posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 24
As you approach the gates of Versailles you inescapably have the feeling of entering not a palace but an entire city. The impression is justified given the massive scale of the building and the even larger grounds.
Beginning as a modest ch?teau of stone and slate to serve as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII (13th), Versailles blossomed - figuratively and literally - during the reign of his son. By 1682, after 20 years of work, the ‘Sun King’ took up residence… and then building really began.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 23
Though less artistic than its older cousin of Porte Saint-Denis, the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile is the more famous and far larger. Set atop the hill of Chaillot it forms the center from which radiates a dozen busy Parisian avenues.
There are in fact several “Arc de Triomphe’s” in Paris. A large arch with two thick towers surmounted by a large horizontal section has been a popular architectural feature since the time of Louis XIV (the ‘14th’) in the late 17th century.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 23
Affectionately known as DLP by Mouseketeers the world over, Disneyland Paris is a cornucopia of rides, restaurants, exhibits and all out fun for everyone. And in the last few years the fun has been doubled as Disney added the Walt Disney Studios park to an already jam packed adventure.
Many of the traditional rides from the California theme park were recreated (with some French twists) at the park and resort only 32 kilometers (19 miles) outside Paris.
There’s the familiar Pirates of the Caribbean, on which the recent films were based and the love-it-or-hate-it It’s A Small World ride, along with dozens more. The Legend of the Lion King show regularly sells out, so get tickets in advance.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 23
Not merely a boulevard, the Champs-Elys?es has justly earned its name. In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields was the resting place of heroes who dwelt in perfect happiness. Fortunately, visitors don’t have to die to reach it. Though you may think so after making your way through the French airports and into Paris.
This tree-lined avenue begins at the Arc de Triomphe and ends 2km (1.2mi) east at the Egyptian Obelisk, through the 8th arrondissement. An ‘arrondissement’ is a district. Paris is divided into twenty with the first at the center and the others winding clockwise around it.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 23
Camera thievery has become an all-to-common occurrence and even a small business venture for would-be camera thieves.
posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 23
Travel is all about dialogue and interaction between characters.
Too often though, beginning travel writers focus exclusively on one character (the narrator), with little effort made at capturing others
posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 23
Known to Parisians simply as Beaubourg (after the neighborhood), The Centre National d’Art et de Culture Georges-Pompidou is a museum of modern art rivaling the best in New York or London.
By design, so to speak, the architecture of the 1977 building is in sharp contrast to the traditional surrounding houses of Paris’ oldest district.
Looking like a cross between a hyper-modern factory joined to a low-rise office building, it accurately reflects its contents. The red, blue and green pipes on the rear are only one example of the tradition busting goals of its makers.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 22
Great Britain is one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, luring travelers of all budgets and backgrounds, in all seasons.
Unfortunately for the budget traveler, Britain is also one of the world’s most expensive destinations.
The cost of living is considered unreasonably high by many of the British themselves, and when you factor in the exchange rate as well
posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 21
By: Nancy Kinley
In the midst of Los Angeles County’s west side, Redondo Beach sets itself apart from the masses of southern California beaches in many ways while still reflecting the best of the laid-back lifestyle for which the area is legendary. Close to so many amusement parks and museums, Redondo Beach is certain to have something enjoyable for everyone.
Redondo Beach has been referred to many times as having “one of the most romantic sunset watching places in the entire world”- the Seafront Esplanade. The city that once was one of the busiest commercial ports in southern California now is home to a pleasure pier, lined with quaint, unique shops and restaurants and a sport fishing fleet. Don’t forget about the marinas, for what would a southern Cali beach destination be without them!
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Apr 20
SeaLife Reefmaster Mini Dive – Loads of Accessories
Underwater digital SLR cameras are great if you have the money. These types of setups can cost thousands of dollars. For those of us who don’t have money to spare, there is the SeaLife Reefmaster Mini Dive. This waterproof digital camera may not look like much at first glance, but it has some outstanding accessories.
By its self, the SeaLife Reefmaster Mini Dive camera is a tough digital camera. Its strong and compact casing makes it ideal for travelers who never know what they may encounter. With only seven large buttons, the SeaLife Reefmaster Mini Dive camera is easy to understand. More importantly it is easy to operate underwater.
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