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Archive for June, 2011
A visit to Bruges Belgium
Suspended in time centuries ago, Bruges is now one of Western Europe’s most-visited medieval cities. Picturesque market squares, dreamy canals and old whitewashed almshouses all evoke a world long since gone. But its reputation as one of the most perfectly preserved cities is in part fabrication. Bruges has been renovated time and again to retain its medieval appearance. Whereas what you see reflects that of centuries ago, much of the architecture dates only from the 19th and 20th centuries.
We took a day trip to Bruges Belgium from Fleet, Hampshire on a Saturday in June, 2011. Our coach pick up time was at 5:30am, after an hour of other pickups we were on the road, next stop Folkestone, Kent where we boarded the Eurotunnel. We were on the 9:40 am train to Calais, France. Arrived in Bruges at Noon and were dropped off near the Minnewater Park. It was pouring down rain as we set out but it only lasted a short 20 minutes. We loosely followed a walking tour that I found from the Bruges Official website. We walked along the cobblestone streets with interesting little shops and cafes. Our first stop was at the Church of Our Lady, the highlight here is the white marble Madonna with Child by Michelangelo. Another highlight of our day was climbing the Belfort in the Markt Square. The Belfry tower is 83 metres high and has an impressive clock mechanism and a carillon with 47 bells. After 366 steps, we were treated to a breath-taking view of Bruges and its surrounding countryside. Our day wouldn’t have been complete without sampling a Belgium waffle (no shortage of places to find them!). We selected a vendor who had a long line (always a good sign!). We managed to complete the 5 km walk and return to our pick up spot at 5:00 pm. It was a whirlwind visit but we were glad we took the time to visit this beautiful city. A must see if you happen to have the chance, well worth the visit.
To see more photos of our day, visit us on Facebook.
60 Second Geography – New York City
8 months ago
by lori
in General information
New York City is the largest city in the United States and has a population of over eight million, which, as people continue to flock to New York City, is likely to grow even larger. This is Broadway, this is Wall Street, this is a city of history and legends, and who wouldn’t want to visit it at least once -even if it is just to say they’d been there. Top things to see and do: Empire Stat Building, Statute of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, United Nations Headquarters, Intrepid Air and Space Museum, Rockefeller Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art & Yankee Stadium.
60 Second Geography
Garden of the Gods Park
Colorado Springs, CO
Garden of the Gods is a wonderful place to check out the unique rock formations in the area. The park contains numerous trails for hiking and walking for all ages and abilities. You will also find opportunities for picnicking, mountain biking and horseback riding plus great views of Pike’s Peak. One of the most popular trails, named Perkins, has been paved in an effort to combat the erosion of the park’s central garden caused by its numerous visitors. Visitors receive frequent reminders to watch out for rattlesnakes in the hot days of summer.
Since the park was given to the City of Colorado Springs, millions of people have visited. With almost 1,320 acres, 1.5 miles of paved trails, 15 miles of additional trails that take you through the park to get up close looks at its beauty. If you have the time, and have a high clearance vehicle, you may want to head up Rampart Range Road, located just east of Balanced Rock, it will take you above the park and show you the city of Colorado Springs in the background of the Garden. The Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
I’ve posted more photos from our visit on our Facebook page click here Garden of the Gods photos