Annapolis, Maryland is an historic naval stronghold and seaport with colonial influences and a distinct character. Student trips to Washington D.C. are adding a much broader educational experience with a day trip to Annapolis, Maryland. The U.S. Naval Academy is one student destination, but not the only point of interest. Annapolis is also a city with a rich selection of historic buildings and colonial architecture. Some leading figures in Early American history were entertained in Annapolis, including many of the nation's founding fathers.
Annapolis: A Short Bus Drive From Washington D.C.
The city of Annapolis is a short bus ride from Washington D.C. During the colonial era Annapolis was just as important as Washington D.C. and served as a focus for politics and commerce. Annapolis was named for Princess Anne. Not long after, she became Queen and chartered Annapolis as a city in 1708.
With the lure of a lucrative shipping industry, wealthy merchants and planters built their lavish estate homes in Annapolis. Many of these homes are representative of the European architecture of the colonial period. This history makes the seaport town stand out, mainly due to the grandness and splendor of homes and the lifestyles lived there.
Student Travel to the Annapolis Historic Downtown District
Student travel groups do not want to miss out on historical homes and public buildings in Annapolis that date as far back as the American Revolutionary period. The best way to take in all of the points of interest is to take a short walking tour in the historic part of Annapolis. Some of the highlights students will see include the City Dock, State House, St. John's College, and William Paca House and Garden. The connection between Annapolis and later prominent statesmen in Washington D.C. will be evident after this walking tour. Student travel groups can enjoy some souvenir shopping or grab a light snack or cold drink while touring downtown Annapolis.
Harbor Boat Tour: Annapolis The Annapolis Harbor boat tour is one of the best opportunities for students to see the U.S. Naval Academy from the vantage point of the Chesapeake Bay. The boat cruises around the Annapolis Harbor for less than an hour. The professional tour guide narrates the history of Annapolis, the U.S. Naval Academy, and some of the strategic battles that were fought here or nearby. Student travel groups will learn about history, commerce, social life, journeys at sea, and more, when they take Annapolis Harbor Tour. The Annapolis Harbor Tour is a great complement to the walking tour of downtown Annapolis.
Maryland State House
This historic building is the oldest capitol building in continuous use in the U.S. It served as the Capitol from 1783-1784, when the Continental Congress met there. The building was rebuilt three separate times. It was burned in 1704; the government outgrew the new building by 1769; and, an Annapolis architect helped create the plans for and execute the third Maryland State House building. The new building had a dome, an extraordinary engineering feat. Student travelers will marvel at the lightning rod atop the Maryland State House, built to specifications by Ben Franklin. Franklin had a theory that lightning rods attached to high buildings prevented lightning strikes on the structure. The Maryland State House was an integral part of Early American history and political life. Some of the earliest forms of representative government were practiced at the Maryland State House; therefore it is a necessary stop on any student trip.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
China Zhejiang Travel and Tour
Zhejiang Province is situated on China's south eastern coast, on the southern part of the Yangtze River Delta. Its northeast is adjacent to Shanghai, the largest city of China. The capital city is Hangzhou. It covers a total land area of 101,800 square kilometres. The province's total coastline stretches 6,486 kilometres, ranking the first in China. Zhejiang also has the most islands in China. Among the province's numerous islands, 3,061 have a land area of 500 square meters or larger.
Zhejiang Province has a sub-tropical monsoon climate, with the clear division of four seasons and abundant sunshine. The average annual temperature is 15 deg C - 18 deg C and the average annual precipitation is 1,200-1,800 mm. Its rainy season is from May to June; its coldest and hottest days are seen in January and July respectively.
Zhejiang province is famous for its cultural relics and tourists. It has more than 7 state-level scenic areas. Tourists resources are very rich, including the West Lake, Mount Gu, Su Di, Yingzhou, Yue Tomb, Yu quan, Mount Feilai, Lingyin Temple, Liuhe Pagoda, etc. All these spots are famous at domestic and overseas. Except for all above, there are Mount Putuo in Haitai, the southeast first Mount Yandang, Qiandao Lake, Mount Tiantai, River Nanxi, Island Chengsi. Others are cool world MountMogan, flourished forest Mount Tianri, the surging Qiantang tides, Island Penglai river in Wenzhou, Tiantong temple in Ningbo, BaoguoTemple, Tianyi ge , Luxun former residence, etc. The Surging Qiantang Tides, a unique natural view, attracts numerous visitors from both home and abroad each year.
Zhejiang Province has a sub-tropical monsoon climate, with the clear division of four seasons and abundant sunshine. The average annual temperature is 15 deg C - 18 deg C and the average annual precipitation is 1,200-1,800 mm. Its rainy season is from May to June; its coldest and hottest days are seen in January and July respectively.
Zhejiang province is famous for its cultural relics and tourists. It has more than 7 state-level scenic areas. Tourists resources are very rich, including the West Lake, Mount Gu, Su Di, Yingzhou, Yue Tomb, Yu quan, Mount Feilai, Lingyin Temple, Liuhe Pagoda, etc. All these spots are famous at domestic and overseas. Except for all above, there are Mount Putuo in Haitai, the southeast first Mount Yandang, Qiandao Lake, Mount Tiantai, River Nanxi, Island Chengsi. Others are cool world MountMogan, flourished forest Mount Tianri, the surging Qiantang tides, Island Penglai river in Wenzhou, Tiantong temple in Ningbo, BaoguoTemple, Tianyi ge , Luxun former residence, etc. The Surging Qiantang Tides, a unique natural view, attracts numerous visitors from both home and abroad each year.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A complete bargain travel guide to Boston
Made famous by Revolutionary events, infamous by cold winters, and both by the World-Series winning Red Sox, Boston has its fair share of reasons to visit. With such a reputation, however, comes high prices, and it has become increasingly difficult to find bargain deals in the city. That is why we created a list of budget restaurants, bars and activities that both locals and tourists can use when going out in Boston. Spanning the unique Boston neighborhoods, we have suggestions whether you are with family, friends or single. We also provide ideas for dates that won't break the bank - great especially for a first outing, yet perfect also for a change of pace in the old routine.
Restaurants
Grendel's Den (89 Winthrop Street, Harvard Square) - Stop by for the happy hour food specials from 5-7:30pm and after 9:30pm at this popular Harvard Square bar. The entire menu (normally very reasonable) is half priced, giving the diner on a budget some great options. Try the Mediterranean platter for steak tips and hummus for only $5 during happy hour. Also, stop by on Sunday evenings for the special dollar menu, featuring items such burgers and pasta. There is a minimum drink purchase of $3 required for the discount prices.
Brother Jimmy's BBQ (96 Winthrop St., Cambridge) - Enjoy some of the best BBQ you can find north of Memphis and east of St. Louis. While the entrees can get pricey, you can enjoy a great BBQ sandwich and a side for under $10. Try the pulled Chicken with the Eastern Carolina sauce and the mashed potatoes with gravy. If you're looking to splurge, try a Swamp-water; this fish bowl of liquor is $15, but does come with its own alligator. On Wednesdays, be sure to check out the Ladies Night specials and receive $1 domestic beers and $1 margaritas. Also on Wednesdays, receive a 25% discount on your food purchases with a valid Southern ID (States south of the Mason-Dixon Line and east of the Mississippi). On Saturdays, there are $0.35 wings and $8 pitchers from 12-4pm. For those really looking to eat, stop by on Sundays for all-you-can-eat ribs and all-you-can-drink drafts for $22.95 (two hour max) or on Mondays for all-you-can-eat wings and rib tips and all-you-can-drink drafts for $14.95.
Restaurants
Grendel's Den (89 Winthrop Street, Harvard Square) - Stop by for the happy hour food specials from 5-7:30pm and after 9:30pm at this popular Harvard Square bar. The entire menu (normally very reasonable) is half priced, giving the diner on a budget some great options. Try the Mediterranean platter for steak tips and hummus for only $5 during happy hour. Also, stop by on Sunday evenings for the special dollar menu, featuring items such burgers and pasta. There is a minimum drink purchase of $3 required for the discount prices.
Brother Jimmy's BBQ (96 Winthrop St., Cambridge) - Enjoy some of the best BBQ you can find north of Memphis and east of St. Louis. While the entrees can get pricey, you can enjoy a great BBQ sandwich and a side for under $10. Try the pulled Chicken with the Eastern Carolina sauce and the mashed potatoes with gravy. If you're looking to splurge, try a Swamp-water; this fish bowl of liquor is $15, but does come with its own alligator. On Wednesdays, be sure to check out the Ladies Night specials and receive $1 domestic beers and $1 margaritas. Also on Wednesdays, receive a 25% discount on your food purchases with a valid Southern ID (States south of the Mason-Dixon Line and east of the Mississippi). On Saturdays, there are $0.35 wings and $8 pitchers from 12-4pm. For those really looking to eat, stop by on Sundays for all-you-can-eat ribs and all-you-can-drink drafts for $22.95 (two hour max) or on Mondays for all-you-can-eat wings and rib tips and all-you-can-drink drafts for $14.95.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Travel guide- Vienna Austria
Vienna Austria is the country's capital and is located on the scenic River Danube. This city was the political center of the Austrian Empire and is home to ornate palaces and museums. Many of these were built for or by the Hapsburg family and trace the family history as well as the country's history.
Visiting Vienna
The city has many hotels and other accommodations near the airport and in surrounding areas. There are hotels in every price range. The inner city is home to monuments and parks that are popular tourist attractions. Old, ornate churches can be found here as well as other building such as Parliament, the University and Opera house.
When planning your trip, be aware that most attractions are closed on public holidays in the city. Public holidays include: January 1, January 6, the Monday after Easter, May 1, Ascension Thursday, The Feast of Corpus Christi, August 15, November 1, December 8, December 25 and 26. Just about all museums, palaces and many shops are closed on these days.
Museums
o Kuntshall Wien is a museum with a collection of modern and contemporary art. The artists are both Austrian and International artists. This museum is run by the city of Vienna.
o The Sigmund Freud Museum is dedicated to the Father of Modern Psychology. It is run by the Sigmund Freud Society and traces the doctor's life and work.
o Austrian Gallery Belvedere was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy as a summer home. It is now open for tours and contains art work and historical information. The gardens are spectacular and are also open for touring.
Palaces in Vienna
Vienna is home to several palaces built for the Hapsburg family. The Imperial Palace is located in the inner city and it was from here that the Hapsburgs ruled for seven centuries. It was constructed in the early 13th century. The Gothic chapel on the site is still open on Sundays for services. The Vienna Boy's Choir sings here. The palace is open for tours during the week.
The Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephens is located near the Imperial Palace. Construction on this ornate cathedral was started in the thirteenth century and completed in the fifteenth century. The steeple of St. Stephens can be seen from all over the city.
Schonbrunn Palace was built as a summer residence for Empress Sisi. The grounds include a park, zoo and large labyrinth that are open for tour as well as an ornate, Baroque style palace. There is so much to see at this palace that you should plan an entire day here.
The Belvedere Palace is also built in the Baroque style. This palace was the heart of the former Hapsburg empire. The Austrian Gallery Belvedere is located here. In addition to viewing the artwork, you can tour the palace and gardens.
The Imperial Burial Vault is located below the Capuchin Church and is open for tours. This was the burial place for members of the Hapsburg family. The vault contains 146 aristocrats, 12 emperors and 19 empresses.
Visiting Vienna
The city has many hotels and other accommodations near the airport and in surrounding areas. There are hotels in every price range. The inner city is home to monuments and parks that are popular tourist attractions. Old, ornate churches can be found here as well as other building such as Parliament, the University and Opera house.
When planning your trip, be aware that most attractions are closed on public holidays in the city. Public holidays include: January 1, January 6, the Monday after Easter, May 1, Ascension Thursday, The Feast of Corpus Christi, August 15, November 1, December 8, December 25 and 26. Just about all museums, palaces and many shops are closed on these days.
Museums
o Kuntshall Wien is a museum with a collection of modern and contemporary art. The artists are both Austrian and International artists. This museum is run by the city of Vienna.
o The Sigmund Freud Museum is dedicated to the Father of Modern Psychology. It is run by the Sigmund Freud Society and traces the doctor's life and work.
o Austrian Gallery Belvedere was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy as a summer home. It is now open for tours and contains art work and historical information. The gardens are spectacular and are also open for touring.
Palaces in Vienna
Vienna is home to several palaces built for the Hapsburg family. The Imperial Palace is located in the inner city and it was from here that the Hapsburgs ruled for seven centuries. It was constructed in the early 13th century. The Gothic chapel on the site is still open on Sundays for services. The Vienna Boy's Choir sings here. The palace is open for tours during the week.
The Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephens is located near the Imperial Palace. Construction on this ornate cathedral was started in the thirteenth century and completed in the fifteenth century. The steeple of St. Stephens can be seen from all over the city.
Schonbrunn Palace was built as a summer residence for Empress Sisi. The grounds include a park, zoo and large labyrinth that are open for tour as well as an ornate, Baroque style palace. There is so much to see at this palace that you should plan an entire day here.
The Belvedere Palace is also built in the Baroque style. This palace was the heart of the former Hapsburg empire. The Austrian Gallery Belvedere is located here. In addition to viewing the artwork, you can tour the palace and gardens.
The Imperial Burial Vault is located below the Capuchin Church and is open for tours. This was the burial place for members of the Hapsburg family. The vault contains 146 aristocrats, 12 emperors and 19 empresses.
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