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Archive for December, 2009

Stonehenge A Great Place To Visit

Stonehenge

Situated on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire England Stonehenge is likely to be on the sightseeing list of any traveler planning a trip to the UK. Before planning your pilgrimage to the ancient monument read this brief account of its history. Being familiar with the sites past will intensify the moving effect its sure to have on you.

Stonehenge was actually built in four phases the first of which began about 5000 years ago around 3100 B.C.. This first stage includes a ditch bank and the Aubrey holes which are round pits in the chalk. Each hole measures approximately one metre wide and one metre deep. Steep sides lead to flat bottoms. A circle of nearly 285 feet in diameter is formed by the Aubrey holes.

Archaeologists speculate that the holes were used as part of a religious ceremonyand not as graves although some human remains have been discovered in some of the chalk filling. At the conclusion of this first stage no further construction was done at Stonehenge for over 1000 years.

In about 2150 B.C. Stonehenges second building phase began. It was during this stage that the impressive bluestones were brought to the site from the Preseli Mountains in southwest Wales.

Some of these stones weigh as much as four tons and while it is impossible to know for certain how they were transported to Salisbury Plain it is believed that they were dragged on rollers and sledges to the headwaters on Milford Haven where they wouldve been loaded onto rafts. After traveling by water along the south coast of Wales and up the Avon and Frome Rivers the massive stones would have been dragged over land to Wiltshire. It is here that the stones are thought to have embarked on the final leg of their journey which was again traveled by water down the Wylye River to Salisbury and then the Salisbury Avon to west Amesbury. In total the trek is nearly 240 miles.

Upon reaching their new home the bluestones were erected in the centre of Stonehenge in an incomplete double circle. The original entrance of the circular earthwork was also widened during this stage and a pair of Heel Stones was added. Additionally constructed was the nearer part of the Avenue which aligns with the sunrise in midsummer.

Around 2000 B.C. the third Stonehenge building stage commenced. This stage included the addition of the sarsen stones which almost certainly came from the Marlborough Downs which is near Avebury in north Wiltshire and is approximately 25 miles north of Stonehenge. The largest of the sarsen stones weighs in at an immense 50 tons.

Transporting the sarsen stones by water would not have been possible so the only conceivable way for the stones to have been moved is with the use of sledges and ropes. Experts have calculated that moving just one of the enormous stones would have required the combined effort of 500 men using leather ropes to pull it and an additional 100 men to position the gigantic rollers in front of the sledge.

Once the daunting task of simply getting the sarsen stones to Stonehenge had been completed the stones were arranged in an outer circle with a continuous run of lintels. Stonehenges distinctive trilithons were then arranged in a horseshoe pattern within the circle.

In Stonehenges final building stagewhich began shortly after 1500 B.C.the bluestones were rearranged in the horseshoe and circle pattern that can be seen by todays visitors to the site. There were probably somewhere around 60 bluestones at Stonehenge originally but most of these have been removed or broken up over time. Still others have been reduced to mere underground stumps.

As you take in the awesome presence of Stonehenge bear in mind the unbelievable hardships ancient peoples endured to erect it and let this convince you that humanity is capable of achieving anything it wants badly enough.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Paul Leach
Webmaster of www.hogarthassociates.com.au and www.thebusinesswizard.co.uk

Splendor Experiences Of Kerala Houseboat Tour

Kerala the gods own country is one of the favourite tourist attractions of India. With its scintillating natural beauty and fabulous backwater destination it is getting the attention of world wide tourists. Blessed with natural beauty it is attracting the tourists from all over the world but the real and the mesmerizing beauty of Kerala is best explored from Kerala backwater destination. Backwater destinations are the heart of the tourist attraction in Kerala. Tourist can enjoy the panoramic view of this beautiful state from the houseboat and enjoy their holidays in the magical air of this spicy state.

Backwater destination is the eminent tourist attraction of the state and makes the tourists have a pleasure time on their tour to Kerala. Gifted with breathtaking crystal water Kerala witness famous beaches and pristine backwaters. Once you will enroll yourself in these world famous tourist attractions you will feel the essence of rich culture that Kerala holds. Backwater destination is not only popular among the tourist but have it is one of the favourite place of the newly weeded couples to share memorable lifetime experience till eternity. One can find much pleasure and can enjoy their holidays in the lap of the Mother Nature in Kerala.

Widely known in the world for the fabulous backwater Kerala stores some of the great backwater destinations. Some of the great backwater tourist destinations are Alleppey the Venice of the east Cochinthe queen of Arabian Sea Kozhikode Kuttanadthe rice bowl of Kerala and Kottayalam provides a great tourists attraction. Sailing in these fabulous backwater destinations you will get to enjoy the various culture tradition and exhilarating beauty of the exotic flora and fauna. Tourists of this place get to enjoy much more the expectation being in this truly blessed destination.

Alleppey: Popularly known as the Venice of the east Alleppey is one of the most famous backwater destinations among the tourists. Alluring exotic beauty and the culture has made this place great among the tourists and the honeymoon couples. The pleasing backwater tour on alleppey houseboats gives much pleasure and the essence of the rich culture of the fabled backwater destinations. Alleppey also witness the world famous snake houseboat race. This race is held annually in the memory of late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the trophy is named after him. You will enjoy the fabulous backwater destination in great pleasure enjoying the serene natural beauty of Gods own country.

Kozhikode sailing in the backwater of Kozhikode you will enjoy the unspoilt beauty of this place. The great combination of colours thrilling songs of the birds adds sound effect spicy breeze from coming from the beaches leaves you spell bound. Every thing is perfectly place in Kozhikode to entertain the tourists. One can have the glimpse of beautiful monuments wildlife sanctuaries and warm and friendly environment made this place a favourite backwater destination among the tourists.

Kollam Kollam is the beautiful backwater destinations and it is the prominent and gateway to Backwater destination. While your boat sail on the crystal water decorated with water lilies and lotus exceedingly decorates your backwater destinations. You can also enjoy the fabulous Kerala houseboat tours from Kollam to Alappuzha while visiting Kollam on Kerala tours. You will also enjoy the eye catching beauty and serenity of the ancient churches that were there during the Portuguese rule.

Cochin The land referred as the spice state of India is the prominent backwater destination. Lined up with palm and coconut trees Kochi is enchantingly beautiful place for the honeymoon couples and tourists. One can view the glimpse of the worlds best sunrise sunset Giant Chinese fishing net and light house from the fabled backwater destination on Houseboat booking in kerala.

The enthralling beauty of the Kerala have listed in the top ten must see tourist attraction of the world. So what are you waiting for your privilege tour to Kerala will provide you with ample opportunities to enjoy your holiday in great pleasure.

About the writer:  Michael Smith is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide for houseboats in kerala and houseboat kerala india Now he is rendering his services to http://www.keralahouseboat.org/

So Much To Do In Albuquerque New Mexico

Albuquerque New Mexicos largest city was founded in 1660 with land grants to more than 100 Spanish families from the Duke of Albuquerque. Today it is one of the Jewels of the Land of Enchantment.

We go back to the earliest history by visiting the Petroglyph National Monument just West and North of the city. The Monument features thousands of petroglyphs which are pictures carved on the basalt lava rocks. Most of these petroglyphs were made 400 to 700 years ago by the native Pueblo people. Some might date back 2000 to 3000 years. Others are from the modern era of the Hispanics and more frequent explorers.

Three viewing sections are available to the visitor. The most popular area is Boca Negra Canyon. This area is run by the city and there is a slight admission charge if someone is at the gate. Three trails of varying lengths of five to fifteen minutes let the visitor view hundreds of these petroglyphs. Some of the designs are the human form shaman various animals of the area and geometric designs. Watch out for rattlesnakes and keep on the trails.

One mile south of the visitor center is Rinconada Canyon which features a two and a halfmile round trip through the rocks. This trail is not paved.

Further north is Piedras Marcadas Canyon with more petroglyphs.
There is no fee at the National Monument and the hikes are self guided. Booklets about the trails and the petroglyphs can be purchased at the visitor center.

Fourteen miles north of Petroglyph National Monument is Coronado State Monument. This is located on Rte 550 just outside of Bernalillo. The State Park commemorates two important occurrences. First is the Pueblo of Kuanua begun in the 1300s. The 1500s formed over 1200 rooms in buildings up to four stories high. Entrance was through the roof of these adobe homes. They were used as storage areas kitchens and general living quarters. The building were built around open courtyards in which were sunken kivas. The kivas served as ceremonial chambers almost like sweathouses. Here the men could have visions and dreams. Some of the kivas were round and others square. They were decorated with many pictographs painting on the walls depicting the life of the people and their dependence upon the elements especially rain. Some of these pictographs can be seen in the visitor center.

The Kuauans were both huntergatherers and farmers raising the three sisters corn beans and squash. Located by the Rio Grande River the site was perfect for irrigation.

In 1540 and event happened which changed the life of the Kuaua people. An army of Spanish soldiers led by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado encamped near Kuaua. Their purpose was to find the seven cities of gold of which rumors abounded. Instead they commandeered the pueblo and made the Kuaua pay tribute to the Spanish Government. They had to give fifty percent of their produce to the government. The friars reeducated the natives and demanded labor from them and eventually took the children to be raised as good Spanish Citizens. They undermined the stability of the pueblo and essentially destroyed its function.

In 1680s the Natives revolted from 100 years of oppression. Natives from many of the Pueblos in New Mexico rose up and attacked the settlers the churches and the soldier garrisons. They drove the Spanish back to El Paso. The settlers and ranchers did not return for twelve years. Most probably this is when the Kuaua Pueblo was abandoned.

One good aspect did emerge from the Pueblo Revolts. The Spanish policy of forced labor or poorly paid labor was changed. No longer were the Native subjected to this form of almost slave labor. This had a great effect on the treatment of the Natives in the San Antonio Texas Missions and other missions which were formed.

Today Coronado State Park preserves and celebrates these events. The kiva is under reconstruction. Walkways with kiosks describe the life of the pueblo and of the people. Many of the foundations are visible. The staff is very friendly and informative.

Travel east on Rte 550 and it changes into Rte 165. Drive through Placitas and up Mount Sandia. The road changes from nicely paved to gravel. It is closed in the winter because of snow and flooding water. Unfortunately signs said the road was closed. Why go there? Up in to mountains is perhaps the oldest dated cave settlement in North America. More than 27000 years ago man hunted the Wooly Mammoth in the Sandia Mountains. There are no human remains but the artifacts found in the cave have been carbon dated. A small parking lot is at the tenminute walk trailhead. This leads to Sandia Man Cave. Bring a flashlight. There are also some tight squeezes in the cave itself.

Visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science for a great experience. The emphasis is on the evolution of the earth and life on the planet. Great exhibits on the development of dinosaurs. Some of the movies are breath taking. The animation is top rate. Experience A Bad Day in the Cretaceous a video animation of a 10 K meteor which struck the earth near the Yucatan Peninsula. The crater is still there today. The resulting fires and devastation wipes out 75 of wildlife on the planet. It marked the end of the Cretaceous era. Also take a sixminute ride in the time travel machine which takes you back 75 million years where presentday New Mexico stood. Other exhibits include gemstones caving experiences dry cave wet cave and live in a cave. Many interactive exhibits keep the visitor invested in the information. Also available at the museum for an additional fee are a planetarium and a Dynamax theater with different movies. Spend at least two hours in the museum to see the primary exhibits.

A short distance away is the Turquoise Museum. This is another little gem. This museum shows everything you ever wanted to know about turquoise. How it is formed. Where it is mined. How to tell the different qualities and value of turquoise. You will spend about one hour to see the museum. It also contains a lapidary workshop with all of the tools to cut polish and grade the stone. The exhibit includes stones from all over the world. When you leave the museum the exit is into a flower shop which is behind the turquoise store. You can purchase beautiful turquoise jewelry too.

Twentyfive miles North East is the final little gem of the day before we get to the giant gem. This is Tinkertown. This museum displays the life work of Ross J. Ward a master carver. While we were watching television he carves a complete Western Town and a circus with a big top and a side show alley. Pushing a button animates many of the pieces. What makes Tinkertown such a pleasure is the humor Ward put into each piece. He has signs with corny sayings people doing unusual things and just living life in the old West. He has one display of the undertaker: Be nice to the undertaker. He is the last one to let you down. This is complete with horse drawn hearse and devils and angels flying in the sky. One final oddity about the museum is the surrounding walls: glass bottles held together with mortar interesting.

Now to the Giant Gem: Sandia Crest. Sandia Crest overlooks Albuquerque at an elevation of 10678. Albuquerque stands at 5000 feet. There are two major ways of getting to the top. First is the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway one of the worlds longest ones at 2.7 miles in length. During the month of April maintenance work keeps it closed. The other way up the mountain is drive bicycle or hike. We chose to drive the mountain on a paved road. The road ascends almost six thousand feet within fourteen miles. The temperature in Albuquerque at that time was 79? F and 49? F at the summit with a stiff breeze. Even in late April there was snow on the ground. Almost felt like I was back in Chicago. The views are breath taking. At the top of the mountain are a souvenir store and a small restaurant.

The old town section is quite nice. San Felipe de Neri has been the cornerstone of the plaza since 1706. Homes shops and restaurants built around the plaza with narrow streets. In the center of the plaza is a gazebo and two replica canons from the Civil War days guard the plaza.

The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is two blocks from old town. The museum features permanent and traveling exhibits. The permanent exhibit includes 400 years of history in the area. The temporary exhibit was on the Alvarado Hotel in Albuquerque which was a premier Harvey House in its day.

Nearby is the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The center features a museum with Display cases for many of the different pueblos. Each one has representations of their arts and crafts and a history of the pueblo people. On weekends in the courtyard native dancers demonstrate some of their dances. The center has an extensive store and a restaurant.

The AAA Book says that the Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque is a little gem. They are understating the fact. The zoo is a precious jewel not to be missed. The layout is user friendly with many benches on which to rest. The animals seem to be well cared for. The landscaping is marvelous. The zoo is definitely five stars. The animals must be somewhat happy even in their confinement because the white rhinos were putting on an adult show for us. A docent said that they had good luck with reproduction at the zoo. The lions tigers and other great cats were doing their cat like thing: napping. Many exhibits also include water animals. Sometimes I wondered if I was in an aquarium rather than a zoo.

About the writer:  John and Maggie Pelley are Geriatric Gypsies. Both of us are retired from the rat race of working. We are fulltime RVers who ran away from home. We began our travels on the East Coast and like the migrating birds seek the warmth of the seasons. No more shoveling snow in Chicago. We have discovered volunteering with the National Park System. During our travels we have found that each town has a story to tell: some are more interesting than others. Both of us enjoy good listening music as we go. John has a CD he has recorded of Native American flure music. We have learned that RVing has a learning curve. We want to pass on some advice the help others avoid this trecherous curve. Life is an adventure. We are living it to the utmost.