Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Lake District: The Best Scenic Holiday Destination In England
Wherever I have been on my travels the first thing someone says to me when i tell them I am from is England is "Are you from London?". The answer to this I have to say is a resounding "no" - and let me tell you there is far more to the UK that is worth visiting than it's illustrious and internationally renowned capital city. Indeed, if you are a traveler young or old or are even planning a family holiday or vacation and are thinking of visiting England for the first time but are is looking for an alternative to the usual site seeing trips to the city of London, why not instead look for a more serene and scenic alternative than the hustle and bussel of the capital and instead please give some special consideration to the incredible natural beauty of the Lake District - my favorite area of the British Isles. Situated in the North West of England in the county of Cumbria, the Lake District offers unique scenery quite unique to anywhere else in Europe and is an ideal location for any traveler who loves walking, hiking, cycling, camping or any other outdoor activity as the natural landscape offers the perfect backdrop for any such pursuit.
The Lake District's main claim to fame and also a key attraction for English people and tourists alike is that it has the highest point of altitude in all of England - Scafell Pike - and offers fantastic views of the surrounding area on a clear day. Although modest in its height by even European standards (standing at 978 meters tall) Scafell is an excellent place to take a walk if you ever get the chance to visit the North of England and forms one part of the famous national 3 peaks challenge. In spite of the fact that you may find the idea of climbing a mountain a rather daunting prospect, let me tell you that the beauty of the place is that it is very accessible to anyone who is reasonably fit and mobile and requires no specialist equipment to traverse other than a decent pair of hiking boots and a rain coat if you plan to visit in the summer months. although rain is to be expected and snow is likely near the summit, the paths to the top are very clearly laid out and frequented by many people of all ages every year.
The Lake District's main claim to fame and also a key attraction for English people and tourists alike is that it has the highest point of altitude in all of England - Scafell Pike - and offers fantastic views of the surrounding area on a clear day. Although modest in its height by even European standards (standing at 978 meters tall) Scafell is an excellent place to take a walk if you ever get the chance to visit the North of England and forms one part of the famous national 3 peaks challenge. In spite of the fact that you may find the idea of climbing a mountain a rather daunting prospect, let me tell you that the beauty of the place is that it is very accessible to anyone who is reasonably fit and mobile and requires no specialist equipment to traverse other than a decent pair of hiking boots and a rain coat if you plan to visit in the summer months. although rain is to be expected and snow is likely near the summit, the paths to the top are very clearly laid out and frequented by many people of all ages every year.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Enjoying the Sites and Sounds of Florence - Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance
The city of Florence is the capital of the Tuscan region of Italy and a city steeped in rich history and renaissance art. Lying along the river Arno, the city is a sheer delight to behold with its fantastic buildings and architecture. Florence is without question a “must see” for any young backpacker travelling across Europe - although it may not necessarily be the first city that springs to mind when you are planning your trip. Established in the year 59BC by the famous Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, it was originally an army camp for Roman army veterans. However, it is more famous as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance during the middle ages with buildings constructed in the classical “Romanesque” style such as the Basilica Di San Miniato al Monte also helping to define the city of Florence and its architecture.
The main landmark of the city however is surely the fantastic Santa Maria del Fiore - a cathedral famed for its large dome - which remains open for visitors to the city to help them enjoy spectacular views of the city and its ornate buildings from up on high. Along the Arno is the Ponte Vecchio bridge which is also worth a visit for any tourist or traveler in Florence.
The main landmark of the city however is surely the fantastic Santa Maria del Fiore - a cathedral famed for its large dome - which remains open for visitors to the city to help them enjoy spectacular views of the city and its ornate buildings from up on high. Along the Arno is the Ponte Vecchio bridge which is also worth a visit for any tourist or traveler in Florence.
Genoa Italy - Great Italy Destination & Home of Christopher Columbus
Genoa Italy offers the Italy vacation traveler fine food, great museums, a lively city, and history which inlcudes the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, explorer and sailor who discovered the new world and changed Western history in 1492.Christopher Columbus is known as ‘the man who discovered America’, when he set sail from Europe trying to find a westward sea passage to the Orient. He instead landed in the Caribbean Sea dubbed The New World in 1492. Today is the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, which occurred on October 12, 1492 in the Julian calendar and October 21, 1492 in the modern Gregorian calendar.
Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa in 1451. His father was a weaver and small-time merchant, and Columbus had two more sib
lings. As a teenager, Christopher started his sea voyages traveling extensively. Columbus eventually made Portugal his base. It was from here, in Portugal that he attempted to gain royal patronage for a westward voyage to the Orient - his ‘Enterprise of the Indies’. No king or royal kingdom was ready to fund his project. He tried to convince them, but failed everywhere, except for the Spanish King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella who saw some promise in his proposal. Finally, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella agreed to sponsor this historic sailing expedition, and on 3 August 1492, Columbus and his fleet of three ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Niña, set sail across the Atlantic. Some two and a half months later, they sighted land.
lings. As a teenager, Christopher started his sea voyages traveling extensively. Columbus eventually made Portugal his base. It was from here, in Portugal that he attempted to gain royal patronage for a westward voyage to the Orient - his ‘Enterprise of the Indies’. No king or royal kingdom was ready to fund his project. He tried to convince them, but failed everywhere, except for the Spanish King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella who saw some promise in his proposal. Finally, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella agreed to sponsor this historic sailing expedition, and on 3 August 1492, Columbus and his fleet of three ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Niña, set sail across the Atlantic. Some two and a half months later, they sighted land. On 12 October, Columbus and a group of his men set foot on an island’s soil, what later became famously known as the Bahamas. However, Columbus thought that he had reached the Indies, so the sailors started calling the natives of that island as ‘Indians’. In all, Columbus made 4 voyages to the west, till his health degraded badly and he was unable to sail further. He died of arthritis and malaria. The anniversary of Columbus's 1492 landing in the Americas is observed as Columbus Day on October 12 in Spain and throughout the Americas, except that in the United States it is observed on the second Monday in October.
With his four voyages of exploration and several attempts at establishing a settlement on the island of Hispanila (Dominican Republic and Haiti), all funded by Isabella I of Castile. Columbus initiated the process of Spanish colonization, which foreshadowed general European colonization of the "New World."
Funding for Christopher Columbus expedition to The New World
Columbus sought financing from all the European Monarchs at the end of the 15th cent
ury. On 1 May 1486 Columbus presented his plans to Queen Isabella, who, in turn, referred it to a committee. Althought the committee rejected the plan, to keep Columbus from taking his ideas elsewhere, and perhaps to keep their options open, Ferdinand and Isabella, known as the Catholic Monarchs, gave him an annual allowance of 12,000 maravedia and in 1489 furnished him with a letter ordering all cities and towns under the the domain of Ferdinand and Isabella to provide him food and lodging at no cost.
Columbus sought financing from all the European Monarchs at the end of the 15th cent
ury. On 1 May 1486 Columbus presented his plans to Queen Isabella, who, in turn, referred it to a committee. Althought the committee rejected the plan, to keep Columbus from taking his ideas elsewhere, and perhaps to keep their options open, Ferdinand and Isabella, known as the Catholic Monarchs, gave him an annual allowance of 12,000 maravedia and in 1489 furnished him with a letter ordering all cities and towns under the the domain of Ferdinand and Isabella to provide him food and lodging at no cost.After continually lobbying at the Spanish court and two years of negotiations, he finally had success in 1492. Ferdinand and Isabella had just conquered Granada, the last Muslim stronghold on the Iberian peninsula, and they received Columbus in Cordoba, in the Alcazar castle. Isabella turned Columbus down on the advice of her confessor, and he was leaving town by mule in despair, when Ferdinand intervened. Isabella then sent a royal guard to fetch him and Ferdinand later claimed credit for being "the principal cause why those islands were discovered".
About half of the financing was to come from private Italian investors, whom Columbus had already lined up. Financially broke after the Granada campaign, the monarchs left it to the royal treasurer to shift funds among various royal accounts on behalf of the enterprise. Columbus was to be made "Admiral of the Seas" and would receive a portion of all profits. The terms were unusually generous, but as his son later wrote, the monarchs did not really expect him to return.
According to the contract that Columbus made with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, if Columbus discovered any new islands or mainland, he would receive many high rewards.
According to the contract that Columbus made with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, if Columbus discovered any new islands or mainland, he would receive many high rewards.
In terms of power, he would be given the rank of Admiral of the Ocean Sea and appointed Viceroy and Governor of all the new lands. He had the right to nominate three persons, fro
m whom the sovereigns would choose one, for any office in the new lands. He would be entitled to 10% of all the revenues from the new lands in perpetuity; this part was denied to him in the contract, although it was one of his demands. Additionally, he would also have the option of buying one-eighth interest in any commercial venture with the new lands and receive one-eighth of the profits.
m whom the sovereigns would choose one, for any office in the new lands. He would be entitled to 10% of all the revenues from the new lands in perpetuity; this part was denied to him in the contract, although it was one of his demands. Additionally, he would also have the option of buying one-eighth interest in any commercial venture with the new lands and receive one-eighth of the profits.Columbus was later arrested in 1500 and supplanted from these posts. After his death, Columbus's sons, Diego and Fernando, took legal action to enforce their father's contract. Many of the smears against Columbus were initiated by the Castilian crown during these lengthy court cases, known as the pleitos colombinos. The family had some success in their first litigation, as a judgment of 1511 confirmed Diego's position as Viceroy, but reduced his powers. Diego resumed litigation in 1512, which lasted until 1536, and further disputes continued until 1790.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
My Rome-Walking Tour Guide Maurizio Meyer walks Rome
My Rome-Walking Tour with Maurizio Meyer from old Rome centro storico Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Navona, walking through Rome's cobblestone streets passing Palazzo Farnese, walk down to Via Giulia cross Ponte Sisto over Tiber River west to Trastevere, and then climbing the Janiculum Hill for bird's eye views of Rome.
On the way Maurizio brings us to some off the beaten path Rome points of interest - each providing the Rome traveler verious bird's eye views of Rome.
Across the Tiber from Trastevere is Knights of Malta sovereign land for a look through the most famous keyhole in the world and the famous view of Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica Dome.
Maurizio's Rome tour also includes a jaunt to Monte Mario for a fabulous bird's eye view of all Rome the Tiber River and Ponte Milvio.
Maurizio's My Rome Walking Tour climb up Janiculum Hill from Trastevere offers all kinds of views of Rome's centro storico:
Rome Walking Map
Click this link for larger Rome Map: My Rome Walking Tour: Maurizio's Rome VIDEO Walking Tour of Rome Map
On the way Maurizio brings us to some off the beaten path Rome points of interest - each providing the Rome traveler verious bird's eye views of Rome.
Across the Tiber from Trastevere is Knights of Malta sovereign land for a look through the most famous keyhole in the world and the famous view of Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica Dome.
Maurizio's Rome tour also includes a jaunt to Monte Mario for a fabulous bird's eye view of all Rome the Tiber River and Ponte Milvio.
Maurizio's My Rome Walking Tour climb up Janiculum Hill from Trastevere offers all kinds of views of Rome's centro storico:
Rome Walking Map
Click this link for larger Rome Map: My Rome Walking Tour: Maurizio's Rome VIDEO Walking Tour of Rome Map
Enjoying The Beauty of Venice
Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and physically unique cities in the entire world, the great city of Venice located in Northern Italy presents a travel destination quite like no other for any young backpacker travelling around Europe. Venice is of course most famous for its numerous rivers and canals that help to clearly define the unique and intriguing natural characteristics of this Italian Adriatic jewel.
The city itself is built upon 118 small islands that sit proudly amongst this intense intertwined network of waterways. When you picture the perfect ideal of Venice in your mind you always think of images of romantic boat trips on summer evenings - and travelling serenely along the waterways of the city by the numerous traditional gondolas that can be hired is surely a must have experience for any tourist or backpacker visiting the city and is also a great way of taking in the city's incredible architecture.
Indeed, it is these enduring images and traditions that not surprisingly have continued to make Venice a very popular holiday destination for young couples travelling around Europe.
The city itself is built upon 118 small islands that sit proudly amongst this intense intertwined network of waterways. When you picture the perfect ideal of Venice in your mind you always think of images of romantic boat trips on summer evenings - and travelling serenely along the waterways of the city by the numerous traditional gondolas that can be hired is surely a must have experience for any tourist or backpacker visiting the city and is also a great way of taking in the city's incredible architecture.
Indeed, it is these enduring images and traditions that not surprisingly have continued to make Venice a very popular holiday destination for young couples travelling around Europe.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Fendi Spring Summer 2010: Milan Fashion Week
Fendi Fashion Show Spring Summer 2010: Milan Fashion Week
Missoni Sping Summer 2010 Fashion Show: Milan Fashion Week
Missoni Sping Summer 2010 Milan Fashion Show: Milan Fashion Week 2009
Milan Fashion Week wraps up after the Women's Spring Summer 2010 fashion shows from Italy's fashion designers. The world loves to see what's in store from famous Made In Italy fashion brands like Armani, Bottega Veneta, Cavalli, Dolce & Gabanna, Ferre, Ferretti, Gucci, Prada, Moschino & Versace.
WebVisionItaly.com brings you Milan Fashion Week, September 2009, where the runway models are strutting the fashion cat walks showing off the latest designs by Made in Italy brands. Here enjoy video of Missoni Spring Summer 2010 Fashion Runway.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Gucci Spring Summer 2010 Runway Video: Milan fashion Week
Gucci Spring Summer 2010 Runway Video: Milan fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week wraps up after the Women's Spring Summer 2010 fashion shows from Italy's fashion designers. The world loves to see what's in store from famous Made In Italy fashion brands like Armani, Bottega Veneta, Cavalli, Dolce & Gabanna, Fendi, Ferre, Ferretti, Gucci, Prada, Max Mara, Missoni, Moschino & Versace.
WebVisionItaly.com brings you Milan Fashion Week, September 2009, where the runway models are strutting the fashion cat walks showing off the latest designs by Made in Italy brands. Here enjoy video of Gucci Spring Summer 2010 Fashion Runway show.
For more on Italian fashion visit WebVisionItaly.com Italian Fashion channel.
Milan Fashion Week wraps up after the Women's Spring Summer 2010 fashion shows from Italy's fashion designers. The world loves to see what's in store from famous Made In Italy fashion brands like Armani, Bottega Veneta, Cavalli, Dolce & Gabanna, Fendi, Ferre, Ferretti, Gucci, Prada, Max Mara, Missoni, Moschino & Versace.
WebVisionItaly.com brings you Milan Fashion Week, September 2009, where the runway models are strutting the fashion cat walks showing off the latest designs by Made in Italy brands. Here enjoy video of Gucci Spring Summer 2010 Fashion Runway show.
For more on Italian fashion visit WebVisionItaly.com Italian Fashion channel.
Max Mara 2010 Spring Summer Milan 2010: Milan Fashion Week
Max Mara 2010 Spring Summer Runway Fashion Show: Milan Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week wraps up after the Women's Spring Summer 2010 fashion shows from Italy's fashion designers. The world loves to see what's in store from famous Made In Italy fashion brands like Armani, Bottega Veneta, Cavalli, Dolce & Gabanna, Ferre, Ferretti, Gucci, Prada, Moschino & Versace.
WebVisionItaly.com brings you Milan Fashion Week, September 2009, where the runway models are strutting the fashion cat walks showing off the latest designs by Made in Italy brands. Here enjoy Max Mara Spring Summer 2010 Fashion Runway Video.
For more on Italian fashion visit WebVisionItaly.com Italian Fashion channel.
Milan Fashion Week wraps up after the Women's Spring Summer 2010 fashion shows from Italy's fashion designers. The world loves to see what's in store from famous Made In Italy fashion brands like Armani, Bottega Veneta, Cavalli, Dolce & Gabanna, Ferre, Ferretti, Gucci, Prada, Moschino & Versace.
WebVisionItaly.com brings you Milan Fashion Week, September 2009, where the runway models are strutting the fashion cat walks showing off the latest designs by Made in Italy brands. Here enjoy Max Mara Spring Summer 2010 Fashion Runway Video.
For more on Italian fashion visit WebVisionItaly.com Italian Fashion channel.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Alberta Ferretti Spring Summer 2010 Fashion Runway Video: Milan Fashion Week
Alberta Ferretti Spring Summer 2010 Fashion Runway Video: Milan Fashion WeekMilan Fashion Week wraps up after the Women's Spring Summer 2010 fashion shows from Italy's fashion designers. The world loves to see what's in store from famous Made In Italy fashion brands like Armani, Bottega Veneta, Cavalli, Dolce & Gabanna, Ferre, Ferretti, Gucci, Prada, Moschino & Versace.
WebVisionItaly.com brings you Milan Fashion Week, September 2009, where the runway models are strutting the fashion cat walks showing off the latest designs by Made in Italy brands. Here enjoy video of Alberta Ferretti Spring Summer 2010 Fashion Runway.
For more on Italian fashion visit WebVisionItaly.com Italian Fashion channel.
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