What You Need to Know About Driving Your Car Abroad by Chris Marshall

If you are planning on driving whilst on your holiday it is very important that you do some research to ensure that you not only stay on the right side of the road but also the right side of the local law! In some countries the basic rules of the highway will be the same as in Britain but there will be local laws that you obliged to follow even if you are not used to them or even think they are pointless. For example, it's compulsory to carry a fire extinguisher if you are driving in Greece or Poland, and motorists travelling in Spain must carry a red warning triangle in the event of an accident or breakdown - in fact this is the case in most European countries. Failure to adhere to such laws may result in a fine or even worse depending on the offence.
It is your duty and responsibility to find out what the local driving laws are and to follow them correctly. Ignorance is not an excuse.
If you are using your own car then you must display "GB" stickers on the rear of your car. If you are going to a country where you will be driving on the right hand side then you'll also need a set of headlight converters so that your headlights dip away from oncoming traffic.
Your UK driving licence should cover you for driving abroad although in some countries you may also need an International Driving Permit which is sometimes called an international driving licence. The AA and the RAC are both able to issue these and can tell you where they are required. Again it is your responsibility to check whether your driving licence covers you for driving in another country.
Any breakdown cover that you have for the UK probably won't cover you whilst abroad so contact your breakdown cover provider to see if they have a service available or one they can recommend for the country you are travelling to. If you do get cover then ensure you take the policy numbers and helpline contacts details with you.
Your UK car insurance will cover you in most EU countries but check first with your insurer, and to see what is covered and what may be excluded. Your insurance company will also advise you on what cover is needed in countries that are not covered by your UK car insurance.
About the Author
Guide2Holidays is here to take some of the stress out of your holiday and its planning so that you plan ahead, get to the airport, arrive at your destination and enjoy your holiday as much as possible. For more information please visit http://www.guide2holidays.com.

Venice On The Shores Of Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale Travel Information by Elyse Morgan

Twenty-three miles north of Miami on the subtropical Atlantic Coast, Fort Lauderdale is a sophisticated resort destination as well as the yachting and cruise capital of the world. There are numerous options for airfare to Fort Lauderdale with three major airports in the area that service the city: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Miami International, and Palm Beach International.
Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of America" for its intricate network of canals and Florida's deepest port, Port Everglades, which makes this beach city a major hub for the boating industry. The canals offer a twist to sightseeing, with many water taxis and aquatic city tours. From the sea you can catch a glimpse of Florida's most beautiful waterfront mansions that line the bays and canals. Also, Fort Lauderdale's proximity to the Bahamas and Caribbean makes tropical cruise travel extraordinarily convenient out of Port Everglades.
Fort Lauderdale's Fine and Funky Enclaves
Travel to Fort Lauderdale is diverse and eclectic due to the city's various districts, each with its own personality and character. The Strip, or Fort Lauderdale Beach, was put on the map as a Spring Break mecca during the 1970s and 80s due to the film Where the Boys Are. Elbo Room, the famous spring break bar that was featured in the film, is still standing today at the corner of Las Olas Blvd. and A1A. That intersection may not be as wild today, but its ocean breeze and string of lively bars and restaurants still attracts spring breakers and local beach-goers alike.
Further down Las Olas Blvd. in Downtown, the entertainment district has experienced a major rebirth, attracting waves of locals and visitors alike. Enjoy an evening at the Broward Center for the Performing arts and then wander by the many new restaurants and shops lining the boulevard. This area is also home to Fort Lauderdale's museums, including the Museum of Art and the Museum of Discovery and Science as well as some historical exhibits covering the Native American and European settler history of Fort Lauderdale. Just to the north, Wilton Manors is a very popular gay and lesbian community within Fort Lauderdale, packed with lively bars, blaring nightclubs and all inclusive resorts. Whatever your orientation may be, this place is certainly worth a visit.
Get In and Get Out
Travel to Fort Lauderdale and experience all of what the southeast Floridian coast has to offer. The city is conveniently close to Miami's South Beach resorts, clubs and restaurants and just a short drive to the expansive biodiversity of Florida's Everglades. Additionally, booking your airfare to Fort Lauderdale today will get you that much closer to a luxurious Bahamas or Florida Keys vacation. Treat yourself to a tropical getaway right here in the United States.
About the Author
For more information on Fort Lauderdale and cheap airfare & flight tickets, go to www.cfares.com.

The Pearl Of The Pacific Northwest: Seattle Travel Information by Elyse Morgan

The keystone of Puget Sound's commerce and the origin of many alternative American trends is none other than the bustling Emerald City of Seattle. Secure your airfare to Seattle with cFares and discover why Bill Gates, Starbucks, Nirvana and the Space Needle made this metropolis their home. Travel in Seattle is as dynamic and diverse as its inhabitants. Enjoy the theater, mountain biking and the fish market all in one day with time left over to indulge in some excellent seafood dining.
Seattle quickly capitalized on the Yukon Gold Rush that swept the nation by establishing itself as the banking center for the newfound funds of the Pacific Northwest. This trend did not cease over the centuries as Seattle has become synonymous with major tech firms such as Boeing, Microsoft and http://Amazon.com. The affluence is now visible in the many public arts and architecture projects that have been established in recent years as well as the proliferation of fine and modern arts museums and performance art funding.
Get Out and About the Rainy City
Just as much as Seattlites seem to work, they love to get outdoors, rain or shine. Seattle offers an incredible Parks System for such a metropolitan city. Get your bearings in Kerry Park with its infamous view of Seattle's skyline. Locate the Space Needle against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier and the rest of the Olympic Range. Take a jog along the Puget Sound at Golden Gardens Park, one of the last beaches that still allows bonfires, or you can cycle around the serenely quite Elliott Bay in Myrtle Edwards Park. Seattle also provides easy access to Washington's Olympic National Park, which offers all kinds of recreational activities amid breathtaking lush green scenery.
Several specialized tours are offered of Seattle's many sights and sounds. One of the more interesting is the Seattle Underground Tour, which leads you through Seattle's "basement" underneath Pioneer Square. Between the resistant swamp lands and a fire that completely destroyed downtown in 1889, Seattle rebuilt itself over the original city layout (this time using brick and steel) creating an actual underground network. Several cruise lines offer a tour of Seattle's coast or you may choose to exert yourself a bit more with a kayak tour.
Garage Grunge and Conspicuous Coffee Consumption
Seattle's prosperity may be due in part to the caffeinated cosmopolites buzzing around the city. Thanks to the establishment of Starbucks, Seattle's Best and Tully's, Seattle quickly became the coffee capital of the country. The first Starbucks store is still a block away from the touristy Pike Place Market, where the famed fish merchants will toss your order to you, giving a whole new meaning to flying fish.
Seattle is also the birthplace to the popular Grunge movement, spawning Nirvana and a whole string of bands with similar sound and style. Cafés spotlighting free-styling poets and off-beat monologue performances sprouted out of the Grunge scene and still fill the Seattle air with funky lyrics and indie beats today.
Seattle today is an eclectic mix of high-tech industry, commercial consumerism, counterculture trends and (thankfully) Bill Gate's generosity.
About the Author
For more information on Seattle and cheap airfare & flight tickets, go to www.cfares.com.

Cheap Travel Insurance: Enjoy your journey without Worries by Henry Bell

Traveling is a part of life. Everyday you have to travel to some place either due to your official work or for some personal reason. Vacations are always considered as the unique opportunity of traveling and enjoying with your family members. Frequent trips to various places involve a big amount of money to spend. Hence you can save heap of money on your trips through cheap travel insurance. Cheap travel insurance provides not only a sense of safety during traveling but also saves you a lot of money.
Various quotes of cheap travel insurance are available online on the internet. The comparative study of all the quotes of cheap travel insurance on the internet will provide you the wide details. If you will search on internet about cheap travel insurance then it will also help you in making the right decision in selecting the best policy of cheap travel insurance.
Cheap travel insurance gives an excellent coverage. Cheap travel insurance provide covers for any medical expenses in your trip, flight cancellation, flight delays, loss of baggage, documents, emergency evacuation etc.You can better cope with these emergency situations without letting all the money that went into paying the air tickets, hotels etc. go to waste by purchasing a cheap travel insurance policy. With cheap travel insurance you pay lower monthly premium.
But before purchasing cheap travel insurance it is important to see about the reputation of insurance company in the market and which have world wide offices so that it can be easily contacted during emergencies. It is also important to take into consideration that the insurance company from which you are taking the policy of cheap travel insurance should provide good customer satisfaction.
To avail the benefit of cheap travel insurance you need to undertake a thorough study of the insurance market. You can do it easily through internet. By searching on internet you can trace the perfect travel insurance that is cheap and cost-effective. Online you will get a number of sites in which you can get various quotes of cheap travel insurance. So online you will get freedom to select and compare a number of quotes of cheap travel insurance. You can choose the best one suited to you. Using the online method, you can perform this task quite easily within no time. Online method of purchasing a cheap travel insurance policy is very beneficial because it involves less paper-work, along with saving of time.
About the Author
Henry Bell is an author who can certainly identify the kind of insurance that you will need. He is proficient in the insurance world; he is an MBA(finance) from University of Oxford. Insuranceb.co.uk endeavors to find the best possible deals for its customers. To find Car insurance, Cheap Travel Insurance, Home insurance, Van insurance, Motorcycle insurance, Holiday insurance, Pet insurance in the UK visit http://www.insuranceb.co.uk

A Nation Is Born In Philadelphia - Philadelphia Travel Information by Elyse Morgan

Often referred to as "America's Birthplace," Philadelphia has been the center of progressive beliefs and democratic principles since the first settlement of the city was founded by the now famous Quaker, William Penn. Naming the settlement "The City of Brotherly Love," William Penn hoped to protect individual freedoms and promote religious tolerance in stark contrast with what many colonists had escaped under British rule.
William Penn's visions were realized when the Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall, and after years of bloody and hostile clashes with the British Army during the American Revolution when the United States Constitution was first drafted in the same hall. Travel through time in Independence National Historic Park (Old City) where the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Constitution Hall are all concentrated. You can view the Constitution and Declaration of Independence in Constitution Hall and take a walk through the many Revolution-era buildings that have been restored and preserved. Travel to Philadelphia, once the capital of the United States, and see for yourself the remnants of revolutionary battles and the emergence of a new, independent nation.
Hoagies, Movies and Masterpieces
A simple walk through the streets of central Philadelphia will reveal the nation's largest collection of public art amidst ample park space and well-planned, easily navigated streets. Stroll along West Market Street near City Hall and through LOVE Park, taking in the fantastic murals and sculptures along the way. For a more traditional experience, visit the masterpieces of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the steps of which were made famous by Sylvester Stallone in Rocky. For the most unique museum experience, visit the Mutter Museum, originally open to medical students and featuring a wide array of formaldehyde-filled cadavers and skeletal displays, along with some little known facts about the nation's medical history.
Philadelphia is also known for its many famous architectural feats and noteworthy buildings. The City Hall, completed in 1900, is the world's tallest load-bearing masonry structure. Another Historic Landmark, the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society building is considered to be America's first International Modernist skyscraper and also home of the first ever savings bank in the United States. On a smaller scale, Philadelphia is known for the homes of Benjamin Franklin and Edgar Allen Poe.
Find airfare to Philadelphia around the first Friday of the month to enjoy the galleries and sights in Old City for free until late in the evening. When you have had enough of museums, stop into a pub or restaurant for an original Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich and some Italian ice for a true taste of Philadelphia. You will probably even want to order a few extra sandwiches for the flight home!
About the Author
For more information on Philadelphia and cheap airfare & flight tickets, go to www.cfares.com.

Your Mission To Space City: Houston Travel Information by Elyse Morgan

Houston, Texas, is probably most famous for its featured role in space travel movies as NASA's Mission Control Center is based here inside the Johnson Space Center. However, there are hundreds more reasons to book your airfare to Houston, the 4th largest city in the United States. Come get a taste of southern rodeo, America's gulf coast, some Spanish history, and one of the most medically and technologically advanced cities in the country.
Houston: Mecca for Science and Technology
One of the most visited places in Houston is Clear Lake, the site of NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. Space Center Houston is open to tourists, offering educational exhibits and hands-on displays highlighting Mission Control's long history of success and tragedy. Do not miss out on the tram tour through the actual Johnson Space Center facility. Clear Lake is also a popular recreation retreat for the city, positioned on a bay just off the coast of the Gulf, offering a variety of outdoor activities.
The Texas Medical Center is located near downtown Houston and happens to be the world's largest medical district, servicing over five million patient appointments annually. The campus grounds feel like a city within a city, hosting residential towers for employees and all the necessities of daily life. Notably, the Medical Center provides the largest proton therapy clinic for cancer treatment and the Cancer Prevention Center, established by the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Houston's Hotbed of Style, Sophistication and Soul
Houston is one of the most international cities in the United States, attracting tours of Broadway productions, major art exhibits, and consistently a stop on each major musician's tours. Houston's Theater District offers more theater space per capita than most major cities and even has permanent professional opera and ballet companies (only five other cities in the United States can make such a claim). The Museum District provides a centralized neighborhood for all of Houston's major museums, including the Houston Zoo and the Museum of Health & Medical Science.
Houston is also a vibrant center for alternative art and culture. The streets of the city are filled with incredible motorized creations resembling spaceships, fantasy creatures and other extraordinary structures once a year during the Art Car Parade. Also, travel to Houston during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to catch the largest and longest running event of its kind. Major artists perform in concert and there are many arts and crafts vendors and activities for the entire family.
Secure your airfare to Houston now and enjoy the most modern and dynamic city in Texas, and possibly the entire country. The major shipping Port of Houston adds incredible diversity to the massive metropolis as the sixth-largest port in the world. Experience the down south flavor of a Texas town against the backdrop of the major multiculturalism of a bustling urban center.
About the Author
For more information on Houston and cheap airfare & flight tickets, go to www.cfares.com.

Star Spangled Baltimore- Baltimore Travel Information by Elyse Morgan

Positioned on the largest estuary in the world, the great city of Baltimore dominates Chesapeake Bay's commerce, tourism and arts. Also known as Monument City, Baltimore is a living legacy of America's heritage and historic foundations. Today, the city is thriving with nearly 700,000 residents and a booming industrial seaport. Airfare to Baltimore is a convenient alternative to flying into Washington D.C.

Travel to Baltimore for the most intimate of American History, including one of the most famous battles sites against the British. During the Battle of Baltimore in 1812, the British naval fleet found itself in a stalemate with Baltimore's Fort McHenry. Without reinforcements available and facing a formidable enemy, the British retreated, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner." The Battle Monument was erected in the city's center to commemorate this significant victory for the United States and you can visit the grounds of historic Fort McHenry today.

Baltimore is the restingplace of the U.S.S. Constellation, the last all-sail battleship built by the US Navy and a very popular attraction. It is also the last vessel from the Civil War era that is still afloat. Baltimore was the second heaviest traveled port-of-entry for immigrants into the United States during the nation's infancy, adding to the incredible diversity in cuisine and culture.

More Sights, More Sounds, Baltimore

Today, Baltimore is a mosaic of sophisticated American culture, the offbeat arts and music scene, and riveting professional sporting events. Make sure to visit the funky strip of Baltimore Boulevard known as The Block. Not for the entire family, this stretch is full of sleepless nightclubs, burlesque bars, quirky restaurants, and other forms of adult entertainment. For an alternative outing for the whole family, visit the Baltimore Streetcar Museum, dedicated to the preservation of Baltimore's transportation history. The National Aquarium is also located in Baltimore on the seaside Inner Harbor. The aquarium offers a unique rooftop rainforest, an intimate dolphin encounter and it is the most popular attraction in Maryland.

Baltimore is also full of dedicated sports fans, committed to their city's athletic history and legacy. The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum celebrates sports legends throughout history in its museum, Sports Legends at Camden Yards. Nearby you can see the Orioles or the Ravens play in stadiums full of diehard fans.

Baltimore and Breakwater

Baltimore's position on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay is ideal for sightseeing and dining alike. Spend an afternoon on top of the Top of the World Observation Level & Museum, the 27th floor of the World Trade Center on the bay's shores, and view the city's skyline, seascape and familiar sights. Then, head down to the market place in the Harbor area for some delectable Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, prepared any way you like, and enjoy live jazz in the evening by the shore.

Secure your cheap airfare to Baltimore and dive in to the city's eccentric age-old traditions. You, too, will soon be drinking National Bohemian and cracking open steamed crabs on a newspaper covered table while watching your new favorite team play.


About the Author
For more information on Baltimore and cheap airfare & flight tickets, go to www.cfares.com.

Enjoying luxury without the high price tag, whilst waiting for your flight at Edinburgh Airport. by Bethanie Ashley

'I don't think I've read that right' I can hear you thinking. Enjoy waiting for a flight at Edinburgh Airport? Impossible!
Especially in these days of increased security checks we are inevitably going to be spending more time in the airport waiting for our flight departures. I expect you have all experienced being jammed into a crowded waiting area, tripping over luggage and trying to avoid the feet of the person next to you who has stretched out for a nap. The minutes drag, another cup of coffee is not a good idea, the kids start grizzling or worse still someone else's kids start grizzling, and you can't concentrate on your novel, crossword or laptop. It's a familiar story and one none of us look forward to when we are travelling either for pleasure or on business.
Edinburgh Turnhouse is officially Scotland's fastest growing airport offering many domestic and international destinations for travellers in the Edinburgh region. Edinburgh Airport handles over 8 million passengers, and with those numbers set to rise even further, it's no wonder we sometimes feel like sheep herded into a pen.
There is an alternative, you will be glad to hear, and one that will cost surprisingly little in comparison to the cost of the flight itself.
Who might be interested in this alternative?
* Travelling business passengers * Families * People with disabilities * Elderly people * and, in fact, anyone else! Although it is not widely known, there are facilities for everyone, and I'm sure you are now eager to know what is available, what to look out for and how to access your little bit of luxury before your trip...
Edinburgh Airport is home to one Executive Lounges offering a peaceful retreat to escape the airport hustle and bustle, and available to everyone for a very small fee.
If you are a business passenger you may wish to take advantage of a host of benefits with the lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport, to help ease the hassle of business travel:
* Telephone and fax facilities * Internet and Wi-Fi access * Business Desks * Toilet and shower facilities * The latest magazines and newspapers * Television * Complimentary snacks and drinks * Bar
The Servisair Executive Lounge in the Edinburgh Terminal provides these facilities offering you a quiet environment in which to finalise last minute details before reaching your destination, or catch up with outstanding work.
Edinburgh Airport also has two local hotels offering conference facilities and meeting rooms available for hire - The Hilton Edinburgh Hotel and The Quality Hotel Edinburgh Airport.
The lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport are also available to the rest of the travelling public including families. It always surprises me that this information is not more widely known as booking the Edinburgh Airport executive facilities is easy. However, the information provided below will ensure that you can now start your trip in style.
When you are ready to book lounges at Edinburgh Airport, do make sure the facilities you require are offered as they do differ slightly between Airports, i.e.:
* If travelling as a family, that the lounge you wish to book allows children under 12 * That smoking is allowed should you wish to smoke * That the business facilities you require are available.
Passengers using the lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport must ensure they leave enough time to reach their flight as flight display screens are not always available, and not all of the executive lounges carry out flight announcements in the suite. The lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport also all operate a smart / casual dress code.
Now for the important information - how to book lounges at Edinburgh Airport and access the Edinburgh Airport executive facilities. You don't have to be a VIP to enjoy a luxurious start to a holiday or business trip and people with disabilities and the elderly can relax in comfort making the journey much less stressful. There are various information websites that provide a more detailed breakdown of the lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport.
You will be surprised to learn that all of the lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport and executive lounge benefits are available for prices starting from as little as £12. Entry to the lounges at Edinburgh Airport is limited so if you would like to start your holiday in style and enjoy the experience of VIP travel, it is advisable to pre-book access to the lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport.
This article is free for republishing
About the Author
Further useful information such as how to get to the airport, public transport, Edinburgh parking, Terminal facilities, Airport security, Airlines, destinations, and for booking and paying for airport lounges, car rental, airport parking, travel insurance and foreign currency, can be found on the

Travel in Italy: Great Free Travel Guide of Venice by Flashbooking cheap booking on-line by Michele De Capitani

Flashbooking is a growing youth hostels and hotels directory in Venice (Italy) specializing in budget accommodation for independent travellers, students, backpackers, families and all the ones that travel on a pocket.
Flashbooking is becoming a recognized source of information and services for who loves creating a trip by him/herself and book bed nights securely online.
In fact, thanks to a secure server certified SSL provided by Thawte (the global certificate authority) Flashbooking is able to guarantee instantly confirmed and secure online bookings for cheap hostel Venice. Thawte is a system which encrypts all the processed data and guarantees that this will not be read, used or modified by other parties.
Venice is situated in the Veneta Lagoon, on an archipelago of 120 islands, separated by 160 canals,which in their turn are spanned by 400 bridges.The city, connected to the mainland by both a rail and road bridge, is divided into six districts (sestieri): San Marco,Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, Castello, Santa Croce and San Polo. These zones are divided up by a dense network of canals (rii) and an intricate system of narrow and windy streets (calli and Salizade) which open out onto the canals and campielli (small Venetian squares). The historic centre borders the Grand Canal, which is crossed by the Academy bridge, the Ponte di Rialto and the Ponte degli Scalzi.
A Skype account has been recently added in order to give more assistance to our travellers and backpackers needs. Flashbooking accommodation database is easily available online and comes completed with all relevant information about hostel location, description, contacts, prices, instant real availability, customer ratings, facilities and pictures. In particularFlashbooking provides a large selection of cheap or low cost accommodation offers in Florence where there are plenty of low cost solutions for backpackers in budget youth hostels, Bed and Breakfast, family run guesthouses, cheap hotel deals.
Recently, Flashbooking staff and management have decided to put at travellers' and partner hostels' free disposal some useful tools as some pocket travel guides, written for giving the essential information about the most visited cities in the world. Especially created for a quick visit, a week end, a city break, these free pocket guides are printable and downloadable online. The staff efforts concentrate on making them simple to read and with a nice format and full of essential hints on where to go, things to see, shopping and markets, quality places reasonably priced where to eat or hang out in the nights, budget hostels, cheap hotel deals and bed and breakfast Venice to book, emergency numbers and more.
Venice is relatively small and the majority of the city is easily reached on foot. Using a street guide makes it impossible to get lost in the maze of streets. All the buildings are numbered, based upon the district to which they belong and not to the street. Each house is indicated initially with the name of the district followed by the number.There is a wide choice for those who wish to take a boat trip. tickets are available from all the boat stops and in some bars, shops, and tobacconists who show the ACTV sign.
See Flashbooking database of selected accommodations worldwide and help us enlarging the hostel offer by reporting the contacts of some accommodations, lodgings, BandB, youth hostels and budget small hotels where you personally stayed. In fact, Flashbooking policy tends to privilege small and family-run hotels in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.
If you also have a personal website or a travel blog, or even manage a youth hostel or a hotel accommodation, and are interested in the travel city guides, you can collect all of them and put at your visitors' disposal. Other city pocket guides of top European cities are: the London guide, the Rome guide, the Amsterdam guide, the Paris guide, the Prague guide, the Barcelona guide and more coming on soon!
So mates, we are looking forward to finding you THE budget accommodation that meets your needs and pocket for your next trip!
About the Author
This article was written by Michele De Capitani with support from Youth hostels & cheap hotels and Mrs Vera Bonaventura. For any information on how travel insurance, please visit our accommodation website to download your free travel guides for Venice City in Italy.

Looking For A Holiday In Barcelona Spain by Johnathan Bakers

With so much to do and so little time to do it in we would like to give you a brief overview of some of the highpoints when visiting Barcelona. There is so much to cover from Guell Park to the water parks it is impossible to see it all in one vacation. So get ready to have fun and enjoy everything from the plane ride to the rest you will receive at the fine lodging. Oh and be ready to plan a return trip.
One place you may want to start would be the museums starting with the Picasso Museum. With so much emotion and ability shown in one building you could spend and entire day just seeing the art that is on display here. Or you may simply be looking to relax and enjoy the beaches and ports of Costa Brava. You could spend days here as long as the weather is cooperating. There is so much to see and do and so much beautiful coastline to enjoy. You could also go to visit the beautiful Guell Park with all of its beautiful architecture that is overshadowed by the Sagrada Familia a large church with very intriguing architecture. DO not forget to stop and see the Christopher Columbus Monument or take a walk through Olympic Park which was the site of the 1992 Olympic games.
If you are a true sports fan then you will want to plan your trip around a soccer match in order to see the home team of Barca play. The best time would be during the regular season which traditionally runs from September through March. You would get to see world class soccer with some of the best fans in the world. There are also water sports to enjoy on the coastline as well as many other recreational activities to partake in on your visit.
There is so much to do and keep in mind that there are very well kept and cleaned beaches to enjoy. Do not forget your wide choices for lodging as well. You could stay in a Chalet or bed and breakfast. You could even rent a fully furnished apartment or simply stay in an elegant hotel. Make sure you get the type of lodging that you are looking for in order to make the most out of your stay. With so much to do in Barcelona, Spain you may want to pick the most relaxing place after your long day of touring.
About the Author
Concentrating on informating about History of Spain, Johnathan Bakers writes essentially for http://www.barcelona-information.com . His contributions on Barcelona are found on http://www.barcelona-information.com .

Enjoy The Beach At Costa Brava by Johnathan Bakers

There is so much that is out there in Barcelona. In particular is the area of the Iberian Peninsula and Costa Brava. With so much historical significance and so much wonderful architecture to take in while on your trip you will have many things to do and enjoy while you are here. With all of the history that has been left behind by the Arab Visitors to the wonderful views of the French Coast off of the Mediterranean Sea you will feel welcome and entranced all at the same time.
With so much coastline and so many beaches to take advantage of it is a wonder that anyone would even notice how much more there is to offer while going through Barcelona. There is the wonderful architecture starting with the Familia Sargadia the wonderful church that was designed by Antonio Gaudi. Much of his work is also on display in Guell Park. Some of his works are displayed on the park benches or on various items throughout the park. Do not forget to take in the monument to Christopher Columbus while you are visiting in order to another marvel. Also be aware of the vast number of museums that are located in the city. Many of which have unique exhibits as well as the Picasso museum which displays many of his different works. There is also the many different lodging possibilities that are available while you are there which include but are not limited to; hotels, furnished apartments, bed and breakfasts as well as chalets to meet all of your lodging and comfort needs.
Also one needs to be prepared when going to Barcelona, Spain with so many different sources of information available when you are looking to have a well planned vacation. Look into sources such as the internet for all of their free resources as well as calling travel agents. Make sure to obtain locations of special events as well as times and prices for many of the things that you are looking to do while you are there. Much of this information is available by simply looking online or at local your travel agent. If you do not have the time to look up information before you do go on your trip make sure to look into the possibility of exploring the information booths while at the airport so as to at least give you a general idea of what you may want to do when you arrive.
About the Author
Concentrating on the area of Barcelona, Johnathan Bakers published almost entirely for http://www.barcelona-information.com . His work on Sagrada Familia are published on his website .

Lottery Winners Turn Down A Burnham-On-Sea Caravan by Alison White

The New Year brought them a big proportions financial surprise: £ 2.4 million was their prize for trying their luck at the lottery. Suddenly, what it may seem to be just a fantasy for others it became real for them.
A Gloucestershire couple is the lucky couple who won not only the top prize at the lottery but also another £ 1,331 for matching five numbers in the same draw. With such an amount of money you might think that Brian Crook, retired council groundsman and his lifetime partner, Janice Giles will be looking forward to set for a fabulous Mediterranean trip. However, the couple of 65 and 69 years old have turned down the idea of this kind of trip: "The Mediterranean doesn't interest us. We've been going to Burnham for years and it's a lovely place".
Originated from Stroud, Gloucestershire the winners of the £ 2.4 million are considering in fact of investing their gained money in a new bungalow. Besides, they also considered about buying a caravan in their favourite place where they want to spend their holidays: somewhere in Burnham.
They have justified their choices by saying that they have never been " the one to show off, but having this windfall will let us take time out to enjoy some fresh sea air and let the news sink in. Everyone is over the moon.
About the Author
The New Year brought them a big proportions financial surprise: £ 2.4 million was their prize for trying their luck at the lottery. Suddenly, what it may seem to be just a fantasy for others it became real for them.

Learn more on Amalfi - travel guide Amalfi by Giuseppe Longo

The seaside resort of Amalfi lies on the south coast of the Sorrento peninsula at the northern edge of the Gulf of Salerno , in the region of Campania 24 miles southeast of Naples. It lies at the mouth of a deep ravine, at the foot of Monte Cerreto (1,315 meters, 4,314 feet), surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. The largest and most popular resort on this mountainous stretch of coastline, Amalfi is a popular holiday base for tourists wanting to explore the area. The Republic of Amalfi was once a major seafaring power, and the town's traditions and historical buildings bear witness to Amalfi's glorious past.
Arrival Plane Naples Capodichino Airport offers connections to all Italian cities and major European destinations with traditional or low-cost airline companies. From the Arrival area of the Airport there is a daily bus service to Sorrento provided by Curreri, or there are two possibilities to get to the main train station in Naples: ANM bus 3S (30mins, every 15mins) to Piazza Garibaldi, or the Alibus airport bus (20mins, at least hourly) to Piazza Municipio. The nearest Intercontinental Airport is Rome's Fiumicino, with the possibility of getting to Naples by air besides the train.
Train The nearest train station to Amalfi is at Salerno, which is connected by many trains to all of Italy. From Salerno you may take a taxi, a SITA bus, or a ferry to Amalfi. Naples is next nearest station. From Naples you can take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento then take a SITA bus to Amalfi via Positano. For train times please consult the Trenitalia site.
Bus Bus from Rome: A bus company called Marozzi run a fast efficient coach service from Rome to Amalfi (summer season only) or to Sorrento (all year round). Rome-Amalfi bus service operated from 1st June to 30th September, every day except Sundays. The daily bus leaves Rome at 6am, and stops in Sorrento, Praiano and Amalfi, arriving in Amalfi at 10:30am.
A company called SITA runs blue buses along the coast, from Salerno to Amalfi, from Amalfi to Sorrento, and from Amalfi to Ravello. Other small buses provide transport within the towns.
Sea Ferries connect the principal towns of the Amalfi Coast area, and can be much quicker than buses. Travelmar run connections between Salerno, Minori, Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento. In Salerno there is a tourist information office to your right as you leave the station; they can give you a timetable for the boats.
From Naples Beverello Wharf, the pier in front of Castel Nuovo, many hydrofoil and ferries depart for Sorrento; the hydrofoils (aliscafi) are twice as fast as the ferries and the service is usually more frequent in summer. From Beverello Wharf, during May to October, there are two daily runs to Amalfi with Metrò del Mare.
From Salerno there are regular connections operated by Coop to Amalfi and other coastal centers. Sant'Andrea, Metrò del Mare and Alicost. Salerno to Amalfi takes 35 minutes, and costs €4, with eight departures daily in each direction.
Car From Rome and from the north take the highway A1 and A30 up to Salerno, exit at Salerno Centro and continue on state highway 163 Costiera Amalfitana until destination. From Naples take instead highway A3 up to the exit at Vietri sul Mare and then continue on state highway 163 up to destination. Coming from the south, travel on A3, and exit at Salerno Centro and continue on state highway 163.
Transport Tickets for the local buses are available at tobacconists, newsagents and bars. Several rental companies hire out scooters and cars. Taxis are also available.
History and Culture According to legend Amalfi was founded by Constantine the Great, but Amalfi is first mentioned in the 6th century CE, and soon acquired importance as a maritime power, trading its grain, salt and slaves from the interior, and even timber, for the gold dinars minted in Egypt and Syria, in order to buy the silks of the Byzantine empire that it resold in the West. Merchants of Amalfi were using gold coins to purchase land in the 9th century, while most of Italy worked in a barter economy. Later, the whole coastline, along with Amalfi, became property of the Duchy of Naples, until 839, when the city declared its independence and became an autonomous republic.
During the Middle Ages it was an independent state with a population of some 70,000, ruled by self-appointed dukes who later became hereditary. In 1077 the town was incorporated by Robert Guiscard in the Norman kingdom; through its active trade with the Orient it rose to influence and wealth. As a sea power Amalfi came into conflict with Pisa and Genoa. Amalfi's code of maritime law (Tavole Amalfitane) prevailed throughout the whole of the Italian Mediterranean until 1570.
Soon, Amalfi's wealth not only attracted the attention of pirates, who were promptly driven back by the city's army, it also became the target of neighbouring states. In 1131, after a long succession of attacks, Amalfi was annexed to the Kingdom of Sicily, although still retaining a certain degree of autonomy in the management of maritime commercial affairs. Gradually, commercial relations with the East began to dwindle, checked by the policies of the Normans and Pisans, who landed on the coast in 1135, to plunder and destroy whatever they found there.
Over the following centuries, Amalfi's population dropped considerably, mainly due to the continuing attacks on the zone by pirates. In 1343 a large part of the lower town was destroyed by a tsunami, and its harbor is now of little importance. But the greatest disaster hit the region in 1643, when the plague took the lives of a third of the coastal population. One of the results of this tragedy was the progressive impoverishment of the area, aggravated by the interruption in maritime trade. The economy began to converge on the cultivation of olives, vines, and citrus fruits and on the crafts industry. Around the second half of the 19th century the Amalfi coast began its revival thanks to tourism, and artists such as Ibsen and Wagner drew inspiration from the region for some of their famous works, further fanning the curiosity of travellers to the coast.
Churches and Museums Duomo Sant'Andrea The Duomo Sant'Andrea at the center of the town, originally built in the ninth century to honour the St. Andrew the Apostle, was remodelled in Sicilian Lombard-Normanesque style in 1203; the campanile dates from 1180 to 1276. The magnificent portico, with pointed arches, was completely rebuilt in 1865. The front which was restored in 1890 is decorated with modern mosaic; the fine bronze door were the first in Italy, made from bronze brought back from Constantinople by a local nobleman, Pantaleone di Mauro Comite. Inside there are ancient columns of Paestum, supporting the choir. The crypt contains the remains of the Apostle St Andrew, brought here in the 13th century. To the left, in the portico, is the entrance to the cloister (Chiostro del Paradiso, 1266-68), which contains ancient sarcophagi, marble and mosaics.
Museo Civico From the harbor it is a short distance by way of Piazza Flavio Gioia to the Town Hall; the facade is decorated with modern mosaic. The municipal museum (Museo Civico) is housed in the Town Hall; its major attraction is the "Tavole amalfitane", a medieval document with the maritime law of ancient times.
Paper Museum Housed inside an old paper mill, the museum exhibits ancient machinery for production of "Bambagina" paper, which is still in working order.
Ancient Armories of the Amalfi Republic Houses artifacts that witness the republic's glory as a maritime power.
Historical buildings and monuments Capuchin Monastery About 500m west of the cathedral, high above Amalfi (also reached by lift from the coast road), is the former Capuchin monastery (now a hotel) with a beautiful cloister and affording fine views.
Places of Interest Grotta dello Smeraldo There is an attractive trip by motorboat (15 minutes) to a stalactitic cave, the Grotta di Amalfi, also known as the Grotta dello Smeraldo or Grotta Verde, west of the Capo Conca. Emerald Cave became a marine cave as a result of changing ground levels due to the influence of vocanoes in the region. The water is so clear that it is possible to see through to the bottom (10m below), and is colored a beautiful emerald.
Events Wagner Music Festival - from June to September.Ravello This extraordinary musical festival dedicated to Richard Wagner first debuted in 1953, presenting a series of symphony and chamber concerts every year, along with opera, ballet, cinema and theater.
Festa di Sant'Andrea - November, January and June Amalfi's patron saint is celebrated on two separate occasions: On November 30 (birthday celebration) a statue of the saint is taken from the Cathedral and carried in a procession through the streets and squares of the city. June 27 is the commemoration of the miracle that saved the city from the pirate Barbarossa (1544). The statue is carried to the sea, where a festival of music and fireworks awaits the procession.
Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics - May/June Every year in springtime, Amalfi celebrates her glorious past as a Maritime Republic with an Historical Regatta, including perfectly recreated period costumes and sea vessels, representing the four ancient Maritime Republics: Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa and Venice.
Bizantine New Year's Eve - 31 August New Year's Eve is celebrated the old bizantine way
About the Author
www.filcoo.com

What's so great About Koh Samui in Thailand? by Rhiannon Williamson

You've probably heard of Koh Samui, it's the third largest of Thailand's islands and many people seem to rave about it - but what's so great about Koh Samui and is it really worth a visit?
Well, not only is Koh Samui worth a visit - it is one of those places on earth that's once seen and never forgotten. In fact, many of those who visit Koh Samui once are hooked for life and some never leave. There are also an increasing number of Western expatriate retirees moving to live in Thailand and Koh Samui is a favourite destination because not only is it highly affordable but it offers up an excellent standard of living.
Basically what's so great about Koh Samui is that it has the perfect blend of stunning climate, inimitable views, pristine sandy beaches, lush dense and incredible foliage, rare flora and fauna, excellent cuisine, plenty to see and do and experience and the people are among the friendliest on the planet - oh and healthcare is world class yet affordable and there are even international schools available on the island for those who wish to move there before their retirement years.
If you want to experience the best of Thailand in a safe environment and only moments away from all the amenities and facilities you could possibly want then Koh Samui is the place to go.
You can learn to dive in the crystal clean waters, you can learn to sunbathe (!) on the pure white sandy beaches which are fringed with beautiful palm trees, you can visit coconut plantations, witness incredible waterfalls, take boat trips to outer lying islands such as Koh Tao, Koh Wua Talap or Koh Mae Koh, you can snorkel in the National Marine Park or if all that sounds too energetic why not spend a day or even a week at one of Koh Samui's spas?
Spa resorts are in abundance on the island and they offer peace, tranquillity and a whole host of luxurious treatments that will leave you feeling purified and whole again after the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And as soon as you're feeling refreshed and energised it'll be time to hit the abundance of excellent shops and boutiques or to go for a night out on the town where you can watch cabaret, go bar hopping, dine exquisitely or just while away an evening on the beach star gazing.
If all this sounds like your idea of heaven on earth you're not alone - Koh Samui is great, it is well worth a visit but don't blame me if you're hooked and want to stay for life! There are new residential developments springing up in areas zoned and protected specifically for low rise residential construction and these developments all offer a taste of Thailand combined with contemporary architecture. One of the latest is Infinity Samui which consists of condos, penthouses and villas with infinity pools and infinity sea views. On site there is a spa and all residents will be treated to five star hotel like service - so you can actually live a life of affordable luxury in one of the most desirable places on earth - which is why we truly believe Koh Samui is just so great!
About the Author
Rhiannon Williamson writes about buying property abroad and showcases new property developments in Thailand and around the world on her site www.PropertyDevelopmentWorld.com

How to use an online hotel reservation system? (for hoteliers) by E. Alan

Frequently we get phone calls from hotels about their positions at the search listings of www.tobook.com, the online hotel reservation service for Europe. The position of a hotel could be a problem when it is listed with dozens of hotels in one of the top cities. This article is based on experiences at tobook.com, but might help hoteliers also to get better positions in other hotel directories. And in general it might also give an answer to the question how to use online hotel directories to improve the popularity of a hotel.
It is clear that when you own a hotel in a city like Paris, the competition gets harder to have a high position on general search engines. Listing your hotels in different local and international online hotel directories might partly help you to compensate this. But it is also clear that only submitting your hotel data, will not be enough to reach this goal. Nowadays a hotel owner should do more than just submitting the data and waiting for reservations.
First of all by submitting of hotel data you should take the following into account: Make use of all tools that an online booking site is offering to present your hotel, e.g.: a good and full description of your hotel, policies, photos, maps, special offers, newsletter etc. Add good photos and photos from different views. A web surfer should be able to view the whole picture; so add not only the front view of your hotel or only the rooms. Every department of your hotel should be present with a photo: a front view; reception, bar/restaurant, rooms, bathrooms and so on. Try also to avoid to much 'flash' which is disturbing the expectations. A more realistic photo will make it easier for the guest to trust the description you have given about your hotel.
Don't forget to update your rates regularly in time for the coming periods; otherwise your site will fall down in the listings of the directories. Although this is not more work than few minutes, the hotel management can oversee it.
Default classifications at most of the online services are star and price comparison within the star classification. This can be supported if your hotel is online and instant bookable at the listings. This last has defiantly a positive influence on your rankings at most of the directories.
Compare your prices with other hotels in your classification. If your prices are above average, you should make it clear what your extra offers are. Point out your 'uniqueness' not only with general attachments in your description.
Consider your cancellation policy: usually the rule is: 'Cancellations are possible without any charge 24 hours prior to arrival; otherwise 1 night will be charged.' As known nowadays many people decide to take a break in the ''last minute'' or to cancel the break the ''last minute''; you have consider this when you formulate a harder cancellation policy.
Try to add 'Special Offers'; then you will be more present on the site and more attractive to get a visit. At tobook.com there is a special offers link from the homepage. This means, you will be listed just one click from the homepage.
There is at tobook.com also the possibility to contribute to its newsletter with special offers. You can also contribute with articles about your city or specific events in your city. Your name and the name of your hotel will be written as the article writer. The newsletter reaches monthly thousands of people. This will increase attention of public.
Apart from that, each online directory offers its own rules to have a better position. Tobook.com has in this matter its online reservation tool which can be added also at the website of the hotel. This tool creates the possibility for the visitor to check the availability directly, which will increase the functionality of the website of the hotel and its position at tobook.com listings.
The last option could be using the advertisement possibilities. Tobook.com offers banner and text link spaces at the city guide pages. For an affordable price you can make use of it. Getting a link from a high positioned hotel directory means not only visitors but also a better position of your own website at search engines.
Don't get pessimistic if you don't get reservations. Keep working on the site; this means often not more then 15 minutes input weekly. The more attention you give to the presentation of your hotel the more attention you will get from an online service and from the web surfers.
(published at: http://www.tobook.com/newsletter/newsletter.asp)
About the Author
E. Alan has studied history and economics in the Netherlands. Works since 2003 as freelance ecommerce advisor for travel sector.

Hello From Chicago - Part 4 - Chinatown And Second City by Susanne Pacher

Chicago, Arlington House, Sunday October 23,2005, 6:30 am
After thoroughly exploring the Pullman Historic District, we decided to check out Chinatown, one of the many ethnic neighbourhoods that Chicago has to offer. The weather had turned from cool and grey with the occasional peek of sunshine to dark, rainy and cold, so rather than walking around we decided to have an early dinner at a Chinatown restaurant called the Lobster King.
Both my friend Linda and I had ordered vegetarian dishes, but after taking our order the waiter returned and informed us that he was going to charge us $2 extra for each dish since vegetables are much more expensive during the winter months. I decided to have a look at their takeout menu and saw that the same low price was listed on the takeout menu as on the main menu. As a result I put forward an argument that if both the dine-in and the take-out menu are stating the same low price for both dishes, I would not agree with being charged an extra $2 for each dish based on a verbal announcement. Either change the menu to include the higher price or charge the prices that are shown on both menus. I am not usually a difficult, picky guest in any hospitality establishment, but to try to charge $2 more for a dish that is listed at a lower price on both menus did not seem a proper business practice to me.
The waiter / manager finally agreed to charge us the prices listed on the menu, and the food was indeed delicious. After exploring the Chicago Cultural Center and the Historic Pullman District we had gotten quite hungry and we really enjoyed our early dinner.
After reviving ourselves we hopped on the subway because we wanted to check out Little Italy. So we got on the Blue Line and were told to exit at the UIC (University of Illinois) Campus and walk southwards. By that time it was raining and it was a rather inhospitable clammy day. We actually never ended up finding Little Italy, but walked around for about 40 minutes in the rain and after this exercise of futility we decided to pursue our evening plans: to attend a live performance at Second City, Chicago's famous comedy venue.
So we took the subway back downtown to Jackson and we waited for the Purple Line until we realized that this line only runs during rush hour on weekdays. So we inquired which line we had to take and we found out that the Brown Line (to Kimball) would take us to Second City. At that point we realized that we had also been waiting on the wrong side of the platform. I guess in the Loop el-trains only run in one direction and we had already been wondering why we had seen 3 brown line trains go by on the other side of the platform, but none of them had arrived on our side.
I'd say we spent a good 45 minutes waiting on the wrong side of the platform until we finally had enough and went downstairs to ask a CTA employee who directed us onto the correct platform. In the rainy clammy weather this wasn't the most exciting part of our trip, but we managed to entertain ourselves with lots of insider jokes in our original Austrian dialects.
Finally we caught a brown line train and made our way up to North Wells Street, into the Old Town Neighbourhood, home of the Second City Comedy Club. Since 1959 Second City has established itself as a Chicago landmark and a national treasure. This theatre has launched the careers of such comic geniuses as John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and others more. It offers nightly comedy shows, as well as a variety of other programs and services.
The theatre has two main stages, both of which were sold out yesterday, so we headed up onto the 4th floor of the building which houses Donny's Skybox Studio Theatre which is affiliated with Second City. This theatre features an eclectic mix of student productions as well as other alternative shows and at $10.00 per person, the tickets were a steal.
The Outreach & Diversity Program produces two to three original shows each year that are performed at Second City's studio theatre, Donny's Skybox, on the fourth floor of Piper's Alley. At least one of these productions is an original revue written and performed by the Outreach & Diversity ensemble, a group of African American, Latino or Asian actors cast through annual auditions.
We bought tickets for the 9 pm show: "Six Degrees of Reparation", a hip comedy revue featuring improv, original material and Second City classic scenes with an urban multicultural twist which was put on by 6 young comedians which included 5 black and 1 oriental performers.
The show offered a lot of physical comedy and a variety of different sketches. One of the funniest ones was a sketch entitled "Osama bin Laden could be anywhere", where one of the female comedians donned a big black beard and kept popping up in different everyday situations. The "superior Asian girl" sketch played with A, B, C (Asian, Black, Caucasian) stereotypes and demonstrated how we all have pre-conceived notions of one another. In the "Black Black Awards" sketch the troupe made fun of famous celebrities such as Whitney Houston, Maya Angelou and even Martha Stewart.
One of the most poignant sketches was set in an imaginary Office Depot store, where the black and Asian store employees were giving very shoddy and unfriendly service to a variety of customers. At the end, the young black shopkeeper explained that with a wage of $6.50 an hour, after all her costs (food, rent, bus passes, doing her nails, etc.), she was $189 in the hole, and at that price a smile would not be included in the service.
We both enjoyed the live performance of these gifted comedians immensely as we both love live theatre and comedy performances. As far as culture is concerned, Chicago has something to offer to everyone.
Well, today is our last day here in Chicago, and the weather is forecast to be quite cold with a 60% chance of rain. Fortunately Chicago has many indoor venues to choose from so I am sure we won't get bored.
About the Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com), a popular web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new section featuring FREE ebooks about travel.

Hello From Chicago - Part 5 - A Visit To The Pullman Historic District by Susanne Pacher

Chicago, Arlington House, Sunday, October 23, 2005, 6:25 am
After being appropriately prepped as a result of our visit to the Chicago Cultural Center we decided to head off yesterday to visit the Pullman Historic District, a planned industrial and residential community dating back to the 1880s, on Chicago's South Side.
In order to get there we took the red line all the way to the end and then connected onto the 111 bus. What was very interesting to note was that the population on Chicago's south side is predominantly black, as much of the black population from the US South had migrated northwards after the 2nd World War. Actually Chicago was known as one of the most racially segregated cities, and today, with the demolition of many of the bleak urban housing projects, the city is attempting to create more integration between its black and white population.
The Pullman Historic District is the manifestation of a very interesting social experiment: It was built between 1880 and 1884 as a planned model industrial town by George M. Pullman for the Pullman Palace Car Company. George Pullman (1831 to 1897) arrived on the scene with a design for the Pullman sleeping carriage which he originally developed to carry the dead body of Abraham Lincoln to his funeral. As a result the Pullman Sleeping Car Company was established and a whole town was built around the business and named after its originator.
We went to the Visitor Center and saw an 18-minute movie that described George Pullman and his ambitious plans for his development of a model community, a total environment, that he intended to be superior to that available to the working class elsewhere. By so doing, he hoped to avoid strikes, attract the most skilled workers and attain greater productivity as a result of the better health and spirit of his employees.
To achieve his vision, George Pullman hired Solon S. Beaman, landscape architect Nathan F. Barrett and civil engineer, Benzette Williams. The town was constructed by Pullman employees, using local red clay from Lake Calumet and component parts that were produced in the Pullman factory. This project is one of the first examples of industrial technology and mass production in large-scale housing. The town was a complete planned community and included schools, a library and hotel all run by the company.
Pullman's large Arcade building (now demolished and the present location of the Visitor Center) featured a restaurant, a bank, a library, a post office, a theater, and numerous shops. It was a forerunner of the modern shopping center. The town was completely self-contained. Pullman residents enjoyed the manmade Lake Vista and plenty of parks and promenades, features typically missing from Chicago's working-class neighbourhoods.
The town of Pullman was a model of financial efficiency. Pullman demanded that the company return an 8-percent profit and the town return a 6-percent profit. A huge engine pumped sewage from the town to a nearby Pullman-owned farm, where it was used as fertilizer for produce that would be sold back in the town.
George Pullman maintained ultimate control over the town, even restricting workers' access to alcohol, as the Hotel Florence only sold alcohol to out-of-town visitors. Resentment towards this paternalistic despot started to build. Misfortune struck with the decline of the Pullman car's success which forced George to slash wages. Workers responded with a strike, fuelled by Pullman's failure to reduce grocery costs and rent, but George simply fired them. The situation deteriorated as railway workers refused to handle Pullman cars and President Cleveland had to intervene, sending federal troops to the scene. The workers were forced to sign documentation declaring that they wouldn't join a union.
Although the strike collapsed, George Pullman's model for handling the "labour problem" had failed. Pullman had prided himself on his paternalistic approach with his workers, and he could not see how his heavy-handed methods had resulted in this worker rebellion. Criticized and scorned, Pullman died a bitter man in 1897.
In 1898, the Illinois Supreme Court ordered the Pullman Company to sell the non-industrial land in the neighborhood to its inhabitants, determining that the Pullman Palace Car Company did not have the proper authority to provide nonmanufacturing services such as renting property. Finally, residents could buy their homes.
Robert T. Lincoln, the son of President Lincoln, became head of the company after Pullman's death and simplified its name to the Pullman Company. The Pullman Company continued to produce its famous cars at 111th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. But with the explosion of automobile ownership, rail passenger traffic went into rapid decline. In 1957, Pullman Incorporated closed its plant in the neighborhood.
Only three years later, the city of Chicago included Pullman on a list of "blighted and deteriorating areas" that required clearance and redevelopment. Residents responded by forming the Pullman Civic Organization and began working to gain landmark status. The Historic Pullman Foundation, which formed in 1973, helps ensure the area's preservation and restoration by sponsoring various events such as neighborhood walking tours, annual house tours, Sunday brunch at the Florence Hotel, and presentations at the Pullman Visitor Center.
In many ways the housing development was ahead of its time. Each building, most of them townhouses, had gas and water, complete sanitary facilities and abundant quantities of sunlight and fresh air, which was a rarity at that time, when the working class was mostly housed in squalid tenements. Originally the town of Pullman housed about 12,000 people while today it still has a population of about 2,000, with an ethnically and economically mixed background.
Other famous buildings on the Pullman grounds include the Hotel Florence, named after Pullman's favourite daughter. It opened in 1881 as a hospitality showcase for visitors to George Pullman's perfect town and originally had 50 rooms, a dining room, a billiard room, a parlor and the only bar in Pullman. The Historic Pullman Foundation managed to save the hotel from demolition and today the hotel is closed to the public while it is undergoing a capital improvement program to restore it for use with the State Historic Site.
The Pullman Clock Tower and Administration Building was built in 1880 for the executive offices of the Pullman Palace Car Company, at the time one of the most beautiful industrial complexes in the United States. In 1998 the Clock Tower and Administration Building were seriously damaged by a fire set by an arsonist. Since then the building has been stabilized and the restored Clock Tower was put back on just a few days before our visit. Future use of the site is currently being debated by a task force institute by Chicago Mayor Daley and Illinois Governor Ryan.
Another interesting building located on the Pullman Historic District is the Queen Anne-style Market Hall which was built in 1881. The Market provided a venue for fresh fruits, meats and other goods. The original market was destroyed by fire in 1892 and a new market was built on the existing foundation. The market is surrounded by four colonnaded circular apartment buildings that were built with the new Market Hall in 1893. Unfortunately the Market Hall Building was destroyed by fire in 1973 and today it awaits restoration.
The Greenstone Church, located centrally in the Pullman Historic District, has an exterior facade of serpentine stone quarried in Pennsylvania. The sanctuary is unchanged with the exception of the chancel arrangements. All of the cherry wood is original. Today the church is still occupied by a Methodist congregation.
The visit to the Pullman Historic District was very interesting. It taught us about a different time of ultimate laissez-faire capitalism, industrial growth and immigration, labour unrest, urban planning, architecture and the ultimate failure of a rather unique social experiment.
About the Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com), a popular web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new section featuring FREE ebooks about travel.

Hello From Chicago - Part 4 - A Personal Tour Of The Chicago Cultural Center by Susanne Pacher

Chicago, Arlington House, Sunday, October 23, 2005, 6:15 am
Yesterday, after our lovely Austrian breakfast we went downtown to the Chicago Cultural Center, the main downtown information hub for tourists, to ask some questions about the Pullman Historic District, a planned industrial community, built in the 1880s by industrial magnate George Pullman, creator of the famous Pullman sleeper cars. We figured this would be an interesting place to visit since it brings together architecture, social and industrial history, and it would really give us insight into one of the most interesting personalities of Chicago's history.
To get more information about this neighbourhood we talked to one of the volunteer greeters who staff the Chicago Cultural Center and offer their local expertise to visitors free of charge. The Chicago Greeter program today offers 150 greeters speaking 20 languages and the Greeter program is one of the best ways of getting to know the city through the eyes of a local resident.
As a matter of fact, I had registered electronically for a Chicago Greeter Tour prior to my departure, but something had gone wrong with my registration and as a result I was not assigned a greeter. The good thing is that the City of Chicago also offers "InstaGreeters" - local volunteers / experts who take people on downtown walking tours without the necessity of a prior registration.
This is how we happened upon our very own personal InstaGreeter tour: Chicago Greeter and local expert Don talked to us a bit about the Pullman Historic District, but the more we talked, and the more he saw that we were really interested, he asked us whether we wanted a 20 minute tour of the Chicago Cultural Center. Considering that this is a Chicago landmark we readily agreed.
The Chicago Cultural Center was originally dedicated in 1897 as the city's original Public Library. It is an impressive limestone-faced building with intricate details, marble staircases, patterned ceilings, beautiful floor mosaics and two impressive stained glass domes. The cupola on the south side of the building is the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome.
Today the Cultural Center houses one of the city's Visitor Information Centers , various galleries, exhibition and meeting spaces, the Landmark Chicago Gallery which displays photographs from the permanent collection of Chicago landmarks, the 294-seat Claudia Cassidy Theater as well as the Studio Theater and various other facilities. You can even get married inside the Chicago Cultural Center.
Designed in the beaux-arts style by the Boston firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, the Chicago Cultural Center was completed in 1897 and dedicated as the city's original Chicago Public Library. Completed at a cost of nearly $2 million, this remarkable monument was inspired by the neo-classical style of the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893.
To start off, Don told us that the name of the city of Chicago is an Indian word for "stinky onion swamp". He also explained that Chicago is a city of superlatives: 3 of the world's 10 highest buildings are located here. Chicago is also widely considered to be the birthplace of modern architecture and a living museum of architecture, showcasing some of the world's most famous architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe and Frank Gehry.
Chicago likes to do everything big. The world's largest public library is located here: the Harold Washington Library Center houses 2 million books. Chicago is also home to the largest building in the United States (excluding the Pentagon): the Merchandise Mart has 90 acres of floor space, housed in an Art Deco landmark. Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park is one of the world's largest fountains. Chicago also has the only river in the world that flows backwards. Engineers reversed the Chicago River in 1900 for sanitary purposes. Here's another interesting fact: Chicago also has the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw.
Our local expert Don took us through the building and showed us the two stained glass domes, the exhibit halls, the photo collection of Chicago landmarks, and to keep going along the line of superlatives, Don gave us a brief synopsis of Millennium Park, located right across Michigan Avenue from the Chicago Cultural Center. The idea for Millennium Park was conceived by famous mayor Richard M. Daley, and with the help of private sector donations Millennium Park has become one of the most impressive outdoor venues anywhere. The project cost $495 million, of which $220 million were financed privately.
Our Chicago Greeter Don, a former vice-president at Motorola, is very knowledgeable about the history of Chicago and very passionate about his city. His pride in his city is obvious, and there is a lot to be proud of. For me, Chicago's waterfront including Grant Park, the lakefront trail and its beaches are some of the most awesome features of this city. In total Chicago has more than 7300 acres of parkland, 552 parks, 33 beaches, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 bird and wildlife gardens, and it's not surprising that Chicago has won numerous awards including "Best City in the World" and other accolades.
With Don's help we got a great overview of the Cultural Center and a bit of insight into Chicago's interesting history. It was the perfect preparation for our tour of the Pullman Historic District, an industrial community created by George Pullman, an industrial despot, yet a foresightful social entrepreneur who, according to Don, was universally despised.
Armed with a bit of background knowledge we were looking forward to our exploration of Pullman's social experiment.
About the Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com), a popular web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new section featuring FREE ebooks about travel.

Hello From Toronto - Part 2 - Exploring Toronto's Waterfront By Bicycle And Checking Out The CN Tower by Susanne Pacher

Since my European visitors are quite sporty I figured that renting a bicycle would be the perfect way of exploring the city. So to join them on their first guided bicycle tour I grabbed my bike and the 5 of us headed off to the subway station to go to Bicycle Solutions near Parliament and Carlton Streets. Getting outfitted with a bike didn't take long and the cost was pretty reasonable at $70.00 for a whole week. Now all 5 of us had a bicycle.
Our tour began in Cabbagetown, one of Toronto's historic districts. We first explored Riverdale Farm which is composed of a historic farm house, a number of stables and several corrals holding a variety of farm animals. This miniature zoo allows city kids to get to know farm animals up close. We then headed to the entrance of Toronto's Necropolis. Established in 1850, the Toronto Necropolis is one of Toronto's oldest and most historic cemeteries. Its picturesque location, collection of sculpture and Victorian buildings also make it one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the city.
Riding through the gritty Regent Park neighbourhood on Parliament we made a left to head over to the Distillery District - Toronto's newest entertainment district. Founded in 1832 by brothers-in-law William Gooderham and James Worts, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery eventually became the largest distillery in the British Empire. Set on 13 acres in downtown Toronto, the forty plus buildings constitute the largest and best preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture in North America.
The Distillery is now a pedestrian-only village entirely dedicated to arts, culture and entertainment. Internationally acclaimed galleries, artists' studios and workshops, restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as live music, all form part of this new landmark cultural centre. In addition to the history, arts and culture, The Distillery has been the location for over 800 film and television productions in the past decade, including Chicago, X-Men, Against The Ropes and The Hurricane, making The Distillery District the most popular film location in Canada.
Of course we had to stop at the Mill Street Brewery, one of Toronto's fine micro-breweries. My Austrian visitors are great beer lovers and I have been working on giving them a wide variety of samples of Canadian beers, and we added the Mill Street brand to our tasting tour.
From the Distillery District we headed south to Lakeshore Boulevard where we cycled west past Harbourfront, an area that holds high-priced condos right next to the waterfront, where highlights include speciality shops at Queens Quay Terminal, art, theatre and cultural facilities at Harbourfront Centre and a terrific lakeside walking trail. Cruises of the harbour and ferry services run from here.
Having a hot dog outside the Princess Gates
Our bike tour continued west by the water on the Martin Goodman Trail, past Ontario Place and the CNE - Canadian National Exhibition, which was in full swing with its rides and amusement activities. We enjoyed the lake-front ride and were fascinated by the Toronto Hippo Bus that was cruising on the water inside a harbour basin.
Our turnaround point for the tour came at Sunnyside Pavillion, a historic bathing pavillion dating back to a time when the lakeshore was home to a large amusement park. We sat down and had some refreshing drinks right next to a sandy beach on Lake Ontario. Rejuvenated we started our ride back and stopped off at a hot dog stand just outside the Princess Gates of the Canadian National Exhition Grounds. My European visitors were fascinated by the hot dog stands, particularly about the fact that you could scoop all sorts of salads and condiments like sauerkraut, hot peppers and even corn onto the sausages, and we simply had to stop and sample some road-side cuisine.
Serenity on Toronto Island
After heading back through Harbourfront we took the ferry over to Hanlan's Point with our bicycles and started exploring the Toronto Islands on two wheels. We were all astounded by the serenity of the surroundings, truly an oasis of green right in front of busy downtown Toronto. We cycled all the way from the west to the east side where we had another fabulous view of the cityscape from an old abandoned pier.
Of course all this working out would necessitate a little refreshment break and we cycled over to Centre Island where there is a restaurant next to the ferry dock, unfortunately it was closed. So we cycled back to the Centerville amusement park area where there was a beautiful restaurant with a gorgeous outdoor patio right next to a tranquil waterway and we had a well-deserved rest., admiring the huge white geese that came up to us to request some food.
Hungry geese
After taking the ferry back to the mainland we followed the Martin Goodman Trail east along the Eastern Beaches and had a peak at Ashbridges Bay and the little peninsula right next to it, one of the most scenic and tranquil spots in Toronto. We then headed home on the trail past the Kew Gardens Tennis Club, the hockey/ lacrosse arena and the lawnbowling facilities and my European guests commented on how surprised they were that so much of Toronto's waterfront is publicly accessible and not fenced off as private property as is the case with so many European waterfront locations.
A gourmet dinner capped off a beautiful day of exploration, allowing us to rest up for the next day to explore the CN Tower, just in time before the remnants of Hurricane Katrina were scheduled to come into town. On Tuesday I joined my guests only for a half day since I had to do some work in the afternoon and we took the subway in to explore the CN Tower. There were absolutely no lineups on Tuesday, which was great, since the Sunday before we had noticed hundreds of people lining up to get up the famous tower.
The CN Tower
We enjoyed the quick 58 second elevator ride that whisked us up to the restaurant level and we started to take in the panorama. Toronto's most famous, most visible landmark, the CN Tower is the world's tallest building. Built in 1976, the tower measures 553 metres in height. From its Look Out Level it offers a stunning view of the city, especially at sunset. Daring visitors can test their courage by taking a walk across the Glass Floor 113 stories above the ground, or travel higher up the tower to the Sky Pod, another 33 storeys above ground.
We only went as far as the Look Out area and went one level down to experience the Glass Floor. I stepped on the Glass Floor very very briefly, the feeling of standing on a clear surface 113 floors above ground level was just a little too much and made me a little squeamish. All of us really enjoyed the view from the tower, even though it was a little hazy, but it really gave us a great overview of the city. What amazed my visitors was that Toronto looks so amazingly green from above, and they had commented several times how unusual it is to see such a huge metropolis that has so many green zones, parks and ravines, something that definitely enhances the quality of life in Toronto.
Taste test at the Steamwhislte Brewery
After having taking in the city, we zipped back down in the glass-enclosed elevators and took a walk over to the Steam Whistle Brewery, located at the former John St. Roundhouse, a Canadian Pacific Rail steam locomotive repair facility that was built in 1929. We had to wait about 15 minutes for the facility to open and admired the beautifully renovated industrial architecture. Once inside we got a free taste of Toronto's premium pilsner. I am not a beer drinker myself, so I quenched my hunger with a fresh pretzel, while my Austrian visitors savoured their samples.
After the visit to the brewery I had to head back to my office, but my visitors continued with a visit to the St. Lawrence Market and a brief stop at the Eaton Centre. When they arrived back at our place, I could tell they had spent another great day exploring Toronto.
About the Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com), a popular web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new section featuring FREE ebooks about travel.

Hello From Toronto - Part 1- A First Little Driving Tour -The City Viewed Through The Eyes Of First-Time Visitors by Susanne Pacher

So my brother is in town, together with his wife and 2 friends from my little home town in Austria. It is everybody's first time in North America and their initiation to Toronto. Just to give you ideas of dimensions: Austria has a population of about 9 million and the country extends about 900 km from east to west while the Greater Toronto area nowadays probably has about 4 to 5 million people and Lake Ontario alone is over 300 km long. The first thing my visitors noticed was the difference in size: the size of the city, the size of the lake, the size of cars, the size of supermarkets, and even of refrigerators.
On Sunday we started off with a little driving tour of Toronto where I first took my visitors down to the lakefront by the historic Art Deco style R.C. Harris Filtration Plant. All of them love water and to have a lake as big as an ocean so close by fascinated them. After a leisurely drive on Queen Street through the quaint Beaches neighbourhood we parked the car close to the St. Lawrence Market and started our walk around.
Since my brother is a chef and always loves to purchase market-fresh food, I initially took him to the St. Lawrence Market which always has an antique sale on Sunday. The food market is actually closed on Sunday. We checked out the wares from old furniture to cameras to various knick-knacks.
Our exploration continued westwards along Front Street past historic 19th century houses and of course past the famous triangular-shaped Flatiron Building which has a mural on its west side. Approaching Yonge Street we walked past the Hockey Hall of Fame, a historic Beaux-Arts former bank building, the magnificent Royal York Hotel, built in 1929, once the largest hotel in the British Commonwealth.
One of the things that fascinated my visitors most was how old and new can coexist right next to each other: shiny skyscrapers are located right beside historic sandstone churches. Our walking tour continued past Union Station, Toronto's impressive central railway station, built between 1914 and 1927 as a joint construction project by the Canadian Pacific Railway and Grand Trunk Railway (now the Canadian National Railway). Its monumental scale, classical detail and rational, ordered planning were hallmarks of the style. The station is massive and takes up an entire block on Front Street between York Street and Bay Street. The Great Hall of the Station is 250 ft. long and 84 ft. wide.
Our walk continued further west on Front Street past the Convention Centre to the base of the CN Tower and the entrance to the Skydome, Toronto's multi-purpose stadium with a retractable roof, now called the Rogers Centre. We then snaked our way up through the Entertainment District to Queen Street where we admired Osgoode Hall, built in the 1830s, and now an oasis of green in the city. An ornate iron fence, built in 1867, renowned for its peculiar "cow gates," surrounds the property and its beautiful gardens. The cow gates in particular fascinated my visitors.
Our next stop was at New City Hall and Old City Hall, opened in 1899, which racked up construction costs of more than $2.5 million at the time which caused great controversy in those days. Continuing past the Bay Department Store on Queen we passed the Metropolitan United Church, an English style cathedral dating from 1872, whose churchyard was filled with people enjoying the warm day.
Once back in the car we drove through the U of T campus, my Alma Mater and we stopped briefly to check out Hart House and Kings College. Then we headed down to Chinatown at Spadina and Dundas and my visitors marvelled at this exotic, busy market area. Our last stop on the tour was Kensington Market, a lively little neighbourhood full of food and clothing stores and restaurants where we ended up picking up fresh vegetables, dry beans, and a variety of cheeses for some of the scrumptious meals to come. My brother, the chef, marvelled at the variety of food available here, combined with the inexpensive prices a food lover's dream.
We took our loot home where my husband was waiting for us with a big brunch to strengthen ourselves for attending a birthday party of one of my friends that had the motto of "let out your inner child". The party was unique in that it involved such time-honoured Toronto traditions as hitting a piñada while a bunch of adults were playing with water guns, chasing one another around the house with buckets of water dropping on the combatants from the second floor.
I think our visitors had a full day, from getting a first taste of Toronto, to participating in a rather eventful birthday party, their first impressions were very positive and they were looking forward to exploring more of this exciting city.
About the Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com), a popular web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new section featuring FREE ebooks about travel.

Hello From Chicago - Part 3 - Multiple Austrian Connections by Susanne Pacher

Chicago, Screenz Internet Cafe, Saturday, October 21, 2005, 10:25 am
So the two of us expatriate Austrians are staying at the Arlington House Hostel, in itself an exciting experience, to be immersed in this environment of young (and older) travellers from all over the world.
We got going early again this morning, at about 7 am. In the shower room Linda and I were talking and joking to each other in our Austrian dialect, all of a sudden a woman in her mid to late forties said, in German, "Am I hearing Austrian being spoken around here?"
It turns out that she is currently in Chicago with her 22 year old daughter who is working as a nanny in Boston. The two ladies got away for the weekend to Chicago. Linda and I said how astounding it was to run into someone from Austria during our trip to Chicago.
Well, it was time to get breakfast so we headed east to Clark Street, one of the main restaurant areas in Lincoln Park. We strolled northwards and bumped into a bakery / restaurant called "Austrian Bakery" which was open at this early hour. Of course we went inside and we saw a whole assortment of beautiful baked goodies, a variety of breads and rolls, and a glass display case full of cakes and pastries.
One thing that Austrian cuisine has is great pastry and great breads. As a matter of fact, Austria's loaves of rye bread, with their crispy crust, can hardly be found anywhere else, even in Toronto, where you can generally find foods from all over the world. You really have to go to a very specialized bakery that will make these types of loaves from scratch.
Well, this place had them, and talking to the owner we found out that he hails from the same province as Linda and me: "Steiermark" or "Styria" (in English), whose capital is Graz, Austria's second largest city. The young man who owned the bakery had completed his apprenticeship in Graz, and both Linda and I had gone to university in the same city. What a coincidence.....
We enjoyed a beautiful breakfast with different types of breads and sweets, and then we were approached by a young lady sitting at a table next to us who asked us in German if we were from Austria. Of course we confirmed and she indicated that she was from Salzburg and was currently studying medicine in Michigan.
So within about an hour and a half we had met 3 Austrians from 3 different Austrian provinces in Chicago. I sometimes go years in Toronto before I run into anybody from my home country, so this Austrian connection was definitely surprising.....
Well, it's a cool, grey and rainy day, but we decided we would defy the weather and made plans to head to another one of Chicago's interesting neighbourhoods: the Pullman Historic District.
About the Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com), a popular web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new section featuring FREE ebooks about travel.

Hello From Chicago - Part 2 - What A Fabulously Photogenic City! by Susanne Pacher

Chicago, Screenz Internet Cafe, Saturday, October 21, 2005, 9:15 am
Yesterday I woke up at 5:00 am Chicago time and I figured I might as well get ahead of the crowd at the Arlington House Youth Hostel and take an early shower. At 6 am I was already on the Internet, recording my first impressions of this exciting city and by 6:30 am I had left the hostel. It was still pretty dark outside and the sun was just slowly starting to come up.
I walked through the quiet Lincoln Park neighbourhood all the way to the Lake Michigan Shoreline where the cool wind was just howling off the lake. Joggers, bicyclists and power walkers were already out in full force. I strolled around for about 15 minutes, but when the wind got too strong I decided to take a bus and head south to a neighbourhood called "Old Town", near North Street and N. Wells Street. It's a tidy, well-kept neighbourhood of historic homes and the location of the Second City Comedy Club, a place that has spawned so many comedic talents.
After a brisk morning walk around Old Town I hopped back on the el-train and went to check out downtown. I got off in the Loop and headed out towards the openness of Michigan Avenue and Grant Park. Interestingly the wind in between the buildings in the Loop was much stronger than in the open areas just off the Lake Michigan Shoreline.
Michigan Avenue and Grant Park are one of the areas where Chicago's beauty is most striking. Daniel Burnham's city plan of 1909 that preserved a huge amount of green space right on the shoreline of Lake Michigan was a brilliant decision, and visitors and local residents alike benefit from the huge green zone between the Loop and the lake. Grant Park's beginnings actually date all the way back to 1835, when foresighted citizens, fearing commercial lakefront development, lobbied to protect the open space. Burnham's vision of the park as a formal landscape with museums and civic buildings became reality: today Grant Park holds 3 of the city's most distinguished museums: The Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planterium.
The Buckingham Fountain is the centerpiece of Grant Park, the city's grand "front yard," and it is set within a handsomely landscaped garden, one of the city's finest examples of a Beaux-Arts-style landscape design. It is an exact replica of the fountain in Versailles, just twice as large, and with those measurements it is one of the largest free-standing fountains in the world.
At the north end of Grant Park is Millenium Park, at an investment of $495 million Chicago's most ambitious public undertaking. Unsightly railroad tracks and parking lots were turned into a multi-media outdoor entertainment area during the last few years. Among Millennium Park's prominent features are the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the most sophisticated outdoor concert venue of its kind in the United States; a winding mirror clad bridge over Stetson Street, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry; and "Cloud Gate" ("The Bean"), a hugely popular sculpture inspired by liquid mercury, designed by British artist Anish Kapoor. On this beautiful sunny morning, the reflections of the city's skyscrapers had an almost surreal feel to them.
I still had about an hour and a half before my friend Linda would arrive at the Randolph Street Station, so I decided to head north on Michigan Avenue towards two of my favourite buildings: the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Tribune Tower. The Wrigley building serves as the headquarters of the Wrigley (chewing gum) company and was built in 1920 by the company's founder, William Wrigley Jr. It was the first of a series of landmarks at the southern end of the Magnificent Mile.
The design of the Tribune Tower was the result of an international competition for "the most beautiful office building in the world," held in 1922 by the Chicago Tribune newspaper. The various competition entries proved extremely influential for the development of skyscraper architecture in the 1920s. The winning entry, with a crowning tower with flying buttresses, is derived from the design of the French cathedral of Rouen and gives the building its striking silhouette.
The area around the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Esplanade looking westwards along the Chicago River is an absolute mecca for an architecture buff like me. You'll find a mixture of classic skyscrapers, many of them built in Art Deco Style, as well as more modern skyscrapers built over the last 30 years. This has to be one of the most impressive urban vistas in existence anywhere.
I continued to walk west on Wacker Drive and walked past a number of the north-south streets that connect the Loop with the areas north of downtown. I wanted to capture another fascinating building: Merchandise Mart, an impressive building at the north bank of the Chicago river between Wells and Orleans street, was built in 1931. At that time, when it was constructed by Marshall Field and Company to replace H.H. Ricardson's Marshall Field Wholesale store, it was the building with the largest floor area in the world and today it is the second largest building in the United States after the Pentagon.
A short hop on the el-train later I got off at Randolph Street to pick up my friend Linda who was scheduled to arrive at 10:25 am on the South Shore Railway Line. We have known each other since we are 10 years old (almost 30 years!) and grew up in Austria, and Linda herself moved to the United States a few years ago. We hadn't seen each other for 2 years and this was the time to reconnect.
Linda arrived a few minutes late and after a heart-felt greeting we headed off to the Chicago Cultural Center to try to pick up a 3-day transit pass. Much to our surprise we were told that the closest location for multi-day transit passes was the Marriot Hotel at 549 North Michigan Avenue, about 20 minutes walking north of where we were. We were a bit surprised that it would be so inconvenient for visitors arriving in the Loop to purchase transit passes, but off we went with Linda's suitcase in tow and we were finally able to pick up our coveted 3-day transit pass at the 2nd floor gift shop of the Marriot Hotel.
We decided to get rid of Linda's luggage and headed north towards the youth hostel on the bus. By that time it was about noon and we were both voraciously hungry. So we plunked ourselves down at a cozy spot called the "Pasta Bowl" on Clark Street and I had a really delicious gorgonzola pasta that I absolutely devoured.
From there we went back to the Arlington House, dropped off Linda's luggage and rested for a bit since we were both pretty tired after this hefty lunch. At 4 pm we got going again and headed down to the Golden Mile, Chicago's main shopping area along Michigan Avenue, north of the Chicago River. The place was absolutely hopping with people. We picked up a little gift for Linda's daughter at H&M and then headed up into the John Hancock Centre, Chicago's third highest building.
The view from the John Hancock Centre was amazing and the sun was just getting ready to set. Chicago's skyline is impressive, crowned as it is by the Sears Tower. After our high altitude excursion we strolled along Michigan Avenue and for dinner we headed back into the Lincoln Park area where we had a very filling Mexican vegetarian burrito dinner on Lincoln Avenue.
Exhausted from all this exploring and eating, we went back to the Arlington House to crash in our bunk bed...
About the Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com), a popular web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new section featuring FREE ebooks about travel.