Monday, April 26, 2010
Sanssouci, Potsdam Germany
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, and the third most populous city in the United States, with over 2.8 million people living within city limits. Its metropolitan area, commonly named "Chicagoland", is the 26th largest metropolitan area in the world, home to an estimated 9.7 million people spread across the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. The city of Chicago and most of its surrounding suburbs are located in Cook County, with the exception of the southwestern sector of O'Hare International Airport, which is located in DuPage County.
Chicago was founded in 1833, near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. The Potawatomi were forcibly removed from their land following the Treaty of Chicago. The city became a major transportation and telecommunications hub in North America. Today, the city retains its status as a major hub, both for industry and infrastructure, with Chicago-O'Hare International Airport as the second busiest airport in the world. In 2007, the city attracted 32.8 million domestic visitors and about 1.15 million foreign visitors.
In modern times, the city has taken on an additional dimension as a center for business and finance and is listed as one of the world's top ten Global Financial Centers. Chicago is a stronghold of the Democratic Party and has been home to influential politicians, including the current President of the United States, Barack Obama. The World Cities Study Group at Loughborough University rated Chicago as an "alpha world city" due to Chicago's important role in the global economic system.
Globally recognized,Chicago has numerous nicknames, which reflect the impressions and opinions about historical and contemporary Chicago. The best known include: "Chi-town", "Windy City", "Second City", and the "City of Big Shoulders". Chicago has also been called "the most American of big cities".
Chicago was founded in 1833, near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. The Potawatomi were forcibly removed from their land following the Treaty of Chicago. The city became a major transportation and telecommunications hub in North America. Today, the city retains its status as a major hub, both for industry and infrastructure, with Chicago-O'Hare International Airport as the second busiest airport in the world. In 2007, the city attracted 32.8 million domestic visitors and about 1.15 million foreign visitors.
In modern times, the city has taken on an additional dimension as a center for business and finance and is listed as one of the world's top ten Global Financial Centers. Chicago is a stronghold of the Democratic Party and has been home to influential politicians, including the current President of the United States, Barack Obama. The World Cities Study Group at Loughborough University rated Chicago as an "alpha world city" due to Chicago's important role in the global economic system.
Globally recognized,Chicago has numerous nicknames, which reflect the impressions and opinions about historical and contemporary Chicago. The best known include: "Chi-town", "Windy City", "Second City", and the "City of Big Shoulders". Chicago has also been called "the most American of big cities".
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Monday, April 19, 2010
cabo san lucas, Mexico
The jewel of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas has something for everyone. Whatever your price range, whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here. The heart of Cabo is the hospitality, found everywhere from the all-inclusive resorts like Riu Palace and Dreams Los Cabos Suites to smaller hotels and even intimate beachfront villas perfect for a honeymoon couple looking for the ultimate romantic getaway.
Speaking of honeymoons, a wedding in Cabo San Lucas is one "destination" wedding that both the guests and the wedding party will be talking about for years to come. Plan it yourself or let one of the hotels or resorts do the wedding planning for you. Either way, you'll get your life together off to a wonderful start.
Speaking of honeymoons, a wedding in Cabo San Lucas is one "destination" wedding that both the guests and the wedding party will be talking about for years to come. Plan it yourself or let one of the hotels or resorts do the wedding planning for you. Either way, you'll get your life together off to a wonderful start.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Saturday, April 17, 2010
happy birthday to me!
Instead of counting candles,
Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings now,
As your birthday nears.
Consider special people
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your life
Just by being there.
Think about the memories
Passing years can never mar,
Experiences great and small
That have made you who you are.
Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!
People on the streets of Manila, Philippines
The city of Manila (Filipino: Lungsod ng Maynila) is the capital of the Philippines and one of the 16 cities and a municipality that makes up the Manila metropolitan area, the National Capital Region of the Philippines, which is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. It is located on the eastern shores of Manila bay, on the western side of the island of Luzon. With a population of 1,660,714 Manila is the second most populous city in the Philippines behind only neighboring Quezon city. The city's inhabitants, however, inhabit an area of only 38.55 square kilometers, making Manila not only the most densely populated city in the Philippines but also the most densely populated city in the world.
The city is divided into six legislative districts and consists of sixteen geographical districts: Binondo, Ermita, Intramuros, Malate, Paco, Pandacan, Port Area, Quiapo, Sampaloc, San Andres, San Miguel, San Nicolas, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, Santa Mesa and Tondo. Within their precincts can be found areas of bustling commerce and some of the most historically and culturally significant iconic landmarks in the country as well as the seat of the executive branch of the government. It is home to many scientific and educational institutions, as well as numerous sport facilities. Manila is a major political, commercial, cosmopolitan, cultural, educational, religious, and transportation center of the Philippines.
Manila is bordered by several cities of the Manila metropolitan area: Navotas and Caloocan cities to the north, Quezon city to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong cities to the east, Makati city to the southeast, and Pasay city to the south.
The earliest written accounts of the city date back to the Spanish era which describe a native settlement already existing in the area when the Spanish first arrived. Manila eventually became the center of Spanish activity in the Far East and one end of the Manila–Acapulco galleon trade route leading to it being called the "Pearl of the Orient". Later it saw the arrival of the Americans who made contributions to the city's urban planning and development only to have most of those improvements lost in the devastation of World War II. Since then the city has been rebuilt.
Manila has been a popular tourist attraction which attracted over 1 million tourist annually. Most well-known landmarks in the Manila metropolitan area lies within the city such as the Rizal Park and the Manila Ocean Park. Historical structures such as the Fort Santiago lies within Intramuros, one of Manila's popular tourist attractions.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
St Agnes Clift Tops, Cornwal, UK
St Agnes (Cornish Breanek) is a village and a parish on the north coast of Cornwall, England. It is in the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, and lies halfway between the artists' colony of St Ives and the surfers' paradise at Newquay. It is one of the twelve sections of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
St Agnes grew up as a fishing and farming community which, from Roman times (perhaps earlier) until the early part of the 20th century, relied heavily on tin mining as a source of income.
With the demise of mining in Cornwall, St Agnes has become a popular tourist destination, offering excellent beaches at Trevaunance Cove, Chapel Porth National Trust beach, and nearby Perranporth and Porthtowan; walking (St Agnes Beacon and many cliff, coastal and country walks); painting (beautiful scenery), industrial archeology, stone-age remains and geology.
St Agnes grew up as a fishing and farming community which, from Roman times (perhaps earlier) until the early part of the 20th century, relied heavily on tin mining as a source of income.
With the demise of mining in Cornwall, St Agnes has become a popular tourist destination, offering excellent beaches at Trevaunance Cove, Chapel Porth National Trust beach, and nearby Perranporth and Porthtowan; walking (St Agnes Beacon and many cliff, coastal and country walks); painting (beautiful scenery), industrial archeology, stone-age remains and geology.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Mont St. Michel, France
Mont-Saint-Michel is a 1-ha (3-acre) rocky islet topped by a famous Gothic abbey, 1.6 km (1 mi) off the coast of Normandy in northwest France in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel in the English Channel. The island, located 5 km (3 mi) from the shore during the Middle Ages, is now surrounded by water only two times a month. Its one cobblestone street climbs in three spirals from a great granite base to the towering Benedictine abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, an architectural masterpiece built in the 13th century, replacing the original abbey, which was founded in 708 by Saint Aubert, bishop of Avranches, but destroyed by King Philip II of France in 1203.
Its fortifications enabled the islet to withstand repeated English assaults during the Hundred Years' War. The abbey served as a prison during Napoleon I's reign. Restored after 1863, and connected to the mainland by a causeway (completed 1875), the abbey is preserved as a national historical monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of France's great tourist attractions. The abbey is celebrated in Henry Adam's classic study of medieval Christianity, Mont Saint Michel and Chartres (1913).
On the other side of the English Channel, off the coast of Cornwall, in England, is Saint Michael's Mount, the site of a priory (later a castle) that belonged to the Mont-Saint-Michel abbey in the Middle Ages.
Its fortifications enabled the islet to withstand repeated English assaults during the Hundred Years' War. The abbey served as a prison during Napoleon I's reign. Restored after 1863, and connected to the mainland by a causeway (completed 1875), the abbey is preserved as a national historical monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of France's great tourist attractions. The abbey is celebrated in Henry Adam's classic study of medieval Christianity, Mont Saint Michel and Chartres (1913).
On the other side of the English Channel, off the coast of Cornwall, in England, is Saint Michael's Mount, the site of a priory (later a castle) that belonged to the Mont-Saint-Michel abbey in the Middle Ages.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Audierne (Breton: Gwaien), France
Audierne (Breton: Gwaien) is a commune in the Finistère department of Brittany in north-western France. The town lies on a peninsula at the mouth of the Goyen river and for centuries was a fishing village, with a wide sandy beach. Visitors can take a boat from Audierne's port of Esquibien to the Île de Sein.
The harbour, formerly important to the local fishing industry, is now essentially a yacht port. Remaining of the fishery is an oyster farm, in which the delicacy can be bought. Along the harbour stretches the town's main shopping area with its cafés, bars and restaurants, crêperies, boutiques, estate agents and holiday agencies, the town hall, the tourism office, and the regional bus stop. On Saturday mornings there is a farmers' market, which serves as a meeting place for natives and tourists alike.
Audierne is twinned with Penryn, Cornwall.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
West Side Story, New York USA
New York is such an amazing city! I've never seen anything like the Times Square at night before. Really stunning!
Info:
New York City (officially The City of New York) is the largest city in the United States, with a metropolitan area that is among the largest urban areas in the world. The city serves as one of the world's primary global cities, exerting a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, and entertainment.
The city is also an important center for international affairs, hosting the headquarters of the United Nations.
Founded as a commercial trading post by the Dutch in 1624, it served as the capital of the United States from 1785 until 1790, and has been the nation's largest city since 1790. The Statue of Liberty greeted millions of immigrants as they came to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wall Street, in Lower Manhattan, has been a dominant global financial center since World War II and is home to the New York Stock Exchange. Today, the city has many renowned landmarks and neighborhoods that are world famous. The city has been home to several of the tallest buildings in the world, including the Empire State Building and the twin towers of the former World Trade Center.
New York is the birthplace of many cultural movements, including the Harlem Renaissance in literature and visual art, abstract expressionism (also known as the New York School) in painting, and hip hop, punk, salsa, disco and Tin Pan Alley in music. It is also the home of Broadway theater.
New York City is located in the Northeastern United States, in southeastern New York State, approximately halfway between Washington, D.C. and Boston
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan
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West Side Story is a musical with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The musical's plot is based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Set in New York in the mid-1950s, the musical explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The young protagonist, Tony, who belongs to the Anglo gang (Jets), falls in love with Maria, the sister of the rival Puerto Rican gang's (Sharks) leader. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre. Bernstein's score for the musical has become extremely popular; it includes "Something's Coming," "Maria," "America," "Somewhere," "Tonight," "Jet Song," "I Feel Pretty," "One Hand, One Heart," and "Cool."
The original 1957 Broadway production, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins and produced by Robert E. Griffith and Harold Prince, marked Stephen Sondheim's Broadway debut. It ran for 732 performances (a successful run for the time), before going on tour. The production garnered a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical in 1957, but the award went to Meredith Willson's The Music Man. It won a Tony Award in 1957 for Robbins' choreography. The show had an even longer-running London production, a number of revivals and international success, and spawned an innovative, award-winning 1961 musical film of the same name. West Side Story is produced frequently by schools, regional theaters, and occasionally by opera companies.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Side_Story
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Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 large professional theaters with 500 seats or more located in the Theatre District, New York (plus one theatre in Lincoln Center) in Manhattan, New York City. Along with London's West End theatre, Broadway theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world.
The Broadway theatre district is a popular tourist attraction in New York City, New York. According to The Broadway League, Broadway shows sold approximately $937 million worth of tickets in the 2007-08 season.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadway_theatre
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Times Square is a major intersection in Manhattan, a borough of New York City, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets. The Times Square area consists of the blocks between Sixth and Eighth Avenues from east to west, and West 40th and West 53rd Streets from south to north, making up the western part of the commercial area of Midtown Manhattan.
Formerly named Longacre Square, Times Square was renamed after the Times Building (now One Times Square) in April 1904. Times Square, sometimes known as the "Crossroads of the World," has achieved the status of an iconic world landmark and has become a symbol of New York City. Times Square is principally defined by its spectaculars, animated, digital advertisements.
The intersection of Broadway and 42nd Street, at the south-east corner of Times Square, is the Eastern Terminus of the Lincoln Highway, the first road across the United States of America.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Times_Square
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"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Fairytale Castle - Burg Eltz, Germany
Burg Eltz is a medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier, Germany. It is still owned by a branch of the same family that lived there in the 12th century, 33 generations ago. The Rübenach and Rodendorf families' homes in the castle are open to the public during the summer month, while the Kempenich branch of the family uses the other third of the castle.
The castle is surrounded on three sides by the Elzbach River, a tributary on the north side of the Moselle. It is situated on a 70m rock spur, on an important Roman trade route between the rich farm lands and their markets.
The main part of the house consists of the family portions. At up to eight storeys, these eight towers reach heights of between 30 and 40 meters. They are fortified with strong exterior walls; to the yard they present a partial framework. About 100 members of the owners' families lived in the over 100 rooms of the castle. (Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Eltz)
After all Burg Eltz beautified for many years the back of the 500 DM banknote (German currency).
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Magic Kingdom® Park, Florida USA
Magic Kingdom theme park, one of 4 Theme Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, captures the enchantment of fairy tales with exciting entertainment, classic attractions, backstage tours and beloved Disney Characters.
Designed like a wheel with the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, pathways spoke out across the 107 acres of Magic Kingdom theme park and lead to these 7 whimsical lands:
Main Street, U.S.A.® area
Adventureland® area
Frontierland® area
Liberty Square
Fantasyland® area
Mickey's Toontown® Fair area
Tomorrowland® area
Travel through these lands and see how fantasy becomes reality when you learn how to be a pirate, match wits with funny monsters and conquer mountains. Get swept up in the spectacle of splendid parades and fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom theme park—it's here that dreams come true for children of all ages.
The Pirates League
The Pirates League: Transform yerself from a land lubber into a true buccaneer!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: A beauty salon where little girls are transformed into precious princesses.
Guest Services
Guest Services at Magic Kingdom theme park is a list that includes some of the benefits to Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, where to find ATMs, what attractions use the FASTPASS ticket system, where to find Disney merchandise and where to get a haircut.
Attractions
Attractions at Magic Kingdom theme park consist of classic experiences that pay tribute to Walt Disney's concepts and designs. Celebrate adventure, fantasy, the past, the future and the imagination. Use Disney's FASTPASS system on popular attractions to reduce wait times.
Entertainment
Entertainment at Magic Kingdom theme park includes parades, musical stage shows, spectacular nighttime fireworks performances and the chance to meet princes, princesses, heroes and popular Disney Characters. For show schedules, check the Park calendar or Times Guide.
Dining
Dining at Magic Kingdom theme park means sharing meals with Disney Princesses and other Characters. Or grab a fast snack at a quick-service restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner from less than $15 to $60 per person, based on average Guest check, not including tax and tip.
Shopping
Shopping at Magic Kingdom theme park means exploring the enormous Emporium store and strolling through the numerous shops on Main Street, U.S.A. Find gifts, souvenirs, Disney Character apparel, Pal Mickey, pins and pirate and princess accessories.
Tours
Tours at Magic Kingdom theme park travel through secret areas of the Park. See the steam trains up close, go on a quest to conquer Villains, get highlights of Disney history—or let a team of Disney-trained vacation planning professionals personalize a tour for you!
Special Events
Special Events at Magic Kingdom theme park include Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Calendars
Calendars for Magic Kingdom theme park display Park hours, Extra Magic Hours, operational updates, entertainment and special events.
Transportation
Transportation to and from Magic Kingdom theme park is available via monorail, bus and boat throughout Walt Disney World Resort, and is complimentary for Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests. For Park Guests choosing to drive, convenient self-parking is also available.
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park
Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park
Epcot theme park
Magic Kingdom theme park
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disney's BoardWalk Area
Downtown Disney Area
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Disney Resort hotels
Designed like a wheel with the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, pathways spoke out across the 107 acres of Magic Kingdom theme park and lead to these 7 whimsical lands:
Main Street, U.S.A.® area
Adventureland® area
Frontierland® area
Liberty Square
Fantasyland® area
Mickey's Toontown® Fair area
Tomorrowland® area
Travel through these lands and see how fantasy becomes reality when you learn how to be a pirate, match wits with funny monsters and conquer mountains. Get swept up in the spectacle of splendid parades and fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom theme park—it's here that dreams come true for children of all ages.
The Pirates League
The Pirates League: Transform yerself from a land lubber into a true buccaneer!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: A beauty salon where little girls are transformed into precious princesses.
Guest Services
Guest Services at Magic Kingdom theme park is a list that includes some of the benefits to Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, where to find ATMs, what attractions use the FASTPASS ticket system, where to find Disney merchandise and where to get a haircut.
Attractions
Attractions at Magic Kingdom theme park consist of classic experiences that pay tribute to Walt Disney's concepts and designs. Celebrate adventure, fantasy, the past, the future and the imagination. Use Disney's FASTPASS system on popular attractions to reduce wait times.
Entertainment
Entertainment at Magic Kingdom theme park includes parades, musical stage shows, spectacular nighttime fireworks performances and the chance to meet princes, princesses, heroes and popular Disney Characters. For show schedules, check the Park calendar or Times Guide.
Dining
Dining at Magic Kingdom theme park means sharing meals with Disney Princesses and other Characters. Or grab a fast snack at a quick-service restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner from less than $15 to $60 per person, based on average Guest check, not including tax and tip.
Shopping
Shopping at Magic Kingdom theme park means exploring the enormous Emporium store and strolling through the numerous shops on Main Street, U.S.A. Find gifts, souvenirs, Disney Character apparel, Pal Mickey, pins and pirate and princess accessories.
Tours
Tours at Magic Kingdom theme park travel through secret areas of the Park. See the steam trains up close, go on a quest to conquer Villains, get highlights of Disney history—or let a team of Disney-trained vacation planning professionals personalize a tour for you!
Special Events
Special Events at Magic Kingdom theme park include Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Calendars
Calendars for Magic Kingdom theme park display Park hours, Extra Magic Hours, operational updates, entertainment and special events.
Transportation
Transportation to and from Magic Kingdom theme park is available via monorail, bus and boat throughout Walt Disney World Resort, and is complimentary for Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests. For Park Guests choosing to drive, convenient self-parking is also available.
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park
Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park
Epcot theme park
Magic Kingdom theme park
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disney's BoardWalk Area
Downtown Disney Area
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Disney Resort hotels
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Pudong, Sanghaim China
Pudong (simplified Chinese: 浦东; traditional Chinese: 浦東; pinyin: Pǔdōng), officially known as Pudong New Area (simplified Chinese: 浦东新区; traditional Chinese: 浦東新區; pinyin: Pǔdōng Xīn Qū), is a district of Shanghai, China that enjoys sub-provincial administrative status. It is named "Pudong" because of its location on the east side of the Huangpu river, on the opposite of Puxi, the west side. After its merger with Nanhui District (now defunct) in May 2009, the Pudong New Area comprises the majority of land in eastern Shanghai.
Since the beginning of its development in 1990 when plans were first announced, Pudong has become a New Open Economic Development Zone, and has emerged as China's financial and commercial hub. Pudong is home to the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and a skyline that includes the symbolic Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Building, the Shanghai World Financial Center and the under-construction Shanghai Tower, reflective of Shanghai and China's rapid economic development.
Since the beginning of its development in 1990 when plans were first announced, Pudong has become a New Open Economic Development Zone, and has emerged as China's financial and commercial hub. Pudong is home to the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and a skyline that includes the symbolic Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Building, the Shanghai World Financial Center and the under-construction Shanghai Tower, reflective of Shanghai and China's rapid economic development.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Sarlat, Dordogne, France
Sarlat - Now we're talking! The most famous town in the region and one of the most renowned and visited in France. It is also one of the most attractive. Often called just Sarlat, the town is actually twinned with its less famous neighbour and is more correctly called Sarlat le Caneda.
Destined to be besieged by tourists at almost all times of the year Sarlat is a beautiful, well restored town a few kilometres north of the River Dordogne. The old town, dating from both medieval and renaissance times is a pleasure to visit, especially during the spring and autumn, or early in the morning. If you can catch the early morning sunshine on the yellow sandstone buildings, so much the better.
Don't miss the streets around the cathedral and the streets to the north of the old town when you visit Sarlat. You will soon become lost in the maze of narrow lanes, with something new to see around every corner. No major sights perhaps - the cathedral in Sarlat is not very exciting, for example - but as a whole town is very attractive.
Before setting off for your walk around Sarlat, visit the tourist office which can provide a suggested walking tour to take in the key attractions. Broadly, the pedestrianised Rue de la Republique runs the length of the old town, with mazes of narrow streets either side. The cathedral is to the south-east of Sarlat, with the attractive Cour des Fontaines and Cour des Chanoines behind.
Frequently you will think yourself lost in the winding medieval streets - don't worry, it's essentially a small town, and sooner or later you will emerge into the light and refind your path!
Don't forget to glance up from time to time as you explore the medieval cobbled streets - the rooves of the buildings in medieval Sarlat are often in 'lauze' - carefully cut stone - and are unusual elsewhere.
Market day in Sarlat is a Saturday.
Destined to be besieged by tourists at almost all times of the year Sarlat is a beautiful, well restored town a few kilometres north of the River Dordogne. The old town, dating from both medieval and renaissance times is a pleasure to visit, especially during the spring and autumn, or early in the morning. If you can catch the early morning sunshine on the yellow sandstone buildings, so much the better.
Don't miss the streets around the cathedral and the streets to the north of the old town when you visit Sarlat. You will soon become lost in the maze of narrow lanes, with something new to see around every corner. No major sights perhaps - the cathedral in Sarlat is not very exciting, for example - but as a whole town is very attractive.
Before setting off for your walk around Sarlat, visit the tourist office which can provide a suggested walking tour to take in the key attractions. Broadly, the pedestrianised Rue de la Republique runs the length of the old town, with mazes of narrow streets either side. The cathedral is to the south-east of Sarlat, with the attractive Cour des Fontaines and Cour des Chanoines behind.
Frequently you will think yourself lost in the winding medieval streets - don't worry, it's essentially a small town, and sooner or later you will emerge into the light and refind your path!
Don't forget to glance up from time to time as you explore the medieval cobbled streets - the rooves of the buildings in medieval Sarlat are often in 'lauze' - carefully cut stone - and are unusual elsewhere.
Market day in Sarlat is a Saturday.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Pamvotis lake, Ioannina, Greece
The Lake of Ioannina (Greek: Limni Ioanninon (Λίμνη Ιωαννίνων)), also Pamvotida (Παμβώτιδα, older form: Pamvotis Παμβώτις) is Epirus' largest lake located near the central part of the Ioannina prefecture in Greece.
Ioannina to the west and the town or Perama to the north are urban settlements fringing the lake while the remaining of its periphery is composed of farmland. The lake features small fishing ports and a boating port while the island is situated in the east of the lake. There is a regular boat service to the island (Nisi). Mountains lie further north and south with Mitsikeli overhanging the east part of the lake. The GR-6 surrounds the northern half of the lake.
TRIVIA
*The name Pamvotis first appears in the 12th century commentary on the Odyssey of Eustathius of Thessalonica.
*Air Sea Lines uses hydroplanes, which fly to Corfu.
*Ioannina is located on the west coast of the lake.
*It is home to an island, where Ali Pasha was hiding during the last days of his reign.
*Urbanisation and pollution are threatening the lake ecosystem, home to small mammals, waterbirds and a rich fish and crustacean fauna. Eutrophication is the main problem as in the summer blue green algae is quite common.
*Pamvotida is home to Tsima (Τσίμα), a species of fish endemic to the lake.
*Two bryozoan species have recently been reported from the lake.
Ioannina to the west and the town or Perama to the north are urban settlements fringing the lake while the remaining of its periphery is composed of farmland. The lake features small fishing ports and a boating port while the island is situated in the east of the lake. There is a regular boat service to the island (Nisi). Mountains lie further north and south with Mitsikeli overhanging the east part of the lake. The GR-6 surrounds the northern half of the lake.
TRIVIA
*The name Pamvotis first appears in the 12th century commentary on the Odyssey of Eustathius of Thessalonica.
*Air Sea Lines uses hydroplanes, which fly to Corfu.
*Ioannina is located on the west coast of the lake.
*It is home to an island, where Ali Pasha was hiding during the last days of his reign.
*Urbanisation and pollution are threatening the lake ecosystem, home to small mammals, waterbirds and a rich fish and crustacean fauna. Eutrophication is the main problem as in the summer blue green algae is quite common.
*Pamvotida is home to Tsima (Τσίμα), a species of fish endemic to the lake.
*Two bryozoan species have recently been reported from the lake.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
Friday, April 2, 2010
Oman - Bayt Al Safah
A vast gravel desert plain covers most of central Oman, with mountain ranges along the north (Al Hajar Mountains) and southeast coast, where the country's main cities are also located: the capital city Muscat, Sohar and Sur in the north, and Salalah in the south.
Coast of Sur, Oman.
Oman's climate is hot and dry in the interior and humid along the coast. During past epochs Oman was covered by ocean. Fossilized shells exist in great numbers in areas of the desert away from the modern coastline.
The peninsula of Musandam (Musandem), which has a strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz, is separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates and is thus an exclave. The series of small towns known collectively as Dibba are the gateway to the Musandam peninsula on land and the fishing villages of Musandam by sea. Boats may be hired at Khasab for trips into the Musandam peninsula by sea.
Oman has another exclave, inside UAE territory, known as Madha. It is located halfway between the Musandam Peninsula and the rest of Oman. Belonging to Musandam governorate, it covers approximately 75 km2 (29 sq mi). The boundary was settled in 1969. The north-east corner of Madha is closest to the Fujairah road, barely 10 m (32.8 ft) away. Within the exclave is a UAE enclave called Nahwa, belonging to the Emirate of Sharjah. It is about 8 km (5 mi) on a dirt track west of the town of New Madha. It consists of about forty houses with its own clinic and telephone exchange.
Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler
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During the 19th century, the palace became a residence of Frederick William IV. He employed the architect Ludwig Persius to restore and enlarge the palace, while Ferdinand von Arnim was charged with improving the grounds and thus the view from the palace. The town of Potsdam, with its palaces, was a favourite place of residence for the German imperial family until the fall of the Hohenzollern dynasty in 1918.
After World War II, the palace became a tourist attraction in East Germany. It was fully maintained with due respect to its historical importance, and was open to the public. Following German reunification in 1990, the final wish of Frederick came to pass: his body was finally returned to his beloved palace and buried in a new tomb overlooking the gardens he had created. Sanssouci and its extensive gardens became a World Heritage Site in 1990 under the protection of UNESCO; in 1995, the Foundation for Prussian Palaces and Gardens in Berlin-Brandenburg was established to care for Sanssouci and the other former imperial palaces in and around Berlin. These palaces are now visited by more than two million people a year from all over the world.