May 2009


Here are two of the more unusual facts that I’ve read recently about France and it’s capital Paris. For instance, France is the most visited country in the world by tourists. Another unusual one is that the most disappointing tourist attraction in the world in the Eiffel Tower. Who came up with these so called facts is not exactly clear but the truth is that there is plenty to see and do in France and Paris that you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs next time you plan a visit. Here is some must see things while you are there.

To begin, the Eiffel Tower. Just to be a contrarian or have your own opinion, visiting the Eiffel tower has to be ticked off your must see list. It’s probably the most recognizable location in Paris and a pretty spectacular view can be had at the top. The view is better if you know what you are looking but locations like Defense and the Basilica Sacre Coeur can be seen from the top. Depending on when you go to Paris, the downside of the tower is the waiting. It can take a long time to get up to the top because of the queues. Winter is probably a better time if getting up quickly is a must, it may be colder but generally the view is just as good.

The Louvre is probably one of the most famous museums and art galleries in the world and has a unique glass pyramid entrance. Of course the must see picture is the Mona Lisa, which is a little bit disappointing to be honest, but there are thousands of other paintings and exhibits that you could spend days wandering round.

There are plenty of other museums to see in Paris. One that is not often written about is the Rodin museum. Rodin is the Victorian era sculptor behind iconic statues such as the Thinker and the Kiss. The museum is actually set in the home where he lived. Many of the monuments and statues are outside, with the thinker in the front garden.

Montmartre is the quirky district in the 18th arrondissment. It acquired a reputation as a gathering place for artists and other creative people during the 19 th century and many of the central creative forces of impressionism and surrealism spent some time there. After that it has become a must see location for tourists and popular location for many films, both French and foreign. The square is a popular place to eat during the day and plenty of nightclubs off the beaten track to visit at night. The centerpiece is the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. Not far from the metro exit you will find the sweep stars that will take you to the front of the Basilica (or you can take the railway funicular). 

The metro is all you need to get around Paris and see all the sites and more. There are many other places to see in Paris, but these three locations are must see if you are a first time visitor to Paris.

You stay in Paris will be better if you learn some French. Visit Rocket French Review for comprehensive reviews on some leading home study French courses that can help you to learn French quickly. You will find a Rocket French Reviews and Rocket French vs Michel Thomas

Bournemouth is a lively, vibrant and extremely exciting city, despite its nickname ‘God’s waiting Room’. The reason for the nickname is that a great many old people choose the town as their retirement place. However, the city of Bournemouth has an incredible youth culture, with a a high proportion of university students. Obviously a place such as this could be a excellent place to spend a few days but, there is a great deal  more to keep you entertained. In fact Bournemouth is surprisingly popular with groups of all ages, probably the reason why there are so many guest houses and hotels offering bed and breakfast in Bournemouth to choose from.

Bournemouth is situated on the coast in the South of England, a little over one hundred miles from of the city of London. The largest town located on the south coast, Bournemouth, is renowned for its 7 miles of perfect golden sandy beaches and glistening rich blue sea. It is the town’s mind blowing location that led to it being an amazingly popular UK tourist destination since the beginning of the 19C. It is rather hard to understand that in and around Bournemouth was,  at the start of the nineteenth century, nothing less than a barren and remote moorland being mainly common common grazings excluding the estate of Sir George Ivison Tapps. In 1809 a public house appeared on the heath, the Tapps Arms, only a few of years after this, in 1812, the first people moved in.

Lewis Tregonwell and his wife bought a little land, from Sir George Ivison Tapps, upon which they built a few villas looking out across the sea with the idea of letting them to visitors for the summer for vacations. The couple also constructed themselves a summerhouse on the land. and also began planting hundreds of pine trees, making a gorgeous sheltered walkway to the beach, which later became known as the Invalid’s walk.

Ever since those early days the popularity of Bournemouth, as a vacation destination, has ceaselessly increased, and today, it has become known as a tourist haven for culture, fun, recreation, leisure and entertainment. Places which tourists love to visit include; the graveyard of St. Peters Church, the Russel-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth Pier and the award winning Central Gardens.

If you and your family are currently thinking about spending a few weeks in Bournemouth it is crucial that you book your  lodgings at the earliest opportunity as, sadly Bournemouth hotel accommodation tend to be amazingly busy and are often fully booked well in advance. If you have a large family you might find that apartment accommodation in Bournemouth are a reasonable option to bed & breakfast in Bournemouth.

Bags are made from a variety of materials such as canvas, jute, plastic, leather and nylon. Leather bags show up as something special by its smooth touch. They exude the traditional richness and grandeur. Leather bags come in all shapes and sizes to meet a variety of needs. These bags now hold an enviable place in the world of fashion, whether men or women. They are popular especially amongst women’s accessories.

Leather bags make you feel great and special. These are made of cow hides and skins of fish, kangaroo, stingray, alligator, crocodile and snake. Black is the preferred classical color, both bright and soft. But leather bags come also in rich colors including brown, gray, red, pink and navy in various hues. There are the handbags, shoulder bags and backpacks. There are specially designed bags for the ladies too. These are made from scratch resistant tough leather. Leather bags are smooth to the touch and have the rich look.

Leather bags are popular amongst travelers. They are adored as gifts, personal and professional, and great gifts for important occasions. Purchasing leather backpacks for your personal use from amongst the various leather bags is a good buy. There are multiple pockets, zips, single and double straps, clips and even the wheeled laptop carriers that are detachable amongst the various designs on offer. The back straps are adjustable. The corners are folded and smooth making them comfortable, sleek and easy. They look weathered and rugged without losing the elegant look. The backpacks are also lined and with pockets. These are just the right carry bags for making your travel easy and accommodate all that you need for travel. They also fit your pockets and are practical.

Available in a wide range of designs for all occasions, the leather bags can also be bought off online. Choose the style and design that you want. Compare the prices. It just takes a little bit extra care to make sure that these last longer. But make sure to protect the leather bags from wind, rain and oily items. Clean the bag with a soft cloth and give the bag a shine with the leather shiner. When you are not using the bag, take care that you store it in a cloth bag rather than a plastic bag to keep the shine on.

In recent Years increasing numbers folk are looking for new holiday destinations which afford something different or, at the very least something alternative to the common vacation of sand and sun. Under the current economic conditions many groups of people are, sadly discovering that they have far less money for buying a holiday and are, annoyingly, forced to making cutbacks to stretch their money further. A way of meeting this requirement is to search out a cheaper destination. The article below introduces you to the English town of Birmingham. With the euro and dollar so strong against the pound Sterling Birmingham hotels are  something of a bargain.

The city of Birmingham is situated in the county of England called the West Midlands  and the city’s residents are described as being “Brummies”. The accent of the Brummy sounds like many other northern English dialects and it is difficult to understand what is being spoken a problem which is made worse if you have not heard it before. Happily the vast majority of people from Birmingham are polite, kind and extremely helpful and do their utmost to help you understand so if the need arises do not be afraid to approach people about directions and help or guidance in choosing  Birmingham bed & breakfast.

Birmingham possesses  a healthy collection of tourist attractions including some interesting and informative art galleries and museums, for example the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the new museum in the Eastside called Thinktank. The city of Birmingham also possesses an impressive number of acres of parks and open spaces, the largest being Sutton Park with 2,400 acres it is also the largest urban nature reserve in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Birmingham has a varied and vibrant night life with a large number restaurants, cafes, wine bars, bars and nightclubs. You will discover many in one of Birmingham’s squares, Victoria Square, Centenary Square, St Martin’s Square, Rotunda Square, Chamberlain Square, the historic Old Square at Corporation Street and the Gas Street Basin. Gas Street Basin is the hub of the city’s canal system. The city has approximately 32 miles of canals with a total of eight canals which were dug during the 18th century and remained in use until the late twentieth century. Nowadays the site has been regenerated and is now a incredibly popular visitor attraction.

Rather than staying in a bed & breakfast why not consider staying in apartments in Birmingham. If you If you are considering taking a vacation in Birmingham you should know that Birmingham’s airport is approximately eight miles from the center of the city (just off the A45 and near the M42, Junction 6. You will be pleased to know that there is a lot of hotels and guest houses not too far from the airport.

Do you want to experience Florence in a local manner? Do you want to find out more about local secrets of Florence? Surely knowing someone local or finding a local Florence guide would be good but sometimes not easy.

With its rich cultural and historical life, Florence is one of the most fascinating cities in Italy. The city offers a rich cultural heritage, being the artistic patrimony its primary attraction.

Florence is not only a city with lots of museums but has also been the home of many famous painters and writers.

Experience the difference between spending some days doing sightseeing and visiting Florence guided by a local who will give you the chance to learn everything about traditions and culture. If you want to buy some crafts, antiquities, leather or other souvenirs, don’t miss to visit local markets like Mercato di San Lorenzo, Mercato Centrale or Mercato delle Pulci.

A great experience for each tourist is going to the calcio storico, a cross between Greco-Roman wrestling, rugby and soccer where goals can be scored by pitching the round red and white leather ball over a four-foot high wooden wall that runs the full width at each end of the field. The game itself is said to originate from an ancient Roman ball sport, which became a Florentine speciality in the golden age of the Tuscan capital, and still is not known to many.

Wouldn’t it be great if a local could tell you about the traditions and the secrets of such an old and wonderful city.

Let a guide take you around and show you how locals really live. Everything about local cuisine, history, art, traditions and more…Choose the local guide you most like and have a great experience. Creative Florence guides will deliver you a deep insight into the local culture, real life, traditions and more. Who is not seeking experiencing, learning and feeling emotions!

Contact your Florence local tour guides and enjoy your trip like a local! And for locals: Combine all of your secret places in a creative and unique tour and help people enjoy this charming city!