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I´m probably a little biased on this site, since I have been there so many (innumerable, practically) times. The World Heritage area is just the Inner City (the First District), plus a few areas besides (like the Belvedere Palace area), but it really captures the essence of Vienna and gives a great overview of its history, from the earliest beginnings as a Celtic and Roman settlement through the (frankly less remarkable medieval and Renaissance periods) to the time of Vienna´s greatest glory, the Baroque, when it was the capital of a huge empire, and on to the 19th century, when the Ring Street with the Parliament Building, City Hall, the University, the Opera, and the two great museums was built. So wandering around the Inner City takes you through all epochs in a short time, and there´s a lot to see, but the major, must-see attractions are St.Stephen´s Cathedral and the Hofburg, the maze-like Imperial Palace Complex. Most impressive is the Treasury, which contains priceless works of art from many periods. Sure, the city can get very crowded, but it´s easy to get off the tourist trail - just don´t take a map and let yourself get lost in the small streets and alleys. Sooner or later you´ll end up on the Ring. And since one of the major reasons for inscription on the WH list was Vienna´s role as a capital of music, a night at the Opera or at one of the many concerts is probably a must …

I had a wonderful time at the site about ten years ago and greatly enjoyed all that there was to learn and particularly the contrast with the Mayan ceremonial cities. However, I have to disagree with Ivette, though. We have not advanced at all. On the contrary, life remains very harsh for the poor majority. The environmental and social degradation a bus ride away in San Salvador with many people living in absolute misery is a vivid reminder of this. Certainly the American continent was far better off before the journeys of Columbus and the European takeover.

I agree that it´s very hard to determine whether Brugge is Europe´s best-preserved medieval city, but it certainly ranks very near the top. The fact that after the city´s Hanseatic League/trading empire heyday, its economic fortunes plummeted was bad news for its people at the time, but a real boon for today´s visitors. The many canals and the chance of a pleasant boat ride give Brugge a Venice-like feel, and the many quiet spots (despite the big number of tourists) really do give the impression of a medieval town. Brugge is today no more one of Europe´s major trading ports (nearby Antwerp has taken over this role, since Brugge isn´t even on the sea anymore), but it still is one of the most interesting tourist destinations - certainly No.1 in Belgium. And for WH collectors - it features a belfry and a béguinage as well.

Participating in “organised tours” is not really my favourite way of travelling. But sometimes there is an arrangement where the hassle of getting to your destination might become too much compared to signing up and paying a couple of Euros to a company with a ready-to-go-tour. Making an excursion to Delphi from Athens is exactly such a tour. Getting to Delphi by car is of course a non-issue but with only public transport as option it becomes quite a complicated task. So it was not long before I found myself in one of those comfortable air-conditioned bus with a guide constantly mumbling a lot of gibberish in broken English to an audience of half-asleep tourist due to the early morning departure time.

After first making its way through a quite boring Greek landscape we reached the first mountains after a couple of hours driving. And suddenly the trip took on a more exciting perspective - in which turn is the bus going to drive off the road and tumble down in the valley…? Now, not now, now….considering how they drive in Greece I’m amazed that there are no more cars and other motor vehicles lying in heaps on the side of the roads?

Having reached Delphi, one immediately notice how beautifully located is sits on the mountainside and it is said that when Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the world, their paths crossed in the sky above Delphi, establishing Delphi as the centre of the world. And …

We visited the ruins in May 2007. We found the staff friendly, helpful and respectful. They were all trying so hard to do their best in these hard times. The ruins were spectacular to see, such a huge site and the guide seemed up to date and knowledgeable. Unfortunately he destroyed any inclination that the ruins were built from aliens from out of space but much more reasonably believed over time the people integrated into other tribes and probably even he was a ancestor of the people who once lived here.

We were only alowed to pay the entry fee in foreign currency.

Wednesday, 14 March 2007

Lion park

Thursday, 15 March 2007

Lion park

1979 I lived in Santa Ana ElSalvador...went to Antigua....and stayed until around 1985...by the time I finally left I owned a Bar on the Central Parque called La Galleria.....I have travelled the world and can truthfully say it WAS one of the most serene....lovely....wonderful locations on this planet....I hope that it does not go crazy commercial....and I fear it has already started....go anyway....the people are..were wonderful...

Kazan had long figured large in my city “do list” ever since, over 40 years ago, I first saw Eisenstein’s “Ivan the Terrible” with its magnificent representation of the city’s siege and the defeat of the Tatar Khans. Of course the Kremlin ensemble, built and rebuilt since the siege, can only faintly echo these events but, when we eventually visited in May 2007, we discovered plenty of interest (and controversy) there. Whilst, beyond, lies a handsome city whose style and substance should place it ahead of many other similar-sized European cities (population 1 million +) for a visitor’s attention.

The Kremlin surrounding wall is capped in parts with wooden roofs and spires – several of which, perhaps incongruously and certainly un-authentically, sport the UNESCO WH logo (photo 1) – Kazan is clearly proud of its inscription! Inside is a melange of buildings, both religious and secular, from 16th to 21st (!) century – including 17th century towers, a 16th century cathedral and monastery buildings (other churches were destroyed in Stalin’s time and the monastery became a tobacco factory), a 19th century Governor’s house (still used as the presidential palace) and finally THAT mosque opened as recently as June 2005 (5 years after inscription)! All are joined by a long avenue faced by other classical buildings (photo 2). A fine plan of the complex with “mouse-overs” is on the Tatar President's Web site!

The previous post raises a number of issues regarding the authenticity of the Kremlin and the words …

It was a long awaited wish of mine to see the Potala palace in person and after several years of trying it came true in May 2007. It really is a breathtaking view and despite all the attempts of the Chinese government to profane it the Potala spreads out an overwhelming aura of spirituality. The neverending stream of pilgrims circulating round it underlines this spirituality.

Late in the evening when the sky is dark and the Potala is lit by spotlights, they have a set of color-lit fountains on the huge square opposite the Potala to which they play classic evergreens such as the "Blue Danube Waltz" or the "Hungarian Rhapsody" loud but in poor quality. The whole scenery is then quite bizarre, a bit like one would imagine a Potala Hotel in Las Vegas. But even that couldn't take away the Potalas dignity.

Spissky Hrad is close to a small village named Zehra in the church of which beautiful frescoes were descovered. This church is also covered by the Unesco title. Booklets are found in English and German. As I was there (summer 2007) a lady was sitting in the church awaiting visitors. She had so much to say about the church (in English!) that we literally had to ask for permition to get out (but don't be afraid - Slovaks are extremely kind to visitors). I would definitely recommend a visit if you are at the Spissky Hrad. Another beautiful nearby town is Levoca (Leutschau) where you can admire the work of the local artist Master Paul. Don't miss the local Townhall which can also be visited from the inside.

The greatest thing about St Gall is its old world-known library. It is of immense historic value and still contains unique manuscripts. Otherwise, the medieval monastery was heavily modified to suit the Baroque taste and the result I do not find that impressive.

In all honesty I hadn’t expected a great deal from Vallée de Mai – probably just a short walk through a virtual “botanical garden” in a rather touristy atmosphere! In fact we managed to escape the tourists (despite ourselves being in a group) and the atmosphere was magically primeval – cool and deep green with the sights and sound of running water and bird calls echoing through the shadows! The tourist hype of “Garden of Eden” might be a bit OTT but the site is well “worth a detour” if you find yourself in the Seychelles and can make it across to the island of Praslin!

A problem I had feared was that the site is (one of? Any corrective information would be gratefully received) the smallest of natural WHS at a mere 18 ha (The next largest might be Messel Fossil Pit and Giants Causeway at 70 ha – but neither of these is trying to preserve a living ecosystem). Indeed it seems unlikely that IUCN would accept this site today (it was inscribed in 1983) without the establishment of proper “buffer zones” etc. As on so many matters, the “goalposts” on WHS inscription have moved significantly since the early days. IUCN does suggest in its evaluation that the Seychelles government should expand the property boundaries to include the rest of Praslin National Park - within which the Vallée sits. This of course hasn’t been done and recent evaluations (up to 2007) suggest that a far tougher line would …

Colonia was WONDERFUL. Eating outside in the quaint, warm and friendly cafes was an experience we shall never forget. Our children (ages 6 & 12) loved Colonia as much as we did and they're used to Disney World-type trips. What a beautiful part of the world! We will someday return for a much longer visit. Thank you for your webpage and all the photos.

I travel quite abit being a Retiree and yet, enjoy the leisures that accompanies my portfolio with a Real Estate Company active on the Thai exclusive regions. Sometimes, my dog travels with me, depending on the duration at any one destination regarding the routine hassle of quarantine etc.

This day being in Holland, the Winter is lifting and Spring is soon showing its natural signs, I'm back in Holland and on Monday, after a late & long sleep-in, had a midday brunch, saw the skies brightening despite the hesitant clouds hovering, i felt the chances are good to go enjoy a reminiscent stroll by Kinderdijk. The last time I was there was in 1978 and both my wife and me had a very romantic stroll amidst the white powders of Dutch snow that blanketed the whole region... making it a dream on clouds above the lowlands here within close proximity of Rotterdam.

Sunny Monday afternoon of Febr. 25th, 2008 was a day for both me, my dog Gaby and a windmill walk at Kinderdijk. I preplan my route on the GPS and away we left heading towards Rotterdam and onto Kinderdijk somehow. here are links of pics I assembled, feel welcomed to take this trip as I wandered with Gabby (a Belgian Shepherd), for an afternoon stroll some 35kms away. My Belgian Shepherd dog went along for the stroll...

Treated ourselves to an afternoon breath of fresh air for a Monday.

I am sure for those that were here, enjoyed …

Qutb Minar and it's monument's in Delhi is amazing although there has been some canges over the years for example you can't try to put your hands on the Iron Pillar beacause theres a gate around it. But the rewrds are amazing it's basiclly a complex so expect 1hour-1 and a half hour to explore the whole thing. The admission price for this monument is as falows,250 Rupees for all adults, children are free.

Thessaloniki was a pleasant surprise for me. I hadn't thought much about it before, but it's really a very clean and modern metropolis with a nice view of the sea (especially from the top of the White Tower) and a much milder (and less smoggy) climate than Athens. Its WH monuments are scattered throughout the city, but are easy to find and represent a good cross-section of the city's history from ancient Greek and Roman to Byzantine and Turkish times. The Byzantine churches especially are very interesting, but also the remains of the Roman Palace and the Triumphal Arch merit a closer look. I wouldn't go to the city just for its WH value, but there are many other reasons to go there, and seeing its historical buildings is definitely a good way to become acquainted with Thessaloniki.

Naples is crazy! The sheer volume of people and cars that occupy the space of the old centre seems completely unmanageable. Petty crime and, particularly at night around the train station, local transgressions have been rearing its hard every once and while. That all being said, Naples has a good deal to see, whether it be the Archaeological Musuem (unbelievable) with treasures 'borrowed' from Pompei and Herculaneum. Or the Spaccanapoli with its uniquely neopolitan atmosphere and a work ethic adopted a particular cheese on their own. I', not sure how easy it will be in dinner, but originality suffers tremementdously.

I visited these parks in January 2003. I went first to the little town of Pagancillo. I could find neither package trips nor any form of public transport to the site but a local resident, Aldo, was happy to taxi me around in his pick-up truck, and at a very reasonable price too.

We visited Ischigualasto first, Aldo advised that the light was better earlier in the day. Here visitors' vehicles are organised into a convoy and then led around the site by a Park Guide. Frequent stops are made and things of interest pointed out and explained. Although this was said to be the rainy season there was very little substantial vegetation, it's a semi-desert, in parts rather like the Badlands of Dakota but perhaps not as colourful.

There are some remarkable and highly dangerous looking columns where a hard rock capstone protects and is supported by a tapering towards the bottom pillar of softer rock.

There is a feature known as The Ball Court where large, almost perfectly spherical stones have been formed by windblown sand sticking to an inner core.

While Ischigualasto is perhaps of most interest to those with a serious interest in geology, Talampaya is more picturesque. Here the park rangers provide the transport and in about 3 hours will show the visitor petroglyphs cut to exploit a remarkable blue deposit on reddish brown rocks; guanacos and a variety of birdlife; an excellent echo, got by shouting into a canyon and some (20m?) sandstone columns …

San Gimignano refuses to accept the fact that time has passed it by. Indeed, it has so fully adapted itself into a centre of tourism that it really has no need to welcome the modern world, except in the form of currency. It is known as the town of the towers, and, without dobut, the approach to the town as one drives from Florence, is astounding. The stone medieval towers dominate the skyline, while the bustle of tourists and merchants fills the streets below. It is these hulking structures that attract the busses of tourists, but, as with every Italian city, there is a wholy different attitude to be found among the little alleys and side streets of these towns. It is easy to forget, when one is touring Italy, that these towns are inhabited by ordinary people whose sole purpose in life is to watch and cheer on the Candians. But, yeah...we're still waiting on the room verdict.

Spending two days in Naples wouldn't be complete without a daytrip out to the Royal Palace of Caserta. Such was the reasoning that my girlfriend and I adopted during our recent trip to Campania. We took the bus from the Piazza Garibaldi (main train station) in Naples, and, although traffic was especially bad, the round trip was relatively painless and quite cheap. The palace is easy to find in Caserta, due to its being the only sight in town; if you find yourself disoriented, simply follow the tour busses or the large groups of students to the ticket office. Once inside, we decided to use the audio guides, which were very informative for the interior of the palace but, due to regulations, unavailable for the gardens. And regardless of how grand or impressive the decorations are on the interior of Caserta, it is the gardens that brings the crowds. They stretch for several kilometres, with the intricacy of their design increasing with each passing step. While Caserta is essentially just another of the European monarchs' flights of fancy, its excellence commands attention and attracts visits from all those interested in the lifestyles and tastes of the royal familiies of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Delphi is one of those places whose ancient importance cannot really be seen today anymore, just felt and imagined. It is located in a beautiful mountain setting, on the Parnassus Mountain, and its remaining monuments don´t quite reflect its extreme significance in ancient Greece, when it was the site of its most important oracle and the "centre of the world". Many of the buildings and temples are similar to others all over Greece, but the walk along the Sacred Way is really special, and the setting of the site is unique. Definitely worth a visit when you´re interested in ancient Greece.