If you are looking for adventures in pike fishing, you will find Canada fishing trips a real deal. The pike you can catch can weigh as much as twenty to thirty pounds and you need the gear and bait to catch these sneaky fish. You will want heavier bait casting rod, reels with an open face or a spinning reel. Your test line is going to range between fourteen to thirty pounds. The fish you are going to catch can be over forty-five inches long and your rod and reel along with your test needs to be right in order to hook the big fish.
You will be fishing for these fish in the weeds, shallow waters, around rocky areas, in open water by jigging, trolling and casting. Because of the different areas you may fish, you will wan to have hair jigs, bigger spoons, bucktail spinners, and crankbaits and stick baits as well as buzz baits and topwaters. Armed with this entire arsenal, you should have no problem catching the biggest pike you have ever seen. You will always want to be prepared for all types of fish, but if pike is your pleasure, you will have everything you need.
Depending on the area, you visit while in Canada, you can enjoy some deep sea fishing if you take a boat ride into the Arctic Ocean. Here you can fish the big fish such as shark, tuna, barracuda and all the other big game fish. This is truly a spectacular event in anyone’s life. Imagine hooking a barracuda and working the fish in and out until you finally have it close to the boat. You can access this type of fishing from Quebec and Ontario. This is not the only place that is popular for fishing in Canada.
Saskatchewan and Alberta are known for fly-fishing. You can do fly-fishing for trout while enjoying the seclusion. In Saskatchewan, you will also find the best places for walleye and pike fishing. The camps and lodges are a distance from the seclude waters and are only reachable by floatplane or a boat. These waters are so untouched by the world around them, that they have the best fishing around. Nunavut is also another area of seclusion and you will need to access fishing waters by plane. If you are searching for the best places, you want to check these out for great fishing adventures.
Many of these areas are known for being only French speaking. What this means to the average angler is that you need to have a book or know the most important words to get you by in the area. You do not want to have any miscommunications when you are that secluded. Other areas of Canada are English speaking and you will not have any problems with language barriers. You do however need to follow the laws of the land. Canada is very particular about its lakes and fishing activity. If you restrain from trying to pull a fast one and take more of a catch then allowed, you could find yourself in hot water with the law.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friday, May 01, 2009
Obtaining a U.S. passport
A passport is documentation of your status while traveling abroad in another country. This is to get you through customs when you enter or exit the countries. You can apply for your passport at any given time if this is your first time applying for a passport. You’re advised to apply for your passport at least 90 days before your scheduled travel date, and that’s because you need to give yourself as much time in advance to go through the application process and to get a recent photo made to accompany the application since immigration doesn’t take photos for passports you have to get one made by one of those small photo booths or at a drug store like CVS or Walgreens who charge about $5-8 for a set of 5 ID sized pictures.
You can apply for a passport either through the post office, county courthouse, public libraries, city or village halls, State and other government municipal offices. In recent events there have been major delays of processing application for first timers and renewals of passports. The state department estimated that applications for renewal and first time passports has gone up from 12.1 million in 2006 to 18 million in 2007, and from the normal 6 week processing period the wait could go as long as 12 weeks. The delay is due in part from a new law that went into effect in January requiring those who traveled abroad to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Bermuda to produce a passport upon re-entry into the United States.
According to news reports that in early 2008 it will be required to show a passport when re-entering the United States from Canada and Mexico by land and the Caribbean by ship. In the recent months that the passport application processing time was down from 12 to 10 weeks and was working to get the turn over time back to the standard 6 week waiting period. This new law was to enforce better security when people entered the country from foreign lands. Those who did apply for passports didn’t have immediate travel plans versus those who were traveling within a specific amount of time when they got their passports in the mail. Homeland security had stated that this was aimed to better monitor who enters and exits the country and to verify the identities of those who come in and out of the country through air, land, and sea ports of entry into the United States.
Some attribute the surge in passport applications because of the fear of terrorism and a backlog of having hired nearly 3000 more employees in the past 3 years to the State Department to handle the demand of applications for passports and other matters within the department. Politicians have gone on record and said that their offices were flooded with calls from angry citizens to why they haven’t been able to get their passports in a timely manner, yet they couldn’t do anything about it because it was out of their jurisdiction when this was an issue that was to be directed to the local state department office so the individual(s) can get the appropriate response to their questions and inquiries to why there’s a huge delay in getting the passports that were applied for or renewed to be returned. The State department is working towards getting the return rate on passports back on track so people can get on with their travel plans and not have any further delay in getting their passports returned as a first time applicant or renewal. Eventually this problem will improve with time so backlogs like this won’t happen again.
You can apply for a passport either through the post office, county courthouse, public libraries, city or village halls, State and other government municipal offices. In recent events there have been major delays of processing application for first timers and renewals of passports. The state department estimated that applications for renewal and first time passports has gone up from 12.1 million in 2006 to 18 million in 2007, and from the normal 6 week processing period the wait could go as long as 12 weeks. The delay is due in part from a new law that went into effect in January requiring those who traveled abroad to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Bermuda to produce a passport upon re-entry into the United States.
According to news reports that in early 2008 it will be required to show a passport when re-entering the United States from Canada and Mexico by land and the Caribbean by ship. In the recent months that the passport application processing time was down from 12 to 10 weeks and was working to get the turn over time back to the standard 6 week waiting period. This new law was to enforce better security when people entered the country from foreign lands. Those who did apply for passports didn’t have immediate travel plans versus those who were traveling within a specific amount of time when they got their passports in the mail. Homeland security had stated that this was aimed to better monitor who enters and exits the country and to verify the identities of those who come in and out of the country through air, land, and sea ports of entry into the United States.
Some attribute the surge in passport applications because of the fear of terrorism and a backlog of having hired nearly 3000 more employees in the past 3 years to the State Department to handle the demand of applications for passports and other matters within the department. Politicians have gone on record and said that their offices were flooded with calls from angry citizens to why they haven’t been able to get their passports in a timely manner, yet they couldn’t do anything about it because it was out of their jurisdiction when this was an issue that was to be directed to the local state department office so the individual(s) can get the appropriate response to their questions and inquiries to why there’s a huge delay in getting the passports that were applied for or renewed to be returned. The State department is working towards getting the return rate on passports back on track so people can get on with their travel plans and not have any further delay in getting their passports returned as a first time applicant or renewal. Eventually this problem will improve with time so backlogs like this won’t happen again.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
All-Inclusive England Vacation
An all-inclusive vacation has always been popular especially for people who are visiting England for the first time. The notion that you will only need to pay for a one-set price for transportation, foods, drinks, accommodations and tours is certainly appealing.
When all-inclusive vacation is a good idea:
• You have a set budget and it is important to determine in advance how much is the total cost of the trip.
• The purpose of the trip is pure exploration.
• You are the type of person who wants a structured vacation because you don't want to worry about when to eat, where to go, where to sleep, etc.
• If you are not willing to take chances or risk paying more on taxi, hotel accommodation and meals.
• If the price of the all-inclusive is much cheaper than the cost of its components when taken individually.
• You are going to a place where you do not speak the language and do not have the time to learn either.
• It's a destination you are not familiar with; do not have any idea on how to get around; and do not want to spend some time being lost.
When all-inclusive vacation is not a good idea:
• The purpose of the trip is to explore the destination at your own pace and go to different attractions without being conscious of the time.
• You know how to get around the place, the commute and the roads that will lead you to good and affordable restaurants and attractions.
• You do not have the time to go online and search for websites that offer all-inclusive vacation.
• When you can get bargain flights and discounted hotel accommodation. It also makes sense if you can get last minute all-inclusive vacation that is set at a bargain.
• When you cannot pay today for the trip that is scheduled months in advance.
• You don't want to get stuck with the group as you tour around the city.
How to select an all inclusive vacation
• Choose a theme
There are lots of things to do in England that you cannot fit everything in one trip, so try to limit your choices on one or two specific themes where you can enjoy the best England has to offer. Do you want to go romantic, historical, cultural, or simply want to know more about the city by exploring the streets and mingling with the locals? Do you want an architectural vacation, or wild-life tours? Do you like non-traditional tours like wine tasting, art and cooking?
• Know your options
There are lots of guided and unguided all-inclusive vacation packages that fit to your chosen theme. If you are on a limited budget, there are budget all-inclusive trips for you. Students can get a good discount for trips as well.
• Search online
Do your research online. Find out what are the different tours and packages that websites offer. Use the internet to book for an all-inclusive England vacation according to your chosen theme, budget and preferences.
One more thing:
There is no other place in the world where you can go from one place to another as easy and as convenient as in England. Once you land on the ground, you can literally use any modes of transportation from train, car rentals and bus to plane and ship. Even riding a bicycle is a great way to explore the city.
When all-inclusive vacation is a good idea:
• You have a set budget and it is important to determine in advance how much is the total cost of the trip.
• The purpose of the trip is pure exploration.
• You are the type of person who wants a structured vacation because you don't want to worry about when to eat, where to go, where to sleep, etc.
• If you are not willing to take chances or risk paying more on taxi, hotel accommodation and meals.
• If the price of the all-inclusive is much cheaper than the cost of its components when taken individually.
• You are going to a place where you do not speak the language and do not have the time to learn either.
• It's a destination you are not familiar with; do not have any idea on how to get around; and do not want to spend some time being lost.
When all-inclusive vacation is not a good idea:
• The purpose of the trip is to explore the destination at your own pace and go to different attractions without being conscious of the time.
• You know how to get around the place, the commute and the roads that will lead you to good and affordable restaurants and attractions.
• You do not have the time to go online and search for websites that offer all-inclusive vacation.
• When you can get bargain flights and discounted hotel accommodation. It also makes sense if you can get last minute all-inclusive vacation that is set at a bargain.
• When you cannot pay today for the trip that is scheduled months in advance.
• You don't want to get stuck with the group as you tour around the city.
How to select an all inclusive vacation
• Choose a theme
There are lots of things to do in England that you cannot fit everything in one trip, so try to limit your choices on one or two specific themes where you can enjoy the best England has to offer. Do you want to go romantic, historical, cultural, or simply want to know more about the city by exploring the streets and mingling with the locals? Do you want an architectural vacation, or wild-life tours? Do you like non-traditional tours like wine tasting, art and cooking?
• Know your options
There are lots of guided and unguided all-inclusive vacation packages that fit to your chosen theme. If you are on a limited budget, there are budget all-inclusive trips for you. Students can get a good discount for trips as well.
• Search online
Do your research online. Find out what are the different tours and packages that websites offer. Use the internet to book for an all-inclusive England vacation according to your chosen theme, budget and preferences.
One more thing:
There is no other place in the world where you can go from one place to another as easy and as convenient as in England. Once you land on the ground, you can literally use any modes of transportation from train, car rentals and bus to plane and ship. Even riding a bicycle is a great way to explore the city.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Sydney - Australian National Maritime Museum
As the natives say, the ANMM is chock-a-block full of things to see and do, all relating to Australia's relationship with the sea. The contents are no big surprise, considering that 90% of the descendants of European ancestry that settled this island live within about 60km of the shore.
The structure is reminiscent of a lowered, scaled-down version of the Sydney Opera house with its sail motif. And a well chosen architectural theme it is, given what's on display.
The six galleries making up the museum, and the contents outside as well, offer everything from figureheads and model ships to brass hardware, antique racing yachts to the jet-powered Spirit of Australia. The latter has held the world water speed record, for going on 30 years. Another award winner, the double scull Barcelona used to win the Olympic Games gold medal is there as well.
A recent addition, the USA Gallery, houses artifacts from the Smithsonian and elsewhere from the United States.
An open-air section offers several vessels tied up at the wharves nearby the museum, including a WWII destroyer and the HMAS Vampire, a Royal Australian Navy destroyer. There's an Oberon Class submarine from 1968 as well as the lightship Carpentaria from 1917. A merchant ship, the James Craig, built in 1874 is housed there, too.
Not all the works are original, but even the replicas are fascinating. Captain James Cook's ship Discovery has been re-created and has recently returned after an 11 year voyage around the seas.
Another, the Endeavour, has also recently come home after a trip to Melbourne. Entries from the captain's log are available at the website.
Visitors can get a feel for what life was like on the convict ships that sailed from Britain to Australia. They can see how Australia's first submarine fought at Gallipoli in WWI. Tourists can see a Vietnamese refugee boat that carried its passengers all the way to the shores of Australia and a racing cutter from 1888.
The James Craig, an iron-hulled, square rigger is open to visitors. Carefully restored over the last 20 years it still sails the harbor from time to time.
The history of Australia goes back much further than the landing of Captain Cook's ship at Port Jackson, however. The museum also has many displays depicting how the native Aborigines traded with their Asian 'neighbors'.
There are videos and guided tours that both educate and entertain along with photographic exhibits and computer games. Kids can find out how a lighthouse works with a hands-on display of the lens and light mechanism.
The ANNM is located at 2 Murray Street Darling Harbour. Visit www.anmm.gov.au for details on hours and admission prices. Basic admission is free, but there are varying charges depending on which and how many ships you want to explore.
get more travel and tour tips here
The structure is reminiscent of a lowered, scaled-down version of the Sydney Opera house with its sail motif. And a well chosen architectural theme it is, given what's on display.
The six galleries making up the museum, and the contents outside as well, offer everything from figureheads and model ships to brass hardware, antique racing yachts to the jet-powered Spirit of Australia. The latter has held the world water speed record, for going on 30 years. Another award winner, the double scull Barcelona used to win the Olympic Games gold medal is there as well.
A recent addition, the USA Gallery, houses artifacts from the Smithsonian and elsewhere from the United States.
An open-air section offers several vessels tied up at the wharves nearby the museum, including a WWII destroyer and the HMAS Vampire, a Royal Australian Navy destroyer. There's an Oberon Class submarine from 1968 as well as the lightship Carpentaria from 1917. A merchant ship, the James Craig, built in 1874 is housed there, too.
Not all the works are original, but even the replicas are fascinating. Captain James Cook's ship Discovery has been re-created and has recently returned after an 11 year voyage around the seas.
Another, the Endeavour, has also recently come home after a trip to Melbourne. Entries from the captain's log are available at the website.
Visitors can get a feel for what life was like on the convict ships that sailed from Britain to Australia. They can see how Australia's first submarine fought at Gallipoli in WWI. Tourists can see a Vietnamese refugee boat that carried its passengers all the way to the shores of Australia and a racing cutter from 1888.
The James Craig, an iron-hulled, square rigger is open to visitors. Carefully restored over the last 20 years it still sails the harbor from time to time.
The history of Australia goes back much further than the landing of Captain Cook's ship at Port Jackson, however. The museum also has many displays depicting how the native Aborigines traded with their Asian 'neighbors'.
There are videos and guided tours that both educate and entertain along with photographic exhibits and computer games. Kids can find out how a lighthouse works with a hands-on display of the lens and light mechanism.
The ANNM is located at 2 Murray Street Darling Harbour. Visit www.anmm.gov.au for details on hours and admission prices. Basic admission is free, but there are varying charges depending on which and how many ships you want to explore.
get more travel and tour tips here
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Hong Kong Disneyland
Opened in September, 2005, the Hong Kong Disneyland is the fifth theme park offered by the entertainment company. Located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay on Lantau Island, the park is already enjoying huge crowds.
Similar to other Disney parks, there are four themed areas - Main Street, USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The park as a whole is smaller than others, but the company has long term expansion plans and already offers much more than a visitor can do in one day. With the recent addition of Autopia, Stitch Encounter and UFO Cool Zone that's more true than ever.
Park visitors can see all the sights familiar from Disneyland in Anaheim or Paris. Along with the rides favorite Disney characters wander the park in costume and provide photo opportunities for the kids. Of course, since it's Hong Kong, don't be surprised if you hear Mickey speaking Mandarin!
Main Street in Hong Kong Disneyland is a perfect duplicate of the one in California and guests can ride the Omnibus, the Paddy Wagon or cruise along in one of the Main Street taxis. Inside the theater there's film on the building of the park.
Adventureland offers many of the same attractions as Anaheim with a Jungle River Cruise and rafts to Tarzan Island. Be sure not to miss the Festival of the Lion King at Theater in the Wild.
Tourists will want to catch the Mickey's PhilharMagic and see Maestro Mickey in his 3D adventure. Younger kids will want to take a spin on the Cinderella Carousel, based on the famous Disney movie. Old and young kids alike will enjoy boarding the Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot and taking a journey through the Hundred Acre Wood.
Just as at other Disney parks, Tomorrowland offers the familiar Space Mountain rollercoaster and the Buzz Lightyear Journey to Infinity and Beyond. Board the Orbitron to pilot your personal flying saucer. Drive an electric car through the alien landscape in Autopia.
Visit Space Traffic Control and watch the fluffy blue alien Stitch (of Stitch & Lilo fame) deal with his arch-nemesis Gantu. Stitch is depending on the guests to help him escape. Visitors can even get a free lesson in speaking Hawaiian to go with the Mandarin they pick up while there.
There's a daily Disney on Parade with all the well-known and beloved Disney characters marching through Fantasyland and down Main Street.
In true Hong Kong style, the music and dance of Disney in the Stars is accompanied by spectacular fireworks. Hum your favorite Disney tunes while watching the colorful display of choreographed explosions.
Ultimately, the company expects to be able to handle up to 10 million visitors per year. Come be one of them, but as with any Disney park be prepared for the crowds. Ever since it opened, it has been extremely popular.
Similar to other Disney parks, there are four themed areas - Main Street, USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The park as a whole is smaller than others, but the company has long term expansion plans and already offers much more than a visitor can do in one day. With the recent addition of Autopia, Stitch Encounter and UFO Cool Zone that's more true than ever.
Park visitors can see all the sights familiar from Disneyland in Anaheim or Paris. Along with the rides favorite Disney characters wander the park in costume and provide photo opportunities for the kids. Of course, since it's Hong Kong, don't be surprised if you hear Mickey speaking Mandarin!
Main Street in Hong Kong Disneyland is a perfect duplicate of the one in California and guests can ride the Omnibus, the Paddy Wagon or cruise along in one of the Main Street taxis. Inside the theater there's film on the building of the park.
Adventureland offers many of the same attractions as Anaheim with a Jungle River Cruise and rafts to Tarzan Island. Be sure not to miss the Festival of the Lion King at Theater in the Wild.
Tourists will want to catch the Mickey's PhilharMagic and see Maestro Mickey in his 3D adventure. Younger kids will want to take a spin on the Cinderella Carousel, based on the famous Disney movie. Old and young kids alike will enjoy boarding the Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot and taking a journey through the Hundred Acre Wood.
Just as at other Disney parks, Tomorrowland offers the familiar Space Mountain rollercoaster and the Buzz Lightyear Journey to Infinity and Beyond. Board the Orbitron to pilot your personal flying saucer. Drive an electric car through the alien landscape in Autopia.
Visit Space Traffic Control and watch the fluffy blue alien Stitch (of Stitch & Lilo fame) deal with his arch-nemesis Gantu. Stitch is depending on the guests to help him escape. Visitors can even get a free lesson in speaking Hawaiian to go with the Mandarin they pick up while there.
There's a daily Disney on Parade with all the well-known and beloved Disney characters marching through Fantasyland and down Main Street.
In true Hong Kong style, the music and dance of Disney in the Stars is accompanied by spectacular fireworks. Hum your favorite Disney tunes while watching the colorful display of choreographed explosions.
Ultimately, the company expects to be able to handle up to 10 million visitors per year. Come be one of them, but as with any Disney park be prepared for the crowds. Ever since it opened, it has been extremely popular.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Travel: Paris - Disneyland Paris
Labels:
vacation paris
Affectionately known as DLP by Mouseketeers the world over, Disneyland Paris is a cornucopia of rides, restaurants, exhibits and all out fun for everyone. And in the last few years the fun has been doubled as Disney added the Walt Disney Studios park to an already jam packed adventure.
Many of the traditional rides from the California theme park were recreated (with some French twists) at the park and resort only 32 kilometers (19 miles) outside Paris.
There's the familiar Pirates of the Caribbean, on which the recent films were based and the love-it-or-hate-it It's A Small World ride, along with dozens more. The Legend of the Lion King show regularly sells out, so get tickets in advance.
The Star Tours in Discoveryland is both entertaining and educational. Disney can put those together like no one else! There's also the extremely popular Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland that just has to be visited twice.
Space Mountain Mission 2 opened in April, 2005 and - as if it were possible - is even better than the original. Several of the rides have been updated since the park's opening in 1992 and they just get better and better.
The new Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast is launching and, as usual, version two is a shiny improvement over the already great Anaheim offering.
The park even houses restaurants that, in true French style, offer some of the best meals anywhere. The steaks at The Steak House are thick and the wine bottles bottomless. The service is a joyful blend of Gallic pride and American efficiency. The buffet at Chef Mickey's is plentiful and delicious and the kids will enjoy the Disney characters dancing around.
To round out the trip there are, of course, tons of shops and small exhibits of the sort familiar to Disney fans everywhere. And nearby is the Val d'Europe shopping mall with dozens more.
Part-owned by Disney, there's a large grocery store/department store (Auchon) 'at the Val' and lots of food choices. There's even a local Sephora for those who want to bring back a bottle of genuine French perfume.
If needed, parents can rent a stroller at the park and there are baby changing facilities. The Baby Care Centre on Main Street, USA provides facilities and supplies.
Hours change depending on the season, with slightly longer hours during the summer. They change from time to time, so check the website at http://www.disneylandparis.com.
Since queues can be long, it's best to get the 1-Day Passport pass that allows unlimited entrance and exit access to one park for the day. There's also a 3-Day 'Hopper' Passport that allows access to both parks and the days don't have to be consecutive, but it's pricey. Of course, the one day isn't cheap either. Check the website for current prices.
Getting to the park is easy. From Paris take the RER Line A – Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy Station. From the Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports, the VEA shuttle service offers direct rides to the Disneyland Resort Paris hotels every half hour.
Enjoy!
Shane dolby
Travel cheap
Many of the traditional rides from the California theme park were recreated (with some French twists) at the park and resort only 32 kilometers (19 miles) outside Paris.
There's the familiar Pirates of the Caribbean, on which the recent films were based and the love-it-or-hate-it It's A Small World ride, along with dozens more. The Legend of the Lion King show regularly sells out, so get tickets in advance.
The Star Tours in Discoveryland is both entertaining and educational. Disney can put those together like no one else! There's also the extremely popular Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland that just has to be visited twice.
Space Mountain Mission 2 opened in April, 2005 and - as if it were possible - is even better than the original. Several of the rides have been updated since the park's opening in 1992 and they just get better and better.
The new Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast is launching and, as usual, version two is a shiny improvement over the already great Anaheim offering.
The park even houses restaurants that, in true French style, offer some of the best meals anywhere. The steaks at The Steak House are thick and the wine bottles bottomless. The service is a joyful blend of Gallic pride and American efficiency. The buffet at Chef Mickey's is plentiful and delicious and the kids will enjoy the Disney characters dancing around.
To round out the trip there are, of course, tons of shops and small exhibits of the sort familiar to Disney fans everywhere. And nearby is the Val d'Europe shopping mall with dozens more.
Part-owned by Disney, there's a large grocery store/department store (Auchon) 'at the Val' and lots of food choices. There's even a local Sephora for those who want to bring back a bottle of genuine French perfume.
If needed, parents can rent a stroller at the park and there are baby changing facilities. The Baby Care Centre on Main Street, USA provides facilities and supplies.
Hours change depending on the season, with slightly longer hours during the summer. They change from time to time, so check the website at http://www.disneylandparis.com.
Since queues can be long, it's best to get the 1-Day Passport pass that allows unlimited entrance and exit access to one park for the day. There's also a 3-Day 'Hopper' Passport that allows access to both parks and the days don't have to be consecutive, but it's pricey. Of course, the one day isn't cheap either. Check the website for current prices.
Getting to the park is easy. From Paris take the RER Line A – Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy Station. From the Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports, the VEA shuttle service offers direct rides to the Disneyland Resort Paris hotels every half hour.
Enjoy!
Shane dolby
Travel cheap
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Travel: London - Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is the center of England in more ways than one. At its south end lies what used to be Charing Cross, the point from which all distances to London are measured. Long since, the cross erected by Edward I in 1290 (as a tribute to his wife, Eleanor) has been replaced by a statue of Charles I atop a horse.
The major construction was completed in 1845 and has enjoyed continual popularity since - sometimes to the regret of its sponsors. The large open piazza-style area is often the preferred site of political demonstrations, and has been from its beginning. The centerpiece of the center of England is unquestionably the 185-foot column, with the 17-foot statue of Lord Nelson at its peak. This is fitting since the square itself was designed as a tribute to Nelson's military victory of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
At the base of the column are four large bronze lions sculpted by Landseer, sitting atop huge granite plinths. (A plinth is a block of stone that serves as a base for a column or statue.) Bronze reliefs at the base depict four of Admiral Nelson's famous battles.
Once home to large flocks of pigeons, the tower and other structures have been rejuvenated after a program to radically decrease the bird population. A program not without controversy, as they were popular with many of the tourists.
The square, apart from being the intersection for several major roadways, holds a dozen things to do and see. All around are working fountains designed in the Neo-Classical style that formed the 'look' of public squares for centuries.
On the north side of the square sits the National Gallery, one of the world's premier art museums. Along with one of the richest collections of paintings, the building itself is a work of art.
East of there is St. Martin's-in-the-Fields church. On the south is Whitehall, where a visitor can see The Cenotaph (built to memorialize the Armistice in 1919).
To the west is Canada House. Visiting Canadians can use the facility to read Canadian newspapers and send or receive emails, but the classical exterior is worth a look for anyone.
On the east side is South Africa House with a delightful display of African animals featured on its stone arches.
If visiting during Christmas, be sure to bundle up and come at night to see the tree lighting ceremony. A tradition since 1947, every year Norway - as an expression of gratitude for British support during WWII - sends a giant spruce or fir to London. The tree is erected and decorated and the Mayor of Oslo joins the Lord Mayor of Westminster to illuminate the tree.
Less than a mile away are several other great sights, such as the Churchill Museum and 10 Downing Street, the home of the Prime Minister since 1732. Dr. Johnson's house (creator of the first English dictionary and a writer) is about a mile away as is the British Museum, one of the world's largest collections of artifacts.
The major construction was completed in 1845 and has enjoyed continual popularity since - sometimes to the regret of its sponsors. The large open piazza-style area is often the preferred site of political demonstrations, and has been from its beginning. The centerpiece of the center of England is unquestionably the 185-foot column, with the 17-foot statue of Lord Nelson at its peak. This is fitting since the square itself was designed as a tribute to Nelson's military victory of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
At the base of the column are four large bronze lions sculpted by Landseer, sitting atop huge granite plinths. (A plinth is a block of stone that serves as a base for a column or statue.) Bronze reliefs at the base depict four of Admiral Nelson's famous battles.
Once home to large flocks of pigeons, the tower and other structures have been rejuvenated after a program to radically decrease the bird population. A program not without controversy, as they were popular with many of the tourists.
The square, apart from being the intersection for several major roadways, holds a dozen things to do and see. All around are working fountains designed in the Neo-Classical style that formed the 'look' of public squares for centuries.
On the north side of the square sits the National Gallery, one of the world's premier art museums. Along with one of the richest collections of paintings, the building itself is a work of art.
East of there is St. Martin's-in-the-Fields church. On the south is Whitehall, where a visitor can see The Cenotaph (built to memorialize the Armistice in 1919).
To the west is Canada House. Visiting Canadians can use the facility to read Canadian newspapers and send or receive emails, but the classical exterior is worth a look for anyone.
On the east side is South Africa House with a delightful display of African animals featured on its stone arches.
If visiting during Christmas, be sure to bundle up and come at night to see the tree lighting ceremony. A tradition since 1947, every year Norway - as an expression of gratitude for British support during WWII - sends a giant spruce or fir to London. The tree is erected and decorated and the Mayor of Oslo joins the Lord Mayor of Westminster to illuminate the tree.
Less than a mile away are several other great sights, such as the Churchill Museum and 10 Downing Street, the home of the Prime Minister since 1732. Dr. Johnson's house (creator of the first English dictionary and a writer) is about a mile away as is the British Museum, one of the world's largest collections of artifacts.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Travel: New York - A Cultural History
Why is New York so famous? After all, the weather is terrible, the city is overcrowded, and even the buildings are second to many others elsewhere. The cigar-shaped strip of land called Manhattan is difficult to access with bridges crowded with cars, streets clogged with buses and taxis.
But, oh, that city. What combination of fascinating history, rare sights and unquenchable spirit is found there.
Where after all were some of the first subways built making possible the productive use of former swamp land? The early 20th century saw the expansion of the system North to Central Park and beyond where there were formerly shanties and mosquitos. Now the area hosts some of the most elegant businesses and museums in the world.
And the history of Wall Street would (and has) fill(ed) many a gripping story of passion, greed, and vision. In the second half of the 19th century J.P. Morgan financed the burgeoning steel and electrical industries and many railroads out of his own pocket (while his competitors ran to the legislature for special handouts).
Settled by the Dutch in the early 17th century, the city quickly became an entrance point to 'the New World' for the thousands - later millions - who sailed into the harbor to seek freedom and fortune.
Effectively the capital of the new nation for a hundred years (though only officially from 1788-1790), it has long attracted inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs of every variety. Thomas Edison, a bit of all three, initiated some of the first city electrification projects here. (His laboratory was in New Jersey, but the Pearl Street Station began operation in 1882 in Manhattan.)
Beyond the material advances that began in the 18th century and continue today, New York has not neglected other important aspects of human experience throughout its history.
One of the world centers of politics, the United Nations is in midtown. Manhattan is also home to a fashion business that has rivaled Milan and Paris since the 1920s. Whether it's fashions in law or clothes, it's here.
But Manhattan hasn't been the only part of New York to play a major role in American and world affairs. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was a significant shipbuilding facility during WWII. From the active port was launched many a vessel that helped to conquer the Fascism of the mid-20th century, manned often by men and women from the neighborhood.
Queens and the Bronx are, and have been for a hundred years, home to both major baseball and tennis competitions. Yankee stadium has been thrilling locals and visitors in the Bronx since before Babe Ruth. The US Open Tennis championship takes place in Forest Hills, part of Queens.
Even entertainment and art are at their zenith in New York.
Broadway has presented everything from Cole Porter in the 1940s to 'The Phantom of the Opera' today, from Olivier's Shakespeare in the the 1950s to 'Penn and Teller' recently. The Metropolitan, opened a hundred years ago, houses 6,000 years of art and Desha is only a few years old, but already joining the ranks of the world's great art museums.
Early radio and television development were centered here and remain major factors in the economic and cultural life of the city. In 1928, William Paley founded CBS and as early as 1931 Bing Crosby was singing nightly on a CBS station. By 1935 Edward Murrow joined the company and went on to a series of broadcasts that remain the subject of movies today.
Placed again at the center of history on September 11, 2001, New York has risen to reveal its unconquerable face. The Freedom Tower is set to begin a 1776-foot climb to the sky and residents and visitors from the world over are anew looking up, as they did a hundred years ago to the Statue of Liberty.
That's New York.
But, oh, that city. What combination of fascinating history, rare sights and unquenchable spirit is found there.
Where after all were some of the first subways built making possible the productive use of former swamp land? The early 20th century saw the expansion of the system North to Central Park and beyond where there were formerly shanties and mosquitos. Now the area hosts some of the most elegant businesses and museums in the world.
And the history of Wall Street would (and has) fill(ed) many a gripping story of passion, greed, and vision. In the second half of the 19th century J.P. Morgan financed the burgeoning steel and electrical industries and many railroads out of his own pocket (while his competitors ran to the legislature for special handouts).
Settled by the Dutch in the early 17th century, the city quickly became an entrance point to 'the New World' for the thousands - later millions - who sailed into the harbor to seek freedom and fortune.
Effectively the capital of the new nation for a hundred years (though only officially from 1788-1790), it has long attracted inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs of every variety. Thomas Edison, a bit of all three, initiated some of the first city electrification projects here. (His laboratory was in New Jersey, but the Pearl Street Station began operation in 1882 in Manhattan.)
Beyond the material advances that began in the 18th century and continue today, New York has not neglected other important aspects of human experience throughout its history.
One of the world centers of politics, the United Nations is in midtown. Manhattan is also home to a fashion business that has rivaled Milan and Paris since the 1920s. Whether it's fashions in law or clothes, it's here.
But Manhattan hasn't been the only part of New York to play a major role in American and world affairs. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was a significant shipbuilding facility during WWII. From the active port was launched many a vessel that helped to conquer the Fascism of the mid-20th century, manned often by men and women from the neighborhood.
Queens and the Bronx are, and have been for a hundred years, home to both major baseball and tennis competitions. Yankee stadium has been thrilling locals and visitors in the Bronx since before Babe Ruth. The US Open Tennis championship takes place in Forest Hills, part of Queens.
Even entertainment and art are at their zenith in New York.
Broadway has presented everything from Cole Porter in the 1940s to 'The Phantom of the Opera' today, from Olivier's Shakespeare in the the 1950s to 'Penn and Teller' recently. The Metropolitan, opened a hundred years ago, houses 6,000 years of art and Desha is only a few years old, but already joining the ranks of the world's great art museums.
Early radio and television development were centered here and remain major factors in the economic and cultural life of the city. In 1928, William Paley founded CBS and as early as 1931 Bing Crosby was singing nightly on a CBS station. By 1935 Edward Murrow joined the company and went on to a series of broadcasts that remain the subject of movies today.
Placed again at the center of history on September 11, 2001, New York has risen to reveal its unconquerable face. The Freedom Tower is set to begin a 1776-foot climb to the sky and residents and visitors from the world over are anew looking up, as they did a hundred years ago to the Statue of Liberty.
That's New York.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Travel: Paris - La Ville Lumière
Translated from the French, the title means 'City of Lights'. By now a commonplace description, there's nothing commonplace about the place. Paris, for those who love... well, anything, is stellar.
With over 2 million inhabitants, 11 million in the Ile-de-France region overall, Paris is a metropolis second to none. A center of world culture for centuries, it hosts the most up-to-date museums alongside its ancient sites and sights.
Despite the enormous population and the ever present cars, there are nonetheless numerous oases scattered around the city. Even today, parts of the Seine can offer a quiet walk down the banks of one of Europe's most famous rivers. Here the many bridges are both artistic and functional, in true Gallic style.
Other quiet nooks, such as the Marais district, home to Victor Hugo's apartments, seem to have changed little since he wrote his masterpieces there. And on some days one can visit any number of excellent museums and be one of the few visitors, even during the summer.
But there's also the bustling, exciting city that roars from morn to morn.
The Eiffel Tower continues to attract thousands daily more than 100 years after its difficult birth. Still one of the tallest structures in France, the three-leveled spire adorned with thousands of lights inspires awe decades after being surpassed in height.
The Louvre still overflows with art lovers from around the world who flock to see the collection of over 100,000 works. The Mona Lisa exhibit is perpetually crowded, but there are dozens of justly famous, and unjustly obscure, pieces besides. Vermeer's Geographer adorns one wall, while the Lacemaker is on the other side of the portal.
Visit the Paris Opera House (site of the fictional Phantom of the Opera). Or see the Musée d'Orsay, home of many of the world's finest 19th century works of art, housed in a renovated train station. Walk up the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe or up the hill in Montmartre to the Byzantine-style Sacré Coeur Basilica.
Even take a trip not far out of the city to see 17th century Versailles or 21st century Disneyland Paris. Sit at a cafe just about anywhere along the way and enjoy some of the world's finest coffee or wine.
Whatever your interests, Paris has something for everyone.
The climate year round is moderate, rarely moving outside the range of 4C (39F) in the winter to 22C (72F) in the summer. Rain very rarely lasts long enough or pours hard enough to put a damper on any plans.
Divided into 20 'arrondissements' (districts), with the first at the center and the others running clockwise around the face, there is overlap of history, architecture and sights in all.
In every case, travel from one to the other is made easy and inexpensive by the safe and relatively clean Metro (subway). First opened in 1900, there are almost 400 stations transporting 6 million people per day.
But walking to and from many parts is also perfectly feasible. While not as simple as Manhattan's rectangular grid, armed with a good map the hardy visitor can travel on foot over a good portion of the city.
That's the best way to see this City of Lights - even when the illumination is the warm French sunlight.
Shane Dolby
http://www.worldcityblog.com
With over 2 million inhabitants, 11 million in the Ile-de-France region overall, Paris is a metropolis second to none. A center of world culture for centuries, it hosts the most up-to-date museums alongside its ancient sites and sights.
Despite the enormous population and the ever present cars, there are nonetheless numerous oases scattered around the city. Even today, parts of the Seine can offer a quiet walk down the banks of one of Europe's most famous rivers. Here the many bridges are both artistic and functional, in true Gallic style.
Other quiet nooks, such as the Marais district, home to Victor Hugo's apartments, seem to have changed little since he wrote his masterpieces there. And on some days one can visit any number of excellent museums and be one of the few visitors, even during the summer.
But there's also the bustling, exciting city that roars from morn to morn.
The Eiffel Tower continues to attract thousands daily more than 100 years after its difficult birth. Still one of the tallest structures in France, the three-leveled spire adorned with thousands of lights inspires awe decades after being surpassed in height.
The Louvre still overflows with art lovers from around the world who flock to see the collection of over 100,000 works. The Mona Lisa exhibit is perpetually crowded, but there are dozens of justly famous, and unjustly obscure, pieces besides. Vermeer's Geographer adorns one wall, while the Lacemaker is on the other side of the portal.
Visit the Paris Opera House (site of the fictional Phantom of the Opera). Or see the Musée d'Orsay, home of many of the world's finest 19th century works of art, housed in a renovated train station. Walk up the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe or up the hill in Montmartre to the Byzantine-style Sacré Coeur Basilica.
Even take a trip not far out of the city to see 17th century Versailles or 21st century Disneyland Paris. Sit at a cafe just about anywhere along the way and enjoy some of the world's finest coffee or wine.
Whatever your interests, Paris has something for everyone.
The climate year round is moderate, rarely moving outside the range of 4C (39F) in the winter to 22C (72F) in the summer. Rain very rarely lasts long enough or pours hard enough to put a damper on any plans.
Divided into 20 'arrondissements' (districts), with the first at the center and the others running clockwise around the face, there is overlap of history, architecture and sights in all.
In every case, travel from one to the other is made easy and inexpensive by the safe and relatively clean Metro (subway). First opened in 1900, there are almost 400 stations transporting 6 million people per day.
But walking to and from many parts is also perfectly feasible. While not as simple as Manhattan's rectangular grid, armed with a good map the hardy visitor can travel on foot over a good portion of the city.
That's the best way to see this City of Lights - even when the illumination is the warm French sunlight.
Shane Dolby
http://www.worldcityblog.com
Friday, August 04, 2006
Travel: Paris - The Seine River
Whether seen by a long, leisurely walk or from one of the many excellent tour boats, the view along the Seine in Paris is a delight.
The river flows nearly 800km (480mi) from Dijon through Paris and into the English Channel. But even the short section through the city provides enough sights to satisfy the most discerning traveler.
La Tour Eiffel can be seen changing shades from cocoa to gold as dusk fades to dark. The lights along its four pillars melding into the spire are only one of the many sights not to be missed.
Joining the left and right banks (the 'rive gauche' and the 'rive droit') along this ancient river are bridges themselves no stranger to time.
The oldest extant is Pont Neuf, ironically called 'the new bridge', whose first stone was laid by Henry III in 1578. Continued during the reign of his successor Henry IV in 1598, the construction was an enormous undertaking for the time. Finally completed in 1607, the bridge itself is, in a sense, older than France. At the time, the country was still split into fairly independent regions, such as Burgundy, Champagne and Normandy.
One of its newer cousins is the Pont d'Austerlitz constructed from 1854 to 1885. Comprised of five cast iron arches with a span of 32m (105ft), it rests on four piers and two stone abutments. (Abutments are the supports for the ends of a bridge.) The bridge has been widened twice from its original 13m (43ft) to the present 30m (98ft).
But not only youth and age are represented along these shores. Elegant beauty, in the form of the Alexander III, is also here. Opened in 1900, the bridge connects the Grand Palais on the right bank to the Invalides on the left. With pillars decorated by a gilded bronze Pegasus and large lampposts encircled by cherubs and nymphs, the Alexander III is among Paris' most artistic public works.
The many tour boats provide another way to see the sights. Some are small, others larger, but they all offer a relaxed way to see the bridges and parts of Paris from another point of view.
The visitor can enjoy a glass of wine as the lights come on along the Montparnasse. The larger boats even offer lunch or dinner. From the uncovered flat boats tours are given in English and French. Several glide as far as past the Eiffel Tower and back past Notre Dame to Quai Henri IV.
Accessible from the center of the Pont Neuf, just walk down to the tip of the island, du Vert Galant.
Once you've completed the boat tour, don't forget about the other attractions. From the exit it's just a short walk to many other things to do and see.
Just down the bank is one of the finest art museums in the world, the Musée d'Orsay. And there are several small galleries and shops along the way. Be sure to walk down the stone steps to the river itself and see the bridges from underneath as well.
Enchanté!
The river flows nearly 800km (480mi) from Dijon through Paris and into the English Channel. But even the short section through the city provides enough sights to satisfy the most discerning traveler.
La Tour Eiffel can be seen changing shades from cocoa to gold as dusk fades to dark. The lights along its four pillars melding into the spire are only one of the many sights not to be missed.
Joining the left and right banks (the 'rive gauche' and the 'rive droit') along this ancient river are bridges themselves no stranger to time.
The oldest extant is Pont Neuf, ironically called 'the new bridge', whose first stone was laid by Henry III in 1578. Continued during the reign of his successor Henry IV in 1598, the construction was an enormous undertaking for the time. Finally completed in 1607, the bridge itself is, in a sense, older than France. At the time, the country was still split into fairly independent regions, such as Burgundy, Champagne and Normandy.
One of its newer cousins is the Pont d'Austerlitz constructed from 1854 to 1885. Comprised of five cast iron arches with a span of 32m (105ft), it rests on four piers and two stone abutments. (Abutments are the supports for the ends of a bridge.) The bridge has been widened twice from its original 13m (43ft) to the present 30m (98ft).
But not only youth and age are represented along these shores. Elegant beauty, in the form of the Alexander III, is also here. Opened in 1900, the bridge connects the Grand Palais on the right bank to the Invalides on the left. With pillars decorated by a gilded bronze Pegasus and large lampposts encircled by cherubs and nymphs, the Alexander III is among Paris' most artistic public works.
The many tour boats provide another way to see the sights. Some are small, others larger, but they all offer a relaxed way to see the bridges and parts of Paris from another point of view.
The visitor can enjoy a glass of wine as the lights come on along the Montparnasse. The larger boats even offer lunch or dinner. From the uncovered flat boats tours are given in English and French. Several glide as far as past the Eiffel Tower and back past Notre Dame to Quai Henri IV.
Accessible from the center of the Pont Neuf, just walk down to the tip of the island, du Vert Galant.
Once you've completed the boat tour, don't forget about the other attractions. From the exit it's just a short walk to many other things to do and see.
Just down the bank is one of the finest art museums in the world, the Musée d'Orsay. And there are several small galleries and shops along the way. Be sure to walk down the stone steps to the river itself and see the bridges from underneath as well.
Enchanté!
Friday, July 28, 2006
Places to help with your world travel spots
These blogs have some good information that I thought you may be interested in as they help you discover world travel.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Travel: London - 10 (Thousand) Things To Do
If you have five years for a vacation you might be able to see about half of what London has to offer. No matter your tastes - whether modern or classical art, monuments and museums, zoos and gardens, nightclubs, theater, music, and on and on - it's here in abundance.
A perfect blend of ancient and modern, London has over 200 galleries and 300 museums, and 150 events a day to interest the traveler. One could see the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels in the morning and the Tate art museums in the afternoon. Or visit Parliament early then shop at Harrods later.
Westminster Abbey is the burial place of kings, poets and scientists, and a short distance from the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. Cathedrals and churches that rival the best of France or Italy are here, especially the must-see St. Paul's Cathedral.
For those who might have enjoyed Wall Street in New York, London has its own - and much older - version in The City. This hub actually has roots that go back thousands of years, since before money was even invented.
There are Inns galore also dating back a thousand years or more and several outstanding parks, such as St James, Hyde Park or Regents with the famous gardens and the even more famous zoo. Holland park has an opera house and Japanese gardens and Kensington the amazing gardens and the Royal costume collection.
Speaking of gardens, be sure not to overlook Covent Garden. Not really gardens at all, the area is a spectacular array of theaters, shops and more where the street performers compete with restaurants, bars, clubs and shops for tourists' attention. The Royal Opera house is here, for those who prefer a different style of entertainment.
London's famous outdoor markets also go back centuries, where the antique hunting at Portobello Road is unmatched anywhere. Borough Market has been thriving here for over a thousand years. The atmosphere in some is almost like a Moroccan bazarre. And, for those who like their burgers bizarre, you can get an ostrich patty cooked to taste.
But after all that shopping one is bound to be hungry and tired. The West End offers a variety of pubs at a range of prices and quality of cuisine. Then after a meal, the weary traveler can see a show that rivals the best of Broadway. Many actually begin in London and only later travel to New York.
Museums abound. The Victoria & Albert, named for the famous 19th century queen and her consort, the Natural History and Science museums, and the world-renowned British Museum could each form a day's excursion.
But newer attractions are also worthwhile. The London Eye, build at the turn of the millennium, continues to attract visitors as if 2000 weren't years earlier. It touts the world's largest ferris wheel and a 30-minute boat ride in a glass gondola that offers views of Big Ben and the River Thames. And the Tate Modern, opened in the same year features Picasso, Matisse and other famous names of 20th century art.
So, once you've explored all those venues thoroughly, come back and we'll lay out another five years of places to see and things to do.
Technorati Tags:
discover, world, travel, vacation, sightseeing
A perfect blend of ancient and modern, London has over 200 galleries and 300 museums, and 150 events a day to interest the traveler. One could see the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels in the morning and the Tate art museums in the afternoon. Or visit Parliament early then shop at Harrods later.
Westminster Abbey is the burial place of kings, poets and scientists, and a short distance from the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. Cathedrals and churches that rival the best of France or Italy are here, especially the must-see St. Paul's Cathedral.
For those who might have enjoyed Wall Street in New York, London has its own - and much older - version in The City. This hub actually has roots that go back thousands of years, since before money was even invented.
There are Inns galore also dating back a thousand years or more and several outstanding parks, such as St James, Hyde Park or Regents with the famous gardens and the even more famous zoo. Holland park has an opera house and Japanese gardens and Kensington the amazing gardens and the Royal costume collection.
Speaking of gardens, be sure not to overlook Covent Garden. Not really gardens at all, the area is a spectacular array of theaters, shops and more where the street performers compete with restaurants, bars, clubs and shops for tourists' attention. The Royal Opera house is here, for those who prefer a different style of entertainment.
London's famous outdoor markets also go back centuries, where the antique hunting at Portobello Road is unmatched anywhere. Borough Market has been thriving here for over a thousand years. The atmosphere in some is almost like a Moroccan bazarre. And, for those who like their burgers bizarre, you can get an ostrich patty cooked to taste.
But after all that shopping one is bound to be hungry and tired. The West End offers a variety of pubs at a range of prices and quality of cuisine. Then after a meal, the weary traveler can see a show that rivals the best of Broadway. Many actually begin in London and only later travel to New York.
Museums abound. The Victoria & Albert, named for the famous 19th century queen and her consort, the Natural History and Science museums, and the world-renowned British Museum could each form a day's excursion.
But newer attractions are also worthwhile. The London Eye, build at the turn of the millennium, continues to attract visitors as if 2000 weren't years earlier. It touts the world's largest ferris wheel and a 30-minute boat ride in a glass gondola that offers views of Big Ben and the River Thames. And the Tate Modern, opened in the same year features Picasso, Matisse and other famous names of 20th century art.
So, once you've explored all those venues thoroughly, come back and we'll lay out another five years of places to see and things to do.
Technorati Tags:
discover, world, travel, vacation, sightseeing
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Discover World Travel
Hi,
I will be talking about Traveling to different world cities and countries. What to do and see when you get there.
I will be talking about Traveling to different world cities and countries. What to do and see when you get there.
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