Soft side of Sarawak
The traditional pasar is disappearing but where they still exist, they are quietly attracting the locals. HEIDI MUNAN goes in search of nostalgia
SARAWAK is Malaysia’s largest State, with the fewest people per square mile and the best-known beauty spots – the famous national parks, the mountains and high plains, the thick rainforest and the highland rivers thundering through narrow gorges before they reach a tranquil middle course on the way to the sea.
Adventure is written here with a capital “Aâ€, and you’d better bring stout shoes, a rucksack, a Swiss Army knife and plenty of stamina!
And then, there is the soft option.
Get into a comfortable saloon car and drive a few miles out of our main towns, park under the trees by a nice old-fashioned pasar for a cup of nice old-fashioned coffee and a bowl of nice old-fashioned kolok mee. Or Sarawak laksa…
Just one little problem: The nice old-fashioned pasar is slowly disappearing, either due to the re-tracing of roads, or to improvement efforts on the part of shop-owners. The more accessible of these old trading sites are beginning to look like the suburban shopping streets which many of them are. The goods, the traders, the ambience are still there, but the look has changed.
Old-fashioned Pasar
The traditional pasar resemble longhouses. A number of shop-houses, four or more, are built together, sharing partition walls. This somewhat reduces construction cost and labour though if the building is constructed of wood and leaf attap, it also considerably increases fire danger.
In the 19th Century, the Rajah’s government drew up any number of regulations for pasar management. Most of them concerned safety and health – kitchens had to be in detached buildings at the back of the main shop-house, proper upstairs floors had to be constructed, shops had to be kept reasonably clean.
Regular pasar inspections were carried out by local officials, and fines were levied for offences like no proper kitchen, incorrect weights, no upstairs floor, obstructing five-foot way with merchandise, dirty shop etc.
Some of the most picturesque old pasar are sited on the State’s old traffic routes, the rivers. Many of these are almost abandoned as an ever-increasing network of roads carries most of the traffic.
Within easy reach of Kuching, the many pasar in the old gold-mining district of Bau have been reasonably well preserved. They are becoming popular with townsfolk out for a Sunday drive, a look around the old-fashioned shops where the occasional treasure may be found, and the inevitable coffee served by a waiter in long shorts and singlet.
Tondong, on the “gold route†of the 19th Century, is one pasar that is enjoying a quiet revival. It lies on the main road to the Gunung National Park in Lundu where the Rafflesia may be found, and to the beach resorts of Pandan and Sematan.
The river jetty at the rear of Tondong pasar dates back to the gold-mining days when access to Bau was by river. This was the last place reached by fair-sized craft; shallows and rapids further upstreams bar the way to any but longboats. After Tondong, men and goods bound for Bau had to travel by shank’s pony.
Riverside Idyll
Some 150 years ago, the river jetty must have presented a bustling scene of activity. Today, it’s a riverside idyll, overshadowed by a huge clump of bamboo. Beside the cement stairs that lead to the water, traces of an older set of belian hardwood steps can be discerned. A tiny shrine, renovated many times but obviously dating back to the 19th Century, adds a touch of colour to a picturesque scene.
Nobody comes to Tondong looking for gold dust these days. The quest is for a fragrant black dust – coffee. Grown on the steep flank of Mt. Singai just behind the pasar, the beans are roasted in a metal drum hand-cranked over a small charcoal fire.
Just follow your nose – the aroma is unmistakable! Customers can see for themselves how the freshly roasted beans are ground – no question of substandard additives like maize grains in Tondong coffee!
Siniawan is another venerable pasar with gold-mining connections. The houses here are older than Tondong, of rather grim aspect, but interesting examples of the carpenters’ art. Fancy carving and relief decorations embellish verandahs and fascia boards. Many of the long window shutters, floor-level for better ventilation, are decorated.
Besides the gold mining connection, there is also a river connection – the two old pasar like on the same branch of Sarawak River. Travellers who like to see Sarawak the way our ancestors saw it can hire a longboat and driver at Tondong, and make a river trip to Siniawan. To reach Siniawan by car, use the Bau Road via Batu Kitang, and turn off the main highway at the sign.
Cups of Nostalgia
The old pasar have a special nostalgia. Modern Malaysians like to drink our coffee at marble tables, sitting on the plaited rattan seats of old-fashioned chairs.
An established general shop that sells old-fashioned crockery, household utensils, ceramic utility ware (curry pots, medicine teapots, incense and mosquito-coil burners), wax paper umbrellas can do good business, provided people know where to hunt for these treasures. The old pasar is one of the many faces of Sarawak, but up-to-date the locals are keeping the secret to themselves!
Article from:
http://www.nst.com.my/Weekly/Travel/article/FeatureStory/20070109090430/Article/
Short Break/Best of Sungei Lembing: Tunnels to the past
Its glory days as a tin mining town may be over but Sungei Lembing has acquired a new shine that’s drawing the tourists, writes F.K. KOK
IT is dark and cold. Rain the night before has cloaked the town with a light mist. Under the cover of darkness, a group of pre-dawn hikers hasten past a prayer hall for the dead, groping their way up Panorama Hill so that they can catch a glimpse of the sunrise.
The hill is barely visible in the dark. Standing 400 metres tall, it is like a giant in deep sleep, with only croaks and chirps of nocturnal wildlife to punctuate the silence.
This ethereal scene is in Sungei Lembing, Pahang. With a reputation as one of Malaysia’s spookiest sites, it was chosen as the location for the film Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam.
Then, first light breaks through the darkness, like the victory of good over evil, unveiling the softly rolling clouds. In the mist, the peaks of distant hillocks look like islands.
Morning has come and it’s time to get back to ground zero where the smell of breakfast fills the air, awaiting those back from the invigorating hike up Panorama Hill. What a great start to Sunday!
Sg Lembing may have lost the lustre of its tin mining days but a new era is dawning and the new buzz is tourism.
When Baba Ah Sam first stepped foot here, little did he know that his first scoop of dirt over a century ago would turn the river basin valley into a booming township under the control of Pahang Consolidated Company Limited (PCCL).
The people enjoyed duty free status and imported goods were not luxuries. Its vibrant nightlife shook the more conservative east-coast neighbourhood.
Retracing the footsteps of Baba Ah Sam and PCCL is Pahang State Government and Kuantan Town Council (MPK).
They hope to equal Sg Lembing’s fame as the world’s deepest and longest tin mine with 700m shaft and 322km maze of tunnels. For a start, the Sungei Lembing Museum is a showcase of arts and crafts from the past.
The mines have closed but tin still makes its presence felt in the many tunnels though years of neglect and Mother Nature have worn away many of the supporting wooden beams.
If you wish to enter the tunnels, do engage the services of ex-miners or ex-workers who conduct guided tours. “A safety helmet, a pair of safety shoes and miners’ grade torchlights are a must,†says Chen Kin Chai who worked with PCCL in the Tooling Section for over 30 years. He gives guided tours now. His weathered look belies his age and his build is that of a much younger man.
To find out more about the mine tunnels, visit the MPK Information Centre housed in the old clubhouse beside the padang. The big black wooden house was where the residents came to spend their salaries. Today, it showcases crafts made by the Orang Asli.
With a fresh coat of paint, the old cinema is ready to entertain a new generation of patrons. Instead of Shaw Brothers’ box office hits with legendary stars like P. Ramlee and Bruce Lee, tales of the past, present and future are told through ethnic dances.
What To See Or Do
To enjoy the sunrise, you must begin your climb up Panorama Hill by 6am. It takes about an hour to reach the summit. Be properly attired for the climb and bring along sufficient water. A torch light is a must and if you can get a miner’s headlamp (that straps around your head), it is a bonus. Bring along a camera and a fresh set of clothes for changing after the climb.
Take a walk on any of the hanging bridges. It leads to the residential quarters and who knows what surprises it may bring.
The Museum is open daily from 9am till 5pm except during Hari Raya holidays (closed for two days). Admission is free. It showcases the tin mining industry and the people responsible for its illustrious past.
Visit the mines and tunnels. A guided tour is recommended as some parts are dangerous. Proper attire is required. For more information contact Sungei Lembing Museum at 09-541 2378 or MPK at 09-541 1480.
What To Eat
On Sundays, the market square comes alive with street peddlers offering fresh food and produce. During the fruit season, visitors can enjoy locally-grown rambutan, mangosteen and durian.
Try the halal Sungei Lembing’s mee jawa at Warisah Restaurant.
Next to the Hakka Association is a stall serving chee cheong fun. Make it special by having it fried with egg. Yong tau foo is a favourite with the Chinese and there are a number of stalls to choose from at the makeshift food court near the market.
The famous Kampung Java Coconut Biscuits can only be purchased at a corner shop near the market on the road leading to the foothill of Panorama Hill. This is the original recipe. No two pieces are the same. Those sold elsewhere are imitations.
Getting There
From Kuala Lumpur, use the East Coast Highway to get to Kuantan — a drive that takes about three hours. Exit at Kuantan Toll Plaza and follow the directions to Sungei Lembing which is about 30 minutes away.
Language Used
Malay is widely spoken and most Chinese understand Cantonese, Mandarin and Hakka.
Article from:
http://www.nst.com.my/Weekly/Travel/article/Destinations/20070101103752/Article/
Take a tour of Scandinavia’s capital cities
Scandinavian exports to the world have varied in type over the last century; from Abba to Brigitte Neilson, IKEA to Nokia mobile phones, Scandinavian goods and personalities have continued to spread throughout our everyday culture. Despite this, tourism to Scandinavia has only taken off recently, with more and more people in Europe and beyond braving its weather conditions to enjoy its many beautiful cities and landscapes. An ideal holiday idea for the first-time traveller to Scandinavia would be a tour of all the capital cities - Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki - as a way of fully enjoying the delights of the region.
Denmark, for example, may have been in the news recently for more controversial reasons, but its capital, Copenhagen, is popularly ranked as one of the world’s best cities to live in, despite its high cost of living. Established annual events include the Copenhagen Jazz Festival (http://festival.jazz.dk/start.asp?l=2 ), which supports the flourishing jazz scene that has existed in the city for many years; the city is also very popular with homosexual travellers due to its active gay community. It annually hosts a gay pride festival, as well as the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Copenhagen, held in late October.
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is often referred to as “the Venice of Scandinavia” due to the numerous water channels running through the city. Stockholm also has a rich cultural past that makes it very attractive to foreign visitors; the “Gamla Stan”, or Old Town, is an impressive vestige of the medieval architecture, which includes the Riddarholmskyrkan (the city’s oldest building), Stockholm Palace and Storkyrkan Cathedral. Stockholm also has over 70 museums, including the Swedish National Museum of Fine Arts, which possesses an extensive collection of fantastic pieces, including works by Rembrandt and Antoine Watteau, as well as many important Swedish artists.
Oslo and Helsinki may not be quite as popular with the majority of mainstream tourists; however they offer much of interest for the potential visitor. Oslo, for instance, is a popular centre for music in Norway, and Scandinavia at large. The world famous Lillehammer Bluesfestival, held every April, is a popular event, as is the Lillehammer Jazzfestival, and the Lillehammer Classic Rock Festival. The Oslo Concert Hall professes to cater to all musical tastes, and The Norwegian Opera is one of Europe’s foremost centres of classical opera and ballet.
Finland may have reached the headlines with their Eurovision win this year, through the efforts of rock-shockers Lordi, but this image is at odds with its high brow cultural scene. Helsinki’s numerous theatres are widely acclaimed and the capital is also home to various national museums and art galleries. Sometimes known as “the daughter of the Baltic”, visitors to Helsinki can also enjoy the Suomenlinna naval fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the open-air museum of Seurasaari Island. Its persistent darkness during the winter months provides a great opportunity for interesting lighting, as in Aleksanterinkatu’s famous Christmas street.
Visitors to Scandinavia’s capitals will find a selection of affordable and conveniently located independent hotels, as well as the region’s largest hotel chain, Scandic Hotels (http://www.scandic-hotels.com/ ). Make sure you book your tour of Scandinavia now, before the word gets out!
About The Author
Andrew Regan (http://www.buzzle.com/authors.asp?author=5195 ) is a keen sportsman playing rugby during the winter and cricket during the summer.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)Tips On Barcelona Sightseeing
Barcelona has a lot to be proud of. A city literally stuffed with spectacular architecture, historical and cultural places of interest, fantastic food and a vibrant nightlife, it is no wonder tourists flock to the area. There is more to Catalunya than Barcelona sightseeing however, including a glorious coastline, beautiful mountains and a fierce independent spirit that will be felt by even the least informed visitor.
Make sure you have a map detailing the places of interest when you arrive in Barcelona; it is surprisingly easy to get lost in Barcelona’s bustling streets. A good place to start your tour is Gaudi’s Park Guell, an open space filled with pieces of Gaudi’s work including benches, archways, walls and balconies. It is a place where Gaudi’s imagination really ad free reign, and you feel almost that the works of art are more natural than the plants and trees.
From here you can move easily on to Gaudi’s iconic work, the Sagrada Familia. This church was started in 1882 but was not finished when Gaudi died in 1926. Various attempts have been made to complete the work to Gaudi’s designs but the church is still not entirely finished and probably never will be. If you don’t think you can capture the spirit of the church in your own photographs, you might want to check out the stunning images available in postcard stands that surround the building.
The Barcelona zoo was founded in 1892 and is located in the Ciutadella Park, next to the old town or Ciutat Vella. This is a great place to visit especially of you have children that are likely to lose interest in architecture and history. Some of the seven and a half thousand animals on display include pelicans, American buffalos and red kangaroo, as well as a specialist primate collection which the zoo is famous for.
There is an aquatic park within the zoo that provides a home to bottlenose dolphins among others. Dolphin shows can be seen throughout the warm summer months, and this can make a refreshing escape from the heat of the city. An acclaimed research program at Barcelona zoo is well known for sympathetic breeding of animals in captivity and protection of endangered species, which would otherwise become extinct.
The main avenue in Barcelona, La Rambla is a riot of color and bustle with flower stalls and street performers at regular intervals along the promenade. The main hotels and restaurants center around La Rambla, but you may get a better deal and more authentic dishes if you explore a little further out. One place not be missed is the Boqueria, a fantastic food market to one side of La Rambla, with exotic delicacies you have never even imagined.
The port area received a face lift with the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992. The Olympic village was situated right on the coast and the area is marked by the dual towers of the Arts Hotel, Mapfre Towers and Nova Icaria Square. The main Olympic sites can be found on top of Montjuic, a hill overlooking the city, and can be reached by cable car.
About The Author
Clinton Maxwell writes mainly for http://www.barcelona-information.com , an online site on the topic of travelling in Spain and Costa Brava. You can find his publications over at http://www.barcelona-information.com and various other sources for Barcelona Spain knowledge.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)Top Five Bachelor Party Destinations
The bachelor party is a common rite of passage for most soon to be married man. Over the years the bachelor party has gone from a night out with the guys to a full blown event. The bachelor party getaway vacation is becoming increasing popular. So much so that many travel destinations and resorts have gone out of their way to attract young man looking for a wild time. With that in mind let’s count down the top five bachelor party destinations.
5. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Looking for something more exciting then visiting the strippers and sitting around like a wallflower while you pound a couple back. Why not hit the slopes? Whistler Mountain has some of the best skiing in the world. It also have plenty of gorgeous Canadian ski bunnies. After the lifts close you can take in a game at Buffalo Bill’s. Be sure to visit Tommy Africa’s Bar, voted the top dance club by the locals. Finally, head to the only strip joint in town, The Boot Pub. The legal drinking age is 18 in Canada.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
Where can you get away with asking a woman to show you the goods and not get slapped for it? Two words. Mardi Gras. Where better to spend a bachelor party than at the ultimate party. No man can truly enjoy Mardi Gras without participating in some beads swapping. This is not going to happen with the missus around so do your buddy a favor and head to the Big Easy with the guys. There are actually bachelor party organizers who host balcony parties for the event.
New Orleans is more than just Mardi Gras. Hang out on Bourbon Street and enjoy a “Hurricane” at the Pat O’Briens bar. And with a name like Temptations Club, it may be hard for any man to stay out trouble at this strip club.
3. South Beach, Florida
Sun, sand, and tons of beautiful babes. South Beach is home to the trendiest nightclubs in America. Stay at the Clevlander hotel, a favorite spot for bachelor parties. It is located close to many of the hottest clubs in town. The Fifth, Priv, and Nikki Beach Club are just a few on the stops on your club-hopping tour. Say goodbye to sleep because you will not be getting much here. After spending the day by the pool, or at the beach be sure to head over to the Madonna Night Club for some stripping South Beach style.
2. Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Montreal has some of the best strip clubs on the continent. Furthermore, Montreal is one of the few places where a full-contact strip is legal. What that means is for $10cdn-a-song you are allowed and even encouraged to touch your lap dancer. Pray you get “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida†from Iron Butterfly. There are over forty strip clubs in the heart of Montreal and most are full-contact. Americans get the benefit of the exchange rate plus admission, dances, and drinks are cheaper than you might find in Vegas. In addition to the strip clubs, Montreal has a happening nightlife scene with plenty of popular nightclubs and pubs.
1. Las Vegas Nevada
Vegas, baby, Vegas! Could it possibly be anyplace else? This Disneyland of Debauchery is the number one bachelor party destination. What’s not love about this city that never sleeps. First class strip joints, hot nightclubs, cheap booze, and enough neon to burn a hole in your retinas. If you have the cash there is practically nothing you can’t do in Vegas.
It would be impossible to list all the fun things for you and your crew to do here. Why not start the day of right with a game of golf. Spend your afternoon by the pool admiring the “scenery”. Indulge your inner child and hit all the attractions. Test your luck at the Blackjack tables. All this can be done with a beer in one hand. This must be what heaven is like.
A little tip. A bit of planning could go a long way here. Have some idea of what you want to do because there is no way you can do it all in one visit. Check out a website like http://www.bachelorandbachelorettepartyinlasvegas.com for information on all the options available for your bachelor party.
About The Author
Zack Hall operates a website dedicated to travel destinations. This article can be used with full credit in it’s current form.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)All You Need To Know About Airfare Deals And Great Last Minute Travel Getaways
Ah, there’s nothing better than taking a vacation. Daydreaming about an island breeze seducing you into an afternoon sleep or planning your hiking adventure, any concept of an escape is always welcome. Unlike some people, I absolutely love planning my vacations. I love finding information on different purposes and looking for those great hotel and airfare deals. The best hotel and airfare deals are usually found when purchasing a vacation package, but once in a while, you can get great discounts when purchasing separately.
The internet has tons of sites that will gladly help you find the airfare deals you are looking for. I have found and been very frightened with several places because of their truthfulness. I booked an amazing airfare deal through Orbitz last year, and saved more money than I would have otherwise. I can’t tell you which travel sites are the best because I’ve compared many of them before and found that most of them are pretty much offering the same exact deal, just perhaps a few dollars different.
In all honesty, my travel agent wasn’t charging me much more than those sites were. Sure, it was maybe $20 more, but maybe that’s worth the convenience of having the agent take care of all the details for you. I suppose it depends on your budget and need for someone else to take care of all the details.
My absolute favorite vacation was a trip to California. I live on the east coast so a trip to the west coast was very exciting. I spent an entire week comparing hotel prices and costs of entertainment. Once I had my destinations planned, I spent a few days researching airfare deals. It actually amazed me at how different each airline was with its cost. I did manage to find some great airfare deals online and took advantage of them.
A lot of resorts, such as Sandals, allow you to purchase a package with includes airfare and hotel accommodations. I’ve never taken the time to break down all of the costs and see which purchase is the best way to go, but in my opinion, instead of searching for amazing airline deals and hotel rates, go for the package. Let someone else take care of all of the details for you. That makes vacation planning much less demanding.
Be cautious of those amazing airfare deals that have lots of restrictions in fine print. Read all of those tiny words and make sure you aren’t purchasing something that you don’t really want. Sometimes you can get airfare deals that require many layovers or late night flights. I am personally fine with taking a night flight but can’t stand layovers.
Once I’m on a plane, don’t make me move until I’m at my destination. If those restrictions don’t bother you, you may find yourself getting some great money saving airfare deals. Whatever hotel you stay at or airline you choose, just make sure you have a wonderful vacation.
About The Author
Tavis J. Cooper provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for http://www.the-traveller-directory.com as well as http://www.all-leisure-guide.com related information.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)An Introduction To Tuscany Italy
Tuscany, Italy is the place that movies are filmed and fantasies run wild. Perhaps it is the cities of Florence, Pisa, or Livorno that invoke feelings of culture, art, or arouse the senses to the smells and taste of the Chianti region. The fact is that Tuscany is home to some of the most famous tourist destinations in Italy. It is here that budding artists come to learn from the masters. It is here that the world of fashion takes it cues. And it is in Tuscany that romantics rekindle the flame and celebrate their love.
The Cities of Tuscany
Florence is perhaps one of the most famous cities in the area known as Tuscany. The Uffizi museum after all is home to such masterpieces as “The Birth of Venus.†Originally built to house the Tuscan administrative offices, the top floor now houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. Each visitor to Florence must also stop in and gaze at Michelangelo’s “David,†on display at the oldest art academy, the Galleria dell’Accademia. The Ponte Vecchio is a landmark that literally translated means “old bridge.†It was built in the 1300s and has withstood floods and wars in order to continue to hawk some of the world’s most wonderful 18 and 24k gold products and leather goods.
Chianti is known for its wines which are famous around the world. Tourists to Tuscany can enjoy the world’s finest wines while enjoying the picturesque countryside.
Siena, also located in the Chianti region houses a gothic cathedral and paintings by medieval masters, Duccio and Simone Martini. The Renaissance and Etruscan history are evident in each landmark of the region.
Piza is best known for the Leaning Tower whose construction began in the 12th century, but starting sinking into the ground after only 3 stories were completed. It stood this way for 90 years and was finally completed by the son of Andreo Pisano, Tommano Simone and Giovanni de Simone almost 200 years after it was started.
Hillsides and Waysides
Part of the beauty and mystique of Tuscany is its countryside. The rolling hills that slope down to the coast are dotted with vineyards and villas. There are working farms and vacation villas suitable for the most adventurous tourists or those who demand first class accommodations. Tuscany car rentals allow tourists to explore each tiny village at their own pace and on their own schedule.
The Heart of Commerce
Emerging as a real business centre, Tuscany is home to thriving businesses in the furniture, leather, fashion, and manufacturing industries. These businesses keep the region in the 21st century while the people and culture keep one foot in the past.
If romance, tradition and culture are your idea of an ideal vacation, then Tuscany is for you. On the other hand if shopping and the face pace of a thriving city are your style then you will also find it in the Tuscany region of Italy.
About The Author
Robert Carlton very often produces publications on news associated to tuscany tours and Tuscany car rental. You can come across his publications over at http://www.tuscany-italy-guide.com and other sources for Tuscany italy news.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)Rome Hotel: Why People Should Spend More Time in Rome
Every year the number of customers visiting Rome increases of 5% and there are always more historical sights to see. This year has we had the chance to attend the inauguration of the Ara Pacis which remained closed for restorations under the supervision of the architect Richard Meier.
Few people know that booking an hotel close to the spanish steps or to trevi Fountain they can see not only the Ara pacis itself but also the Tomb of the emperor Augustus which is located in Piazza Augusto imperatore.
The Ara Pacis of Rome was built in the area of the “Campo Marzio”, close to the “via Flaminia”, during the four years going from 13 to 9 BC, to celebrate the victories of Augustus in the western provinces of the roman Empire.
The same Augustus indicated on the work “Res gestae divi Augusti” ( Achievements of the divine Augustus )the rituals and the scopes that had led the Senate to build the commemorative altar, which during a large part of the antiquity, as a direct witness of the link between monument and personality, was known as “Ara Pacis Augustae”:
“When I came back to Rome from Spain and Gaul … once I had successfully closed the enterprises in these provinces,
the Senate decided that for my return the “ara della Pace Augusta” should be consecrated in the “Campo Marzio” and I agreed that in this place the law officers, the priests and the vestal virgins could celebrate an annual sacrifice”.
The area of the “Ara Pacis” is limited by a rectangular fence in marble with several ornaments and a low relief with a width of approximately 33 feet and a length of just 3 feet.
The central altar, where were taking place the ritual sacrifices, can be reached through two gates located at the center of the shortest sides of the fence and is placed in an higher position with respect to the perimeter of the structure.
The main artistic interest of the “Ara Pacis” is given by the low relief organised in overlap borders and panels that entirely recover the internal and external surface of the enclosure and part of the central altar.
The celebrative scope of the work is directly testified by the presence of the emperor Augustus and of Agrippa,general of the roman navy and son in law of the first emperor, among the represented persons, but also, on the west side, by the scenes dedicated to Aeneas, considered the ancestor of the julio-claudian family to whom the same August was belonging to, and by those remembering the divine origin of Rome with the she-wolf nursing the twins Romulus and Remus under the eye of their father, the god Mars.
The decorations of the “Ara Pacis” are completed by ornaments of naturalistic character, with low relief of plants and small animals and the “Tellus” (the Earth), the divinity representing the personification of peace and prosperity that the empire of Rome was getting prepared to live thanks to the end of the civil wars.
According to the study of some documents, it is considered that the original orientation of the work had been chosen also in relation to the big sundial called “Horologium” that was already surging in the “Campo Marzio”, and which gnomon, nowadays located in “piazza di Montecitorio” and known as the obelisk ofthe Pharao Psammetico II, was projecting the own shadow exactly at the centre of the altar every September 23rd, date of birth of the emperor Augustus.
About The Author
Stefano Sandano is an archaeologist and tour guide of Rome and if you want to know more about Rome you can visit http://www.romanguide.com.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)Romantic Destinations in Alaska
If you are looking for romance while experiencing the beauty of the great white north, Alaska is the place. Here are a few romantic destinations in Alaska worth your attention.
Romantic Destinations in Alaska
The United States’ most northern state, Alaska, may not seem to be your first choice for a romantic hot spot. Well, anyone who thinks that Alaska is not romantic should think again – because where it’s cold and snowy, there is also room for warm cuddles by the fire and spending some quality time together. If you enjoy the thought of curling up with your loved one with a cup of hot chocolate, then choosing one of the romantic destinations in Alaska is something that is meant for you.
Alaska has become a lovers’ destination in recent years, with more and more couples choosing the state for their honeymoons, as well as a place to take that special occasion trip. There are five different regions to Alaska, each of which hold different charms and activities for your Alaskan trip. Whether you prefer to spend time on the water, or would rather be skiing or hiking through the woods, Alaska has a region that will suit your needs. One area that is particularly popular for romantic destinations in Alaska is the northern region, near Anchorage.
A perfect place for your romantic stay here is Alaska’s North Country Castle Bed and Breakfast, in Anchorage. This B & B offers couples a spot where they can spend some quality time alone, all while being close to the attractions of the Anchorage area. The many activities and attractions in this region include the Alaska Botanical Gardens, the Anchorage Zoo, and the Chugach National Forest. Of course, when you are planning to spend some time at a bed and breakfast, some of the biggest attractions are the amenities at the property itself. On site, Alaska’s North Country Castle B & B offers hiking, cross-country skiing trails, fishing, canoeing, bird watching and swimming (in their pools).
The rooms available here are also a perfect choice for romantic destinations in Alaska. This bed and breakfast offers just three rooms, so you know you will be attended to with care. The Turnagain View Suite is the Alaska’s North Country Castle’s version of a honeymoon suite, and it is filled with teak furnishings and matching décor that will make your stay complete. A queen size bed, along with a double Jacuzzi and a double shower, as well as a fireplace make this suite complete. The breakfasts are also exquisite, with several courses including a fruit compote, appetizers and a main course – all accompanied by plenty of coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice.
The north country of Alaska is a great place to head to for your next romantic weekend. Close to the city of Anchorage and all of its conveniences, but far enough away to feel like you are alone in the world, a trip to a bed and breakfast here truly is one of the most romantic destinations in Alaska.
About The Author
Richard Rspad is with http://www.resortspadestinations.com/romantic-getaways - reviews and articles on romantic getaways.
Filed under travel | Comment (0)Luxury Hotels In Spain
So you are traveling to Spain and planning to visit Barcelona while you are there, but the thought of staying in a noisy, busy, city centre hotel leaves you cold? Don’t worry, there are other options when it comes to Barcelona hotels, and the following couple of suggestions should make for a mush more relaxed trip.
The first suggestion is to try one of the superb four star hotels at the Port Aventura theme park, only a short distance outside the centre, rather than a hotel in Barcelona city itself. It is possible to get a dedicated transfer from Barcelona’s main airport, directly to the theme park, which will drop you right outside your hotel. Of course, you can always hire a car and drive yourself to the theme park, and if you do, remember that Europcar have special arrangements with the Port Aventura hotels to ensure you get the best deal.
The four hotels available each have their own particular character and are decorated and furnished to a very high level. Whichever you choose you will be guaranteed a luxurious visit. If you are looking for classic Mediterranean style you might try the Portaventura hotel, whilst for something a little different, the El Paso hotel has a Mexican theme. If you are after sheer indulgence and the chance to sunbath by the pool on pure white sand, The Hotel Caribe is for you.
As well as bed and breakfast, the very reasonable prices charged by the Port Aventura hotels also include entrance to the theme park and the Caribe Aquatic Centre. Even during the summer months, an expensive period for all hotels in Spain, a night in the hotel with two days in the theme park is just over two hundred euros for a single, and less than one hundred and fifty per person for a double. To reduce the cost even further, you can have a room for up to four people. Out of season, when it is still possible to enjoy good weather in this region, two people could pay less than one hundred euros.
If you want to be a little closer to Barcelona city centre, but are still looking for a luxurious option, away from the crowds of La Rambla, you should check into the Arts Hotle, which offers an incredible sea front location with views over the whole Marina and port area. This is a place to really be pampered, and any of the spacious rooms, suites or split-level apartments, offer an uneatable standard of accommodation. The real gem in this hotel is the Goyescas restaurant, were the extensive menu includes local specialties as well as international cuisine. If you are having trouble deciding between the mouthwatering dishes, a recommendation from the friendly staff may help you make up you mind. They will even tell you the perfect wine to accompany your meal.
So as you can see, it is perfectly possible to enjoy the cultural and historical sights of Barcelona, without having to stay right in the bustling city centre. After a hard day’s sightseeing you return to a calm relaxing oasis, just a short ride away.
About The Author
Jack Blacksmith frequently publishes publications on ideas dealing with holiday and travel. You can learn about his writings over at http://www.barcelona-information.com/barcelona-hotels.html and different sources for Barcelona Hotels information.
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