Barbados is a beautiful island full of recreation, entertainment, culture, dining, and shopping. There is so much to see and do on the island that it requires a Barbados car rental in order to experience everything. Exploring the island by car makes it easier to see everything Barbados has to offer.
Barbados is home to many different soils and flora on top of sandstone rock and coral that were pushed out of the sea by ancient volcanic action. The island's land is hilly and rocky with a vast underground system of rivers, caves, and lakes. These water sources supply clear and delicious drinking water.
Coral rocks contain the underground water system, covered in a thin film of top soil measuring less than a foot. The delicate balance is crucial, and it supported the sugar plantations of the past. Now the soil sustains a diversifying base of agricultural production.
There are many great attractions in Barbados that visitors can experience. Travel to the Mount Gay Visitors Centre and guides will take visitors through the fascinating history of Mount Gay Rum. Explore three centuries of the history, heritage, and technique behind the world' oldest rum.
The Flower Forest contains 53.6 acres of beautiful paths, trees, and flowers. The Barbados Scotland District is located in the Flower Forest 750 feet above sea level and has seven acres of wild gardens. There are flowers all year round and panoramic views looking over Chalky Mount and the East Coast.
Visiting Premier Attractions offers travellers the best tours and attractions Barbados has to offer. They have submarine tours, entertainment shows, a golf course, Harrison's Cave, an Island Safari, and Tiami Cruises.
There are many beautiful caves visitors can travel to and explore by car. The best cave considered one of the seven wonders of Barbados is Harrison's Cave. In the 70s, the cave was landscaped and developed, drawing on scientific, artistic, technological, and geological resources. Tunnels were dug, lighting was improved, and underground streams were diverted.
The cave is an amazing gallery of stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave and emerging from the ground. There are streams of crystal-clear running water dropping from breathtaking waterfalls, allowing deep emerald pools to form.
Welchman Hall Gully is a great attraction for nature lovers. Hike through the gully to experience tranquillity and imagine how the entire island looked three hundred years ago. Earthworks Pottery produces fully functional lines of dinnerware and serving pieces in over 150 shapes and 36 stock patterns.
There are many historical, architectural, and natural sites in Barbados. Seven are considered wonders of Barbados. Harrison's Cave is the first and was mentioned above. There is also the Baobab Tree, historic Jacobean Mansions, the Morgan Lewis Mill, the famous Jewish Synagogue, Cannon Galore, and the Grapefruit Tree also known as Citrus Paradise.
When exploring Barbados by car, there are many towns and villages to visit that will give visitors a first hand look at what makes Barbados charming and historic. Bridgetown is the main commercial area of Barbados and the capital city.
There is a multitude of duty free shops that sell fine jewellery, china, liquor, and more. The city also contains wayside vendors that sell everything imaginable. Parliament buildings can be found in Bridgetown. Established in 1639, Bridgetown's Parliament buildings are the third oldest in the Commonwealth.
Speightstown is in the north part of the island and was the first commercial centre in Barbados. After neglecting the town for many years, Speightstown has been revived and restored to its former glory.
The city contains rich architectural heritage and is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. There are many shops to browse, an art gallery to view, and beachfront restaurants that allow visitors to enjoy a wonderful meal and a spectacular view.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Enjoying the Outdoor Sites of Amsterdam
As the capital and most populous city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a key place to visit, especially during the spring, summer and fall months. When you book a room in an Amsterdam city hotel, be sure to choose one that will situate you right in the heart of the action.
One of the best things you can do in this lovely city is to wander about on foot and explore the sites. While there are plenty of excellent museums, sometimes just strolling around will reveal so much of a city's personality. You'll no doubt appreciate the rich architectural history of Amsterdam; city hotel locations might, in and of themselves, be quite the architectural gems. Spend some time exploring around the canals and take in the famous flower market to round out your time in the city.
The architecture
Though the city itself isn't that old when compared to others in Europe, or even others in the Netherlands, when you step out of your Amsterdam city hotel, you can't help but be inspired by the stunning architecture. You can pay a visit to the oldest wooden building in the city, the het Houton Huys, which was constructed around 1425. Look up as you leave and take special note of the building's Gothic style as it both jars yet somehow blends with the gables of the Renaissance styles of the nearby buildings, built during the sixteenth century. As you walk, you will also see excellent examples of Baroque, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Modern styles.
The Canals
Just outside the foyers of any an Amsterdam city hotel, the picturesque canals are perhaps its most lovely feature. Built through conscious and careful city planning, the canals are an ingrained part of the city's makeup. There are more than 100 kilometres of canals, 1,500 bridges and 90 islands, which form concentric rings around the heart of the city. In 2010, the 17th century canal ring area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three of the main canals were made for urban development and the outer canal was built for water management and defence purposes.
The flower market
As the only floating flower market in the world, you simply must go and visit this delightful site when you are staying nearby in an Amsterdam city hotel. The Bloemenmarkt, was founded in 1862 and floats on the Singel Canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein. Here you will find a huge array of tulips, other flowers and, in the winter season, Christmas flowers and plants. There are also ready to export bulbs so you can take the flowers back home with you to re-create the beauty of the marketplace.
One of the best things you can do in this lovely city is to wander about on foot and explore the sites. While there are plenty of excellent museums, sometimes just strolling around will reveal so much of a city's personality. You'll no doubt appreciate the rich architectural history of Amsterdam; city hotel locations might, in and of themselves, be quite the architectural gems. Spend some time exploring around the canals and take in the famous flower market to round out your time in the city.
The architecture
Though the city itself isn't that old when compared to others in Europe, or even others in the Netherlands, when you step out of your Amsterdam city hotel, you can't help but be inspired by the stunning architecture. You can pay a visit to the oldest wooden building in the city, the het Houton Huys, which was constructed around 1425. Look up as you leave and take special note of the building's Gothic style as it both jars yet somehow blends with the gables of the Renaissance styles of the nearby buildings, built during the sixteenth century. As you walk, you will also see excellent examples of Baroque, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Modern styles.
The Canals
Just outside the foyers of any an Amsterdam city hotel, the picturesque canals are perhaps its most lovely feature. Built through conscious and careful city planning, the canals are an ingrained part of the city's makeup. There are more than 100 kilometres of canals, 1,500 bridges and 90 islands, which form concentric rings around the heart of the city. In 2010, the 17th century canal ring area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three of the main canals were made for urban development and the outer canal was built for water management and defence purposes.
The flower market
As the only floating flower market in the world, you simply must go and visit this delightful site when you are staying nearby in an Amsterdam city hotel. The Bloemenmarkt, was founded in 1862 and floats on the Singel Canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein. Here you will find a huge array of tulips, other flowers and, in the winter season, Christmas flowers and plants. There are also ready to export bulbs so you can take the flowers back home with you to re-create the beauty of the marketplace.
Top London Shops for Business People
Business people visiting the UK capital are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to a selection of conference venues. London has some excellent places to hold and event or meeting. But even busy business people need some down time to indulge in a little retail therapy, and some of the very best venues are within easy walking distance of the shops below.
The Apple Store
Many of the people who stay in the business-oriented hotels of the capital make full use of the technological items produced by Apple. They carry sleek and elegant MacBook's and listen to the coolest tunes on their iPods. If you want to fit in with the business crowd at your event, pay a visit to the Apple store on Regent Street or Covent Garden. You may be tempted to spend your money on hi-tech items such as the iPhone 5 S or iPad Mini. It might even be worth scheduling your visit to coincide with one of the talks that are given by high profile celebrities.
Liberty
You might well be planning on enjoying evenings of music and entertainment after important business meetings at the conference venues. London has a huge selection of bars, restaurants and theatres, so if you want to look your absolute best head off and treat yourself to a new outfit from the famous Liberty store. You can even complete your makeover with a gold or diamond encrusted item from the extensive jewellery range - if your budget permits!
W Martyn
You may want to engage with your work colleagues in more casual conversation after the formality of the conference venues. London has myriad coffee shops, of course, but if you're really keen to relax with a warm and indulgent beverage then it would be worth visiting the W Martyn shop. After a mug or two of freshly brewed coffee you might like to try the traditional biscuits and nuts.
Harrods
You can't miss a visit to Harrods even if most of your time is spent in the conference venues. London themed items may be an appropriate reminder of your business trip or you may just want to take home some special souvenirs for the family. Take your pick from decorative keepsakes, bottles of the finest alcohol, electronic items, fine foods and plenty more.
Anderson & Shephard Tailors
If clothes maketh the man, then those who invest in finely crafted suits will stand the best chance of impressing business associates and potential partners. It is possible to purchase excellent tailored suits from a number of specialist stores in the city, however, if you're only prepared to settle for the best a trip to Anderson and Shephard is highly recommended. Their expert tailors will select the finest materials and create a suit in line with your individual specifications.
The Apple Store
Many of the people who stay in the business-oriented hotels of the capital make full use of the technological items produced by Apple. They carry sleek and elegant MacBook's and listen to the coolest tunes on their iPods. If you want to fit in with the business crowd at your event, pay a visit to the Apple store on Regent Street or Covent Garden. You may be tempted to spend your money on hi-tech items such as the iPhone 5 S or iPad Mini. It might even be worth scheduling your visit to coincide with one of the talks that are given by high profile celebrities.
Liberty
You might well be planning on enjoying evenings of music and entertainment after important business meetings at the conference venues. London has a huge selection of bars, restaurants and theatres, so if you want to look your absolute best head off and treat yourself to a new outfit from the famous Liberty store. You can even complete your makeover with a gold or diamond encrusted item from the extensive jewellery range - if your budget permits!
W Martyn
You may want to engage with your work colleagues in more casual conversation after the formality of the conference venues. London has myriad coffee shops, of course, but if you're really keen to relax with a warm and indulgent beverage then it would be worth visiting the W Martyn shop. After a mug or two of freshly brewed coffee you might like to try the traditional biscuits and nuts.
Harrods
You can't miss a visit to Harrods even if most of your time is spent in the conference venues. London themed items may be an appropriate reminder of your business trip or you may just want to take home some special souvenirs for the family. Take your pick from decorative keepsakes, bottles of the finest alcohol, electronic items, fine foods and plenty more.
Anderson & Shephard Tailors
If clothes maketh the man, then those who invest in finely crafted suits will stand the best chance of impressing business associates and potential partners. It is possible to purchase excellent tailored suits from a number of specialist stores in the city, however, if you're only prepared to settle for the best a trip to Anderson and Shephard is highly recommended. Their expert tailors will select the finest materials and create a suit in line with your individual specifications.
Where to Go for the Best Coffee in Rome
It is fair to say that the Italians have a passion for coffee. They were responsible for the creation of the caffe crema, caffe correto and the affogato. It is really little wonder that people living in the Italian capital choose to spend their leisure time indulging in freshly brewed concoctions at the local cafes and coffee houses. If you want to gain a real appreciation for this Italian tradition, choose a central Rome hotel within close proximity of the venues highlighted in this article.
Mondi
You can expect to hear mention of this charming coffee shop during your stay at a central Rome hotel. People will probably talk about the delicious biscotti and pastry snacks that are prepared in the bakery. You may also be encouraged to try the splendid coffees prepared by the friendly and skilled staff. Just bear in mind that it is possible to while away an entire afternoon in the company of the locals who frequent this place!
Cappuccino Bar
There are a number of Italian baristas who could lay claim to preparing the ultimate cappuccino. However there is absolutely no doubt that Luigi Santoro is the champion cappuccino maker in Rome. Since opening this specialist coffee shop, he has earned a place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. He's perfected the art of sketching coffee flowers and heart symbols in the frothy and delicious cappuccino.
Giolitti
If you've had a few late nights in some of the city's musical establishments you may well be in need of some morning invigoration. You could kick start the day with a glass of espresso at this splendid coffee shop. Stay around for long enough and you might spot the local politicians who regularly visit this place. Those who fail to glimpse any celebrities can be consoled with some delicious Italian ice cream.
Caffè Sant'Eustachio
Coffee lovers from all over the world flock to this distinctly Italian establishment every day. Take the opportunity to learn about Sant'Eustachio before indulging in their hot and steamy beverages. Within an easy stroll of many a central Rome hotel, you might even be tempted to combine a macchiato or cafe latte with one of the freshly prepared pastries.
Babingtons Tea Room
You might well wonder why a tearoom has been included on the list of Italy's finest coffee establishments. Well, visitors do have the opportunity to try a range of speciality coffees in this place; however, it's only fair to recommend the fine English teas that are on offer. They are served along with a variety of traditional cakes each afternoon. Enjoy the indulgent delights for afternoon tea before returning to your central Rome hotel.
Mondi
You can expect to hear mention of this charming coffee shop during your stay at a central Rome hotel. People will probably talk about the delicious biscotti and pastry snacks that are prepared in the bakery. You may also be encouraged to try the splendid coffees prepared by the friendly and skilled staff. Just bear in mind that it is possible to while away an entire afternoon in the company of the locals who frequent this place!
Cappuccino Bar
There are a number of Italian baristas who could lay claim to preparing the ultimate cappuccino. However there is absolutely no doubt that Luigi Santoro is the champion cappuccino maker in Rome. Since opening this specialist coffee shop, he has earned a place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. He's perfected the art of sketching coffee flowers and heart symbols in the frothy and delicious cappuccino.
Giolitti
If you've had a few late nights in some of the city's musical establishments you may well be in need of some morning invigoration. You could kick start the day with a glass of espresso at this splendid coffee shop. Stay around for long enough and you might spot the local politicians who regularly visit this place. Those who fail to glimpse any celebrities can be consoled with some delicious Italian ice cream.
Caffè Sant'Eustachio
Coffee lovers from all over the world flock to this distinctly Italian establishment every day. Take the opportunity to learn about Sant'Eustachio before indulging in their hot and steamy beverages. Within an easy stroll of many a central Rome hotel, you might even be tempted to combine a macchiato or cafe latte with one of the freshly prepared pastries.
Babingtons Tea Room
You might well wonder why a tearoom has been included on the list of Italy's finest coffee establishments. Well, visitors do have the opportunity to try a range of speciality coffees in this place; however, it's only fair to recommend the fine English teas that are on offer. They are served along with a variety of traditional cakes each afternoon. Enjoy the indulgent delights for afternoon tea before returning to your central Rome hotel.
Discover the Alluring City Of Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most magical cities in the world. An eclectic fusion of east meets west, it is home to fascinating and intriguing history and culture. If you are planning a visit to the city, make your stay extra special and stay in one of the best hotels in Istanbul.
Hotel accommodation in the city is generally of a high standard so you will be assured quality accommodation and top class service if you choose to stay in one of the best hotels. In Istanbul there are many to choose from and all are located conveniently close to the main attractions and within easy reach of the airport. In true Turkish style the hotels are decorated beautifully and offer the visitor a real taste of Turkish charm and majesty. Lavish furnishings and rich colours create a tranquil but luxurious atmosphere and a stay in one of these hotels will have you releasing all of the stresses and strains of life back home.
Most of the best hotels in Istanbul boast excellent restaurants, wonderful spa facilities and some even have their own hammam. What better to way relax after a long day pounding the pavements and taking in all the great sites?
Highlights Of the City
This vibrant and exciting city is simply bursting with life and full of things for the interested visitor to see and do. With great museums, fantastic architecture and some incredible ancient monuments, it is a treasure-trove just waiting to be discovered.
The Ottomans were one of the greatest civilisations to have inhabited this city and they certainly left their mark in the guise of stunning buildings, ornate architecture and beautiful mosques. The Hagia Sofia Mosque is one of the most famous of these and is indeed one of the most well known sites in the whole city. It has stood for over 1500 years and was originally a church before it was converted into the beautiful building it is today. The Blue Mosque is another of the city's great mosques and was commissioned to rival the Hagia Sofia. The six minarets tower above the courtyard below and inside the mosque the thousand of blue tiles are a breath-taking sight.
For a little light cultural entertainment, make sure you have an evening at a Whirling Dervish performance. This exhibition of dances originating from different regions throughout the country is a spectacle not to be missed. Usually the performance is booked with a meal included, so it is easy to make evening of this show.
The Bosphorus Canal runs close to the city and there is always the opportunity to take in the city from the comfort of a cruise boat. This is a lovely way to see the sights and a somewhat unique way to experience this colourful city. You may like to take a cruise one way and walk back through the city back streets, soaking up a little local atmosphere along the way. Drink mint tea in the tiny teashops, shop in the quaint bazars or simply wander and see where you end up.
If you decide to visit this fabulous city, make sure you book into one of the best hotels in Istanbul to make your stay even more memorable.
Hotel accommodation in the city is generally of a high standard so you will be assured quality accommodation and top class service if you choose to stay in one of the best hotels. In Istanbul there are many to choose from and all are located conveniently close to the main attractions and within easy reach of the airport. In true Turkish style the hotels are decorated beautifully and offer the visitor a real taste of Turkish charm and majesty. Lavish furnishings and rich colours create a tranquil but luxurious atmosphere and a stay in one of these hotels will have you releasing all of the stresses and strains of life back home.
Most of the best hotels in Istanbul boast excellent restaurants, wonderful spa facilities and some even have their own hammam. What better to way relax after a long day pounding the pavements and taking in all the great sites?
Highlights Of the City
This vibrant and exciting city is simply bursting with life and full of things for the interested visitor to see and do. With great museums, fantastic architecture and some incredible ancient monuments, it is a treasure-trove just waiting to be discovered.
The Ottomans were one of the greatest civilisations to have inhabited this city and they certainly left their mark in the guise of stunning buildings, ornate architecture and beautiful mosques. The Hagia Sofia Mosque is one of the most famous of these and is indeed one of the most well known sites in the whole city. It has stood for over 1500 years and was originally a church before it was converted into the beautiful building it is today. The Blue Mosque is another of the city's great mosques and was commissioned to rival the Hagia Sofia. The six minarets tower above the courtyard below and inside the mosque the thousand of blue tiles are a breath-taking sight.
For a little light cultural entertainment, make sure you have an evening at a Whirling Dervish performance. This exhibition of dances originating from different regions throughout the country is a spectacle not to be missed. Usually the performance is booked with a meal included, so it is easy to make evening of this show.
The Bosphorus Canal runs close to the city and there is always the opportunity to take in the city from the comfort of a cruise boat. This is a lovely way to see the sights and a somewhat unique way to experience this colourful city. You may like to take a cruise one way and walk back through the city back streets, soaking up a little local atmosphere along the way. Drink mint tea in the tiny teashops, shop in the quaint bazars or simply wander and see where you end up.
If you decide to visit this fabulous city, make sure you book into one of the best hotels in Istanbul to make your stay even more memorable.
Visiting the Wonderful Museums of Chicago
As one of the most important cities in the Midwestern United States, it is no wonder that so many people flock to Chicago to see the sights and get a feel for the contemporary culture of this fine city. When you book a room, ensure you are right in the heart of the central district of the city, so you can easily get out and explore.
The city was founded in 1803 as Fort Dearborn and officially became a town in 1833. It grew exponentially over the years and most of the railroads that were being built in the States had their hubs here. With plenty of unique nicknames - such as "The second city", "The windy city", "The city that works", and "The white city," among others - it offers visitors a rich breadth of culture within easy reach of the best hotels in Chicago.
The Art Institute
Located in Grant Park, just a short walk away from some of the best hotels in Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago (AIG) is the second largest museum in the United States (after the Metropolitan Museum of Art). Founded as the Academy of Design, as part of the free art school and gallery in 1866, the AIG changed its name in 1882. The collection itself encompasses over 5,000 years and is generally considered to hold America's best collection of Western paintings. It contains over 260,000 works of art and some of the highlights you should see while in the AIG are the collection of Claude Monet's works, Wood's American Gothic, Cassatt's The Child's Bath, and Hopper's Nighthawks. In addition, there is a touch gallery for the visually impaired, a collection of furniture, and the Terra Collection. Be sure to visit the African American Art Collection and take note of the architecture of the building itself too. It may be a good plan to visit the AIG over a few days, as there is plenty to see and it is within easy access of many of the best hotels in Chicago.
The Field Museum of Natural History
Once you've enjoyed the fine arts and are ready for some history and culture, head to the Field Museum of Natural History. As part of the Museum Campus, the Field Museum of Natural History is an easy walk from many of the best hotels in Chicago. The museum is dedicated to the natural sciences, anthropology and artifacts and has over 24 million specimens.
Begun in 1893, the museum has permanent exhibitions of animal dioramas, The Grainger Hall of Gems, The Underground Adventure, Inside Ancient Egypt, The Evolving Planet, and plenty more. There are also three working laboratories in the museum and the exhibit that really draws the crowds - Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Sue is the most complete and well-preserved T-Rex fossil ever found and she, along with everything else in the museum, is worth seeing while in the city.
The city was founded in 1803 as Fort Dearborn and officially became a town in 1833. It grew exponentially over the years and most of the railroads that were being built in the States had their hubs here. With plenty of unique nicknames - such as "The second city", "The windy city", "The city that works", and "The white city," among others - it offers visitors a rich breadth of culture within easy reach of the best hotels in Chicago.
The Art Institute
Located in Grant Park, just a short walk away from some of the best hotels in Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago (AIG) is the second largest museum in the United States (after the Metropolitan Museum of Art). Founded as the Academy of Design, as part of the free art school and gallery in 1866, the AIG changed its name in 1882. The collection itself encompasses over 5,000 years and is generally considered to hold America's best collection of Western paintings. It contains over 260,000 works of art and some of the highlights you should see while in the AIG are the collection of Claude Monet's works, Wood's American Gothic, Cassatt's The Child's Bath, and Hopper's Nighthawks. In addition, there is a touch gallery for the visually impaired, a collection of furniture, and the Terra Collection. Be sure to visit the African American Art Collection and take note of the architecture of the building itself too. It may be a good plan to visit the AIG over a few days, as there is plenty to see and it is within easy access of many of the best hotels in Chicago.
The Field Museum of Natural History
Once you've enjoyed the fine arts and are ready for some history and culture, head to the Field Museum of Natural History. As part of the Museum Campus, the Field Museum of Natural History is an easy walk from many of the best hotels in Chicago. The museum is dedicated to the natural sciences, anthropology and artifacts and has over 24 million specimens.
Begun in 1893, the museum has permanent exhibitions of animal dioramas, The Grainger Hall of Gems, The Underground Adventure, Inside Ancient Egypt, The Evolving Planet, and plenty more. There are also three working laboratories in the museum and the exhibit that really draws the crowds - Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Sue is the most complete and well-preserved T-Rex fossil ever found and she, along with everything else in the museum, is worth seeing while in the city.
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