Displaying the top 100 results that match your query. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/rssapi.jsp?browse=true&N=4+4294208973&No=70 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807744 Marrakesh, the red pearl of Morocco was founded by Youssef Ben Tachfin in 1602. It is one of the countrys four Royal Cities. Up to the beginning of the 20th century the city was a trading centre for both the north of Morocco and the Sahara and the monarchs of various dynasties made Marrakesh their capital city. The large souks of Marrakeshs Medina are divided into numerous sections and stock just about everything known to Man! In spite of the citys apparent calm there is much activity and the traffic is surprisingly well disciplined. Marrakesh has the largest souks in Morocco. As well as shoes and clothing they stock all the necessities of life and of course bargaining and haggling are the norm! Daily life in the souks is dominated by trade. They are a vital meeting place and trading centre for the farmers of the High Atlas. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807682 The Qing emperors knew exactly where to shelter during Pekings hot summer months: in the Valley Of Coolness, at that time a beautiful forested river valley two hundred and fifty kilometres north east of Peking. In former Rehe, todays Chengde, is the old summer residence of the Manshu Dynasty that took more than a century to construct. The Forbidden Palace and its park and gardens are now open to the public. Just as in Peking the emperor went about his official business in the southern front hall with the royal living quarters situated in the rear section of the complex. The huge garden with its many ponds and bridges is encircled by a ten kilometre wall beyond which are several large valleys. The garden covers five hundred and sixty hectares and is the largest Imperial park complex in China: a unique architectural work of art. The temple monastery of Xumi-Fushou-Miao is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807750 Marseille is the oldest city in France and its largest commercial harbour in the Mediterranean. It is believed that in 600 B.C. travellers from the Greek town of Phokis founded the autonomous town of Massalia. In the Middle Ages the citys main harbour was used by the crusaders to embark on their journey to Jerusalem and it rivalled those of the maritime republics of Genoa, Pisa and Venice.One of Marseilles main landmarks rises high above the harbour, the seafarers church of Notre-Dame-De-La-Garde. It towers above the city like a fortress and on its bell tower is a gilded ten metre high figure of the Virgin Mary. Several hundred yachts of all sizes crowd into the old harbour where there is often little room for the comings and goings of modern day sailors. It is difficult to imagine that once near-starving slaves were forced to use their last ounce of strength to row their masters galleys into the harbour. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807688 Our romantic journey begins in the city of Cannes in the south of France, along the Blue Coast, the Cte DAzur. For most of the time, this impressive section of the Mediterranean coast enjoys a mild climate and is synonymous with a luxurious lifestyle beneath the southern sun. Le Suquet, the old town that is located above the old port has, in spite of tourism, managed to retain its air of calm sophistication. The markets in the old town offer an abundance of eye-catching vegetables, fruit and fresh fish. Narrow and picturesque alleys lead up to the tiny mountain of Mont Chevalier on which the historical area of the city is situated. Close by is the Cap DAntibes with its mighty castle that from 1386 was owned by the Grimaldis and in the 16th century became a French possession. A huge defensive wall built by the Sun Kings master fortress builder surrounds the old town and protects its seaward side. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807731 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysias modern capital city, is relatively young. It originated in the middle of the nineteenth century at the junction of the Gombak and Kelang Rivers. The Petronas Twin Towers are one of the citys main landmarks. Each tower is four hundred and fifty two metres tall connected by a breathtaking bridge. The faade of this unique architectural gem is particularly splendid in bright sunlight or when illuminated at night. The old Masjid Jamek Mosque is situated in the centre of the city on the precise spot where the city was founded. Several prayer halls, and an inner courtyard that contains palm trees, make the mosque into a tranquil oasis. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the largest building in Merdeka Square, extends for more than two hundred metres. This splendid Moorish style building with onion-shaped towers and a central clock tower was designed in 1897 by architect A.C. Norman. Malaysians dance at every opportunity. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807650 Because it formed part of their realm, the southernmost province of Portugal was thus named by the Arabs who occupied it and everywhere there are castles which the Christian kings built during the Moorish Wars. Tavira had numerous rulers, among them Romans and Greeks who established a trading centre. Unobtrusive elegance is an indication of the prosperity of bygone times and due to the citys thirty well-preserved churches it is referred to as The City Of Churches. Olhao is a busy fishing port, the tiled benches on its shoreline offering a relaxed view of the days activities. Its fishermen are said to be the most courageous in the region and in 1808 some of them crossed the Atlantic in a small boat until they reached Rio de Janeiro. Faro is the capital of the Algarve, the heritage of numerous cultures that possesses its own unique atmosphere. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807588 Our journey across Wachau begins in Stein, a town district of Krems, one of the oldest cultivated landscapes in Austria. The sole Gateway Into the Wachau is a unique region of the Danube between Krems-Stein and Melk. A total of a hundred and thirteen houses encapsulate the medieval city that was built along the Steiner Road on the banks of the Danube. Today the towns facades and entrance-ways are decorated in traditional style and compliment the impressive Renaissance splendour of the buildings. A little further on and the river valley narrows and becomes even more beautiful. The blue-white church tower of Drnstein proudly welcomes those who visit the town. It is a landmark of the Wachau. This small medieval town nestles picturesquely along the rock walls above the Danube and it lives and breathes the history that made it world famous. The beauty of the landscape is overwhelming. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807653 Andalusia in southern Spain is a fantasy land situated between Europe and Africa. In Algarrobo, a white village close to the coast, time seems to have stood still. A place of both inspiration and contemplation. Since Phoenician times the earlier Malaca was a busy trading port that was defended by the Castillo De Gibralforo. The Cathedral, also known as La Manquita, symbolises a catholic victory on the former site of a mosque. On the edge of the city centre is the Moorish fortress of Alcazaba that was once a fortified residence on the hills of Castillo. The second largest city in Andalusia also became known as the birthplace of its famous son, world famous artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso. Since the 1950s the modern coastal resort of Torremolinos has attracted mass tourism with a numerous variety of huge hotel skyscrapers, bars and restaurants. In the hilly inland area of the Costa Del Sol is the pretty white mountain village of Mijas. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807712 Ireland is one of Europes most green and mysterious islands and everyone who visits this isolated island in the Atlantic Ocean is given a very warm welcome. Dublin is the capital of the Irish Republic and it is a city of musicians, poets and dreamers, as well as being a financial centre. Its many old buildings indicate its long and dramatic past. It was founded by the Vikings within a wonderful valley where the River Liffey flows into the Atlantic Ocean. South west of Dublin is Kildare, the heart of Irelands horse racing. In 1902 the Irish national stud, Tully House, was founded there. Rich and eccentric Scottish brewery heir, Colonel William Hall-Walker, had the idea of a creating unique horse breeding scheme that would be based upon astrological calculation. The Wicklow Mountains are a natural paradise of mountains, swamps and lakes, beautiful valleys and a fascinating mountain landscape to the south of Dublin. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807727 Ks is an historic island oasis beneath the Greek sun. Not the largest of the Dodekannissa Islands but certainly one of its most fascinating, with endless sandy beaches and an ancient heritage. The capital of the island is Chora Ks and for two thousand years it has been the nerve centre of the island. The city once suffered devastating earthquakes and the island was plagued by numerous invaders including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, the Knights of St. John and finally, the Turks. The Platia Eleftheras is the main square of todays Ks and contains the Archaeological Museum that is housed in a futuristic looking Italian building that dates back to the 1930s. Four kilometres from the city high in the Dikeos Mountains is one of the islands most important sights, the Asklipion, an ancient hospital and sanctuary. A winding road leads to the village of Kfalos that from below looks like a small fortified complex. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807584 The historice lagoon city of Venice stands on several islands joined together by a mutitude of bridges, and a canal system in place of streets. The palaces that lie along the Grand Canal represent Venetian power and influence over the centuries. Gothic building artistry and Baroque affluence meet head-on in this grand and noble city which overflows with nostalgia. Less than an hour by boat from Venice and a bisit to Burano, where fishing and lace-making prevail and Murano, famous for its glass-blowers. Three golden centuries of peace and prosperity mad Venice into a glamorous, fairytale city like no other. 120 churches, 400 bridges--this watery landscape is without equal. The 11th century Basilica Di San Marco is surely one of the most famous squares in the world. And theres Carnival, too ... a chance to wear a mask of Casanova, as well as a good excuse for food and wine. Napoleon described Venice as Europes most beautiful meeting place. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807580 Set within the magnificent Alps the Tyrol is a picturesque federal state in the west of Austria and is one of the most beautiful areas in Europe. It contains many ancient towns, monasteries and fortresses that highlight the regions history and its proud and hardy mountain people. Kitzbhel was once a prosperous mining town but today it is a world famous ski resort that is also popular in the summer months. The old town with its pretty middle class buildings that date back to the fifteenth century is a fine example of Austrias country rural architecture. Around four thousand people live in the village of Wildschnau that is situated in a fascinating valley of the Kitzbheler Alps that extend for some twenty four kilometres. Niederau is the entrance to the Wildschnau region and Oberau is the main village in a valley that features eye catching farm houses whose carved wooden balconies are decorated with splendid flowers. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807761 Fun-filled metropolis at the mouth of the Mississippi, New Orleans is a cultural melting pot and the birth place of jazz. In 1682, the Frenchman, Robert Cavalier, declared this Mississippi region to be French territory and named it, La Louisiana. However, Napoleon later accepted $15,000,000 from President Jefferson and in 1840 it was the fourth largest city in the USA. The Garden District is a sought-after residential area in which there is an abundance of magnolia trees, palms, shrubs and flowers, and the citys largest graveyard, the Metairie Cemetery, has over 7,000 graves and an array of spectacular mausoleums which astound the eye. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807699 Florence is the capital of Tuscany, a city of art and joie de vivre. With its magnificent tower the Palazzo Vecchio is a communal palace that has been the citys political centre since the beginning of the 14th century. Originally it was the seat of the citys Republican rulers but soon afterwards the MEDICI dynasty settled there, the cleverest and most powerful of the handful of families that ruled over the city. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807591 It is in Uxmal where historic Mexico is at its most beautiful and that our journey through the millennia begins, along the Yucatan Peninsula, land of Maya culture.The Cuadrngulo De Los Monjas comprises four buildings with many entrances that lead into various small rooms, typical of Puuc architecture. The forty two metre high Fortune Teller Pyramid is situated in the centre of the complex and the main entrance to the Nuns Quadrangle dates back to the 9th century and is flanked on both sides by columned halls. Since the 10th century the remains of the Pre-Columbian architecture of Chichen Itza have combined two cultures, the Maya and the Toltecs. The total number of steps that lead up to the temple, including those on each of its four sides, number an amazing three hundred and sixty five - one for each day of the year! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807573 Taipei is a pulsating metropolis in the north of the South Asian island state of Taiwan, a land of gods, spirits and temples. With around three million inhabitants it is the largest city in Ilha Formosa, a beautiful island that is located a hundred and thirty kilometres from the Chinese mainland. The famous Grand Hotel is the most impressive building in Taipei and is in the typical Chinese palace design of the Ming Dynasty. The large interior hall of the fine building is supported by massive red pillars and it features a magnificent open staircase with marble banisters. The south western edge of the city was where wealthy trader, Lin An Tai, once had a huge residence. It is one of the most well preserved examples of a building in the style of a classical southern Chinese residence and designed according to the strict rules of Feng Shui and Chinese Geomancy. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807718 Helsinki, the Daughter of the Baltic, the Gibraltar of the North, a dividing line between east and west and a modern and liberal minded metropolis. Founded in 1550 by Swedish king Gustav Vasa as a trading centre and in 1812 Tsar Alexander The First made it the capital of the Principality Of Finland. The Senaatinori is located in the centre of the city. The square is dominated by a monument and surrounded by a number of fine Neo-Classical buildings. Tsar Alexander The Second included public, ecclesiastical and academic buildings in the square including government offices, a cathedral and university. Uspenski Cathedral is situated at the citys southern harbour and is the largest Russian Orthodox church in both western and northern Europe. Built in 1868 according to traditional Russian design its exterior is of red brick and it is crowned by thirteen gilded domes. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807780 Roma Aeterna, eternal city and ancient centre of the world. The Piazza Navona is sturated in one the Italian capitals most beautiful squares in a city that has always been a dream destination for travellers from all over the world. Three large fountains adorn the large oval square that was built above the ruins of a Domitian stadium that dates back to the 3rd century A.D. The Via Appia Antica was the most important street in ancient Rome and it connected the southern area with the main city and even today one can walk over its ancient cobblestones. The 17th century St. Peters Square is the most beautiful square in the world and is situated in the centre of the Vatican, an autonomous Church State in the heart of Rome that also contains the imposing and breathtaking Petersdom, the largest Christian church in the world. The allure of this city lies in tis combination of chaos and joie de vivre, elegance and creativity. Rome is a complete work of art. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807738 A fascinating glimpse into the non-stop entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, that offers a great deal more than the gambling casinos for which its famous.Theres the Luxor Hotel that was built at a cost of 400 million dollars and contains 2,526 rooms and an atrium that can accommodate nine jumbo jets. This is in stark contrast to the Excalibur Hotel that evokes King Arthur and his Round Table. Even the New York skyline is on full view and features Greenwich Village, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty and a screeching roller-coaster ride above the residential quarters of New York! The exclusive Romanesque Caesars Palace contains some of the finest and most elegant shops in the United States that epitomise the height of luxury. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807748 Madrid is Europes most elevated metropolis, a royal capital of history, outstanding buildings and cultural treasures. Most of Spains royal palaces are in Madrid, the capital of Spain since the 17th century. Including the Palacio Real that even today serves as a royal castle. The colossal building of grey granite and limestone owes its impressive appearance to its length of five hundred metres and strategic elevated location. On the southern side of the castle is Madrids most recent cathedral, La Almudena. It boasts a combination of styles between New Gothic and Classical and was two hundred years in construction. Madrid also has a boulevard that has transformed it into a major metropolis, the Gran Via, that compares in both flair and dimensions with the exquisite streets of Paris and New York, with splendid noble buildings along with the contemporary. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807686 The Costa Del Sol is the name of the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain. In former times a variety of bumpy roads connected the regions sandy bays and remote fishing villages but today its modern roads cater for mass tourism. Almunecar is the main tourist centre on this section of the coast. Once a tranquil fishing village, its now a busy coastal resort. A wide road separates clean, extensive beaches from huge apartment blocks that were constructed during an amazing transformation of the coastline. Torrox is an Andalusian mountain village that has so far managed to remain off the tourist trail and in which village life continues as it always has done. Since Phoenician times Malaga has been a busy trading port that was defended by the Castillo De Gibralforo that is located on the summit of a mountain. The large bay, with its protective mountain range in the north, enjoys a mild climate throughout the entire year. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807578 Gabes is the beginning of a journey through what is the fascinating oasis of Tunisia that contains all the mystique of the Orient: art, culture, history and endless desert horizons.The Ghorfas of Medenine boast a variety of souvenir shops and in the past the multi-floored mud buildings served as dwellings and storage areas for the semi-nomads of the region. A Ghorfa is a collection of buildings that form part of large complexes with hundreds of buildings grouped together around large courtyards. Surrounded by desert is the sleepy village of Douz that was once a thriving camel trading centre. Now it contains markets and is also the location of the famous Sahara Festival. The Torra Ruins in Mansurah are a further highlight of the journey across the Tunisian oasis. The sun beats down relentlessly on the boundless Sahara and individual palm trees appear as green guardians of the oasis. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807656 Bangkok is synonymous with lively chaos but Thailands great metropolis is also a compelling experience for the senses and a fascinating city full of contrast.We begin our sightseeing tour early in the morning about a hundred kilometres south west of the city centre at the floating market of Damnoen Saduak. Here, men and women travel on the canals by sampan amid a fertile landscape. Fruit, vegetables, flowers and all manner of goods are available and many of the boats have a kitchen in which fresh food is prepared to satisfy hearty appetites. Back in the city we visit some of its most important sights such as the Wat Phra Kaeo, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most important place of worship for the Thai people. Bangkoks most important landmark is also its most beautiful temple complex, a wonderful work of art comprising numerous splendid buildings. Today the Royal Grand Palace is used for national ceremonies and coronations. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807715 Honolulu Airport is world famous for the novel way in which it welcomes its visitors. A sweetly scented floral chain is placed around the neck of all those who arrive and the friendly smiles of the local people are irresistible. Normal routine is cast aside and dreams become reality. The Hawaiian Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean and are the 50th State of the United States of America. The island of Oahu is situated in the centre of the archipelago. The modern city of Honolulu is the capital of both Oahu and all the other islands and it is also the starting point of numerous excursions. King David Kalakana had the Iolani Palace built, a magnificent Victorian structure situated in the centre of Honolulu and the only royal palace in the USA. The Nuuanu Pali Valley is of great importance in Hawaiian history. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807755 Canadas second largest city, Montreal is a fascinating blend of European charm and the American way of life. In Vieux-Montreal, narrow lanes and small houses recall the past and also the lifestyle of the original settlers. In the old fire station at Place DYouville, one of the oldest markets in Montreal, is the Centre DHistoire in which the 350 year cultural history of the city is on display, from the development of the Irokese Settlement, its prolific fur trade, and right up to todays shining, energetic Metropolis. Although Montreal is located 1600 kilometres from the open sea, it owes its wealth to its waterways which stretch from the countrys interior, to the ocean. A trip on the Saint Laurence River with the pleasure boat, Bateau-Mouche, contrasts old, historic warehouses with the highly contemporary apartment block of the Cite Du Havre Habitat. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807765 Once known as the stronghold of the Mafia, Palermo, the capital of Sicily, has gradually improved its image and the joie de vivre of its inhabitants has turned it into one of the most lively cities in Italy. The monumental Palermo Cathedral is located on the edge of the Piazza Cathedrale, throughout the centuries a place for rendezvous, celebrations and justice. Following the citys conquest by the Saracens an ancient cathedral on this site was transformed into a Friday mosque and was later used for Christian ceremonies. When in 1072 the Normans conquered the island they were so captivated by this paradise on earth that they were careful to preserve it. They admired its oriental splendour and Arabian-Norman architecture but when the kings of Aragon attained power the golden age of Palermo came to an end. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807703 Our journey through romantic northern Spain travels south through Galicia along the Atlantic coast. A Corua is the regions largest industrial city and shipping harbour and it thought to have been founded by the Phoenicians in 60 A.D. The Romans conquered this harbour city that has always been associated with the sea and it was from A Corua that the invincible Spanish Armada set sail in1588 to invade England. Santiago De Compostela is the capital of Galicia and since the Middle Ages it was, apart from Jerusalem and Rome, the most important pilgrimage destination in Christendom. Half a million pilgrims came here each year from all over Europe and Spains most religious city continues to attract the faithful. Some centuries ago each of the large villages of the Rias Baixas prospered due to fishing, as did Pontevedra. However, all this changed when its harbour was engulfed by sand some three hundred years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807768 Phnom Penh is the reawakened capital of Cambodia and former Land Of The Khmer, now a wonderful place with all the charm of a bygone age. The Wat Ounalom Monastery is the centre of Cambodian Buddhism and home of the patriarch and around two hundred monks. The monastery once contained more than forty buildings that were either damaged or totally destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. During the second half of the nineteenth century Phnom Penh became a French colonial town with wide streets, shops, government buildings, hotels and villas all in colonial style. The Mekong has its origin in China on the edge of the Tibetan High Plateau and for almost five thousand kilometres it crosses China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. During the rainy season the river is at its highest and not only floods the land but also creates a miracle of nature. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807694 Dublin is the capital of the Irish Republic and is a city of musicians, poets and dreamers. Its Georgian buildings, whisky distilleries and historic castles are tangible and colourful reminders of bygone times and numerous well preserved buildings, cafes, churches and idyllic canals also add to the captivating atmosphere of this fun loving city. One of the citys main landmarks is a splendid structure, Halfpenny Bridge, which derived its name due to a toll that was once extracted from those who crossed it. Dublin Castle is one of the citys oldest buildings. It has seen much transformation and is a combination of several building styles. After the Vikings, the Normans conquered the city and ruled over it for seven hundred years and under King Henry The Eighth Dublin became the capital of what was then a British colony. Trinity College is Irelands oldest and most venerable university. It was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth The First. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807706 Hanoi is North Vietnams lively capital city located in the north of the country and set amid the delta plains of the Red River. Compared to other southeast Asian cities that have developed into modern metropolis at breathtaking speed, Hanoi could be described as being a provincial city. In 1882 the French built their government offices around the citys large Ho Hoan Kiem Lake. The city became the capital of French Indo China. The lake is surrounded by splendid old villas and public buildings. In the early morning several of the citys inhabitants arrive to go about their traditional exercises. The Chua Mot Cot Pagoda is one of the oldest religious buildings in Hanoi, a temple built upon a single column in the centre of a small pond. Legend has it that the childless king, Ly Thai To, saw the goddess of mercy in a dream in which she presented him with a son. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807771 Prague is a golden city of a hundred towers, a gem on the Moldau and a young city with a long history. The most famous of all bridges across the Moldau is the Charles Bridge that connects the old town of Stare Mesto with the city district of Mala Strane below Castle Mountain. Old Town Square is the name of a picturesque square in the centre of the old town surrounded by houses and churches whose facades form a clourful blend of numerous architectural styles. Prague Castle originated from a Slavic settlement in the 9th century A.D. and it is the largest castle complex in the world. The Royal Palace is the present living quarters of the countrys president. Nearly one third of its inner courtyard belongs to St. Veits Dom a wonderful Gothic cathedral whose construction took everal centuries. Prague is a thing of beauty in the very heart of Europe. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807791 Seville is a gem of a city and Andalusias most fascinating metropolis. In the centre of the old town is the Real Alcazar that was originally home to numerous Moorish monarchs and later the domicile of Spanish kings. Its said to be the oldest and most fascinating palace complex in the whole of Europe. Christopher Columbus was welcomed in the palace when he returned from his second voyage to America after having established a trading route with the New World. Its unique mixture of numerous cultures and poques augments the atmosphere of exquisite luxury. With its labyrinth of white alleys, Santa Cruz is the citys old Jewish district and is located close to both the Real Alcazar and the Catedral. Grated windows, flowerpots on the walls and old wooden gates are typical of this area of the city that exemplifies the traditional Andalusian way of life. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807677 Cairo is a world metropolis and tantamount to being an open-air museum. The Nile divides it in two and the centre of the city contains modern shops and office buildings in close promimity to medieval churches and mosques. The bazaar is a colourful place with smokin hookas, exotic carpets and musical instruments as well as a huge array of herbs and spices. Abu Serga is the citys oldest church and dates back to Fatimaic times. It was built on the ruins of an even older church in the Coptic district of Cairo. The three-aisled basilica was founded by Roman Christians at the end of the 4th century. Built in 1902, the Egyptian Museums one hundred and fifty thousand exhibits amount to being one of the greatest historical collections in the world. When both the Greek and Roman civilizations had reached the zenith of their power, Egypt already had a history that dated back almost three thousand years. In 1830, King Mohammed Ali had a mosque built and named it after himself but it is now more commonly known as the Alabaster Mosque. It was eighteen years in construction and was built on the site of a former Mameluckan Palace. Egypt and its capital of Cairo is the oldest cultural land on Earth. A country that impresses with both its five thousand years of history and lively modern spirit. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807730 Otherwise known as The Pearls Of Greece, the Cyclades Islands are located in the heart of the South Aegean that flows around its former centre, the holy island of Delos. Of more than two hundred and twenty islands, only twenty-five are populated. Situated in the centre of the Cyclades group of islands, Mykonos is a former pirate village and for some years has been a meeting place for artists, V.I.P.s and the international glitterati. Five old windmills dominate the picturesque bay of Mykonos. In earlier times the towns millers supplied flour to soldiers, merchants and even pirates. A special attraction is the district of Little Venice, the style of its buildings serving as a reminder of when the Venetians took possession of the island. Delos is known as the Pompeii of the Aegean and its deserted temples, public buildings, houses and streets still conjure up the atmosphere of this once-flourishing cultural and trading town. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807587 Since the sixteenth century Vientiane has been the capital of Laos and is situated in the heart of Indochina. The city originated at the point at which the first navigable section of the Mekong River joins with the Gulf Of Thailand. Vientiane was once a group of rural settlements and even today contains several village-like districts each with its own temple and traditional marketplace. At the end of the nineteenth century the French began to renovate the citys most important buildings and made Vientiane the administrative capital of their new colony and gave it a French look. There are some fascinating places to visit outside the city such as the Cultural Park Of The Laotian People, a large area on the banks of the Mekong River. Historic Vientiane also has some fine reconstructed buildings such as the Wat Impeng on the western bank of Pagoda Street. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807583 Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada and one of the most beautiful on the American continent, a dynamic metropolis set in a beautiful location with a temperate climate throughout the year. Close to the harbour area the citys skyscrapers have proliferated in recent years. The capital of the southwestern province of British Columbia has developed into an economic centre of renown. The citys oldest buildings were built less that a hundred years ago because the former wooden houses of old Vancouver were destroyed by fire. Inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, an elegant structure of pink stone and glass, Canada Place, is located in the busy centre of the new harbour distric and is also the citys most recent landmark. Close by is Harbour Centre, a modern skyscraper complex with a Skylift to the top floor. A glass elevator transports visitors to a none hundred and sixty seven-metre high observation platform where the new across the city, harbour and bay is overwhelming. For the World Exhibition of 1986, on the edge of Chinatown gardeners and craftsmen from Suzhou in China established Canadas first classical Chinese garden, The Doctor Sun Yat Sen Garden. Its ponds, bridges and small pavilions are similar to those in China, masterpieces of Far Eastern garden design. Everything in Vancouver is youthful, attractive and dynamic, a place in which Canadian politeness unites with the Pacific way of life. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807760 At the foot of the huge peaks of the Himalayas is Pokhara and it is from here that we begin our journey through Nepal. At one time this high valley contained seven fresh water lakes named Pokhari and they gave this holiday paradise its present day name. In the past, Pokhara was an important trading link between India and Tibet but the trading of salt and wool came to an end after Tibet closed its doors to the outside world. Its population is extremely tolerant and both the Buddhist and Hindu faiths coexist side by side. A safari by elephant is a real adventure as the mahuts skilfully lead the ambling giants through the bush. Travelling through the jungle on the back of an elephant offers good protection from rhinoceroses and other predators. Kathmandu is a melting pot of both race and religion, a metropolis in the heart of the Kingdom of Nepal. In the centre of the city is the ancient palace of Hanuman Dhoka. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807717 Montego Bay is Jamaicas second largest city that, at the end of the 18th century, was one of the most important harbours for the islands sugar industry. The lively city center is a mixture of both old and new with modern concrete houses located next to simple wooden huts and congested streets with numerous small shops and street traders. Close to Falmouth theres the excitement of Martha Brae River Rafting which is an excellent way to explore this tropical paradise in which dense tropical rain forest shows off all its spectacular colors. It was here on the north coast that Christopher Columbus landed in 1502 and where the Spanish were defeated by the British in a bloody battle for control of the island. Dunns River Falls is the name of a waterfall near to Ochos Rios, one the islands most well known natural attractions. In seimming attire, more than a million annual visitors attempt to climb through spraying torrents of water whilst linking hands in a human chain. In foaming cascades, the water plunges 200 meters down toward the sea over step-shaped limestone blocks and across an overgrown landscape of ferns and plants. Harmony Hall, a Victorian building that is a reminder od British colonial rule, is the name of an immacualte manor house located on a turn of the century plantation. Today it contains a handicraft center and also a gallery that displays the works of indigenous artists. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807577 Tunis is the capital of Tunisia and this Paris of North Africa is a metropolis with a long history. In the centre of the medina the domed roof of the souk encircles the Olive Tree Mosque the spiritual centre of the old town. The central market district dates back to the Hafsidic and Early Christian period. Here theres something for everyone, many of the goods being skillfully crafted under the watchful eye of prospective purchasers and while strolling through the markets its like being part of an Arabian fairy-tale with all the magic of the One Thousand And One Nights. The tall, octagonal minaret of the Sidi Youssef Mosque is an example of Tunisias earliest Syric building design and opposite is the Dar El Bey, former palace of the Turkish monarchs. Dar Ben Abdallah is a splendid palace that dates back to the 18th century and since 1975 has incorporated a folklore museum that is well worth a visit. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807570 Stockholm is a city that floats on water: the Venice Of The North was built on fourteen islands. Gamla Stan, or Old Town, is the name of the citys three central islands that are linked by numerous bridges. Its ambience is that of the Middle Ages and small and mysterious alleys and beautiful buildings that date back to the 7th century characterise the life of the traders who once lived there. The old towns most dominant building is the royal castle of Kunglia Slottet. Larger than Londons Buckingham Palace it contains six hundred and eight rooms. The Stadshuset is one of the citys landmarks and was designed in Medieval style and with a tower that is almost 106 metres tall. The most important artists of the time were engaged in the creation of the Blue Hall in which the Noble Prize ceremony now takes place each year. Those who appreciate museums will not be disappointed by Stockholm as it boasts more than fifty! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807757 Located between Italy and France on the Cote DAzur, the principality of Monaco is renowned for its high society, Grand Prix and scandal and the cost of a square metre of land is the most expensive in the world. After the Vatican, it is the smallest yet most unique sovereign state in the world. Monte Carlos Casino is undoubtedly the principalitys most famous landmark. Designed by the architect of the Paris Opera House, Charles Garnier, this superb casino was built in 1878. With the opening of the casino, this previously relatively poor mini State, developed into the famous principality it is today. Monaco is certainly a place of wealth and prosperity. But the sunshine and its wonderful location on the Cote DAzur makes it a fascinating place to visit. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807754 Miami City is a tropical, gleaming metropolis with palm trees, beaches, Art Deco, luxury and crime. Along with Miami Beach it is at the centre of the expanding southern region of the American State of Florida and has both a highly developed economy as well as a flourishing tourist industry. Miami Beach is a narrow island just off the mainland and Miami city, a leisure world of the young and beautiful and of the rich and famous. In 1915 millionaire Carl Fisher had a road constructed through the islands dense and snake-invested mangrove forest, todays Lincoln Road. The aftermath of a powerful hurricane once meant a new beginning: hundreds of hotels and apartment houses were built in Art Deco Style and today they blend well with the local lifestyle. Since the 1950s Virginia Key has been the home of the Miami Seaquarium, a marvellous world of marine life. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807764 In colonial times the Europeans referred to North Vietnam as Tongking. Today the Vietnamese people call it, Bac Bo. Hanoi is North Vietnams lively capital city. It was here that in 1882 the French created their administrative headquarters and main capital city. Compared to other southeast Asian cities that have developed into modern metropolis at breathtaking speed, Hanoi could be described as being a provincial city. The Hoh Chi Minh Museum, a three storey concrete building, was inaugurated in May 1990 to commemorate Hohs one hundredth birthday. Den Dao Quan is one of the most beautiful Taoist temples in Vietnam and an oasis of tranquillity. It is a place dedicated to the worship of benevolent spirits and for those who believe in divine and spiritual natural powers. Haiphong is the most important industrial harbour town in North Vietnam and has a population of one and a half million. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807767 Patan is a city of a thousand golden rooftops. The former royal city is situated in the thirty kilometre long Kathmandu Valley, Nepals national treasure. It is located to the south of Kathmandu and its official name is Lalitpur, The Beautiful City. Around a hundred and sixty thousand people live in what is almost tantamount to an open-air museum that transfers all who travel there to another world. It is dominated by more than a hundred and fifty former monasteries that have since been transformed into family homes. Legend has it that the main image of worship, Shiva Linga, within the Kumbheshvara Temple was the point around which the city was built. The upper floors of the temple are more narrow and slender than is customary. They look like a delicate adornment of the roof rather than the more usual tapering tower structure. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807705 Since the 7th century B.C., Iberians, Romans and West Goths settled in Granada but it was during Arab rule that the city first gained prominence. Sixty thousand Muslims once lived in the old Moorish city complex on the hill above the ancient district of Albaicin.1 Granada has a truly unique and captivating atmosphere, one that has inspired poets, musicians and countless travellers from all over the world. A lively and contemporary university city and at the same time the guardian of an historic past that draws in a multitude of tourists keen to experience its special charm. In the narrow valleys between the Alhambra and Albaicin Hills the gentle River Darro makes its age-old journey toward the city centre and the houses along the riverside have been restored to a high standard with typical wooden balconies, decorated faades and barred windows. The Banos Arabes are ancient Arab baths that date back to the 11th century. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807790 It is difficult to believe that this lively, cosmopolitan city is under constant threat from earthquake, the only rumble being that of the famous cable cars as they vie up and down the citys hilly roads. A boat trip is a great way to see Fishermans Wharf, various maritime museums, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, former home of Robert The Birdman Stroud, Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone. Built in 1776, San Franciscos first stone building, Mission Dolores, still stands today. Led by the Franciscan Padres, the Christianised Indians built a church, in the cemetery of which many of the citys original settlers were laid to rest. The Transamerica Pyramid has become the citys most famous landmark. Earthquake proof, having been built on hydraulic spring foundations, the 260 metre high pyramid structure is situated in the heart of the Financial District. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807676 Haiti is the starting point of this journey in the Caribbean. Since the time of Columbus it has been the European idyll of paradise set amid a distant ocean. But beyond the dream is the fact that its original inhabitants were wiped out and replaced with African slaves. Now independent states have gradually emerged from the dark shadows of an inglorious past. They inhabit a tropical world, an exotic Caribbean island that consists of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Arawak Indians named the island, Hayti, Land of Mountains, and later Columbus changed the name to Hispanola. Wonderful beaches and golden sand, tropical rainforests that reach almost to the sea and crystal clear turquoise water--a perfect place to relax in one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Jamaica is another Caribbean paradise and its second largest city, Montego Bay, is the destination for tourists from all over the world. Harmony Hall is the name of an immaculate manor house situated on a turn of the century plantation, and James Bond Beach was once the winter retreat of English author, Ian Fleming. Kingston is the capital of Jamaica and the islands political, economic and cultural centre, a former pirate stronghold that is a lively mixture of joie de vivre and reggae. Nassau is the capital of New Providence Island and is only one of more that seven hundred islands in the Bahaman archipelago. It is visited by huge cruise liners that can be seen from everywhere as they overshadow the citys buildings and on each side of its tranquil streets the citys pastel coloured houses look like something from a confectioners shop. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807710 Halifax is part of Canadas federal state of Nova Scotia. The peninsula has a population of 333,000 and it is the countrys oldest British settlement yet has managed to retain all the charm and tranquillity of a small town. After Sydney, Halifax has the second largest harbour in the world and is one of the regions few harbours that is free from ice throughout the year. Lobsters, oysters, mussels and fish soup are but a few of the menu items that appear in the seafood restaurants of the Atlantic District. The Maritime Museum covers the history of the fishing industry on Canadas Atlantic coastline and also the history of navigation. Boats and small models illustrate the development of ship-building and include great seafarers and many remarkable exhibits. In 1917 two ships collided in Halifax Harbour. This led to an explosion that destroyed half the city when two thousand people perished and nine thousand were injured. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807697 In the early and late Middle Ages, the royal city of Fez was the capital of Morocco. Where two of the most important trading routes from the Sahara to the Mediterranean crossed, a follower of the prophet Mohammed established Fez in a delightful river valley. In the old walled town of Medina in which Muslim belief is omnipresent, everyone lives within easy listening distance of a minaret and also the relentless babble of traders and craftsmen. Through the old city gate of Bab Boujeloud is entered the exotic world of the Arab-Islam Middle Ages. The beautifully restored inner courtyards of the city palaces show the splendour of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Arabesque wall decorations and floor mosaics represent 1200 years of Muslim belief and reflect the cultural prosperity enjoyed by this royal city whose historic past today intermingles with aromatic aromas, a wealth of craftsmen, and the smell of dough-cake as baked in the time of Roman occupation. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807576 Located to the south of the Caribbean island of Cuba, Trinidad was founded by the Spaniard, Velazquez, and in the 18th century the city experienced great wealth and recognition through the cultivation of sugar cane. The excluseive palaces and villas of the sugar barons still leave their mark on the city with tall wooden gates, barred windows, and original roof tiles that characterise the style of bygone days. The Palacio Padron is located on the Plaza Mayor, the centre of the city. A few years ago the palae was lovingly restored in painstaking detail and transformed into an archaelogical museum. Around the main square the most beautiful palaces stand in rows and are impressive indicator of the colonial lifestyle enjoyed by the former sugar aristocracy. The slave trade and the cultivation of sugar cane made the islands inhabitants incredibly wealthy and Trinidad became the most important cultural and trade centre in the whole of Cuba. Splendid exotic beauty in a land situated between sun and socialism, sugar and cigars, rumba and revolution. In Trinidad it is as though everything is in a state of suspended animation waiting to be awakened. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807692 Dodekanissa is the name of a group of Greek islands that is located in the south east of the Aegean just off the Turkish coast. It warrants more than its name of Twelve Islands as it contains more than nineteen inhabited and around fifty small uninhabited islands. Ks is the green pearl of the Aegean, an historic oasis beneath the Greek sun. Not the largest of the Dodekannissa Islands but certainly one of its most fascinating. The capital of the island is Chora Ks. Following their arrival from Jerusalem in the 14th century, the Order Of The Knights Of Malta built a huge fortified complex in the town. The citys spacious square is surrounded by numerous buildings plus a museum and there are stone busts and statues of the Roman and Hellenistic eras that offer a good insight into the imaginative culture of a golden age. In the square a number of steps lead up to the citys cathedral, the Agia Paraskevi. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807789 The Salzkammergut is located in the heart of Austria. A wonderful and romantic landscape set between breathtaking mountains and beautiful lakes. In the Middle Ages St. Wolfgang was one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in Central Europe having attracted seventy thousand of the faithful each year. In the summer of 1873 the first paddle-steamer was introduced and the region eventually became famous due to an operetta, Das Weisse Rssl Am Wolfgangsee. The areas main village is Fuschl that is situated on the Fuschlsee at the western end of the Salzkammergut. A tranquil and romantic lake that has inspired countless composers, poets and authors. The lake is a glimmering turquoise colour and the surrounding landscape is truly superb. It takes about three hours to walk around it. Shaped like a sickle the Mondsee is situated between the Drachenwand and Schafberg Mountains. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807675 Located onthe southern edge of Africa and lying at the foot of Table Mountain, the metropolis of Cape Town is certainly one of the worlds most beautiful cities, an exciting combination of Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. In the park-lined Government Avenue and Queen Victoria Street theres a wonderful collection of well-restored Victorian houses and the Anglican St. Georges Cathedral is where Archbishop Desmond Tutu protested against Apartheid. Part of the historic harbour is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. in 1860, Prince Alfred ordered construction of a new harbour basin, followed by the Victoria Basin that contained two watchtowers. Today, the whole of the old port is an internationally-styled entertainment and shopping complex. The two large water tanks in the harbours Two Ocean Aquarium contain around 3,000 examples of sea life from the Indian and Atlantic oceans. In the adjoining South African Maritime Museum there are examples of the citys historic ships, its fishing industry and details on the construction of its outstanding harbour. The Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost tip of Africa and since 1936 this section of the Cape Peninsula has been a nature reserve. Cape Town and its environs are completely different to the normal expectations of Africa. No desolate bush land reaching to the horizon and no life-threatening wild animals. But its certainly another remarkable and beautiful dimension to South Africas magnificent Garden of Eden! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807709 Larger than Italy and twice as long as Florida, the Baja California is a huge peninsula at the southern end of California on the western border of the Golfo California. A few drops of rain in this region are enough to make the soil explode with life and transform the land into a vast undulating ocean of green palm trees and fruit-bearing cacti. Remote haciendas interrupt the savannah-like landscape with estates so vast that its necessary to travel across them by motor vehicle. The Barranca Del Cobre is four times larger and ninety metres deeper than the Grand Canyon. Powerful torrents of water created the regions deep canyons and its igneous stones were subjected to powerful erosion thus creating bizarre rock formations. At a height of thirty-five metres the Cusrare Waterfall is an impressive sight as its magnificent crystal clear water plunges down into the deep abyss below. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=807708 Graz is the capital of Austrias federal state of Styria and in 2003 was designated as Europes Capital City of Culture. Indeed, due to its geographical location, for many centuries Graz has been a melting pot of culture. The Schlossberg Mountain towers above the city and in 1894 a rack railway was introduced in order to overcome the severity of its 60 per cent gradient. The Romans and Celts once used the mountain as a place of ritual ceremony and today small pathways and pavilions make the mountain more accessible. In the 12th century a medieval castle was built on the plateau and in 1531 it was transformed into a mighty fortress that served as a defense against the Turks. With nearly 32,000 exhibits that date from the 15th to the 19th centuries the Zeughaus contains the largest collection of historic weaponry in the world. The often-extended Grazer Burg was once the residence of the Hapsburgs.