Eyeflare Travel Articles and Tips

Assisi - Medieval history in the heart of Italy

Luke — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Assisi is a small mountain-side town in Italy. Compared to Rome or Florence, Assisi would seem fairly insignificant, just part of the Italian countryside. It has nothing to do with the great buildings, inventors or rulers of ancient Italy, so what is it about this commune that causes hundreds of people from all over the globe to make yearly pilgrimages there? Assisi’s historical importance lies not in great battles or the rise and fall of kings but in its status as a spiritual landmark.

Assisi’s origins began with the building of an Umbrian outpost around 1000 BC. The Umbrians kept their little city for a few hundred years, but in 295 BC a final battle - the Battle of Sentinum - was waged between the Romans and the combined forces of the Umbrians, Etruscans, Samnites and Galls. Rome won, uniting central Italy under her banner.

Assisi’s religious significance is traced to 238 AD when bishop Rufino originally converted her to Christianity. In 545 the Lombards took control of Assisi as part of the Duchy of Spoleto. In the 11th century, Assisi finally became an independent Ghibelline commune. There were several battles against the Guelph city of Perugia due to the conflict between the Pope and the Holy Roman Empire. The battle at Ponte San Giovanni was one such battle and it was during this that the young Francesco di Bernardone was captured. After having a vision while in San Damiano and losing interest in a worldly life and joining the beggars in Rome for a while, Francis again returned to Assisi and founded the Franciscan Order of monks, which was endorsed by Pope Innocent III in 1210. Later, one of his first followers, Clare of Assisi, founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic order for women in the Franciscan tradition. Francis also founded the Third Order of Brothers and Sisters of Penance - a lay order.

Francis travelled to Egypt during the crusades in 1219 hoping to be martyred, but had to return to Italy to reorganize his monks there. Afterward, he withdrew from external affairs. In the first recorded case of the stigmata, Francis received the five wounds of Christ in a vision during a period of fasting and prayer. Two years later, in 1226, Francis died singing Psalm 141. In 1228 later he was canonized as a saint and the construction of the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi began. The remains of St. Francis have been laid to rest there. Also, some of the most famous fresco paintings in Italy are housed in the Upper Church portion of the basilica, including the Legend of St. Francis frescoes.

Assisi still sports a few remnants of Roman rule: the Piazza del Comune, city walls and the Temple of Minerva, now the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva are a few. However, the majority of pilgrims who make the journey to Assisi every year are not there to admire the Roman architecture or lovely countryside. They long to understand something of the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. They want to feel the same Holy compulsion to accomplish massive Heavenly works on earth.

This is a guest post from Luke who writes about Assisi rentals and other interesting things to do in Italy. The photo is by NKCPhoto on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/assisi-medieval-history-heart-italy/

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The Citadel of Quaitbay, Alexandria, Egypt

Jack — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

The Citadel of Quaitbay, or Quaitbay Fortress, was built to defend one of the most famous and intriguing cities of the world. Alexandria, Egypt, was the traditional city of knowledge, the home of the most famous library in the world, and the site of the renowned Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Built by El Sultan Al Ashraf Qaitbay in 1480, the fortress actually sits on the very site where the lighthouse once stood, and was built on the harbor in a position where it could easily be utilized to defend the city. After 1883, the fortress was badly neglected, but was restored in the 20th century. It is open to the public and includes a small museum. Visitors to the Fortress might be interested to know that some of the stones used to build the fort came from the lighthouse itself.

Alexandria is a fascinating city full of historic sites such as the Roman Baths, The Catechetical School of Alexandria, founded in the first century AD, and the Bibliotheca Alexandria, a learning center and library built to commemorate the magnificent library that was destroyed by fire during the Roman invasion. Visitors to the Fortress and to the rest of this impressive and historically important city will find an endless list of new experiences and unforgettable sights that they will remember all their lives.

Citadel of Quaitbay address and hours

Quaitbay Citadel
Situated on the entrance to Alexandria 's eastern harbor where the place was exact of the famous Lighthouse.

Opening hours from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm during working days.

Photo by Templar1307 on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/citadel-quaitbay-alexandria-egypt/

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Glamis Castle, Angus, Scotland

Barb Jungbluth — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Glamis Castle is located next to the village of Glamis in Angus, Scotland. The Castle and its grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, and is a category A listed building, which means it is of national or international importance because of his historic or architectural style or building type.

The castle is the home of Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorn. It is open to the public for tours. There is a charge for the tour and if you attend any the castles special events the charge is based on the event.

The castle has a small chapel that is still used by the family for family events. It seats 46 people but as the tour guide will tell you there is always one seat left empty for “The Grey Lady”. “The Grey Lady” is supposedly a ghost that inhabits the castle. She is thought to be Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis. The chapel is located in the small north east wing.

The courtyard is in the baroque style with sculptures and vista. In the front of the castle there are “avenues of trees’’. The east wing sports a billiard room.

The walls of the castle are 3 feet 3 inches thick and the exterior has ivy growing on it and is illuminated at night.

The towers in the front of the castle measure 23 feet in diameter and are about 13 feet tall and the each one has a modern parpet.

The clock tower houses the castle’s archives and holds a range of historic material about the castle, the Bowes and Lyon families.

Plan your visit around some of the activities at Glamis Castle such as the Macbeth Outdoor Picnic day in August where you can see a performance of Macbeth. In late July visit the Scotland’s Countryside Festival which is said to be fantastic.

The first half of June sees the one-day Strathmore Highland games if the front of the castle.

Easter at Glamis is celebrated at Glamis Castle and there is storytelling, a puppet theater, Easter egg hunt and other family fun each year.

Glamis castle will be a fun and educational day tripsfor the whole family.

Angus Castle address and hours

Angus Castle
Angus
Scotland
DD8 1RJ

The nearest larger town is Dundee, Scotland, which has a range of accommodation available.

Open between 31 March and 31 December: 10am - 6pm March - October (last admission 4.30pm), 10.30am - 4.30pm November - December (last admission 3.00pm)

Photo by David Basanta on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/glamis-castle-angus-scotland/

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Nambung National Park, Australia

Sandy Moran — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

No exploration of Western Australia's Coral Coast would be complete without a visit to Nambung National Park, which is located about three hours from Perth. The key feature of the park is the Pinnacles Desert. Limestone formations that were created many thousands of years ago, some of which are several meters high, form a landscape that resembles another world. There are thousands of these pillar-like structures, which were formed originally by sea shells which were washed ashore and then carried inland by the winds. Southerly Winds are constantly covering and uncovering the structures which causes them to always keep changing their shapes.

In 2008, the environmentally friendly Pinnacles Desert Discovery opened to inform and educate visitors about this fascinating and marvelous natural phenomenon. Visitors can take a drive to enjoy the scenery or hike a walking trail that looks out over the park.

Nambung National Park also offers gorgeous beaches for swimming and snorkeling, a system of coastal dunes and incredibly beautiful flowering vegetation from August to October every year, to delight visitors from all over the world. Hangover Bay has gas barbecue facilities and picnic tables, as well as a launch for boats. The park beaches are excellent for surfing or windsurfing, and visitors to the area often spot dolphins or sea lions. Inside the park also, kangaroos can be seen that are tame and allow visitors to come near them. Other wildlife include Carpet Pythons, which are not poisonous, Emus, White Tailed Black Cockatoos and Honey Possums.

There are day tours available for visitors to the park, including tours that use 4 wheel drive vehicles to explore the area more thoroughly. Nambung National Park is open all year round, and receives over one hundred and fifty thousand visitors every year from everywhere in the world. It is truly a wondrous place to visit.

Photo by Peter Nijenhuis on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/nambung-national-park-australia/

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The beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, Laos

Kim Anisi — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

When you visit the Kuang Si Waterfall in Laos, you are in for a real treat - however, there are a few things you need to know to get the most out of your visit. The waterfalls are outside the city of Luang Prabang (which is a great base to discover the surrounding areas) and it’s a drive of 29km to get there. How you get there, is up to you: if you have your own transport, you can drive here (you’ll have to pay a small parking fee) but you can also hire one of the many different tours that get you there (they range from private transport to group transport).

Once you arrive there, you will have to pay a small fee to get access to the area around the waterfalls but the money is well worth it. There are well-maintained paths and the money the locals get from visitors is used to keep them that way. The falls themselves are the main attraction, however, you can also see bears and tigers in enclosures close to the entry of the area. The falls are amazingly beautiful and are visited by many people. The waterfalls make their way downwards in a few tiers and you can swim in the pools that are created through the power of the water. You’ll find that the lower areas of the waterfalls are usually very busy, but if you feel up to it and like hiking, you could go further up into areas that are less frequented by visitors (because tourists are usually quite lazy).

There are many trails around the waterfalls and most of them are well-maintained. It’s easy to spend a few hours on the trails. It’s a paradise for nature lovers because it’s the perfect combination of sensual experiences: you hear and smell the water while your eyes feast on the beauty of the surroundings.

One thing you need to be aware of and respect: A few of the pools on the waterfall are sacred and you are not allowed to bathe or swim in them. Please respect the local customs and do not break those rules. It’s important that visitors pay respect to the locals so that places like this will stay accessible to visitors.

Photo by dms_303 on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/beautiful-kuang-si-waterfall-laos/

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Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston

Timothy Simonitsch — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, was known as "The Cradle of Liberty" by our nations founding fathers. It was nearly torn down in the 1950's until a group of concerned citizens worked to preserve it in the 1970's. In 1742, Peter Faneuil, built and gifted Faneuil Hall to the city of Boston. It became a home to fishermen, merchants, and produce sellers and birthed the "no taxation without representation" doctrine that would help lead to our national revolution. It has been the place or many great speeches from our countries history including the toast to the nation by George Washington on its first birthday.

Today "The Cradle of Liberty" as the marketplace is nicknamed is actually made up from four different places, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market. These are located around a old school, cobblestone center that is used by magicians and other artist to entertain visitors. There are more than 100 shops to visit and the Bulmarket, which is a group of pushcarts selling arts from the surrounding areas. The famous Cheers Pub is here as is 13 other locations for food or drink. There are numerous events held here including a spactacular 4'th of July Harborfest celebration.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace location and hours

Faneuil Hall Marketplace
4 Exchange Street
Boston, MA 02109

Photo by Yang and Yun's Album on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/faneuil-hall-marketplace-boston/

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Stirling Castle, Scotland

Barb Jungbluth — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Stirling, Scotland is a city and former ancient burgh in Scotland and is clustered around a large fortress and medieval old town. One of the largest and most important castles, Stirling Castle is located there. The Castle sits at the top of Castle Hill, about 250 feet above the plain on an extinct volcano and is surrounded by three steep cliffs. Its location was guarding what was the farthest downstream crossing of the River Forth until 1890. Several Kings and Queens were crowned at Stirling including Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary spent her childhood in the castle and in 1543 was crowned there.

Touring the castle you will see excellent historical displaces such as a recreation of the 16th century kitchen with interactive and sensory exhibits. You can also learn about the Argyll and Sutherland Highlander eventful history from 1794 until the current day.

Stirling Castle is regarded as having the finest example of architecture from the period in Europe. Visitors can step into the astonishing richness of royal life in the 1500’s.

Stirlling Castle is open seven days a week year round for visits. Truly something not seen or experienced everyday by those of us in the United States.

Stirling Castle location and hours

Castle Wynd
Stirling
FK8 1EJ

Photo by mariocutroneo on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/stirling-castle-scotland/

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The Miette Hot Springs, Canada

Denise O Wesney — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Located in Canada’s Fiddle Valley, the Miette Hot Springs are known as the hottest hot springs located anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. The water in the springs is a warm but comfortable 40 degrees C and contains as many as 8 natural minerals, including in calcium, sulphate and hydrogen-sulphide. Soaking in these minerals is said to leave one relaxed and feeling refreshed. Some people even believe the minerals have healing capabilities. The Miette Hotsprings were discovered in the 1870’s. They are now run by Parks Canada. Located about 61 kilometers to the east of Jasper, Alberta, the Miette Hot Springs located inside the Jasper National Park.

Early visitors to the hot springs used to have to make the 17 kilometer trip up the mountain on horseback or on foot, but modern-day visitors have the benefit of good roads and cars to get them to their destination and they are met with a modern facility in which to enjoy their stay. One of the highlights of visiting the hot springs is the spectacular view of the Aslar Ridge from the area.

There are two hot pools (one even has wheelchair access) and there is also a cool shower beside the pools. Hikers will enjoy the surrounding area which has a subalpine terrain with excellent views and lots of wildlife such as deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. The facility also boasts a café and a gift shop so be sure to bring some money with you on your visit. The Miette Hotsprings is one of Canada’s more unique attractions and should not be missed.

Miette Hot Springs location

Miette Hot Springs
61 km east of Jasper townsite
51 km west of Hinton
GPS: 51.15112, -115.56097 decimal degrees.

Open from May through mid October. During the season, the Springs are open from morning until 9-10 pm.

Photo by tess_marie on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/miette-hot-springs-canada/

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Visit The Grand Canal in Venice

Dave Donovan — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

The Grand Canal in Venice is one of the places in this world that many travelers have on their list of favorites (or places they wish to visit!). This is for good reason; a trip through the canal on a water taxi or Venetian water bus will give the visitor the experience of Venice that they have been anticipating. The Canal is lined with close to two-hundred buildings; it is exactly as you envision: a city with a water way instead of a street. The feeling that you may be on a movie set is coupled with the contrasting appreciation of experiencing an area inhabited before the roman age in a most indescribable way. There is simply an overload of human accomplishment; the Venetian Gothic architecture warrants several trips down the canal; you will simply not have enough time to take in all of the nuance during a single ride down the 3,800 meter canal.

We recommend taking a ride down the Grand Canal the first day of your trip to Venice. Make sure to go with a guide who can point out places of historical significance. This way you will have plenty of destinations to explore on the rest of your trip. Some of the main attractions include the Calatrava Bridge (the gate to the mainland), The Palazzo Vendramin Calergi (a renaissance building dating back to the early 1500's that was once home to the german musician Richard Wagner), and the Ca’ d’Oro (also called the "golden house" and built at then end of the middle ages). There are so many more; we can't stress enough the need to make several trips down the canal to enjoy it fully and make plans to visit some of the sites you discover when you are back on land! This is definitely not only a must-see site in Italy; it is a reason to come on its own.

Photo by CM Ortega on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/visit-grand-canal-venice/

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The Billy Carter Gas Station Museum, Plains, GA

Jack — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

The Billy Carter Gas Station Museum is dedicated to the youngest brother of President Jimmy Carter. Billy was known to be a beer drinking embarrassment to the Carter White House at times.

While his “big brother” Jimmy was president you could find Billy hanging out at his gas station with a beer in hand. He would sit there and make statements about Jimmy, and the oil polices of the government. If something else would come to mind he would comment on that also. Today it is considered a “unique cultural landmark and a celebrated community gathering place”. The station is a small building just feet away from the highway. The two gas pumps are set to the 1979 gas prices.

Billy’s service station was popular with the reporters that would stop frequently. The gas station was better known for its indoor bar with a cooler stocked with beer and its backyard barbeques of ribs and catfish than it was for supplying any fuel.

At the museum you can view “Carter’s Closet” where you will see some of Billy’s unique wardrobe such as a denim business suit and a pair of custom bib overalls made in red and yellow and a “wizard’s hat” made of beer can pop tops . Billy’s last pair of cowboy boots are there still caked in mud along with his “Plains Pounder” boxing robe.

You will find empty “Billy Beer” cans string about also. It is said that the gas station sold 2,000 case of beer and 45,000 gallons of gas a month while Jimmy was in the White House.

Billy was known as a heavy drinker for years. He died at the age of 52 in 1999 of pancreatic cancer, in Plains, GA.

The Billy Carter Gas Station Museum address and hours

The Billy Carter Gas Station Museum
107 W. Church St.
Plains, GA

You can visit this unique federally designated landmark Monday thru Friday from 8:30 AM to 5PM. Check the hours for weekends.

The nearest larger city is Americus, Georgia, where you'll find a selection of hotels and other fun attractions to view.

Photo by MrSchuReads on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/billy-carter-gas-station-museum-plains-ga/

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Castello della Guaita in San Marino

Gretchen Cosier — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Built in the 10th century, overlooking the city of San Marino below, this massive fortress Castello de la Guaita offers a beautiful and exciting look into the past coupled with birds-eye views spanning for miles. The fortress of Guaita is a mark of impressive architecture, built with incoming invaders in mind. Invaders had no chance but to be spotted and the city defended. This fortress is the oldest of the three towers, Guaita, Cesta and Monatale's which are located around the city. The first tower, Guaita can not be missed during a trip to San Marino, literally. This gorgeous structure commands attention, even in our 21st century world.

These lovely remains of the Middle Ages loom over the city as guardians. The Guaita is build onto the stone of the mountain with a pentagon-shaped base. Used as a prison up until the 1970's this fortress holds many political, historical and military memories. Open year round at various times, the Guaita can be visited as a solitary destination or paired with a visit to the Second Tower, which is home to the Museum of Ancient Weapons. The costs are very reasonable and family friendly, keep in mind prices and opening hours are subject to change. Find updated information from your travel guide or by calling ahead.

San Marino is a destination thick with culture, history and impressive castles. While visiting these impressive structures you will not be unimpressed by your natural surroundings. Hosting thousand upon thousands of tourists each year, San Marino offers the chance to see nine castles, numerous monuments, museums, celebrations, breathtaking scenery, a variety of gastronomical delights and plenty of shopping! The San Marino Republic is 700 meters above sea level, and only 15 km from the Romanga Riviera. With a Mediterranean climate and rich flora including olive, fir, pine, oak, beech, elm and poplar trees and a wide variety of wildlife, San Marino offers endless chances for adventure.

Castello della Guaita location

Castello della Guaita
San Marino

You will find the Guaita tower along the city walls, can't miss it

Photo by Toscano 2011 on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/castello-della-guaita-san-marino/

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International Fireworks Festival, Cannes, France

Gretchen Cosier — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

For six nights of fireworks at the Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique, or the International Fireworks Festival, visit Cannes, France. This is an amazing summer festival that showcases state-of-the-art pyrotechnic displays from teams all over the world. This is a competitive festival with each team trying to out-shine the other. The displays must be choreographed to music and they last 25 minutes long. Each team will have a theme that they are trying to relate to the audience and judges. Launching the fireworks over the bay makes Cannes even more picturesque than it already is! There are online opportunities for viewers to vote for their favorite firework display, making this trip an exciting and interactive experience.

From fireworks enthusiasts to families to professional photographers, this festival is sure to please. Traveling with children will not be an issue as they will gladly behave to witness this stunning array of fireworks and learn about this fantastic art form. Professional photographers will get some superb firework shots guaranteed to be stunning and original. Do not worry about having nothing to do during the day either: Cannes is a fabulous beach side location, known for shopping, cuisine and depth of history. You will not run out of exciting opportunities for enjoyment in Cannes. Everyday life in Cannes has been described as a small festival. Visiting during the Firework Festival is an innovative and cutting-edge vacation, as you will have the unique opportunity to view specialized firework displays that have never been seen before and may never be seen again.

Photo by Rob Watling on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/international-fireworks-festival-cannes-france/

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Thai escape

Jack — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Thailand has rapidly become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The archetypal backpacker tourist destination, it's the ideal place to do on a budget, and because there are so many cheap flights to Thailand around through companies like DialAFlight even getting there is cheap. That said, these days, it's also a glamorous holiday destination, with 5 star hotels a plenty.

To really get under the skin of Thailand, you do need to head off-piste a little bit. The popular tourist destinations of Bangkok, Phuket and the full moon beach parties have plenty to offer, but they don't exactly provide an authentic Thai taste. Nonetheless, Bangkok in particular is an entrancing city (although you'll need your wits about you to dodge the traffic), and the amazing Buddhist Temples are absolute must-sees.

Head out of the capital and one of the places you must visit is the old capital at Ayutthaya. The city was founded in the 14th century and by the 1700s was one of the biggest cities in the world. All that came to an abrupt end when the Burmese Army razed it in 1767, but the city remains a World Heritage site, primarily for the amazing Ayutthaya Historical Park. Make sure you give yourself a couple of days to properly explore the ruins.

Another place to visit is Thale Ban National Park, one of Thailand's largest open spaces and guaranteed to satisfy anyone who loves a bit of nature. In addition to the unique mammal species, the jungle, and the caves that dot the region, it's a great place to find a bit of authentic Thai living. The food isn't at all like you'd expect, although noodles are in strong supply, make sure you take a phrase book with you when it comes to ordering!

If you fancy relaxing, Thailand has some of the best beaches, and most beautiful coastlines in the world, populated with masses of brilliantly coloured fish. Glass-bottomed boats are ideal for those who don't like getting their heads wet, but if you want to get up close and personal, scuba diving is the best way to explore the Thai coastline.

And if you don't fancy relaxing, Thai nightlife is famous – particularly out on the beaches. Be sure to keep your wits about you, though, because although the atmosphere is amazing, tourists who have had a bit too much of the party spirit make ideal targets for pickpockets and thieves.

Thailand is an amazing place, and packs a huge amount of variety into a relatively small country, but it really comes into its own when you get off the tourist trail and see the vibrant, welcoming country underneath.

Photos by neilalderney123 (1) and FGMB (2) on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/thai-escape/

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Pier 57, Seattle

Jack — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

As its name implies, Pier 57 is one of many piers off the historic waterfront in Seattle, Washington. But this pier is lined with shopping, dining, entertainment and most of all, plenty of opportunities to learn about Seattle’s rich history. The pier dates back to 1902, when it was built as part of the harbor for shipping and docking ships. From there is played a key role in Seattle's trade industry, serving as a transit point for gold and coal. In the 1970’s the whole waterfront was turned into a park that is now a lively, bustling spot for tourists and locals alike.

The key attraction on Pier 57 is food. If you like seafood, this is your Mecca. You can dine on the fresh catch of the day right out of the harbor, or treat yourself to world class crab, scallops and lobster. Shopping opportunities abound as well. Discover your own Pirate’s plunder in the nautical themed souvenir shop, or try your luck in the classic Seattle waterfront arcade. Pier 57 is everything you want in the quintessential family trip – something good to eat, something interesting to look at, and something fun to do. And of course, lots of picture-perfect photo ops.

Pier 57 address

Pier 57
1301 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101

Photo by mzarzar on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/pier-57-seattle/

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The gravesite of Daniel and Rebecca Boone, Frankfort, KY

Jack — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Every year tourists travel to Frankfort, Kentucky, west of Lexington, and to the Frankfort Cemetery, to pay their respects at the final resting place of Daniel and Rebecca Boone. This famous, trail blazing, frontiersman is well known for his association with Kentucky, however, he actually died near Marthasville, Missouri, where some claim he is still buried. Both states may very well be right, since it seems that at least some of his remains were taken to Kentucky for re-burial in the Frankfort cemetery located at 215 E. Main St.

The view from his gravesite which overlooks the Kentucky River and most of the city, is outstanding, and so are the reliefs that are carved on each face of the Boone grave marker. This is a very historic cemetery, which also contains the graves of several governors and one Vice President, Richard Mentor Johnson of the Van Buren Presidency.

Frankfort and Lexington are both well known for many other interesting features, such as bourbon, horses, and beautiful scenery. Nature lovers will enjoy the Salato Wildlife Center and the Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary near Frankfort, and for the history buffs, there is the Kentucky History Center, and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. This area is particulary scenic, and whether taking in the sites of the city, or fishing or canoeing on the river, there is something for everyone in this lovely part of the state.

The gravesite of Daniel and Rebecca Boone location

The gravesite of Daniel and Rebecca Boone
Frankfort Cemetery
215 E. Main St.
Frankfort
Kentucky, USA

Photo by j_m_wetherington on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/gravesite-daniel-and-rebecca-boone-frankfort-ky/

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The Victoria Falls, Africa

Mary Charman-Smith — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

The Victoria Falls are described as the largest waterfalls in the world. They are certainly the most famous and the most impressive. They are located in between Zimbabwe and Zambia on the Zambezi River. It is possible to see them in a range of interesting moods, depending on the time of year that you make your visit.

The flood season in this area is at its highest in April and diminishes in May. The rainy season spans November to April. You will not be able to see most of the rock face and the bottom of the waterfall during the flood season, as these will be covered in mists which bring a mysterious beauty all of their own. A rainbow can be seen above the waterfalls and in moonlight this changes to a moonbow, which is a particularly interesting feature.

In the dry season you will be able to explore more of the area around the waterfall. You can walk much closer to the foot of the Falls and in some places it may be possible to cross the river, although it is important to take advice and be sure that this is safe before you try. At this time of the year you will find that you can see far more of the rock face as about half of it can become dry at this time, so if you want to explore the area more thoroughly, then this is the time of year to choose.

Whatever season you visit the Victoria Falls you will be glad you made your visit as they have a unique and timeless appeal, a magical magnificence that you will not experience at any other waterfall in the world.

Photos by * hiro008 (1) and tonymz (2) on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/victoria-falls-africa/

The Reversing Falls, New Brunswick, Canada

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Johan Hjelm — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Close up, it is even more impressive; but if you fly in to Las Vegas, the pilot may point it out: A huge rift in the earths crust, like someone had taken a knife to the flat desert. This is Grand Canyon, one of the most impressive sights in the USA, and in the world.

It truly is immense: 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep, stretching through Arizona, close to the Nevadan and Utah borders.

The gorge was cut over several million years by the Colorado river on its way to Mexico, and exposes the geology of two billion years of history through the rocks it has cut through. The river continues to deepen the canyon, although geological changes are hardly visible on human time scales.

The canyon is not only home to an interesting geology, though. It also has a long history of human settlements, various Indian people building pueblos along the canyon walls. The first Europeans to find the canyon were the Spanish in 1540, but then it was left for the indigenous Indians until the mormon missionaries came in the 1820's.

It is really the vista of the canyon that is most impressive, standing at the edge and looking down towards the river glinting in the depth below, two billion years down. But the canyon is also a national park, and it is possible to go camping and rafting in it, not just visiting. That requires a reservation, however.

Today, most tourists visit the South Rim, where there are not only historic buildings and the ranger complex, but also a viewing balcony stretching out over the canyon itself.

Photo by Al_HikesAZ on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/grand-canyon-arizona/

27 Waterfalls (Damajaqua Cascades), Dominican Republic
The Hoover Dam, Arizona
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

Stop "them" from breaking the Internet

Jack — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Today is not about travel here at eyeflare.com, but about the fact that U.S. Congress may soon end up breaking the Internet. If you care about an open, free, and rough-around-the-edges Internet which helps dissidents, free speech, education, and LOL cats alike, then sign the petition.

These two acts, the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) and Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) give private companies wide-ranging powers to shut down websites at will. Powers more often used by repressive regimes to stamp down on civil dissent, such as in Syria or China.

If not, we're likely to feel more like we live behind the Great Firewall of China than we do today's Internet.

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Now go over to Stop American Censhorship and sign your name.

Thank you.

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/stop-them-breaking-internet/

Find an internet café anywhere in the world
The Liberty Bell Center, Philadelphia

The Hoover Dam, Arizona

Barb Jungbluth — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

When you take your next trip to Las Vegas, take some time and leave the “one armed bandits” to take a tour of Hoover Dam. It is located on Lake Mead, about 30 miles from Las Vegas but well worth the trip ito the Lake Mead recreation area.

Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel; in fact it is considered one of the Seven Modern Engineering Wonders and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The construction of the dam started in 1935 between the vertical walls of Black Cannon. It is a huge, curving wall of concrete 660 feet thick at the base and 726 feet high.

While the dam was being built there was some controversy over the name. It was known as Boulder Dam or Boulder Canyon Dam but when Secretary Wilber spoke at the ceremony starting the building of the railway between Las Vegas and the Dam sight he named it “Hoover Dam” noting a tradition of naming dams after Presidents.

Your tour of Hoover Dam starts at the visitor’s center which is operated and owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. You can tour either the power plant for $11 or the Dam itself for $30 or do both. During the summer the lines for the tour are long so arrive early in the day.

The tour of the dam will take you by elevator to the base and explain everything you see. It is an awesome site to stand at the base of the dam and look up. You can hear the “roar” of the electrical turbines that produce power for a large area of Nevada, Arizona and California.

Visiting the Dam is not only excited but a great learning experience and a chance to see an amazing treasure of the USA.

The Hoover Dam location and hours

The Hoover Dam
It is located on Route 93 about 12 miles east of Boulder City, Nevada

Visitor Center: Open 9:00 a.m. - Close 5:00 p.m.

Photo by robbyb on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/hoover-dam-arizona/

Expensive travel this summer: Airfares to rise 15% and hotels 7%
Todd's Hostel Las Vegas
Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, Tucson
Raging Waters theme park, Los Angeles
Top of the Rock, New York City

Wine Festival, Valleta, Malta

Marc D. — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Valletta is a city constructed centuries ago that serves as the capital of Malta, a group of islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. Valletta boasts of Baroque architecture, much of which was constructed in beginning around the 16th century. Velletta has a Mediterranean climate, so the summer days are mild and warm. Even in the winter, the temperature is fairly moderate, with lows averaging only around 50 degrees in January. Such a beautiful climate is a worthy choice for the hosting of an event like the Wine Festival, Valleta, Malta.

The Wine Festival, Valleta, Malta is an internationally recognized event in Malta that allows for the sampling of some of the best European wines in a pleasant atmosphere. It also offers a variety of international foods like chicken masala, sushi, and aged cheeses. In addition, the Wine Festival, Valleta, Malta has live entertainment on a nightly basis. The event occurs at the same time as the Maltese grape harvest, and has become a sampling ground for most of the quality wines produced in the region. The festival began in 2004 and offers visitors an opportunity to experience some of the best wines Malta has to offer while also sampling area arts and music. The festival is designed for wine enthusiasts and neophytes alike, and if you aren’t a wine drinker there is still plenty to enjoy with the music and food available.

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/wine-festival-valleta-malta/

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