Archive for December, 2009
European Influence On Morocco
Morocco’s dazzling mosaic of Arab and Berber cultureswith a dash of African and European influenceis at once strange and romantic alluring and disconcerting. It’s little wonder that Morocco has regularly drawn seekers of the exotic. Although Morocco is situated in the western corner of Africa the European influence is notable. The north of the country has a Mediterranean coastline and a strong European influence. The south of Spain is only a 20kilometre ferry ride from the tip of Morocco.
By the 15th century Spain and Portugal began to intrude into Morocco after having expelled the Moors from their own lands. Although Morocco successfully repulsed these invasions the tide of European imperialism eventually proved too great. By the early 1900’s France had negotiated land deals with Spain Italy Britain and other contending nations to become the overwhelming European influence in Morocco. In 1912 the country became a French protectorate with the port city of Tangier deemed an international zone. Marshal Lyautey established as the French ResidentGeneral respected Moroccan culture and recognized the need to preserve it.
From then until 1956 Morocco was administered from France with a small area in the north under Spanish control. Since independence Morocco has been a kingdom in which the King has considerable power as both political and religious ruler. New government initiatives are successfully improving the infrastructure and tourist economy to create an exciting new emerging Morocco property market which is only just coming to the attention of shrewd worldwide property investors.
Nowadays the tourism industry and huge amount of investors in Morocco property has exposed Moroccans to European values fashions and lifestyles. Perhaps in the beginning it was difficult for the locals to accept these new influences; but now they are a familiar part of everyday life. Morocco has actually submitted various applications for membership in the European Union; so far it has been rejected.
However not Morocco has not only European influence. Both Arab and European influence are exemplified throughout the country but especially in the capital Rabat and Casablanca. Despite a strong European influence the Arab influence is visible as well even in construction of property in Morocco and old buildings. The Old Medina with its maze of narrow streets neighborhood mosques and whitewashed walls is clearly Arabic as is the huge Hassan II Mosque on the sea coast. And although many women are attired in the latest European fashions many choose to wear the traditional l’tam or face veil and robelike djellabah.
Although European influence in Morocco is strong it is still a country of distinctly Arabic tradition. The vast difference between the crude life on the streets and the hospitality and intimacy found in the home reflect the duality that is deeply ingrained in Moroccan culture. But one aspect of Moroccan life that is distinctly unified is religion. The king has declared that all citizens are born Sunni Muslims and Islam is an important part of everyday ritual life. The Moroccan government is a constitutional monarchy with a very powerful king. It is this mix of European and Arab influence loyalty to the king and a strong Islamic base which creates the uniquely Moroccan identity.
About the writer: Sandra Hamilton independent researcher of current situation in Morocco regarding growing interest in Morocco property investment.
Entertainment Restaurants And Bars In Birmingham
With the exception of two of the city’s theatres most of the nightlife in Birmingham is centred on the Broad Street area which includes the International Convention Centre the National Indoor Arena the Symphony Hall the Repertory Theatre and the refurbished Town Hall not to mention numerous bars and clubs. Not that Birmingham is a ‘one street city’ when it comes to having a night out. The area between Sparkhill Moseley and Balsall Heath has a national reputation for a particular style of cuisine along with notable Irish and Chinese quarters too.
Bars and Pubs:
In the city centre if you want an evening out in one of the so called ‘drinking palaces’ then head for Broad Street where as well as the national chains of such pubs and bars you’ll find places like Stoodi Baker’s which has several rooms ranging from a small and trendy bar to more cavernous rooms complete with dancefloor and professional GoGo dancers. However if you step off Broad Street into Brindley Place you enter an area where the pubs and bars have a quieter and more relaxed ambience.
Between Colmore Row and New Street several old banks and commercial premises have been tastefully converted into bars. For example the Old Joint Stock on Temple Row; with balustrades balconies chandeliers and the most fantastic front door in the city gives you the feeling of entering a country club rather than a city bar. Bennetts on nearby Bennetts Hill is another former bank turned into a bar. Its plush Regency finish could fool you into thinking you’ve entered a library instead. Both of these bars serve a good selection of beers lagers and wine as well as some excellent food. With a history dating back to 1821 the Tap and Spile on Gas Street is an old and original pub by the side of the canal. It’s a Free House and serves a good selection of nationally renowned beers and international lagers.
Restaurants:
The so called ‘Balti triangle’ between Sparkhill Moseley and Balsall Heath is where you’ll find the best of Birmingham’ famed Balti restaurants. The award winning Al Frash on Ladypool Road in Sparkbrook is probably the best known of the Balti Houses. Located on Broad street is Birmingham’s favourite Indian restaurant Shimla Pinks. It claims to be “…the UKs most stylish place to experience Indian cuisine” if you visit it you’ll probably end up agreeing with them. This is no ordinary Indian restaurant to go for a cheap curry main course prices rise from 15 GBP to 45 GBP a head. The Mailbox has several stylish bars and restaurants such as Zizzi which serves mainly Italian food. Prices are very reasonable at around 20 GBP a head for a three course meal Zizzi also has a good selection of reasonably priced wines.
Near the Arcadian Centre in the Chinese Quarter is the Chung Yin on Wrottesley Street. This is the best Chinese restaurant in the city. It specialises in Cantonese cuisine and produces 70 different varieties of dim sum. Chung Yin is popular and always busy a main course is priced around the 10 GBP mark. Whilst the above restaurants reflect how multicultural Birmingham is there are plenty of restaurants offering British and French cuisine. In the city centre two of the places to go are the Berlioz Restaurant in Burlington Arcade and Apres on Summer Row. Brindley Place behind the ICC and NIA is very popular with diners going to places such as; Cafe Rouge Le Petit Blanc Bank and The Locks. If you’re near the Art Gallery on Chamberlain Square during the day time a visit to its Edwardian Tea Room is highly recommended. A large and fancily decorated room with cast iron pillars sets the scene for morning coffee lunch or afternoon tea in the city.
Entertainment:
Birmingham has three major theatres. The Hippodrome is home to the Royal Ballet and hosts touring drama musical ballet and opera productions. Almost half a million people a year visit the Hippodrome making it one of the most popular theatres in the country. The Hippodrome is in the Chinese quarter of the city on Hurst Street. The Alexandra is another theatre that hosts touring productions in Birmingham. On Station Street just up from New Street it is smaller than the Hippodrome but still manages to attract the ‘big name’ productions. The theatre is also used by ‘one night stand’ touring music and comedy acts. Originally founded in 1913 the Birmingham Repertory Theatre is one of the best in the country. Right by the Symphony Hall in Centenary Square it has its own company of players as well as having being used for touring drama productions.
At Millennium Point Curzon Street to the south of the city is the Birmingham Imax cinema which has a fivestorey screen. Incorporated into the International Convention Centre ICC which amongst other things has hosted the annual Labour party conference is the Birmingham Symphony Hall. With its world class acoustics and auditorium it is home to the city’s equally famous symphony orchestra it is also used by touring musicians bands singers and orchestras. Not far from the ICC and Symphony Hall is the National Indoor Arena. Built to be the indoor venue for sporting events in the country it is also used by touring bands musical and comedy productions. Whilst many of the city’s nightclubs are along Broad Street the area around Digbeth to the south of the city also has a tradition of contributing to the city’s nightlife. One such place is the Factory Club on Gibb Street in what is known collectively as the Custard Factory as once it was. There is also The Sanctuary which is on Digbeth High Street and has for many years been seen as Birmingham’s premier ‘clubbing’ venue. The top comedy spot in Birmingham is The Glee Club which is in the Arcadian entertainment area not far from the Hippodrome theatre.
About the writer: Susan Ashby of Birmingham Singles has travelled extensively around the United Kingdom writing articles on each of the major cities. To read more articles on Birmingham or for dating in Birmingham visit http://www.birminghamsingles.co.uk
Enjoy Your Holidays In Caravans North Wales
Having a holiday in a caravan means that you can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for a lot cheaper than a hotel. Furthermore having a relaxing break can help you recharge your batteries and escape from the stresses and strains of modern life. The scenic outstanding natural beauty of North Wales makes it an ideal place to escape to and it is popular with all ages and people from all backgrounds. Caravan North Wales is popular among a cross section of society and visitors to the region have been known to visit year after year.
Caravans North Wales come with a number of home comforts and facilities including electric showers microwaves sliding sunroofs satellite TV and much more. All these facilities make the caravans a home away from home and they allow the tourist to stay at their chosen caravan site in comfort. Caravans Holidays are an excellent way to spend your holiday in North Wales and everyone within your family including children will enjoy the stay at these one of North Wales top caravan sites.
Static caravans are different from traditional caravans and they are normally found at dedicated sites at holiday parks. Renting static caravans North Wales are a lot cheaper than renting a hotel in the North Wales region. At the same time you get more space for your family at a static caravan than at hotel rooms. Static caravans North Wales have a lot more to offer than touring caravans for example many have thermal insulation which means that your stay in a caravan will not be uncomfortable should the weather outside the caravan be particularly cold.
For the budget conscious traveller or families caravanning is perhaps the best option for a great holiday. Caravans North Wales offer cheaper deals to families and is a cost effective option for families and indeed anybody who find it difficult to pack up their things and go abroad for enjoying their much sought after holiday with family or friends.
About the writer: You can find more about caravans North Wales from Marine Holiday Park. Also find great information about North Wales accommodation and Anglesey accommodation.