Archive for September, 2009
Beach Bumming In Paris
With palm trees in the breeze on top of two miles of golden sand it could be Palm Beach or Palma de Mallorca. But it’s central Paris and the Paris Plage project the manmade beach along the river Seine. Lastminute preparations went on all night with workmen smoothing out the 2000 tons of fine sand now spread on what’s usually a busy motorway. Deck chairs sunloungers and colorful sun umbrella had sprung up everywhere. And by lunchtime it is impossible to find a free chair.
For people who live in Paris and have made a decision to spend the summer in the city and for those who are not citizens of Paris and have decided to spend the summer in the city there is some good news as Paris Plage is there to entertain the people of Paris.
Traditionally the first beach stretches on the Seine River’s right bank between the Tuilleries and Pont de Sully. The beach comes with some exciting improvements each and every year. Besides the usual beach sports activities like beach volley there are rowing matches several ball games and aerobic courses in the swimming pool and dance contests. The activity is dependent on preferences if one is inclined to be less active then one can relax in one of the numerous hammocks or beach beds that are strategically placed under colorful umbrellas and tropical palm trees.
The second beach around 700 meters long is between Port de la Gare and La Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir. The initiative recognized as “a bit crazy” by the Socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoe started in 2002 and has become a permanent annual event. It was welcomed by all Parisians who showed what a good idea they thought it was. In addition to lie around on the sun beds visitors can take part in a range of free sporting activities including petanque and volleyball and dance in the oldtime dance cafes known as ginguettes.
However it has to be kept in mind that the Seine river is not fit for swimming in. According to project designer JeanChristophe Choblet the aim of this beach is lazing and strolling by the water. It was never contemplated that one will have to pack bucket and spade for a weekend in Paris.
In addition to providing a great place to lie down and absorb the calming atmosphere of the riverside the Paris Plage plays host to numerous concerts all through the summer. From comedy to triphop and choreographed dance routines the bizarrely located beach offers a selection of entertainment for everyone.
However the idea of Paris Plage is in fact liberal so as to meet the need for holidays of those who cannot leave. But for that to happen it would be necessary that Paris looks beyond the small water area of the p?riph?rique and develop it fully so as one would be delighted to visit Paris Plage.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Anil Gupta recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.fr/city/fr/paris.html?aid=305255 for more information on Paris hotels.
Barcelona City Break Guide
There are many things that you will want to see and do while you are in Barcelona for your city break. Remember that in order to find time to do them all you should plan your schedule out in advance.
Things to Do In Barcelona
One of the best things to do on a Barcelona city break is to get a hop on hop off bus pass. This will allow you to visit most of the important sites while you are in Barcelona. It will also give you two days of traveling on the bus in order to go from place to place and will take you to all of the important sites. Many of these buses have two day passes you can buy and this will be much less money than taking cabs. You will also be able to listen to the information on the tour bus and learn a lot about Barcelona.
One of the things that you want to be sure to do is to see as much of the art as you can. There are many examples of Gaudi that you can see all over the city of Barcelona. You can tour several homes made by him and several projects such as the Sangria Famillia one of the most important sites to see in Barcelona. You also want to be sure that you are visiting Gaudi Park which is another important place to witness his art.
Arts Culture
Art is not the only thing that you can see on a Barcelona City Break. You can also find music which is something that you might want to check out. There are several live music venues that you can listen to while you are in Barcelona.
Another important thing to do on your Barcelona city break might be to check out the remnants of the Barcelona Olympics. Olympic park and village are two wonderful things that you will be able to see while you are there and these are great experiences for your entire family.
Hit The Beach !
If you have the time it is always nice to spend an afternoon on the beach at Barcelona. This can be a great way to enjoy the sun and sand as well as the water and to be able to relax a little bit. Along with the traditional Spanish food that you will be able to find you can enjoy both the day light hours and the night time hours as long as you are sure that you have it all planned out!
About the writer: Search directline citybreaks for all the latest deals offers on city breaks to Barcelona.
Banaue Philippines – Home Of One Of The Great World Wonders
The mere mention of Banaue immediately brings to mind the worldfamous rice terraces a 20000hectare engineering marvel built more than 2000 years ago by Ifugao tribes people using only their bare hands and crude implements.
The terraces which have drawn awestruck tourists from all over the globe have merited a place in the World Heritage List and are touted with good reason as the Eight Wonder of the World. A long hard trek through the “Stairway to the Sky” is best rewarded by a refreshing dip in the springfed stream of Guihob or the magnificent Tappiya Waterfalls which has an enormous basin for swimming.
Bontoc not to be outdone features such picturesque attractions as Tucucan with its hanging bridges of vines and logs Mainit Hot Springs and its medicinal sulphuric waters and the petroglyphs of Alab which have been declared as a national cultural treasure.
Sagada is the country’s answer to Shangrila. The long arduous journey on the Halsema Highway is well worth what awaits: sylvan landscapes natural marvels and some of the most friendly people this side of the archipelago.
It’s no surprise that many visitors have decided to forego the wearying return trip and make this quiet mountain town their new home. the morbidly attractive “hanging coffins” the astonishing limestone formations of Sumaguing Cave and the invigorating waters of Bokong Falls are just a handful of reasons to explore this areas but the chilly mountain weather irresistible mountain brew and pleasant company of the laidback townsfolk and travelers are equally good reasons to stay in town and watch the day lazily crawl by.
BRIEF HISTORY
Mountain Province became a special province of the Philippines in 1907. It was made up of the subprovinces of BontocLepanto Amburayan Apayao Benguet Ifugao and Kalinga. The Provincial Supervisor Samuel Kane was appointed Governor of the province and Bontoc was then the capital town.
In February 1942 the dreaded Japanese Army arrived in Bontoc via the Nueva Viscaya and Kalinga route. A garrison was established in the town. The Anglican Mission dormitories were served as quarters for the officers. Dr. Hillary Clapp was made governor of Mountain Province and during his term the people were spared from so much suffering from the Japanese colonizers.
On January 9 1945 the American Forces landed in Lingayen and the Japanese forces retreated northwards. In February of the same year American planes dropped incendiary bombs in Bontoc and bombed again the place the following month. It razed the town so the people fled to the mountains for cover while the Japanese troops arrived daily fleeing towards Aparri and Kiangan to join the troops of General Yamashita.
In August 1945 USAFE troops arrived and the people came out from their hiding. Peace came earlier in Bontoc than the rest of the country.
On July 4 1945 the Philippine Republic was born. Bontoc slowly rose from the ruins of the war and the following years marked the changes and developments. Being the provincial capital people flocked to Bontoc and business flourished. Hotels lodging houses restaurants stores and houses sprouted.
The BaguioBontoc road was rehabilitated with the assistance of Lepanto Mining Corporation and the Dangwa Development Corporation. Mountain Province became an independent province on March 25 1967 when President Ferdinand E. Marcos officially appointed and inducted into office the first set of provincial officials: Alfredo Lamen as Governor; Victor Dominguez as ViceGovernor; and Pablo Felva and Alejo Manao as Board Members. On April 7 1967 the new Mountain Province came into operation.
This date was unanimously adopted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on their regular meeting held on June 10 1980 as the Mountain Province Day.
To date Mt. Province is growing in popularity as a “Spelunkers Delight and Weavers Paradise”. It is becoming a favorite destination of both local and foreign visitors.
LANGUAGE/DIALECT
The inhabitants are generally speaking Kankanaey with Bontoc as their major dialect. Others speak Gaddang and Kalinga. English and Ilocano are widely spoken and understood.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Manila the quickest way to Banaue is by bus 9 hours. From Banaue to Sagada take a jeepney to Bontoc 2.5 hrs and connect with another jeepney to Sagada 40 minutes.
Source: The Philippine Department of Tourism
About the writer: Did you find this article about Banaue Philippines useful? If you want to know more about places to get Philippines vacations please visit http://www.kingtvl.com.ph