Join us! Read more at www.starspangled200.com See more updates for OpSail2012 This SponsorPitch page is about OpSail2012 and contains information about this organization's sponsorship activity, sponsorship decision makers and sponsorship preferences. This page is not endorsed by or affiliated with OpSail2012, though it may be actively managed and updated by company representatives. If you currently work at this organization, click the Manage Sponsor button to request management privileges. All trademarks, service marks and copyrights are property of their respective owners.

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YodelOut! TravelTravel Around The World Home > Greece > The Theater Of Dionysus – Greece TravelThe Theater Of Dionysus – Greece Travel Some ten or twelve years ago, a very extensive and splendidly successful excavation was made when a party of German archeologists laid bare the Theater of Dionysus-the great theater in which Aechylus, Sophocles, and Euripides brought out their immortal plays before an immortal audience. There is nothing more delightful than to descend from the Acropolis, and rest awhile in the comfortable marble arm-chairs with which the front row of the circuit is occupied. They are of the pattern usual in the sitting portrait statues of the Greeks—very deep, and with a curved back, which exceeds both in comfort and in grace any chairs made by modern workmen.* Each chair has the name of a priest inscribed on it, showing how the theater among the Greeks corresponded to our cathedral, and this front row to the stalls of canons and prebendaries. But unfortunately all this sacerdotal prominence is probably the work of the later restorers of the theater. For after having been first beautified and adorned with statues by Lycurgus (in Demosthenes’ time), it was again restored and embellished by Herodes Atticus, or about his time, so that the theater, as we now have it, can only be called the building of the second or third century after Christ. The front wall of the stage, which is raised some feet above the level of the empty pit, is adorned with a row of very elegant sculptures, among which one–a shaggy old man, in a stooping posture, represented as coming out from within, and holding up the stone above him—is particularly striking. Some Greek is said to have knocked off, by way of amusement, the heads of most of these figures since they were discovered, but this I do not know upon any better authority than ordinary report. The pit or center of the theater is empty, and was never in Greek days occupied by seats, but a wooden structure was set up adjoining the stage, and on this the chorus performed their dances, and sang their odes. But now there is a circuit of upright slabs of stone close to the front seat, which can hardly have been an arrangement of the old Greek theater. They are generally supposed to have been added when the building was used for contests of gladiators or of wild beasts; but the partition, being not more than three feet high, would be no protection whatever from an evil-disposed wild beast. All these later additions and details are, I fear, calculated to detract from the reader’s interest in this theater, which I should indeed regret—for nothing can be more certain than that this is the veritable stone theater which was built when the wooden one broke down, at the great competition of Aeschylus and Pratinas; and tho front seats may have been added, and slight modifications introduced, the general structure can never have required alteration. It is indeed very large, tho I think exaggerated statements have been made about its size. I have heard it said that the enormous number of 30,000 people could fit into it—a statement I think incredible; for it did not to me seem larger than, or as large as, other theaters I have seen, at Syracuse, at Megalopolis, or even at Argos. But, no doubt, all such open-air enclosures and sittings look far smaller than covered rooms of the same size. This is certain, that any one speaking on the stage, as it now is, can be easily and distinctly heard by people sitting on the highest row of seats now visible, which can not, I fancy, have been far from the original top of the house. And we may doubt that any such thing were possible when 30,000 people, or a crowd approaching that number, were seated. We hear, however, that the old actors had recourse to various artificial means of increasing the range of their voices. Yet there is hardly a place in Athens which forces back the mind so strongly to the old days, when all the crowd came jostling in, and settled down in their seats, to hear the great novelties of the year from Sophocles or Euripides. No doubt there were cliques and cabals and claqueurs, noisy admirers and cold critics, the supporters of the old, and the lovers of the new, devotees and sceptics, wondering foreigners and self-complacent citizens. They little thought how we- should come, not only to sit in the seats they occupied, but to reverse the judgments which they pronounced, and correct with sober temper the errors of prejudice, of passion, and of pride.

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Home>> Destinations>> Israel>> Jerusalem Country Israel Official Language Hebrew, Arabic, English, Yiddish, French and Spanish. Currency Israeli New Shekel (ILS) Timezone UTC/GMT +2 hours Overview Districts Things to do Events Shopping Food & restaurants Jerusalem is a city suspended between heaven and earth, east and west, past and present—parallel universes of flowing caftans and trendy coffee shops. For some people, Jerusalem is a condition, like being in love; for others, it is a state of mind, a constant tension between rival flags and faiths, or members of the same faith. You may feel moved, energized, or swept into the maelstrom of contemporary issues—but the city will not leave you unaffected. The word unique is easy to throw around, but Jerusalem has a real claim on it. The 5,000-year-old city is sacred to half the human race, and its iconic Old City walls embrace primary sites of the three great monotheistic religions. For Jews, Jerusalem has always been their spiritual focus and historical national centre; the imposing Western Wall is the last remnant of the ancient Temple complex. For almost 2,000 years, Christians have venerated Jerusalem as the place where their faith was shaped—through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—and the candlelit Church of the Holy Sepulcher is where the greater part of Christendom recognizes those events. Islamic tradition identifies Jerusalem as the masjid al-aqsa, the "farthermost place," from which Muhammad ascended to Heaven for his portentous meeting with God: the dazzling, gold-top Dome of the Rock marks the spot. The Old City is far more than shrines, however. Its arches, hidden courtyards, and narrow cobblestone alleyways beckon you back in time. The streets are crowded with travelers, pilgrims, and vendors of everything from tourist trinkets and leather sandals to fresh produce, embroidered fabrics, and dubious videocassettes. Your senses are assaulted by intense colors and by the aromas of turmeric, fresh mint, wild sage, and cardamom-spiced coffee. The blare of Arabic music and the burble of languages fill the air. Step outside the Old City and you'll be transported into the 21st century—well, at least the 20th: quaint neighborhoods, some restored, embody an earlier simplicity. West Jerusalem forms the bulk of a modern metropolis of almost 800,000, Israel's largest city. It is not as cosmopolitan as Tel Aviv, to be sure, but it does have good restaurants, fine hotels, cultural venues, vibrant markets, and high-quality stores. The Downtown triangle of Jaffa Street, King George Street, and Ben-Yehuda Street, and the elegant Mamilla Mall outside Jaffa Gate, are natural gathering places. The city prides itself on its historical continuity. A municipal bylaw dating back to 1918 makes it mandatory to face even high-rise commercial buildings with the honey-colored "Jerusalem stone," the local limestone that has served Jerusalem's builders since, well, forever. Watch the stone walls glow at sunset—the source of the by-now clichéd but still compelling phrase "Jerusalem of Gold"—and understand the mystical hold Jerusalem has had on so many minds and hearts for so many thousands of years.

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Commercial Real Estate|Manhattan Hotels Fill Rooms With Low Rates Commercial Real Estate Manhattan Hotels Fill Rooms With Low Rates By TERRY PRISTINAUG. 18, 2009 Sweeping views at the Ink 48 hotel on 11th Avenue at 48th Street. Credit Chester Higgins Jr./The New York Times No other sector in commercial real estate is suffering as badly right now as the hotel industry.In June, the average occupancy rate nationwide was 54.6 percent — by far the worst performance since Smith Travel Research of Hendersonville, Tenn., began keeping track in 1987. Distress is rampant, with increasing numbers of hotel owners surrendering control of their properties to their lenders.As often happens, however, the Manhattan hotel market is a special case. Hotels in Manhattan also lost business in the financial crisis. But in April, rooms began filling up, sending the occupancy rate back over 80 percent. In July, 83.3 percent of the rooms were filled, a 5.6 percent decline since last year but still the highest occupancy rate in the nation, preliminary Smith Travel data shows.But to attract business, Manhattan hotel operators have slashed room rates by nearly one-third since last year, to an average of just under $200 a night. “I know I could come across sounding like the convention bureau, but New York really is a good buy right now,” said John A. Fox, a senior vice president at the New York offices of PKF Consulting, a national research and hotel advisory firm.Though bargains can be had all over the country, the national decline in room rates from June 2008 to June of this year was a much more modest 9.7 percent. Analysts say that is because room rates in most places never soared the way they had in Manhattan. Nationally, the average rate was $96.77 a night in June. Manhattan’s discounted rates are proving a great deal for visitors but are taking a huge bite out of hotel revenue. Revenue per available room, the standard industry measure, has fallen by one-third, Smith Travel and PKF data show. Industry specialists say a decline in room rates results in a correspondingly larger drop in profits because hotels have so many fixed costs. Continue reading the main story In New York, as elsewhere, luxury hotels have been affected by the outcry last fall when American International Group, the insurance giant that had to be rescued by the government, spent more than $400,000 on a corporate retreat at an Orange County, Calif., beach resort. The Surrey on East 76th Street is reopening after a renovation. Since then, business executives have been reluctant to book rooms at hotels whose names evoke images of self-indulgence, analysts and brokers say. “What’s really scaring people is the prospect of getting dragged in front of a Congressional hearing,” said Bradley W. Burwell, a senior associate at CB Richard Ellis Hotels. Last month, the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, the site of the A.I.G. retreat, was turned over to its mezzanine lender, Citigroup.Some hotel specialists said the so-called A.I.G. effect influenced the rate-cutting in Manhattan. President Obama singled out Las Vegas, and did not mention Manhattan, when he decried corporate junkets “on the taxpayers’ dime” earlier this year. Yet Manhattan hoteliers interpreted his remarks as applying to all high-end hotels, said Mark V. Lomanno, the president of Smith Travel Research. “They completely panicked,” he said. “They said, ‘We just have to get the hotels filled.’ ” Drastically cutting room rates is a short-sighted strategy, Mr. Lomanno said. “I understand why it happens emotionally, but statistically speaking, they leave a lot of money on the table,” he said. “Of course, they need to lower their rates some, but the level of discounting is far above what they need to do.”Rather than adding to the demand for hotel rooms, the bargain rates simply encourage people who already planned to travel to choose a different destination, he said. One problem for New York, Mr. Lomanno said, is that in many cases, the discounted rate is now lower than previously negotiated corporate rates. He said corporate meeting planners were already beginning to demand further reductions.Hotel specialists say that it could take years for room rates to reach their former level, which, of course, is good news for travelers. “Once you get a $149 rate in Manhattan, it will be difficult to charge $349 for that room next year,” said Thomas P. McConnell, a senior managing director at Cushman & Wakefield. Keeping occupancy high may have helped most New York hotels from experiencing the defaults that are occurring elsewhere — at least so far. “When you’re filling 84 percent of your rooms, you should be generating enough cash flow to cover your debt service,” said David Loeb, a managing director at Robert W. Baird & Company, a financial services firm based in Milwaukee. Around the country, owners of more than 1,000 noncasino hotels, including some well-known properties on the West Coast, have defaulted on $16.8 billion in loans, and many more are expected to follow suit, according to Real Capital Analytics, a New York research company. The distressed properties include the W Hotel in San Diego and two prominent San Francisco hotels: the Renaissance Stanford Court and the Four Seasons. But a few Manhattan hotels have also run into trouble. Among them are the Dream Hotel, a 220-room luxury boutique hotel on 55th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue. In April, the owners, Hampshire Group and a partner, notified their mortgage servicer that they were unable to continue making payments on their $100 million securitized mortgage, said Frank Innaurato, a managing director at Realpoint, a credit ratings agency in Horsham, Pa.In December, Horizen Global, which was developing the Vu Hotel, a boutique hotel with sweeping views of the Hudson River, on 11th Avenue at 48th Street, lost control of the property to its construction lender, U.S. Bank. Renamed Ink 48 — a reference to the building’s former role as a printing house — the hotel is scheduled to open in September, 18 months behind schedule. Despite its untested location, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, the managers of the hotel, had set rates at $429 a night. But for now, the hotel will offer an introductory rate of about $223, said Jorge E. Trevino, a vice president. Though hotel projects that were not under construction last fall have been postponed indefinitely, several new hotels are expected to open in the next few months, including the 220-room W Hotel on Washington Street, in Lower Manhattan. The Surrey hotel, on 76th Street at Madison Avenue is reopening later this year after undergoing a top-to-bottom renovation that added 58 rooms, for a total of 190, said Ellen Brown, an executive vice president of Denihan Hospitality Group, the hotel’s owner. She said that given travelers’ skittishness about luxury brands, the upscale Surrey is likely to benefit from not having an instantly recognizable name like Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton.As they cope with lower revenue, hotel operators are trying different strategies for holding down costs. Hersha Hospitality Group, which owns or manages 10 hotels in New York under brands like Hampton Inn and Candlewood Suites, no longer places newspapers outside the door and now offers breakfast from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., instead of 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., said Neil Shah, the president. “We’re doing things on the margin to keep down costs,” he said.Hotel owners have to find ways to trim expenses without alienating customers, said Ms. Brown, whose company also owns or manages eight other hotels in Manhattan, including the Benjamin Hotel on East 50th Street.“Guests can be very forgiving of a hotel room that has not been recently renovated as long as it’s clean, and as long as the service is good,” she said. “Obviously it’s hard right now to keep your guests happy. It’s tough for every hotel manager in this environment.” A version of this article appears in print on , on Page B6 of the New York edition with the headline: Manhattan Hotels Fill Rooms at Rock-Bottom Rates. 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Global Business|China Approves Disney Theme Park in Shanghai Global Business China Approves Disney Theme Park in Shanghai By BROOKS BARNESNOV. 3, 2009 Disney’s parks unit, a $12 billion annual business, has long had a footprint in Asia. Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983. Hong Kong Disneyland, above, opened in 2005 Bobby Yip/Reuters LOS ANGELES — After a courtship of about 20 years, the Walt Disney Company has won approval from the central government of China to build a Disneyland-style theme park in Shanghai, Robert A. Iger, Disney’s chief executive, said Tuesday.The agreement for a Shanghai Disneyland is a landmark deal that carries enormous cultural and financial implications. Analysts estimate the initial park — not including hotels and resort infrastructure — will cost $3.5 billion, making it one of the largest-ever foreign investments in China.The initial resort, with a mix of shopping areas, hotels and a Magic Kingdom-style theme park, will sprawl across 1,000 acres of the city’s Pudong district — with the theme park occupying about 100 of those acres. It would be a little bigger than Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., and on par with the parks in Paris and Tokyo. It is expected to open in five or six years.Disney’s plans are ambitious: If further development of the resort happens as expected over the coming decades — still a big if — it will encompass more than 1,700 acres and have a capacity rivaling Disney World in Florida, which attracts about 45 million annual visitors. Continue reading the main story The company’s goal is to create an engine that will drive demand among China’s 1.3 billion residents for other Disney products, from video games to Broadway-style shows to DVDs. Disney typically relies on the creation of new Disney TV channels to pump its brand abroad, but China’s limits on foreign media have made that impossible. The approval, notably, did not come with concessions from China on the television front. Mr. Iger called the approval “a very significant milestone” in a statement, taking care to praise China as “one of the most dynamic, exciting and important countries in the world.” A spokeswoman declined to elaborate on details. Throwing open its doors to such a uniquely American — and permanent — entertainment experience is a milestone for China, which has aggressively protected its culture from Westernization in general and Hollywood in particular. Only 20 non-Chinese films are allowed to be shown in theaters each year, for instance, and those are often edited.“Disney, perhaps the most iconic American brand of all, is supercharged in this department,” said Orville Schell, director of the Asia Society’s Center on U.S.-China Relations.It was unclear what convinced China to finally approve the deal after years of off-again, on-again talks. The prospect of creating tens of thousands of jobs at a tough economic moment might have played a role, Mr. Schell and other analysts said. Others have speculated that the timing involved President Obama’s inaugural visit to China later this month.Mr. Schell said he saw something more at work. “It’s a signal that now they will tolerate a certain kind of Western investment,” he said. Disney will own about 40 percent of the Shanghai resort, with the remainder owned by a holding company formed by a consortium of Chinese companies selected by the government, according to people with knowledge of the plan but who were not authorized to speak publicly.Only the Magic Kingdom-style portion of the project needed Beijing’s approval; Disney will now negotiate with Shanghai authorities on construction plans, but that is considered a matter of process. Details about rides are still being worked out, but there are to be a smattering of classic attractions and new rides developed specifically for Shanghai, perhaps incorporating Chinese stories and history. Disney is often accused of force-feeding its products to international markets and thus homogenizing culture. The company’s heavy-handed creation of Disneyland Paris in the early 1990s, for instance, was a public relations disaster; French farmers with pitch forks protested Disney. But the company, under new leadership since 2005, has worked to erase that imperious reputation by bending to the quirks of local markets and taking on local partners. Where appropriate, it has incorporated local customs; the decision to serve alcohol at Disneyland Paris helped turn that resort into a financial success. Disney has opened a chain of language schools in Shanghai, taking care to promise that the goal is to teach children to speak English, not to indoctrinate them with Princesses 101. (The company’s characters, however, are very visible at the centers.)Disney, which already does more business in China than most foreign media companies, has more than 600 employees in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Merchandise like plush toys and Mickey Mouse apparel is sold at about 6,000 branded locations. The company delivers about a dozen hours of television programming (“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”) to local stations each week, and its Broadway unit has toured “The Lion King,” among other shows.But Disney executives have set a high bar for international growth, saying publicly before the recession that about 50 percent of the company’s annual profit could originate overseas within a few years; now it is about a quarter of revenue and operating income.The company picked Shanghai largely because of its transportation network; moving guests in and out of a huge resort and feeding them while they are there pose enormous logistical challenges. About 300 million potential customers live within two hours of the site, located between the city’s airport and downtown.“Strategically, we know that our theme parks represent a huge tent pole for the Disney brand wherever we put them,” Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said in August during an interview about the division’s growth plans.The announcement marks the culmination of a courtship that began in July, 1990, when Zhu Rongji, then the mayor of Shanghai, made a trip to the original Disneyland in Los Angeles with four other Chinese mayors and came home determined to have a Disneyland in his city. Mr. Zhu rose through the ranks to become premier of China from1998 to 2003 and was a consistent champion of the project, said Michael Rowse, the Hong Kong government official who played a central role in negotiating the establishment of Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened four years ago. The Shanghai approvals come as Disney works to keep its domestic theme parks healthy amid the global economic downturn. Unlike most theme park operators, Disney has managed to keep attendance high by applying steep discounts to hotel rooms and dining. Keith Bradsher contributed reporting from Hong Kong. A version of this article appears in print on November 4, 2009, on Page B1 of the New York edition with the headline: China Approves a Disney Theme Park in Shanghai. Order Reprints| Today's Paper|Subscribe The Mouse’s Surprise: Hong Kong Rival Disney Wins Shanghai Park Nod

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Diver experienced Silver Springs as few have during mapping expeditions While most people are content to view the pristine waters of Silver Springs from a riverbank or while riding inside a glass-bottom boat, Eric Hutcheson wanted a closer look at the phenomenon beneath the surface. By Marian RizzoCorrespondent Editor’s note: This is another in a periodic series about the people whose lives are as much a part of the Silver Springs tradition as the crystal waters that bubble up from the earth.While most people are content to view the pristine waters of Silver Springs from a riverbank or while riding inside a glass-bottom boat, Eric Hutcheson wanted a closer look at the phenomenon beneath the surface. So, in 1993, Hutcheson, a professional underwater cartographer, donned his scuba gear and dove into the world’s largest artesian spring.Among his tools were a plastic writing pad and a No. 2 pencil, plus a roll of nylon string to measure distances and help him find his way out.Funded by Florida Leisure Acquisition Corp., which owned Silver Springs at the time, the initial expedition consisted of six men, with Hutcheson as the head.“They funded me to do exactly what I love to do,” Hutcheson said. “They pulled out the red carpet so we could explore and map where nobody ever did before. All those underwater caves are like Mother Nature’s artwork of the water sculpting through the limestone. There are layers and layers of Florida’s sea bottom. It’s a time capsule, and you are the first person to see it undisturbed.”The Silver Springs system consists of at least 16 springs, with the main one known as Mammoth Spring. Many of the cave openings are too narrow for most men, especially when loaded down with a bulky life support system. For Hutcheson, however, it was a piece of cake. During his early dives, he was 30 years old, 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighed only 145 pounds. When confronted with a narrow opening, he simply removed his scuba tank and held it in front of him.Hutcheson’s hand-picked team included lead diver Ken Peakman, a longtime friend who had introduced him to sinkhole diving when they were teenagers.“My specialty was to get through these really tight areas and continue exploring,” Hutcheson said. “Ken would wait when I went beyond a certain area. There’s an intimacy with who you’re doing underwater exploring. It was like a safety blanket for me, mentally.”Others before Hutcheson had attempted early mappings of the main spring and didn’t get far.More than 50 years ago, former Silver Springs diver Jack McEarchern, with only a scuba tank and no lighting or mapping equipment, worked his way down about 20 feet to what he labeled “the fifth room.” Now 83, McEarchern recalled with clarity the maze of passages inside the main spring. Some were only partially open.“It didn’t have a tunnel built so I could go in,” McEarchern said. “I started moving rocks and dirt with my hands and went in as far as I could see. The sand would go off behind me, so I knew which way to go to get out. One time, I saw a piece of ivory tusk at the bottom of a little shaft the size of a 55-gallon barrel and seven feet down. I took my tank off and held it over my head. When I got down there and looked up and saw these rocks, I knew if one of them came loose it would have buried me right there, and I would have been one of them fossils. I never went back, not in that hole.”In an excerpt from Richard A. Martin’s book “Eternal Spring,” longtime Silver Springs official photographer Bruce Mozert described the mystifying underwater scenes he encountered during his career.“On cloudless days, when the sky overhead is a clear blue, the colors underwater take on a different quality ­— you might say a different color,” Mozert wrote. “The blue of the sky is reflected in everything beneath the surface ... Similarly, on very bright, sunny days, a yellow-gold is predominant; and on dark, stormy days, incredibly deep greens and blues take the ascendancy.”Years later, when Hutcheson entered the main spring, he marveled at how the pure white limestone, with its bubbling fissures, instantly morphed to earth tones as the water flowed through porous rock inside the cave. On a cave bottom, Hutcheson’s team discovered ancient fossils, wooly mammoth teeth and Indian artifacts. Though the exploration took his team through 2,263 feet of passages, they never reached the grand aquifer, and with good reason, Hutcheson said.“I was trying to get there and we got really, really close,” he said. “This is exploring way beyond the envelope. Silver Springs is a dangerous place because of the nature of the geology and the high volume of water eroding its passages. You could get down there in front of this volume of fresh, pristine water pushing you forcibly. It can’t be stopped. There’s a lot of pressure from the water that is boiling out of the springs. The ceilings are unstable. As you’re moving through, the rocks move and block passages, and it becomes unsafe, which is why I stopped the exploration.”Even so, a lot of helpful data came out of Hutcheson’s mapping of Silver Springs, said Scott Mitchell, director of the Silver River Museum, where some of Hutcheson’s findings are on display.“The value, I think, is that it helps us to understand the complexity of the Silver Springs cavern system and how it connects to the aquifer,” Mitchell said. “What Eric confirmed was that it wasn’t just a single hole in the ground, but an entire system and dozens of springs.“The mineral formations are clues inside a cavern that tell whether it’s gone through periods of wet and dry,” Mitchell added. “Geologists and archaeologists can estimate how long it’s actually been flowing and how humans have used the spring, whether they were living beside it or down inside it when it was dry. In caverns where the ceiling has come down, they’ve also been able to document how stable the cave system is. It was the culmination of 12 months of exploration. Eric dove repeatedly into the heart of the main spring, more than 90 feet deep and more than 300 feet from the spring’s mouth.”Born in 1962 in Miami, Hutcheson attributes his mapping abilities to his grandfather, an architectural engineer who was involved in the early development of Miami.As a youngster, Hutcheson was drawn to South Florida’s tropical waters and flooded limerock pits where he played with his friends.“We would swim and have a blast,” Hutcheson recalled. “For my first experience with caves, I was 9 years old looking into the Biscayne aquifer. It was my first taste that those things exist.”In the late 1970s, Hutcheson’s family moved to Ocala. That’s when he met Ken Peakman, who introduced him to sinkhole diving. Whether they were dry or filled with water, the boys would work their way down to the water table.“My mom would educate me, because we were just wild, young kids, and she would be worried,” Hutcheson said. “She showed me some articles of people who were doing it right. I joined the National Speleological Society and was introduced to people who became my mentors.”Hutcheson’s first professional project involved an exploration of Silver Glen Springs. Sanctioned by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the project was organized in 1989 by Bill Foote, owner of the Ocala Dive Center and a professional scuba diver. Foote selected Hutcheson as his lead diver.“That launched my career. It was my first big break,” Hutcheson said. “I used all the artistry of my grandfather’s work, and then other opportunities, big cave projects, came immediately.”Since that initial dive, Hutcheson has been back to Silver Glen Springs multiple times. Over the last 25 years, Hutcheson has explored and mapped underwater caves in Florida, the Caribbean and in Mexico’s Nohoch Nah Chich, the world’s longest underwater cave system with more than 50 miles of passages. He assisted with lighting and other underwater projects for National Geographic magazine, contributed a chapter in “Aquiferious,” a book about Florida’s springs by artist Margaret Ross Tolbert, and his art and cartography have been featured on the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and the Learning Channel. Hutcheson’s work can be viewed at www.visionfromthecaves.com.Tragically, Hutcheson’s underwater ventures came to a halt following a motorcycle accident in 2000. He suffered multiple injuries, including a severely damaged sinus cavity. Since scuba diving was no longer an option, Hutcheson became involved in his family’s business producing plaster architectural molds for high-end homes.Then, in 2005, while on vacation with his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Erika, he went snorkeling in a tank at Discovery Cove in Orlando. When he reached 15 feet underwater, his sinuses popped.“That was the first time that I could actually clear my ears and equalize the air pressure, which would allow me to dive again,” Hutcheson said. “This huge part of my life has come full circle and I’m out doing it again.”For Hutcheson, one of the driving forces behind his work has been the preservation of the Floridan Aquifer.“Silver Springs has taken a huge blow,” Hutcheson said. “It’s lost more than half of its volume in the decade that was a huge development period. We’re swimming in rainfall that fell 200 years ago. Today, it’s been compromised. Silver Springs is not fed from one source. It’s fed by sources from all over the place. The nitrate levels are high.”Now that Hutcheson is diving again, he would like to do more exploring at Silver Springs. One of his concerns is that less-experienced divers also will want to try cave diving there.“Exploring underwater caves to the limit is probably one of the most dangerous things a person can do,” Hutcheson said. “There’s a lot of death in this kind of thing. I’ve lost dozens of colleagues and probably a handful of close friends.”According to Foote, while snorkeling is permitted in the county’s three springs areas, scuba diving is not. Foote is part of a group of scuba diving enthusiasts that includes local businessmen and members of law enforcement. He said they have outlined a plan to gain state approval to bring scuba diving back to Silver Springs, but there has to be some safety parameters.“We’re proposing, for the first year, especially, not having any open water students diving there,” Foote said. “Divers will have to be certified. They can’t be learning how to dive.”

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Home→CollectionsBoat ride on C&O Canal transports visitors to the pastDAYTRIPPINGApril 26, 1992|By Kathleen Shull | Kathleen Shull,Contributing WriterBuilding the C&O Canal from Georgetown in Washington to Cumberland through rocky terrain was an engineering challenge the 1800s. To solve the problem, 74 lift locks were built along the 184.5-mile canal.In its heyday, scores of mule-drawn boats made the slow journey up the "steps" of the 605-foot elevation each day. Eventually, the canal fell victim to competition from the B&O Railroad and to flooding. Today, the entire canal is preserved as the C&O Canal National Historical Park, and walkers, joggers, bikers and leashed dogs use the flat towpaths once trodden by mules.In the Great Falls section of the park near Potomac in Montgomery County, park rangers take visitors on boat rides from April through October and re-enact a long-ago lifestyle. The rangers portray various fictional characters who could have lived when the canal flourished.Though they may take three or four trips a day, the rangers know each audience is different. For instance, senior citizens might like to hear about history, and as the mule-drawn boats float up the canal, the rangers might talk about the Union's efforts to keep the canal open for transporting coal during the Civil War. To adult audiences intrigued by mechanics, they'll explain the detailed workings of the locks, which lifted barges of cargo up the canal's incline.So, on a Sunday afternoon, "Hiram the Boatman" glances around the boat. He sees a Girl Scout troop and several families with children. He knows what to say as the lock fills with water and begins to gently float the boat upward: "Just think of this lock as a great big ol' bath tub. And we're the rubber duckie," he tells them.The ranger has taken care to dress the part of Hiram. He wears woolen pants with suspenders, a vest and a straw hat. With an irrepressible grin, he weaves a story of canal life with a combination of role playing, anecdotes and historical facts aimed at his audience.L "How many people on board are between the ages of 6 and 11?"Several hands fly up. "If you were one of the captain's children, you'd be out on the towpath with the mules." He reminds them that, though they might be barefoot, the path is a soft one, paved with the "deposits" that the mules leave along the way. Giggles erupt at the thought.He probably appeals to the fantasies of several children on board when describing how younger siblings were tethered to ** the barge. If a child fell overboard, the strap was just long enough to allow him to skim the water until someone got around to pulling him up again.More giggles erupt when he asks for a child volunteer to demonstrate how to groom a mule. With several brushes and a harness, a child pretending to be a mule gets "groomed."Throughout the 45-minute journey, the ranger's enthusiasm for his topic, as well as the grin, never wanes. He finally takes a break and sits down with a cup of water. The boat has made a turn in the canal and is lowered a second time through a lock.Two girls approach him and extend their ticket stubs."Can we have your autograph?""Hiram" looks embarrassed and smiles at the adults who are watching. "Canal groupies," he says kindly. He carefully writes a message on each ticket."Does this happen often?" someone asks him."No, this is a first."He's the only one who looks surprised by the request.In addition to a history lesson, a visit to the C&O Canal Historical Park provides for a day of exercise. There are flat paths for walking and biking along the canal.In mid-1992, the park will re-open a bridge that will take walkers over boulders to an island. From there, people can view the entire Great Falls from the Maryland side of the park. This walking area was destroyed during Hurricane Agnes in 1972. In the years since the storm, a variety of endangered plant species have flourished there. The new walkway protects this growth and provides visitors with a safe passage through an area known for treacherous rocks.If you go . . .Destination: C&O Canal National Historic Park, 11710MacArthur Blvd., Potomac. Call (301) 299-3613.Hours: The park is open from dawn to dusk every day except Christmas. Boat rides take place from mid-April to mid-October on Wednesday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. On Sundays, there is a 5 p.m. ride. From mid-April to June, school groups fill many of the weekday rides, though individuals may join a group if there is room. Group rates are available.AAdmission: There is a $3 per vehicle entrance fee. The receipt is good for seven days for both the Maryland and Virginia side of the park. Boat fares: Adults, $5; seniors and children, $3.50.Food: There is a concession stand near the visitors center. It sells hot dogs, drinks and snacks.BDirections: Take Interstate 95, Interstate 295 or U.S. 29 South to Interstate 495 West. Take Exit 39 at Maryland Route 190 (River Road). Follow River Road to Potomac. Turn left on Falls Road and drive to the "T" intersection. Turn right on MacArthur Boulevard and drive to the park entrance.7/8 MORE:Why expansion tank is neededCivil War wasn't to end slavery Purposes: The South fought to defend slavery. The North's focus was not to end slavery but to preserve the union. The slavery apology debate misses these facts.Trying to clarify convection settings7 Ways Michael Jackson Changed The WorldPriest at once defended, excoriatedWith new lead, police reopen old murder case Related ArticlesR&R on the C&OJune 6, 1999A Labor of Love Restoration: Hundreds of volunteers turn...June 23, 1996Water will reflow in portion of C&O Canal, and officials...May 11, 2006C&O Canal draws millions of visitors along its 184 milesJanuary 31, 1999Index by Keyword|Index by Date|Privacy Policy|Terms of ServicePlease note the green-lined linked article text has been applied commercially without any involvement from our newsroom editors, reporters or any other editorial staff.

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I had breakfast at Cracker Barrel this morning, one of their big combos with grits, eggs, biscuits, gravy and sausage. Yum yum yum. Then I meant to take I-40 West (actually north) from Newport, towards I-81 North (actually east) towards Richmond, but accidentally went south (east) on I-40 back towards Asheville. But it worked out better that way, because I was able to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway instead. It's a scenic route that goes northeast through North Carolina and Virginia, pretty much the route I wanted to take. It winds through forests and mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains I assume, not a fast ride (compared to the interstate) but a lot more fun.Shortly after setting out, the cold hazy weather from earlier in the morning disappeared, and it suddenly became sunny and warm. It was lovely thin-glove weather the rest of the day.The Parkway detoured onto other roads several times, and I ended up on route 221, a scenic route parallel to the parkway, which took me into Virginia. One of the last towns I went through in North Carolina was Sparta, a town I read about in Tom Wolfe's great book, I Am Charlotte Simmons. The main character of that book, Charlotte Simmons, is from Sparta, NC, but I didn't realize it was an actual place until I rode through it. It's a farm town, like all the towns in the area, with big country houses far apart on large tracts of farm land. Charlotte went to Allegheny High School (the name of the county), and as I rode through, a school bus from Allegheny Elementary stopped in front of me to let off kids returning from school, and the kids in the back seat all waved to me.Route 221 turned left at that point, into Virginia, past Independence, to Galax, where I stopped at a Pizza Hut for the Monday night $5.99 large pizza special. I'm sitting there now, half the pizza eaten and half in a box for later. As usual with Pizza Hut, the service is terrible but the pizza makes up for it.Southern culture is quite charming. Everyone is proper and polite, it's all yes sir and yes ma'am, good Christian values as they would say, and I haven't encountered any unfriendly people yet. I don't know the first thing about farming but I think I'd like to try living on a farm someday. Maybe not an actual active farm, but a ranch house on several acres of hills with streams and a lake wouldn't be too bad.I didn't get as far as I thought due to the slower going on the scenic roads, but I'll try to ride a few more hours to a state park, camp for the night and ride to Richmond in the morning. 11/13/2006 09:22:00 AM It's a frigid, hazy morning. I'm heading out soon towards Richmond. Brrrrr It's kind of funny to hear Native Americans speaking in thick southern accents. I mean, it shouldn't be funny, but it is for some reason. They're supposed to have, well, native accents. Crisp and clear, like in the movies. You don't see Chief Flying Eagle saying "The suh-un is rah-zing too-deh-ay"...Oh, and the guy at Wendy's asked me to repeat my order: "Whut wuz thee-at? Pleez see eet ageen slowwwly..." Since when is my accent hard to understand? I thought I didn't have an accent.Silly me...

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Pleasure Pier, Santa Monica, California Reference URL Pleasure Pier, Santa Monica, California Loading content ... Description Identifier clloy_013 Title Pleasure Pier, Santa Monica, California Creator Unknown Date Published circa 1917 Subject (Topic) Piers--California--Santa Monica; Amusement rides--California--Santa Monica Subject (Name) Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica, Calif.) Subject (Place) Santa Monica (Calif.) Type image Form/Genre Postcards Physical Description 1 postcard : b&w ; 9 x 14 cm. Institution Department of Archives and Special Collections, William H. Hannon Library, Loyola Marymount University Country of Creation US Copyright Status public domain Copyright Statement http://library.lmu.edu/generalinformation/departments/digitallibraryprogram/copyrightandreproductionpolicy/ Language eng Description Looking southwest towards the Santa Monica pier; a sign on the Hippodrome building reads: "Welcome" and a sign on the building to the right of the Hippodrome reads: "Bowling and billiards." To the left of the Hippodrome building is the Aeroscope ride, and there is a partial view of a roller coaster. Historical Background The Santa Monica Municipal Pier was built in the early 1900s. Charles Looff, known for his career building amusement park rides at Coney Island at other locations across America, built an adjoining Pleasure Pier next to the Municipal Pier around 1916. The completed pier was 178,200 square feet and included restaurants, a carousel, a roller coaster and other attractions. A building with a domed roof and octagon-shaped towers, known as the Hippodrome Building, housed the carousel. The Aeroscope ride to the west of the Hippodrome building was a tower ride that launched six-passenger boats into the air and whirled them around at 35 miles per hour. In 1924, Looff sold the pier to the Santa Monica Pleasure Pier Company, who expanded it to include the La Monica Ballroom towards the ocean end of the pier. The two adjoined piers later became known as simply, "The Pier" and was acquired by the city in the 1950s. The Pier was declared a Santa Monica City Landmark in 1976. Additional Notes Real photo postcard on Kruxo paper. Source Werner von Boltenstern Postcard Collection you wish to report:

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Top 4 Places to Visit in Paoay, Ilocos Norte After our Laoag City Tour, we then proceeded to the Municipality of Paoay. Some of its top tourist spots are as follows: Paoay Sand Dunes Adventures The Ilocos Norte sand dunes is a 1,479 hectares of land formation unique in Southeast Asia. The 2 most popular sand dunes locations in Ilocos Norte are the La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag, and the Paoay Sand Dunes. Package costs 2,500 pesos inclusive of 4x4 ride, sandboarding, plus you can ask the driver to stop anywhere you want to have your pictures taken. The vehicle can accommodate around 4-5 persons so you can divide the package costs among your group. The adventure includes the 4x4 ride, sand dunes tour with uphill-down trails, dune bashing, photo session, beach stroll, sandboarding (unlimited), side trip to Himala sa Buhangin structures. Tour distance is around 12.6 kms with a duration of an hour. They also offer ATV rides where there is a separate route specifically for it. Pure stretch of sand as far as your eyes can see...and beyond! As per our guides, the Paoay Sand Dunes had been the site of several local and international movie scenes such as HIMALA by Nora Aubor, Ang Panday by FPJ, Temptation Island Part 1 & 2, Mad Max by Mel Gibson, and Born on the 4th of July by Tom Cruise. The St. Augustine Church, popularly known as Paoay Church was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. This parish was founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1953 where the cornerstone of the church was laid in 1704, while that of the tower in 1973. The tower was used by the Katipuneros during the revolution, and by the Guerillos during the Japanese occupation. Malacanang of the North This mansion was supposedly a birthday gift from Imelda Marcos to her late husband, President Ferdinand Marcos for his 60th birthday. Technically, the money used for the lavish "gift" was from public funds and thus, was subsequently sequestered by the government after the end of the Marcos dictatorship. Lesson learned is, of course, it's okay to give gifts, just make sure you buy it from your own pocket. For more info and photos of this spot, please click here Top 10 Places to Go in Laoag City. Paoay Lake Actually, you can already have a view of the paoay Lake just by visiting the Malacanang of the North. This is the only photo I had taken of the legendary lake. Here are some pictures from other websites: Photo courtesy of The Adventures of AdventuRoj! Photo courtesy of Choose Philippines As quoted verbatim from the website of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR): "Paoay Lake is locally called dakkel danum. What makes Paoay Lake Legendary? It is because of the interesting and enchanting history narrated by forefathers and passed upon to the present , including the other stories or observations that happened in the lake narrated by te residents nearby. According to such legendary account, Paoay Lake was formed as a punishment to the early settlers thereat who used to be immensely religious but turned wicked and preoccupied by material things later. Their wicked acts earned the ire of their gods, thus submerged the place , turning it into a body of water, while the people were made into fishes with their fancy adornments, such as jewelries, still attached with them. These stories say that, seated in Paoay Lake’s location was a group of three villages called Gumura, Siduma and Sintapuli. The first two villages were much like those communities, Sodom and Gumorrah, which according to the Holy Bible, were submerged in water as a form of punishment by God to the People who turned wicked. Other sources suggest that the lake was a result of gigantic geological displacement that hit the Ilocos area in January 1641. A shattering earthquake preceded by loud thunders and lightning, swallowed down the place, then burst back into the sky, thus left a body of water. Later studies theorized that Paoay Lake was formed geologically as a result of formation of the earth’s crust during the Miocene Epoch 2 million years ago. Paoay Lake is surrounded by the five barangays of Paoay: Suba in the north, Nanguyudan and Pasil in the east, Sungadan in the south, and Nagbacalan in the west. The Paoay Lake Protected Landscape has an area of 386.0 hectares." Also check out our trip to Laoag City, just click here: Top 10 Places to Go in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (Part 1) Top 10 Places to Go in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (Part 2) Also check out other popular destinations in Top 11 Tourist Spots to Visit in the Northern Part of Ilocos Norte Categories ILOCOS NORTE

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New app prepares travelers for the holiday rush Mon Dec 10, 2012 | 11:09pm IST A woman texts on her mobile phone as she walks along Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California December 3 2012. REUTERS/Fred Prouser By Natasha Baker | TORONTO TORONTO Crowded airports and delayed flights are unavoidable hallmarks of holiday travel, but a new app aims to make the experience more navigable.TravelNerd is designed to alleviate the stumbling blocks that can arise during air travel, such as finding amenities, or figuring out the most cost-effective form of transportation to and from the airport."We try to encompass the entire airport experience," said Alice Jao, vice president of travel media for San-Francisco-based company NerdWallet, which developed the app.During the holiday rush, transportation to and from the airport and finding parking can be a hassle and expensive."You can spend a fair amount of money unconsciously paying for parking or transportation when you're not aware of what other lower cost options you might have," Jao explained. To help consumers find the most suitable option, the app provides a run-down of ground transportation options available, including shuttles, taxis and public transit, along with their estimated cost and travel time to destination points within a city."If you're not in a rush and you're going for a vacation you might just want the cheapest option," Jao added.The app also allows users to book shuttles and taxis online where possible. For drivers, there is a detailed list of parking venues nearby along with price, contact information and other details such as whether the lot is open 24-hours and has valet service."There are lots of parking lots available, especially ones away from the airport that are a lot cheaper and just a mile or two from the airport," Jao said. During the holiday season it is important to be well-prepared when traveling with children. The app can help families find nurseries, child-friendly restaurants and kid-play areas.And for users looking for a last-minute gift there is a list of shops at the terminal."We typically don't spend a lot of shopping time in the airports," she said. "But the trends are worldwide that more and more people are shopping within the airport -- particularly for the holidays and for last minute gifts."More than 50 major airports around the globe are included in the app, which is available worldwide in English for iPhone and iPad. The company also plans to release an Android app.A similar app called GateGuru is available for both iPhone and Android. It allows users to track flight departures and provides details and ratings on amenities such as eateries, shops and services. (Editing by Patricia Reaney)

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Chris McGinnis Quotes "It's harder and harder to stay away from a job for a long period of time with e-mail and the Internet and everything needing immediate response." Author: McGinnis Quotes "The hotel industry's doing very well, and, for the most part, it's because of the fact that major downtown hotels have been able to charge some of their highest rates ever and get them." "It's like a shopping mall. Most people in a shopping mall aren't buying. They're window shopping." "You know, the hotels are going to go to all this expense of getting a hard wire into each room, and by the time they do that, everyone's going to be using wireless modems." "One common mistake that people make is they think that they're checked-in for the flight if they've simply checked their bags and that's not always the case." "Instead of having a meeting in some far-off or inaccessible location, you'll have a meeting at the airport hotel where everyone from different places around the country can fly into a central location, have the meeting and then fly home. If you have to meet several people in one city you can just base yourself at the airport hotel and have people come to see you instead." "Bad weather is expected all week up and down the East Coast, with concomitant flight delays and hassles, so if you don't have to be out there in the slop, stay home." "When it comes to airline bankruptcies, infrequent travelers tend to freak out. They think bankruptcy is liquidation. But that's not the case." "It expands the reach of the frequent flyer programs and makes it easier to earn and redeem miles." "The airlines simply have a lot more money right now... They're taking some of those profits and plowing them back into an improved product."

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LESTER GARLAND Site of the First Brick House in Newfoundland This large brick Georgian residence was first built in Trinity by the Poole - Newfoundland merchant, Benjamin Lester, in the 1760s, it was the first structure of its kind in the province. It was later refurbished, extended and occupied by his grandson, John Bingley - Garland, the first Speaker of our House of Assembly, and stood as a principal landmark of Trinity Harbour for more than two centuries. The structure was taken down in the 1960s despite the valiant effort of the Trinity Historical Society to preserve the building. Luckily enough some members of the Society had the foresight to take measurements of the rooms, pictures of the interior, as well as salvaging some of the doors, trim and windows in the hope that some day the house would be rebuilt. Approximately thirty years later, in 1996/1997, the house was reconstructed to 1819/20 design in the exact location where it once stood through the efforts of the Trinity Trust in Canada and England and the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. The remaining two front corner walls from the home which were left standing after it was torn down in the 1960s have been reincorporated into the structure. Visitors are able to distinguish between the original end walls and the reconstructed section through the two colours of bricks. The house now serves as a museum and learning centre. The first two floors have been restored to 1819/1820 and house some of the original furniture that belonged to the family, such as the Lester table which has been made from a log that was eaten away by worms, to a painting from 1795 of Lester’s fleet of 30 ships in Trinity Harbour. The house also provides a visible means of interpreting the historic links between Poole, England and Trinity and illustrates the role of Trinity as a centre of trade and commerce in the 17th - 19th centuries. The third floor of the House contains the archives for the area which has records going back to the 1750s. The Lester-Garland House is open seven days a week from May - September from 10 AM - 5:30 PM. Admission to the House and the other six historic sites (Trinity Museum, Interpretation Centre, Green Family Forge, Ryan’s Shop, Cooperage and Hiscock House) is $12.00 per adult. Children 12 and under are FREE. Please drop by for a visit as you never know what you may find

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Roskilde 6 See this text in During the construction of the new Museum Island at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, 9 ships from the late Viking Age and Early Middle Ages were discovered. One of them was a very long warship which was found in February 1997, when the canal which surrounds the Museum Island was dug. On that occasion the wreck was cut through by the machine, and it was also cut by the sheet piling that forms the canal. The ship later turned out to be the longest viking ship yet discovered, originally 36 m long, and could have had a crew of around 100 men. Both timbers and craftmanship were of the highest quality. The Roskilde Ships - finds and excavations The Viking Ship Museum which exhibits the Skuldelev Ships from the Roskilde Fjord has now been extended with the Museum Island. Here the Museum Shipyard, the Artefact Registry and a number of museum workshops are placed. The island was shaped by digging a U-shaped canal into the fjord shore, and during this undertaking the 9 Roskilde ships, all built within the Nordic clinker tradition, were found. Most of the wrecks were cut by the sheet piling, and the parts that were lying in the future canal were excavated first. After the Museum Island was opened to the public, and the canal was opened to the fjord, the remaining parts of the wrecks were recovered. All the timbers are now being documented in the Artefact Registry on the Museum Island. When the timbers have gone through the documentation process, their conservation treatment will begin. Constructional features of the Roskilde 6 ship The keel was made of oak, and consisted of a centre piece and two end pieces connected by long scarves. The keel had originally been 32 m long, and had a T-shaped cross section. The floor timbers covered the first 5 strakes on each side, and were placed with regular intervals of 78 cm. This was also the distance between the oarsmen since the thwarts on which they sat rested on the frames. Between the floor timbers, light half frames were placed, covering strakes 3-5. On the top inner edge of strake 5 a stringer was placed. This has carried the lower beams, the bites, which were not preserved. A fragment of the keelson, less than 3 m long, was preserved. It rested on top of the floor timbers where it was fastened with horizontal knees. Dating and interpretation of the Roskilde 6 ship The dating of the ship has been established by 3 dendro-samples, which indicates a building date after 1025 AD. Possibly a more conclusive date together with a statement regarding the provenance of the wood can be obtained later. The ship was originally 36 m long, about 3.5 m wide and with a draught of about 1 m. The rig consisted of a single square sail, which from knowledge gained from other wrecks can be estimated to have been of nearly 200 square metres. In addition to this it might have had up to 78 rowing stations. The crew totalled about 100 men. Roskilde 6 was a warship - the longest ever found. It was built of the finest timber with excellent craftmanship, and was a product of wealth and power found only among the highest ranking members of society. The ship belongs to a group of longships which also comprises Skuldelev 2/4 and Haithabu 1. Back to the homepage of NAVIS I

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Along the California Coast: More on the San Clemente Coastal Trail San Clemente Coastal Trail A Video Story: the San Clemente Beach Trail This is San Clemente Beach. With sunsets like this, it's easy to see why 2.2 million people access San Clemente beaches annually. Unfortunately, a rail corridor blocks access to these pristine beaches with more than 50 trains passing through the corridor each day. This is how the City of San Clemente solved their access problems: the San Clemente Beach Trail. One more example of how rails-with-trails are safe, provide access and act as corridors to the places people want to go. Why wouldn't this work in your town? For a map of the rail-trail as well as all the other great trails in San Clemente click here. rails-with-trails bike beach train rail A Picture Speaks Volumes According to generally accepted experts, there are over 200 rails-with-trails in the US. Their combined lengths total over 2000 miles. People are happily (and safely) riding, walking and skating down the trails to work, school, home or for fun and exercise. Everyone seems safe and happy. Click on the tumbnails to see an artist's rendering of upgraded rail corridor in the Shenandoah Valley before and after rails-with-trails. Do you have a rail-with-trail in your backyard? Would you be willing to share it - or at least a few photos- with us? People seem to be doing a great job of hiding these little jewels. Wouldn't it be nice to share them with everyone so they can see what it would be like to have a rail-with-trail in their town or city? We decided to take the initiative and see what's out there and share it with the world. Next to walking or riding the trails, let's share pics, anecdotes or experiences with those who want RWTs. (And if you're tying to convince your local politician or official that this crazy RWT idea isn't so crazy, we know it isn't!)Take a trip to our flickr account for a virtual stroll...Check out other rails-with-trails here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/railswithtrails/ Enjoy! Sign the RWT peitition @ http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/rwt/ What's the Deal? This is about rails WITH trails.... You're probably familiar with rails TO trails - building paths and trails along abandoned rail corridors. This is about building trails, paths and bikeways along active rail corridors. "Could this be safe?" you ask. It is, indeed. Rails-with-trails (RWTs) have been around since the eighties and there hasn't been a single fatality and only a couple of minor accidents reported back in the nineties (O.K - there was a cow that broke through a fence and took the fast ride to a butcher shop on the front of a locomotive and there was the one knuckle-head who rode his bike under a closed crossing gate. Don't worry - he wasn't killed - and his case was thrown out of court. I hear he may have been nominated for a Darwin Award...) Kidding aside, studies show RWTs actually make the railroad corridors safer; people don't walk on railroad tracks when there's a nice, smooth path 20 feet away and they cross the tracks where they're supposed to at designated crossings. 716 cyclists died on our roads in 2008. I can tell you from experience, the railroads will jump up and down and declare the sky is falling, but any reasonable person will draw the proper conclusion from the facts. Are you still not convinced that riding on a rail-with-trail is for you? Contemplate this: would you rather ride your bike 15 feet from a train doing 30 mph on a pair of steel tracks, or choose to ride on a curvy, two lane road, 24 inches away from a tractor trailer doing 60 mph, while the driver is texting home to find out when the pork roast will be served. Case closed. Why should the railroads do rails-with-trails? For one reason: we, as taxpayers, deserve it. The federal government is giving the railroads $8 billion to upgrade passenger rail corridors. They're scheduled to spend billions more on upgrades over the next five years. That's your money and mine. And that doesn't even include bushel-baskets more money to upgrade the freight lines. Railroad corridors are typically owned by private rail companies. We upgrade their corridors, they ship more products and more people. They make more profits. We, the taxpayer, foot the bill to rebuild their tracks. What's missing here? Shouldn't we share the benefits with safe, direct paths to go to work, get some exercise, ride to school or go to the store? Seems like a reasonable request. Why use rail corridors for paths? Frequently, these railways were laid out over a hundred years ago. They typically followed the most direct path - the paths of least resistance, like valleys, river courses and streams to get from Village A to City B or Port C. The railways were flat, straight and and they connected towns, villages and cities. Many of these paths are now surrounded by exurbs, suburbs and cities full of car drivers who follow those same basic routes to the center cities a century later. As an added benefit, some of these railways follow incredibly scenic routes through the country side to those cities. In many instances, large swaths of land were taken from landowners years ago, whether the farmer wanted the railroad or not. Eminent Domain ruled and frequently these corridors were cut wide, reserving land on either side of the tracks for future use. Perhaps it's now time to put that land to good use. Fast forward 125 years. The days of cheap, plentiful, gasoline came, everyone bought a car (or two or three) and trolley cars, buses and mass transit in most city has nearly gone the way of the DoDo bird. And so, too, may have the days of cheap, endless gas. We need to start planning for tomorrows transportation needs. It won't come as a surprise to many that walking and biking will become more familiar to most Americans. (Considering that most American adults are overweight (68% according to the LA Times) maybe that's not such a bad thing. Congress has finally figured out that upgrading our rail infrastructure - freight, passenger and high-speed - is a smart idea. We agree. We're simply saying that while we're upgrading our rail infrastructure, let's do things right and include multi-modal accommodations while we're doing it - bike and pedestrian paths - and make the most of the opportunity. More cars and more highways are no longer the answer. Let's round out our transportation system at once. Let's build rails-with-trails and create a transportation system for 21st century and beyond. We hope you support the idea and choose to come along for the ride...... trails transportation rails-with-trails

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High Altitude Bolivian Crime and Sickness There's often a sameness when travelling - I feel like I'm seeing the same cities, beaches, or wilderness I've already seen. That is definitely not the case for Bolivia. I've been in Bolivia for a couple of weeks, seen some unique stuff, and been the victim of bad health and of crime.I left Salta in the north of Argentina to travel into Bolivia by bus. I expected just another tedious seven hour bus trip, and had a book ready with which to kill time. However the book remained unopened because almost from the moment the trip started I was ogling out the windows at strange multi-coloured rock formations. It looked like someone with an enormous paintbrush and some rainbow paint had swirled patterns onto the rocky hills. The road was in a river valley that got narrower the further we travelled. An old train line also ran through the valley, but it was obviously disused because every now and then 50 metres or so of the track was missing where the river had caused erosion. The closer we got to Bolivia the more spectacular the rock formations got and the faster the muddy water flowed. At one point on the Bolivian side two rivers met, one with chocolate-coloured water, the other with black water. The two colours at first flowed alongside each other then mingled and merged. The road went up and up and up and by the end we were at approximately 4000 metres above sea level.It's amazing the sudden difference the moment you cross the border from Argentina to Bolvia. At the border I had to get off the modern, well-maintained Argentinean bus, walk along the paved roads, then cross a bridge into Bolivia, where the road became packed dirt. The Bolivian bus that continued the journey was an old thing that ratttled and shook and seemed unlikely to run for much longer. On the Argentine side people are outgoing, friendly, elegant, modern and service-oriented. Immediately across the border I was harrassed by snotty-faced children begging for money and lollies. I went into a Bolivian restaurant where everyone ate quitely and looked down at the floor. I asked the waitress for a menu, but she didn't have one. She wouldn't tell me what was available, I just had to look at what other people were eating to work it out.My first stop in Bolivia was in a town called Tupiza. This is supposedly where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid lived their last days before being executed for trying to steal a Bolivian payroll. It is an apt setting for their wild west story, because the mountains all around Tupiza look just like the red rocks you see in a Western movie.In Tupiza I departed on a 4 day tour by Toyota Landcruiser with a few other travellers, a driver and a guide/cook. The tour was on Bolivia's Altiplano, which I guess means "high plain". We were in the Andes, at an altitude of between 3000 metres and 5000 metres for the trip, but as the name suggests the land was mostly flat.Despite the altitude the weather was usually pretty good - light clothes during the day but really cold at night. We saw some many unusual things on the tour, such as the world's highest geyser field (at almost 5000 metres). There were old decrepit villages with mud-brick houses, half of which are empty and falling apart, located on wind-blown mountainous desert and which get my nomination for Worst Place in the World to Grow Up. No trees, nothing green, nothing but the occasional llama to provide entertainment. Oh yeah, llamas, we saw a lot of them. Up close they look like a cross between a sheep and a camel. They are incredibly stupid too. They are scared of cars, and their way of handling this fear is to wait by the side of the road until our jeep was almost next to them, then suddenly run, not away, but directly in front of the jeep to the other side of the road. Fortunately our driver knew to expect this behaviour and managed not to kill any of these pathetic creatures.At well above 4000 metres we took a dip in what must be one of the world's highest hotsprings, 30-something degree water, with a view to a lake populated by pink flamingoes, and a backdrop of 6000 metre high Andes mountains that make up the Chile-Bolivian border.Warning: bad gag comingOur guide: "That mountain is a volcano and the middle of it is Chile"English guy: "I thought the middle of a volcano would be hot"It is the rainy season at the moment in Bolivia. Some of the roads we travelled down were river beds, and being the rainy season those roads became rivers that we had to drive through. On the first day we got stuck in a river, the jeep unable to power its way out. We all had to climb out through the window, Dukes of Hazzard style, climb over the bonnet, stand in the icy water and push the front of the car while the driver revved it in reverse. After half an hour or so we got the car out but we had all lost feeling in our feet. After that there was an air of tension in the car any time we had to pass through a river.The finale of the trip was the "Salar de Uyuni", a giant salt plain 200 kilometres across. Due to the rain the entire salt plain was flooded with about 5 centimetres of water creating a perfect mirror. The sky and clouds blended seamlessly into the reflected image on the horizon, making it appear that there was no horizon. Birds flying just above the surface of the water had a perfect reflection underneath, making it unclear as to which bird was flying and which was the reflection. Mountain peaks that appeared in the distance looked disconcertingly like floating rocks.The high altitude causes lots of people health problems. Our highest point reached was higher than Mount Cook or Mont Blanc and twice as high as Mount Koscioszko. There is not so much oxygen in these reaches and even basic activities like brushing my teeth left my short of breath for a few minutes. The night after we peaked at over 5000 metres I had some problems. I had congested nasal passages, the air was thin, and we stayed in a windy plain with dusty air. I seemed to always to be struggling to breath properly. Before I went to bed I read a detailed explanation of altitude sickness and all the bad things it can do, and how the only good cure is to go much lower much quicker. Proving that reading leads to bad ideas and should be banned, I think the book put suggestions into my head that I was in real trouble.At 1am I was having a nice dream that it was daylight, we were piling into the jeep, and heading downhill quickly to where the air was more breathable. I woke up to find that none of it was true and my breathing was still hard. At this point the lack of oxygen made me do strange things. I don't remember all of it, but it involved panic, walking up and down the corridor and heading outside and back inside, in flimsy clothes although the night air was very cold. I woke up everybody in the building and came to my senses when they were trying to wrap me in a blanket, calm me down, and bring me back inside from the doorway where I was. Once I calmed down I realised I was deathly cold.Here was where the guide earned a generous tip. First he made me a brew of coca leaves and some other strange herbs which is supposed to fight the effects of altitude sickness. Then he made some hot water bottles out of empty coke bottles and lined my bed with them. Then finally he did something I didn't expect. He got into my little bed, sleeping top-and-tail, to use his body heat to keep me warm. Normally I wouldn't be so keen on a guy hopping into bed with me, but I was in no condition to complain. So girls, if you want to get a Bolivian man into bed, go up to a really high altitude and freak out in the middle of the night.At slightly lower altitudes things were much better, and I decided to stay on in Bolivia.Next stop was La Paz, the supposed World's Highest Capital City at 3800 metres, except that it is not the official capital of Bolivia, not the world's highest city, and therefore its claim to fame is reduced to City. Nevertheless it is breathtaking in two ways. Figuratively breathtaking as you arrive by bus, up to the edge of the canyon in which La Paz is located and through the sparse Eucalyptus trees you can see the city creeping up the slopes of the canyon, with highrise buildings in the bottom of the valley, and the occasional snowy peak providing additional scenery. Literally breathtaking because in addition to the thin air the streets of La Paz are the steepest I have seen, so that simply walking a block uphill leaves you panting and gasping.On the bus into La Paz a team of scamsters stole my backpack. There was nothing irreplaceable in it and it was insured, so at first I wasn't too worried. At fact I admired how smooth the criminals were, how they distracted me with a friendly-seeming old man who tried to show me something out the window while others made my backpack vanish. I only got angry when I went to have a shower that night and remembered I had no towel. Then I wished death and disease on the criminals and their families. If you have to replace stolen clothing La Paz is the place to do because the ultra-steep streets are lined with people hawking ultra-cheap clothing and general supplies.I had to report the stolen backpack at the tourist police, which is located outside the main football (soccer) stadium in La Paz. It turned out that a game was starting in 30 minutes between two of Bolivia's best teams, so I bought a ticket from an old lady for 1 euro, and achieved one of my aims for this trip, to watch a Latin American football game. Iguazu Falls Where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet are Iguazu Falls. These are not the biggest waterfalls in the world, nor the tallest, but located in the jungle in two national parks, some say they are the most spectacular.It is possible to travel the 18 hour journey from Buenos Aires to Iguazu by luxury bus. Seats that recline into completely horizontal beds, movies, food served at your seat - all in all, similar to an airplane. It is possible...or so I am told. I wanted to pass through Uruguay on the way to Iguazu, so instead of that one luxury bus journey I experienced 3 days of travel hell involving one boat, four buses, dealing with border guards at a backwater border crossing who were mystified by my New Zealand passport, missed connections, getting stranded until 1:30am in Hicksville, and riding overnight on a heavily air-conditioned bus while wearing only shorts and t-shirt and sitting next to Fat Albert himself, who oozed over and under and around the armrest into my seat, leaving me to huddle next to the window without a moment's sleep all night.My whinging doesn't stop there. When I arrived in Iguazu late one afternoon I rested for a night in a hotel then tried to catch the local bus to the falls in the morning. It is a 20 minute journey, but I made it last an hour and a half. I caught the bus from the wrong side of the road, got off where everybody else got off assuming we were at the falls, then searched the streets asking bystanders in pidgin Spanish "Where are the waterfalls?" When I was told it was a long way away (about 15 kilometres, I found out later) I demanded specific step-by-step instructions as to how to walk there. People tended to back off slowly at this stage, suspecting that I was slightly unhinged. It was only when I found an English-speaking man with unlimitedf patience that I realised I needed to take another bus back in the direction I came from.When I got to the entrance to the falls, I was asking myself whether it was worth the trouble to have come here. Why didn't I just stay in Buenos Aires? It was nice there. Finding that foreigners were charged three times as much as locals to get into the national park containing the waterfalls made me even grumpier. I don't think I would have made good company at the time.I walked through the jungle, listening to the distant roar of the falls get louder and louder, and at the moment when the falls first came into view my mood immediately changed. I forgot I was tired and hot. I forgot that I hated the world and especially bus companies.Iguazu Falls is one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. The edge of the falls is a giant crescent shape, and the water breaks up into 275 separate streams each plunging separately up to 72 metres over the edge along three kilometres. One main stream contains so much water and drops so violently that it creates a cloud of mist completely blocking the view at the bottom. The viewing paths weave in and out of the jungle, and the views seem to be better each time you come out of the jungle. Meanwhile exotic animals I didn't recognise roam along the path. I later found out they are called coatis. Death-defying herons wade in the water at the top of the falls only metres from the water drops. A walkway over the river ends in a viewing platform directly over the main stream of water. The travel hell was definitely worth it.The best part of the falls was not viewing it. It was the high-speed boat ride into the falls. This starts a couple of kilometres downstream from the falls. We were warned that we would get wet so we should put our valuables and cameras into plastic bags. I thought "wet" meant a few drops of water. Actually we got as wet as if we had jumped off the boat into the water. The boat stopped first in a place where we could take photos safely. Then after putting cameras away we travelled up the gorge past little streams falling from the top of the falls right into the whirlpools, currents and waves created by the major stream. The mist was so thick we couldn't see, and afterwards I wandered how the boatdriver could drive blind. Finally we went back weaving in and out of waterfalls that fell directly on our heads.After the troubles getting to Iguazu I was in no hurry to leave, so I stayed in town for three days. To pass time, I crossed over the border to Brazil for the day, and saw the waterfalls again, this time from the Brazilian side. Just as good, also in a national park, but the perspective it offers is more panoramic rather than up-close. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Tango, Evita and Feisty Pride There is a story in the brothels of Buenos Aires... I've been in Argentina for the last couple of weeks. I asked an Argentinian girl in Buenos Aires to tell me something about her country. She replied instantly, "We are good at everything." Except humility, perhaps...as well as economic management, political stability, andaccepting military defeat. To explain: in 2002 Argentina's economy crashed and the Argentinian peso lost 70% of it's value almost overnight, turning it from the most expensive country in Latin America into a budget traveller's paradise, but makinga lot of Argentinians suddenly poor after the economic crisis Argentina had five presidents in as many weeks Argentina invaded the UK-owned Falkland Islands in 1982, but were soon kicked out again by the British military. However a big billboard greets arrivals at the Brazil/Argentina border boldlyproclaiming "The Falklands are Argentinian" Buenos Aires is a city I liked instantly. Strangely, I felt quite at home, and it was only after a few days that I realised this is because it is quite similar to Melbourne, Australia, where I lived for 10 years, with its wide tree-lined boulevards, lots of grand old buildings from the 1800's, a thriving cafe culture, a number of interesting and varied neighbourhoods, and a pervading sense of style. Like in Melbourne, I always had a nagging feeling that my clothes were not quite fashionable enough.One thing Buenos Aires has that Melbourne doesn't (or anywhere else for that matter) is the tango. This style of dance originated in the waiting rooms of brothels frequented by immigrants in what was once Buenos Aires' port. Nowadays it is performed in cabarets and cafes for tourists, on popular streets on the weekends, and in milongas, which are regular events where tango dancers come to hone their skills. I learnt some tango steps a few years ago and I was looking forward to seeing it in its home. However what I saw in Buenos was nothing like what I learnt. What I knew as tango was rigid, precise, and danced to a strict tempo, like it was designed by the Swiss military. What I saw in Buenos Aires was emotional, sensual, always with a sense of sad longing. Partners danced while caressing in a passionate embrace, as if theynever wanted to let go of each other again. For me it was like thinking all my life that "food" meant "McDonalds", then discovering Italian cuisine was how good food could be.I visited a tango milonga one night, which took place upstairs in a dusty old community theatre. 20-year-old girls in slinky black dresses and high heels danced with 70-year-old men who dressed as if in an earlier age, in dapper brown suits with matching hats. I was there with another traveller, both of us in jeans and t-shirts, so we discreetly went to a back table where we still had a good view of the dance floor. A man on one side of the room would stand up at the same time as a woman on the other side, to meet on the dance floor and do their stuff. I could never quite work out how they had agreed to dance together without speaking first. Either they have ESP or a milonga has unwritten rules about body language that are used to request a dance.At 8:30pm on July 26, 1952 an event happened that shook the world - the death at age 33 from cancer of Eva Peron, aka Evita of "Don't Cry for me, Argentina" fame. Well, according to the Evita Museum it shook the world. I took Spanish lessons for a week in Buenos Aires and my Spanish teacher offered to take me to the Evita Musuem after class one day. It wasn't exactly high on the list of what I wanted to do in the city, but I took up her offer. Evita was a movie star who married the president of Argentina, and later tried to become vice-president. Today there are many things in Argentina named after Evita, including streets, schools, hospitals, and even a small city. A popular tourist destination is Evita's tomb in the city cemetery.The Evita Museum was more a propagandistic shrine than a museum, portraying Evita as somewhere between Mahatma Ghandi and Jesus Christ. My teacher was telling me some saucy facts about Evita not mentioned in the musuem's displays. A guard heard one of those stories and told my teacher to stop, saying that all that was needed to know was written on the walls. At this point I saw a display of that legendary Argentinian temper, as my teacher spent the rest of the afternoon ranting that "since 1982 we are not a dictatorship. He can't tell me not to say things. I am so mad with him. I am so mad." Argentinians are truly creatures of the night. Restaurants become busy after 11pm, bars and night clubs kick off at 1am or 2am, and people only head home as the sun rises. On arriving late in a town one Saturday night, I went to a restaurant at midnight to find whole families there, including young children happily running around. I can't work out when people get their sleep, because shops open early in the morning and close late at night. Whenever I told my Spanish teacher I was tired, she would chastise me with a Spanish phrase that translates as "in Buenos Aires there is no sleep." A friend of mine noted that Buenos Aires is often called the Paris of South America. He then added that this was an injustice - Paris doesn't have the Tango. I have to add to that. Unlike Paris, Buenos Aires is full of people who are warm to foreigners and who spontaneously help me to learn more Spanish. It also has an unbeatable nightlife. I complained to my Spanish teacher here that I needed to spend the afternoon sleeping. She looked a little shocked then told me, "Steve, in Buenos Aires there is no time for sleeping." Leaving the Buenos Aires airport I momentarily felt I was back in Europe. The people and the streets both look European. It is a beautiful, big, and interesting city. Once one of the richest places on the planet, the wealth of former days is still plainly visible in the heart of the Buenos Airies.

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TAUNTON CASTLE Photo © The Museum of Somerset A Saxon site built up with a motte & bailey during the early 12th century by Henry be Blois. A tall stone keep was built in the early 13th century. It had fallen into ruin by 1600 but it was repaired during the Civil War although afterwards in 1662 the keep was demolished and only the base remains. The Museum of Somerset lies within the castle. The magnificent Great Hall, at the heart of the museum, provided the setting for Judge Jeffreys’ infamous Bloody Assizes in 1685. After the Monmouth Rebellion Jeffreys was sent to the West Country to conduct the trials of captured rebels. At these trials, later known as the "Bloody Assizes", Jeffreys issued harsh sentences to nearly all defendants. Approximately 300 were executed, and between 800 and 900 were transported to the West Indies. On 18/19 September alone, he issued 144 death sentences. For his severity, he was named "the hanging judge". Taunton Castle Hotel in the precincts of the castle was built in the late 18th century and incorporates Castle Bow which originally formed the east gate. In the centre of town Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4AA VIEW LARGER MAP IN NEW WINDOW © Castles and Fortifications of England and Wales

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Hokitika Airport Hokitika Airport is the West Coast’s regional airport. Known as the hub of the West Coast, Hokitika is a kiwi slice of heaven nestled between the Tasman Sea and the Hokitika River. Hokitika Airport is the gateway to the West Coast, including the town of Greymouth which lies to the north of Hokitika and the famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers located further south. The West Coast is the land of greenstone and gold, where New Zealand’s history is at its most rich and raw. Hokitika is at the centre of it all and Hokitika Airport is where your journey to the heart of New Zealand truly begins. For the latest weather in Hokitika Click here for more info website design by hairyLemon

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Reynolds Mansion Innkeepers' Notes 2011Thursday, September 22, 2011Reynolds Mansion's Guest Room Debut, Reynolds Mansion B&B, Bellefonte, PA The seventh guest room at the Reynolds Mansion B&B is almost complete. The "New York" Room was inspired by the owners' love for all that New York City has to offer. In fact, all of the artwork was purchased on the streets of New York, mostly from sidewalk vendors and souvenir shops. The ceiling fixture mimics an upside down skyscraper while the bathroom lighting, with it's filament bulbs, evokes images of the subway stations. The original white subway tile, claw foot tub, and marble surrounds in the spacious bathroom seem to fit perfectly with the New York theme. Please check out the rest of our pictures on our Facebook page as this room is not yet listed on the website.Saturday, August 6, 2011Reynolds Mansion featured in Washington Post Travel Section-08/06/11 The article entitled Bed Check: Reynolds Mansion in Bellefonte, PA, has created quite the stir! The author has accurately captured every aspect of our Bed and Breakfast including mentioning our "boys", Carmine and Tony. She includes pictures, historical tidbits, room descriptions, and even the breakfast cuisine. Mike and Tricia Andriaccio, owners/innkeepers, are so thrilled to be featured in the Washington Post and couldn't thank Becky Krystal enough for her review and recommendation. Look for the framed article which will proudly be displayed in the first floor hallway on your next visit to Bellefonte, PA.Saturday, July 9, 2011Reynolds Mansion Fire Sprinkler System Installed, Fire Sprinkler System installed in Historic Home The Reynolds Mansion B&B is the first historic bed and breakfast in Centre County to install a fire sprinkler system. The entire mansion, including the basement and attic are now fully protected from fires. Guests can rest peacefully knowing that they are safe in case of a fire emergency. The Reynolds Mansion would like to thank Moore Fire Protection for their expert installation and the Borough of Bellefonte for all of their hard work getting our water lines connected.Sunday, June 19, 2011Jump INN to History, Civil War Sesquicentennial150th Anniversary of the Civil War: For all of the history buffs...this is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and Pennsylvania is the perfect place to celebrate our American heritage. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, Gettysburg to the Alleghenies and Valleys of the Susquehanna, people of the Commonwealth are taking pride in their state's contributions. The Alleghenies and Susquehanna Valley region produced several notable Civil War figures, including Nicholas Biddle, the 65-year-old African American who was the first to shed blood in the war; Elizabeth Schwalm, a mother of five toddlers who had to protect the family farm when her husband went off to war; and Andrew Curtin, the Pennsylvania governor during the Civil War responsible for organizing the Loyal War Governor’s Conference. Battlefields, Underground Railroad stops, Civil War Trails and museums galore! Pennsylvania’s unique and varied regions offer a wealth of fascinating attractions and historic sites for an enlightening and exciting Civil War adventure. For more detailed information, visit www.pacivilwar150.com. Plan your trip to Pennsylvania today and include a stop in Victorian Bellefonte. The Reynolds Mansion is offering a 10% discount if you mention that you are "Jumping INN to History!"Wednesday, May 18, 2011"Bellefonte Cruise" Antique Car Show and Sock Hop, Bellafonte's 23rd Annual CruiseJoin over 10,000 people as they dance to 50's and 60's music on the diamond in downtown Historic Bellefonte while antique cars "Cruise" the streets on June 17th and 18th, 2011. While in town, don't forget to tour the 126 year old Reynolds Mansion B&B on the corner of Linn and Allegheny Streets. Tours of the mansion are available between 11am and 2pm, $5.00 per person. Rooms are also still available Friday and Saturday nights. Mention this Blog and receive 10% off of your stay.Wednesday, May 4, 2011Reynolds Mansion May Midweek Special Sundays through Thursdays in May (excluding Memorial Day weekend): Make a reservation for a one night stay in May and receive a newly designed Reynolds Mansion coffee mug, a $25 dinner coupon for dinner at a local restaurant, and a gourmet breakfast for two all for $135.00 plus tax. Does not apply to previously booked rooms and cannot be combined with the "Last Minute Special."Friday, April 22, 2011Upcoming Concerts at Penn State's School of Music While in Central Pennsylvania be sure to stop by Penn State's School of Music for a wonderful performance. The Symphonic Band's last concert of the semester will be April 29, 2011 at Eisenhower Auditorium at 8pm. Buy your tickets in advance and save 40%! Stop by the Berkey Creamery for an ice cream before returning to your luxurious accommodations at the Reynolds Mansion.Monday, April 4, 2011State College Spikes Home Opener June 19, 2011 Opening Day for the State College Spikes minor league baseball team is June 19th at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The game begins at 6:05pm and ends with a dazzling fireworks display. Tickets go on sale April 9th either online at http://statecollege.spikes.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t1174, over the phone, or in person at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in State College, PA, just 10 minutes from beautiful Victorian Bellefonte, home of the Reynolds Mansion B&B.Thursday, March 31, 2011Monster Truck Nationals April 1st and 2nd at Penn State This weekend the Bryce Jordan Center will host the Monster Truck Nationals. The monster trucks will compete in side-by-side drags, wheelie competition, and in axle-wrenching freestyles. Admission: $12.00 for kids 12 and under, $19.50 for adults, family four-packs also available. You can call (814)863-5500 for tickets. Show starts 7:30pm both Friday and Saturday nights at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State. Partake in this sensory overload of excitement and come back to pure elegance at the Reynolds Mansion, only 10 minutes away!

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Where we're always on the road, and it's always 1962! ™ History Archives US-6 Archives US-23 Archives Shop Roadtrip-'62 US-23 From Sea to Inland Sea - Day 15 by Donald Dale Milne Down from the Mountains Hello again everyone, Don Milne here, your ROADTRIP-'62 ™ traveler. We are traveling southbound on US-23, the first of our ROADTRIP-'62 ™ routes. We’re at Franklin, North Carolina today, fourteen days out from our northern beginning point at Mackinaw City, Michigan. Today will be our last day in the mountains as we head south on the roads of 1962. After this, we’ll begin a long slow coast down to the Atlantic Ocean. I'll be driving on this virtual roadtrip, but if you see things you like, I encourage you to get out on the road and enjoy them in person. A virtual roadtrip like this may be fun, but there's nothing like the real thing! Of course, at any time, click on an underlined word below to learn more about the places on the trip. Time once again to buckle up and hit the road! Ruby City Gems, Franklin, North Carolina As I mentioned back at the Colburn Museum in Asheville, this area contains the greatest variety of minerals in the country. Near Franklin you can pay a small fee to hunt, pan, or dig through piles or buckets of rock and dirt if you’re interested in finding something pretty and perhaps valuable. Many of these mines were here back in 1962, as the county boasts that people have been finding gems for over 100 years. Macon County is known as the "Gem Capital of the World", and places like Ruby City Gems have been selling cut gemstones and finished jewelry for folks that just can’t wait to find their own, since 1958. The great New York jeweler Tiffany's even showed an interest in the area in the 1890's for gemstones, but nothing came of that. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is downtown in an old jail building and has thousands of specimens on exhibit. Though it was still an operating jail until 1972, the building and the gems were both around in 1962, so we can cheat a bit on this. The chief mineral that everyone is seeking is corundum, which is second only to diamonds in hardness. It used to be mined here commercially for abrasives but synthetic corundum has replaced it. I remember Norton sandpaper in the 1960s printed with "corundum" beside the trademark and grade information on the back. Beginning back in 1870 and continuing to the early part of the 20th century, several companies mined the area. Today, North Carolina leads the country in the production of feldspar, lithium minerals, scrap mica, olivine and pyrophyllite, and high-grade silicates. The silicates are used in everything from tile, paint and insulation to cosmetics and computers, creating a very good chance that the computer you are reading this on contains North Carolina silicon. Today only the tourists and rockhounds look for the gems, seeking corundum as sapphires in its many forms: green, pink, yellow, blue, red corundum (rubies), and more depending on the different impurities in the crystals. Besides the sapphires, quartz also can be found in many forms: amethyst citrine, aventurine and of course both smoky and clear quartz crystals. There are also emerald, aquamarine, garnet, topaz, tourmaline, and moonstones. mining pan in flume (by Nate Cull, from Wikimedia Commons, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license) In this area, some incredible finds have been made, including some of the largest sapphires, the largest emerald ever found in the United States, and 14 documented diamond finds, though our chances of finding anything larger than a marble are slim. I’m going to try my hand at gem mining at Rose Creek Mine, operating since 1952 and located just west of US-23. If you don’t want to take the time, they also have "Dirt to Go" available! Some area mines buy gems from elsewhere and provide guaranteed buckets but Rose Creek still gives raw local dirt. You receive a bucket of dirt, a screen for washing and then you sit down at your spot on the flume, a trough of running water. Place some dirt in the screen, then place the screen in the water and start washing the mud away. It’s easy to spend the whole day but I’m leaving in a couple of hours. Remember to keep your eyes open for any unusual pieces of stone, or any colored glints. Staff is available to show you examples of what you should look for, and to help with technique and identification. You may need help too, because rubies in the mud look nothing like the brilliantly cut gems you're used to. After a little practice to identify them, you'll be off and running like a pro. Afterwards, if you want instant gratification, there are many artisans in the Franklin area who will cut and mount the stones for you. I’m also going to cheat just a little before I leave town today and stop at the Scottish Tartans Museum. This was opened in 1963, so it’s not too much of a stretch, and it’s just too unique to pass up if you’re of Scottish heritage like me. The Museum was founded by the Scottish Tartans Society, formed to study the origins, history and development of tartans. If you’re not familiar with the term, tartans are the fabrics of Scottish clothing with the plaid designs. The designs today are associated with various family or clan names, but originally, tartan designs had no names, and no symbolic meaning. The naming appears to have begun with the weaving company of William Wilson & Sons of Bannockburn after 1765. They named the patterns as a sales tool to identify the tartans, much as any company names its products. By 1819, their Key Pattern Book showed names for about 100 tartans, some of which were Wilsons' designs, but also others they had collected from all over Scotland. Today the names have been formalized, by a rather complicated and somewhat haphazard process through the 1800-1900s, and many are supposed to represent various clans. There are now well over 4000 unique tartans on record, and the folks at the museum will assist you in researching one for your use. At the museum you can not only see displays of Scottish Tartans, but also the culture, history, migration and military history of the Scottish. Scottish Tartans Museum, Franklin, North Carolina If I hadn’t spent so much time pawing through the mud and rocks this morning, I would take a short waterfall hike here, but there is another later today. The one I’m going to skip is located just a couple miles west of Franklin, on Wallace Branch. The falls are a sliding type, where the water slides over a rock incline instead of falling from a cliff. On the way you can see wildflowers: I saw some nice little wild orchids one spring when I visited. The falls are in the Nantahala National Forest and on the Bartram Trail. The Bartram Trail is a 220-mile trail through several states that is well-maintained in this area but unmarked and poorly maintained in other parts. From Franklin, it heads south into Georgia and we cross it again later. The trail approximates the route of William Bartram, America’s first native born naturalist and an artist and author. The travels he made through eight southeastern states from 1773 to 1777 culminated in an account of his adventures published in 1791, and form the basis for the trail. We could not have traveled it without great difficulty in 1962, as the Bartram Trail Conference, Inc. which co-ordinates marking and maintenance of the trail, was not founded until 1976. However, Wallace Branch Falls would have been easy to reach back in 1962. As we head south into Georgia, we enter the seventh state of our eight-state roadtrip. By next year (1963), the route will be shorter in this area as it appears US-23 was rebuilt between Franklin and Georgia then. This was part of the early stages of a continual improvement process that has now resulted in US-23 being a 4-lane divided highway almost the entire way from Standish, Michigan to Atlanta, Georgia. We’ll still use a few old roads alongside modern US-23. As we cross the state line we also cross into the Chattahoochee National Forest. This will be the last large forested area of the trip and the last National Forest, so enjoy the trees while you can. The first land for this national forest was purchased in 1911 for $7.00 per acre. As with most eastern national forests, they were established after the land had been mostly ruined and abandoned after excessive mining, lumbering and failed attempts at farming. In the case of these lands, gold was mined in almost every stream in northern Georgia in the mid-1800s. Afterwards, as railroads came through the area, lumbering became easier and cutting began on much of this mountain land. The practice of the times was to cut the timber, sell the land, and move on other land. By 1962 most of these national forests were well established with second growth trees and all the wilderness features that follow a forest. Dillard House, Dillard, Georgia It’s still a bit too early for lunch for me, otherwise I might stop at the Dillard House in Dillard, Georgia. It’s been serving travelers since 1917, making it one of the oldest restaurants on our trip. Up until sometime in the 1980s, US-23 ran right in front of it, but today it retains some rural ambience because the highway has been moved. It’s situated on beautifully kept grounds with flowers in bloom all summer, in a real old country inn building with just enough modern additions to provide multiple dining rooms. I have found nothing but good comments about their fried chicken, the signature dish. They also serve okra, butter beans and many other southern specialties; all served family style. They have their own 600-acre farm where they raise corn, beans and okra and even smoke their own hams. And, the Dillard House includes an inn so we could have also stayed here in 1962. Well, we’re coming to the last few waterfalls of this trip. An easy one that everyone can get out and see is Darnell Falls in Rabun Gap, Georgia. It’s located just a couple miles east of town in the Chattahoochee National Forest, just 200 yards from the end of a road. Only a few miles south of Rabun Gap on US-23, and west of Mountain City, Georgia, is Black Mountain State Park. We can follow Black Rock Mountain Parkway out of town to the park. This state park is named for the cliffs of dark gneiss rock and has some of the most spectacular scenic vistas of Georgia’s portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ve come down quite a ways from the 5,000-foot or higher mountains of North Carolina, but at over 3,640 feet high, this is still a real mountain. By the end of tomorrow, we’ll be out and back to rolling hills. The park was opened in 1952 and includes lots of hiking and some small waterfalls. I’m taking a couple of short hikes across the wooden bridges over Taylor Creek and Greasy Creek, walking along these cascading streams and crossing the 80-foot bridge over Cricket Cove. Finally, the trail to Ada-hi Falls is through an outstanding example of a moist, Appalachian cove with the lichen-covered rocks, ferns and dense thickets of rhododendron typical of these mountains. Cowee Overlook elevation sign, Blackrock State Park, Mountain City, Georgia. It's all downhill from here, folks! Mountain City also holds something that was begun in 1974, so it’s too new for us: the Foxfire Museum. This museum houses exhibits relating to Appalachian life in reconstructed and relocated buildings. It also documents the popular Foxfire Magazine and Foxfire Book series. This series consists of collections of oral histories gathered by local high school students beginning with a 1966 class. As this is all too new for us, we’ll continue south to Clayton, Georgia and find some lunch. There are quite a few places downtown and just south along old US-23, so many of them may be old enough for us. The Clayton Pharmacy may seem an odd location for lunch, but they have an old fashioned soda fountain. That sounds like just the kind of place we may have stopped back in 1962, and they’ve been in business since 1947. This building is new though, so we’ll just have to imagine the old one. That Coca-Cola sign over the door should help. Clayton Pharmacy, Clayton, Georgia In downtown Clayton, we cross US-76. This US-numbered route is only a short, regional route; running west only as far as Chattanooga, Tennessee. Clayton is also where we cross the Bartram Trail again. And, as with several places we’ve traveled through, the rivers near Clayton are popular for whitewater rafting. I thought this sport was not around in 1962, and this was confirmed when I learned that the first local company here, Southeastern Expeditions, got it’s start in 1972 using equipment purchased from the set of the movie Deliverance. So, once again we will not be whitewater rafting. Because we are not here at night, we also will not be stopping at the Tiger Drive-In, in nearby Tiger, Georgia. This is one of the few open drive-in theaters along US-23! The Tiger is a small drive-in that opened in 1954, closed in the mid-1980s, and re-opened in 2004. I’m surprised they can do business here, as Tiger is not near any large city. But it’s still showing first run movies and sometimes has a classic car show on site, so you can enjoy two old-time activities in one place! Tiger Drive-In, Tiger, Georgia Instead of rafting or a movie, we’ll head down the old road to a city named for a waterfall that almost isn’t there any more. Tallulah Falls, Georgia still sits next to the beautiful Tallulah Gorge, but the falls fell victim to a power dam on the river in 1913. Because of the land around the dam’s lake and 13 others in the state, Georgia Power is the largest non-government provider of recreation facilities in the state. This dam was very controversial when built, because of its effects on the river. The power company was very progressive for the times, building one of this country’s first outdoor high voltage substations to get the power to Atlanta. Though the river still flows, and includes five major falls in the gorge, it is a trickle of its former self. However, each April and November, Georgia Power releases water on weekends to increase the water flow for recreation. On these occasions you can see the power and beauty of the Tallulah River as it flowed before the dam was constructed. Tallulah Gorge State Park has a three-mile loop trail with several overlooks and a suspension bridge spanning the gorge about 85 feet off the gorge floor. The park was not opened until 1993, so we could not have seen it in 1962. Some facilities may have been operated by Georgia Power back then: they still operate the campground and day use area because they own the land. Instead, we would have stopped at one of the favorite tourist traps of the time, right on old US-23. Tallulah Point Overlook is one of the last remnants of the resort era of the town, sitting since 1912 at the edge of the gorge. They offer the traveling public the only free roadside view of Tallulah Gorge, right from their covered overlook porch. Of course, they hope you will also buy something in the gift store, where you’ll find a mix of modern and nostalgic items. The rest of the town used to consist of grand hotels, some also along the edge of the gorge with names to show it: the Chasm Brink Hotel, The Cliff House, and the Grandview. The resorts began in 1870 with the opening of the Shirley Hotel and ended with the dual disasters to tourism occurred in Tallulah Falls: the damming of the river and a fire in 1921 that burned most of the town. Tallulah Point gift shop, Tallulah Falls, Georgia Tallulah Point Overlook is one of the last remnants of the resort era of the town, sitting since 1912 at the edge of the gorge. They offer the traveling public the only free roadside view of Tallulah Gorge, right from their covered overlook porch. Of course, they hope you will also buy something in the gift store, where you’ll find a mix of modern and nostalgic items. The rest of the town used to consist of grand hotels, some also along the edge of the gorge with names to show it: the Chasm Brink Hotel, The Cliff House, and the Grandview. The resorts began in 1870 with the opening of the Shirley Hotel and ended with the dual disasters to tourism occurred in Tallulah Falls: the damming of the river and a fire in 1921 that burned most of the town. Down the road we go to Clarkesville, Georgia to see a different form of water. Annandale Springs Water Company and its natural spring source are located here, bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest. The springs dates was originally part of a plantation and horse farm called Annendale and the water carries the slogan, "From the source, since 1855." We could have bought some back in 1962, long before bottled water became popular. Today we can buy it in supermarkets in the familiar plastic bottles and it’s filtered through a series of 1-micron filters, treated with ultraviolet light, and ozonated before bottling at the source. I’m sure that’s a lot more treatment than it received back in the 1960s. If you want to take the time to wander around a small town, Clarkesville has a walking tour of historic buildings near downtown. The tour takes you past 20 sites ranging from private homes to commercial buildings, churches, and even a cemetery. Tallulah Falls Depot, Tallulah Falls, Georgia In Cornelia, Georgia, we would have met the end of US-123, which ended here until the 1990s The end was moved north then, nearer to Clarkesville, at the US-23 freeway. The entire distance of the route is only about 87 miles, running northeasterly from here. There was once a railroad running along US-23 from where we began this morning in Franklin, North Carolina to here in Cornelia. The Tallulah Falls Railroad bought its track from an older railroad and its last freight train ran on March 25, 1961, except for the short section between Cornelia and Demorest, which operated until the early 1980s. Passenger service had ended back in 1946. The line enjoyed some fame near the end of its life though, as it was featured in the 1956 Disney movie, "The Great Locomotive Chase." The movie starred Fess Parker, who also played Kentucky’s favorite son Daniel Boone in the TV show of the same name. I’m sure the railroad buffs of the time would have been all over here taking pictures yet in 1962. Remember, you can find ALL the ROADTRIP-'62 ™ articles listed conveniently on the Archives page. Or read the Latest Post. Read comments from other readers at our Comments Page. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive info and deals that do not appear here! And you can send me your Comments: I'd love to hear from you! Gainesville, Georgia is where we’ll stop for the night. We cross US-129 here, and will cross it again in Macon, Georgia. There seem to be several older motels in good shape: I’m beginning to think I’ve seen more of these in good shape down south than up north. I wonder if the franchises invaded the more heavily-trafficked northern states earlier in the 1970s, thereby hastening deterioration of the old motels? For dinner, I’m trying Loretta’s Country Kitchen based on some excellent reviews of their home cooking. I sure hope they do well by the name: Loretta was my mother-in-law’s name. See you tomorrow on Roadtrip-'62 ™ . Avion Motel, Gainesville, Georgia, 1961 postcard (from online auction) All photos by the author and Copyright © 2012 - Milne Enterprises, Inc., except as noted. All other content Copyright © 2012 - Milne Enterprises, Inc. ← Previous Post ------ Next Post → Get all the latest from ROADTRIP-'62 ™ delivered to you. Subscribe To Updates. Brought To You By... Please visit our sponsors, some of whom were open to serve you in 1962, and others selling great products from that year. Buy from them today and keep Roadtrip-'62 ™ here to read again, and again! More Fun Stuff: What's the weather in 1962? Weather on January 21, 1962 for Gainesville, GA, from the National Climatic Data Center: Low = 33°F High = 37°F Precipitation = no data Mean Wind Speed = 8mph Visit us on Facebook, Google+, or Pinterest! Visit Roadtrip-'62 ™ On Facebook Donald Dale Milne+ Visit Roadtrip-'62 ™ On Pinterest Here's your chance to buy some actual stuff from 1962! Have Fun! Please visit these sponsors, some of whom were open to serve you in 1962, and others selling great products from that year. Copyright © 2016, and ROADTRIP-'62 ™ - Milne Enterprises, Inc. Website design by Milne Enterprises, Inc.

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Features 2017, Features Fleur-de-Sedona Mary Senseney The first thing that strikes you about Mary Senseney’s Village of Oak Creek garden is its orderly, well-manicured and thoughtfully executed design. But when you stroll through the courtyards and along flagstone pathways, you… Never underestimate the importance of a single act of kindness. It was the late ’90s, and Danielle DuBoise was sitting in front of Whitney Tingle in eighth-grade math at Big Park School in the Village of… 2017, Features, The Sedona Monthly Interview Sedona Film Festival: Bruce Hornsby When you think of Bruce Hornsby, you probably automatically think of his 1986 hit, The Way It is, which earned him a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1987. 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The Pappardelle Funghi is our favorite. Delicate, flat… Jerome Home Roam It doesn’t take much research – a slow drive through town will do it – to realize that Jerome has a colorful and quirky past. So it shouldn’t be surprising that the seven homes and two… The Dude Abides: Tanque Verde Ranch Remember Dirty Dancing? Remember how they have the time of their life at Kellerman’s Resort in the Catskill Mountains of New York? That’s what Tucson’s Tanque Verde Ranch is like, minus Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and… The Band Perry Interview Grammy-Award-winners The Band Perry, featuring siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry, perform at Stargazer Pavilion at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel on April 25 at 8 p.m. with tickets starting at $45. The trio were born in… Mountain Biking in Sedona The popularity of mountain biking in Red Rock Country over the last 10 years has exploded, and it shows no signs of slowing down. On any given weekend you will see large vans parked at local… Sedona Film Festival: John Waters, Leighton Meester, Ed Asner Interviewed John Waters Writer, director, actor and producer John Waters has several nicknames, including Pope of Trash and Prince of Puke, but that hasn’t stopped him for becoming a household name. Waters gained notoriety with 1972’s Pink… Winter 2013-14 was one of the driest on record for Red Rock Country. In January, we only received 0.69 inch of rain compared to our average of 3.03 inches according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric… All right, guys, this one is for you. Stand on any corner in Sedona, throw a crystal and you’ll hit a spa, salon, boutique, jewelry store, chocolatier or a health food restaurant. (Okay, maybe that’s an… The Best Hot Dogs in Sedona Every dog has its day, and for northern Arizona, that day has come. When you’re in the mood for a hot dog – whether it’s a basic wiener with mustard or more exotic toppings (think seaweed… Behind the Cellar Door Thinking about building a new home or remodeling your current abode? Media rooms are passe – it’s all about the custom wine cellar. Peek inside three unique cellars and find out what local wine collectors are… From Sarajevo to Sedona It’s surreal to sit across from a Sedona resident who has Bono on speed dial, but it gets even more surreal when you realize that’s not the most interesting thing about Bill Carter. Bill became friends… Born to Rock Decker Brandon Decker had been making music for 10 years when he embarked on a tour in support of his first album, Long Days. He says when the tour ended he decided to “pursue music with… Attr-active Summer in Red Rock Country means hiking, mountain biking, golfing, swimming and tennis. Who says you can’t look hot while having a little fun in the sun? Pictured in the top photo: fedora by Pistil. Aviator… Cats Have His Tongue Sedona wildlife sculptor Ken Rowe gently places the back of his hand in front of the nose of Sage, a 25-pound, 2-year-old bobcat. Sage flicks her ears, bringing to mind an alert housecat. She sniffs his… Call of the Canyon de Chelly Canyon de Chelly, the second largest canyon in the country, reveals its secrets to those who slow down and stay awhile. Drive the north and south rims, and take a tour of the canyon floor where… The Sedona Table Reheated In March 2009, Sedona Monthly’s first book, The Sedona Table: Recipes From the Top Restaurants in Red Rock Country, was published, and it was an instant success. The book featured 14 local chefs, 12 restaurants and… Friday, February 14 3:33 p.m. Check into Adobe Grand Villas There are plenty of resorts, hotels and inns that offer romance packages, but we believe the 16 rooms – if you can even call them that… Blurred Lines: Susan Sarandon Interviewed Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon co-produced her first movie (The Great Smokey Roadblock) in 1977, seven years after starring in her first feature film. She recently stepped behind the camera again to act as executive producer… 12 Holiday Happenings: Christmas in Sedona Celebrate the Holidays with the Romeros Dec. 1, 2:30 p.m., Sedona Performing Arts Center (995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road) 928-204-2415; $40 Classic guitar quartet concert. Ice Skating in Sedona Dec. 1-8 Mon.-Thur., 2-8 p.m.; Fri.,… Sandmen Sedona Monthly’s 7th annual cover story featuring Native American artists focuses on Navajo sandpainters. A fairly recent art form, sandpainting was traditionally used by medicine men in religious ceremonies until enterprising artists began using the medium… Humphreys Peak captivated us long before we moved to northern Arizona, and judging by the number of people we encountered on our hike to the summit, we aren’t the only ones. Unlike the impressive mountain ranges… Seven tasting rooms and one fabulous festival that have put the Verde Valley on the wine map. Taste the best wines our state has to offer in Page Springs and Cottonwood, and at Sedona Winefest on Sept. 28 and 29. By Erika Ayn Finch Hot: family-owned eateries, art classes, swinging from the trees, thrifting and funny girls. Not: Camping in front of the air-conditioner for two months. Here are 21 reasons to get out of the pool and seize life… Modern Rocks This season, fashionistas are rocking eye-catching black-and-white ensembles. Add some playfulness to your look with bold, modern jewelry from Sedona’s boutiques and galleries, and you’ll look like you just stepped off the runway! Photographs by… Pizza My Heart In Italy, they sell it by the gram. In New York, it’s by the slice. It’s deep-dish in Chicago, wood-fired in California and topped with pineapple in Hawaii. Any way you slice it, pizza tops the… Love Thyself Why is it that in the U.S., “pampering” is often a four-letter word, a verb reserved for the uber-selfish and the 1 percent? By Erika Ayn Finch. This month, Sedona Monthly celebrates 10 years of publishing Arizona’s magazine with the great view. Hooray for us! Hiking is one of the reasons we moved to Sedona, and since our first issue in March 2003,… Let’s Go To The Movies Between Feb. 23 and March 3, more than 145 feature, documentary and short films will be shown at the 19th annual Sedona International Film Festival. So what’s new this year? Workshops have been replaced by daily… Let’s Get (Meta)physical For years, Sedona Monthly has shied away from giving too much ink to Sedona’s New Age community for two reasons. One, it’s been done by local and international media. And two, there are more shady characters… So it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? While boutique wineries and craft breweries will always be popular, hold on to your fedoras because the cocktail hour is making a ferocious comeback. Afterall, who doesn’t want to spend… Schnebly Hill Road Distance from the ’Y in Sedona (one way): 6.5 miles Attractions: red rocks If you have a high-clearance vehicle or a four-wheel drive, jump in and make a beeline for Schnebly Hill Road…. Zuni Style In a remote corner of western New Mexico, near the border of Arizona, sits the 450,000-acre Zuni Pueblo. It’s the largest of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos and, according to the Zuni Department of Tourism, 80 percent… Ah, barbecue. It’s as quintessential to summer as flip-flops and tank tops. We poked around northern Arizona for the best barbecue joints, and we came up with these six. A note to our vegetarian readers: You… Accessories to a Crime Fashion report 2012: We show you this season’s hottest jewelry, sunglasses, boots and scarves. These accessories are so hot, it’s criminal! But before you run the risk of jail time just to keep up with… Dance Fever! For a rural area, Sedona and the Verde Valley offer a surprising variety of dance classes, from ballroom to hip-hop to contra dance. So What are you waiting for? Get out there and shake your booty!… Navajo National Monument, located just south of Monument Valley, encompasses three cliff dwellings. Two of those dwellings are open to visitors. both are amazing destinations, but only one is truly worth the effort. Read on for… Home Is Where the Artist Is There are more beautiful homes in Sedona than there are ordinary ones, but it’s our local artists who really understand creative spaces. Go inside the homes of Douglas Edward Andrews, Curt Walters and Beatrice Welles to… Sedona’s Citizen Welles Most Sedona histories name German-born Dadaist Max Ernst and American Surrealist Dorothea Tanning as the most famous artists to have ever lived in Red Rock Country. But for our money, that honor is owned by Orson… 2012 Sedona Film Festival More than 145 films will be screened at the 18th annual Sedona International Film Festival, Feb. 18-26. Expect celebrity appearances, parties and workshops. Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne returns this year as part of the… Hopi Holidays Dorleen Gashweseoma Lalo: Basket Maker Dorleen Gashweseoma Lalo did not learn to speak English until she met her husband, and for many years he acted as her interpreter as she traveled to museums and shows with… Sweet Eats The staff at Sedona Monthly have one big thing in common: We each have a ginormous sweet tooth. When we started putting together our list of favorite local desserts, our mouths began to water collectively, and… October might just be the best month to be in Sedona. Warm days with bright blue skies and billowing clouds are followed by crisp, clear evenings studded with twinkling stars. The leaves are starting to turn… High on Sedona Spend some time with your head in the clouds! Come fly with us as we board a helicopter, hot air balloon and biplane to discover a new perspective of Red Rock Country. Think flying is for… Monument Valley has captured the imaginations of people all over the world since Hollywood first showed us the expansive landscape and soaring monoliths in 1925. Countless photographers have been inspired by the colorful rock formations and… Barefoot in Tlaquepaque Fashion 2011: Summer trends are footloose and fancy free. Check out our Sedona style guide – it’s time to go shopping! Shot on location, April 18, 2011, at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (336 SR… That High and Lonesome Sound In 2003, Chamber Music Sedona and the Sedona Historical Society united for Sedona’s Arts and Heritage Week, but that wasn’t the only pairing that took place that week. Wanting to try something new, Bert Harclerode, the… Go! Get Outside! Hike! Hiking has been our passion for years and is part of the reason we moved to Sedona in the first place. After visiting and living in Sedona for more than 10 years, we just now feel… Wild Arizona When families visit Sedona, it’s not always easy to find kid-friendly activities. (We have yet to meet a 10-year-old interested in a day of gallery shopping or spa treatments.) Lucky for all of us, three distinctly… 2011 Sedona Film Fest Preview Now in its 17th year, the Sedona International Film Festival seems to have hit its stride. The festival begins Feb. 20 and lasts eight days, finishing up Feb. 27. On Feb. 19, the festival will offer… Back in December 2007, Sedona Monthly featured a cover story about all of the unique holiday events that take place in northern Arizona. Every December since that issue, we’ve received e-mails requesting that we do the… Music to Our Eyes and Ears Despite the public flogging Arizona has received over the past few months, we still think this is an incredible state. We have Grand Canyon and Saguaro national parks and the red rocks of Sedona in our… It’s Beer O’Clock! Beer is the new wine. Have you heard that one lately? While northern Arizona’s wine culture has received lots of press in recent years, our seven microbreweries have flown relatively under the radar unless you’re one… Dream Weavers In 2007, Sedona Monthly wrote about a Navajo family of silversmiths as the first installment of our annual cover story devoted to Native American art. Since that issue, we’ve written about Hopi katsina carvers and potters… California may be known as the car-culture capital of the country, but Arizona boasts some of the most scenic, historic and fun roads (without the traffic). Here’s a look at six of our favorites. Red Rock… Burger Heaven These days, it’s rare to read a restaurant menu and not see at least one burger offering, even in the most upscale locales. A few months ago, we were stopped at Bashas’ by a tourist asking… Sedona’s Passion for Fashion! Fashion 2010: Sure, the Sedona woman may be laid-back and favor timeless over trendy, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love to shop! Check out the latest finds from the best boutiques in Red Rock… Surfin’ Safari: Arizona’s Big Wave Last fall, Sedona Monthly hiked the rings of Saturn. It took us years to get there, and the permit process was painful, but the payoff was absolutely worth it. Our group included three of the 20… History Remade When the first issue of Sedona Monthly was published in 2003, it included a story about the filming of 1950’s Broken Arrow in Red Rock Country. Joe McNeill, the article’s author and the magazine’s creative director,… 2010 Sedona Film Festival Preview We don’t envy the screeners of the 2010 Sedona International Film Festival. After receiving nearly 700 entries, they were tasked with narrowing it down to 140 films, which includes shorts, documentaries, features and animation. The festival’s… Made in Sedona Shop at home for the holidays. We’ve all been hearing a lot lately about shopping locally, especially those of us living in small towns like Sedona. As the only locally owned and operated magazine in Sedona… On average, it rains on Thanksgiving Day in Arizona every 10 years. Naturally, that once-a-decade storm would bring downpours, lightning and snow to northern Arizona as we shopped for freeze-dried food and compressed our sleeping bags… A Portrait of Tony Curtis Tony Curtis has a name and a face that people can place. One of the greatest of the postwar movie stars, the New York-born Curtis was as famous for his thick black hair –– Elvis readily… A Journey to the City in the Sky About two years ago, on my way home from Santa Fe, N.M., I noticed the signs for the Acoma Pueblo along Interstate 40. Being a fan of Acoma pottery, I pulled off the highway only to… Sedona Confidential When we moved to Sedona many moons ago, we felt like we already knew the town like the back of our own hand – we had, after all, vacationed in Sedona for five years. But a… Sedona Bed and Breakfasts Earlier this year, TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community (more than 10 million registered members at www.tripadvisor.com) featuring online reviews of hotels and attractions, released its annual Travelers’ Choice Awards, which include the top 10 inns… Sedona Fashion Gets Back in the Saddle! A lot has changed in Sedona, including local fashion, since Zane Grey’s The Call of the Canyon was filmed in the area in 1923, but our red rock skylines aren’t really fazed by 86 years…. Green Sedona In April 1970, Earth Day was celebrated for the first time. Society’s environmental awareness has come a long way in the last 39 years, and Sedona won’t be left behind. Red Rock Country is goin’ green,… Our Sedona Table The story behind The Sedona Table really begins with the November 2006 issue of Sedona Monthly. To say that issue was huge would be an understatement; foodies all across the United States sat up and took… Sedona Film Festival 2009 As we have every year since 2004, Sedona Monthly brings you a preview of the Sedona International Film Festival & Workshop, taking place Feb. 24 – Mar. 1. We have exclusive interviews with filmmakers; actors; a… Arizona is for Snowbirds December is here, and if it hasn’t happened already, thousands of northern Arizona residents are watching the sky, holding their breath until the first delicate snowflake drifts down. While our friends in other locales – the… Design of the Times Trends in home décor come and go just as quickly as they do in fashion – not all that long ago the location of your home dictated the interior design. A Wyland print was a must… 11 Reasons Autumn in Sedona is So Cool! Autumn’s arrival in northern Arizona heralds more than just shorter days and cooler nights – in fall, Sedona seems to awake from a sluggish summer slumber to show off all her splendor with vibrant changing leaves,… Glittering Surprises! Objets d’art are everywhere in fashion this season, from antique French lace and Italian crystal buttons to handpainted scarves and vintage velvet trim. Perhaps the easiest way to update your look and express yourself (not… 10 Places to Go to Beat the Arizona Heat It’s a dry heat. Sedona has four mild seasons. Summers aren’t bad – we have monsoons. We’ve heard it all and, while we’ll admit our summers are a walk along the beach compared to our neighbors… Artisan Decor Artisan-made furniture feels right at home in northern Arizona. As people increasingly look at furniture not solely as functional, but as an expression of their personality, talented artisans creating unique, one-of-kind pieces are enjoying new appreciation…. The word “kachina” comes up often in the Southwest, commonly understood to refer to small dolls created by Native American artists from cottonwood root. They make for popular gifts, but many visitors are unaware of their… The Best Spa Therapists We’ve come to a conclusion about spas: No matter how good the treatment, it’s the therapist who matters most. That’s why we’ve dedicated this year’s annual Sedona Monthly spa issue to introducing you to six spa… Live Your Sedona Adventure! Opportunities for adventure in Sedona are as endless as the brilliant blue sky or breathtaking red rock vistas. It’s a fact that hits home for me every day – my husband, Daniel Finch-McCaffrey, is Hilton Sedona… 12 Featured Posts Top of the World

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Trinidad and Tobago - Cultural Destinations Up Close at Trinidad's Carnival Trinidad and Tobago - Landmarks and Points of Interest Trinidad and Tobago - Music and Performing Arts Trinidad and Tobago - Nature and Scientific Wonders Trinidad and Tobago - History and Heritage Without a doubt the largest and most spectacular of all events in Trinidad and Tobago is the festival of Carnival. Dating back to Trinidad's early European settlers, Carnival is a celebration of tradition, culture, and sheer fun. Tobago's Carnival tends to be more sedate relative to Trinidad's, which are held in the capital city of Port of Spain. Carnival's celebrations begin shortly after Christmas, and culminate in two days of non-stop, high-energy revelry prior to Ash Wednesday. Carnival Monday kicks off around 4 am with J'Ouvert, which is derived from the French "jour ouvert" or "day open." Carnival goers dressed as demons, monsters or devils, others covered in mud, oil or paint, hit the streets for a raucous good time. Carnival Monday activities continue at daybreak as the costumed "Pretty Mas" revelers join the festivities. The big day is Carnival Tuesday, when the costumes are at their most elaborate, bands battle for glory, and parades continue well into the night. Divali A large percentage of Trinidadians are of Indian descent—estimates place it at 43 percent—and therefore the festival of Divali is of particular importance to the island. Displays honoring the Festival of Lights can be viewed around the Trinidad during Divali, which usually falls in October or November and is a national holiday in Trinidad and Tobago. Each year on August 1, the country celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire on August 1, 1838. (Although slavery was abolished in 1834, slaves were then entered into a six-year "apprenticeship" period, which was then reduced to four years, so most in Trinidad and Tobago consider 1838 to be the year of true emancipation.) The week prior to Emancipation Day sees the Pan-African Festival, which includes lectures, a market, concerts, and ends with the Flambeaux Procession, in which participants parade through Port of Spain with lighted torches in remembrance of the slave rebellion that preceded emancipation. Other days of importance here include Eid-ul-Fitr, the Muslim celebration of the end of Ramadan; Arrival Day, which is observed on May 30 and commemorates the day the first Indian indentured laborers arrived on Trinidad in 1845; and Spiritual Baptist/Shouter Baptist Liberation Day, celebrated on March 30 in remembrance of the struggle of the Spiritual Baptists to have their religion recognized. The Spiritual Baptist faith, which relies heavily on loud singing, dancing and bell ringing and is a combination of African rituals and Protestantism, was banned in Trinidad between 1917 and 1951. The religion was seen an indecent, disruptive and a method of decreasing the number of people practicing traditional religions. In 1951 the ban was repealed and Spiritual Baptists were once again able to practice freely in the country in which their religion began. The National Museum and Art Gallery in Trinidad's Port of Spain houses a collection of some 10,000 works depicting the country's history and festivals, as well as geological exhibits and pieces by both local and international artists. The Museum, which opened in 1892, was originally called the Royal Victoria Institute and now has two smaller branches in addition to the main site—the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Museum in Port of Spain where the country's police history is on display in the former police headquarters, and Fort San Andres, the only surviving fort from Trinidad's years under Spanish occupation. History buffs should be sure to visit the Chaguaramas Military History & Aerospace Museum, which is located on a former United States military base and covers the military history of Trinidad from the Amerindians to the present day through 12,000 square feet of exhibits and memorials. If so much wandering has made you thirsty, visit the Angostura Rum and Bitters Museum in Laventille, east of Port of Spain. The Museum's tour includes a historic film and a tasting, but not the formula for Angostura Bitters, which was developed in 1824 by Dr. Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert and remains a closely guarded trade secret. On Tobago, the Kimme Museum is the castle-like home and studio of German-native Luise Kimme. Kimme welcomes visitors on Sundays or by arrangement to view her work; she specializes in large scale sculptures created from oak trees and highlighting the people of Tobago and their heritage, with a particular focus on dance and ancient sculpture. Kimme also makes bronze casts from the pieces and she has drawings, paintings, relief work, and other sculptures on display as well. Does 'The Last Supper' Really Have a Hidden Meaning? (4:03) Da Vinci's The Last Supper plays a key role in the 2006 blockbuster hit The Da Vinci Code. Although the film's claims are more fiction than fact, could the painting actually contain a message from Leonardo? In 1992, Christopher McCandless set off to test if he could survive alone in the wilds of Alaska. It didn't go as planned. What Happened to Chris McCandless? The bust of Nefertiti contains one of the most beautiful faces in the world. So beautiful, a mathematical formula was used to sculpt it. How to Achieve Flawless Beauty The superhero’s creator, William Moulton Marston, was a Harvard-trained psychologist and inventor and infused his daily life into the comic book. The Origin Story of Wonder Woman

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Traveling to the U.S. Could Soon Be Harder for Europeans T+L Traveling to the U.S. Could Soon Be Harder for Europeans Jess McHugh April 20, 2017 Getty Images Get the LatestTravel News Sign up for theT+L Just In newsletter. The U.S. is mulling European visa restrictions due to terrorism fears. European nationals traveling to the U.S. may soon face more obstacles in entering the country, as leadership from the U.S. administration called the visa waiver program into question. U.S. Department of Homeland Security director John Kelly said Wednesday the U.S. needs to reexamine its agreement with Europe that waives visas for visits less than 90 days, saying Europeans posed a potential terror risk. "We have to start looking very hard at that [visa waiver] program," he said during an appearance at George Washington University in Washington, D.C, CNN Money reported. "Not eliminating it and not doing anything excessive but look very hard at that program." "We are the Super Bowl in terms of terrorists," Kelly said. "That's where they wanna come." First established in 1986, the visa waiver program has allowed people from 38 countries, including some of the U.S.’ closest allies, to visit the country for brief stays without needing to apply for a visa. Residents of these countries must still pass through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online, through which the U.S. government can assess risk. Thousands of European nationals have traveled to Iraq and Syria to join militant organizations such as the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. In the November 2015 terror attacks in Paris that saw 129 fatalities, all of the attackers were European passport-holders, several of whom had traveled to train with ISIS before returning to France or Belgium. The visa waiver program is not a free pass into the country, however. Dual-nationals or people who have traveled to Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Sudan since 2011 do not qualify. Former president Barack Obama instituted these rules to increase regulation of the program after the Paris attacks. While the threat of terrorism is a concern, U.S. leadership needs to balance the risk potential with the ways in which limits on the visa waiver program could jeopardize diplomatic relations, according to a security expert. “It’s clearly a concern,” Thomas Sanderson, a terrorism analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Travel + Leisure, adding, “The airlines are still very much a point of entry.” The hassle of getting a visa might not be the only thing to deter Europeans from going through a more restrictive vetting process, according to Sanderson. “It’s not just the process, it’s the personal insult they would feel,” he said. “It requires thinking and review but not elimination. It’s too important.” Millions of Europeans and other travelers on the visa waiver program visit the U.S. each year, and the money they spend on hotels, flights, restaurants, and other attractions contributes greatly to the economy. Chris Tobin/Getty Images Visa waiver program participants spent $84 billion on goods and services in 2014 and boosted local economies by nearly $231 million per day, according to the Department of Commerce. Any limits on the program could mean significant losses for tourism revenue. “I hate to use the word, but it would be devastating,” Chris Heywood, SVP of global communications for NYC & Company, the official New York City tourism board, told T+L. New York City is the top destination for international travelers in the U.S., and on average they spend four times as much money as domestic tourists to the city do, Heywood noted. In 2015 alone, British tourists spent $1.6 billion on goods and services in the city, French visitors spent $1.11 billion, and Germans spent $1.1 billion. “So many destinations are fighting for the same tourism dollar, so people will gravitate to places that are more welcoming,” Heywood said. This Little Stuffed Dog Was Left at an Airport. Help Us Find Its Child. These Are the Best Work Blazers for Under $50, According to a Fashion Expert White House Sidewalk Will Be Permanently Closed to the Public 8 Travel Scams Even You Could Fall For How Trump’s Proposed Budget Could Change the Way You Travel This Airline Just Banned All Electronic Devices on Board Europe Wants to Make U.S. Citizens Apply for Visas, and Travelers Are Not Happy About It Journalists Caught in Mount Etna Eruption Capture It on Video Federal Judges Rule Against Trump's Revamped Travel Ban Watch Out for Great White Sharks in Cape Cod This Summer

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With golden sandy beaches and some great hidden gems, whatever your passion, Morecambe Bay is the perfect place to discover and enjoy new experiences as well as taking some time out for plenty of relaxation. Make the most of some of the amazing local wildlife experiences at Leighton Moss RSPB, enjoy the waders and oystercatchers along the shore at Hest Bank and Bolton-Le-Sands, or take in the seals lazing around the Southern tip of Walney Island. Experience the outstanding natural landscape and wildlife of the Forest of Bowland with wide open spaces for you to seek out adventure, or bask in the tranquillity. Take a relaxing stroll along one of the many coastal paths and breathe in the fresh sea air, while you stop for a moment to admire the stunning views across Morecambe Bay. Morecambe is again re-living in its Art Deco past. The iconic Midland Hotel was completely refurbished in 2008, with its fabulous Eric Gill sculptures, unique staircase and entrance hall, where you can enjoy the experiences of a golden era. You can now join Art-Dec themed walking tours, including a visit to the grade II-listed Winter Gardens Theatre, Brucciani’s Café and not forgetting the incredibly popular Vintage-By-The-Sea Festival, held in the town each year. Alternatively, stroll the promenade to the statue of the comedian Eric Morecambe and finish with a sundowner back at the Midland’s Sun Terrace Restaurant, or enjoy one of the superb gin’s from the panoramic windows and sun terrace of the Aspect Bar, while the sun sets slowly over Morecambe Bay.. Visit Historic Lancaster, with its rich history and heritage, famous for the Pendle Witches, Roman, Norman and Anglo-Saxon remains and impressive Castle. Marvel at the Ashton Memorial in Williamson’s Park, that can be seen from miles away, or the Historic Priory and Lancaster’s Catholic Cathedral. Enjoy the Lancaster Canal, from Tewitfield, near Carnforth, through Lancaster, over the beautifully preserved Victorian Aqueduct, then snaking its way through the picturesque villages of Bilsborrow, Barnacre and Bonds. CARTMEL PRIORY The stunning market town of Cartmel is a real hidden gem, with its plethora of pubs, restaurants, coffee houses and shops, Cartmel is a pleasure to enjoy. Visit the beautiful Priory, a place where monastic visitors, pilgrims and other travellers, having just crossed the Bay Sands for the first time, would have gazed in awe at the sight of Cartmel Priory as it nestled in the shelter of the wooded valley below. Cartmel Priory was founded in 1189 by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke and Regent of the Realm who played a key role in gaining King John’s acceptance of the ‘Great Charter’. His role in convening the meeting between the rebellious Barons and King John and in pursuing the agreement and sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede in June 1215 was of paramount importance. Barrow-in-Furness is situated at the southern tip of Cumbria, set against the spectacular backdrop of the English Lake District Mountains and on the southern shores of Morecambe Bay with its rich cultural heritage, outstanding natural environment and wildlife. A Victorian built town with a proud heritage of innovation, surrounded by beautiful beaches and inspiring scenery, it is a destination of surprises. The Furness line from Lancaster to Barrow follows the coastline and provides an enjoyable scenic journey of the Bay. Moving a short distance away from Morecambe Bay, you can explore some of South Lakeland’s best-kept secrets. Here you’ll find a fascinating world of towns and villages, much referenced in English culture like Wordsworth’s Grasmere, Ambleside, Windermere, Coniston, Ulverstone, Hawkshead, Walney and not forgetting Kendal, Cumbria has a hat full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered in this beautiful part of the Lake District. The Lune Valley, has to be considered as one of the most beautiful areas to visit. Close to Morecambe Bay, a trip around the Lune Valley has to be the perfect way to combine coast with countryside. Ideal for walking, cycling or just a leisurely drive, with some stunning scenery to enjoy. And it’s not just about the beautiful views, historically the Lune Valley has been one of the main routes from England to Scotland and has been used over the ages from Vikings to Romans, amongst many others. Buddhist Temple at Conishead Priory Fleetwood Beach A visit to Grange-over-Sands is the perfect way to combine a leisurely stroll around a traditional Victorian seaside town with a small hike over a striking, but low, fell. Hampsfell stands at only 220m high, yet it boasts some of the finest views of any fell in the Lake District. On the top of Hampsfell is the Hospice. This solid stone shelter was built in 1846 by the vicar of Cartmel and is the ideal place to shelter from inclement weather. Above the door is a Greek inscription which apparently reads “Rosy-fingered dawn” and seems to puzzle many people but maybe it’s because it faces East and, therefore, directly into the rising sun. Inside the Hospice are several other inscribed panels telling you more about the history of the site. The village of Warton is a great place to go and sample some unexpected history! Close to Carnforth, the village was first recorded as a settlement in the Domesday Book, written in 1086. Warton has connections to the first President of the United States, George Washington. Washington’s ancestor of seven generations, Lawrence Washington, is rumoured to have helped build the village church of St Oswald and the pub in the village of the same name has historical connections with George Washington, historical President of the USA. GLEASTON WATER MILL A substantial water powered corn mill, with the last major rebuild on the site being in the 1770’s. The Mill and adjacent buildings have been restored by the owners, Mike and Vicky Brereton, to provide public access to a working water corn mill, Dusty Miller’s tea shop, Pig’s Whisper Country Store, and a converted pig sty – now a holiday cottage. Characteristic of the Cumbrian rural landscape, this imposing watermill and site has been part of the local traditions for over 400 years. Located close to the ruins of Gleaston Castle, the present building dates from 1774, with the impressive wooden gearing being original to the 1700s.Visitors to the mill can see the 18 foot waterwheel, impressive wooden machinery and many displays and artefacts. KNOTT END & FLEETWOOD There has been a ferry service between Knott End and Fleetwood since before records began with the first ferries operated by fishermen who took passengers across the river as and when required. The first official ferry service began in 1894 and continues today with the Wyre Rose operatedby Wyre Marine Services. The Fleetwood to Knott End ferry service provides a vital link for visitors and locals between Fleetwood and Knott End. The ferry journey takes less than 10 minutes. CONISHEAD PRIORY Home to one of the largest Buddhist communities in Europe. The Buddhist temple and historic mansion are set in 70 acres of woodlands and parkland next to Morecambe Bay. There is a Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and guided tours are available. THE RUSSELL POINT OBSERVATION TOWER Open to the public so that visitors can learn about the coastal environment, bird life and plant life, or just come and enjoy the view. The ground floor gallery has information about the local area and seasonal displays. There are two observation decks for bird watching and taking in the views over the beach to the Irish Sea and across Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland fells and the Forest of Bowland. Anyone who is not able make it to the top deck will be able to enjoy the view through a screen at ground floor level. The tower has been designed to look as though it is leaning into the wind and rises 42 feet above the sand dunes. A specially commissioned artwork ‘Drift’ features throughout the building and is made up of a series of individually designed pieces fashioned from natural materials and textures inspired by the natural patterns from the coastal environment. SAMBO’S GRAVE The burial site of a dark-skinned cabin boy or slave, on unconsecrated ground in a field near the small village of Sunderland Point, near Heysham and Overton. Sunderland Point was a port, serving cotton, sugar and slave ships from the West Indies and North America. Sambo had arrived around 1736 from the West Indies as a servant to the captain of an unnamed ship: It has also been suggested that Sambo may have died from a disease to which he had no natural immunity, contracted from contact with Europeans. Sixty years after the burial James Watson, heard the story and raised money from summer visitors to the area for a memorial to be placed on the unmarked grave. Watson, who was the brother of the prominent Lancaster slave trader, William Watson, also wrote the epitaph that now marks the grave. JENNY BROWN’S POINT The skilfully constructed tall chimney of limestone which stands on the shoreline at Jenny Brown’s point is the only remains of a copper smelting works established at the end of the 18th century. One of Lancashire’s most beautiful coastal areas and the perfect spot to enjoy the amazing vistas in this AONB. Elizabeth Gaskell wrote some of her novels from a tower overlooking the sea. BOBBIN MILL The story of the Bobbin Mill is brought to life with a brand new exhibition. Visitors can also see the journey from tree to bobbin first hand during production on the original belt driven machinery. A hands-on family trail helps visitors to imagine what it was like to work at the mill. Although small, compared to other mills, some 250 men and boys (some drafted in from workhouses) worked here over the years in often arduous conditions to produce a quarter of a million bobbins a week. Located in the Lake District, this extensive working mill produced literally millions of wooden bobbins vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries. NICKY NOOK Nicky Nook is a real hidden gem and a popular vantage point on the outskirts of Scorton with amazing sweeping views from the summit. The Wyre Way is one of the best ways to check out those views, by pulling on your walking boots and enjoying all, or some of the 46-mile walking route throughout rural Wyre. For the less adventurous, there are some shorter circular routes, with lots of pubs and restaurants to put your feet up along the way. Sambo’s Grave – Credit Diana Jarvis

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London — Tue 12:00 La Paz, Bolivia >> Distance between La Paz, Bolivia and the Equator During our calculation of the distance to the Equator we made three assumptions. 3) We calculate the distance between a point on the Earth's surface and the Equator as the length of the arc of the meridian passing through this point and crossing the Equator. Find out the distance between La Paz and the North Pole, the South Pole, the Tropic of Cancer, the Tropic of Capricorn, the Arctic Circle, the Antarctic Circle Find out the distance between La Paz and other cities La Paz, Bolivia: basic facts and figures Country: Bolivia La Paz coordinates: 16°30′00″ S, 68°09′00″ W Population: 812,799 Find out what time it is in La Paz right now See the map of La Paz Wikipedia article: La Paz The Equator: basic facts and figures The Equator is an imaginary line on the Earth's surface created by the intersection of a plane, orthogonal to the Earth's axis and passing through the Earth's centre, with the Earth's surface. The Equator is the longest circle of latitude or parallel on the Earth's surface. The latitude of each point on the Equator equals 0°. The Equator divides the Earth's surface into the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres. The points that lie north of the Equator belong to the Northern Hemisphere. The points that lie south of the Equator belong to the Southern Hemisphere. Wikipedia article: the Equator

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Another busy month here at Denver History Tours. Let us reflect on holidays past by enjoying a few pics from Denver's more recent history.So much detail in this picture of Sixteenth Street just up from Glenarm Place. This picture is circa 1969.If you look closely, you can see the Fontius sign still on the building at the left. This picture is circa 1966. The vintage Fontius sign was recently removed although its ghost image is still visible on the building. It is being renovated. The Cottrell's sign is still in place today on the building on the right, but the fashionable men's clothing store is long gone.Decorating Denver's City and County Building for Christmas has always been in fashion. This photo dates from 1940.Thanks for reading this year. Have a great winter season. I'll be back in January 2008! All black and white historic photos are from the Denver Public Library's Western History Collection. The Barclay The Barclay circa 1883Well, what a busy month. Our haunted tours this year were unprecedented. We were very busy. I'm still trying to recover!!! Keep them in mind next year if you like to go ghost hunting in old buildings!! Today, another creepy old building will be showcased....creepy yes, but no longer standing.....The Barclay Building/Barclay Hotel of yesteryear stood across the street from the Windsor Hotel. Its address was approximately 1755 Larimer. This grand building, circa 1883, is best known for something positive and something negative. It was the last building used by the state legislature before the capitol building was complete enough for legislative functions. The building lost the legislature around 1894. It continued to be used as office space and as a hotel until after the Depression. By 1950, it had become known as the Barclay Apartments. It was a building very familiar to Jack Keroauc and his ilk. During the 1960s, it was known as the worst flop house in the city. Reports of the time (that I remember reading somewhere but cannot find the source) indicate that the building was full of unwed mothers, unattended children, prostitution, drug dealers and users, murders and other forms of vice. It's no wonder that by 1970, the building was enemy number one (along with numerous others). The Denver Urban Renewal Authority included the Barclay in its long list of buildings to be demolished. Its glorious past was no reason to preserve the building. Its neighbor, the Windsor, had been demolished in 1959 and it was still in good condition. The Barclay didn't stand a chance. It is only remembered in pictures today. Check out Block 48 on DenverInfill.com to see the condition of the area today. The Barclay itself eventually became the site of the Windsor Apartments. Click here for another view which also shows the Volunteers of America/Sunset Towers building in the distance (the site of the old Windsor Hotel).If you're confused with the names, you're not alone. As with many buildings we knock down during bouts of urban renewal, we tend to forget the building but remember the name instead. So, the Tabor Block and Tabor Grand Opera House were replaced with the Tabor Center (although the old buildings were in two separate locations). The Windsor Hotel in the 1800 Block of Larimer was lost but the Winsdor Apartments were built one block down in the 1700 Block of Larimer (the site of the old Barclay). And to make things even crazier, the Barclay Apartments were built one block down from there at 1625 Larimer. See the pictures below.circa 1910circa 1920circa 1933circa 1950This picture shows the growing changes to the Barclay as the building has been converted into apartment use.circa 1950This also shows the old Windsor Hotel on the far right of the picture across 18th Street. The Windor, built in 1879, was once Denver's grandest Hotel. It was lost in 1959.circa 1967The Barclay name is gone and the "flophouse" is now called the Hotel Clay, although the sign is strangely familiar.circa 1970The 1970s are very apparent in this photo. Many windows are missing and the neglect to this building is painfully obvious. Were this building still standing in LoDo today, it would be one of the most stunning structures in the neighborhood and would have been restored and protected.The Skyline Urban Renewal Project saved the Barclay name although it was used one block away from where the original Barclay stood. This is Barclay Tower at 1625 Larimer. The shorter building is Barclay Plaza, known as Larimer Corporate Plaza today.All black and white historic photos are from the Denver Public Library's Western History Collection. Coors Field! Hello History and Baseball fans. Requests have come in asking for insight into what buildings used to be where Coors Field now stands. With the Rockies being in the World Series, what could be a more fitting blog?? My area of discussion usually coincides with the boundaries for downtown listed at DenverInfill.com. Coors Field technically sits just across the street from those boundaries in the Ballpark neighborhood, but this seems like a very fitting occasion!Answers to these questions don't just fall from the sky but require research like all spots featured here on the Denver History Nugget. The land where Coors Field now stands has long been dominated by the railroad. In fact, much of the land where the stadium sits was used for railroad tracks and a large freight depot from the 1880s onward. Denver's first passenger depot was in this area prior to 1881. Nominal evidence suggests that small homes fronted Blake Street between 20th and 23rd Streets but these quickly were replaced after 1885 by more industrial and warehouse uses. These warehouses stored many items and had names such as Colorado Compressed Gas; Wire, Rope and Cable Headquarters, and Paper Warehouse (not the modern business!). Even the familiar Windsor Farm Dairy had some buildings fronting Blake Street and initially used the them as wagon storage for its delivery business.The picture of the Pinhorn Fire Proof Storage is circa 1920.This building sat at 2255-2261 Blake.The biggest change to the street scape came in 1909 when the Denio-Barr Milling and Grain Company opened its feed mill and elevator near the corner of 20th and Blake. This building dominated the area and sat adjacent to the 20th Street Viaduct until approximately 1992 when it was demolished in preparation for Coors Field. Luckily, yours truly shot some pictures of the area back in the day, and so I am now sharing these modern photos with you as well.This photo, circa 1930, shows the viaduct, the grain elevator and the location of Duffy's, a moving and storage company.Circa 1992, the grain elevator remains, but Duffy's is long gone. A former gas station sits at the right of the photo.These two photos show the old Windsor Farm Dairy buildings which at one time held their wagon storage for deliveries. These buildings are not to be confused with the other Windsor buildings that still remain just down Blake near 19th. The top picture also shows the old grain elevator. The bottom view is near where the corner gates at 20th and Blake are at Coors Field today.All demolished! Grain elevator, viaduct--GONE. Coors Field gets underway.As mentioned above, the grain elevator's neighbor for many years was Duffy Moving and Storage as shown in the old picture above. Here are some photos, circa 1905, showing Duffy's horses and wagons. By the late 1920s, change was brewing as a filling station was constructed at the corner of 20th and Blake. It stood on land owned by the Cowperthwaite family until 1992. Although abandoned, it was a reminder of a bygone era, when the romance of the automobile caught the attention of residents and thus began a long exodus of people from downtown. A portion of it can be seen in the modern picture further above in front of the grain elevator.Other buildings which stood along Blake during the 1980s include the following:2125 Blake2145 Blake (This old building has been retained and can still be found on Blake Street next to Coors Field).2101 BlakeAll black and white historic photos are from the Denver Public Library's Western History Collection. Cheyenne Place Apologies to my regular readers for the delay in posting. I've had an unfortunate computer issue that has now hopefully been resolved. Before that meltdown, I had been working on the little known street called Cheyenne Place. Perhaps you haven't heard of it. It is the last street on the named downtown grid as one goes toward the intersection of Colfax and Broadway. In fact, Cheyenne Place intersects both streets at the extreme southeastern tip of the original congresssional grant that made up Denver City. There were more streets past Cheyenne Place, at least on paper, but they never came to fruition. They had names such as Smith, Dudley, Platte and Saint CharlesToday, the Denver Newspaper Agency dominates the area behind Cheyenne Place on blocks 244 and 267. There is no Block Number associated with the small triangular parcel that sits on the south side of Cheyenne Place. There is no business or street address for Cheyenne Place either. The only thing on Cheyenne Place is the familiar Pioneer Monument, installed in 1910. This statue was designed by Frederick MacMonnies. That's Kit Carson who rides a horse at its top. Originally, the plans called for an Indian to be placed atop. Those plans were scrapped due to the controversial subject matter. The Pioneer Monument is the symbolic end of the Smoky Hill Trail, which brought many early settlers to Denver (something equally controversial to the Indians!).Prior to that time, there was another building on this site. In fact, it was Denver's first "real" fire station. Here are some pictures of that early time. This building was removed around 1909 as the immediate area began to transform into the Civic Center Park area we know today. The Pioneer Monument was one of the first items to be installed.The last two pictures above show Broadway looking north with the fire station on the left.This picture was taken just prior to demolition in 1909.This picture from 1910 shows the newly installed Pioneer Monument on the left center side of the photo. The monument was originally on a circular platform. It has since been sitting on a triangular piece of land.For well over a century, until the Denver Newspaper Agency put its building there, the land on the north side of Cheyenne Place has been dominated by transporation related uses.This photograph from 1890 shows the Denver Omnibus and Cab Company north of the fire station. To the right is a partial sign for the Palace Stables.This photo above from 1950 shows that the stables and stage shop have been replaced by AAA!And the ultimate in car culture from 1970, the monument is now an afterthought, as it is just a mere neighbhor to the sea of parking behind it. The Arapahoe County Courthouse land is now the Hilton Hotel. This parking lot remained for nearly 25 years until the arrival of the Denver Newspaper Agency. The Pioneer Monument once again appears to "fit in" to its corner on Cheyenne Place, even if its one side facing Broadway is home to one of the city's seedier bus stops.All historic photos are from the Denver Public Library's Western History Collection. Street Name Histories With so much to talk about within the realm of downtown Denver history and Denver history in general, it is difficult to pick just one subject. Careful research is required on such topics in order to present accurate information. One aspect of our downtown history that is more readily accessible and, for the most part, that has remained with us from the very beginning of the city's founding, are the street names. Most of the street names for Denver City that were given back in 1858/1859 are still in place. The city was founded by General William Larimer, and with the help of William McGaa, the streets were laid out and named after other members of the Denver City Town Company. We can think of our streets as honoring the "City Fathers" and also for the Indians they supplanted. The named streets downtown generally follow a pattern of one founder name with an Indian name to follow. The streets we know today as numbered streets, such as 16th Street, were originally labeled as letters of the alphabet. Sixteenth Street, for example, was known originally as "G" Street. More information about these patterns will be periodically discussed here. Today, I will give you a bit of information on one of those early founders of Denver, Edward Wanshear Wynkoop.Mr. Wynkoop was, among other things, the first sheriff for Arapahoe County. The street that now faces Union Station downtown was named in his honor. He was later on active duty during the Civil War as part of the Colorado contingent of volunteers. He was then posted at Fort Riley, Kansas during the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. The leader of that atrocity, Colonel John Chivington, was later investigated by Wynkoop and others. While many condemned Chivington, others condemned Wynkoop and his ilk as Indian sympathizers. Through it all, his name remained on his street, even though he didn't remain in Denver. He died in Santa Fe in 1891. Many today wonder what the correct pronunciation of the street is. According to Phil Goodstein, in his book Denver Streets: Names, Numbers, Locations, Logic (Denver: New Social Publications, 1994), the sheriff pronounced his name as Wine-koop. Today, the pronunciation is all over the board, some saying Wine-koop, others saying Win-koop.All historic photos are from the Denver Public Library's Western History Collection. Fontius and the Orpheum Nothing much has inspired me historically speaking the past weeks but the changing of hands of the Fontius block, you know, Block 162, got me thinking again. Westword ran a great article on this very subject (Warner, Joel. "Evan Almighty," Westword, September 13, 2007) and discussed the Steel Building AKA Fontius, as well as the lesser-known Orpheum Theater space which once stood on the parking lot to the rear of Fontius at 1513 Welton.For years, this block at 16th and Welton has been dominated by the nearly empty Fontius Building. Prior to Fontius moving to the Steel Building (1923), as it is officially known, the store was located in the Symes Building (1906) at 834 16th Street. It sure is interesting to see a different Fontius sign after having the current 1960s version ingrained in our heads for so many years. But the Orpheum space has been off of the radar screen since being closed September 10, 1967. Subsequently demolished, along with the Tabor Grand in 1965, there were only three theaters left downtown by 1970: the Denver on 16th and Glenarm, the Denham at 18th and California, and the Paramount. Today, only one survives!This picture, circa 1933, shows the Denver Theater, where the Denver Pavilions stands today. If you look closely, you can see a different Fontius shoe sign in the distance at Welton. Notice the Kittredge Building and Paramount Theater on the right and the D & F Tower in the distance.Finding information on the Orpheum Theater has come from a number of places. (See Forrest, Kenton and William C. Jones. Denver: A Pictorial History, Boulder: Pruett Publishing Co., 1973.) In addition, online sources, if to be believed, indicate that the original Orpheum on Welton Street opened on October 5, 1903. It enjoyed life as a vaudeville show house, a silent movie theater and finally showed regular movies along with its numerous competitors downtown. Its multi-purpose stage hosted many acts, including those of Will Rogers, the Marx Brothers and Al Jolson.This photo, circa 1910, shows the changing character of this once residential neighborhood. The old homes facing the Orpheum on Welton Street were not long for the world.These two photos, circa 1920, show the unique architecture of the Orpheum. The top photo shows the future site of the Fontius Building, which was not constructed until 1923. The photo shows its predecessor, which I believe was known as the El Paso Building. The lower photo shows the Denver Dry Goods Company in the background. In addition, the Colonial/Republic Hotel is seen in the far left of the photo. This building is currently being razed.The interior of the Orpheum was no less grand, as indicated by the photos above.However, progress was marked by the reaffiliation of the theater around 1930 when it became part of RKO International. A remodel was in the works.A new and improved Art Deco Orpheum greeted visitors in the top photo, circa 1930 (it is unknown what or who is being "hung" in the photo). The Orpheum was still packing people in for shows featuring Fred Astaire in the lower photo, circa 1950. However, competition from an increasingly suburbanizing public would soon spell doom to the downtown theaters, including the Orpheum. Television and drive-ins also hurt downtown movie business.Out with the old, in with the new. This picture says it all. The First National Bank of Denver (621 17th Street) rises into the sky as one of Denver's earliest skyscrapers in this photo circa 1957. This building would become familiar to people around the world in the 1980s show Dynasty. It was one of the buildings shown in the opening credits to that show. Off to the side in this picture, the Orpheum awaits its fate, brought down by progress a decade later.It's miraculous that the rest of Block 162 has remained intact up to this point. But now with the redevlopment of the block underway, only the McClintock and the Steel Building will remain. I think we should at least let the Fontius name remain. The Orpheum, Standish and Republic Hotel names will continue to fade away. However, the Steel/Fontius building will be made shiny again. Hopefully, the Fontius name will stick around and not soon be forgotten.All historic photos are from the Denver Public Library's Western History Collection. Some of the hyperlinks above direct you to DenverInfill.com to view present day photos and maps of Downtown Denver.

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Cape Cod Chef's Table Extraordinary Recipes From Buzzards Bay To Provincetown Cape Cod, Massachusetts is, roughly, a 70-mile peninsula divided into 15 towns. It is one of the furthermost points of land in the eastern US, with its hooked arm jutting out 40 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the towns date back to the 1600s, and each has its own unique personality, history, and gastronomic adventure. Over the past several years, Cape Cod’s culinary landscape has evolved. Yes, there are still the delicious fried clams, fresh broiled or grilled fish, and lobster rolls that have always been favorites, but many of today’s chefs are reinventing these traditional foods with a slightly different twist. The huge resurgence and interest in organic and local farming in many parts of our country has also reached the Cape, and chefs here are connecting with farmers and growers and using many of their products. Today’s Cape presents a thriving and unique culinary landscape and Cape Cod Chef’s Table gives readers, locals, and visitors a new perspective on this culinary scene. With recipes for the home cook from the Cape’s celebrated eateries and purveyors along with beautiful full-color photos, Cape Cod Chef's Table is the ultimate gift and keepsake cookbook. About Carafoli, John F. John F. Carafoli is an internationally known food stylist, consultant, and food writer. He wrote the seminal book Food Photography and Styling and two children’s cookbooks, Look Who’s Cooking and The Cookie Cookbook. He has been published in the New York Times and Gastronomica. He presented papers at the prestigious Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery in England and organized the biannual International Conference on Food Styling and Photography at Boston University. Currently he is working on a historical, American-Italian, emergent cookbook. He has written a quarterly feature “In Carafoli’s Kitchen” for the magazine Edible Cape Cod, and won an Eddy award for the best use of recipes in an article. Carafoli has also been featured on the Food Network and NPR. Foodie Snob Nelson, Kevin Good Food--Fast! Roberts, Jason Florida Keys & Key West Chef's Table Shearer, Victoria Hudson Valley Chef's Table Sexton, Julia Baltimore Chef's Table Patterson, Kathryn Wielech Providence & Rhode Island Chef's Table Beaulieu, Linda

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Sustrans Sustrans makes smarter travel choices possible, desirable and inevitable. We're a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. We work with families, communities, policy-makers and partner organisations so that people are able to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys, with better places and spaces to move through and live in. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ A Rocha A Rocha UK is a Christian charity working for the protection and restoration of the natural world, both as a response to the biblical mandate to care for the earth, and as a demonstration of the Christian hope for God’s world. They do this through practical involvement in nature conservation projects and ecological research, by campaigning on biodiversity issues, and by engaging with churches, schools, communities and individuals. www.arocha.org.uk ACTSA Scotland ACTSA Scotland was formed in December 1994 as the Scottish Section of the national organisation Action for Southern Africa and works to develop solidarity between Scotland and all the states of the Southern Africa Development Community. As the successor organisation to the Scottish Anti-Apartheid Movement our closest links are with South Africa and in particular with the Eastern Cape Province with which Scotland has had a particularly strong historic connection. www.actsascotland.org.uk Airport Watch AirportWatch is an umbrella movement uniting the national environmental organisations, airport community groups, and individuals opposed to unsustainable aviation expansion, and its damaging environmental effects, including climate change and noise. It aims to oppose any expansion of aviation and airports likely to damage the human or natural environment. www.airportwatch.org.uk All We Can All We Can, the Methodist relief and development partner, helps people in some of the world’s poorest communities to become all that they can, by investing in partnerships that improve quality of life and create positive, long-term change for individuals, families and nations. www.allwecan.org.uk Artists Project Earth Artists Project Earth has funded over 300 projects and awareness raising initiatives around the world that combat climate change and develop local resilience and solutions to climate injustice – and gives emergency funding for natural disaster relief. Artists Project Earth in collaboration with international musicians has produced three ‘Rhythms Del Mundo’ fundraising albums to date. www.apeuk.org Association for the Conservation of Energy ACE aims to reduce overall energy demand to ensure a secure and sustainable energy future. Through our lobbying, campaigning and research we help to achieve sensible and consistent policy, legislation and targets. ACE works to raise a positive awareness of energy conservation and encourage increased investment in energy saving measures. www.ukace.org Baldernock Community Council We are a small parish of around 280 households 7 miles north of Glasgow. Our closest town is Milngavie and we are a largely dispersed rural community but include the villages of Bardowie and Balmore. We have a thriving playgroup and primary school, a church and we are home to the Balmore Trust, a charity. We were lucky enough to secure Climate Challenge Funding and ran a project which ended in March 2011. We carried out energy surveys and held awareness-raising events and think there has been a lasting positive effect. We were the first Community Council to join SCCS. Big Green Jewish Big Green Jewish brings together a range of Jewish organisations to work towards a more sustainable future and use of our precious earth’s resources. We do this by providing educational resources linking Jewish teaching with contemporary environmental topics, such as our edible garden and carbon ration resources. We also share materials and campaign information, including SCC campaigns, with our supporters and run activities for young people and adults at synagogues and schools. www.biggreenjewish.org British Humanist Association Humanists for a Better World (www.h4bw.org.uk) is a "special interest" sub-group, run by volunteers and mainly web-based, of the British Humanist Association (www.humanism.org.uk), the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. www.humanism.org.uk Pages1

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15 Best Largest Temples In India By Hayati | India boasts some of the world’s largest temples. Let’s check out 15 of them. 1. Meenakshi Amman Temple In Madurai: In the beautiful temple city of Madurai, Meenakshi Amman temple stands 170 feet tall and has 14 gopurams. This magnificent temple is also known as MeenakshiSundareswarar Temple which are alternate names of Parvati and Shiva respectively. Madurai, the temple city came to existence 25,000 years back with this holy structure. Over the shrine of the deities, there are two golden structured vimanas installed. As per statistics, it is said that 15,000 visitors visit the temple everyday an on Fridays, the number exceeds to 25,000. The temple is known for its 30,000 sculptures. 2. ThillaiNatarajah Temple At Chidambaram: ThillaiNatarajah Temple at Chidambaram, in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the largest temples in India. Since 12th century, ThillaiKoothan or Natarajh has been the presiding deity of the temple. The temple was the beginning of all Saivite temples. Chidambaram represents one of the five classical elements called Aakash(aether) which is known as the PanchaBoothaSthalams. The temple celebrates many different festivals throughout the year. 3. Brihadeeswarar Temple In Thanjavur: The Brihadeeswarar temple in Thanjavur is one of the largest temples in India built by emperor Raja RajaChola I in 1010 AD. The prime deity of the Brihadeeswar temple is Lord Shiva. It also has the idols for Ashta-dipaalakas or guardians of the directions such as Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirrti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and Isana. A big statue of Nandi or sacred bull carved out of a single rock is present at the entrance of the temple. 4. Angkor Wat In Cambodia: Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. It transformed into a Buddhist temple by the end of 12th century. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the best preserved temples of India. It is a Khmer classic architectural style beauty and has a symbol of Cambodia appearing on its national flag. The temple is known for its grandeur, extreme bas-reliefs and numerous devataras adorning its walls. 5. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple In Srirangam: Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is situated in Srirangam and is one of the largest functioning temples in India. It is enclosed by seven concentric walls or prakarams and have 21 enclosed gopurams. It has 49 shrines, all dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The entire temple is not used for religious purposes though. Out of seven concentric walls, three are used for private commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels, residential homes and more. 6. Belur Math In Kolkata: Belur Math is located on the west banks of Hooghly River in Belur, just in the outskirts from the city of Kolkata which is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission founded by Swami Vivekananda, one of the chief disciples of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is notable for its architecture which fuses Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs as a symbol of unity among all religions. 7. Nellaiappar Temple In Tirunelveli: Nellaiappar temple or Arulmigu Swami Nellaiappar and ArultharumKanthimathi temple is located in the ancient city of Tirunelveli. It was built around 3000 years ago and is known for its musical pillars and other brilliant sculptural splendours. It was built by Muluthukanda Rama Pandiyan and has SomavaraMandapam which is 1000 pillared hall. The temple hosts the oldest car festival in the world. 8. Annamalaiyar Temple In Thiruvannamalai: Annamalaiyar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Annamalai hills in the city of Thiruvannamalai. It is considered as the second largest temple in terms of area used for religious purposes. On its four sides, it has four stately towers and four high stone walls just like the rampart walls of a fort. It has a Rajagopuram which is an eleven tiered highest eastern tower. The temple has fortified walls pierced with four gopura entrances. 9. Sripuram Golden Temple In Vellore: Sripuram Golden temple is a spiritual park located at the foot of a small range of green hills in a small town called Malaikodi in the city of Vellore. It is situated at the southern end of Vellore, a place called Tirumalaikodi. The golden temple of Sripuram is the Laxmi Narayan temple or Mahalakshmi temple whose ‘Vimanam’ and ‘ArdhaMandapam’ are coated with gold both inside and outside. 10. Jagannath Temple In Puri: Sri Jagannath temple is located in the coastal town of Puri and is a very famous Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath or Lord Vishnu. It is an important pilgrimage for the Hindus as it falls under the Char Dham pilgrimage spots. It was built in the 12th century and the presiding deities are the central forms of Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra along with goddess Subhadra. The temple’s annual RathYatra or Chariot festival is hugely popular. See More: List Of Mosques In India 11. Jambukeswarar Temple In Thiruvanaikaval: Jambukeswarar temple or Thiruvanaikaval temple is located in Tiruchirapalli and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built around 1,800 years ago by one of the early Cholas, Kocengannan. It is one of the major Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu which represent the Mahabhuta or five elements and particularly, this temple resembles neer or water. 12. VaitheeswaranKoli Temple In Sirkazhi: VaitheeswaranKoli temple is situated 7 kms away from the city or Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran or the God of healing or medicine. It is one of the nine Navagraha or nine planets temples associated with the planet Mars. A holy dip in the holy waters of Siddhamirtham tank which contains nectar is said to cure all diseases. 13. Birla Mandir In Delhi: Birla Mandir is located in the capital city of the country, Delhi. It is also known as Laxminarayan temple and is dedicated to the same Goddess. It is built in the honor of Goddess Lakshmi or the Goddess of wealth and her consort Narayana or Vishnu. It was built in 1622 and renovated in 1793. It is known to have been accredited by Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. He made a rule to allow an entry to the temple irrespective of religion. See More: Famous Churches In India 14. Akshardham In Delhi: Delhi Akshardham or SwaminarayanAkshardham is located in the capital of India, Delhi. The temple complex displays the array or traditional Indian and Hindu culture spirituality and architecture. The temple was officially inaugurated in 2005 by Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam. It rises 43 m high, spans 316 foot wide and extends 109 m tall. 15. TiruvarurThyagarajaswamy Temple in Tiruvarur: Sri Thyagarajaswamy temple is located in Tiruvarur and is ancient. It is dedicated to Somaskanda aspect of Lord Shiva. Shrines dedicated to Vanmikanthar, Tyagarajar and Kamaalamba are found in the temple complex which covers an area of 20 acres alone. It has a temple tank called Kamalalayam covering 25 acres which is one of the largest in India. The temple chariot is the largest in the state of Tamil Nadu. See More: Oldest Temples In India Images Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Related Items ← Previous Story 9 Best Skin Exfoliators Next Story → 9 Best Temples In Pune Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. 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Crosby Ebanks The evolution of Stingray City as a world-renowned attraction in the Cayman Islands is said to owe its beginnings to the work of Captain Crosby Ebanks in feeding and taming the southern stingrays around the sandbar. In 1960 Crosby Ebanks started Captain Crosby's Watersports to provide the growing number of tourists visiting Grand Cayman with opportunities to enjoy snorkelling and fishing trips around the island's pristine waters. He recalls that on frequent trips to the sandbar with visitors, he noticed that many would opt to stay on the boat, afraid of getting too close to the stingrays found in abundance in the shallow waters. Tired of constantly moving the boat to anchor away from the stingrays, Capt. Crosby told himself he had to do "something" that would enable people to feel comfortable around the stingrays. That "something" was six and a half months of skin diving with the rays and feeding them until they eventually became friendly enough to interact with and eagerly accept food from humans. Today, the unique and enjoyable experience of swimming with and feeding stingrays at Stingray City is a must-do for the thousands of curious tourists and residents who visit each year. A passion for the sea and boating skills learnt from a young age have enabled Captain Crosby to maintain his watersports business in continuous operation for over 50 years. Like most Caymanian young men of his day, he honed his skills fishing and boating on the waters around Grand Cayman and in fact recalls owning his first boat from around age 16 and working from age seven - making thatch rope and fishing - to assist his parents and six siblings. Born on 15 June 1931, Captain Crosby went to sea, in keeping with the traditional employment available after leaving school. He was a seaman from 1954 to 1956 and also found work as a turtle fisherman around the Nicaraguan coast, soon after leaving school. Captain Crosby, father of six, is also known as one of the finest catboat builders on Grand Cayman. A member of the Catboat Club, he regularly participates in racing the elegant and traditional catboats in regattas around Grand Cayman.

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Exploring (and not ghost hunting) the Somerset East Museum I struggle to pass by a small town museum if I have time on hand and time on hand I had the last time I visited the Karoo Heartland town of Somerset East. I immediately headed up to the Somerset East Museum standing in the shadow of the Boschberg Mountain at the top end of Beaufort Street. I've been here before but it's been a few years so I decided another visit was in order. The Somerset East Museum is also known as the Old Parsonage Museum as the building used to be the parsonage for the local NG Kerk. Shortly after Somerset East was establishment in 1825, land on the slopes of the Boschberg Mountain was given to the Wesleyan missionaries for a chapel and graveyard. The chapel was completed and consecrated in 1828, but a few years later the building and surrounding land were transferred to the Dutch Reformed Church. In 1835 the chapel was converted into a parsonage and it was used as such for the next 105 years. In 1971 the building was made available as a museum and opened in 1975 when the town celebrated its 150th anniversary. I was met at the door by Keridwyn Frieslaar who has worked at the museum for over 20 years. She took me on a tour of the old house which has been laid out and furnished as it would have been back in the 1800's. The museum doesn't just have a very impressive collection of furniture and artifacts, it also has, or so they say, two ghosts. The first is said to be a Dominee (minister) and a number of people have reported seeing him sit behind the desk in the study. I did check the photo (in the collage above) but there is no sign of him. The second ghost belongs to a little boy who has been seen running around or just standing in a corner with a sad expression. Keridwyn showed me a gravestone under the floorboards in the lounge that belong the the infant son of a Pastor that was buried there (in the collage below). Him I also didn't see. I'll just say that I wouldn't want to spend a night in this building if I was given a choice. The museum's exhibit isn't just confined to the inside of the building. Around the building there are a number of interesting objects and sights (and sites). Behind the museum is an old Settlers grave yard with graves dating back to the early 1800's while down a path on the right of the building is the grave of Ma'Dora. Dora Jacobs died at the age of 122 and was unofficially the oldest person in the world at the time. The Guinness Book of World Records never recognised her as the oldest person because three authenticated documents were required as proof of age. Not something that was easy to come by when Ma'Dora was born in a village in the Eastern Cape on 6 May1880. The museum has a very informative exhibit about the Slagtersnek Rebellion and hanging (which I posted about recently) in an upstairs room. The exhibit contains the original beam that was used to hang the five men from in 1816 before it was used as support beam in a pigsty and where it was found in the 1940's. I had a look at the visitors' book when I signed it and it is sad to see how few people actually visit this magnificent museum. It is essential that everybody in the town promote the museum, especially the guesthouses and B&B's. Between this museum and the Walter Battiss Art Museum, Somerset East really has something for every history buff and culture vulture (and those who don't see themselves as such) that visit and there really shouldn't be an excuse not to pop in with at least one of the two if you have some time on hand as I did. On my next visit back in town I may just come a ghost hunting. Now where did I leave my Electro-magnetic field detector? Eastern Cape, Karoo, Somerset East, South Africa An Anglo Boer War lookout near Springfontein About 35 clicks north of the Gariep Dam just off the N1 towards Bloemfontein stand a blockhouse looking out over the surrounding landscape. Most passing motorists probably don't even notice it but the fact that there is a Geocache located there has put it on my radar. On the previous two road trips north I just looked up at it in passing, but on my last trip to Johannesburg I decided to pull over and make my way up for a closer look. The blockhouse is located near the town of Springfontein and dates back to the Anglo Boer War (1899 - 1902). It was used by the British to keep an eye out for advancing Boer forces. This was one of about 8 000 such blockhouses built around the country during the war. A blockhouse such as this would have had seven soldiers stationed there for periods of about three months at a time. As nothing happened most days it would probably have been a very boring job being based there. Springfontein played a very big role in the war. It was the site of the largest field hospital in the southern hemisphere as well as a concentration camp that held nearly 3000 Boer women and children. Its also where the railway lines from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London came together and thus of vital strategic importance. I didn't have a lot of time to spend there that day as I still had a long drive ahead, but I can imagine that just sitting there in silence taking in the view and the environment would be a relaxing experience on its own. Perhaps propping one self up against the stone wall in the shade with a good book is just what the doctor ordered. Just not in the middle of summer. Trompsburg, South Africa Walter Battiss Art Gallery - the home of Fook Island The Karoo Heartland town of Somerset East is a place full of interesting and quirky attractions. One of them is the Walter Battiss Art Gallery which also houses the local tourism information office. Battiss (6 January 1906 – 20 August 1982) was generally considered to be the foremost South African abstract painter but is probably equally as famous as the creator of the quirky Fook Island. Fook Island was Battiss' "island of the imagination" for which he created a map, imaginary people, plants, animals, a history as well as a set of postage stamps, currency, passports and driver's licences. He also created a Fookian language with a full alphabet. Apparently Battiss, or "King Ferd the Third", even traveled internationally using his Fookian passport. You will have to make a little pilgrimage to Fook Island... I mean Somerset East, to see if you can perhaps find some signs of this place of wonder. Posted by Madiba gazing over Bloem Naval Hill in Bloemfontein has always been a beacon in the Free State capitol and known for the magnificent views of the surrounding city. In 2012 an eight meter tall bronze sculpture, made by the same sculptor as the one standing in Mandela Square in Sandton, was revealed. Last year during the #MeetSouthAfrica bloggers trip before Indaba, the one group spent a night in Bloem and visited Naval Hill at sunset. The pictures they posted were stunning. I also got to spend a night in Bloem on my way to Jozi earlier in the year and wanted to do the same. Unfortunately it was cloudy which meant the sunset wasn't going to be as spectacular and I decided not to stick around, but sharing the view with Madiba was still special. Posted by Bloemfontein, Free State, Naval Hill, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa The Settlers Family in Grahamstown Grahamstown has two monuments to the 1820 British Settlers on top of Gun Fire Hill overlooking the town. The most prominent is the Settlers Monument building, heart of the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, with its huge auditorium. I prefer the second one a few hundred meters away from the building a lot more. It depicts a British Settler family as they arrived on our shores. When I look at it I can actually hear the little girl ask her mother if this is their new home now. Standing there looking at the monument I wondered how many people would be able to give me a correct answer if I had to ask them what year the 1820 British Settlers arrived in Algoa Bay... Frontier Country, Grahamstown, Grahamstown, Grahamstown, 6139, South Africa Three Karoo Heartland icons Three Karoo Heartland icons, all in one picture. Big open sky, Karoo koppies (in this case Koffiebus and Teebus outside Steynsburg) and the good ol' reliable Windpomp. skywatch, Burgersdorp, South Africa Vrystaatse Vlaktes I have come to love the wide open spaces of the Karoo Heartland in the Eastern Cape but just haven't been able to get used to the, what we call in Afrikaans, Vrystaatse vlaktes. Vrystaat is the Afrikaans name for the Free State, South Africa's central province while vlaktes is an very descriptive Afrikaans work for wide open spaces stretching for miles. The wide open spaces, or vlaktes, of the Free State is very different from that of the Karoo Heartland. Driving along the roads of the central and southern Free State you often feel like you are in the middle of nowhere where nothing grows about knee high. I'm not insulting the Free State, please don't get me wrong. I'm just saying that, like with wine, I just haven't been able to get used to it. I found the most beautiful Afrikaans poem called the Vrystaatse Vlaktes in die Somer just to make up for it in case somebody feels insulted. The picture was taken just off the N1 in the southern Free State about 50 kilometers north of the Gariep Dam. I haven't participated in Skywatch Friday for a very long time and I think it's time I start sharing our beautiful South African skies on a regular basis on it again. Remembering the Slagtersnek hangings If you are flying along in a northerly direction through the Karoo Heartland on the N10, the main drag between Port Elizabeth and Cradock, do slow down a bit after you pass the first turnoff to Somerset East and keep a look out on the right hand side of the road for a cenotaph like monument. Once spotted, do pull over and have a look as this is a very significant spot in the early history of the area. I'm not going to relate the whole story here, but you can go and read the whole article about Slachter's Nek on the Somerset East website. In short, the story is about a violent Boer uprising in the area late in 1815. After most of those involved either surrendered or were arrested, they were charged and either cleared, imprisoned or banished. Five were sentenced to death by public hanging at Van Aardtspos on 9 March 1816. The hangman never realised that there were five to be hanged so old rope was used. Four of the five ropes broke and Landdrost Jacob Culyer (of the Uitenhage district) ordered that they be hanged a second time, this time one by one. The monument contains the names of the five that was hanged as well as the Bezuidenhout brothers, who were whole reason the uprising started. Another interesting link to Slagternek can be found in the Somerset East Museum in town. The original beam that was used for the hanging is on display in one of the upstairs rooms. After the hanging the beam was used as a support beam in a farmer's pigsty where it was found in the late 1940's and taken to the Voortrekker Monument. In 1989 it landed up in the Cape Town Historical Museum before it was eventually returned to Somerset East. Posted by The Windpomp The windpomp is one of the icons of the Karoo Heartland and as part of the landscape as Karoo koppies, sheep and Angora goats and a good ol' farm gate. But have you ever wondered where the windpomp came from and how long they've been around? The first windpumps were used to pump water since at least the 9th century in what is now Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. They later became widespread across the Muslim world and also spread to China and India. From the Middle Ages onward windmills were used extensively in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and parts of Great Britain, to drain land for agricultural or building purposes. Records show that windpompe were used in South Africa from 1869, although the earliest evidence of a windpump in the country comes from a painting drawn in 1848. These first South African windpompe were all wooden constructions with the first all steel windpump being patented in England in 1855. The first imported windpomp came to South Africa in 1874 and was a Standard Halliday that was erected on the farm of Mr P.J. du Toit in the Hopetown District. The windpomp in the picture stands next to the road between Cradock and Middelburg in the Eastern Cape. Somerset East's whiskey bar in a church I'm not much of a drinker preferring to do the sacrilegious thing of making beer shandy by throwing lemonade into a perfectly good beer. But I am known to enjoy a good beer or wine tasting so it shouldn't come as a huge surprise that I'm doing a post on a place where you can do a spot of whiskey tasting. As long as I only need to taste. But this isn't sommer any place, it's a whiskey bar inside a church and can be found at Angler and Antelope Guesthouse in the Karoo Heartland town of Somerset East. The church building is the town's original Roman Catholic church building and was built in 1906. Named after St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, the church was built with funds raised by local Catholics and aided by contributions from the Catholic Diocese of Port Elizabeth. The presbytery next to the church was built for the first priest of the congregation in 1925 and is used as the guesthouse's family cottage today. The last Roman Catholic priest to serve in St Francis was Father Michael Scully. He used to ride around town on his bicycle and was always willing to help others, especially if you happened to have a spot of Irish Whiskey in the house. I'm sure if Father Scully was still around he would give the pub with its collection of over sixty malt whiskeys his blessing. The pub isn't open to the public so if you want to try it out you will have to book into Angler and Antelope or at least make a special arrangement with owner Alan Hobson. Just for interest sake, Father Scully grew his congregation in Somerset East during his time here to such an extent, that they outgrew the little church of St Francis. A second church was built in Paulet Street, but this soon became too small as well. The new Roman Catholic Church in Beaufort Street was built, but sadly Father Scully died in February 1997 at the ripe old age of 80, and did not see its completion. Thanks to Angler and Antelope for the historic information added to this post. Hofmeyr's pink church Most Karoo towns have a historic church with a church tower that keeps an eye out over it. The Karoo Heartland town of Hofmeyr is no different... or perhaps it is. Why? Because it has a pink church tower standing out above the town. The Dutch Reformed Church in Hofmeyr was built in 1875 and at some stage went pink. It definitely didn't go pink for breast cancer awareness because it happened way before that but whatever the reason it looks very cool. Hofmeyr, Hofmeyr, Hofmeyr, 5930, South Africa Exploring (and not ghost hunting) the Somerset Eas... Walter Battiss Art Gallery - the home of Fook Isla...

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Old boats near El Nido's coastline, Palawan, Philippines Evgeny Efimov Copyright: Evgeny Efimov Tags: el nido; beach; palawan; philippines; 2010 More About Philippines The World : Asia : Philippines The Philippines are an archipelago of more than seven thousand islands off the southeast coast of Asia. Only half of these islands have been named and roughly one thousand are inhabited. Look at how beautiful they are! People first arrived here from the mainland around 25,000 B.C. by crossing a land bridge which existed at the time.The name comes from Ferdinand Magellan of Portugal, who explored the Philippines in 1521. He claimed them in service of Spain, naming them after Prince Philip. Spain controlled the Philippines for the next 350 years until the Philippine Revolution of 1896.Here's a picture of Fort Santiago, where the national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned prior to his execution. He was a poet and novelist who supported peaceful reform, rather than violent revolution, against the Spanish government.This is one of poems in which he describes the creation of the world, as a gift to his mother:"Say they that tell of the world, the first dawn of the sun, the first kiss that his bosom inflamed, when thousands of beings surged out of nothing, and peopled the depths, and to the heights mounted, to wherever his fecund kiss was implanted"Violent revolution broke out anyway and the Philippines changed hands from Spanish, to American, to Japanese control over the next fifty years. Following World War Two they finally became an independent republic.Back to the beautiful ocean! You can dream about the Cafe Del Mar resort next time you find your screen saver kicking in when you're still sitting at the desk staring blankly. There's a series of DJ mixes with this title but I don't know if it refers to the same place. I would not be surprised.Annnnd to really get you buying your plane tickets...the sunset over Borocay White Beach!Text by Steve Smith.

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Paragliding from Coronet Peak / Stories / How Queenstown Became the Adventure Capital of the World Article / Adventure / Culture & Heritage How Queenstown Became the Adventure Capital of the World Queenstown, NZ / 7 Min Read Queenstown was carved out of the land by glaciers, rivers and lakes, but it has been shaped by innovative adventurers and entrepreneurs drawn to the region from all over the world to make this place home. Thanks to generations of daring and determined people, Queenstown is a diverse adventure playground, easily accessed by visitors from around the globe. But it wasn’t always so. Before the ease of travel we now take for granted, getting to Queenstown was an adventure in itself – often an incredibly difficult one. For centuries, Maori had forged trails through the region for seasonal hunting prospects and prized pounamu (greenstone). However, early attempts to reach Lake Wakatipu by European adventurers failed miserably until Maori chief Reko guided the first party to the shores of Lake Wakatipu in 1856. Once an access way was established, the first pioneers of the district quickly followed, looking for fertile pastureland and soil for farming. Queenstown delivered, but at a price. Lake Wakatipu and the wide, rapid rivers it linked with claimed the lives of many who tried to cross. Back on land, steep mountains, flash floods and heavy snow were just a few of nature’s hardships these sturdy settlers had to overcome. Follow in the footsteps of Queenstown's adventurous pioneers and pan for gold in the Arrow Follow in the footsteps of Queenstown's adventurous pioneers and pan for gold in the Arrow When gold was discovered in 1862 more adventurous souls descended on Queenstown. Mining life was not only brutal, it was also often fatal. These men and women needed great determination and courage to survive in basic living conditions, in generally remote and difficult to reach places. Along with the tough geography of the land, they had to contend with mud, floods, ice and snow. Infants were often transported in gin cases slung over the backs of packhorses, with one child swinging on each side as the animal picked its way across sheer, narrow mountain trails. When the gold ran out, many of these intrepid pioneers created other means of income to ensure they could stay on and raise families. The first miners embarked on incredible journeys over cliffs and mountains to reach quartz reefs. For farmers, mountain climbing was simply part of living and working on high country stations. It was only when the Reverend W.S. Green attempted to ascend Mt Earnslaw in March 1882 that mountaineering officially became a sought-after adventure sport in Queenstown.Eight years after the Reverend Green’s unsuccessful attempt, the honour of conquering Mt Earnslaw went to well-known Glenorchy guide Harry Birley. Harry built a large cairn of rocks at its peak which concealed a bottle of Irish Moss with a bent shilling inside. Unfortunately for Harry, many locals did not believe he had made it, but he was vindicated two years later with the next successful ascent, when brothers Malcolm and Kenneth Ross retrieved the shilling. More than a hundred years later, thousands of mountaineers, rock climbers, abseillers and canyoners have since had the chance to explore and conquer Queenstown’s valleys and peaks. The Dart River is a jet boating paradise By the turn of the 20th century it was the region’s many walking and hiking trails that were creating the summer demand for adventure tourism. Visitors would arrive from all over New Zealand, and the world, to experience the unique landscapes, to earn the glorious views from nearby hills and surrounding mountain peaks, or to walk remote hiking gems such as the Milford, Routeburn or Hollyford tracks. Today, many of these trails are also enjoyed by cyclists, mountain bikers and marathon runners.Queenstown eventually became a more accessible year-round destination thanks to the invention of motor cars and fixed wing planes. When tourism pioneer and ski enthusiast Sir Henry Wigley invented a special ski-plane in the 1950s, he created a market for private backcountry snow experiences – a service now offered by helicopter. A few years prior to this, in 1947, Sir Henry had also helped his good friend and inventor Sir William (Bill) Hamilton install the very first rope ski tow at Coronet Peak, creating the country’s first commercial ski resort and firmly establishing Queenstown as a winter destination. Water adventures have expanded to include kayaking, white water rafting, river surfing and sledging. Bill Hamilton can also take the credit for inventing another adventure activity that Queenstown is now famous for: jet boating. Originally developed to give him the ability to travel up the shallow braided rivers that crossed his farm, his unique water jet propulsion design allowed his boats to travel at high speeds in shallow waters that were previously inaccessible using conventional propeller-driven craft. By 1960, commercial jet boats were thrilling tourists up and down the Shotover and Kawarau rivers. When commercial white water rafting followed in 1974, the rivers that had once made life hazardous for early settlers began providing adrenalin-filled adventures for thousands of visitors. Today, these water adventures have expanded to include kayaking, white water rafting, river surfing and sledging. Over on Lake Wakatipu, visitors can also experience kite skiing, parasailing, or even diving beneath the water in the world’s first commercial Seabreachers. The AJ Hackett Bungy off the Kawarau Bridge is the original thrill-seekers' adventure The AJ Hackett Bungy off the Kawarau Bridge is the original thrill-seekers' adventure Possibly the most famous Queenstown world first is the commercial Bungy operation that launched on 12th November 1988, at the historic Kawarau Bridge. Initially considered to be a passing fad by many locals, the bungy jump quickly became an international phenomenon – and an essential Queenstown initiation rite for thousands of visitors every year. In turn, the bungy has inspired more world-first, gravity-defying adventures such as canyon swings and zip rides, each one complementing the natural landscape they are set in.Queenstown is also the birthplace of tandem paragliding, pioneered by the late Bruce Grant. The sport was launched commercially in 1990, along with freefall photography. In fact, some of the finest views of this stunning area are now enjoyed from the sky. Admiring visitors can look up towards the mountains and see equally spellbound paragliders, hang gliders and skydivers gazing back down. Arguably, any one of the adventure activities on offer in Queenstown would be enough for most... For those who prefer to remain seated, the Skyline Gondola also offers amazing views over Queenstown. Built in 1968, it’s the steepest gondola ride in the Southern Hemisphere, which is a decent adrenalin rush for most people. But if that isn’t enough, the luge ride at the top should do the trick. Arguably, any one of the adventure activities on offer in Queenstown would be enough for most, but in September 2014 Kiwi adventure sportsman Chuck Berry became the first person to complete the newly-launched 5X1NZ adrenalin adventure, which covers five iconic local adventure activities in a day: skydiving, snowboarding, mountain biking, bungy jumping and jet boating! Downhill mountain biking at Cardrona is an adventurous summer pursuit The wave of interest in adventure has created an environment for other innovators and entrepreneurs to follow in the wake of early pioneers, further reinforcing Queenstown’s reputation as “The Adventure Capital of the World”.Today, the rough and often steep and winding trails, previously traversed by wagons, packhorses and feet, are exhilarating backcountry 4-wheel drive and mountain biking adventures. Remote peaks that once took days or weeks to climb are now just a helicopter ride away.But the intrepid energy of the daring adventurers and entrepreneurs who have passed through over the centuries is still palpable wherever you go in Queenstown. It’s in the rugged mountains, the green valleys, the dusky plains and the sparkling turquoise waters. It’s in the people who call this amazing place home. End / Share: Queenstown’s Pioneering Beginnings Māori legend, early European history, and the 1860's gold rush. Queenstown’s history is as remarkable as the mountain range it is famous for. Read More 14 Min Read History of Skiing and Snowboarding Skiing was first introduced to Queenstown in the 1860's as a way of transport, in 1947 it became home to the first commercial ski field in NZ, Coronet Peak. Read More 5 Min Read Must Do's for an Epic Week in Queenstown Adventure is your middle name. You love travelling and meeting new people. This 7-day itinerary will help you enjoy epic adventures Queenstown and tick some items off your bucket list. Read More 4 Min Read Air Adventures Challenge Yourself in Queenstown Rafting rapids, jumping out of planes or heli-skiing for the first time, challenge yourself and experience more in a day than most do in a lifetime. Read More 2 Min Read

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StyleCelebrate the Derby and Cinco de Mayo With Dueling CocktailsFriday May 4, 2012 PRINT The margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the U.S., and there's no better time to enjoy one than on Cinco de Mayo, which this year is also Derby Day. Celebrate both events with dueling cocktails!Perhaps part of the margarita's popularity is due to just how easy it is to make - it's simply a combination of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. But of course, to mix a truly delicious and enjoyable margarita, the quality of the ingredients makes all the difference. In addition to choosing a top-quality, 100-percent agave tequila, don't overlook the equally important orange liqueur. "If you're making a margarita, then naturally you'll want to use an authentic orange liqueur that's produced and bottled in Mexico," says Francisco Alcaraz, Patrón tequila's master distiller. "We created Patrón Citrónge to mix beautifully with Patrón tequila for margaritas and any number of other premium cocktails."Patrón Citrónge is characterized by its clear, bright color, and aroma of fresh, mature blend of sweet and bitter orange with floral notes. With its crisp and fresh orange flavor, Patrón Citrónge not only mixes perfectly in margaritas, martinis and other cocktails, it also adds a distinctive flavor to gourmet cooking recipes, sauces and desserts. So for Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo, whip up a batch of Patrón Julep cocktails - and watch the horses fly.Patrón JulepPatrón Silver 1 1/2 oz Apple juice 3 1/4 oz Mint leaves 12 Freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 LemonadeSprig of mint for garnishMuddle mint in a collins glass with lime juice and apple juice. Fill glass with ice, add Patrón Silver, then top with lemonade and stir. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.____________________________________________________________________________ Patrón Perfect MargaritaPatrón Silver 1 1/2 oz.Patrón Citrónge 1/2 oz.Orange juice 1/2 juice of a small lemonSweet and sour mixLime wheel for garnishMethodIn a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add all of the ingredients and shake well so that to have an even mixture. Pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.____________________________________________________________________________Patrón Passion TiniPatrón Añejo 1 oz.Passion fruit syrup 1/2 oz.2 lemon squeezesSimple syrup 1/4 oz.Lemon corkscrew for garnishMethodCombine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon corkscrew.____________________________________________________________________________Related Topics: alcohol| Holiday| holiday spirits| host hostess gift| cocktails Related StoriesOver the Cherry Moon Cocktails for the Kentucky DerbyFOOD/DRINK | May 5This year’s Kentucky Derby coincides with the launch of Grey Goose Cherry Noir, a masterful blend of Grey Goose vodka and the finest cherries handpicked in French Basque Country.Cinco de Mayo (Rum and Vodka) CocktailsFOOD/DRINK | May 4With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, party hosts are stocking up on tequila to mix up traditional margaritas. While many are excited for Cinco de Mayo soirees - it might be hard to believe but not everyone is a tequila fan.Organic Earth Day CocktailFOOD/DRINK | Apr 21As we celebrate the 42nd annual Earth Day, we’re reminded to reduce, reuse and recycle as a team effort to protect the planet. So what better way to celebrate than to concoct an organic cocktail with fresh fruit?Win Free Stuff! "Billy Porter Presents The Soul of Richard Rodgers" on CD! Scams Push Foreclosure Fraud to Limit, Taking Victims' Homes Spring Cleaning :: Help is On the Way Rural Electric Drivers Face 'Range Anxiety' Summer 2017 Bucket List: WorldPride in Madrid

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Morgan County Ohio Ghosts and Hauntings Twin City Opera House 15 West Main Street On the Village Square McConnelsville, OH 43756 39.648985,-81.853493 Ghosts have been seen and heard within this building that had its debut as an opera house in 1892. A ghostly usher still walks the building and the sing-song voices of women linger in the hallways. Morgan County Court House 37 E Main Street McConnelsville, OH 43756 39.64889,-81.852723 A streak of bad luck and death seemed to follow those who came into contact with a gun and those who held claim to it. What does that have to do with the court house? An attorney who discovered the gun in the courthouse safe shot himself with it in the early 1900s. His ghost walks this same building where he took his life. View Morgan County, Ohio Ghosts and Haunting in a larger map Copyright © 2000-2017 Haunted Hocking-Heart of Hocking-Discover the wilder side of Ohio. The information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge. Ohio State Park hiking trails are closed from dusk to dawn. Don't ghost hunt in the park after hours and please don't go off the trails.

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Harrods Written by Ayesha Khan E-mail| Print | Bookmark Added: 01.10.2013, 19:21 Harrods is known the world over as the purveyor of all things for all people, everywhere. Encompassing seven floors across 1.8 hectares, over 15 million customers pass through its doors each year. The iconic Knightsbridge store was first established in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod, a grocer and tea merchant, in a single room with two assistants and a messenger boy. The tea counter soon made £200 per week, and today Harrods stocks 165 teas, including the most expensive on earth. Operating from a smaller store in the current location since the early 1850s, Harrod started to acquire neighbouring shops and in 1861 sold the store to his son, Charles Digby Harrod, who further expanded both the store and the range of merchandise. In 1883 a fire destroyed the store, but with the help of architect Charles William Stephens, Harrod rebuilt it as a far larger building as what you see today – a grand, palatial-style building, its frontage clad in terracotta tiles adorned with cherubs, swirling art nouveau windows, and topped with a baroque-style dome. The store's popularity grew and shoppers flocked to Harrods in November 1898 when Britain's first moving staircase, pioneering for its time, was installed. Cognac and smelling salts were available for the faint-hearted! Always catering for more unusual and exclusive requests, from the 1890s right up until the 1970s Harrods had a department selling exotic pets, which included the sale of a much-publicised lion cub, an alligator, and a baby elephant. Since then, the pet department has become Pet Kingdom on the fourth floor, stocking boutique labels and luxury items for furry friends. Next door, The Pet Spa offers a dedicated retreat for pampered pets with services including behavioural counselling, full body massages and animal reiki as well as nutritional advice, personal training sessions and grooming. Also on the fourth floor is the childrenswear department, and the Disney Café, which will keep little ones amused with table activities and screens around the room playing Disney and Disney/Pixar movies. When the restaurants centrepiece Big Ben chimes twice each hour, its time for a countdown to a classic Disney story! Head down to the third floor where youll find furniture and home accessories as well as the technology department, featuring the latest gadgets and products from highly regarded brands including Bang & Olufsen, Loewe, Porsche Design, and Apple. This floor is also where the kids will find Toy Kingdom, a multi-sensory department with an enchanted forest, intergalactic science lab, curious sweet emporium, and toy grand canyon. In the Reading Room they can choose from the rotunda of books, climb into one of the special cubby holes to hear famous voices reading extracts, have fun with electronic gaming pods, and explore the world of Harry Potter. As well as kitchenware, tableware, bed and bath, and home decoration, the second floor is home to high-end stationery, books, and luxury luggage. This is also the place to head for gifts. The Gift Bureau has personal consultants who will help compile a list that reflects your tastes and lifestyle. While you're on this floor, the In-Q Café celebrates the tastes of Qatar: try a traditional Arabic coffee or tea and traditional patisseries. Fashionistas shouldn't skip the first floor – its dedicated to womenswear and women's shoes, with every luxury brand you can think of including, of course, a Christian Louboutin Boutique. The ground floor hosts arguably the most famous department –the Food Halls. Featuring the world-famous Doulton tile decoration designed by artist William Neatby in 1902, Harrods Food Halls are Grade II-listed. Comprising seven specialist departments in five rooms, a trip through the Food Halls offers a plethora of tantalising food and drink choices. Vast as they are, the Food Halls also share a floor with fine jewellery and watches, beauty, fashion accessories, and menswear. More fashion accessories and menswear can be found on the lower ground floor, as well as The Refinery: a grooming emporium for men offering barbering, skincare and spa treatments. Back up on the fifth floor at the top of the store, tucked away from the sports fashion department and Mens Fashion Lab, is Urban Retreat, where you can step straight from the store into a sanctuary; and the decadent Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, a one-of-a-kind, luxurious experience where consultants will help you find your signature scent. Restaurants, bars, and cafés are located on every floor and, much more than a department store, Harrods' other services include concierge, theatre ticket bureau, Harrods Bank, and Harrods Gold Bullion. My Harrods Qatar Airways at Harrods Harrods welcomed Qatar Airways' flagship high street ticket office to its lower ground floor in July this year. This new central London location offers Qatar Airways customers a personalised booking service to visit over 130 destinations across six continents. "London is one of our most important gateways," said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker. "We opened our ticket office in central London at Harrods as it is a place that not only reflects the high level of service we offer, but is where our most discerning customers can be found. Harrods customers can now experience our unrivalled 5-star service in-store and on board. Harrods is an iconic institution in London, and one commonality in this partnership is that Harrods and Qatar Airways are all about the customer experience – from start to finish." A lion called Christian In 1969, Australians John Rendall and Anthony 'Ace' Bourke came across a lion cub in the exotic animals sections of Harrods. They bought the cub, named him Christian and took him home to their Chelsea flat above a furniture shop. The three bonded and Christian ate in fine London restaurants, played soccer in a church backyard and spent his days lounging in the furniture shop. But after a year he had grown to epic proportions and the two friends wanted him to return to his natural habitat. A chance encounter with Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of Born Free, led to a new life for Christian, and he spent four months in a specially built enclosure in their garden before being released into his rightful home in Kenya with the help of renowned wildlife conservationist George Adamson. Almost a year later in 1971, John and Ace returned to Kora in Kenya to meet their old friend and, more than 30 years after the event, the edited footage of the heart-warming reunion became a worldwide sensation on YouTube.

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Asia Europe Africa Middle East North America South America Central America Oceania Adventure Travel Budget Travel Travel Tech Luxury Travel Photography Airlines Hotels Cruises Food & Drink Arts & Culture Arts and Culture / North America / United States On The Road With NPR Music: Gwen Thompkins At WWNO, New Orleans, Louisiana by Anna Brones on Apr 16, 2013 We love music here at Gadling, and this month is Public Radio Music Month, which is why we’re teaming up with NPR to bring you exclusive interviews from NPR music specialists around the country. We’ll be learning about local music culture and up and coming new regional artists, so be sure to follow along all month. Today we’re headed to the birthplace of jazz: New Orleans. But New Orleans offers a whole lot more than jazz, and the local scene is one that’s well known outside of Louisiana. Thanks to local music host Gwen Thompkins we get the insider scoop on the music of this exciting city, from singer-songwriters to high school brass bands. Name: Gwen Thompkins Member station: WWNO, New Orleans Regular Show/Contribution Beat: Host, Music Inside Out with Gwen Thompkins. NPR contributor. When people think of music in New Orleans, what do they think of? When people think of New Orleans, they think of music and vice versa. The city and its music are synonymous – traditional jazz, modern jazz, bounce, blues, R&B, brass bands, gospel, boogie woogie, swamp pop, hip hop, funk, cabaret. If your tastes run to opera, New Orleans has that too. In fact, the first opera house in North America was built right here in the French Quarter, which back then wasn’t just a neighborhood. It was New Orleans. Jelly Roll Morton talked about what he heard and saw at the opera house all the time. But what most people forget is that the legendary Boswell Sisters also grew up in New Orleans. In the 1920s and 1930s, their vocal jazz harmonies dominated the national charts and sold tens of millions of records. Ella Fitzgerald credited Connee Boswell as the only singer she ever tried to emulate. New Orleans later topped the national charts with early rhythm and blues. Nearly everything Fats Domino touched turned to gold. But there’s no use skipping over Shirley and Lee of “Let the Good Times Roll,” or Ruth “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean” Brown or Lee “Working in a Coal Mine” Dorsey. And the whole nation heard about Ernie K-Doe’s “Mother-in-Law.” These homegrown songs and many, many others are still part of our daily lives in New Orleans. We hear them every day on radio and at a growing number of music festivals around town. More often than not, today’s visitors to New Orleans want to fit into the groove right along with us. So they’re looking to absorb the whole musical experience – from trumpeter Buddy Bolden to the Meters, from Mahalia Jackson to Mystikal and from Louis Prima to Trombone Shorty to L’il Wayne. They also want to know about the great producers – Allen Toussaint, Dave Bartholomew, Wardell Quezergue and Cosimo Matassa – who helped shape, shift and funkify modern American music. And they want to hear from some of our piano royalty – Professor Longhair, James Booker, Dr. John, Huey Smith, Ellis Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., David Torkanowsky, Jon Cleary. And then there’s Louis Armstrong. He’s the immortal one, the reason we all want to be from New Orleans. How do you help curate that musical scene? I look to my left and I look to my right and chances are – wherever I am in New Orleans – there’s someone or something great nearby. Just a few doors down from my house lives Lionel Ferbos who, at 101, is the oldest performing jazz musician in town. I see soul queen Irma Thomas at the dry cleaners and Dr. John at the grocery store. Talent is ubiquitous down here, which makes us a little spoiled. So I’m creating an archive of hour-long discussions with some of the most seminal artists of our time. We talk about the experiences and influences that helped create their sound and, by extension, music that is treasured around the world. We broadcast the interviews each week on radio and allow folks to stream them on the web. How has the New Orleans scene evolved over the past few decades? We’ve said goodbye to way too many wonderful artists in recent decades. Some, like James “Sugar Boy” Crawford or “Uncle” Lionel Batiste, died. Others, like the great pianist Henry Butler, moved away because they had to start over again after Hurricane Katrina. But those who can come back eventually do. Since the 1950s, New Orleans has had its share of traditional jazz revivals and currently traditional jazz is in full bloom, with a crowd of established and up and coming artists. Try visiting Preservation Hall or the Palm Court Cafe or walking Frenchman Street in the Marigny (neighborhood). There’s nothing like seeing kids with dreadlocks and tattoos slow dancing to an old classic like, “Careless Love.” That said, bounce has grabbed a lot of music lovers by the ears. Big Freedia and Katie Red are the divas to beat and when they team up with funksters like Galactic, they’re unstoppable. Brass bands have gotten funkier too, which has set off an aesthetic debate down here about the meaning of tradition. What a trumpeter like Shamarr Allen teaches young brass band players is a world apart from what a drummer like Shannon Powell learned from the celebrated jazz greats of Treme. What would you say is the most unique thing about the New Orleans music scene? New Orleans has open arms. There’s room in the city for homegrown talent and for musicians who were born far, far away. It’s rare to find a place in the world where so many different people can play so many disparate styles and still feel at home artistically. What are three new up and coming bands on the local scene right now and what makes them distinct? The first lesson a music lover learns here is, “Ain’t nothing new.” But if you’re coming to New Orleans don’t miss: Alex McMurray: one of the finest songwriters working today in New Orleans or anyplace else. McMurray was born in New Jersey, came down here for college, took in a Neville Brothers/Marva Wright show at Tipitina’s and decided he was home. His songs are fully realized narratives about protagonists who drift through blues melodies, ditties, lounge music or flat out rock ‘n roll. McMurray writes about old boxers and sea faring lads, barflies, soldiers, at least one courtesan and a nutty guy named, “Otis.” Through a strange set of circumstances involving Disney and Japan, McMurray also knows an unusual number of sea shanties by heart. Filthy? Yes. But they’re awfully fun. He plays solo and with a band called the Tin Men. Check out: “The Get Go” “Me and My Bad Luck,” “It’s Not the Years, It’s the Miles,” “As Long as You Let Me.” Hurray for the Riff Raff: Great singer-songwriters, not afraid of a guitar and a violin and a yodel or two. Alynda Lee Segarra, originally of the Bronx, New York, writes most of the songs. The melodies are mostly folk rock, but take on a Cajun quality at times. Hurray for the Riff Raff has been reported to admire The Band, which makes them A-OK by me. Check out: “Look Out Mama,” “Junebug Waltz,” “Little Black Star.” KIPP McDonough 15 Middle School Brass Band. Director: Kelvin Harrison, Sr.: One of the many young brass bands coming out of the schools of New Orleans. Others include: O. Perry Walker High School Brass Band and Joseph S. Clark Prep Brass Band. Each school won a top prize at the 2013 Class Got Brass competition held by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. This is how the city’s second line tradition is reaching the stars of tomorrow. Each year, the foundation uses some of the money earned at the city’s annual jazz and heritage festival to help continue local music traditions. The bands win prize money to buy and maintain their instruments. If you wanna know who’s gonna be the next Trombone Shorty, Shamarr Allen or Dr. Michael White, start seeking out these and other young brass bands. For a Gadling playlist, what are your favorite tracks? “We Made it Through That Water” – Free Agents Brass Band “Heart of Steel” – Galactic featuring Irma Thomas “Blessed Quietness” – Zion Harmonizers & Olympia Brass Band “Petite Fleur” – Dr. Michael White “Tou’ Les Jours C’est Pas La Meme – Carol Fran “Careless Love -Don Vappie “Atrapado” – Tom McDermott “How Come My Dog Don’t Bark (When You Come Around)” – Dr. John “Cry to Me” – Professor Longhair “Tipitina and Me” – Allen Toussaint Listen to the complete playlist on Spotify. Tags: blues, featured, jazz, Louisiana, music, New Orleans, new orleans music scene, NewOrleans, NewOrleansMusicScene, nola, NPR music, NprMusic Star Wars’ Creator George Lucas to Open Museum in ChicagoSkift Brooklyn Bridge: Musical Instrument?Gadling Accor Rolls Out a New Custom Brand for the Middle East MarketSkift

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Asia Europe Africa Middle East North America South America Central America Oceania Adventure Travel Budget Travel Travel Tech Luxury Travel Photography Airlines Hotels Cruises Food & Drink Arts & Culture Articles tagged “iraq” Given A Map, A Lot Of People Have No Idea Where They Traveled (Or Where They Live) by Reena Ganga on Aug 23, 2013 Glyn Lowe Photoworks, Flickr While early explorers may have spent countless weeks plotting their journeys on maps and charting the best course to get to their destination, it seems many modern day travelers don’t have a clue about where they’re actually going. A new study has found massive numbers of travelers can’t find their vacation destination on a world map. When asked where Cyprus was located, 53% of respondents were stumped, pointing to countries like Greece instead. This is despite having traveled to the Mediterranean island within the past year. Turkey also had recent visitors scratching their heads, with around half of those surveyed hard-pressed to locate the nearly 1,000 mile long country on an atlas.What’s most bizarre, however, is those people who seemed to have trouble locating their own country on a map. When asked where France was, a surprising 14% of French respondents pointed to their northern neighbor Belgium. But perhaps we shouldn’t be so hard on the French. After all, remember this famous gaffe a few years back, when a Miss Teen USA contestant was asked why a fifth of Americans couldn’t locate the US on a world map? But it’s not just beauty pageant contestants that are stumped by geography. Even politicians can get tripped up, like in this interview where John McCain refers to the problems at the Iraq/Pakistan border…which doesn’t exactly exist. And then there was the time that President Obama managed to visit all corners of the US, including “about 57 states”. Do you think it matters that so many people are confused by world geography? Or is understanding maps irrelevant in this day and age of GPS and technology? Commonwealth War Graves Being Restored Ahead Of World War I Centennial by Sean McLachlan on Jul 7, 2013 Sean McLachlan The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is busy fixing up the cemeteries it manages ahead of next year’s World War I centennial, the BBC reports. It’s a daunting task – maintaining 1.7 million graves in 153 countries, including far-flung areas such as Baghdad. The grave photographed here is in the Baghdad North Gate War Cemetery and is for Private E. Wadsworth of the Cheshire Regiment, who died during the Mesopotamian Campaign against the Ottoman Turks. I had the honor of visiting this cemetery during my recent trip to Iraq. The organization has its roots in World War I and has continued to this day, honoring the fallen from both World Wars. The headstones are of a standard size and design, with the emblem of the soldier’s regiment on top. Some of the less-visited cemeteries, such as the one in Baghdad, are not as well kept as popular ones on the Western Front. They are receiving equal attention this year, however, and many old headstones are being replaced. While cemeteries may seem like odd places to visit while on vacation, they are becoming increasingly popular as people interested in genealogy and history seek them out. The Commission expects record numbers of visitors to its many cemeteries along the Western Front next year. Recovery Vacations A Hit With Soldiers Returning From War Troop Rewards provides recovery vacations to returning U.S. soldiers and their families who served overseas. To do that, Troop Rewards relies on hotels and private vacation property owners to donate unused inventory, sort of like a hotel might release a number of rooms to Priceline for bidding. This year, Florida’s Sandpearl resort is teaming up with Troop Rewards to provide recovery vacations for five military service members who were deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. “This is such a great way to honor, remember and reward the servicemen and women who have served and defended our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last ten years,” said Tom Burkett, Troop Reward’s Executive Director. “To be able to team up with such a beautiful and inspiring resort is icing on the cake.”The idea of recovery vacations started with a phone call Burkett received in 2009 from a soldier then serving in Iraq. The soldier’s tour was about to end but before re-joining society with his future wife, he wondered what the cost would be to book Burkett’s timeshare suite at a Florida resort. Burkett told him the going rate was over $800 per night, but for him the rate would be $0. “How can I charge you anything when you have spent the last year risking your life for my freedom,” Burkett says on the TroopRewards website. “Little did he know at the time, that this would the first of many free stays at his resort for soldiers coming back from Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.” Since then, Burkett has offered his suite every year to help support the troops and enlisted other private vacation property owners, hotels and resorts to provide rooms, raise money to help pay for travel costs and spending money, making the experience mostly free for soldiers and their families. The resort will provide five military service members complimentary four-night luxury vacations at the Sandpearl Resort starting on Memorial Day. Scammer Found Selling Fake Bomb Detectors To Airports by Sean McLachlan on Apr 24, 2013 A British court has found a man guilty of selling fake bomb detectors to Iraq and Georgia, the BBC reports. James McCormick, 56, of Langport, Somerset, was found guilty of fraud after making a fortune from detectors he knew didn’t work. He’s estimated to have made some $76 million from the worthless devices, which were modeled after a novelty golf ball finder. In his sales pitches he claimed they could be set to find anything from bombs to money to drugs. Researchers found no scientific basis for his claims. Both nations that bought the devices have serious problems with terrorism, and adventure travelers that venture to these places were put in danger by McCormick’s greed. In Georgia last year, someone put a bomb under the car of an Israeli embassy staffer, and bombings in Iraq are a frequent occurrence. The BBC says the devices are still at use at “some” checkpoints. When I was traveling in Iraq in October 2012, I saw them in use at every checkpoint I passed through, including the checkpoints to Baghdad airport. Many people already knew they didn’t work; yet they were still used to “scan” every vehicle. Senior Iraqi officials were bribed to use government funds (i.e. U.S. taxpayer dollars) to buy the devices. Three of these officials are now serving prison terms. McCormick lulled the Iraqi police and army into a false sense of security and endangered the lives of everyone in Iraq, including myself. To say this makes me angry doesn’t even come close to what I feel towards this scumbag, and it makes me wonder about the other “security devices” we rely on. Last year the TSA removed backscatter x-ray body scanners from some airports for fear of cancer risks and replaced them with less harmful millimeter-wave scanners. The effectiveness of x-ray scanners has also been questioned. I’m glad to see McCormick is finally facing justice, but I think he’s been found guilty of the wrong thing. He didn’t perpetrate fraud; he aided and abetted terrorism. He should spend the rest of his life in solitary confinement, kept company only by graphic photos of Iraq’s bombing victims. [Photo courtesy Avon and Somerset Police] Cyrus Cylinder, ‘The First Bill Of Rights,’ Tours US by Sean McLachlan on Mar 12, 2013 The famous Cyrus Cylinder, a baked clay tablet from the 6th century B.C. that’s often called the “first bill of rights,” has made its U.S. debut at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C. The Cyrus Cylinder was deposited in the foundations of a building in Babylon during the reign of the Persian king Cyrus the Great. It commemorates his conquest of Babylon and announces religious freedom for the people displaced by the Babylonian king Nabonidus. Among them were the Jews, who had been in captivity in Babylon. Many Jews soon returned to Jerusalem and built the Second Temple. While Cyrus’ announcement and inscription isn’t unique for that time, the cylinder became instantly famous upon its discovery in 1879 because of its connection to events that are mentioned in the Bible. Ever since, Cyrus has been considered the model of a just king ruling over a diverse empire. It’s the centerpiece of a new exhibition titled “The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning,” which examines the religious, cultural and linguistic traditions of the vast and powerful Achaemenid Empire (539–331 B.C.) founded by Cyrus the Great. The exhibition runs until April 28. After the Smithsonian, the Cyrus Cylinder will tour the U.S., stopping at Houston, New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. You can see the full details of the schedule here. [Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons]

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North Brother Island (Island Week 4) Saint Pierre & Miquelon (Island Week 4) Bouvet Island (Island Week 4) Tuesday, 29th September 2009 by RobK It’s Island Week 4 here at GSS, which means we’ll mostly be posting about Islands. For about a week. Far out in the South Atlantic, more than 2,500km from the coast of South Africa, Bouvet Island is the loneliest chunk of land on Earth. With the exception of a few tiny rocks just offshore, its nearest neighbour is Antarctica, 1,750km to the south. Despite being so remote, and totally uninhabited1, it is covered by some beautiful high-resolution imagery. Bouvet Island is a dependency of Norway, although it was discovered by (and named after) a Frenchman, Jean Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier, in 1739. It’s a volcanic island, almost entirely covered by snow and ice — you can make out the central crater surrounded by cloud-covered peaks, with the highest, Olavtoppen, casting a shadow from the northeast. Landing here is a very tricky prospect, unless your ship’s equipment includes a helicopter: the coastline mainly consists of high cliffs, with stormy seas foaming at the base and carving out sheer stacks of rock. In places, glaciers tumble over the edge in jagged blocks of ice, while submerged rocks lie in wait for unwary sailors. It’s no surprise that the island remains uninhabited, although a group of hardy Norwegians did spend a whole month there in the 1920s, confirming the nation’s claim on the island. It seems Bouvet is still volcanically active. During the 1950s, an eruption on the west coast created a low shelf of lava — just about the only convenient flat spot on the island. The Norwegian Polar Institute installed a research station there in 1994 for use during field trips to the island, but by 2007 (and on Google’s pictures) no trace of it remained. The official story is that an earthquake caused a landslide that swept the portable building away — or broke the guy lines that anchored it, allowing gales to blow it into the sea — but bearing in mind that Bouvet Island was the setting for the 2004 film Alien vs Predator, the real explanation seems obvious… One final mystery: can anyone tell us why, according to the map at Wikipedia, this headland is called Cape Circumcision? Nevertheless, for some reason it has been assigned its own (currently unused) internet domain, .bv ↩ http://gss.st/dg Send to a friend Norway Islands About the author Rob is a subeditor and freelance writer from Hampshire, England, who enjoys travel both real and virtual. Island Week 4 Island and Lake Recursion (Island Week 2) Island Monument Mystery (Island Week 3) The Moving Island of the Grey Monks (Island Week 3) One comment Comments are closed RobK says: Tuesday, 29th September 2009 at 4:47 pm To answer my own question about “Cape Circumcision”, it seems the answer is rather mundane: the cape was first sighted on January 1, which in the Catholic calendar is the “Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord”. And there was I picturing daring shipboard operations performed only with a sharpened whalebone… Welcome to Google SightseeingGoogle Sightseeing takes you on a tour of the world as seen from satellite, using the free Google Earth program, or Google Maps in your web browser. Our team of authors present weird and wonderful sights as suggested by readers. Could you be one of our authors? We're looking for more freelance writers - please get in touch for more information.

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Across the Middle Kingdom 6 August 1998 - Xi'an / Guilin Although our flight to Guilin was on the same airline that flew us into Xi'an, this jet had the air conditioning on before we boarded. Cool. Guilin is beautiful. There is no other word. The limstone hills-- often almost like columns-- rise and fall abruptly, trees clinging to the otherwise bare rock. In many ways, the terrain here is reminiscent of the Three Gorges, and in some ways surpasses even that... in beauty, although not in size (I'm not sure anything short of the Himalayas could do that). We're told that this style of terrain covers only about 680 square kilometers. Our guide here in Guilin is named Chen, but we've dubbed him "Inspector Clouseau" due to his inexplicably French accent when he speaks English. Swear to God, he sounds just like Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther movies. I'm managing to refrain from asking him to say, "Kato, get off of me," but it's been quite a struggle. After a nap, I set out on the afternoon foray; Kat elected to keep napping. The foray involved climbing a rather steep set of stairs cut into, and built on, a stone column, to arrive at a truly spectacular view of Guilin, and the Lijiang (Li River) which flows through the city. The column I'd climbed was right at the river's edge, and I could see that it deserved its reputation for cleanliness, since I could see all the way to the riverbed from my vantage point, and the hundreds of people swimming in its water. Laid out below me was the city, nestled between the various limestone mounts. In a few cases, there were things on top of the columns, but these seemed mostly to be monestaries and radio transmission towers. There was a ridge of mountains along two horizons, and the river flowed between them, but below me. I guess it was worth the 250 steps up... but I hated to take them back down. For all the heights scared me, I wanted to stay for quite a while and just watch the city beneath me. Then we went to a Chinese "pharmacy." I put quotations there because the demonstration they gave us was strictly sideshow stuff-- they even did the "man exercises and becomes a conductor of electricity" bit. Then they tried to sell us medicines; for me, they recommended a skin cream to remove freckles. I was properly indignant, in an amused sort of way, that they would want to remove my freckles. I was also amused that their primary diagnosis should concern my skin, when it was my sinuses that were in trouble. Hmmmm.... how'd they miss a treatment to color my hair? Kat convinced me that I should go out for the evening, despite a metdown of my sinuses this afternoon. Good thing she did, too-- we saw comorant fishers in action, which was truly cool. Here's how it works: the fisherman raise comorants from chicks. Then they set out on the river at night with five or so of the birds, all perched with the fisherman on a narrow wooden raft. Each bird has a rope tied around its neck to exactly the circumference of the bird's neck, thus ensuring that they have no trouble moving or breathing. To fish, the birds dive and hunt as they would naturally. When they catch a fish, they return to the boat to eat (again, this is natural behavior; comorants eat out of the water). However, the rope tied around the neck prevents them from actually swallowing, so the fisherman just removes the fish from the bird's mouth and throws it into a basket. Then bird, still hungry and possibly a bit annoyed about losing its meal, dives for more fish. Quite ingeneous, really. We were able to see the birds diving thanks to the river's shallowness, its clarity, and a couple of Coleman lanterns hung from the front of the fisherman's boat. It was claimed that these attract bugs, which in turn attract fish, but I didn't see a single fish come near the boat. We could see the birds diving, but the only time they caught fish was out in the dark waters beyond the range of the lanterns. So the lamps were probably there solely to allow us to see the birds diving. I'm glad they were there; the sight was really neat. After returning to shore, we had time to shop. Again. Kat ordered a few chops for us, including a large "family" chop for the two of us. I waited on the bus. "Thoughts From Eric" is powered by the übercool WordPress.

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Philadelphia Business Journal Philadelphia Business Journal Korman's AKA Lays Out Red Carpet for Long-term Guests By Natalie Kostelni Korman Communities Inc., a name that has become ubiquitous with furnished apartments and extended-stay accommodations, has ramped up its offerings to target elite clientele with discerning tastes. Korman formed a new division called "aka" that caters to people who are used to being pampered and are accustomed to spacious accommodations and luxury. Be it a movie star or corporate executive, Korman is hoping to capture a niche that five-star hotels offer on an overnight basis but instead offer it on an extended basis -- be it a week or a month. So far, the Plymouth Meeting company has committed roughly $1 billion to the endeavor. The division and brand, aka, stands for "also known as -- your home away from home" as well as "A Korman Accommodation." Location is one of the main factors that makes aka different from Korman Suites, the residences the company began offering 45 years ago. "When Korman Suites started in 1962 and 1963, we created something that we thought was very special and did it in areas that were good areas but you wouldn't say they are Triple A areas," said Steven H. Korman, CEO. The Korman Suites, as the company bills itself, were short-term, furnished apartments in traditional residential settings where apartments were already clustered. They appealed to corporate executives as well as others in need of temporary housing, such as someone going through a divorce or having a home built. By comparison, aka is in top-notch urban settings and so far sit among the country's toniest addresses. "These properties are in Triple A locations," Korman said, adding they are spots where people want to be. In New York that means in Sutton Place on 56th Street between 1st and 2nd avenues, Central Park along 58th Street between 5th and 6th avenues, the United Nations on 46th Street between 2nd and 3rd avenues and Times Square on 44th Street between 6th and Broadway. In Washington, that means two blocks from the White House. In Philadelphia, it's Rittenhouse Square. While location is paramount, so is creating an environment that would make someone spend between $250 to $900 a night -- for the long haul. Korman has spent about $15 million to gut the properties if need be and redevelop them into new apartments with fine appointments that would make a visitor feel right at home. Sometimes it's old hotels and apartment buildings that are being redeveloped; other times it's old office buildings. The units vary in size but have ample living rooms, some with balconies, bedrooms and baths with fine linens and towel and fully loaded kitchens with limestone and granite countertops. All come with hotel amenities such as housekeeping and others have concierge service on site. It's the combination of a prominent location with high-end accommodations that Korman and his team believe will find an audience for aka. "It's recreating apartments with hotel services," Korman said. How deep of a market exists for this type of deluxe extended-stay apartment is unknown since it's so new at this level. Corporate housing, such as apartments for extended-stay business travelers, is not new and is a distinct separate lodging product, said Peter R. Tyson, vice president at PKF Consulting, a firm that specializes in the hospitality industry. For example, Marriott's ExecuStay program is similar to this but not specifically oriented to the upscale market, Tyson said. "I'm sure there's demand for this type of product as upscale hotels do not particularly go after this demand because the costs to the guests are too high even with discounting, and the hotels are doing well selling to transient business," Tyson said, adding that there's likely a need for this level of long-term accommodation. "I'm just not at all sure how deep the market is and what the price points are." In all, Korman has developed nine aka properties with plans for more. "It's growing pretty rapidly," Korman said. Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2007/04/09/story8.html

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Space Center Houston is the Official Visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center. The Center is owned and operated by the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, Inc., and is not federally funded. Brazos Bend State Park Six Flags WaterWorld Six Flags AstroWorld The Children's Museum of Houston Houston Grand Opera Museum of Fine Arts - Houston Jazz Houston American Funeral Museum The Wortham Theater Blue Bell Creamery Tour Since its opening in 1987, The Wortham Theater Center has entertained audiences totaling more than 3 million people. It has also served as a backdrop for hundreds of corporate and group events, underscoring its role as a community center as well as a performing arts venue. From quiet candlelight dinners for groups of 25 to extravagant galas for as many as 1,000, Wortham Center has become a place not only for viewing spectacle but also for staging weddings, special events, fund raising, and honoring achievements of all kinds. The surprising affordability of this magnificent setting for private use reflects the City's commitment to the community. Bold and beautiful, the Wortham is a facility like no other. It is the most significant opera and ballet house to be built in the United States in the last quarter century. A wonder of technology, it is a masterful, creative playground for performing artists, and unrestrained in the exuberance of its architecture.

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Devils Tower National Monument sits looming more than 1000 feet above the Northern Wyoming landscape, a geologic anomaly compared to the surrounding area. The summit of this ancient molten rock sits at an elevation of 5112 feet, comprised of vertical cracks amongst hexagonal columns. It is clearly an imposing presence, but perhaps less obvious is the history of controversy regarding its use. Indigenous groups have used the tower and nearby lands for centuries. However, it currently sits on National Park Service Land, causing tension between Native groups and recreationalists who both claim deep ties to the Tower. More than 20 indigenous tribes claim ties to Devils Tower and the site has been used for tribal practices for thousands of years. The Lakota people for example, often camped at Devil’s Tower in the winter to pray, fast, and perform ceremonies such as Sweat Lodge. They also used the tower for Sun Dance, funerals and Vision Quests. Today, many tribal groups still consider the land sacred and use it for many of these ceremonies. Although narratives and use differ between tribes, many tell of a bear chasing two or three American Indians until the Creator saves them by raising the rock on which they stand (the tower). The shape of the tower is attributed to the bear’s desperate claw marks as his prey move further and further out of reach. Today tribal groups are seeking to continue their religious practice as they have traditionally. They maintain that the land has ancestral significance and provides deep ties to a culture that has been severely affected by colonization and American expansion. In 1868, after conflict with westward-moving settlers, the United States Government enacted the Treaty of Fort Laramie, designating all of the Black Hills (including Devils Tower) as the Great Sioux Reservation, to be left untouched by non-natives. However, six years later, gold-seekers rushed into this protected area, in violation of the treaty, and the U.S. Government chose to ignore its previous commitment, restricting land use and banning religious practice for several years. Today Devils Tower and the surrounding land are squarely in the realm of National Park Service Land and the ban on indigenous religious practice has been lifted. Today’s controversy however, transcends mere issues of land ownership. In the last few decades, the sport of climbing has grown dramatically and climbers from all over the world have been drawn to the tower to experience its elaborate and high-quality crack systems. Many tribal groups, such as the Lakota using the land for religious purposes find that climbing is offensive to the sacred nature of the tower. Furthermore, the presence and noise that accompanies climbing can be distracting during ceremonies where intense quiet is required. Yet, this belief angered many climbers, who explained that their connection to the tower is also a spiritual one. They argued that by climbing the rock, they were engaging with in the most respectful way possible. So much concentration and physical commitment is required in climbing, that there is no room left for other thoughts. The climbers argued that through this concentration on the rock, they were treating the tower in a spiritual way, and furthermore that they were experiencing with the rock at a level far beyond that of ordinary tourism (Sacred Land). The National Park Service tried to accommodate these various beliefs by imposing a voluntary ban on climbing during the month of June (when ceremonies are numerous). This raised objections from a small portion of the climbing community, who argue that climbing is their form of religious experience. Andy Petefish, a climbing guide on Devils Tower sued the National Park Service, arguing that the ban endorsed one religion over others, thereby violating the First Amendment. A judge ruled in 1998 that the ban was indeed constitutional, as it was “in the nature of accommodation, not promotion, and consequently is a legitimate secular purpose” (Thomas 1). Yet, some climbers still feel that the ban unfairly asks them to show priority to American Indian religion over their own religious experience as climbers. As a climber myself, I am intrigued by this issue. I too place great value on the headspace achieved while climbing and consider climbing a necessary activity for maintaining my physical, mental, and spiritual health. Is the voluntary ban the most effective way to respect both American Indian religious practice and climber spirituality? Should climbers abide by the ban throughout the month of June even if it means restricting their spiritual practice? In order to reconcile these questions, I found that I needed to look at the issues both from a Western perspective of legal analysis, rights, and property ideas as well as a more holistic perspective of beliefs, ethics, and cultural understanding. Much of this conflict arises from a deeply rooted difference in property belief between American Indian tradition and United States founding principles. The United States is based on the principle that private property is equally as important as life and freedom. As one man opposed to the climbing ban explained, “the biggest right that we have is private property” (Sacred Land). Native traditions on the other hand, value land as an intimate tie to their creator, as a way to connect deeply to their religious beliefs. Emphasis is placed on being a custodian of the land rather than owning it. American philosophy gives citizens the unalienable right to manipulate land to suit their individual interests, whereas indigenous philosophy mandates that individuals must act as guardians, preserving the land in its natural state and maintaining its deep, religious connections. Those opposed to the climbing ban on Devils Tower insist that protecting American Indian religious practice unfairly endorses indigenous religions, meanwhile excluding other spiritual practices (that in case are not affiliated with major religions). Thus they argue that the ban is violating the First Amendment. Yet, even the methods for bringing justice in this case are unfairly tailored toward Euro-American beliefs. The First Amendment reflects the beliefs of the United States of America, not those of American Indians. Furthermore, the United States has failed to ensure First Amendment rights to American Indians. As explained in the film In the Light of Reverence, without support of the ban, tribal groups “are being deprived of a central principle on which the United States of America was established—that of religious freedom”. Indigenous religious practice was banned at Devils Tower until the latter part of the 20th century. Surely this was a violation of First Amendment rights. The very voluntary nature of the ban eliminates a First Amendment violation and encourages freedom of religion—which is after all, one of the tenets our country is built upon. Along these lines, the climbers against the ban are asking Native peoples to recognize and respect their spiritual practice of climbing. It is hypocritical to ask for such respect while simultaneously refusing to offer the same respect in return. Although some tribal leaders consider all climbing a desecration of the tower, they have put forth a reasonable request to refrain from climbing on the grounds that the noise it creates distracts from ceremonial practice. These leaders have asked for a compromise. And although prime climbing season includes the month of June, the tower can be climbed any month out of the year. A holistic approach to the Devils Tower conflict accounts for this concern. It also accounts for other climbing opportunities. Devils Tower is an oasis of extremely high-quality rock, but it is not the only climbing opportunity in the area. There are 47 other climbing areas in the state of Wyoming, 28 of which are major developed areas (Mountain Project). Practicing American Indian groups do not have the same opportunity. Climbing opportunities continue to grow as climbers increasingly put energy into developing new areas. American Indian groups however, have already lost most of their ancestral lands, and are continuing to lose the opportunity to perform ceremonies on the few sites remaining as tourism grows. Although this assessment skims over many details of the conflict, I have found that the voluntary climbing ban at Devils Tower is an appropriate measure. It encourages respect from the climbing community, which is generally known for respecting many other issues, especially environmental ones. And it encourages respect for indigenous cultures, a concept that has been mostly absent in the last few hundred years of American history. Furthermore, the ban works. Since its inception, June climbing has decreased by 85% (NPS). The voluntary nature of the ban does allow for other ethical and philosophical issues to creep into the picture, since climbers are only strongly encouraged not to climb, and doing so is often seen as an affront to indigenous culture. In the end, even these most problematic ethical issues offer a valuable tool. They create a conversation not only about Devils Tower, but about our relationship to Native American groups and the land that we share. Hopefully this can allow an open format for further discussion. ~Hannah Trim 8 Responses to Devils Tower–Climbing on Sacred Land Lawrence Swallow says: April 15, 2014 at 7:01 pm First, the US didn’t enact anything, they were given permission as a ‘trespass’ agreement ONLY to pass thru our territories. Second, Article 6 of the US Constitution states, “Treaties made with Indian Nation’s are the SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND”. So, where is the respect for this article of the Constitution? Third, my ancestor’s utilized this sacred mountain 10,000 yrs before the coming of these climbers who now lay some kind of spiritual connection to it which is idiotic and offensive. Same for those Non-Indian’s who call themselves, “Native to this land”. Third, this alter is known as Pte He Hota, not The Devil’s Tower, and although the ban/genocide has been lifted in 1978, we are still not allowed access to it. Fourth, your description of how the tower came to be is inaccurate, and whose inherent lesson directly speaks to the very nature of our Culture. Fifth, “The Land that we Share?”… This land was STOLEN, including Devil’s Tower, along with the Gold which sits at Ft Knox. To this day, the surrounding United States that are the 1851 Ft Laramie Treaty have never paid one dime to the Individual Indian’s of the Great Sioux Nation as required by Constitutional Law. So how can it be Private Property if it is Stolen? As a direct result of these historical facts, our people live in abject poverty and our culture was systematically and intentionally decimated. If there is such a thing as ethical conduct or shared spiritual understanding, then where is all this concern for the most battered and ripped off people in the United States of America who are also citizens???? Reply Pingback: Devils Tower | Ruth in Amerika Mary Iron says: March 30, 2015 at 3:29 pm I work at the Hardin Primary in Hardin Mt. I am a cultural specialist and share information with the students as well as reading stories. Where can I find the Native American Indian story about Devils Tower and which tribe? Reply Bruce Steele says: April 25, 2016 at 2:19 pm Because there are multiple tribes with vested interests, there are also multiple histories – most of them oral. The wisest approach is to obtain the information from individual Sioux nation tribal spiritual leaders. Reply Don Nichols says: May 19, 2015 at 1:19 am My wife and I visited The Tower and were in awe of its being. It is one of the amazing sites on our way across our great country.Our past is full of great things and I enjoy the story behind its past.Let the people that truly believe in its past have control over it.We should remember who was here first and how they lived and held sacred things we do not understand. Reply Joan Crist says: August 8, 2015 at 10:20 pm Thank you for this clearly written article and for the replies! Would love to read more comments. Reply Christina Simpson says: September 7, 2015 at 10:34 pm I only have one thing to say. This land “DOES NOT BELONG TO THE AMERICANS!” Yes I am an American and it makes me sick to hear ANYONE other then a Native American stake claim to ANY of this land. Most of the land was acquired by simply tacking it instead of peaceful trade . These climbers who feel they should have open access to this sacred land anytime you feel at will, are way out of line. This land is to the Indians what your family home is to you. They look after and protect and respect this land as you would the home you are raising your family in. Are you willing for your family home to be open to anyone at their own will for their own needs and wants? Probably not. So why is it so hard to respect the wishes of the true rulers of this land and give them the ONE month they are asking for. Reply Joan Crist says: September 16, 2015 at 3:41 pm I agree with Christina. American culture has become so infected with individualism and consumerism that people think they have a right to do whatever they want, with anything they want, whenever they want. The cost to the natural world and societies will come back to bite us all, probably sooner rather than later. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment Name * Email * Website Notify me of new posts by email. Home •Lakota Stories

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WHY AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT By [name not included] 31 July 1970, FORUM, Vol 1, No. 9, from page 3 and page 9. NOTE: The text of the document below has been taken from a copy of an original with minor typographical and formatting corrections. For the past years, and even at present, there has been much talk in official quarters and otherwise in laying down an International Airport in Grenada. Nevertheless, there seems to be some further form of contemplation in pursuing this gigantic step in Grenada's development while EXPO '69 is bolstered as a "tremendous success" and "highly successful tripe" continues to be made abroad. Sometime during 1966 a Tripartite Conference was held in Canada at which representation was made at International level, including the Commonwealth Caribbean and what is now known as the W.I. Associates States. Among the important topics discussed at this conference in the phase of development was an International Airport for Grenada. Findings on the Report were made to examine the possibilities in constructing such modern improved air communication. Last year, t00, an overseas British Commonwealth Survey team visited Grenada to examine this project. In conjunction with local personnel, the team carried not its survey, but what its findings are is still a 'hush-hush', which is the order of the day. But have we ever stopped for a moment to think what a tremendous cost it will impose on the already burdened taxpayers of Grenada? And would it be of any benefit to us in constructing and operating an International Airport here? What are its advantages and disadvantages on the economy of the Island? But no: Who cares? When all is said and done, we will be told that it was an investment without any financial return (gain) for Grenada. I am no Economist, but no sane and sincere professional, on wide International level with a conscience will foster an International Airport for Grenada. The lands earmarked for this major project can well be utilised to serve and build Grenadan's growing socio-economic plight in a better and more fruitful field. The area set out, according to reliable informed sources, is at Point Salines the southernmost tip of Grenada. At Point Salines, there still exist the possibility of developing a local salt industry (fine or Coarse). Here lies too, the only light house, a life-saver to mariners. It was here on April 1, 1904, that for the first time light was turned on. The area comprises approximately 200 acres. In acquiring, with the rightful cost of lands in this area, Grenada will first have to look for at least ten million dollars. And that is only for acquiring. How about excavation, construction etc. to put into operation. It may well require another fifteen million dollars. Money is not all, we know. It will augur well for us to get the concept of 'a dream' to build an international airport in Grenada and convert the area into a controlled building site, start planning and put into effect a Dairy Farm and Animal Husbandry Industry in the Point Salines-True Blue areas. It must be remembered that the sea around abound in fresh fish that can be marketed. Gone are the days when the late John A. Branch and his contemporaries, with the absence of such available modern skill and knowledge, utilized a portion of this area where numerous flocks of sheep and goats were reared, and some of the best cattle, cows and pigs were produced for local consumption. It was the breeding and rearing ground for our best local race horses. The same lands, with improved and better modern technical and professional training are amongst us. It is not too late to commence a re-construction, and begin working the plan in order to supplement our Agricultural economy. This alternative scheme should replace the concept of an International Airport. In doing so, while a modern Housing settlement is welcomed, this too, should be well planned, phased and controlled, and not pursued as the mad-rush 'get-rich' quick policy that is now being adopted in the Grand Anse, Morne Rouge, True Blue, and adjacent areas to the detriment of building Grenada's economy. Just one more modern Hotel, with limited guests and dwelling houses should be included in re-planning the True Blue, Point Salines and adjacent areas. The North American and European tourists when visiting these parts do not wish to be confronted with other Miami, New York or Barcelona on our pleasant and attractive beaches. Trinidad and Tobago's Piarco is approximately the same distance away from Port of Spain as that of Pearls to St. Georges. The Piarco and Seawell umbrella is enough service and shelter, internationally, for Grenada. Our own Pearls Airport about five years ago underwent extensive repairs and lengthening to its runway to accommodate larger flights, and still there is more room for further extension. Apart from the collossal burden, in this day and age, it is folly to think in terms of an International Airport for Grenada. Now is the time to match sincere Brain and Economic POWER to putting the needs and benefits of the state before self. Back: What About the Airport? Home Page: FAQs Site Map

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On Friday June 28, 2013, I took my first steps on a 800 kilometer (500 mile) ancient path also known as The Camino Frances and The Way of St. James; 40 days later and hundreds of pilgrims, herein lies my story... Tuesday, July 30, 2013 Day 3 - slept in Zubiri - June 30 Woke up at 7am, got kicked out of the monastery at 8am. Ugh, it was the worst of mornings. I had just gotten my period and I was still jet lagged and all I wanted to do was lay in my bed for a little while but no, I was unceremoniously ordered out. I peeked out of the window and it was all misty fog, cold, wet, and miserable looking. Everyone was already out the door with their raincoats on and their rain gear over their packs and I was wishing I was anywhere else but here right now. I made my way to the bathroom to wash my face (and I ended up leaving my face wash, abandoned item 3), brush my teeth, and have the dry heaves for a minute again. It was all I could do to pack my things and put on my rain coat and rain gear for my pack. On the way out, I left my jeans, 2 tank tops, 1 bra, and 1 linen shirt on the lost and found table (abandoned items 4-8). The drizzly morning did nothing to revive me. I could've, should've had a quick bite and warm drink before setting off but I myself was in a fog so I just started walking along. It was flat to begin with but then gently started going uphill. Thankfully I had no cramps, but I had absolutely no energy and my heart was beating so hard I could feel it in my chest and hear it in my ears. One step in front of the other, an endless cycle that slowly pushed me further and further into total exhaustion, and it wasn't even 10am yet. I had to sit down. There were many pilgrims at this point merrily walking past me but I didn't care. I would trudge a bit further and then I had to sit down again. What did I care, I didn't have anywhere to be today, my "to do" list was clean. I told myself all I had to do today was find food, water and shelter and I had all day to do it. So take your time. I sat there by the side of the path and decided to abandon a few more items right on the Camino. Out went the yoga pants (I had brought two pair, what was I thinking!), out went the other two linen tops and another cotton t-shirt (abandoned items 9-12). An elderly pilgrim man offered me a cupcake and I refused but he insisted so I took it. The sugar actually made me feel a bit better and I trudged on. The path was pretty at this point as it ran along the Rio Erro. The fog cleared and the sun came out and I made it to Gerendiain, an ancient hamlet and the beginning of stage II of the Codex Calixtinus. By the way, whoever says Spanish is a lot like French has not been to Northern Spain, it is nothing like French, and here in the Basque country it looks even more like Greek (why didn't I take a Spanish class!). Just as I was eating my first morsels and wondering why I didn't go to the islands instead, I was making the lovely decision to stay there for the night (it was only 11am) but a group of my extended family came around the corner and stopped at the cafe with me: Dee, Anna, Lauren, Crystal, Esther, Jenn, Phyllis, Anton, they were all there. They had gotten a late start after lingering awhile at breakfast. Turns out Jenn was excited about the yoga pants she found that someone had abandoned along The Way; they all got a kick out of it to find out they were mine. We laughed and I led them in a series of sun salutations, crazy pilgrims. They definitely cheered me up and insisted that I go on with them. They were my angels that day! They literally lifted me up and kept me going. The next stretch was beautiful but tough. It was mostly natural pathways but it kept going up and then down and then really up and then really down. There were several gates that you had to open and close while you were going through the farmland. A group of us headed up the next mountain and eventually lost one another. That's how it seems to work; you head out together, everyone has their own pace so you end up walking alone, and then at some later destination you may or may not meet up again. I was walking up the mountain and a melody kept coming into my head, it was the same beat of my footsteps and by humming it over and over, it kept me going. When I arrived at the top of the mountain, Anton and Esther were there. I was describing how much better I felt and humming the tune and Esther said the song was "Carmen" - here I was channeling a Spanish opera on the Camino! When the others made it to the top they were complaining complaining complaining. It was true, even though the first two days were the hardest, this day was the third hardest! We stopped for lunch and had sandwiches (bocadillos) and cerveza grandes (large beers). The local shepherd tended his flock down the main street (picture) and once again, no one at the cafe spoke anything but Spanish. We headed out again, destination Zubiri, and this time Dee and I were the slow pokes at the back. We took our time, she smoking now and then, and me taking puffs and tending to what was now a full-blown blister on my left toe. By the time we made it down the never-ending, slippery, rocky hill to Zubiri, we were hobbling in and could barely cross the bridge. We had talked about staying at the Municipal Alberge but Dee and I decided to get our own room at a casa rural (which is basically a room in someone's house, like a B&B) so instead of paying 10 Euro there, we each paid 12 Euro here and shared one room (with shower down the hall). Turns out Lauren and Crystal did the same thing and had the room across from us. We met the others and all went out to dinner on the opposite side of town. It was a nice family-style place (even though the bartender was rude). I watched Italy beat Uruguay :( on Spanish soccer television and we all ordered the pilgrim menu. Some of the clan were teasing me because there was this outspoken American woman in the group and they kept calling her "my friend." I realized what my Mom had told me, "they tease you because they like you." Sure enough, they weren't teasing her because they didn't want to engage with her, they were teasing me because they liked me. And so it began, my ability to be teased forever changed and now it doesn't bother me! It's a miracle. They were also teasing Anton, who got lost by going down the left side of the trail on the mountain yesterday and got "attacked" by a sheep. It kept nipping at his legs, so much so that he dropped and broke his cell phone and today, his backpack strap broke. They dubbed his new nickname to be "Running with Sheep." We all headed back to the main square and Dee and I chatted for awhile with Steve from Indiana. He was a mechanic and his wife and most of 4 others were doctors and he said they were surviving because they had a traveling pharmacy. This is when Dee introduced me to Brian from Ireland, who was sitting with Walter from Germany. She and I had no curfew that night because we were in the casa rural so we stayed out until 11pm. It was a strange scene, like something out of an old foreign movie, the whole village seemed to be out and it was still light outside and the church bells still ringing loudly. I walked 21.5 kilometers today and I was grateful to finally get back to our two-person room even though the creaky bed left much to be desired. "The most empowering relationships are those in which each partner lifts the other to a higher possession of their own being." - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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Why pass this up? Up early to catch the sunrise, down at one of my favorite access spots for photography. Some of the other images I've obtained right in the general area can be found here, here, and here. Now you know why it's one of my favorites... Among photographers, it's often considered trite to take pictures of sunrises and sunsets, since they've been photographed so many thousands of time before. But here's the way I look at it. The images, done well, are still compelling, no matter how many you've seen, and still evoke a good response from people. There's a peaceful emotional feel to them, and an optimistic attitude, and quite simply, people like the vivid colors. But if you want to pursue them, it helps to be creative, since the subject has been done so often before. Not to blow my own horn, but this image was a keeper, among a lot of discarded sunrise shots, because of the elements. I put the sun in the crook of the branches, high enough not to cut off the reflection, and used the silhouettes as contrast. The sky produced a very broad spectrum of color, clouded without appearing stormy, and the smoothness of the water repeated some of the sky color while adding subtle texture of its own. To me at least, it all seems to work together. It even works as a vertical. So don't be stopped by anyone claiming it's an overdone subject. Just approach it as creatively or artistically as possible.

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Hong Kong Disneyland cuts staff after attendance declines 9:44:14 AM| Part of operational review to improve efficiency at park and job cuts come a month after change of managing director Hong Kong Disneyland cut jobs after sustaining its first loss in four years amid a slump in mainland visitors to the city.Radio Television Hong Kong reported Friday that the Disney park had fired fewer than 100 workers, citing unidentified people. Hong Kong Disneyland reviews operational needs from time to time to improve efficiency, the company said in a statement Friday.“It is important for the company to maintain a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term growth,” Disney said. “We regularly make operational adjustments to ensure we deliver great guest and cast experiences in the most efficient way possible, in order to pave the way for future development.”Business at the park has suffered amid political unrest in Hong Kong and a weaker economy on mainland China. Attendance fell 9 percent to 6.8 million guests in fiscal 2015 from a year earlier, according to an annual review released by the company. Hong Kong Disneyland employed more than 5,300 full-time and 2,500 part-time staff last year, making it one of the city’s largest employers.Hong Kong Disneyland recorded a loss of HK$148 million ($19 million) in the year that ended in early October. The resort had posted seven years of losses since its 2005 opening, before turning its first profit in 2012. In March, managing director Andrew Kam resigned and was replaced by Samuel Lau, who was vice president of operations at the park.Disney is continuing to invest in new attractions in Hong Kong including the forthcoming Iron Man Experience ride and the resort’s third hotel, Explorers Lodge. Still, there may be more competition coming from Disney itself as the company is set to unveil its first theme park on mainland China in Shanghai in June. That park is three times bigger than Hong Kong Disneyland.Read original article Share this article: Countdown to the first ITB China Conference Beijing selects China Eastern for SOE reform pilot project

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Eglise Saint Joseph des Carmes Church in Paris FranceThe Church of Saint Joseph Carmelite is situated in the heart of the Catholic Institute of Paris, with tours available along with masses, and with its crypt, there is fascinating history behind the building that you can discover.A bit of history..The Eglise Saint Joseph des Carmes was constructed for the Carmelites from the reform by Saint Terese of Avila when they came to France after the death of King Henry IV, at the request of Pope Paul V.They were greeted by Marie de Medici in an open area by the Rue de Vaugirard, and the queen laid the first stone for the new church here on 20th July, 1613, however, the work was not completed until 1620. Yet even after completion of the first Italian built dome in Paris, with the help of funding from several large families related to the Carmelite order, this church in Paris was not dedicated until 21st December 1625.However, it was during the French Revolution that the history of the Eglise Saint Joseph des Carmes took on a totally different role and was the scene of horrific events, because in the August of 1792, the church was turned into a prison for refractory priests who had refused to swear allegiance to the Civil Constitution.More than 160 priests were detained at the church and on 2nd September 1792 around 115 priests and bishops were executed with a knife in the garden, and the relics of these martyrs are honoured within the crypt.About the Eglise Saint Joseph des Carmes ChurchThe Carmelite nun, Mother Camille Soyecourt, purchased the church and convent in the 19th century after the French Revolution had well and truly finished and began a restoration project to return it to its former glory.The facade was rebuilt in the same way as before and the two niches house statues of Saint Teresa and Saint Joseph, plus the crypt also holds the tomb of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, who was the founding principal of the conferences of Saint Vincent de Paul.The Italian Baroque architectural style is fascinating for many, yet the history of the Eglise Saint Joseph des Carmes, is also what makes this one of the unusual tourist attractions in Paris, and people are freely allowed to visit this church, which is now classified as one of the historical monuments in Paris.Masses are still held at certain times on certain days, such as at 12.15pm on weekdays from September through to July and during the week, the Blessed sacrament is he tabernacle of the Chapel of Saint Anne.There is also a priest available to welcome you on a Wednesday from 11am through to noon and confessions are also possible.In addition to these, guided tours of the church and crypt are also available on a Saturday at 3pm, which are completely free and are run by a team of volunteers from the Art, Culture and Faith Association.Access to the Eglise Saint Joseph des Carmes ChurchDuring the week, access to the church is through the Catholic Institute of Paris at 21 Rue d'Assas, whereas on a Saturday evening and a Sunday the entry to the church is at 70 Rue de Vaugirard.When it comes to the tours, the rendezvous point for these is also at 70 Rue de Vaugirard, and there is a booklet available upon request to discover even more.And even though the actual Catholic Institute along with the Musee Bible et Terre Sainte and the Musee Edouard Branly museums are all closed during the academic holidays and the summer months, the church is still open during weekdays in this period.Now if you are utilising the public transport in Paris, then the nearest Metro station is called rennes via line 12 followed by the St Placide stop on line 4. Then you have the Sulpice stop via line 4 and Sevres-Babylone Metro station serving lines 10 and 12. However, the bus numbers 58, 83, 84, 89, 94 and 96 will also get you close to the Eglise saint Joseph des Carmes church.Plus there are numerous other tourist attractions in Paris that you can visit, which are located close by in the 6th Arrondissement, like the Musee Hebert, the Musee du Compagnonnage and the Jardin du Luxembourg, which is the fabulous garden in Paris by the Palais du Luxembourg palace and the museum.Address and Contact DetailsEglise Saint Joseph des Carmes70 Rue de Vaugirard75006ParisIle de FranceFranceTel: +33 (0) 1 45 44 89 77

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About France French Travel Flights Ferries Rail Eurostar Eurotunnel Driving in France Car Hire French Holidays Where to Stay Homes & Property Food & Drink Clothing & Beauty Language & Books Introduction Never before have travelers had so many options to choose from when visiting France, especially from England. Ferry service across the English Channel is a unique and relaxing way to visit France from England while flying provides quick travel time and other benefits. The Eurostar train service and Eurotunnel options make visiting Paris and other cities a breeze.the freedom and flexibility of having a vehicle is necessary and indispensable While in France, the railway system is one of the world�s best and is convenient to use to move from city to city. For the ultimate flexibility when traveling through France, rental cars provide visitors with the freedom to travel at their leisure. Not everyone can enjoy taking their own vehicle to France from England and a vehicle is called for when going from one place to another while visiting France. If an individual is traveling without a tour group or guide, the freedom and flexibility of having a vehicle is necessary and indispensable. Luckily, the French welcome their visitors by offering a number of options for hiring a car for a day, a weekend or even for a much longer period of time. Eurostar is a train service linking London with Paris as well as many other European cities. Eurostar trains travel across the English Channel through the Channel Tunnel, which is the railroad tunnel between France and England under the English Channel. The French section of this railway uses the high-speed trains known as TGV�s and the English are at this time building a new line that is of the same measure as the TGV. The travel time between London and Paris at this time is about two and a half hours and is expected to be lessened by twenty minutes once the English begin to use their faster train service by the year 2007. These new plans include an expansion that will offer service to those living to the North of London. In addition to Paris, visitors from England can also arrive in the city of Lille in Northern France. Eurostar also takes passengers directly to Disneyland in Paris, to Avignon during the summer season and to Aime-la-Plagne, Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Moutiers in the French Alps during ski season. Although originally intended for fast travel between London and Paris, the expansion of Eurostar service and destinations has proven to be financially beneficial for both Eurostar and their passengers. Eurotunnel plc (Great Britain) and Eurotunnel S.A. (France) collectively make up the Eurotunnel Group that manages and runs the Channel Tunnel between England and France. Eurotunnel operates the car shuttle that carries road vehicles through the Channel Tunnel. The shuttle takes passenger vehicles in double-decked railcars and earns other income on trains including freight and passenger that move through the tunnel. Eurotunnel also provides construction and upkeep of the tunnel infrastructure, operation of freight through trains, sale of telecom services, management of retail facilities, installation of fiber optic cables and the operation of Eurostar high-speed passenger trains. Flying to France is often the least expensive way to travel from England especially in when combined with car rental and accommodation packages. Almost every major vacation destination within France has an airport nearby with an assortment of different airlines to choose from. When traveling to France it is important to know about any custom regulations that might apply to currency and other purchases that are being transported in or out of the country. Ferries that were once meant to keep trade and economical flows sustained ended up being recognized as an economical and quite pleasant way for the English to travel to France and enjoy what the French have to offer and continue to transport passengers today. Many ferries are equipped with bars, stores, restaurants and comfort stations to make travelling on a ferry an enjoyable and memorable experience. Some ferries even allow their passengers to enjoy gambling in their casinos. Another benefit to traveling to France from England on a ferry is that passengers can opt to transport their car with them on the ride across the channel. Instead of having to hire a car for travelling through France, visitors can enjoy riding from location to location in their own vehicle. The choice of travel services within France as well as in and out of France provides service that can meet a number of different needs depending on each individual traveler. Nothing could make visitors to France feel more welcome than the number of options available for travel in France. Copyright 2007 french.co.uk

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Hidden History: Meet the Man Who Put "Forsyth" in Forsyth Park J. Cindy Hill GPB Blogs The flowers are already blooming in Savannah’s Forsyth Park. Chances are you know the park for its fountain, farmers market, fields, playgrounds and events that happen there – but do you know where it got its name? “The first Georgian to serve as Secretary of State was a man named John Forsyth,” explained Stan Deaton, senior historian for the Georgia Historical Society. “He was born in 1780. He graduated from Princeton in 1799 and then he moved to Augusta and became a lawyer. He became active in state politics, he first became Attorney General of Georgia. That started his political career.” “He was elected to congress first, then he was elected to the U.S. Senate,” Deaton continued. “He was appointed Minister to Spain by President Monroe. There he negotiated the treaty to annex Florida, so he was very prominent in bringing Florida into the Union. He served two terms as Georgia Governor and then was re-elected to the Senate where he backed Andrew Jackson who of course was up against the Nullificationists in South Carolina over the tariff. He was rewarded by being appointed Secretary of State. He served until 1841. He was planning to come back to Georgia and serve in the Senate but he died very unexpectedly in Washington, D.C. where he is buried in the Congressional Cemetery. “ “Those people who live in Savannah know his name well because they run, walk and play in the park that is named for him: Forsyth Park in Savannah,” Deaton said. “Forsyth County is named for him as is the City of Forsyth. He would be the only Georgian to hold the office of Secretary of State until Dean Rusk in 1961.” Hear more of our conversation with Stan Deaton in the audio link below. Learn more about John Forsyth and other great figures from Georgia History when you visit the Georgia Historical Society online at GeorgiaHistory.com. GPB Blogs Savannah Back to all posts From Our Blogs

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John is Midlothian’s new king of the castle at Dalhousie Dalhousie Castle, Newtongrange new general manager John Badley Top chef turned hotelier John Badley has been appointed the new general manager of Dalhousie Castle. He takes up the reins at the hotel and spa, near Bonnyrigg, after moving from Cardiff’s five-star St David’s Hotel & Spa, where he was deputy general manager. John is one of the UK’s young rising stars in the hospitality sector, bringing experience and ambition with him to what is a key position. Before turning his talents to hotel management, he was a chef at The Savoy in London, cooked in classic French restaurants, worked for Gordon Ramsay and served as a catering director in Sweden. Read full story in this week’s Advertiser. Out now.

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OWP talks cocktails with Mixology innovator Jim Meehan Jim Meehan is a world-renowned mixologist. He began his bartending career in 1995 in Madison while attending the University of Wisconsin. In 2001, he moved to New York City, where he developed his palate at Five Points and Pace. Three years later, he showcased his burgeoning bartending skills at Gramercy Tavern and Audrey Saunder’s Pegu Club. In 2007, he was named a StarChefs.com New York Rising Star Mixologist. Ready to invest in his own venture, Meehan and partners opened PDT (Please Don’t Tell) in New York City. The bar has received numerous awards and accolades, including a 2009 Spirited Award for “World’s Best Cocktail Bar” at Tales of the Cocktail, and a 2012 “Outstanding Bar Program Award” from the James Beard Foundation. In 2011, the bar published “The PDT Cocktail Book,” which was honored with a James Beard Award nomination. Meehan contributes to Food & Wine’s annual cocktail book, GQ.com, Liquor.com, Mr. Boston’s Bartender Guide, Sommelier Journal and The New York Times. Fortunately for Oregonians, Meehan recently moved to Portland with plans to open a bar in the future. OWP: How did you first become interested in mixology? JM: I wasn’t familiar with the term “mixology” when I started tending bar in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1995. With that said, I’ve always taken pride in my work and wanted to know more about the products I pour. Back then, craft beer, modern gins, flavored vodka and small-batch bourbons were all the rage. I made classic cocktails with fresh ingredients in Madison, but I didn’t have access to cocktail pioneers like Dale DeGroff or Gary Regan until I moved to New York City. Under the guidance of Audrey Saunders at the Pegu Club, I learned a great deal about crafting cocktails before opening PDT in 2007. OWP: What is your absolute favorite cocktail to make? Favorite to drink? JM: Hopefully this doesn’t disappoint you, but I enjoy making all drinks. Some are more challenging than others, technique-wise, but each offer the opportunity to please the person I’m serving; and that’s why I make drinks. As for my favorite cocktail, it’s too hard to narrow it down… I’m a situational drinker, and am happy to let my server choose my drink if I get the sense that they’ll put some love into it. I’d stay home if the drink was all that mattered to me. OWP: In regard to wine, what is your favorite red? Favorite white? JM: Following a trend in this interview, I don’t have a favorite wine either. I tend to prefer Old World wines, and really enjoy natural wines, but some go too far. Region wise: Loire Valley, Northern Rhône, Burgundy, Piedmont, Friuli and the Mosel are some of my favorites. I’m looking forward to learning more about wines from Oregon now that I’m here. OWP: What do you miss most about New York bar scene? What do you like most about Portland’s? JM: I miss the people in New York City’s bar scene. Over 12 years, I made a lot of great friends, and we have history together. Having a little anonymity has been nice in Portland! Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing I love more than the camaraderie I share with other bartenders, chefs and restaurateurs, but when no one recognizes me, I can get a better sense for a bar and the way it operates. OWP: Any plans to open a bar or restaurant in Portland? JM: As I look back at all the places I worked, I miss Gramercy Tavern the most. (I’m still a partner at PDT, and involved in the day-to-day from afar, so I get my fix cocktail-wise.) The plan is to open a restaurant here. My wife and I met at Gramercy Tavern, and she has extensive experience working in the front of house. Whatever (and whenever) we decide to open will have a strong bar program, which complements the cuisine and rounds out the beverage program. While spirits and cocktails are my passion, I take pride in being conversant about all beverages, and look forward to showcasing my skills alongside my wife and our chef. OWP: Name your three favorite Oregon-made craft liquors. JM: Ransom The Emerald 1865 Straight American Whiskey, House Spirits Krogstad Aquavit and Clear Creek Pear Brandy. OWP: Have you ever made a cocktail using wine? If so, can you chare a recipe with our readers? JM: Here’s a cocktail (SEE BELOW) I created for a pairing competition against Master Sommelier Emily Wines at a Kimpton Hotel in New York City in 2009. I thought it would be fun to use wine in all of my cocktails for this event to showcase its mixability. Champagne and Sherry are the most common wines mixed in cocktails, but I’ve used still whites and reds based from numerous varietals over the years. Raspberries Reaching 1½ ounces Clear Creek Framboise 1 ounce Royal Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos “Red Label” ½ ounce PAMA pomegranate liqueur 3 drops of rose flower water Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a pink rose petal Photo by Minnow Park

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National Park Sites Near Washington-Baltimore Did you know the president of the United States lives in a national park? Discover these national park sites near DC and Baltimore -- all great day trip ideas that are sure to captivate and surprise. Lisa Singh Photo By: Maxwell MacKenzie Photo By: Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz, Wikimedia Commons Photo By: Walter Smalling for the Historic American Buildings Survey, Wikimedia Commons Photo By: Bo Nielsen, flickr Photo By: Mark Fickett, Wikimedia Commons Photo By: Eli Pousson, flickr Photo By: Frank Kovalchek, flickr Photo By: James River Association, flickr Photo By: Pubdog, Wikimedia Commons Photo By: NCinDC, flickr Photo By: Glyn Lowe Photoworks, flickr Photo By: Leon Reed Ford's Theatre Five days after the Civil War ended, Abraham Lincoln arrived at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC, to see an evening performance of a popular play. In the third act, John Wilkes Booth entered the president’s box and shot him in the back of the head. Today, see the restored theatre -- and hear a recounting of that fateful night -- by a National Park Service ranger.Location: Washington, DC George Washington Memorial Parkway The DC area isn’t exactly known for recreational driving; the GW Parkway is the exception. From north to south (and vice versa), the parkway offers a scenic, nearly 40-mile drive alongside the nation’s capital. Enjoy the view of woods and forests, the same land that George Washington would have traveled on horseback.Locations: Virginia, Washington, DC Frederick Douglass House Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass went on to become the most influential abolitionist of his day. In 1877, with years of public service behind him, Douglass settled into this home in the Washington, DC, area of Anacostia. Douglass lived in the hilltop home, which he called Cedar Hill, until his death in 1895.Location: Washington, DC Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park For nearly 100 years, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal carried resources such as coal and wood to communities along the Potomac River – including Georgetown in Washington, DC. Today, enjoy a canal boat ride. Also hike, camp, kayak, bicycle and canoe in the surrounding national historical park, which spans nearly 185 miles. Location: Washington, DC, into Maryland and West Virginia The town of Harpers Ferry is located at the intersection of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. But what really put the town on the map was John Brown’s raid: In 1859, the fervent abolitionist led a group of 21 men in a raid upon a weapons arsenal. See where the 36-hour raid began and ended, with Brown’s capture at the armory fire engine house.Location: 50 miles from DC, 80 miles from Baltimore Hampton National Historic Site For 7 generations, the Ridgley family called this Georgian mansion home. Today, visitors can tour the 62-acre estate, located north of Baltimore, to see one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America. Equally captivating is a tour of the slave quarters; Hampton was one of Maryland’s largest slave-holding estates.Location: Baltimore County, MD The bloodiest 1-day battle in US history happened in Sharpsburg, MD, in 1862 when Union forces began a 12-hour artillery bombardment of Confederate positions. For a time, a small number of Confederate soldiers held their ground on this bridge, far past the predictions of Union General Ambrose Burnside (for whom this bridge would later be named).Location: 65 miles from Baltimore, 70 miles from DC Captain John Smith Historic Trail Glide along the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay, the nation's largest estuary, just as English explorer John Smith did between 1607 and 1609. The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail extends 3,000 miles along the bay and its tributaries in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.Location: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia & DC Oxon Hill Farm Experience farm life at Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm. The 289 acres, located in Prince George’s County, MD, include a barn, stable, feed building and livestock buildings for cows, horses and chickens. The farm’s centerpiece is Mount Welby, a 2-story brick structure built in the early 1800s by Irish immigrant Dr. Samuel DeButts. The farm was entrusted to the National Park Service in 1959.Location: Less than 1 hour from DC, 1 hour from Baltimore This house has been standing longer than America's been a country. Built in 1765, this 3-story home was constructed in several phases during the 18th century. Today, the home, which belonged for a time to an upper-middle-class family, endures in Washington, DC’s Georgetown neighborhood as the oldest unchanged building in the nation’s capital.Location: M Street in DC's Georgetown neighborhood As the name implies, Baltimore National Heritage Area is rich in history. Encompassing the Baltimore area, NHA attractions include the star-shaped Fort McHenry (pictured here), best-known for its role in the War of 1812, as well as Baltimore’s oldest neighborhoods such as Federal Hill, Fell’s Point and Mount Vernon (to the north of downtown Baltimore).Location: An hour's drive from DC President’s Park Who knew? The president of the United States lives in a national park. Every president since John Adams has called the White House home. The 6-story, 132-room home, in the style of an Irish country manor, is part of the 18-acre grounds we know as President’s Park. Want to tour the White House? Make your request to your member of Congress 6 months in advance. Location: View of Truman Balcony and Ellipse from Constitution Avenue Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Discover nature in the heart of the city. Encompassing 700 acres, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is located in the northeastern corner of Washington, DC, and the Maryland state border. Its position by the Anacostia River provides fertile ground for a variety of flora and fauna, as well as ponds topped with water lilies and lotus flowers. The park also contains DC's only remaining tidal marsh.Location: Northeastern corner of Washington, DC Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Pay a visit to Dumbarton House, a Federal-style house in Washington, DC’s Georgetown neighborhood. The home, which was completed around 1800, is part of the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. The 290-mile route connects key sites and players in the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812, including forts, battlefields and nature preserves.Location: Visit any of 60 Chesapeake Bay Gateway along the trail Clara Barton House America’s most famous nurse lived here. The Clara Barton House in Glen Echo, MD, is where American humanitarian and Red Cross founder Clara Barton lived the last 15 years of her life. The large wood-frame house sits on 9 acres, and includes more than 35 rooms; it also served as the early headquarters of the American Red Cross.Location: 2 miles northwest of Washington, DC Best Places to Stargaze in Our National Parks National Parks in Massachusetts TravelChannel.com takes you on a tour of national parks, historic sites and beaches in Massachusetts. National Parks in Michigan TravelChannel.com takes you north to see rock formations, lake shores and other national parks and sites in Michigan. National Parks Near Miami Alaskan National Parks We're taking you to two of the most beautiful parks Alaska has to offer, filled with terrestrial wildlife, marine animals, glaciers and spectacular views. National Parks Near Atlanta North America's Earth Wonders Incredible US Caves and Caverns Top 10 Wonders of the West Park Secrets: Bright Lights, Big City Wonders of the West

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Fragrance Davey Street Hotel Media Launch Posted on October 24, 2016 Major hotel developments proposed for Hobart On Monday 24th October 2016 successful Singaporean developer Fragrance Group launched their two new hotel projects at the Hobart Conference Centre on the Hobart waterfront. Peter Scott representing Xsquared Architects presented the Davey Street Development and various media outlets were in attendance. Fragrance Group currently has a 296-room hotel development, also designed by Xsquared Architects, under construction in Macquarie Street and is now proposing to build a 424-room 5 star hotel in Davey Street and a 495-room hotel in Collins Street. The Group plans to lodge Development Applications with the Hobart City Council within the week. These three most advanced projects will take Fragrance Group’s investment in Hobart to more than $250 million, with a further residential and hotel development in Elizabeth Street also in the early stages of planning. It is estimated that the proposed new developments will together generate direct and indirect employment of more than 1200 new jobs during construction and ongoing employment of up to 1000 full-time jobs. The ongoing input to the Tasmanian economy is estimated at $100 million a year. The five-star hotel at 28-30 Davey Street will be an icon development for Hobart and will provide much-needed visitor accommodation, function facilities, restaurants, a day spa, and pool facilities, as well as a range of community facilities including a dedicated high-level viewing gallery for use for functions and public events, with priority given to the local community. It would be the tallest building in Hobart comprising 33 storeys and rising to a height of more than 120 metres. The unique design will reinstate views across the Sullivans Cove waterfront from Franklin Square which are currently obstructed by buildings on the site. The design also focuses on the use of Tasmanian timbers and sky gardens featuring native Tasmanian flora. In concert with the development, Fragrance Group is ensuring the realisation of a long-held vision for Hobart by proposing a pedestrian Skybridge across Davey St from Franklin Square which will provide dedicated foot access from the city to the waterfront and that will be open to the community 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. For the first time, locals and visitors alike will be able to safely and easily walk directly from the city to the waterfront area. This initiative will provide significant social and economic benefits for the waterfront, Salamanca Place and the CBD, providing a boost for local businesses in both precincts and allowing locals and visitors to walk between the two destinations. Fragrance Group will also undertake major improvements to the amenity of Brooke Street and the access between Brooke and Davey Streets. This will ensure that for the first time, the historic ‘Cove Wall’ at the end of Brooke Street can be appropriately displayed and interpreted. In tandem with its current Macquarie Street hotel development, the two newly proposed projects will provide a suite of three, four and five-star accommodation, as well as new and much-needed convention and associated facilities for Hobart. Collectively, they will provide more than 1100 new hotel rooms which are needed to meet current and future projected demand. The projects demonstrate Fragrance Group’s absolute confidence in Tasmania and its long-term commitment to the State’s tourism and hospitality sector. The development will: Generate a multi-million-dollar ongoing economic stimulus for the State over the long term Provide important new employment opportunities during construction and on completion Provide major community amenities such as the public walkway over Davey Street which has been sought by city leaders and the community for many years Commit to sustainability with the aim of achieving a 6 star Green Star world-class sustainability rating Showcase Tasmanian timbers and flora Provide Sullivan’s Cove heritage interpretation opportunities Develop a high-level public viewing floor that showcases the waterfront and the City Open up views of the waterfront area Extend and enhance new and exciting public spaces particularly within Brooke Street Fragrance Group is proposing the development of two iconic buildings that, with its current Macquarie Street project, will position Hobart as a truly attractive tourist destination that will attract visitors from Australia and around the world. In doing so it is providing a major investment in significant public amenities that will be available for all Tasmanians and visitors to the State. About Fragrance Group Fragrance Group, headed by Mr James Koh, is an established developer in Singapore, to date having successfully completed more than 100 developments comprising hotel, residential and commercial / industrial buildings. The Group has been active in Australia since 2014 and has major developments underway in Melbourne and Perth, as well as Hobart.

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Hartdistrict, England, United Kingdom Hart, district, administrative and historic county of Hampshire, southern England. It occupies an area in the northeastern part of the county and lies south of the unitary authority of Reading. Fleet, in the eastern part of the district, is the administrative centre.Ruins of the Norman castle near Odiham, Hampshire, Eng.EuchiasmusThe district is drained by the Blackwater and Hart rivers, which are southerly tributaries of the Thames. Hart is generally a low-lying area of clays and gravels reaching into the most westerly extension of the North Downs chalk uplands in the south. Woodlands and heath are interspersed with agricultural land throughout the district. Fleet is the largest town and is a bedroom community for London, 38 miles (61 km) northeast. The district is primarily agricultural and produces cereals, dairy products, and lettuce. It has little industry except for motor-vehicle and textile plants in the locality of Fleet.Odiham is a historic market parish with the 13th–14th-century Church of All Saints and Georgian homes. Northwest of Odiham is the ruins of an octagonal Norman castle. Hook and Hartley Wintney are other towns. Area 83 square miles (215 square km). Pop. (2001) 83,505; (2011) 91,033. Hampshire (county, England, United Kingdom) administrative, geographic, and historic county of south-central England. It is bounded to the west by Dorset and Wiltshire, to the north by Berkshire, to the east by Surrey and West Sussex, and to the south by the English Channel. Read MoreEngland predominant constituent unit of the United Kingdom, occupying more than half the island of Great Britain. Read MoreReading (England) town and unitary authority, geographic and historic county of Berkshire, southern England, 38 miles (61 km) west of London. It is an important junction of railways running west from London and south from the Midlands, and the Kennet and Avon Canal (to Bath and Bristol) and the River Thames afford...Read More The Official Site of Hart District Council 8 Hotly Disputed Borders of the World Some borders, like that between the United States and Canada, are peaceful ones. Others are places of conflict caused by rivalries between countries or peoples, disputes over national resources, or disagreements... Take this geography quiz at Encyclopedia Britannica and test your knowledge of popular destinations. Hit the Road Quiz Take this geography quiz at Encyclopedia Britannica and test your knowledge. District, England, United Kingdom https://www.britannica.com/place/Hart

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Canary Islands > Gran Canaria > Cheap flights to Las Palmas, Spain Cheap Flights to Las Palmas Las Palmas overview When to Fly?February is an ideal month to take a flight to Las Palmas as this is when the famous Carnival de Gran Canaria takes place. A cavalcade of colour, song and dance, this is one of the largest and most famous annual festivities in the whole of Spain, attracting thousands of visitors each year. There is a whole host of events, acts and performances which are perfect for the whole family.During the low season months of January, March and November, months you tend to find cheap flights to Las Palmas. Temperatures during this period are still pleasantly warm but the chance of rainfall increases, particularly in November. To get a true sense of the culture and customs, book your flights to Las Palmas during mid-June when the Foundation Celebrations take place. The foundation of the city is remembered through a programme of art performances, concerts, activities for children and a number of other events, lasting around 10 days. A highlight and true tradition is the nocturnal swim (or paddle) on the night of the 23rd of June, which is La noche de San Juan.Why Visit?Although it is located on the island of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas has the vibrancy and energy of a mainland Spanish city. The joint capital of Gran Canaria, along with Santa Cruz, Las Palmas is one of the largest cities in Spain and offers the hustle and bustle of city life, in addition to the finest traditions of a beach holiday. Indeed, Playa de Las Canteras is regarded as one of the very best urban beaches in the world and is a focal point for both tourists and locals alike. The promenade which runs along Playa de Las Canteras is lined with bars, cafes and restaurants and is a constant hive of activity.Away from the beaches, many tourists head for the older districts of the city, including Triana and Vegueta. Triana is the centre of commercial life in the city, with a wealth of shops and eating establishments constantly thriving with visitors. Vegueta was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990 and has an atmosphere all of its own. Many of the city's best bars and restaurants are located here, with special tapas evenings a regular occurrence.Take a flight to Las Palmas and see a city that remains proud of its heritage. It is said that the explorer Christopher Columbus embarked on his voyage to the Americas from here and visitors to the city can now relive his story at the Casa de Colon Museum. This is just one of many such attraction to be found here which pay tribute to the city's historic legacy. Getting around Las Palmas Las Palmas has one of the best bus services in Spain. Yellow buses operate solely within the city itself, while the blue-coloured variety will take you to other destinations on the island. The main yellow bus services run every few minutes. Taxis can be hailed in the street when you see their green light and all operate on a metered fare system.Getting Downtown from the AirportAll flights land on Gran Canaria International Airport (LPA) which is situated approximately 15 miles from the centre of Las Palmas. A regular bus service operates throughout the day and takes passengers from the airport directly to the bus station in the middle of the city. Metered taxis are also available, as is the option of hiring a car. Prices found by our users for New Zealand departures to Las Palmas Airports for Las Palmas Las Palmas/Gran Canaria (LPA) How much do things cost in Las Palmas? 1 litre of milk How much does an apartment cost in Las Palmas? 3 bedroom apartment outside of centre International departures to Las Palmas Las Palmas flights from Australia Las Palmas flights from Canada Las Palmas flights from Hong Kong Las Palmas flights from Indonesia Las Palmas flights from Malaysia Las Palmas flights from Nigeria Las Palmas flights from Philippines Las Palmas flights from Qatar Las Palmas flights from Singapore Las Palmas flights from UK & Ireland Las Palmas flights from USA Las Palmas flights from South Africa Cheapest price to Las Palmas (From Auckland) Leave Wed, 17 May Return Thu, 25 May Average price range to Las Palmas Avg temp for April in Las Palmas Average rainfall for April in Las Palmas

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Top 5 historic places to dine in Edinburgh Category: food and drink Edinburgh not only has some of the best places to eat in the UK, it also has some of the most historic. The wealth of historic buildings in the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site offers so many opportunities to dine in atmospheric historic surroundings, but here are just a few to try. Gardener’s Cottage, Royal Terrace Gardens The Gardener’s Cottage has rapidly gained a great reputation since opening in 2012, breathing new life into a quirky historic building in the leafy setting of Royal Terrace Gardens. It dates back to 1837 and was intended to house a tenant, who would also look after the gardens and rent out keys to local residents. In return they were allowed to use part of the space for their own garden, and it is nice to see that the current owners follow that tradition, with vegetable patches lining the path to the front door. Contini Cannonball, Cannonball House, Castlehill The newly opened Contini Cannonball at Cannonball House has brought this 300 year old building back to life. The initials of some of the early owners can still be seen carved above one of the upper windows – Alexander Mure and his wife Margaret Niellems with the date 1630. As you enter, look out for the ‘tirling pin’ still fixed to the main door, old Edinburgh’s version of a door knocker. But why the name Cannonball House? Look carefully on the side of the building facing Edinburgh Castle and you will see a mysterious cannonball fixed high up into the wall. The Dome, George Street The Dome on George Street is incredibly grand, and it must have the most impressive entrance of any place to eat in Edinburgh. The building dates back to 1847 and was built as the head office for the Commercial Bank. What is now the Grill-Room was once the main banking hall, with the impressive domed roof designed to allow light to flood into the room. You can also still see the Commercial Bank’s coat of arms in a mosaic on the floor, and in stained glass windows at the back of the building. Jamie’s Italian, The Assembly Rooms, George Street When Jamie’s Italian opened in 2012 it revived an old tradition of dining at the Assembly Rooms. The building dates to 1787 and was intended to host dances and entertainment for high society in the Georgian New Town. In recent times what is now the restaurant were supper rooms, hired for grand occasions, but originally it was the location of the kitchens. It was here that the Assembly Rooms hosted its first event in 1785, a cockfight organised by the gentlemen of Lanark and Haddington. Wedgewood the Restaurant, The Canongate The Wedgewood is well known for its food, but not many people know its proper address – Morocco Land. Perched high up on this building is a strange sculpture, which some say represents the Emperor of Morocco. The legend has it that one Andrew Gray fled the city after being wrongly accused, and ended up in the Moroccan court. He returned many years later at the head of a fleet of pirate ships, cured the Provost's daughter of plague, married her and set up home in this Canongate tenement. The tenement was rebuilt in the 1950s, but the turbanned figure still remains. Blog contributed by David Hicks, Communications Manager at Edinburgh World Heritage. Whether it's afternoon tea, a light bite or a gourmet meal, we reveal our favourite eating and drinking spots. Let's take a peek Discover the Favourite Haunts of Our Local Heroes Edinburgh has more than a smattering of well-known heroes, from thespians to sporting heroes, chefs to authors, get the skinny on their favourite Edinburgh spots. Get the low down Shopping in Edinburgh Luxury brands, high street stores and beautiful boutiques, we have it covered. Shopping in Edinburgh is a fantastic experience catering to all tastes, styles and budgets. Let's go Shopping

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Storia della Gastronomia: Pellegrino... Recipes Culinary Travel, Featured Storia della Gastronomia: Pellegrino Artusi, The Master of Italian Cuisine January 9, 2017 by Veronica Lavenia The gastronomic history of each country has its roots in a past that has shaped the culinary and cultural developments that have occurred in that land up to now. Italy, France and England are the birthplaces of three gastronomic personalities, Artusi, Brillat-Savarin and Mrs. Isabella Beeton, whose knowledge has been passed down to the present day. La Scienza in cucina e l’arte di mangiar bene (“The Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well”) by Pellegrino Artusi, is the Italian cookbook for excellence. It is a basic culinary text of the country and is difficult for any home cook to ignore. The continuous reprints in Italian and the many translations to other languages, confirms the value of the text even today. Born in Forlimpopoli (Emilia-Romagna, North of Italy) in 1820, Artusi was forced to leave his small town when his family, owners of a grocery store, suffered a terrible robbery. After moving to Florence, Artusi left the grocery business to embark on his true passions: cooking and literature.? Released in 1861, “The Science of Cooking and the Art of Eating Well” is not just a collection of 790 recipes (born from the experiments conducted with the two chefs family, Marietta Sabatini and Francesco Rufilli), nor a treaty of gastronomic culture. It is a precious piece of Italian history, a fresco of habits, customs, and traditions of an Italy told through its cuisine, from North to South. On the long introduction dedicated to “Tortellini alla Bolognese” Artusi writes: “When you hear of Bolognese cuisine make a reverence, because it deserves it. Maybe, it is a way to cook a bit heavy, because the climate so requires, but luscious, tasteful and healthy, so much so that there the longevity of eighty and ninety years are more common than elsewhere”.? Artusi is proud of his recipes but not unduly vain. Often he cites the sources that inspired his dishes and he doesn’t forget the illustrious French colleague, Brillat Savarin when he wrote that: “Inviting someone means to take charge of his happiness for all the time that he dwells under your roof”. About France and its food, in constant competition with the Italian, Artusi, in the introductory pages devoted his writing to “Gelato and Spumoni” and provides information about who invented these delicacies. At the time of writing, this discussion was really a novelty, but today, the topic is not so surprising. The reader discovers that, even in this case, the fancy Italian made history of a famous French cafe: “The origin of the gelato (ice cream) is ancient and the first ice cream was served to Catherine of Medici, in 1533. The secret recipe was revealed later, as the Florentines pastry chefs and cooks of the Royal Palace, gave no knowledge of their art, so that the Parisians waited more than a century to taste the ice cream. What is positive about this subject is that ice cream was introduced in France around 1660 by a certain Procopio Coltelli. This Sicilian man opened in Paris, under his name, the “Café Procope”, a place that soon became the meeting of all the beautiful Parisians intellects”. Whoever has the pleasure of reading the text, “The Science of Cooking and the Art of Eating Well”, for the first time will find an Italian masterpiece.? The classic culinary arts must be held on to in order to adapt the classic for a great, modern future. Veronica LaveniaVeronica is a born and raised Italian. She inherited her love for travel, passion for cooking and natural, sustainable, plant based slow food from her parents. Her works have appeared in 'Vegetarian Living', 'Veggie Magazine', 'Lifestyle food', 'Australian Good Food & Travel Guide', 'Chickpea' and 'Free from Heaven', among others. She is the author of "Panini: the simple tastes of Italian style bread"; 'The Rustic Italian bakery" and "The Vegetarian Italian Kitchen", published by New Holland Publishers Australia. Her fourth book, 'A Modern Italian Table: simple everyday natural recipes' will be released in March 2017, for the same publisher.More Posts - Website Tags: Cookbook, Europe, france, french cuisine, Italian cuisine, italy No Comments Yet Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong> Sign me up for the Daily Newsletter! Related News Chinese Braised Duck Celebrate the Season with Festive Cocktails Blueberry Raspberry Muffins Summer Corn Soup, with Saffron and Turmeric Cute Easter Cupcakes Coconut Neapolitan Cake

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Visually Amazing Japanese Moss Phlox Flower Park Moss pink flowers are in full bloom in Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture. Image Credit: SANKEI PHOTOA young couple relaxes in a field of moss phlox at Hitsujiyama park in Chichibu, west of Tokyo, Friday, May 2, 2008. More than 200,000 moss phlox are now in full-bloom at the park. Image Credit: AP Photo/Katsumi KasaharaVisually Amazing Japanese Moss Phlox Flower ParkShibazakura, or Phlox … or Thrift in English can be a really nice ground cover in small patches of a garden. They work great as a compliment to other plants, but this display at Hitsujiyama park in Chichibu, west of Tokyo, Japan has to take the cake for the Oblate Speroid’s largest display of a flowering complementary plant for landscaping.Praise must be given to the gardeners though, who have to look after this garden for the rest of the year. Tending the garden, pest control, and the ability to maintain the consistency of the bloom has to be hard work with the amount of pests (wild and human) that lurk around Hitsujiyama park.Visitors view a field of moss phlox at Hitsujiyama park in Chichibu, west of Tokyo, Friday, May 2, 2008. More than 200,000 moss phlox are now in full-bloom at the park. Image Credit: AP Photo/Katsumi KasaharaVisitors look at landscaped fields of Shibazakura (Moss Phlox) flowers at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture April 30, 2008. Image Credit: REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN)This type of visual display reminds us here at Oblate Spheroid of what the environmental artist Christo would do with his artistic approach.His displays were temporary and designed to be a one time only event. This park in Japan is a year round display and changes with the ebb and flow of the seasons. Chichibu, Hitsujiyama park, Phlox, Shibazakura, Hangzhou Bay Bridge - World’s Longest Span Across The Ocean China has formally opened what it says is the world's longest sea bridge with a ceremony and fireworks. The six-lane bridge was built to address traffic congestion in the booming region, and will cut the driving time between Shanghai and Ningbo to two-and-a-half hours from four. Image Credit: BBC NEWSHangzhou Bay Bridge - World’s Longest Span Across The OceanHangzhou Bay Bridge is an S-shaped stayed-cable bridge linking both sides of the Hangzhou Bay. It is the longest sea-crossing bridge on this Oblate Spheroid! The bridge is 22.37 Miles long; it has six lanes in both directions and shortens the distance between Shanghai and Ningbo by 74.56 Miles.MAP - Hangzhou Bay is a gulf in the East China Sea. For the Zhejiang province this is a first class project as both ends of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge are in the province´s cities of Cixi and Zhapu. The bridge is the main project of the 5.200 kilometres national highway between Heilongjiang Province in the north toi the Hainan Province in the south. Graphic Credit: hangzhoubaybridge.comAlthough the bridge is already linked and the opening ceremony was held on 26th June 2007, it opened to the public transport May 1, 2008.First preparations for planning the bridge started a decade ago; close to 600 experts spent nine years on designing the Hangzhou Bay Bridge. Chief Commander of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge project is Mr Wang Yong.Hangzhou Bay is known both in China and internationally for it´s fantastic tides, a natural wonder that is a major tourist attraction. . The tides are moving in a speed that can reach 30 kilometres (19 miles), sounds like thunder and the waves can be up to 8 meters (25 feet) high. One reason for the study of the project for a decade is the tide which will make the construction process complicated. Image Credit: hangzhoubaybridge.comThis excerpted from Times Online -China opens world's longest road bridgeJane Macartney in Beijing - Times Online - May 2, 2008“If you want to grow rich, you must first build roads,” an old Chinese saying goes. The opening yesterday of the world’s longest road bridge over the sea should swell still further the coffers of the glittering metropolis that is Shanghai.The £840 million [1.66 billion dollars] bridge, measuring 36km, spans Hangzhou Bay to link China’s financial hub and the port city of Ningbo to the south. It will reduce travel time between the two key cities in the Yangtze delta from four hours to two and a half.A ceremony was held in the middle of the cable-stayed bridge to mark the official opening. The bridge has been built to withstand the typhoons that sweep in from the Pacific to batter the east coast each summer. Its steel pylons are 89m long, reaching beneath a sea as deep as 60m in some places. In addition, the sections of the bridge had to be winched into position over expanses of quicksand-like mudflats.----In a break with tradition, private firms provided almost a third of the investment needed for the project. Image Credit: hangzhoubaybridge.comState television greeted the start of traffic on the bridge with great fanfare, devoting almost the first ten minutes of the evening news of the Labour Day holiday to the subject. Wen Jiabao, the premier, visited the southern end of the bridge in Ningbo.Private investors funded almost 30 per cent of the project, the first time that China’s private sector had been allowed to put money into a major public infrastructure work. Officials say that the capital costs should be recovered in 15 years.Reference Here>>Please note that the title of the Times Online article referenced here is in error, in that the longest "ROAD BRIDGE" is located in the United States. The world's longest road bridge on this Oblate Spheroid is in Louisiana: the Lake Pontchatrain Causeway near New Orleans links Metairie to Mandeville, and spans 24 miles (~40 km). It is not an engineering marvel, but it is longer by almost a couple of miles ... Sorry China. Hangzhou Bay Bridge, longest sea-crossing, Mr. Wang Yong, S-shaped, stayed-cable Hangzhou Bay Bridge - World’s Longest Span Across ...

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From the Mahurangi River to Kawau: a Sunday cruise Sunday 11 March, good friends of mine shouted me a trip down the Mahurangi River from Warkworth on the MV Kawau Isle. The craft, built in 1958, did regular trips between Sandspit and Kawau Island for around 30 years. We passed by the 1908 scow Jane Gifford as we headed down river. Along the Mahurangi, oyster farms proliferate. These, according to the commentary, are barges used to maintain and harvest the oyster beds. Scott Homestead on Scott's Landing, Mahurangi Point. Took a number of shots, and they're all obscured by trees, so this was the best of 'em. Thomas Scott was a local shipbuilder and coastal trader. Casnell Island just off the tip of Mahurangi Point, apparently a Maori pa site, is also a protected scenic reserve. Pudding Island, so-named because it looks like a bread pudding. Saddle Island (Te Haupa), again so-named because of its looks. Motuora. This place has a lot of European history to it (more at the link). I was fascinated by these rocky spurs, like teeth above the water ... Leading to Motutara, an island which did once have an even greater rocky outcrop in the above view (western point of the island). Until it was virtually all quarried away from 1929 until the 1960s by the Auckland Regional Authority. Detail from DP 22125, 1929, LINZ, crown copyright In 1926, Charlie Hanson (also known as owner of neighbouring Moturekareka) bought both islands (Deeds Index 1B.21), only to have the western point of Motutara taken under proclamation. After asking the Crown if they wanted to purchase the rest of the island along with Moturekareka in the 1940s, and being refused, Hanson sold the remainder of the land privately. In 1967 the Commissioner of Crown Lands sought permission to bring the remains of the quarry into the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, and succeeded the following year. After an aborted attempt to subdivide the remaining two-thirds of the island by the private owners in the early 1970s, the remainder was brought into the maritime reserve in 1975. In 1980, Motutara was classified as a scenic reserve. ("Flora, Fauna and History of Moturekareka, Motutara and Kohatutara Islands, Hauraki Gulf", by Tennyson, Cameron and Taylor, Tane (1997), p. 33) Coming alongside Moturekareka, the boat's master swung in a bit closer ... ... so we could get a view of the remains of the Rewa, whose past has been excellently summarised by Writer of the Purple Sage. Motuketekete, the history of which was previously posted here. I was trying to get the best I could from a distance shot of the rocks at the eastern tip, where one seems balanced as a precarious ledge. I didn't realise I also caught a tern in mid-flight until I viewed the shots here at home later. Beehive Island. According to Marjorie Holmes, Life and Times on Kawau Island (1999), the island was gifted to a Mrs I Wilson by Sir Ernest Davis at some point. Comment was made on the boat that the island looks like it just needs a castaway -- but that isn't sand around its flanks, but ground seashell. First glimpse I've ever had of Kawau Island - South Cove, with the day's damp mist crowning the highlands, lending atmosphere to the trip. Timber milling and farming have formed the European history here. A bit further on from South Cove, just before Dispute Cove, the old copper mine engine house, a registered historic site. Painting of the old copper works by John Kinder, 4-1198, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Library. Judging by Kinder's painting from the 1850s-1860s, the engine house looks the way it does today perhaps because the rest of the shoreline appears to have been washed away over time. Most of the walls seemed to be still in place by 1910, but cracks are visible in the image below. Auckland Weekly News 15 December 1910, ref. AWNS-19101215-14-1, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Library Copper mining at Kawau was a relatively short-lived enterprise. From the mid 1840s to 1855, when the mine shafts flooded, this was Auckland's centre of industry. Leading on to Kawau's other main claim to fame: Mansion House. Originally, this started out as a two-storey Georgian style Mine Manager's residence (much still to be seen on the right). Then Sir George Grey arrived, and along with his animal and bird life importations, he added the left side (but the fancy verandahs are a post-Grey addition from the 1890s). These are distance shots only, as the boat was not allowed to dock at the jetty due to high fees, with these trips being a commercial enterprise. But private boats can get in any time they like, apparently. Didn't seem all that fair to those of us looking longingly at the building as it disappeared behind us. Schoolroom Bay, Bon Accord Harbour, so-named after an 1870s school said to have been built there by Grey. Above, this is it today. Below, how it used to be. Auckland Weekly News, 10 October 1912. Ref AWNS-19121010-6-1, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Library These days, the vastly altered (wonder how much is actually left?) schoolhouse is tourist accommodation. On the other side of Bon Accord Harbour is Smelting House Bay. This is the Kawau Island Yacht Club's jetty. This is the remains of the copper smelting house, built in 1849 from Mahurangi Stone (possibly limestone?). Serious deterioration has occurred during the last century to the originally two-and-a-half storey building. This was when some idiots set fire to the copper slag around the building. Auckland Weekly News, 3 May 1901, ref AWNS-19010503-8-2, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Library. Smelting House Bay (above) is where, in the 1860s, the hulk Marion was anchored, a floating prison for Maori during the Waikato War. From the link: "Following their capture at Rangiriri in November 1863, these men were initially held in the prison hulk Marion on Auckland Harbour before being transferred to Kawau Island (in the Hauraki Gulf north of Auckland), where they were held without charge or trial. On 11 September 1864 they seized all the boats on the island and used improvised paddles to cross the channel to the Northland coast. They built a pā north of Warkworth." The moody mists on Sunday seemed apt for this place. Pembles Island (Tangaroa), said to have been given the European name "after a young miner and assistant teacher who lived and worked on the island when the coppermine was working," according to Holmes. On the way homeward, heading for Sandspit, we passed the Spirit of New Zealand at anchor. A neat end to a great day, despite the weather. Writer Of The Purple Sage...March 14, 2012 at 2:41 PMRather envious of your trip! And many thanx for linking to my story about Charles Hansen...much appreciated!ReplyDeleteLiz ClarkMarch 14, 2012 at 9:03 PMI'll echo Phil's comment *green envy face* thank so so much for sharing such beautiful photos and helping to bring back some really great childhood memories for me. Awesome!ReplyDeleteTimespannerMarch 14, 2012 at 9:10 PMThanks, folks.ReplyDeleteDennisMarch 15, 2012 at 1:45 PMGreat pics! This story reminded me of staying on Kawau as a child and later, as a teenager, paddling a kayak over from the mainland and all around this lovely island. I was inspired to dig out an old book I have ('Oceana' by Froude, pub. 1886) in which the author has a fascinating account of visiting Sir George Grey at his Mansion House home. As a kid, I remember being thrilled by the wallabies and peacocks, the legacy of Grey, who had quite a menagerie of exotic animals. Maybe there's a good story here, if it hasn't already been told...ReplyDeleteDARIAN ZAMMarch 16, 2012 at 12:27 AMI went to Kawau a couple of times in the 1980s, I enjoyed it. I can't remember what the circumstances were. I think back then it wasn't a big deal to take a trip out there; sounds like it is now. I think Henry Harrison, who used to have a wordpress blog called Kiwi Ephemera - but has unfortunately since abandoned it - wrote in his article on the Dutch Kiwi Restaurant in the Waitakeres, a story about how after it burned down in 1970 Hans Romaine & Rolf Feign went to The Mansion on Kawau and ran it as a restaurant/bar in the early 1970s. There was some interesting story about how they had the first liquor license on the island,or any island, but got it taken off them because of constant brawls that would break out between the armed services on leave, but continued to run a bar anyway...I can't quite remember the story now but I remember it as being a curious bit of more recent history.ReplyDeleteAdd commentLoad more... The last of the horse troughs, and colour at Mt Ed... A mural in Queen's Arcade The Great White Fleet, 1907-1909 Magnalium for Dominion Day Still hoping for the Queen's Head façade Phone boxes again Puketapapa (Mount Roskill) Historical Society Designing a telephone box, 1905 From the Mahurangi River to Kawau: a Sunday cruise... Naming lions Images of the earthquake at Napier, 1931 Sandspit murals Two Ponsonby memorials An old fashioned front window Hope abandoned on Ponsonby Road The Aucklander's article on Miss Newey's cottage

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| languedoc-roussillon Carcassonne When you're traveling through Languedoc, this is a "must-see" for kids. "Carcassonne is every child's dream of a walled city," says a friend. Carcassonne began as a Roman city (Carcaso), more defenses were added by the Visigoths, and the citadel was really beefed up in the 10th-13th centuries. The city was the target of two major sieges in the 13th century, but withstood the attacks. As a result of the 1209 rebellion, the dreaded Simon de Montfort became the Viscount of Carcassonne. In the 19th century, the fortress was restored and turrets added. The "Cité"– Today, the Cité is the largest of it's kind – a double-walled stronghold, with numerous towers and ramparts, enclosing a medieval town, chateau and cathedral. The main entrance through the Narbonne Gate (Port Narbonnaise) is dramatic – two big guard towers with slits, where archers stood ready to release their arrows. Walk around the narrow streets of the medieval town. The 12th century Chateau Comtal is a fortified castle, with it's own moat, bridge, gatehouse and walls. Don't miss the Saint-Nazaire cathedral, a Romanesque and Gothic style church with lovely stained glass windows. From the Aude Gate or Saint-Nazaire Tower, you can run around in the wide grassy areas between the crenellated walls. Museums – Get a feeling for medieval life in the Museum of the Middle Ages, with costumes, weapons and models of Carcassonne over the centuries. Visit the School Museum (3 Rue du Plô) to see a classroom, or stop into the Museum of the Hat to see what the well dressed woman or man wore in the Middle Ages (buy hats as souvenirs too). At the Jardin du Prado, take a ride on the old-fashioned merry-go-round. Definitely fun for little ones. Tour the inner walls in a horse drawn carriage (get carriages at the Narbonne Gate). Below the fortress, cross over the Old Bridge, linking the Cité with the town or follow paths along the River Aude. At Pech Mary Hill, catch "Eagles of the City" (Les Aigles de la Cite), a 45 min. demonstration of medieval falconry. In town (Ville Basse), walk the tow paths along the Canal du Midi and watch the locks in operation. Outside of town, at Cavayere Lake (Lac de la Cavayere) there's swimming and pedal boats. There's lots of fun things to do in and around Carassone, but you'll need a fun place to stay. Here's our hand-picked list of family hotels for Carcassonne: Carcassonne family hotels Medieval Life (Eyewitness Books) Andrew Langley See what life was like in Carcassonne during the Middle Ages. A visual guide to medieval life, with photographs of clothing, beds, tables and chairs, food, weapons, musical instruments, and models of an abbey, a church, a market stall. Good for all ages. (Picture book) Life in a Castle Kay Eastwood Find out what it was like to live in a castle – in war or peace, castles were busy, filled with hundreds of nobles, knights and servants, some guests were kept in the dungeon, feasts were held in the great hall (it was not polite to pick your teeth with a knife while at the table). (Picture book) Pagan in Exile (The Pagan Chronicles) 1188. Wisecracking teenage squire Pagan Kidrouk and Lord Roland Roucy de Bram return from the Crusades to Roland's family castle near Carcassonne. It's an uphill battle for the honorable Lord Roland when his annoying family starts a fracas with the local abbey. Good for older kids. (Chapter book) Lord Roland and Pagan join the Abbey of St. Martin in the next adventure Pagan's Vows (life in the medieval abbey will never be the same). travel for kids | france | languedoc-roussillon | carcassonne travel for kids your best choice for family travel © 2000-2017 Globetracks, Inc. | disclaimers and limitation of liability | contact us

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One of the best ways to ensure you never get bored in Berlin is to find yourself a jazz musician and then follow the music. I’ve recently become an expert on this particular type of adventuring, and while the preliminary steps now seem to have been quite easy in the remembrance of them, I feel I must provide a small caveat: the search can seem long and fruitless, and perhaps you don’t even like jazz music at all. In that case you might want to go for the late-night DJ’s, but then of course there are the drug problems to deal with. All I have to deal with is a series of interesting people to talk to, all seemingly different from anyone I’ve ever met before, all, I am still shocked to learn, as fascinated by me as I am by them—because I am an American who chose Germany, and because I don’t really belong at their party but they are happy to have a distraction, and because, well, “what the hell am I doing here anyway?” (A question I find myself repeating with amusement, out loud and to myself, every time I end up at one of these places.) Of course I am aware that it helps that he is a musician; if he were a writer like me, perhaps we would never go anywhere; he would retreat into himself as writers do, proclaiming with a glass of strong alcohol in hand, “I must be alone! I need to write!” But that is the nature of writing versus performing I suppose: that the acts of writing and reading—of both making the art and consuming it—must be lonely ones, while music making and music hearing are activities meant to be shared with others. And so he goes out to play at different places and I come along, always ready for the next shared experience, always open to another story to be told.The first time I accompanied him on one of these jaunts was to a private party he was playing way out in Steglitz, which is in the southwest corner of the city, where mansions sit comfortably as they have for over a hundred years, and Berlin begins to look like any Western European capital. I hadn’t even planned on going, but when I showed up at his house earlier that night for dinner, he proclaimed that I looked dressed for a party and that I should come with him, and suddenly it seemed like a slightly silly but nevertheless intriguing idea. Why not?I was told we would be going to the mansion that housed what was called Schlagendeverbindung, a kind of Catholic brotherhood that in years past had cut their cheeks to make scars symbolizing their union. I immediately imagined dark hooded cloaks and glowing pale skin, sort of like the monk with license to kill in The Da Vinci Code. What I found instead, once we had arrived and I stood there awkwardly as he unloaded his keyboard and gear, was something entirely different. I saw jolly and friendly old men with large stomachs adorned with medals and chests crossed with different colored ribbons, and younger men—boys almost—still a bit awkward in the presence of a woman their own age. Suddenly they were coming up to me. “Who are you here with? Where do you come from? Can I get you a drink? Food? Can I give you a tour of the house?” I used the opportunity to ask them a bit more about their organization, and found that they were really just a group of normal and unslashed people—young students who had first come to Berlin to study, and older men who agreed to become their mentors—like a fraternity only without the keg parties (I’m assuming). The musicians were playing in the main hallway where a staircase curved up to the second and third floor, and so I staked out this staircase, at the place where it curved, as my perch for the evening. Sitting there as the music started and looking down through the vertical bars of the banister, I had the sense of doing something illicit, like I was a child past my bedtime, creeping downstairs to see “what mommy and daddy were up to.” Once, twice, or many times, I was hit with that “what am I doing here?” feeling, but again, it was with a sense of fond amusement, of realizing that this Jewish girl from New York City was now sitting in the house of an old German Catholic Gemeinschaft.Next of course I would have to mention the evening less than a week ago, which occurred up in the Brandenburg town—more like a village actually—of Parstein, about an hour North of the city, on a lake called Parsteiner See and a quick drive or slightly longer hike to the Polish border. Parstein is where he spends his time when he’s not in Berlin, at a house that could house ten people, with a garden and a barn and an attic full of possibilities. Apparently in this area, different people from the surrounding towns host evenings of food and music associated with the church, and he had been asked to host one. Undoubtedly the newest member of the small town, he had just started renting the house that previous spring. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the evening, and the thought of being in a room full of people speaking German did not exactly put me at ease, but nevertheless, I had agreed to come up for the night, and I was determined to at least appear relaxed, even if I wasn’t.We started late and the first guest—a cheerful and patient older woman named, of course, Frau Krause—arrived early, but by the time the room filled up, we had brewed enough _Glühwein_—the German Christmas and dark weather staple—to keep a small village wonderfully drunk, and the dried apricots and plums that I’d carefully arranged with bacon wrapped around them were finished and beckoning. It seemed that everyone who walked in the door had brought some kind of highly fattening and delicious food as well, and pretty soon two tables were completely full. So was the room. And when I came in from my back-and-forth rushing (perhaps a bit unnecessary, but the more occupied I was, I reasoned, the less I would actually have to talk to people), there was only one seat left for me by the door. I filled a glass with Glühwein and sat down to watch him play, but as I looked around at this room full of people, barely one of them under the age of fifty, I could not help but smile. It was either that or laugh out loud. Again, what, exactly was I doing here, and, well, how did I get here? (The words of the Talking Heads song echoing in my head.)At one point, he signaled that we were going to sing a hymn, and Frau Krause scurried out of the room and brought back hymn books, and everyone turned to the right number and began to sing. I felt like I was infiltrating some secret society, like I was a spy and no one knew I wasn’t supposed to be there. What on earth was I doing there? How crazy! Again, a year and a half ago I didn’t even know I was going to be in Berlin, and now here I was sitting in a house kilometers north of the city, singing a hymn in German. Of course I should have already presumed that people were wondering about me, but the moment of both embarrassment and delight came when he stood up, indicating towards where I was sitting, and said the German equivalent of “Ladies and Gentlemen, my girlfriend Giulia, who came here all the way from New York City.” The laughter was riotous. All the way from New York City to Parstein? Honestly, what on earth was she doing here?The third event happened last night, and really convinced me that this was fast becoming a trend, and not simply a series of coincidences. He was asked to play the music at the Christmas Party for _Tagesspiegel_—in English the Daily Mirror, a respected German newspaper—and suggested that I come along, noting that it might be a good networking opportunity for me. Since I already had plans to go to a concert that night, it looked like it wouldn’t work out, but at the last moment the concert fell through and it turned out I would be able to go to the party after all. It was set to start at 6, and it only occurred to me at around 5:30 that I might be in for a bit of a challenge. Well, more than that really; I was suddenly frantic at the idea of walking into a room where I knew no one and even worse, would have to speak a language that was not my own in order to even introduce myself. It’s hard enough when you have to make an impression in English.At the last minute I invited Cora to come too, sure that the entire thing would go smoothly if I had a friend with me. I found the Tagesspiegel office, waltzed in the door like I was supposed to be there and right past the guard at the front desk, and following the sounds of piano and saxaphone, found myself in a bright room with tables adorned with oranges and holly. People were just starting to come down in the elevators from their offices. It was the end of the workday. I caught his eye and we smiled at each other as he played, but I was not yet quite sure what else to do. I got a glass of wine and proceeded to stroll around, observing the people as they came downstairs, their ages, their dress, and how they related to others around them. I am always fascinated by the look of those who work at newspapers, perhaps because I myself would like to work at a newspaper or magazine. It surprises me how normal they all look—these humans who have achieved a position I want—how casual and unaware of what they have already accomplished. I could easily tell that the youngest members of the staff, those who came downstairs dressed sloppily in jeans and sneakers, were looking around with the same sense of anxiety in their eyes that I felt, looking anywhere, for anyone that they could talk to.I noticed a girl who looked a bit Russian, in a sweater with a striking black and white geometric pattern and perfectly straight black hair, and we just sort of gravitated towards each other and began to talk. I told her I was waiting for a friend and she was too, and we decided to stick together until our respective friends showed up. She admitted to speaking only the slightest bit of English, but I have always found this makes it all the more easy for me: if I have to speak German as the only way to communicate, it suddenly opens me up and takes away my self-awareness. It becomes a necessity instead of a strange conceit that doesn’t really feel like me. Her name was Manja, and she was indeed half Russian. She worked as a graphic designer doing layout for the magazine Tagesspiegel also produces.She ended up introducing me to her friends, especially a very goofy middle eastern man named Utzi who proceeded to ask jokingly, every time I brought up the name of a female friend, whether she was single or married.“But you’re married and have three children already!” Manja pointed out playfully.“No, he’s probably asking for his sons,” I suggested helpfully and hopefully.“They are eleven, seven, and five,” Utzi replied with a grin.Others who knew them came up to us at the table where we ate together, and eventually I found myself speaking to a political columnist who gave me his card. Perhaps Christmastime is not the best time for making new job contacts, since no one is really thinking about work, but the fact that I spent hours speaking German at a party and in fact made fast friends with people who took me under their wing and introduced me to others (always with “Sie ist die Freundin des Pianists”—“She is the girlfriend of the pianist” of course) seemed like an accomplishment in and of itself. When the music was over I said goodnight to my pianist, telling him not to talk to too many girls while I wasn’t there, and left the party elated, content, and proud.There are undoubtedly more occasions such as these, but these are the ones that stand out. These are the ones for which I feel lucky, and for which I must thank him. For without him I would surely have far fewer “what on earth am I doing here?” moments. I would probably be far more complacent by this point, my life far more routine.Get yourself a jazz musician; you’ll know what I mean. Newer PostScenes from GendarmenmarktOlder PostSo Nice They Named It Twice

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The Imperial Palace- The Hall of Supreme Harmony (Sapporo Snow Festival - February 2007)The imperial palace (also known as the Forbidden City) in Beijing was the Chinese imperial palace during the mid-Ming and the Qing Dynasties. One of the most historically important buildings within the palace is the Hall of Supreme Harmony located at its central axis. The original hall was built in 1406, on the site where a part of the imperial city during the Yuan Dynasty once existed, by the Yongle Emperor who became known as Chengzu of Ming Dynasty soon after he moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing. The imperial palace served as the seat of the Ming Dynasty from 1421 until 1644, when a peasant revolt invaded and razed it. The following Qing Dynasty reconstructed the palace and also occupied it. In 1912, after the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the imperial palace ceased being the political center of China with the abdication of Puyi, the last Emperor of China. Under an agreement signed between the Qing imperial house and the new Republic of China government, Puyi was, however, allowed to live within the walls of the Forbidden City. Puyi stayed in the Forbidden City until 1924, when Feng Yuxiang took control of Beijing in a coup. Denouncing the previous agreement with the Qing imperial house, Feng expelled Puyi. Soon after, the Palace Museum was established in the Forbidden City on October 10th in 1925.*Blurb from the Snow Festival website. Photos (Japan), The TravellerFebruary 12, 2007 2:06 PMThat is incredible! Did you have a good time at the snow festival?ReplyDeleteLesFebruary 12, 2007 3:27 PMBrrr, it looks so cold! But I love the photographs you've shared. AND, I love your new header. Very, very nice, Nat!ReplyDeletetanabataFebruary 12, 2007 10:29 PMYes, we had a good time. I'll have to post about it more soon.Les, thank you. I've been wanting to add a picture or something to my header for awhile but H finally had some time to sit down with me and give me some tips on the technical how-to. So this is just a first attempt but I think I'll leave it for awhile until I have time to tinker again!ReplyDeleteLesleyFebruary 13, 2007 6:30 AMThat is a beautiful photo! Glad to hear you had a good time and can't wait to hear more about it!ReplyDeleteAdd commentLoad more... 'Hotel du Lac' Classics Challenge wrap-up 'The Makioka Sisters' a little early 'The bridegroom was a dog' Hokkaido salmon Hikone Castle (2) Hikone Castle Trip Notes Chakri Maha Prasat Grand Palace 'The Good Earth' The Kingdom of Dreams and Magic Milk Land first glimpse Gone...

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South Georgia - Grytviken 2 Albatros was built in 1921 at Svelvik in Norway. Principal dimensions - 228 tons and 107 feet in length. Petrel, with Curlew moored outside on the left and the whale catcher stores on the right. Looking over Petrel and Curlew to the plater's shop, machine shop and fuel tanks. Petrel in Winter. Built in Oslo in 1928 - A steam driven whale catcher of 245 tons and 115 feet in length, she was converted to a sealer in 1957 by removing the open walkway from the bridge and the harpoon gun. (This was replaced later) Still in use, the Church was prefabricated in Norway and shipped to Grytviken for assembly. The Church was consecrated on Christmas Day 1913. The first pastor of the Whaler's Church was Kristen Loken and the position has remained vacant since 1931. The cemetery contains not only the remains of whalers and sealers, but the grave of the explorer Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton. One of our most famous explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton had achieved much in his life, dying just before his forty-eighth birthday. The Floating Dock at Grytviken, invaluable for emergency repairs on stern seals, shafting, propellers and hull problems. The dock succumbed to the elements and sank in 1973. The Power Station is in the background. The white building with the red roof houses the water turbines and the grey section without a roof houses the diesels. Another view of the Floating Dock, looking over King Edward Cove to King Edward Point. Dias (left) and Albatros lying on the Harpoon Jetty at Grytviken. Both vessels arrived in South Georgia as whale catchers, later being converted to sealers. Dias (ex Viola) was built in 1906 at Beverly near Hull as a trawler. Dias was originally coal fired, but converted to oil in 1956. Principal dimensions - 167 tons and 112 feet in length.

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Distant Adventures Hit Home By Matthew Stachmus - My first day in Guatemala as a Peace Corps trainee was sensory overload. Guatemala: Peace Corps Guatemala: Peace Corps in Guatemala: By Admin1 (admin) on Sunday, July 01, 2001 - 3:16 pm: Edit Post Distant Adventures Hit Home By Matthew Stachmus - My first day in Guatemala as a Peace Corps trainee was sensory overload. Distant Adventures Hit Home By Matthew Stachmus - My first day in Guatemala as a Peace Corps trainee was sensory overload. Distant Adventures Hit Home By Matthew Stachmus - My first day in Guatemala as a Peace Corps trainee was sensory overload. Distant Adventures Hit Home By Matthew Stachmus During my junior year of college it became manifest that I was receiving a "calling" to leave the U.S. and serve the poor abroad. On June 6th, 1995, one month after graduation, I was where I hoped to be: the Third World. My first day in Guatemala as a Peace Corps trainee was sensory overload. Everything--the culture, the language, the people, and the surroundings--were different. Frankly, I had no misconceptions because I had no inkling as to what to expect. The Peace Corps director was quick to blast away any quixotic or romantic sentiments we may have had. I stand somewhere between respecting and loathing what he told us our first day in country, "You will find that the majority of Guatemalans will treat you well even though they probably shouldn't." It was a quick wake-up call that we were not brought there for an easy job. Despite this, I found the majority of the other trainees very amiable and in high spirits. We did a lot of joking around. I remember vividly some of our commentary that afternoon. One particular trainee, whom happened to be in his late sixties, would wake up early every morning and brush his teeth outside our dormitory wearing only his boxer shorts. He asked us if we brought "protection." To this a young trainee replied, "We will be receiving that in our medical kits." The old man rebuked, "That's over a week away." We were sharing the retreat center outside the capital with salespeople from one of the largest bakeries in Central America. I asked one of these gentlemen what he did and he replied, "I work for Bimbo." I could not conceal my amusement. I later found out that the name of the bakery is indeed Bimbo. The following day we each arrived at the homes of our assigned host families. Severely lacking in language skills, I relied on the propitious nature of the universal language, a smile. After giving my host parents some chocolates I had bought stateside as a gift, I unpacked my belongings and set about getting my room in order. One of the things I meticulously packed was an old deflated soccer ball. Upon seeing this, my host-father asked me to juggle out in the front yard. It felt so great to be able to do something cross-cultural so soon after arriving. While completing my language and technical training, I made many great friends in my town. I was even asked to play on the town's soccer team. I hated to leave my host family at the time of graduation, but like the trainees that remained, I too was ready to begin my service as a volunteer. After receiving our site assignments, we broke up into travel groups. The Peace Corps gave us no logistical support in moving our belongings and ourselves to our new homes in every corner of the country. My friend Emilio agreed to drive five of us and our belongings, including a rabbit and a Rottweiler puppy, to the capital in his little pickup. Three of us sat spread-eagle atop the huge mound of suitcases and backpacks to prevent them from being blown away. From there we boarded an old bus to the southwest coast. Two hours into the ride, I had become complacent and was thinking how easy this move was going to be. As if on cue, the bus pulled off the road and stopped. "What the heck is going on?" I asked. Two of my companions walked up the road about 100 meters to see what was the cause of the apparent bottleneck. "Something" had formed a huge crater in the bridge so wide that there was not enough space for the buses to maneuver around it. This, however, did not prevent people from crossing on foot, or smaller vehicles with a narrower wheelbase from skirting the chasm. "Now what?" we thought. There we were in the baking heat, stranded with over 600 pounds of our possessions on the coastal highway. We decided to hire three men to help us move our gear to the other side of the bridge and reload it on a waiting bus. Somehow, every last article made it through and my new site-mate and myself arrived at a town about an hour away from our site around 6 p.m. There we took lodging in an abandoned house. My next three years were full of similar adventures and misadventures. I recall at least two other precarious bridge crossings. In one, the old school bus I was in drove over a "bridge" that was no more than four downed telephone poles, one pair for the tires on the right side of the bus and one pair for the left. I recall the driver saying a prayer before and after we crossed. In another episode, four other volunteers and I came to a very questionable-looking hanging bridge over a small river. One of the volunteers assured us it was safe. Taking as little risk as possible, we took turns to prevent two people being on the bridge at the same time. My friend Red was the last to cross, and just as he was about halfway we noticed that three of the local women, two of them with babies on their backs, were wading through the river rather than taking the bridge. You should have seen our faces after seeing that. Many people have asked me, "Despite all the hardships that go along with being a volunteers, do you consider it a rewarding and worthwhile experience?" My usual response is that there is no doubt it is an emotional roller coaster, but if you narrow out all the ups and downs it is without a doubt the best thing I've ever done in my life thus far. You learn more about yourself, and the world around you, than any other experience I know of because you don't just leave the U.S. to visit somewhere else. You leave it all behind to live and work and become an integral part of a small community. You leave it all behind to figure out that all you really need to be happy is not restricted by imaginary lines on maps and abstract ideas related to geography. People are the same wherever you go, and it is the joy in realizing this that can make home a much less distant place to be. Copyright © 1998 Voices of Central Pennsylvania, Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission. Some postings on Peace Corps Online are provided to the individual members of this group without permission of the copyright owner for the non-profit purposes of criticism, comment, education, scholarship, and research under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. Government copyright laws and they may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner. Peace Corps Online does not vouch for the accuracy of the content of the postings, which is the sole responsibility of the copyright holder. This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Guatemala PCOL2302 42 .

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Es Capdellà - Calvià To read more about Calvià, please click on the link. At 115 metres of height can be found Es Capdellà, a small village of the municipality of Calvià situated on the southern slope of the Puig de sa Grua. The impressive presence of the Puig de Galatzó, of 1.027 metres in height, dominates the rural landscape of the village. This was built between the XVII and XVIII centuries by the day labourers of the antique mansion houses of the area. The population is made up of a small urban nucleus and some houses here and there. Nowadays the population amounts to about one thousand inhabitants, many of which are foreigners. In the centre of the town is the church of 'Carmen' which was built between the XVIII century and the beginnings of the XIX century. A popular tradition of Es Capdellá says that, from a legend of the XIX century (inspired by the legend of the Comte Arnau de Catalunya), the Count of Formiguera transformed into 'Comte Mal', a character condemned, because of its cruelty, to ride on horseback for eternity every night of the year on a black horse encircled in flames. The local patron saint festivities of Es Capdellá are celebrated in the month of July, in the festival of the 'Virgen del Carmen', a time when all the locals and visitors put on their 'Sunday clothes' for such a special occasion. Look to see its whereabouts on the map. Here on the map are the Education Centres of the zone and its surrounding areas. Within the municipality of Calvià there are five marine sports ports: Portals Nous, Portals Vells, Palmanova, Puerto Portals and Port Adriano. All of them offering the very best in installations and services for any of the sports related to the sea. In the heart of the Tramontana Mountain Range, Es Capdellà is a dreamlike place. Its extreme tranquillity and the beauty of its lovely surroundings have favoured the fact that many outsiders have chosen this locality as a permanent residence. One of the main attractions of the town, as well as, the imposing presence of Galatzó, is the beauty of the landscape and scenery which can be seen when travelling on its motorways which communicate Es Capdellá with Puigpunyent passing through Galilea. The same as that which unites Es Capdellá with Andratx going up the Coll de n'Esteve and with Paguera downwards between the Moleta de Son Vic and the Puig des Revell. The beauty of the scenery is something to be remembered forever.

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Eco-tourism park rises in Cebu | Inquirer Business Eco-tourism park rises in Cebu By: Jason A. Baguia - @inquirerdotnet Inquirer Visayas / 11:04 PM December 03, 2011 ECO-TOURISM PARK. Butch Guillen, owner of the Rainforest Park in Cebu, poses in front of the park’s signage. JAY ROMMEL LABRA/CDN CEBU CITY – Butch Guillen wanted to put up a business that would help promote environmental awareness. So he and his family decided to set up an eco-tourism theme park within the city. The P15-million Rainforest Park Cebu, which opened last August, provides an alternative tourist attraction, offering adventure-filled activities that have caught the attention of many clients, including employees of business process outsourcing companies (BPOs) and their families. “I was thinking that we need to exert efforts wholeheartedly to promote environmental awareness while doing business,” Guillen says. He wanted an enterprise that would encourage the preservation of trees, marine resources and birds, as well as one that would conserve water, he explained. Guillen is a long-time real estate sales and marketing man. He presented his theme park idea to members of his family, including his wife, Anne Mitus, who is engaged in the restaurant business. Similar rainforest cafés in cities like Las Vegas and Chicago in the United States inspired him to conceptualize a facility that would offer an earthy ambience and outdoor activities in the heart of the city. For car-less Cebuanos “We planned to have this not far from the city center since the nearest mountain adventure spot is 33 kilometers away, in Barangay (village) Busay,” he says. “This is for the ordinary Cebuano who doesn’t have a car. We made it a point [for it] to [be] accessible from the main thoroughfares.” The 2,000-square-meter park along the Ayala access road has an outdoor obstacle course amid lush greenery, a zip line, and wall climbing and assisted tightrope walking facilities. Other obstacles are the Cargo Net, which simulates root climbing using cords, and Earthquake, which requires users to walk on wooden planks suspended from a metal beam high above the ground. Open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight, Rainforest Park Cebu caters to what Guillen calls the Cebuanos’ hunger for eco-tourism adventure. “We really want to promote the environment,” he says. Environment lessons Signs posted in strategic spots teach visitors lessons about the environment. “Trees muffle urban noise almost as effectively as stone walls do,” one sign reads. “It can abate noise from freeways and airports.” Guillen says he sees the park’s ecological education efforts as a “legacy to leave to generations to come.” Rainforest Park Cebu also features a restaurant with a bird sanctuary and an oceanarium that accommodates various marine species. Its management plans to keep local and other Asian birds in the aviary. They will also bring in monkeys, crocodiles, lizards and other animals since they plan to “expand and put up a small zoo,” Guillen says. The theme park also cares for animals under the Adopt-a-Wildlife program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Some of the 50 park workers take care of the trees, shrubs and other vegetation using rainwater collected in a 5,000-gallon underground catchment. Guillen says the main challenge is earning “the acceptance of the public, since the park is the first of its kind in the city.” Another was that of raising funds, “since we solely relied on our meager resources,” he adds. They are not expecting any return on investment until the fifth year of operations. But they were overwhelmed by the response of the Cebuanos, including BPO workers, who keep the place fully booked for days on end. A group of 200 call center agents once booked the place for a weekend for team-building activities. Family celebrations like birthdays are also accommodated. Children can use the air-conditioned tents. Guillen is assisted by his wife, who loves to cook. Their daughter, Marion Tara, described the park as a “one-stop shop” because of its amenities. Aside from a jungle adventure site, it is home to the Zoofari Café, Oasis Spa and Salon, Rainforest Gift Shop and Tribes’ Bar. TAGS: Business, Cebu, Eco-tourism, environment, Jason A. Baguia, Rainforest Park, Tourism, Travel

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13 New World Explorers Not Commonly Known 1. John Rae was a surgeon and Scottish explorer of the Canadian Artic. Between 1848 and 1854 Rae set out to find Sir John Franklin who disappeared along with his crew during an artic expedition. During his search Rae mapped over 1400 miles of coastline and proved King William Land was actually an island. Eventually Rae met up with some members of an Inuit tribe who informed him Franklin and his crew had died of exposure and starvation. 2. Jean Nicollet was a French explorer. He traveled through the Great Lakes region and lived among Native Americans for many years in what is today Ontario, Canada. 3. Henry Kelsey (his picture is seen above) was also known as Boy Kelsey because he was a mere boy of 17 when he began exploring Canada. In fact, he was the first inland explorer of the Canadian region for the Hudson Bay Company, and the first European to see the praries of Canada. Kelsey met with many Native American tribes and negotiated trade agreements that increased the profits of the Hudson Bay Company. 4. Panfilo De Narvaez was a Spanish sailor and explorer who helped to conquer Cuba in 1511. He led an expedition to North America where he landed on the western coast of Florida near where Tampa Bay is today. Unfortunately he died in Florida one year later. 5. Antoine de Cadillac was French and would have probably listed explorer, soldier, and leader on his resume. He founded the city of Detroit in 1701 and later served as the governor of Louisiana from 1710-1716 or 1717. 6. Gaspar Corte Real was a Portuguese explorer who sailed to Greenland in 1500. He may have reached Newfoundland, but was lost at sea in 1501. Unfortunately his brother, Manuel, was also lost in an attempt to find Gaspar. 7. Sir Martin Frobisher was an English privateer which is a politically correct way of saying he was a British government sponsored pirate. His picture is to the left. For many years Frobisher sailed to northwest Africa and then attacked French ships in the English channel. Later on he become one of the many explorers who sailed to North America in search of the Northwest Passage. 8. David Thompson was a Welsh explorer who traveled over North America including western America and Canada. He explored the full length of the Columbia River. His detailed maps of North America became the template for ones that followed. From 1797 to 1798 Thompson sailed down the Missouri River. 9. Sabastian Cermenho was Portuguese by birth but explored for Spain. He was not only a soldier and navigator….he was also a historian. He chronicled the Spanish conquest of Mexico in his book, The True History of the Conquest of New Spain, in 1568. Cermenho first traveled to North America in 1514 as a soldier with Pedrarias Davila, the new governor of Darien. He also sailed with Cordoba, Grijalva, and Cortes. 10. John Hawkins, seen below, was an English naval officer, slave trader, and privateer. He was also the cousin of Sir Francis Drake. In 1562 Hawkins sailed to the Spanish West Indies to trade Guinean slaves. He was the first English slave trader and fairly successful at it. The Spanish were none too pleased about an Englishman eating into their profits and when Queen Elizabeth I sponsored Hawkins’ second and third slave trading ventures it was just one of the things that finally sparked the war with Spain. You may have heard about the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Hawkins can be thanked for thinking up the strategy of blockading Spanish ships at the Azores and he also had something to do with looting of treasure laden ships flying the Spanish flag. 11. Baron Alexander Von Humboldt was from Prussia. He explored Center and South America along with French botonist Aime Bonpland. He explored Venezuela, Peru, and Ecquador, and sailed down the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers. Along the way Humboldt and Bonpland collected plant, animal, and mineral specimens. 12. Juan De Fuca was also known as Apostolos Valerlanos in his native Greece, but he explored for Spain. He also searched for the Northwest Passage but he sailed up the western side of North America from Mexico to Vancouver Island. He located a strait which today is named for him. De Fuca was convinced the strait was actually the waterway that led to the Atlantic Ocean. 13. William Dampier was a British pirate, explorer, and map-maker. As a teen he began travels to Australia, New Guinea, southeast Asia, and the Southseas charting rivers, inlets, coastline, and the water currents. He published a book titled A New Voyage Around the World which published in 1697 that described native cultures, other discoveries, and the first noted typhoon. Visit other Thursday Thirteens here. Explorers, Cool! I was a history teacher and only heard of #10 and #13! Thanks for the information! I love history!www.chelleyoung.com I haven't heard of any of them. How in the world did I get out of college with a 3.96 GPA? I don't know either. Have a great TT. :) I'm afraid I don't know them, but I like what you tell us about them. Thanks for teaching me!My TT shares 13 things about Mabon. I've heard about 5, 7, 10, 12, 13.There aren't many opportunities for your enterprising pirate these days.! I vaguely recall learning about six of them! Guess I have some Wikipedia reading to do! :O Amy Ruttan I knew of many of those Canadian explorers, being from the great white north myself. I did a lot of research on the Voyagers, Hudson Bay Company and exploration of the artic for a book I am currently working on. It's fascinating learning about explorers.Great TT. Mines about Haunted Ontario, 13 of some of the most haunted sites in Ontario. impworks I'd come across a couple of them before but not most of them.Great list :-) Susan Helene Gottfried Wasn't Rae part of that expedition that the book White Dawn was a fictionalized account of? That was a fantastic book, by the way. I highly recommend it.Happy TT! I'm learning so much with these TT's This is my first week. We have a strait of Juan De Fuca in Washington that leads out to the Pacific Ocean... Lara Angelina I love stuff like this -- and to be honest, I didn't know a single one! Thanks for the info, that was really interesting!Happy TT! Very interesting list. I wonder how the founder of Detroit became the Governor of Louisiana. Morgan St. John I love history and do a 'this day in history' each week on my blog. it's easy now with the internet, you know? I just google a date and any number of historical events can pop up. Very Fun. Feel free to scroll down if you visit my T13 and check out my latest history date. September 17th. Tina K Not a one. That's a bit sad. But also why I love Google. I can look them all up Damozel I love this blog because I love to learn something. I knew a few of these, and several of them rang a bell, but I was sad that I didn't know more of them. I love your lists, I always learn something new here. I'd only heard of a few of these explorers. I must confess to never having heard of any of them, not even the Welsh explorer, David Thompson. He was never mentioned in the Welsh history I was taught at school. Lynn / vigilant20 How cool. I remember learning about Nicollet, but it's probably because I live on the great lakes :) YOu are so right . I have not heard of any of themmy 13 is up onhttp://momworksathome.blogspot.com Denise Patrick WOW!! I learned something new today. Thank you.Happy TT! Great list! I had only heard of two - or at least that's all I remember.Have a great day! Very informative, I love this stuff. I linked to you from 13 PETA Poses, Excerpt: PETA is a detestable, wacko organization, but I love those who protest for PETA by going fur-less. Is there a better way to protest? Herewith, for your viewing pleasure are 13 images of protesters who have bared it all in their effort to convince you to stop wearing fur, eating meat or fish, and torturing animals. I knew John Hawkins, but the rest were new to me. Thank you for an educational TT.My TT about the Mississippi Mound Builders is up. Sir Martin Frobisher-- what a perfect name for an undercover guy!I'm a kind of explorer myself, with deeper perception, but all explorers fascinate me, so thanks for posting. Wordless 41 Tools of the Trade: Class Syllabus, Part Two Tools of the Trade: Class Syllabus Fall Break Is Around the Corner Weekend Reading Assignment The 136th Education Carnival Wordless 39: 9/11 Six Years Past More Questions Regarding Good Old TR A Well Connected Story 13 Various Odds and Ends I Need to Mention About t... Two Rockwells for Labor Day

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Rio de Janeiro On the Road Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Known as "cidade maravilhosa" or the "marvellous city," Rio de Janeiro is dense and electric, with a people known as the Cariocas that live life fully, embracing the sun, beach, sport, and dance. Like the country of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is a melting pot of races and creeds and its people are one of its most precious assets. Rio is divided by a mountain range into two areas: the Zona Norte (North Zone) and the Zona Sul (South Zone). The Zona Sul is where most of the cities attractions can be found, including the more famous mountains and beaches. In particular, Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) is worth a visit. From its peak, you can get a spectacular panoramic view of Rio and Guanabara Bay. This setting abounds with tall mountains that meet the sea to form beautiful beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. The great statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain offers an almost heavenly perspective of the city, being one of the most famous landmarks of Rio. And how could you mention Rio without also mentioning Carnaval? The four days and nights of this exotic and spectaclular party are a tradition passed to South America from Europe. Falling before the Lenten season of fasting and prayer, what was actually a late-winter celebration in Europe become a high-summer frenzy in South America. It would earn a reputation as one of the world's most exciting and uninhibited events. carnaval is also known for its infectious Samba music, which comes from the West African heritage of Brazil. The drums, the beat, the rhythm get under your skin and make it impossible not to dance. Dance, sing along and watch as the parades pass by and the samba schools compete with one another. Though a city of great cultural wealth, Rio has its poorer sides as well. But if you're a smart traveler, Rio will turn out to be a pleasure, a well-worthy visit. Israel Abraham Hostel Jerusalem Slovenia Jazz Hostel & Apartments Spain White Nest Hostel - Granada Netherlands Hostel Centraal Switzerland Balmers Herberge

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Adam Steinfeld To book artists and talent such as Adam Steinfeld for your corporate event, convention, or fundraiser, just use our Adam Steinfeld�The world's most versatile magician conjures up grand illusions, comedy and magical fun! Let the world's most versatile magician, Adam Steinfeld, thrill you with death-defying Las Vegas-style illusions and hilarious comedy all in one amazing show. Illusions of Grandeur, starring Adam Steinfeld, will stun and delight audiences with mystery and comedy from the hi-jinx of a raccoon hat that springs to life on an unexpected volunteer, to Steinfeld's signature illusion, in which he floats in the air while strumming on his guitar. Illusions are presented within a series of theatrical vignettes with hot dancers and slick choreography. Steinfeld has appeared on the Statler Brothers national TV show in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry. On April Fool's Day in 1988, he earned the title of "the World's Most Versatile Magician" when he shattered the magic record in the Guinness Book of World Records. Steinfeld is the ultimate modern magician! To book an artist such as Adam Steinfeld or other big name talent for your for "Adam Steinfeld", so that one of our experienced professionals can contact and negitiating skills to get Adam Steinfeld booked for your next event.

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Thursday May 1st, 2014 - 11:48AM The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg offers luxe guest rooms. JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA—Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg has been refreshed and reflagged, and will open here this fall. According to the brand, the city is currently undergoing a renaissance, including hosting two separate fashion weeks, various arts districts and the opening of the Museum of African Design. The 117-key hotel will offer 240-degree views across the city’s famed green canopy and is located next to the Johannesburg Zoo and less than 30 minutes from two major airports. Situated among eight acres of landscaped gardens, nearby attractions also include game reserves, including Kruger National Park, a five-hour drive away, and 36 of South Africa’s top 100 golf courses located within an hour of the hotel. The Westcliff was originally conceived as a stately enclave for an exclusive clientele when it opened in the late 1990s, according to the company. Four Seasons tapped locally based RSL Architects and JACKET INTERIORS for the new design, which is inspired by a modern African aesthetic. The hotel will feature an extensive contemporary African art collection. A curated selection will feature paintings, prints, sculptures and mixed media by prominent artists, including Helmut Starcke, Obie Oberholzer, Gawie Joubert, Saral Petrus, Diana Hyslop, Lehlogonolo Mashaba, Louis Olivier and the team of Arlene Amaler-Raviv and Dale Yudelman, among others. Business amenities will include over 15,000 sq. ft. of event space, an in-room media hub, private bar and espresso machine to a 24-hour business center, 24-hour laundry and a multi-lingual concierge team. Other amenities include two swimming pools, a 24-hour fitness center, the fully supervised Kids for All Seasons and the inclusion of a home theater in some of the suites. The hotel has five restaurants and lounges. The culinary team is presided over by Executive Chef Dirk Gieselmann, a native of Germany and most recently of the three Michelin star L’Auberge de L’Ill in Illhaeusern, France. According to the company, View will offer a dramatic interior that opens to an elegant terrace; Flames will offer an expansive terrace and sunset views; Cellar Door will host wine tastings and other special events; and Westcliff Deli will offer coffee and sweets, as well as gourmet sandwiches and salads to go. Housed in a completely new building, The Spa at Four Seasons is inspired by nature and offers nine treatment rooms,including a couple’s suite. Full facilities for men and women—both guests and day visitors—will include luxe change rooms, saunas and steam rooms, as well as the outdoor Apres-Spa lounge.

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Hier ist ein Flash Animation eingebunden. Damit diese bei Ihnen angezeigt werden kann müssten Sie entweder Flash Inhalte erlauben oder Installieren. The Romantic Road Germany’s best known and most popular holiday route The triad of nature, culture and hospitality has been the trade mark of the Romantic Road for over 60 years. Running from the River Main to the Alps, it is Germany’s best known and most popular holiday route. The name Romantic Road expresses what many guests from home and abroad feel on seeing medieval towns or the fairy-tale castle at Neuschwanstein: fascination and the sense of being transported back in time. From Würzburg to Füssen, the Romantic Road opens up a wealth of European history, art and culture to travellers. You are welcome to download our route map here!page 1page 2 On the way from north to south, the landscape changes from river valleys, fertile agricultural land, forests and meadows to dramatic mountain scenery: from Würzburg and wine, the Tauber Valley and Rothenburg, via the Ries, Lechfeld and Pfaffenwinkel districts to the castles of King Ludwig. However, a journey along the Romantic Road offers much more than beautiful countryside and culinary delights. The Romantic Road thrives on the harmony of culture and hospitality, on the unending series of new vistas in polymorphic landscapes, on towns with impressive buildings that have preserved their original appearance over the centuries. Balthasar Neumann designed the Residence in Würzburg. Tilman Riemenschneider is present throughout the Tauber Valley. Carl Spitzweg was fascinated by Rothenburg and Dinkelsbühl. In the Ries district, you can see the history of the earth for yourself. Augsburg bears witness to the Romans and, with the ’Fuggerei‘, is distinguished by the first social housing, which dates back to the 16th century. The ’Wieskirche‘, one of the most famous Rococo works of art, is to be found in the Pfaffenwinkel district. Hohenschwangau and, above all, Neuschwanstein, the world-famous castle of Bavarian King Ludwig II, are dreams in stone of bygone times and mark the end of the Romantic Road at the foot of the Bavarian Alps. If you are travelling by car, mobile home or motorcycle, simply follow the brown signs that link the individual towns along the Romantic Road. Cyclists can follow the green signs of the Romantic Road Long Distance Cycle Route over the 500 km from Würzburg to Füssen. Under the number D9, this route is also part of the German Bicycle Club (ADFC) network of cycle routes. The blue signs mark the long-distance hiking route, a genuine pleasure route of almost 500 kilometres that passes through beautiful countryside and romantic towns and villages. Take time to explore the landscape, art and culinary delights that await you along the Romantic Road. On the way from the River Main to the Alps, you can be sure of discovering a host of extraordinary, inspiring and amazing sights well off the beaten path of mass tourism.

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Caught (up) in traffic Just another WordPress.com weblog Caught (up) in traffic Home » 2014 » December On delayed flights in the Philippines December 30, 2014 7:54 pm / Leave a comment I participated in a conference held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last November and both my flights to and from Puerto Princesa were delayed. The first one was delayed by 1 hour. We boarded on time and there were no announcements of delays. However, we sat inside the plane for about an hour including taxiing towards the runway and then waiting in queue before we were cleared for take-off. The pilot was constantly on the PA system though, informing passengers about the cause of the delay, which was airport congestion. This was a reference to the many take-offs and landings (departing and arriving aircraft) being handled by the airport at the time. It seems air traffic control could not cope with the number of aircraft departing and arriving at NAIA even considering the airport had two runways that were operational (We took off using the secondary runway.). Aircraft taxiing towards NAIA’s main runway in preparation for take-off I won’t mention specific airlines as I think domestic flights by all airlines have been incurring significant delays and not just recently but among the main possible reasons for delays that can be charged to the airline are the following: 1. Airport congestion – This can refer to either the runway or the passenger terminal. However, for the latter case you can have examples of very congested or crowded terminals of airports that have planes taking off and landing on time. Tagbilaran and Roxas Airports are like that, and Mactan (Cebu) and Bacolod-Silay have passenger terminals that are becoming if not already congested. Thus, airport congestion as a reason for delays must be due to runway operations. A single runway airport will handle fewer flights compared to those with multiple runways. Airport runway design and configuration are influenced by many factors but given any single runway in a major airport like NAIA it is already assumed that these factors are already considered in operation and on a typical day under normal or even favorable conditions, the only other significant factor for runway operations is air traffic control. Air traffic controllers would be responsible for guiding arriving flights and clearing planes for take-off. The number of take-offs and landings will also be significantly affected by how air traffic control “queues” planes in the air and on the ground. 2. Too many flights – Airlines tend to maximize the use of their aircraft and seem to be scheduling more flights that they can handle. This results in the very common “late arrival of turnaround aircraft” reason that airlines announce as the reason for delayed flights. Granted, in many cases this is ultimately due to reason #1, it seems that other airlines that have lesser flights also have less problems of this kind. In fact, I have observed that in many if not most instances, international carriers do not incur as much delays as local carriers and among local carriers there seem to be a unanimous observation on which “planes are always late” these days. It seems at first that the main issue is not necessarily airlines overbooking their flights since air traffic control and the number of runways can be major factors influencing the number of aircraft that can take-off and land during a particular period. However, one particular airline has a knack for offering a lot of flights that they obviously cannot handle with all the delays and cancellations they have been incurring to the consternation of a lot of travelers. Though I myself use the airline often due to the convenience of their schedules and frequencies, I too have been victimized many times of these delays including one flight to Singapore a couple of years ago when, instead of arriving in time for dinner I ended up arriving home just after midnight. Recently, there have been calls for the airline and others performing like it to be penalized in order for them to realize how much inconvenience they have brought on to their passengers. I think this is right in order to send a clear message to airlines that safety and service come first before profit. Too many flights, no matter how convenient to the passengers in terms of schedule, is not a substitute for good quality service. Being a budget airline also does not excuse it from what a lot of people have branded as crappy service. This mentality of airlines reminds me only of similar mentality among bus and jeepney operators (land transport) but that’s another story. Updates on the DOST’s AGT project December 29, 2014 8:08 pm / Leave a comment It’s been a while since I’ve written about the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) system being developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC). Instead of “reinventing the wheel” in writing an update article, I will just point my readers to the “official” item from the DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD). The following link provides a very detailed update on the AGT project including the pre-feasibility studies being undertaken for where the system might be deployed: Filipino-made Automated Guide-way Transit System (AGT) Eyes to Curb Air Pollution and Traffic Unfortunately, there is no information on the locally-developed AGT undergoing rigorous testing towards certifying its being safe for public use (i.e., as public transport). There are few testing facilities for such vehicles including those in the US, Japan, Korea and Europe. The DOST needs to collaborate or engage a legitimate testing center that will objectively conduct the strict tests required to ensure the AGT is technically sound and therefore safe for use. Leap-frogging for these technologies does not mean one also can bypass certain requirements for standards and the DOST owes it to the people who will ride this transit system to have it certified – validating its motto “proudly Philippine-made.” Travel the Philippines 2015: 20 Photos that will make you pack your bags and go – @Just1WayTicket December 26, 2014 7:43 pm / Leave a comment I saw this article being shared around social media about tourism spots in the Philippines. Given the push for more visitors, local and foreign, the government and its partners in the private sector have exerted a lot of effort and allocated much resources to improving the tourism in the country. This includes improvements to infrastructure as well as to the tourism industry itself. There are many nice places around the country including those off the beaten track. I think the following article does a great job of featuring a lot of the more popular spots as well as many that are not usually in the typical itinerary of travel agencies: Travel the Philippines 2015: 20 Photos that will make you pack your bags and go – @Just1WayTicket. Some thoughts on transportation heritage in the Philippines December 24, 2014 11:19 am / 1 Comment on Some thoughts on transportation heritage in the Philippines There have been a lot of buzz about heritage conservation and especially the past few weeks about certain buildings in Manila. A lot has been written about this in newspaper columns and blogs, and there have been features on television about heritage conservation focused on buildings, mostly houses, in Negros, Cebu and Panay. Of course, the most prominent heritage project has just been recognized as a wonder of the world in the city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. I think another area for consideration in heritage discussions is transportation. We do have a lot of historical routes consisting of roads, railways and even trails that could be preserved or enhanced and not just for commercial purposes but more importantly for the current and coming generations to remember and learn about history and heritage. The availability and accessibility of such tools like GIS, GPS and aerial photography using drones make it possible to do studies and documentation of transport routes such as the old rail line to Antipolo, the PNR’s Main Line North, the Bataan Death March, and even Aguinaldo’s retreat to Palanan, Isabela. There are also pilgrimage routes linked to the most popular shrines in the country like those in Baclaran, Quiapo, Antipolo, Cebu, Penafrancia and Manaoag. The PNR and Panay Railway lines are good starting topics for transport heritage studies that may lead to some form of conservation. Following are a few photos taken back in 2006 when we surveyed the alignment for what was supposed to be Phase 1 of the Northrail project. The activities were preparatory for transport surveys that would have provided data that were to be used as inputs to estimating passenger demand for the railway line. Remaining structures of an old PNR bridge in Bulacan. Old PNR station in Bulacan – I can’t recall if this were in Marilao or Bocaue but the red brick building reminded me of similar rebuilt and preserved buildings in Japan such as Tokyo Station and the warehouses at Aka Renga in Yokohama. PNR Malolos Station back in 2006 – the building was occupied by informal settlers at the time. A good reference for those interested in railway heritage and its conservation is a book entitled “The Colonial Iron Horse” by Arturo Corpuz and published by the University of the Philippines Press. There’s a lot of material in that book to get one started about rail history in the Philippines particularly for the island of Luzon and the two main lines of the PNR – the Main Line North and the Main Line South, which I have written about in previous posts. These could be good topics for interdisciplinary studies involving historians, sociologists, anthropologists, architects, engineers and specialist in other disciplines. December 20, 2014 9:43 pm / Leave a comment Was traffic really bad yesterday, Dec. 21, or was it typical Friday traffic? A lot of people have been talking or posting about how traffic last Friday was expected to be the worst of the year. Apparently, it was not. Based on posts on my social media accounts yesterday, it seems that traffic was not at all that bad in many parts of Metro Manila, especially along roads that were expected to be hellish in terms of congestion. One post stated that it him only an hour to travel from Ayala to Trinoma by bus. People usually post about really bad experiences about traffic congestion and this crowd-sourcing approach is usually very reliable. I went home early yesterday and it didn’t take me long to travel between stops for errands I had to do along the way home. Media also would have reported about terrible congestion along major roads including EDSA, C5 and the expressways. Statements like what the MMDA made prior to Dec. 21 are typical of a psychological approach that some agencies seem to have been resorting to in order to manage people’s expectations and perceptions. Conditioning people’s minds is not a new strategy or tactic. The MMDA has been doing this a lot for as long as I can remember, including during the stint of its former chair Bayani Fernando. Many if not most of these “conditioning” activities are done through media with the agency making statements through its officials about issues such as traffic, garbage and flooding. This is no different to the perception of one agency making frequent “power point presentations” (a reference to projects involving the private sector) to announce much delayed projects supposedly for immediate implementation. One opinion is that this is a form of damage control. People will usually have strong opinions about what government is doing to address issues like congestion. For people not react too strongly against agencies that are supposed to be responsible for the problem, the same agencies have anticipated and preempted the manifestation of their ineptness by stating the obvious ahead of its occurrence. This would not have been necessary if the agencies did what they were supposed to do in the first place. Hopefully, in the near future such conditioning and other psychological tactics will indeed not be necessary once programs and projects are finally implemented and help alleviate or solve problems. The worst traffic of the year on Dec. 19? December 19, 2014 11:59 am / Leave a comment The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) issued a statement a couple of days ago in reaction to comments online and offline about how transport and traffic have gone from bad to worse in December and especially in the past week. The agency warned people about the worst traffic congestion of the year happening today, December 19, and media immediately branded it as traffic armageddon. Reactions on social media varied from the hostile, desperate, to resignation about their plight for their commute today. The worsening congestion this time of year is actually part of a pattern, a cycle of ups and downs in terms of person, freight and vehicular traffic. In our case in the Philippines, we usually expect traffic to be bad during certain times of the year and in many cases along specific routes or roads. During the Undas period (All Saints and All Souls holidays), for example, we expect congestion along the expressways and other major roads connecting Metro Manila to the provinces to its north, east and south. During the first days of classes around June (for most schools), it is also expected that congestion will be severe along roads leading to and in the vicinity of schools, especially the big private schools that generate a lot of private vehicle traffic. December is usually the worst month for traffic because of the increase in economic activity this time of year as people travel more like to earn a bit more income and for shopping. The end of the year also brings about a lot of culminating or concluding activities for offices and even schools so trip generation tends to increase for all types of trips. However, traffic has naturally increased every year and this refers to person, freight and, consequently, vehicle traffic. And so it is inevitable that transport and traffic becomes worse every year unless a major intervention is made in the form of a mass transit system along a specific corridor. I am not sure if the MMDA or the DPWH keeps records of daily traffic so that we can have a quantitative basis for this. The LRTA and MRTC should have data on this based on ticket sales and the tollway operators would also have data on this based on their toll collections. Such information can provide a strong indication of which dates are the most likely for severe traffic congestion and perhaps allow for prediction and the provision of ample advice for commuters. Will today be worse than the past few days and will it be the worst day of the year in terms of traffic? Or will Dec. 22, 23 or even 24 turn out to be worse than today’s traffic? Perhaps the statement from the MMDA is a way of psyching people about what could be the worst traffic of the year. This application of psychology may make people more aware of and therefore conscious about traveling today. This may actually lead to less traffic to the relief of many people. Or this may be a way for the MMDA to escape from blame considering they did make the statement ahead of today and this manner of “I told you so” basically excuses them from the public’s ire. Research agenda and topic selection December 15, 2014 9:21 am / Leave a comment A friend asked me how topics for research are selected by our students. Were these assigned to them or were they able to select from a list of topics provided to them? The answer is actually “either” or in some cases, “both.” We provide a list of topics to our students and they get to select the topics. Some topics are quite popular so we ask students to state their first and second choices, and then ask faculty advisers to discuss the topics with the students to determine the specifics as well as whether groups can be composed to tackle certain topics. The Institute of Civil Engineering’s six groups (Construction Engineering & Management, Environmental, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources) all have their own research agenda, which are typically classified for the short, medium and long terms, as well as for the main and sub-topics each group has identified. The agenda are regularly updated, at least once a year prior to the start of the academic year. The current research agenda of the Transportation Engineering Group (TEG) includes topics under the following general headings: Traffic Engineering and Management/ Traffic Flow Public Transport Planning and Travel Demand Management Road Safety and Maintenance Transport, Environment and Energy Rail, Aviation and Maritime Transport Transportation and Technology Transport Logistics The specific research topics under each category change according to several factors including the current researches being undertaken by faculty members. There is also a strong influence from the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) program supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The TEG is also strongly associated with the National Center for Transportation Studies (NCTS) and researches have been supported by NCTS projects. In recent years, there has been a lot of topics dealing with issues at and around the University of the Philippines Diliman campus including studies on public transport (e.g., UP – Katipunan jeepneys, UP – North EDSA jeepneys, etc.) and traffic along major roads (e.g., Commonwealth Avenue, Katipunan Avenue, etc.). These studies are part of initiatives to help address “local” issues. The logic here is that if we cannot solve such “local” problems then we have no business trying to solve problems elsewhere. This is also part of the thinking of UP as a microcosm of the Philippines. Post navigation ← Older posts Blog at WordPress.com. Caught (up) in traffic Blog at WordPress.com. Post to

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Gibraltar - Stepping into British Territory Rock of Gibraltar The train service between Ronda and Algeciras is limited. In Algeciras we took the bus to Gibraltar. We knew we had a tight window for sightseeing so we could make it back to Algeciras in time to catch the last train to Ronda. And the rain didn't help at all. But we managed. The approach to La Línea de la Concepción on the Spanish side of the peninsula gave us the best glimpse of the 426 meter high limestone rock towering behind the beach and harbor. The Rock was a spectacular sight to behold! Crossing the runway We waited for an EasyJet flight to take off before the security barricade was lifted and we could safely cross the runway to get to the city center. Cars, buses, trucks and people moved quickly across the tarmac. In the distance we could see a lot of new construction. Gibraltar's area size is only 2.6 square miles but it's home to some 32,000 people. It's pretty crowded. The runway of the Gibraltar International Airport This is an active runway and as it is open to the sea on both ends, it acts like a wind tunnel. With intermittent rain showers during our visit, we got a little wet. The wind rendered our umbrella useless. Winston Churchill Avenue There is usually a queue of vehicles waiting to cross the runway. It's best to leave the car on the Spanish side of the border and walk across the tarmac. Buses going up to the center of town run a regular schedule if walking is not an option. Tower of Homage The 14th century Moorish castle complex can be glimpsed from Main Street. What's left are the Tower of Homage and the Gatehouse which were rebuilt in 1333 when the Moors reconquered Gibraltar from Spain and occupied it for the next 129 years. Phone booth What can be more British than this iconic red phone booth? Remember when we used to close the door of the booth to talk in privacy? Tropical Foliage How to get there from Ronda, Spain; Our whirlwind trip to Gibraltar from Ronda was achieved using a combination of train and bus to transport us. The Altaria is not a fast train and we left Ronda at 9:18 a.m. and were in Algeciras by 11 a.m. The bus station in Algeciras is conveniently located across the street from the train station. We waited a few minutes to board the bus to La Línea which is a short walk from Gibraltar. After showing our passports to a Customs Officer, we were waved through. Outside the Customs office are tour operators offering a variety of sightseeing opportunities around the peninsula. There is a bus stop a few meters outside the Customs building on Winston Churchill Avenue for visitors who wish to take the red bus across town. British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar, Rock of Gibraltar, Something I look forward to Cerralbo Museum Chinchón, Spain

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Barcelona 2008 Barcelona 4c Copyright: Valentin Arfire Gansu Dunhuang elegant Dan country geology park - sphinx Jeffrey Martin Empty Havana just after Sunrise - 2 Aerial panorama of tokyo sky tree 25000x12500 photo Aerial Panorama of Shinjuku shot from a Helicopter 25000x12500 Yasushi Kishimoto Gohyaku Rakan Ninoslav Adzibaba Louvre Pyramids Field of Yellow Flowers More About Barcelona The World : Europe : Spain : Barcelona History and OverviewBarcelona began more than 2,500 years when Phoenicians and Carthagians settled here and began a commercial port. Its name refers to the Carthagian ruler Amilcar Barca. The original name of the city was Barcino, which was adopted by the Romans in the 1st century BC and later became Barcelona. It's now the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia.There are several surviving monuments from the earliest Roman outposts, such as the Placa Sant Juame. Roman walls built to repel Frankish and German invasions later were used as foundations for buildings in the Gothic Quarter and in some cases can still be seen.Barcelona sits on the Mediterranean Sea along a route that brought them lots of visitors in the ancient times -- for better or worse. Circa 415AD Visigoth invaders arrived after the disintegration of the Roman Empire and called it "Barcinona". Three centuries later the Moors swept through on their way from Northern Africa to southern France. Another century later Louis the Pious came with the Franks and set up the front lines of the Christian battle against the Arabs. By the year 988AD, the County of Barcelona was independent of the Carolingian kings and free to become the dominant political and military force in the Catalonian region.Barcelona's Golden Age gleamed across the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The city became as influential as Venice or Genoa through marine trade using gold as the standard of exchange. Buildings such as the Romanesque St. Paul del Camp and the Chapel of Santa Lucia remain as testament to this prosperous period.The Cathedral of Barcelona was begun in the thirteenth century and its construction continued even while the Plague decimated the population. A building boom ensued while Barcelona was expanding its reach and conquering foreign ports, a boom which saw the construction and embellishment of various churches, chapels, shipyards and civil buildings.By the end of the fourteenth century however, social tensions mounted and erupted into war with Genoa and a local massacre of the Jewish community in Barcelona. The next four hundred years were a roller coaster of politics and intrigue. Barcelona revolted against Spain and eventually lost after nine years of war, losing its Catalonian status as an independent city. The Napoleonic Wars, yellow fever epidemic, and the Spanish Revolution all challenged the economy and stability of Barcelona.The early twentieth century was marked by strikes and riots along with strong cultural movements such as Modernism. The Spanish Civil War totally repressed Catalan national identity and it was not until 1977 that Catalonia was restored to a self-governing nation recognized within Spain.Meanwhile, massive migrations after WWII brought major strain on the city. Lack of urban planning during general construction ended up with crowded and poorly serviced neighborhoods surrounding the city. However, Barcelona's infinite ability to regenerate itself shows in the artistic, cultural and economic growth which has taken place in the past decades.Getting ThereThe Barcelona Airport is located 13km from the city and connects to it by taxi, shuttle bus and trains. The metro does NOT go to the airport regardless of what you may have heard. The trip should cost about 20 Euro by taxi, 5 Euro on the shuttle bus.TransportationGood news for your shoes, 74% of people in Barcelona regard themselves as pedestrians rather than drivers. The city even has this crazy website where you can calculate the time it will take to walk a certain distance in the city!Barcelona has a good metro system including metro, buses, trams and even cable cars. The Metro system has nine lines which connect also to commuter rail stations for out of town service.People and CultureThe two main languages are Spanish and Catalan; English is not very wide spread.Euros are the currency and siesta is the word of the day, specifically, the part of daytime between two and four PM. Don't expect to get much done at the post office at that time. Public offices and most shops will be closed.Barcelona is a smoking city. Restaurants, cafes and shops all have ashtrays and zero non-smoking sections. Go to the public transportation system if you want a cigarette-free area, or maybe one of the largest supermarkets.People in Barcelona are friendly and warm and they love to eat and drink. The kitchen is the central room of the house, dinner can take until midnight, and they still go out after that. Every night of the week you will be able to find something interesting going on, from house music to avant-garde theater.Cuisine in Barcelona is more about fish than red meat, with an arsonist's hand on the olive oil. Bruscetta is very common as is alioli, a garlic mayonnaise type of thing. If you leave Barcelona without tasting escudella, the traditional fish stew, you have missed something very very important.Things to do, RecommendationsHere's your liftoff point, the Tower of Telecommunications at Collserola, where you can get a good look around the city. As always, a bird's eye view best puts life into perspective.Heavy hitters: Pablo Picasso heralds from Catalan and the Picasso Museum is located in the heart of Barcelona. Make it a point to visit.Follow it with a trip to the Museum of Modern Art of Barcelona, hosting a collection of Catalan Modernists. It's near Ciutadella Park, Metro station Arc do Triomf Barceloneta.The beaches are fantastic and they may be all you need on your visit here. You can check out the Castle of Montjuic Fortress along the coast if you're interested in history.As we've said, people in Barcelona eat late, drink late and go out very late. We leave it our dear readers to figure out when they get up in the morning...The house music scene in Barcelona is LIVE!! Check out clubs like Moog, Elephant and Pacha for just a taste. People flock here in the summers for it. You may have heard of a little island called "Ibiza..."As they say, "we don't call it house. We call it home."Text by Steve Smith.

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Las Vegas by Night : Siegried And Royn Magicians of the Century Siegfried & Roy are two German-American entertainers working in Las Vegas, USA. Their long running show of magic and illusion was famous for including white tigers. Read more about their fabulous life and stories on Wikipedia Copyright: Gregory Panayotou Tags: siegfriend and roy; magicians; las vegas; white tiger More About Las Vegas The World : North America : USA : Nevada : Las Vegas Overview and HistoryIn Spanish the word "vega" means fertile plain or valley, a fruitful ground, or a meadow. In Cuba it means specifically a tobacco field, usually by the bank of a river. Both sound like places where you can make a lot of money, right? You can see why they chose it for the name of this gambling heaven in Nevada! Let the show begin!Geologically, Las Vegas is an oasis in the desert. Take a look at Death Valley, just 150km from Las Vegas. Although the Mohave desert is dry as a bone at present, it wasn't always that way. The oasis of Las Vegas was once a wetland full of marshy soil and plants complete with woolly mammoths slurping up the cool refreshing water. Archaeologists found the ten-thousand-year-old remains of a mammoth in the middle of a 1993 construction project. Surprise!As time went on, (this is geologic time here, waaaay before humans showed up) the marshes dried up and left only some underground water nestled in a valley that was easily missed. Native Americans knew about the oasis but it was a secret to the European travelers until the nineteenth century.The discovery of this little green stripe in the middle of the Mojave desert is credited to Rafael Rivera, who came through in 1829 en route to Los Angeles. His discovery of this watering hole made life easier for thousands of settlers who were going West in the California Gold Rush. The spot was originally labeled "vegas" on the maps, referring to the meadow in the desert. Around the year 1840 the name was changed to "Las Vegas" and there it has grown ever since.Here's a look at Las Vegas by night -- not bad for a little watering hole!By 1904 the railroad companies had begun extending tracks to this gold mine of fresh water. Today the Jackie Gaughan's Plaza Hotel stands on top of the original Union-Pacific train station -- the only station in the world located inside a casino. Where there are trains, there are working men and where there are working men, there are saloons. Where there is a saloon, there will be a game of cards and with that, GAMBLING! A frontier town sprang to life with sweaty men drinking, fighting and betting on anything they could think of.Nobody knows how many cowboys really had a gunfight in the dust outside a bar in Las Vegas' shimmering past, but in 1910 a strict anti-gambling law came into effect and stopped them all. It prohibited all forms of gaming in public places and for about three weeks everyone mourned the loss of their favorite pastime.That being finished, the illegal secret night spots took over and business as usual carried on. Soon enough the Nevada stage legislature realized how much money they were missing, via taxes on gambling, and the era of the big casino was off to a running start. The licensed gambling casinos now generate almost fifty percent of the Nevada state budget! Take a look at the Hotel Luxor to get an idea of what kind of money we're talking about here.Growing cities need water, electricity and jobs for people. In 1931 construction began on the Hoover Dam project to fill these needs by using the Colorado River. When it was finished, thirty miles away from the city, it was the world's largest concrete structure and the world's biggest hydro-electric power generator. This project kept money flowing into Las Vegas during the Great Depression and helped the city to keep growing.The world-famous Las Vegas Strip followed hard on the heels of the Depression and WWII. The Strip began as a two-lane highway you could follow from Vegas to Los Angeles. It turned into the site of a building boom for the next six decades and saw the arrival of such famous casinos as the Sands, the Riviera, Stardust and the Tropicana.They got a little competition from Atlantic City when New Jersey legalized gambling in the 1970's. The war was on to see who could make the biggest, flashiest and most opulent mega-resort around their casino. Stop in at the Belagio or Caesar's Palace to find out who won THAT contest...All of these, by the way, owe a debt of gratitude to the Flamingo Hotel, which beat them to the punch be thirty years. Reputed mobster Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo in 1946, launching one of the most celebrated of the early casinos only six months before being murdered. Viva Las Vegas!Bugsy's original idea of making a resort in addition to a Casino has now become an altered reality to big to be believed. Las Vegas now hosts hotels and resorts that are like a movie set with tourist facilities built into each scene. You can be a Pirate of the Caribbean, go for a stroll through the city of Paris, or spend the night inside the medieval castle Excalibur.And say "shush!" to the Sphinx for me when you're in Luxor, the ancient Egyptian temple.Getting ThereThe McCarran International Airport is the one for you, if you're not driving across the desert in a convertible Cadillac that has the horns of a steer mounted on the hood. Los Angeles to Las Vegas is a 300 mile drive which means somewhere out there, there's a person who's done it in three hours. Or tried.TransportationWell, it's mostly a driving city. There are local city buses connecting the suburbs with downtown, the normal interstate buses like Greyhound, and literally a thousand taxis. You can hop a train on the Amtrak line, but don't stand around waiting for the metro. And with Boulevards like this one, who would want to be underground?People and CultureLas Vegas has a language that's all its own and it lives in the casinos. There are some familiar ones you already know, like "high roller" (which is a person who spends a lot of money). But did you know that a high roller is the same as a "whale"? And how about "Dark", as in, no show. Dark Sundays means there are no performances, so the main marquee is switched off and the stage is dark."Comp" is short for complimentary or free, and if you're "in red" it means your name is highlighted with the color red on the guest list, because you've been comp'ed. And for the modern edge, "eye in the sky" means a hidden surveillance camera in the ceiling. Las Vegas is full of mirrors -- they make the room look bigger, they multiply the lights, and they make a great place to park a supervisory camera system. There's a saying that goes, "if you can't spot the fish at the table, you ARE the fish." Fish is an inexperienced gabler. Card sharks are the ones who eat the fish. Sharks might be using a shiner, too; that's what the eye in the sky is for. (Shiner is a little mirror a shark uses to cheat by seeing your cards.)Things to do, RecommendationsI've got a recommendation for all you young lovers out there... get hitched at the Chapel of the Bells! Follow it up with an intergalactic honeymoon on the USS Enterprise. Here you will find a full-scale replica of the control room of the famous star ship from Star Trek. Las Vegas may in fact be the world's biggest collection of surreal and odd places to explore, like the Borg chamber, another Star Trek household word.Have fun, stay hydrated out there, and don't forget to take some pictures from the highest location you can get to. Here's a shot of the volcano erupting at the Mirage Hotel.And lastly, remember the most important piece of advice there is:"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."Text by Steve Smith.

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The City of Omaha through the Ages The city of Omaha, located on the river Missouri, is the administrative center of the Douglas County of the State of Nebraska in the USA. The landmass on which the city stands today was populated as early as seventeenth century. However, a modern city does not emerge as soon as a region is inhabited by people. You may read on to learn how the original settlers paved the way for the emergence of the 42nd largest city of the United States. This article is about the city of Omaha through the ages and also discusses the history of Omaha.The first ever settlement in the city of Omaha came into existence when the Omaha, the Ponca and other native American tribes migrated to this place from the Ohio river valley. The city is called ‘Omaha’ meaning “Dwellers on the bluff” because of the relocation of the earliest settlers from the east bank of the Missouri river to the west. These tribes continued to flourish through the eighteenth century and grew in complexities. By the early nineteenth century they were plagued with tribal disputes and there was perpetual turmoil in the region.In 1804, Thomas Jefferson the then US President commissioned an expedition to the newly acquired territory in the western parts of the United States in order to save it from becoming a European dominion. When the expedition led by Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clarke reached the banks of Missouri, the two officers initiated talks with the tribal chieftains. Consequently, several trading outposts came into being which marked the American control over the territory. William D. Brown established the Council Bluffs and Nebraska Ferry Company in 1850 which he had called the Lone Tree Ferry at that point of time. It was named after a stand-alone tree in the Nebraska bank of the river Missouri. Brown had the earliest vision of the City of Omaha, and his company actually played a pivotal role in the formulation and advancement of the city in the sense that it brought the settlers of the Council Bluffs from the eastern part of the river to the Omaha region. In 1854, the tribal population was convinced by the US government to surrender their land to the federal government. The land patches were proposed to be sold to the American public in general. In order to boost his ferry service, Brown joined hands with other businessmen around this time and started acquiring land properties. In 1854, he created history by founding the first hotel of Omaha called St. Nicholas Hotel. The Omaha Central High School which served as a picnic spot at the Capital Hill in those days was the location for the unofficial inauguration of the city of Omaha. As Brown pioneered the development of the city, he is popularly considered as its founding father. In fact, one section of his ferry company became the first commercial building of the City of Omaha which housed the first post office as well as the first territorial legislature of the city. His ferry company was functional till the construction of the first bridge in this region, called the Omaha railroad bridge, in the year 1872. The city has not looked back ever since trade and commerce gathered pace in this part of the world. In the late nineteenth century and later the City of Omaha saw the rise of numerous companies, hotels, cultural institutions, sports centers and administrative buildings. It is the location of the headquarters of big conglomerates such the Berkshire Hathaway. The city is one of the chief tourist attractions in contemporary times. Due to radical growth combined with a sharp increase in population, the City of Omaha is the largest city of the State of Nebraska today.

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From Andean Peaks to Desert Dunes: An Active Family Adventure in Peru Enjoy a big adventure as you explore Machu Picchu 7,972 feet up in the Andes, experience the colonial architecture of Lima and see a 600 foot geoglyph on the Paracas Peninsula. In Transit to Program, Arive Lima, Check-in Historic Lima, Water Front Stroll, City Orientation Fly to Cusco, Awanakancha Alpaca Center, Ollantaytambo Ruins Sacred Valley/Yucay Visit Market, Weaving Community, Moray Inca Agriculture Site Train Ride Through the Andes, Explore Machu Picchu Rafting, Transfer to Cusco, Sacsayhuaman Ruins, Incan Music Flight to Lima, Transfer to Paracas, Beach & Pool Activities Boat Ride at Ballestas Islands, Sand Boarding on Dunes Beach Activities, Transfer to Lima, Evening Flights Share a family adventure that brings three generations to two exciting parts of Peru. Travel high into the Andes to raft the swelling waters of the Urubamba River and unlock the mysteries of the mighty Inca. Then meet penguins, sea lions and more swooping seabirds than anyone could count on the Paracas Peninsula. Walking up to one mile at a time and standing up to one hour at a time. Whitewater rafting adventure of two hours for all experience levels. Elevations of 11,000 feet. Share your love of learning with your family. These programs are designed for any combination of generations: grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children. Learn the fascinating story of the Incas as you explore the Lost City of Machu Picchu and experience Incan food, art and music. Meet alpacas, llamas and vicuñas and watch as their wool is transformed into jakimas and beautiful fabrics. Grab a sandboard and swoosh down the sloping, golden dunes near Paracas. This is a Family program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 12 and up. Machu Picchu, Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas by Richard L. Burger (Editor), Lucy C. Salazar (Editor) Burger and Salazar vividly evoke the art, architecture, culture and society of Machu Picchu in this illustrated, up-to-date survey. With Hiram Bingham's original report, archival and modern photographs and excellent chapters on recent archaeology at the site. by Jane Bingham Taking the form of a travel guide, this book transports youngsters back to the time of the Incas. Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark, Jean Charlot (Illustrator) In this novel for pre-teens, a native boy in Peru goes on a magical discovery of his roots, learning much about Inca tradition. A Newbery Award-winning book first published in 1952. The Smithsonian Atlas of the Amazon by Michael Goulding, Ronaldo Barthem, Efrem Ferreira This beautiful, profusely illustrated atlas of the river includes its major tributaries and 150 full-color maps. Goulding (Floods of Fortune) and Brazilian biologists Barthem and Ferreira provide the accompanying text. Lost City, The Discovery of Machu Picchu by Ted Lewin Caldecott-winning author Ted Lewin traveled in the footsteps of the 1911 explorer for this captivating tale of Hiram Bingham and the discovery of Machu Picchu, geared for ages 9-12. With detailed watercolor illustrations of Cuzco, the Urubamba Valley and Machu Picchu, it will appeal to the whole family. Inca Trail: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Map by Lima 2000 This fact-filled map shows the whole of the Sacred Valley, from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, on one side, and, on the reverse, the area surrounding the sanctuary in splendid, topographic detail (1:50,000). It's the best map for those making the trek from kilometer 88 to the site and an excellent choice for those exploring by bus or train. The Incas by Carmen Bernard Featuring archival drawings and photographs, a chronology and chapters on Atahualpa, the Conquistadors and Hiram Bingham, this handy book (previously published as People of the Sun) illuminates the daily life, monuments and history of the Incas. You Wouldn't Want to Be an Inca Mummy! by Colin Hynson The hilarious illustrations and light-hearted tone, helpful hints and glossary in this popular series for ages 7-10 will entice even reluctant readers. Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming This classic prize-winning history of the Inca struggle against the Spanish invasion weaves wide-ranging, scholarly material into a gripping narrative. Lima, A Cultural History by James Higgins An erudite guide to the cultural gems and literary history of Peru's capital city. James Higgins, who specializes in Peruvian literature, covers the scope of the city's history from its pre-Columbian museums, to its conquistador heritage, to its dynamic present. Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham This first-rate adventure story by the man who brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the world is not just a gripping tale of exploration and archaeology, it also sets the scene for any visitor to the site. Insight Guide Peru Panoramic in scope, this illustrated overview brings Peru to life in color photographs and vivid essays on history, archaeology and culture. Peru Map A detailed laminated relief map of Peru at a scale of 1:1,750,000. This is a very clear, colorful map, which also features detailed insets of Lima and Cuzco and even a site plan of Machu Picchu. Culture Smart! Peru by John Forrest A concise, well-illustrated and practical guide to local customs, etiquette and culture. Cloud Forest, A Chronicle of the South American Wilderness by Peter Matthiessen Matthiessen recounts with wit, insight and style his odyssey to the Amazon and Andes, including Machu Picchu and Tierra del Fuego. Peru, Travellers' Wildlife Guides by David L. Pearson, Les Beletsky Featuring 500 illustrations of the birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and insects of the Amazon, Andes and Pacific Coast. Peru, Birds of the Forest by Rainforest Publications A handy, double-sided laminated card depicting 100 commonly encountered parrots, motmots, hummingbirds and other forest birds of Peru. We also carry Peru Mammals Guide plastic card. (Item PRU73) Machu Picchu, The Story of the Amazing Inkas and Their City in the Clouds by Elizabeth Mann This absorbing, colorful tale follows the settlement, growth and eventual collapse of Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire. Straightforward text and stylized full-color illustrations face each other across the page. In Trouble Again by Redmond O'Hanlon As funny as he is insightful, O'Hanlon starts his comic masterpiece of a journey between the Orinoco and the Amazon with a litany of the insects, protozoa, snakes and predators that can do you harm. Tree of Rivers, The Story of the Amazon Hemming captures the ambition, greed and awe of naturalists, explorers and missionaries -- and their devastating impact on native peoples -- in this absorbing human history. Breakfast: At hotel restaurant. Morning: Program orientation and introduction to Peru. Meet your group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Field Trip to the Archaeological Museum. This is Peru’s oldest and largest state museum. It is housed in an old colonial mansion on Plaza Bolivar, in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima. The museum displays a large collection of ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and ancient Peruvian metals dating back to pre-Hispanic times. Some notable pieces in this collection are the Raimondi Stela and Tello Obelisk. Another portion of the exhibits focuses on the country’s colonial and Republican periods. In the event that the Archaeological museum is closed we will visit an equally important museum in the city. Lunch: At local restaurant. Afternoon: After lunch, visit Lima’s historic downtown and the famous Plaza de Armas. Francisco Pizarro, Spain’s infamous conquistador and conqueror of the Inca Empire, founded Lima in 1535. When Spain designated Lima the Viceroyalty of Spain in 1542, the city became the wealthiest and most important urban center in Spanish South America. The central area of Lima still retains its original colonial character. Notable historic sites include the beautiful Plaza de Armas, the Governmental Palace, La Catedral, the Church of San Francisco, and the Jiron de la Union. Join in a favorite pastime of Limeños during an afternoon walk along the city’s Malecon (waterfront) in Miraflores, enjoying magnificent views of the Pacfic Ocean and landscaped parks. The Malecon encompasses 6 miles of parks along Miraflores’ rocky seaside cliffs. Paths in the Malecon are commonly frequented by families, joggers, and cyclists; a great recreational site for anyone looking to enjoy some fresh air and green spaces. Dinner: At local restaurant. Posada del Inca Yucay Breakfast: At the hotel Morning: Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Cusco. Traditional Inca welcome with coca tea upon arrival at the Cusco airport. Transfer to Ollantaytambo with an en route visit to the Awanakancha Alpaca Center. The Awankancha Alpaca Center is a living museum where visitors can see llamas, alpacas and vicuna. A demonstration will show how the wool from these South American animals is used to make woven textiles Lunch: At a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo town. Afternoon: Field trip to Ollantaytambo ruins with a local guide who will highlight the engineering genius of the Inca. The Ollantaytambo Ruins are not ruins in the traditional sense, but is a town with original buildings of Inca construction where the Inca retreated to make their last stand in the highlands against the Spanish. Running water still flows through the town in aqueducts and the agricultural terraces above the town are still in use. The pinnacle above the town is a small burial ground. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Discussion with your local guide about Life in the Sacred Valley during the time of the Incas. Dinner: At the hotel restaurant. Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant. Morning: Morning visit to a local market and on-site discussion on the importance of the Sacred Valley as the ‘farmer’s market’ for the Inca Empire. Identify and learn about the fruits and vegetables that are unique to this region. Select items from the market to be cooked and sampled at dinner. Learn which ancient traditions are still practiced by modern day descendants of the Inca during a visit to a local weaving community at Chinchero. Weaving is a way of life in Chinchero—as important for preserving ancient traditions as it is for earning a livelihood. The town, located on the Inca road between Cusco and Machu Picchu, was an early Inca center built by Emperor Tupa Inca as his country estate. During Inca reign, textiles were woven and offered to mark special occasions, from peace treaties and sacrifices to marriage ceremonies and puberty rites. In Chinchero, local children grow up playing with their mother’s spindle and loom; by age six or seven most children learn to weave by watching their elders. They begin by weaving jakimas, or narrow ribbons, before moving on to more complicated pieces. Lunch: Enjoy a traditional lunch with members of the community. Afternoon: Continue to Moray an Inca Agricultural research station. Return to the hotel. Participate in a cooking session at the hotel and learn to prepare the fresh foods purchased at the market in the morning. Activity note: Participants should try to get plenty of rest the night before in preparation for the very early start on this day. There is a weight limit of 11 pounds for luggage/backpacks on the Peru Rail transfer to Machu Picchu. Morning: Transfer to the Ollantaytambo Station to catch a train to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu. Disembark at Aguas Calientes Station. Board a bus for the transfer up the mountain, on a series of switchbacks, that will take us to the Machu Picchu complex. Field trip to Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham found Machu Picchu in 1911, with the help of a local farmer who knew about the ruins, while searching for Vilcabamba and Vitcos. He hypothesized that the site was a "citadel," existing for strategic and defense purposes. He also speculated that the site was a refuge for Cusco's Virgins of the Sun, based upon the finding of skulls there, although not scientifically classified as female. Breakthroughs in archaeology since 1985 have, taken as a whole, supported the emerging view of Machu Picchu as a ceremonial and administrative center for a very populous region. Machu Picchu was built, flourished, and fell into demise within a period of 100 years. Lunch: At a local restaurant in the vicinity of the ruins. Afternoon: Board a bus and transfer back to Aguas Calientes. Catch a train back to Ollantaytambo Station and transfer to the hotel. Casa Andina Classic - Cusco Koricancha Activity note: If you do not want to participate in rafting, you may remain at the hotel. For lunch you will be transferred to the picnic site to eat with the group. Morning: This morning experience the thrill of white water rafting in the Sacred Valley of the Incas! Enjoy great rapids and breathtaking scenery on the Ollanta section of the Urubamba River. This section is easily enjoyed by all levels of whitewater experience. Start at km 84 on the Urubamba to Ollantaytambo route and receive a helmet, life vest, a windbreaker jacket and wetsuit. After changing, there is a safety briefing before beginning the exhilarating run down the river for approximately 2 hours. With our expert river rafters practice the maneuvers required and soak in the breathtaking landscape of the towering Andes mountains, with beautiful Inca terraces amongst the lush vegetation. After this calm practice section on the river hit some thrilling Class II & III rapids through a beautiful canyon with the possibility of finding local wildlife, including the torrent duck and other avian species. At the end of the tour changing tents will be available. Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the banks of the river. Afternoon: After lunch transfer to Cusco. Before reaching Cusco, visit the impressive Sacsayhuaman. The fortress of Sacsayhuaman forms the head of the Puma design of old Cusco. It is a wonder of technical achievement and a testament to human will. It is a mystery how it was constructed, since the stones are not found in the region, and most of the blocks weigh more than a ton. The largest rock weighs more than 300 tons. Sacsayhuaman is constructed of huge polygonal blocks which interlock with one another. The stones are so precisely placed that a knife blade cannot be inserted between them. Interactive session with a musician who discusses and demonstrates the musical instruments of the Inca and the importance of music to their religious ceremonies. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Paracas Morning: Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Lima (approx. 1:25 hours) Arrive in Lima and begin transfer to Paracas. The small fishing village of Paracas is located on the edge of the Paracas National Reserve-- 160 miles south of Lima. Lunch: At local restaurant, en route to Paracas. Afternoon: Check-in and time to enjoy the hotel. Unwind at the hotel, set in the desert paradise of Paracas Beach. Lounge in lush palm gardens on the property or plunge into the hotel's 8,000 square ft. pool. Activity note: Occasionally cold fronts consisting of cold winds and rain come north from Patagonia. They last for approximately 36 hours and temperatures can drop as low as 46 degrees. Activities will continue as planned unless the conditions worsen, which is rare. Wildlife can still be seen but may be elusive under such conditions during a cold front. Morning: Enjoy a boat ride to the Ballestas islands. On the way to the small archipelago, take a moment to admire views of "El Candelabro" on a hillside overlooking the bay. The mysterious drawing, reminiscent of a candelabra, dates back to pre-Inca times. While navigating around the islands (visitors are not allowed to disembark), look for fur seals, sea lions, and penguins. The prolific birdlife will be incorporated into a discussion on the abundance of the Humboldt Current as a food source. Return to the mainland and visit Paracas National Reserve. Sweeping up from the Antarctic, the Humboldt Current causes upwellings of plankton-rich water-- the foundation of an ecological pyramid crowned by thousands of breeding cormorants, boobies, gulls and terns, and mammals such as whales, dolphins and sea lions. In addition, during the southern winter, many shearwaters, petrels, and even albatrosses migrate from Antarctica to the Pacific coast of Peru. The Humboldt Current is home to the most productive fisheries in the world, and this area is reputed to be the largest producer of fishmeal on earth. Afternoon: Participate in a unique desert sport practiced in the region--sand boarding! Lie down, sit or stand (similar to snowboarding) on specially designed sand boards and ride the golden dunes! The area near Paracas is home to the annual Peru Sand Boarding Cup. Return to the hotel. Dinner: Farewell dinner at hotel. Celebrate with a barbecue dinner alfresco, under the southern skies. Morning: Free morning to enjoy the amenities of the hotel and the beach. Check out of the lodge before lunch and be ready to transfer to Lima to the airport right afterwards. Lunch: At a local restaurant en-route. Afternoon: Transfer from Paracas to Jorge Chávez International Airport for international flights home. There is no overnight hotel stay for this day. If you would prefer a morning flight out of Lima and hotel accommodations please contact the program coordinator at 1-800-866-7111 or [email protected] to book these additional services. This concludes the program. We hope you enjoyed your Road Scholar adventure! When you get home, remember to stay in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network; share memories, pictures, and comments about your recent travels. Dinner: On your own. There will be options at the airport for you to choose from. Dec 27, 2017 - Jan 05, 2018 (Lima to Paracas) Jul 31, 2017 - Aug 09, 2017 (Lima to Paracas) Dec 20, 2017 - Dec 29, 2017 (Lima to Paracas) Dec 27, 2017 - Jan 05, 2018 (Lima to Paracas) 2 nights Miraflores, Lima The Casa Andina Select hotel is located in Lima's trendy Miraflores neighborhood, within easy access to restaurants and local attractions. The hotel has 155 rooms with modern installations and various amenities meant to satisfy the needs of both leisure and business travelers. TripAdvisor Reviews 3 nights Urubamba The hotel is a former 18th-century, colonial style Franciscan monastery. The posada is set in gardens at the heart of the Sacred Valley. TripAdvisor Reviews 1 night Cusco The hotel is just three and a half blocks from the Main Square of Cusco and just a block from Koricancha temple, and is made up of two refurbished and renovated colonial mansions. TripAdvisor Reviews 2 nights Paracas, Pisco This attractive hotel is situated along Paracas Beach, on the Paracas Peninsula in southern Peru. In addition to being just a short drive from the Pisco International Airport, the hotel is well situated for day-trips to neighboring Paracas National Reserve. TripAdvisor Reviews

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Knucklas Castle above the town of Knucklas, Powys, Mid Wales Map link for Knucklas Castle Report: Kevin Kell, Photographs copyright © 2002 by Jeffrey L. Thomas except as noted Above: exterior view of the southern end of the inner ward at Knucklas from the ditch. The article below originally appeared in the Mid-Wales Journal, 5 Sept 1997. As part of a project to increase awareness of the historic site sponsored by the Menter Powys Community Tourism Project, On the Border historian Paul Remfry, author of Castles of Radnorshire, gave an informative talk on Knucklas Castle. Mr. Remfry set the building of Knucklas Castle in the context of the struggles between the English and Welsh for control of Maeliennydd, an area which comprises much of the former county of Radnor. He found no reference to a castle at Knucklas before 1240. Llewelyn the Great conquered the area in 1215, but this was disputed by the Mortimers who had grown powerful in the area. Mortimers Ralph Mortimer married Llewelyn's daughter and claimed back Knighton as part of his marriage settlement, but did not gain control of Maeliennydd until Llewelyn's death in 1240. He thought that Bryn-y-Castell, just outside Knighton, was built by the Mortimers in 1215-1230 period as a visible indication of their claims to the town. Ralph Mortimer attempted to strengthen his grip on the area by building new castles at Cefn-llys and Knucklas. These were a departure from the traditional of castle building in the area in that they were both on the tops of significant natural hills instead of low, artificially constructed, mottes. As Ralph was out of the country at the time, the work was supervised by his 11-year-old son, Roger, (who was also Llewelyn's grandson). In 1246 Ralph Mortimer died and Maeliennydd was taken by the even indecisive King Henry III, but the following year Roger Mortimer, though still a minor, persuaded the King to let him have it back. Mr. Remfry said that the available evidence suggested that Knucklas Castle was basically a square construction with substantial stone walls and a circular tower at each corner. Its purpose was to remind the more or less hostile Welsh population who was in charge. But it did not last long as an effective fortification; in 1260 it was by-passed when a Welsh army attacked Knighton, which fell on April 22 that year; but in 1262 Llewelyn II entered Mid Wales with a strong army, besieged Mortimer at Cefn-llys, and late in the year sent one of his generals, Owain ap Madoc, to attack Knucklas Castle with siege engines. The garrison took one look at the engines and surrendered, and the victorious Welsh rendered the fortifications indefensible. That was not quite the end of Knucklas Castle's brief history, for there is a mention that it was garrisoned in 1282 when Edmund Mortimer regained control, but this time the English had come to stay, and the need for such a fortification disappeared. The castle is last mentioned in contemporary records in 1316, and it is very unlikely it was anything more than a ruin by the time of Owain Glyndwr's revolt in 1402. Asked about the famous story that Guinevere married Arthur at Knucklas, Mr. Remfry said there was no visible evidence of an Iron Age fortification at Knucklas, though it may have been occupied in the Dark Ages, something which could only be established by excavation. The project has been organised by Annette and Cena Pike with the help of Helen Minnice-Hughes of Menter Powys. A plaque carved by Will and Lottie O'Leary of Knucklas, has been placed on the hill to mark the site of the castle together with a seat made from old oak timbers. Volunteers and members of the committee have cleared the pathways and fitted an oak gate of Brecon and Mid Wales design at the entrance to the site. All this has been done by the permission of the landowners, Mrs. G. and Mr. H. Evans. Below: views of the surrounding countryside from the summit of the castle. Other titles by Paul M. Remfry Copyright © 2009 by Jeffrey L. Thomas

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I was very happy today to find out the name of the mountain I photographed yesterday. Joy, a Texan blogs here from DF, also took a picture of the mountains yesterday, and she was able to answer my question about the name of the mountain I took the photo of.It turns out I took a picture of one of the four peaks of Iztaccíhuatl. Wikipedia has a lot of good info about it ... "The mountain has four peaks, the highest of which is 5,230 m (17,159 ft) above sea level. Together, the peaks are seen as depicting the head, chest, knees and feet of a sleeping female figure, which is visible from either the east or the west. Iztaccíhuatl is a mere 70 km (44 mi) to the southeast of Mexico City and is often visible from the capital, depending on atmospheric conditions. While the first recorded ascent was made in 1889, archaeological evidence suggests that the Aztecs and previous cultures also climbed the mountain.This is the lowest peak that contains permanent snow and glaciers in Mexico.Iztaccíhuatl lies to the north of Popocatépetl, and is connected to it by the high pass called the Paso de Cortés....In Aztec mythology, Iztaccíhuatl was a princess who fell in love with Popocatépetl, one of her father's warriors. The king sent Popocatépetl to war in Oaxaca, promising him Iztaccíhuatl as his wife when he would return (which Iztaccíhuatl's father presumed he would not). Iztaccíhuatl was falsely told Popocatépetl had died in battle, and believing the news, she died of grief. When Popocatépetl returned to find his love dead, he kneeled by her grave. The gods covered them with snow and changed them into mountains. Iztaccíhuatl's mountain is called "White Woman" because it resembles a woman sleeping on her back, and is often covered with snow. (The peak is sometimes nicknamed La Mujer Dormida ("The Sleeping Woman").) He became the volcano Popocatépetl, raining fire on Earth in blind rage at the loss of his beloved."Apparently, it has not erupted in nearly 12,000 years. We certainly don't have these in Chicago. volacno

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PHOTOS: 11 Most Endangered Historic Sites in U.S. Named Explore National Geographic Traveler's Places of a Lifetime PICTURES: 7 Man-made Wonders Among New Heritage Sites PICTURES: Best and Worst Historic Sites Rated Unity Temple, Oak Park, Illinois Frank Lloyd Wright built Unity Temple for his own Unitarian congregation in the early 1900s. The flat-roofed structure is one of the earliest public buildings to feature exposed concrete, a design element characteristic of Wright. Years of water infiltration have put the landmark at risk, making it one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 11 most endangered U.S. historic places for 2009.

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America’s National Parks Report Record Number of Visitors in 2015 More than 305 million people visited national parks in 2015, eclipsing the all-time visitation record that the National Park Service saw in the previous year. The unofficial visitation numbers for 2015 were announced by National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis, as the National Park Service (NPS) is celebrating its centennial year. "The increasing popularity of our national parks comes as we are actively reaching out to new audiences and inviting them to explore the depth and breadth of the national park system," Jarvis said. "The 409 parks we care for preserve natural, cultural and historic landscapes across 84 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories, and they tell stories that reflect the great diversity of our nation." Record visitation tests the capacity of the park system and challenges parks to continue to provide great experiences for all visitors. Jarvis said park managers are adjusting to make sure they have sufficient staff to provide interpretive programs, answer visitor questions, respond to emergencies and to keep restrooms, campgrounds and other facilities clean. Park visitors can plan their trips to avoid peak crowds by visiting the most popular parks in spring and fall and by visiting early in the morning or later in the day. Visitors can also take advantage of shuttles and walking trails at some parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains, Glacier, Rocky Mountain and Grand Teton national parks. "Even with record breaking visitation, visitors can still find quiet places in the parks for those willing to seek them out," Jarvis said. "I can take you to Yosemite Valley on the Fourth of July and within five minutes get you to a place where you are all alone." Much of the increase in national park visitation is the result of the National Park Foundation's "Find Your Park" media campaign. The campaign has sparked interest from travelers and also from communities near national parks, state tourism agencies and Congress. In late December 2015, Congress approved a nine percent funding increase for the National Park Service, which will help the agency continue to provide excellent visitor services as visitation increases. "The increase in Congressional appropriations comes at a critical time for the National Park Service and will help us to serve the growing number of visitors,"Jarvis said. "We look forward to continuing to work with Congress as it considers additional legislation in support of the National Park Service Centennial, which would further improve the national parks by encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism, while also allowing us to improve visitor services and connect with a new generation of national park visitors." By the Numbers: Unofficially, the NPS recorded more than 305 million visits during 2015. That is an increase of more than 12 million visits, and more than four percent, over the 2014 figure of 292.8 million visits. About 365 of 409 parks in the national park system record visitation numbers. The NPS has recorded more than 13 billion visits to parks since park managers began counting visitors in 1904, some 12 years before the NPS was created. Official statistics including the most-visited parks of the national park system and the most-visited national parks will be released in late February. Jeff The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Grand Teton National Pa... America’s National Parks Report Record Number of V... Never Underestimate the Smokies - Appalachian Trai... RMNP Programs Highlight Wilderness And What Wild P... Body Of Missing Man Recovered Near Peacock Pool In... Search Underway In Longs Peak Area Colorado Governor Announces 16 Highest Priority Tr... The Stunning Beauty of Rocky Mountain National Par... Presidential Quotes: America's leaders reflect on ... Explore Rocky Mountain National Park During The Wi... Rocky Mountain National Park Smashes Annual Visita... RMNP License Plate Now Available Grand Teton National Park From Above The National Park Service Celebrates 100 Years

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Beijing’s Summer Palace Revisited April 13, 2017 Claire Walter Leave a comment Crowds, crowds and did I mention crowds? We are en route from the U.S. to Tibet with a day in Beijing — my third visit to China’s capital. The first was in 1999, and even superficial changes since then are stunning. Built into the Road Scholar itinerary was a couple of hours in the stunning Summer Palace, a grandiose and elaborate treasure from the old Chinese Empire. It was crowded when I first visited , but now, there are mote people, more photo and video stops, selfie sticks that did not exist then. The standard route through the palace remains unchanged — a walk through the gates, across a courtyard or too, a walk with an artificial lake on one side and a lovely arcade on the other, a look at the famous stone boat and a ride across the lake to a landing near the exit. Here are some pictures from my visit. As you can see from the entrance image. Taking any without a lot of people was a challenge. Taking them with a crowd was as simple as pointing the camera anywhere. National Park, Pacific Islands Easter Island ‘Discovered’ 245 Years Ago April 6, 2017 Claire Walter Leave a comment Mid-Pacific island now a bucket-list destination. According to the “on this day in history” tidbit, Easter Island — though inhabited — was “discovered” on the Tropic of Capricorn by European seamen. The indigenous people called it Rapa Nui. The short version of the story is: On this Easter Sunday, 3,000 miles from the nearest continental land, Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen finds a 63-square-mile island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Towering stone statues mystify these first European visitors and others for centuries to come. Now Chilean territory, its famous monolithic statues continue to intrigue visitors. Archeologists have restored some of the nearly 900 moai. A visit to remote the Rapa Nui National Park is indeed a bucket list experience. Airlines, England Norwegian Air Inaugurating Denver-London Flight Low-fare carrier to start service in mid-September. Norwegian Airlines announced is adding low-fare non-stop transatlantic flights from Denver International Airport and one from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to London’s Gatwick Airport. Denver eastbound service begins on September 16 with flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays. There are plans to increase to three weekly flights in November. The carrier is also debuting from Seattle-London service on September 17 with flights on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays. With these new routes, Norwegian serves from 13 U.S. cities with a total of 48 non-stop routes to Europe, both seasonal and year-round. According to reports, Paris is next. The very low inaugural fare is attributed to increasing transatlantic competition. Air France and British Airways have indicated plans for low-cost international flights. Stay tuned. Int'l Tourism, Travel U.S.to Put Out Unwelcome Mat for Foreign Visitors Administration establishes tough and intrusive border regulations. I started this blog more than a decade ago to celebrate the joy of travel and to offer occasional useful information for travelers. Sadly, travel has become increasingly less joyful, what with punitive airline experiences, fears of violent incidents in some of the world’s most appealing destinations and now, border hassles. Below is a digest graph from the WTFJHT daily E-blast over the latest news to discourage inbound visitation to the U.S. — and we don’t now what the counter-policies might be. The Trump administration is considering steps for “extreme vetting.” Foreigners entering US could be forced to disclose contacts on their mobile phones, social media passwords and financial records, and to answer probing questions about their ideology. (🔒 Wall Street Journal) i have to wonder whether it will have a domino effect on travel to countries that previously were easy to enter. Will those with U.S. passports or arriving from U.S. flights now be diverted from the green customs light line when entering other countries? Book, Travel ‘Food on Foot’: A Book that Strikes a Chord March 31, 2017 Claire Walter Leave a comment True tales of adventurous travel and adventurous eating. A month from now, we will be in the Himalayas, visiting Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. I’m beside myself with happy anticipation, and every book around the house that is ready to pick up is about one of those countries. I nibble at old guidebooks, even though this will not be an independent trip but a Road Scholar itinerary, and out-of-print Traveler’s Tales anthologies of Tibet and Nepal (none on Bhutan). Still, the upcoming publication of Food on Foot penetrated my pre-Himalayan haze. The publicist’s description intrigued me: World traveler, mountain climbing enthusiast, and scholar Demet Güzey introduces readers to the vital connection between food and human expedition in Food on Foot , the next installment in the Food on the Go series. From pilgrims to pioneers, soldiers to explorers, the only limit to humanity’s reach is the food they can find along the way, and Güzey examines the myriad ways we have approached this problem over the centuries and across landscapes. From tinned foods to foraging in the arctic wilderness, worm-infested hardtack to palate-dulling army rations, loss of appetite in high altitudes to champagne and caviar at base camps, Güzey gives a thoroughly researched and insightful account of how we manage food on foot, and how disaster strikes when we fail to manage it well. Firsthand accounts, authentic artifacts and photographs, expert opinions, and recipes reveal new perspectives on lesser known as well as more famous expeditions, such as the disastrous end of the Donner Party, the stranded men of Shackleton on Elephant Island, and the first successful summit of Mount Everest. An extensive bibliography provides ample opportunities for further reading. This culinary history book by Demet Güzey is geared to adventurous food lovers and food-loving adventurers. Publication date is April 8, the day we leave on our own trip, but I hope to get to it after I return. Publishing details: Rowman & Littlefield; ISBN: 978-1-4422-5506-7; Hardcover $38; 236 pages. Alaska, History Alaska’s Multiple 2017 Celebrations March 25, 2017 Claire Walter Festivities from the state’s sesquicentennial to a Fairbanks park’s 50th. The Society of American Travel Writers’ Western Chapter was supposed to meet in Fairbanks next month, but that’s sadly not happening. Even without an SATW presence, there’s a lot happening this year in Alaska. State Sesquicentennial. Various communities celebrate the 150th anniversary of the U.S. purchase of Alaska from Russia. Heritage includes Native, Russian and American threads. Sitka National Historical Park in Southeast Alaska is the epicenter of commemorations that kick off on Seward Day, March 30. University of Alaska Centennial. Located in Fairbanks “America’s Arctic university” turns 100. More than 10,000 students take a variety of courses and participate in a wide spectrum of research opportunities. Centennial programs and activities reflect the variety of academic and cultural offerings. The official ceremony takes place on May 3, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Centennial Square (near Wickersham Hall). Driving the Alaska Highway (aka, the Alcan Highway) is one of North America’s epic road trips. Alaska Highway 75th anniversary. Expedited by the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, construction on this remarkable route through some of the most remote, most rugged terrain on earth began about three months later. Also called the Al-Can Highway, it is 1,680 miles from Mile 0 at Dawson Creek in northeastern British Columbia to its terminus at Delta Junction. Upgrades and improvements have reduced its length to 1,390 miles. It continues to the Richardson Highway to Fairbanks. Pioneer Park at 50. This 44-acre historically themed Pioneer Park, along with the Fairbanks Arts Association, celebrate their 50th anniversaries this year. The park, which bills itself as a “historic theme park,” features museums, historic artifacts and log cabins moved to the site that are into summer-time shops and eateries. Fairbanks Arts, located in the park, is the oldest community arts council in the state. It supports local artists, organizations and audiences via programming in performing arts, literary arts, visual arts and arts education. Airports, Travel EU Set to Require Visas of U.S. Citizens March 3, 2017 Claire Walter 1 Comment Response to Trump administration immigration crackdown. The saying, “What goes around comes around” applies to international travel. In response to deportations, border stops and other crackdowns on foreign visitors to the U.S. and immigrants too, the European Parliament voted to end visa-free travel for Americans within the EU. The U.S. government could not bring itself to agree to visa-free travel for citizens from five EU countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania), so American citizens will be required to obtain visas. The vote urges the revocation of the scheme within two months, meaning Americans will have to apply for visas. The intricacies are complicated and may end up before the European Court of Justice. Current policies have become known as the “Trump slump.” The U.S. Travel Association has said the administration’s immigration policies are hurting tourism, citing “mounting signs” of “a broad chilling effect on demand for international travel to the United States.” Then again, there are a lot of people, including VIPS, whom the U.S. seems to discourage from visiting. Heavy-handed airport detentions of visitors from abroad do nothing to encourage inbound visitation. Consider that in the few weeks since the inauguration, the following are among the high-profile visitors help up at the airport: Kjell Magne Bondevik, a former prime minister of Norway was detained for an hour at Washington’s Dulles International Airport. His “crime”: visiting Iran in 2014 for a human rights conference. Mem Fox, a 70-year-old children’s book author from Australia on her 100th visit to the U.S., was detained at Los Angeles International Airport for two hours and treated so rudely that she collapsed in tears in her hotel room and vowed never to come back. Henry Rousso, an Egyptian-born French Holocaust historian, was detained for 10 hours at Houston’s Intercontinental Airport en route to give a talk at Texas A&M. He was told that he would not be permitted to receive an honorarium for his talk on a tourist visa. He had frequently visited over the last 30 years. Celeste Omin, a software engineer from Nigeria was detained in New York when coming to work at Andela, a startup that connects the top tech talent in Africa with employers in the U.S. Andela accepts less than 1% of applicants into its program and is backed by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan. A former head of state, a renowned author, a renowned historian and a top software engineer! There are doubtless more, but these four come to mind. Asia, Blog, China, Travel A British Peek at North Korea February 21, 2017 Claire Walter Observations from the rare Western tour group. The Chinese city of Dandong has the easternmost section of the Great Wall. It also enables curious tourists to glimpse the formidable, secretive country North Korea just across the Yalu River. “Want to see North Korea? Head to Dandong, China,” a CNN Travel report on this curious spot, reports on the contrast between the two on-and-off friends. It is, of course, almost impossible for Westerners to set foot in North Korea, and Americans would be wise not even put it on their bucket lists. But Hilary Bradt, founder of the highly regarded Bradt Travel Guides, visited with Regent Holidays and filed this blog report called “Hilary Bradt in North Korea.” I’m not sure when she made this guided and controlled excursion, but I just stumbled on it toady and wanted to share it. Colorado Springs’ Presidential Connections February 18, 2017 Claire Walter Ties are relatively tenuous, but they exist for those who look. Namesakes of the nation’s first president are legion, from the country’s capital and the Lower 48’s westernmost state to the famous bridge connecting New York and New Jersey, plus countless smaller sites. No other presidents have their names on so many places and landmarks. Colorado, in fact, has relatively few. The Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau has come with a few in the Pikes Peak Region to consider visiting this Presidents’ Weekend or beyond. This sign affixed to the Royal Gorge Bridge railing helps visitors spot the late president’s horizontal profile. Near Cañon City, take a sky-high walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge, North America’s highest suspension bridge. Look to the horizon and find John F. Kennedy’s silhouette along the mountain range. A sign on the bridge guides searching eyes to what appears to be his profile lying down. In the box canyon known as the “grandest mile of scenery in Colorado,” visitors hike the road through the Broadmoor Seven Falls flanked by all manner of various rock formations. It doesn’t require a long trek to spot George Washington’s profile, which be seen in stone just inside the entrance. There are Ronald Reagan Memorial Highways in several. states. Colorado’s picturesque portion is a section of Interstate 25 in El Paso County toward the Royal Gorge Region and Cañon City. Kennedy, Nixon, Reagan, Clinton, at least one of the Bushes and Obama are presidents who addressed the graduating classes of the U.S. Air Force Academy just north of Colorado Springs. The visitor center, sculpture garden and impressive interfaith Cadet Chapel are open to the public. A six-mile stretch of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail running through the base opened yo civilian cyclists and pedestrians last year. Click here for details on visiting this military site in this high-security era. Cuba, Hotel, Latin America Cuba Getting First Five-Star Hotel February 10, 2017 Claire Walter Kempinski to open Havana property. If you are one who is planning to visit Cuba “before it changes,” you’d better hurry. Even with diplomatic normalization, American companies are not permitted to build in Cuba yet, so the Swiss hotel firm, Kempinski, will be the first with a five-star property in the island nation’s capital. The will reportedly be Cuba’s first true five-star hotel, described as “one of the country’s first significant steps into the modern Western world. ” The hotel will be housed within the historic Manzana de Gómez building, a grandiose five-story structure dating to 1890. It was Cuba’s first European-style shopping and business center with more than 500 stores, business offices, law firms and notaries. It is located at the heart of Habana Vieja (Old Havana), that portion of Cuba’s capital city that was founded in 1519 and is now a a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flanked by Bacardi rum’s art deco bell tower and the National Museum of Fine Arts, Manzana de Gómez is part of the city’s lifeblood. It overlooks the Capitol, the Great Theater of Havana and El Floridita, the infamous fish restaurant and cocktail bar that Ernest Hemingway frequented. Exterior restored to five-star elegance. Hotel guests can easily walk to Old Havana’s main interconnecting artery Calle Obispo (which is packed with art galleries, shops and music bars). The monumental Castillo del Morro lighthouse, which has guarded the entrance to Havana Bay since 1589, is a 10-minute drive. Rooms are planned to exude contemporary elegance in tropical white. The press release about the hotel raves that “inside the restored neoclassical building, Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski Manzana La Habana will offer 246 rooms and suites. Ranging in size from about 430 to 1,615 square feet, each offers a crisp contemporary white color palette with vaulted ceilings, large French windows, and fun pops of bright colors that feel inherently Cuban. Amenities include an approximately 10,765-square-foot Swiss Resense spa, three restaurants, a lobby bar, a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, and free internet in every room—which is huge considering Cuba is one of the least digitally connected countries in the world. Naturally, there is also an in-house cigar lounge.” The hotel appears to be targeting a late 2017 opening.

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Category Archives: California California, Colorado, New Mexico, Skiing and Snow Taos Named Top Ski Town November 29, 2016 Claire Walter USA Today cites Taos as nation’s best. Taos (the town) and Taos Ski Valley (the mountain resort) are connected by a narrow 18-mile canyon road, but that didn’t stop USA Today readers from naming Taos the best ski town in the land. I like Taos as much as anyone, but it really doesn’t feel like a “ski town” — and with the recent developments at the resort, both on the mountain and at the base of the lifts, that vote seems even more far-fetched. Taos has a fine historic plaza and a great hotel right there, good galleries, terrific places to eat and a nearby pueblo that ranks as one of the country’s longest continuously inhabited communities. But a ski town? Not really. Did someone stuff the ballot box? Upon contemplation, I think not. The Tahoe area resorts are many miles from #2 Reno and somewhat closer to $5 Truckee. Even the town of Jackson and the resort of Jackson Hole are not contiguous. Maybe USA Today readers don’t like to ski. Just a thought. 10 Best Ski Towns Taos, N.M. Whitefish, Mt. North Conway, N.H. Truckee, Calif. Crested Butte, Colo. Jackson Hole, Wyo. Stowe, Vt. Steamboat Springs, Colo. Breckenridge, Colo. And for what it’s worth 10 Best Ski Resorts Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows – Olympic Valley, Calif. Sugarbush Resort – Warren, Vt. Big Sky Resort – Big Sky, Mont. Alta – Alta, Utah Crested Butte Mountain Resort – Crested Butte, Colo. Deer Valley Resort – Park City, Utah Revelstoke Mountain Resort – Revelstoke, British Columbia Killington Resort – Killington, Vt. Steamboat Resort – Steamboat Springs, Colo. Whistler Blackcomb – Whistler, British Columbia California, Colorado, Environment, National Park All National Parks Free to Celebrate Centennial August 15, 2016 Claire Walter Visit, appreciate and protect our National Park lands. The centennial of the National Park Service as been promoted and written about and covered in the broadcast media for months, but the agency’s celebratory freebie long weekend is Thursday, August 25 through Sunday, August 28. On those days, all 412 National Park Service units (Parks, Monuments, Historic Sites) are open to the public for free. That means no charge for entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees. Other fees collected by concessionaires (lodging and food service, camping, tours and outfitters such as fishing or climbing guides) are still in effect. Expect normally busy parks like our nearby Rocky Mountain National Park and communities just outside park boundaries (Estes Park and Grand Lake adjacent to RMNP, for instance) to be crowded. But even as we celebrate, we should be aware of the increased development pressure directly at the edge of popular parks. The 1916 legislation that created the Park Service had a mandate to leave park scenery and wildlife “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” That was then and this now. Celebrate by Protecting The Los Angeles Times recently wrote an op-ed exposé, “Can America’s National Parks Defeat Developers at Their Gate?“, pointing out the detrimental proximity of wind farms in the Mojave to protected land and other projects. Grand Canyon Escalade is a frightening plan to construct a huge resort and a tramway that would ferry up to 10,000 people a day to the bottom of the Grand Canyon at the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers, just outside of National Park boundaries. The developer tries to make a case for how wonderful it would be for the land, the river, the wildlife and the Navajo Nation, while its opponents, including the Grand Canyon Trust, document the abuse of those very same interests of that would result. My feeling is that it is preferable to stop a questionable or outright undesirable project than to “un-build.” Let’s give the parks a big birthday present and put the brakes on rampant development in the neighborhoods of “America’s Best Idea.” Airlines, California, Colorado Virgin America’s New SFO-DEN Service March 13, 2016 Claire Walter I’m Australia, where we flew Virgin Australia between Sydney and Tasmania. Nothing at all unusual about the aircraft or the service. Still, in inaugurating service between San Francisco and Denver, its sister airline Virgin America, which a press release describes as “the Bay Area-based airline known for reinventing flying.” Mood lighting in the cabin, above-average food, swivel TV screens, comfortable seats and such are often mentioned. We fly back to Denver on Monday the 14th, so I am sure to be too jet-lagged to consider attending the festivities at DIA the next day. That means I’m missing out on the chance to be in the same room with Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and other notables and quotables. I’ve never flown Virgin America’s DIA-JFK service, whose schedule seems diabolically designed for bad connections to international flights. Will, it has a loyal following of flyers for its business-friendly and tech-forward flight experience, including being the first and only U.S. carrier to offer fleetwide WiFi and power outlets at every seat. The Denver area, which has been dubbed “Silicon Mountain” because of its own booming innovative economy, is today the number one most requested destination by the airline’s corporate clients. California, National Park The Rebranding of Yosemite January 14, 2016 Claire Walter 1 Comment Outgoing concessionaire trademarked landmarks. I was flabbergasted to learn that the most iconic features of Yosemite National Park are being renamed. As of March 1, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls will become Yosemite Valley Lodge; The Ahwahnee Hotel will become the Majestic Yosemite Hotel; Curry Village will become Half Dome Village; Wawona Hotel will become Big Trees Lodge, and Badger Pass Ski Area will become Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area. It seems that DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., the Delaware North subsidiary that has been the concessionaire running the lodging, food service, bus service, activities and so forth since 1983, trademarked historic names when it learned that its contract was not to be renewed. DNC valued the famous names at $44 million, a sum the Park Service is either unable to pay or prohibited from paying. To me, it’s a hostage situation with one of our treasured parks. Yosemite Hospitality, a subsidiary of Aramark, is the new concessionaire. This mammoth corporation (270,000 employees) provides food, facilities and uniform services to schools, convention centers, hospitals, large workplaces, remote workplaces (think off-shore oil rigs), correctional facilities and more across the country and internationally. I know it’s all about the money, but this stings. And I’m guessing that loyal visitors will continue calling the hotel The Ahwahnee, the ski area Badger Pass and so on, regardless. And I’m guessing that John Muir is rolling over in his grave. Tranquil Botanic Garden in Southern California December 3, 2015 Claire Walter Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden in off-season loveliness. When my husband and I recently spent a few days in Claremont, no one could have predicted yesterday’s slaughter in San Bernardino, roughly 30 miles away. If locals need a peaceful refuge, I hope they visit the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden. I’m sure it is a riot of color during peak wildflower season, but now, it wears soothing fall colors. Founded in 1927 by Susanna Bixby Bryant, its 86 acres rank it as the largest botanic garden dedicated exclusively to California’s native plants. If I had written this post before the tragedy, I might have used more words and different photos. But didn’t so I present some lovely spots under the big blue dome with occasional vistas of the beautiful Mt. Baldy massif. California, Museum Planes of Fame Military Aircraft on Display November 20, 2015 Claire Walter 1 Comment Originals, replicas & models fill hangars. My engineer husband is fascinated with and knowledgeable about aircraft and spacecraft, so when we travel, we visit any nearby museums specializing in those technologies. Long on his bucket list was the Planes of Fame Museum that documents a big chunk aviation history, aims to inspire interest in aviation, educate the public about aerial warfare and honors aviation pioneers and veterans. It is dedicated to the preservation, perpetuation and exhibition of historical aircraft and to the men and women who devoted their lives to flight, especially military aviation. The collection in largely World War II era airplanes, some restored to flying condition and stars of the museum’s annual air show each May. I’m not captivated by the technology, but I am interested in the history represented there. Dusting a vintage airplane with a long-handled mop and Pledge. This World War II warplane was retrieved from a South Pacific island, where it once was used for target practice. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has bought the wreck and is having it taken to Seattle for restoration. The ultimate fixer-upper. Continue reading Planes of Fame Military Aircraft on Display → California, History, National Park, Texas 3 New National Monuments July 14, 2015 Claire Walter Nevada, California & Texas areas now protected. When less-known public lands and sites are upgraded to National Monument status, they get added protection and also a boost in visitation. President Barack Obama has signed declarations of three new National Monuments under three different federal agencies, appropriate to their size, settings and history. Nevada’s Basin and Range National Monument is an extraordinary place featuring ecologically rich valleys framed by picturesque mountain ranges. It has long been threatened by oil and mineral development. Now, pronghorn deer, Pygmy rabbits, burrowing owls, red-tailed hawks, and the White River Catseye plant can roam, fly, and grow on protected lands. A window to our past, Basin and Range tells the story of the many people who have called these mountains and valleys home. From the early people of the Great Basin, to the Native Americans who resided here, to 19th century settlers who traveled here in search of opportunity, these lands are a place to explore and learn. It is under the Bureau of Land Management. Northern California adventurers have long known that Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is a fishing, hiking, camping, birding and horseback-riding paradise. Visitors can view the 80-foot-high Zim Zim waterfall, fly-fish in rivers and streams, and appreciate the wildflowers and wildlife. The 330,780-acre National Monument is partly a designated wilderness area north of the Bay Area and Sacramento is also one of the most biologically diverse regions in California filled with osprey, wild tule elk, river otters, bald eagles, rainbows of butterflies and half of California’s dragonfly species. It is U.S. Forest Service jurisdiction. Texas’ Waco Mammoth National Monument is a significant paleontological site that offers a glimpse into the lives of Pleistocene mammoths that roamed the region long ago. Tours are given daily to the sizable dig shelter operated by the National Park Service. It is the nation’s only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths. Visitors can view in situ such fossils as female mammoths, a bull mammoth and a camel that lived approximately 67,000 years ago. California, Train The Slow Progress of High-Speed Rail in the US January 7, 2015 Claire Walter Construction is finally expected to begin for a California bullet train. Japan’s first bullet train (Shinkansen in Japanese) went into service in 1964, and earlier this week the ceremonial groundbreaking finally took place for the first 29 miles of what could eventually be 800 miles of California’s bullet train tracks. the first segment is between Fresno and Madera, eventually linking to routes to such major cities as San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego — hopefully by 2028. The maximum speed will be 220 miles per hour. The currently estimated cost of the completed project: $68 billion. California’s future bullet train, whose technology would be a train of the past in progressive Japan. Japan, meanwhile, has tested a new maglev train going 500 kilometers per hour, and hopes to complete the link between Tokyo and Nagoya by 2027 and an extension to Osaka by 2045, replacing the current bullet trains. Estimated cost: 5.5 trillion yen ($50 billion). The Tokyo-Osaka corridor is the world’s busiest with up to 13 super-fast trains per hour. The environmental and economic benefits of high-speed rail are apparent elsewhere, and even emerging economies are building, planning or considering their own systems. Last month, China launched 32 new routes in one day. Russia wants a line between Moscow and Beijing, shortening the legendary Trans-Siberian journey from seven days to two. Even Mexico wants high-speed rail. In the U.S., meanwhile, Texas in planning a bullet train connecting Houston and Dallas. It could come online as early as 2021. Pathetic, isn’t it? Yosemite Celebrates Its 150th June 30, 2014 Claire Walter National Park designation for Yosemite came in 1890, but 150 years ago today, the foundation was laid for its protection. Big Bear Zoo to Receive Two Snow Leopards May 11, 2014 Claire Walter Endangered Asian cats moving from Seattle zoo to SoCal zoo. A custom home is being built at California’s Big Bear Alpine Zoo for a pair of Himalayan snow leopard sisters being relocated from Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. The sisters were born with multiple ocular coloboma, a relatively rare congenital eye anomaly. Big Bear Alpine Zoo is well regarded for its rehabilitation program that allows them to remain together and continue to receive expert medical care. Asha and Shanti (or is it Shanti and Asha) ready to move to a new enclosure at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The sisters, Asha and Shanti, were born May 2, 2012 under a captive breeding program called Species Survival Plan, a program that aims to propagate endangered species. The active, high-spirited leopards have grown independent of their mother in spite of the multiple ocular coloboma, which has caused each leopard to have her right eye removed to prevent infection and other complications. This congenital eye anomaly eliminates them from breeding in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, so they will come to Big Bear Alpine Zoo to act as animal ambassadors for the endangered species. The Snow Leopard Trust is also working to protect this endangered species. The snow leopards are scheduled to arrive in Big Bear sometime in mid-June. Initially, they will remain in a rehabilitation area, which is off limits to the public, until the Big Bear Alpine Zoo staff deems the sisters are ready for exhibition. “We look forward to having the snow leopards join our zoo family,” said Big Bear Alpine Zoo Curator Debbie Richardson. “I hear they are quite rambunctious and should make a lively exhibit. They are going to love their new home. They will live inside an enclosed exhibit space that has a Plexiglas-windowed viewing deck that features a giant white rock mountain, a big tree and two rock dens.” The new snow leopard habitat is the first example of what exhibits will look like when the zoo relocates some time in the not too distant future. In fact, the snow leopard enclosure was built so it will be easy to move and set up at the zoo’s 10.4-acre site. When the move occurs, the facility will be called the Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge. The current Big Bear Alpine Zoo is open year-round (weather permitting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Admission is $9 for ages 11 to 59, $6 for ages 3 to 10 and seniors over 59, and children under 3 are free. The zoo is still at 43285 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA. FoMoInfo, call 909-584-1299. zoo

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Second Anniversary Marked With Appointment Of Vice-President Sales To Build Revenue 1 February 2001: oneworld*, the global airline alliance that “revolves around you”, marked its second anniversary today with the appointment of its first sales boss. Maunu von Lueders is to take on the new post of Vice-President Sales, charged with building revenue earned through oneworld by its member airlines. As such, he will be responsible for driving the development of sales initiatives and systems for oneworld, ensuring all its sales activities deliver the customer promise and position it as the alliance of choice. Between them, oneworld’s members generate almost US$50 billion a year in passenger sales - so even a 1 per cent increase overall as a result of oneworld activities would generate almost an additional US$500 million a year in revenues. Overall, oneworld comprises 31 airlines - the eight full members Aer Lingus, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, LanChile and Qantas, and their 23 affiliates. Between them, they offer services to 565 destinations in 133 countries, with their 270,000 employees operating fleets of more than 1,850 aircraft, carrying some 210 million passengers last year. From 1 March, Maunu von Lueders will be part of the oneworld Management Company’s leadership team, based in Vancouver, reporting to the alliance’s Managing Partner Peter Buecking. ADVERTISEMENT He joins from oneworld member Finnair, where he is currently based at its Helsinki headquarters as Vice-President Alliances and International Relations - responsible for the airline’s links with oneworld and bilateral partners. He has extensive experience in sales, marketing, operations, overseas and general management with Finnair, which he joined originally in 1965. He is the fourth director-level appointment to the oneworld Management Company, following its establishment last summer. Vice-President Marketing John McCulloch and Vice-President IT Bob McNair joined last autumn, with Vice-President Airports Ricardo Milani recruited in December. All four Vice-Presidents report to Peter Buecking. Announcing the new appointment, Peter Buecking said: “Maunu brings to this key role at a key time in oneworld’s development a wealth of international experience. His knowledge and skills of working in a number of markets with different cultures will be a great asset to our alliance.” Since launching services and benefits on 1 February 1999, oneworld has expanded substantially, helped millions of travellers reach more places more easily, generated substantial additional revenue and cost savings for its member airlines, and firmly established itself as one of the world’s leading and most widely recognised alliance brands. Full membership has doubled with founder members American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas joined by Finnair and Iberia in September 1999 and by Aer Lingus and LanChile in June last year. In the alliance’s first two years of operation, its member airlines have: * Carried some 410 million passengers - equivalent to one in 15 of the world population. * Flown 4.5 billion miles - equivalent to around 25 return trips to the Sun. * Operated around four million flights - with a oneworld airline departure somewhere around the world every 14 seconds. Peter Buecking said: “oneworld has travelled a long way since we first took to the air two years ago, and our third year in business promises to be the best year, with a near complete central team working on a whole range of initiatives that we will be rolling out in the coming months for the benefit of our customers and our member airlines.” New Airport Web Portal ‘Bonjour’ to Travelprice Corporate

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Wildlife, Zoos and Sanctuaries Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Situated to the north of Sydney, The Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary houses a wide selection of Australian and exotic reptiles such as American alligators, tortoises and pythons are displayed, however there are also platypus, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, echidnas, dingoes and kangaroos. Located at Somersby on the NSW Central Coast. Taronga Zoo Taronga Park, opened in 1916, is the major zoological gardens for the City of Sydney and the Sate o9f New South Wales. Located on the shores of Sydney Harbour in the suburb of Mosman, this zoo is home to over 2,600 animals on 21 hectares, making it one of the largest of its kind. With its panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, the zoo is a "must see" for visitors to Sydney. Get there by car or by ferry from Circular Quay. Calmsley Hill City Farm Formerly the Fairfield City Farm, Calmsely Hill is a 580-acre working sheep and cattle farm in suburban Sydney. Great for families, activities include a Farmyard nursery where people can hold and feed farm animals, cow milking, a sheep shearing show, whip cracking show and working dog show. Koala Park Sanctuary Opened in 1930 in the northern suburb of West Pennant Hills, Koala Park was the first private koala sanctuary in NSW and was founded by the late Noel Burnet. The preservation of the koala is the main theme of the park, and it is one of the best places to see koalas up close and learn about them. Whalewatching Embark on a thrilling 4-hour whale watching Sydney harbour cruise with the choice of either a hot breakfast or an impressive BBQ lunch, an experienced, fully-qualified crew and on-board marine biologist known for their knowledge and enthusiasm. The cruise's 21m catamaran is ideal for all sorts of weather conditions and has various viewing platforms that allow us to marvel at the beauty of these magnificent creatures. Symbio Wildlife Park One of Australia s fastest growing animal parks, Symbio Wildlife Park is just north of Wollongong, bordering Australia s World historic Royal National Park. Symbio is a family owned and operated park that focuses on Australian wildlife. Symbio occupies sixteen acres of bushland about 45 minutes south of Sydney. The park has free swimming pools for visitors to use, a kiosk and picnic facilities. Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is situated on the outskirts of Sydney at Calga off the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway,, Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park features over 180 species of Australian animals roaming free in the bush. Wuthin the grounds of the park are ancient Aboriginal sites which have been preserved and are the subject of guided tours offered to visitors. Wirrimbirra Sanctuary Located near Bargo, to the south-west of Sydney, Wirrimbirra Sanctuary is a 95 hectare property owned by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). The main focus of the Sanctuary is preserving what remains of the Bargo Brush, propagating and propagating Australian plants, and public education on Australian environmental issues. The Sanctuary has over 200 acres of preserved native bushland and is run by volunteers. Featherdale Wildlife Park Located in Sydney's western suburbs, the focus at Featherdale Wildlife Park is on interactivity with Australia's native fauna. It's about a 45 minute drive from the city in Sydney's Greater West (Doonside). All the expected animals are there - kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and emus, wallabies, dingoes, Tasmanian devils and more. Sydney Sea Life Sanctuary located at Darling Harbour a short walk from the city centre, Sydney Sea Life Sanctuary is one of the country's finest, displaying more than 650 species comprising more than 6,000 individual fish and other sea and water creatures from most of Australia's water habitats. Its key exhibits are a series of underwater, see-through, acrylic glass tunnels where sharks swim above visitors, and recreation of a Great Barrier Reef coral environment. Manly Sea Life Sanctuary Manly Sea Life Sanctuary is a harbourside aquarium featuring a 110m acrylic tunnel, sharks in captivity, stingrays, crocodiles, venomous marine creatures and dangerous Australian animals such as snakes. Situated on the water at Manly Cove beach, close to the Manly Ferry wharf. Sydney Wildlife World Sydney Wildlife World is a mini zoo right in the heart of Sydney, located at Darling Harbour next to the Sydney Aquarium. Includes a large variety of Australian wildlife with over 100 different species of animals. The attraction won the Award for the best family-focused tourism at The Australian's 2007 Travel and Tourism Awards. This website is part of the Australia For Everyone network of travel and information websites. Email Ph: 0412 879 698. Content © 2017, Australia For Everyone

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Knighton Castle Knighton, Powys (Radnorshire), Wales Photograph and text copyright © by John Northall With acknowledgements to The Royal Commission into Ancient Monuments in Wales Above: The motte peeps above the surrounding buildings and its bailey lies to the right. The small Welsh border town of Knighton has two earthwork castles, one to the east and one to the west of the town centre. The castle shown here is the more impressive of the two and may have replaced the other earthwork, which was smaller and built on lower ground. This earthwork seems to be a nice example of a small but almost complete motte and bailey, which is frustratingly hidden by later residential properties. It is fairly strongly situated at the top of a hill close to the line of Offa's Dyke, which runs through the western edge of the town at this point, and is currently used as a private garden. The bailey was protected by a five metre high motte at its most vulnerable northern end, the southern side being protected by a steep slope down to the river. The motte has been partly revetted in modern times to accomodate houses built over its infilled ditch. Slightly built stone walls on the motte and within the bailey can be glimpsed through gaps in the encircling ring of properties but they seem to be merely garden features. A local rumour states that a passageway at the north-eastern corner of the earthwork leads to an inhabited room within the motte. An entry in the pipe roll for 1182 (the Kings finacial accounts) refers to the castle at Knighton but this may be either earthwork in the town. Another entry of 1191, naming the acquisitive Norman baron William de Braose in connection with building work at Knighton, presumably refers to this castle as it seems to have been more developed than its neighbour. Llewelyn ap Gruffudd captured Knighton castle during his conquest of the area in 1262 and the castle was subsequently destroyed. View Mr Northall's other contributions to the Castles of Wales web site Home | Main Menu | Castle Index | Historical Essays | Related Essays | Copyright © 2009 by John Northall and the Castles of Wales Website

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From Shavon(Insekure).Thank you:)The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. It is an agamic temple, built in the Dravdian style. Located at No. 244 South Bridge Road, in the downtown Chinatown district, the temple serves mainly South Indian Tamil Hindu Singaporeans in the city-state. Due to its architectural and historical significance, the temple has been gazetted a National Monument and is a major tourist attraction. Sri Mariamman Temple is managed by the Hindu Endowments Board, a statutory board under the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. Founder The Sri Mariamman Temple was founded in 1827 by Naraina Pillai, eight years after the British East India Company established a trading settlement in Singapore. Pillai was a government clerk from Penang who arrived in Singapore with Stamford Raffles on his second visit to the island in May 1819. He went on to set up the island's first construction company. He also entered the textile trade. Pillai rapidly established himself in business and was identified as a leader of the Indian community.

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Outside Bar Express Cafe Bikes & Boats Dean Poll Peter Bischoff Banquet Director James McGovern Associate Banquet Director Michael Amore Boathouse proprietor Dean J. Poll is a native Long Islander who grew up in the restaurant industry. Traveling to Brooklyn on weekends with his father to work at the family owned Pappas Restaurant, Dean learned the business from the ground up… literally. From sweeping floors to cleaning shrimp; no job was too menial for this 8 year old. At the age of 11 he was promoted to water boy on the dining room floor. The thrill of long lines on summer weekends was a tremendous influence on Dean’s decision to pursue the hospitality industry. In the mid 70’s, while working full-time with his father and brothers in a midtown Manhattan restaurant, Dean recognized the influence purchasing had on the quality and profitability in any fine restaurant. This learning experience has helped grow his businesses throughout his career. In 1980 Dean and his brothers came back to Long Island and purchased a defunct property, renaming it Pappas after his father’s restaurant in Brooklyn. In the mid 80’s Dean and his brothers purchased Manero’s in Roslyn, turning it into a prime steakhouse and adjacent butcher shop that is now known as Bryant & Cooper. These were the first of what was to become many Long Island restaurants owned by the Poll brothers. In 2000 Mr. Poll sought out the contract for the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. After seeing it for the very first time, he recognized the potential that this somewhat decrepit venue had to offer. Having been awarded the property by the NYC Parks Department, he became the proprietor of the Boathouse and painstakingly converted it into a beloved and respected icon in the heart of Central Park; the only lakeside restaurant in all of New York City. The vendor relationships that Dean developed early on in his career are still very important to him and ensure the quality of the Boathouse. He is still known to wake at 2AM and visit the market to touch base with his suppliers and keep current with their offerings. Dean is proud of his strong management team and is grateful for the dedication of his entire staff. Together they have enabled the restaurant to achieve the success it enjoys today. The Boathouse truly represents the very best of NY. Dean currently resides on Long Island with his wife and 2 sons and enjoys a round of golf in his free time. Copyright © 2012 The Loeb Central Park Boathouse. - All Rights Reserved | Site by: Studioality

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Yoga, Music Festival Unveils 2013 Event Dates Wanderlust Festival, the one-of-a-kind yoga and music festival set within nature's most inspiring scenery, has revealed its lineup of dates and locations for the 2013 season. Known as the premier summer (and now winter!) getaway for yogis, music fans and outdoor enthusiasts, this year's Wanderlust Festival will include a never before seen line-up of world renowned yoga instructors, top musical acts and offer an unforgettable experience of hiking, biking, paddle boarding, running and much more. Wanderlust will make its return to the beautiful mountainsides of Vermont, Colorado, California and Whistler, BC in the summer, following the first-ever Wanderlust Chile and Wanderlust O’ahu coming winter 2013. The 2013 Wanderlust Festival winter season will include Wanderlust Chile at Termas de Chillan, Santiago, Chile from February 15 to17, 2013 and Wanderlust O’ahu at Turtle Bay Resort, O'ahu, Hawai’i from February 28 to March 3, 2013. The summer events are: Wanderlust Vermont (June 20-23, 2013), Stratton Mountain, Vermont Wanderlust Colorado (July 4-7, 2013), Copper Mountain, Colorado Wanderlust California (July 18-21, 2013), Squaw Valley, North Lake Tahoe California Wanderlust Whistler (August 1-4, 2013), Whistler, British Columbia, Canada Wanderlust 2013 will feature a broader range of experiences than ever before, including a line-up of some of the world's foremost leaders in yoga, wellness, health and green living, blended with a diverse roster of gifted musicians and performance artists. Each location will offer a unique array of yoga, music, and outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, biking, running, paddle boarding, organic food and wine events, and the Wanderkind children’s program. Feel free to learn more at www.wanderlustfestival.com. For more information about top events in California, Colorado, and Vermont take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in the USA. Celebrating Knoxville, East Tennessee’s Arts and Culture For 53 years the Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville has provided an enriching experience combining the natural and cultural beauty of East Tennessee. Each April, Dogwood Arts features a vibrant mix of blooming gardens and trails, visual and performing arts, literary arts, culinary arts, theatre, film, and American Roots music. Here are some of the springtime events Dogwood Arts has in store for you. Art in Public Places Knoxville, now in its seventh year, is a juried collection of large-scale sculptures created by artists throughout the U.S. The exhibition will feature up to 20 large-scale sculptures and the selected works will be exhibited in premiere Knoxville locations from April 1, 2013 to March 7, 2014. In its fifth year, Chalk Walk will feature large paintings created by professional and student artists on the sidewalks of Krutch Park and Market Square in downtown Knoxville on April 6, 2013. Dogwood Art DeTour provides an intimate look into local artists’ working studios as the creative process can be just as interesting as the finished product. The event will take place April 20 & 21, 2013 and studios will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm both days. Taking place in the heart of downtown Knoxville April 12-14, 2013, Market Square Art Fair is Dogwood Arts’ popular, signature outdoor event featuring fine art and craft, live music and dance performances, culinary demonstrations and tastings, and hands-on art activities for kids and adults. NEXUS showcases regional and national artists working in the field of contemporary sculpture. The exhibition is at the U.T. Downtown Gallery for showing from March 25-April 6, 2013. The Regional Fine Arts Exhibition showcases and awards the finest artists of the region. The exhibit will be on display in the Emporium Center from April 5-28, 2013. For a calendar of events visit www.dogwoodarts.com . For more information about top events in Tennessee take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Tennessee. Holiday Season Events at Fisherman’s Wharf Crab Fest kicks off this year’s holiday season of family events in true San Francisco style at Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday December 9 with three hours of eating, drinking and celebrating the season from 12 noon to 3pm. Crab Fest features signature crab dishes prepared by chefs from renowned Fisherman's Wharf restaurants, complemented by local sustainably-produced wines. Participating restaurants include Alioto's, Bistro Boudin, Blue Mermaid, Cafe Pescatore, Capurro's, Fog Harbor Fish House, The Franciscan, McCormick & Kuleto's, and Scoma's. Also participating are Treasure Island Wines, SFWinery and the Bay Institute. The Crab Fest will also demonstrate many different ways to cook and enjoy crab with participating Fisherman’s Wharf chefs sharing their favorite crab dishes. The event also includes exhibits, demonstrations, recipe ideas and much more. The venue is The Waterfront Terraces (in the Wax Museum Building) in Jefferson Street. The cost is $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door with proceeds to benefit the SF Fire Fighters Toy Program and the SF Police Department Youth Fishing Program. Advance tickets are available at San Francisco Crab Fest or Fisherman’s wharf. The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District (FWCBD) has planned a full calendar of family fun for this holiday season. Through January 2, 2013, Fisherman’s Wharf will be a center of holiday lights and activities for visitors of all ages, from unique special events to year-round attractions. Events organized by the FWCDB include a Lagoon Concert & Lighting Event on Saturday, December 1; the Crab Fest on Sunday, December 9; the Lighted Boat Parade on Friday, December 14; Tree to Shining Tree Walking Tour and activities throughout Fisherman’s Wharf. For additional information visit Fisherman’s Wharf . Celebrate Christmas with Civil War Soldiers Leave the hustle and bustle of modern holidays behind and travel back to a simpler place and time at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site's Civil War Christmas at Four Oaks, North Carolina. On Saturday, December 1, drop by and help decorate an 1860s style Christmas tree, spend time with Confederate soldiers around the campfire, sip cider with civilian living historians and tour the circa 1855 Harper House. This holiday program will take place from 10am to 4pm, and is free and open to the public. Members of the 27th N.C. Troops will demonstrate how the common Civil War-era North Carolina soldier and civilian marked the holidays by presenting musket demonstrations, mail call and discussions about uniforms and what soldiers did while home on a Christmas furlough. A small military camp will also be set up for visitors to wander through. Bentonville Battlefield is located at 5466 Harper House Road in Four Oaks, three miles north of Newton Grove on S.R. 1008, about one hour from Raleigh and about 45 minutes from Fayetteville. And in Halifax, North Carolina, Colonial Christmas traditions along with a lively Christmas Parade will combine to create a festive atmosphere for all at the Christmas in Halifax festivities on Saturday, December 8 from 10am to 4pm. Costumed re-enactors of the 5th North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Line will depict the life of Revolutionary War-era through military drills, campfire cooking and more at Halifax's Tap Room, an 18th century tavern. Highlights will include firings of 18th century muskets and a hands-on recruitment and drill activity. The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the N.C. Arts Council, and the State Archives. To learn more, visit www.ncdcr.gov. For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina ‘Tis the Season for Giving at Laketown Wharf It may be cold and snowing up north, but along the snowy white shore of Panama City Beach, Florida it's warm and fuzzy as Laketown Wharf kicks off the holiday season of giving with a full-weekend of entertainment, food and fun to raise money for the Anchorage Children's Home and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Starting December 7 at 5pm, the second annual Laketown Wharf Holiday Festival gets underway with the official tree lighting ceremony, followed by two days of fun for the whole family going on from noon to 10pm on Saturday and noon to 6pm Sunday. Children's activities include photos with Santa, games, crafts and a reptile show. There'll also be tasty treats supplied by a variety of food vendors and lots of entertainment by local artists including: Travis Dean, Violet Blues, The Blisters and DJ Nick at Night. The perennial favorite Silent Auction will feature a variety of goods and services donated by area businesses. Auction items include but are not limited to: a Wyndham Bay Point Resort spa and golf package, art from Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida, vacation stays at Sterling Resort properties, a photo session on the beach from Lasting Images and more. And event goers can win a New Years Eve or Valentines Package in a raffle for $5 per entry. The overnight getaway stay in a two-bedroom/two-bathroom condominium at Laketown Wharf is valued at over $350.00. All proceeds from the raffle, silent auction and food vendor sales will be donated to the Anchorage Children's Home and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. For more information on participating in or donating to the Holiday Festival, visit www.LaketownWharf.com or call toll-free 1-855-756-7457 or 850-563-3000. For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida. Magical Evenings in N.C. Holiday Garden Setting Perhaps you’ve heard or read about enchanted forests, but have you actually experienced one? Now is your chance! Visitors who travel to Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and island beaches during the holiday season will have the opportunity to experience “Enchanted Airlie”, a spectacular glittering landscape of lighted oaks and twinkling displays in a coastal garden setting. Now in its eighth season, Enchanted Airlie (November 23 to December 22) is a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. Magical evenings and fond memories are in store for visitors and local residents who visit the tastefully decorated gardens. On select dates beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving and continuing into late December, Airlie Gardens is transformed into a visually stunning wonderland of theatrically illuminated large oaks, small native trees, holiday flowers, and elegant displays. Prepare to be enchanted by a world of holiday fantasy that features 300,000 lights and whimsical LEGO exhibits to delight visitors of all ages. Back by popular demand is the massive LEGO exhibit that has drawn record crowds. Last year’s Wilmington-themed display featured more than 250,000 LEGO bricks that set a world record as the largest crowd to see a single LEGO display in the U.S. This year’s exhibit promises to be even bigger, spotlighting a number of miniature architectural feats with the colorful blocks. Enchanted Airlie runs November 23-24, 29-30; December 1, 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22 in two time slots: 5-7pm and 7–9pm. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.airliegardens.org or in-person at Airlie Gardens service center (300 Airlie Rd., Wilmington) between 9am and 4pm. Individual tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children ages 4 – 12. Children under age 3 are free. From the river to the sea, more than 40 holiday activities celebrate the season in Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina American Sand Sculpting Championship Master sand sculptors from all over the world will descend upon The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida for the 26th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship from November 16 to 25. Held on Fort Myers Beach, this event is one of the longest running sand sculpting competitions in the world. This year it will be the largest in the state of Florida showcasing 30 sand sculptures with the theme “Winter Wonderland.” Area accommodations will offer attractive rates and packages for this event. More than 1,000 tons of sand will be piled and sculpted into unbelievable works of art. For the first time in its history, the American Championship will host both singles and doubles divisions. Southwest Florida residents and visitors alike will have a remarkable opportunity to see a collection of some of the world’s top sand sculptors create master sculptures and compete for the title of American champion. The singles competitions will take place the first week, followed by the doubles competition in week two. In addition to watching the sculptors compete, there will be various interactive activities for all ages to participate in during the event. The main event will be open daily from 10am to 5pm Tickets are $5 for adults and children 5 and older, 4 and under are free. Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres. Visit www.fmbsandsculpting.com for a full schedule of daily events and information, or for information on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, log onto www.FortMyersSanibel.com. Beauvoir Celebrates 1889 Holiday on Mississippi Gulf Coast Beauvoir, the historic last home of American statesman Jefferson Davis located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, will take a step back in time this holiday season with the 1st annual Christmas at Beauvoir, an 1889-themed holiday celebration now held each Thursday through Sunday (5pm until 9pm) through January 6, 2013. First Lady of Mississippi Deborah Bryant, honorary chairwoman of Christmas at Beauvoir, joined by Father Claus and school children singing carols, opened the new holiday event by turning the switch on thousands of white lights that adorn 100 live oak trees across the grounds. Christmas at Beauvoir is an engaging holiday event with carolers, storytellers, actors and musicians in 1889-period dress entertaining visitors as they take a train tour of the grounds among the lights of the 100 live oak trees and stroll through Jefferson Davis’ home decorated in 1889 fashion. Father Christmas will be on hand for photos with children, and families can enjoy crafts, games and activities from the time period. Admission is $20 for adults; $12 for seniors, military and children ages 5-15; and children under 5 are free. The light display will continue through Sunday, January 6, which is Twelfth Night. Reigning Gulf Coast Carnival Association King d'Iberville and Queen Ixolib (Ick-suh-lib) will darken the lights and then parade to the Mardi Gras Museum to officially welcome the Mardi Gras season to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Christmas at Beauvoir ties in with other holiday light displays across the Gulf Coast region such as Celebration in the Oaks at City Park in New Orleans, La. and Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, Ala. Beauvoir is located midway between New Orleans and Mobile, with just over an hour drive to either city. Beauvoir, the last home of Jefferson Davis, overlooks the Gulf of Mexico in Biloxi, Mississippi, and is a National Historic Landmark, National Literary Landmark and Mississippi Historical Landmark. Visit www.beauvoir.org for more information on Christmas at Beauvoir. Boston's Historic Freedom Trail Celebrates Holidays When the trees are sparkling and the window displays enticing, The Freedom Trail joins revelers to celebrate the season with the annual Historic Holiday Stroll. While Christmas was not widely celebrated during the American Revolution in Boston, visitors may now enjoy Boston’s festive atmosphere on this merry 90-minute tour Thursday through Sunday at 3:30pm beginning November 15 through January 2013. Led by a costumed tour guide dressed in 19th century Dickensian garb, visitors learn how holiday traditions evolved in Boston while experiencing highlights of the American Revolution. The tour concludes with the chance to warm your bones with hot chocolate, tea, or wine and Boston Cream Pie at the historic Omni Parker House. Following the Stroll, guests enjoy 10 – 20% discounts off museum store purchases at Freedom Trail sites, including the Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Paul Revere House, and Old North Church (valid with any Freedom Trail Foundation tour receipt from November through February). “The Freedom Trail and Boston as a whole are alive with tradition all year and especially during the holiday season,” said Suzanne Taylor, Freedom Trail Foundation Executive Director. “The atmosphere is reminiscent of the 19th century and the Holiday Stroll makes visitors feel like characters in ‘A Christmas Carol’ set against the unique backdrop of Boston’s historic sites and the American Revolution. This special Freedom Trail Historic Holiday Stroll is offered to the public Thursday through Sunday and may also be booked as a private family or group tour (perfect for company outings). Beginning at the ArtsBoston Bostix Booth at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. For reservations, more Freedom Trail information, and to learn about special Freedom Trail hotel packages visit The Freedom Trail. For more information about top events in Massachusetts take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Massachusetts. Winter Festival Entices Families to Idaho Resort Sun Valley, America's first ski resort, welcomes families to experience the holidays from around the world through its Holiday Window Stroll, one of several activities planned for its Winter Wonderland Festival starting November 23. The Window Stroll includes 13 international art displays resort-wide, connected by a "Celebrating the Language of the Holidays" theme. Each display honors the cultural diversity of the holidays and festive celebrations around the globe, from Italy to Norway, Kenya to China, Russia to Argentina. It is free and open to the public. Sun Valley visitors will receive a "passport" to be stamped at every display, each bearing a holiday greeting in a different language. A seasonal confection will be given to each participant at the end of their stroll. Art will be displayed until January 4. The Window Stroll is one of many Christmas events planned at historic Sun Valley Resort, which will sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights, a series of trimmed trees and holiday décor throughout the property. In addition, kids of all ages will enjoy Breakfast with Santa each Saturday and Sunday from December 8 to 23, and visit the Sun Valley Gingerbread Display, a 20 x 30-foot village featuring Sun Valley's famed Bald Mountain and the Snowball Express Train. Skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding and a plethora of winter outdoor sports will also be available to families throughout the holiday season, along with horse-drawn sleigh rides to Trail Creek Cabin, tubing, and festive holiday menus throughout the resort's restaurants. Locations, ticket information and accommodation details can be found at www.sunvalley.com/winterfest. Visit www.sunvalley.com for more information about Sun Valley Resort. For more information about top events in Idaho take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Idaho. Chicago Treats for Chocolate Lovers Chocoholics rejoice! The Chicago Fine Chocolate Show, a unique fine chocolate & culinary event open to the general, chocolate-loving public will feature fine artisanal chocolate creations from around the world. World class chefs and master chocolatiers will showcase classic techniques of chocolate making, from truffles to marshmallows, presenting the versatility of chocolate as an exceptional ingredient amongst a variety of cuisines and culinary techniques. Over 100 vendors will offer samples for you to taste and enjoy as well as specialty items for purchase. The show will be held Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18 at Chicago’s Navy Pier - Festival Hall. The event features live pastry demonstrations by the world famous French Pastry School; fun and interesting seminars created by the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), ranging from small batch chocolate making from bean to bar, leveraging and creating trends, sustainability in chocolate, the lifecycle of chocolate from the farm to table and more; free samples; and The Story of Chocolate presented by the National Confectioners Association – where you’ll learn the six steps of the creation of chocolate. Guests will learn how to pair and taste the nuances of fine chocolate with not only wine, but with beer and spirits as well as coffee, tea and more. Guests can explore what they enjoy and what pairs well and what doesn’t through guided tastings from chocolate expert Clay Gordon of The Chocolate Life. This affordable, family-friendly event is the perfect place to enjoy your weekend or to get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Visit www.chicagochocolatefestival.com for more details. For more information about top events in Illinois take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Illinois. Texas Revs its Engine for Formula 1 Racing fans, rejoice! November 16 to 18 marks the first Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the brand new Circuit of The Americas in Austin. This is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the country designed for racing events of all forms. Formula 1 has selected Austin to hold races from 2012 to 2021 because of the city’s central location, easy accessibility for international fans, desirable climate and world-class music scene. The FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ will attract as many as 300,000 people each race weekend, with an estimated 80 percent of attendees coming from outside Texas. The Circuit of The Americas’ boasts a one of a kind, 5.5 km track with capacity for 120,000 fans and an elevation change of approximately 40 metre. Circuit of The Americas is situated on a 1,000-acre site in southeast Austin, approximately two miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, with scenic views of downtown. Keeping with Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World, some of the biggest names in music will soon be entertaining fans at Circuit of The Americas. Once completed in 2013, the Tower Amphitheater will be the largest permanent stage in Austin, with a capacity of 15,000 people, and will host major concerts and national touring events through a partnership with Live Nation. The Circuit of the Americas complex will also include a conference center, banquet hall and state-of-the-art medical facility. Future proposed features include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park. Visit www.traveltex.com for more information about travel experiences in Texas. For more information about top events in Texas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Texas. Celebrating Knoxville, East Tennessee’s Arts and C... Beauvoir Celebrates 1889 Holiday on Mississippi Gu... Boston's Historic Freedom Trail Celebrates Holiday...

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