Most famous squares such as Albert Square, Trafalgar, Vendôme ... were built during the Middle Ages, with many historical, political and cultural value.
Here are some famous squares in Europe:
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Madagascar - The most special island in the world
Forget Hollywood fripperies, Madagascar is like no place else on earth. In fact, all things considered, it barely qualifies as part of Africa: the two are separated by hundreds of kilometres of sea and 165 million years of evolution – long enough for Madagascar ’s plants and animals to evolve into some of the weirdest forms on the planet. Nowhere else can you see over 70 varieties of lemur, including one that sounds like a police siren, the world’s biggest and smallest chameleons, and the last stomping ground of the elephant bird, the largest bird that ever lived. Near Ifaty in Southern Madagascar you will see forests of twisted, spiny ‘octopus’ trees and in the west, marvel at the bottle-shaped baobabs, especially the Avenue du Boabab near Morondava. And be on the look out for the carnivorous pitcher plant found around Ranomafana, there are over 60 varieties of them. Not for nothing is Madagascar regarded as the world’s number one conservation priority.
And the people are no less interesting: arriving here some 2000 years ago along the Indian Ocean trade routes, they grow rice in terraced paddies, and speak a language that has more in common with their origins in Southeast Asia than with the African continent. Their culture is steeped in taboo and magic, imbuing caves, waterfalls, animals and even some material objects with supernatural attributes. Hill peoples live in traditional multistoried brick houses with carved balconies and, in some areas, dance with their dead ancestors in the ‘turning of the bones’ ceremony.
We’ve cherrypicked 5 unforgettable things to do in this truly unique place.
Trek the rainforest and take a hot tub
Parc National de Ranomafana is known for its hot springs and lemur-inhabited rainforest. Head out at dawn for a guided trek in search of the beautiful bamboo lemurs. Later, cross a spindly bridge over the village ’s huge gushing river to find a line of hot tubs in little rooms. Once submerged in the piping hot water, you relax you instantly. Stay at the wonderfully friendly and low key La Palmerie hotel for home-cooked banana crepes drizzled in chocolate and the chance to meet Dadalira, an 106-year-old local man who has lived through the country’s most dramatic highs and lows.
Breakfast Malagasy style, and haute cuisine too
The French left a lasting impression when they colonized Madagascar . There are croissants everywhere. Dine Malagasy style at a hotely, one of the slightly dingy roadside establishments, serving up stacks of fried dough balls (mofobols) and super sweet coffee with condensed milk. Other choices will include deep-fried bananas and rice cakes. It’s hardly fine dining, but the people watching and hospitality make the experience priceless.
On the other end of the culinary scale, you’ll find La Varangue, a highly regarded restaurant in Antananarivo. Master chocolatier Lalaina Ravelomanana, who was recently voted among the world’s top five chefs has created a menu to die for, including a taster menu and mains such as grenadine zebu steak with apple cannelloni, a mystery item called explosion du chef and, of course, lots of lovely chocolate. Eat out on the veranda over looking the city or in the stylish interior decked with intriguing relics.
Simplicity and a lakeside safari
At Camp Bandro at Lac Alaotra, you can glide across the island’s largest lake in a dug out canoe at dawn in search of the gentle bamboo lemur or Bandro. As the sun comes up, your guide pushes through the thick reeds into what looks like planet Pandora. Papyrus shoots up around you, and the grey bamboo lemurs never fail to charm. It’s not easy to get here – it takes twelve hours in a minibus taxi on bad roads – but it’s worth it. The camp itself consists of two basic bungalows in stunning garden of roses and includes three delicious meals a day, a bucket shower and access to the lake every morning.
Meet Mother Nature’s most curious creatures
There are four national parks in Andasibe’s rich rainforest, so wherever you are, you can hear the eerie call of the island’s largest remaining lemur species, the Indri. Stride through the thick rain forest and look up to find the huge monochrome creatures high above your head. Spot fat, green Parson’s chameleons and the bizarre giraffe-necked weevil. Take to the quiet Mitsinjo forest for a night walk to hear the frog chorus and spot minute mouse lemurs. For a closer look, visit Vakona Lodge’s lemur island, a sanctuary for rescued lemurs that once lived in captivity.
Give something back
You’ll be struck by the hospitality of the Malagasy and also the poverty. Spend the day at Akany Avoko in Antananarivo – it’s home for around 120 homeless kids. As well as funding their education, the charity provides the children with craft workshops, where they can make bags, clothes and screenprint t-shirts; a garden to learn how to grow vegetables; cookery classes; career lessons and training in sustainable energy. You’ll be greeted by the English director, Steve Wilkinson, and get to wander round the school, meet the children, visit the craft shop, and have lunch in the cafe.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Review: Singapore - Fresh Dawn and Wandering Parties
I have been to Singapore several times, and until this time, I still have the feeling of surprise and excitement about this little Lion Island.
Overcoming the limitation of the area as well as natural resources, Singapore has always been a land full of amazing discoveries and experiences for your family to arrive as guests in this country.
Wandering around Munich during Weekend
Munich, also known as Munchen, is the capital of Baravia State - the biggest state of 16 states in Germany, and the third biggest city of Germany (after Berlin and Hamburg).
Located at the foot of the Alps in Southern Germany, Munich has a long history of more than 800 years (built in 1158). Munich is famous for the ancient architecture building, large boulevards, especially the Oktoberfest beer festival for nearly 200 years.
According to the ancient German, Munich means "Monk", so perhaps the city's symbol is a priest. However, quite contrary to its name, Munich is a very busy and noisy and gaudy city.
When getting to Munich, tourists can visit Mary's Square. The square is the center of the city, which also attracts tourists the most because of the ancient architecture town hall, a two domed Frauenkirche church - which is the symbol of the city, as well as the shopping center, and also the transport hub to other attractions of the city. Mary's Square is considered one of the largest and most imposing squares in the world. It has many interesting activities year-round. Everyday, at 12 AM and 2 PM, the clock on the tower of Frauenkirche cathedral strikes and perform a spectacular puppet show. Many resident of the city and tourists come here to see this special moment.
From St Peter Cathedral, tourists can view all the Marienplatz Square
On Mary's Square, visitors can also meet many groups of dancers performing to promote for the image of their city; some artists on the street draw the landscape paintings to sell it to the foreign tourists. Those people have contributed to the impressive view of the square. There are many lion statues in different sizes located around the square. People in Munich believe that lion is their mascot - the god of protection to bring luck to the city. These lions increase not only the solemnity but also the romance of the squares.
Munich also has four Royal roads bearing the names of different kings. In particular, the largest road is LudwigstraBe, named King Lugwig I. It is said that in the past, many winning armies marching on this road. At the beginning of the road is an entrance gate like Brandenburg Gate in Berlin; however, the symbol of goddess of victory in Munich leading lions instead of horses. At the end of the road, a beautiful Amalienbe Palace was built in the early 18th century; in the past, it was the resting place of the Kings during the hunting period. The details of the palace were made of silver or inlaid by silver, so it was always sparkling and looking brilliant.
Not only ancient, Munich is a green city with many parks. Besides the modern Olympic park, the city still has many old-age parks. In particular, Hofgarten park is the oldest, which was built in the early 17th century under King Mazimilian I in the style of Italian Renaissance. Today, the park is open for the public to gather and hear the street musicians performing. Hofgarten was destroyed dramatically in the World War 2 and then was rebuilt in English style. Munich is also known for English-style garden with the width of 3.7 km square, larger than the Central Park in New York (USA). Besides, there are many other parks such as West park, or the park inside Nymphenburg Castle.
Munich has many great Museum. At the top is Science Museum with a huge collection of diesel engines, cars, planes, boats, and it is for sure that visitors cannot explore all the museum in only a day. The museum now has at least 8000 objects on display. In Munich, there is also a museum for only cars; all the car models are on display here - from the first and ancient model to the most modern ones. There are also museums for
Deutsches Museum is one of the biggest Science Museum in the world.
Kunstareal (artistic area) of the city has the history from 16th century. Brandhorst Museum, opened recently, has brought a new modern breath to this area.
The beer festival is held in the late September and early October each year in Munich. Beer festival attracts millions of tourist every year. If you miss this festival, it will be somehow a pity. However, do not worry because in every street of Munich, beer is ready to serve tourists. One of the places where tourists never want to skip is "Beer Paradise (Heaven)" - which was built in 1589 and opened to guests in 1830. The "Beer Paradise" building can serve 5000 visitors loving beer and is considered the biggest serving place in the world.
If having time, tourists may explore many other architecture places, or wandering inside the parks, or go shopping at the famous market Viktualienmarket.
The Glockenbachviertel gathers many cafe lounges, stores, and shops which are also the places for families and the homosexual people
The public transportation system of Munich are evaluated the best in Europe.
Inside a restaurant in Bayerischer Hof hotel
GOP Variet Theater
