mardi 19 août 2014

The London dream !

If the UK is suffering, above all, a series of shots (the tweed suits, tea time, the royal family, food say "surprising"), London appears as a modern, dynamic and thriving metropolis , arousing the wildest fantasies.

Indeed, the British capital, like the big cities like New York or Paris, opened internationally in the late twentieth century, including through accession to the European Union. The cosmopolitan city is revealed with more than 50 nationalities, speaking 300 different languages. It is thus common to encounter a punk alongside a businessman in the city.

Today, the city is not only the capital of England. It appears especially as the European capital of multiculturalism. Monuments, museums and galleries are plentiful and impose their vision of culture to the rest of Europe. London is home to a cultural experience and it still has a pawn ahead of its competitors.

Where the shoe pinches is unreasonable in the property prices. London has become a particularly expensive city in which the budget does not belong. Thus, the rents were higher than New York! Despite this, London remains a stunning city towards which all eyes converge.

History of London
In 43 AD, the Romans built a wooden bridge over the Thames from which Londonium developed. In 60, after a fire caused by the resistance to the Roman conquest of Queen Boudicca, the town was rebuilt and became the commercial and administrative capital of Britannia.

In 410, the city was abandoned and the Saxons in 789, the Vikings and the attacks of the barbarians began. Edward the Confessor who is on the throne in 1060 built the palace of Westminster, while trade is developing in the area of ​​the City. In the middle of the twelfth century that London is named official capital of England.

In 1348, London was struck by the plague of the Black Death, which reduced the population by half. However, the population increases during the Tudor dynasty (1485). During the reign of Elizabeth I, the cultural activity is in full emulation. William Shakespeare is one of the engines.

The rise of Jacques VI of Scotland to the throne (1603-1625) marks the beginning of the reign of the Stuarts. At that time, the city has 200 000 inhabitants. In 1664, another wave of plague decimates 110,000 Londoners 8 months. Two years later, the Great Fire ravaged nearly 80% of the city. A project of Great Reconstruction is then led in particular by the architect Wren who is originally from St. Paul's Cathedral and 51 other churches.

In the early eighteenth century, London has 500 000 inhabitants, is the largest city in Europe. It enjoys an international reputation with the advent of Queen Victoria. The population stands at nearly 7 million people at the end of his reign. In 1910, it was the beginning of the reign of George V. Windsor with

In 1940, London suffered the incessant bombing of the Second World War. During this war, basements Whitehall are occupied by Churchill who heads military operations. The war claimed nearly 30,000 casualties. The City and the East End are in ruins.

In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne. In the 60s, London is considered the city's most fashionable world. This is the "Swinging London". In 1979, Margaret Thatcher was appointed Prime Minister, she remained in that position for 11 years. David Cameron, the British Conservative Party, was prime minister since 2010.
Today, London is an international financial center and an place of culture with its hundreds of museums and historical monuments. London is still full of ambition.

City tour

With its village atmosphere, Notting Hill is a very nice neighborhood. Walking through the charming streets, you will feel like one of the famous characters in "Maid in Notting Hill!" Head towards Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace, the neighborhood that saw the birth and growth of Queen Victoria.

Join through Hyde Park, the must Buckingham Palace, the world's most prestigious royal residence. Then, stop in a beautiful garden, the St James' Park. After visiting Buckingham Palace you will not refuse to rest facing the lake. Taking the Downing Street to join the Banqueting House, notice the guards in front of No. 10, known to be the residence of the Prime Ministers address. Please note that the street is subject to police checks.

If want to stroll and shopping then you just do not hesitate to get in Convent Garden. You can stop for a drink while listening to music groups or buy souvenirs.

Not far away is the district of the City, London's financial center. The famous St Paul's Cathedral stands majestically with its beautiful dome.

South of Saint James's Park, is the Westminster Abbey with her, his palace and cathedral.

Continue east to find the Tower of London, one of the leading London landmarks. Next, cross Tower Bridge onto the south bank of the Thames where you can visit the theater of Shakespeare's globe or take a ride on the big observation wheel, the London Eye - the city view is breathtaking!

Stay away a little to the north and head to Regent's Park, yet quiet and relaxing.

If you want to get away a little of London, Greenwich is the perfect place to escape for a day in the busy life of the city. The architecture, the palace and its grounds will amaze you. Go to the discovery of the famous Queen's House, which is located in the National Maritime Museum.

Southwest of the city, you'll feel like you're in the particular campaign by visiting the fabulous Kew Gardens. It brings flowers and plants more beautiful as each other in a royal setting. Do not miss the Hampton Court Palace, which borders the garden.

Many films are set in London and if we do not mention a few: "Mary Poppins" in 1964, "Maid in Notting Hill" in 1999 with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, "From Hell" in 2001, which is a reconstruction of the seedy district of Whitechapel in the 19th century streets, or "Match Point" by Woody Allen, in 2005 with gorgeous Scarlett Johansson.


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AUSTRALIA

Land of kangaroos, the didgeridoo and the great outdoors, Australia offers a breathtaking landscape of disparities between the ultra-modern megacities like Melbourne or Sydney and wild lands where the pioneering spirit prevails.

Huge continent that bears the most beautiful natural treasures of planet rock formations in the Outback Red land in the central regions, the road is lined with breathtaking views. Mineral and wild, Australia is not a huge desert region. Vegetation provided Tasmania, huge coastal beaches and the Great Barrier Reef offer sumptuous and refreshing landscapes.

Culture lovers will delight in the urban centers of shows and festivals enliven the cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide throughout the year. Meet the Aborigines in Queensland, the nobility of the country and its origins are best captures.

For Europeans, the vast continent (14 times that of France) is above all a dream, the dream of a new world that has taken over the American West. Still, the country remains in a good twenty hours by plane from France, and it is, among other things, why it is better to stay at least three weeks. Ready for adventure?

Australia was the filming location of "Jaws," the eccentric road movie "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" and obviously the set of the film "Australia" with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.
practical advice
Rent a car in Australia
People drive on the left side in Australia. So be careful if you are not used.
peoples
In Australia, there is not an indigenous people, but many tribes differing in their languages, arts and traditions.

A concept organizes the lives of Australian Aborigines: it is the so-called "dream time" which is a founding period of the tribes there are several thousands of years. Contemporary popular culture of the aboriginal tribes ensues.

Today, these peoples and cultures are threatened. A direct consequence of the colonization of Australia. Aborigines hold sacred the land they live and can not be moved without risk of losing their culture altogether.

Some agencies allow you to experience Aboriginal culture in the context of sustainable tourism. Particularly in Queensland: More information


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The city that never sleeps ... NEW YORK

Located in the northeastern United States, New York is the cultural and economic heart of the country. The vibrations of this cosmopolitan city is particularly felt on the island of Manhattan, where urban, taxis, businessmen and tourists cross days and nights in an endless stream.

City of superlatives, New York does not lack its reputation! Captivating, electric, excessive ... that we nicknamed "the big apple" crunches in all seasons and is, as promised, full of unexpected flavors. 

City most represented on movie screens, King Kong to Woody Allen, New York nevertheless retains its magic and mystery. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, get lost in Chinatown, stroll through Central Park, stand at the foot of the Statue of Liberty or visit museums, so many reasons to get carried away by the fast pace of the city that never sleeps. 

Discover New York 
Before you start your tour of New York, it is better to know the geography of the area because the city is immense. Located at the mouth of the Hudson River and the East River, New York is divided into five districts called "boroughs": Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. Of course, Manhattan is the most interesting district to discover and several days will be necessary just to get a glimpse.

In fact, Manhattan is a large island that concentrates most offices and businesses in New York. This explains why there are so many people walking on the sidewalks quickly. In fact, they join their offices because 90% of people who work in Manhattan do not live there. 

To get around in Manhattan, know that the island is divided into several areas. Downtown Manhattan stretching from the southern tip up to 14th Street. Midtown Manhattan stretches from 14th Street to Central Park South. Uptown Manhattan extends him south to the north of Central Park. Beyond that, we talk about the Upper Manhattan neighborhoods of Harlem and Washington Heights.



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EGYPT

Egypt of the Pharaohs, Egypt or Egyptian desert cities ... ?? There's something for everyone.

Straddling Asia (Sinai Peninsula) and Africa, Egypt is one of those countries that require many lifetimes to be explored in depth, as there is to see, understand and discover. Alexander the Great, Caesar or Bonaparte in their time, have developed delusions of grandeur. In the shadow of the pyramids and twenty centuries of history who contemplate the traveler will feel very small.

Holiday destination and discovery par excellence, the heritage of this country can only marvel. For thousands of years each city built its own character. A special atmosphere is created for each of them.

The bustling city of Cairo, day and night, subsides when you arrive in the vicinity of prestigious and elegant Pyramids of Giza. Mosques, enchanting palaces and interesting museums will leave a lasting memory.

Besides the capital, Alexandria seems quiet with facilities that reflect its European past.

The Sinai desert to leave some indescribable feeling as nature is resplendent.

The Red Sea is full of gems, do not hesitate to go for a ride in his depths.

Pharaonic era will reveal its most precious secrets in Luxor. Older temples thousands of years of ancient Thebes, "city where every house is full of wealth" according to Homer, are beautifully preserved.

Further south, Aswan is a great place to relax and enjoy in peace the Nile River divine. Simply magical!

In addition to these discoveries, Egypt is also a place in which to practice sports including diving. The Red Sea is one of the most extraordinary places in the world for this sport.

One last tip to follow: go to meet the Egyptians and so discover their rich culture. Very proud of their country (and they are right!), They will be delighted to introduce you to them as magical as the monuments of their ancestors lives.

Cinema in Egypt

Cinema has succumbed to the beauty of the country. So many films like Malcolm X by Spike Lee, The Mummy Stephen Sommers ... Claude François Claude François or were Egyptian.


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TUNISIA

Located in North Africa, between Algeria and Libya, Tunisia is known for its mild climate and sandy beaches. But this country, where a sweet scent of jasmine fleet corona harissa and mint tea, has numerous other advantages.

A glass of tea on the terrace of a cafe, two or three delicious pastries taste of honey and orange blossom, and you will find yourself that happiness does not take much.
As you walk through the souks and the narrow streets of the medina, you fall under the spell of Tunisian cities: Tunis, Hammamet, Sousse ...

Tataouine Tunis, Tunisia reserve surprising and varied landscapes. Earth stride by various civilizations (Punic, Roman, Christian ...), Tunisia is full of exceptional archaeological sites including the famous Carthage. But these are by far the Muslim Arabs who forged the cultural heritage of Tunisia. The galleries feature mosaics and old objects of almost two thousand years.

Finally, most athletes will be able to sporting activities in a beautiful setting. Adventurers will be tempted to take a trip to the impressive Sahara desert.

Tunisia was the filming location for many films like "The English Patient" by Anthony Minghella with Juliette Binoche, Kristin Scott Thomas and Willem Defoe. Some scenes of the famous saga of George Lucas "Star Wars" were filmed in the region of Tozeur and the far south of Tunisia. This is also the case of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" by Steven Spielberg with Harrison Ford, the film by Alain Berberian "Dead Weight" with Benoit Poelvoorde and Gerard Lanvin.


The oasis of Ksar Ghilane (South), gateway to the Sahara desert Tunisian door, is the most southern Tunisian oases.
The oasis of Tozeur, characterized by abundant sources, was the relay exchange of slaves, gold and dates.


spa
Currently in vogue, spa centers, synonyms wellness and pleasure, are very numerous in Tunisia. Since opening its first center in 1994 in Sousse, Tunisia is the second world thalassotherapy destination after Thailand. Visit the North Shore if you want peace and quite on the east coast if you enjoy a festive evening.

Always remember to make sure the thalassotherapy center is located by the sea!


resorts

The mere mention of Djerba, the island of southern Tunisia, is synonymous with holidays and relaxation. Tennis, water skiing, horseback riding, scuba diving, cultural festivals, tourists do not have time to be bored.

Located in the Gulf of Gabes, the island has exceptional flora and beautiful white sand beaches from which one can avoid the sight of the big resorts, as long as you look at the sea ...

Tunisia has a little over 1,250 km of coastline and has many resorts, the most famous are Tabarka, Sousse, Hammamet, Nabeul, Port El Kantaoui, in addition of course to Djerba.

Do not miss also the city of Kairouan Great Mosque, one of the holy places of Islam.


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MOROCCO

You'll find one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Step into the majestic city of Fes and just haggling in the souks of Marrakech. Join the Berbers of the Sahara and bask in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Agadir.
You guessed it, the Kingdom of Morocco is a land of contrasts that will not leave anyone indifferent. From the snowy peaks of the High Atlas to the edge of the desert, only the heat of the sun could compete with the hospitality of the Moroccans. You will discover a welcoming and tolerant people against a backdrop of magnificent monuments, symbols of great cultural and architectural richness. A fascinating country and every corner reminds us of a long history of 2500 years. Add to that a tasty and creative cuisine. Change of scenery!

A sweet perfume of East fleet in this country that has combined tradition and modernity. They practice a moderate Islam and the fascinating cry of the muezzin will remind you 5 times a day by calling to prayer.

Country resolutely turned towards the future, Morocco is the safest in North Africa in terms of health and safety country. More than a million French come every year to visit Morocco!

The landscapes of Morocco were used as decorations for many films. Obviously Lawrence of Arabia by David Lean, most recently with The Source and Leila Behkti Hafsia Herzi.


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a trip to GERMANY

Occupying a central position in Europe, Germany is not the first destination that comes to mind for the holidays. Yet as peaceful nature holidays and family you prefer, or we want to take this trip to enrich cultural discoveries, everyone can find his account in Germany, between the medieval towns, the stunning landscapes of the Bavaria, and the rich heritage of Berlin.

Walkers will enjoy a variety of terrain and scenery. Lovers follow the Romantic Road, which crosses the south of nearly 350 km. Finally, the architecture and museums will delight history and culture enthusiasts.

The first prefer the South of Germany, with the regions of Bavaria and the Black Forest. But Germany also has other parks and natural attractions that will delight nature lovers.

The latter have plenty of choice, as the German cities considerable importance is attached to the value of their architectural heritage. Monuments, they are in big cities like Berlin or scattered in smaller villages, often show a remarkable architecture. The country can also boast a large number of monuments (old towns, churches, castles) on the list of World Heritage by UNESCO. In addition, the reputation of German museums is well established: they are considered part of the most beautiful in the world.

All major cities of Germany therefore deserve closer attention to their architectural heritage and museums. But the country also has many picturesque villages, where local cultures retain all their force. Wherever you go in Germany, you will be warmly received.


You can also discover the friendliness of the Germans during the many events organized throughout the country: the festivals taking place each summer the famous Oktoberfest in Munich, wine festivals and famous carnivals. Your stay in Germany will be an opportunity to sample the cuisine of the country, and of course the national drink, beer!


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