Archive for August, 2008

A Look at Alcatraz: The World’s Most Controversial Rock

August 11, 2008 - 11:53 pm 1 Comment

The most intriguing attraction that San Francisco offers is a tour around the famous Alcatraz rock on which a prison house used to function. This is such an interesting site that it attracts attention not only from tourists but from media as well. I’m sure you remember Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage get some action in their movie The Rock, which was based and partly set on Alcatraz.

One reason why this is such a famous attraction is that it housed the criminal icon Al Capone. In the 1920’s, as the boss of the Chicago Outfit, he fronted as a furniture dealer when the public knows that the Chicago Outfit is a criminal organization that engages in illegal activity including the smuggling of liquor to say the least. Al Capone was caught, but what made him a legend is that he was convicted only for tax evasion and not for any of the numerous crimes that was publicly known. Visit Alcatraz and see more famous inmates Al Capone had.

The rock is famous also because of its controversial nature. Aside from cruel treatment of prisoners, the jail house was shut down because of the inhumane condition of isolation that both prisoners and wardens had to endure. Not only policemen but also plenty of staff members such as cooks and priests had to live on the rock which was separated from the city coastline by miles of cold sea water. This means that workers were no less prisoners than the convicts. Everyone on the rock was separated from their families and the everyday opportunities of the progressive city.

Another intrigue surrounding the Alcatraz is the escape. There were many attempts but only a pair made it pass the walls and were not brought back in. They did it by making a hole through their cell walls with utensils, mainly spoons. No one knows if they actually made it pass the sea. The water is ice cold. They could have swam and freed themselves or they could have died battling the waves and temperature of the sea. Survived or not, they were the only ones who actually escaped the rock. This story was even made into a movie starring Clint Eastwood, Escape from Alcatraz.

It is a sin not to take the Alcatraz tour when in San Francisco. It is surprisingly more touching than educational. You’ll be taken around the cells and function rooms. You can even enter an isolation cell just so you can get a feel of what it’s like to be a prisoner in extreme isolation. You will also be surprised at how talented and educated the prisoners were. With nothing to do, they painted and read most of the time. Most importantly, you’ll get a view of the vibrant city from the jailhouse’s small windows, which will surely make you feel a deep and sublime compassion for anyone who had to stay there.

Alcatraz is one of the most interesting sites around the world. Take a chance to fly to San Francisco and tour this amazing rock. You do not have to spend as much!

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Visit the Past: Marvel at the World’s Great Ruins

August 10, 2008 - 11:48 pm No Comments

Some structures have retained their grandeur even at the state of near destruction. No house, village, palace or theater looked this majestic even with its shattered walls and torn roofs. These ruins serve as symbols of ancient civilizations’ greatness, and are definitely worth visiting.

Parthenon in Greece must be the most admired ancient structure around the world. This temple for the Greek goddess Athena was built in 5th century BC. Today, even at its ruin, you can still see the superiority and beauty of Ancient Greek architecture. Click here and get an American Airline gift card to have a cheaper flight to Greece!

If the Greeks pride themselves with the Parthenon, the Roman’s have the Colosseum as their greatest architectural construction. This amphitheatre used to house Rome’s violent spectacles such as gladiator fights and executions for the enjoyment of 50,000 viewers. It later had many other uses, but now, it remains a symbol of a great ancient civilization.

As featured in the movie Tomb Raider, Cambodia also has its share of great ruins. The Angkor Wat built in the 12th century and is naturally facing some challenges of deterioration. But despite the threat of inevitable erosion through time, this temple can hardly be called a ruin. There are few ruined towers but as a whole, Angkor Wat is well conserved, maintained and taken care of.

In New Mexico, plenty of Pueblos which were home to various ancient communities are being preserved and are open for public tours. History buffs and art lovers will marvel at the adobe structures characteristic of ancient architecture. The Aztec Ruins National Monument is a must-see for anyone traveling to New Mexico.

Andalusia in Spain has a distinct Moorish influence in their architecture. The Alcazaba in Malaga is one perfect example of this influence. Like most ruins, this alcazaba dates centuries back Spanish history. Upon entering the Alcazaba of Malaga, one will see another magnificent structure, a Roman Theater. Fly to Malaga now and witness this grandeur!

The Inca tribe proved to be great artists. They produced beautifully intricate textiles, but their fine architecture of Machu Picchu in Peru proved their excellence in architecture. Not only are the ruins aesthetically marvelous, the materials used and engineering are also praiseworthy. The Incas were one of the world’s best practitioners of the ashlar technique, where mortar is not used to keep stones together. The materials for their buildings were cut perfectly to fit each other so it would stand strong even without mortar.

Great ruins become symbols and sources of national pride. When visiting any of these places, it is a sin not to get a close look at these majestic ruins.

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Travel to the Birthplace of Your Music

August 7, 2008 - 11:50 pm No Comments

One great cultural asset of any foreign society is their music. When traveling, you should never miss a chance to delve into another’s local music. Here are a few places that have given the world great pleasures with their innovation in music.

Chicago Blues. This melancholic genre has its roots in African native music. From oral tradition, African-American slaves turned their indigenous music into blues. The genre became popular around America until it evolved into various styles. Chicago Blues is particularly characterized by amplified electric and bass guitars, with saxophones and harmonica played in front of microphones. Blues evolved into a louder and more dynamic genre in this city. So the next time you visit Chicago, don’t forget to sit in a bar and listen to a local blues band.

Jamaican Reggae. It’s probably the soothing Caribbean atmosphere of Jamaica that inspired the world’s favorite peace lover to create reggae. Bob Marley, with a strong hold on Rastafarian philosophy, wrote the steadiest lyrics about redemption, peace and love to accompany the soothing melodies of reggae. Aside from the glorious beaches, the world thanks Jamaica for introducing Reggae.

English Punk. In the 70’s America and the UK both witnessed the birth of punk music. New York had its first taste of anti-establishment punk rock from the Ramones. In London, audiences were also witnessing not only a musical but also a social revolution with the music of the Clash and the Sex Pistols. With distaste of authority and the mainstream, punk bands upheld countercultural ideologies of rebellion and DIY (do-it-yourself). London, with a reputation for elegance and discipline, also has a rebellious and untamed side!

World Music of the Pacific. The term world music is actually so broad it’s almost only used to separate Western pop music from the non-Western. Basically, World music is identified as the fusion of traditional musical elements and the modern. This is usually found in the Pacific where modern musicians use native instruments together with modern guitars and drums. Hawaii, for example, uses a lot of their traditional Ukulele with amplifiers and electric guitars.

Mexican fusion. This can also be classified as World Music. The native drumming of Latin America is accompanied by some sexy guitar riffs and groovy bass lines producing a musical fusion with elements of blues, jazz and salsa. No other band perfected this craft than Santana, a group led by the extremely talented Mexican Carlos Santana. So when traveling to Mexico, don’t forget to learn a few steps and dance to beautiful Mexican fusion.

There’s nothing like listening to a local band play their local music. You can go to these countries and get the subliminal musical experience! With just one click, you can get free flights!

Chill to Chicago Blues in a local bar.

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Unwind in a Luau with local Hawaiian musicians.

Dance to some sexy Mexican fusion.

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Hola España! Feast your Eyes in Spain

August 7, 2008 - 1:12 am No Comments

Who would not be thrilled to see Spain? Walking on the streets alone would be amusing enough. You can feast your eyes on the country’s exquisite architecture. Everything Spanish reflects the country’s dynamic history and fascinating culture.

1. Cuisine. Please your palate with a slice of Tortilla de Patatas with a cup of the very tasty Paella. Let your mouth savor an explosion of flavor from the seafood, potatoes, tomatoes and saffron. End your meal with some of the world famous flan and the very creamy Tres Leches (three types of milk). Spain will take your palate on a flavorful ride so prepare to gain a few pounds! These are tastes you won’t get from your typical fast food chain!

2. Architecture. Architecture in Spain is indescribable. Fortunately, many of the great cathedrals and buildings that display the past’s grand artistic revolutions still stand today! Spain has adopted many architectural styles, but mainly, you’ll see a lot of baroque. Bold and massive intricately designed buildings will enthrall you. Malaga may be a small city in Andalusia, but it is filled with so many architectural delights. See genuine ancient theaters and palaces.

3. Art. Home to El Greco, Goya and Picasso, Spain makes good art with no surprise. Visit Barcelona for the Picasso Museum. Or head to Madrid’s Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. Wherever you go in Spain, art will surely be there waiting to be explored by any traveler.

4. Beaches. Costa del Sol, the southern region of Spain, will give you a different experience. Expect to meet a lot of sea creatures because this place has a lot of marine parks!

Spain caters to all interests. Nature lovers and history buffs meet in this beautiful country. So if you’re planning your next vacation, look no further and head to Spain!

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Feast your eyes while walking the streets of Spain.

Explore the Caribbean!

August 6, 2008 - 3:14 am 2 Comments

The Caribbean Sea cradles thousands of islands and islets, that it is bound to have gorgeous beaches. Aside from the beaches and its interesting reputation for housing pirates, the islands have more unique sceneries, cultures and histories to offer an eager traveler. Get to know the different islands and choose which Caribbean paradise should be in your itinerary.

Bahamas. This is a favorite of the rich and the famous. With just a swing from their wallets, they buy a home, and for some an entire island, from the Bahamas. Who can blame them? The Bahamas must have one of the world’s best beaches. Picture your idyllic shore and Bahamas will give it to you. Fine white sand, crystal clear water, refreshing sea breeze and the enthralling sunsets will leave you in a daze. If you feel like lying down on the sand in tranquility, you must visit the Pink Sands Resort. This is not a misnomer; the sand is actually pink! With a few quiet villas, away from the commotion of the city, a trip to Pink Sands will surely be out of this world.

But Bahamas is not all about a quiet vacation. It is a big place and other parts of it are the favored site of party-seeking Spring Breakers! Nassau, Bahamas is one of the top Spring Break destinations. So for some thrilling water sports, exciting encounters with sea creatures, wild nightlife and vibrant art scene, Nassau is the place to be.

Virgin Islands. Virgin Islands have become a tourist haven. It has everything to cater to the interests of the whole family. St. Thomas Island will bring you closer to nature with bike and boat trips. Both the terrain and its surrounding waters provide scenic pleasures. A variety of water sports is also available for the vigorous spirit. Ride the waters by parasailing, surfing, kite boarding and windsurfing. St. Thomas Island also has a colorful marine biodiversity which makes it a great place for diving and snorkeling. Whale watching is also a famous attraction in this island. And after all these nature trips, you can head to a bar or a theater. Casinos and hotels will give you the luxury you deserve on your vacation. St. Thomas Island is a destination both of nature lovers and city goers.

Cuba. Cuba also has great beaches. But the way to make the most out of your trip to Cuba is delving into the place’s history and culture. Go to Castillo de Farnes where Che and Castro had a toast after the revolution. Smokers can head to any of Cuba’s tobacco factories and learn a little about the island’s prided industries. Playa Giron is also a must-see. This museum will take you to Cuba’s difficult and even violent times. The greatest “attraction” would have to be the locals. These people have interesting histories and cultures. Don’t hesitate to meet them and let them be the ones to show you Cuba’s greatest features. I’m sure you won’t be able to resist dancing to the beats of their groovy music.

Jamaica

Jamaica. Being home to the iconic peace lover and father of reggae, Jamaica will surely give you the most soothing and interesting tour. You get to visit the village where Bob Marley grew up. You will also get to stand on Mt. Zion, where the reggae master used to meditate. Being surrounded by the same environment that inspired the birth of reggae, you will surely catch the calming good vibes of the island. The waterfalls and beaches will also not fail to complete your getaway.

These are only few of the thousands of islands that you can indulge in when sailing the Caribbean Sea. Each will certainly give you a unique experience. It’s up to you which tropical paradise fits your interests!

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