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Posted By admin on November 21, 2011

Are you wanting to know more about the Czech Republic? Maybe you’re planning a visit there, or studying the country for a school project. Read on for some basic information on the central European country.

The country of Czechoslavakia was founded at the end of World War I, after Czechs and Slovaks joined together following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The newly founded state was to exist until 1989, spending the time after the Second World War under Communist control, behind the so-called Iron Curtain (a term first popularised by Winston Churchill).

The peaceful “Velvet Revolution” of 1989 saw Czechoslavakia free itself from Soviet control. Two years later, the Czechs and Slovaks were to go their separate ways, seeing the foundation of the Czech Republic (with its capital city, Prague) and Slovakia (capital city: Bratislava). This separation is often referred to as the “Velvet Divorce”.

In 1999 the Czech Republic became a full member of NATO and 2004 saw the state join the European Union (EU). This maintains the position of the Czech Republic at the very heart of Europe. Indeed, the land-locked country is bordered by Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia.

Of the 10 million inhabitants of the country, more than one million live in the beautiful capital city of Prague, which has become such a favourite for international visitors. Other significant cities include Plzen, famous worldwide for its beers. It is the countries beers that are just one feature that ensures that the country is such a popular destination: leading brands include the likes of Budvar, Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen.

The country’s largest export area is in machinery and transport equipment – the ecoonomy thus remains largely dominated by the industrial sectors.

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Posted By admin on November 12, 2011

Agios Konstantinos is a destination situated within central Greece, within the region of Attica, to the north of Cape Sounion, and at about 50 kilometers from the southern side of Athens. This spot, also known as Konstandinos or Ayios Konstandino, was formerly called Kamariza and then Maronia in ancient times. Those tourists who visit this region of Greece should try to stop at this place and enjoy its beautiful environment since it would allow them to relax and renew their energies.

Agios Konstantinos has a very small amount of inhabitants spread throughout its territory. This destination is very appealing and interesting due to its general characteristics, the landscapes it offers, the life style of its inhabitants, the natural elements it has, the amazing landscapes surrounded by mountains, and several other reasons which cause it to be a unique spot.

The municipality of Agios Konstantinos counts with an important amount of mountains in such a way that it is surrounded by mountainous landscapes at each one of its borders. Besides these mountains and rocks, this spot also counts with important extensions of grasslands and beautiful green areas in which tourists can breathe amazing fresh air and observe beautiful landscapes.

The economy of Agios Konstantinos is mainly based on agriculture, mineral rock derivates and farm products. This spot shows many agricultural plantations and farms spread throughout its entire territory and which provide it with a very special and charming appearance. Traditions and country side life style predominate in this area in such a way that visitors could meet many of the same cultural aspects it had centuries ago.

The municipality of Agios Konstantinos is also famous by the mineral rocks that can be found in it. This area is rich in mineral rocks such as chalcoalumite, austinite, adamite, and azurite among others. These minerals can be found at some points in Agios Konstantinos as well as towards Lavrio, an interesting neighboring town. Those tourists whovisit Lavrio should always try to meet Agios Konstantinos as well and relax surrounded by a very attractive natural environment which combines mountains, green areas, and traditions in a very peculiar way.

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Posted By admin on November 8, 2011

One of the benefits of living in Europe is that as many of the countries are so close together, you are able to break the monotony of a working week and enjoy long weekend in one of the many historical and beautiful cities mainland Europe has to offer.

Europe is awash natural beauty, historical edifices, cultural learning’s and many other facets make its cities an ideal place for that long weekend.

Rome:

A city that is bursting at the seam with history, Rome is a true feast for the senses. Iconic sights such as the old coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican are all must sees. The tourist destinations provide for Art enthusiasts who can gaze in wonder at the Sistine Chapel and food fanatics can indulge at a number of first class restaurants serving both traditional Italian dishes as well as modern cuisine.

Venice:

Not fulfilled with one Italian weekend jaunt, why not make a trip to the watery labyrinth of Venice. The city can be explored either by Gondola taxi as you are serenaded by the operatic tones of your gondolier or you may opt to take a romantic walk through the maze of cobbled streets, stopping off in a tratoria to enjoy a glass of wine whilst watching the sun set. Home to the annual Venice film festival, the city is fashionably expensive and the prides itself on its film star good looks, historical architecture and delicious restaurants.

Prague:

After emerging during the past decade as one of Europe’s most desirable city breaks, Prague is bustling metropolis of incredible gothic architecture and historical monuments. Stroll through the old fashioned cobbled streets by day before taking in the vibrant night life on offer. Popular with stag and hen do’s, the riverside location of the city also makes it a romantic getaway and delightful in both the summer and winter months.

When being whisked off on an impromptu weekend away to these destinations, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about travel insurance. Accidents can happen even on weekends away and although a European Health Insurance card will cover you to a certain extent, it is always wise to purchase holiday insurance online so you are covered for any eventuality.

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Posted By admin on November 6, 2011

HEART OF ASIA
One of the world’s most popular cuisines. Beautiful beaches and islands. Friendly, charming people.Warm weather all year round.Cheap prices for most things.Colourful, enchanting temples.An exotic culture preserved through the ages in a country that has never been colonised.Where are we talking about? Thailand, of course!

WHY THAILAND
You can travel to Thailand, if you want to experience lovely smiles and gentleness of Thai people and scenic & cultural treasures of Thai land. Thailand certainly is the land of smiles, which can make you smile, too. Its really is enamoring and exotic country, known for its inviting people, culture, scenery, cuisine, and overall lifestyle.

A FREQUENT CHOICE IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Located in the heart of Asia, Thailand has been captivating foreign visitors for decades. Previous visitors return year after year and as the word spreads, first-time visitors come flooding in. The number of foreign visitors to Thailand continues to increase and year after year, records are broken as international visitors flock to this fascinating country.

VACATIONS, MADE MEMORABLE ONES
Arguably the most exotic destination in South East Asia, Thailand offers travelers and holidaymakers a huge range of vacation possibilities. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a budget traveler wanting to explore a foreign land on a tight budget, or a well-heeled traveler who wants to be pampered and experience the very best, Thailand has something for you.It is still quite possible to find a pristine stretch of beautiful white sand beach that you can have all to yourself. Lazing away the days on a hammock under a palm tree on a mile long beach, without anyone else in sight,swaying in the breeze under a cloudless sky as the waves gently break against the soft white sand.Such an experience can still be had. Welcome to Thailand!

MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS
This page could largely be separated into two separate sections. The first part gives general information about travelling in Thailand while the second part goes into detail about some of the places to visit and some of my feelings about them and experiences there.

Bangkok
Phuket
Ko Samui
Ko Samet
Pattaya
Hua Hin
Isaan
Historic Places
Ko Chang

LEGAL LENGTH FOR YOUR STAY IN THAILAND
Visitors from most Western countries to Thailand get 30 days permission to enter Thailand upon arrival. This is not a visa per se. If you really like Thailand you can exit the country and re-enter immediately thus getting another 30 days. You cannot do this indefinitely and after spending 90 days in Thailand in a 180 day period you cannot return for 90 days, unless you apply for a visa at a Thai embassy or consulate outside of the country first. (There is more on the whole visa issue in the living and working section.) Holders of South Korean, Brazilian and Peruvian passports get 90 days permission. A lot of developing countries get permission to enter for a shorter period of time and visitors from some countries may have to apply in advance for a visa.You can apply in advance for a two month tourist visa which can actually be extended in the country for another 30 days at any Immigration office. The extension costs 1,900 baht.I believe that you may be able to get a multiple entry tourist visa although I personally believe that strictly for tourism purposes, three months is plenty.

LANDING IN THAILAND
Most people arriving in Thailand fly into Suwannaphum international airport in Bangkok. Your first time in Thailand, which may be your first time in Asia, can be more than a little confusing. You are more than likely jumping off the plane after a fairly lengthy trip and probably want to get to your hotel as soon as possible.

ACCOMMODATION
No matter what your budget, you can find something to suit. Thailand and indeed Bangkok has a huge range of places to stay. Whether you want the opulence of the Oriental Hotel, the filth of a Khao Sarn Road backpacker hole or somewhere in between, you will be able to find it in Bangkok. And right throughout Thailand, you will be able to find something to suit your needs, at least most of the time in most places.Bangkok’s top end hotels continue to rate extremely highly. The Oriental Hotel, The Dusit Thani, The Peninsula and The Shangri-La are often mentioned when you hear the top hotels in the world being talked about. These are five star hotels in every sense and should suit the most demanding of travelers Throughout Thailand, you have all of the big international hotel chains like Marriot, Sheraton, Regent, Hyatt represented. You also have some very good Thai hotel chains like Amari. And then you have got a lot of stand alone hotels. At the lower end of the range you have guesthouses. I gather that camping grounds are available in some places but having seen one snake show too many, I think I’ll give that one a miss, thank you.Of the beaches and islands in Thailand, the most popular spots like Pattaya, Phuket and Ko Samui are oozing with a variety of accommodation options. But this is not always the case at some of the more off the beaten track type places. It should come as no surprise that the further off the beaten track you get, generally the harder it is to find quality accommodation. Even in some of the islands the quality of accommodation is not always that good – and sometimes the prices, while cheap by international standards, can be expensive by local Thai standards. Places like Ko Samet and Ko Chang are classic examples where, in my personal opinion, accommodation prices really are higher than they should be.

Khao San Road
If you’re traveling on a budget then Khao San Road is actually extremely well located for anyone visiting Bangkok as it is walking distance to the river and the most interesting and historically significant parts of the city. The must see Grand Palace is about a mile or s away, easily walk able, even in Bangkok’s oppressive heat. Thailand is not an expensive country to travel through and if you are on a real budget, you can do just fine. Let’s look at the cost of accommodation in Bangkok first. A room in the top end hotels tends to go for 5,000 baht or more a night. The very best spots, like the Oriental may even go for twice this. As I mentioned earlier, hotels in Bangkok really are excellent and the top end places are just fabulous. My pick is the Sukhothai which has a wonderful combination of Thai style with modern convenience. It is worth just going for a wander through as it really is that nice! As Bangkok can be quite difficult to get around due to the dreadful traffic conditions and the fact that the skytrain and underground only cover a small part of the city, one needs to think carefully about the area where one chooses to stay. The most popular areas are Sukhumvit Road, Silom Road, the Siam Square / Pratunam area, Banglampoo and the river The prices of ccommodation in Phuket and Ko Samui are much the same as in Bangkok. These are now big international beach resorts with many fabulous places to stay and as such the prices reflect what people are prepared to pay for them. On the other hand, Pattaya and Chiang Mai both have high quality accommodation available at prices which simply do not exist – at least what you get for that money – in Bangkok. This is one reason to visit Pattaya and Chiang Mai – you get very good value for money on your accommodation.

GETTING AROUND THAILAND

TRAVEL BY AIR
Thai Airways is the main domestic airline and airfares for flights within Thailand are fairly reasonably priced, the schedules are good with lots of flights to the most popular destinations. Further, the planes are generally in good condition. Thai Airways flies to most parts of the country, but not quite all. The notable exception of where Thai does not fly is the tropical paradise of Ko Samui. There is only one airline which flies between Ko Samui and Bangkok and that is Bangkok Airways who I believe own the airport at Samui. The fare to fly from Bangkok to Ko Samui on Bangkok Airways is more expensive than the fare on Thai to fly from Bangkok to Phuket, something which many people question, with some feeling that Bangkok Airways really stings you when you fly between Bangkok and Ko Samui. Bangkok Airways also flies to some neighbouring countries as well as operating domestic flights within Thailand, but it is the route to Ko Samui for which they are most famous. Bangkok Airways has tried to reposition themselves and now markets themselves as Asia’s boutique carrier. .

TRAVEL BY CAR
Hiring cars or even a big bike is one way to get around Thailand. The quality of the roads in Thailand is generally pretty good. Car rental is fairly cheap in Thailand which is a little surprising given that the cost of buying a car in Thailand is much dearer than in the West. Generally, driving in provincial Thailand is easy, the drivers are less aggressive, there is much less traffic – and the further you get from Bangkok, the less traffic and congestion you find. However, wherever you go, signs are generally in Thai only. In a few places, and Pattaya is one exception, some road signs are in Thai. Fortunately street signs are in both Thai and English nationwide, something which I have been extremely impressed with. Petrol in Thailand is reasonably priced and as at March 2007, the price is around 26 baht a litre for the highest grade, 95 octane petrol.

HIGH-LOW SEASONS, THERES NONE SO SERIOUS DIVISIONS:
The tourist high season runs from around late November through to mid April. At certain times, particularly Christmas, New Year, the Chinese New Year and Songkran the most popular beaches and islands can be extremely busy to the point that getting accommodation can become a bit of a problem. Hotels and even some guesthouses hike their prices – and people are willing to pay it. So if you are travelling over any of these periods it pays to book well in advance. The Songkran period really marks the end of the tourism high season for the year. There are a number of other holidays throughout the year and on some of these holidays nightlife areas and bars and discos can be closed – and the sale of alcohol is outlawed. Some bars slip the boys in brown a bit of cash so they can remain open. Generally speaking it is the Buddhist holidays and December 5th, the birthday of HM The King.

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Posted By admin on October 29, 2011

Occasionally, there is a magical time when mom, dad and the kids all have nothing on the schedule. In such times, I highly recommend a trip to Georgia for some fun.

Taking The Family To Georgia For Some Fun

The state of Georgia is known as the Peach State, and it is the place to go for a peach of a trip! Planning a trip that will amuse the entire family, children and all, can be tough – but Georgia has enough activity, beauty and charm to satisfy even the pickiest traveler. Georgia trips are memorable events that you will want to repeat again and again.

While Georgia is known for its abundant peach trees and Southern charm, there is more to do here than just stand in an orchard. Whether you prefer the wilderness of mountains such as the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Georgia, or the big city such as in Atlanta, you will be sure to find activities for all to enjoy. If you are more of a history buff, the Historic South encompasses most of Georgia, with many stops and events to see along the way. If you prefer a taste of the genteel Southern plantation, try spending some time in the Savannah area.

The Historic South is a good place to start your trip. You can take a trek on the Antebellum Trail, which stretches from Macon to Athens, and see how the Old South really was. Antebellum means before the war, and this area has much to show for its Southern roots. You can see many restored houses from the 1800’s here, and even the town that time forgot, Old Clinton, which was settled in 1807. Strolling along the streets of Madison not only gives you a glimpse into the history of Georgia, but also a great place to go shopping!

Not into the history of Georgia? Take a trip to Athens, Georgia, which is known as one of the best music scenes in the country. Many different musical acts, including REM and the B-52 s started their careers here. Artists have come to know Athens as a great place to play concerts and hear new music – and it is more than just rock. Many African-American artists also got their start here. There is even AthFest in June, where 120 bands come to play and show off their music. The events during the day are particularly family friendly.

A trip to Georgia offers something for everyone from Mom and Dad to the teens and the little ones. Enjoying Georgias beauty and grace is something that everyone should do at least once, so book those trips today!

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Posted By Admin IQY on October 26, 2011

World renowned AA Rosette and Michelin award winning chef Jean Christophe Novelli chose the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa, during a recent short stay in Cheshire, and enjoyed a sumptuous evening meal and luxurious overnight stay at one of the finest Hotels in Chester.

Master chef Novelli was performing cookery demonstrations at the Mold Food Festival in nearby North Wales and stopped in for a night at the prestigious Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa in order to sample the comfort and culinary excellence of Ciro’s Brasserie at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa. The stunning 4 star Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa made the perfect location for Novelli during his flying visit to Cheshire and Ciro’s Brasserie, under the charge of head chef Leigh Myer, was a delicious highlight.

Accompanied by Italian celebrity chef Felice Toccini, Jean-Christophe Novelli enjoyed the superb facilities and unbeatable service, capped off with dinner at one of the North West’s finest restaurants, Ciro’s Brasserie. The breathtaking, Mediterranean themed restaurant offers modern European cuisine made from only the very best local ingredients and complemented by a selection of fine wines from around the globe.

The award winning chef and restaurateur was not shy about offering feedback to the staff at Ciro’s, and to everybody’s delight, he afforded them high praise across the board, scoring the restaurant  as ‘excellent’ for quality of service, quality of food, quantity of food, ambience and value for money.

Leigh Myers, executive head chef at The Grosvenor Pulford, comments: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome legends Jean-Christophe Novelli and Felice Toccini to The Grosvenor Pulford, and in particular Ciro’s Brasserie.  I had the opportunity to take them on a tour, and they had immense praise for the hotel, the service and the food.  It is always fantastic to receive positive feedback from our guests, and when it comes from such an influential culinary figure, it makes it all the more special.”

Jean-Christophe Novelli’s visit coincided with the nomination which Ciro’s Brasserie received from Cheshire Life’s Restaurant of the Year award, the winner of which will be announced on 25^th October.

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Posted By admin on October 20, 2011

As one of England’s newest cities, Sunderland is a city with a difference. It combines a modern, bustling centre with a relaxing green environment, stunning coastal scenery and a refreshing attitude to life. In Sunderland, quality of life and quality of environment go hand in hand. The rapidly improving city centre has an enviable location, set right on the mouth of the River Wear, next to an award-winning coastline and surrounded by easily accessible countryside. Add to that a range of outstanding heritage, cultural and sporting attractions and you’ll find that Sunderland has everything you need for an ideal short break.

Places of interest:

Sunderland has one of the few national museums based outside London – the National Glass Centre. It has a Winter Garden, a 21st century palm-house in a city-centre park; one of Britain’s earliest Christian churches; and a university that is a fashionable destination for young film-makers.

Penshaw Monument is one of the North East’s most prominent landmarks; it was built in 1844 in honour of the first Earl of Durham, John George Lambton. Located opposite Herrington Country Park, Penshaw Monument stands magnificently above the city on a limestone hill in the middle of the Great North Forest and affords views as far as Durham Cathedral and the North Pennines.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens was awarded second place in the Large Visitor Attraction category, Excellence in England awards, Sunderland’s museum is hugely popular with visitors of all ages. A range of fascinating multimedia presentations tell the city’s story from its early foundations to the present day. One of the galleries boasts an extensive collection of paintings by LS Lowry, who considered Sunderland his second home.

The National Glass Centre is based in an innovative new building on the north bank of the River Wear. It is dedicated to promoting glass and all its uses; in design, technology and as a vehicle for artistic expression. Here you can explore the history of glass making in the UK and see examples of the contemporary glass maker’s art. It is a fascinating experience for visitors of all ages.

Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art is located on the top floor of the City Library and Arts Centre. It has received critical acclaim for its changing exhibitions programme, featuring the current work of local, national and international artists.

Fullwell Mill is the most complete windmill in the North East and is located just north of Roker. Built in 1821 from the magnesium limestone from nearby quarries, it features a purpose-built visitor centre that offers a glimpse of the workings of a 19th century windmill. The ancient art of corn milling is demonstrated during the guided tour of the mill’s five floors.

Things to do:

The award winning beaches and nearby parks play host to a number of Sunderland’s annual outdoor events. These include the annual international air show and the Waterfront Weekend featuring world music, art and theatre. There are some spectacular coastal walks to suit all ages and the sands of the city’s beaches at Roker and Seaburn are the perfect place for walking and jogging. The cliff-top parks to the north of the city, allow you to walk the Bede’s Way or follow the Walney to Wear cycling routes.

Roker & Seaburn Beaches just north of the city centre provide a wonderful seaside playground for adults and children alike.
Washington Wildfowl & Wetland Centre is a great family day out. This recreated wetland provides a ’stop over’ and wintering habitat for migratory water birds after their passage over the North Sea. It is a haven for curlew and redshank and a breeding ground for flocks of herons. The Wetland Discovery Centre offers a view of the wide range of wildlife and a programme of art exhibitions.
Marine Activities Centre is Sunderland’s main focus for all types of water-based sports and leisure activities, from sailing and canoeing to pleasure fishing or a river cruise. Take a boat trip out along the Wear to enjoy the varied riverscape or try out more water sports and other activities at the centre.
The Sunderland Wall is Europe’s premier indoor climbing centre, where the facilities and courses cater for everyone from the novice to the die-hard crag rat.

Sunderland International Air show attracts over a million visitors every year to the seafront at Seaburn to watch the thrilling displays by jet fighters, vintage aircraft, helicopters and aerobatic teams, including the world famous Red Arrows.

Food & Drink:

You will find that Sunderland offers the visitor the choice of world cuisine. From Italian cuisine to the latest Japanese sushi bar, you’ll find a huge range of restaurants sure to get your taste buds tingling and your mouth watering.
Marine Activities Centre boasts an Italian restaurant with panoramic sea views.
The Roker Hotel/Restaurant is one of the most popular venues in the area, providing great service and food, along with a private bar for all dinner parties.
Chaplin is a traditional pub in every sense, benefiting from a prime city-centre location and outdoor picnic tables during the summer months.

Vivaldi is near the Winter Gardens. It is a plush, modern venue offering.
Italian dishes from seafood risotto to spinach gnocchi, and more exotic dishes such as Szechuan cured beef with crisp rice noodles and duck on garlic mash.
Throwingstones restaurant serves the needs of visitors to the National Glass Centre. This ground-floor restaurant is where you can relax with a cappuccino or tackle a full three-course meal.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Sunderland offers a range of visitor accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Available accommodation ranges from three and four star hotels to cosy guest houses and bed & breakfasts.
Quality Hotel Sunderland
The Balmoral & Terrace Guest Houses
Chaise Guest House

Entertainment

In the evening enjoy Sunderlands theatres, bars and clubs.
Chase is a retro-styled bar complete with large leather sofas and a grand spiral staircase. Downstairs there is a large L-shaped bar while upstairs there are two bars and a wood-floored dance floor. DJs play R&B, soul and house every night. The blend of music fits the venue perfectly.
The Point opened September 2005 and is Sunderlands newest entertainment complex, comprising of four venues in one. The building itself was once the Citys cinema but lay empty and derelict for many years before its multi-million pound re-development.
The Sunderland Empire is the North East’s largest theatre and a splendid example of Edwardian architecture. Recently refurbished, the Empire boasts 21st Century facilities and is the only theatre between Manchester and Edinburgh capable of staging large West End productions.

Sunderland has everything you need for an ideal short break. Whether you are after relaxation, invigoration or both, Sunderland’s distinctive mix of city, coast and countryside will definitely be a breath of fresh air.
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Posted By admin on October 11, 2011

Spain is the land of romance and amazing oddities. From bullfights to Gaudi to partying the night away on Ibiza, travelers could easily spend a year exploring Spain.

Madrid

With a population of over three million, Madrid is a big, modern city in central Spain. The suburbs of Madrid are very modern and not particularly interesting. Make it to the center of the city, however, and you are in for a treat. Small alleys, hidden squares and odd little shops are the norm. In this center, you will find a vibrant public life with outdoor cafes literally overrun with the passionate and interesting people of Madrid. When visiting the city, keep in mind it is very hot in the summer and pretty cold in the winter.

Barcelona

One of my favorite travel destinations, Barcelona is a costal city oozing charm. The city embodies all of the interesting little oddities of Spain with ancient streets where the local hobby is people watching. The city is also the home of best Gaudi architecture in Spain. Gaudi was either a genius or a madman, but there is no denying his architecture is unique. I would describe it as a mix between dripping candles and normal architecture. The big tourist attraction, of course, is the Sagrada Familia church, but better examples can be seen by just walking through neighborhoods. Yep, his work is throughout the city. The only downside to Barcelona is a trend of modernization. While modernization is generally okay, I think it is taking a bit away from the historic charm of Barcelona.

Ibiza

If youre looking to sit on the beach all day and party the night away, Ibiza is the hottest spot in Europe. An island off the coast of Spain, Ibiza is the rare tourist spot where monstrous tourist hotels dont dominate. Instead, youll find yourself staying in rented rooms, little hotels and hostels in Ibiza Town. During the days, its all about enjoying the beaches. At night, the bars and clubs of the island are world famous and they never really seem to close. Bring plenty of aspirin!

If youre going to visit Spain, you cant really go wrong. If time is short, Madrid, Barcelona and Ibiza are three spots worth seeing.

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Posted By admin on October 3, 2011

Frozen at an early morning hour, the stony hands of the giant, cracked clock commemorate the horror. The earthquake that struck Skopje in 1963 has shattered not only its Byzantine decor, has demolished not merely the narrow passageways of its Ottoman past, has transformed not only its Habsburgian waterfront with its baroque National Theatre. The disastrous reconstruction, supervised by a Japanese architect, has robbed it of its soul. It has become a drab and sprawling socialist metropolis replete with monumentally vainglorious buildings, now falling into decrepitude and disrepair. The influx of destitute and simpleton villagers (which more than quintupled Skopje’s population) was crammed by central planners with good intentions and avaricious nature into low-quality, hi-rise slums in newly constructed “settlements”.

Skopje is a city of extremes. Its winter is harsh in shades of white and grey. Its summer is naked and steamy and effulgent. It pulses throughout the year in smoke-filled, foudroyant bars and dingy coffee-houses. Polydipsic youths in migratory skeins, eager to be noted by their peers, young women on the hunt, ageing man keen to be preyed upon, suburbanites in search of recognition, gold chained mobsters surrounded by flaxen voluptuousness – the cast of the watering holes of this potholed eruption of a city.

The trash seems never to be collected here, the streets are perilously punctured, policemen often substitute for dysfunctional traffic lights. The Macedonians drive like the Italians, gesture like the Jews, dream like the Russians, are obstinate like the Serbs, desirous like the French and hospitable like the Bedouins. It is a magical concoction, coated in the subversive patience and the aggressive passivity of the long oppressed. There is the wisdom of fear itself in the eyes of the 600,000 inhabitants of this landlocked, mountain-surrounded habitat. Never certain of their future, still grappling with their identity, an air of “carpe diem” with the most solemn religiosity of the devout.

The past lives on and flows into the present seamlessly. People recount the history of every stone, recite the antecedents of every man. They grieve together, rejoice in common and envy en masse. A single organism with many heads, it offers the comforts of assimilation and solidarity and the horrors of violated privacy and bigotry. The people of this conurbation may have left the village – but it never let them go. They are the opsimaths of urbanism. Their rural roots are everywhere: in the the division of the city into tight-knit, local-patriotic “settlements”. In the traditional marriages and funerals. In the scarcity of divorces despite the desperate shortage in accommodation. In the asphyxiating but oddly reassuring familiarity of faces, places, behaviour and beliefs, superstitions, dreams and nightmares. Life in a distended tempo of birth and death and in between.

Skopje has it all – wide avenues with roaring traffic, the incommodious alleys of the Old Town, the proper castle ruins (the Kale). It has a Turkish Bridge, recently renovated out of its quaintness. It has a square with Art Nouveau building in sepia hues. An incongruent digital clock atop a regal edifice displayed the minutes to the millennium – and beyond. It has been violated by American commerce in the form of three McDonald restaurants which the locals proceeded cheerfully to transform into snug affairs. Stolid Greek supermarkets do not seem to disrupt the inveterate tranquility of neighbourhood small grocers and their coruscant congeries of variegated fruits and vegetables, spilling to the pavement.

In winter, the light in Skopje is diaphanous and lambent. In summer, tis strong and all-pervasive. Like some coquettish woman, the city changes mantles of orange autumn leaves and the green foliage of summer. Its pure white heart of snow often is hardened into grey and traitorous sleet. It is a fickle mistress, now pouring rain, now drizzle, now simmering sun. The snowy mountain caps watch patiently her vicissitudes. Her inhabitants drive out to ski on slopes, to bathe in lakes, to climb to sacred sites. It gives them nothing but congestion and foul atmosphere and yet they love her dearly. The Macedonian is the peripatetic patriot – forever shuttling between his residence abroad and his true and only home. Between him and his land is an incestuous relationship, a love affair unbroken, a covenant handed down the generations. Landscapes of infancy imprinted that provoke an almost Pavolvian reaction of return.

Skopje has known many molesters. It has been traversed by every major army in European history and then by some. Occupying a vital crossroad, it is a layer cake of cultures and ethnicities. To the Macedonians, the future is always portentous, ringing with the ominousness of the past. The tension is great and palpable, a pressure cooker close to bursting. The river Vardar divides increasingly Albanian neighbourhoods (Butel, Cair, Shuto Orizari) from Macedonian (non-Muslim) ones. Albanians have also moved from the villages in the periphery encircling Skopje into hitherto “Macedonian” neighbourhoods (like Karpos and the Centre). The Romas have their own ghetto called “Shutka” (in Shuto Orizari), rumoured to be the biggest such community in Europe. The city has been also “invaded” (as its Macedonian citizens experience it) by Bosnian Muslims. Gradually, as friction mounts, segregation increases. Macedonians move out of apartment blocks and neighbourhoods populated by Albanians. This inner migration bodes ill for future integration. There is no inter-marriage to speak of, educational facilities are ethnically-pure and the conflict in Kosovo with its attendant “Great Albania” rumblings has only exacerbated a stressed and anxious history.

It is here, above ground, that the next earthquake awaits, along the inter-ethnic fault lines. Strained to the point of snapping by a KFOR-induced culture shock, by the vituperative animosity between the coalition and opposition parties, by European-record unemployment and poverty (Albania is the poorest, by official measures) – the scene is set for an eruption. Peaceful by long and harsh conditioning, the Macedonians withdraw and nurture a siege mentality. The city is boisterous, its natives felicitously facetious, its commerce flourishing. It is transmogrified by Greek and Bulgarian investors into a Balkan business hub. But under this shimmering facade, a great furnace of resentment and frustration spews out the venom of intolerance. One impolitic move, one unkind remark, one wrong motion – and it will boil over to the detriment of one and all.

Dame Rebecca West was here, in Skopje (Skoplje, as she spells it) about 60 years ago. She wrote:

“This (Macedonian) woman (in the Orthodox church) had suffered more than most other human beings, she and her forebears. A competent observer of this countryside has said that every single person born in it before the Great War (and quite a number who were born after it) has faced the prospect of violent death at least once in his or her life. She had been born during the calamitous end of Turkish maladministration, with its cycles of insurrection and massacre and its social chaos. If her own village had not been murdered, she had, certainly, heard of many that had and had never had any guarantee that hers would not some day share the same fate… and there was always extreme poverty. She had had far less of anything, of personal possessions, of security, of care in childbirth than any Western woman can imagine. But she had two possessions that any Western woman might envy. She had strength, the terrible stony strength of Macedonia; she was begotten and born of stocks who could mock all bullets save those which went through the heart, who could outlive the winters when they were driven into the mountains, who could survive malaria and plague, who could reach old age on a diet of bread and paprika. And cupped in her destitution as in the hollow of a boulder there are the last drops of the Byzantine tradition.”

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Posted By admin on September 21, 2011

Los Angeles, California is a place of beautiful beaches, sunny skies, and many popular attractions. Contrary to what most people think, Los Angeles is a melting pot of culture and history. While many of is attractions are geared towards tourists and are sometimes cheesy and overpriced, there is no reason you should enjoy them less. Explore L.A. as an informed and knowledgeable traveler and youll have a great time.

Hollywood Boulevard: One of the most popular attractions in LA, Hollywood Boulevard was once home to the greatest studios and a milieu of popular celebrities and visitors. Now, it is a street lined with pricey souvenir shops and boutiques, as well as generic, expensive restaurants. However, it is worth visiting Hollywood Blvds walk of stars and Graumans Chinese Theatre. They are two parts of historic Hollywood Boulevard that are worth seeing and free to boot. Take a nice stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and take in the sights.

Universal Studios: Universal Studios is a great place to come if you have kids. However, while the rides are amusing, are not as great as theyre made out to be. Experience it once if you like, but if youre going to shell out the cash, check out Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, take a lunch and drinks. Youll save a ton of money, energy and time by doing so.

Melrose Avenue: one of LAs most visited locations, Melrose Avenue boasts expensive dining and lots of shopping. Other than people watching, you can eat or shop while waiting anxiously to catch one glimpse of a star. In reality, you would have to go every day for at least a week to actually catch a glimpse of anyone. Or you might pass a disguised celebrity without noticing. Either way, youre probably in for disappointment on the star-gazing end.

Farmers Market: the farmers market at the Grove is an excellent way to enjoy your trip to Los Angeles. Cruise for fresh fruit and veggies, awesome food from local food stands, and if youre lucky you might see a star or two. You are much more likely to run into a star randomly going to the farmers market in Hollywood than Melrose Avenue.

The Grove: the grove is a small shopping center with a number of high end boutiques, good food, and an excellent place for people watching and window shopping. There is also great regular shopping, and there are some good deals to be had if you nose around a little. If youre not in the mood to shop, step over to the Farmers Market next door and enjoy a piece of Los Angeles rich and vibrant history.

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