Friday, October 26, 2007
The Ancient Quarter of Hanoi
Hanoi and Hoi An are perhaps the only two urban centers of Vietnam where an ancient quarter is still preserved. Due to the impact of climatic conditions, the construction materials and wars, the present physiognomy of the ancient quarter only dated back to the end of the 19th century. But according to various historical sources, this area was the core of Thang Long, the capital, since its establishment in the 11th century. This means that this area has existed for nearly one thousand years.
The ancient quarter has the form of an isosceles triangle the top of which is Hang Than Street, the Eastern side is the Red river dyke, and the Western side is hang Cot, Hang Dieu and Hang Da Street, while the base is formed by hang bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go Streets. Prior to the arrival of the French, the ancient quarter had this common feature: criss-crossing streets like on a chess board, most of the streets bearing the name of the products made or traded there. Sugar Street, Silver Street, Bamboo Basket Street etc. "Tube-house" line both sides of the streets: They are long, narrow shop houses which sometimes and on another street; the front room is a shop for selling or producing goods, behind it is an open -air inner courtyard which provides light and ventilation and which is also used for raising decorative fish or ornamental plants and supplementary area. Most are none-storey house, with up-turned roofs covered with small red tiles, the two walls surpassing in height the roof to be built in the shape of steps and the edge of roof being two strange pillars. Some houses have second storey but it is usually low, and seldom does be very small, because the population was forbidden, under the feudal regime, to look at the face of the Emperor, particularly from above, when he was passing.
These days, the Ancient Quarter becomes "must see" destination for every tourist visiting Hanoi - The Capital of Vietnam.
For more information about Hanoi and it's features, visit Vietnam Travel - A complete Guide for your travel in Vietnam.
The ancient quarter has the form of an isosceles triangle the top of which is Hang Than Street, the Eastern side is the Red river dyke, and the Western side is hang Cot, Hang Dieu and Hang Da Street, while the base is formed by hang bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go Streets. Prior to the arrival of the French, the ancient quarter had this common feature: criss-crossing streets like on a chess board, most of the streets bearing the name of the products made or traded there. Sugar Street, Silver Street, Bamboo Basket Street etc. "Tube-house" line both sides of the streets: They are long, narrow shop houses which sometimes and on another street; the front room is a shop for selling or producing goods, behind it is an open -air inner courtyard which provides light and ventilation and which is also used for raising decorative fish or ornamental plants and supplementary area. Most are none-storey house, with up-turned roofs covered with small red tiles, the two walls surpassing in height the roof to be built in the shape of steps and the edge of roof being two strange pillars. Some houses have second storey but it is usually low, and seldom does be very small, because the population was forbidden, under the feudal regime, to look at the face of the Emperor, particularly from above, when he was passing.
These days, the Ancient Quarter becomes "must see" destination for every tourist visiting Hanoi - The Capital of Vietnam.
For more information about Hanoi and it's features, visit Vietnam Travel - A complete Guide for your travel in Vietnam.
Luxurious South Africa
There are sunsets and then there are sunsets. But in my mind not much can beat lounging high up on a secluded deck overlooking the African bush, enjoying a sumptuous picnic dinner and local wines, as you watch the sun set beyond the wandering herds on the savannah.
Spend a luxurious night up there and you’ll enjoy the sunrise too, looking out over the huge swathe of land that is the magnificent country of South Africa. Washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans, South Africa is truly a paradise of natural history and so much more.
Whether camping out in the wilds is your thing or you’d rather enjoy the ultimate luxury while experiencing your African safari, the Kruger National Park has it all. The park has a selection of luxury private lodges where you won’t only be spoiled by excellent game viewing, but also by superb cuisine, world-class service and choice South African wines, and even pampering massages, and reflexology.
A luxury Kruger safari doesn't come cheap, but it's worth every penny. The last thing you’ll be thinking about is money as you swim in the cool water of the pool or relax after a game drive in your lavish tent that’s a thousand miles from your memories of family camping trips as a kid.
All this and wildlife too! In the south of the park, towards the Sabie and Crocodile rivers you can hope to see the best of African flora and fauna such as the Big Five – herds of Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffalo wallowing in the refreshing water – as well as cheetah and many others. Meanwhile the northern part of the park is often referred as the birding paradise.
After a safari there’s nothing like getting back to civilization, and the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town is the ideal spot. Filled with a wonderful selection of restaurants and an incredible array of local museums and galleries, there’s plenty to do even when the rains hit the city.
No trip to Cape Town would be complete without a visit to its most famous landmark, Table Mountain. The cable car to the top is great fun and offers stunning views of the city, but nothing beats hiking the three kilometer trail uphill to the top of this dramatic sandstone plateau that dominates the metropolitan skyline with its distinctive shape that inspired many a myth and legend. The downhill’s a lot easier if you catch the last cable car back!
Having reached the end of the African continent, it would be wrong not to go all the way down to the Cape of Good Hope. Wander among the unique flora and fauna of the world-famous nature reserve, smile at the goofy penguin colony at Boulders, and look out to where oceans meet. Getting in the water can be a little hairy, but a cage dive allows you to get up close and personal to the great white in their own environment without ending up shark food.
Another good thing about Cape Town is that it’s just a stone’s throw from South Africa’s world-famous Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Drive three
quarters of an hour northeast to some of the most majestic scenery in the country where you can check out art galleries, stay at winery lodges and blend olive oil amid the vineyard scattered hills and mountains.
Heading out along the southern coast on a tour of the famous Garden Route will have you winding your way up a narrow stretch of South Africa’s eastern coast, pressed against the Indian Ocean by a protective line of rugged purple hued granite and sandstone mountains – the Langeberge (long mountains) and the Outeniqua Mountains. And even if your navigation skills leave something to be desired, the Garden route is foolproof so there’s little chance of getting lost along the way from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, leaving you plenty of chance to enjoy the ever changing colours of the imposing mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions.
A week exploring the Garden Route at a leisurely pace offers an unforgettable adventure. In season (July to December), you can simply sit on a bench and watch whales frolic from one of the most spectacular vantage points in the world at Walker Bay, then head off to be mesmerized by beautiful beaches and pristine forests, visit the Cango Caves and ogle the ostriches.
With all the diversity South Africa has to offer travelers, it’s been aptly nicknamed the Rainbow Nation. Its spectacular and varied land and its friendly people never fail to captivate those who venture this far south.
Lindsay Carswell is a passionate adventurer and explorer. Having lived on three continents she has currently settled in the world’s original cultural melting pot, New York City, where she works as a television producer and freelance writer. Luxury South Africa Safaris
Spend a luxurious night up there and you’ll enjoy the sunrise too, looking out over the huge swathe of land that is the magnificent country of South Africa. Washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans, South Africa is truly a paradise of natural history and so much more.
Whether camping out in the wilds is your thing or you’d rather enjoy the ultimate luxury while experiencing your African safari, the Kruger National Park has it all. The park has a selection of luxury private lodges where you won’t only be spoiled by excellent game viewing, but also by superb cuisine, world-class service and choice South African wines, and even pampering massages, and reflexology.
A luxury Kruger safari doesn't come cheap, but it's worth every penny. The last thing you’ll be thinking about is money as you swim in the cool water of the pool or relax after a game drive in your lavish tent that’s a thousand miles from your memories of family camping trips as a kid.
All this and wildlife too! In the south of the park, towards the Sabie and Crocodile rivers you can hope to see the best of African flora and fauna such as the Big Five – herds of Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffalo wallowing in the refreshing water – as well as cheetah and many others. Meanwhile the northern part of the park is often referred as the birding paradise.
After a safari there’s nothing like getting back to civilization, and the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town is the ideal spot. Filled with a wonderful selection of restaurants and an incredible array of local museums and galleries, there’s plenty to do even when the rains hit the city.
No trip to Cape Town would be complete without a visit to its most famous landmark, Table Mountain. The cable car to the top is great fun and offers stunning views of the city, but nothing beats hiking the three kilometer trail uphill to the top of this dramatic sandstone plateau that dominates the metropolitan skyline with its distinctive shape that inspired many a myth and legend. The downhill’s a lot easier if you catch the last cable car back!
Having reached the end of the African continent, it would be wrong not to go all the way down to the Cape of Good Hope. Wander among the unique flora and fauna of the world-famous nature reserve, smile at the goofy penguin colony at Boulders, and look out to where oceans meet. Getting in the water can be a little hairy, but a cage dive allows you to get up close and personal to the great white in their own environment without ending up shark food.
Another good thing about Cape Town is that it’s just a stone’s throw from South Africa’s world-famous Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Drive three
quarters of an hour northeast to some of the most majestic scenery in the country where you can check out art galleries, stay at winery lodges and blend olive oil amid the vineyard scattered hills and mountains.
Heading out along the southern coast on a tour of the famous Garden Route will have you winding your way up a narrow stretch of South Africa’s eastern coast, pressed against the Indian Ocean by a protective line of rugged purple hued granite and sandstone mountains – the Langeberge (long mountains) and the Outeniqua Mountains. And even if your navigation skills leave something to be desired, the Garden route is foolproof so there’s little chance of getting lost along the way from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, leaving you plenty of chance to enjoy the ever changing colours of the imposing mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions.
A week exploring the Garden Route at a leisurely pace offers an unforgettable adventure. In season (July to December), you can simply sit on a bench and watch whales frolic from one of the most spectacular vantage points in the world at Walker Bay, then head off to be mesmerized by beautiful beaches and pristine forests, visit the Cango Caves and ogle the ostriches.
With all the diversity South Africa has to offer travelers, it’s been aptly nicknamed the Rainbow Nation. Its spectacular and varied land and its friendly people never fail to captivate those who venture this far south.
Lindsay Carswell is a passionate adventurer and explorer. Having lived on three continents she has currently settled in the world’s original cultural melting pot, New York City, where she works as a television producer and freelance writer. Luxury South Africa Safaris
Finding Accommodations in Cape Town
Western Cape Accommodation is the premier source for finding the perfect place to stay during your exotic South African vacation. The company offers a wide range of accommodations including self-catering apartments that are already furnished, cottages, guest houses, hotels, bed and breakfasts, luxury hotels, nature reserves and game lodges. Western Cape Accommodation is also a great resource for booking the activities you want to participate in during your stay.
All of this service’s accommodations have been officially approved and meet the standards of the South African Tourism Board as well as the standards of accreditation of the Local Tourism Organizations. It is extremely important to Western Cape Accommodation’s staff that your South African vacation be a memorable one, so allow them to help you to book your adventure trips as well!
Some of the more popular attractions include different vineyards, nature reserves, and other centers. The MTN ScienCentre is located at the Canal Walk Shopping Walk and offers tons of fun for everyone. Over 300 science and technology displays will wow you and your family as you stroll through the center.
If you’re a wine buff, you’ll love the Alluvia Wine Estate. It’s located in the heart of the Cape Winelands and offer five star accommodations. You can take private lessons on the PGA golf course or go on invigorating hikes. Another good place to check out is Knorhoek Wines. You’ll be seduced by the rock pool and outdoor lapa. Knorhoek Wines is a popular place for weddings and other functions as well.
While in South Africa, you absolutely must visit a nature reserve or two. The Limietberg Nature Reserve stretches from Wolsey to Villiersdorp and is surrounding by beautiful mountain scenery. If you’re into archaeology, then you’ll want to stop by the Outeniqua Nature Reserve in order to view the rock paintings of the Khoisan tribe.
Whether you’re a nature lover, wine drinker, or adventurer, Western Cape Accommodation can book the ideal and ultimate vacation for you and your loved ones. Why wait for the perfect South African vacation?
Western Cape Accommodation is the premier tool for booking your ultimate South African vacation.
All of this service’s accommodations have been officially approved and meet the standards of the South African Tourism Board as well as the standards of accreditation of the Local Tourism Organizations. It is extremely important to Western Cape Accommodation’s staff that your South African vacation be a memorable one, so allow them to help you to book your adventure trips as well!
Some of the more popular attractions include different vineyards, nature reserves, and other centers. The MTN ScienCentre is located at the Canal Walk Shopping Walk and offers tons of fun for everyone. Over 300 science and technology displays will wow you and your family as you stroll through the center.
If you’re a wine buff, you’ll love the Alluvia Wine Estate. It’s located in the heart of the Cape Winelands and offer five star accommodations. You can take private lessons on the PGA golf course or go on invigorating hikes. Another good place to check out is Knorhoek Wines. You’ll be seduced by the rock pool and outdoor lapa. Knorhoek Wines is a popular place for weddings and other functions as well.
While in South Africa, you absolutely must visit a nature reserve or two. The Limietberg Nature Reserve stretches from Wolsey to Villiersdorp and is surrounding by beautiful mountain scenery. If you’re into archaeology, then you’ll want to stop by the Outeniqua Nature Reserve in order to view the rock paintings of the Khoisan tribe.
Whether you’re a nature lover, wine drinker, or adventurer, Western Cape Accommodation can book the ideal and ultimate vacation for you and your loved ones. Why wait for the perfect South African vacation?
Western Cape Accommodation is the premier tool for booking your ultimate South African vacation.
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