Split – Croatia’s southern Capital

Many people have tried their level best explain why Croatia’s second largest city is called Split. This city is located on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea. It has gained prominence and popularity due to its strategic location. It is a popular tourist destination links that the Apennine peninsula and Adriatic Islands. Most people are beginning to slot into their budgets plans to tour and spend their holidays in Split. They would like to see and experience for themselves what split, one of the oldest cities in the region can offer to a curious mind.

Research indicates that this ancient city derived its name from a type of shrub called spiny broom. However, when it came under the Romans, they called it Spalatum which later evolved into Split. People who claim that the word split was derived from the Latin word ‘palatium’ (palace) are not accurate in their assertion. Although the Diocletian Palace is a central architectural feature, it had nothing to do with the city’s naming. Some of these controversies are igniting people’s curiosity to want to explore every nook of Split in order to ascertain the truth.

They do not want to merely sit back and wait for people to come up with their own versions of stories and fabrications. Perhaps you have only seen the Diocletian’s Palace in photos but you have never seen it at close quarters. If you choose to make a tour at Split, you will no doubt be able to touch, feel and experience the culture and many other older buildings in this ancient city. It is reported that historic sites at Split entered the UNESCO World Heritage Sites way back in 1979. Since then it has remained one of Croatia’s main centres of culture. When you travel across the city, you will not fail to catch a glimpse of the Cathedral of Saint Dominus as well as the statue of bishop Gregory of Nin.

Split is also known for its amazing galleries and museums such as:

• The Archaeological Museum
• The Solin Museum
• The Narona Collections
• The Issa Collections
• The Split Archaeological Museum

You will particularly love the Split Archaeological Museum, the oldest museum in Croatia. It is estimated that this museum has over 100,000 artefacts which date from the prehistoric era, Greek era, early Christian era. Below is a list of the most popular artefacts at:

a). The Split Archaeological Museum

• Ancient clay lamps
• Bone and metal articles
• Gems collections
• Collections of stone inscriptions from Salona
• Ceramic objects
• Roman glass
• Collection of Ancient coins
• Collection of Medieval coins
• Collection of submarine collection
• A well equipped archive library

b). The Split City of Croatian Archaeological Monuments

• Weapons
• Domestic items
• Jewellery
• Stone artefacts of the old Croatian church
• Clay figurines
• Early mediaeval wicker
• Old Croatian Latin epigraphic

c). The Croatia Maritime Museum

• collection of ship models
• collection of navigation equipment
• collection of weapons
• collection of uniforms and equipment
• collection of marine equipment and supplies
• Collection of medals.
• Naval and maritime history
• The history of the Slavs

These museums’ eclectic collection of artefacts mirrors the rich culture as well as artistic expressions of Croats. It will be prudent to start saving right now so that you can explore these museums and galleries.  When you leave Split, your life will never be the same again. It does not matter whether you are a student, scholar, journalist or a mere tourist. Doors and arms of Split and its people are wide open to people of all walks of life. You are guaranteed an experience of a lifetime which will remain in your mental diary for a long time. Did you know that the Split City Museum houses the Emanuel Vidovic Gallery? This special gallery was initiated in honour of a special painter of Split in the 20^th century.

As you finalize your holidays, you could also take time see Split’s galleries such as

• The Gallery of Fine Arts which displays various sculptures and paintings of famous Croatian artists.
• The Ivan Mestrovic Gallery which displays different drawings, architecture, design, sculpture and furniture.

Split has a history and reputation for music and it has one the most influential musicians and their music.

Finally, summers are usually busy with cultural activities during the Split Musical Festival. These festivals are usually followed closely by the Split Summer Theatre Festivals which brings together different people within Split to showcase their talent. Some of these annual festivals have produced amazing talents (such as Josip Hatze, Zdenko Runjik, Daleka Obala, Jelena Rozga and many more) for the country and the world. Split is evidently not a slouch in sports because of the conspicuous presence of the Poljud Stadium and Spaladium Arena. Some more information on Split at Wikipedia.

Ankara – a Treasure Trove of Ancient Architecture

A bit more humble in population and geographical stature than the luxurious city of Istanbul, Ankara is Turkey’s capital and second largest city. The city of Ankara is advantageously positioned in the centre of Turkey’s notable transportation grid and functions as marketing central for neighbouring agricultural regions. Not only is it considered a key point for active commerce supporting such items as wine, flour, leather goods and carpets, it is additionally home to the world famous Angora cat, Angora goats (mohair) and Angora rabbits (prized wool). This map of Turkey shows the region and city clearly.

The ancient city of Ankara is rich with archaeological sites given its 5000 years of history. The oldest part of the city, the citadel, dates back before the times of the Romans. Anyone sightseeing in Ankara will discover a great deal of ancient architecture and traditional Turkish accommodations along with some of the finest restaurants in the world.

Ankara is an old city with a variety of interesting archaeological sites to explore. A hill that looks over the city is topped by ancient castle ruins, which only embellishes the panoramic vista. Even though there are only a few significant ruins that have survived around the old citadel, there are several well-preserved ancient remains in other areas throughout the city.

Other archaeological sites to tour:

Temple of Augustus and Rome – Also referred to as the Monumentum Ancyranum, was built sometime between the 25 BC – 20 BC period after the establishment of the Roman province of Galatia and the Roman Empire’s overthrow of Central Anatolia.

Column of Julian – Currently in the Ulus district, the Column of Julian (or Julianus) was constructed to celebrate and pay homage to the Great Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate’s trip to Ancyra (modern day Ankara) in 362.

Roman Bath – The Roman bath was created while Emperor Caracalla reigned to honor the God of Medicine, known as Asclepius, in 3rd century AD. The bath consists of a hot room (Caldarium), warm room (Tepidarium), and a cold room (Frigidarium), which was entered after the Caldarium and Tepidarium to open the pores of the skin. It is a traditional Roman bath with all the classic elements and is located in the Ulus quarter. Only the first floors and basement exist today.

Ankara’s predominant and most awe-inspiring place to worship is the glorious, exquisite, and extremely provocative Kocatepe Mosque. Viewing pictures of Kocatepe Mosque simply do not compare to standing in front of the incredibly wondrous structure in person and looking upon its grace and beauty for the first time. Essentially, there are no words to accurately describe it.

Several more mosques that are notable and worth visiting in and around Ankara for tourists to visit as archaeological attractions:

Ahi Elvan Mosque – This particular mosque was intricately carved from walnut and built by the ahi leader Ahi Elvan Mehmet Bey in the year 1382.

The Alaadin Mosque – Erected by Muhiddin Mesut in 1178 inside Ankara Castle, it was renamed the Alaeddin Mosque while it was restored during the Alaeddin Keykubat years. Additionally, revealed inside the mosque’s garden, are interesting architectural relics and calligraphies from the Byzantine and Roman periods.

Yeni Mosque – the well-renowned architect Sinan constructed this opulent mosque, sometime during the 16th century. The prayer niche and pulpit are fashioned of luxurious white marble, and the mosque itself is made of Ankara stone, both examples of very skilled artistry.

Haci Bayram Mosque – The mosque is found in the Ulus area of Ankara adjacent to the Augustus temple. The mosque, as it is seen today, reveals traits of the late 17th and 18th century mosques and was built by an unknown architect in the early 15th century.

Check this wiki page for more info.

Other attractions and sights of Ankara

Ankara is proud to host the Turkish State Opera and Ballet, which offers Ankara three key venues including the Leyla Gencer Sahnesi, the Ankara Opera House and Operet Sahnesi – all of which provide a steady stream of original and creative performances. Ankara additionally features five professional classical orchestras, four concert halls, and an array of annual festivals comprised of theatre, music and cinema.

Folk traditions are also exhibited and observed regularly in restaurants, bars, small theatres and student venues. This part of Ankara is readily exposed while meandering along the energetic and pulsating streets after dark, and is exactly where one should venture to get a real taste of the city.

Ankara’s lively restaurants are additionally teeming with Turkish culinary pleasures including a distinct fondness for fresh and tasty fish dishes. Along with sampling succulent seafood cuisine, experience classical Turkish music along the way.

Coupled with Ankara’s rich culinary delights, lies the world of shopping that is diverse as the dining, including a first-rate selection of street-style shops, modern malls, local markets and bazaars. For a more earthy atmosphere and affordability, head for the markets where haggling and negotiating for better prices is the norm. The most interesting shopping begins at the Castle area where a centuries-old trading center is situated sprinkled with exquisite local stores that offer authentic Turkish rugs, antiques and leather goods as well. A good map of Ankara is a must when travelling through this wonderful city

Southwest Airlines a cheap and affordable carrier

Southwest Airlines is the largest airline in the United States based on the amount of passengers that it carries per year. This budget airline has been going strong since 1967, at present it offers over 3,300 flights a day to over 97 different destinations. In 2012 it purchased AirTran Airways, full integration between the two companies will take a number of years, but it has really increased the amount of destinations that you are able to travel to on Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines first flight was on June 18th 1971, it offered transport on its original three aircraft between various destinations in Texas including Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. During this time the company adopted a policy of employing only sexier stewardesses on their flights. They were each dressed in hot pants, which was of course very unique in the airline industry.

Southwest Airlines made a loss in the financial year of 1971 to 1972, this resulted in the sale of one of their aircraft. This meant that planes needed to be on the ground for much shorter time periods in order to continue their normal scheduled services. This is where the phrase ’10 minute turn’ came into action, which of course means a quick turn around after the aircraft has landed.

Southwest Airlines was one of the first airlines to establish an internet presence, their website was launched in March 1995, originally you could only view flight schedules, but now you can purchase tickets from Southwest through the website, in fact over 70% of bookings now come through the website so it is a major source of revenue for Southwest Airlines.

Over the years Southwest have acquired a number of different providers including Muse Air, Morris Air and ATA Airlines. This has helped expand their portfolio if the amount of destinations that they are able to fly too. Further destinations were added after replacement of the wright amendment.

There are a lot of destinations that Southwest Airlines fly to, they do not offer transport hubs as such and generally fly from destination to destination, which of course allowed them to fly to other destinations. Major destinations serviced include Orlando, Kansas City and Las Vegas. Since the acquisition of AirTran there are a select number of flights being offered to Mexico and the Caribbean.

There is a frequent flier programme as well as in flight wi-fi on most flights. This means that Southwest Airlines is the perfect solution for business users. The cabins are also fairly comfortable which makes transport between destinations a breeze. It is no wonder that Southwest Airlines are the first choice of many people out there.

If you are looking for cheap Southwest Airlines tickets there are plenty of websites out there on the internet that will be able to you. Remember, just because you are flying budget does mean that you need to sacrifice comfort on your flight, Southwest Airlines does not sacrifice comfort.

Sun Country Airlines is the trading name of MN Airlines. They are based in Minneapolis. They offer budget flights within the United States as well as destinations further afield such as the United Kingdom. Their main hub is at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and have three focus cities; Dallas International Airport, Capital Region International Airport and Cancun International Airport. They did file for bankruptcy in 2008 but is still offering regular passenger service as of 2012.

After rapid expansion the company entered bankruptcy in 2001, during this time it lost nearly all of its 727 aircraft as well as other aircraft models, it did however retain its operating certificate. Sun Country Airlines emerged from the ashes of its bankruptcy soon after and began rebuilding its fleet albeit at a slower pace than before. In 2008 it started having a bit of trouble, many of the summer schedule was cancelled with pilots being placed on leave. In 2009 it made a small profit of $1,000,000 and started to repay its loans.

Sun Country Airlines fly to over 32 destinations worldwide. This includes service of London Gatwick Airport, which is located around 25 miles outside of London. Other destinations can be found in the Caribbean where they fly to countries such as Jamaica, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. Many of their destinations are seasonal destinations and only 11 of their destinations are serviced year round. Internal flights take you to states such as Alaska, California, New York and Nevada.

The company currently have 14 aircraft in their fleet, a far cry from their rapid expansion heyday, although they do plan on adding numerous aircraft in the future to service a number of new destinations.

Food and beverages on board are not included in the ticket price. No matter where you fly you will have to purchase some of the things that you consume. This of course accounts for why the ticket prices on some of their flights are incredibly cheap. First Class and Economy are included on every flight, which of course makes it ideal for business users.

Sun Country Airlines also have a fairly good reward program. It is known as the ‘Sun Country VIP Club’. You can get some extra cheap deals when you are a member of this program and can get much cheaper ticket prices than any other airlines for the destinations that they travel to.

Sun Country Airlines also offer Sun Country Airlines in order to increase their chances of making money. You can buy your hotels, transport and any other things in a single transaction, which can of course put savings in the customers pocket as well as earning Sun Country Airlines a bit of extra money.  In the future you will also be able to book hertz car rental in the same transaction.

If you are looking for cheap flights to overseas destinations then you should look no further than making a booking through Sun Country Airlines, particularly if you want to fly to England. You should be able to find cheap tickets on the internet.

Oslo

Many people seem to overlook the Scandinavian countries for a holiday, however this area is absolutely packed full of fantastic things to do, in fact these countries are some of the most beautiful in the world. If you have yet to visit the Capital City of Norway then I suggest you travel to Oslo now and experience various wonders that can only be found in this city.

Norway is a fairly large country, the population is also incredibly sparse. Despite being a capital city Oslo retains a great deal of ‘quaintness’ often associated with much smaller places. If you travel here you will able to experience a quiet and relaxing holiday with not many people around whilst having all the benefits of a major city right at your fingertips.

The popular misconception is that Scandinavian countries are al cost constantly cold, whilst this may be true in the winter months during the rest of the year Oslo temperatures in Oslo can become rather high.  Rainfall in this area is higher than other places however so do not expect the type of vacation where you can hang out whilst soaking in the rays.

The architecture within Oslo is some of the most diverse in Norway. You have a subtle blend of both original 19^th Century buildings coupled with more modern affairs. A quick walk through any part of town will subject you to some of the most beautiful buildings that you would have seen in your life. It isn’t all about the city buildings however, Oslo boasts four open green spaces which you can kick back and relax in should the city life become too much.

Due to being the capital city of Oslo the government are located right in the heart of the city. You can visit their grouped offices called ‘Regjeringskvartalet’ close to their main parliamentary buildings. Norwegians are also fairly proud of their royal heritage, the royal palace can also be found located within the city walls.

For the tourist travelling to Oslo it is incredibly easy to move around, many of the major tourist destinations can be reached on foot whilst slightly more out of the way places can be reached by a well-run transport system. There are Bus Links to almost everywhere in Norway with a few select routes also taking passengers to the countries of Sweden or Denmark located close by.

Oslo is a cultural centre. It is packed to the brim with art galleries and museums for the budding tourist to spend day whiling away in. One of the most popular highlights is the ‘Munch Museum’ where the world famous painting ‘The Scream’ is located, this particular piece of artwork is worth the trip alone. In the evening you have a variety of night clubs and sports venues to spend the time in.

If you are looking for a vacation in an area that most people seem to give a skip then I suggest travelling to Oslo. Within just a few hours you will be able to experience the beauty of this capital city located right in the heart of Norway.

Research conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has discovered that Denmark contains some of the happiest people on earth. Why, you ask? Plan a trip to the largest city in Denmark and find out! Copenhagen, which is also the capital of Denmark, has been described by tourists as laid back, contemporary and pleasantly enticing. This enchanting city offers tourists a large variety of activities, including tourist friendly bars, restaurants, an abundant array of sightseeing options and a rich history to explore – one museum at a time.

Many who research Copenhagen already know about the famous statue of The Little Mermaid, which is based on a story written by an acclaimed local fairy tale writer and poet, Hans Christian Andersen. The statue is relatively small in size and is located on the harbour in the capital. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, this icon was first erected in 1913. This praised landmark stands at a little over four feet tall and weighs 386 lbs.

A canal tour is a tourist favourite at Copenhagen’s Nyhavn district, with companies such as DFDS Canal Tours offering daily tours of the harbour and various canals. Private tours are available at a higher price as well. Visitors enjoy the casual yet mesmerizing atmosphere as they soak in the charming views the city has to offer. Jazz cruises, wine-and-dine cruises, operetta boats and grand tours are just some of the various genres of tours available to foreigners looking for a unique experience on the waters in the Copenhagen district.

Frederick’s Church, also known as The Marble Church, is a 1740 must see. Originally designed by the Danish architect Nicolai Eigtved, its dome is supported by 12 columns. Reopened during 1894 after political turmoil, it’s current design is the work of Ferdinand Meldahi.  Inscribed above the colossal columns is the sentence, “the word of the Lord endureth forever.”

If you are looking for unconventionally-styled architecture, look no further than the Palads Cinemas, where you can marvel at the odd but whimsical colors of the building before choosing a movie or live event from the large selection of entertainment this cinema provides. Containing seventeen different halls, this popular selection among tourists is able to show 3D movies and holds a number of various ballet and sporting events. They even have genres catering to small children and other younger age groups. If you are looking for fun for the whole family, you will find it at Palads Cinemas.

For a bustling and lively shopping experience, head on over to the shopping centre at Stroget. This Copenhagen shopping street includes five streets of various tourist shops, clothing stores and other small shops. While strolling down these vivacious streets, music will fill your ears from the sounds of street musicians who regularly play at this shopping centre.

If most of your trip in Copenhagen is by foot, you will have a more pleasant experience with a detailed map of Copenhagen that lists the various museums, shops, and tourist attractions. It is a city where there is something for everyone if you know where to look.

In 1094, two Hungarian villages emerged in the area that today comprises Zagreb. After surviving destruction by Mongol invaders 150 years later, and an ongoing rivalry between the two settlements, the two villages finally united as one in the face of invasion by the Turks. By the 16th century, the two were being commonly referred to as Zagreb, and the sabor—the Croatian parliamentary body that still exists today—had been formed. During this time, Zagreb began to be considered as the “capital” of the surrounding land, and by the early 17th century, Croatian viceroys were ruling with the city as their seat of power. After a lengthy period of hardship during the 17th and 18th centuries, Zagreb once again became the dominant city in the region in the 1800s. During this time the city welcomed new technology such as rail roads, plumbing, and gasworks. When the area was a part of Yugoslavia, Zagreb was second only to Belgrade in population. When Croatia declared independence in 1991, Zagreb was made the capital.

Today, Zagreb is home to a rich history and cultural heritage, and the city hosts plenty of museums, galleries, performance halls, and a thriving café society. Nearly 700,000 people live in the city as of current, with over 1.1 million living in the wider Zagreb metropolitan area. To travel to the city nowadays, flights are available from all the major cities of Europe. Croatia Airlines offers flights from most Western and Eastern European countries, as well as Russia and Israel. As the capital of the country, Zagreb is well connected to nearby population centres by both bus and train as well. Bus service is available from Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland. Short flights, train routes, and bus services are available from Zagreb to the country’s other population centres as well, such as Pula, Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar. To travel within the city, visitors can access the Zagreb Tram system, or the widespread bus service. Special tourist bus routes run through the city too.

Sightseeing is a popular pastime for visitors to Zagreb. The rich cultural history means that there are plenty of ancient monuments that can be enjoyed. Most tourists like to begin a tour of the city at Ban Jelacic Square. This square is home to two important sights. In the centre of the square stands a statue of Ban (Viceroy) Josip Jelacic, a national hero who led an uprising against the Hungarians in the mid-19th century. Also in the square is Mandusevac Fountain. While in the square, enjoy one of the many side-walk cafes for a relaxing meal or drink. Not far from the square stand the two Neo-Gothic spires of the Zagreb Cathedral. As with many European monuments, this cathedral has been continuously under refurbishment for centuries, with the oldest parts dating from the 1200s. The vibrant Dolac market is near the cathedral, where locals and visitors alike can purchase produce and craft items. The Stone Gate of Zagreb is another popular destination. With a mural of the Virgin Mary, the gate escaped destruction in an 18th century fire, and is now revered. Other ancient monuments to see include the Lotrscak Tower, the Presidential Palace, the Sabor, and St. Mark’s Church.

The city is also home to a number of museums that are likely to be of interest. These range from major institutions to more niche and quirky museums. The Museum of Contemporary Art is home to a selection of permanent modern art as well as revolving exhibitions. The Archaeological Museum has one of the largest collections of prehistoric artefacts in Europe, as well as pieces from Classical, Medieval, and Ancient Egyptian times. The Museum of Broken Relationships is a quirkier museum that features donated contemporary artefacts from all over the world, each with an accompanying story of how the piece relates to a bygone relationship. This museum has toured the world, including a lengthy stay in London, and won the European Museum Award in 2011 for most innovative museum. The Mimara Museum features the private collection of Ante Topic Mimara, a famous art collector and benefactor who was notorious for having apparently acquired many paintings illegally during the turbulent times of World War II. Works on display include pieces by painters such as Renoir, Degas, Manet, and Caravaggio.

Many excellent day trips are available with Zagreb as a starting point. As Zagreb is the capital of the country, routes originating in the city cover the countryside like spokes from the central hub of a wheel. Samobor is a popular destination, as it is a beautiful pastoral town that is located just 15 or so miles from Zagreb. By bus, a trip to Samobor takes only 30 minutes. The main square is a popular point to visit, and is full of side-walk cafes and eateries. The town is famous for making a custard cake that is popular throughout the country: samoborska kremsnita. Varazdin, to the north of Zagreb, is another excellent city to visit. During the hard times of the 17th and 18th centuries, this city was the capital of the region, and so has its own legacy of history and cultural heritage. Spancirfest, the country’s largest open-air festival, is held in Varazdin annually. A final popular day trip is to the Croatian coast of the Mediterranean. Coastal resorts such as Opatija, Novi Vindolski, and Krk are perfect destinations for overnight stays.  The official site for Zagreb is here

When you are planning your next travel destination, why not consider going to Kiev, Ukraine? With beautiful architecture and a rich and historical culture, Kiev may just be your new favourite vacation of all time. Kiev is the capital city of Ukraine and has a long and varied eastern European history. As you can see there, it is on the Dnieper river in the north central region of Ukraine. Kiev has a hot summer and cold winter climate. The temperatures range from 59 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, and between 17 and 28 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter – with an average chance of unseasonably warm or cold temperatures in both seasons. Kiev is very much an urban, industrialized city with lots of highly developed infrastructure and a fairly large population (estimated to be anywhere from 2.7 to 4 million inhabitants). The Kiev visitor website also says the city is famous for its very beautiful women.

Once you get to Kiev, there are many ways to get around the city. The most unusual, and – for many, most interesting – method of transportation is the funicular. This is a cross between a subway and a train that climbs almost vertically up the right bank of the Dnieper river. Taxi service is widely available in Kiev – however, this is a private system and is not very well regulated, so fares vary widely. There are also many private citizens that use their personal vehicles to provide this service. It would be an adventure, to say the least. There is no longer a riverboat transportation system in place in Kiev, but private pleasure boats are allowed. Bus transportation is highly suspect as crime is high on these and the schedules are rarely kept to. Private minibus transportation may occasionally be off schedule but are very safe and is a much quicker method of travel. There is a large network of railways throughout Kiev that is quite efficient and easy to use.

A multitude of beautiful sites and interesting views line the streets of Kiev. It is actually said that you can walk from one end of Kiev to the other without ever having to leave the shade of its trees. There are two lovely botanical gardens as well as numerous large and small parks for you to enjoy nature in. There is an outdoor museum called the “Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine” that offers a small historical village and many fun activities for the family. Many events and festivals are planned throughout the year, and you are able to check with the Kiev visitor website for details on times and dates. Kiev has many beautiful and historical churches to visit. One of particular note is St. Michael’s Gold-Domed Monastery. As you may suspect from the name, there are some beautiful golden domes on the top of this building. You are also able to visit the Chernobyl Museum and view many fascinating and moving displays with or without hiring an English speaking guide.

Kiev has many options for places to stay during your visit. From low cost small motels to larger, more extravagant hotels, you will be able to find something to fit your needs and budget. The Opera Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel located at the crossroads of the historical and business districts of Kiev. The Opera Hotel has some very neat themed rooms, a gourmet restaurant right in the hotel, and specialized areas for the needs of business travellers. Another notable lodging choice is the Pharaon Hotel. This is a boat hotel on the Dnipro river and is located close to the centre of the city. There is a Mediterranean restaurant located in the hotel and a bar in the lobby. Arguably the most beautiful, and a personal favourite for many, is the Premier Palace Hotel. This is another five-star hotel and is located in the heart of Kiev. A very historical hotel, it was built in the late 19th/early 20th century. The architecture is simply breathtaking and an absolute must see for any tourist.

There are many places to eat in Kiev. Of course there are the standard fast food chains and eating places. Let’s talk about some of the places that offer traditional Ukrainian foods first, which tend to combine fresh, pickled, and smoked ingredients. The first place of note is Shynok. This restaurant offers not only traditional Ukrainian food, but also traditional décor, furniture, and a traditional experience. The Pervak is another excellent place to get traditional Ukrainian cuisine. However, this restaurant only offers a lunch menu and it is a set menu – which means you are not able to select what you would like to eat. You are also able to find sources of excellent Italian, Georgian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine as well. Of note is Hanoi. Hanoi serves both Japanese and Vietnamese food in a lovely setting. Be prepared to pay for it, though, as Hanoi’s prices are not on the low end. Kiev offers such a varied and excited travel opportunity there is no reason you shouldn’t, at the very least, consider visiting there for your next vacation.

Emerging in medieval times, the Way of St. James (El Camino de Santiago) is an excursion of nearly 800 kilometres across Northern Spain in order to arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where many believe the remains of Saint James lie. There are many locations to begin the journey apart from that of Spain, throughout Europe and even within North Africa, which partially explains the use of a scallop shell to symbolize the pilgrimage. Some believe that El Camino de Santiago provides a form of absolution of sin and penance, but even the non-religious may partake and enjoy. Although originally the Way of St. James served as a trade route to the Atlantic, it now represents a religious pilgrimage highly popularized by international attention and reverence. People from across the globe partake in the Way of St. James, making it a culturally diverse and significant site; UNESCO named El Camino de Santiago as a World Heritage Site, and ever since it has represented a journey of heritage and accomplishment. Today, devout Christians and tourists alike, numbering in the tens of thousands, hike and/or cycle this route for cultural reflection, personal enjoyment, or for the challenging nature of the endeavour.

Between the 8th and 12th centuries, the Way of St. James was organized primarily in religious context. Pope Calixtus II is named as responsible for the rise in popularity through his Codex, which writings of are still used in guidebooks of the route. Many original pilgrims were French, and as such those routes were explicitly protected by the Kingdom of France. As more people began to make the journey, hostels and other forms of

Different types of Scallop Shell Markers

accommodation for pilgrims was somewhat industrialized by the Spanish crown. Many pilgrims were given accommodations through churches, such as free meals or places of rest and reflection, and made the journey much more affordable for those who could not pay for the profiteering accommodations established by Spanish royalty. Much of the architecture established along the route during this time still remains today, in conjunction with the traditions and culture that developed as a result of El Camino de Santiago. This allowed for the route to become tourist-like in nature, and now travellers can purchase souvenirs and other products to commemorate their experience. One of these souvenirs is a scallop shell, which one can tie to their backpack or belongings as a symbol of their sacrifice and alliance with the history attached to the route.

The scallop shell has become an archetypal symbol for the Way of St. James because of legend and also the metaphor of the journey as it has developed over the past millennia. Found on the coast of Galicia, the shell serves culturally as a reminder of the history of the route as well as a tradition for those partaking in the journey. As legend has it, St. James’ body washed up on the Galician coast protectively covered in scallop shells, which is the origin of the symbol of El Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims would wear the shell as a symbol of devotion to the journey in hopes of safe passage, which is argued to have warded off thieves and provided tangible safety for the travellers. More so, the shell metaphorically represents the many different places one might embark on the journey from, but all roads lead to one solitary point at the base of the shell. Historians also say that scallop shells were very practical for pilgrims to carry in that they served as a bowl for eating or drinking. Either way, scallop shells are highly significant to the journey aesthetically, and travellers today demonstrate their accomplishment and commitment by displaying a shell on their backpacks or their person.

Originally the Way of St. James was longer than 750 km, although most modern-day participants travel at least 300 km during their trek. Its popularity has sky rocketed since the 1980’s, and even a number of Popes have made the passage. There are many places that one can begin this journey, and for many it is considered to start at one’s home, and end at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Today, those desiring to embark on El Camino de Santiago must first obtain a Pilgrim’s Passport, which may be purchased through a church or tourist agency. These passports grant cheap and sometimes free accommodations including meals and overnight stay at many hostels and monasteries. Within the passport, the traveller receives stamps to mark their distance travelled along the Way. After walking at least 100 km or cycling 200 km, a modern-day pilgrim can receive a compostela, which is essentially a certificate of completion for the Way of St. James. Upon arriving at the Cathedral, one could attend Pilgrim’s Mass which is held there at noon daily for travellers; though Catholic by nature, this part of the experience represents accomplishment and reverence for those who made the journey, in which even the non-religious can enjoy participation.

Overall, the Way of St. James has provided both a tourist getaway as well as religious source of reverence for hundreds of thousands of people. Though no easy feat, El Camino de Santiago represents a sacrifice of personal endeavour that is much more significant that merely one of religion – it has granted personal reflection for countless individuals and has served as a road of personal discovery for many. It takes the average traveller about three weeks to complete the route, and although thousands are able to accomplish it, the adventure may not be for the faint-hearted (or footed). Over one hundred thousand people each year since the 2000’s have accomplished this remarkable journey, and it stands as one of the world’s most culturally renowned sites. The incredible amount of physical endurance and motivation a traveller must possess to complete the Way of St. James is arguably outweighed by the physical beauty of the route; additionally, the historical passage through Spain has connected numerous cultures throughout the ages. It is highly encouraged that tourists, environmental enthusiasts, and devout Christians alike partake in the adventure of El Camino de Santiago as a means of self-realization and personal spirituality; additionally, it is an affordable way to enjoy cultural heritage and majesty of Northern Spain.

Enjoy the travel experience in Berlin

If one is looking for the best travel Europe experience then they should definitely consider going to the German city of Berlin. This city is one of the sixteen cities that make up the great republic that is Germany. Germany has had both a good and bad historical past that has changed the entire international aspect in regards to politics and social issues. It has been the focal spot for tourists who want to understand the chequered history of Germany. It boasts of a population of around three to four million citizens and is the largest city in Germany. Like many other great cities in the world Berlin has a well developed tourism economy that see it pulling in tourist from all over the world. This great city has good infrastructure that allows the easy movements of people and products across various parts of the city. The rich history that this city has is primarily what attracts the tourists who flock in every year. The tourists come to tour and get a sample of the historical background of the city not to mention visit all the favourite tourist destination spots. With well-developed transport infrastructure and a thriving tourism sector, Berlin is one of the most famous places to visit around the world.

It is very important that a city that attracts so many visitors to have a well defined infrastructure. The transportation of the tourist to the various tourist sites should be done in a smooth and effective manner. There should be adequate transport to be able to cope with the large numbers of tourist who will flock the city. The hotels that the city has should range from the most exclusive ones to the ones that are tailor made for the European traveller on a budget. This will ensure that everyone is taken care off. If the city does not invest heavily in making all these preparations then it is likely going to miss the tourism industry. However you must get a good map of Berlin to help you get around.

Berlin definitely has all these amenities and thus is one of the hottest destination spots for tourists. The city is the second most populated city in the entire European Union and still is able to handle the large number of tourists who visits this great city. This is because of the sophisticated planning, which the city put into the infrastructure of the tourism industry. This is one of the reasons why it is such a great city to visit.

The travelling historian who is staying in Berlin will be greatly entertained and educated by the rich history that this German city has to offer. One will be entertained by tales of when Berlin used to belong to the kingdom of Persia and then to the German empire and how the city became divided after the Second World War. Very few cities in the world have had such a great role in the international field of political and social-economical issues. It was the focal point when the Second World War was in full swing. It is a city that has seen both great destruction and unparalleled growth in terms of social and economical issues. Many would not believe when they visit this modern city that it was once almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. The traveller will simply be amazed at how this city picked itself up from the rubble and developed into this ultra modern city. The tale of how this city was able to develop is a tale of how people can overcome hurdles placed in their path. The occupants of this German city are the true movers of the city’s development. They are the ones who have enabled this great German city to develop into a robust economy that attracts thousands of tourists every year. One will be experiencing this kind of rich tour experience when they decide to spend their holidays in this great city of Germany.

Perhaps what Berlin is most famous for is the great Berlin wall that separated Germany into East and West Germany from 1961 till 1989. This wall was caused by the ideological and political differences that the two sides had. The wall and all that it resembled is a tourist attraction spot for anyone who comes to visit this great city. The collapse of the wall was witnessed all over the world. This event represented yet another historical moment of human perseverance and triumph over adversity.

This rich and diverse history is exactly why millions of people will flock this city every year and look at the remains of the Berlin wall. Berlin is a city that has got a diverse culture and a thriving community of diverse individuals that help to boost the image of the city on the world map. It is a place where memorable touring experiences can be created and will leave the visitor feeling well satisfied by the whole experience. From great museums to historical suite to a thriving night-life, Berlin is definitely one of the major tourist destination spots in the world.

For the lovers of literature there is something that they will enjoy immensely when they visit the great city of London. In the various museums that this city has to offer, they will get to view ancient texts and classical novels that were written by great artistes of the past. They will be able to view original documents of great writers and have one of the most memorable holidays of their lives. From the master play writer William Shakespeare to the great author Oscar Wilde, they will be able to view original work that will leave them spell bound and yearning to come back for more. The tourist attractions that London has to offer also include the Buckingham palace, which is the mantelpiece of the whole British royal family. This place has withstood various wars and has weathered the storm of time to stand as a living testament to the rich history of Britain.

There is no point of going to the city of London and not stopping over at the Buckingham palace for a quick visit. Like the pyramids of Egypt or the great wall in chine, Buckingham palace is famous around the world and every tourist who visits this makes sure that they at least visit this great tourist attraction site. The amazing things about the Buckingham palace is that it is still being used in these modern times and one can literary feel the history that the walls have if one takes a walk down its historical corridors. Another important landmark in this city is the tower of London. This fortress has the crown jewels of England, which are a symbol of England’s sovereignty and rich history. The crown jewels have been there for a very long time and have been handed down the royal family over the generations. They are a symbol of England pride and rich historical background.

From theatre and arts to historical landmarks and sites, there is definitely something for anyone who visits London to look at and marvel. One will be able to enjoy their vacation more if they select some of the most popular places to visit and concentrate on them. Since the vacation is limited, one will not be able to exhaust all the tourist destination places that London has to offer. A good guidebook and a good plan of the sites that one wants to see will ensure that the limited time one has is used in the most appropriate manner possible.

Make sure you get a great map of the Tube (London’s underground railway). The tube is the easiest way to get around and there are stations near all the main tourist attractions.

When one mentions the great city of Rome then what comes to mind is the rich history that the city has to offer. The number of people from outside of Italy who go to this city for their holidays is huge and this is because of the various tourist attraction sites that this great city has to offer. The history of this Roman city cannot be separated from the history of the Roman Empire. The rise and domination of the Roman Empire is something that has fascinated many people around the world. Even in today’s modern world, there are still discoveries that are being made by archaeologist that increase the appeal of Rome as a tourist destination spot. This city has been rated by many tourist magazines as one of the most famous places to tour. The number of historical treasures that this city has is incalculable and this is the reason that lovers of history and art flock this city every year. Rome is said to be the third most popular destination place in the entire European Union. It has a registered number of around twenty million tourists every year and this number is expected to increase in the coming years.

The charm and charismatic nature of Rome is one of the reasons that millions of tourist come to this city. Among the popular attraction spots in this city, there is the number of countless museums that have art and historical content that date back to the Roman Empire. The churches and the historical buildings that are in the city are another reason why many people decide to go and vacation in this city. The catacombs and the Roman Forum are just some of the many historical ruins that attract the huge masses of tourist each year.

There is no single tourist who will claim that they would not like to go and see the historical sites that Rome has to offer. The Vatican museums offer one the chance to learn and experience the development of the Roman Catholic Church. The tours that these great establishment offers are guaranteed to amaze and delight the tourist and keep them yearning for more tours. This is what this ancient city has to offer to the tourism world. Apart from the archaeological sites and the historical ruins, Rome is known for its diverse and very rich culture. The experience that the tourist will take away from this city will ensure that they have only praises to talk of when they are asked how their experience was. Get yourself a good map of Rome that points out all the archaeological sites.

In the ancient times, this great city was the focal point for a huge western civilization. This city was rich in terms of the culture that it had and was the political and social economical hot spot for the entire Roman Empire. This meant that this city was the one place in the entire empire that attracted all the important cultural activities that were going on at that time.

When the history of the Christian faith is being discussed, the city of Rome is not far from the discussion. This is because of the important function that this city played in the development of the Christian faith. The remnants of the development of the Christian faith can be traced directly to this great city. It is here that important events that have had lasting effects took place. It is here that the history of the Christian faith was shaped and molded. When a city boasts of having such a tremendous effect on such a pivotal part of the human culture, then it is not surprising that it will attract a lot of attention. The head of the entire Roman Catholic Church resides in this great city. Thousands of visitors come to pay their respects to the pope who resides in the Vatican. Millions of visitors will simply come to Rome to be part of the various important events that mark the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.

The city was and still is one of the hub spots of culture, history, philosophy arts and other important political and social happenings in the world. The city attracts all these different elements due to the diversity and the rich history that this city has. If one wants to see sites that will amaze them, and leave them in awe of the ingenuity and the sophistication that the ancient civilization had, then they should definitely visit this ancient city. The Coliseum ruins are still in existence. This historical site will delight the tourist. The ruins have been able to withstand the test of time and are a tribute to the past civilization. Places like ST Peters Basilica and Capitoline Museums are attracting tourists from all over the world. It cannot be disputed that a trip to Rome is something that the tourist will immensely enjoy and that it will be worth their while to spend time in this great city