BULS

 

Paris is an amazing city. We have all heard the sayings “The city of love” “The most romantic city in the world” “The city of lights”, well after visiting this city and experiencing it first hand, I can tell you that it is all true.

 

The city is very beautiful. The architecture is stunning, the tourist attractions amazing and I found the people to be friendly.

 

Paris is a place you can’t describe in words to someone, it is a place you have to experience for yourself. The city is like a living museum, with architecture dating back to the 13th Century. That is when Notre Dame began to be built.

 

The grandeur of Paris really became evident in the 16th century, when Versailles became Louis XIV’s headquarters. In the 19th Century, Napoleon appointed Baron Haussmann to develop modern Paris, with its long boulevards and beautiful buildings, the wide avenues and parks that still make the city unique today.

 

Paris is internationally renowned for its architecture and its influence in fashion and the arts. Walking is the best way to see and get a feel for the city. You can explore the city’s districts, its old centres, cemeteries and great parks. When you first arrive in Paris, I highly recommend getting on the Hop on, Hop off buses. Stay on and do a circuit and get a feel for where everything is. It is very easy to walk around once you know where you are.

 

I remember one day, later in the afternoon, we walked from Notre Dame back to our hotel near the Place de la Concorde. It was very charming and it turned dark and the lights came on. We stopped to have a meal in a restaurant. It was just wonderful.

 

The Champs-Elysées is a fantastic place to experience people watching. Another one is the Place de la Concorde.

 

Those who fancy a trendier atmosphere, can visit districts such as Le Marais, Quartier Latin, or the quaint Canal St-Martin. If you like art galleries, museums, or famous cabarets such as Folies Bergères, Paris has everything to meet your dreams. Be aware, Moulin Rouge, does not look like much during the day but it comes alive at night when the lights go on.

 

The top attractions in Paris are certainly the Eiffel Tower, originally a “temporary” construction for the 1889 Universal Exposition, the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte and the massive cathedral Notre Dame. A walk from Place de la Concorde towards Champs Elysée is also a must as well as the world famous Louvre museum. One place you must visit is the Montparnasse Tower. There are less crowds than the Eiffel Tower, it has an enclosed viewing area as well as being able to go onto the roof. The best part is that you get the Eiffel Tower in your photos! I highly recommend it.

 

There is obviously much more to explore!

 

Père Lachaise The largest cemetery in Paris, and said reputed to be the most visited in the world. A huge and peaceful park home of those who have experienced French life over the past 200 years.

 

Jardin du Luxembourg. The garden of the French Senate which is also a large public park. A recommended place to relax and savour the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a rich palace garden.

 

Musée d’Orsay. This is the place for art and artefacts from the Middle Ages and Impressionist eras with leading collections. Originally a railway station and the building itself is worth a visit.

 

Le Marais. Situated on the right bank (3rd and 4th Arr.), this trendy district has beautiful
architecture of the 17th century. There are also many museums, art galleries and historic sites such as Paris’ oldest square, Place des Vosges where you can find Victor Hugo’s residence.

 

Montmartre. One of the most popular historic areas with the Sacré Coeur Basilica on the top of the hill, the highest point in Paris. It’s also famous for the cafés and studios of many great artists. I recommend taking the tram to the top, then walking down the steps followed by browsing the artists work in the narrow streets at the bottom. A fantastic experience. I bought a beautiful print and everytime I look at it, wonderful memories come flooding back.

 

Versailles. Near Paris, this is where King Louis XIV built his Palace in the 17th century. For those who love Renaissance architecture, don’t miss it! The Palace has been recently renovated and you’ll also enjoy lovely walks in the well kept gardens.

 

Bateaux Mouches. One of the most relaxing, and romantic ways to view some of the city’s oldest and most majestic historic monuments is to get a ride on the famous and unique long-boats that leisurely glide along the Seine.
Despite the number of operators from which to choose, most of the boat lines offer similar itineraries and are equipped with an audio announcement system, providing commentary on the passing sights in several different languages.

 

In Paris, you must differentiate between restaurants, bistro or brassieres. A bistro is usually small, featuring simple food, sometimes with entertainment. A brassiere serves hearty meals along with beer and wine, usually cheap and with a liquor and coffee bar. Like New York or London, the choice is huge. Each place has its own particular atmosphere and style whether recipes are local or from all over the world.
However Paris is internationally renowned as a food capital. It is the right place to test the high-quality French products and delights of traditional French cookery thanks to the talented and creative chefs. Parisian restaurants are real gourmets delight. There are good places for all budgets. Whether it’s a restaurant, a bistro or a brassiere, you’ll be able to enjoy a real culinary feast with gourmets from all over the world.

 

In Paris you will find lots of trendy and popular bars serving all kind of drinks with a good mix of music and sometimes with DJs. Take your time and sample a few, they are all open late!
Paris has a very diverse nightlife. From high-tech dance clubs to mellow jazz haunts, there’s anything to fit your mood. Also try the famous cabaret venues for a great night of vibrant entertainment!

 

Paris is home to some of the most famous designers and luxurious brand names in the fashion industry like Louis Vitton or Dior. But you’ll also find more affordable brands matching your budget in the huge department stores or many popular neighbourhoods.

 

Paris is served by two major airports, Roissy Charles de Gaulle (CDG), 25 Km and Orly 15 Km from the city centre. A third airport, Paris Beauvais, is mainly served by low cost airlines. A paying shuttle service (€13) is organized to and from its terminals and Paris-Porte Maillot.
From CDG terminals, the Roissybus leaves every 15 minutes from 6.00 and arrives to the city centre (at Opéra) after a journey of 45-60 minutes. (€8.40 one way). After midnight there are night busses going to Place du Châtelet, 90 rue de Rivoli every 30 minutes (€8 one way). The cheapest and fastest (30 minutes) is the underground RER B to Gare du Nord running from 4.56 in the morning to 23.56 at night (€8 one way).

 

From Gare du Nord you are connected to Paris’ metro network. Air France busses go to Porte Maillot. Taxis can be found near the terminals’ baggage collection area exits. Average day fares are €50.
From Orly, the automatic metro Orlyval takes you to RER B Antony station from 6.00 to 23.00. Combined ticket price (Metro+RER+Orlyval)is about €9. Other options are the airport shuttle buses going to RER C Pont de Rungis station. Combined ticket price (Metro+RER+shuttle) is around €5.60. As for busses, the Orly bus takes you straight
to RER B Denfert-Rochereau. Daytime taxi rates are approximately €35.

 

Public transport. The RATP runs the city’s local transport system. The bus, underground (metro), and commuter train system (RER) is divided into five zones, and is cheap and efficient. The underground runs from 5:30 in the morning to 0:30 in the night. Tickets are valid on both busses and trains, and can be purchased from the stations and in kiosks. Travel cards, ranging from one to five days, are also available at the airport, at underground stations, and from tourist information offices. 1 day travel card zone 1-3 costs approximately €8.30.

 

There is so much to see and do in Paris. If you are going to visit, make sure you allow enough time so that you can experience all that it has to offer.

Marlene Challis
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/paris-a-charming-city-727924.html

 

Technorati Tags: Paris, Urban Leisure

 

Shopping experience at San Francisco is blissful with full of unique shops in very interesting areas of the city. You may be looking for the best gourmet food or may be hunting for the hottest new fashion trends; San Francisco is one stylish city to shop. From the preferred tourist Fisherman’s Wharf shops to the elite Union Square designer stores; San Francisco is a great place for shopping for every type of shopper.

Take a trip down to the piers of Fisherman’s Wharf and explore yourself in to the world of shopping. Start at Ghirardelli Square where you would find the best waterfront shopping experience along with mind-blowing restaurants and live entertainments at the Fountain and West Plazas. From here you will also experience other popular waterfront shopping complexes.

PIER 39 is a multi-level shopping mall catering to all Fishermen’s Wharf shoppers. This is the busiest of the waterfront complexes and PIER 39 welcomes over 11 million visitors to over 100 specialty stores onsite. This complex also has 10 bay view restaurants, which allows shoppers to rest and enjoy the incredible views from the pier. Another important highlight of the pier is the opportunity to have a look and photograph California sea lions as they sun bathe on floating docks.

Another attractive place for shopping is The Cannery, it has been designed in an old, European styled piazzas. Explore this Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront complex’s shops, its ceramics studio and great fine restaurants. You have live entertainment in Jazz Club Nouveau or The Cannery’s preferred Green Room Comedy Club. Famous street performers are also often found milling around The Cannery Grounds making this area a very great shopping experience for the whole family.

Move on to the Ferry Building Marketplace in the Embarcadero and experience some of the world’s greatest gourmet food here. Breads, cheeses, chocolates and more are all available with this stylish, contemporary marketplace. Round up your shopping experience with an outstanding late lunch at the San Francisco restaurants. The marketplace is even more crowded during weekends. During the weekends the outdoor Farmers’ Market opens up their market and welcomes shoppers to taste the finest Northern California fruits, vegetables, breads, chocolates and many more. The best plants, fresh flowers and amazing gifts are all available at the Farmers’ Market.

Fashionable and stylish people would prefer traveling downtown to Union Square to shop all the fashionable shops, which makes this area top in San Francisco. Huge departmental stores, designer stores and variety of other high end specialty shops make this shopper’s shopping area. Shoppers hunting for antiques, vintage clothing and unique items would desire to visit Chinatown, Haight Ashbury and SoMa. These neighborhoods are home to few hidden San Francisco shopping gem. Whether you are looking for newest and greatest original fashion trends or looking for a more classic look, San Francisco has all the shops you would ever want.

Amjath
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/shopping-experience-at-san-francisco-94254.html

 

Technorati Tags: San Francisco, shopping, Urban Leisure

 

The night is alive in Blackpool, one of the best clubbing venues in the north as well as a favorite destination for fans of live music and live theatre performances. The club scene is electric in Blackpool, with the resort town offering hot dance music, pop and old school tunes as well as R’n'B every night of the week.

Located in central Promenade, the Palace is probably the hottest club in town, with a full capacity of 3,200 clubbers swinging and swaying to its stylish tunes on Fridays and Saturdays. The drinks may be a tad expensive, but the spaciousness and elegance of the venue as well as the quality of the dance music make it worthwhile.

The beach bar/club Linekers is near the Palace and can comfortably accommodate about 300 guests. Top 40 chart music is played here throughout the night. The much larger Jellies Nightclub along the Promenade plays the same kind of music but it boasts of three dance floors and five bars spread over two floors.

Club One Eleven on Central Promenade is the venue of choice for serious clubbers and it can accommodate as many as 1,100 of them at a time. The speakers blast out house and old school music all night long. Meanwhile, die-hard dancers converge at two other clubs nearby: Heaven & Hell on Bank Hey Street and Rumours on Talbot Square.

Over on Church street is the Syndicate Super Club, which has been officially named as the UK’s biggest club. Its three levels can house more than 5,000 people. Top guest DJs regularly perform here to the delight of delirious crowds. Right above the Syndicate Super Club is Status, a new nightclub that targets the 25 and above set.

Liquidlounge on Topping Street is best known for its futuristic style interiors and is favorite haven of the ultra hip and sophisticated. It usually plays sexy, non-commercial music.

Flares Nightclub on the Promenade is the home to the Saturday Night Fever crowd that love to dance the night away. The top dance hits of the 70s are brought back to life here while clubbers strut their funky stuff.

There are two other nightclubs of note on Promenade: Time and Waterfront. Time caters to the 25 and above set and plays everything from cheesy classics to indie tunes. Waterfront caters to the below 25 set and plays modern chart music.

Rock and heavy metals fans usually end up on The Tache Rock Venue on Cookson Street, which has been entertaining this crowd for over 13 years. Thursday is student night.

When it comes to live music, Blackpool has plenty of venues that play everything from jazz and blues to classical and opera. There is also a lot of pop and rock and plenty of opportunities to cross paths with a famous or rising pop star or band.

Blackpool’s theatres are the main venues to see big-time celebrities. The Winter Gardens, which has excellent venues such as the Spanish Hall and the Pavilion Theatre, usually host pop acts like Scissor Sisters and instrumental artists like Tommy Emanuel. The Opera House, which is also part of the Winter Gardens complex, has featured major stars such as Katie Melua, the Beach Boys, Status Quo, Jane McDonald and Daniel Bedingfield.

The Musical Hall Tavern on Church Street is an excellent venue for live music in a traditional club atmosphere. It was awarded second place in the Variety Club Category during the 2002 Blackpool Tourism awards. Pianist Andy Knight regularly thrills the crowd at the Music Hall Tavern.

Situated on Church Street, the Musical Hall Tavern was runner-up in the variety club category in the Blackpool Tourism awards in 2002. This venue plays host to many different acts, including Andy Knight, who wows the crowd with his piano classics. The neighboring K2 Bar offers a more contemporary live music menu, mainly focusing on dance tunes.

Scruffy Murphy’s on Corporation Street has live Irish folk music during weekends, while bands at The Kite Club on Talbot Road play blues and rock and roll. New and up and coming musical acts are regular features of the Galleon nightclub on Adelaide Street.

Theatre lovers absolutely adore Blackpool because it has four main theatres and is one of the best venues for musicals, drama and a wealth of other shows. Not only that, the theatres are highly regarded historical institutions as well.

The Grand Theatre on Church Street is the finest and most famous theatre in Blackpool. Located at the heart of the town’s tourist area, the Grand Theatre offers an array of shows each year, including classics like Ken Dodd to performances by the English National Ballet.

The Opera House at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool’s oldest theatre, opened its doors in June 1889 and is still going strong today.

The Pavilion Theatre, which is also within the Winter Gardens complex, has undergone many changes since it was built in the 19th century but today features plays, musicals and dance shows.

The North Pier Theatre features many great musical acts as well as cabaret performances. It provides the most intimate theatrical experience among the four.

 

Technorati Tags: Blackpool, clubbing, theatre, Urban Leisure

 

The Santa Monica Pier is home to one of the famous theme parks the Pacific Park. The park is located in Santa Monica, California upon the Santa Monica Pier. The park overlooks the majestic Pacific Ocean towards the direction of the Catalina Islands. The Pacific Park contains a sum of 12 rides. This includes the Ferris Wheel, which will provide a wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean and also a roller coaster, that goes round much of the park. There is also a miniature golf course in the park. The main opening season is between May to September, there is very little functioning of the park outside the main season.

The park features rides aimed at Adults and Children which truly widens its appeal.

 

The adult rides include the West Coaster, the Pacific Wheel, Inkie’s Scrambler, Sea Dragon, Pacific Plunge, Sig Alert and Gyro Loop. The kids rides includes Ship Ahoy, Red Baron, Crazy Submarine, Pier Patrol, Inkie’s Lil’ Scrambler, Frog Hopper and Eurobungy.

There is also an in store shop with seaside gear being sold. Surfboards, cargo netting, beach wear, common and unusual gifts, LA Lakers wear and jeweller and crystals are some of the items being sold here. The store also has everything required for your outing at Santa Monica Pier or the beach nearby. There are towels, films and also sunscreen available.

The Pacific Park has restaurants to satisfy ones taste buds; there is the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, the Harbor Grill, the Pizza Hut Express, Taco Bell, Carnation, Funnel Cake Factory, Dippin’ Dots and Themed Food Carts.

There is so much to do and see here, a stay at a Beverly Hills hotel would be very useful. And why not enjoy luxury living for some time at a luxury hotel in Beverly Hills.

Naveen Marasinghe
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-famous-family-amusement-park-in-santa-monica-735189.html

 

Technorati Tags: Santa monica, Urban Leisure