Among the countless tourist attractions in contemporary London, such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, the one that can easily be considered the unforgettable “Queen” amongst them all, is the British Museum. Britain’s national museum of archaeology and antiquities was established by an act of Parliament in 1753, when the government purchased three large private collections consisting of books, manuscripts, prints, drawings, paintings, medals, coins, seals, cameos, and natural curiosities. Today, home of approximately seven million objects from all continents, the British museum is considered to be the most popular and famous museum in the world.

Located in the Bloomsbury district of London, the British museum’s collections in archaeology and ethnography are particularly outstanding. Being one of London’s principal tourist attractions, the visitor can admire its famous holdings, like the Elgin Marbles, carvings from the Athenian Parthenon, the Rosetta Stone, the Portland Vase, the Benin Bronzes, Egyptian Mummies, and the Chinese ceramics. Its drawings collection holds more than 2,000 drawings constituting the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections.

Since it first opened its doors to the public, on January 15, 1759 the museum has been illustrating and documenting the story of human development and culture from its early years to the present day. Because the British Museum does not charge any admission fees, the exception being some temporary special exhibitions, interested publics from around the globe line up outside its doors waiting to enter its amazing gallery showrooms and admire the plethora of human creations kept in there.

But some of its most prestigious holdings, like the Parthenon Marbles and the Benin Bronzes are among its most disputed collections. These collections are the subject of great controversy and political debates since various organizations lobby in favor of their return to their native countries of Greece and Nigeria respectively. But regardless of the harsh criticism, the British Museum has refused to return either collection, arguing that if the British Museum was to return to their original geographical location any of its current possessions that would mean empty rooms for a great many museums around the world. Although critics argue that these artifacts, among others, should now return to their home countries, the British Museum continues to support that it is an appropriate custodian and has the inalienable right over these disputed creations under British law.

Nevertheless, the fact still remains that the British Museum is one of the most important London destinations one should not miss visiting when circumstances allow a ride to one of the most famous and interesting capitals in the world.

Detroit is an incredible city rich in tradition. If you live in Detroit or find yourself in the area around the end of June you should check out the Target Fireworks. It is the most popular event at the International Freedom Festival. So what makes it so popular?

First a little background on the festival. The International Freedom Festival was created in 1959 and has been a popular event celebrating the friendship between the cities of Detroit and Windsor, Canada. Originally the event was called the “Partners in Freedom” celebration and it was created as a joint celebration of Independence between our countries. It has remained a popular event with the Target Fireworks as the events highlight.

On the day of the fireworks more than a million spectators will line the sides of the Detroit river to take advantage of the event. The fireworks are usually set to music and will have a theme which changes every year to keep it interesting. In 2006 the theme was “A Red Hot Summer Spectacular” and it was a 30 minute fireworks show put on by Zambelli Fireworks International.

If you would like to see the festival you have lots of places to go to view them. Some of the lesser known viewing locations include Chene Park, Riverside Park, Owen Park, Fort Wayne, Hart Plaza and Tri-Centennial Park. For more information on the fireworks and exact times of the next show call the cities information line at 596-2200.

If you are headed to Seattle you must check out the Pike Place Market. Okay Okay yes it is a fish market but don’t let that fool you it is perhaps one of the city’s most popular attractions. Read on to see what the market has to offer you.

The Pike Place Market is actually not just a fish market. It is one of the oldest markets in the world with vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to crafts to well, fish. One of the most famous parts of the market and the place people most associate the market with is Pike Place Fish. This place is famous for the fish throwers. Come by and see some fish fly across the room. They put on quite a show. Next check out one of the many wine stores for a tasting or visit one of the many health food stores. When you are done you can stop for dinner or lunch at one of the many restaurants in the market . Even get a cup of Seattle’s most famous products, coffee. No matter what your interests are you will find something at the market.

There is so much to do in the market and so much history that you may want to go on a guided tour. On Wednesday to Sunday you can take a guided tour of the market. The tours are offered at 11Am and 2PM but reservations are required. To make a reservation call (206) 774-5249. Whether you decide to do it yourself or take a tour, be sure to add the Pike Place market to your to do list when you are in Seattle.

Are you heading to Miami or do you live in Miami and are you looking for something interesting to do this weekend. If so you should check out the Miami Museum of Science. It is a great family friendly adventure that you will remember.

So what is there to do at the museum? First off you can check out the interactive exhibits. You will find over 140 different hands on exhibits to explore. For example you can check out the Isaac Newton display which has several hands on exhibits exploring the world of motion. The Newton exhibit is just one of many. You are sure to find something that interests you. When you get done with the hands on fun you can head over to the wildlife center where you will find an extensive collection of lizards and birds of prey. Learn about these graceful and often aggressive animals. Its sure to be a hit with the kids. If you can pry them away from the lizards and birds head over to the Space Transit Planetarium. The Planetarium will have interactive demonstrations, multimedia presentations and laser light shows for you to enjoy and marvel over.

This just scratches the surface of what there is to do at the Miami Museum of Science. You can spend hours exploring it and not see it all. If you think you would like to visit it you should cal the information line for current hours at 305-646-4200. The museum is located at 3280 South Miami Avenue in Miami. Go, you are sure to have a blast.

Are you heading to Miami or do you live in Miami and are you looking for something interesting to do this weekend. If so you should check out the Miami Museum of Science. It is a great family friendly adventure that you will remember.

So what is there to do at the museum? First off you can check out the interactive exhibits. You will find over 140 different hands on exhibits to explore. For example you can check out the Isaac Newton display which has several hands on exhibits exploring the world of motion. The Newton exhibit is just one of many. You are sure to find something that interests you. When you get done with the hands on fun you can head over to the wildlife center where you will find an extensive collection of lizards and birds of prey. Learn about these graceful and often aggressive animals. Its sure to be a hit with the kids. If you can pry them away from the lizards and birds head over to the Space Transit Planetarium. The Planetarium will have interactive demonstrations, multimedia presentations and laser light shows for you to enjoy and marvel over.

This just scratches the surface of what there is to do at the Miami Museum of Science. You can spend hours exploring it and not see it all. If you think you would like to visit it you should cal the information line for current hours at 305-646-4200. The museum is located at 3280 South Miami Avenue in Miami. Go, you are sure to have a blast.

General summary of city:
The city of Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is a modern city that is rich in medieval and art-nouveau buildings. Brussels is steeped in rich history with plenty of museums and galleries and a pulsating cultural life.

Brussels is also the administrative center of the European Union, which has earned the city the title ?the capital of Europe?. The business sector in Brussels is booming with international agencies taking root in the city, however not at the expense of the rich cultural history. The juxtaposition of past and present is evident in Brussels with blocks lined with international businesses and their advanced steel and glass high rises which are only a few steps away from cobbled streets and medieval architecture that speaks of the city?s flavourful past.

With a mixture of French and Flemish culture and language, Brussels is steeped in history and culture, with something for everyone to enjoy. The nightlife culture of Brussels, complete with clubs and pubs to enjoy add to the eclectic ambience of this fair city in Belgium. During the day, as business booms throughout the week, there is a wide variety of attractions for visitors and locals to enjoy, regardless of age. Families enjoy Belgium for its unique atmosphere which embraces every aspect of family life and socialization for adults.

Places of interest:
Brussels boasts over a century of history which lends too many intriguing sights to visit and see in the city and immediate area. Brussels possesses the most fabulous market square and the highest concentration of restaurants in the entire world.

The Petite Rue des Bouchers, which translates to street of the butchers is located in the medieval center of Brussels and is most famous for the simple fact that every building on the street is a restaurant. The roadway is very narrow and is closed to automobile traffic, which allows for the restaurants to boast their wares in spectacular fashion, while on wider parts of the road, restaurants feature outdoor eating areas.

The central market square in Brussels is known as the Grand? Place, which is notably the most beautiful in the world. A 15th century Town Hall dominates the Grand? Place with hundreds of small statues and an elegant tower is surrounded by 17th century buildings with golden inlays which surround the entire square. Other places of interest to visit is the Manneken Pis, the Saint Michael cathedral, the Atomium, the Palais de Justice as well as a plethora of parks including the impressive Bois de la Cambre and the forest to which it once belonged, the Foret de Soignes which features birch trees that are hundreds of years old.

Brussels features many interesting sights for the whole family – business people, families, nature lovers, culture devotees and historians alike.

Things to do:
There is a wide variety of things to do in Brussels, regardless of your age or fancies. For those who love to dine, you could spend an eternity sampling all the wonderful restaurants and eateries in Brussels, which boasts itself as having the highest concentration of restaurants in the world. The restaurants in Brussels feature a wide variety of food types and styles for anyone?s palate.

For those who want to take in the rich history of Brussels, there is a surplus of museums that boast the wonderful and flavourful richness of a millennium in Brussels.

Sightseeing is plentiful in Brussels with many 15th and 17th century buildings around the city. Declaring a beautiful surrounding with intricately designed buildings from these centuries, the city of Brussels promises a wonderful view in any direction. With beautiful boulevards, picturesque squares, parks and a very active cultural life in every sense of the word, there is something for everyone in Brussels. You can take in a movie or a play at a theatre, enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants, and visit the monuments and places of great interest that abound in this beautiful city.

Brussels is steeped in over 1000 years of history and beauty for each individual to unfold whether visiting or moving to the city.

Food & Drink:
Brussels is all about the food. Because Brussels has the highest concentration of restaurants in all the world, the dining industry is literally one of the most prolific in the city. The Petite Rue des Bouchers (the street of butchers) is literally lined with restaurants. Every single building on the street is a restaurant that caters to a variety of flavours and tastes.

Throughout this beautiful historical city, restaurants, eateries and quaint cafes abound, offering up a dish of enlightening flavor to satisfy any palate. There is, of course, plenty of French food and Flemish food, but with the coming of immigrants to Brussels, there is an increasing variety of foods from other cultures and countries throughout the world. Within the streets of Brussels, you can find Western cooking, Lebanese flavourings, Greek, Mexican – really any ethnic food flavouring that your heart could desire.

To go to Brussels means to enjoy good food in a beautiful atmosphere. Brussels is known world wide for its upper class restaurants and small, cozy eateries that are both quaint and classy.

(more…)

Portugal is a European country situated on the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest corner of Europe. The west and south of Portugal are cornered by the Atlantic Ocean, giving it some of the most dramatic coastline in Europe.

Portugal borders only one country, Spain, which makes up the rest of the Iberian Peninsula.

With a coastline running over 500 miles Portugal is bursting with scenic sandy coves and rocky cliffs with a dramatic inland landscape.

Portugal is a very pleasant country to visit – especially for any person in love with seafood. All along the coast are amazing restaurants dedicated to cooking fresh fish. Most restaurants are reasonable priced with generous portions. When you are having food in Portugal don?t forget to sample the excellent local wine. While Portugal is noted for Port, excellent wines are home grown in regions north of Porto and Lisbon.

If you are in some of the more popular tourist spots it?s wise to make a reservation. It?s also standard practice in Portugal to add a 5 – 10 percent tip for waiters who are poorly paid.

English is widely spoken throughout Portugal and the locals are extremely friendly. A large selection of English-written newspapers can be bought in most of the larger newsagents.

Portugal is a country rich in arts and history. The architecture of Portugal differs from region to region. The Romans were the first to leave behind their enhanced structural design. Muslim invaders from North Africa during the eight-century have also enriched the architecture in southern Portugal. Portugal is littered with incredible Churches, temples and old buildings. Some old buildings are restored and turned into great hotels.

Hotels in Portugal are plentiful in tourist areas and cities, but in the countryside they can be rare. If you are travelling through the Portuguese countryside plan your journey well in advance.

Sporting holidays can be had at any time of year. While the Portuguese are mainly into football, most marina sports can be sought along the entire coastline. If you are looking for a golfing holiday Portugal should be top of the list. Most of the best golf courses in Portugal are found in the Algarve region, which has a reputation as one of Europe?s top golfing destinations.

The Algarve region of Portugal, situated in the south of the country, is the perfect spot to visit at any time of year. Its climate stays warm all year round and the scenic coastline offers a large variety of marine activity.

Fishing is a valuable way of life for many in Portugal. Each year during the month of August a massive seafood festival is hosted by one of the ports in the Algarve.

If you are looking for a really special place to visit – try some of the Islands along the Portuguese coast. The Azores lie 800 miles west of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Known for the peaceful way of life, the Azores volcanic history has left a truly magical landscape. With easy access from mainland Portugal, the Azores are well worth a visit.