Articles by Douglas Scott on ArticleSnatch.com

The City of Lakes

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam,it is located in the northern part of the country near to the border with China. The population is about 2 to 3 million people, and there is a major river called the Red River Song Hong which runs through the city. There are also many lakes in Hanoi, giving it the name City of Lakes. Hanoi is a shoppers paradise for silk, lacquer ware, wood, custom tailoring and other Asian inspired design. Artisans and craftsmen have set up shop in the Old Quarter for generations, and each street is named after the item sold there. There are two major shopping malls in Hanoi, Trang Tien Plaza and the new-built Vincom City Towers. Both are located in the Hoan Kiem District of the city. There are about 36 streets in the Old Quarter and walking in the Old Quarter is like a maze. Trang Tien is one of the upmarket shopping centre that you can find close by to the Hoan Kien Lake it has about 5 shopping levels . The most beautiful market is Dong Xuan market in the northern part of the Old Quarter every corner, people sell literally every thing. **End Summary** Topics: Market]]> silk]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes and works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Hanoi Rental Site

The Land of the Millions Elephant

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Laos is a land of rivers, forests, mountains, and mists. It is slightly larger than Britain, elongated between Cambodia and China and also bordering Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Vientiane the capital city of Laos. Laos remains one of the poorest of all nations in the world. Laos was called the land of the million elephant. The main food of Laos is sticky rice and spicy chopped meat but occasional influences of Chinese and French dishes intervene to make the cuisine often a delicious one. One peculiar feature of Laos cuisine is that most dishes are served with a particular chilly-sauce only and include delicious side dishes like fish, chicken and beef, sometimes called waterfall beef. The Lao capital, Vientiane, offers the most nightlife. The more busy night time places centre around the Nam Phu area. The Laotian government has set an unofficial curfew time of about 11 pm there for most clubs and bars close at about this time. Large areas of Vientiane look like a quiet 1920 suburb of Paris after a tornado or an epidemic. Luang Phabang is probably the most interesting city in Laos. **End Summary** Topics: Elephants. Rice]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Laos Rental Site

The City in the Centre of Greece

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

The city of Volos is located at the foot of the peninsula of Pelion at the centre of Greece It is the capital of the Magnesia prefecture. Volos is the main export centre of Thessaly. The economy of the city is based on manufacturing, trade, services and tourism. The port of Volos, 4th busiest in place in Greece, can accommodate all types of pleasure craft regardless of size. The harbour is particularly active. It is the main export centre of Thessaly and the scene of much commercial and passenger traffic bound for the Sporades. A narrow-gauge railway line connected the town with the villages of Mt. Pelion. It is planned to reopen the renowned Pelion mini railway as a tourist attraction and once again old smudgy, will set out from the city. Travelling a verdant dream like route over sturdy iron and stone bridges spanning deep gullies and gorge. The Volos region is an excellent place for ramblers and nature lovers to enjoy a holiday in Greece. The city has an important water front which is lined with many restaurants, pastry shops, cafes-bars and mezedopolia. During the nights, there is a vast choice of bars, clubs and discos . **End Summary** Topics: Fresh Fish]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a writer for The Volos Rental Site

Home to Europes Largest Funfair

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Tilburg is a municipality and a city in the Netherlands. Tilburg is surrounded on all sides by marvellous woods and scenic areas, a green environment where peace and quiet reign supreme. Until the 1960s, Tilburg was the textile capital of the Netherlands. All over the city, there are buildings that bear witness to that past. Around the city, there are still many weavers' houses, restored to their original condition. The major manufactures now include machinery, textiles, leather goods, and dyes. The city got the title of the wool city of Netherlands. The wool industry has died but the citys Dutch Textile Museum shows how wool is transformed into material by under going various processes. The city is a student-city. The Schouwburg Passage is a small shopping mall in the square also it is where the City Hall and Theatre are. Tilburg's nightlife is concentrated around the Piusplein, Heuvel and Korte Heuvel. There are many cafes and restaurants around the Korte Heuvel, most of which have an outdoor seated area which provides some entertainment in itself. The restaurants in Tilburg offer a wide variety in prices and types of cuisine. **End Summary** Topics: Pop Complexs]]> wool]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes and works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Tilburg Rental Site

Known as Sunny Rhyl

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Rhyl is a seaside town located on the Irish Sea. The town is situated on the north-east coast of Wales at the mouth of the River Clwyd. It is one of the most popular sea side resorts in Wales. Rhyl in the early nineteenth century was a small village. It is known as Sunny Rhyl because of its geographical position sheltered by the mountains of Snowdonia. The town has six miles of golden sands stretching between the resorts of Rhyl and Prestatyn. The town is also one of the few remaining Wales and UK seaside resorts offering donkey rides on the beach. Rhyl is also famed for its summers being above average in respect of temperature. The town has a pedestrianised shopping centre. The White Rose Centre was built in 1984 and is beautifully situated facing the promenade in the heart of the town. It also has a regular market days. Rhyl also contains many brass bands, which entertain the towns many tourists, including the scout and guide band, the Rhyl Silver band, and the Salvation army band. The Rhyl Silver band was formed in 1878 by a local business man David Owen Jones. **End Summary** Topics: Seaside]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Rhyl Rental Site

The Home of the Hippokrates

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Kos sits in the middle of the Dodecanese chain of Greek islands and is the third largest in the Dodecanese after Rhodes and Karpathos. It is a long, thin island and is also mostly flat. Kos been one of the most popular package holiday destinations for many years. All around Kos town you can find signs of the past, reminders of the civilisations that once passed through its harbour. The villages of this mountainous area were at one time the centre of life on the island. From just out side Kos Town, you can travel through several traditional island villages. In all is a tourist resorts, various tourist shops selling clothes, souvenirs and items for the beach are available. The island of Kos produces fine porcelains, ceramics, jewellery and weavings. The markets are a lively places, often with street entertainment. The island is the liveliest island of the Dodecanese, proposing a wide and rich choice in terms of entertainment. The two streets Diakon and Nafklirou streets are where the night life is. Many taverns have live Greek Music and the possibility to see or dance it. **End Summary** Topics: Beaches]]> Holiday Makers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Kos Villa Rental Site

Where the Two Seas Meet

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Skagen is a projection of land and a town in Region Nordjylland. Skagen is considered the boundary between the Skagerrak named after Skagen and the Kattegat. Skagen is the at the northern tip of Jutland. The prime attraction of Skagen is to experience the meeting point of two seas and the current here are strong. Also in this port, Danish precision is manifest in the art of watch making. The Skagen watches include high quality, uniquely designed watches configured by well-known Danish designers. The town is known for its manufacturing of wrist watches, many of which feature a thin width design. Skagen is a small town and it has plenty of lovely houses. Lots of people go there to spend their vacations, at the end of Denmark and far away from the noisy streets. You may choose among several large camping-sites and plenty of Bed and breakfast and a few hotels. Skagen makes a perfect day-trip from places like Aarhus or any other place in the north of Denmark. Many of the buildings in Skagen are painted in a special type of yellow the so called Skagen-yellow. **End Summary** Topics: Den Tilsandede Kirk]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Skagen Rental Site

One of the Cyclades Islands

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Santorini is the last of the Cyclades islands to the South. The island was also called Kalisti and Strongili and was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions. What remains today is a submerged volcano and a caldera. The volcano is still active, and the last eruption was in 1950, causing an earth quake that destroyed many villages on the island. The islands largest export product is soil, 2.000.000 tons a year is exported mainly to make concrete. The Suez channel was built with this concrete. It is quite expensive you can buy a lot of original stuff hand painted umbrellas, ceramics, jewellery and art. In Santorini you will see many gold jewellery shops, specially in Fira. In Oia narrow streets you will find small or tiny shops with local crafts: jewellery and ceramic. Santorini is considered to be one of the most night life oriented island of the Cyclades. There is certainly plenty of night life in the beach towns. Fira is probably the most popular place, and here you should not miss having a drink in one of the little cafes. Eating is a way of life for the Santorinians. **End Summary** Topics: Volcano]]> Soil]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Santorini Rental Site

The City in the Heart of the Natural Gas Fields

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Groningen is the capital city of the province of Groningen in the Netherlands.Today, it is an important industrial and commercial centre. The city sits at the heart of one of the world's largest natural gas fields. This region has a largely flat terrain and agriculture is the main occupation. The Heerestraat is Groningen's biggest shopping street and all the famous brands and shops can be found there. A more recent shopping area is Westerhaven and for those more unusual purchases try the Folkingestraat or the Oude Kijk in t Jastraat. Once the cornerstone of Jewish Groningen, the Folkingestraat is now one of the most diverse shopping streets in town. Nearly every day is market day in the city. The city centre boasts no fewer than on hundred and sixty bars, cafes and discotheques, and scores of open-air terraces on which to enjoy a summer evening. Grote Markt is the main square of the city. The Grote Markt, the Vismarkt, the Poelestraat and Peperstraat are crowded at night, especially on Thursdays and Fridays when some bars do not close until 7 in the morning. Nightlife centre is not very big, but offers plenty choice for everyone. **End Summary** Topics: Flowers]]> gas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes and works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Groningen Rental Site

The City is Known as Zwollywood

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Zwolle is a municipality and the capital city of the province of Overijssel, Netherlands. The citizens of Zwolle are colloquially known as Blauwvingers Bluefingers. The city is also known as Zwollywood. It is an administrative, transportation, and industrial centre. Shipbuilding and iron-working are activities here. In medieval times, Zwolle was an important and wealthy city, a member of the Hanseatic League. Many of the buildings erected in them days still remain. Zwolle is the shopping centre for the neighbourhood. Every Saturday there is a broad market right in the centre of Zwolle. The city has great shopping, with charming shopping streets in the centre, where large chain stores alternate with small speciality shops The Stedelijk museum was built in the middle of the 16th century, The older building, has a more permanent exhibition of the museum's collection in historical rooms and around some specific subjects. Here the history of the province of Overijssel in general and its capitol Zwolle in particular is visualized, from archaeology to the patriotic movement at the end of the 18th century and the new wing from 1997. In this new wing you will find the unique glass staircase. **End Summary** Topics: Saxon Gate]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The IZwolle Rental Site

The Town to Learn Bell Playing

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Mechelen is a Dutch-speaking city and municipality in the province of Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium. The city that was once the capital of the Burgundian Netherlands. Mechelen has one of the highest concentrations of monuments North of the Alps, and is unique in Flanders in being listed not once but four times on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage sites. The city is located along the river Dijle. In the old days there were lots of small waters inside the city,which all branches run into the Dijle. But when the river flooded the entire city was under water. It is probably best known for its carillon school where students from all over the world come to learn to play church bells. Mechelen has no less than 336 listed buildings and monuments including eight gothic and baroque churches from the 14th up to and including the 17th century. It was for a time the most important town in the Low Countries and has remained the religious headquarters of Belgium to this day. It is one of those off the beaten cities, not well-known by tourist. **End Summary** Topics: Church Bells]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a writer for The Mechelem Rental Site

The Island of Seventy Beaches

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Skiathos Greece, is a very green island covered by a thick pine forest. It is the smallest but most cosmopolitan island of the Sporades group, located in the north-western Aegean. Skiathos Town is the chief place and indeed the island's only real town, where almost all the permanent inhabitants of the island live. Skiathos Town, has narrow cobbled streets, its little whitewashed houses with tiled roofs and its old churches. There is a ban on high rise hotels on the island. The harbour front at Skiathos is split into old and new. The locals grow olives, fruit and walnuts and there is both local honey and wine. The island of Skiathos has seventy beaches all around very popular and can get really crowded during July and August. It was one of the first island to cash in on the tourist boom in the 60s. Agia Paraskevi is a perfect beach for the family, Lalaria is a white pebble beach and it can only be reached by boat, Jason and the Argonauts was partly filmed here. Koukonaries is one of Greece's most famous beaches a long sandy beach with beautiful surroundings, taverns, snack bars and water sports. **End Summary** Topics: Beaches]]> Pine forests]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Skiathos Rental Site

The City of Legends and Traditions

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Ioannina is a city of Epirus, north-western Greece, in the region of Ioannina it is dominated by robust, fragrant pine trees, many of which grow within the city itself, especially around the old castle, or fortress walls. It is also called the city of legends and traditions. It has become a busy commercial centre for all of north western Greece. The Ioaninna is a mountainous region on the north west tip of the country and a part of the Pindos mountain range. The city lies next to the lake Pamvotis. The old part of town is down by the lake front. People of Ioannina love to walk around the lake where there many cafe-bars. The city is also famous for its spring water Zagori, which is sold over much of Greece The company owns two sources of natural mineral water with certain quality features, officially approved by the European Union. Ioannina is well known for the production of feta cheese. **End Summary** Topics: lake Pamvotis]]> pine trees]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Ioannina Rental Site

The City of the Thousand Colours

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Xanthi is a city in northern Greece built on the foothills of the Rodopi Mountain range. It is a modern city, rich in history, traditions and customs. Xanthi is known as the city of the thousand colours. It has a delightful eastern feel to it, letting you know that Turkey is not too far away. Xanthis scenery is very varied, with the Rodopi Mountains on its northern borders, the Papikio Mountains, lakes, rivers and the sea. In the old town the houses are of traditional architecture, constructed out wood and stone, while most of the towns streets are made out of granite. It is famous for its deserts and dried nuts. The Old Towns centre is Metropolis Square, around which are the citys most significant buildings. In the city exist a lot of restaurants, taverns, ouzo selling restaurants, where local tastes are served. Athletic Club Skoda Xanthi currently competes in the Super League Greece. The club was formed in 1967. When the final stand is finally built, the new capacity will be around 9,000 seats. The town has great restaurants, sweet shops, hotels and cafes, and few people from outside of Greece bother to stop here. **End Summary** Topics: Lakes]]> river]]> old town]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott works and writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The XanthiItalian Rental Site

The Green City on the Rhine

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Arnhem is situated in the green province of Gelderland, in the east of Holland Arnhems location near the border of Germany, played a pivotal role during the final days of the Second World War. The events of the battle of Arnhem were dramatized in the 1977 movie A Bridge Too Far. As a tribute, to the battle the bridge was rebuilt and renamed John Frost-bridge after the commander of the paratroopers. It is known as the Green City on the Rhine as it is located a long the River Rhine with dense forests as its backdrop. It is a dynamic economic centre in a prosperous region of innovation and ambition. The city offers a rich cultural climate, an attractive city centre with many offices and public services and is home to a number of well-known international companies. It is the fifth largest shopping town in Holland. The main shopping streets and attractive alley ways offer a wide selection of fashion houses, specialist shops, boutiques and various shopping centres. Arnhem has four major shopping streets, that are connected. They are the Roggestraat, Ketelstraat, Vijzelstraat and Rijnstraat. The Bakkerstraat is a shopping street, and has always been the distinguished street of Arnhem. **End Summary** Topics: Bridge to far]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Arnhem Rental Site

The Route of the Bull

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Jerez de la Frontera it is the largest city in the province of Cadiz. It is Spain's capital for Horse breeding and a destination for horse-lovers from all over the world. It can be found in the south-western corner of Andalucia, on the banks of the river Guadalete and just a short drive from both the Atlantic beaches and the Gaditana mountain range. The most important economic sectors are the wine industry, retailer trade, tourism, and dry land agriculture. It also forms part of both the Route of the Bull and the Wine Route. It has the fifth largest population of Andalusian cities. Over thirty two thousand hours of sunshine shine every year in the city. The region of Jerez as its name states, only produces sherry. Jerez is one of the oldest recognized Denominaciones de Origen in Spain, covering an area of approximately 16,000 hectares. The restaurants to be found in Jerez, highly appreciated having developed in quality over recent years, offer cuisine of the highest level. It is pleasant to walk around the city, much of which is pedestrianised. The main shopping streets are located between Plaza Romero Martinez and Plaza del Arenal. **End Summary** Topics: Famous Horses]]> Wine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Jerez Rental Site

A Bustling Market Town in Cornwall

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Helston was an important centre in Cornwall's mining days when it was one of the Stannary towns. It has a commercial centre with branches of all the main banks and a Post Office. The bustling market town of Helston lies midway between Penzance and Falmouth. It is situated along the banks of the river Cober in Cornwall. Helston is an ancient market town. Coinagehall Street is the main thoroughfare, Meneage Street and Church Street run off it, and contain various shops, pubs and Helstons Museum. The town was the birth-place of Bob Fitzsimmons, Britain's first heavyweight boxing champion. The town has a wealth of traditional inns and taverns with interesting interiors, lots of history and good food. The Blue Anchor, a historic thatched pub believed to be the oldest brew house in the country. It brews Spingo ales, all of which are incredibly strong. The River Cober flows through Helston and empties into The Loe, a large lake just west of the town. This is separated from the sea by a wide bank of soft, white sand which is called Loe Bar. Praa Sand is a popular surfing beach and is well known for it's powerful waves. **End Summary** Topics: River Cober]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes and works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Helston Rental Site

The City of Music

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

San Remo is the capital town of the Italian Riviera of Flowers. In ancient days it was called Matuzia. The town lies in a wide inlet between Capo Nero and Capo Verde. San Remo is one of the most popular tourist resorts on the Mediterranean. It is an excellent base from which to explore the rocky coast and Ligurian hills. The harbour is named Porto Vecchioto and docks more than four hundred and fifty boats and fifty fishing-boats. The closest airport to San Remo is in France, the Cote d'Azur International Airport Nice, and is only 45 minutes away by car or train. The flowers are in bloom all year round. The city is one of the Mediterranean's most important centres for the production of flowers exporting blooms throughout Europe. San Remo is known for its department stores, trendy boutiques, antique shops or outdoor markets. The most elegant street in town starts in corso Matteotti and is the best place to go shopping. For lovers of shopping the alleys of the centre show a great deal of boutiques and typical shops. While on Tuesday and Saturday mornings the multicoloured open market of Piazza Eroi Sanremesi is certainly worth a visit. **End Summary** Topics: Beaches]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The San Remo Villa Rental Site

The Town of the Running of the Bulls

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Pamplona is the capital city of Navarre, Spain. It is in a rounded valley known as the Cuenca de Pamplona. The city was, the capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Navarre. Pamplona is the main commercial and services centre of Navarre. The city has more than four million square metres of park land. It is a medieval city of narrow streets, small squares, churches and noble houses. One of the best spots in Pamplona is the Art Deco beauty called Cafe Iruna. It was built in 1888, this cafe has a fantastic out door terrace that is extremely popular during the warmer months. It is a Pamplona institution. A round Plaza del Castillo, you will find a large number of traditional bars. San Juan is well known for its traditional bars. You can choose between an aperitif and tapas, a game of snooker, a beer in one of its many kellers or a drink in one of the cocktail bars along the Travesia Bayona. The avenida de Bayona in particular has some thing for every one. The traditional bars, discos, English-style pubs and cafeterias are all popular. **End Summary** Topics: Bulls]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott works and writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Pamplona Rental Site

A Beautiful and Ancient City

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

In 1865, Florence was chosen to be the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, and remained capital until 1871. It is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Italy. The city is an important commercial centre. The traditional centuries-old banking and financial sector continues to flourish here. The main shopping streets in Florence are wonderful. Major fashion houses have opened glitzy stores in the city. The city brims with clothes, shoes, leather goods, ceramics, stationery, wine and decorative goods. The city is not a city for bargain shopping, though. Most visitors interested in gold or silver jewellery head for the Ponte Vecchio and its tiny shops. Florence is a determinedly young scene, it does not have a great deal of choice when it comes to live music. It is not exactly hopping at night, but there are some providers of music and modern beats, and a growing number of cocktail-soaked bars. The area surrounding Florence is famous for being the birthplace of Chianti, the most famous Tuscan wine. The nightlife is concentrated around Piazza della Signoria, home of more sedate venues. **End Summary** Topics: Shoes]]> Leather Goods.]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a writer for The Italian Rental Site

The Second Oldest City of Catalonia

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Tarragona is located on the Mediterranean coast. The Romans built a walled city. In 1717, Tarragona was name the capital of the Corregiment. It is the main city on the Costa Dorada. A part from its commercial function, the Tarragona Port is and has been a fishing port. Recently, the fishing port of Tarragona has become the most important in Catalonia, with more than 16 million euros turnover a year. It is the second oldest city of Catalonia and once the home of Julius Caesar. The Tarragona Port has 12-15 bars and clubs on the lower level of the board walk along the port and beach area. Rambla Nova contains a handful of sleepy-looking bars, any of which might serve a cup of coffee or bottle of beer through out the evening. For music lovers, some bars feature live jazz. Tarragona has a wide range of shops, and markets selling a wide range of merchandise. Parc Central has over one hundred stores, featuring items ranging from apparel to Tarragona-related cultural souvenir items. Its central section is an all-pedestrian zone. The historic Part Alta district is noted for its antique shops and art galleries. **End Summary** Topics: Fishing Port]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Tarragona Rental Site

Ancona a Sea Port in the Marche

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Ancona is a city and a sea port in the Marche, a region of central Italy. The city is the centre of the province of Ancona and the capital of the region. It is the busy administrative capital of the Marche and the largest city in the region. The city is mostly known as a modern port, not a tourist town. The name Ancona means elbow, referring to the shape of its geographical position Ancona is a great place to visit if your purpose is to see how an unspoiled Italian city lives. The port of Ancona is one of the most important on the Adriatic coast offering travellers the chance to board ferries to Croatia and Greece. The best way to get around the city is on foot. The city centre is compact and is full of monuments. Trattoria la Moretta restaurant was started in 1897 by Santa Maguini, and is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the city. On the last Sunday of every month there is an antiques market in Piazza Cavour. The old town also has the most interesting shops where antiques and gifts can be purchased. **End Summary** Topics: Old Town]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Italian Villa Rental Site

Island of Ship Wrecks

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

The Isles of Scilly forms an archipelago of islands off the south western most tip of Great Britain. There are 55 islands in total 5 inhabited and 50 uninhabited. The largest island, St Marys then Tresco, St Martins, Bryher and St Agnes. Scilly is famous for its danger to shipping and its many shipwrecks. Tourism is estimated to account for eighty five per cent of the island's income. In 1975, the islands were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The capital is Hugh Town, on the island of St Marys it houses most of the town's facilities, accommodation, banks, sub post office, health centre and a variety of shops it is little more than a village in size. Scilly has an equally colourful maritime history, with countless shipwrecks from bygone scattered under the sea around the islands. Some of the best wreck dives in the United Kingdom can be found. St Marys has only has 5 pubs hotel bars, a social club, disco, cafes and restaurants. St Mary's offers a superb choice of beaches, many of which are situated close to the main hub of Hugh Town. **End Summary** Topics: Ship wrecks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Isles of Scilly Rental Site

A City in Central Germany

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Wiesbaden, a city in central Germany, is the capital of the state of Hesse since 1946. The city suffered relatively little destruction in the Second World War. Only one third of the city was destroyed. The city offers an attractive ambience as the Gateway to the Rhine Valley and as a link to the romantic Rhine landscape. The Altstadt the Old Town of Wiesbaden, used to be encircled by a city wall, sprawls between Webergasse, Langgasse and Kirchgasse, Friedrichstrasse and Wilhelmstrasse. Narrow, twisting alleys are lined with houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Nerobergbahn is a funicular railway in the city From the top of this hill it is possible to view a panorama of the city. The line opened in 1888, and is one of the few remaining funiculars to retain water propulsion. The railway route is up the mountain which is 440m long and takes 25 percent climb in its stride. Wiesbaden is also a major cultural centre. Every spring it plays host to the International May Festival of music, dance, and drama. The beauty at night, is when the water reflects the lights of the spa and the huge fountains are lit. **End Summary** Topics: The Nerobergbahn]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Wiesbaden Rental Site

Home of the Chine

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Shanklin is a popular seaside resort on the Isle of Wight it is on the south east side of the island. It is one of the oldest towns on the Isle of Wight. A pier was built in 1890 and the cliff lift was opened in 1892. The pier, was destroyed in the Great Storm of 1987. The name of Shanklin derives from its famous Chine. There is the Old Shanklin, which has picturesque thatched cottages and gift shops selling lots of unusual gifts. A grassy strip on the duff top is known as Keats Green, named after the poet Shanklin has been a location for family holidays for a long time. The sea front Esplanade is lined with cafes small hotels and amusements including crazy golf, arcades, putting, in door children's play area and a fun fair. A cliff lift links the town with the Esplanade. A road train operates between the sea front, town centre and the Old Village. The gently sloping beaches provides excellent swimming and bathing. The famous Regatta, was first held in 1851, and provides traditional fun events and culminates with a fantastic fireworks display at night. **End Summary** Topics: Thatched cottages]]> gift shops]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Douglas Scott writes and works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a writer for The Shanklin Rental Site