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July, 2011

  1. The beauty of Europe – Amsterdam

    July 29, 2011 by admin

    The city of Amsterdam is gorgeous! Local attractions include many buildings with centuries of history behind them. The Royal Palace was built in the 1600′s at a time when the Netherlands was one of the most prosperous regions in Europe. The Westerkerk church, completed in the 1630′s, has the highest steeple in the city adorned with an emperor’s crown at the top. The oldest building in Amsterdam is the Oude Kerk (Old Church), located in the Red Light District. The Oude Kerk was consecrated in 1306 with renovations from the 1450′s. Other older buildings include the Noorderkerk, the Petrus and Paulus church, and the Library Ets Haim, the oldest Jewish library in the world. In addition to buildings, Amsterdam hosts one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world as well: the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, founded in 1638.

    Because of it’s location and low altitude, water plays an important role in Amsterdam. The city has over sixty miles of canals, most of which were constructed in the 1600′s, primarily to facilitate residential development during a time of heavy immigration. The presence of the canals has given risen to Amsterdam’s nickname, Venice of the North. The water also necessitates the use of windmills to keep the water pumped out. The oldest of these is the Riekermolen, built in 1636. The only windmill open to the public is the Windmill van Sloten, built in 1847.

    More modern buildings and attractions abound as well. The Artis Royal Zoo was established in 1837 in the center of Amsterdam. The Scheepvaarthuis (Shipping House) was built in 1913 and is considered a masterpiece of the Amsterdam School of architecture. Amsterdam Central Station, constructed in 1889, is the primary railway station for the city and is built on three islands. All in all, Amsterdam is a city well worth seeing.

    This travel review was made possible by the creative team of VliegenGordijnenExpert, producer off the famous Dutch Vliegengordijnen.

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  2. Berlin

    July 29, 2011 by admin

    Berlin is one of the most historically exhilarating places to visit. With modern and traditional architecture, Berlin is home to some of the most beautiful and stunning buildings in the world. Berlin is rich in World War II sites and the 3rd Reich. From old churches to German History museums, there are many places in Berlin that are exciting to visit and spectacular to capture on camera, Berlin has some of the most postcard perfect buildings and natural terrain and it has many opportunities for photography and travel.

    A must see is the Moltke Bridge. Built in 1891, this bridge has seen its share of wars, tribulation and demolition. With stone arches in chrome stone and old fashioned street lights illuminating this repaired bridge, the Moltke is as beautiful in the day as it is at night, standing proud and old over the Spree River. The Berlin Cathedral is also a picture perfect location. Designed intricately with double tower façade, this churches grand exterior leaves its onlookers breathless and its interior is second to none. The interiors lighting and ornamental splendor and magnificence is easy to get lost in, and looks like something out of a grand fairy tale. The Bode Museum is also one of Berlin’s must see sights. Located in the heart of Berlin, it is full of medieval art and artifacts coming from Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The building itself is a piece of art, constructed in 1904 it has gone through several renovations like most other buildings in Berlin.

    Becoming increasingly popular with tourists and photographers, Berlin does not end here. From the Reich stag to the Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin War, this ever expanding, culturally and historically rich city has one of the most efficient inter city transportation networks, along with great options for accommodation including hotels, lodges and resorts. So head to Berlin and do not forget to pack your camera to store this pictorially ideal location.

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  3. The beautiful areas of London

    July 25, 2011 by admin

    Napoleon style, London is the British capital. There is tons of beautiful places to visits. If you enjoy paintings, the National Gallery is for you. There is over 2000 western European paintings on display. From Leonardo da Vinci to Michelangelo. A very busy place that attracts five million people every year. The Tower Bridge, built in 1894 is a beautiful sight to see. With its Gothic towers and blue struts, it takes you back in history. Still in working condition, it lifts 1000 times a year. The Westminster Abbey was built in the 11th century by King Edward the Confessor. Early English Gothic, it is more amazing on the outside than the inside. Take a tour of the Shakespeare Globe. A very beautiful authentic Shakespearean theatre. Without a roof, make sure you go on a nice day. If you love Shakespeare, you will love this theatre. St. Paul’s Cathedral is London’s most famous church. Built by Sir Christopher Wren who created the dramatic dome.

    Take a tour of the Buckingham Palace. You will only get a chance to visit 19 of the 661 rooms. The picture gallery features paintings by artists Van Dyck, Rembrandt and Canaletto. A must see attraction. Visit the oldest enclosed royal park. The Greenwich Park is one of London’s largest parks. Take a walk through the rose garden. View the River Thames. A very nice place to see and relax. Visit the London Eye and the Buckingham Palace from the St. James Park, one of London’s smallest parks. With the St. James Park Lake you will get wonderful pictures of the general fowl that visits every day. Do not forget to visit Big Ben. It is the third tallest clock tower in the world. Built in 1858, it is a symbol of London and England. It has appeared in many films. You will have a wonderful collection of pictures once you visit these historical places.

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  4. The beauty of Europe – Stockholm

    July 12, 2011 by admin

    If you are looking for a picturesque vacation, look no further than Stockholm, Sweden. Stockholm is the Venice of the North. If you enjoy being on the water, Stockholm is for you. 1/3 of the city is covered by water, making it perfect for fishing, water sports and sightseeing. If water does not tickle your fancy, Stockholm offers many media, cultural, political and economic centers.

    For the photographer, Stockholm offers a mecca of subjects. Stockholm offer many majestic churches. The Cathedral of Stockholm should be your first visit in this picturesque city. The church was built in 1279 and hosts many artifacts. While their be sure to check out the wooden statue of St. George. If your a royal watcher, make a stop at the Palace Church. This church is a popular destination for most royal events. If your not royalty, don’t worry, the church is open to us commoners every Sunday.

    If your into museums, Stockholm is for you. With over 100 museums their is something for everyone. Langholmen Prison is a photographers dream. The last execution is Sweden was held in this very prison. Rumors of ghosts floating around make this a popular destination. Aquaria Water Museum will delight those people looking for an up close encounter with a shark. The museum boasts tropical rain forests and a wide variety of marine life. The best part is the admission is free.

    If your into architecture, Stockholm is the city for you. Birger Jarls Torn offers magnificent beauty along with a bit of history. The tower was built in the 16th century to better Stockholm’s defense in war time. If your looking for modern architecture, visit Eriksdalsbadet. This bath house offers indoor swimming with a water park. No matter your taste, Stockholm offers a jewel for everyone to discover.

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