posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 25
San Telmo is one of the oldest districts in Buenos Aires. It was originally inhabited by the richest families in the city, who built wonderful architectural masterpieces as their homes. But in 1870 an outbreak of yellow fever forced them to seek residency elsewhere, and their mansions were converted into conventillos (boarding houses for the poor), with each one housing up to five families.
Nowadays you can still appreciate the beauty of this colonial-age architecture, and many of the buildings are now occupied by artists and craftsmen. In fact, it is the lively atmosphere and tango of San Telmo that attracts tourists from all over the world.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 25
Aldus Ford
(NC)-If you’re stuck for summer vacation ideas or can’t get the family to agree on a destination, why not try a virtual trip first?
A recent survey found that travel information sites and queries for directions and maps are among the most popular Internet searches. And there’s certainly no lack of sites, with everything from virtual tours of the hotel room you want to book, right through to the discount vacation broker.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 25
Okay, listen up. I’m only going to whisper this secret to you once, “Ruby Canyon and Horsethief Canyon”. This incredible float, just west of Grand Junction, Colorado is a rafting experience extrordinaire.
For 26 miles, the Colorado river slices through a dreamlike southwestern landscape of towering canyons and ageless black rock formations. Except during extreme spring run-off, the pace is lazy, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and play in the water.
No whitewater experience is necessary, but once you cast off, you’re committed to making the entire run. So, travel is self-contained and you must be prepared to deal with any problems that might arise along the way. By the time you drag yourself off the river 1-3 days later at Westwater Utah, you’ll already be planning your next trip.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 24
Is there a link between monetary wealth and quality of life?
I pose this question because mainstream economic theory and the policies promoted by international
posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 24
“Let’s take the laptop!”, she exclaimed. “O.K. , That’s fine.” he said.
STOP!
posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 24
Montmartre is a fascinating mixture of old and new, seedy and sacred, bizarre and blas?. Within this section of Paris, technically the 18th arrondissement, there is everything from Moulin Rouge and Mus?e d’Erotisme to the Sacr? Coeur Basilica. There are several art shops, a Dali museum and even a winery.
(Note: An ‘arrondissement’ is a district, laid out around Paris clockwise, with the 1st at the center of the clock face.)
There are steep hills in parts, so be prepared for a hike, particularly up to the Basilica. But there are cobblestoned streets, too, with antique shops and ‘bistros’.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 24
Whether seen by a long, leisurely walk or from one of the many excellent tour boats, the view along the Seine in Paris is a delight.
The river flows nearly 800km (480mi) from Dijon through Paris and into the English Channel. But even the short section through the city provides enough sights to satisfy the most discerning traveler.
La Tour Eiffel can be seen changing shades from cocoa to gold as dusk fades to dark. The lights along its four pillars melding into the spire are only one of the many sights not to be missed.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 24
Second only to the Eiffel Tower as the recognized symbol of France, the Cath?drale Notre Dame is both a tourist destination and a working church.
Built between 1163AD and 1345AD the Gothic masterpiece remains today one of the world’s great structures. The enormous interior can seat 6,000 at the base. But, for many, the major attraction is the 387-step climb to the top of the famous towers.
Once reached via that winding, narrow passageway the visitor enters a large area dominated by a huge church bell and spectacular sights. From here it’s easy to imagine the fictional Quasimodo (the Hunchback of Notre Dame) ringing the 13-ton bell and clambering on the gargoyles around the perimeter.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 24
Translated from the French, the title means ‘City of Lights’. By now a commonplace description, there’s nothing commonplace about the place. Paris, for those who love… well, anything, is stellar.
With over 2 million inhabitants, 11 million in the Ile-de-France region overall, Paris is a metropolis second to none. A center of world culture for centuries, it hosts the most up-to-date museums alongside its ancient sites and sights.
Despite the enormous population and the ever present cars, there are nonetheless numerous oases scattered around the city. Even today, parts of the Seine can offer a quiet walk down the banks of one of Europe’s most famous rivers. Here the many bridges are both artistic and functional, in true Gallic style.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 24
‘Maison’ is French for ‘house’. In this case the word is slightly misleading. While no palace, though sited in the Place des Vosges - originally known as Place Royale - the site is no simple domicile. These sprawling apartments were the home of the famed writer between 1832 and 1848. Hugo fled from the revolution in that year.
Hugo was the author of such well-known (if less widely read) works such as Les Mis?rables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He also penned lesser known, but far superior works, such as Ninety-Three and The Man Who Laughs.
A treat even for those with only a passing interest in literature, the Victor Hugo museum is chock full of drawings, mementos, 19th century furniture and more. The Chinese salon from Hugo’s house on Guernsey has been relocated here, as well.
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