LONDON DREAMS
London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It is the biggest municipality in the United Kingdom and also Europe’s most developed urban area in many respects. There are almost 32 boroughs which are its districts. Its earlier name was Londinium c. given by the Romans way back in AD 43. The population as of the current data is 7,556,900 (most populous in EU) with its density being 4,807/km2. It is a highly developed city and strenghtens UK in many respects (commerce, finance, arts, etc.). The area of the city is 1,572.1 km2. The Underground is the oldest rail linkage of the world and the second most extensive after Shanghai Metro.
CLIMATE OF LONDON
London like all British cities, rarely witnesses extremely highs or lows of temperature. Summers range between 14°C-22.8°C. The highest temperature ever was 38°C in 2003. Winters are cold as ever. Contradicting the intial point about the weather, temperature in winters have seen the extreme bracket with readings in negatives. On the other hand, Autumn season stays moderate but generally unsettled. Rainfall occurs moderately all year (583.6mm). The sun shines for only 1461 hours in the entire year. Not much but some snowfall is seen each year. To enjoy your trip to London in the soothing climate, hire a car from Heathrow itself. Enquire about Car Rental Heathrow Airport
SIGHTSEEING IN LONDON
Tourists are always excited to visit and enjoy the sights in London. A number of major landmarks in London are a part of the World Heritage Site. Plus, the Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Wimbledon and 40 theatres are a must see. London also has one of the Madame Tussaud’s wax musuem which is its most visited attraction. For kids in particular the London Planetarium is a place not be skipped when touring London. One of the most famous zoos in the world includes London Zoo in effect since 1847 while the London Aquarium is a home to several types of fish and other aquatic life. If you happen to land on the city’s Gatwick Airport hire a car from there to enjoy these sights. Know more about Car Rental Gatwick Airport
Have a Nice Trip at Finland
In the northern Europe, Finland is the most beautiful country, which is decorated with many natural islands and lakes. In Finland, there are many places where you can pay a visit.
In the southern part of Finland Lake Saimma is the most beautiful one, which is the largest lake in that country. These lakes connect about one hundred and twenty lakes and more than fifty-five drain. Turku, the oldest town of Finland and once upon a time, it was the capital of Finland. This is called city of Christmas because during Christmas this is decorated with various ribbons and bells. You can observe the museum and church of 13th century in this town. In the Arktikum Science Museum, you will find the life and the culture of this region. The hotelli helsinki is the most vital road that connect some main destination like Oslo, Turku and many other places. During September, you can pay a visit at Finland because this time is so much suitable for tour and the hotels of Finland are less crowded and they offer discount.
Kamp and Spa are the hotels of Finland that facilitate with air condition, twenty four hour reception, advantage of internet browsing, safe box, elevator, bar and huge parking facility. In the Spa, you can get benefit of shopping center, currency exchange and gift shop. The services of both hotels are so much beneficial and the staffs are so gentle and polite in service. You are provided with large hall and conference room. The environments of the hotels of Finland are so much friendly. Definitely, you will feel comfort here.
Every person of every age can take pleasure in these hotels. So pick up the phone, book your desired room, have a nice trip, and get the excitement of the tour. So, do not get late.
Explore Florence – the City of Treasure
Florence is a great treasure of arts and ancient architecture. It is a living testimony of the rich culture of the ancient people. There are museums proudly holding the magical works of Michael Angelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto and many other great artists. The city is said to be the largest museum containing artifacts more than any other cities in the world.
The ancient city stands proudly beside the river Arno and is shaded by the foothills of Apennines. The city is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a romantic holiday or a relaxing weekend.
If you are in Florence, you can get an apartment in Florence for accommodation. Make sure that the apartment is at a convenient place and all the tourist sites are within walking distance. Get a nice and comfortable pair of shoes because it is best to explore Florence on foot.
There are great museums containing incredible art works by all the famous artists. There are great architectural monuments. There are churched and cathedrals which are as old as 1000 years. You wouldn’t want to miss visiting those for the world. You do not need any precise planning for exploring the great city. It has got art and extraordinary architecture in almost all the places. You can just walk around and watch them.
If you get tired of old artifact6s and structures (which is highly unlikely), you can go to the Ponte Vecchio bridge to enjoy some spectacular natural view and beautiful gardens.
There are so many great restaurants which would surely soothe your taste buds. You can get a wide variety of foods and deserts to satisfy your hunger. And when you are in Florence, get a taste of Italian wine. The aura of the city makes everything tastier and more enjoyable.
Hawaii Vacations With Kids
The islands of Hawaii have been a popular family vacation destination for over 50 years, not without a good reason. An array of activities along with the tropical climate and the courteous people will delight one and all in your family, from babies to teenagers. You may think that a combination of pools, beaches and the beauty of Hawaii, will do the trick for you and your kids. But for your Hawaii vacations with kids to go smoothly, you need to ensure that your children’s needs are taken care of at the location you are staying. The last thing you want to hear is, “I’m bored,” just when you are beginning to enjoy and relax. If you thought Hawaii is meant for romantic vacations only, then you need to think again. Hawaii is in fact a great destination for a family vacation. There are many cool and fun things to do besides some outstanding natural scenery and marine life to see, not to mention some amazing spots for rest and relax. I bet your greatest worry is going to be how to accommodate so many great places into your short vacation time. You may like to know a brief history of Hawaii before proceeding.
Things to Do on Hawaii Vacations with Kids
Various resorts and hotels offer Hawaiian family vacation packages, which organize kids camps that provide to the needs of older children, also the very young ones. Certified childcare attendants take the children swimming and to play games on the beach, or teach them to make garlands or leis of Hawaiian culture or other crafts. But the Hawaii Islands are more than just making garlands or lying by the hotel pool doing some typical camp-styled activity. Let’s take a brief look at some of the must-visit vacation spots in Hawaii to make this one of the best vacations with kids, and a truly memorable one.
Waikiki Beach
Coming to Hawaii and not enjoying the beach won’t make your Hawaii travel with kids complete. Besides, vacationing at an island and ignoring or forgetting a beach trip is next to criminal. Waikiki Beach, known the world over as one of the best beaches, is usually crowded. But it is a great area for surfboarding, surfing, snorkeling, sun tanning, sand castle building, or just plain lazing around. Read more on hawaii beaches.
Sea Life Park
A world-class marine attraction, Sea Life Park is situated about 15 miles from Waikiki on Oahu’s beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point. The park boasts of a 300,000-gallon aquarium that houses sea lions, dolphins, turtles sharks, stingrays and other marine mammals. They also offer a variety of entertaining and informative attractions such as singing sea lions, dancing dolphins and performing penguins. Some other attractions that the kids may enjoy are the Sea Lion Feeding Pool, Turtle Lagoon, Bird Sanctuary, Pirate’s Lagoon and Hawaiian Reef Exhibit. There interactive programs for snorkeling by the stingray’s side and swimming with dolphins is a huge hit amongst the tourists. Read more on Hawaii whale watching tours.
Atlantis Submarine
One of the most popular and must-see places on your vacation is the Atlantic Submarine. This adventure takes the tourist on a 45 minutes underwater tour of the marine life situated 100 feet below the surface of the reef in Waikiki. The submarine gives the tourist a glimpse of sea turtles, and countless fish and other sea creatures besides passing by submarines, sunken shipwrecks and coral reefs. The submarine has large view ports is fully air-conditioned and comfortably seats 64-passengers.
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
This water park provides many adventures and fun rides, six stories down speed slides mega wave pool, inner tube rides on 2 to 4 foot waves, free-fall, also a tube cruise down an 800-foot long river, interactive playground filled with water cannons, multi-level activity, waterfalls, pool with seven family slides and other water attractions are sure to make your kids jump with joy and ask for more. Getting them out of the park is going to be one problem you will love to have.
Polynesian Culture Center
Located about an hour’s drive from Waikiki, the Polynesian Culture Center is an open-air park, consisting of seven native villages spread over an area of 42 acres. This park is designed to introduce a visitor to Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures. Natives living in the park will demonstrate the dances with fire, the art of making jewelry from plants, and bare-foot climbing of 50 feet trees. The natives also demonstrate native arts and crafts like carving tiki statues, canoe reenactment of war dances and wedding ceremonies. An authentic luau and a Polynesian night show are some of the attractions enjoyed by visitors and tourists alike.
Seven Wonders of the World
The most remarkable or amazing creations by mankind are included in the list of seven wonders of the world. The number 7 is said to symbolize perfection and hence is used to list the wonders. Let us have a look at each of these ancient and modern wonders.
Seven Wonders of the World
The seven wonders of the ancient times, due to destruction are no longer available for people to see. Thus, the need to find out new wonder may have arisen. The information about both ancient and new seven wonders of the world is provided in the paragraphs below.
Seven Ancient Wonders of the World
Here is a list of seven ancient wonders of the world. It provides information in short about the oldest seven wonders known as of today.
Pyramids of Egypt
The three pyramids located in Giza near Cairo are one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Among the three pyramids, the largest was built in ancient Egypt by a king of the fourth dynasty, called Khufu. Approximate height of the largest pyramid is 450 feet and its construction was completed in 2680 B.C. Read more on Egyptian pyramids.
Temple of Artemis
The construction of temple of Artemis had started in 350 B.C. and was built in the honor of Diana, a non-Hellenic goddess. The need to state the word, ‘non-Hellenic’ arises due to the fact that, the name Diana got associated with a Greek goddess later on. The Temple of Artemis which is located in Ephesis was destroyed by Goths during the invasion in 262 A.D. Read more on Greek mythology.
Colossus of Rhodes
The colossus of Rhodes depicts the sun god, Helius and was built by Chares from Rhodes (formerly known as Lindus). This 105 feet statue was destroyed during an earthquake which occurred in 224 B.C. It is said that ships which came to the harbor passed between the legs of this huge statue.
The Statue of Zeus
The statue was built around 432 B.C. and erected in the Zeus (Jupiter) temple of Olympia. This 39 feet high statue was made of ivory and gold. Wooden frames were used in the construction by the sculptor Phidias who created this statue. Read more on Greek gods and goddesses.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Built around 600 B.C. by Nebuchadnezzar II, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon was built by king Nebuchednezzar in 600 B.C (circa), in an attempt to please his wife, Amytis (also known as Amuhia). The Hanging Gardens which was laid above a vaulted building had the facility of raising water. The height of different terraces on the Hanging Garden varied from 75 to 300 feet. Read more on ancient Egyptians.
The Pharos of Alexandria
The Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria was built in Alexandria, Egypt on an island called Pharos. It was constructed by Soatratus, a Greek architect. Estimates of the height of this building vary between 115 m and 135 m. During an earthquake which occurred in the 13th century building got destroyed. Read more on Egyptian gods and goddesses.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
This monument was built by Queen Artemisia in the memory of king Mausolus, her husband. The mausoleum at Halicarnassus which is actually a tomb has an approximate height of 45 m.
Seven Modern Wonders of the World
The modern wonders include 6 new and an ancient world wonder. The Giza Pyramid complex is the only ancient wonder to feature in this list. The remaining 6 wonders are enlisted below.
Christ the Redeemer
A statue of Jesus Christ located in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Christ the Redeemer has a height of 39.6 m and is the largest ‘Art Deco’ statue.
The Great Wall of China
A series of walls built on the northern border of China, it was constructed and maintained during the period between 5th and 16th century. The Great Wall of China that we see today was constructed in the Ming dynasty. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China had built a wall, the remains of which are found even today. It was built between 220 B.C. and 206 B.C.
Taj Mahal
It is a mausoleum built by Shah Jahan a Mughal emperor in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal, his wife. The Taj Mahal is located at Agra, India and was constructed between 1632 A.D. And 1648 A.D.
Chichen Itza
The word Chichen can be broken into ‘chi’ and ‘ch’e'en’, which means ‘mouth’ and ‘well’ respectively. Itza is an ethnic group of northern peninsula of Mexico. The name, Chichen Itza thus, translates as, ‘at the mouth of well of Itza’. This pyramidal structure was built during the Mayan civilization. Read more on Mayan culture
Petra
A rock city carved in red stone at Jordan by Nabataens, is one of the major tourist attractions. It has been described as a “rose-red city half as old as time”. It remained hidden from the western world till 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt discovered it. UNESCO has described it as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage”.
Machu Picchu
An archaeological site located at a height of 2,430 m in the Urubamba Valley, Peru, Machu Picchu is 80 km. away from Cuzco. The construction of Machu Picchu started in 1400 A.D. during the the Inca civilization, however, the site was abandoned later on. Read more new 7 wonders.
Apart from the ancient and modern wonders, the seven natural wonders of the world include Mount Everest, Victoria Falls, Great Barrier Reef, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Paricutin Volcano, Aurora and Grand Canyon. The list of ancient and modern seven wonders of the world presents before us the richness of culture and architecture of our ancestors.
