If you've got a trip to the Windy City coming up, chances are it's for business rather than for a vacation. Though Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S. behind New York and Los Angeles, it doesn't get nearly as much publicity as a tourist destination, either from domestic or international visitors. That's really unfortunate because there is actually a wide variety of fun and exciting things to do no matter where your interests lie. Let's take a look at some of the more popular tourist spots that visitors to this great city should see.
The Sears Tower
The fabulous Chicago skyline is dominated by the Sears Tower. Constructed in 1974, this 1,454-foot structure is still the tallest building in the United States, and still ranks as the fourth tallest in the world. The Sears Tower is primarily used as an office building, but the Skydeck on the 103rd floor is open to the public. It is said that when visibility is good, you can actually see parts of four different states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana) from the observation deck.
To make your visit to the Sears Tower as pleasant as possible, I suggest the following: first of all, take the train. Driving and parking in the city is a nightmare (not to mention very expensive). Second, arrive either early in the day or late in the afternoon. During peak daytime hours, you could end up spending a lot of time waiting in line. If you arrive right when the doors open at 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., you should have no trouble getting in without much of a wait. Third, plan more time than you think you need. A lot of people figure that a visit to the Sears Tower will take less than an hour. Of course you could finish that quickly if you really had to, but most guests find the view to be so beautiful and mesmerizing that they just can't pull themselves away. It's best to go there with a flexible schedule.
Navy Pier
When the weather is good, nothing beats walking around Navy Pier for an afternoon. Navy Pier is a tourist hotspot, and even attracts its share of locals as well. There are plenty of shops for you to browse through, restaurants (and a beer garden) for you to visit, and activities for the kids, such as an IMAX theater and a children's museum.. In the summer, there are often special events that you won't want to miss. While you're there, you'll have to be sure to take a ride on the Ferris wheel, which will afford you with another grand view of the city.
This is another place that you won't want to drive to. While there is a parking lot near the premises, it's almost always full no matter what the day or hour. Instead of driving to the Pier, you can actually park at the Shedd Aquarium and take a so-called water taxi.
Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is another of Chicago's great family attractions. It is very easy to find and admission is free (though you do have to pay for parking), so there's no reason to miss out. Although the zoo grounds are relatively small compared to some of the city zoos across the country (this certainly isn't the San Diego Zoo, for example), there are still over 1200 animals of more than 200 different species that you can see.
Once you've had your fill of walking around and looking at the animals, you might want to rent a paddle boat and have fun in the lagoon. While paddling, you'll be treated to an awesome view of downtown Chicago. In addition to the paddle boats, other attractions include a carousel, train, Safari Audio Tour, and a children's zoo. You'll also find several souvenir shops and cafes for your shopping and dining pleasure.
The Art Institute
If you want to add a little culture to your trip to Chicago, I recommend visiting the Art Institute. Located on Michigan Avenue in the heart of the city, the Art Institute is one of the true symbols of Chicago. Outside the museum you'll see the statues of two lions that were made famous by a movie called "The Ghost and the Darkness."
As with most museums, the Art Institute has a regular, permanent collection of its own, and also frequently hosts traveling exhibits that are on loan from other museums or personal collections. You'll probably have to pay extra to see special exhibits, so keep that in mind if you're dealing with a tight budget. Admission is free every Tuesday, so if you can plan your visit accordingly, that would be another way to save money.
The Art Institute's regular collection features works from such masters as van Gogh, Picasso, Dali, Monet, Gauguin, and more. The collection consists of objects dating back to antiquity, as well as works from most of the major movements in art throughout history all the way to modern times.
Take in Some Live Blues Music
The Chicago music scene is varied and distinct, meaning that you can go to just about any kind of concert you want -- and blues is no exception. It would be a shame for you to visit Chicago and not duck into at least one blues club for a drink and a few sets of great music, or to spend an evening in a restaurant enjoying a fantastic meal with live music in the background. There are lots of different clubs and restaurants that you can go to, and since music tastes vary so much, I'm not going to recommend a specific one. Suffice it to say that you can either go to a national chain like the House of Blues or to a club that is well-known only to the locals.
Catch a ballgame at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, located at the famous intersection of Clark and Addison, is one of the oldest ballparks in baseball. It is of course home to the Chicago Cubs, and during the major league baseball season, which runs from April to September (many optimists might say October), you can easily purchase tickets to catch a game in person. I recommend sitting in the outfield bleachers if you can, just for the experience of it all. The Bleacher Bums are definitely a different breed of fans!
The Cubs play both day and night games, so when they're in town, chances are you'll be able to go to a game that fits in with your schedule. If you want to throw caution to the wind, you can probably wait and buy your tickets from the Wrigley Field box office on the day of the game. However, Cubs games do sell out quite frequently, especially during the summer months when school is out and the weather is fantastic. So if missing a game would crush you, I recommend that you play it safe and order your tickets in advance.
Indulge in a Deep-Dish Pizza
Many cities offer what they call "Chicago-style," or deep-dish, pizza. But for the most part, these imitations can't hold a candle to the real thing. Chicago has many famous pizza joints that specialize in deep-dish creations, with two of the best being Gino's East and Pizzeria Uno. Each of these restaurants has a full menu of mouth-watering pizza varieties to choose from, so rest assured that you'll get a great-tasting pie no matter what you like on your pizza. These places tend to be packed during traditional lunch and dinner hours, so if you can eat a little earlier or a little later than everyone else, you'll save yourself the trouble of a long wait. But be warned: once you've had an authentic Chicago-style pizza, you might not be able to settle for anything less!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
Travel to Egypt: Taking Unique Pictures!
We have all seen the travel brochures. The huge pyramids towering to the skies, the stern visage of the ancient sphinx. You would think those of us who long to travel the world would find more exotic places to visit than "plain old Egypt." You will soon understand, however, that there is nothing about Egypt that is plain. Sure, some photo ops may be overused and trite, but then instead of snapping that quintessential picture, try to make it a little bit different!
The first "unique" picture you might want to get is a little difficult and will probably turn out blurred, but it would be well worth it for a "first glimpse of Egypt." Try getting a picture from the plane as you fly over this ancient and venerable country and get ready to start your great adventure. If you will be scrapbooking your trip or if you enjoy arranging photo albums, this will make a wonderful first photo for your travel album.
By all means, don't hesitate to take many pictures of the pyramids! Just because it's cliche doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. But try some new angles, too. Have a friend or family member stand at the base of a pyramid to emphasize the difference in size. If you're traveling with a group, try to stand around at least part of the pyramid holding hands.
Don't just photograph the sphinx. Get as close as you possibly can to this huge man-lion and photograph separate parts of the statue. Just a close-up of the huge paws will make an artsy shot. If you have a camera with zoom, trying zooming in just on the sphinx's face, its missing nose, and the cracks in its features. Don't just emulate others' pictures but try to be a photography creative artist and generate some ideas you wouldn't normally think of.
Cairo is a goldmine of photographic opportunities. Instead of snapping off endless pictures of the same thing, be inventive. Don't photograph a bazaar stall, but a particular item; something like a long gold chain that struck your fancy but you were unable to afford as one example. Focusing on particular items instead of the big picture is always a good idea to avoid dozens of nearly identical vacation photos.
If you were indeed able to afford that special trinket, have someone take a picture of you wearing or holding your special prize. If the locals are amenable, stand with someone in Egyptian garb. Thinking outside the box will help keep your photos fresh and different.
The key is to notice the details and have photos different from everyone else's, so with this in mind, you may want to visit the Nile. This is probably the most famous river in the world and is in many ways the life and breath of Egypt. Again, if you have a zoom camera it will come in handy. Don't just capture the river; capture what lies within. Get down on your knees, shoot into the water. Try to find a fish or other creature (of course here is a good time to point out that most cameras are not water-resistant and it will be very hard to explain to anyone how you dropped your camera in the Nile, so be careful!) Look for an unusual plant growing alongside the river to frame your photo.
Take numerous photos of your hotel, the exterior, the lobby, your room, but don't be too obvious about doing this. You'll want photos, but it's never a good idea while on vacation to let someone know you are a "typical tourist." Once you're in your bedroom, you'll want a view of the room in general and a shot out of the window (provided you have a good view). If you're staying in Cairo, for instance, and can see the pyramids or the sphinx from your window, it would make a great shot for either a scrapbook or an album.
For many of these photos you might want to use a tripod, especially for further-away shots that can get blurred if you shake a little too much. Don't forget nighttime shots, too. The pyramids are lit at night. A small tripod that can be folded and zipped away until using is always a good vacation asset.
The first "unique" picture you might want to get is a little difficult and will probably turn out blurred, but it would be well worth it for a "first glimpse of Egypt." Try getting a picture from the plane as you fly over this ancient and venerable country and get ready to start your great adventure. If you will be scrapbooking your trip or if you enjoy arranging photo albums, this will make a wonderful first photo for your travel album.
By all means, don't hesitate to take many pictures of the pyramids! Just because it's cliche doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. But try some new angles, too. Have a friend or family member stand at the base of a pyramid to emphasize the difference in size. If you're traveling with a group, try to stand around at least part of the pyramid holding hands.
Don't just photograph the sphinx. Get as close as you possibly can to this huge man-lion and photograph separate parts of the statue. Just a close-up of the huge paws will make an artsy shot. If you have a camera with zoom, trying zooming in just on the sphinx's face, its missing nose, and the cracks in its features. Don't just emulate others' pictures but try to be a photography creative artist and generate some ideas you wouldn't normally think of.
Cairo is a goldmine of photographic opportunities. Instead of snapping off endless pictures of the same thing, be inventive. Don't photograph a bazaar stall, but a particular item; something like a long gold chain that struck your fancy but you were unable to afford as one example. Focusing on particular items instead of the big picture is always a good idea to avoid dozens of nearly identical vacation photos.
If you were indeed able to afford that special trinket, have someone take a picture of you wearing or holding your special prize. If the locals are amenable, stand with someone in Egyptian garb. Thinking outside the box will help keep your photos fresh and different.
The key is to notice the details and have photos different from everyone else's, so with this in mind, you may want to visit the Nile. This is probably the most famous river in the world and is in many ways the life and breath of Egypt. Again, if you have a zoom camera it will come in handy. Don't just capture the river; capture what lies within. Get down on your knees, shoot into the water. Try to find a fish or other creature (of course here is a good time to point out that most cameras are not water-resistant and it will be very hard to explain to anyone how you dropped your camera in the Nile, so be careful!) Look for an unusual plant growing alongside the river to frame your photo.
Take numerous photos of your hotel, the exterior, the lobby, your room, but don't be too obvious about doing this. You'll want photos, but it's never a good idea while on vacation to let someone know you are a "typical tourist." Once you're in your bedroom, you'll want a view of the room in general and a shot out of the window (provided you have a good view). If you're staying in Cairo, for instance, and can see the pyramids or the sphinx from your window, it would make a great shot for either a scrapbook or an album.
For many of these photos you might want to use a tripod, especially for further-away shots that can get blurred if you shake a little too much. Don't forget nighttime shots, too. The pyramids are lit at night. A small tripod that can be folded and zipped away until using is always a good vacation asset.
Visit Henry Flagler's Florida Coast
One of the things that makes coastal Florida in general and St. Augustine in particular so fascinating is the variety of different architectural time periods that are being represented. Old Spanish homes, devoid of decoration, seem to stand peacefully next to huge gothic hotels dripping with lush interior and stunning architectural detail. Without question, St. Augustine would certainly not be quite so beautiful without the massive Moorish-style buildings that seem to transport the unsuspecting tourist back to old Spain and to the time of the Muslim kings.
Henry Flagler, a man renowned for his deep pockets and his rich tastes, came to St. Augustine hoping to create an empire of his own. There were very few limits to what he could accomplish, and by the end of the 19th century, three lavish hotels had sprung up in St. Augustine. The Ponce de Leon Hotel, now known as Flagler College, is a liberal arts school in the heart of the downtown. The red terra-cotta roofs and ingenious towers, turrets and countless windows seem to have dropped down from Spain's medieval Muslim kingdom of Granada or perhaps, further back in time, the courts of Morocco. There are very few architectural wonders that Flagler College does not have. Even if you're not a student, you can walk around and have your camera at the ready to capture this unforgettable feat of engineering.
The Casa Monica Hotel is a beautiful white structure that has a long and venerable history. It is again being used as a hotel, as it was in the olden days, and for a price (which, granted, is a bit high) you can go back to a richly-appointed room after a full day of soaking up St. Augustine's terrific history. Casa Monica was conceived in 1887 when Henry Flagler's acquaintance, a man known as Franklin Smith, constructed the first version of Casa Monica. In 1888, St. Augustine witnessed the transaction of the hotel and all its furnishings to Henry Flagler; one has to wonder if this was planned from the beginning. The magnificent Moorish masterpiece soon became known as the "Cordova" and it was Flagler's know-how that turned it into the work of St. Augustine art that it is today. In the 20th century, after years of lying unused as a hotel, Casa Monica staff renovated and updated the hotel.
Casa Monica's hotel is worth mentioning if just for its return to Victorian elegance. The food choices are superb and range from American to Far East choices, and the architectural ambiance hearkens back to the days when Henry Flagler held high court over St. Augustine's Victorian era. If you can afford to eat in Casa Monica's dining rooms - and don't be ashamed if you don't have that much extra to spend, because most of us don't! - you won't be disappointed. The spirit of Henry Flagler would certainly be pleased with the elegant details that Casa Monica is nurturing.
Lightner Museum is one of St. Augustine's most detailed museums, showcasing the collections of late owner Otto Lightner. More than just a simple museum that can be visited in the span of an hour, it would take days to properly appreciate the exhibits carefully laid out at Lightner Museum. The museum itself has had its share of ups and downs; it began as Hotel Alcazar in the late 1880s. Henry Flagler brought in some well-known men to make this upscale hotel a success. When the 1940s rolled around, the old building was purchased by Otto Lightner who turned the old Hotel Alcazar into the museum that would store his important collections. Plan to spend at least three hours here so you can fully appreciate the scope of the things you will be seeing.
Henry Flagler also had a part in the construction of many churches within the city. The church with perhaps the greatest amount of Flagler's influence is Memorial Presbyterian, where his young daughter Jennie rests in peace. Officially dedicated in 1890, Memorial Presbyterian's high gothic walls and huge dome put it in the same category as many of Europe's great churches. Built in an Italian style and modeled after the great buildings of Venice, the dome is sometimes lit up at night and is a fantastic sight to behold as it towers above downtown St. Augustine. Check out the tall stained glass windows over the front entrance, and look out for renovations recently completed at Memorial Presbyterian.
Henry Flagler, a man renowned for his deep pockets and his rich tastes, came to St. Augustine hoping to create an empire of his own. There were very few limits to what he could accomplish, and by the end of the 19th century, three lavish hotels had sprung up in St. Augustine. The Ponce de Leon Hotel, now known as Flagler College, is a liberal arts school in the heart of the downtown. The red terra-cotta roofs and ingenious towers, turrets and countless windows seem to have dropped down from Spain's medieval Muslim kingdom of Granada or perhaps, further back in time, the courts of Morocco. There are very few architectural wonders that Flagler College does not have. Even if you're not a student, you can walk around and have your camera at the ready to capture this unforgettable feat of engineering.
The Casa Monica Hotel is a beautiful white structure that has a long and venerable history. It is again being used as a hotel, as it was in the olden days, and for a price (which, granted, is a bit high) you can go back to a richly-appointed room after a full day of soaking up St. Augustine's terrific history. Casa Monica was conceived in 1887 when Henry Flagler's acquaintance, a man known as Franklin Smith, constructed the first version of Casa Monica. In 1888, St. Augustine witnessed the transaction of the hotel and all its furnishings to Henry Flagler; one has to wonder if this was planned from the beginning. The magnificent Moorish masterpiece soon became known as the "Cordova" and it was Flagler's know-how that turned it into the work of St. Augustine art that it is today. In the 20th century, after years of lying unused as a hotel, Casa Monica staff renovated and updated the hotel.
Casa Monica's hotel is worth mentioning if just for its return to Victorian elegance. The food choices are superb and range from American to Far East choices, and the architectural ambiance hearkens back to the days when Henry Flagler held high court over St. Augustine's Victorian era. If you can afford to eat in Casa Monica's dining rooms - and don't be ashamed if you don't have that much extra to spend, because most of us don't! - you won't be disappointed. The spirit of Henry Flagler would certainly be pleased with the elegant details that Casa Monica is nurturing.
Lightner Museum is one of St. Augustine's most detailed museums, showcasing the collections of late owner Otto Lightner. More than just a simple museum that can be visited in the span of an hour, it would take days to properly appreciate the exhibits carefully laid out at Lightner Museum. The museum itself has had its share of ups and downs; it began as Hotel Alcazar in the late 1880s. Henry Flagler brought in some well-known men to make this upscale hotel a success. When the 1940s rolled around, the old building was purchased by Otto Lightner who turned the old Hotel Alcazar into the museum that would store his important collections. Plan to spend at least three hours here so you can fully appreciate the scope of the things you will be seeing.
Henry Flagler also had a part in the construction of many churches within the city. The church with perhaps the greatest amount of Flagler's influence is Memorial Presbyterian, where his young daughter Jennie rests in peace. Officially dedicated in 1890, Memorial Presbyterian's high gothic walls and huge dome put it in the same category as many of Europe's great churches. Built in an Italian style and modeled after the great buildings of Venice, the dome is sometimes lit up at night and is a fantastic sight to behold as it towers above downtown St. Augustine. Check out the tall stained glass windows over the front entrance, and look out for renovations recently completed at Memorial Presbyterian.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
What To Do in London
When talking about capital cities throughout the world, London ranks right up there among the biggest and the best. Along with being a major business and financial center, London is also renowned for its theater, culture, and cutting-edge fashion. Whether you are going to London for business or pleasure, you should be sure to spend at least a couple of days taking in the sights of this city, which has been the most important hub in all of England for hundreds of years.
British Museum
There's no escaping the museums. As you would expect, London has many museums that house exciting collections and priceless treasures from around the world. I am not a big museum person myself; usually when I travel, I prefer to spend time out of doors looking at more natural sights or engaging in fun activities or sports. However, even I wouldn't be able to forgive myself had I not at least ducked into the British Museum.
The British Museum calls itself a cultural history museum. They have numerous pieces from every continent on the globe, and you are sure to recognize some of their more famous objects even if you are not an expert in art, archaeology, or ancient history. For example, the British Museum is home to the Rosetta Stone, broken slab of rock inscribed with text that is thought to date back to 196 B.C. As you may know, the Rosetta Stone is the object that helped a French linguist "crack the Hieroglyphic code," which in turn enabled scholars to read ancient Egyptian texts. In other words, the Rosetta Stone is a pretty amazing artifact that you should definitely see if you get a chance.
In addition, to the Rosetta Stone, you'll be able to see various mummies and other remnants from ancient Egypt, as well as famous objects from other parts of the world, including Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Americas. Entrance to the museum is always free, so there's really no reason for you not to go. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours in the museum if you just want to give some of the more famous objects a cursory glance; set aside a much larger block of time if you plan to study some of the exhibits in detail.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous religious structures in the whole world. Not only is it renowned for its beautiful and intricate architecture, but it has also played a central role in British -- and indeed, world -- history. The 32,000 square foot church has been the site of numerous coronations of royal monarchs, and is the final resting place to some 3,300 people.
Although the Abbey, properly called The Collegiate Church of St. Peter, Westminster, is still used as a house of worship, most people today think of it as one of London's major tourist attractions. As such, the Abbey is open daily, and for a nominal donation, you can walk through and take an unguided tour, spending as much or as little time as you like in each part of the Abbey.
One of the most popular "attractions" within the Abbey are the tombs of some of the most prominent Englishmen from over the last few centuries. If you visit the Abbey, be sure to check out the so-called Poet's Corner, where you will see the names of such greats as Charles Dickens, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning, Geoffrey Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling, and others. You will also be able to visit the tombs of great scientists (Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin), politicians (William Pitt, Gladstone), musicians (Handel), actors (Sir Laurence Olivier), as well as regular people, including a farmer whose tombstone clearly indicates that he lived to the age of 152!
Shopping at Harrods
The Harrods department store in Knightsbridge is a must for anyone who enjoys shopping. Consisting of seven full floors of retail bliss, you'll love browsing through all of the products that line the shelves. Perhaps more than any other department store in the world, the Harrods name conjures up images of luxurious customer service and attention to detail. Harrods has a long history in London, and its stories and legends are a big part of the reason that the store is such a big tourist attraction. Harrods prides itself on being a store that has everything, and towards that end, I recall reading somewhere that someone actually bought a real, live elephant from Harrods back in the 1960s.
At any rate, I recommend checking out Harrods to break up the monotony of sightseeing. You might also want to grab bite to eat at one of the 22 restaurants within the building. And if you're anything like me, you'll buy a little something just so you can get one of those famous green Harrods bags to take home with you!
A Night at the Theater
As I said in the opening, London has a world-famous theater scene. Even if you don't ordinarily spend time at the theater when you are at home, you might want to take in a show in London, just to be able to say that you did! Just like with Broadway shows in New York, it might be next to impossible to get tickets for some of the more popular plays and musicals: in other words, don't count on being able to walk up to the box office in order to purchase tickets on the same day of the performance. For most shows, you'll have to book well in advance, so it would help if you are one of those people who like to plan their travel itineraries in detail before leaving.
You might even find that you won't be able to get tickets through the box office because performances are sold out for months. In a case like that, if you really have your heart set on seeing a particular show, you might have to turn to a ticket broker. Ticket brokers are companies that have access to hard-to-get tickets, which they in turn sell for a premium to their customers. Some U.S.-based ticket brokers might be able to hook you up with tickets to the London theater, but more likely than not, you'll have to deal with a broker that is based in London. Thankfully, the Internet makes transactions like these a piece of cake. Just make sure you check into the reputation of any ticket broker you're thinking about using and make sure you do business only with those firms who have solid customer service records.
Boat Ride on the Thames
Taking a boat ride on the Thames is a good idea if you want to relax while still seeing some of the most famous sights in London. There are many companies offering boat tours, so you're sure to be able to secure a place on one of the crafts without too much of a wait even if you don't have reservations.
Most tours last for less than an hour, but you can sign up for some longer adventures (that will take you beyond the city of London) or for special packages such as dinner cruises, complete with meals and entertainment.
On a regular sightseeing tour along the Thames, you'll be able to see such things as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge, the Tower of London, and several other noted buildings. Of course, you might not get a full, unobstructed view of these places, so depending on your level of interest, the boat tour might or might not serve as a substitute for actually visiting the above-named sights. When I went on my boat tour, I found that the boat traveled at a sufficiently slow speed to allow for some very nice photographs of the structures in question, so I didn't have to bother making special trips to each place.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London is the name given to a series of buildings contained within a single complex. Constructed under the orders of William the Conqueror back in 1078, the Tower has served a variety of different purposes over the centuries. Most people probably think of the Tower as a prison, but it has also been a fortress, observatory, armory, treasury, and even a zoo.
The main attraction at the Tower of London today is the Crown Jewels. Visitors to are carried on a moving walkway (conveyor belt) slowly past several display cases containing the jewels. Even though you don't have any control over how much time you can spend looking at a particular piece (since you are on the moving walkway), I found that the belt moves slowly enough to allow you to appreciate what you are seeing.
It is also worth spending a bit of time to walk around the grounds, check out the gift store, and pose for a photo with one of the famous "beefeater" guards, properly known as Yeoman Warders.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
No visit to London would be complete without a stop at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. This is a fun and interesting place that people of all ages invariably enjoy. Inside the museum, you'll find very lifelike wax figures of celebrities from around the world. Best of all, cameras are allowed inside the museum, so you'll be able to have your friends or family members take several photographs of you standing next to the wax figures. Yes, you are allowed to touch the figures as you pose with them, so your pictures will look very natural and it'll appear that you're actually with the celebrity, and not just a wax figure!
Madame Tussauds is one of the most popular attractions in all of London, so you can expect rather lengthy wait times of one to two hours to get inside. As an alternative, you can purchase a so-called "fast track" ticket in advance, which will allow you to gain entrance at a specific time. However, if you miss your window, you'll have to stand in the regular line and wait as long as it takes to get in. There are also special shows and separate attractions inside the museum, which would require additional fees should you want to see them.
British Museum
There's no escaping the museums. As you would expect, London has many museums that house exciting collections and priceless treasures from around the world. I am not a big museum person myself; usually when I travel, I prefer to spend time out of doors looking at more natural sights or engaging in fun activities or sports. However, even I wouldn't be able to forgive myself had I not at least ducked into the British Museum.
The British Museum calls itself a cultural history museum. They have numerous pieces from every continent on the globe, and you are sure to recognize some of their more famous objects even if you are not an expert in art, archaeology, or ancient history. For example, the British Museum is home to the Rosetta Stone, broken slab of rock inscribed with text that is thought to date back to 196 B.C. As you may know, the Rosetta Stone is the object that helped a French linguist "crack the Hieroglyphic code," which in turn enabled scholars to read ancient Egyptian texts. In other words, the Rosetta Stone is a pretty amazing artifact that you should definitely see if you get a chance.
In addition, to the Rosetta Stone, you'll be able to see various mummies and other remnants from ancient Egypt, as well as famous objects from other parts of the world, including Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Americas. Entrance to the museum is always free, so there's really no reason for you not to go. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours in the museum if you just want to give some of the more famous objects a cursory glance; set aside a much larger block of time if you plan to study some of the exhibits in detail.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous religious structures in the whole world. Not only is it renowned for its beautiful and intricate architecture, but it has also played a central role in British -- and indeed, world -- history. The 32,000 square foot church has been the site of numerous coronations of royal monarchs, and is the final resting place to some 3,300 people.
Although the Abbey, properly called The Collegiate Church of St. Peter, Westminster, is still used as a house of worship, most people today think of it as one of London's major tourist attractions. As such, the Abbey is open daily, and for a nominal donation, you can walk through and take an unguided tour, spending as much or as little time as you like in each part of the Abbey.
One of the most popular "attractions" within the Abbey are the tombs of some of the most prominent Englishmen from over the last few centuries. If you visit the Abbey, be sure to check out the so-called Poet's Corner, where you will see the names of such greats as Charles Dickens, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning, Geoffrey Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling, and others. You will also be able to visit the tombs of great scientists (Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin), politicians (William Pitt, Gladstone), musicians (Handel), actors (Sir Laurence Olivier), as well as regular people, including a farmer whose tombstone clearly indicates that he lived to the age of 152!
Shopping at Harrods
The Harrods department store in Knightsbridge is a must for anyone who enjoys shopping. Consisting of seven full floors of retail bliss, you'll love browsing through all of the products that line the shelves. Perhaps more than any other department store in the world, the Harrods name conjures up images of luxurious customer service and attention to detail. Harrods has a long history in London, and its stories and legends are a big part of the reason that the store is such a big tourist attraction. Harrods prides itself on being a store that has everything, and towards that end, I recall reading somewhere that someone actually bought a real, live elephant from Harrods back in the 1960s.
At any rate, I recommend checking out Harrods to break up the monotony of sightseeing. You might also want to grab bite to eat at one of the 22 restaurants within the building. And if you're anything like me, you'll buy a little something just so you can get one of those famous green Harrods bags to take home with you!
A Night at the Theater
As I said in the opening, London has a world-famous theater scene. Even if you don't ordinarily spend time at the theater when you are at home, you might want to take in a show in London, just to be able to say that you did! Just like with Broadway shows in New York, it might be next to impossible to get tickets for some of the more popular plays and musicals: in other words, don't count on being able to walk up to the box office in order to purchase tickets on the same day of the performance. For most shows, you'll have to book well in advance, so it would help if you are one of those people who like to plan their travel itineraries in detail before leaving.
You might even find that you won't be able to get tickets through the box office because performances are sold out for months. In a case like that, if you really have your heart set on seeing a particular show, you might have to turn to a ticket broker. Ticket brokers are companies that have access to hard-to-get tickets, which they in turn sell for a premium to their customers. Some U.S.-based ticket brokers might be able to hook you up with tickets to the London theater, but more likely than not, you'll have to deal with a broker that is based in London. Thankfully, the Internet makes transactions like these a piece of cake. Just make sure you check into the reputation of any ticket broker you're thinking about using and make sure you do business only with those firms who have solid customer service records.
Boat Ride on the Thames
Taking a boat ride on the Thames is a good idea if you want to relax while still seeing some of the most famous sights in London. There are many companies offering boat tours, so you're sure to be able to secure a place on one of the crafts without too much of a wait even if you don't have reservations.
Most tours last for less than an hour, but you can sign up for some longer adventures (that will take you beyond the city of London) or for special packages such as dinner cruises, complete with meals and entertainment.
On a regular sightseeing tour along the Thames, you'll be able to see such things as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge, the Tower of London, and several other noted buildings. Of course, you might not get a full, unobstructed view of these places, so depending on your level of interest, the boat tour might or might not serve as a substitute for actually visiting the above-named sights. When I went on my boat tour, I found that the boat traveled at a sufficiently slow speed to allow for some very nice photographs of the structures in question, so I didn't have to bother making special trips to each place.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London is the name given to a series of buildings contained within a single complex. Constructed under the orders of William the Conqueror back in 1078, the Tower has served a variety of different purposes over the centuries. Most people probably think of the Tower as a prison, but it has also been a fortress, observatory, armory, treasury, and even a zoo.
The main attraction at the Tower of London today is the Crown Jewels. Visitors to are carried on a moving walkway (conveyor belt) slowly past several display cases containing the jewels. Even though you don't have any control over how much time you can spend looking at a particular piece (since you are on the moving walkway), I found that the belt moves slowly enough to allow you to appreciate what you are seeing.
It is also worth spending a bit of time to walk around the grounds, check out the gift store, and pose for a photo with one of the famous "beefeater" guards, properly known as Yeoman Warders.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
No visit to London would be complete without a stop at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. This is a fun and interesting place that people of all ages invariably enjoy. Inside the museum, you'll find very lifelike wax figures of celebrities from around the world. Best of all, cameras are allowed inside the museum, so you'll be able to have your friends or family members take several photographs of you standing next to the wax figures. Yes, you are allowed to touch the figures as you pose with them, so your pictures will look very natural and it'll appear that you're actually with the celebrity, and not just a wax figure!
Madame Tussauds is one of the most popular attractions in all of London, so you can expect rather lengthy wait times of one to two hours to get inside. As an alternative, you can purchase a so-called "fast track" ticket in advance, which will allow you to gain entrance at a specific time. However, if you miss your window, you'll have to stand in the regular line and wait as long as it takes to get in. There are also special shows and separate attractions inside the museum, which would require additional fees should you want to see them.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Ghost Hunter's Guide to Haunted Gettysburg
Gettysburg's renown as one of the most haunted places in America is fairly recent, but the stories of Gettysburg's paranormal activities are almost as old as the town itself. From Indian graveyards to phantoms spawned by the hideous three-day battle, Gettysburg is certainly knee-deep in ghostly legends that only add to its rich past. If you travel to Gettysburg, whether or not you are a believer in the paranormal, you will undoubtedly see and experience many things that are not easily explained.
Many historical houses in Gettysburg, mostly those existing before the great battle of 1863, are reputed to contain spirits of past residents. If you manage to book a tour of one of these venerable homes, you may want to arrive right at opening time since major attractions like General Lee's Headquarters may be more crowded later in the afternoon.
Some buildings in Gettysburg have more than their fair share of ghosts, according to local paranormal enthusiasts. To name just a few:
1. General Lee's Headquarters was owned by widow Mary Thompson in July 1863. Although many people believe General Lee slept in the house during the entire time it served as his headquarters, he actually made good use of a tent he had set up across the road, extremely close to the Union lines, in fact. The top floor of the old stone home dating from the late 1700s has been converted into apartments, and, for the right price, you can sleep above the rooms where General Robert E. Lee planned his next moves in the course of battle.
2. The Jennie Wade House was actually the home of Jennie's brother-in-law, Louis McClellan, who shared the double home with the Isaac McClain family. Louis' wife Georgia was Jennie's elder sister. Jennie Wade, a young woman who was shot through the heart while providing nourishment for famished soldiers, is surprisingly not the presence many claim to feel most often here. The spirit is believed to be that of Jennie's father who was absent for her childhood and whose life choices estranged him from his children. The basement in the Jennie Wade House is especially a dark and shadowy place; this is where Jennie was taken after death.
3. Farnsworth House Inn, owned during the battle by the Sweney family, is an old home dating from the early to mid-1800s. It is said that when construction begins on an old property, it opens the door to ghostly activity, and the Farnsworth House, now a respectable bed and breakfast, has been renovated quite a bit. You won't be able to take a tour of the house unless you have reservations here, but if you can afford to stay at this terrific inn, you'll be well rewarded. Many rooms are labeled as "haunted" and each have their own story to enchant you.
The battlefield itself is said to be home to thousands of spirits, ranging from singular figures like officers on horseback to columns and units of men marching together just as they did almost 150 years ago. Try visiting the battlefield just as it opens if you wish to avoid the crowds and experience the quiet, serene feeling that touches the heart. You may also want to visit when fog hangs over the fields.
Little Round Top is known to have an abundance of ghostly activity. You might be surprised at what you'll find here. Pickett's Charge even in the daytime is a daunting sight, but at nighttime it's downright frightening. Thousands of men marched over this field into enemy fire; visitors have reported the feeling of being surrounded or of hearing strange noises that did not seem to come from the present.
Many will agree that Gettysburg has a purely different feeling in the evening than it does in the sunlit hours. At night, when all is quiet, a walk around the quaint town might help you to "meet" someone from the past.
Try taking a walk down Baltimore Street, where many haunted homes are located. Stop by the gates of Evergreen Cemetery. This is where Jennie Wade and many other people living during the Battle of Gettysburg are buried. If you feel a breeze or have a strange feeling you're being followed, don't chalk it up to an earthly visitor. Have your camera ready; you never know what you'll find!
Many historical houses in Gettysburg, mostly those existing before the great battle of 1863, are reputed to contain spirits of past residents. If you manage to book a tour of one of these venerable homes, you may want to arrive right at opening time since major attractions like General Lee's Headquarters may be more crowded later in the afternoon.
Some buildings in Gettysburg have more than their fair share of ghosts, according to local paranormal enthusiasts. To name just a few:
1. General Lee's Headquarters was owned by widow Mary Thompson in July 1863. Although many people believe General Lee slept in the house during the entire time it served as his headquarters, he actually made good use of a tent he had set up across the road, extremely close to the Union lines, in fact. The top floor of the old stone home dating from the late 1700s has been converted into apartments, and, for the right price, you can sleep above the rooms where General Robert E. Lee planned his next moves in the course of battle.
2. The Jennie Wade House was actually the home of Jennie's brother-in-law, Louis McClellan, who shared the double home with the Isaac McClain family. Louis' wife Georgia was Jennie's elder sister. Jennie Wade, a young woman who was shot through the heart while providing nourishment for famished soldiers, is surprisingly not the presence many claim to feel most often here. The spirit is believed to be that of Jennie's father who was absent for her childhood and whose life choices estranged him from his children. The basement in the Jennie Wade House is especially a dark and shadowy place; this is where Jennie was taken after death.
3. Farnsworth House Inn, owned during the battle by the Sweney family, is an old home dating from the early to mid-1800s. It is said that when construction begins on an old property, it opens the door to ghostly activity, and the Farnsworth House, now a respectable bed and breakfast, has been renovated quite a bit. You won't be able to take a tour of the house unless you have reservations here, but if you can afford to stay at this terrific inn, you'll be well rewarded. Many rooms are labeled as "haunted" and each have their own story to enchant you.
The battlefield itself is said to be home to thousands of spirits, ranging from singular figures like officers on horseback to columns and units of men marching together just as they did almost 150 years ago. Try visiting the battlefield just as it opens if you wish to avoid the crowds and experience the quiet, serene feeling that touches the heart. You may also want to visit when fog hangs over the fields.
Little Round Top is known to have an abundance of ghostly activity. You might be surprised at what you'll find here. Pickett's Charge even in the daytime is a daunting sight, but at nighttime it's downright frightening. Thousands of men marched over this field into enemy fire; visitors have reported the feeling of being surrounded or of hearing strange noises that did not seem to come from the present.
Many will agree that Gettysburg has a purely different feeling in the evening than it does in the sunlit hours. At night, when all is quiet, a walk around the quaint town might help you to "meet" someone from the past.
Try taking a walk down Baltimore Street, where many haunted homes are located. Stop by the gates of Evergreen Cemetery. This is where Jennie Wade and many other people living during the Battle of Gettysburg are buried. If you feel a breeze or have a strange feeling you're being followed, don't chalk it up to an earthly visitor. Have your camera ready; you never know what you'll find!
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