The Brandenburg Gate was designed by the architect “Carl Gotthard Langhans”. It is 26m high, 65.5 m wide and 11m long. This monument is reminiscent of the Propylaea Acrópilis in Athens. It has five entrances, of which the central is the widest, leaving two smaller doors. The areas of interior and exterior steps are covered with reliefs representing Hercules, Mars and the goddess Minerva. In 1867, seventy nine years after it was built, two gates were placed higher on both sides.

The monument is crowned with a quadriga sculpture measuring 5 meters in height. It represents the goddess of Victory mounted on a cart pulled by four horses, which are looking in direction to the city of Berlin.

In 1806, after the Battle of Jena, the chariot was brought to Paris by Napoleon to be displayed as a trophy of war. Before that happened, Napoleon was overthrown. After the siege, General Von Pfuel, commander of one of the areas of the city, recovered the statue for Berlin in 1814. That statue was restored and a cross of iron was added.

During the Second World War, the monument suffered more serious damage and the chariot was destroyed almost completely. In 1956 the city council agreed to the reconstruction despite the arguments about the divided city. Despite these problems, they worked together and rebuilt the monument again.

With the construction of the Wall in 1961, Brandenburg Gate stayed in no man’s land, there was no access to it from either east or west. Only a few soldiers and guests from the GDR had access to that monument.

After reunification in 1991, the chariot was dismantled and restored. Between January 2001 and October 2002, the Gate underwent a complete restoration. Brandenburg Gate was uncovered on 3rd October 2002 and from that moment, it has been the most representative monument of the German capital.

The Thought Invoking West Highland Museum

Founded in 1922 was the West Highland Museum in Fort William. A group of people from Lochaber wanted to create a museum, about life in the Highlands, for the people of the Highlands. The present building was purchased in 1926 from the British Linen Bank, and is located in Cameron Square, just off the Hight Street. Small but fascinating is how some people describe the museum. The exhibits in the museum present a fascinating insight into life in the West Highlands over the years. People from all walks of life are represented, through the superb collections of photograph’s, artefact’s and picture’s

The Splendid Old Inverlochy Castle

In fort William there are two Inverlochy Castle’s, the Old Inverlochy Castle and the new Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle, built in nearby Torlundy (which is now a luxury hotel). The Old castle was rumoured to of been built around 1270-1280, by John “the Black” Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, and chief of the Clan Comyn. Although the castle is in ruins, the layout hasn’t changed much since it was built. Lord Abinger carried out enhancements and alterations to the house, in preparation of a visit by Queen Victoria. Old Inverlochy Castle is still an important part of English and Scottish history, due to the role it played during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s.

The Fascinating Jacobite Steam Train

A trip on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an awe inspiring way to explore the magnificent scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the Mallaig journey takes one on a magical journey through the glens. One of the most riveting elements of the journey is traveling over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the majority of people will recognize because of the fact that it was used in the movies of the exploits of Harry Potter and his friends. The 84 mile excursion takes you past Loch Nevis, Loch Morar and Ben Nevis, with a break in Glenfinnan before arriving in Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to discover Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has frequently been described as, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World.

Many tourists return to Ireland year after year and use these holiday homes as a base to explore Ireland and are enchanted by some of the coastal villages and rolling hills. The Emerald Isle, Dublin, Cork and Belfast are just a few of the popular locations families come to and stay in one of the many holiday homes.

Dublin is an extremely popular capital city; tourists come here on vacation or for long weekend breaks. Many couples come here on a romantic break and choose to say in a holiday cottage or self catering apartment which is available to rent direct from the holiday home owner. Cork is another popular holiday home destination, families return to Cork year after year to stay in one of its charming country cottages.

When visiting Belfast, you must also visit Donegall Square and see City Hall. Ulster Museum has remnants from the Armada shipwreck, the Early Ireland Gallery and Irish antiquities. There is an Irish collection of about 20,000 volumes in the Linen Hall Library. Tourist can stay in large country farm house or beautiful holiday cottage and sample some of the local pubs. Crown Liquor Saloon is the most popular pub in Belfast.

There are several musical programs in the Grand Opera House. There are tropical plants like banana, sugar and coffee in the Palm House. There is a high walkway in the Tropical Ravine. The architecture of the Queen’s University is well worth a glance. Beautiful mosaics can be seen in St. Anne’s Cathedral, an Anglican church.

There are pubs, entertainment venues, galleries and restaurants in the Golden Mile. Several murals are painted on buildings in Culturlann Macadam O’Fiaich. Murals also exist in the Fernhill house. These are regarding the Protestants who live in the Shankill district. There are forty endangered species in the Belfast Zoo. The Belfast Castle offers a comprehensive view of the city. 

Another reason why families come to Ireland is the golf. Ireland is home to more than four hundred golf courses. Players of any skill level can adjust themselves to these. These courses offer scenery, challenge, design and a unique location. In Ireland, golfing is the biggest single sport holiday enticement. 

This island is a paradise for keen fishermen. The coastline extends over 3,000 miles. The riverbank is 7,000 miles. In the countryside, there are hundreds of bogs and lakes. Fishing is popular due to low levels of pollution and moderate climate. There is a high yearly rainfall to maintain the levels of the streams, rivers, lakes and inland bogs. You can find sea trout, lake or brown, there are also fresh water fish and pike. The marine environment in Ireland is warmed by the Atlantic drift. So, it supports warm and cold water species. For sea fishing, there are more than eighty species of salt water fish. For coarse fishing, there are tench, eel, perch, rudd, roach, bream and pike. For game fishing, there are sea trout, trout and salmon. The fishermen can stay in a country cottage or farmhouse whilst on vacation in Ireland.

Montmartre used to be a Bohemian hangout and many famous artists like Dalí, Picasso and Van Gogh used to have studios there. It was the centre of artistic life in Paris but, as becomes clear from one of Charles Aznavour’s most famous songs, it is not what it used to be anymore. The studios and famous bars like Le Chat noir are gone but still, some parts are very nice to visit as a tourist. Place de Tetre is one of these parts. It is a small square which is filled with painters and sketchers who will try to sit you down and draw your portrait. you will also find several nice, affordable restaurants aroubd this square.

After dinner it is time to go up to the Sacré Coeur, a distinctive white church that was built on top of the hill in memory of those killed during the German-French war. You can go inside the church which has stunning decor inside, with its 48 metre high clock tower. But no matter how beautiful the building is on its own, for me it was the outside that still makes me want to return to this place; the stairs of the Sacré Coeur.

The stairs are located in front of the church and gives you an impressive view over Paris, both during the day and when it gets dark. As long as the weather is not too bad you can sit down on the stairs and enjoy the local groups playing live music there. It is usually quite busy in the evening but it is worth trying to find a spot to sit down, especially because often, there are people walking around selling cans of beer and soda for half the price you would pay in a restaurant.

The place might be best known by the younger generation but that does not mean that people who do not belong to this group anymore cannot enjoy it. The music played is for all ages and you never get too old for a drink, music and an incredible view.

Beauly Priory

It was in the 13th century that Valliscaulian Monks first set up a community at Beauly Priory. Unfortunately no-one has the evidence to say the accurate date of foundation but it is roughly sometime in the year 1230. At that time Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat, was the patron and landowner of Beauly. Sir John Bisset, together with the French monks, are those who named Beauly, coming from, ‘beau lieu’, the French for ‘beautiful place’. Unfortunately, Beauly Priory became deserted after the Scottish Reformation of 1582 and the stone was used in the building of other local structures. In 1913 the priory ruins were passed into state hands and it is now cared for by Historic Scotland.

Inverness Castle

There have been many structures on the site of Inverness Castle through the centuries, evidence shows that the site had a structure there as far back as 1057. King Robert I almost destroyed the very first Inverness Castle. Today’s castle was constructed and designed by William Burn in 1836. The bold castle, constructed of red sandstone, sits high on a cliff gazing down across the River Ness and the cathedral on the opposite side. King James I of Scotland conducted parliament at Inverness Castle in 1427, and called all the Northern Chieftains to attend. Shockingly 3 of these chieftains were later killed for their support of an independent monarchy.

Inverness Museum & Art Gallery

Located in the Center of Inverness is the newly renovated Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is well worth a visit especially if the weather is wet and windy. Inside the museum visitors can enjoy Scottish History and find out how the Highlands are associated with the rest of the world. It is also possible to find out about the people of the Highlands, their traditions and culture. There are many different collections featuring, archaeology, wildlife, crafts, fine arts, textiles and costumes.

If you are thinking about a vacation in the UK this year and you hope in Scotland, you may wish to consider spending some time staying in Inverness. Finding Inverness hotel accommodation online is relatively easy as many establishments have their own web site. Hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts are always superb and the Highlands are very well know for unrivalled hospitality, so you can be certain of have a wonderful time.

Acoteias in the Algarve
Positioned in the central part of the Algarve, Acoteias is certainly a pretty village that is perfect for peaceful holidays. It enjoys access to one of the best beaches in the region and as it is located a few kilometers inland, rather than right on the water’s edge, it still maintains the traditional village feel. But this does not mean that it is short on important facilities for the visiting tourists as most of the accommodation is set closer to the coast with easy access to the golden sandy beach.

Acoteias – With The Longest Of Portugal’s Beaches
Acoteias village is just 10 minutes away from the long golden beach at Praia de Falesia, which is the longest beach in the whole of the Algaveregion, stretching for a whole 6 kilometers, or 4 miles. It runs from Quarteira to Olhos d’Agua and because of its expanse you should always be able to find your very own, individual spotto relax on. To reach the beach you first have to pass through a drive of pine trees, finally reaching the Blue Flag awarded beach and accessing it through steep steps. The beach itself is picturesque as it is lined with red tinged sandstone cliffs and thatched wooden umbrellas. There are scattered around various playgrounds for the children to entertain them and beach bars to entertain the adults.

Relax in Acoteias
The area is best suited to those seeking quiet, relaxing holidays. Nightlife is not too noisy, although for those with members of the party wanting a nightlife, Albufeira is just a few kilometers away for the all-night bars and a busier night life. The large beach offers a wide and varied selection of watersports, including sailing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing and plenty of other sports are available locally such as tennis, cycling and walking. Being the Algarve, excellent golf is also available to the enthusiasts, with Vilamoura just 10 minutes away. Other resorts are near by and easily reachable by car if you want to explore the region.

Acoteias Weather
Because it is sited within the Algarve, Acoteias gains from the typical Mediterranean climate with long hot summers, yet mild winters. As with other areas of the Algarve, Acoteias typically has 300 days of sun each year. Although the daytime temperature can reach 30 degrees in the height of the summer, there is also a welcome sea breeze to help make the heat bearable  even on the hottest days. The wonderful sun without the scorching heat make Acoteias a perfect destination for a holiday, so well worth considering if you are planning an Algarve villa holiday. Don’t miss outon the wonderful area.

Calahonda, lying on the Costa Del Sol, Spain is set beautifully against a backdrop of mountains, picturesque undulating hills and valleys which meet the jewelled Mediterranean Sea.

If you wish to visit the area we highly recommend staying at the luxurious Las Palmeras de Calahonda. Las Palmeras is a superb new apartment complex set at the top of Calle Don Jose de Orbaneja. The complex affords magnificent views across rural landscape to the sea. It is so rural that one can hear wild turkeys call out across the valley and owls can be see flitting around as well as a variety of other birds!

The complex is made up of 2 bed roomed apartments and penthouses, large kitchens and living rooms, 2 bath rooms, complete with double sinks. All have large terraces from which to watch the stunning morning sunrises and sunsets and to enjoy outdoor livingin the warmth.

If you don’t wish to drive or hire a car at all, a taxi form the nearest international airport, Malaga, will cost approximately 50 Euros. One can however also easily fly into Gibraltar International Airport which is only 1 hour away.

Additionally to help one get around the resort there is a land train which runs from just below the complex and into Calahonda itself. The children will love itand the adults can drink and get the train back! There you will find a plentiful supply of busy bars and restaurants to suit all pockets and taste.

Situated near to Las Palmeras de Calahonda on Calle Don Jose de Orbaneja are a handy supermarket, bars and a couple of good restaurants and children’s playground. At the bottom of the hill you will find a street of many bars and restaurants, which are truly international, ranging from English Fish and Chips to Chinese and typical Spanish dishes.

If you are an avid or holiday golfer or just fancy having a quick game, only 2 minutes away is Club Siesta Golfand its facilities. A really nice 9 hole par 3 course, which was designed by Enrique Canales. The course is located on gentle hills and has sweeping views to the sea. It has a really nice club house for that relaxing meal and a drink.

Also on Calle Don Jose de Orbaneja is the Club Del Sol. The Club Del Sol has 12 excellent tennis courts comprising 9 brand new clay courts and 3 plexi-cushion courts. The club offers all standards of tennis classes from absolute beginners to tournament level such as:

Minitennis: Learn strokes and basic skills on reduced size courts

MidiTennis: Play on 3/4 size courts, develop advanced strokes and tacticsfor the improvers.

Advanced: High standards of technical and physical programmes for developing tournament level players.

Five minutes along the coast road towards Gibraltar we reach the lovely petite Puerto Cabopino, which has a small number of excellent bars and restaurantson offer. Try Albert’s restaurant for that very special occasion! The beach next to the harbour is fabulous and has plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas. Walk along towards Gibraltar to see the historical Salt Tower.

The beach as Cabopino has a gentle slope into the sea and that combined with Lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months makes it a safe and friendly place for the whole family.

1. You get to celebrate one of the biggest days of your life surrounded by people who really love you. Lots of couples say that almost everyone said this was one of the best things about having a small wedding.

2. You can feel more relaxed on your wedding day. You will be surrounded by your friends and family. You will feel more at home with your guests.

3. You can save money because you do not have a guest list into the hundreds of guests. The two headed cousins who you have not seen for 20 years are likely not to have the money or the willingness to spend it on going to your wedding. You can save thousands of dollars by having an intimate wedding, which means you won’t have to go over your wedding budget. You can probably stretch to a fairytale wedding castle in France.

4. You can splurge. Some couples choose a small guest list not necessarily because their budgets are small, but because they can pull out all the stops and have a truly lavish wedding. A destination wedding will make your dollar go further even at this difficult credit crunch time.

5. You have more options when choosing a venue. Since you won’t need a large space to accommodate your guests, many small wedding venues will be open to you. If you have a small destination wedding you can chose to getmarried in the middle of the week allowing you to negotiate an even better deal with wedding providers.

6. Have more freedom to customize your wedding to your own tastes. A small wedding gives you the opportunity to get your creative juices flowing and make your unique wedding a reflection of the two of you.

7. You get to spend time with your guests. When the guest list is small, the bride and groom can spend time with each of their guests, making them feel welcome. If you have rented a private castle with your friends and family for a few days you can kick back and chill and appreciate their company and why you wanted to spend your special day with them.

8. You can make your guests feel at home. Because you will be able to spend at least some time with your guests, they will feel more at home at your wedding. Also, when the guest list is small, guests will have a better opportunity to mingle with most of the others. Chances are that many of your guests will know one another.

9. You can get your guests involved. A small wedding will give you the opportunity to get your loved ones involved in your special day.

10. You can have a destination wedding that people will remember. Because your wedding won’t be typical – the kind your guests have been to over and over again – your wedding is more likely to be memorable and remembered. You will probably be one of the first of your friends to have a destination wedding in that Country. You can be a trend setter among your crowd.

Visiting Rome for a few days?
Yes, but without spending my entire month’s salary if possible.

A solution is to book a appartamenti Roma, that, if booked for more people, will definitely be cheaper than a hotel. Then, after taking a low cost flight, whose prices, if you’re lucky could be around 20 euros for one way, you can buy a discount card to save you time and money. There are many museums and cultural attractions to see you know, so it is better to hold the card and take advantage of certain benefits.

There are 2 pass-cards: the Roma Pass and Roma & More Pass that cost 23 and 25 euros respectively. Both are designed to facilitate tourist visits allowing him to enjoy the beauty of Rome.

They are promoted by the City of Rome and by the Ministry for Arts and cultural activities with the participation of outside companies that provide the transport network.

With the first card you have free access to two museums, while there are discounts on all other events like exhibitions, dance events, theatre, or other museums. The card also offers free access to the transport network of the city allowing the visitor to move easily.

The Roma Pass is composed of a Rome Transport Pass for travel on bus, metro A and B, trains to Lido, Viterbo and Pantano, a Rome Map showing the main attractions as well as information points, a Roma Pass Guide with the list of museums and all the events and services where you can get discounts of various kinds.

To use the card, you must fill it in with your name and it is activated on the first use. Its duration is three days and expires at midnight on the third day from the first travel and entry made.

The card that costs 25 euros, costing only two euros more than the Roma Pass, offers the same services, but also allows you to travel in the province of Rome, including Cotral buses and Trenitalia regional trains. If you have enough time, it is an excellent way to see what the Roman province has to offer.

One of the most important events of Christmas in Barcelona is the “Fira di Santa Llucia”, that, as every year, anticipates Christmas (in recent times with the turning on of the first Christmas lights in the Gothic quarter or the first Christmas sales at El Cortes Ingles.

This Year the Fira begun on 1st December and ends on the 23rd, just 2 days before Christmas. In the square in front of the Cathedral, not far from Jaume I metro stop, you can see the stands, decorations and lights. The fira is a must for Christmas, it’s a tradition that has been around since 1978 and its survived through the birth and death of many other firas, taking place in the city during the last few years.
The Fira is divided in 3 categories, that are; green, where you can find all the stands selling Christmas trees and nativity figures, where you can buy objects that adorn both the tree and the nativity scene, and then handicrafts where you can find wooden products and other things from local producers. Last year there were 256 stands!
Among all the stands you can also find 2 particular Catalan-typical figures, that every year appear in this fira and in many houses of the Catalan people. They are the “Tió” and the “Caganer”. The first is a kind of Yule log, that has a human face, a red hat and a red carpet that covers it. You have to feed him with orange skins and biscuits, in order to keep him sweet and in order that he gives you some presents when the time is right. On Christmas Day, people beat it with sticks, singing along the lines of; “Tió, caga tió, i si no et donaré un cop de bastó” to make him leave sweets and chocolates for the children.

The second figure, with a strong humoristic and witty character, was created in thr XVIII Century, when people began to put it in the nativity scene, because it was a symbol of prosperity for the year to come. Often the local artisans make different figures of the Caganer that take the shape of different famous people from the politics or sports world.