Amanda, Author at Turn of the World

Why Munich Will Rock Your Socks

Best Destinations, World Travel - Amanda - August 21, 2013

Perhaps the calendar event each year in Munich is Oktoberfest, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of things to do year round in this very cosmopolitan city. Despite being heavily damaged during the Second World War many of Munich’s traditional buildings and locales have been re-built. These city attractions are paired with a fantastic shopping and bar culture to make for a great experience for visitors. A few things to do in Munich include.

English Garden
One of the best attractions to be enjoyed in Munich is the massive public park which has affectionately been labeled the English Garden. Named for the its open landscapes and rolling hills, which make an informal English park style (think Richmond Park in London) , the Englischer Garten – as it is referred to in German – has much varied diversions. Inside the park grounds there are eclectic monuments, several popular beer gardens, a boating lake, and mile upon mile of jogging and biking trails. Many visitors recommend renting a bike or a row boat to fully enjoy the park. The park can be reached by taking Tram 17.

Church of Our Lady
Known in German as the Frauenkirche, the Church of our Lady is a fantastic example of Gothic Period architecture. Long a unique component of the Munich skyline the two dome topped towers is compared by residents – in a fitting Munich tribute – to two bubbling over beer steins. Though the church dates as far back as the 14th century allied bombing during World War II required large scale repairs to be made after the war. Wandering around the church is free, but there is a small fee charged if you want to go to the observation deck. A trip to this higher vantage over the city is highly recommended.

Marienplatz
Marienplatz has long been the central square of Munich. As far back as 1158 there have been a variety of events taking place here including jousts, festivals and even executions. In modern times, thankfully the macabre events have been removed and in their place the square is filled with mimes, musicians, street performers, shops, and of course – this being Munich – a beer garden and plenty of restaurants and bars. A particularly lovely time to visit Marienplatz is during the yearly Christmas festival, which really captures the season with its festive decoration.

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Getting Lost in Yellowstone

Best Destinations - Amanda - August 15, 2013

One of America’s true treasures is Yellowstone national park. Literally filled with natural diversions visitors can get lost in this park for days enjoying its trails, lakes, basins and varied camping areas and that’s before even reaching its major attractions. Visitors know Yellow Stone best for its fantastic natural wonders like the geyser Old Faithful, the Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. When you are in the United States connecting to its wealth of nature is quite simply a must and you can find all kinds of deals on USA trips at TravelRepublic.ie.

A few of the best things to do while in Yellowstone include.

Old Faithful
Old Faithful gets it nickname from being one of the world’s most consistent and most powerful geysers. Blasting water into the air at an average of around 130 feet, and on occasion as high as 180 feet, the eruptions of old faithful are definitely awe inspiring. Where the name Old Faithful actually comes from is the fact that the geyser will expel its watery blast about every 90 minutes without fail. There are a few varied vantages that you can enjoy Old Faithful from. First there is near the perimeter fence outdoors where you will get to see it in all of its fury, or if you prefer a more sedentary and comfortable vantage you can view it through the windows of the dining room of the Old Faithful Inn. More adventurous travelers also enjoy the mile long hike to the Observation Point for an above view of the geyser. There are several hotels that surround this natural attraction.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Over the course of thousands of year of glacial activity the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone has been carved out of the earth’s surface. One of the most popular hiking locations and destinations in the park the Canyon is approximately 20 miles long, half a mile wide, and 1000 feet deep. There are several great lookout point, with Artist Point being the most acclaimed, to look over this work of nature and marvel. For hundreds of years visitors have been enjoying seeing the canyon’s golden cliffs from different vantages. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone can be found in the northeast corner of the park. Look out for Canyon village, less than half a mile from the park, which features several dining options, a lodge, and a visitor center.

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Things to do in Ottawa, Canada

Stories and Travel Info, World Travel - Amanda - July 22, 2013

Ottawa is a lovely planned city that was designed to house the government of Canada and satisfy tourists. Okay, perhaps the latter is a by product of great city design, but never the less there is much to see and do in Ottawa. It’s nearly impossible to miss the iconic parliament buildings and the equally impressive Rideau Canal. Beyond those sites the city boasts many varied museums, galleries and restaurants. A trip to the national capital of Canada is assured to grace visitors with a deeper perspective of Canadians as well as the pleasure of a lovely city. Things to do in Ottawa include.

Rideau Canal
Before becoming one of Ottawa’s central attractions the Rideau Canal enjoyed a storied history in the nation’s capital. Constructed between 1826 and 1832 the Canal was initially intended as precaution against any further American invasion. The War of 1812 between Canada – then a British colony – and the United States highlighted that the American’s had intended to cut off the St Lawrence River to stymie communications and commerce for the Canadians. The Rideau Canal developed a link between Montreal, Ottawa, and Kingston that spans several hundred miles and would have allowed commerce if the American were able to do this. In contemporary times the Canal has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ottawa’s most beloved features.
Snaking through the center of Ottawa the Rideau Canal enjoys varied usages depending on the season. In the summer time it is filled with boats and becomes the center of several summer time parties that culminate with the Rideau Canal Festival. In the winter the canal becomes a mammoth skating rink that spans 4.8 miles. If it gets cold out the length of the ice is lined with hot cocoa and snack stands. Visiting the Rideau Canal is always free, but if you require skate rental that will cost around $15 dollars.

National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Housed in a building considered a work of art in its own right the National Galley of Canada is a must for all art lovers out there. Easily recognizable by its proximity to Parliament Hill, as well as by the massive spider sculpture in its entrance, the National Gallery attracts legions of visitors each year. Inside you will find works by such renowned master as Da Vinci, Picasso and Michelangelo. This being Canada, there are also works by several Canadian master as well such as Antoine Plamondon and Benjamin West. Each year several varied exhibits are put on. The National gallery is open each day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m every day in the summer and Tuesday through Sundays in the winter. Entrance to the permanent collection is $9 dollars, while visiting the special exhibit and permanent collection costs $15 dollars.

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Ever Been to Nice, France?

Stories and Travel Info - Amanda - July 21, 2013

Set near to the azure waters of the Mediterranean Nice is the central and largest city, of the French Rivera. Filled with varied shopping, enjoying the beach, and visiting historical buildings all visitors to the city are assured of finding things to do. Like so much of France Nice also is a city that loves art and food. There are several fantastic galleries and museums to visit as well as great markets that sell all varieties of goods. More things to do in Nice include.

Old Town
Rue Rosetti et Rue Centrale | Nice
Whether you a local or a first time visitor to the city a wander through Nice’s old town is enjoyed by all. Living up to its name sake, the old town is graced with a feel that harbors back to an age gone by. The streets are narrow and twisting and the buildings are built in classical ways. Though some of the old town is filled with the usual assortment of tourist traps there are also several different shops and restaurants that are frequented by locals. While in the old town also be sure to visit the Cours Saleya which is a wonderful flower market. Whether you are in the Old Town in the morning, afternoon or day time there is much to see and it definitely is the must visit location of the city.

Avenue Jean Medecin
Avenue Jean Medecin | Nice, France
In a city that is known for fashion and style the places to visit are definitely the shops along the Avenue Jean Médecin. Following along this street will lead you to a wealth of international chain stores as well number of uniquely French boutiques. The area also boasts Galeries Lafayette which is a French department store as well as Centre Commercial Nice Etoile shopping mall. Wander the mall or find any number of different cafes to sit down and enjoy a latte. Once you have shopped all there is to find along Avenue Jean Medecin you’ll be happy to find out that the streets nearby are also lined with shops too.

Palais Lascaris
15 rue Droite | Nice 06300
A free attraction to be enjoyed in Nice is the Palais Lascaris which is a baroque style castle that was built in the 17th century. The main area to visit is the noble floor – which is filled with various 18th century ornamentations and furnishings – as well as the pharmacy built in 1738. The latter showcases in some detail how health was monitored in earlier times. The palace is open Wednesday through to Monday and is closed on Tuesday. Though not a large attraction the Palais Lascaris to see it does provide an hour or two worth of diversion.

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Day Trips from Tampa, Florida

Getting Lost, Stories and Travel Info - Amanda - July 14, 2013

If you’re in Tampa there is plenty to do within the city’s confines, like seeing the Florida Aquarium and Busch Gardens – but have you ever considered stepping away from the city and exploring a little more of Florida? There is much nearby to Tampa that you can take in that is less than a 100 miles away. Central Florida is geographically packed with different museums to visit, quaint American towns, and Orlando isn’t far from Tampa either. Different day trips from Tampa include.

Bradenton
A fine example of a smaller, culturally filled American town is Bradenton. Nearby Shaw Point was actually discovered by the explorer, Hernado De Soto, who initially discovered Florida. Down town Bradenton is fascinating exploration of Florida living with shops, restaurants, museums and a great beach all in near succession to one another. The Bradenton Village of the Arts in worth the trip here in of itself as varied artists have collected here to form one of America’s most beloved art communes. Artists work inside of their homes, many of which are open for visitors to come in and look at the art works on display and view an artist at work.

The Salvador Dalí Museum
St Petersburg Florida – not St Petersburg Russia… or any other European city – has the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by the Spanish artistic genius Salvador Dali. One of the forerunners of surrealistic painting and an icon of 20th century art any visitor to this Salvador Dali Museum here in St Petersburg will leave effected. The Salvador Dali Museum is one of the highest visited tourist sites in Florida.

Naples
Converse to what many might think Florida is not just a state known for its bounty of sunshine, but also for some intriguing art filled towns. Naples Florida is one such town. With a cultural hub situated around Cambier Park – a park that puts on loads of free plays, weekly films, and varied art installations at the Liebig Art Center – art lovers will find artistically whatever their heart desires. Getting back to traditional Florida fair, be sure as well to enjoy the great beaches for a little fun in the sun while in Naples too.

Everglades City
If you ever had an interest in experiencing the Florida everglades and the 10,000 tiny islands that make them up then a visit to Everglades City is fantastic starting point. With numerous tour companies, and boat rental outfits Everglades city will give you your best chance to see the exotic animals and plant life that can be found in the Florida Everglades. While you’re spending some time in the actual Everglades City be sure to take a wander down Main Street and check out the historic town hall and court house.

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