tour Archives

Sep262022 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Vatican Museums, more than sacral art

Entertainment

About 500 years ago the religious fervor of the Vatican was matched only by its love of art and all things beautiful. It was the golden age of Italy’s artistic output, the Italian Renaissance, and the highest representatives of this artistic genius received commissions from the Vatican. Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Masaccio, Perugino, Botticelli and Signorelli all left their permanent marks on those walls and ceilings. With such a repertoire of artists how could the Vatican go wrong and what better place to leave their unmistakable marks then in classical Rome? Amidst controversy and fascination surrounding the wealth and magnitude of the Vatican it was the renovation (and funding) of Saint Peter’s Basilica that sent Martin Luther running off to the Castle Church, Witte...

Aug262022 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Cephalonia: More than just a story

Travel

Since Captain Corelli's Mandolin became a runaway success, tourists have flocked to the small Greek Island of Cephalonia, to walk in the footsteps of its loveable characters, such as Pelagia and Captain Corelli. Louis de Bernieres, the author of the novel, describes the Island as though it were a character itself. He tells of its beauty, its brilliance, the colours, the fragrances and its ability to make visitors fall in love with it. The Corelli Trail All over the Island there are reminders of the novel, such as a cafe chain named, Corelli's Cafe Bar. Captain Corelli's Mandolin, which was published in1993 and adapted to a film in 2001, has now become a tourist industry. Visitors to Cephalonia have the opportunity to visit the locations that were used for filming, with many ho...

May132022 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Recapture the past on Orchid Island of Taiwan

Travel

Set off the southeast coast of Taiwan, Orchid Island, also known as Lanyu, is a 45 km wide volcanic island with a tropical climate, inhabited by the aboriginal Tao people, or Yami as they are familiarly known. The scenery is impressive with jagged, black, volcanic rocks edging the coastline in dramatic formations, while lush rain forests cover the higher mountainous regions inland, which is where the butterfly orchid that gives the island its name, may be found. Distinctive Features The Yami, add a distinctive quality to the island, remaining traditional in their customs despite certain intrusions of modern-day life such as television, cigarettes and beer, not to mention the ubiquitous motorcycle, to their island. Their way of life is said to reflect their Philippine and Pacif...

Jan282022 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Southern beach vacations guide

Travel

Although other areas of the United States may be the first place vacationers think about when the mood to visit a beach strikes, the South offers great places to enjoy sand and sun. A bonus to the beautiful, sandy beaches and warm waters is that many places in the south also offer the advantage of being a bargain when compared to other regions. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers a wide variety of accommodation choices to the beach going vacationer. Not only are there hotels, motels, and resorts but a number of condos and resorts are also available. No matter the budget or requirements there will be a vacation rental perfect for you. The Myrtle Beach tourism area is actually comprised of North and South Myrtle Beach, including Surfside Beach and Garden City, and offers nearly 60 ...

Jan212022 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Black Country Museum honors industrial past

Travel

The Birmingham area, with its abundance of coal, was involved in the Industrial Revolution early on. Coal mines, and factories which consumed the coal, dotted the landscape. So numerous were the mines that a family might operate one under their home. Black Country Got Name from Coal Mining Operations The Black Country Museum is located in Dudley, just outside of Birmingham, but the area considers itself to be separate from Birmingham. The communities of Wolverhampton, Sandsall and Walsall also make up the Black Country, which received its name in the 19th century from the smoke and coal dust which covered the area. The museum’s website says buildings from throughout the area were moved to the museum to create an authentic experience for people who have only read about the Indu...

Nov72021 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Proven tips for budget travel in Lisbon

Travel

Traveling in Europe can be expensive these days- especially for people going there from the Americas or Asia. Lisbon, however, is an ideal and often overlooked European city where one can still enjoy the sights and sounds without feeling like a grubby backpacker. Don't Waste Money on Transportation Portugal's own airlines- TAP Portugal and SAPA- both provide low-cost flights from North America that are cheaper than using U.S.-based airlines. Once one arrives in Lisbon, the airport is quite close to downtown and taxi fares are also cheap compared to fares in other countries. A ride from the airport to the heart of the city will only cost 5 to 10 euros with minimal traffic. The first thing to do is to buy a 24-hour transportation pass, which costs 4 euros and enables one to boar...