Travel and Tours Guide

Ten Places You Can’t Enter

2011-05-16T21:38:00.005+07:00

The world is full of secret and exclusive places that we either don’t know about, or simply couldn’t visit if we wanted to. This list takes a look at ten of the most significant places around the world that are closed to the general public or are virtually impossible for the general public to visit.

10. Mezhgorye

Mezhgorye is a closed town in Russia which is believed to house people working on the highly secret Mount Yamantaw. The town was founded in 1979. Mount Yamantaw stands at 1,640 metres (5,381 ft) and is the highest mountain in the southern Urals. Along with Kosvinsky Mountain (600 km to the north), it is suspected by the United States of being a large secret nuclear facility and/or bunker. Large excavation projects have been observed by U.S. satellite imagery as recently as the late 1990s, during the time of Boris Yeltsin’s pro-Western government after the fall of the Soviet Union. Two garrisons, Beloretsk-15 and Beloretsk-16, were built on top of the facility. Repeated U.S. questions have yielded several different responses from the Russian government regarding Mount Yamantaw. They have said it is a mining site, a repository for Russian treasures, a food storage area, and a bunker for leaders in case of nuclear war.

9. Vatican Secret Archives

This has been mentioned on a previous list – the archives are not secret despite their names. You can view any document you wish. But you cannot enter the archive. You must submit your request for a document and it will be supplied to you. Despite the foolishness of the recent junk from Ron Howard and Dan Brown (Angels and Demons) the documents are all available and there are no copies of suppressed scientific theories or great works that were banned. The only documents you can’t access are those which are not yet 75 years old (in order to protect diplomatic and governmental information). Indexes are available for people who want to see if a document exists in the archives. The Vatican Secret Archives have been estimated to contain 52 miles (84 km) of shelving, and there are 35,000 volumes in the selective catalog alone.

8. Club 33

Contrary to popular belief, Disneyland has a full liquor license which is used when the place closes down to the general public to accommodate private parties. But there is one place in Disneyland that is always open to sell booze: Club 33. Club 33 is a private club located in the heart of the New Orleans Square section of Disneyland. Officially maintained as a secret feature of the theme park, the entrance of the club is located next to the Blue Bayou Restaurant at “33 Royal Street” with the entrance recognizable by an ornate address plate with the number 33 engraved on it. Fees for joining range from 10 – 30 thousand US dollars and membership comes with a car park. If you want to join the club, you have to go to the end of the fourteen year waiting list.

7. Moscow Metro-2

Metro-2 in Moscow, Russia is a purported secret underground metro system which parallels the public Moscow Metro. The system was built supposedly during (or from) the time of Stalin and codenamed D-6 by the KGB. Russian journalists have reported that the existence of Metro-2 is neither confirmed nor denied by the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) or the Moscow Metro administration. The length of Metro-2 is rumored to exceed even that of the “civil” (i.e. public) Metro. (It is said to have 4 lines and lie 50 to 200 m deep. It is said to connect the Kremlin with the FSB headquarters, the government airport at Vnukovo-2, and an underground town at Ramenki, in addition to other locations of national importance. Needless to say, the fact that no one confirms its existence makes it pretty difficult to visit.

6. White’s Gentlemen’s Club

White’s is the most exclusive English gentlemen’s club. It was founded in 1693 by Italian Francesco Bianco (Francis White) to sell the newly discovered hot chocolate but eventually became a typical (but extremely private) gentlemen’s club. The club is famous for its “betting book” in which members make bizarre gambles. The most famous of which is a 3,000 pound bet on which of two raindrops would slide down the window first. So why is this club on the list? Women are excluded completely from membership, so that is half our audience out. Secondly, men who want to join this exclusive club can only do so if invited by a sitting member who has the support of two other members. Unless you are a member of royalty, or are extremely powerful in politics or the arts, you are unlikely to ever see the exclusive White’s invitation.

5. Area 51

I have put this so high on the list because it is the one place most readers are likely to expect to see. Area 51 is a nickname for a military base that is located in the southern portion of Nevada in the western United States, 83 miles (133 km) north-northwest of downtown Las Vegas. Situated at its center, on the southern shore of Groom Lake, is a large secretive military airfield. The base’s primary purpose is to support development and testing of experimental aircraft and weapons systems. The intense secrecy surrounding the base, the very existence of which the U.S. government barely acknowledges, has made it the frequent subject of conspiracy theories and a central component to unidentified flying object (UFO) folklore. The sign above states that deadly force can be used if people enter the Area 51 zone.

4. Room 39

Room 39 or Bureau 39 is arguably one of the most secretive organizations in North Korea that seeks ways to obtain foreign currency for Kim Jong-il, North Korea’s Chairman of the National Defense Commission. Room 39 was established in the late 1970s. It has been described as the lynchpin of the North’s so-called “court economy” centered on the dynastic Kim family. It is unknown how the name originated. Very little is known about Room 39 due to the secretive nature surrounding the organization, but it is widely speculated that the organization uses 10 to 20 bank accounts in China and Switzerland for the purposes of counterfeiting, money laundering, and other illicit transactions. It is also alleged that Room 39 is involved in drug smuggling and illicit weapon sales. It is known, however, that the organization has 120 foreign trade companies under its jurisdiction and is under the direct control of Kim Jong-il. North Korea has denied taking part in any illegal activities. Room 39 is believed to be located inside a ruling Workers’ Party building in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea.

3. Ise Grand Shrine

The Ise Grand Shrine in Japan (which is actually a series of over 100 shrines) is the most sacred shrine in Japan. It is dedicated to Amaterasu (the Sun goddess) and has been in existence since 4BC. The main shrine is alleged to hold the most important item in Japan’s imperial history: the Naikū (the mirror from Japanese mythology which eventually ended up in the hands of the first emperors). The shrine is demolished and rebuilt every 20 years in keeping with the Shinto idea of death and rebirth (the next rebuilding will be in 2013). This ranks very high on the list of places you will never go because the only person who can enter is the priest or priestess and he must be a member of the Japanese imperial family. So unless we have a Japanese prince or princess reading the site, no one here will ever see anything more than the thatched roof of the Ise Grand Shrine.

2. Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center

This is a place that is not only closed to the public, but it is a place that the public hope to never have to enter! In most “end of the world” films we see these days, there is always a highly classified area where US government officials and a chosen few get to go in the hopes that they can escape the impending doom. The Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center is the real thing. It was set up in the 1950s due to the cold war but continues to operate today. It is a “last hope” area. For obvious reasons its operations are highly classified. It is run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The center is already functioning and even in small local disasters in the US, much of the telecommunications traffic is routed through it.

1. RAF Menwith Hill

RAF Menwith Hill is a British military base with connections to the global ECHELON spy network. The site contains an extensive satellite ground station and is a communications intercept and missile warning site and has been described as the largest electronic monitoring station in the world. The site acts as a ground station for a number of satellites operated by the US National Reconnaissance Office, on behalf of the US National Security Agency, with antennae contained in a large number of highly distinctive white radomes, and is alleged to be an element of the ECHELON system. ECHELON was reportedly created to monitor the military and diplomatic communications of the Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies during the Cold War in the early 1960s, but since the end of the Cold War it is believed to search also for hints of terrorist plots, drug dealers’ plans, and political and diplomatic intelligence. It has also been involved in reports of commercial espionage and is believed to filter all telephone and radio communications in the nations which host it – an extreme violation of privacy.

Top 5 attractions in South Korea outside of Seoul

2010-09-05T16:07:00.003+07:00

When it comes to global travel and tourism, Asian countries have no problem coping with their rising popularity among travelers. The influx of tourists from different parts of the world provides good business for Asian countries, especially after the recession struck in 2008. With the help of discounted travel packages and a new line of budget airlines, the Far East is now easily accessible to backpackers, families going on a holiday, and even students on a budget who have a bit of time off from school.

Many travelers now seek out the mystical ashrams in India, the lush rice paddies in Vietnam, the many modern buildings that continue to crop up in China, the relaxing baths in Japan in contrast to their buzzing cities, and the beautiful beaches in the Philippines. These days, Korea is also nudging its way in the market, with a steady stream of tourists visiting this country each year.

Most of the travelers who fly to Korea tend to visit the city of Seoul. But for those of you who have never been or are planning to come back, expand your horizons and dare to venture outside the city. This charming peninsula, home to over 48 million residents including the likes of international pop star Rain and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, has a lot to offer if you just take the time to get to know your surroundings better.

Here are a couple of places you might want to check out if you want to step outside the busting city of Seoul.

1. Busan

Compared to the country’s capital, Busan is a more diverse city. In this modern and bustling city, you will find a mix of different cultures that are not present in Seoul. Busan is the second largest city in the country, next to the capital Seoul. Visitors to the city can check out Texas Town, which used to be a United States military base. Interestingly enough, the entrance to Texas Town is through a beautifully carved gate inspired by Chinese influences. If you’re feeling peckish, try one or two of the Russian pierogies to abate your hunger pangs. For those who aren’t familiar with this food, a pierogi is similar to a tart that is filled with meat, vegetables, potatoes and cheese; it is usually fried or cooked through boiling and then served with a generous helping of sour cream.

Busan is actually a coastal city that is otherwise known as South Korea’s own version of San Francisco. It overlooks the Sea of Japan and is also a hub for traders and other small, international companies.

As the years went by, more and more people belonging to different cultures gradually came to Busan and settled into their own communities in the area; this in turn gave the city a warm and friendly atmosphere, and always welcome to visitors.

What makes the city unique and attractive is the balance between its natural features and the urban city. Nature lovers can enjoy a weekend hike at the tall, lush mountains after a week’s worth of hard work in one of the many office buildings in the city.

Numerous beach resorts line the coast that cater to different personalities; the serene beaches in Songdo, and Haeundae’s high profile resorts are all ideal places to soak up the sun and have some fun in the water. You can even check out the summer attractions in Haeundae including the exhibit for sandcastles and also the rock festivals. Recently, Haeundae also garnered worldwide recognition when it achieved the Guinnes world record for having the most number of parasols put up in one beach.

For some attractions off the beach, feel free to visit the galleries or shop in the boutiques in the area. At noon, you can go up the mountain for a quick hike and cool off at the beach by sundown.

2. Damyang

Damyang County is nestled between two massive mountains in the southwestern region of the country. The town is small and quaint, but the real reason why people come here is the 25 hectares of lush, dense forest filled with thousands and thousands of bamboo. Modern technology has undoubtedly given us plenty of luxuries in our time, but along with it came pollution and now, global warming. Other cities in the area often suffer from smog and too much humidity, but this rich natural reserve manages to keep things in the right balance. In the bamboo forest, temperature sare usually about five degrees lower compared to other parts of town.

Visiting Damyang is ideal in the summertime when everyone is complaining of the heat and shying away from the sun. Even the locals who live in far off cities take the trip to Damyang to enjoy the cool, fresh air. However, a vacation here during the latter part of the year is a visit to a winter wonderland that you’ll surely enjoy.

There are a number of activities that you can do in Damyang whether you’re by yourself or traveling with your family. For instance, you can have a nice picnic under the swaying bamboo stalks; couples can take a romantic walk among the bamboo and even carve out their initials on the soft wood. Local vendors also offer a number of products made of bamboo: panpipes, placemats, and even wind chimes.

If you’re feeling hungry, don’t be surprised to find bamboo in every single one of the dishes offered in the local restaurants. There’s no better day to sample the bamboo stew, bamboo pastries, bamboo soup, and oh yes, bamboo noodles!

3. Jeju

If you want to spend your honeymoon in Korea, look no further that Jeju Island. This spot is undoubtedly the most popular island in Korea among newlywed couples who are going on their honeymoon. The island will remind you a bit of Hawaii and also South Padre Island in Texas.

Not all the areas in Jeju island are occupied by sandy beaches. The Hallasan mountain stands tall at Jeju, looking over the metropolis; the volcano, which has remained dormant for quite some time (others even believe it to be extinct) is also considered as the highest mountain in all of South Korea. If you’re in the mood for some hiking, you can follow the trail to the mountain top and take some pictures against the amazing backdrop.

Horses are common in the island, and equestrianism is quite popular among the locals. For travelers who are confessed animal lovers, you won’t run out of the places to visit where you can go horseback riding. In a lot of these facilities, you can even don a cowboy costume just for the heck of it.

A good way to check out the various beaches in the island is to go and rent one motorbike that you can drive around the town in. The waters here remain cool and unbelievably clean even during the summer. During the winter months however, a lot of penguins come to Jeju Island for some fun in the water.

When it comes to accommodation, you can choose from a variety of hotels that will suit your budget and even your fetish. You can get a standard hotel room, or opt for one that stricly follows the honeymoon theme (think heart shaped everything, from bath tubs to rugs, to beds and even the light fixtures.

Night life on the island is never dull. In preparation for a night of (ahem) romance, you can visit Jeju Loveland, which just happens to be Korea’s one and only theme park dedicated to sex. Thanks to a small group of art students in one of the local universities, you can visit the theme park and walk past a number of sculptures that depict couples in midcoitus, people going solo, not to mention the sex organs in humongous proportions.

4. Gyeongju

Gyeongju is ideal for travelers who want to sit back and take it easy. A visit to Gyeongju will not only infuse your body with fresh, clean air, it will also clear your mind of unwanted noise and mental clutter. The coastal city of Gyeongju will transport you to another place in time, where there are no tall buildings to be seen, no wide concrete roads, and no escalators, either.

The pace here in Gyeongju is nothing like the hectic atmosphere in bustling cities like New York or Tokyo. Here’s no one rushes because they’re not hurrying somewhere; instead, people take their time as they go about their day to day lives. For visitors, this means you have plenty of time to admire the various historical sights to be found in the city. Don’t rush yourself when you visit the different structures. Instead, explore and immerse yourself in your journeys. Take the time to learn about the local culture and history and at the same time, the people that make up this island.

There is a temple complex in the city that houses the Seokguram Grotto. This grotto is considered to be among South Korea’s proudest and most famous historic structure. There is also a beautiful Buddhist park where you can linger and dawdle and do practically nothing but relax. There are also a number of art pieces here depicting Eastern influences, which makes the park a sort of museum set out in the open.

Here, you can find gilded Buddhas and also stone pagodas. Another place worth visiting is the Bulguksa temple, which was also declared a national treasure. All the artifacts and most of the structures you will find in the city are part of the once named Silla Dynasty, giving you a glimpse of what the place was like in earlier years.

If you feel that you’ve had enough rest and can take on a short adrenaline rush, you can opt to visit Han-Ho, which is known all over the world for its go-karting track.

Visiting Gyeongju in April will guarantee you a wonderful experience as the town celebrates two festivals: one dedicated to rice cakes and the other dedicated to soju. If you’re not too familiar with the local cuisine, Korean rice cakes are a kind of sweet dessert which can be quite addicting; and the soju is an extremely potent alcoholic beverage that is popular with Koreans.

5. Boseong

Tea is quite popular in Boseong County, so if you want to enjoy a cup or two of this refreshing beverage, then don’t wait any longer. Boseong is home to miles and miles of fields growing green tea. We don’t exaggerate when we say that the county is complete with rolling hills and acres of tea in varying hues of green, and leaves that are wet from the early morning dew.

These fields all full of green tea are extremely popular with filmmakers and tv producers. There are many times when this are has been used by filmmakers as the location for their movies and perhaps one or two television drama series. Every now and then, a crew makes its way to the fields to shoot a tv commercial. This area is also popular with the locals who like to go on day trips. If you visit Boseong, a lot of companions will be the Koreans themselves armed with big cameras trying to take numerous pictures of the fields.

Boseong County is located in the province of South Jeolla. The word among insiders is that this area produces the best green tea that you can find in all of South Korea. If you want to confirm or debunk this rumor, you can make your way to the Daehandawon plantation and sample their local product. The Daehandawon plantation is considered to be the oldest in the area, not to mention the largest, too. The plantation is located inside a cedar forest which makes it even more charming than it already is.

If you’re finished with your cup of tea, you can hail a taxi or hop on a bus and make the 15 minute journey to Hwa-dong. This is a small village built by the coast that offers the most relaxing baths you can imagine. And to add more enjoyment to your experience, the locals add green tea to your bath.

So, there you go. We’ve done our part and given you five places in South Korea where you can experience history (Gyeongju), a mixture of different cultures (Busan), sensual pleasures (Jeju), nature’s wonders (Damyang), and extreme relaxation in a tea-riffic bath (Boseong). Now, do you part and book a ticket to Korea.

What you need to know about – Bahamas vacations

2010-09-05T15:41:00.002+07:00

Bahamas is one of the favorite, hot and evergreen tourist spot. The charisma and the aura of the place are spell- binding. It seems that nature has given it all to this place with its 15 superb and exclusive islands, beaches, and the lovely Bahamians. The location of the place is such that it brings it nearest of al the Caribbean islands. Situated a few miles away from the tip of Florida, Bahamas has everything to mesmerize its visitors.

The two well known islands of this place are–The Out Island and the Nassau or Paradise Island. The Nassau is also the capital of Bahamas. The Out islands are a bunch of several islands like- the Abacos, the Acklins also known as the Crooked Island, the Andros, etc. then there are also breathtaking Brry islands, Bimni, Cat Island with the amazing landscapes, the Exumas famous for scuba dive, fish and the like. The rare West Indian Flamingos can be a treat to the eyes at the Inagua islands; the pulse of romance can be aggravated at the calm, quiet yet beautiful Mayaguana islands. Last but not the least the San Salvador Island that take to a journey into the past when Christopher Columbus first stepped there.

Besides the islands there are horde of soft and sandy beaches with turquoise blue water that make you experience paradise on earth. The most vibrant, active and lively beach is the Cable beach Nassau where you and your kids can take up any activity from snorkeling, scuba diving to bouncing banana boats. The Guana Beach at the Abaco islands has eye catching corals in waters while the Pink Sands beach of Harbour islands are endowed with mystifying pink sand. Along with these there are fine Beach at the Cat Islands, Taino Beach with outstanding oceans, water slides, restaurants at the Freeport. The Stocking Island Beach facilitates you with a rented scooter or bike to explore the beach differently.

Apart from the scenic splendor, Bahamas is also admired for its ecstatic nightlife. The casinos, discos, bars, restaurants all are meant to keep up your spirits even at night. The casinos on the islands of Nassau and Freeport like Atlantis Resort, Marriott Crystal Palace Resort or the Bahamas Princess casino offer you all types of gambling games. Be it slots, Caribbean stud poker, slot machines, roulette etc. the casinos have them all. There are games for kids too at the Atlantis casino situated at the Paradise Island.
The means to Reach Bahamas, the people, the culture and some do’s and don’s-
There are two ways to reach this land of water. You can take either take a plane or the sea route. You can choose amongst a private jet or a relaxing Mailboat, which takes just $35 a trip. Cruise liners are also a pleasant idea to reach Bahamas.

Once you reach the place you might not have problems in interacting for the language spoken there is English. You will start having the wonderful fragrance of the place the moment you step there for Bahamians are too keen to warmly and whole heartedly welcome their guests. The perfect time to go to Bahamas is between September and May when the temperature of the place is around 70 to 75 degrees. Bahamas has something different to offer like its dress codes which is a little strict in the capital but benign at the Out Islands. Most of the Bahamians are West Africans. They are amiable, gentle and generous people who are too social and fun loving.

While heading for this ravishing place, do not forget to bring a photo identification proof besides your passport. It can be your license, Identity card or any such proof. There is an immigration form to be filled before stepping in Bahamas. Your luggage will be carefully checked before you move out of the island. There are several taxes like $15 departure tax, 10% tax for commodities over $600 (the duty free granted merchandise). The currency that runs is Bahamian dollars but US dollars are readily accepted.

So pack your bags and explore the allure of the land of islands and crystal blue beaches---Bahamas.

Experience Siberia and the Famous Trans-Siberian Railway

2010-09-05T15:25:00.003+07:00

Siberia is a country of unexplored regions, vast tundra, breathtaking landscapes, and awe inspiring power. Siberia is filled with a lot of nothing, but it makes a perfect travel destination for the true adventurer deep down inside of us. There are a number of unique things to do while visiting Siberia, including taking the famous Trans-Siberian Railway to Moscow. If you plan on visiting this country it’s probably a good idea to start with Moscow, take the train into Siberia, and then go back to Moscow. It is also important to note that the proper identification, passports, and visas are extremely necessary for travel through some of these regions.

Eco-Tourists will relish in the Siberian landscape. Mountain climbing, hiking, and nature activities are generally appreciated by the toughest of all travelers. Lake Baikal is one of such locations. Here you will find the worlds purest water. This freshwater lake is also the worlds biggest and deepest, and provides over 1/5 of the worlds freshwater. Lake Baikal is highly protected. If visiting the area you will have to follow some strict rules regarding the safety of the wildlife here as well as the purity of the water.

Taking the Trans-Siberian Railway is an interesting experience. It will cost more if you are coming from the United States and to one of the cities where the train starts. Either way, train rides are relatively cheap considering the distance you go on each trip. Prices are currently not as well known, but you can expect to spend less than $1,000 USD for a 6 day train ride round-trip.

As far as activities go, athletic individuals will find Siberia to be very physically demanding but highly rewarding. You can whitewater raft, dog sled, pick mushrooms in the forests, and do plenty of alpine sports. Clearly if you are not physically fit, visiting Siberia isn’t for you.
Advice for Traveling Around Siberia

Always purchase tickets for the train in advance. You will pretty much be dependant on using the train, so prepare ahead. It doesn’t hurt to know a bit of Russian or at least have a Russian friend that you can trust.First class is highly recommended for the long train rides. You get a shower and you get to be alone, however being in second class will allow you to familiarize yourself with locals and people that enjoy the rugged aspect of traveling.

Always remember that visas are extremely important. You put yourself at great risk if you try to enter a country without the proper documentation. Always be sure that you have your shots as well. The best thing to do for booking trips to desolate areas, is plan ahead. Ask experts that you can meet with and never rely soley on online reservations or booking.

In general, the more you are prepared the better off you are. A trip to Siberia and through the bordering countries isn’t an easy trek, but it is highly rewarding and a wonderful experience.

10 Most Fascinating Castles and Palaces

2010-09-05T15:01:00.005+07:00

The Potala Palace: Tibet's greatest monumental structure

Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. In 637 Emperor Songtsen Gampo decided to build this palace on a hill, and the structure stood until the seventeenth

century, when it was incorporated into the foundations of the greater buildings still standing today. Construction of the present palace began in 1645 during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama and by 1648 the Potrang Karpo, or White Palace, was completed. The Potrang Marpo, or Red Palace, was added between 1690 and 1694; its construction required the labors of more than 7000 workers and 1500 artists and craftsman. The Potala Palace was only slightly damaged during the Tibetan uprising against the invading Chinese in 1959. Unlike most other Tibetan religious structures, it was not sacked by the Red Guards during the 1960s and 1970s. As a result, all the chapels and their artifacts are very well preserved. (Photo by MC)

Mont Saint-Michel: a Medieval Castle on a Small Island

Mont St Michel France is situated on a quasi-island on the Normandy coast, near Brittany, which at high tide is almost entirely separated from the mainland. Only a narrow causeway, constructed in the 1880s preserves a link to the coast. Beware: the tide comes in quickly - many tourists have drowned attempting to cross the sandy bay. Unlike other castles in France, which began as defensive structures or pleasure palaces, Mont St Michel had its beginnings as a monastery. Today, the Castle attracts over four million visitors a year, far more than most castles in France and has been featured in numerous movies, cartoons, and even videogames. (Photo by citiesXL and lct)

Predjamski Castle: Integrated in a Cave

Every castle in the world is unique in some way, no two are the same, but this one --even though it's rather small and humble compared to some-- is probably the only one in the world who is integrated in a cave, precisely the second largest cave system in Slovenia. Its name, Predjamski Grad, literally means "Castle in Front of the Cave."

The castle wasn't built in one go; first written records exist from 13th century, though the first part (left wing) was probably built in the first half of 12th century. Middle part was added in renaissance, and the right wing was build around 1570. Some things were added and changed later, but since 1990 renovation work is in progress, restoring it to the original 16th century look. (Photo by visitareslovenia)

Neuschwanstein Castle: the Classic Fairytale's Castle

The most famous of three royal palaces built for Louis II of Bavaria, sometimes referred to as Mad King Ludwig, the Neuschwanstein it’s a royal palace in the Bavarian Alps of Germany. egun in 1869 and left unfinished at Louis's death in 1886, the castle is the embodiment of 19th century romanticism. In a fantastical imitation of a medieval castle, Neuschwanstein is set with towers and spires and is spectacularly sited on a high point over the Pullat River gorge.

The construction of the castle was carried out according to a well thought-out plan. The castle was equipped with all kinds of technical conveniences which were very modern, if not to say revolutionary at that time. Running water on all floors. There were toilets equipped with automatic flushing on every floor. A warm air heating system for the entire building. American tourists are already familiar with Neuschwanstein; the sleeping beauty Castle in DisneyLand, was modeled on it. (Photo by grotsasha)

Matsumoto Castle: Japan's most fascinating castle

Matsumoto Castle, locally known as Matsumotojo, is one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles. It is also a good example of a so called "hirajiro", a castle built on the plain rather than on a hill or mountain. Matsumotojo's castle tower and smaller, second turret were built from 1592 to 1614 and were both well defended, as peace was not yet fully secured at the time. In 1635, when no more military threats existed, a third, barely defended turret for moon viewing was added to the castle. (Photo by lpq)

Hunyad Castle: were Dracula was held prisoner

Now located in Hunedoara, Romania, the Hunyad Castle was part of Principality of Transylvania, and it’s believed to be the place where Vlad III of Wallachia (commonly known as Dracula) was held prisoner for 7 years after he was deposed in 1462. The castle is a relic of the Hunyadi dynasty. It was built in Gothic style, but has Baroque and Renaissance architectural elements. It is a large and imposing building with tall and diversely colored roofs, towers and myriad windows and balconies adorned with stone carvings. (Photo by ctc)

Malbork Castle: World's Largest Brick Gothic Castle

The Castle in Malbork was built in Prussia by the Teutonic Order as an Ordensburg. The Order named it Marienburg, literally "Mary's Castle". The town which grew around it was also named Marienburg, but since 1945 it is again, after 173 years, part of Poland and known as Malbork. The castle is a classic example of a medieval fortress, and is the world’s largest brick gothic castle. UNESCO listed the castle and its museum as World Heritage Sites in December 1997. (Photo by ordensland)

Palacio da Pena: Oldest Palace inspired by European Romanticism

The oldest palace inspired by European Romanticism, the Pena National Palace in Portugal stands on the top of a hill above the town of Sintra, and on a clear day it can be easily seen from Lisbon. First built in the 15th century as a palace, it was later reconstructed and donated to the church as a monastery. An earthquake in 1755 ruined most of it, until Prince Fernando acquired it in 1838 rebuilt it. The style of the palace is an eclectic combination of the original and subsequent styles, plus Romantic, Bavarian, and Moorish architecture, plus an English garden. (Photo by cm-sintra and Matt & Isabel)

Löwenburg Castle: The Disneyland of the 18th century

Within the Wilhelmshöhe Hill Park which sits on one end of the city of Kassel, there stands what appears to be a medieval castle. However, the Löwenburg or "Lion's Castle" was ordered to be built by the Landgrave Wilhelm IX from Hessen Kassel (1743 -1821), the Walt Disney of his era, over a period of eight years between 1793 and 1801 as a romantic ruin. It was carefully designed by his royal court building inspector Heinrich Christoph Jussow who had gone to England specifically to study romantic English ruins and draw up a plan for the Landgrave's garden folly. Today scholars regard Löwenburg Castle ruins as one of the most significant buildings of its genre, in addition to being one of the first major neo-Gothic buildings in Germany. (Photo by Ben)

Prague Castle: World's Largest Ancient Castle

One of the biggest castles in the world, and according to Guinness Book of Records, the biggest ancient castle, Prague Castle is about 570 meters in length and an average of 130 meters wide. The Czech Crown Jewels are kept here, and it was the place where the Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. (Photo by liberato)

Fantastic Hotel

2010-09-05T14:34:00.008+07:00

Marina Bay Sands is the world’s most expensive hotel, it’s boat-shaped ‘SkyPark’ perched atop the three 55 storey towers. This three towers are connected with a one hectare roof sky park offering 360-degree views of Singapore’s skyline and featuring beautifully sculptured gardens, restaurants and a swimming pool.

The SkyPark will be home to the world’s longest elevated swimming pool, with a 475-foot vanishing edge, perched 200 meters above the ground. While the water in the infinity pool seems to end in a sheer drop, it actually spills into a catchment area where it is pumped back into the main pool. At three times the length of an Olympic pool and 650ft up, it is the largest outdoor pool in the world at that height.

Kuala Lumpur Tourism

2010-03-27T12:34:00.003+07:00

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is divided into Peninsular or West Malaysia and East Malaysia. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur lies central to the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It all began in mid 19th century when industrialists came to settle along the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Today, it is the best instance of the cultural heritage that is unique to this land which offers a whole new experience to its visitors.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, and thus, the main international gateway of Malaysia as well. When the Federation of Malay a gained its independence in 1957, Kuala Lumpur was declared the Federal capital. In 1972, it achieved city status. At the same time, it also remained as the capital of the state of Selangor, a status it attained in 1887. However, on the 1st of February 1974, it was officially declared a Federal Territory which also marked the end of Selangor's jurisdiction over Kuala Lumpur.

Clean and beautiful, with treelined streets, parks and public flower gardens, Kuala Lumpur transforms into a veritable wonderland of lights at night, earning its name 'Garden City of Lights'. Kuala Lumpur's strategic location in the region has made it an important international centre for trade, business and commercial activities. The city is served by a comprehensive and modern transportation system. More than 40 foreign airlines fly in from various parts of the globe through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at Sepang, an hour's drive south of Kuala Lumpur. Railway lines and roads radiate from the city providing swift access to other parts of the country. A commuter train service has been introduced to connect the city to neighbouring towns. The city's public transportation has been further augmented by the Light Rail Transit (LRT). Kuala Lumpur is also served by the country's largest seaport, Port Klang.

For the formalities, every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid international visa or a similar travel document. Foreign nationals who require a passport must apply and obtain it in advance at the Malaysian Representative Office prior to entering the country. The types of visa that are issued by the Malaysian Government are: Single Entry Visa, Multiple Entry Visa and Transit Visa. Also, you need to fulfill customs requirements and health regulations.

KL is adept at reconciling the old with the new, the vintage with the contemporary. From the charm of the mature to the potpourri of the present, Kuala Lumpur has observed a colonial façade as well as the ambience of modernity. The structure of the Sultan Abdul Samad building blends most intimately with the tall freestanding wonder of the Petronas Twin Towers. Surely, there is more to the countenance and feature of KL than what merely shows.

Tourism Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Tower (KLCC)

The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers was designed by Cesar Pelli and Associates and currently houses Petronas Corporate Headquarters. It is currently the 2nd most tallest building in the world after Taipei 101 in Taiwan. The Twin Towers symbolises strength and grace using geometric principles typified in Islamic architecture. It is located at the former Selangor Turf Club, a 100-acre site in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle.

Petaling Street

Petaling Steet is a famous market in Chinatown, and it's a place that never sleeps. It is a great place for locals to get some goods at bargain prices and certainly an eye-opening experience for tourists. Looking for cheap clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, electronic items, watches, CDs and more? Then Petaling Street is the place for you. It is easy getting to Petaling Street as numerous bus companies service the area.

Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square)

Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) is appropriately named because it was at this place on August 30, 1957 at midnight, the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time in the country's history upon gaining independence from the British rule. The flag raising ceremony was held at the very spot where the 100-metre high flagpole now stands.

The best part about this gamma world city is that it has maintained equilibrium between its own culture and modernization. Literally Kuala Lumpur is speckled with offbeat skyscrapers and avant-garde shopping malls. Still it has no shortage of old quaint shop houses which strike a chord of its past. On one hand where you see the world's tallest twin building of the Petronas Twin Towers, you can find its rich Craft Complex on the other hand. Moreover, Kuala Lumpur is acclaimed to be only city in the world which has dense forests in its precincts.

Vacation At Paris Disneyland

2010-03-27T11:57:00.005+07:00

Enjoying a staying in Paris or taking a trip to Disneyland Paris doesn't have to be expensive, and with cheapest hotel offering all the luxury of a five-star hotel but not with high cost of something that is ideal for families. Paris is one of the most amazing cities in the world, not only for the vast number of tourist attractions but for its theatres and cafés, shops and boutiques and all round lively atmosphere. Cruise along the River Seine, see the views from the Eiffel Tower or watch the world go by from a pavement café.

Fun for all the family is a visit to Disneyland Paris. Enter into the world of Mickey and his friends and enjoys all the thrills and spills that Disneyland Paris has to offer - whatever your age!

Go to the Disneyland Park with your children and enjoy some attraction there. Next go to Adventureland. Where else to start your adventure, but Adventureland! Hunt for treasure with the Pirates of the Caribbean, and sail away to Adventure Isle to explore the secrets of Skull Rock. It's time to yo-ho-ho for some serious swashbuckling. Do you believe in ghosts? Frontierland will satisfy your adventure with the ghosts. Then Peter and the Lost Boys will take you flying to Fantasyland where fairytale dreams come true.

On the next day, you can continue the adventure with your children at Walt Disney Studios Park. Hear the remarkable story of Disney with Art of Disney Animation, then try your own hand at some cartoon techniques. Around every corner you'll find your favorite Disney Characters waiting to meet 'n' greet you. Smile and... 'click' - your Disney memories can be captured forever. And for more interesting, found it all at Disneyland Paris Site.

Kyoto, Japan's Capital of History And Culture

2009-12-17T10:44:00.007+07:00

Overview

Kyoto is the cultural and historical capital of Japan, with its proliferation of shrines and temples that lie hidden between the concrete constructions of the urban sprawl.

Although archaeological evidence places the first human settlement on the islands of Japan to approximately 10,000 BC, relatively little is known about human activity in the area before the 6th century AD. During the 8th century, when the powerful Buddhist clergy became involved in the affairs of the Imperial government, the Emperor chose to relocate the capital to a region far from the Buddhist influence. Emperor Kammu selected the village of Uda, at the time in the Kadono district of Yamashito Province, for this honor.

The new city, Heian-kyō (平安京 "tranquility and peace capital"), became the seat of Japan's imperial court in 794, beginning the Heian period of Japanese history. Later, the city was renamed Kyoto ("capital city"). Kyoto remained Japan's capital until the transfer of the government to Edo in 1868 at the time of the Imperial Restoration. (Some believe that it is still a legal capital: see Capital of Japan.) After Edo was renamed Tokyo (meaning "Eastern Capital"), Kyoto was known for a short time as Saikyo (西京 Saikyō, meaning "Western Capital").

An obsolete spelling for the city's name is Kioto; it was formerly known to the West as Meaco or Miako (Japanese: 都; miyako "capital"). Another term commonly used to refer to the city in the pre-modern period was Keishi (京師), meaning "metropolis" or "capital".

The city suffered extensive destruction in the Ōnin War of 1467-1477, and did not really recover until the mid-16th century. Battles between samurai factions spilled into the streets, and came to involve the court nobility (kuge) and religious factions as well. Nobles' mansions were transformed into fortresses, deep trenches dug throughout the city for defence and as firebreaks, and numerous buildings burned. The city has not seen such widespread destruction since. Although there was some consideration by the United States of targeting Kyoto with an atomic bomb at the end of World War II, in the end it was decided to remove the city from the list of targets due to the "beauty of the city" (See Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki), and the city was spared conventional bombing as well.

As a result, Kyoto is the only large Japanese city that still has an abundance of prewar buildings, such as the traditional townhouses known as machiya. However, modernization is continually breaking down the traditional Kyoto in favor of newer architecture, such as the Kyoto Station complex.

For nearly three centuries the city flourished as a centre of religion, culture, politics and economic development. Having been spared the devastating aerial bombardment of WW2 that razed nearly every other important city in Japan, Kyoto is a unique monument to Japan's past.
However, what makes Kyoto especially interesting is the chance to feel the contrasts and contradictions that permeate today's Japanese society; the clash between the hustle and bustle of the modern city and the peaceful serenity of beautiful Zen-gardens; the frantic consumerism that runs so contrary to the minimalism of Japan's Buddhist and Shinto heritage.

The National Museum of Modern Art, one of many museums in the city, is a wonderful chance to see how contemporary artists are interpreting these contrasts. Take some time to explore and Kyoto will offer up countless treats and surprises.

Himeji Castle And Sake Brewery Museum

Visit two popular attractions outside Kyoto on a full-day trip: beautiful Himeji Castle and the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery. You'll take a ride on a famous Shinkansen Bullet train, tour one of the best examples of a Japanese castle in the country, and sample potent sake rice wine.

Your full-day tour starts with a Bullet train ride to Himeji to visit the Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most famous castles and designated a World Cultural Heritage site. The castle's sublime form and white walls have earned it the nickname “WhiteHeron Castle”. The castle grounds are divided into inner and outer-walled zones, with gates built around maze-like spaces to confuse enemies, and a double moat for extra protection.

After lunch at Kokoen Garden, a short distance from Himeji Castle and designed in various styles from the Edo period, it's off to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery, founded in 1743. The company has maintained old sake-brewing traditions combined with the latest techniques. The museum exhibits the process of sake making and its history, and includes a sake tasting.

Arashiyama And Sagano

Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district at the outskirts of Kyoto. Its landmark is the wooden (now partially concrete) Togetsukyo Bridge with forested Mount Arashiyama as backdrop.

There are many things to see and do in the Arashiyama area. Tenryuji, a leading Zen temple, shops, cafes and restaurants are found in the district's busy center around Togetsukyo Bridge and Keifuku Arashiyama Station.

North of the central area, there are bamboo groves and a residential district with several small temples, scattered along the base of the wooded mountains. The area with its rural feel is best explored on foot, by rental bicycle (around 700 Yen per day) or on a rickshaw (around 8000 Yen for 30 minutes and 2 persons).

Another pleasant thing to do is taking a two hour boat tour down Hozu River. The river flows through an idyllic, forested valley before reaching urban Kyoto at the Togetsukyo Bridge. Alternatively, you can enjoy views of the valley from the Sagano Romantic Train.

Arashiyama is particularly beautiful and busy during the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.

Finally, You can find a lot of interest things and places at Kyoto. However, Kyoto is a place we can't ignore to get some interest which make our life much attractive.

Selección de las mejores Hoteles en España

2009-12-17T10:34:00.002+07:00

España idénticamente con Barcelona y Madrid. Unas vacaciones en Barcelona y Madrid le proporcionará emoción, aventura, romance y la historia. Barcelona y Madrid tiene muchas actividades y entretenimiento para los turistas que buscan descansar, relajarse y divertirse un poco.

Al planificar un viaje a Barcelona, para pasar unas vacaciones o un viaje, usted debe hacer reservas de hoteles, plan de actividades y entretenimiento. Porque en Barcelona, usted podrá encontrar un hotel de Barcelona a su altura. De cinco estrellas a la economía, Barcelona es el hogar de todos los hoteles en diferentes rangos de precios. Algunos de los hoteles Grander ofrecerá lo mejor en restaurantes, entretenimiento y servicios. Tome el Hotel Gallery Barcelona un hoteles baratos de Barcelona, por ejemplo. Este increíble hotel ofrece habitaciones de lujo y un creativo diseño arquitectónico. Y si le gustaría descansar su cabeza en un suntuoso cama, este hotel es para usted.

El arte es enorme en Barcelona, y su viaje no sería completa sin visitar algunos de los museos. El Museo Picasso hay que ver, incluso si no son de su fan más grande. Otros museos de arte de retratar el período modernista a través de los períodos románico y gótico. Visitar los museos de Barcelona en su viaje no sólo entretener sino que servirá como una lección de Historia del Arte al mismo tiempo.

Las Ramblas es uno de los lugares de Barcelona que no debe desaprovecharse. Las Ramblas es un refugio para la cultura y las artes. Si es el espectáculos de calle, músicos profesionales, o los conciertos más estructurado tarde en Sant Josep Oriol, Las Ramblas se encuentra gran recurso para los amantes de la música. Allí, se puede visitar el Centre de Cultura Contemporània (Cultura de Cultura Contemporánea), que es el hogar de la restaurada Museu d'Art Contemporani (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo). Con su amplia gama de exposiciones itinerantes y permanentes, el Museu d'Art Contemporani es una obligación para toda persona que desee comprender el patrimonio artístico de Barcelona.

Y, por último, si usted camina en el West Edificio Moll de Barcelona, se encuentra el Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel Barcelona Hoteles baratos de Las Ramblas, el mejor alojamiento en el Área de Las Ramblas con el precio barato. El hotel le hará sentirse cómodo en la parte de atrás para disfrutar de su viaje en Barcelona.

N de vacaciones a España sin visitar Madrid. Madrid es la ciudad moderna que es rica en historia y tradición. Hay muchos lugares para visitar en la ciudad, desde las antiguas murallas árabe a la vanguardia contemporánea rascacielos, edificios de Madrid y monumentos son baluartes de la historia y el arte, incluido el fantástico castillo construido por los árabes en el siglo 9 de cuyos restos todavía están en exhibición. El Palacio Real de Madrid, la residencia del monarca español, es uno de los muchos lugares de Madrid que debe ser visitado.

Como pueden ver, Madrid es un gran destino de vacaciones. Y eso no es completa si no encuentra el hotel. Hay muchos hoteles en Madrid que ofrece varias ventajas. Mira en el Hotel Westin Palace de Madrid un hotel de cinco estrellas con un precio barato, y muchos más hoteles baratos de Madrid se encuentra.

Fantastic Diving On Northern New South Wales

2009-12-17T10:27:00.003+07:00

Australia is undoubtedly unique. With over 35,000km's of magnificent coastline, they have superb diving in the tropical waters of the world renowned Great Barrier Reef and northern Western Australia, as well as brilliant temperate diving in the southern states and Tasmania. Both tropical and temperate marine life are found in the Solitary Islands off northern New South Wales, popular Byron Bay near the Queensland border, and the fabulous Abrolhos Islands on the west coast off Geraldton.

Take a pit stop at Port Macquarie, the halfway point between Sydney and Byron Bay. Here you can kick back and relax or take part in activities like camel riding along the beach, sea kayaking, 4WD tours, water sports or tandem skydiving. And for the rest, you can visit the Port Macquarie Hotels. They have international standard rooms with cheap price.

Next destination is Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour is famed for its Big Banana, its beaches, and its rainforest. The swimming is magnificent, and the fish are almost always jumping. There are also beautiful nature trails to explore and whale watching cruises to enjoy. Known as the action capital of the North Coast, there’s plenty of adrenaline rushes to be had. Go white-water rafting, diving, whale watching or sky diving. You can bring your own or hire at Coffs Harbour. The boat ride from the marina to the main dive sites at Split Solitary Island and South Solitary Island is around 20 and 40 minutes respectively. Below awaits ﬁelds of plate coral and underwater arches, endangered grey nurse shark, big blue gropers, colorful banded anemone ﬁsh, moray eels, bull and eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, giant cuttleﬁsh, lion ﬁsh, ﬂying ﬁsh and many more colorful creatures.

In Coffs Harbour, you can visit Coffs Harbour Hotels and accommodation for a cheap price with the international quality. They will bring you to places that you want to visit during the Coffs Harbour. And if you still have energy left after an action packed day, check out the great nightlife.

Byron Bay is one of the best places in Australia. Byron Bay is a town in the state of New South Wales neighboring Queensland on the eastern most point of the mainland of Australia about 600 kilometer north of Sydney and 140 kilometer south of Brisbane. Byron Bay boasts of several beaches good for surfing. Byron Bay is also popular for sky diving and whale watching as well as for its wildlife. Byron Bay is the meeting place of temperate and tropical waters which makes it an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkeling, particularly at Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, one of Australia's top ten dive sites.

Byron Bay host events such as the Byron Underwater Festival, Byron Bay Yoga fest, East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, EHVA Festival for Art Lovers and Artists, Byron Bay Writers Festival, Byron Bay Arts & Music Festival, Byron Bay Farmers Market, and many more.

Finally decided to stay in Byron Bay Hotels is an appropriate decision. During the day, you could walk along the beach, which was good. And with the cheap price, you can enjoy all the luxury provided by them.

Plan Your Trip To New Zealand

2009-12-17T10:20:00.003+07:00

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses, commonly called the North Island and the South Island. The South Island is the largest land mass of New Zealand, and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps, the highest peak of which is Aoraki/Mount Cook at 3754 meters. There are 18 peaks over 3000 meters in the South Island. The North Island is less mountainous but is marked by volcanism. The highest North Island mountain is Mount Ruapehu, an active cone volcano. The dramatic and varied landscape of New Zealand has made it a popular location for the production of television programs and films, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Last Samurai.

Trip to New Zealand is always fun, whether on holiday or business trip. And of course the city of Auckland is the right city to visit when you trip to New Zealand. Auckland is the centre of commerce and industry, and is perhaps the most vibrant, bustling and multicultural city in New Zealand.

When you visit Auckland, of course, find a cheap hotels in Auckland is that you must do. Rendezvous Hotel Auckland that located in Corner Mayoral Drive & Vincent Street Auckland 1010 is probably the right option for you. This hotel is an ideal launch pad for sampling the sights of Auckland or doing business, sure to be a highlight of your trip to New Zealand.

Besides of Auckland, Christchurch is a destination that doesn’t less important for us in New Zealand. Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a city of contrasts. It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness.

You will find many Cheap Christchurch Hotels to be occupied whilst in Christchurch. Conveniently located at 50 Park Terrace Christchurch 8001 in Christchurch - City, George Hotel Christchurch (The) is the supreme home base from which to explore or do business in Christchurch, home to some of New Zealand's finest attractions. Besides George Hotel Christchurch (The), you can try Copthorne Hotel Central Christchurch. This hotel is easily accessible in the Christchurch - City neighborhood, at 766 Colombo Street Christchurch.

To buy souvenir, you can go to the Cathedral Square Market. An outdoor market with stalls offering handcrafted and imported goods such as New Zealand wood-ware, hand knitting, jewellery, pounamu, paua, bone carvings, possum fashions, sheepskins, clothing, healthcare products, sunglasses, t-shirts and much more. The Cathedral Square Market is located in the heart of the city, Cathedral Square. Take something to take home as a gift from a fun trip in New Zealand.

The Acropolis of Athens, the Best Known Acropolis in the World

2009-12-17T09:56:00.006+07:00

What would a visit to Athens be without going to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon? And still people ask why the Partheon is so important. It’s because it was the most perfect building built by the world's most advanced civilization.

The Acropolis of Athens is the best known acropolis (Gr. akros, akron, edge, extremity + polis, city, pl. acropoleis) in the world. Although there are many other acropoleis in Greece, the significance of the Acropolis of Athens is such that it is commonly known as The Acropolis without qualification. The Acropolis was formally proclaimed as the pre-eminent monument on the European Cultural Heritage list of monuments on 26 March 2007. The Acropolis is a flat-topped rock which rises 150 m (490 ft) above sea level in the city of Athens, with a surface area of about 3 hectares. It was also known as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man, Kekrops or Cecrops, the first Athenian king.

The Acropolis rock is part of a Late Cretaceous limestone ridge (Higgins) that cuts through the Attica plateau in the northeast to the southwest axis and includes the Likavitos hill, the Philopappos (Museum) hill, the hill of the Nymphs, and the Pnyx.

The rock rises from the basin about 70 meters and levels to a flat top 300 meters long by 150 meters wide. Its flat top is due to the numerous landfills that have accommodated construction of fortifications and temples since the Mycenaean era. With its many shallow caves, the abundant percolating water springs and steep slopes, the Acropolis was a prime location for habitation and worship location for Neolithic man.

History

The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city's history are all connected to this sacred precinct. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Pericles.

Most of the major temples were rebuilt under the leadership of Pericles during the Golden Age of Athens (460–430 BC). Phidias, a great Athenian sculptor, and Ictinus and Callicrates, two famous architects, were responsible for the reconstruction. During the 5th century BC, the Acropolis gained its final shape. After winning at Eurymedon in 468 BC, Cimon and Themistocles ordered the reconstruction of southern and northern walls, and Pericles entrusted the building of the Parthenon to Ictinus and Phidias.

In 437 BC Mnesicles started building the Propylaea, monumental gates with columns of Pentelic marble, partly built upon the old propylaea of Pisistratus. These colonnades were almost finished in the year 432 BC and had two wings, the northern one serving as picture gallery. At the same time, south of the propylaea, building of the small Ionic Temple of Athena Nike commenced. After an interruption caused by the Peloponnesian War, the temple was finished in the time of Nicias' peace, between 421 BC and 415 BC.

During the same period the building of the Erechtheum, a combination of sacred precincts including the temples of Athena Polias, Poseidon, Erechtheus, Cecrops, Herse, Pandrosos and Aglauros, with its so-called the Kore Porch (or Caryatids' balcony), was begun.

Between the temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon there was the temenos of Artemis Brauronia or Brauroneion, the goddess represented as a bear and worshipped in the deme of Brauron. The archaic xoanon of the goddess and a statue made by Praxiteles in the 4th century BC were both in the sanctuary.

Behind the Propylaea, Phidias' gigantic bronze statue of Athena Promachos ("she who fights in the front line"), built between 450 BC and 448 BC, dominated. The base was 1.50 m high, while the total height of the statue was 9 m. The goddess held a lance whose gilt tip could be seen as a reflection by crews on ships rounding Cape Sounion, and a giant shield on the left side, decorated by Mys with images of the fight between the Centaurs and the Lapiths. Other monuments that have left almost nothing visible to the present day are the Chalkotheke, the Pandroseion, Pandion's sanctuary, Athena's altar, Zeus Polieus's sanctuary and, from Roman times, the circular temple of Augustus and Rome.

Site Monuments

Parthenon

The Parthenon, dedicated by the Athenians to Athena Parthenos, the patron of their city, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power. It is also the finest monument on the Acropolis in terms of both conception and execution. Built between 447 and 438 BC, as part of the greater Periklean building project, this so-called Periklean Parthenon (Parthenon III) replaced an earlier marble temple (Parthenon II), begun a

after the victory at the battle of Marathon at approximately 490 BC and destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. This temple had replaced the very first Parthenon (Parthenon I) of c. 570 BC. The Periklean Parthenon was designed by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates, while the sculptor Pheidias supervised the entire building program and conceived the temple's sculptural decoration and chryselephantine statue of Athena.

Erechtheion

The elegant building known as the Erechtheion, on the north side of the sacred rock of the Acropolis, was erected in 421-406 BC as a replacement of an earlier temple dedicated to Athena Polias, the so-called ''Old temple''. The name ''Erechtheion'', mentioned only by Pausanias (1, 26, 5), derives from Erechtheus, the mythical king of Athens, who was worshipped there. Other texts refer to the building simply as ''temple'' or ''old temple''. The building owes its unusual shape to the irregularity of the terrain - there is a three-metre difference in height between the eastern and western parts - and the multiple cults it was designed to accommodate. The eastern part of the building was dedicated to Athena Polias, while the western part served the cult of Poseidon-Erechtheus and held the altars of Hephaistus and Voutos, brother of Erechtheus. This is where, according to the myth, Athena's sacred snake lived. The sanctuary also contained the grave of Kekrops and the traces of the dispute between Athena and Poseidon for the possession of the city of Athens.

Propylaea

The Propylaia of the Athenian Acropolis were built on the west side of the hill, where the gate of the Mycenaean fortification once stood. The first propylon, or gate, was constructed in the age of Peisistratos (mid-sixth century BC), after the Acropolis had become a sanctuary dedicated to Athena. A new propylon, built in 510-480 BC, was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC and repaired after the end of the Persian Wars, during the fortification of the Acropolis by Themistokles and Kimon. The monumental Propylaia admired by modern visitors were part of the great Periklean building program. They were erected in 437-432 BC, after the completion of the Parthenon, by architect Mnesikles. The original building plan was particularly daring both in architectural and artistic terms, but was never completed.

Temple of Athena Nike

The temple of Athena Nike stands at the southeast edge of the sacred rock atop a bastion, which in Mycenaean times protected the entrance to the Acropolis. The Classical temple, designed by architect Kallikrates and built in 426-421 BC, succeeded earlier temples also dedicated to Athena Nike. The first one of these, a mid-sixth century BC wooden temple was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. The eschara, the altar believed to have supported the cult statue of the goddess, dates to this period. Under Kimon, c. 468 BC, a small temple of tufa was erected around the base of the statue and a new altar was built outside the temple. The foundations of these early temples and altars are preserved inside the bastion under the floor of the Classical structure. Pausanias (1, 22, 4) refers to this temple as that of the Apteros Nike, or Wingless Victory, and mentions that the cult statue of the goddess had no wings so that she would never leave Athens. Apart from the cult of Athena Nike other, earlier cults were also practiced on this site. On the west side of the bastion was a Mycenaean double-apsed shrine and on the east side, the pre-Classical shrines of the Graces and of Hekate Epipyrgidia. The construction of the Classical temple of Athena Nike was part of the Periklean building project. Several inscriptions, mostly decrees of the city of Athens, provide information on this particular part of the project.

Temple of Rome and Augustus

The temple of Rome and Augustus was erected in the late first century BC east of the Parthenon or of the Erechtheion. Several architectural elements of the building were found east of the Parthenon and many more were brought here after their discovery elsewhere. Nearby are the irregular tufa foundations (approximately 10.50x13 metres) of a building generally considered to be the Roman temple. Another theory, however, based on the construction technique of these foundations and on depictions of the Acropolis on Roman coins, places the temple east of the Erechtheion.

The inscription on the temple's epistyle mentions that the building was dedicated by the city of Athens to the goddess Rome and to Octavian Augustus. Pausanias does not mention the building during his visit to the Acropolis, possibly because it did not present any interest at his time. The small, circular temple had a single row of nine Ionic columns and no interior wall, the entablature and conical roof being entirely of white marble. The fact that the columns imitate those of the Erechtheion may indicate that the temple was built by the same architect who repaired the Erechtheion after it was damaged by fire.

Old temple of Athena

The earliest temple to Athena Polias on the Acropolis, called 'the Old temple' in ancient literary sources, was located between the Erechtheion and the Parthenon. It was probably built in the third quarter of the sixth century BC, on the site of an earlier, Geometric temple and of the even earlier Mycenaean palace. The Old temple was damaged by the Persians in 480 BC, but was repaired soon after; parts of its entablature were incorporated in the Acropolis fortification wall. The temple was damaged again in 406 BC after the completion of the Erechtheion and was never rebuilt. Traces of the temple's altar to Athena are visible on the bedrock, east of the building.

The Old temple was a Doric, peripteral structure with six columns on the short sides and twelve on the long sides. The interior arrangement was quite unusual. The east part of the temple consisted of a distyle pronaos with antae and a naos divided into three naves by two rows of columns. Inside the naos was the wooden cult statue (xoanon) of the goddess Athena. The east part of the temple consisted of three rooms, each dedicated to the worship of Poseidon-Erechtheus, Hephaistus and Boutes. The marble pediments of the Gigantomachy, displayed in the Acropolis Museum, and a sime with lion and ram's heads probably belonged to this temple. The metopes, cornices and roof tiles were also of marble, while the rest of the temple was built of limestone.

The temple was unearthed in 1885 and W. D?rpfeld was the first to identify it. Only the foundations of its south side, towards the Erechtheion, are visible today, along with two stone column bases from the Geometric temple.

Netherland - Land of Most Beautiful Flowers and Windmills

2009-09-27T14:41:00.003+07:00

The Netherlands, on the coast of the North Sea, is twice the size of New Jersey. Part of the great plain of north and west Europe, the Netherlands has maximum dimensions of 190 by 160 mi (360 by 257 km) and is low and flat except in Limburg in the southeast, where some hills rise up to 322 m (1056 ft). About half the country's area is below sea level, making the famous Dutch dikes a requisite for the use of much of the land. Reclamation of land from the sea through dikes has continued through recent times. All drainage reaches the North Sea, and the principal rivers—Rhine, Maas (Meuse), and Schelde—have their sources outside the country.

After centuries of foreign rules by the Romans, Franks, Burgunds, Habsburgs, and Spaniards in 1648 the Dutch Republic became a free and sovereign state. During the 17th century, also called the 'Golden Age', the Republic became increasingly prosperous and a major colonial power, thanks largely to the Dutch East India Company (VOC). In 1815, the northern and southern Netherlands – today's Netherlands and Belgium – were combined to form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I but was invaded in World War II by Germany in May 1940 and occupied for five years.Today the Netherlands is a modern, industrialized nation and the third largest exporter of food. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EU, and participated in the introduction of the Euro in 1999

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Seychelles in Africa - One of the Most Beautiful Places in the World

2009-09-27T14:29:00.003+07:00

Located in the Indian ocean about 1000 miles east of Kenya, the main islands have only been settled for about 200 years. Believed to be the peaks of an ancient mountain range, the granite rocks that make up the main islands are unique as are the hundreds of plant an animal species found no where else on earth due to the isolated nature of the islands. The warm waters, high standards and friendly people draw many year after year to these Jewels in the Ocean that are the Seychelles. Island names such as Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Aldabra and Desroches have enchanted travelers for years .The Seychelles are known mainly for their exotic beaches.A characteristic of most beaches are the transparent waters, the white sand, and the frame of granite boulders and lush green vegetation behind the beach.

Prague travel

2009-08-04T14:54:00.008+07:00

by: Mansi gupta

Prague is a well- known old city of Europe that is a host to many tourists all round the year. The aura of the place speaks for itself. Prague is the capital of Czech Republic whose traditional and archaic European ambience is too appealing than ever imagined. Czech is deemed to be the heart of Europe and ahs a population of more than ten million people out of
which 1.3 million are nestled peacefully in the city of Prague.

The Sites Worth Gazing

The Charles Bridge at Prague is a host to many visitors all round the year. This bridge was completed and made public in 1400. It displays grotesque architecture and river views that keep the visitors engaged especially during the summer season. There is also the eminent Wenceslas Square hat is deemed to be the heart of Prague and that grounds some of
the most wonderful restaurants, shops and pubs in Prague. The Old Town center is also a place worth visiting in Prague. The center has on parade some of the marvelous historical sites like the Old town Hall and the Astronomical clock where the visitors get to see the land from the 60 meter elevated tower.

Getting around in Prague is quite simple and convenient. Besides the natural beauty that the place is blessed with, the human technology does not score less. There are trams, metros and buses to explore the charismatic place.

Prague is the land of wonderful museums. There is the National Technical Museum, which puts to display old cars, bikes, planes, trains, cameras, watches and so forth. The best part is the museum itself that is a historical building of 1930's. The Mozart Museum is worth appreciating. The music lovers can have a gala time here for the place offers historical music scores, letters and musical instruments that are exclusive and great to enjoy. Specifically for the artists is meant the Museum of Decorative Arts that presents Czech porcelain, crystal and wood -carvings. Not to overlook is the Wax Museum that has proved its worth across the globe. Apart from these there are many good museums and art galleries that are evenly spread across the city.

Pargue also has some of the magnificent castles like the Karlstejn Castle that was redesigned in 19th century and which is one of the most photogenic castles known so far. Close to the castle place, are sold exotic Bohemia crystals that the tourists often love to take back home. The Konopiste Castle is known for its French style architecture from 13th century. It is located about 44 kilometers southeast of Prague and is thrown open for visitors from May to August. The Krivolat is a 13th century castle that boasts a prison, torture chambers and one of the biggest non-church Gothic Halls in the Czech Republic. Prague is an ideal place for all the music devotees for they can relish the classical concerts at the Sate Opera and at the Rudolfinum or the Municipal House. The Prague Autumn Festival is a big music event that offers lots of classical concerts and music. The Prague Spring festival is famous all over Europe. It is a liked cultural event that goes on from 12th May to 3rd of June every year.

The nightlife of Prague is thrilling and active with music in the air and loads of pubs, discos and bars cuddled in the city. Besides these there are many other attractions that make Prague a perfect holiday destination.

About the Author
Mansi gupta writes about prague travel topics.

First Airbus A380 Delivered to Emirates Airlines

2009-02-10T12:45:00.005+07:00

The first of many Airbus A380 SuperJumbos has been delivered to Emirates a few minutes ago. Emirates will start flying this aircraft to New York in just a few days (see our earlier post) and will receive many more in the coming years. Currently Emirates has 58 Airbus A380’s on order, which is by far the largest order from any airlines of the world for this type of Aircraft.

First Airbus A380 delivery to Emirates Airlines (c by Airbus)

The first Emirates A380 has the following seating arrangement:

14 seats (suites) in First Class
76 seats in Business Class
399 seats in Economy Class

Besides all the brand new seats across the three classes, and the first class suites equipped with electrically assisted sliding doors and massaging, full lie-flat beds (seats), the A380 will have very impressive commons areas, such as a lounge bar at the rear-of the upper deck (where First and Business class seats are located) and a luxury-hotel like bathroom in First class (with two showers available). The “Shower Spas” can be attended upon contacting the purser to make an appointment. The dedicated Shower assistants will prepare the Shower Spa prior to each appointment! Even though the bar has been planned before, the Showers seem like a brand new (and very nice) idea!

Emirates A380 Bar (c by Airbus)

Detail of Emirates Airlines First Class Lavatory (c by Airbus)

Shower on the Emirates Airlines A380 (c by Emirates)

The Emirates A380 is the first to use the GP7200 engines (Singapore Airlines - the so far only operator of the superjumbo - has been using Rolls Royce power).

The plane will be flying the inaugural flight between Dubai and New York JFK on August 1 and 2, while it will enroll into normal service starting August 8, 2008. Emirates expects to receive 4 more of the aircraft this year.

Top 9 Places To Visit in Australia

2009-02-02T20:18:00.002+07:00

Australia has something for just about everyone. From simple holidays to culture filled excitement, there are all sorts of options to enjoy. Here are ten of the must see places and events around Australia that you can consider for your next holiday.

Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s number one travel destination in terms of number of visitors. The Sydney Opera House was completed in the 1960's. The unique design for the facility, coupled with the excellent acoustics, make this cultural icon a must see stop that even persons who are not interested in opera will enjoy.

One of the great things about Sydney is there is both culture and lots of fun activities as well. The beaches provide some of the most beautiful ocean side playgrounds in the entire world. Visitors can spend endless hours enjoying the sun and pristine sands, then enjoy tours into some of the surrounding bush areas. Later, a night out on the town is easy to manage, with an array of night spots that will accommodate just about every interest. While in town, don't forget to admire the spectacular Harbour Bridge.

2. Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

Far North Queensland is a wonderful tropical paradise. Cairns is the main entry point and from there you can travel north or south and out to beautiful island resorts. Luxury holiday homes are a great accommodation option in this part of Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef is known as the world's largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef stretches along the Queensland coast for a distance of approximately 35 million hectares. Many varieties of fish and other forms of sea life make the Reef home, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about and observe. As a family opportunity, the Great Barrier Reef is an activity that will fascinate even the most jaded of travelers.

3. Brisbane

While visiting along the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane is the place to go when you need a taste of the big city. Located in Queensland, the city is known for spectacular night spots that offer a little something for everyone, as well as a range of cuisine that is considered to be the best in Australia by many visitors.

4. Melbourne

Considered by many to be the emotional heart of Australia, Melbourne offers a mix of modern architecture and amenities along with some of the most beautiful examples of Victorian architecture in the world. Shopping and food that ranges from fine cuisine to guilty pleasures can easily be found at Federation Square and the New Quay.

5. The Great Ocean Road

No visit to Australia is complete without enjoying the view from the Great Ocean Road. Running for over two hundred miles along the coastline in the area of Victoria, the view is breathtaking any time of the year. There are plenty of interesting local restaurants to try along the way, as well as several great places to stop and enjoy a beer. The Great Ocean Road is a wonderful drive over a weekend or stay a little longer at a holiday rental property.

6. The Red Centre including Uluru-Tjuta National Park

Found in the Northern Territory, the Red Centre is considered to be the physical center spot of Australia. Tourists will enjoy viewing the Ayers Rock, which is also known as Uluru. Viewing Uluru is considered to be an ideal activity at sunrise and sunset, when the range of colors across the red rock seem to waver and change in fascinating patterns.

Uluru-Tjuta National Park is an area that functions as both a wildlife preserve and a national park. Along with the Ayers Rock, the part also encompasses such sites as Alice Springs and the Olgas.

7. Canberra

Canberra is the Capital of Australia and a fascinating place to see. Visit Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library, National Archives which feature old movies, records, books and artifacts as well as the War Memorial. Four days is Canberra is adequate to see most of the attractions.

8. Adelaide

Considered to be the doorway into the Outback, Adelaide is a thriving city that includes some of the most prestigious vineyards in the country. There are a number of places around the city that are ideal for getting away from it all for a few days, as well as enjoying a night life that is low key but very active.

9. Tasmania

Tasmania offers breathtaking scenery, hiking and camping. Just off the coast, the main land you can reach Tasmania by car ferry or by short flight. Hobart is a stunning town on the Derwent river and features colonial architecture. The local food produce is deliciously fresh and restaurants reasonably priced.
Rent-A-Home.com.au lists a wide range of Holiday Accommodation in Australia including Holiday Rentals, Holiday Apartments, Holiday Homes and Serviced Apartments for short or long stay. For more information on Holiday Apartments Sydney, Serviced Apartments Sydney, visit http://www.rent-a-home.com.au.

By Samuell Armstrong

Top 10 Weirdest Restaurants

2009-02-02T20:15:00.002+07:00

Cannibalistic Restaurant (Japan)

Condom Restaurant (Thailand)

Dark Restaurant (China)

Robot Restaurant: Run by two identical couples (China)

Medical Restaurant (Taipei)

Military-Themed 'Buns and Guns' Restaurant (Lebanon)

Restaurant in a Prison (Italy)

Restaurant in the Sky (Belgium)

Toilet Restaurant (Taiwan)

Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)

Batur and Kintamani, Bali

2009-02-02T20:12:00.002+07:00

A mountain village, Batur is north of Penelokan on the western rim of the crater, with no distinguishable border separating it from Kintamani. The newcomer on the ridge, Batur until 1926 was a prosperous village located at the foot of Gunung Batur. In 1917, the volcano erupted and buried most of the village in lava. This cataclysm took the lives of 1,000 people, destroying 65,000 homes and 2,500 temples. Miraculously, the molten lava stopped short at the gateway of Batur’s village temple.

Kintamani Village

Kintamani is a cool, fresh retreat, bring warm clothes, as it’s cold at night (1,500 meters above sea level). The fog comes rolling into Kintamani early, transforming it into a ghost town of howling ‘anjing’, so you’d best settle in before nightfall. The coldest months are July and August, lots of rain from October to March. Get up early to watch a superb sunrise.

There are fewer annoying locals and you’re treated with slightly more respect. Still, Kintamani has more barking dogs per square meter than any other place on Bali. There’s a busy market every third morning along the highway in the north part of town, right in front of Losmen Miranda.

The temples of the area look out over the crater. People come from all over the island to pray here, especially during ‘odalan’. A grand old ‘gong gde’, one of only three on Bali, plays for the ceremony.

Trunyan

Bali’s best-known The Bali Aga, is the island’s oldest inhabitant, aboriginals who lived here long before the Majapahit invasion in the 14th century. Legend has it the village was established on the spot where an ancient ‘taru menyan’ tree stood-thus the town’s name. It is said that in ancient times the lake goddess Dewi Danu was lured down from heaven by the lovely scent of this tree.

Today Trunyan is a real tourist trap, and you may not get to experience much more than villagers clamoring for money. Still, the setting is spectacular-green mountain backdrop and deep blue lake, mist-shrouded Gunung Batur rising up dramatically on the other side.
Culturally and ethnically outside the mainstream, Trunyan provides evidence of how Bali’s earliest people lived.

Pura Pancering Jagat

Trunyan’s old temple, Pura Pancering Jagat (”Temple of the Navel of the World”), stands under a massive banyan tree. Unusual architecture abounds in this austere ‘pura’-a fossilized relic of aboriginal Balinese society.

The Kuburan, the Bali Aga prefer exposing their dead in the open air rather than cremating them. Valuable land cannot be given over to the burial of the dead. After complicated rituals, the naked body is first wrapped in white cloth, then placed in a shallow pit, protected from scavengers by a triangular bamboo fence and roof. Those who have committed suicide or who have died of horrible disfiguring diseases are buried.

Accommodations

Most ‘losmen’ are located on the main street, Jalan Pasar Kintamani, each offering cold, cubicle-like, damp-smelling rooms. This environment is somewhat alleviated by a crackling log fire at night-order the wood earlier in the day. Kintamani’s best budget hotel is small, friendly, family-run Losmen Miranda with six rooms in the upper end of town. Services include free baggage storage, hot water at no charge, and a log fire. This clean, well-kept hotel and its good food are excellent value. Nothing glamorous but no bugs in the bed, and bars on the windows.

Food

There are ‘warung makanan’ up from Puri Astina in the market. Losmen Miranda has a pretty good fully Westernized 28-item breakfast and dinner menu, including fried noodles, veggie omelets, black rice pudding, and vegetables, eggs, and sauce. Miranda claims to have the best pancakes on Bali-banana inside, coconut on top.

Getting Away

From Kintamani to Penelokan by ‘bemo’, to Singaraja by bus (1.5 hours) and to Denpasar by bus (1.5 hours). The Denpasar-Singaraja bus passes in front of Losmen Miranda. For Gunung Batur, it’s possible to start your climb from Kintamani at 0600 and return by 1200. Expert local guides, available through the hotels, will lead you down the old bridle path that drops steeply from the lip of the outer crater, then climbs up and over the rim of the inner crater before descending into the innermost crater.

Hong Kong - City of Life

2009-01-21T15:55:00.002+07:00

Hong-Kong, the "city of life", designed and run by architects and entrepreneurs from around the world is a dense city of many cultures where you can find anything at anytime. It is one of the most crowded and diverse cities everywhere. It also has one of the most stunning urban landscapes in the world, especially at night where it blazes like a great flower of light with petals of neon.Hong Kong itself is divided into four main areas – Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Though each have a vital and long-standing role in Hong Kong tourism, most visitors spend the majority of their time in the densely populated area of Kowloon.

Unbelievable Hotel Rooms

2009-01-21T15:50:00.007+07:00

Unbelievable Hotel Rooms

Amazing Hotel Room