Alexandria: Cradle of Egyptian History

Tourist visitors to Egypt are spoiled for choice when it comes to locations worth seeing, which should be no surprise when you consider the length and the depth of the country's history. However, there should be no doubt that Egypt is one of the most modern African nations too, and its cities stand up very well by comparison with most in the world.

The City of Alexandria

Behind Cairo, Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, and is viewed by many as the cradle of Egyptian civilisation. In its time, the city of Alexandria was seen as being on a par with Athens and Rome in terms of global influence. This history has undoubtedly influenced the modern city of Alexandria which has remained a focal point for many Africans and people from beyond the continent. Its population of 4.1 million people is made up of a cosmopolitan spread of individuals. As a major port, Alexandria attracted many Greeks, Italians and Lebanese people to its shores during the 19th century and this has had an effect on the city.

Why Go To Alexandria?

While there is no doubting Alexandria's influence on the development of Egypt as a country, there are many people who would not think of it when it comes to listing Egyptian tourist destinations, thinking first of the beaches of Sharm-el-Sheikh or the pyramids of Giza. However, particularly among Egyptians themselves, Alexandria has come to be seen as a tourist destination on a par with these others. It has in its advantage the fact that it is the largest city lying directly on the coast of the Mediterranean. Its beaches are outstanding; many visitors choose to see the history of the city during the day and then relax on the beaches when it becomes cooler.

When Should You Visit Alexandria?

There is never a bad time to visit the city, but there are times when Alexandria may be more enjoyable depending on your tastes. Even in winter, the city remains warm and pleasant from a climatic point of view, although the sea is considered too cold for many to swim in. That's not a problem, of course, if you just want to see the city and its history. In the summer, it is hot and humid but, crucially, cooler than Cairo. This is when many Egyptians from elsewhere like to visit so if you are going then, make sure you book your hotel in Alexandria well in advance of visiting.

Many people will choose to go during the months of September and October when the city has cooled somewhat but retains enough heat to make swimming in the Mediterranean a pleasant pursuit. At any time of year the places that you cannot afford to miss out on as part of a sight-seeing tour include the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria) as well as the spectacular Fort Qaitbey, which is located on the peninsula that once hosted the Lighthouse of Pharos. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are also well worth a visit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6162853

Travel to Italy - Rome and Venice

Where does one begin to start when discussing Italy. Well, if you intend to travel there, Rome and Venice are good places to start.

Rome

Perhaps you've heard of it? It goes without saying that Rome has a rather prominent past. Lets see, in Rome you will find...[deep breath]...the Vatican, Coliseum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Church of Saint Agnese, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and a guy name Allassandro. Just making sure you're paying attention. Indeed, Rome is filthy with historically significant attractions. It seems you can't turn around without bumping into something an Emperor built, captured or destroyed. For those willing to risk potential wrath, there are also the new Divinci Code tours, which take you to the locations found in the book.

In all serious, Rome is a city you should visit at least once in your life. No article could ever do it justice, so I'll just stop here.

Venice

I fondly refer to Venice as the floating city even though it is apparently sinking. If you've seen Venice is movies or televisions shows, the depictions are accurate. Piazza San Marco looks exactly the same, birds and all. The Grande Canal is, well, a grand canal with incredible houses lining it and boats putting up down this water way. Built on mudflats in a lagoon, the city doesn't really have much room to grow. It just seems paralyzed in time.

Once you've conquered the tourist attractions, it will be time to get serious about Venice. The best way to do this is stand in front of your hotel or hostel, determine which direction the tourist attractions lie and start walking in the opposite direction. While you may feel like you're driving the wrong way on a freeway for a few minutes, you'll eventually start getting into real Venice.

An entirely different side of Venice will appear and you'll love it. You'll find little cafes with locals happy to talk to you [and non-tourist prices]. In fact, the Venetians will tend to hold you in high regard since you're a tourist who is bypassing the tourist areas. This, of course, will logically lead to a whirl of introductions to this nephew, that son of a brother and so on. Next thing you know, you'll be complaining about Italian politicians and how things used to be better in the past.

While Rome and Venice are excellent travel destinations, you can't really go wrong in Italy. For the adventurous, set your itinerary with the old map on a wall and dart technique.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/79281

Costa Blanca Villas

Villas in the Costa Blanca region of Spain have become very popular because this is a lovely spot for a vacation, with the added advantage that, when you are not using it yourself, you can rent it out. A good real estate agent can help you find a villa that will be a good investment over time. If you know people who own villas in Costa Blanca, find out which real estate agent does the best job.

When you rent out your villa during the busy holiday season, you can receive a good income from it. The income you receive will depend upon the size and location of the villa, as well as any amenities you offer.

The summer months of June through September are the months that are most popular for renters. You could probably rent out your villa continuously during this period, if you advertise it properly in the proper markets.

You can even ask for and receive higher rates of rent during the peak periods of July and August, and over the Christmas and Easter holidays. There are so many festivals and attractions in the Costa Blanca that there is always demand for rentals during these seasons, even among the non beach goers.

Over the winter months, your villa does not have to lie idle, because many people from northern Europe would welcome a break from their dismal weather and retreat to this mild climate. You may even be able to rent it out for an extended period, since some retirees like to get away for a while in the cold weather. The winter months do not command the same high rates as the summer months, but at least you will still receive an income on your property.

How do you find a Costa Blanca Villa? Consider the old real estate adage, location, location, location. Pick a popular tourist location that is close to beaches, transportation, restaurants, shopping, night life and attractions. These villas will be more expensive, but you will rent them for a higher rate and therefore worth the initial higher investment.

To compete with other villas in the area, you may have to offer special amenities such as maid service, a pool or tennis court and other such items. You will also have to decorate your villa tastefully and keep it well maintained. This is another item where putting money into your investment will pay off. Most owners advertise with photos, and you want to be able to display a beautiful villa, well decorated and in top condition.

Location will also be an important consideration when the time comes and you decide to sell your villa. A villa located in one of the popular tourist areas will be a lot easier to sell. Get to know the areas so you can see which ones are becoming more popular, so you can be sure that your villa will only increase in value.

Being interested in How to Find a Costa Blanca Villa, Robert Carlton has been authoring plenty of informative papers on this specific topic. Writing for works on Costa Blanca and Spain the writer established his depth of understanding in the field.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/391618

The Romantic Road

The Romantic Road follows an old trade route and leads from the city of Würzburg (see a previous article of mine for a description) to the foothills of the Alps. Driving along the Romantic Raod, or part of it, gives you a chance to experience medieval towns, baroque palaces and King Ludwig's castle.

You can see a map of the Romantic Road at http://www.romanticroad.com/.

After driving south from Würzburg, your first stop should be the palace in the town of Weikersheim, with its marvelous baroque gardens. Further along the road, the town of Creglingen offers the Herrgottskirche, a church famous for its altar carved by Tilman Riemenschneider in the early 16th century.

The road then follows the Tauber river to Rothenburg (which I have described in an other ezinearticle). Take your time to walk around this charming town enclosed by a wall and towers. Among the main tourist attractions are the Crime Museum, St. Jacob's Church (with another altar by Riemenschneider), Käthe Wohlfart's Christmas Village, where you can buy Christmas-related items all year long, and the Doll and Toy Museum.

The town of Dinkelsbühl is similar to Rothenburg, as it has preserved its medieval character, though its is much less overrun by tourists. Further south, you reach Nördlingen, a walled town dominated by the 270-foot steeple of St. George's Church. Nördlingen is famous for a geological feature, as it is situated in the center of a 15-mile wide meteor crater. You can learn about it in the Rieskratermuseum.

The city of Augsburg, which was founded by the Romans 2,000 years ago, is the largest city on the Romantic Road, so be prepared for some heavier traffic here. Among the highlights are the town hall, the cathedral and the Fuggerei, a settlement that the rich merchant family Fugger created for poor citizens in the 16th century.

Further south, as you begin approaching the foothills of the Alps, you should visit the Wies Church, a perfect example of the Rococo style. And finally, near the town of Füssen, the is Castle Neuschwanstein, built by Bavarian King Ludwig II in the late 19th century.

Pamela Bruce lives in Austin, TX. She is the owner of Love Beads Unlimited and sells the sterling silver and Swarovski crystal bead jewelry she designs and creates both in her eBay store (http://stores.ebay.com/LOVE-BEADS-UNLIMITED) and on her website at [http://www.lovebeadsunlimited.com], where you can also download the free e-book "A Consumer's Guide to Buying Bead Jewelry Online".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/124725

Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

One interesting fact about Germany is that it is home to more than 150 castles. These castles used to be the home of noble families while some have been converted into hotels or restaurants, and unfortunately the rest are gradually dissolving into a state of oblivion.

The castles in Germany served as one the main tourist attractions in the country. Aside from being the homes of kings and queens, these castles were built to guard the country against its enemies. In fact, numerous war weapons were built and stored inside the castles. The structural styles of Germany's castles are of Baroque and Renaissance.

One of the most famous castles in Germany is Neuschwanstein Castle located just above the Hohenschwangau village, in the southwest region of Bavaria. This Castle is one of the main tourist attractions in the whole of Germany. This fairy tale castle is unique for it was neither constructed for defense or war nor very old. The Castle was designed by Christian Jank, a stage designer and the construction was led by the architect named Eduard Riedel. It was built in 1869 for the purpose of enjoyment and pleasure of Ludwig II of Bavaria.

The King Ludwig II of Bavaria was a fan of German composer named Richard Wagner hence the interior of the Castle portrayed various scenes of the operas that were composed by Wagner himself. Neuschwanstein Castle is also equipped with modern facilities such as heating system, toilets with flush, and hot and cold running water. It is believed to be the inspiration for castles in the Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland's theme park and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4897239

Museums of Istanbul

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarsyi) is one of the biggest attractions of Istanbul and one of the most visited museums in Turkey. For 400 years the palace was the center of government of the Ottoman state, one of three biggest empires of the world.

In 1453, after the conquest of Istanbul by the Turks, the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed, who lived in a small palace not far from the present Kapalycharshy, ordered to build huge buildings of the Topkapi Palace based on the remains of a Roman town. In the following centuries, until the late 19th century the palace was constantly rebuilt and its premises enriched. The original name of the palace was "Sarah-i-Jadid-e-Amir".

In 1856, after completion of the Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace was given as a residence to the wives of deposed or deceased padishahs. In 1923, with the establishment of the republic, Topkapi Palace like all other palaces was declared a museum by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the famous founder of the modern Turkish state. The Topkapi Palace Museum collection, along with collections of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty and the dynasties of Russian tsars is considered as one of the three rarest collections in the world. The number of items in the collection exceeds 65,000, but the exhibition only displays a tenth of the entire collection because of lack of staff and small exhibition halls. Fires (16th century) and earthquakes destroyed major parts of the palace. The palace had gone through several renovations. Due to this, between the 15th and 19th centuries the architectural styles of the palace have acquired some eclectic features.

At the front gate of the Palace of Topkapi, known as the "Bab and Humayun", there is a monumental building of the fountain built by padishah Ahmed III in 1728. The "Brilliant Gates" were built by an order of Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror (Fatih) in 1478. Entering this gate, you will see a spacious and rather long building of the "the first court" of the palace. On the right side of this courtyard you can see the gendarmerie headquarters, offices and residential premises of the palace, the palace mosque and the ruins of the bakery. Right behind these ruins you will see a picturesque panorama of the Marmara Sea. On the left, you find the church of St. Irene, the ancient mint of the Ottoman period, as well as the Istanbul Archaeological Museum.

After going through "the first court" you will come to the doors of the second main gate "Bab-Salaam". This is the beginning of the museum exhibition. The gate was built during the rule of Sultan Mehmed II, and had a second name, the so-called 'middle gate'. The left tower served as prison for high ranking officials. Through the gate of Bab-Salaam you walk into the courtyard decorated with a garden with century-old evergreen cypresses and plane trees. The second courtyard of the palace was closed to everybody but foreign visitors and the members of Divan (Supreme council). The garden was looked after by numerous servants and had gazelles, peacocks and other exotic animals, creating an atmosphere of paradise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5388040

Rio De Janeiro Carnival

The Carnival is Rio de Janeiro's main event, held at the peak of the Brazilian summer. A million tourists join millions of Rio de Janeiro citizens in revelry over a 4-day celebration. It begins on a Saturday and ends on Fat Tuesday, the day before the beginning of the Christian period of Lent, Ash Wednesday.

The highlight of the carnival is the Sambodromo, or Samba Parade. The parade is broadcast in many countries and all Brazilian states. Many people call it "the greatest show on earth". The Sambodromo is a 700-meter long strip flanked by spectator stands and luxury boxes. The main attraction is the sounds and sights of the parading samba schools that continue till daybreak. Only the 14 best samba schools are selected to parade through the Sambodromo. It can take over an hour for a single samba school to pass a given point along the parade route. Each samba school has an elaborately decorated float, often accompanied by sensuous females vibrating to the hypnotic music. The floats are accompanied by marching samba bands of up to 300 musicians surrounded by female dancers.

Those who don't make it to the Sambodromo, attend various street carnivals that are held all over the city. Banda de Ipanemais is one of the most traditional street carnivals. It was founded in 1964 and is now listed as part of the city's cultural heritage, attracting as many as fifteen thousand people.

Rio also offers a choice of Carnival balls. The Masquerade balls are celebrity-attended affairs where merrymakers wear designer costumes and party into the wee hours. The most famous ball is held at the Copacabana Palace Hotel. A typical Carnival Ball features live music. Bands take turns playing on stage, often accompanied by a guest vocalist.

Many similarities are observed between Brazilian carnival traditions and African dance, music and costume history. Africans used feathers on masks as a symbol of their ability as humans to rise above problems and grow spiritually. Feathers are often used in today's Brazil Carnival dance costumes.

Most tourists plan their Brazillian vacation around the Carnival dates, as it is considered a very delightful and unforgettable experience.

Rio De Janeiro provides detailed information on Rio De Janeiro, Beaches In Rio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro Hotels, Rio De Janeiro Carnival and more. Rio De Janeiro is affiliated with Caracas Venezuela [http://www.z-Venezuela.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/232195

Tropical Chinatown - Kreta Ayer, Singapore

Located near the Equator, Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-cultural society. The people here consists of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian and others. There are places characterized with a specific ethnic groups. If a visitor wishes to immerse himself in Singapore Chinese culture, Kreta Ayer is the place for him to head.

Kreta Ayer started to take its shape in the early nineteen century when the Chinese immigrants flock in from mainland China due to the hardship and poverty in their hometown. The Chinese immigrants risked their lives to cross the South China Sea to Nanyang (South East Asia) using junk boat to look for a fortune. These immigrants came with a hope that one day they might return to their hometown with great fortunes.

As Kreta Ayer was situated at the mouth of Singapore River, it became the main landing point for the Chinese immigrants. Sir Stamford Raffles designated the land at the south west of Singapore River for Chinese accommodation.

Most of the immigrants are employed as a coolie through coolie agents. They rendered their services at both Boat Quay and Clarke Quay by the Singapore River. At that time, the economy was booming because of the entreport, the Keppel Port.

Due to huge influx of the Chinese immigrants, the population increased from 100,000 in 1871 to half a million in 1931.

Over the years, Kreta Ayer underwent the transformation and evolution to be the hub of business, restaurant, shop, theatre, worker quarter and even brothel.

Nowadays, after more that a century evolution, Kreta Ayer is still a booming Chinatown. It is haraterized by its well preserved traditional old shop houses, complexes selling products

from China, Chinese architecture and temples.

Pagoda Street is designated to be night market street. You may find Chinese caligraphy, painting, Chinese cuisines, souvenirs etc here. The second batch Chinese immigrants (those who came to Singapore in the eighties onwards) like to visit this place during weekend.

There are about 8 hotels available in the vicinity of downtown Kreta Ayer. Most of them are located at Keong Saik Street, about 5 minutes walk from Pagoda Street MRT station. Those hotels are New Majestic Hotel, Keong Saik Hotel, Royal Peacock Hotel, Hotel 81 Cosy, Chinatown Hotel, Tropical Hotel, Hotel 1929. The backpacker may stay at Fernloft Traveler Resthouse.

The Singapore Government has designated Kreta Ayer as one of the key tourist spot. During Chinese New Year and Mid Autumn Festival, the streets will be strung with lights and decoration.

The Mid Autumn Fesitval for the Year 2008 is just around the corner. Kreta Ayer being the traditional chinatown, has launched its celebration programme since one week ago. You may see the

portal across the main street, Eu Tong Seng Street. For the visitors who are interested in Chinese culture, you may try some mooncake sold at Pagoda Street.

Kreta Ayer no doubt has high concentration of Chinese. However, there are other ethnic historical sites like muslim Jamae Chulia Mosque and Indian Sri Mariamman Temple at the South Bridge Road. These historical sites integrated themselves harmoniously with the Chinese neighbourhood.

Other historical sites include Thian Hock Kong Temple, Chinatown Heritage Centre at 48 Pagoda Street, Singapore City Gallery etc.

Visitors who love to do shopping can go to Pearl Centre, People's Park Centre, Chinatown Point and the Pagoda Street (night street).

Kreta Ayer is not short of Chinese cuisines like Hong Kong Dim Sum, Char Koay Teow, Yong Tau Foo (beancurd), vegetarian foods, Herbal food etc.

A visit to Kreta Ayer will bring a visitor to a totally different experience of a tropical chinatown blended with other cultures.

This article is written by Chai Yong of http://www.temasekmap.com which is on "Travel Guide of Singapore Batam Bintan Johor" and related maps.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1486893

Tourist Places in Melbourne

Situated on the Yarra River, Melbourne has the prettiest skyline in Australia. One of the highlights of Melbourne is that you can fit into the crowd here with ease. This is because Melbourne has a multi-cultural population and a laid back environment. Tourists visit Melbourne mostly to attend different types of sporting events or as their starting point for visiting other popular attractions like the Grampians National Park or the Great Ocean Road.

The weather in Melbourne is far different from most of the Australian mega cities and sometimes people even say that Melbourne can have all the 4 different seasons in a single day. Melbourne is good throughout the year except in October when the sky literally pours down.

Travel to and around Melbourne

Once you are in Melbourne, you can use one of the many transport options available. The options are:

Train: Melbourne is connected to other cities in Australia by Country Link services and VicLink. The main train station is known as the Southern Cross Station.

Car: If you are traveling from Sydney by car then you can take the Hume Highway and reach Melbourne in 9 hours. Adelaide is 7 hours from Melbourne while Brisbane is a good 20 hours drive.

Bus: The Greyhound bus services and Firefly Express are the best way to reach Melbourne from other cities. If you are coming from Victoria then you can take the V/Line.

Flights: The Melbourne Airport is well-connected to the rest of the world as well as other important cities in Australia. From the airport, you can take the Skybus to reach the central business district. Avalon Airport is situated in the suburb of Melbourne and is connected by mostly local flights.

Ship: You can reach Melbourne by taking a boat from Tasmania.

Melbourne has an extensive public transport system called Metlink and it operates buses, trains, and trams within the city. All you will need is a Metcard that will provide you access to all the three types of transport.

Attractions in Melbourne

If you are looking for good adventure and fun then rent a bike and head to The Yarra River Trail, The Capital City Trail, or the Bay Trail. The Melbourne city center is a hot spot for families because it offers plenty of street side cafes, departmental stores, and a concoction of modern and Victorian architecture. If you are looking for museums then head for Carlton where you can find the Melbourne Museum and the UNESCO world heritage site of Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. The Melbourne zoo is a great place for children as there are several animal enclosures. If you want beach fun then head straight to St Kilda, which is a beach side suburb of Melbourne. You can visit the St Kilda Pier for fishing or just for a simple walk or head to St Kilda Esplanade for sunbathing and skating.

In order to enjoy the best of Melbourne, you need to find the best of accommodations. Most motels in Melbourne have family friendly staff and offer consistent & predictable quality.

The Budget Motel Chain offers a range of accommodations in Australia and New Zealand at over 300 motels. Each motel has its own unique character. Located in major tourist destinations including Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane in Australia and Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua, Queenstown, Hamilton in New Zealand.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2607277

Top 10 Tourist Attractions of Egypt

Egypt is located in North Africa and is among the top most tourist destinations of the world. No other country comes even closer to Egypt when it comes to the number of magnificent monuments, activities and historical attractions. More than ninety percent of all Egyptian attractions are lined up along the river Nile. Many places can therefore visited by taking a cruise in the Nile river (besides road and air travel). Since it is a popular tourist destination Egypt offers extensive facilities for tourists.

Top 10 attractions of Egypt are:

1. PYRAMIDS: There are more than 80 pyramids in Egypt which were built mostly between 2600 BC and 1500 BC and all are situated close to the Nile river. After the ruler died (or other prominent royal figures like queens), their bodies were wrapped and preserved as a mummy, and placed in the Pyramid. The most popular pyramids are the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx: An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 workers built the Pyramids at Giza over 80 years. Giza also has the largest pyramid also known as "Great Pyramid" which rises an amazing 481 feet.

2. CAIRO: It is the capital of Egypt. Popular attractions of Cairo include:

a) Khan al-Khalili market: Khan al-Khalili is one of the largest markets in the world which attracts both local's and international tourists. This is a great place to but exotic perfume bottles, Arabic clothing and other souvenirs.

b) Egyptian Museum of Antiquities: It have over hundred thousand artifacts in 107 halls. The most popular attraction is the Tutankhamun Gallery.

c) Other attractions are Pyramids of Giza (mentioned above) and Old Cairo.

3. ABU SIMBEL: It was carved out of sandstone cliffs high above the River Nile. The most famous attraction are the four colossal 20m-high statues of Ramses II guarding the entrance. When the waters of Lake Nasser to rise, UNESCO relocated them to a high ground between 1964 and 1968.

4.KARNAK TEMPLES: It is a huge complex comprising of three main temples and many smaller ones, most famous among them is the Temple of Amun. It is estimated that they were built in a time span of 1300 years.

5: LUXOR TEMPLE: The modern town of Luxor is the site of the famous city of Thebes,( or the city of a hundred gates). A row of sphinxes line the entrance to Karnak Temple. The most famous section of these temples is a huge all called the Great Hypostyle Hall.

6: SIWA OASIS: The area is famous for its dates and olives, and is one of the most beautiful landscapes and springs in Egypt. It was the most inaccessible oasis until recently. It lies 60 feed below sea level.

7: NUBIAN MUSEUM OF ASWAN: It is designed to house the fantastic collection items unearthed from the archaeological excavations during the Nubia Campaign.

8. VALLEY OF THE KINGS: The Valley of the Kings is located on the West Bank of the River Nile in Thebes. There are 62 tombs in the valley. It has two components - the East Valley and the West Valley. It is the East Valley which most tourists visit and in which most of the tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs can be found.

9: ALEXANDRIA: Best places to see are - Pompey's Pillar,Bibliotheca Alexandria, Alexandria National Museum, King Farouk Palace and the Roman Amphitheater.

10: SHARM EL SHEIKH: Best places to see are - Sinai Mountain, Na'ama Bay,Tiran Island, Terrazzina Beach and White Lagoon.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/824706

National Park of Pelister

The National Park of Pelister sits aside Macedonia’s southern borderline with Greece, running along the Baba Mountain (the third-highest in Macedonia). It is located only 15 km (9 m) from Macedonia’s second biggest city Bitola, and makes for an invigorating natural escape from urban life.  Pelister is characterized by lush, well-watered forests and unique geological formations, which include layers of Paleozoic and Mesozoic magma rock and layers of quartz. The core of the mountain is made of granite, some even 465 million years old.  The mountain has a large number of peaks higher than 2000 meters (6,500 feet) separated by deep valleys. Mt. Pelister itself stands magisterially at 2,601 meters (8,533 feet) high. The park is also rich in springs, streams and rivers, and contains two glacial lakes locally known as the Mountain’s Eyes. Article Source : http://www.exploringmacedonia.com/?itemid=c17bb17c7ead6745a4d774bd0a561e9f

What To See In Sofia

The yellow pavement (zhaltite paveta)

The yellow pavement is the most typical symbol of the city. The yellow mile is in the very heart of Sofia. It starts at the President office.

Going by the Archeological Museum – one of the most interesting collections of Thracian, Greek and Roman monuments and gold, the former Communist Party House and the National Bank, it takes to the former Royal Palace, now the National Art Gallery.And the really unique National Ethnological Museum.On the other side of the street is the classical Bulgaria Grand Hotel with its Vienese style cafe. One of the main sights is the Russian church – a magnificent example of a Byzantine style cathedral, surrounded by picturesque garden. Then the yellow pavement goes by the Millitary club (Voenen Klub) with some of the most famous bars and restaurants in the city with an ancient tomb in the backyard garden. On the same side of the street you see the beautiful neoclassical buildings of the Italian and Austrian embassy and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The pavement gets wider forming the Parliament (Narodno Sabranie) square with the famous Tsar Liberator monument with Radisson Blu Hotel and the some restaurants. At the end of the Yellow pavement you find the resored Yablaski house – a beautiful neo-baroque palazzo, also a famous club where all the famous DJs and bands have their shows. On the crossroads you see the Sofia University building and the central underground (metro) station in its subway. There you find the Sofia tourist information center.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the St. Sofia Chrch

On the most highly positioned place in Sofia, next to the yellow pavement and the Parliament, the main temples of the city are to be found.

The golden domed Alexander Nevski Cathedral is one of the most impressive monuments of Orthodox Christianity. It is one of the biggest in Europe. In its crypt you will find the Iconographic Museum – an absolutely marvelous and unique place to visit. There you can buy Orthodox chant CDs and DVDs. On the same square is the St. Sofia church after which the city is named. It is a typical basilica surrounded by a garden with 2 monuments – the St. George monument and the national poet Ivan Vazov monument, made of a Vitosha mountain rock. At the back of the church is the Sofia Municipality building and Moscovska Street with some of the most beautiful art deco houses of the Bulgarian elite before WWII some of the now working as cafes and restaurants. There is only one modern time building – the EU mission. Across the street is the International Art Gallery with some Matisse, Dega and Rodin masterpieces.

The National Theater

The national theater is one of the most beautiful neo-baroque buildings in Sofia.Opened in 1907, it was destroyed by the Anglo-American bombardments over Sofia in 1943-44. It was restored after WWII. It has a beautiful garden, called Gradskata gradina with fountains. There you find the impressive Defense Ministry and Justice Ministry buildings, many banking offices, the City Gallery showing modern art, some nice open-air cafes and the classy Grand Hotel Sofia.

Sveta Nedelya

Sveta Nedlya Square is one of the main places in Sofia and there you find the crossroads of the acting metro1 and the future metro 2 diameter (starting 2012). Named after the cathedral it is some kind of religious center of the city. 300 m away you have the great cathedral and the Theology Department of Sofia University, the Banya Bashi Mosque in the neighborhood and the Synagogue next to the Halite shopping mall. Next to the square you have also the TZUM department store. Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan is situated on the very Sveta Nedelya Square. In its backyard the most ancient building in Sofia is positioned. It is the St. George rotunda from the 4th century. It was made by the emperor Constantine. He is famous for saying: Sofia’s the Rome of mine.

Vitosha Boulevard and the NDK

Vitosha Boulevard takes its start from Sveta Nedelya Square. It is the main shopping area in the city with some high end boutiques and nice cafes. The street goes straight to the Vitosha mountain that is overviewed from all the city’s central points. The main building on the Vitosha Boulevard is the National Palace of Culture, called shortly by the locals NDK. It was rated No.2 congress center in Europe. The palace is the place most big concerts and other events take place. It is surrounded by a big park. A pedestrian bridge unites the NDK Park with the South Park, the prestigious Lozenets residential area and the Hilton Sofia hotel.

Borisovata Gradina and the Ariana lake

The favourite relax zone of Sofia is the main park, called Borisovata Gradina. It starts at the famous Orlov Most (Eagles Bridge) – the former Eastern gate of the city. There is the Ariana Lake. It is surrounded by modern style cafes and restaurants. On its banks is the National Stadium Vassil Levski with the National Sports Museum. Bulgaria is a small country, but it is a great power in sports with many Olympic champions. The stadium is in the Borisovata Gradina Park. It is famous for the Alley of the Greats. It is a complex of some alleys with little monuments of all the significant persons in Bulgarian history – generals, poets, revolutionaries. In the park is also the Army stadium, some tennis courts, carting and football playgrounds.

The Vitosha Mountain and the Lyulin Mountain spa resorts

Sofia is surrounded by the big Vitosha and Lulin mountains. Vitosha is more alpine style with maximal hight of 2090 m. Only 10 km from the very center you find wonderful ski sport facilities in winter and climbing, walking, biking all year long. In the low part of the mountain are Boyana, Dragalevtsi and Simeonovo residential areas where the rich and famous live. In Boyana two of the most attractive places to be in Sofia are to be found. First, the National History Museum. It is situated in the former presidential residence. There you find the most ancient gold in the world and some very rare and precious Thracian, Greek and Roman pieces of treasures. Another famous sight to visit is the Boyana Church. The monument is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Program for its pre-Renaissance frescoes. Lyulin mountain is famous for its spa resorts. Bankya and Gorna Banya, both at a 15 minutes distance from the city center, are some of Bulgaria’s healthiest places for their clean air and mineral water springs.

Sofia’s Sveta Gora

One of the hidden treasures of Sofia is The Small Sveta Gora or The Little Jerusalem. This is the name of a tiny zone with some 14 Orthodox monasteries. They are situated in picturesque mountain villages next to the city of Sofia. Some of them overlook the big and the beautiful Pancharevo Lake on the Iskar River. 

Article Source : http://www.sofia.bg/en/display.asp?ime=style

European Festivals

One of the best parts about living in Europe is the ease and affordability of travel. Even those working full-time for minimal wages can budget in weekends in Berlin, Amsterdam, Prague and Paris. It obviously helps to have friends waiting for you on the other side who can provide comfort and accommodation, but either way these trips are doable.

Some of the most fun weekends in Europe include:

1. Queensday, Amsterdam:

Picture the biggest street parade you've ever seen and then multiply by at least one hundred. That's Queensday in Amsterdam. This end-of-April holiday brings people from all over the country out onto the capital's city streets where they can dance, drink and listen to music without cars or motorbikes to get in their way. Dj's from all over the world come to play for sometimes as little as fifteen minutes, and attendees have the chance to listen to their music for free.

2. Carnival, Venice:

There are carnivals that take place all over the world, including Brazil, Nottinghill, London, Toronto and New York. The Venice Carnival, or Carnevale de Venezia, dates all the way back to 1268 and occurs 11 days before Ash Wednesday. Every year people dress up in Venetian masks such as the Bauta, Moreta and Larva.

3. Cannes Film Festival, Cannes:

The Cannes Film Festival takes place during the last 12 days of May and is one of the biggest festivals for the film industry in the world. The city hosts over 50,000 film directors, agents, producers, and actors and promotes over 7,000 films every year. From parties on yachts, to club nights, to original screenings it is a weekend of luxury and celebrities. Don't forget your cameras.

4. Ibiza Closing Parties, Ibiza:

Ibiza is the place to be in August and September if you're someone who loves to party and listen to techno, trance, house and dance music. But if you really want to do Ibiza the proper way then you're best off going to its closing parties during the last two weeks of September. There's never a shortage of drink, dancing, fireworks and late nights.

5. Northampton Balloon Festival, Northampton:

This English balloon festival is three days long and takes place in the middle of August. There are hot air balloon lifts twice a day as well as live music shows and other forms of entertainment to enjoy. It is quite a site to see so many beautiful, colourful balloons fly over head, and for those of you living in London, not that far to travel.

Which festival do you think you'll attend next?

British School Of Ballooning provides Hot Air Balloon Flights throughout the south of England. Hot Air Ballooning is the perfect way to enjoy the scenery in the Home Counties. Find out more about Hot Air Balloon Flights here http://www.hotair.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tamara_Jacobs

Top 10 Spanish Experiences!

Guidebooks often provide the visitor with a list of sights to see and places to visit when venturing overseas to a brand new country, but this list of top 10 experiences to have in Spain provides the visitor or new expatriate living in Spain with some slightly more unusual alternatives!

If you consider yourself a more adventurous tourist or you're just bored of the same old same old spouted by tired tourist guides read on for an exciting Spanish itinerary.

1) The Seville Fair - we all know that the Spanish are party people and they party well, but if you'd like to experience the biggest, liveliest and most exciting party of all consider visiting the Seville fair which is seven days of pure, unadulterated fun!

2) Surfing and Snowboarding - from riding the Biscay swell at Guernika in the Billabong Pro to snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada - whatever form of extreme sport you're into Spain has the unique natural landscape to satisfy you!

3) Breathtaking Views - from standing atop the piste with views of Granada to driving the N340 highway with the coast of Morocco so close you can almost reach out and touch it - Spain not only has the most breathtaking natural scenery, it affords you a wealth of unique views to die for.

4) Drink Sherry & Drink Rioja - drink sherry in Jerez, drink Rioja in La Rioja - say no more!

5) Clubbing in Ibiza - take a week and visit one of the seven main clubs in Ibiza each night of the week and be prepared to party until the sun rises and your feet can dance no more! It has to be done!

6) Bull Fighting and Bull Running - bull fighting may be ritualised killing and many people's idea of extreme cruelty, but to others the experience of a corrida is to take a breathtaking and dramatic glimpse into the Spanish psyche. The Pamplona Bull Run on the other hand is possibly the very last thing you'll get to do in Spain! We'd advise anyone crazy enough to charge ahead of a mad bull down the narrow cobbled streets of Pamplona to get their life insurance in order before they set off - alternatively, join the crowds of spectators and simply witness this (possibly?) once in a lifetime thrill!

7) The Alhambra At Sunset - the Alhambra, the most incredible and enduring legacy of Moorish Spain is worth a hundred visits...but if you want to experience the true majesty and understand why the Alhambra was the physical manifestation of the Moorish concept of paradise, climb up to St. Nicholas Square at sunset and see how the ancient wonder glows golden against the stunning snow-capped backdrop of the peaks of the Sierra Nevada - and be prepared to feel seriously moved if not a wee bit emotional!

8) Art & Culture - The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a work of art in itself and worth visiting even if you're not interested in the wealth of art and artefacts contained therein. The museum is an incredibly daring structure built from titanium, glass and stone, and it beats at the heart of this city of contrasts. Madrid's Reina Sofia Museum is tame in architectural comparison but it houses one of Picasso's greatest works, in fact, possibly one of the greatest works of 20th Century namely Guernica...if you want art and culture, Spain has it in heaps and every city, town or region you visit will offer you a whole host of opportunity to experience the Spanish cultural riches.

9) World Heritage Sites - The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is dedicated to ensuring future generations inherit the treasures of the past by working to protect both cultural and natural sites of significance worldwide. Spain has over 35 sites that have been flagged as world heritage sites - we challenge you to visit them all!

10) Tomato Fighting - not fighting tomatoes (that would be silly), but fighting with tomatoes in Valencia in August. Yes, one of the strangest of all Spanish festivals and carnivals is La Tomatina where upwards of 30,000 semi-naked people gather to throw tomatoes at each other before getting washed down by the hoses of the local fire brigade...it is truly an experience worth...well...experiencing really! If only to say 'been there, done that.'

Spain is different! It is a country which effortlessly and seamlessly combines a plethora of fiestas, indefatigable nightlife, stunning and diverse natural scenery, supposedly impossible to achieve levels of synergy between ancient and modern architecture and artistic culture, fun and fascination, beautiful people, incredible cuisine, sun, sea, sand and sangria - to create a variety and spice of life you will never experience outside of Spain.

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource for investment property abroad, offshore investing and living overseas articles, guides and resources. Click the following link for Spanish property and moving to Spain articles, guides, resources and recommended reading. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhiannon_Williamson

Top Reasons Why You Should Visit California

California, here we come! America has been known to most to be the Land of Milk and Honey, a land of great opportunity. And in a land of abundance such as this, making it in California means you have made it in the big leagues. It is the State of California that hosts the country's best and brightest. And no, we're not just talking about the celebrities.

This is why the state of California has been recognized as "the El Dorado State," or the land of the golden opportunities. As a matter of fact, many of the people who choose to live in this state do so because of the stability of the state's economy, which has the best economic status in the country.

Natural Highs for the Nature Lover

California is flocked by millions because it has something for everybody. It is home to great beaches and yet also houses grandiose snow-capped mountains. It is home to the most spectacular trees ever known to man: the tallest and largest living tree, the General Sherman, and wonderful drive-through redwood trees. It is home to 20 million acres of National Forest land. It has over 20 wildlife viewing areas. It has spectacles such as the Furnace Creek Inn, which boasts of a spring-fed swimming pool and the lowest grass golf course in the world (214 feet below sea level). The Tien Hau Temple, which is the oldest Chinese temple in the United States, is also a must-see. It also houses The Delta in Rio Vista, which is one of the top windsurfing areas in the world, the 20-million-year-old Torrey Sands Cliff, and the Yosemite Falls that is the longest drop in the country.

Interesting Features for the Perennially Curious

California is also home to the world's most interesting marvels. It is home to the Kaweah Post Office, which is the smallest post office in the world that is still in operation. It houses the Ballard's Little Red Schoolhouse, the oldest schoolhouse still in use. It is home to the longest runway in the world, located at Edwards Air Force Base (used for space shuttle landings), the world's largest yo-yo in the National Yo-Yo museum, the first ever Tower Records in Sacramento, and of course, the world's first ever cable car.

A Haven for the Cultural

But what would California be without its people? Visitors from different states as well as from different countries won't feel too much like tourists here, as the state houses more people who speak Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and Vietnamese than any other state in America. And because California has a population comprised of people from everywhere around the globe, the state is also famous for its grand Festivals such as the Chinese New Year Festival and the Cinco de Mayo, the Annual Indian Fair in San Diego, the Los Angeles African Marketplace and Cultural Faire, the French Festival in Santa Barbara, and the Japanese Cultural Bazaar in Sacramento.

Home of the Great and the Famous

Last but not the least, California is home to the world's most beautiful and successful people. The state is the home of Hollywood, breeding icons in the sports, entertainment, and politics alike. It is home to Star Wars creator George Lucas, as well as tennis greats such as Lindsay Davenport, Venus and Serena Williams.

California, with its many faces and facets, is one of the best places to discover yourself, revive your soul, and enrich your life.

California Travel Information and Places to visit in California Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Nazareno

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Hamburg Germany - 5 Insider Tips

Hamburg has 1,734,000 inhabitants. They all want to have fun, excitement, and occupation. You too? Great! Then read on. 

1. Speicherstadt

The historical Speicherstadt in Hamburg is the largest warehouse complex in the world, and one of Hamburg's landmarks and indisputably sightseeing highlights.

The century-old Speicherstadt is located in the Free Port between the Deichtorhallen and Baumwall. It was built at the turn of the century in red brick, typical of northern Germany, with gabled roofs and small towers, which are beautifully reflected in the canals they border. And during night it's even more beautiful, because buildings, bridges, and canals are lighted. The illumination makes the warehouse complex an impressing place of mystery and dream.

You should plan to go on a harbour tour to see all the details. There is a Captain. His name is "Pruesse," and he takes off daily from the Landungsbruecken (landing stages). Inform yourself in advance if ebb and flow allow the tour, and when he does start.

2. Town Hall

The Hamburg Rathaus (Town Hall) was built 1886 - 1897 with a splendid sandstone construction in Neo-Renaissance style. After the Town Hall burnt to the ground in 1842, the town council moved into temporary quarters in the former orphanage, after that into the building of the Patriotische Gesellschaft. This temporary solution lasted over 55 years!

The new Rathaus was inaugurated in 1897. It stands on over 4000 oak posts. Very much in contrast to the Hanseatic style, the Town Hall gleams with an elaborately ornate façade which is graced by a total of 20 statues of the Kaiser. It dominates the city centre with its impressive architecture. It is the seat of the city senate and the municipality of Hamburg and has 647 rooms!

The grand banquet hall in the Rathaus is 46 metres long, 18 metres wide and 15 metres high. Five huge paintings depict the history of Hamburg from 800 to 1900. The three chandeliers, each with 278 bulbs, weigh 1500 kilos apiece!

3. Jungfernstieg

This story is amazing: In the old days, families went here for a walk on Sundays and brought out their unmarried daughters (Jungfer - virgin)!

The Jungfernstieg is still something very special, not only because of its ideal situation on the banks of the Alster Lake. For Hamburg residents, it is above all the historic importance of the promenade which plays a significant role.

Today, everything here revolves around shopping in big department stores and luxury boutiques. The famous Alsterhaus and places full of tradition such as Streit's cinema are also worth seeing. And if you are hungry or just want a refreshment, you can go to the Alsterpavillion. Sit down, watch other people, and relax. Amazing.

4. Fischmarkt

The Fischmarkt is not only famous here in Germany but in the entire world. When you are there you will know why. We call them "Marktschreier," or Market Screamer. Men and women who has an ostentatious job. All the time. Their entire life.

You can watch them every Sunday morning from 5 to 9.30 a.m. (7 to 9.30 a.m. from Nov. 16.th to Mar. 14th). Since 1703, customers come from near and far to bargain with vendors praising wares of virtually every type at Hamburg's oldest, most traditional open-air market

5. Landungsbruecken (Waterway Station)

The 700 metre-long floating dock at the underground station Landungsbrücken is Hamburg's waterway station. This is where harbour tours start.

The first Landungsbrücken were built in 1839 and served as moorings for steamers. They were erected at the edge of the harbour because it was possible to load coal there, which they needed for their engines. Since they sailed with stoked fires onboard, they posed a cauldron of dangers for the harbour. Another reason for the erection of the Landungsbrücken for the steamers at the harbour's edge.

From 1907 to 1909, an entire waterway station grew out of the first Landungsbrücken. In the Second World War, the Landungsbrücken were seriously damaged. The moving pontoons of today have existed since being rebuilt between 1953 and 1955.

Today, colourful souvenir shops offer waterfront memories to buy, and cosy fish restaurants serve as much fresh plaice or North Sea shrimps as you can eat. The tower on the eastern side indicates the water level as well as the time, and the ship's bell tolls every half an hour.

So, that's it. Have a great day!

Marcus

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Marcus Hochstadt has a high interest in helping you gain the delightful form of a smart travel to and through Germany. Follow the tips on his Web site at http://www.MyGermanCity.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Hochstadt

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The Bahamas: All Inclusive Resorts and General Tourism Information

One of the most popular destinations for all inclusive vacation packages is the Bahamas. The Bahamas are a series of twenty-nine islands, hundreds of cays, and thousands if islets that are collectively located in the Atlantic Ocean north of Cuba and southeast of Florida.

Many resorts exist throughout the main islands; about 50 percent of the Bahamas workforce relates to the tourism industry. The islands collectively encompass just over 5,000 square miles-roughly the area of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined- and have a population of about 330,000 people.

History

The Bahamas was originally the first point of entry that Columbus landed on in 1492 when arriving at the West Indies from Spain. The Spanish enslaved the native Lucayans and left the islands uninhabited until the British colonized them some 150 years later. Today's native population consists largely of descendants of liberated African slaves from the British plantation economy instilled during colonization.

Geography and Climate

The island of Bimini is closest to the U.S. and oftentimes called the gateway to the Bahamas. East of Bimini is the large island of Grand Bahama, one of the most popular islands and also something of a landing point because of its proximity to Florida. The largest island is Andros Island, located directly west of Grand Bahama. The capital city of Nassau is on the island of New Providence.

All of the islands are flat and low, usually not exceeding about 50-60 feet in elevation. The highest point exists on Cat Island and is about 200 feet above sea level. The climate is tropical and dictated to a certain degree in the winter by the Gulf Stream waters. Hurricanes threaten the Bahamas in the late summer and fall, but these storms often pass near the islands rather than directly through them.

Tourist Attractions

Every other time of the year, the islands exhibit an almost surreal blend of pearly white beaches and lush turquoise waters. The islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama boast rows of luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts. The outskirts of Grand Bahama consist of sparsely populated beaches perfect for those seeking a more tranquil experience rather than or in addition to a luxury hotel or all-inclusive vacation package.

Grand Bahama is only about seventy miles off the coast of Florida and just a three hour plane ride from New York City. Tons of shops, bars, and restaurants exist in the Port Lucaya Marketplace and of course throughout the capital city of Nassau. Water sports, dance clubs and casinos make up a significant portion of the Bahamas recreational activities.

Best Time to Go

There's really not a bad time to go to the Bahamas unless a hurricane has developed in the area. The hurricane season from June to November is usually a great time of year weather-wise, and hence doesn't deter many travelers who jump at discount all inclusive vacation packages. The winters are about ten degrees warmer than Florida, though once in a while Gulf Stream waters and trade winds can bluster in dramatically colder temperatures.

Winter, spring, and early summer are the most popular times of year for vacationers, with the spring season hosting the most tropical weather. The area is consistently humid, but the lower temperatures help the overall climate stand out as considerably more comfortable than other parts of the Caribbean.

The Bahamas are actually one of the most successful tourist attractions in the entire Caribbean, and a high percentage of travelers insist that they'll return to the islands within five years for more exciting all inclusive vacation packages.

Patrick Remington is a freelance writer who's got a lot of info on travel destinations and all inclusive vacation packages. Check out special Apple vacations and discounted deals at http://applespecials.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Remmington