Monday, January 27, 2014

Tourism in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (commonly called the United Kingdom or UK) is located in the British Isles off the northwest coast of Europe. The UK has the fifth largest economy in the world and attracts tourists year round. There are four constituent parts, or home nations, to the United Kingdom: *England *Scotland *Northern Ireland *Wales
Cultural Facts about the United Kingdom

The UK became the dominant maritime and industrial power of the 19th century, and contributed tremendously to the development of Western ideas concerning capitalism, democracy, property, literature and science. Many of the world's top universities are located in Great Britain. The English language is known as the "global language" and has spread to nations around the world.

Touring the United Kingdom

The UK offers some of the world's most popular vacation destinations, from historic cities to tranquil ocean views. There are lovely country houses, majestic castles, unique structures and ancient monuments. The reasons so many folks choose the United Kingdom, particularly Great Britain, as their destination are endless!

Castles and Palaces in the United Kingdom

There are many delightful castles in the UK where tourists can take a walk through history and learn about royal families of the past. Tourists can also visit many stately homes. There are hundreds of these in Great Britain that are open to the public. One popular castle is Castle Howard in North Yorkshire. The entrance of the castle is gorgeous and has a dome overhead. The lovely park around the castle makes a visit worthwhile. The Scottish Edinburgh Castle sits on a hill high above the remainder of the city Edinburgh, and offers a view of where some of the bloodiest events of Scottish history took place. The Windsor Castle is known to be the largest inhabited stronghold in the world, and it is also the largest castle in England. Although the castle was severely damaged by a fire in 1992, it has been restored. For garden lovers, the Hever Castle and Gardens in Kent offers an enchanting landscape with a surrounding moat and a drawbridge for protection. Also in Kent is Penshurst Place, a gorgeous country mansion that was once the home of Sir Philip Sydney, an Elizabethan poet of the 1500s. The baroque Blenheim Palace in Woodstock offers visitors a peek at the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchhill.

Charming Gardens in the United Kingdom

The UK is known for its talented gardeners from the past, who each left behind a legacy that is carried on today. At almost every popular tourist attraction, there's a garden to greet the visitor. Botanical gardens are frequent in the United Kingdom, so you can enjoy nature's beauty almost anywhere you go! Below are some of the most popular botanical gardens. Anything from exotic to common flowers and shrubs can be found in the 300-acre Royal Botanic (Kew) Gardens near London. These gardens contain the largest herbarium on earth. The Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent has an unusual landscape and attracts many tourists during fall, when colors are vibrant. Stourhead is the most well-known garden in England, and is often called the birthplace of English landscape gardening. It's located near Shaftesbury, on the outskirts of the Greater London area. The garden appeals to tourists with its flowering shrubs, trees and even bridges and temples, which add tremendously to the scenery.

United Kingdom's Museums

Visitors to the UK are able to learn about culture and history by touring one of the country's many museums, with the most popular being in London. The British Museum in London houses the famous Rosetta stone and the Elgin marbles. It's one of the world's greatest museums. The National Gallery in London offers a dazzling collection of Western art, and represents many famous artists, from da Vinci to Picasso! The gallery houses an abundance of Renaissance art pieces. Art lovers can get their fill here while in London. Another great art museum in London is Tate Britain, where some 10,000 works are displayed.

Touring Stonehenge

Stonehenge, England is a very popular attraction that bewilders many visitors with legends and mystical theories dating back to the Dark Ages. It's located near Amesbury in Wiltshire, just 90 miles from London. When in Scotland Tourists who will be visiting Scotland in late fall will find the Scottish Highland Games to be very entertaining! From the Tugs of War and pipers and drummers to the sheep dog demonstrations, these games appeal to adults and children alike. It's a great way to spend a family vacation.

More Fun Things to Do in the United Kingdom

Many tourists enjoy cruising on Lake Windermere, the most famous lake in England. Taking a relaxing drive through the Cotswolds is another way to spend the day. There are rolling hills and lovely stone cottages for a great view, and the area is less than 100 miles west of London. Tourists also enjoy great shopping, play theaters and fine dining. The UK offers interesting places and fun activities to both families and individuals.

Explore the United Kingdom on a Hiking Adventure

With all the hustle and bustle, glitz and dazzle of the United Kingdom, you might be wondering when you'll find time for a great hike. Don't worry, there are many delightful hiking opportunities right around the corner from many of the major tourist areas. Whether your goal is to get some exercise and stay fit during your trip to the UK or just enjoy the outdoors a bit, you can escape to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds or the crashing waves of the Outer Hebrides.

Hiking is Different for Every Region

You'll find breathtaking mountains to the north in the Lake District and in the Pennines. Also, magnificent mountain scenery awaits in the remote regions of Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. If you're up for a challenging hike, the Peak District offers strenuous climbs to give you a real workout. For a less challenging hike, you might want to try the Shropshire Hills or the Chilterns. There are thousands of miles of English countryside if you're just starting out with hiking. Visit the eastern portions of England where the land flattens to enjoy riverside strolls, see pretty skylines and visit unique villages. For hiking near the city, go south where you can stay in or near London, but still find a peaceful walk on the outskirts. Hiking in the southwest reveals Medieval castles, the beautiful coastlines of Cornwall and Devon, and also the gentler side of the Cotswolds.

Hike from Cocking

A great hike near London begins in the village of Cocking, which is situated at the foot of the South Downs Way. The trail will lead you through the lovely countryside. The stretch from Cocking to the stately home of Uppark passes by ancient Neolithic burial mounds, herds of sheep, deer and forests. This hike is a wonderful way to relax after a busy tour of London.

Hiking at the Lake District National Park

You'll have many hiking options at the Lake District National Park, where high mountains and secluded valleys meet to form an inviting landscape. This is the largest English national park that was established in 1951. There are villages, towns, lakes, dales, fells, beaches and tide pools within the park, giving every visitor a multitude of things to see and do. The park offers challenging hikes as well as relaxing walks, and soothing waterfalls will also greet you occasionally.

A Hike in Wales and Scotland

In North Wales, Snowdonia has the highest mountains in Great Britain and Wales, and offers a great challenge for hikers. Scotland, a region known as "Highlands and Islands", has many dark forests, remote islands, romantic castles and stunning coastlines. Some favorite areas for hikers in Scotland are the Cuillin range in Skye, the Fort William area and the Cairngorms. The United Kingdom is a great place to hike no matter what your experience level. You can take a challenge on the high hills or enjoy a relaxing stroll in the park. Either way, you'll fall in love with the alluring countryside and rolling hills of the UK!

You can find international cell phones and service for the U.K. for your trip from Free incoming calls from all countries night and day and calling the states is just US $.08 per minute! They rent and sell phones and satellite phones as well.

Friday, January 24, 2014

10 Business Building Lessons - From My Dad's Legacy



Lesson - Businesses are not built just to meet today's need but with generations in mind. Pay attention to all the critical elements of business and not "cut corners".



3. The Finishing touches are as crucial as the super structure - It is quite sad that sometimes a lot of investment is put into the super structure, the main pillars, foundation etc such that when the building is complete, there is not enough energy to "touch up" the building and make it look good. Wrong choice of paint, wrong quality of flooring, a shoddy quality of plastering are all reasons why one building would outshine the other even with the design being identical. My dad always emphasized that whilst the start was important, it is the finish that bring a "wow" effect hence the importance of that detail.


4. Property Management is about managing risks - Buildings require safeguards from vandalism (theft), flooding and fire. When the building is put together, the thoughts which should be processed and questions seeking answers are "what is the worst thing that could ever bring the building's value down? What are the major threats to the building's value?" I noticed with great interest how my dad always emphasized that every building carry a fire extinguisher, drainage around each building was meticulously put in place to reduce the risk of flooding, To reduce the risk of thefts, every window had burglar bars. The building was put in place with the knowledge that the contents were at risk from intruders right from the onset.


5. The garden makes the property even more valuable - My dad always emphasized the fact that the buildings were supposed to leave enough space for proper gardening and landscaping where water features and other garden enhancements would be put. He didn't use to do the landscaping himself but he has an appreciation of it. Whenever I now look at a building, I don't stop on observing the walls and roof strength; I am now cognizant of the way the garden is looked after. When you have neighbors' who throw trash in the garden and leaving grass to grow tall, this actually affects the value of your properties around. When all neighbors look after their gardens including the area that people can see from outside, value is added to the houses.


6. The way to build the first model is very important to your expansion - Each building is different in the sense that you encounter different soils, different obstacles, different slopes etc. When you are building a series of buildings which are identical, you use lessons from your first building as you duplicate or propagate the buildings. You will know what to avoid. It will actually get better as you build more similar buildings. As the contractor, you have to develop a learning culture such that experiences from one site are recorded as learning points for future projects. All the successes and even failures should be recorded to make the history of building. You will be able to tell a "before" and "after" on the sites you have built.



Lesson - You cannot ignore the Safety, Health and Environment issues of your business. In what way is your business taking care of it employees' welfare in this regard as well as that of the beneficiaries (your customers).





10. Building efficiency relies on the construction procedures and systems - Every process that my dad's team was following was documented. From the proportions of cement to sand for the mortar to painting guidelines. He had a construction booklet, written in not so complicated steps but something that was easy for his team to follow. My dad's literacy was up to "Standard 3" which was almost primary school level and yet he could create and document systems centered on construction and property care. His thinking was that it would be easier to induct a new builder if the systems were in place.

Lesson - A business is as strong as the systems and procedures it creates and relies on.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Time for Reflection, Not Resolutions!

The holiday season has just ended. For weeks our lives have been embroiled in preparations, gift giving, reconnecting with family, neighbors, and friends, and hopefully sharing life's blessings with our extended human community. It has been a season filled with high expectations and deep emotions, ranging from joy to sorrow, togetherness to loneliness.

The aftermath of all this to-do has been days of cleaning and packing things away until next year. As we struggle to get things in order and re-establish our normal routines, it is no wonder that we may feel the need for a vacation from our vacation.

But no sooner do we say goodbye to one year then we are told to jump right into action, setting resolutions for the year to come. And we are warned that these are doomed to failure unless we are firm in our resolve and fully committed to these actions. This makes no sense!

From my experience, New Year's resolutions do not work for four main reasons:
1. They are based upon an external calendar not our internal clock.
2. They arise from society's shoulds not from personal needs.
3. They are based upon something we don't like about our selves or our lives rather than something that inspires and honors us.
4. They address the symptoms not the cause.

In my opinion, we need to do the exact opposite of what is unwisely expected of us. Rather than raising the bar and expelling energies in external pursuits, we need to slow down, breathe deeply, and turn inward. We need to reflect upon who and where we are before we start writing the next chapter.

I love the twist of the familiar saying, "Don't just do something! Stand there!" It is important to give pause and reflect upon our options before we charge ahead. After all, if we don't have a vision of where we want to go, how are we going to get there?

Winter is calling you to retreat into a cozy den for warmth and shelter. Listen to this seasonal wisdom and your instinctual need to slow down. Find an inviting and comfortable place to curl up with your journal and ask yourself some of life's bigger questions. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

First mindfully, close the chapter of 2010:

What are my best memories of 2010? What important lessons did I learn? What unfinished business do I want to complete in the coming year? What chapters do I want to close and leave behind? What do I want to give thanks for as I move forward?

Then open the door to possibility in 2011:

Who is the person I want to be? How can I become more like that person? What gives me the most joy in life? How can I bring more of that joy into my life? What is really most important to me? How can I express that value in my daily life? What legacy do I want to leave? How can I start building that legacy now?

Rather than creating narrow-minded resolutions with too-specific goals, create a vision of where you are going and why. Once you have a clear picture of the landscape of your life, you can begin planning the garden you want to plant in the spring.

Copyright (c) 2011 Karin Marcus

Monday, January 13, 2014

A Short Overview of a Magnificent City

The full name of the St. Petersburg apparently combines words from three European languages: Catholic Latin, Orthodox Greek and Reformist German. I decided to further educate myself in the city's unparalleled history, so I followed an itinerary proposed by the city government's tourist office, a list that includes the city's proud equestrian monuments.

These monuments are integral parts of the city's magic and embody much of its historical power. In fact, the historical horses in the statues look very fierce and hardly tamed by their very powerful masters. The expressions on the riders faces are slightly more difficult to interpret and more subtle. Nonetheless, the exacting detail and fine craftsmanship let the audience know clearly that these are triumphant leaders.

Great people everywhere seem to be obsessed with their legacy and commission portraits, sculptures, and busts to capture them at their finest hour; such displays of vanity in men does not really surprise me now as the whole city is the magnificent, final proof of what men can accomplish in their limited lifetimes. I suppose that even among the most humble folks, this feeling is the same; before they bid their final adieu, everyone tries to leave a memorable and inspiring legacy to their children, relatives, and everyone else who knew them.

Upon closer inspection with the help of a map, this grand historical city looks very much like a mosaic of little islands; some of these islands are very big while others are so small that we even doubt if they really exist. The islands form a lace of canals connected by dated bridges, which in turn are witnesses to dazed romantic lovers strolling from one island to another.

Constructed at the far edge of the Gulf of Finland, at the mouth of Neva, the city is besieged with the challenges posed by living alongside many bodies of water; flooding and preserving the natural topography are perennial concerns. However, the resulting way of life for its people is undoubtedly part of its allure.

So is St. Petersburg more like its model, Amsterdam, or more like Venice? We can't really compare these cities since the charms, geography, and history of St. Petersburg give it a unique personality. Being an old and powerful imperial capital, its most charming sights are the numerous palaces strategically located beside the rivers. The sights quietly impose their authority over the serene waters and picturesque landscape, where the various residences of the czars battle each other in opulence and magnificence.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Stunning Peru

Peru, a country located in the Western South America with variety of landscapes, abundance of wildlife and a rich archeological heritage, is a top travel destination. The resplendent beauty of Peru is not limited to beautiful landscapes and archeological heritage. Renowned as 'Land of Incas', travelers can marvel at the sophistication of pre-Colombian cultures and explore the many legacies left by the imperial Inca Empire, particularly the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco.

Machu Picchu, the perfectly fitted stone empire discovered after several centuries is the main attraction to people who visits Peru. It is regarded as the most significant archaeological site in South America and one of the finest examples of landscape architecture in the world. Travelers can explore many legacies, undiscovered treasures and unsolved mysteries behind this lost city of Inca. Several landmarks along the legendary ancient royal Inca highways, floating islands, colonial cities, deepest canyon etc, contain major works of Spanish arts and architecture. Major notable buildings like Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin, Museo de la Nacion, Church of San Francisco are also some of the perfect urban attractions.

Besides the historical and cultural richness, Peru also offers an abundance of adventure mixed with leisure. A comfortable trip into the depth of the jungle in Iquitos can gift you an intimate contact with the nature of Amazonian forests, help you surf at the heavenly Mancora Beach and provide you a walking trail over the Peruvian Andes. Peru is also home to a handful of national parks and reserves. These represent a very good example of natural diversity and ecological unity.

June through September is the peak time for Peru travel. This period coincides with the cooler dry season in the Andean highlands and summer vacation in North America and Europe. This is the best and also the busiest time to go trekking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and climbing, hiking and mountain biking elsewhere. Travelling to this attractive South American destination is quite easy and inexpensive with the availability of frequent flights. Many international flights, packed with thousands of tourists from around the world arrive daily at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport. From thereon, surface transport is also well-maintained. Bus, express trains and taxis ply to specific destinations within the country making it easy for tourists to access their preferred destinations.

Shopping in Peru can be quite an experience with the Peruvian capital having the highest number of shops and selection of goods from across the country.

Thriving traditional culture, ancient ruins, archaeological treasures, and magnificent colonial architecture make Peru one of the most appealing holiday destinations to be visited.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

About Corncribs and the Unpainted Aristocracy: Contemporary Architecture in North Carolina










I think that the same ethic is present in the minds of people who want buildings today, because it shows up in structures unencumbered by style, fashion, appearance commissions, or advertising. In countless DOT bridges, soybean elevators, and mechanics' workshops across North Carolina, I sense the practical mindset of this state.

Good building was much in demand in North Carolina in the years following World War II, when the state struggled to emerge as a progressive leader of the New South. The director of the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, Dr. J. S. Dorton, wanted to build a new livestock pavilion that would make "the NC State Fair the most modern plant in the world." His architect was Matthew Nowicki, a brilliant young Polish architect who had arrived in North Carolina in 1948 to teach at the newly founded School of Design at North Carolina State College.

Extraordinarily talented yet foreign, Nowicki had an unassuming and practical attitude towards building and clients. He needed it, because he proposed to fling two immense concrete arches into the sky, anchor them at an angle to the earth, and spin a three-inch-thick roof on steel cables between the arches, creating what was one of the most efficient roof spans ever made. Strange as it looked, Dorton Arena's practical efficiency made sense to his tobacco-chewing, country boy clients the way a tobacco barn or a John Deere tractor would. When it was finished, the News and Observer declared that it was "a great architectural wonder that seems to lasso the sky." It remains today the best-known North Carolina building outside the state.





My reference to older buildings in North Carolina in no way means that we should go back to building such dwellings. Rather it illustrates how the accumulated wisdom of our past can enable us to build in the present. As the English Arts and Craft architect W. R. Lethaby said, "No art which is one man deep is worth much -- it should be a thousand men deep. We cannot forget the knowledge of our historic origins, and we would not want to forget it, even if we could."
