A World of Attractions

The Endemic Species of Madagascar

2014-02-08T10:16:00.001-08:00

It has been said that about 90 percent of the plants and animals that exist on Madagascar are endemic to that area. There are over a hundred known species and subspecies of the Lemur alone. It is known as one of the most abundant bio-diversities (the degree of variation of life) areas known on earth. The concept of endemism is that island areas such as Madagascar are isolated in their specific geographic location.

Madagascar is an area of just over 587 square kilometers (or over 226 square miles), or slightly less than twice the size of Arizona. It is an area that is abundant with rich fauna and flora.

It was originally settled by Austronesian peoples between 200 BC and 500 AD. The population has been more prevalent since 1960 when it has increased dramatically from five million to around the current twenty two million in 2012. Life expectancy in this area is around 59 years.

The diversity of its ecoregions is due to the fact that there is a temperate inland climate, an arid climate in the south and a tropical climate along the coast. There are six main rain-forest areas in Madagascar, known as the rain-forests of Atsinanana. This verdant area is said to be over 60 million years old. Rainfall is usually over 2,000 mm per year through the ecoregion, the parts of the rain-forests. There are two main ecoregions of Madagascar, the dry deciduous forests and the lowland forests.

Over time there have been about eight extinct bird species. Some sub-fossil lemurs (during the late Pleistocene age, approximately 10,000 BC and older), turtle, rodent, fish and hippopotamus species have also become extinct. Others to become extinct include the Giant Aye-aye, the Giant Fossa, Hipposideros besaoka, Koala Lemur, Malagasy Aardvark, Malagasy Hippopotamus, and the Large Sloth Lemur.

Madagascar is an ecologist’s dream, with around 90 percent of animal species and plant life endemic to this area. The various species of Lemurs include (but are not limited to): Aye-Aye, Bamboo, Black, Black and White Ruffed, Dwarf, Indri, Lepilemur, Mouse, Red-Fronted Brown, Red-Ruffed, Ring-Tailed, Sifaka, and Sportive. Among the other species, there are approximately 245 endemic species of frogs, over half the world’s population of chameleons (59 species), fifteen endemic species of bats, 105 endemic species of birds, a species called Fossa, which is a relative of the Mongoose.

The natural cycle of the endemic species of Madagascar, according to Berkeley University, is through a process of dispersal and evolution. This is their phylogeny, their evolutionary relationship. It seems to be a scientific handbook of the adaptive nature of sub species, evolving from their main species counterparts. The geographic area involved is between mostly East Africa and Madagascar. This has a lot to do with the fact that Madagascar split off from Africa 160 million years ago. Understanding all these elements in depth will further educate us as to where these species came from and what they are evolving to.

Climate changes and the clearing of forests add significant threats to this diverse ecoregion. These are but a few of the preceding indicators of a wonderland being neglected and subject to demise. Extinction of species is usually due to species in-adaptability of its changing environment. Include the fact that man has added his own technological changes to the environment, those factors become even more serious than they already are. If ever there was a time to try to save the rain-forests and ecosystem of Madagascar, that time would be now.

Bru Na Boinne and Drogheda attractions in Ireland

2011-04-11T12:01:00.001-07:00

Bru Na Boinne and Drogheda attractions in Ireland:

The mind is often wont to historical attractions that play on our soul like a rich, invigorating tonic to the otherwise hustle and bustle that we have in our daily lives. To imagine an area that actually predates the pyramids is the stuff that mythical lore is made of. Bru Na Boinne is comprised of the passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. Newgrange has, what is known as, a passage-grave (or passive-tomb). They were erected around 3200 BC. To look at that plush landscape in this area it's easy to image just how the ancient Celts lived and worked off this fertile land.

Drogheda lies in the County Louth, in Eastern Ireland. It is located on the Boyne river and it is known as an industrial port town. There are still ruins and monuments that date from as far back as the 12th century. In 1649 Oliver Cromwell stormed the town and the inhabitants were massacred.

Bru Na Boinne had another famous battle not long after, in 1690. It was known as 'The battle of the Boyne'. Bru Na Boinne is best known for it's main building: a roundish, sod covered building that is known as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of beautiful walkways and passages. The whole site covers a massive 780 hectares.

So whether you are of Irish descendancy, or just fascinated by the rich heritage that the country has to offer, you'll find that you will be taken in by all the Irish charm, with more than just a passing fancy. Become immersed with all that the Irish ways have to offer. You'll be a better person for it and you may rediscover just who you really are in the process.

http://goireland.about.com/od/dublinandleinster/gr/revbrunaboinne.htm
http://www.drogheda.ie/cms/publish/visitor_attractions.php
http://www.drogheda-independent.ie/ For all the latest local news.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cromwellian_conquest_of_Ireland Cromwellian battle via Wiki.
http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/ You'll find info on Bru Na Boinne and much more.
http://www.knowth.com/
http://www.mythicalireland.com/
http://www.theboynevalley.com/ So rich in history is this area.

Cancun, in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico

2011-03-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

Cancun, in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico

If you were to analyze just what makes a perfect holiday, a perfect getaway, you may find Cancun near the top of your ‘ideal vacation’ list. A great year round warm climate and some fabulous views of the Caribbean are just some of the many highlights for this little paradise on earth. Before we find out just how far Cancun has evolved today, we need to venture back into it’s storied past, it’s most modest beginnings.

You will find some historical remnants, indictive of the cultures that existed within the pre-Columbian Maya civilation. The structures that exist within the great Cancun area date back to around 1300 B.C. El Rey is a Mayan site that is located near the famous ‘hotel zone’ that makes Cancun such a tourist hot spot today. In Punta Sam exists a very important site that is very popular with tourists. There are also temples, pyramids and ancient attractions in Tulum, Xel-Ha, Ek Balam and Xcaret, to name a few of the places that should be on your must see list. The Mayan culture was divided into three periods: The Pre-Classic Period (between 1500 BC and 250 AD), The Classic Period (250 to 900 AD) and the Post-Classic Period (between 900 and 1200 AD).

Cancun was originally developed in 1970, not far from Puerto Juarez which was primarily a fishing village. Just imagine what the fishermen of that time would think of the Cancun of today that now features a population exceeding 700,000. This was area originally consisted of sand dunes, mangroves, jungles and virgin beaches, yet to be discovered. In 1969 the Mexican government was looking at ways to develop and promote the area and to get in on the tourist trade, in it’s infancy (at least in this area). The area was originally developed into three main components: A tourism zone, a residence zone, and an airport. Thus laid the ground work for this most majestic vacation spot and play ground for fun seekers from around the world.

In the 1970's came more attentions to the peace and the zen that this transformed New Age paradise was capable of creating. Spas would eventually open, offering tourists the ultimate cerebral escape from their otherwise hectic lifestyles. The rich, blue colored waters and warm ocean fed breezes create such a delirious, desirable effect. What better place for wellness on the body and soul.

Investors were originally skeptical, as can be expected in such a young, unproven paradise. The Mexican government would have to finance the first nine hotels. The hotel zone is a thin strip of land which separates Cancun from the Caribbean with the Nichupte lagoon. The rest of Cancun is accessable to the North and South of this strip of land. To the north you can travel to places like Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam and to the south you can travel to Tulum and Cozumel as well as the Cancun airport.

The weather in Cancun is spectacular. It boasts temperatures of 73 F (23 C) in January to a high of 82 F (28 C) in July and August. Cancun has over 200 mm of rain in the month of September but only around 40 mm in March and April. It’s average rate of humidity is between 76 and 81 percent per month. The average temperatures for the sea are between 26 and 29 (C) or between 79 and 84 (F).

The main attractions in Cancun are about what you would expect from an oceanside playground. There is swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, ski-dooing, as well as visiting the many Mayan ruins. There are also tour guides, (including horseback riding and Jeep adventures), swimming with the dolphins, water parks, sea aquariums, golf courses, zipper lines, parks, and many other sight seeing and photography venues.

Cancun is very much a place that has a lot to offer the active vacationer or the beach side lounger. Whether your day is comprised of grueling hikes and pyramid climbing or merely languishly lounging on some sun drenched beach, it will leave you most satisfied and yearning for more. Cancun is all about a richness in heritage, thousands of years old, watching colorful pagentries and depictions of it’s glorious past while ushering in a new era with fabulous night clubs and adventures for both the young and the old. If any holiday will leave you breathless and fullfilled, it’ll be a holiday to Cancun.

A list of popular links to Cancun attractions:

http://www.advantagemexico.com/cancun/map.html Hotel Zone and downtown areas.

http://www.aquaworld.com.mx/cancun-attractions.htm l Diving, fishing, Cancun tours, romance and more!

http://www.cancun.com/ Cancun’s official website.

http://www.cancun.com/Tours/Bullfights/ Bullfights.

http://cancun.diningguide.com/ Cancun dining by location.

http://www.cancunfirstclass.com/cancun-map-eng.asp Shows Cancun Hotel Zone and more.

http://www.cancunmenus.com/ Many cuisines to choose from.

http://www.cancunvista.com/tours.htm Tours and wet tours.

http://cancun.travel/en/ The official travel information website.

http://www.delphinusworld.com/ Swim with the dolphins.

http://www.docancun.com/cancun-nightlife.htm Cancun nightlife.

http://www.hiddenworlds.com/#axzz1GQSc6igB Hidden Worlds family Cenote adventure Park.

http://www.museoartepopularmexicano.org/ Cancun Museum.

http://www.myfamilytravels.com/what/cheap/11296-Free-Travel-Fun-Cancun.html Free travel fun in Cancun.

http://seaadventure.originalresorts.com/ Resort and waterpark.

http://www.selvatica.com.mx/ Zip lines and canopy tours.

http://www.sunseekersvacations.com/tours_cancun.cfm Resorts guide to Cancun and more.

http://www.travelyucatan.com/cancun-attractions.php Cancun attractions. Lots listed here!

http://en.xcaretexperiencias.com/ Experience Xcaret

The Parthenon in Athens, Greece

2011-03-07T13:26:00.001-08:00

In sharp contrast, and with the very epitome of true poetic romance, the white Greecian houses are all clustered together on the turquoisey blue Mediterranean sea as if huddling from some ancient warrior, about to return to reek havok on the land. The sun bakes the lands over and over again, while the houses stand out like bleached whale bones, washed up on shore centuries ago. These are the lands that are rich in historical value, paid for in blood by the many soldiers who have fought here, been wounded here, even died in this now placid and beautiful region.

The Parthenon was constructed between 447 B.C. and 438 B.C. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena, it was a monumental work of sheer volumes marble that would even be impressive built today. Ictinus and Callicrates worked jointly to erect this massive monument. A pulley system was devised to move the large marble blocks to bring them closer to where they would be raised, in a vertical position.

There is a very good video relating to this at:
http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/galleries/ancient_greece_and_rome/room_18_gree
ce_parthenon_scu.aspx

It is very difficult to place an actual monetary value of just what the Parthenon would be worth today. This link may give you some idea, or it may just confuse you.
http://www.ancient-greece.org/architecture/parthenon.html

A Venetian mortar exploded inside the Parthenon in 1687 and did severe damage to this iconic structure. The building was partly destroyed and the remnants of the roof collapsed. It was also a tragedy in the Art world where many of the elegant and priceless sculptures were destroyed.

This preceding link is courtesy of Marc Brownlow. He has done some amazing interpretations of just what that explosion may have looked like.
http://brownlowdesign.com/ILLUS/PAR-Boom.htm

The Elgin Marbles refer to, specifically, a collection of sculptures, mostly frieze, purchased from Lord Elgin via the British Parliament in 1816. These frieze depict scenes of various persons, horses and mythological beasts that spanned roughly half of the surviving Parthenon. They were eventually housed in the British Museum in 1832.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_Marbles (circa: 1801-1812)

Weather:
Temperatures range from the 50's (F) in January to around 100 (F) in August.

If you were ever to conceive and imagine just what the Parthenon would be like today, if it existed in it's fifth century splendor, it literally would be incomparable to any of the world's finest museums and attractions. One could not grasp the depthless magnitude of it's riches, it's regal beauty. The peoples of Greece live within the shadows of one of, if not the, greatest buildings in
history. Which leaves us a most quixotic question to ask: 'Will it ever be superceded in this century, or in any other?' Perhaps the ever telling sands of time will reveal that question for us, some day.

Links:
http://www.athenstours.net/
http://ca.contiki.com/contikipedia/articles/the-acropolis-and-the-parthenon-athens
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenon
http://www.athensinfoguide.com/wtsacropparthenon.htm
http://gogreece.about.com/od/athenssightseeing1/tp/athensattract.htm
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/athens-parthenon
http://upge.wn.com/?t=ancientgreece/index22.txt some nice facts.

Dubai, United Arab Emirites

2010-07-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Romantics, lovers and history buffs all seem to crave stories of wealth and a zeal for life and all of it's 'fruit'. The far East has always played court to some of these real life adventures as well as some of the most lavishly written tales about Kings, Sheiks and countless riches. Rolling sand dunes and an area that was very infertile, was the paltry beginnings for Dubai, which in all intent and purpose was no different than any other nation in it's infancy. It had it's fair share of monetary struggles, just like any new country would. The one factor that helped Dubai was it's location, south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. It was like a sentinel, a gate keeper for the promised lands beyond. In the years that would come, Dubai would eventually be burgeoning with golden riches and opulence worthy of any king.

The name Dubai, is said to have derived from the combination of the Farsi words for two brothers, Deira and Bur Dubai.

Of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (or UAE), Dubai has the largest population and the second largest land mass of the emirates. There is recorded historic mention of Dubai in 1095 a.d. but this time frame seems to be undocumented. A pearl merchant by the name of Gaspero Balbi, made mention of Dubai in 1580, about it's wealth of pearls. The Portuguese arrived in the area in the early 17th century, followed by the French and the Dutch throughout the late 17th and early 18th century. It wasn't until 1799 until the earliest known settlement and town existed.

Dubai was a small fishing and trading village in the 18th century, when a group of about 800 people seceded from Abu Dhabi and settled in Dubai.

Dubai was a dependent of Abu Dhabi until 1833, when it was incorporated as a town on June 9 of that year.

Into the 20th century Dubai became a well established and prosperous port, establishing trade and settlers from Iran, India and Baluchistan. Along with fishing and sea trade, pearl hunting became very popular in this area. An East Indian population increased in East Arabia during the early part of the 20th century.

A Trucial council is established with the seven emirates in 1952.

The British established a political agency in 1954.

When his father died in 1958 H H Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed al-Maktoum took over power, which he kept until 1980 when illness forced him to relinquish the majority of his power to his four sons.

Oil was discovered in 1966, changing Dubai's fortunes forever. Also that year Dubai joined Qatar and set up a new monetary unit. In 1969 Dubai began exporting oil for the first time.

When the UK left the area in 1971, the modern emirate of Dubai was created in what was previously called the Trucial States.

A free trade zone was established in 1979, but in 1990, The Gulf War had a very negative effect on Dubai and the surrounding areas.

The current day recession hit Dubai in 2008 and 2009, but the economic future for the area is hoping to be even richer than before, reflecting the opulence and ornateness of some of the palaces and resorts that exist there today. Travel in the middle east had been increasing dramatically, just prior to the recession. Many of the projects have been put on hold because of the tough economic times. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is currently en powered over the area today. With his ideologies and vision Dubai will be a most formidable area that will only increase in it's attraction.

The present and future bodes well for Dubai. If Dubai stands for anything, it's innovation. The Palm islands consists of three islands. Diera is the largest of these three islands and is a stunning achievement and symmetry for a man made creation. The area is a showpiece of hotels, shopping, apartments and attractions for the future and for those who want a more opulent, and more expensive holiday experience. Dubai also has plans for a project called The World, comprised of an archipelago of islands that form the image of the world. The Dubai waterfront is said to become the largest waterfront and largest man-made development in the world.

Temperatures in Dubai are, very warm, to say the least. Most of the year's precipitation is between December and March (between 1.15 cm and 1.85 cm per month), otherwise rain is fairly rare for the rest of the year.

The temperatures in Dubai can range from 75 degrees F (24 C) in January to 106 degrees F (41 C) in August.

I will continue talking more about the theme parks and attractions in this area in a latter blog entry.

Dubai Links:
http://www.atlantisthepalm.com/default.aspx Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/ The mighty building and tallest in the world as of May 2010.
http://www.dubai.com/ Dubai's official website.
http://www.dubaitourism.ae/Home/tabid/36/language/en-US/Default.aspx Dubai department of Tourism and Commerce.
http://www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Wild-Wadi/ Wild-Wadi Water Park
http://www.mongabay.com/reference/country_profiles/2004-2005/UAE.html A well detailed United Arab Emirates profile.
http://www.mydubaistay.com/en/default.aspx Dubai furnished apartments for your holiday stay.

Mardi Gras, New Orleans

2010-05-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

When you think of Mardi Gras, you can well imagine Southern Belles, in their elaborate and ornate dresses, twirling around lavishly at the latest masked ball. You might also imagine the New Orlean's area as a playground over which, Bacchus held court. But above all, Mardi Gras will always be it's very own, unique feast and celebration of good food and good drink.

French Canadian explorer Pierre LeMoyne Sieur d'Iberville, who was the cousin to the famous explorer Rene-Robert de La Salle, brought the Mardi Gras to Louisiana in 1699. On March 3 of 1699, Iberville had set up a camp on the west bank of the river about 60 miles south of where New Orleans is today. This was the day Mardi Gras was being celebrated in France. In honor of this important day, Iberville named the site Point du Mardi Gras.

By 1735 Mardi Gras was celebrated openly on the plantations by slaves. On Sundays in 1744, 'free men of color' celebrated Mardi Gras openly. In the late 1700's pre-lenten balls were held in New Orleans. In 1793 there was an orderly parade in Mobile, as opposed to the infamously rowdy celebrations which were occurring in New Orleans. There was approximately two decades when the balls were prohibited, but pressure by the Creole populace again allowed the balls to continue. In 1827 street masking was legalized and Creoles had now established full control over the Mardi Gras celebrations.

Mardi Gras is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday which is the final day before the Christian fast of lent which is a forty day period of self-denial and abstinence from merrymaking. That is where the term Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, came from. Basically it's the transition from famine to feast.

The Cowbellion de' Rankin paraded through the streets in 1835, making it the first reference to a parade in New Orleans. The first fully documented parade occurred in 1837. The revelers formed long lines of horses and mule drawn carriages. They were so violent and rowdy during the next two decades that the press called for the celebration to cease, which was unsuccessful. In 1839 the first recordings of 'Mardi Gras Floats' were reported in the newspapers L'Abe'lle and Courior. In 1857 the Mardi Gras began a total reconstruction, into a structure that exists to this day. It was called upon by the Comus organization to form a 'krewe' which are the masking and parading clubs that made New Orleans famous. The krewes have a ranking structure such as royalty, and they choose the basic theme for the parade. See the link on Krewes for more information on the different (and principle) Krewes.

In 1871 the second Krewe emerges and chooses their Queen by drawing a golden bean from a King Cake. Over the next few years the structure of Mardi Gras' Royalty is firmly intact. By 1882 the sixth Krewe had been established. In 1889, at the advent of electricity, the first electric parade was held. In 1892 the parade proclaims the colors purple, gold and green to symbolize Justice, power and faith. In 1904 is the first mention of a jazz funeral. 1910 is the first recorded reference of the modern Zulu parade. In 1919 a fire tragically destroyed the French Opera House which was home to several Tableau Balls since 1859. In 1926 the first Children's Carnival Ball was established. In 1938 neon lights add their mystique to the parade. In 1949 Louis Armstrong becomes the first celebrity 'King' under the Zulu Krewe.

In 1950 a mock Duke and Duchess of Windsor are permitted to appear at the parade. Horses are replaced by tractors, to tow the large floats. Several more Krewes are added through the 50's and 60's. In 1963 the Gallier Hall toast, which had been traditional, was reinstated. 1971 sparked the threat of the 'hippie invasions' which turned out to prove groundless. By 1973 the parades were so elaborate and huge that they were banned from the French Quarter area. In 1977 the first publication of The Mardi Gras Guide came out. In 1979 a police strike would cause thirteen parades to be cancelled.

Throughout the '80's became another resurgance of new Krewes trying to add their mark to the Mardi Gras' rich heritage. In 1992 several Krewes have their last showing in the parade, and they broke the record of monetary losses of six consecutive years. By 1996 over $900 million is being spent at the Carnival. In 1999 Mardi Gras Coconuts sets up their website to include a yearly report on the coverage of Mardi Gras events. By 2000, the Mardi Gras was topping the one billion mark, a great influx of money into the New Orleans economy. In 2002, though bringing revenues of it's own, the Super Bowl XXXVI came to New Orleans, causing some major financially headaches. They were headaches because Mardi Gras had to work around the Superbowl and all it's financially obligations.

In 2005 the Mardi Gras Digest Magazine is launched. After the devistation of New Orleans in 2005, by Hurricane Katrina, the city reluctantly holds the parade in 2006. The city of New Orleans struggles to retain commercially the image of the once elaborate showpiece that is Mardi Gras. In 2008, because of the presidential elections, Mardi Gras is held on it's earliest date. Several float breakdowns marred the parade. So in retrospection, the new millennium was turning out to be a difficult time for the event. Nevertheless, New Orleaners have been used to digging down a little deeper and overcoming their hardships. Mardi Gras is all about a supreme labor of love as well as grit and determination.

Mardi Gras is the symbolic tossing of necklaces, overly exagerated figures, and a general 'larger-than-life' kind of feel to it. With Bourbon street and it's balconies choked with people it is a formidable representation of America's historical past. The celebration features many ornate period dresses, dating back to the 18th century. Roughly 300,000 - 400,000 people attend Mardi Gras today.

The cuisine of the Mardi Gras would feature Gumbo, Jambalaya, Grits, Oysters Rockefeller, Red Beans and rices, Southern fried Chicken, fried Calamari, and a whole range of delictable cajun specialties. Cajun is considered more of a country food, where Creole is more elegant and sophisticated.

Temperatures at the Mardi Gras typically range from the 50's to the high 60's.

Mardi Gras' history is as rich as the old south with all it's charm and appeal. At times the Bourbon street area during Mardi Gras would more closely represent some sort of Bacchus-like image. Whether it is depicted as stately elegance and the epitome of the classic parade, or it is shown in it's more lascivious, raucous nature, Mardi Gras' legacy will forever be written in America's rich past as a grand lady befitting of the term 'carnival'.

Important Links:
http://www.atneworleans.com/
http://www.cityofno.com/
http://www.experienceneworleans.com/
http://www.foodieview.com/
http://www.mglinks.com/ The official Mardi Gras directory.
http://www.tourneworleans.com/
http://library.thinkquest.org/TQ0312226/history.htm/
http://www.mardigrasday.com/
http://www.mardigrasworld.com/
http://www.holidays.net/mardigras/didyouknow.htm/
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Ibervill.html/
http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/
http://www.neworleansancestry.com/
http://www.neworleansonline.com/
http://www.neworleanstours.net/
http://www.novareinna.com/festive/krewes.html/ Information on Krewes.
http://www.cajunradio.org/top40mardigras.html/
http://www.kitchenproject.com/history/MardiGras/index.htm/
http://www.inetours.com/New_Orleans/Mardi_Gras.html/
http://www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com/
http://www.mardigrasrecords.com/

Sydney Harbour Australia.

2010-04-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Sydney Harbour, Australia, including the Sydney Opera House.
The infrastructure of a harbour is a most retensive undertaking. It's something that is plotted out by city planners, mayors and elected officials as well as private funders and people who have the power to initiate such a massive project. This is not an overnight accomplishment as it takes years, even decades to bring such an area to a serviceable and aethetically pleasing level.

The precursor to Sydney Harbour was Port Jackson. It was officially discovered in 1770 by Lt. James Cook who would name the inlet after Sir George Jackson, who was a Lord Commissioner.

For more than two hundred years after it was discovered the area has transformed into the Sydney Harbour that we know and love today. The Sydney Opera house dramatically enhances the whole harbour. It is a shining diamond that is framed elegantly by the famous Sydney Harbour bridge. It's unique beauty is there for all to interpret, just like a defining conceptual piece of art. It's image is as if there were a collection of open sea shells for sale in the fish market. It was built by Danish Architect Jørn Oberg Utzon who would later win the prestigious Pritzker Prize, which is architecture's greatest honour. The designing process actually started in the 1940's but it wasn't until 1959 when the work finally started. It was then opened on October 20, 1973 in a ceremony presided over by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Opera theatre is known as a proscenium theatre with over 1,500 seats. The Drama Theatre has more than 500 seats. There is also a playhouse with 398 seats. Over 200,000 people each year go on a guided tour through the Opera house. Around 3,000 events are conducted there every year. The Opera House sits on Bennelong Point. it's among the world's most distinctive 20th century buildings. The Concert Hall Grand Organ took ten years to complete and has over 10,000 pipes. The Utzon Room tapestry took four weavers just over eight months to complete.

Other attractions in the harbour area include:
. Harbour cruises via the Sydney Explorer which departs every 45 minutes from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour and takes in many attractions of Sydney's Harbour.
. Taronga Zoo which features many animals indiginous to this area.
. Shark Island, a world class area for professional surfers.
. Watsons Bay, a good place to eat or just go for a leisurely waterside walk.
. Luna Park. A year round amusement park. Poised on the Bay's edge, it offers many rides and attractions for the whole family that are whimsically Australian.
. Harbourside. Boasts many specialty stores, cafes, and bars. There is also the Harbourside Shopping Centre which boasts over 200 shops.
. Sydney Fish Market. Great, easy access to many premium seafood products.
. Sydney Bridge, which also offers a bridge climb!
. various lighthouses and islands are situated in and around the harbour area for you to discover
. Wine Tours, Mountain Tours, Parks and much more.

The mean average temperatures in Sydney are:

Useful links for Sydney and the Harbour area.
http://www.cultureandrecr eation.gov.au/
http://www.darlingharbour.com/
http://www.harbourside.com.au/
http://www.sydneyharbourbridge.info/
http://www.seaplanes.com.au/
http://www.sydney.com.au/
http://www.sydney.visitorsbureau.com.au/
http://www.sydney100.com/
http://www.sydney-australia.biz/
http://sydneyaquarium.myfun.com.au/
http://www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au/
http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

2010-04-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

Niagara Falls has always been a dual meaning of sorts. It's raw power makes it a particularly awe-inspiring site while it's romantic appeal has attracted lovers of all ages. From back in the days when daredevils would crazily attempt to conquer the falls from inside a barrel, to Hollywood's release of the movie 'Niagara' in 1953, starring Marilyn Monroe, Niagara has always had a sustainable power, both in physical form and in romantic lore. Back in it's golden years, honeymooners would flock to the site in what was akin to some sort of paganistic ritual that newly weds had to go through.

Today Niagara still dominates with it's spectacular display of the sheer force of it's 65,000 cubic feet per second power but it is also home to a secondary series of minor attractions and theaters that give the area an artsy type of a feel. There is still tours of the falls itself by the 'Maid of the Mist' boat tour, but you can now tour the Falls via helicopter. There are also several wine tours in the area and now a great indoor water park called Fallsview that is touted as '3 Acres of Indoor Family Fun'.

So if you're looking for fun that will thrill your whole family, regardless of their age, then consider Niagara Falls. Relive the romantic appeal in a new 21st century fashion and keep that wonderful magic alive!

Some links to consider:
http://www.fallsviewwaterpark.com/
http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
http://www.cliftonhill.com/
http://www.imaxniagara.com/

Walt Disney World, Florida, USA

2010-04-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney World, Kissimmee, Florida. The resort is located only a few minutes west of the town of Kissimmee on US HWY 192 (which is west of Orlando). The resort is currently 47 square miles and it opened in October, 1971. The Epcot Center opened in October, 1982, Disney's Hollywood Studios opened in May, 1989 and Disney's Animal Kingdom opened in April, 1998.

The attendance figures for 2009 haven't been released yet, but in 2008 the total attendance for Florida's Magic Kingdom was 17,063,000, making that area of Walt Disney World the most attended in the world. In comparison, Disneyland in Anaheim California ranks second in the same 2008 figures with 14,721,000.

The average temperatures throughout the year, (in Fahrenheit) in Orlando are:
Jan = 60, Feb = 61, Mar = 67, Apr = 71, May = 77, June = 81, July = 82, Sep = 81, Oct = 75, Nov = 68, & Dec = 62.

There are several different ticket packages available. Magic Your Way, Park Hopper, Water Park Fun & More and No Expiration Option. These options, with the current prices, can be viewed on Disney's official website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ or go specifically to the link: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tickets-passes/

Maybe you're tired of some of the long lineups that may occur. You may want to look into purchasing a FastPass especially for some of the more popular rides. Here is some information on how this service works: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/fastpass.htm

So, what part of Walt Disney World did you like the best? Which parts were exciting and what were some of the disappointments or let downs that you may have experienced?