Bond Street, Mayfair, London by Dickbauch

Eating, drinking – and sleeping it all off

Mayfair offers a wide selection of quality restaurants, bars and cafes to suit any visitor on any budget, but it would be a sin to not jump straight to Mayfair’s most famous export: luxury. The district is not short of Michelin-starred restaurants; Le Gavroche, Nobu and Maze being three of the best examples. There are other incredible eateries too; steak-lovers are advised to make haste to either Goodman or the JW Steakhouse, whilst those in search of the view should head to Galvin at Windows, at the top of the Park Lane Hilton. There are plenty of cheaper bites to eat around Mayfair; Fino’s near Marble Arch and Allans near Grosvenor Square are two local hideaways.

There are plenty of places to water it all down as well. Mayfair plays host to some of the most famous bars in town such as the infamous Mahiki and the award-winning Connaught Bar. There are plenty of pubs as well – some of which date back hundreds of years. The Punch Bowl and the Audley on Mount Street are a couple of local favourites and are routinely packed with after-work drinkers.

Mayfair is perhaps best-known for its hotels; it has a concentrated collection of grand and exclusive properties to choose from. Many Mayfair hotels have been around for generations such as Claridges and The Connaught, however the usual suspects are on the scene too; Marriott operates three properties in the neighbourhood; with rivals Starwood, Hilton and Intercontinental on the scene as well.

Out and about

One of the principle past times in Mayfair surely has to be shopping – especially for those with a taste for the finer things in life. Nowadays, new and trendy names in fashion and quality goods such as Carolina Herrara and Marc Jacobs rub shoulders with established British names such as Purdey and Alfred Dunhill. It is a stark contrast to the principle shopping centres of Oxford and Regent Street – yet these are only a few minutes’ walk away from Mayfair. Those yearning to seek out the Victorian way of life may wish to amble along Burlington Arcade, near Piccadilly.

For a more relaxed take on Mayfair, there are nearby Hyde Park and St. James’s Park, as well as Grosvenor and Berkeley Square. There is even a local library for the bookworms.

Although the main reason people were drawn to Mayfair in the first place – the ‘May Fair’ – has long gone, there is still plenty to attract those in search of a more relaxed, traditional and opulent take on London life. And with its proximity to Underground stations and many more well-known landmarks, there is really no reason not to visit.

The article was written by Samantha Jordan in association with Rhodium. The mid-thirties property blogger from London, UK loves the Mayfair lifestyle, the fantastic choice of bars and restaurants and of course the glorious shopping opportunities.

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Granada

Granada is recognized as the most affordable city for travelers in Spain but in this case inexpensive doesn’t mean worse as the city has a lot to offer to visitors especially in terms of cultural highlights. Granada is popular for its “Flamenco” Music and Islamic influence. Tourists can’t miss to visit the small “Muslim Town” where the best of the Islamic culture is available to see. The “La Alhambra” is a palace and Arabic citadel located in the Muslim Town offering a unique cultural approach to visitors. Bakeries in Granada are considered some of the best in the world.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Antonio Pérez

As mentioned before affordable accommodations in Granada are not hard to find and the options are numerous. Granada is geographically located at the foothills of “Sierra Nevada” where 3 popular rivers (Darro, Beiro and Genil) interconnect its waters. The Sierra Nevada Station hosted the Ski World Championship in 1996.

Sevilla

Ancient architecture in Sevilla is a highlight for visitors. Hundreds of years of culture and history almost everywhere you look. The cathedral known as “La Catedral de Sevilla” and “Avenida de la Constitucion” or Constitution Avenue are 2 main locations where you can become one with the community and learn all about their different cultural backgrounds that include Catholicism, Judaism and Islam influences. Nightlife in Sevilla is everything but quiet with the bars known as “Bares de Tapas” leading the way to a great night experience. These bars are available almost at every corner in the city. You won’t be able to escape the Flamenco dancing experience by the end of the night you will be an expert.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Frank Kovalchek

Madrid

Madrid is a more cosmopolitan city where travelers can relax and enjoy traditional food at one of the many restaurants available or perhaps shopping a souvenir or two from the many stores in the city. Madrid is the safest choice for travelers to Spain. Soccer is a passion among the people in Madrid, almost all of them cheer for their local soccer team “Real Madrid Football Club”, if you have some extra time from your trip you might want to consider assisting to one of the games that take place year round.

Mario I. Scoggins was born in Spain but moved to Costa Rica in 1998 to work for www.sunsetscostarica.com/blog. He hopes to return soon to his beloved home land.

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Colosseum / Photo by admin

Colosseum dates back to 1st century AD. Specifically, its construction began sometimes after the year 70 during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and was completed in the year 80. Its further modifications followed at the end of the 1st century during Domitian rule.

Colosseum is monumental even today, can you imagine how monumental it was in those ancient times? The building, designed mainly for gladiatorial contests and various public performances, was the largest building ever built in the Roman empire. Colosseum could houses about 50 thousand people (according to the recent estimation but up to 87 thousand people according to an old document), which is astronomic number even today. Its length is 189 meters, the width 156 meters and height 48 meters, and covers an area of ​​6 acres. Unfortunately the building has not been preserved in full, but was destroyed by numerous earthquakes and other impacts. The current outer wall of the Colosseum was originally inside the walls, the original exterior one was 545 meters long.

But now let me return back to the name of the building. At the beginning it was known as Amphitheatrum Flavium (according to the emperors names – Titus Flavius ​​Vespasian and Titus Flavius ​​Domitian). And this name survived for hundreds of years.

Colosseum was used for almost 500 years for its intended purpose, until the 6th century (so more than 100 years after the collapse of Roman Empire). In the Middle Ages it served to various other purposes.

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And how Colosseum came to its current name? Not far from it was a huge statue of the emperor Nero. Emperor’s followers variously rebuilt the statue into a god Helios, or they replaced his head with their own heads. Anyway, this statue was called “Colossus.” During the history, however, the statue disappeared and was eventually forgotten, now it just contains remnants of the base. But around the year 1000, for yet unknown reason, its name began to use for Amphitheatrum Flavium, whose original name was later forgotten as well.

However you call it, this is a remarkable work of ancient builders. It is estimated that its creation consumed more than 100,000 cubic meters of travertine and 300 tons of iron clamps (on Colosseum we can observe the decline of architectural skills – older civilizations were able to create even larger structures, but often held and still hold together without using ferrous fasteners). The amphitheater had a smart system of underground tunnels leading right under the arena (the hypogeum), which is now exposed and accessible to all the visitors. There were also other corridors leading in and out of the construction, or through other parts of Colosseum. It has even the elevators and hydraulically powered equipment. The amphitheater included also some other auxiliary buildings.

Colosseum is currently one of the most visited and most admired monuments not only in Rome but throughout Italy. Colosseum is certainly a symbol of the city but sometimes even a symbol of Italy.

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Wookey Hole Cave, England, UK by Jim Champion

The cave is mostly known for the Witch of Wookey Hole which can be seen inside of the cave itself. This human shaped figure according to legend was once a Glastonbury monk who was turned to stone by a local witch hundreds of years ago.

The caves themselves have been inhabited for more than 50,000 years. More recently though the caves have been used as a place for the curing of cheddar cheese. The caves maintain a year round temperature of 11°C which makes them perfect for not just curing of cheese, but for keeping someone cold throughout the hot days of summer.

A number of archaeological discoveries have been made in the cave over the years. The last major inhabitants of the cave were hunters back in the Iron Age. However, discoveries have been found in and around the cave that have been dated back to the Roman Empire.

Cheddar Cheese in Wookey Hole Cave, England, UK by stephen jones

The oldest discoveries in the cave were made back in the mid 1850s. William Boyd Dawkins who had only recently moved to the area heard that some workers had found some old bones in the cave and he went to investigate. Soon, the remains of a man that dated back to the Paleolithic were uncovered.

Where the river finally emerges for the last time, an old paper mill was built. Known as the oldest paper mill in Britain, it was originally built back in 1610 and continued to operate until 2008. However, prior to the paper mill, a corn mill was situated in the area. The corn mill was first constructed back in 1086.

Another popular attraction in the area that surrounds Wookey Hole Cave is that of Ebbor Gorge. While the village can get quite busy during the peak season, many people chose to make their way to the gorge which is a more peaceful and tranquil spot to visit.

Since 1973, the mill and the caves in the area have been owned and operated by Madame Tussauds. As a result, tourism to the area has exploded and millions of people make their way to Wookey Hole Cave every year.

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The area where the Needles can be found is known as the Jurassic Coast. It is here that the land has been folded as a result of tectonics over the course of millions of years. As a result, the almost vertical strands of rocks can be seen throughout the region. Chalk is one of the more resilient rocks and as a result has continued to stand long after the clays and sandstones have washed away.

The Needles, Isle of Wight, UK by Peter Pearson

It was known that back in the beginning of the eighteenth century, there were four needles in the formation. However, in 1764 a storm ravished the area and knocked over one of the rocks. The name the Needles dates back hundreds of years. Today though, the rocks have lost their needle-like appearance as a result of erosion by the waves.

Another popular attraction in the area is the Needles Lighthouse which was built back in 1859. It has been operational ever since. However, in order to reduce costs and manpower, the lighthouse was automated back in 1994.

There is also an amusement park that can be found on a nearby cliff that over looks the geological land formation. Known as the Needles Pleasure Park, it has grown to become a very popular destination in the area. The park is most well known for the chairlift that takes people to Alum Bay and back.

The headlands that overlook the Needles are home to several gun batteries as well as an experimental testing facility for rockets. While the batteries were in use during the 1950s and 60s, they have long since been decommissioned. The rocket test facility is located mostly underground and was operated by as many as 240 people during the 1960s. Part of the underground facilities have been completely restored and are currently open to the public.

There are a number of old Coastguard cottages that can be found in the area. Now under National Trust, the cottages are available for rental throughout the year. People who wish to have a party in the area, or that would like to visit and stay can rent the Coastguard cottages.

Most of the park and surrounding countryside can be travelled using bicycle or on foot. However, when there is a high wind warning in the area, the site where the batteries are located is closed for safety reasons.

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Cliffs of Moher, Ireland by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen

The O’Brien’s Tower is a popular stopping point for those wishing to see the Cliffs of Moher. It was in 1835 when Sir Cornelius O’Brien built the famous tower as a means of impressing a lady. People who climb up to the top of the tower can be afforded some of the most awe-inspiring views imaginable.

The name of the cliffs is derived from the fort that was built hundreds of years ago at Hag’s Head. Fort Moher was still standing back in 178 when it was first mentioned to have existed. However, the old fort was torn down back in 1808 in order to make a tower in the area.

There are more than thirty thousand birds, spanning 20 species that call the Cliffs of Moher their home. People who visit the area will be able to see the Atlantic Puffin which thrives in the area surrounding Goat Island. The other popular birds that live along the cliffs include hawks, gulls as well as guillemots.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is the welcoming center for those who chose to visit the cliffs. Designed to be environmentally responsible, the entire welcome center makes use of renewable energy. The heating is provided by geothermal means and the power is from solar panels in the roof.

While it may cost to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, it is worth the small price. Inside there are a number of exhibits that are dedicated to the cliffs, their history and the life along them. You can even arrange to take a ferry trip along the base of the cliffs so that you can view them from the Atlantic Ocean.

So if you are planning on visiting Ireland, then you have to stop by and check out the Cliffs of Moher.

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Perhaps the biggest reason why the Liechtenstein Gorge has become so popular, is that it is one of the deepest and easily accessible ravines within the entire mountain region. While there are countless gorges that are just as deep, if not deeper, many of them are not as easily accessed.

Liechtenstein Gorge, Austria by Heather (Gruber) Williams

It was back during the last Ice Age that towering glaciers more than 3000 meters above sea level sat above the location of the Liechtenstein Gorge. As the Ice Age came to an end and the glaciers began to recede and melt, the torrential water began to cut a narrow slit into the sides of the Alpine mountains as the water made its way to lower altitudes.

In many places, the Gorge is so narrow, and the walls are so tall that light is almost nonexistent within the Liechtenstein Gorge. Due to the dangers of crossing the Gorge, countless bridges have been built over the centuries to make access to the Liechtenstein Gorge much easier. Many of which can be accredited to the Prince of Liechtenstein who ruled over the region back in 1875.

A view from Liechtenstein Gorge, Austria by Heather (Gruber) Williams

For hundreds of years the Liechtenstein Gorge has been attracting people from all over Europe and the world. Today, it is estimated that more than 10 million people from around the world have visited the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Liechtenstein Gorge.

And while there are countless gorges and regain second be found throughout the Alpine region, not one of them has been visited as much over the centuries. Millions of people have made their way to Austria in order to walk the length of the Liechtenstein Gorge and stare in awe at its breathtaking beauty.

You can visit the gorge from early May to end of October, openning hours vary on the season and the basic admission is €4,50. For more information visit liechtensteinklamm.at.

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Trevi fountain / Photo by admin

The city sees between seven and ten million visitors annually. On holy years, this number can more than double to well over twenty million tourists. Last year alone, the Colosseum was vested by more than 4 million people while 4.2 million people made their way through the various museums of the Vatican. One of the biggest years in recent history was 2005 when more than 19.5 million visitors from all over the world made their way to the city.

For hundreds of years, the city of Rome has maintained its position as one of the most visited cities in the world. From the days of the vast and powerful Roman Empire to the rise of Christianity, billions of people have stepped foot in this most ancient of cities. However, there was a time when Rome did see a fall in tourism; during the revolutions of the 1870s.

Pantheon, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

The Vatican Museums are considered to be the 37th most popular destination in the entire world today. The Colosseum on the other hand is ranked at number 39. St. Peter’s Basilica is perhaps the next most visited place in the city. Then of course there is the Pantheon, Forum Romanum, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain which are well-known hot spots in Rome. Many visitors also stop by the Piazza Navona, Castel Sant’Angelo, Quirinal Palace as well as the Lateran Palace while they are in the city.

There is something romantic about having the opportunity to see some of the oldest manmade structures in the world; some dating back several thousand years.

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