The buzzling Montmartre district is one of the places to visit in this sense. It was here that during the 19th century, poets and artists gathered. The shortest road leaves from Place Blanche and climbs the lively Rue Lepic market street, continuing on along Rue de Abbesses, Rue Ravignon and other flights of steps.
A spectacular view of the city it is offered by taking the rack-railway to the Roman- Byzantine Sacre Coeur church. It is around there and more precisely at Place du Tertre, a picturesque square and high-point of Paris, that portrait artists and souvenir sellers still congregate.
In this zone it is possible to stroll through the narrow twisting streets, squares and walk along the small hill-side terraces. Another arty district located on the east bank of the Seine is the Germain-de-Pres home to cafes, jazz-clubs and antique shops. It is an area which was frequented by intellectuals during the 1950's and 60's at the time of Novelle Vague. The well-known Lipp brasserie, decorated with multi-coloured tiles, is a favourite meeting point for politicians, while Les Deux Margots, the preferred choice of Hemingway, is still popular today (6, Place du Saint-Germain-des-Pr?; ph :+33 01.45.48.55.25).
Home to French poets Rimbaud, his friend Verlaine, and Mallarm?nd painter Picasso, as well as a score of other creatives, Les Deux Magots is a ode to history. Taking it's name from the Chinese fabric shop that had the space before it, it has been an institution since the late 1800s and the decor is from 1914. This caf?s incredibly expensive, but, you might only be in Paris once in your life... or you can afford a plain coffee. Caf?e Flore (172, Boulevard Saint Germain ; ph :+33 01.45.48.55.26) in the same district, is one of the rare caf?hat during WW II was able to serve its customers underneath the bombs.
On its chairs some of the most famous writers, philosophers and artists spent entire days dialoguing and building up a new idea of society: Picasso, Sartre, De Beavoir, Giacometti were some of its clients.The city's other artist's district is Montparnasse, frequented by such artists as Picasso and Matisse. The district, situated on the left bank, is the site of Carrefour Vavin with its studios and cafes, very popular during the 1920's and 30's. Today the area houses cinemas and restaurants and is the site of the second largest tower in Europe, the glass and steel Tour de Montparnasse. The Montparnasse Cemetry, situtated in Rue Emile Richard, is the resting place of writers, poets and sculpturers ( De Maupassant, Sartre, De Beauvoir, Tzara, Baudelaire).
We cannot miss to remind the oldest restaurant in Paris: The Procope and the first caf?opened in 1686. (13, Rue de l'Ancienne Com?e; Ph. +33 01 40 46 79 00; Metro:Od?) The owner was Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli. In 1689, the Com?e-Fran?se moved to opposite the Procope and, between shows, the caf?ecame THE caf?or theatre-goers and actors. Voltaire, Rousseau and Diderot were loyal regulars and the Encyclopaedia was born under the crystal centre-lights of the Procope. During the revolution, Danton, Marat could all be found here. Benjamin Franklin even fine-tuned the American constitution here. Menu from 30 euros.
After dinner you might try a drink with some cool jazz at the Bob Cool (15, Rue des Grands Augustin; Metro Station: Od? or St-Michel; ph: 01-46-33-33-77). A laid back left bank bar, this attracts the kind of crowds you'd expect from the left bank-old style. Writers, poets and artists are said to gather here to drink the night away.
Some hotels in the area are worth mentioning starting with the Bac Saint Germain hotel, Taylor Hotel, Mon Reve and Des Artes hotels. They all keep a very nice French atmosphere, with colourful rooms and stylish lounges where to relax or drink something. Very value for money and location also.
Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Looking-for-old-time-artistic-Paris/117441
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Puerto Vallarta - A deep sea fishing delight!
If you have ever considered a vacation in Mexico, the odds are good that you have heard about lovely Puerto Vallarta. This city has become a Mecca to tourists from all over North America. It has all the sun and the low prices that Canadian and American tourists love in Mexico, and it has a very diverse range of activities to enjoy.
Part of the reason for Puerto Vallarta's popularity is the many recreational opportunities afforded by the city's location on the Pacific Ocean. Combined with the tropical atmosphere in a city that lies in close proximity to rain forests as well as beaches, many new services have begun which cater to the tastes of individual tourists. Although the rest of Mexico may have some appeal insofar as festive atmosphere, tourists looking for more than heat and bars will always be attracted to this city.
One of the most original activities, as far as Mexican tourism, that is run out of the city of Puerto Vallarta is deep-sea fishing. This activity is embraced all along the Pacific Coast, from Alaska in the north right down to Argentina in the south. Puerto Vallarta residents as well as entrepreneurs from other countries, having recognized the commercial value of a deep-sea fishing industry that appeals to tourists, have developed several ventures running out of the city.
Species
Aside from the great weather that makes deep sea fishing in the Mexican Pacific such a delight, there are species available to the deep sea sport fisherman out of Puerto Vallarta that offer some of the biggest thrills that sport fishing has to offer.
There are three species of marlin that call the waters around Puerto Vallarta home, all of them trophy potential. They include the blue, black, and striped species; marlin is the true prize of any committed angler, a fish that combines just the right amounts of difficulty in tempting and landing, not to mention a certain amount of danger!
Other deep-sea fish species that can be caught out of Puerto Vallarta include mahi mahi, yellow fin tuna, the incredible sailfish, grouper, and wahoo. All of these fish species make for excellent eating as well as perfect mounted or photographed trophy for your wall.
There is no better souvenir from your Mexican vacation than the one that brings back memories of hard work and companionship, and deep-sea fishing out of Puerto Vallarta is a sure way to get these souvenirs.
Source: http://www.positivearticles.com/Article/Puerto-Vallarta---A-deep-sea-fishing-delight-/38970
Part of the reason for Puerto Vallarta's popularity is the many recreational opportunities afforded by the city's location on the Pacific Ocean. Combined with the tropical atmosphere in a city that lies in close proximity to rain forests as well as beaches, many new services have begun which cater to the tastes of individual tourists. Although the rest of Mexico may have some appeal insofar as festive atmosphere, tourists looking for more than heat and bars will always be attracted to this city.
One of the most original activities, as far as Mexican tourism, that is run out of the city of Puerto Vallarta is deep-sea fishing. This activity is embraced all along the Pacific Coast, from Alaska in the north right down to Argentina in the south. Puerto Vallarta residents as well as entrepreneurs from other countries, having recognized the commercial value of a deep-sea fishing industry that appeals to tourists, have developed several ventures running out of the city.
Species
Aside from the great weather that makes deep sea fishing in the Mexican Pacific such a delight, there are species available to the deep sea sport fisherman out of Puerto Vallarta that offer some of the biggest thrills that sport fishing has to offer.
There are three species of marlin that call the waters around Puerto Vallarta home, all of them trophy potential. They include the blue, black, and striped species; marlin is the true prize of any committed angler, a fish that combines just the right amounts of difficulty in tempting and landing, not to mention a certain amount of danger!
Other deep-sea fish species that can be caught out of Puerto Vallarta include mahi mahi, yellow fin tuna, the incredible sailfish, grouper, and wahoo. All of these fish species make for excellent eating as well as perfect mounted or photographed trophy for your wall.
There is no better souvenir from your Mexican vacation than the one that brings back memories of hard work and companionship, and deep-sea fishing out of Puerto Vallarta is a sure way to get these souvenirs.
Thinking of a vacation in Puerto Vallarta, the fishing is great and so are the villas.
If you are copying this article for publishing on a website or ezine, please use the "Ezine Ready" button from the righthand menu.
Source: http://www.positivearticles.com/Article/Puerto-Vallarta---A-deep-sea-fishing-delight-/38970
Mutiny to Tahiti and French Polynesia
Since the age of explorers Wallis, Bougainville, and Cook, legendary Tahiti has tickled imaginations worldwide. More recently, Tahiti became the most famous Polynesian island of all when Clark Gable (1935), Marlon Brando (1962), and Mel Gibson (1984) played the role of Fletcher Christian in three blockbuster Mutiny on the Bounty films. Even the horrendous French nuclear testing program from 1966-1996 did little to dampen this image.
For the modern traveler, there's no getting around the fact that French Polynesia is expensive. Bora Bora is easily the most upscale tourist destination in the South Pacific with 17 resorts charging over US$250 double a night without meals. Yet it's also true that you can greatly reduce your costs if you book your top end hotel rooms as part of a package tour. Another option is to stay in small locally-operated pensions. Bora Bora has seven hostels and pensions in the US$50-100 range and Moorea has 11. On Moorea you can also camp.
Most visitors get around the islands by air, and Air Tahiti operates efficient services to 46 islands and atolls in French Polynesia. Here again, you can save money by purchasing one of Air Tahiti's 28-day air passes. A Society Islands air pass will cost around US$400, or US$550 if you add on the Tuamotu Islands. The only interisland boat trip which is easy to do is Tahiti to Moorea which operates every two hours and costs US$10. Passenger-carrying cargo boats do ply from Tahiti to Bora Bora several times a week, but they're basic and the overnight trip can be rough. If you want to experience the boat trip one way, you're better off flying from Tahiti to Bora Bora and then returning to Tahiti by boat. I explain why in my guidebook, Moon Tahiti.
Car rentals in French Polynesia average US$100 a day - expensive! Options include renting a bicycle instead of a car (on Moorea and Bora Bora) or traveling by le truck or public bus (on Tahiti). Four-wheel-drive safari tours are offered on all the main islands and these are also cheaper than renting a car. On Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, and Bora Bora, there are sightseeing tours by outrigger canoe.
When to go? May to October is the cooler, less humid time, although prolonged rainfall is possible yearround. An optimum time to be there is for the Heiva festival on Tahiti, Huahine, and Bora Bora in early July. Whatever, don't miss attending at least one Island Night at a fancy resort for the wild tamure dancing and drumming. These happen several times a week. You can often avoid the high cost of the buffet by settling for a drink at the bar.
One thing you won't encounter in French Polynesia - unless you spend most of your time at a large resort - is a tourist glut. French Polynesia gets only 200,000 tourists a year compared to the six million who visit Hawaii. Geographically, Tahiti is actually east of Hawaii, and the flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti takes only 7.5 hours, just 2.5 hours more than it takes to fly to Hawaii. My most memorable experience in French Polynesia? The cruise to the Marquesas Islands on the Aranui, something I hope to do again very soon.
Source: http://www.positivearticles.com/Article/Mutiny-to-Tahiti-and-French-Polynesia/38776
For the modern traveler, there's no getting around the fact that French Polynesia is expensive. Bora Bora is easily the most upscale tourist destination in the South Pacific with 17 resorts charging over US$250 double a night without meals. Yet it's also true that you can greatly reduce your costs if you book your top end hotel rooms as part of a package tour. Another option is to stay in small locally-operated pensions. Bora Bora has seven hostels and pensions in the US$50-100 range and Moorea has 11. On Moorea you can also camp.
Most visitors get around the islands by air, and Air Tahiti operates efficient services to 46 islands and atolls in French Polynesia. Here again, you can save money by purchasing one of Air Tahiti's 28-day air passes. A Society Islands air pass will cost around US$400, or US$550 if you add on the Tuamotu Islands. The only interisland boat trip which is easy to do is Tahiti to Moorea which operates every two hours and costs US$10. Passenger-carrying cargo boats do ply from Tahiti to Bora Bora several times a week, but they're basic and the overnight trip can be rough. If you want to experience the boat trip one way, you're better off flying from Tahiti to Bora Bora and then returning to Tahiti by boat. I explain why in my guidebook, Moon Tahiti.
Car rentals in French Polynesia average US$100 a day - expensive! Options include renting a bicycle instead of a car (on Moorea and Bora Bora) or traveling by le truck or public bus (on Tahiti). Four-wheel-drive safari tours are offered on all the main islands and these are also cheaper than renting a car. On Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, and Bora Bora, there are sightseeing tours by outrigger canoe.
When to go? May to October is the cooler, less humid time, although prolonged rainfall is possible yearround. An optimum time to be there is for the Heiva festival on Tahiti, Huahine, and Bora Bora in early July. Whatever, don't miss attending at least one Island Night at a fancy resort for the wild tamure dancing and drumming. These happen several times a week. You can often avoid the high cost of the buffet by settling for a drink at the bar.
One thing you won't encounter in French Polynesia - unless you spend most of your time at a large resort - is a tourist glut. French Polynesia gets only 200,000 tourists a year compared to the six million who visit Hawaii. Geographically, Tahiti is actually east of Hawaii, and the flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti takes only 7.5 hours, just 2.5 hours more than it takes to fly to Hawaii. My most memorable experience in French Polynesia? The cruise to the Marquesas Islands on the Aranui, something I hope to do again very soon.
Since the age of explorers Wallis, Bougainville, and Cook, legendary Tahiti has tickled imaginations worldwide.
David Stanley is the author of Moon Tahiti published by Avalon Travel Publishing of Berkeley, California. Stanley's travel photos of French Polynesia may be perused at Pacific Pictures. You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, so long as the byline and resource box are included. Please do not use this article without the byline and resource box.
If you are copying this article for publishing on a website or ezine, please use the "Ezine Ready" button from the righthand menu.
Source: http://www.positivearticles.com/Article/Mutiny-to-Tahiti-and-French-Polynesia/38776
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