Gaza Resist

Although there are many interesting places to visit in Slovakia, most tourists spend their time exploring Bratislava, as it is the best place to visit in Slovakia.

• Bratislava

  • Sitting near the western border of Slovakia, Bratislava is near  Austria and Hungary and wears these associations proudly.  The Old Town, its palaces, museums, and castle should be the focus of your visit.
  • The photograph at the upper right is the Old Town Hall, which dates from the 15th century and is now a museum. It is surrounded by a pleasant square with many attractive buildings.
  • The city is known for its castle which crowns the town and is visible throughout the city.  Parts of the structure date from the 16th century, although a fortified castle existed on the hill before the present castle was constructed.
  • Below is Bratislava viewed from the Danube.  The bridge is the Nový’ Most Bridge (New Bridge) and the cathedral in the center of the image is St. Martin’s Cathedral  on Staromestska.

  

• The city’s the Old National Theater formerly housed the opera, ballet and symphony, although these performances have now move the New Slovak National Theater near the Danube.

If you want to see the tallest sand dunes in North America (750 feet high) nestled amid a 30 square mile dune field in a gloriously scenic setting,  Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is the place for you.   When the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains are snow capped the park is at its loveliest.

Located in south central Colorado, Great Sand Dunes offer a variety of activities and is especially family-friendly. Although the more remote areas (mainly mountainous) can be reached only by high –clearance Jeeps or strenuous hikes up steep trails, the Dunes are close to the visitor center (slightly more than half a mile) and are the major reason that people visit this enjoyable area.

Hiking the dunes is a popular but strenuous activity, while sand boarding, sledding and skiing are popular activities with kids and lighter adults (about the only ones who can make any speed on the sand).   Be sure you are appropriately equipped before trying these exhilarating sports. By the way, grabbing some cardboard and trying to use it as a sled, will not work

In addition, to its dunes, the adjacent  Medano Creek wetlands, nearby grasslands and scenic trails extending into the surrounding mountains make Great Sand Dune National Park a special place to visit

The Great Sand Dunes area was once a lake bed separating the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the east from the San Juan Mountains on the west. The Sangre de Cristo were uplifted during ancient times and are what is known as a fault block mountain range.  Conversely, the San Juan’s were formed from volcanism over extended periods of time. The two mountain chains coalesced at their southern edge and contained a plain that eventually filled in with melt water from glaciations. The lake  formed was roughly the size of the state of Connecticut. Sediments from the mountains began to fill the valley and the lake become progressively shallower as the climate changed.

Eventually,  runoff from the mountains eroded through the deposits that had dammed the southern end of the valley, draining the lake and leaving  a large plain of sand.  Due to a wind pattern that is predominately from the southwest, dunes began to form along the curve of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The other part of the story is that storm winds in this area are usually from the northeast.   These winds  blow over and down the slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain and against the accumulated sand, helping the dunes to grow vertically in a continual game of “to and fro”.

The Park features a broad  range of elevation.  Near the San Luis Lake it is approximately 7,500 feet, the Visitor Center is at 8,170 feet and Tijeras Peak is around 13,600 feet.  If you have breathing difficulties you should discuss the sensibility of visiting this and other attractions in high elevations.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan and one of the world’s great cities, is located on the eastern coast of Honshu, the largest of the chain of islands that form the country. It is situated within the Kanto Administrative Region. Tokyo is a densely populated metropolitan area (over 11,000,000 inhabitants).

Founded in the early 17th century, the city was originally called Edo, a name it retained until the mid-19th century when the Emperor Meiji renamed it Tokyo. Its history has been turbulent.  In 1923, a major earthquake flattened parts of Tokyo and its suburbs.  Near the end of World War II,  Tokyo was firebombed.  The number of deaths was high and large areas of the city were destroyed.  The Japanese people responded to both tragedies by rebuilding and Tokyo’s status, as one of the world’s leading cities, is a result of this diligence and dedication.

Tokyo is a city that blends the old and the new in a seamless manner.  The country’s religious and feudal past are represented by temples and palaces that might seem as if they belong in a different era, but are considered an integral part of their culture by most Japanese. Conversely, the proliferation of zany trends among Japan’s youth is more widespread and startling in Tokyo than in many of the world’s major cities. The blend of old and new is relatively harmonious and merges to make Tokyo a very attractive place to visit.

Tokyo is so large and diverse that it is difficult to tour on your own.  In addition, it is an expensive place to visit and you need to optimize your time by pre-planning your visit. We provide a brief overview of the most popular attractions in Tokyo, but advise you to buy a quality guidebook and  plan your itinerary, before you depart.

Tokyo is a challenge for English speakers, has a wacky address system that makes it hard to find places (even for taxi drivers) and has a mass transit system that visitors from other countries may prefer to avoid  during the morning and evening rush hours (the Japanese find ways to fit so many people into subway cars that most westerners will feel uncomfortable riding during peak hours).

The very best way to visit Tokyo is to take a tour.  Either hire a guide or join a tour group.  Both alternatives are good ways to optimize your time in Tokyo.  In either case, you should study Japanese customs and Tokyo attractions before you depart.

Tokyo

• Tokyo is the city where most tourists first encounter the Japanese culture. It is hard to understate the shock value of Tokyo to the western visitor, as you finally will understand the real meaning of the word “foreign”.  Don’t let that stop you, Tokyo is a gem and worth the extra effort to discover its treasures.
  • Tokyo has numerous interesting attractions and most of them will amaze and please you. When you do not have touring scheduled, take some time to visit a Kabuki theater, do the Karaoke thing, or play some Pachinko (a pinball variant).
• Be sure to consider these locations for your tour of Tokyo:

  • Ginza (shopping and food)

    • The Ginza is a fun visit anytime, but you really need to experience it at night.  At the main intersections, the neon is fabulous and almost as bright as daytime. There is a lot of shopping here and good food at high prices.

  • Shinjuku (business and shopping area)

    • - but with an attitude. You could wander this area for a long time and not tire of the action.
      • Visit during the daytime, during the evenings the area can be a little “rough”.

  • Asakusa

    • Stop here for a look at historical Tokyo, as it appeared when the city was named Edo.

    • The Sensoji Temple is the main attraction, but the street vendors in the area have some interesting crafts and food for sale. In addition, there are some fine tempura restaurants nearby.

Brussels is a charming town that is quite popular with most travelers. Its attractions include great food, interesting museums, trendy galleries and fine shopping. Just one caution – regardless of the  forecast take an umbrella, because it rains in Brussels just about anytime.

• The beer is very good, the food can be excellent, and the desserts spectacular – verging on sinful, especially at  upscale restaurants and sweet shops.

• The shopping is out of this world.  You will find a fantastic selection of high quality, stylish clothes – waiting to go home with you.
• The museum are of good quality.  Most are locally oriented, but with some pleasant surprises.
• Travel writers generally hope not to reveal too much of their own interests in their articles, but we must confess a love of chocolate and Brussels is a paradise for chocolate lovers.  We cover the best “chocolatiers” in town in the article that follows. And if you would like  to prove us wrong, well, you will just have to sample each shop to make sure – isn’t that a wonderful way to argue?

The tourist center of Brussels is the Grand Place (Grote Markt), one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe.

• Ornate buildings of incredible beauty surround the Grand Place, a  large square  in the center of Brussels. The impressive Hotel de Ville is crowned with a statue of St. Michael.  Although attractive during the day time, the Hotel de Ville is simply stunning when illuminated (starts at dusk).
• Across the square from the City Hall is the equally impressive Maison du Roi  or King’s House as it is called, although it was never occupied by a king.  Locally, the building is known as the Broodhuis or Bread House.  In the past, a building once located here  was used by bakers to sell their goods.  Today the Maison du Roi houses a museum  focused on the history of Brussels. The rest of the square is composed of well preserved, ostentatiously decorated, guild houses 
• Other than taking a quick look at the buildings, and touring the museum (overpriced and underwhelming), there is little else to see at the Grand Place but it is a good place for a drink and, perhaps, a snack.  Also, this square is “the” meeting place in Brussels, so it is busy day and night..
• The  avenues that lead to the Grand Place are  filled with touristy shops offering chocolate , lace, ceramics, antiques, and high quality, unique Christmas decorations .
  • It is fairly hard to navigate directly towards or away from the square, as your traveling partners will likely zig-zag from one shop to the next.  Take your time, these narrow lanes are made for wandering (and shopping).
• If your schedule is flexible, try to revisit the Grand Place at night to see the buildings illuminated.  If you thought the square was beautiful during the day, you will astounded by the magnificence of  its appearance at night.

A couple of blocks to the south of the Grand Place is the famous statue Manneken-Pis , a small, black marble statue of a young boy, who can  best be described as “… taking a pee”.

• The Manneken-Pis is world-famous and an enduring icon of Brussels.  The small statue stands in a modest grotto on the corner of an otherwise unremarkable street. Perhaps the attraction is that the statue is said to represent the mischievous side of the citizens of Brussels.
  • During holidays and on special occasions, the statue is  dressed in seasonal garb – yes, from time to time the  Manneken-Pis wears clothes! In fact the Manneken-Pis has hundreds of outfits, many contributed by cities around the world, whose citizens hope that their outfit will be chosen to be modeled during one of the city’s many festivals.
  • The statue has been stolen several times, once by French soldiers, but always has made it back home .
  • Although there is much lore about the statue, you can hear most visitors ask, “Why is this statue so popular?”

Monaco Destination Guide describes the best places to visit in Monaco.  The tourist information in this section will help you find the destinations in Monaco that are worthy of your time and eliminate those not as rewarding.

Monaco (Monte-Carlo) follows the Mediterranean formula by creating a delightful town on a limited shoreline and imbuing it with an interesting history, beauty and an attractive cachet.  There are many colorful, but small public gardens throughout the city and strolling the Old Town (near the Palace) can be a delight.

When you see the map symbol, click for a detailed street map identify the location of interest.  In addition, the map includes as “satellite” button that will let you explore Monaco using a highly detailed satellite image.

• The Casino (Le Casino de Monte Carlo)

  The Casino (and Opera House) is a beautiful building architected by Charles Garnier, whose creations include the Paris Opera House.  Of course, the attractions are the high-stakes gambling and “beautiful” people who sometimes make an appearance in the evening, but the building adds its own special touch of class.  The Casino is open to those 18 and older. Suitable attire is required.  The Casino is connected to the Salle Garnier, the beautiful auditorium of the Opera House.

The Place du Casino is the “place to be” in Monte Carlo.  In addition to the Casino, you will enjoy visiting the elegant and internationally renowned  Hôtel de Paris, which, like the Casino, dates from the mid-19th century.  If you are looking for exceptional dining, this is the place – but is it quite pricey.  Another famous “eatery” is the Cafe de Paris, just across the street, which offers indoor and outdoor dining, as well as featuring fabulous seafood and incredible desserts.  Next, you will find the Sun Casino, a Las Vegas type of gambling hall that provides a more relaxed environment than “the Casino”.  Finally, if you are looking for upscale shopping, just follow the crowd and you will soon be in designer row.

By the way, the Casino is located in an administrative areas of Monaco that is called Monte Carlo.  This area is, also, where the famous Grand Prix De Monaco, the Formula One grand prix, takes place. The proposed dates for the race are as follows:

2011,  May 26 – 29
2012,  May 24 – 27

Some uncertainty surrounds the future of Formula One racing,

• Monaco-Ville

  The Prince’s Palace and Palace Square

  • Originally built in the Thirteenth century, the Palace was  updated in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth centuries.  Parts of the Palace are open for tours  The Palace Square (at the front of the Palace) hosts the changing of the guard for the Prince’s Palace at 11:55am, seven days a week.
  • The Old Town
    • Though small in size, the Old Town is a pleasant place to walk and see the sights.  You will discover numerous shops and pleasant places to eat or gather food for a picnic.  You might want to spend some time at the Condamine Market   and the Rue Princess Caroline pedestrian mall.
  • The Monaco Cathedral is worth a quick visit.  It houses the remains of most of the former Princes of Monaco (including those of Prince Rainier), as well as those of his wife, Princess Grace (the former actress Grace Kelly – with whom the Prince had a famous and fairytale-like romance).  The Cathedral is approximately 100 years old and its interior is quite striking.
  • The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium
    • Made famous by its past curators, including Jacques Cousteau, the building houses a museum, an exceptional aquarium, and an internationally famous research institute.

    Consider stopping at the  restaurant “La Terrasse” on the top floor of the building  for lunch and a fantastic view of Monaco and the coast neighboring Italy.

  • Monaco has numerous restaurants and discos, which are frequently crowded  and fun places to party. Action usually starts later in the evening as the crowd filters in from the Casino.
• A great way to get an overview of Monaco and its attractions is to take a ride on the Azur Express: a small tourist train (tram), running every thirty minutes.  The route starts at the Oceanographic  Museum, passes the leading attractions, then returns to the Oceanographic Museum.  The Azur Express features multi-language electronic consoles that describe the sights of interest

Muscat City
Muscat is Oman’s financial and trade centre. Hamad bin Said took Muscat as Oman’s capital from Rustaq between 1779–1792 and this has never since been contested. Today, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Muscat has improved beyond recognition, but has never lost its pride in its heritage and culture. The capital area is a prime example of intelligent and aesthetic development, blending the ancient and modern.

Nizwa Castle
Set amid a verdant spread of date palms Nizwa Castle is a powerful reminder of the town of Nizwa’s invincibility through turbulent periods in Oman’s long history. The town of Nizwa has a strategic location at the crossroads of vital caravan routes linking interior, Muscat and Dhofar regions. Nizwa was declared the capital of Oman in the 17th century during the reign of Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al-Ya’arubi, who built and used the castle as his headquarters.

The most striking feature of the castle is the central tower–a colossal 150-feet-diameter circular tower soaring 115 feet above the rest of fortification, complete with battlements, turrets, secret shafts, false doors and wells.

Nakhl Castle
Located in Al-Batina region, the castle sets on top of a 200-metre rocky prominance in the foothills of the Western Hajar Mountains, overlooking the extended verdant palm farms of Nakhl countryside which gave the castle its name.

The castle is believed to be dated to pre Islamic period and was restored in the 3rd & 10th century A.H. during the reign of Bani Kharous and Ya’aribah Imams, respectively. The gate, fence and towers were built during the reign of Imam Said bin Sultan in 1834. In 1990, restoration work began, using traditional building materials and period furnishings.

Bahla Castle
Located in Bahla; Ad-Dakhliyah region, the Castle is one of the oldest remaining strongholds in Oman and has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988.

The Castle is a walled triangular-shaped building, with its wall stretching for 12 Km surrounding the old town of Bahla. The main structures of the Castle are located on a high land in the eastern corner, with some parts are thought dated back to the Pre-Islamic period. The Castle encompasses 132 watchtowers with guardrooms.

Wadi Shab
The Wadi is 76 Km from Qurayyat–Muscat. The road to the wadi dips as it crosses the bed of the ravine and rises steeply on the other side where the houses of Tiwi cling to the cliffs. At the mouth of the wadi is a single beach dotted with fishing boats.

Water flows all year round. The wadi runs through a narrow gorge with date plantations, restful pools and lush vegetation. Oleander bushes attract butterflies and the singing of the birds is delightful.

So many places to visit in Romania, so little vacation time available to see them. Read our recommendations on the best places to visit in Romania.

The team at ThereArePlaces has developed a proprietary method for evaluating the attractiveness of towns and regions as tourist destinations. We used this methodology to create our list of the best places to visit in Romania. We believe that the cities and regions described below are the country’s key tourist destinations, contain Romania’s best attractions and urge you to visit them during your travels in Romania.

Romania has undergone profound political and economic changes since the 1989 revolution and is in a period of economic transition. Most tourist facilities, while being upgraded, have not yet reached Western European standards.

Romania possesses and inviting geography with some of the most beautiful countryside in Eastern Europe. Its access to the Black Sea, Carpathian Mountains, and the Transylvania countryside create the potential for interesting vacations: however, the potential of the attractions has not been realized and “tourist” Romania is not yet quite ready for prime time.

If you are interested in visiting Romania, we suggest that you do so as a member of tour group arranged through a reputable travel service. Individual travel, and car based touring in Romania are not for the faint of heart.

• Bucharest

  • Romania’s capital is known for its mix of architectures: the French influence from the eighteen hundreds dramatically clashes with the stern utilitarianism of the communist era edifices. Bucharest has many attractive sights.

• Black Sea Coast

  • Once winter departs, the Black Sea Coast is an idyllic location. When the good weather hits, the areas’ beaches, resorts, and casinos fill rapidly.

• Transylvania

  • The search for Dracula goes on and Transylvania is the prime crime scene.  If you want to visit this area, consider  Brasov  and Sinaia as base locations.
    • Brasov is a well-preserved medieval town and good winter recreation area.
    • Bran Castle is relatively close by and sold to the tourist as Dracula’s Castle.
      • Vlad the Impaler, regarded by many as the “real” Dracula, was a guest at Bran Castle, which is a well preserved fortress from the Middle Ages.
        • The castle regarded as the “real” Dracula Castle is an out of the way ruin.
    • Sinaia is a mountain resort and its Peles Castle should be visited, if you are in the area.

• Danube River

  • Many tourists see Romania on the popular Danube River cruises.  Usually the itinerary will include several countries and feature stops at small villages and major cities along the way.  Most cruises through the Romanian section of the Danube feature visits to Bucharest and Constanta, as well as sampling of a few “country” villages.

In 1929, the Italian Government and the Church of Rome signed three agreements resolving a long standing dispute between Italy and the Vatican regarding territorial rights.  The treaties recognized the independence and sovereignty of the Holy See and created the State of the Vatican City.

The term “Holy See” refers to the composite of the authority, jurisdiction, and sovereignty vested in the Pope and his advisers to direct the worldwide Roman Catholic Church. As the “central government” of the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy See has an authoritative legal standing that allows it to enter into treaties as the juridical equal of a state and to send and receive diplomatic representatives .

The Holy See has formal diplomatic relations with 177 nations, the Order of Malta.  The Holy See also maintains relations of a special nature with the Russian Federation and the Organization for the Liberation of Palestine.

The Vatican City State (usually called the Vatican City) is located in the middle of Rome and is an independent country with an area of approximately half a square kilometer. Only limited sections of the Vatican City are open to the public, but those available are exceptionally interesting and very popular with most visitors to Rome.

Papal Audience

If you are interested in attending a general Papal audience, they are held in St. Peter’s Square, the Paul VI Hall (Aula Nervi), or in Saint Peter’s Basilica. During the summer, general audiences may be held Castel Gondolfo, the pope’s summer residence (approximately thirty miles outside of Rome).

Tickets are free of charge and available from:
Prefettura della Casa Pontificia (the Pontiff’s Household)
Palazzo Apostolico
00120 Vatican City State

Tickets can also be requested through your local Catholic diocese.

If you do not have a ticket for an audience, you can attend the Sunday Angelus, held at noon in Saint Peter’s Square, which is hosted by the Pope, unless he is at Castel Gondolfo or traveling.

Saint Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the world and one that is linked with Bramante, Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and other famous artists.  The present St. Peter’s was not the first church on this site and the building that we see today  was put into construction in the early 16th century.  St. Peter’s was a work in process for the remainder of the century and  the original plans were altered numerous times

The exterior design and architecture of St. Peter’s are stunning, although eclipsed by  its interior, which is richly decorated and awe-inspiring.  The paintings, statues and architecture of St. Peter’s are noteworthy and the sights numerous.  In addition, you may want to climb to the top of the Dome for an excellent view of the St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican.

If you are a follower of Catholic Church history, you should consider touring the excavations beneath the Basilica. These tours require advanced reservations,

Saint Peter’s Square

You have seen it on the evening news but it will seem even grander when you explore it on your own. Designed by Bernini and completed in the 17th century, the square is dramatic and impressive. However, it is just the start of an unforgettable day of touring the Vatican.

Elliptical in shape and designed so that its perspective leads to St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square is comprised of several outstanding elements.   Bernini’s curved colonnades run along on each side of the Square and are comprised of equidistantly-spaced, four-column supports throughout its extent, producing a formal and majestic border for the Square.  The colonnades are topped with 140 statues of saints, who were crafted by followers of  Bernini, who were members of his school of artists.

In  the center of St. Peter’s Square is an obelisk of Egyptian origin that was moved to this site and erected by Fontana before Bernini began his renovation.  There are fountains on each side of the Obelisk, although the second was added by Bernini to balance the first, which had been added earlier.  The size of the Square was limited by the existing Papal Apartments, but it was designed specifically to be impressive, while allowing room for large crowds to assemble and receive the Pope’s blessings.

Alterations have been made to the entrance of the Square since Bernini’s original work  and the widening of the entrance and establishment of a wide thoroughfare leading to Castel Sant’Angelo has been the subject of great debate as to whether it enhanced or detracted from the beauty of  Saint Peter’s Square.

What Beirut is depends entirely on where you are. If you’re gazing at the beautifully reconstructed colonial relics and mosques of central Beirut’s Downtown, the city is a triumph of rejuvenation over disaster. If you’re in the young, vibrant neighbourhoods of Gemmayzeh or Achrafiye, Beirut is about living for the moment: partying, eating and drinking as if there’s no tomorrow. If you’re standing in the shadow of buildings still peppered with bullet holes, or walking the Green Line with an elderly resident, it’s a city of bitter memories and a dark past. If you’re with Beirut’s Armenians, Beirut is about salvation; if you’re with its handful of Jews, it’s about hiding your true identity. Here you’ll find the freest gay scene in the Arab Middle East, yet homosexuality is still illegal.

If you’re in one of Beirut’s southern refugee camps, Beirut is about sorrow and displacement; other southern districts are considered a base for paramilitary operations and south Beirut is home to infamous Hezbollah secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah. For some, it’s a city of fear; for others, freedom.

Throw in maniacal drivers, air pollution from old, smoking Mercedes taxis, world-class universities, bars to rival Soho and coffee thicker than mud, political demonstrations, and swimming pools awash with more silicone than Miami. Add people so friendly you’ll swear it can’t be true, a political situation existing on a knife-edge, internationally renowned museums and gallery openings that continue in the face of explosions, assassinations and power cuts, and you’ll find that you’ve never experienced a capital city quite so alive and kicking – despite its frequent volatility.

Iceland’s main attraction lies in its dramatic landscapes, which vary from glacial to volcanic. Parts of its coast and fjords are spectacular and its snow capped mountains are glorious. During winter, the Northern Lights are worth a trip just for a view on a clear night.

Iceland is a tough destination to categorize. If Iceland were more conveniently located and physically compact, it would be a tourist hotspot.  As it is, it is out-of-the-way and difficult to tour, since its settlements hug the shoreline and are connected by a single, main road. It is hard to categorize Iceland as an add-on destination due to the time it takes to travel there and to see its unique and varied landscapes.  If you get the chance, however, do not miss it – Iceland is a treasure, especially to those who love the great outdoors.

• Reykjavik   

  • The tourist literature says that people go to Reykjavik for the nightlife, which must be exhausting due to the length of the winter nights experienced by the world’s northernmost capital city.
  • Besides its being the center of Icelandic culture,  people who visit Reykjavik use it as the gateway to the country’s beautiful and pristine landscapes.
    • Reykjavik is the best place to base your tour of the countryside and it offers all the amenities that are nice to get back to when you have been out in the country for a day or two.

Countryside

• Iceland’s regions provide some of the most beautiful landscape scenery anywhere in the world.  Visit the Iceland Tourist Board for a review of the country’s regions and, then, buy a good quality guidebook to plan your schedule and itinerary in Iceland.
  • The country’s regions are as follows:
  • Lava, lakes, and geothermal activity abound in a beautiful landscape
  • This is an area for wildlife lovers.  The variety of sea birds will astound you, as will the  beautiful landscapes.
  • The most remote section of Iceland, the Highlands provide a look at the world before humankind.