Roman Colosseum / Photo by admin

History

The Colosseum was commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian in the year 72 A.D. and later completed under the rule of his son, Titus in 82 A.D. The final modifications were completed during the reign of Domitian, the brother of Titus, who ruled from 81-96 A.D. The original name for the Colosseum was the Flavian Amphitheater, which was derived from Flavius, the family name of the emperor and his sons.
Unlike other amphitheaters built before it, the Colosseum was built in the heart of Rome as opposed to in the outskirts. It was literally erected in place of the lake that Emperor Nero had designed in the landscaped gardens of his villa Domus Aurea. The area was previously densely inhabited but after the Great Fire of Rome of 64 A.D. destroyed the homes in the area, Nero commandeered the land to build his villa. The choice of building site represents a symbolic return of the land to the people after it had been appropriated by Nero.

Uses

In ancient Rome, the Colosseum was used to host gladiatorial contests, wild animal fights, executions, dramas, reenactments of battles and other public spectacles. At the inaugural spectacle in 80 A.D., over 9,000 animals were killed in wild animal fights. The gladiatorial contests and animal fights continued for several centuries. The last known gladiatorial contests were in the year 435 and the last known animal fights were held in 523.

During the medieval period, the Colosseum served as a castle, a cemetery and a workshop. Later, during the 16th and 17th centuries, the Catholic Church began to show interest in the Colosseum. One church official proposed setting up a wool factory in the amphitheater to provide employment to prostitutes. Another official managed to authorize its use to host bullfights though the authorization was later revoked. Pope Benedict XIV consecrated the Colosseum because he claimed it was the place where Christian martyrs had died years before although no historical evidence supports this claim. Subsequent popes and Benito Mussolini promoted restoration and excavation projects as well.

Structure

The size and excellent preservation of the Colosseum rarely fails to impress the visitor. The amphitheater is elliptical, measuring 88 meters long and 156 meters wide. The 80 arched entranceways provided access to the 55,000 spectators who could be accommodated in the amphitheater at any time. The seats are arranged in tiers. Spectators in ancient Rome were distributed among the tiers according to their social strata. Separate areas were proportioned for senators, the non-senatorial noble class, plebeians and wealthy citizens. Interestingly, actors, gravediggers and former gladiators were banned from the Colosseum.

The Colosseum Today

Today, the Colosseum is one of Rome´s principal tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors per year. It is one of the most well-known symbols in Rome and is well worth a visit for any tourist in Rome.

While you enjoy your travels around Rome, you’re going to need somewhere to stay. Why not check out some of the beautiful Rome vacation rentals listed on Worldwide-Accom.com as they’re all fully inspected by the website operators to ensure you’ll be booking in to a safe and secure apartment!

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Piazza Navona / Photo by admin

Attractions in Rome

Rome is filled with a number of tourist attractions, you will never run out of places to visit, only time.  One of the most recommended attractions is the Colosseum which has to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome (it gets very busy in the peak season). Built in AD 80, the Colosseum held many gladiatorial and wild animal fights and today, there are men dressed in gladiatorial costume to help set the scene as to how it was like back then. On Sundays the road leading up to the Colosseum, the Via dei Fori Imperiali is closed to traffic and therefore it is nice to stroll up to the Colosseum, there are plenty of souvenirs to buy from the vendors along the road.

One of Rome’s most beautiful sqaures, the Piazza Navona, was originally built as a stadium for athletic contests. Until the late 19the century the square was flooded to be used for mock naval battles and other aquatic sports.  It is now filled with lavish cafes and three Baroque fountains. Don’t miss out on the delicious ice cream dessert, tartufo. which you can have at one of the cafes.

A third tourist attraction you won’t want to miss is the Pantheon.  It was built 1,800 years ago and until 1436 was the largest dome in the world at 43 metres high.  With marble columns and brick walls, the Pantheon was originally a temple for pagan gods but was converted into a church in 609AD. It now contains the tombs of the artist Raphael and many Italian kings.  The Pantheon borders the Piazza della Rotonda, which has a central fountain and obelisk.

Pantheon / Photo by admin

Places to Stay in Rome

There are plenty of hotels to stay in Rome, hotels to suit every budget.  One of the more luxurious hotels is near the Piazza Navona, called the Raphael Hotel. Inside of the hotel is filled with antiques and artwork.  Staying in short term accommodation rentals can be just as luxurious and are all centrally located.  There are many apartments in Rome for rent to suit every budget.

There are many different places to stay when travelling round Europe.  A lot of companies offer short term accommodation rentals in Berlin, Rome, Paris and you can even rent apartments in London.

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Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Strasbourg / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by frank müller

If you are in Strasbourg with your family, you can pay the La Vaisseau museum where the kids can enjoy the exciting displays at the science museum. Besides the La Vaisseau, the Musee de L’Oeuvre Notre-Dame Museum is another enthralling attraction that is popular with tourists who love culture and history. Originally part of a cathedral, the museum is currently an archive that curates various renaissance artifacts such as sculptures and paintings. If you love the outdoors, you can take a bike tour of the most popular attractions with tourists in Strasbourg. A bike tour through Faubourgs is a sure way to experience the stunning beauty of the architecture, and cultures of Strasbourg’s suburbs of Neudorf and Neuhorf.

Another exciting way to enjoy Strasbourg’s attractions while on holiday in France is to go for shopping. The city is a classic shopper’s paradise with numerous restaurants and shops in the city center. One major attraction for the throngs of tourists and residents of Strasbourg who are keen to shop is Place des Halles. It is located a short distance away from the city center and is endowed with over 100 shops as well as restaurants and pubs. If you are looking for affordable outlets to buy local fabrics and technology gadgets, there are numerous shopping outlets in rue des Juifs and rue de la Lanterne whicha are all situated in Place des Halles. Visitors who are interested in the high-end market can get classy designer wear from Galaries Lafayettes, while those who have an expensive taste for food and wines can try out the Norma where there is a fabulous collection of foodstuffs and champagne.

There is a wide variety of nightlife activities that Strasbourg has to offer. You can choose from electrifying nightclubs such as Bar Le Zoo and La Salamandre, or exciting bars and pubs such as Acade’mie de la Bie’re and Café Brandt, or party up in the rocking discotheques such as Le Chat Noir, Le Chalet, and Le Retro. They all offer exquisite drinks and arrange for live performances to keep their patrons fully entertained. You can also enjoy theatre and opera performances at Theatre National de Strasbourg and the numerous opera houses in the city.

Written by Mike who writes for www.frenchtravelguide.co.uk and enjoys blogging about his day trips to London at www.londondaytrip.co.uk you can follow him on twitter @payt

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A nice photo of Giant’s Causeway / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sean Lucas

History of Giant’s Causeway

Scientific study proves that the impressive formation known as Giant’s Causeway is a result of volcanic activity during the Paleogene period. Due to the large amount of volcanic activity in the region, the area had a lava plateau which eventually cooled and contracted. In the instances of rapid contraction, columns shot up from the ground. These columns are what make up the Giant’s Causeway.

Legends and Myths

Although today we know the scientific explanation for the creation of Giant’s Causeway, citizens and explorers of the past made up legends to explain the formation. The most popular of these legends is one involving the Irish warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill. The myth claims that he was set to battle his Scottish rival Benandonner. When the time came for them to fight, Fionn mac Cumhaill had fallen asleep. His wife covered him with a giant blanket as he slept and told Benandonner that it was their infant son. Upon seeing the size of the baby, Benandonner fled and ripped up the rocks in his escape. This is said to be what created Giant’s Causeway.

A classic view of a typical rock formation at the Giant’s Causeway / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by code poet

Visitor’s Information

For years the area has been without a visitor’s center, but in 2012 a center will be completed and feature exhibits about the formation of the Giant’s Causeway as well as some of the most popular legend surrounding it. Most people enjoy simply walking around the formation and taking pictures of the incredible landscape. There are some buses to the area but most visitors arrive by car as there is ample parking available. While there is no admission fee to tour the Giant’s Causeway, there is a parking fee of £6 per vehicle. Keep in mind that the attraction opens at dawn and closes promptly at sunset throughout the year.

Other Regional Attractions

The town nearest to Giant’s Causeway is Antrim. This town is full of historical landmarks, exciting attractions and plenty of culture. Head to the town’s shoreline of Lough Neagh in order to experience traditional Irish coastline. Although it is often too cold for swimming, there is still plenty of exciting recreation to be had there. Other popular attractions in the region include the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. This is a fun and exciting attraction costing £4 per person. The bridge might feel unsteady, but it is very safe and is regularly checked as a precaution. Children in particular love the excitement of the swinging bridge.

Nearby Accommodation Options

There is an abundance of accommodation options available in the area surrounding Giant’s Causeway. As one of the more popular destinations for European holidays, local hotels and guesthouses are prepared for larger numbers of travellers, especially in the summer months. If you would rather stay in a city, look for apartments in Northern Ireland rather than inns and small hotels. Private apartments for rent are available in nearby cities like Belfast and Lisburn.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by rovingI

Most of the bars in Belfast are open until 1am most days of the week; however some might close earlier at around 11:30pm. Most of the nightclubs are open until 2am and some will stay open even later. Drinks are much more affordable than in the larger UK cities such as London and there are a wide range of nightlife venues to suit your personal style and taste in music.

The Kitchen Bar

This is one of the most historic bars in the city of Belfast as it was founded back to 1859. It was one of the preferred nightlife spots of the musicians who would perform at Belfast’s Empire Music Hall. It is located within an old converted warehouse and it has a lot of charm and charisma. It also serves traditional Irish food so that you can stop there for dinner before heading out on your night out.

The Stiff Kitten

If you are looking for a big night out on a small budget, head down to the Stiff Kitten on a Tuesday or Thursday night. This bar is targeted towards students and these are its cheap drink nights. It also features great music and has big name DJs on weekends. The crowd here at this nightclub is young, energetic and friendly.

Live Music and Dancing

There are many clubs in Belfast which offer excellent live music and dancing. The M Club is one of the most popular venues in Belfast and offers different music throughout the week. If you are heading down there on a weekend you can be sure that it will be absolutely packed.

Another great venue is The Limelight which showcases up and coming artists. Some of the coolest bands have had their early gigs here, such as Oasis, the Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes and Blur. Another great place for dancing is Roxy Nightclub, which is located on Great Victoria Street. It has a chic loft feeling to it and excellent DJs every Saturday who play crowd-pleasing dance floor anthems.

Go On a Pub Crawl

If you are visiting the city of Belfast for the first time you might want to consider going on a pub crawl. This can be a great way to experience the nightlife for several reasons. When you are new to a city you don’t know which bars are the best to visit, so it is nice to have an experienced guide who will show you the way around. Also, going on a pub crawl with other travellers can be a great way to make new friends if you are traveling on your own.

There is a Belfast Pub Crawl which will take you around to some of the most famous bars, pub and nightclubs in the city including The Parlour, The Bot, The Elms, Filthy McNasty’s and The Taphouse. You will get free entry and four free drinks throughout the night.

Safety Tips

As always when you are going on a night out in an unfamiliar city, keep your wits about you and plan ahead. Make sure that you stick together with your friends and have the number of a taxi ready for when you go back to your accommodation.

Have a great time enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Belfast!

If you are planning on checking out the nightlife while you are staying in Belfast accommodation, here are some tips for enjoying the scene of this vibrant city.

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Granada

Granada is recognized as the most affordable city for travelers in Spain but in this case inexpensive doesn’t mean worse as the city has a lot to offer to visitors especially in terms of cultural highlights. Granada is popular for its “Flamenco” Music and Islamic influence. Tourists can’t miss to visit the small “Muslim Town” where the best of the Islamic culture is available to see. The “La Alhambra” is a palace and Arabic citadel located in the Muslim Town offering a unique cultural approach to visitors. Bakeries in Granada are considered some of the best in the world.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Antonio Pérez

As mentioned before affordable accommodations in Granada are not hard to find and the options are numerous. Granada is geographically located at the foothills of “Sierra Nevada” where 3 popular rivers (Darro, Beiro and Genil) interconnect its waters. The Sierra Nevada Station hosted the Ski World Championship in 1996.

Sevilla

Ancient architecture in Sevilla is a highlight for visitors. Hundreds of years of culture and history almost everywhere you look. The cathedral known as “La Catedral de Sevilla” and “Avenida de la Constitucion” or Constitution Avenue are 2 main locations where you can become one with the community and learn all about their different cultural backgrounds that include Catholicism, Judaism and Islam influences. Nightlife in Sevilla is everything but quiet with the bars known as “Bares de Tapas” leading the way to a great night experience. These bars are available almost at every corner in the city. You won’t be able to escape the Flamenco dancing experience by the end of the night you will be an expert.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Frank Kovalchek

Madrid

Madrid is a more cosmopolitan city where travelers can relax and enjoy traditional food at one of the many restaurants available or perhaps shopping a souvenir or two from the many stores in the city. Madrid is the safest choice for travelers to Spain. Soccer is a passion among the people in Madrid, almost all of them cheer for their local soccer team “Real Madrid Football Club”, if you have some extra time from your trip you might want to consider assisting to one of the games that take place year round.

Mario I. Scoggins was born in Spain but moved to Costa Rica in 1998 to work for www.sunsetscostarica.com/blog. He hopes to return soon to his beloved home land.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by secretlondon123

The Caribbean

Brixton is as close to the Caribbean as you’re going to get in this windy, grey metropolis – but what a treat it is. Since the riots 20 years ago the area has undergone extensive refurbishment, but it hasn’t lost its Caribbean flavour. Regular club nights and bars aim to please Brixton’s Caribbean contingent; the market sells Caribbean food, spices and exotic vegetables; and Windrush Square pays tribute to the ship that brought thousands of West Indians to London in 1952.

Turkey

Harringay in north London has been nicknamed little Istanbul after its large Turkish-speaking contingent. Sit-down and take-away restaurants serve the best kebabs in London and the shops are full of Turkish snacks, exotic vegetables and fragrant spices. Nearby Dalston also has fantastic Turkish food, but the hipster contingent has driven the prices up somewhat.

The subcontinent

The East End’s Bangladeshi community makes it a thriving, energetic place – but it’s not exactly a well-kept secret. For something equally authentic but less touristy (and cheaper), head to Tooting in south London – it has a large south Asian population and excellent restaurants. Alternatively, head to Neasden Temple (a.k.a. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir) in north-west London, which welcomes visitors with open arms.

Japan

Japan Matsuri is a festival celebrating all things Japanese in the heart of London, on the south bank; stalls sell Japanese food, homemade jewellery and even kimonos. For the rest of the year, try Arigato Japanese Supermarket just a few minutes from Piccadilly Circus tube station, for every Japanese foodstuff you could want, from sushi rice to aloe vera juice (yes, aloe vera juice). There’s even a sushi bar on-site.

France

La Cave au Fromage in South Kensington sells an astonishingly wide range of France’s most famous produce – it’s a great place to visit or do some serious cheese shopping. When you’ve finished gorging yourself, head to an event at the Institut Francais, where you can watch French cinema, do wine tasting or even learn to speak the language.

Africa

The understated Zigni House in Islington sells fantastic Eritrean food, although the sour pancakes (injera) aren’t to everyone’s tastes. There are other African restaurants dotted across the capital: 805 sells Nigerian food, Manjaro sells Ghanaian food and Muna’s sells Sudanese food (as well as Eritrean). Meanwhile, Joyful Noise promotes African music events, including the London African Music Festival in September. Monthly club nights Kalabash (Islington) and Components (Brixton) both play African and African-influenced music.

Wherever you choose to visit, London is blessed with an array of accommodation options, from swanky hotels to hostels. The serviced apartments London has to offer are a decent mid-range bet, offering you space but allowing you to cook at home – providing the perfect place to cook with the multinational ingredients you’ve picked up.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Paul Gooch

Whether you’re a keen sailor, or a neophyte, the Tonnerres will enchant you with the extraordinary variety of vessels on show. Take the opportunity to plan a yacht rental in Brittany from July 13th to 19th as you won’t want to miss this celebration of the most beautiful ships in the world.

But hey, what exactly is a tall ship?

A tall ship is a traditionally-rigged boat, much like those you would see in Pirates of the Caribbean or Hook. They’re famously complex to construct and sail, but the experience of cutting through watery fathoms in one of these vessels is unforgettable. They require a crew of many people to manage the system of rigging, which may include gaff rigs, topmasts, topsails and square rigs.

Ok, I get it. Old looking boats that I can crew. Cool, but what’s this bonanza you were talking about earlier?

This year, four countries and their seafaring history are being showcased at the festival. Each country has a whole festival day dedicated to them, so after learning about Indonesia’s Sandeqs and their how their crews work their boats, you can watch a parade of their flotilla. If that’s not enough, check out the nautical-themed firework show after sundown. If Russia floats your boat, discover the Sedov and Kruzenstern cadets though military parades and marvel at the Kossack boats. Mexico and Norway are also featured with parades themed around the countries and their typical boats.

So why does this festival come to Brest?

Brest has a long maritime history of exchange between many countries in Europe as well as America. The Breton people are also very proud of their history and their roots, so any event where they can share their passion for la Bretagne and by extension, its maritime connections, is welcomed with open arms. Furthermore, the harbor at Brest is huge, so there’s plenty of space to accommodate the large number of festival ships and spectator boats.

Sounds good! Is there anything else to do apart from festival stuff?

Quick answer: Lots! Brest itself has some interesting activities. The Oceanopolis Aquarium hosts tanks with a variety of habitats so you can see miniature versions of the Normandy coast and a tropical mangrove. Perhaps the most enjoyable tank is the penguin tank, but that’s just a personal opinion!

Brittany has a famously beautiful coastline, so Brest would be a great starting or end point to a longer yacht trip. The Mont Saint Michel is a huge abbey carved into an island of rock just half a mile out at sea, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Brittany pancakes are a favorite among the French – in all four corners of the country you will find establishments boasting that they are authentic Crêperies Bretonnes. The real thing needs to be made with buckwheat or sarrasin (also known as blé noir) – these ancient grains give the pancakes their nutty, complex taste. For an authentic experience on home turf, don’t miss trying out a variety of sweet and savory crêpes filled with delights ranging from banana, chocolate and caramelized nuts to tuna, crème fraîche and succulent tomato.

I think I’m sold!

A trip to the Tonnerres de Brest is the perfect excuse for a European sailing holiday. Brittany will charm you with its old-world beauty and quaint streets. As for the boats, they really are the crème de la crème.

Lalage is one yacht rental away from throwing in the day job and moving to a house boat in the Caribbean!

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Elizabeth Veitch

There are plenty of tour operators who specialise in horse riding holidays that you can check out online, and they can find places that are close to you, or a little further away. Here are some ideas horse riding holiday places all over the UK that you might want to consider.

Escape from London

If you live in London, it can be a bit difficult to get out and about on horseback. Fortunately, that’s what the home counties are for! The Thames Valley has a wealth of stables and horse riding facilities across counties such as Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Surrey. These places make a great escape for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the big smoke.

Horseriding in the North

In the same way that Londoners need a break from the city, other places such as Manchester certainly benefit from nearby places to go horse riding. Cheshire is full of rural places where you’ll be able to get away from urban city life and enjoy the great outdoors. Places such as the Coddington Loop at Farndon is well known for its ideal conditions for leisurely outdoor pursuits, and great for horses too.

Stunning Scotland

Scotland is a country that is, without a doubt, visually stunning. When it comes to this part of the world, you’re spoilt for choice for great places to visit and enjoy slipping on your Ariat Bromont boots and riding into the sunset. There is a network of horse and pony trekking routes throughout the glens of Scotland, which were originally used for cattle driving. Many of these routes can take days to traverse, although there are much shorter routes to travel, which allow you to take in the scenery.

Trails in Wales

The mountain range of the Brecon Beacons is one of the most awe-inspiring places in the British Isles. This area has National Park status, protecting it from development and maintaining the areas natural beauty. Here you’ll find a rolling vista to enjoy while on horseback, but you can also enjoy other past-times too, such as rock climbing, hang gliding, sailing and windsurfing. The Brecon Beacons offer a rewarding horse riding experience, where you can really breath in the wide expanses of this magnificent, rugged countryside.

Trot2 has a great collection of riding gear and footwear such as Ariat Bromont boots.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Phil Jenkins

Surf Schools

There are a number of surf schools in the north of Lanzarote, where the best surfing conditions are found. The livelier resorts are in the south of the island and because of this, many of the surf schools offer shuttles and transfers. We recommend you to stay in Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen, for the best combination of surfing and other holiday activities. Below are some of the best schools:

• Surf School Lanzarote
• Lava Flow Surf

Before you go

Before you go, there are a number of practice exercises you can do so that you don’t waste time when you are on holiday in Lanzarote. You should start off by lying on the floor on your front as if you were lying on a surf board and practice jumping up to standing using your hands to balance, in one smooth movement. A good level of fitness is also always useful when learning to surf!

The best thing to do is to hire equipment for the first few times, before making the large financial commitment of buying your own board and wetsuit. There are surf shops and schools where you can hire equipment and the instructors will be more than happy to help you choose which is best for you.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Thierry Gregorius

Here are some top tips for beginners, including where to stay and what to wear.

• Always buddy-up. Never surf alone, just in case you get into any kind of difficulty
• Don’t be a hero. If you’re tired or feeling unwell, don’t risk it, no matter how good the waves seem!
• Look out for the flag system and any warning signs. beaches change every day, so don’t assume that just because it was OK one day, it will be the next
• Cover-up. the warm waters in Lanzarote may mean that you don’t want to wear a full wetsuit, but a long sleeved rash-vest will protect you from the sun
• Go long. when you first start surfing, you will need a bigger board so that you have more balance
• Most importantly. DON’T GIVE UP! Everyone falls off at first and it will take some people longer than others to stand-up.

Top hotel: The Aparthotel Blue Sea Costa Teguise Gardens is just 800m from the beach and is within the pick-up zones of the surf schools in the north. There are also shops, restaurants and water parks within easy reach.

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