Maroma Resort is a showcase for unique arts and crafts produced in each region of Mexico, including statues, hand-painted bathroom tiles, hand-loomed natural cotton bedspreads, and decorative pillows and throws and soft wool rugs. The rooms and public areas feature original art by Mexican and International artists and each room also has its own special objects. Maroma has 58 rooms and suites situated among lush gardens, cooled and shaded by coconut palms on one side, open to the warmth of the sun and sea on the other.

Relax in a king-sized bed, luxury bath with sunken tub, sparkling pool, or beachfront Jacuzzi-you decide what to do indulge in first. Afterward, let any remaining troubles melt away in the spa, where you can choose between massage, reflexology, Reiki, craniofacial, facials, whole-body treatments, mud, aromas, Ajurveda, yoga, meditation, rebirthing, crystal therapy, and the ancient art of the temazcal-the purifying and healing ritual of the Mayan steam bath.

While you’ll feel a world away from unnatural office lighting, congested freeways and the demands of everyday life, you have the choice of staying connected to the modern world. Maroma?s multi-media theater features a state-of-the-art sound and projection system with over 380 movies to choose from.

One Of Cancun’s Best is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

In November Bangkok hosts the Royal Rattanakosin Loy Krathong Festival. Loy Krathong is celebrated in different styles. This special festival includes a revival of traditional ceremonies, games, contests and competitions: Krathong Competition, and Thai costume contest. The festival lasts several days. You can choose only one of them – and see the most beautiful Thai’s traditions and the most impressive national dresses.

Now, when you saw it all you can continue your vacations on Phuket, Pattaya or any other resort. Many tourists after visiting Bangkok decide to see Laos or Cambodia that are not so far away.

One night in Bangkok is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

The museums in London whose permanent collections are free of admission are not too few in number, and will fill up your one day of London travel. To start, the British Museum is one of the world’s best-known museums, showcasing one of the widest collections of world cultural history. Some highlights are the Rosetta stone; the first known image of Christ; Lindow Man, whose well-preserved 2000-year-old body was found in a bog; and the Reading Room, where Lenin, among others, studied and wrote plans for his Revolution that would affect the whole world. After this contact with world heritage, promenade over to the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, where you can see art by Europe’s best painters and sculptors. Nearby is the National Portrait Gallery, concentrating its collection on England’s most famous citizens throughout the centuries. For a change of taste, follow up with the Tate, London’s best modern art museum, with paintings, photo exhibitions and installations. If you have time at the end of the day, conclude with the Museum of London, informing its visitors about London’s history and culture. If you’re interested in London, this museum is for you; and, presumably, you are interested in London if you’ve traveled all the way to get here!

When you think of the distance you’ve traveled to get to London, you may think it worth spending a few pounds while you are here. The one-day London Pass costs 27 pounds (it can be bought in combination with an Underground Travelcard for 32 pounds), gives you free access to countless museums, castles, and other places of interest, saving you a good sum of money at the end of the day. In this sample itinerary, you would save 30 pounds: start off at Kensington Palace, former home of Princess Diana, and enjoy the museum as well as the grounds and gardens. Next, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a stunning architectural achievement, offering stunning views of London from its cupola. Shakespeare’s renovated Globe Theatre will have the bard charm you “encore” with his wit as you learn more about him and his theater. In the afternoon, climb up Tower Bridge and learn about the history and construction of this world famous bridge. Conclude the afternoon with a tour of the Tower of London, which will glitter your eyes with the Crown Jewels, and turn your stomach with the tortures and mystery surrounding the prisoners of this VIP prison, which definitely lacked in VIP treatment. Finally, wind the evening down with a discounted West End show, to give you a full and well-spent day discovering London’s culture.

For those seeking to discover London’s culture in a more interactive setting, attraction museums are ideal. The London Dungeon mixes history with a haunted house theme, with museum employees and wax figures unexpectedly frightening the visitors. In the north of London are the London Planetarium and the neighboring Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, which not only houses the world’s largest and most up to date collection of wax figures, but also the most life-like – you will likely take a double take to make sure Prince William isn’t really standing in front of you. For those who want to stand at the location where “time begins”, the nearby town of Greenwich, home of the Prime Meridian, will impress you. There you can visit the Royal Observatory, enjoy the beautiful park at the base of the Observatory’s hill, the National Maritime Museum, the famous Cutty Sark ship, and get a feel for an English village, so close to the metropolis of London.

Whether you choose to partake of the free collections of London’s museums, the countless options that the London Pass provides, or the attraction museums both in and near to London, you will be happy with the result. London’s museums are very well organized and are full of surprising facts about the city that jump out at you from paintings, photos, sculptures, documents, architecture, and wax figures! Any visitor is bound to be surprised and impressed by the London they see guided by its museums.

One Day London Travel Museum Guide is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Poland, Pillage and Plunder
Whether Poland has been synonymous with bridge or battlefield to its surrounding neighbors, the results have not been pleasant. As early as the 13th century, Polish states were ravaged by Mongolian raiders due to the lack of natural boundaries and its strategic position between east and west, which would again become a curse during the World Wars and the Cold War. There were few cities that emerged from WWII unscathed, but the baffling restorative reconstruction has left even the locals duped by the perfectly replicated Baroque and Gothic architecture. Thriving cities like Krakow and Warsaw are hubs of both traditional and modern Poland, showcasing contemporary art, classic jazz and an unfettered youthful spirit. Auschwitz Nazi Concentration Camp and Holocaust Museum is located just outside Krakow, which became the epicenter for the Nazi battle against Europe’s Jews. Also in this area is a World Heritage Site known as Southern Little Poland where an enchanting collection of medieval wooden churches still stand among the Carpathian Mountains.

Hillside, Countryside, Seaside
Poland has a unique draw due to its positioning on the Baltic Sea and its shared borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. Poland today is finally the more tranquil, dynamic and cheaper cousin of its neighbors. Visit the Great Mazury Lake District in the northeast where nearly 15% of the area is covered by pristine lakes and canals, dotted with picturesque villages. This is a haven for cycling, canoeing and hiking. Don’t miss the 13th century Malbork Castle, the headquarters for the Order of the Teutonic Knights, which holds the title as the largest medieval castle in Europe. Then, as you find your way to some of the Baltic seaside resorts, stop along the coast in Gdansk, the historic medieval Hanseatic trading city that was perfectly restored in the 20th century. While you make your way east to visit Bialowieski National Park in order to see Europe’s last surviving native Bison, stop in the 14th century town of Torun to pay homage to Nicolaus Copernicus’ place of birth. For skiing and hiking, the Sudeten Mountain Range winds through part of southern Poland, including the popular escapes in the Tetra Mountains.

Although the ravages of the 20th century are behind Poland, they are certainly not out of mind. The Polish have a blossoming culture that emerged vehemently from the violence and repression of the Cold War. The reactive and eager populace finally has found a place to shine artistically, politically (as part of NATO and the EU) and domestically with open arms to those curious about the Polish way of life. Travel to Poland and discover a proud and established nation that is equally as excited to finally welcome you!

For more information, visit http://www.cfares.com.

Once Golden, Again Golden Poland is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

The wildlife safari is a key item on the South Africa tourist menu. Those who chose to see Africa’s wildlife here will not be disappointed. The game viewing experience is excellent at the top rated Kruger National Park and at other well-regarded game parks in the country. Wildlife is protected in over 300 public and private game and nature reserves. SANParks (South African National Parks) manages 20 national parks spread throughout the country.

Kruger is the place to see big game particularly the “big five” of buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros. Most of the other parks have specialised in conserving particular species or are identified with specific animals. The Greater Addo National Park, for example, is the only place you find elephants in the Cape region. Some of the parks along the 3000 km coastline host whales and dolphins.

South Africa’s wildlife conservation policies are advanced and highly successful. An initiative targeting wildlife sanctuaries cutting across international boundaries hopes to replicate this success elsewhere. This is in recognition of the fact that wildlife is no respecter of territorial lines covenanted between men. Transfrontier conservation areas have been identified in six regions along the boundaries with Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique.

In South Africa, the best places to see wildlife is at private game reserves and national parks. Private game reserves are not as expansive as the publicly owned national parks. Their key selling point is the superior accommodation and ranger escorted personalized tours. The national parks on the other hand are popular with self-drive tourists. They offer accommodation in a limited number of enclosed rest-camps, in thatched rondavels, bungalows and chalets. Tour companies also offer packages, including transport and guide in the national parks. See our South Africa Tours page to view info and book one of our package safari offers.

South Africa is home to numerous species of land animals, including the celebrated “big five” – rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard and elephant. Most members of the big five league are undoubtedly charismatic. But this is not the reason they are so named – otherwise I would petition that the buffalo be ejected. The reason is that these are the animals the early safari hunters found most challenging. The idea of viewing game without killing had not gained widespread acceptance then. The arrogant practice of killing animals as a sport is very unpopular today with those who value the right to life and dignity of animals as full members of our planet.

In addition to the disagreeable aesthetics, hunting brings about a bad relationship between man and the animals. I will illustrate this with an incident narrated to me by a guide on a recent visit to a country (not South Africa) that allows hunting. The guide recalled an occasion when he was taken by surprise to see an elephant charging at his vehicle. This was contrary to his experience with elephants in that region. This unusual behaviour arose because hunters had wounded the elephant. The elephant hereafter dealt with vehicles and humans as enemies. It is regrettable that South Africa’s otherwise stellar conservation policies, allow the practice of hunting in certain areas.

Game viewing is usually done from the comfort of a vehicle but walking, horseback, camel and canoeing safaris are increasingly becoming popular. If you wish to view game in any of these modes, it is required that you be accompanied by an armed ranger. Full blood adventure types think that watching game aboard a vehicle is for wimps. Walking safaris are designed for such hardy souls. And it is the reason that the thoughtful folks at SANParks maintain a network of wilderness trails in the parks. The typical walking safari will have a maximum of eight persons with ages ranging from 12 to 60 years and last for 2 nights and 3 days. Participants must obviously be physically fit.

Without doubt, the best place to see wildlife, especially the “big five” is Kruger National Park. This is the flagship of South Africa’s national parks. The Kruger was created in 1898 and owes its existence to the vision of Paul Kruger at one time president of the Transvaal Republic that later became part of the Union of South Africa. He was ahead of his time in recognizing the need to create a sanctuary to preserve and protect wildlife. Even at that time it was clear that the hunter with his rifle would soon annihilate all the animals.

Kruger offers a diversity of animals unrivalled anywhere else in South Africa. In addition to the big five, some of the interesting game you find here include – hippo, jackal, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog, numerous antelope species, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena. The park is home to more than 140 mammal and 500 bird species. Kruger spreads over nearly 20, 000 sq km of unspoilt scrubland punctuated by acacia and mopane trees. The botanic biodiversity is vast and over 336 tree species are found here.

Accommodation within Kruger is provided at self-catering rest camps that offer good but basic lodging. There are also some smaller bush lodges and bushveld camps offering more luxurious stay. Accommodation ranges from rondavel huts and safari tents to family bungalows and cottages and luxury guesthouses. In addition, there are caravan and tent camping sites at some of the rest camps. Most of the camps are supplied with electric power and telephone. Other facilities include shops, kitchen facilities, restaurants and petrol stations.

Kruger has 3,000 kilometers of a well-maintained road network and is ideal for those seeking a self-drive experience. The park is relatively inexpensive and easily accessible. It is therefore hugely popular and draws over 600,000 visitors annually. It in particular gets very crowded over the school holidays in July and December. Since there are a maximum number of vehicles allowed into the park daily, you are well advised to make advance arrangements if you plan to visit then. Game viewing is good year round, but the best time will be from April to September when the bush is sparse.

Kruger is located 330 km to the northeast of Johannesburg. If you have no stomach for a long drive, take one of the daily flights from Johannesburg to Phalaborwa Airport, Hoedspruit Airport or Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport. If you wish to rent a car at either Durban or Johannesburg, visit our South Africa Car Rental page for your reservation. Towards the western and southern sides of Kruger National Park, there are a number of highly rated private game reserves. This includes Sabi Sand, Mala Mala, Londolozi and Timbavati game reserves. Here you will find some of the finest game lodges in Africa.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is another unique game sanctuary. This huge park is a combination of the two parks -the former Gemsbok National Park in Botswana and Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa. Covering over 36,000 sq km, it is one of the biggest wildlife conservation areas anywhere in the world. The landscape is marked by red sand dunes and sparse thornbush vegetation. The environment of this park provides outstanding opportunities for unforgettable wildlife photos.

This park is host to the famous black-maned Kalahari lions. You will also see gemsbok, springbok, eland, blue wildebeest, cheetahs, wild dogs, jackals, bat-eared foxes and leopards. Birding is also excellent and of 297 species recorded, 96 are resident. The Kgalagadi is not for the fainthearted -it is far from anywhere and getting there is a slog. It is located 904 km to the west of Johannesburg. All accommodation in the park is managed by SANParks. You will get the best experience if you visit between June and July when the weather is coolest.

On safari, remember to carry a pair of binoculars to help you spot animals. Also carry a camera and other equipment as a means of recording your safari. It is the only way to shut up those who doubt the story of your encounter with the African wildlife. Carry along a decent pair sunglasses to shield you from glare, especially if you travel to the semi desert Kgalagadi. Dressing well means cool clothing (such as light cottons and linen) for summer and warm for winter.

On Safari in South Africa – Where Africa’s Wildlife Never Disappoints is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

This is especially true on Oregon’s coast, where one big secret is that this time of year doesn’t just mean the area’s notoriously stormy and wild weather, but that it has many days that are unusually dry and warm compared to the rest of the state. But the most delightful secrets lie in the realm of holiday celebrations, which make for some memorable discoveries along this famously pristine stretch of shoreline.

On the northern Oregon coast, the holidays begin not with the usual celebrations, but with a major wine event and loads of signature Lewis & Clark commemorations.

On November 7, it will have been exactly two hundred years since William Clark wrote “Ocian in view! O! the Joy!” as he spotted what he thought was the Pacific Ocean (it was actually a big bay just before the ocean). For the next five months, staring in 1805, the Corps of Discovery spent their time in this part of the Northwest. The Lewis & Clark Bicentennial marks this, and things kick off at Fort Stevens (between Seaside and Astoria) on November 11, with the “Opening Ceremony – Lewis & Clark Veteran’s Day Commemoration.” Oregonian and former Miss America, Katie Harmon (2002), will sing the national anthem, and the event will feature banners from local tribes and other remembrances of the Corps of Discovery.

November 14 brings the Dedication Of The Fort To Sea Trail at Fort Ctatsop (near Fort Stevens), marking the trail from the crew’s winter quarters to their time on the beaches of Seaside.

Fort Clatsop – the replica of the Corps’ winter camp – will feature various “Wintering Over Events” between the Fort and Cannon Beach. This replica tragically burned in early October, but the visitor center there is still the center of many of the winter events, including a living history program about their Christmas at the camp on December 25. On January 7, the celebration comes to Cannon Beach (some 25 miles south), marking the day that Clark, Sacegawea and others traveled to the ocean to see a beached whale.

The adorable resort town of Seaside – which boasts broad, immaculate beaches, the “million dollar walk” of Broadway Ave., and a cove famous for surfing – will be one of the few cities to host a major traveling exhibit on Lewis & Clark. From November 19 to November 22, you’ll find the “Corps of Discovery II, 200 yrs. To The Future,” with a mobile 250-seat auditorium showing multimedia programs on Lewis & Clark’s troupe of travelers. Free. 503-861-4403. www.destinationthepacific.com.

Also on November 19, Seaside will abound with the bounty of the vineyard with the holiday-themed Seaside Downtown Wine Walk. The now-annual event features hundreds of folks wandering throughout the downtown area and taste-testing Northwest wines. $5 for the wristband. 503-717-1914 or www.seasidedowntown.com.

By late November, Seaside really gets lit up with the “Yuletide at Seaside,” where the entire town is decked out in all sorts of light configurations. Highlights include the Holiday Gift Fair on November 25 – 27 at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center, the famous Holiday Caroling & Lighted Float Parade on November 26, the Holiday Lights Tour aboard a bus on December 10 and 11, and the Seaside Children’s Christmas Party at the Seaside Convention Center on December 11. Call 800-394-3303 for more information on all these, or go to www.seasideor.com.

If you want to stay in a castle on Oregon’s coast and enjoy some special holiday events, you need only look about 15 miles south of Seaside to St. Bernard’s Bed & Breakfast. This stunning beauty is built to look somewhere between a medieval structure and a Swiss ski lodge, filled with antique furniture and a spicy sense of romance and adventure – in an exceptionally upscale way.

Every morning means gourmet breakfasts made by the able hand of owner Barbara Dau. Thanksgiving means Dau’s talents will create a special traditional dinner with her artistic flair. It’s open to in-house guests only, and cost is $65, including fine wines as well. The highlight here, aside from the food and wondrous surroundings, is the engaging, convivial atmosphere created by gathering to dine with others you haven’t met before. This, and St. Bernard’s special New Year’s Eve traditions, are becoming an increasingly popular addiction for Oregon and Washington residents.

On New Year’s Eve, Dau puts together a six-course gourmet bash, which features dishes from around the world and matching wines for each. It’s a culinary and wine-tasting trip across the globe. It all ends with champagne by a beach bonfire that is breathtaking every year. www.st-bernards.com. 800-436-2848.

In Newport – the town with two lighthouses – the ancient Bayfront gets gussied up in an incredible array of lights. Nearby, the historic Nye Beach district (known as the “Honeymoon Capitol of the World” for various reasons) has an antique charm that’s somewhere between old Europe and turn-of-the-century America with its tiny cobblestone streets.

For those who want to celebrate with more than a little finery, the stunning bistro-style eatery Village Market & Deli goes into overdrive with its legendary cuisine, offering special holiday dishes to its partial ocean view, sometimes to the shimmering sounds of guest musicians. This pleasure, and the owners’ sister business, Blu Cork Wine Bar, are one of Newport’s hush-hush holiday knockouts. Blu Cork will feature a stunning sourdough bread pudding and chocolate cake for the season that contains a multitude of taste layers, as well as specialty holiday meats, spreads, terrines, pates and champagne – all surrounded by its famous wine-themed décor and selection of memorable northwest wines. (541-574-9393 for Village Market & Deli).

On Oregon’s Coast: Lewis & Clark and the Holidays is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Once described in a 1950 article as “The Town That Wants to Be Out of Date,” Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts is a lovingly recreated village of early 19th century New England. The Village opened to the public in 1946 and received 5,000 visitors in its first year of operation. Today nearly half a million visitors a year experience the authentic buildings and wonderful collections of artifacts on display.

OSV has been a survivor. New England weather and accidents can be destructive to outdoor museums and Old Sturbridge Village has seen blizzards, hurricanes, flooding, and the occasional fire. Look for the high water mark notched on Gristmill on the millpond from Hurricane Diane.

Located 60 miles west of Boston off exit 9 on Route 90, Sturbridge Village is set among 200 acres of rural Central Massachusetts. Many of the structures are original and moved here from villages in Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Reconstructed and restored with painstaking care they tingle your senses with their rustic charm, and simple Yankee designs.

Unpaved country roads lead you around the common and to outlying areas of inviting barns and craftsmen establishments, such as the shoe and tin shops. Here you’ll see and talk to role-playing 19th century craftsmen. Marvel as they skillfully produce goods using only the tools and resources available in the 1830s. Take the opportunity to discuss with them their skill and work and what they think about life – just remember their response will be from a 19th century viewpoint.

Both a museum and educational resource, Old Sturbridge Village is primarily a place to explore for all ages. The centerpiece is the recreated New England town and outlying areas containing more than 40 buildings to visit, experience, and enjoy.

Sturbridge Village contains residential homes, a printing office, a bank, and stores and shops. You’ll learn why banks didn’t do personal loans in those days – but who did. And why the buildings called Meetinghouses, weren’t called churches – even though each Sunday most villagers spent four hours worshipping in them.

Stop by the Salem household in their handsome Towne House, and then visit and have tea at the Parsonage before calling on the Fenno and Fitch dwellings. These residential homes on the common in Sturbridge Village are full of surprises and homely comforts. And they’re always open and welcoming to you.

And if you need to stop for refreshment, Sturbridge Village has plenty of picnic areas if you’ve brought your own food, or you can purchase hot and cold fare at Bullard Tavern, or treats at Little Cakes. Options to eat change with the seasons so be sure to check the guide the day you visit.

The vision of the original founders of Old Sturbridge Village was for a place to learn by doing and direct experience – an active outdoors museum. I’ve always found Sturbridge Village a welcome change of pace and reminder that quality of life has nothing to do with the latest wide screen TV or iPod.

Plan to spend at least 3-4 enjoyable hours at Old Sturbridge Village. Remember a ticket to Sturbridge Village is good for two days within a 10-day period.

Old Sturbridge Village is one of my favorite three living museums in New England. The other two are Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, eastern Massachusetts, and Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut. All three for different reasons are marvelous experiences of New England’s contribution to American history.

Old Sturbridge Village is a Dose of Yankee Hospitality is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Valencia

Similar to Barcelona in some ways, Valencia is another must visit city in Spain. Located on the coast of the Mediterranean, the city has retained its old world charm without the modernization mistakes made in Barcelona. The old historic quarter is amazing because much of the architecture reflects Arabic influences arising from the rule of invading forces. Palaces are refurbished and streets tend to be strictly of the cobble stone variety.

Perhaps the best way to take in the atmosphere is to grab a seat at an outdoor café, order tapas and just relax. For a big city, Valencia has a pretty nice collection of beaches, so don’t hesitate to grab some rays.

Granada

For many travelers, Granada is the best city in Spain. The prime attraction is the Alhambra, a combination of fortress and palace built and used by the Moorish rulers who controlled Spain. The Alhambra simply has to be seen to be believed. The structure is in excellent shape and is detailed with intricate Moorish architecture and style. The internal structure is one of the most beautiful in the world. In addition to the palace, Granada gives off the air of a “real” Spanish city with cobblestone streets, bullfighting arenas and winding streets. Granada is a good place to just get out and walk.

Seville

If you want to see real Spanish bullfighting, Seville is the place. Whatever your feelings about the sport, the bullfighting ring of Plaza de la Real Maestranza is the finest in Spain and worth a visit. The bullfighting sessions are intense, but you should still visit the structure if you aren’t interested in the actual event.

If you want nothing to do with bullfighting, you should still visit Seville to see the Alcazar Gardens. I once got lost in Seville and stumbled upon them. They are extremely green and beautiful with waterways, flowers and foliage everywhere. You can easily spend a relaxing afternoon putting around Alcazar and enjoying gardens that rival any others in Europe in my opinion. The Plaza de Espana is also worth a visit.

Spain often has problems mixing the old with the new in city planning. If you prefer the older atmosphere, Valencia, Granada and Seville are good destinations.

Old Spanish Charm – Valencia, Granada and Seville is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Valencia

Similar to Barcelona in some ways, Valencia is another must visit city in Spain. Located on the coast of the Mediterranean, the city has retained its old world charm without the modernization mistakes made in Barcelona. The old historic quarter is amazing because much of the architecture reflects Arabic influences arising from the rule of invading forces. Palaces are refurbished and streets tend to be strictly of the cobble stone variety. Perhaps the best way to take in the atmosphere is to grab a seat at an outdoor café, order tapas and just relax. For a big city, Valencia has a pretty nice collection of beaches, so don’t hesitate to grab some rays.

Granada

For many travelers, Granada is the best city in Spain. The prime attraction is the Alhambra, a combination of fortress and palace built and used by the Moorish rulers who controlled Spain. The Alhambra simply has to be seen to be believed. The structure is in excellent shape and is detailed with intricate Moorish architecture and style. The internal structure is one of the most beautiful in the world. In addition to the palace, Granada gives off the air of a “real” Spanish city with cobblestone streets, bullfighting arenas and winding streets. Granada is a good place to just get out and walk.

Seville

If you want to see real Spanish bullfighting, Seville is the place. Whatever your feelings about the sport, the bullfighting ring of Plaza de la Real Maestranza is the finest in Spain and worth a visit. The bullfighting sessions are intense, but you should still visit the structure if you aren’t interested in the actual event.

If you want nothing to do with bullfighting, you should still visit Seville to see the Alcazar Gardens. I once got lost in Seville and stumbled upon them. They are extremely green and beautiful with waterways, flowers and foliage everywhere. You can easily spend a relaxing afternoon putting around Alcazar and enjoying gardens that rival any others in Europe in my opinion. The Plaza de Espana is also worth a visit.

Spain often has problems mixing the old with the new in city planning. If you prefer the older atmosphere, Valencia, Granada and Seville are good destinations.

Old Spanish Charm – Valencia, Granada and Seville is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

The lighthouse is a destination in and of itself, if lighthouses are something that you like. Like all lighthouses, this one has distinctive markings: the top half is red and the bottom half is white. Built in 1859, the current lighthouse is the second one for that site. The original, constructed in 1824, was in disrepair and sorely in need of being replaced. Thus, the present lighthouse — fondly called Old Barney — was constructed.

Barnegat Light is the second tallest lighthouse in the US. It served those at sea and on land with distinguishment until its light was extinguished forever in 1965, made obsolete by electronic navigation. In the late 1980s the lighthouse was shut down for three years for much needed repairs, but then reopened to visitors. Old Barney remains a popular visitor destination and is now a state park. Nearby attractions include the beaches, fishing, historic homes, and neighboring communities on the island. LBI is easily accessible to Philadephia and New York City and is a favorite destination for those who travel to the Jersey Shore.

Old Barney — A Visit to Barnegat Light, New Jersey is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org