Travel Everywhere

Italy

2010-11-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Well known as the setting for the story of Romeo and Juliet, historic Verona Italy is a tangle of its storied past and modern industry. One of the most powerful cities during the early rule of the Roman Empire, the old city of Verona is one of the best-preserved sections in the country.

Sightseeing in Verona Italy is often a second thought, with many tourists shunning the city for the nearby Venice or Milan. This is a shame, since the city has much to offer, even for those who are not Shakespeare enthusiasts. Unlike most of the larger cities in the country, you are likely to find only a small percentage of tourists in historic Verona Italy. Built along the Adige River and the later home of Dante Alighieri, the city boasts a number of beautiful sights amongst its circuitous streets. The scenic mausoleum of Arche Scaligere houses outdoor tombs bordered by evil-looking iron gates and is the final resting place of the Scaligeri princes, city leaders well known as both great warriors and great patrons of the arts. The Arena di Verona is the third largest arena in Italy, and should not be missed by anyone sightseeing in Verona Italy. Despite being constructed in 30 AD, much of the original architecture remains, and the amphitheater still houses opera productions throughout the summer. Castelvecchio is a military fortress that has been transformed into an art museum, renowned for providing shelter to many significant works of art in a strictly medieval setting.
As you can imagine, seeing a performance of the story of Romeo and Juliet in its true setting is a staple of most travelers" visit to the city, and the summer months bring about Verona"s famous Shakespeare festival, which includes performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company. To further the legend of the doomed lovers (who may or may not have actually existed) tourists can see the houses of the families that the two were said to have been based on. Juliet"s House, the Casa di Giulietta, is little more than a small house with a balcony surrounded by hundreds of gawkers who think chanting "What light through yonder window breaks?" is a wonderfully creative thing to do. Despite its lofty title, there is more historical evidence that the house was in actuality a bordello for many years before being purchased by the city and turned into a tourist attraction. Romeo"s supposed house has been converted into a charming restaurant called the Osteria Dal Duca, and is far more worthy of a visit.

Piazza del Signiori and Palazzo del Governo are other must-sees for those sightseeing in Verona Italy. The former is the home of the Torre dei Lamberti, an octagonal bell tower that provides a panoramic view of Verona; Dante Alighieri considered the latter home after escaping from Florence. San Fermo is another of Italy"s striking combinations of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The cathedral"s interior is designed to appear like the inside of a boat, and has a lower section featuring the very stones that Saint Fermo was tortured and killed upon. So, whether you want a subdued tour of historic Verona Italy, or the perfect backdrop for witnessing the story of Romeo and Juliet, this is not a city to pass by - no matter how long your vacation is.

Hawaii

2010-10-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

About Hawaii’s Big Island

It’s easy to feel small on Hawaii’s Big Island. From the molten magma flowing from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the green rainforests of the Hamakua Coast to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach; Hawaii’s Big Island is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature.

To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the Island of Hawaii is often called the “Big Island,” and what an appropriate name it is. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size can be intimidating. You’ll find all but two of the world's climatic zones within this island’s shores.

The dramatic size and scope of the largest Hawaiian Island create a microcosm of environments and activities. On this island’s vast tableau, you’ll find everything from extravagant resorts and incredible golf courses to modest local towns and sacred Hawaiian historical sites, from the birthplace of King Kamehameha I to Hawaii’s first missionary church in Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona). With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small pieces. There’s plenty of room on Hawaii’s Big Island for your return.

About Maui

Stand above a sea of clouds high atop Haleakala. Watch a 45-foot whale breach off the coast of Lahaina. Lose count of the waterfalls along the road as you maneuver the hairpin turns of the Hana highway. One visit and it’s easy to see why Maui is called “The Magic Isle.”

The second largest Hawaiian island has a smaller population than you’d expect, making Maui popular with visitors who are looking for sophisticated diversions and amenities in the small towns and airy resorts spread throughout the island.

From the scenic slopes of fertile Upcountry Maui to beaches that have repeatedly been voted among the best in the world, a visit to the Magic Isle recharges the senses. But like every good magic trick, you’ll have to see it for yourself to believe it.

Safranbolu / Turkey

2010-10-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

The known history of Safranbolu, located near the north western coast of Anatolia ,dates back as far as 3000 BC. Once a city of Roman Province of "Paphlagonia" Safranbolu has hosted many civilizations including the Roman, Byzantine Seljuk and Ottoman Empires throughout its history. During the Ottoman era the town served as an important junction on the Kastamonu-Gerede-Istanbul route of the famous silk road. Safranbolu was at the same time a popular residence for Ottoman Royalty close to the Sultan and Grand Vezirs. The city received its name from the saffron which is native in Safranbolu. The powder obtained from its flower is a very strong dye. Used in very small quantities,

Saffron adds a delicate flavor, distinct aroma and a very unique color to deserts and other food. Also unique in Safranbolu is the famous Çavus grapes with its extremely thin skin and sweet flavor.

Safranbolu displays its extremely rich historical and cultural heritage through 1008 architectural structures all preserved in their original environment. These structures include the public buildings such as Cinci Hodga Kervansaray and Cinci Hodga Hammam, Mosques of Koprulu Mehmet and Izzet Mehmet Pashas, The Tanneries Clock tower, Old hospital premises, The guild of shoe makers, The Incekaya aqueduct, The old city hall and fountains as well as hundreds of private residences. Rock tombs and tumulus just outside the city are also of interest.

Sinop / Turkey

2010-10-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Historically SINOPE, seaport on the southern coast of the Black Sea, northern Turkey. It lies on an isthmus linking the Boztepe Peninsula to the mainland and is shut off from the Anatolian Plateau to the south by high, forest-clad mountains. Because it has the only safe natural roadstead on the north coast of Asia Minor, Sinope was in antiquity the foremost port on the coast, with its land approaches barred by a huge citadel (now in ruins) and its sea side defended by a strong wall. Its decline was associated with its lack of easy access to the interior and its rivalry with Inebolu on the west and with Samsun on the east; the latter has emerged as the largest Turkish port on the Black Sea.

According to legend, Sinope was founded by the Amazons, who named it after their queen, Sinova. The city's ancient inhabitants ascribed its foundation to Autolycus, a companion of Hercules. Destroyed by the wandering Cimmerians, it was refounded toward the end of the 7th century BC by a colony of Milesians. It ultimately became the most flourishing Greek settlement on the Euxine (Black) Sea. As a terminus of the trade routes from Upper Mesopotamia, it commanded much of the maritime trade of the Pontic region and by the 5th century BC had established many colonies on the coast and enjoyed naval supremacy in the Black Sea. In 183 BC it was taken by Pharnaces I and became the capital of the Pontic kings. Under Mithridates VI the Great, who was born there (as was the 4th-century-BC founder of the Cynic sect, Diogenes), it enjoyed a high degree of prosperity and was embellished with fine buildings, naval arsenals, and well-built harbours. The Roman Lucius Licinius Lucullus captured the seaport in 70 BC, and the city was nearly destroyed by fire.

Taken by the Seljuq Turks from the Comneni of Trebizond (modern Trabzon) in AD 1214, it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1458. In November 1853, shortly after the outbreak of the Crimean War, the Russian navy dramatically attacked Sinop, destroying the Ottoman fleet and reducing large parts of the city to ashes.
Sinop's extant monuments include a ruined ancient citadel rebuilt during Byzantine and Seljuq periods, some isolated columns and inscribed stones built into the old walls and dating from the early Greek and Roman periods, and the Alâeddin Cami (a mosque), built in 1214. A 13th-century Alâiye religious school now houses the local museum. Sinop is linked by road with Samsun and by sea with Istanbul.
The hinterland around Sinop is drained by the Gök River and is mountainous and partly forested. Agriculture employs most of the labour force. Corn (maize), flax, and tobacco are grown in the valleys and on the fertile coastal strip. Pop. (1985) city, 23,148.

Sinop is the most beautiful natural harbor the Black Sea. There are many legends about the foundation of the city but the most dependable is that the Miletion colonists founded it in the 7^th century BC and the city is the birthplace of the cynic philosopher Diogenes. According to another legend the province is said to have received its name from the Amazon Queen "Sinova". The town's citadel dates from that early age and the foundations of the Temple of Serapis is to be found on the grounds of the Archaeological Museum where some beautiful golden icons are displayed. The 13^th century Alaeddin Mosque, the Alaiye Medresse, and the Balatlar Church are of interest in the city. Traditional nautical wood carvings, good crystal and the original cotton clothes of the city are praiseworthy and unique, so you will want to have examples of these artifacts. The seaside hotels and holiday villages will make you stay longer and you will have the opportunity to sit in a fish restaurant by the harbor and watch the perfect combination of green and light blue while sipping your wine. Hamsilos Fjord, 11 kms from the city center is the only fjord in the country.

Gerze, situated on a peninsula, 40 kms southeast of Sinop, will provide you with fine beaches, meadows, restaurants and parks, while Camgolu provides camping facilities in a large forest sloping to the sea. At Boyabat, the largest town of the province, there are many rock tombs and a citadel.

Izmir / Turkey

2010-10-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

Overview

Izmir is located on the Aegean coast and is Turkey's third largest city, with a population of around 4 million. It is the region's major commercial hub, with an airport and a large seaport, and has a more European feel than other Turkish cities, with many bars, cafes and restaurants dotting the waterfront. Travelers to Izmir often use the city as a base to visit other nearby places of interest such as Kuşadaşı, the ruins at Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's house.

History

Formerly called Smyrna, Izmir's history dates to 3000 B.C. Archaeological remains show that the Trojans, Hittites and Lydians all had settlements in Izmir until it was taken by Greeks around 1000 B.C. The Romans built Izmir into an important trade center and the city fell under Byzantine control when the Roman Empire divided. Izmir changed hands several times until the Ottomans conquered it in 1426. The city was almost completely burned to the ground in 1922, when the Turks drove out the Greeks during the Turkish War of Independence.

Surrounding Attractions

The most popular place to visit outside of Izmir is the amazingly well-preserved ancient Roman city of Ephesus (Efes). Located near the town of Selcuk, Ephesus has remains of roads, a library and several temples and villas. Not far from Ephesus are the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and Mary's House, a small dwelling that is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. Other attractive tourist places include the hopping resort town of Kuşadaşı, with crowded beaches, bars and nightclubs, and the sleepier towns of Çeşme and Foça, with stunning blue water bays and white sand beaches.

Kusadasi / Turkey

2010-10-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Kusadasi, one of Turkey's principle holiday resorts, offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. Situated on the west coast of Turkey- 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed for one of the most attractive city of the Aegean, as it is close to the important historical sites including Ephesus, Didyma, Priene, Miletos-the principals of ancient times, and ideal for sightseers.
Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing a long tourism season.The city is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year.

Numerous powdery sandy beaches with warm&clear waters, providing a peaceful atmosphere, allow a great variety of water and beach facilities. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing and beach volley are only a few choice for the lovers of active life. After sunbathing restfully during the day, the city awaits the superb sunset. As the sun sets, the attractive cafes and restaurants through the palm-lined boulevard, get busier. It is a great delight to watch the comings and goings of the yachts and ships with accompanience of the panoramic view of the sunset, on a pre-drink before the dinner. The restaurants, serving a variety of fresh seafood &fish and Aegean specialties, offer a delicious meal in Kusadasi. Dancing and entertaining at a lively bar or a disco until dawn, may end an ideal day in Kusadasi.

According to the latest datum in 1995, the number of inhabitants in Kusadasi is about 50000. The population, consisting 99% Turks, increases rapidly with the beginning of the tourism season. The city has shown a rapid development an incredible growth since from the 1970's, with the introducing of tourism.

The Kusadasi Setur Marina is one of the largest and best equipped marinas in Turkey with the capacity of 629 yachts both a float and on shore, visited between 2500-3000 boats each year. The marina is on the latitude of 37 52' 20''N and on the longitude of 27 15' 46''E. Custom, repair service, security are some of the 24 hour services in the marina.

Trabzon / Turkey

2010-10-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Aya Sofya Museum. A beautiful and picturesque church converted into a mosque and later into a museum that still has stunning frescoes within—just like its namesake in Istanbul. There is a peaceful open-air tea garden on the grounds. You can reach here by any Dolmuş marked 'Aya Sofya', which depart from the north side of Atatürk Alani square. The ride take 5-10 mintues, and costs about 1 YTL. This should be one of your sights while in Trabzon.

Hagia Sophia means "Divine Wisdom" in Greek, this was an Orthodox church dedicated to holly wisdom, not to a Saint Sophia as some people wrongly call it today. Turkish people call it Aya Sofya, it's a former Byzantine church and former Ottoman mosque, now located in Sultanahmet neighborhood being one of the most important museums of Istanbul considered as a World Heritage by UNESCO. It is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture.
The first church of Hagia Sophia was built on the same site in the 4th century by Constantine the Great and renovated by his son Constantinus II in 360 AD. It was a small wooden church in Constantinople. Unfortunately nothing remained from it because it was destroyed during a fire in 404 AD.
After the destruction, a second and larger Hagia Sophia was built at the same location in 415 AD by the emperor Theodosius II. This second church was also burned down during the Nika riots of 532 AD. Some of its columns, capitals, and the stairs can be seen today in the courtyard of the museum.
Finally, the third Hagia Sophia, the one that you can visit today, was built by emperor Justinian I between 532-537 AD over the remains of the previous basilica. The emperor spent almost all of his treasure, 10.000 people worked in its construction under the supervision of two architects; Anthemius of Tralles (modern day Aydin city) and Isidorus of Miletos. After completion, Justinian entered the church and he shouted "Solomon, I have outdone thee!", referring to King Solomon. The church became the glorious symbol of the Byzantine Empire and the largest church of Christendom in the world. For almost 1000 years the Hagia Sophia was the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople. Church councils and imperial ceremonies were held here.
The gigantic central dome over a rectangular plan was built using special bricks; 12 of them weighted as one regular. But it was still too heavy therefore this early dome collapsed during several earthquakes so a smaller one was built. In the days when there was no steel used in construction, large domes had to be supported by massive pillars and walls, thus the dome of Hagia Sophia was supported by four huge piers in order to take off its pressure on the side walls and distribute it to the ground. Fourty small windows around the dome and other windows of the church let enough light into the interior.
The interior walls of the church were decorated with gold mosaics, the floors with white marble, and column capitals with the monograms of Justinian and Theodora. Marbles and columns taken from the remains of earlier civilizations from all parts of the Empire were used as building material, these pieces came from Baalbek, from Pergamon, and from the Temple of Artemis as well.
The upper galleries were used by important people or for church councils during the Byzantine period, and lower part was used by common people. When the Hagia Sophia was a mosque, the galleries were reserved for the women during prayers, and lower floor was used by the men.
In 1204 the church was sacked by the Fourth Crusade, many precious relics were removed from the church and taken away. This act definitively divided the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Some of these relics can be seen today in the treasury of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy. Enrico Dandolo, the Doge of Venice who commanded Latin forces during the invasion of the city, is buried inside the church on the upper gallery.
On May 29th, 1453, the Ottomans conquered Constantinople and sultan Mehmet II ordered to convert the church into a mosque. Because he admired the art, the sultan didn't want these great mosaics to be destroyed so he plastered them over and the Ottomans made their own floral designs or geometrical patterns, as well as Coranic calligraphy on top of the plaster. In order to use it as a mosque, Mihrab and Minbar were added inside, a fountain for the ablution was placed in the courtyard, and minarets were built in different periods in the outer corners of the building. A Koranic school, soup kitchen, library, madrasa, the clock-winding house, and sultan's mausoleums (belonging to Selim II, Murat III, Mehmet III, Mustafa I and Ibrahim) are amongst the structures added by the Ottomans. Also, large buttresses were built by Turkish architect Sinan in the 16th century to support the walls holding up the dome and to save the building from the earthquakes. The sultan's loge was added in the 19th century during the restoration of the mosque by the Swiss origin Fossati brothers.
Aya Sofya remained a mosque for almost 500 years until 1935 when Atatürk converted it into a museum so everybody could come to visit this architectural masterpiece and admire both Christian and Muslim art. Prayer rugs were removed from the marble floor and experts came from all around the world to remove some of the plaster in order to uncover spectacular Byzantine mosaics. It was, and still is, an important task during the restorations bringing to light all the major Byzantine mosaics but also preserving the Islamic art and calligraphy to maintain a balance between both Christian and Islamic cultures.
The Hagia Sophia has a classical basilica plan measuring 74.67 x 69.80 meters (245 x 229 feet). The dome is not perfectly round having a diameter of 31.87 - 30.87 meters (104.5 - 101.3 feet), it's 55.60 meters (182.4 feet) high from the floor.

Uzungol / Trabzon

Uzungöl is a plateau and lake also a little village which have touristic pensions and fish (trout) restaurants and a few little (resort type) hotels. Meaning of "Uzun-Göl" name is "long-lake" in Turkish.
This area also proper for natural scenery, climbing, tracking and botanic tourism. Uzungöl area is a valley with a clean brook which flows through the lake. The weather is cloudly and cool in Uzungol, usually.
Around of Uzungöl has dark forest specially contains several type pine and other mountain (high plateau) trees.
If you think to visit Uzungöl natural park, it is 38 km far from OF town of Trabzon province, on OF-Dernekpazari-Çaykara road, and just after Çaykara town. The road is up to Uzungöl from OF. Altitute of Uzungöl region is more than 1000 meters from sea level.
You can stay at pensions or hotels in Uzungöl you can walk around, climb and also you can eat trout fish there. (Food is cheap and plentiful in the region.)

If you want to stay at the big and luxury hotels or you want to stay in city hotels. Trabzon-OF road distance is 45 kilometers, Rize-OF road distance is 25 kilometers. You can stay at Trabzon or Rize hotels. You can visit Uzungöl by a programmed tour or daily tour from Trabzon, OF or Rize.

Sümela Monastery (Sümela Manastırı)

In the Pontian mountains are numerous churches and monasteries. The most famous and best preserved is the rock monastery Sümela (810 ft.), about 31 miles south of Trabzon in the natural park Altındere. The facility, which is built into a mountain, is reached after a 40-minute walk from the parking lot. It was founded about the 4th century A.D., when, according to legend, monks hid a holy icon of the Virgin Mary, painted by the Evangelist Lukas, in the rock cave. The last Greek monks had to leave the monastery in 1923, when Greece and Turkey agreed to a ”population exchange.“ The frescoes from the 14th century in the chapel were strongly damaged. Mini-shuttles leave several times a day from the port of Trabzon.