Vienna – Tourist Tips
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on 08 28th, 2009
Otto Wagner’s plans at the turn of the century provided for a comprehensive urban transport system (tramways). In recent years the most important lines have been replaced by underground lines retaining the Secession-style buildings of the stations at Stadtpark, Karlsplatz, Schönbrunn and Hietzing (which are under statutory protection as national monuments).
The famous Viennese horse-cabs (Fiaker) ply for hire during the summer months. There are cab ranks in Stephansplatz, Heldenplatz and Albertinaplatz. The fare varies according to the type of cab, route, time of day and number of horses; a firm price should be agreed with the driver before setting out.
The principal shopping streets in the central area (Bezirk I) are the Kärnter Strasse (between the Opera intersection and Stock-im-Eisen-Platz and Kohlmarkt), the Kohlmarkt (between the Graben and Michaelerplatz) and Rotenturmstrasse (between Stephansplatz and Franz-Josefs-Kai); and in Bezirk VI the Mariahilfer Strasse (between the Messepalast and the Westbahnhof). (Note: the “Bezirke” are the districts or wards into which the city is divided, each with its own number).
Viennese craft products, following old traditions of craftmanship, are valued for their beauty and quality. Particularly popular are both useful and decorative items of hand-painted Augarten porcelain, goldsmith’s work, fine ceramic ware, enamel and wrought-iron, and leather goods of all kinds.
Collectors and art-lovers will find the antique shops of Vienna an inexhaustible source of treasure trove; and the city’s numerous antiquarian and secondhand bookshops and art dealers offer a tempting range of valuable old books, prints, etchings and pictures. Art auctions are held in the state-run Dorotheum at Dorotheergasse 17 and other art galleries and at antique dealers.
The Naschmarkt is a traditional food market held on weekdays on the covered-over section of the River Wien between the Linke Wienzeile (Bezirk VI) and the Rechte Wienzeile (Bezirk IV).
The Viennese cafe is a famous and historic institution. The first cafe is said to have been established by Frans Georg Kolschitzky, a Pole who is supposed to have brought coffee captured from the Turks to Vienna in 1683 and was granted the right to sell coffee in the city in 1685. (His establishment was at Domgasse 6). The cafe soon developed into a regular feature of public and social life, providing newspapers and games as well as coffee. In the Biedermeier period in particular they developed into luxuriously appointed establishments, and later in the 19th C. the elegant cafes on the Ring were built. These now became the meeting-place of artists, writers, scholars and journalists; and although something of the glory departed with the fall of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy the Viennese cafe is still a popular meeting-place, with newspapers and magazines always available for the use of customers.
Since the Second World War the modern espresso cafe has also become popular in Vienna. This is usually a small establishment patronized by those who want a quick cup of coffee and perhaps a snack.
Places in the city offering particularly fine views include the Türmerstube in St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Upper Belvedere, the Giant Wheel (Riesenrad) in the Prater, the Gloriette in Schönbrunn park, and the outlook terraces on Kahlenberg, Leopoldsberg and Höhenstrasse.
read comments (0)Barcelona – the latest art and music trends
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on 08 28th, 2009
Barcelona, as a city that looks to the future, is concerned about the tastes and interests of young people.
Its long calendar of film, theatre, music and visual arts is enhanced during the various festivals that the city organises. The BAM (Barcelona Music Action) festival, Sónar (the International Advanced Music and Multimedia Art Festival) and BAC! (Barcelona in the Contemporary Arts) show the city’s interest for the latest trends in music and the arts. At almost any point of the year it is possible for the visitor to find a music, film or theatre festival to attend.
Catalan traditional celebrations, such as the Mercè festival (declared to be of National Tourist Interest), attract hundreds of followers of the most prestigious groups from the international music scene, thanks to a carefully chosen calendar of performances.
And, because culture is never undermined by nightlife, some of the most innovative venues have been established beside the important museums, parks, historic gardens and shopping centers. Nightclubs, concert halls, bars and restaurants are located in the most emblematic corners of the city. Exclusive atmospheres in the Diagonal, colourful spots in the Gràcia district, and pavement cafés in Port Vell, Port Olímpic or in any of the city’s many squares, are examples of the attractions that the night has to offer in Barcelona.
In addition, Barcelona’s exceptional sporting facilities are available to any visitor who wants to play a sport. The marinas and the sporting facilities, heritage from the 1992 Olympics are worth a visit, be it for the beauty of its architecture of for the quality of the activities they has to offer. They are also venues for large-scale concerts and important competitions. Football fans will have a chance to attend unforgettable matches in the Barcelona FC and Espanyol stadiums.
Situated on the shore of the Mediterranean, Barcelona has a good number of urban beaches, where visitors will be able to enjoy the great climate of this coast. The opportunity for windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving or canoeing will be exciting for both beginners and pros and if visitors want to continue with open-air sports, the fact that Barcelona is very near the Pyrenees and to the coastal hills that make up the Cordillera Litoral should not be forgotten. Hiking, cycle touring, paragliding and hang-gliding are activities enabling travelers to discover the Catalan capital’s natural surroundings.
Zaragoza the capital city of Aragon Region – Spain
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on 08 28th, 2009
2,000 years of history: You will find a stunning legacy of monuments in the streets of the city, vestiges of the Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian communities who left their mark on the place: Roman ruins such as the Circus; Aljafería Palace; Mudejar-style churches, with the UNESCO World Heritage designation; Baroque gems like the Pilar Basilica; the work of brilliant artist Fancisco de Goya… If you like art, then Zaragoza is the perfect destination for you.
Leisure: a variety of ideas: Theatres, cinemas, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, fairs… The cultural life of the city is intense. See for yourself in the city streets or at venues like the Auditorium, the Principal Theatre and the Rincón de Goya Amphitheatre. You can find all the different artistic styles in this city.
Delicious gastronomy: Enjoy typical regional dishes and, of course, take part in one of the city’s great traditions – going out for tapas: small gastronomic creations that delight all those who try them.
A major shopping city: Zaragoza has a range of shops to suit all tastes. From pedestrian areas to large shopping centers, not forgetting the street markets. Stroll through the streets of the city and feel their bustle and vitality.
Nightlife: Pubs, nightclubs, bars and terrace bars open their doors until the early hours of the morning. Fun is assured in a city with wonderful nightlife at any time of year. You will see for yourself when you explore the main areas for going out. You will want to come back for more.
Festive spirit: Zaragoza is a city that is always ready for fiesta. You can see this, for example, during Easter week. The processions bring over one hundred thousand visitors to the city each year. Most important, however, are the El Pilar Fiestas in October. Come and take part in events that fill the streets with happiness and bustle: vaquillas (bullfights with young bulls), concerts, sports, religious processions, regional folklore…
The pleasure of a stroll: Going for a stroll around Zaragoza is a traditional activity open to all. Dress comfortably and explore the streets. This city is compact, ideal to wander on foot, and its boulevards, avenues and pedestrian areas are perfect for a stroll. This is also the best way to admire its monuments.
The Danube Delta
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on 08 28th, 2009
Highlights
The mighty Danube River flows 1,788 miles from its springs in Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea. Just before reaching the sea it forms the second largest and best preserved of Europe’s deltas: 2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands. The Danube Delta is a wildlife enthusiast’s (especially a bird watcher’s) paradise.
Travelers can spend three or more days exploring its passages, teaming with the highest concentration of bird colonies in all of Europe. The maze of canals bordered by thatch, willows and oaks entangled in lianas, offers the perfect breeding ground for countless species of birds, some of them from as far away as China and Africa. Millions of Egyptian white pelicans arrive here every spring to raise their young, while equal numbers of Arctic geese come here to escape the harsh winters of Northern Europe.
Some 300 species of birds make Danube’s Delta their home, including cormorants, white tailed eagles and glossy ibises. The bird watching season lasts from early spring to late summer. Birds are not the only inhabitants of the Delta. There is also a rich community of fish and animals, from wildcats, foxes and wolves, to even an occasional boar or deer. Altogether, 3,450 animal species can be seen here, as well as 1,700 plant species.
Access
The Delta can be explored as part of a Danube River Cruise, or on day trips and boat excursions from Tulcea which has good hotels, restaurants specializing in fish dishes and the Museum of the Danube Delta.
Transportation
By ferry: Navrom operates both regular and express passenger ferries year-round from Tulcea to towns and villages in the Danube Delta. Ferry tickets are sold at Tulcea’s Navrom ferry terminal.
By hydrofoil: Hydrofoils to Sulina (1 ½ hours) depart from Tulcea every day at 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., stopping in Maliuc and Crisan en route. Hydrofoils for the return trip from Sulina depart at 8:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
By boat: Private motor boats, rowboats and kayaks are available for hire in Tulcea.
Accommodation
Accommodation options range from hotels to floating hotels, B&Bs and private homes in the following locations: Chilia Veche, Crisan, Dunavatu de Jos, Gura Portitei, Isaceea, Mahmudia, Maliuc, Murighiol, Mila 23, Samova, Sf. Gheorghe, Sulina, Tulcea, Turcoaia, Uzlina.
Highlights of Maramures County- Romania
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on 08 28th, 2009
The northwestern Romanian region of Maramures is home to many villages where century-old traditions are still part of daily life. The inhabitants of this area have preserved, to an amazing extent, the rural culture and crafts of their Dacian ancestors.
Maramures villages are distinguished by their unique wooden churches with tall spires and shingled roofs. Woodlands still account for more than four-fifths of the land surface of Maramures. It is understandable, therefore, that wood has long been – and continues to be – the medium of expression for the region’s artisans. Elaborate woodcarvings decorate the eaves, entryways and windows of houses. The local handiwork is also seen in the hand-woven carpets and intricate embroidery that adorns folk dresses still worn by the locals.
Carved Wooden Gates: The local craftsmanship can be best observed in the monumental Maramures gates, guarding the entry to the houses. Supported by four columns, they feature traditional ornamental motifs, including the sun and the twisted rope – both symbols of life and continuity. Some of the most beautiful wooden gates are found in the villages of Vadu Izei, Desesti, Giulesti, Budesti, Sarbi, Barsana and Oncesti. The villages of Barsana and Oncesti have, perhaps, the greatest number of impressive gates.
Wooden Churches: As it has for hundreds of years, social life in Maramures continues to revolve around the village church. The Wooden Churches of Maramures – in Surdesti, Plopis, Rogoz, Ieud, Poeinile Izei, Barsana, Budesti and Desesti – have been recognized by UNESCO as some of the most important sites of world heritage. Unique in shape and ornamentation, they have characteristic high roofs and tall, narrow, pointed steeples, often collectively describer as ‘the Gothic style of Maramures.’
The spiritual philosophy of the people of Maramures is perhaps nowhere more apparent than in Sapanta. The town folks’ ancestors considered death as a beginning, not the end, and this faith is reflected in the carvings in the town’s unique Merry Cemetery. Blue wooden crosses feature a carved scene and humorous verses that endeavor to capture essential elements – both the good and the imperfections – of the deceased’s life. Even without benefit of translation, visitors can appreciate the handiwork of sculptor Stan Ion Patras, who began carving these epitaphs in 1935, and his successors. Patras’ house in the village is now a fascinating museum. Sapanta is also home to several wooden gates and one of the region’s tallest wooden churches.
Maramures is dominated by a landscape of mountains and rolling valleys. The Gutai, Lapus, Tibles Maramures and Rodnei Mountains are cut by passes named Huta, Gutai, Prislop, Setref, and Botiza. Three large valleys cross the region: Viseu, Iza and Mara. The Rodnei Mountains National Park, a natural reserve filled with a rich diversity of flora and fauna, has been awarded biosphere status by UNESCO. Here, chamois leap between rocks, the cry of eagles’ rings out overhead and as the snows recede in the spring, crocus and other flowers create swathes of dazzling colors.
Maramures is Brigadoon land where the way of life has changed little over the centuries. In late afternoon, old women sit outside their gates coaxing coarse wool onto spindles. Many still favor traditional dress, meaning white frounced blouses, striped woven panels covering full black skirts, headscarves and ³opinci,² a sort of leather ballet slipper from which heavy yarn criss-crosses over thick socks. On Sunday, such dress is practically de rigueur, even for little girls.
Five essential things to do on Newquay holidays
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on 07 21st, 2009Newquay – with its vast expanse of sandy beaches and gorgeous serene coastlines, is a major tourist destination in the UK. This town boasts the best surfing beach in Britain, a lively nightlife, award-winning attractions and an exceptional range of local food and drink establishments. From thrill-seeking adventurists, to families with children, to young and elderly couples – Newquay has plenty to offer everyone!
Surfing and Sand in Newquay
Are you a beginner interested in learning to surf from scratch, or an experienced surfer looking for the next great wave to ride? There are ample opportunities for unforgettable, thrilling moments on the beaches of Newquay. Learn to surf at the numerous surf schools that provide lessons tailored to suit all individuals’ needs. Participate in or watch international surfing championships at Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, renowned worldwide for their powerful waves and awesome breaks. Or simply enjoy building sandcastles, kite surfing or diving at other renowned surf spots including Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne and Crantock beaches.
Eating and Nightlife in Newquay
All this beach activity will surely get your appetites rolling. Never fear – there are plenty of choices for eating out during your Newquay holiday! Newquay hosts a huge range of cafes and restaurants with spectacular views of the beach. Tantalizing seafood platters and local fish can be enjoyed at The New Harbour Restaurant, Two Clomes and many other restaurants. If you want to savour different tastes, there are Indian, Mexican and Italian joints to suit your liking. The nightlife in Newquay is just as exciting as the surfing is! Go dancing until the early hours at the many night spots open, or simply relax with your friends over beers at the popular Chy Bar.
Attractions in Newquay
Not just interested in surfing and dining? Your Newquay holiday has plenty of other treasures just waiting to be discovered. Be amazed at the vast diversity of plants at one of the biggest greenhouses in the world – the Eden Project. Your entire family will be enthralled by the fascinating exhibitions at the Maritime museum, amazing collection of aquatic fauna at the Blue Reef Aquarium, exciting wildlife at the Newquay Zoo, various theme parks and art galleries that this delightful town has to offer.
Accommodation in Newquay
Newquay offers plenty of places for tourists to stay when visiting. There are ample self catering holiday cottages, luxurious apartments, bungalows and other forms of accommodation sprawled all over the countryside and beaches, that are walking distance to the attractions that Newquay has to offer.
A quick guide to finding the best holiday cottages in Cornwall
Posted by admin in Accommodation, Holiday Destinations on 07 21st, 2009Cornwall is the perfect holiday destination for those taking a break in the UK. It offers everything you could wish for; warm, dependable weather, beaches, temperate waters, beautiful scenery, historical interest, family entertainment, fine dining and much more. Holiday cottages in Cornwall are a great way to enjoy what this stunning part of the UK has to offer, allowing you the freedom to decide what you want to do and when you want to do it. You are not restricted by hotel meal times or being bothered by maid services – everyone can join in to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. Finding the best holiday cottage for you means a little thought about what you and your friends or family want from your break.
Holiday cottages in Cornwall can be rented for a variety of reasons, such as family holidays, romantic getaways and even Stag or Hen celebrations. Your reasons for the trip can influence the type of accommodation you choose and even have a bearing on its location.
For family holidays, you will need to consider factors such as how many rooms you want. A holiday cottage can give you the privacy that hotel rooms do not, especially for parents with young children. If children are taking part in the trip, it is prudent to look for accommodation that is advertised as ‘child-friendly’; research things like whether staircases are unfenced, if any ponds in the grounds have safeguards and whether there are any child’s facilities for hire, such as highchairs and cots.
Having children present will mean that you might be wiser to select a cottage in or near a town, allowing you easy access to shops and other amenities. Some cottage providers offer groups of cottages which means that other families with children may be present and this can help to provide instant entertainment for the little ones; some of these even come with children’s play areas. If you have a pet, some cottages welcome animals, removing the costs of kennels from your budget.
Romantic breaks for two have different criteria; primarily, you are less restricted in your location. By stocking up on your treats for the week in advance, you can select accommodation on the strength of its character alone. There are many cottages tucked away in Cornwall’s beautiful countryside or by secluded beaches, offering tranquillity and complete privacy. You can find beautiful listed and farmhouse cottages that are designed for couples looking to enjoy each other’s company and forget the rest of the world for a time. If luxury is what you want, take the time to research the areas and types of building that would suit your requirements.
Stag or Hen holidays are increasingly common and many cottage-providers have a great selection of suitable accommodation. Depending on the plans for the celebration, you might want to choose accommodation close to a Cornish town, with easy access to bars and nightlife. Alternatively, you might want to look at places near the coast if surfing is on the agenda. Ensure that the building is large enough for your party. Seeking accommodation that is away from other buildings might be a good idea, as often the celebrations can go on into the early hours, which holidaying neighbours might not appreciate, especially if they have young children.
There are many types of accommodation on offer for practically all sorts of holiday. By doing a little homework first and thinking about what you want from your break, you can make it a holiday to remember.
