TravelCent

Places to walk in Manila

There are some really lovely areas to walk in Manila when one needs to unwind the mind and exercise the body. Check out the culture that is thriving in some of the local parks.  

Rizal Park was named after a national Philippines’ hero and it has become a sort of symbolic place for the nation’s soul. The locals call it Luneta and it is filled with lots of beautiful gardens, lots of open spaces to catch some sun, wooded areas to wonder through and cool off and it seems to draw a steady stream of people from all over. There is an area that is the actual site were Rizal was executed and now has a monument marker. There are some fountains and a pool to enjoy. Some of the more specific gardens are the Chinese garden and the Japanese garden. Near the park is the National Library as well as the National Museum to spend time learning more about the history of the people and the city for which they live. Check with one of the Manila hotels for more information on were to go.

Catch a walking tour with Old Manila Walks . It is a great way to walk were the historical area along the same paths that the early people walked. It is a nice chance to see what they saw and learn about what they did. This company has a very up beat enthusiastic view of the old city and they love to share it. They take people through many of the churches, historical homes, graveyards and shops and fill visitors in on the many stories and history of such and old area.  

Then there is always a nice stroll along the Greenbelt Park. It is away from the hustle and bustle for any one who just wants take in the green beauty. The Ayala Museum is near by as well as many little places to catch a bit to eat.

Four Great Things to Do in Boston

There is so much to do and see in Boston, sometimes tourists brake down there agenda into a particular category and enjoy their stay in the city based on a particular theme. This is a great way to experience Boston if you have the ability to and plan to be there more than once or even regularly. Regardless of the amount of times you visit Boston, you really cannot run out of things to do and see. It is incredibly rich in historical landmarks and cultural heritage and also has an incredible contemporary arts and entertainment scene as well as great food in some of the country’s finest restaurants. So, if you plan to visit Boston , it is a good idea to choose a few landmarks and/or attractions and base your agenda on those. A good starting point would be to visit the Museum of Science, The New England Aquarium, The Boston Children’s Museum and the Adams National Historical Park.

The Museum of Science has a great collection of interesting scientific based exhibits that demonstrate various aspects of the world we live in. From technology to exhibits on the natural world and life, there are incredible things to do and see. The Planetarium is extremely popular with children and adults and has shows on a daily basis. The New England Aquarium is a must see attractions in the city. It as founded in 1969 and continues to be a global leader in marine conservation. There are amazing exhibits and also an IMAX theater.

The Boston Children’s Museum is one of the city’s great places to take kids and parents also enjoy the exhibits there. Many of these educational as well as entertainment exhibits are interactive and offer the children a hands on approach to learning and experience. The Adams National Historic Park is centered around the birthplace homes of both John Adams and John Quincy Adams. It includes the house that was home to four generations of Adams family members.

Dallas Wine Served at Local Festivals

A new state law that took effect in September has Dallas wineries celebrating. Visitors to Texas now need look no farther than the local farmer’s market to find local vineyards selling their wares. The winery festival permit means consumers have the option to sample, buy a glass or walk away with a bottle of Texas wine while at local street fairs and markets.

Some wineries are already taking advantage of the new law but most Texas wineries are still sorting out how best to use the new permits.The licensing department at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission anticipates an applications to start filing in when the farmers market and festival season picks up this spring and summer. It’s not just obtaining a two-year permit, wineries must get certified for each event or market. The certificate limits their participation to no more than five days at one location within a 30-day period and no more than three consecutive days at a single location. Meaning, events such as a weekly farmers market can only be attended once a month by that winery or that they can only sell their alcoholic wares for 5 days at week long or multiple week festivals. It won’t matter if the festival or street market is held in a “dry” city or county as long as the wine contains a certain percentage of Texas grown grapes or juice and is bottled in state.

Texas presently is the fifth largest wine producing state in the nation, so if you’d prefer to visit the actual vineyards to taste the local wine’s that’s fine too. There are many wineries and vineyards in Grapevine, Texas nestled right between Fort Worth and Dallas. this town was named for the Mustang Grapes that grew wild in the region when it was settled in 1844 and is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the local wines.

Centennial Park in Tampa

Before I went to Tampa for the first time, which was actually on a business trip with my husband, I had heard an ad slogan for the city somewhere. It went something like, nothing in Tampa is ordinary, no typical. I remember it was typical because I thought that was something of a major boast. And if it was true, what did it mean the people would be like. I guess that was back in my more sarcastic days, but I did wonder. I thought of it as a sort of social science experiment when my husband asked me to go with him about three months later. I didn’t normally go with him on his business trips but this one was going to happen on our anniversary to I agreed.

And while I agreed to go because he insisted on spending our anniversary together I was really interested in putting this lack of typical elements city to the test. And the first thing I discovered actually supported the idea. The people there were amazingly nice. I mean really friendly. I wondered why and decided that it had to have something to do with the beauty of the city and the fact it is right there on the water. Larger bodies of water are known for soothing your soul and relaxing your nerves so I figured that aspect of its location and the overall beauty of city had to produce a friendly attitude in people. But then I thought if everyone is friendly than that is typical, so does typical to itself count? I decided it doesn’t and explored more.

While my husband was working during the day I decided to spend sometime outdoors. I went to a few of the parks, which the city has plenty of, and enjoyed my afternoons there. My favorite was probably Centennial Park and I went there twice and brought a sandwich for lunch both times. One the day of our anniversary I noticed my husband wasn’t getting in the shower like he was supposed to. I asked him what he was doing and at the moment there was a knock on the door and a delicious breakfast arrived with flowers via room service . It turns out he had insisted on having the day off and we spent it together enjoying a romantic day at the beach. That night he had made reservations at Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant . The food was incredible and my husband was charming. After that trip I had to agree that nothing in Tampa was typical, not even my husband.

Congealed Salad and Nashville Culture

Living in the moment like I do, I never give much thought to cultural shifts until they are so plainly apparent that I have to admit that we live in a curious place at a curious time. The place I refer to here is any place, really, because this is a global phenomenon, it seems, and there is a strange sense of the uncanny everywhere. It seems like it happened just yesterday, where the local and the retro that characterized my parents’ childhoods became the stock and trade of our realities right now.

But it has earlier origins, I’m sure. Spending a little time in cities such as Nashville, where the Nashville hotels speak to a generous hospitality that you can only find in the south, gives a little bit of sense to the notion that this is a recycling time. The old brands here that some of us remember very clearly from other days are suddenly everywhere again, and there’s even interest in the things we thought we might have left behind.

There are places like the Elliston Place Soda Shop that continue to offer the taste of earlier times, when no one really cared what cholesterol was. Not that it has to matter right now, because a vacation is a vacation, after all, and the south is what it is. It’s really rather spectacular to find that some of the most basic Southern cooking has its origins in Africa, and so what we get to sample here is a variation of a diasporic tradition, one that continues before our eyes.

Then there is even more reason to try not to blink, because Elliston , as it turns out, is actually one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Visitors wondering what to do when the usual tours are over might like venturing out here, to see how alternative culture is starting to gather more steam and focus. Conscious, examined lives participate in a race of human constructions, and somehow the thought that if we know more about the food, we’ll wake up and start to see clearly, seems sometimes immanent.

Sistine Chapel in Rome Inspires New Artist

I always thought art was, well pretty, but also kind of silly and pointless. I mean, come on, anyone can draw a few lines on a wall or canvas or even splash the paint on and someone will call it great. I guess I’ve just never been into it or the amount of money that people pay for it. Oh, and it actually cracks me up that there are university degrees in art. I mean, really? Okay, so actually, that has been my attitude up to a year ago when I went to Europe with my parents and my sister. We spent a week in Rome while we were there we did what most other people who visit the city do, we went to Vatican City and saw the Sistine Chapel. And you guessed it, I really wasn’t into the idea and the only reason I didn’t complain was I wanted to hurry through it and get to some pasta place.

Okay, and this is where I tell you, as ridiculous as it sounds, my whole life changed. Ha ha, I’m not kidding. Do you realize that Michelangelo painted the ceiling of that place? Not only that but he also painted at least one wall fresco, The Last Judgment. And I’m telling you that you just can’t imagine how, okay I’ll say it, beautiful it is unless you are standing before or under it. Michelangelo wasn’t the only artist who worked on the chapel. Other artists like Botticelli, Raphael and Bernini also had some paintings there, Michelangelo is just the most famous and also painted the ceiling, which is one of its major piece.

So, I stood there and didn’t move and, don’t tell my friend Mikey, but my eyes actually began to tear up. It was crazy. I couldn’t talk and I don’t know how much time had passed. My dad actually had to drag me away eventually and I had forgotten all about the pasta dinner we were going to have. I immediately started to look into all of Michelangelo’s work and when I returned from summer vacation I switched one of my electives and took a drawing class. And if all that isn’t enough, get this, this semester I switched from being a business major to, you guessed it, art.

Singapore Dance Graffiti

Singapore is always a surprise, with numerous opportunities to find yourself surrounded by cultural events that will really spark your appreciation for art, or fulfill an already-sparked desire to be put into a state of awe.  The virtuosity of the talents that live and work here demonstrates itself in multiple forms, and you can probably find whatever you might be looking for.  There’s so much happening here, in fact, that you can likely find most every form on any given evening.  There are many ways, then, to have a perfect night here, which just demonstrates further Singapore’s charm.  There are many paths to perfection.

One way is to spend the first part in a Japanese restaurant.  The food here is extremely fresh, and the chefs are very adept, and know so many splendid ways to prepare contemporary as well as traditional Japanese dishes.  Because of Singapore’s position as a major trading port, there are many necessary ingredients that are difficult to find anywhere else, but here, they are readily available, making your food absolutely stunning.  This can be followed with any entertainment, but if dance is on your mind, then you won’t want to miss Graffiti of The Celeste coming this March.

This is a new work by Arts Fission, and deals with the themes of the environment and the urban landscape, exploring the nature of change when nature comes into the city.  It is a very apt theme for Singapore, where the rich urban culture is in a tropical setting with forces of nature that are palpable and always present.  This is the same company where Wong Wai Yee has had a lot of splendid artistic history.  Her current work with Moving Arts, that teaches dance to children of all ages, along with the many other dance companies in town, shows that dance is alive and well in Singapore.

Angela Taylor in Baltimore

Baltimore is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the rhythms of life in a cosmopolitan setting.  The city is very rich in resources, both physical and ephemeral, and some of the most exciting things here depend on the moment and the talent of the local artists.  There are plenty of attractions here, a gorgeous waterfront, and an extremely lively downtown scene.  One can reasonably expect to have plenty of good days shopping and exploring, spectacular meals, and evenings of fun and entertainment.  There’s some great hotels here that can make the stay truly delightful.

There are plenty of talented people in town, thankfully, to provide a sure and steady stream of interesting new work.  Some of the musicians are great at pleasing the crowds, some play excellent covers, and some make their own songs, and push the boundaries of their respective forms, creating new paths for the listeners to follow.  One of the latter is Angela Taylor, and it seems as though she’s spectacularly apt at pleasing crowds as well, moving them through wonderful evenings in different styles and textures.

She’s an indie folk singer from here who’s got plenty of chops.  She teaches at Peabody, and has won a Best of Baltimore award, as well as being a finalist for the Lilith Fair.  She also has a pretty impressive list of creds for recording, and knows her way around electronic music very well.  All of this adds together when she sings, where the voices inside burst out, sometimes with a purr and sometimes a roar, but always with an edge of empowerment, and messages of survival.  There is a lot of darkness here, but always with a very keen edge of hope on this knife of despair, making a delicate balance that is something to behold.

Singapore Memories

Singapore is a barrage of sensations, where sounds, colors, and smells are constantly coming at you, offering you new ways to turn your attention outward, and find new ways to chase your thoughts.  It’s a splendid city to get lost in, if you have the time, and one of the wonderful things about vacations is that funny thing they do to time.  You can enjoy all the sights that the guidebooks recommend, see the local shows, enjoy a Chinese restaurant, and find yourself distracted by the show of everyday life that’s going on in the streets.

There are plenty of entertainments in town, and all art forms, too.  With theatre, performance art, experimental music, installation art, and more, there are always lots of things to choose from.  There are also local filmmakers, too, and the indie scene is not necessarily at a level to compete with the big movie making cities, but with filmmakers like Eng Wee Pen, it is certainly alive.

She has two documentaries, Diminishing Memories 1 & 2, and they’ve both been earning her a lot of attention, and her reputation is growing as a young artist to watch.  Both of these films are about her family from her perspective, the first one constructed of her own memories as a nine-year old, and the second from her point of view today as a 20-something.  This is a very honest family portrait, framed in a way to make you constantly aware of the framing.  This is a rather brilliant touch, so that while we’re watching her memories, we think about how we construct our own.

Augusta Military

There are great military men who have come from all over the United States and have done great things for there country. When you look at Augusta Georgia you will find a few fine military men. One was General Edwin A Pollock. He was born in Augusta in 1899 and went on to become a great asset for the marines and our country. He was awarded many medals for his service as the  Navy Cross. He was a hero in 1942 on the Guadalcanal while fighting against the Empire of Japan.

He went on to receive 34 medals including the Army Distinquished Service Medal, Legion of Merit w/ valor device, Bronze Star w/valor device, Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/3 service stars, Navy Unit Commendation w/1 service star, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Dominican Campaign Medal, Nicaraquan Campaign Medal in 1933, American Defensive Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/ 5 service stars, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal w/ 3 service stars, Order of Military Merit, Taeguk Cordon Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the United Nations Korea Medal.

One can see how long this man was serving the government, over 35 years. He traveled all over the world. He spent time on the USS Galveston (CL-19) and the USS Arkansas (BB-33). He stood as Commanding General with the Fleet Marine Force, at Camp H.M. Smith Honolulu and beyond until he retired in 1959. He may have started his life in Augusta Georgia but he influenced many other lives all around the world. Find a hotel in green Augusta and see the drinking water that grew such great men. There are many on this site to help you find the best one to fit your personality and needs.