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Selecting Summer Cottages: A Closely-Guarded Vacationer’s Pleasure

Posted on July 24th, 2008 in Travel by Wanderer

Family vacation time can be one of the most gratifying experiences, regardless of the location - whether in the vacation villa, any number of international locations, enjoying a vacation villa, or other adventures.

For many, the peaceful surroundings of a summer cottage are such a thrill. While most of us picture a summer cottage sitting right on the waterfront, inland summer home options are not only abundant, but also significantly cheaper. Before you rent an expensive waterfront cottage, keep reading to learn more about the benefits of inland property.

More Land, Lower Price

While waterfront properties offer beach and water access without having to walk or drive down to a water access point, they also don’t offer the land and privacy that an inland property would for a fraction of the price.

Most waterfront properties are either alarmingly close to their neighbors or directly across the water from other properties. On the other hand, inland properties tend to be situated on larger land parcels and, subsequently, afford more privacy.

Wants versus Needs

Are you renting a summer home because you spend your days swimming and your evenings paddling a canoe around the lake? Or, are you renting a summer home so you can enjoy the woods, go hunting, have bonfires and evenings spent by the barbeque?

Before you set your heart on a week at a waterfront property, think about the difference between what you actually want out of a property and what you and your family really need. If the answer is rest, relaxation, seclusion and quality time together, you may not prefer the expense and worry of a waterfront property.

Alternatively, many families that are renting a summer home to be close to relatives go for an inland property that’s adjacent or close to their family’s waterfront land. This allows them to enjoy their summer home - even if for a short time - be close to family, and still retain water access when they want it.

Waterfront Maintenance

With direct water frontage comes direct waterfront maintenance. This would really only be relevant if buying rather than merely renting. However, from installing and maintaining a dock, which may have to be taken in every season to shouldering the cost of life jackets, water gear and boat accessories, waterfront properties come with a whole lot more than water.

Parents should also think about safety, especially when looking at properties with deep-water docks or fast-moving river currents.

While a waterfront property is beautiful, there are many advantages to renting an inland summer vacation home. Beyond the obvious factor of cost, there’s also maintenance, safety, value for money and, of course, your own family’s actual needs. Before you pay for a vacation near water, consider the benefits of going inland.

Go To Rome For A Taste Of Italian Culture

Posted on July 24th, 2008 in Travel by Wanderer

If you aren’t sure how to start planning your Rome Summer Holiday, then start with your apartment Rome or hotel in Rome, then the Museo delle Mura on via di Porta San Sebastiano, 18. Here you will find an exciting new installation by Huang Rui called “Beijing 2008: Time, Animals, History.” Until November 23rd.

This piece was created specifically for the Museo delle Mura by this Chinese avant-garde who gathered his inspiration from the large stone buildings and monuments in Rome. The work is specifically a striking piece made from 2,008 bricks collected from the “hutong” neighbourhoods in Beijing, old quarters which are being demolished to create new developments for the Olympics. Bound to make you think about the current climate surrounding the Beijing Olympics, this installation represents what is happening all over the world all the time, demolishing the old to bring in shinier and new.

The soul of the show is its Eastern chronological articulation, which sees time as a perpetual cycle of long temporal cycles, whereas in the West time is a succession between one number and the next with no sense of continuity. Each of the 2,008 bricks features a western numeral (from 1 to 2008) and a date taken from the Chinese calendar, as well as the name of the emperor of that time. The bricks are further organised by Chinese zodiac signs and animal spirits. The exhibition is open Tue-Sun with and entrance fee of €3 and reduced rate for children €1,5.

Further more, there is plenty of accommodation Rome nearby to the famous art galleries and museums, and there are plenty other installations to see in Rome this Summer, the question is, how are you going to fit in all of them?! In Castel Sant’Angelo at lungotevere di Castello, 50, this summer you will find the striking exhibition of “Egypt in Rome from history to myth”. This exhibition is running from 28 June to 28 Oct and seeks to highlight the relationship between two of the greatest civilizations that ever were; the Romans and the Ancient Egyptians. The link between these two civilizations is powerful. The high number of obelisks and many Roman artefacts show how Roman art was profoundly influenced by Egyptian art. The artists of the Renaissance also gleaned their inspiration from the ancient prophets, the Great Hermes Trismegisto for example, and the fascinating and mysterious hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt. The Borgias wanted the story of Egyptian deities painted on the ceilings and walls in their rooms in the Vatican and Raphael used a semblance of Artemis Ephesia (thinking her to be Isis) on the ceiling of the Vatican’s Stanza della Segnatura. An intense passion for Egypt was rife throughout the 18th century onwards and has continued on until the present day; the Americans wanted a pyramid on their dollar bill and the French unveiled the mysteries of the hieroglyphics. This exhibition is open from Tue to Sun, 09.00-19.00 and the entrance price is €5 plus an exhibition fee.

Come To Girona

Posted on July 24th, 2008 in Travel by Wanderer

The biggest festival in Girona takes place in late October and early November (26th October to 4th November in 2007) and lasts around 9 days. Saint Narcis festival is named after the patron saint of the city, known locally as ‘the Saint of Flies’. Girona is therefore filled with more than just pretty Girona accommodation and touristic Girona hotels; there’s a whole host of cultural events to be had.

The night begins in front of the Ayuntamiento, or town hall, and hundreds of people gather here to see the most important part of the night. Many of the Girona apartments overlook this area and it would be really worth investing in staying in this area in order to get the most spectacular views. Giant figures that reach a monstrous height of 12ft are paraded through the streets of the centre. There are numerous market stalls dotted all over the city, with the main market area being concentrated in the ‘Placa de Independencia’. Here you will find stalls dedicated to books, cured meats, sausages, honey, olives, cakes and beers from local micro-breweries. The food is a definite highlight of the festival, so loosen your belts and allow some room for cheesecake and fruit skewers dunked in chocolate. Yum!

If you find the Girona Cathedral, make sure to go to the bottom of the main steps at around 9p.m in order to see the performance of the ‘human castle’. This event is pretty self-explanatory but nonetheless a spectacular show; the performers climb one on top of the other to create a human tower, with a child climbing to the very top. The ‘castle’ then proceeds to climb to the top of the cathedral stairs, providing a breathtaking half hour of entertainment. ..The ‘Parc De La Devesa’ also holds venue to a whole host of events. During the whole week there’s a fairground with rides for all ages. In the La Copa area of the park (at the north end), a massive stage is erected for the various bands to perform on. This area also holds place to hot food and drink tents to make sure you stay nice and warm during the chilly autumn nights. Furthermore, each food stall is run by local schools and so you can feel like a real part of the community by supporting the event.

The grand finale of the festival takes place on the 4th of November when the street parade of ‘Trobada de Gegants’ (gathering of the giants) takes place. Giant papier-mâché figures are marched through the centre, each representing one of the surrounding towns or villages. The giants are joined by musicians and street performances in order to provide a full spectacle of events. This closing event lasts for about an hour and takes place at 11am in the old town’s ‘Rambla de Libertat’.

Visit Berlin

Posted on July 24th, 2008 in Travel by Wanderer

This venue is the “melting pot” of Berlin’s cultural scene. This special inimitable club has a unique charm, with a truly magnificent architectural design. All of this is absorbed through the cultural events that take place in this building. More than one million visitors each year, both from home and abroad, stay in Berlin hotels (Hotels in Berlin) and Berlin apartments (Ferienwohnung Berlin) in order to experience the various events and highlights of this venue. People even come from far just to experience the atmosphere of the old Schultheiss brewery. Since the 1970s, the creativity of the city’s life has flourished due to its residents. The brewery culture has been firmly integrated in this city since 1990 and is an important platform for international cultural exchange.

With a total of six courts, more than 20 buildings and a distinctive architecture, the Kulturbrauerei is one of the few well-preserved monuments of industrial architecture from the end of the 19th century. At the very beginning, the brewery was small with a public bar and was then developed from 1878 by the architect Franz Heinrich Schwechten. The result is unique in Berlin and demonstrates the harmonious combination of carefully restored brick facades with contemporary infrastructure.

Not only for people interested in music; the Kulturbrauerei has plenty to offer, such as cinema screenings and theatre performances. Furthermore, food lovers can revel in the selection of mouth watering dishes. A wide range of food specialists invite you to explore, enjoy and relax all that is on offer. The movie theatre, with its eight rooms and 1,500 seats, has become in just few years one of the most successful cinemas in Berlin.

For years the Kulturbrauerei has been an integral part of Berlin tourism and attracts on average around 25,000 national and international visitors to different shows, to relax after work and to just enjoy the life in Berlin each year. As a starting point to your sightseeing in the Prenzlauer Berg district of Berlin, the Kulturbrauerei is ideal. Centrally located and so in the vicinity of the site’s unique blend of architecture, history, neighbourhood life, trendsetting and in fact all of the city’s activity, it’s really easy to reach every important location by foot. And for the people who want to explore more of Berlin, you can hire a bike with a tour directly from the Kulturbrauerei.

So if you’re planning your next visit to Berlin, you should most definitely not miss the Kulturbrauerei. The best part of the city to rent accommodation in is the Prenzlauer Berg (Berlin Unterkunft). This way, you will be close to everything and will be able to make the most of your stay.

What Equipment You Really Need For Your Next Fishing Trip

Posted on July 24th, 2008 in Fishing by Wanderer

Some people go fishing unprepared and others load their cars full of stuff they will never need nor use. Here’s a basic rundown of what you really need.

Take proper clothing. If it’s a hot summer day you need light colors–technical fabrics are good as they wick away moisture . Make sure to take rain gear for any suddenly developing bad weather. Waterproof shells, ponchos, or a jacket are good choices. Some people like to wear a fishing vest with lots of little pockets to keep lures and other small pieces of equipment [spin]handy | easily accessable[spin]. If you plan on fishing in the water, make sure you have wadding boots or an overall bib suit that can protect you from cold water temperatures. Don’t forget your favorite fishing hat and some polarized fishing sunglasses.

Next comes the rod and reel. Take an appropriate length and weight rod and reel for the kind of fishing you will be doing. This depends on the kind and size of the fish, whether you plan on fishing in deep or shallow water, in open areas or heavy cover, on shore, in a boat or in a pond or stream. The most important thing about a rod and reel is to find a combination that you can enjoy using. If you are comfortable with your set-up you will have a much more successful day.

Your footwear is also dependent on where you will be fishing. Rubber-soled waterproof shoes work well just about anywhere. That doesn’t mean you can’t go fishing in your running shoes if you just plan on casting from shore all day. However, if you plan on going into the water or onto rocks, make sure you are not going to slip and that you will be able to stay dry. Recently, manufacturers have come out with whole lines of water shoes that have good treads, repel water inside and out, dry quickly and are incredibly lightweight.

Don’t forget the sunscreen! Ultraviolet sun rays are damaging to skin and even known to cause some forms of skin cancer. And, there is nothing more painful than a sunburn.

Bug protection should also be on your list. There are all kinds of little mosquitoes, deer flies, black flies, gnats and other little creatures just waiting to take a chunk out of you. Long-sleeves are good if you know you will be near heavy infestations. Some bugs are also attracted to colors. Avoid black, navy blue, red, yellow or white colored clothing.

There is nothing more essential for fishing than a pair of polarized fishing sunglasses. They prevent glare and allow you to see into the water. There are many different tint lenses available depending on the brightness of the day. It is really important to protect your eyes with fishing sunglasses.

Try to get all your lures, lines, hooks and little miscellaneous fishing items all in one tackle box. You don’t need to take more than you need , certainly not every single lure you own. Choose what is appropriate to the kind of fish you are fishing for on that particular day and leave the rest behind .

A good knife, a pair of pliers and a screwdriver that will fit the screws on your reel can come in particularly handy. There’s bound to be a tangled line at some point, especially if fishing in brush, grass or near trees. A pair of pliers good for dislodging a hook is a necessity. And, if you are one of those people who can tangle a line anywhere, it is possible to strip the gears on your reel so much that you will need to put on a new reel. If you are an avid angler, always keep one in the car for a spare.

That’s about it for the bare essentials of fishing equipment. There is one item it is best to leave behind on fishing days–your wristwatch.