Tuesday 28 February 2012

Valencia Spain - A perfect place for the Summer Holiday


     If you are looking for a dreamy holiday in Europe with a beautiful sun – drenched coastline with the gorgeous beaches , charming villages and vibrant city life then the answer would be  Valencia a beautiful city of Spain .It is one of the most vibrant, forward thinking and cosmopolitan cities. It is the country's third largest city and has a heritage, culture and nightlife. It is also called as one of the most engaging cities of Spain.

History  - Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC. The city is situated on the banks of the Turia, on the east coast of the Iberian peninsula, fronting the Gulf of Valencia of Mediterranean Sea. Its historic centre is one of the largest in Spain, with approximately 169 acres; this heritage of ancient monuments, diverse scenic sites and cultural attractions makes Valencia one of the country's most popular tourist destinations for Spaniards and world travellers alike.

Use This Map to figure out the Place in Valencia 
View Larger Map

Overview - Much of the time of a tourist in Valencia is likely to be spent in the old town - El Carmen. This area is the  home of important buildings including the cathedral, the art deco food market and the ceramics museum. It is also the place to head for a spot of Valencia's famously good shopping opportunities. And if the tourist is in the mood for a night out  , then one can enjoy the  small streets surrounding the cathedral which are jam-packed with small bars, tapas joints and clubs.

Valencia is very proud of its dedication to forward thinking architecture and cultural projects. The world famous City of Arts and Sciences has to be seen to be believed. It is a cultural centre stretching over 2 km and made up of buildings and open spaces that look like they are straight out of a science fiction film.
The city is also a great place to head if you love relaxing in the outdoors. Not only does it boast 13km of golden sandy beaches, there are also parks and gardens throughout the city offering tranquillity and beauty. The riverbed of the River Turia has been dried out and now offers 9kms of parks and botanical gardens that cut right through the heart of the city. The Valencia Bioparc is a zoo unlike any other, designed to feel as though you have been air-dropped into the heart of Africa.

Tourism Overview Video film - Good to watch 


Reaching Valencia  –

Air – Well connected from the major airports of the Europe . Airport Valencia and Murcia

Train – Renfe connects Valencia , Murcia , Cartagena with the rest of the Spain.

Buses and  Cars – well connected through roads from the major cities.
Find out more on www.renfe.es


Getting Around

Walk – If you are staying in a conveniently located hotel , you can see most of Valencia by walking .It is always the preferred way of seeing the city and very easy in Valencia - 95% of the sights you will want to see will be within walking distance, since there aren't many outside the centre. The centre is much easier done by foot than on any kind of transport (bar bicycle) and much more enjoyable too. To  cross the centre in a straight line won't take more than 40 minutes and if you look at the map you will see how much there is to see. All you need is a little information about what to see and a tourist map.

Buses and Metros - For far of attraction like zona universitaria , beach  and far situated hotels you can use buses and metros

Bicycle - Bicycle rent is very popular with tourists in Valencia. Valencia is entirely flat and not too spread out. If you get around on the bicycle you have the best of both worlds - getting around fast enough and far enough without tiring too much and being able to stop wherever you want and appreciate the view.

Tourist Attractions

1. Ciudad De Las Artes Y Las Ciencias -  (City of Arts and Sciences) –




It is an entertainment-based cultural and architectural complex in the city of Valencia, Spain. It is the most important modern tourist destination in the city of Valencia.
The City of Arts and Sciences is situated at the end of the former riverbed of the river Turia, which was drained and rerouted after a catastrophic flood in 1957. The old riverbed was turned into a picturesque sunken park.

The must do/watch list for “the of Art and Sciences” is –

(A). Oceangrafic  - A must watch aquarium  .


(B). The Chromosome Forest – Dedicated to the life and genonme ( a must visit place with the kids ).
(C). IMAX Theatre – Powerful projection theatre
(D). International Space Station



2. Torres de Serrans (Serrano Towers )

 It is one of the twelve gates that were found along the old medieval city wall in Valencia, Spain. It is considered one of Valencia's most iconic building and is one the best conserved monuments in the city.



3. Plaza del Mercado: Lonja de la Seda, Santos Juanes and Mercado Central

The Plaza del Mercado is home to 3 buildings of interest, the Silk Market, one of the best examples of gothic civil architecture in Europe which is Patrimony of the Humanity (UNESCO), the Santos Juanes Church in baroque style and the Central Market, a colourful market in a beautiful modernist building.




4. La Catedral, El Miguelete and Plaza de la Virgen

Each of the three gates of the Cathedral has a diferent style: Irons Gate (baroque), the Apostles Gate (gothic) and the Palace Gate (Romanesque). The bell tower El Miguelete where you can enjoy amazing views. And the Plaza de la Virgen sits on the site that once was the forum of Roman Valencia.




5. Museo de Bellas Artes San Pio V -

Located in a Baroque building recently renovated, The Fine Arts Museum San Pio V is one of the most outstanding painting archives in Spain, renowned for its collections of primitive Valencian painters, although there are also works by El Greco, Velázquez, Murillo, Goya, and some archeological pieces.


6. Museo Nacional de Ceramica Gonzalez Marti -

The National Ceramics Museum Gonzalez Marti is housed in a palace that dates from the 15th century and was refurbished in 1740 on rococo style with a magnificent alabaster entrance. Inside, you can find the 19th century rooms and a collection of tiles made in the Royal Ceramics Factory in Alcora.



7. Monasterio de San Miguel de los Reyes -

The Jeronime monastery of San Miguel de los Reyes was erected in the 16th century over the old abbey. The facade is in the Renaissance style and is framed by two towers with salomonic Baroque columns. The monastery also has two cloisters surrounded by arch galleries.


9. El Puerto y La Playa -

Visit the port and enjoy with the team bases, the house of America’s Cup, the superyacht pier and the port sheds. After, walk by the promenade seafront in the Las Arenas, La Malvarrosa and Alboraya beaches.


10. Jardin Botanico -

The Botanic Garden was founded in 1567 for the study of medicinal plants. In 1802 it was installed in l'Hort de Tramoyeres, where it is currently situated. The restoration that was concluded in the year 2000 allowed for the reclamation of this spectacular green space.


11. Iglesia de San Juan del Hospital -

San Juan del Hospital is one of the oldest churches in Valencia, built around 1261. The temple has a single nave covered with a pointed barrel vault. Inside, you may contemplate the magnificent chapel of Santa Barbara and others chapels with painted murals from the Gothic period.


12. Santa Catalina -

The “Iglesia y Torre de Santa Catalina”, or the church and the tower of the holy Catherine, weren’t built at the same time. The church was built in the 14th century and the tower was built in the 18th century. Visit the tower for the beautiful view.


Famous City Tours

(A). Valencia Guias – Daily 3 to 4 hours guided walk and Bicycle Tours . Starting point Plaza de la Reina tourist office
www.vslenciaguias.com

(B) Art Valencia – 2 to 4 hours walking tour from Plaza  de la Reina tourist office in English and Spanish 
www.artvalencia.com

Festivals & Events

April

(A) Las Fallas – Firworks, music, festive bonfires and all night party. A must attend thing if you are in Spain between 12 to 19 march

 Las Fallas


(B) Fiesta de San Vicente Ferrer – Colourful parades and miracle plays performed around town on the Sunday after Easter.



May

(A) Fiesta de la Virgen – Effigy procession to the Cathedral on the second Sunday of May

(B) Dia den San Juan – From 23 to 24 June Midsummer’s day is celebrated with bonfires on the beach.


July

Feria de Julio – Performing arts, brass band competition , bullfights, fireworks and “a battle of flowers” in the second half of the july





La Tomatina - the famous tomato fight festival of Spain – At Bunol very close to Valencia. Read all about La Tomatina here http://traveller-information.blogspot.com/2012/01/la-tomatina-spain-famous-funful-tomato.html



 Night Life , Fun and Entertainment

(A) Best Nightlife - Valencia has a colourful night life because of its large student population. The Barrio del Carmen has good collection of the most colourful bars with all kinds of entertainment elements.The other major area is around the university ; Avenidas de Aragon and Blasco Lbanez and surrounding streets have enough bars and discotecas (Clubs ) to keep you busy beyond sunrise. The area around the Mercado de Abastos is also worth checking out.
For summer New port area and Malvarrosa are also good.



(B) Black Note – Jazz Venue

(C) Jimmy Glass – Playing jazz music with dim Smokey bar ambience

Food –Some places for food – Carosal , Bar pilar , L Hamadriada , Pepita Pulgarcita


Places to visit Near Valencia

Las Arenas – Long beach , paella restaurants
Peniscola – picture postcard old town
Bunol – La Tomatina festival
Morella Very cold in winter and refreshingly cool in summer
Costa Blanca – Costa Blanca white coast is very famous among the tourist

Alicante – good night life

For more Information & travel plan on Valencia Please Visit the Site :-
Turisvalencia

A trip to Valencia could be ideal to soak yourself in sun bright beaches , enjoy the vibrant life of taking the kids to enjoy the amazing world of science. 

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Pancake Day ,Shrove Tuesday – A Funful Festival Before Lent UK


Pancakes are just not the food when it comes to Pancake Day . So if you are in UK for this Feb just tie an apron and participate in Pancake race or just go to watch this events and enjoy the fun with the delicious British Pancakes. Here are the required helpful information for you


 Pancake Day ( also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the last day before the period which Christians call Lent. It is tradition on this day to eat pancakes. The name Shrove comes from the old word "shrive" which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday, in the Middle Ages, people used to confess their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began. When a person receives absolution for their sins, they are forgiven for them and released from the guilt and pain that they have caused them.In the Catholic or Orthodox context, the absolution is pronounced by a priest.Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence, because it's the last day before Lent. Throughout the United Kingdom, and in other countries too, people indulge themselves on foods that traditionally aren't allowed during Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.



Its has different name in different countries Like-


United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia - Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day or Pancake Tuesday

Brazil - Terça-feira gorda - Fat Tuesday - the final day of Brazilian Carnival.

Greece - Apocreas, which means "from the meat" since they don't eat meat during Lent, either.

Sweden - Fettisdagen (Fat Tuesday).

USA -  In Catholic and French-speaking parts of the United States this day is called Mardi Gras.

Germany - "Fastnacht" (Also spelt "Fasnacht", "Fasenacht", "Fasteloven" (in the Rhine area) or "Fasching" in Bavaria.)

France - Mardi Gras, which means Grease or Fat Tuesday.

Iceland - "Sprengidagur" (Bursting day).


Shrove Tuesday celebrations

Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence, because it's the last day before Lent.
Lent is a time of abstinence, of giving things up. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself, and to use up the foods that aren't allowed in Lent.



Giving up foods: but not wasting them

During Lent there are many foods that some Christians - historically and today - would not eat: foods such as meat and fish, fats, eggs, and milky foods.
So that no food was wasted, families would have a feast on the shriving Tuesday, and eat up all the foods that wouldn't last the forty days of Lent without going off.
The need to eat up the fats gave rise to the French name Mardi Gras ('fat Tuesday'). Pancakes became associated with Shrove Tuesday as they were a dish that could use up all the eggs, fats and milk in the house with just the addition of flour.


The origin of pancake racing

Pancake races are thought to have begun in 1445. A woman had lost track of the time on Shrove Tuesday, and was busy cooking pancakes in her kitchen.
Suddenly she heard the church bell ringing to call the faithful to church for confession. The woman raced out of her house and ran all the way to church; still holding her frying pan and wearing her apron.


Going for gold in the pancake Olympics

One of the most famous pancake races is held at Olney in Buckinghamshire over a 415 yard course. The rules are strict; contestants have to toss their pancake at both the start and the finish, as well as wearing an apron and a scarf. The race is followed by a church service.
Since 1950 Olney has competed with Liberal in Kansas, which holds an identical race, to see which town can produce the fastest competitor. After the 2000 race, Liberal was leading with 26 wins to Olney's 24.


Famous Pancake Races in UK :-

Olney, Buckinghamshire, Market Place to Parish Church
For more details contact - The Olney Town Council, +44 (0)1234 711679

Leadenhall Market Pancake Race (London)
     The Leadenhall Market Pancake Race starts at 1pm, The race starts    outside the Lamb Tavern. The event is free to watch.

   Parliamentary Pancake Race London - Victoria Tower Gardens. The race starts at 10.15am. This spectator event is free to attend.

 The Better Bankside Pancake Day Race (London) – Nearest tube –Tower Bridge

The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race (London) –Nearest Tube – Liverpool Street 

Swindon Town Center (Swindon Wiltshire ) - 12 :30 Noon

Olney PanCake Race 



Wednesday 8 February 2012

Transport Direct.info UK- Your Road Guide

Transport Direct
Get directions by public transport and car with Transport Direct.
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Find Your Way To London . Enter your post code . put date and time .Get Directions for public transport and car 

Sunday 5 February 2012

The White UK - Some Pictures of Snow Fall in UK 2012

On the 4th of February , the tiny snow flakes started descending from the sky on most part of the UK. Here are some cool pictures of the beautiful snowfall









Thursday 2 February 2012

STONEHENGE UK - A Mystery , A World Heritage Site


      Would you like to travel beyond time? Do you have interest in history? Are you really keen on finding the root of our past and ancestors? Then you must Visit the world heritage site Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is one of the most famous spots of UK.

Stonehenge at Sunset - Great Attractions (United... by GeoBeats

Location It is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 2.0 miles (3.2 km) west of Amesbury and 8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of a circular setting of large standing stones set within earthworks. It is at the centre of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Age monuments in England.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/stonehenge/




What is it - Archaeologists believe the iconic stone monument was constructed anywhere from 3000 BC to 2000 BC, as described in the chronology below. Radiocarbon dating in 2008 suggested that the first stones were erected in 2400–2200 BC, whilst another theory suggests that bluestones may have been erected at the site as early as 3000 BC.



The surrounding circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have been dated to about 3100 BC. The site and its surroundings were added to the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1986 in a co-listing with Avebury Henge monument. It is a national legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument. Stonehenge is owned by Crown and managed by English Heritage, while the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust.
Archaeological evidence found by the Stonehenge Riverside Project in 2008 indicates that Stonehenge could possibly have served as a burial ground from its earliest beginnings.The dating of cremated remains found on the site indicate that deposits contain human bone material from as early as 3000 BC, when the initial ditch and bank were first dug. Such deposits continued at Stonehenge for at least another 500 years

A short Video on Stonehenge


A mystery - Some archaeologists believe the Amesbury Archer, whose tomb was discovered three miles from Stonehenge, is the key to understanding why Stonehenge was built. Archer’s corpse was examined and documentation reveals he was a wealthy and powerful man with a skill of metal working. With examination of Archer’s corpse revealing he had some serious health issues, some believe he came to Stonehenge to be healed. Archer’s remains dated back to the same time the first circle of the Stonehenge was built. Whether Archer came to Stonehenge to be healed or just to work is still unknown.
People have been trying to figure out the origin of Stonehenge for hundreds of years. Just like there are also hundreds of speculations as to why Stonehenge was built. With so many theories, although some stand to reason, we will probably never know the true meaning or origin of Stonehenge. Whether it was built for healing, dying, astronomy, rituals, paganism and the list goes on and on, scientist and archaeologists continue to explore and study Stonehenge in hopes of finding the true origin of its existence.
With expanded technology in today’s world the answer could appear. Many hours and many teams of workers continue to explore Stonehenge to give the world the answer that hundreds of thousands of people have always wanted to know :-

Who came up with the idea for Stonehenge?
What purpose at that time did Stonehenge have for it’s people?
How did the massive stones get transported to this area?




Hundreds of questions with possible answers. Until the mystery of Stonehenge is solved it will always stand as a mystery for everyone.
Mystery or not, the origin or Stonehenge is uncertain, however the splendor of it’s makers and the countless hours invested in Stonehenge is still reason enough to draw visitors from all over the world. Until the answer is found as to the origin of Stonehenge everyone who visits will make their own conclusion as to why such a massive remarkable wonder exists. The mystery itself is enough reason to visit Stonehenge and who knows, maybe no speculation is far from wrong when you think about it.

How to reach the Stonehenge

Distance for London – 80 miles
Takes around 2 hours by car from London
Nearest station to Stonehenge - Salisbury
By Train – Waterloo (London) to Salisbury every Half hour 
Bus – From Salisbury its 10 miles .You can catch bus or Cab
Bus from London – Heathrow Airport and Victoria Coach station

Road Map - 




View Larger Map


Best Time to Visit – It’s really beautiful at Sunrise and Sunset. One can find heavy rush during peak summer or on June summer solstice.

Some Tips –

- Carry an Umbrella if it shows rainy weather
- Stones are fenced to protect it. You will not be able to touch the stones
- Not Much eating options close by (only some small stalls)
- Good place for Photography and walk 


Nearest Attractions – Woodhenge , Silbury Hill and Avebury Stone Circle


Stonehenge – A figure of Astronomical importance  -

(Another View about the Stonehenge)



These sites have good PDF downloads if you want to know the Astronomical view on the Stonehenge


http://www.tivas.org.uk/stonehenge/stone_ast.html


Useful Sites Links for Visiters :
-
http://www.stonehenge.org.uk/

Hope this information will be helpful to you during your visit to the Stonehenge.

A Detail Video Documentry  Stonehenge 
all you want to Know 

Part 1

Part 2 

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6




Wednesday 1 February 2012

UK holidays, tourist information & days out -Best Information on UK or London Travel


Welcome to Great Britain. A country of long History and Heritage , Lovely Landscape and Modern cities. So if you are planing to visit UK these sites will help you in all the way you could think.

These sites will answer your most of the tourism related query Like -
1. Things to do
2. Places to visit and the best time to visit
3. History
4. Culture
5. Where to stay
6.Dos and Don'ts while in Britain
7. Food
8 Transport
9.Tourist attractions
10.Markets and Shopping
11.Night Life
12.Entertainment
13. Activities
14 . Free things to do
15.Guidebooks


Please follow the links :-

UK holidays, tourist information & days out | VisitBritain

http://www.tourist-information-uk.com/

http://www.londontourist.org/

http://www.uktouristattractions.co.uk/

Top 10 Attractions in London


                                                                   London Visit Plan


Plan your City travel with the "Transport for London"

Journey Planner
Let me know if you have any question regarding your travel plan to UK. I will be happy to help you on my level.