Posts for World Travel Category

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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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.

ottawa

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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