July 17, 2009

Rome, A Must-See City

Rome, the eternal city, where art, culture and literature are alive today as in the days of Michelangelo, gives everybody the chance to discover its wonderful open air “museums”: the Vatican city, the Imperial Forum, Sant’Angelo Castle and the majesty of the Coliseum.

Thousands of years of history, distinguished by the presence of glorious Empires, consigned to Rome an artistic heritage as few other places in the world. Everywhere in this city it is possible to find traces of a secular culture, where the constant flux of tourists crowds all the hotels and the monuments in Rome. The Italian capital leaves everybody breathless: treasures of incomparable beauty made of squares, palaces, alleys, churches and fountains. Rome can proposes a series of itineraries, inside the city and in the neighborhood, that enable the tourist to find out and admire the fascination of such a wonderful city, its history, art, its beauties and traditions. Starting from the Trevi fountain, an obliged stop for who is visiting Rome, realized under the portico of Clemente XII around 1735 AD along Poli Palace, this is a work by the architect Nicolò Salvi and today is still flowed by the Vergine aqueduct projected in 19 BCE by the Consul Agrippa.

The small Trevi square, that hosts Rome’s most famous fountain, is probably the place most crowded by visitors, who, as the tradition says, launch a coin in the pool hoping that this gesture could guarantee them to come back once again to Rome. The next stop is Via del Corso, a very important road of the historical Rome, on which overlooks the Dora Pamphilj palace; from here we can reach the famous Venice Square, geometric center of the city and also the union point of the most important roads of the city. This square has been created in the 15 century and here we can find some very important art works as Palazzo Venezia and the Basilica di San Marco, that rises at the foot of the Capitol Hill, now location of the Rome municipality that hosts three palaces (of the Senators, of Conservators and Palazzo Nuovo).

The Capitol Hill is the smallest of the seven hills and the ancient religious center of the city; here it is possible to admire the statue of Marcus Aurelius, on the opposite square. Leaving from the Capitol Hill we walk along Imperial Fora street, one of Rome’s most suggestive roads, until we arrive at the Roman Forum, the symbol of the ancient roman civilization. Continuing our journey in the ancient Rome, not far away from the Roman Forum, we can not help but see both the Coliseum, the symbol par excellence of Roman power and one of the most famous monuments in the world, and the Arch of Constantinople. The original name is Flavian Amphitheater and in the ancient times it was the seat of various shows with fights between gladiators and wild beasts, it could accommodate until 45,000 spectators.

Do not forget: the Monument to VIttorio Emanuele II, the Altar of the Fatherland, Sant’Angelo Castle along the River Tiber and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, in the Ostiense district; the Pantheon, a roman temple built by Agrippa in 27 AD, dedicated to all the gods; the Mouth of the Truth along the river Tiber and the Cestia Pyramid in the Ostiense district; the church of Santa Maria Maggiore on the Esquiline Hill; the Sistine Chapel with the very famous Michelangelo’s fresco “The last Judgment”; Piazza Navona, where there are Rome and Italy’s most beautiful hotels, the famous square has been arranged by Bernini and here there is also the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and the Obelisk in front of the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.

Finally, we remind you that each year more than one million people come from every continent to visit the Basilica di San Pietro, the Vatican Palaces, which constitute a unique art and monumental center in the world.

Rome can also offer a varied gastronomy, suited to meet al tastes and expectations among which the Jewish and exotic cuisine, various Indian restaurants that can offer also typical dishes of the Asiatic cuisine, such as tandoori and kebab. Or the most delicious dishes of the Argentina cuisine (mainly meat) accompanied by an excellent selection of South American wines to be tasted with the background of shows of tango and folklore. Or you can taste the real American cuisine, with great international music, a vast exhibition of objects belonging to rock stars from all over the world and a shop with customized articles, all this at the Hard Rock Café. Here it is also possible to arrange private parties inside this local. For lovers of live music we recommend a visit to Viale Trastevere, staying in a hotel in Rome where you can attend performances of the best blues, rock and jazz musicians; the local has a well-stocked bar, you can eat there and there are also about one hundred fifty seats to attend the show for which the reservation is always recommended.
by: Martina Meneghetti

July 15, 2009

Hit the Road for an Affordable Summer Vacation

Summer is around the corner—prime time for vacations! But that is where we are all putting on the brakes. We are peering into our wallets and finding a little less now than we are used to. We feel the need to forgo some of our usual luxuries. So, the ten day cruise or five-star resort may be out of the question this year, but we can still have a great vacation. The great American road trip is alive and well, and more affordable than ever. Whether you intend to create an epic cross-country adventure or just need to get the family out of town for a long weekend, it is time to hit the road!

The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) says that according to a study by PKF Consulting, an international tourism consulting firm from Alexandria, VA, road tripping can be 50-70% more economical than traveling any other way. The 2008 study compared the cost of 12 popular vacation types including all inclusive vacation packages, cruises, car and hotel road trips and road trips with various kinds of recreational vehicles. The study focused on vacations three to fourteen days long for a family of four with two adults and two children.

A ten day cruise or an all inclusive package vacation will cost over $7,000, according to the study. Even factoring in ownership and maintenance costs, a road trip for the same amount of time will cost less than half. Jumping in the car and finding hotels and motels along the way will cost just over $3,000. You can save even more money by taking a moterhome or travel trailer. The study said, that “RV vacations are by far the most economical -- 50% less than car/hotel vacations, 60% less than bus/hotel vacations, 60% less than train/hotel vacations, 70% less than air/hotel vacations, and two-thirds less than budget cruise get aways.” Driving a motor home and staying in campgrounds will cost just over $2,000 for ten days. A family with a folding camping trailer will spend just over $1,600, about $40 per person per day. These costs included other factors such as park entrance fees, camping fees and food.

If you do not own a travel trailer or other recreational vehicle, renting is an option. While renting may make the trip slightly more expensive, there are good deals to be found. Travel trailer rentals can start at $50 per day and go up to $400 per day for a class A motor home depending on amenities, location, and time of year you choose to rent. Discounts are often given for rentals of seven days or more. Limited term insurance can be added to your regular vehicle insurance or purchased through most rental companies.

The cost of fuel is a major concern on any road trip. However, according to the study, fuel costs would have to more than double to affect the affordability of a road trip or recreational vehicle vacation, when factored as part of the overall costs and compared to other types of travel vacations. The PKF study was conducted in spring 2008 when gas prices were about $3.63 per gallon, more than a dollar more than current spring 2009 prices.

The study attempted to quantify measurable travel costs, but doesn’t talk about the non-monetary benefits of a great road trip. Traveling the open road is freeing and relaxing. For a fraction of the cost of other vacations, you can experience amazing countryside, explore unique natural wonders, and reconnect to the great outdoors. A road trip, particularly in a recreational vehicle, gives you flexibility to create quality family time and find freedom from the usual day-to-day stresses. A road trip can be good for the soul and that is priceless, without draining the pocketbook.
by: Amy Jo Bazile

July 14, 2009

ACTTIVITIES THAT INVOLVO THE WATER

Millions of people around the world use oceans, pools, and lakes for all sorts of recreational activities. There are many activities that are fun for individuals and families. Because of the wide range of options, water activities are a pastime that shows no signs of declining in the future.

The following is a list of the water activities enjoyed by many throughout the world:

Swimming: Whether it is a pool, lake, or ocean, swimming is a past time enjoyed by many people.

Water Polo: This water sport consists of two teams and a ball. It is often described as a combination of swimming, football (soccer), basketball, and wrestling. A team consists of six field players and one goalie. The purpose of the game is to score as many goals as possible.

Snorkeling: This activity consists of swimming at the surface of the water and using a mask and a small tube called a snorkel.

Water Aerobics: This form of aerobics is performed in the water.

Water Slide: Fun for all ages, a water slide is a slide with water flowing down it.

Scuba Diving: consists of is swimming under water using a (self contained) breathing apparatus and scuba mask.

Underwater Photography: This activity involves taking pictures under water. There are many contests involved with Underwater Photography.

Boating: This is the use of boats on the water. This can include rowboats, motor boats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, luxury cruise ships, fishing boats, yachts, speed boats, hydroplane racing...etc.

Fishing: This recreational or business activity involves catching fish.

Kite Surfing: This sport involves traveling on water using a kite for propulsion.

Water Skiing: This water sport involves using skis to glide over the water while being pulled by a motor boat.

Wakeboarding: This sport is much like water skiing, but involves using only one board attached to the feet.

Wakeskating: This activity is much like wakeboarding, but the board is not attached to the feet

Windsurfing: This involves traveling on a board that uses wind to propel sails.

Synchronized swimming: This involves a combination of swimming, gymnastics, and ballet.

Free-Diving: The goal of this activity is to dive as deep as you can without using a breathing apparatus.

Bodyboarding: This sport is similar to surfing, but the board is smaller and the person lies down on the board.

Dragon Boat Racing: This sport involves teams paddling on water, using painted boats which are attached to decorative dragon heads and tails. The length of the race can be 500 meters and the normal crew number is 22, including 20 paddlers, 1 steer person and 1 drummer.

Fin swimming: This is swimming with fins

Water Aerobics: This exercise is aerobics in the water

Water Tubing: This fun pastime involves sitting in a water tube and being pulled by a motor boat.

Rafting: This involves traveling on a raft down a river.

White Water Rafting: This type of rafting involves traveling in a boat like a kayak through rough river waters.

Jet Ski: A jet ski is a mechanical device used to travel on the water.

Because there are so many activities that involve the use of water, there is usually an activity for everyone to enjoy.

A great way to thoroughly enjoy all these activities is by browsing through Blue Mountain accommodations for the right rooms. For less of an outdoor-feeling, you might want to consider Blue Mountain condo rentals.

By Amy Nutt