Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire - The Best Part Of UK

No tourist to London or the Island of Great Britain, which are part of the United Kingdom, should pass up an opportunity to visit one of the numerous towns which lie along the banks of the very-famous River Thames. Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England, is one of the best examples of what life was probably like back in 17th and 18th centuries, such is the quality of its architectural inventory. It also has several excellent examples of 18th century bridgework, and it's just around the corner from metropolitan London, making it an ideal commute to the big city.

Henley-on-Thames has a varied history. It seems to have first been noted in late-12th century writings on the activities of Henry II, who established an early settlement within its borders. Throughout the succeeding centuries, the town has always benefited from its role as a port town that could supply the city of London with needed grains and lumbers back in the days of wooden sailing ships.

This Oxfordshire municipality (it was first incorporated in 1568) today serves as a home base for many people who work in the city and then commute back home to Henley-on-Thames. It also benefits from having its own train station, which can whisk commuters to London's famous Paddington Station in relatively short order.

Perhaps it's most notable today for the famous role it plays as the renowned center of rowing sports, hosting the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta, among other races and events. There are several rowing clubs in the town, with the Leander Club being the home to numerous Olympic and world rowing champions. Current London Mayor Boris Johnson represented the town when he was a member of the Parliament, and former Beatle George Harrison called it home from the 1970s until his death in 2001.

Oxfordshire county mainly counts on tourism as a source of income, and deservedly so. With a population of around six-hundred and forty thousand people, it's a very short distance to London, and it has numerous interesting cultural activities to recommend it to just about any tourist to the London area of Great Britain.

Author:-Simon Haughtone
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Few Recommendations For Your Trip From Reus Airport To Salou

As a shuttle driver on the Spanish coast, I've driven to pretty much every corner of the Costa Dorada and Costa Del Sol, yet there's one route that is always very popular in the summer - Reus airport to Salou, in the heart of the Costa Dorada.

Out of all the resorts along the coast, it's the one that seems to get rave reviews from my Reus shuttle passengers; in many ways, it is at the centre of life on this particular part of the coast. So if you are looking for a holiday in the Spanish sun, I really can't recommend it enough - here are a few recommendations for your trip...

Getting there

Reus airport to Salou is the simplest way to get to the resort - it's only a fifteen minute drive (ten if you ask me to step on it!) Many international budget airlines fly direct into Reus, and the proximity of Salou to the airport is a real bonus, especially if you are only going for a short break.

If you can't find a good flight in to Reus airport, Salou can also be reached from Barcelona, but be warned - it'll take about an hour by car, and no amount of pleading with me will get you there any faster!

Staying there

There's plenty of accommodation for all budgets available in Salou. If you want to holiday on a shoestring, the Estival Park Salou is the place for you - my budget passengers always recommend it as the best cheap hotel in the resort. If you can up the cost a touch, the Las Vegas Hotel is probably the best mid range hotel, offering outstanding value for money, while the Hotel El Paso (located a stone's throw away from leading attraction Port Aventura) is consistently rated as the finest choice if you are willing to spend the money.

What to see and do

Port Aventura is always going to be the central attraction of Salou - it is one of the biggest and best theme parks in Europe. The stomach turning Dragon Khan can be seen for miles around, and the theme park is filled with spectacular attractions for the whole family. If you'd rather ride a waterslide than a rollercoaster, The Aquopolis Waterpark just up the coast is the place to visit.

Away from the parks, the beach itself is the biggest draw for a holiday in Salou - this pristine stretch of golden sand is one of the finest in the Costa Dorada, and my Reus shuttle passengers just can't keep quiet about it. The resort is packed with restaurants and nightclubs, so you'll never want for things to do after dark, and the charming local village of Cambrils and nearby grand city of Tarragona can make for perfect daytrips if you are looking for a taste of traditional culture.

Don't go to Salou expecting quiet and relaxation - it's a big and bustling resort with plenty going on. But for family friendly holidays in the sun or a fun holiday abroad with your friends, it is hard to beat a trip to Salou.

Author:-Carolina Pujol
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Some Ideas For Romantic Getaways

Looking to rekindle your romance? Here are some ideas for romantic getaways that will re-light your fires:

Charter a Boat

Why not charter a boat for your romantic getaway? You can charter a small boat for two people or a fancy yacht with a full crew to take you on a completely private cruise. Have a private dinner for two on the deck. Whether out in the ocean or on a lake, a charter cruise is a romantic way to spend a getaway.

Spa Trip

Many couples will find a spa trip to be a great option. A trip to a spa can give a hard working couple the rest and rejuvenation they need to rekindle their romance. Choose a spa with fancy hotel like rooms, completely private cabins or bungalows separate from other guests. Spas can also offer many beauty and relaxation treatments to further enhance your romantic time.

Las Vegas

The city that never sleeps is a good choice for a weekend romantic getaway, especially since there are always deals available due to the abundance of hotels and hotel rooms always available. Whether you like world class food, gargantuan buffets, relaxing by the pool, big name shows, gambling at the tables or at the slots or simply staying in a luxurious room overlooking the strip, Las Vegas offers options that many other cities cannot match and is the perfect city for a quick trip.

Cruise

There are many options in the cruise area for couples. Whether it's a weekend cruise to Mexico or a week long cruise to Alaska or the Caribbean, there's a cruise option to match every desire. Cruises are romantic in that you are truly getting away from it all and have no required activities. Whether you want to stroll the decks, enjoy fancy meals, dancing, bars, shopping and nightlife, or even if you prefer to stay in the cabin the entire time, you can do what you please.

B&B

A bed and breakfast is one of the most romantic choices for any couple, and it's also a great quick getaway. Most cities and towns have a bed and breakfast in them.

Skiing

What's more intimate and romantic than spending the day on the slopes, having a quiet dinner and then getting cozy by the fireplace for the night? A ski vacation is perfect since it's almost required that you get cozy with your loved one to stay warm.

Be a Kid Again

Why not have some fun at an amusement park? Consider a local amusement park for a fun day or night together. Ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy the sunset from the top. Having fun and enjoying time together is a surefire way to spark your romance.

Author:-Lydia Quinn
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Rovinj Of Croatia - The Most Beautiful Town Of Croatia

Rovinj is amongst one of the most liked towns in Croatia, and among its most amorous locations. With its pastel-coloured homes concentrated on twisting roads and crowned with a Venetian bell tower, you'd believe that you were actually in Italy and not Croatia.

Established as an island village below a humble hill, Rovinj was 1st observed as an old town in the early eighth century, whilst it had believably existed for numerous centuries already.

In the sixth century, Rovinj was under the reign of the Byzantine, only later to become ruled by the Frankish sometime in the late eighth century and then eventually the ruled Aquilean. Whilst a potent marine industry was rising in 1188 Rovinj signed up to a crucial treaty with the ruling naval force. Rovinj remains an energetic fishing town and you are able to take boats to the adorable offshore islands.

Rovinj Heritage Museum

It has its home in a dramatic baroqueness palace and holds rooms dedicated to archeology, marine functions and pictures by renascence and modern-day Rovinj artists.

Aquarium

The marine museum was set up in 1891 and forms part of the Ruder Boškovic establishments Centre for marine search.

Churches

Church of St Euphemia. This church's spectacular bell tower was moulded after the bell tower of St Mark's in Venice. The church is devoted to St Euphemia and holds the grave of this martyr that, legend has it, enigmatically appeared from the sea.

Balbi Arch

The Balbi Arch which is a part of the towns gate was built around 1679 and, it is adorned with a Venetian head on one side and a Turkish head on the other asa sign of the war.

Town Square

Known as Trg Marsala Tita, it is amongst one of the most attractive town squares consisting of baroque homes a clock tower and water fountain.

Author:-David H Hobson
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Ponkala Festival of South India - A Festival of Womenfolk

Attukal Ponkala Mahotsavam is one of the most important festivals of Kerala, held at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This festival is exclusively for women, without caste or religious difference. Lakhs of women from Kerala and other parts of the country participate in this festival. The spirit of unity is an important feature of this festival.

It is an annual festival commencing on Karthika star day in Malayalam month Makaram-Kumbhom,which falls in February - March, with the chanting of thottampattu (a song praising Bhagavathy) and continues for nine days. On the 9th day, Ponkala is made and offered to the goddess, and the 10th day it concludes. This year, according to the calendar, this great festival of Attukal Pongala of Kerala is celebrated on 10th of March 2009.

Ponkala- Ponkala means golden pot. It is a sweet payasam made with rice, jaggery, plantains and coconut, in earthen pots,and offered to the goddess. The women devotees assemble in the temple premises with the payasm ingredients, the earthern pots, bricks and firehood. The cooking preparation starts morning and by noon would be over. The queue of the women come for ponkala making, stretches into few kilometers. Ponkala payasam is believed to be the most favourite offering of the goddess. After the ponkala, the women return home with the prasadams, having achieved some great satisfaction.

After Ponkala, the chief priest of the temple and his assistants go around and bless the devotees by sprinkling holy water on them and their offerings. This is considered as the goddess has gladly accepted their offerings. Then the idol of the Devi is taken in a procession to the Manacaud Sastha Temple accompanied by thalapoli, kuthiyottom, annam, vahanam and, caparisoned elephants with percussion.

Significance - This ponkala is done by the women for the well being of their husband and children.

Legends- Bhagavathy Attukalamma is considered as the incarnation of 'Kannaki', the heroine of 'Silappathikaram' by Tamil Poet Illango in 2nd century A.D. Attukal temple, is one of the places where Kannaki took rest on her journey from Madurai to Kodungallur.

Attukal Pongala has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest gathering of women.

Author:-Lakshmi Menon
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Namibian Desert Wilderness Safari

Namibia, a country of vast open spaces; extreme contrasts of harsh, arid deserts and green palm fringed oases, of thorn bush savannah and rugged mountains, of frosty cold winter nights and sweltering hot summer days. A country with European influence revealed in the German architecture, the lifestyle and language of many of the white population. A rich tribal population offers the traveller a unique cultural experience. Namibia is the driest country south of the Sahara, 5th largest country in Africa and yet has the smallest population.

Experiencing a harsh arid desert is not for everyone, but for me the experience was overwhelmingly beautiful. The peace and solitude reconnected me with nature, the abundance of space, the eerie stillness reminded me of the infinity of life in the universe. The contrasting colours of the landscape allow incredible photographic opportunities. The deep blue mostly cloudless skies, rugged brown lunar landscape sparsely dotted with unusual desert-like plant species, massive ever-changing earthy-orange sand dunes sculpted by winds of time. You will return home with a different perspective of life. This landscape leaves you with a feeling of peace and tranquillity.

As my intention here is to enlighten you on a true Namibian wilderness experience, I would like to channel your attention to the far northwestern corner of Namibia to a remote luxury wilderness camp situated right on the banks of the perennial Kunene River. The Wilderness Safaris camp, Serra Cafema is a premier camp offering you a true desert experience in the lap of luxury. A relatively small camp accommodating a maximum of 16 guests in beautiful chalets raised on wooden platforms made of thatch, canvass and wood blending into their natural surroundings. Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa and getting there is best via light aircraft from Windhoek unless you have a couple of days to spare, a 4x4 and an adventurous spirit.

Once you arrive at Serra Cafema camp after a 45min drive from the airstrip, you are pampered by gracious, most caring, happy, bubbly staff that add to the experience of this remote camp. All meals deliciously prepared are included as are the activities such as nature drives in the Hartmann's Valley in open Land Rovers, boating trips on the Kunene River, nature walks in the valleys and visits to the working Himba village should the nomadic people be in the area. Professional, experienced field guides accompany you on these activities. One of the highlights is a guided quad biking excursion that allows you to experience the untouched desert wilderness areas. The emphasis here is on providing information to you on the surrounding environment, on the endemic fauna and flora that blend so harmoniously into their environment and on a life of sustainable living within this balanced ecosystem.

Serra Cafema Camp is leased from the 300 000-hectare Marienfluss Conservancy, which is comprised primarily of local Himba people, one of the last semi-nomadic peoples on earth. Numbering approximately 12 000 individuals, the Himba live an isolated existence that has allowed them to preserve their culturally rich lifestyle.

Like all Wilderness Safaris camps, Serra Cafema really embraces unity amongst the local people, including those found on the Angolan side. The Himba community visited not only benefits in terms of direct employment but are also being supplied with staple foods like maize meal from the camp. This lifestyle, so different from many others', is fascinating to visitors and it is important, when meeting the Himba, to maintain the delicate balance necessary to be able to share this insight without impacting negatively on the people and their customs. Wilderness Safaris' Serra Cafema and Skeleton Coast Camp are both situated within Himba territory, and have approached the Himba people with respect, creating a positive relationship between the camps and the community.

An all year round destination, Namibia's weather creates a variety of fascinating moods. Namibia receives the majority of its rain in February with an average of 25 to 30 ml/a. The rains bring with it the most incredible transformation of stark desert into lush green grasslands and colourful flowers that last only a couple of weeks and then return to hibernation until the next year.

Namibia has become a popular destination for its fly-in safaris and combining a couple of days on a desert wilderness experience with a big 5 authentic game viewing destination such as Kruger National Park in South Africa, would contribute to a very exciting African adventure.

Author:-Claire Dinnie

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From Where To Buy Irish Crafts

STUDIOS

Ardmore Pottery Shop, Ardmore, County Waterford for a fine selection of hand thrown earthenware pots by Mary Lincoln as well as a selection of glass and wooden products by Irish artists and craftsmen.

Celtic Roots Studio, Athlone, County Westmeath, for that souvenir with a difference. Pieces are fashioned by craftsmen using bogwood, which is more than 5000 years old. There are all sorts here from candleholders, timepieces, lamps, trophies, and even mobile phone holders.

Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre, Foxford, County Mayo. With two art galleries, a mill shop and a jewellery workshop you are sure to find your ideal souvenir here in the form of hand crafted silver and gold jewellery, paintings by local artists or the famous Foxford rugs, blankets and tweeds. Also on site you can discover the history of Foxford Woollen Mills with a self-guided tour. And if you are feeling peckish after all of that, there is the Olde Mill Restaurant to curb those hunger pangs.

CRAFT SHOPS

Kilkenny Design Craft Centre, Castle Yard, Kilkenny for the best in Irish hand crafted gifts. Goods for purchase include jewellery, knitwear, Celtic gifts, China, crystal, pottery, glass and a range of home and fashion accessories. You will also get the chance to see original works by upcoming craftsmen.

Kylemore Abbey, Kylemore, County Galway. The craft and retail shop has a fine selection of jewellery, religious items, crystal and knitwear as well as their own pottery made from the onsite workshop. Also in the craft shop you can purchase homemade jams from recipes handed down by the nuns of the Benedictine Community.

Indeed staying on the homemade theme, a trip to the Mitchell Henry Restaurant will allow you to sample further homemade delights, such as soup, scones, brown bread and apple pie.

The Leitrim Design House, The Docks Arts Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim - the 19th century courthouse sets the scene for what you might expect at Leitrim Design House. Featuring the works of over 250 artists, you will see works in ceramics, glass, paper, wood, textiles, metal and jewellery. Hand made books and fine art also feature. If you would like more information, please have a look at the Into Leitrim website.

GALLERIES

Access to Arts Gallery, The Design Tower, Trinity College Centre, Dublin. Works by over 50 Irish artists are featured here in this gallery. You will see both exhibits from established artists and up and coming artists here, and a wide variety of materials as well. Be totally amazed by what can be done with glass, ceramics, silver, print, oils, watercolours, fibre, wood, limestone, and bronze.

Designyard, Dublin City. If you want to see the best in Irish jewellery, then this gallery is definitely on your "to do" list. European counterparts are also featured. And it is not just jewellery alone, works in bog oak, glass, wood and ceramics are on show.

Guinness Gallery, Foxrock, Dublin. If glass is your "thing", then the Guinness Gallery is a must see for you. This is the ultimate in art glass from European artists. You will also find a variety of contemporary Irish paintings and sculpture.

EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS

Upcoming events and exhibitions include:

Art Ireland Spring Collection, from 27th - 29th March, Main Hall, RDS, Dublin. Interior Design, RDS, Dublin from May the 14th to May 17th.

The Knitting and Stitching Show, RDS, Dublin from 29th October to 1st November.

The National Crafts and Design Fair, RDS, Dublin from the 2nd to the 6th December.

Just a few ideas there on where you can purchase the ultimate Irish craft to take home with you after a memorable holiday in the Emerald Isle.

Mairead writes for GoIreland.com - Ireland's leading travel and accommodation website.

Check out GoIreland.com for everything you need to know before you visit Ireland. GoIreland.com has low prices for quality approved hotel, B&B, guesthouse and self catering accommodation all over the country.

Author:-Mairead Foley
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Where to Enjoy Medieval Banquets in Ireland

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty, County Clare.

World-renowned Bunratty Castle will definitely give you a feel of what medieval dining was like. There are two sittings each night where you can enjoy a sumptuous 4 course meal consisting of parsnip soup, ribs in a honey and whiskey sauce, chicken, and to polish it all off, rastin for dessert. A vegetarian option is also available.

Learn about the history of the castle from the resident butler. Be entertained by the castle singers and musicians. And who knows you and your partner may be selected to preside as the Earl and his Lady for the evening. What makes it all the more real is the cast are dressed in traditional medieval costumes. With the choice of two sittings, your medieval entertainment can begin at either 5.30p.m. or 8.45p.m. Please note pre-booking is essential.

Knappogue Castle Medieval Banquet

Near Quin, County Clare.

Banqueting season at Knappogue Castle takes place from April to October. Enjoy a 5 course medieval themed meal in historical surroundings. At the castle door you will be met by the ladies of the castle and the butler, and get your 1st taste of medieval delights in a goblet of mead (an alcoholic drink of fermented honey and water). Other culinary delights to follow include salmon salad, tomato soup, chicken and rastin (lemon cheesecake). A vegetarian option is also available.

Entertainment is provided in the form of music, song and dance from the resident cast. A bit of involvement is also expected from the audience, as 4 men are chosen at the start of the evening as the 4 High Kings of Ireland! Your medieval experience begins at 6.30p.m. Please note, pre-booking is essential.

Dunguarie Mediaeval Castle Banquet

Kinvara, County Galway.

Banquets are held in this castle from the middle of April to the middle of October. There are 2 sittings each night, the first starts at 5.30p.m. and the 2nd starts at 8.45p.m. Your 4 course medieval themed dinner consists of salmon, leek and potato soup, chicken and apple pie. A vegetarian option is also available and of course there is the customary glass of mead thrown in for good measure.

During your meal you will enjoy music, song and verse. Your after dinner entertainment programme features songs and poems by people linked to the Galway area. Expect to hear works by Yeats, Synge and Shaw.

Mairead writes for GoIreland.com - Ireland's leading travel and accommodation website.

Check out GoIreland.com for everything you need to know before you visit Ireland. GoIreland.com has low prices for quality approved hotel, B&B, guesthouse and self catering accommodation all over the country.

Author:-Mairead Foley
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Columbia River Highway-One of the most beautiful state highways

One of the most beautiful state highways in the world is in our very own country. Oregon is known for its beautiful scenery, but when we are in our cars driving we often forget what we could be seeing if we were taking it a bit slower, on a bike, per se. Biking through the scenic highways of Oregon is a real treat. There is an endless road with endless possibilities. One of the most popular for bikers though, is the Historic Columbia River Highway.

This scenic highway offers views of the Columbia River Gorge, waterfalls, and lush rainforest vegetation. It is considered a historic trail because it is believed to be where the famed Lewis and Clark expedition made its final leg to the Pacific Ocean, as well as where many people came to settle on the Oregon Trail.

The amount of bike-able road is about seventy miles, though you can drive it in about two or three hours. The best time to ride this trail depends upon what you want to see. In the spring the waterfalls are in full force, which brings beautiful picture taking opportunities. However, in the spring you risk lots of rain and spring weather-the fall is the driest, yet not too hot. Winter trail is not advised as storms from the Cascade Mountains often bring hazardous weather and winter storms.

Many travelers start in Troutdale and then make the steep climb up to Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. It is about eight miles up, but eight miles of beautiful views. The scenic highway has not been completely rebuilt for car use, but the part not can still be great bike trails (if you bring your mountain bike). Get off the beaten track to see more of the beauty most people never see.

Important sights to see Latourell Falls, Shepperd's Dell, Bridal Veil Falls, and Oneonta Gorge. The most stopped at is one of the largest waterfalls Multnomah Falls, which is very beautiful and a great place to stop for lunch.

Pick up a map or make your own to pick the spots you wish to see. Biking on these

Author:-Joseph Devine
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Playa Blanca Of Southern Lanzarote - One Of The Biggest Resort

One of Lanzarote's big three holiday resorts, Playa Blanca was previously just a small traditional fishing village eking out an existence much as it had done for centuries. With the growth of tourism during the 1960's and 1970's, Playa Blanca began to grow as a holiday destination and though it is now a very popular beach resort, it has not been altogether spoilt as has its Lanzarote neighbour, Puerto del Carmen.

The main attractions of Playa Blanca, for its many visitors, are the fine beaches, the clean, blue waters and the wonderful climate. The resort also offers fine views to the nearby islands of Fuerteventura and Isla Los Lobos and is in fact the main port for accessing these islands, with ferries and boat trips operating from the pretty harbour.

Despite the appearance of an American fast food chain outlet beside the beach and an increase in building development (mostly low-rise), Playa Blanca retains much of its old fishing village charm.

There are a number of beaches in and around Playa Blanca, including the main beach which stretches for about one kilometre to the east of the harbour. Perhaps the finest beach is located at Playa de Papagayo, some 4 kilometres south-east of the town centre, boat trips are available to ferry visitors here from the main resort, including one which has the appearance of an old pirate ship - very popular with holidaymakers.

Playa Blanca is situated in the extreme south of Lanzarote, one of the Spanish Canary Islands, the resort and the whole island benefit from a wonderful all year round climate, being located, as they are, off the west coast of North Africa.

Author:-Steve Locke
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