Chateau Villandry In The Stunning Loire Valley – A Must See Garden

The gardens at Chateau Villandry are a sheer delight. They are lovingly and enthusiastically tended by Henri Carvallo, curator of the chateau and great-grandson of Dr Joachim Carvallo who purchased the chateau in 1906. When Dr Carvallo purchased the property it was on the point of being demolished. It had been disfigured by the walling up of the arches, fake windows and additions and the moat had been filled in.

Dr Joachim Carvallo envisaged the harmonious renaissance architecture and the original design. He gave up an impressive career in science under the tutelage of a professor who later went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize and devoted himself to the restoration of Vchateau Villandry and its magnificent gardens.

Later on Dr Carvallo founded the Association de la Demeure Historique with the objective of saving historic buildings throughout France. He sure saved Villandry which is now one of the most visited chateaux of the Loire Valley.

Carvallo’s best work was the restoration of the gardens, which still make the reputation of Villandry. Gardens existed as early as the 16th century and these were recreated under Carvallo’s instructions following evidence of engravings found in “Les plus Excellents Bastiments de France” (1576-1579) by Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau.

The gardens at Chateau Villandry are the grandest examples of formal Renaissance style gardens in France. The gardens, which are terraced on three levels, were influenced by Italian gardeners brought in by Charles VIII. The design for plantings on each level are:

The first level is the highest, at or above ground level with the chateau, is the Le Jardin d’Eau, (water garden) featuring lawns, fountains whose edges are bounded by arbors.

The second level, includes the : Le Jardin d’Ornement, (ornamental gardens), consisting of the Garden of Music, the Garden of Love, the Decorative Flower Garden and the Garden of Simple delights. In the front of this level where the castle stands is a bed planted with a pergola walk shaded by vines.

The third and lowest level, is the kitchen garden Le Potager, (vegetable garden), consists of vegetable plantings, fruit trees and bushes,as well as herbs for seasoning or medicinal purposes. This garden, in the Louis XIV style, and takes the form of a rectangle of slightly irregular shape surrounding on three sides the two higher tiers of gardens. It is devoted to vegetables and has 9 square sections divided into beds of various coloured plants, surrounded by hardy plants and box hedges.

Villandry is a vegetal feast, with big purple cabbages, zigzags of crazy-growing leeks, blocks of autumn pumpkins, beds of yellow and green peppers and mounds of celery all replanted twice a year with a brilliant eye for the colours of the changing seasons.

At the opposite side of the garden to the castle, there is a maze of 12000 clipped beech trees.
All of these are gardens are impressive in their own rights, so I will not recommend one more than the others.

Villandry is well worth the visit. Without too much pomp and ceremony you can witness a chateau that lives in harmony with nature, and the remarkable beauty of these gardens. Eight gardeners work at Chateau Villandry full time, and plant about 45,000 plants and 60,000 vegetables in its gardens each year.

In July each year Chateau Villandry holds Les Nuits des Mille Feux, when they light up the magical gardens of the Villandry castle with 2000 candles. Lit just as the sun begins to set, the candles burn on until after midnight in the beautiful grounds of the Loire’s most famous chateau. Strolling musicians play Baroque music which adds to the mystical atmosphere during this quintessential Loire experience. Don’t miss it – it is spectacular.

If you can not make it to the Les Nuits des Mille Feux in July, then you definitely should try to see all the Chateau Villandry gardens in the summertime, and preferably about 2 hours before the sun sets, as the light adds that certain ‘Je-ne-sais-quoi’.

How To Plan A Perfect Romantic Getaway In California

Are you ready for a romantic getaway in California? Because there are plenty of hotspots, you will never be lack of choices when planning a vacation in California. Here, we’ll look at a few places that you might want to try!

If You and Your Partner are Wine Lovers…

You will absolutely adore the wineries dotting the northern cities during your vacation in California. The wine country is filled with the beauty of vineyards and the rich, sweet taste of wines and similar adult beverages.

Best of all, you will be shock at how affordable the cost will be, so plan on taking home some of the “good stuff” to remind yourself of your romantic getaway in California!

If You and Your Partner are Fun-Lovers

Why not head to Disneyland for to renew your romance? It’s a small world after all… so no matter where you stay, you can get there in a hop, skip, and a jump.

Though Florida’s Disneyworld tends to take much of the spotlight away from Disneyland, do not forget the fact that Disneyland is the first amusement park and destination hotspot of its kind. And it absolutely caters to lovers, making it an ideal romantic getaway in California!

If You and Your Partner are Free Spirits…

There is nothing better than a drive up (or down) the coastline for a trip in the sunny state that you will surely remember for years to come. Enjoy the sea breezes and the towns that dot the coast as you cruise through this sunny state. Taste the variations of foods from the natural, healthy food inspired north to the Mexican-inspired south.

Just make sure you give yourselves a full week or two to enjoy your in the sunny State, as it should never be rushed.

If You and Your Partner are into Entertainment…

Hollywood is the place for you! There is so much to see there, and Tinseltown should be part of this vacation. Who knows? You might even spot a few celebrity or starlets, so bring along your camera. And head to Rodeo Drive for a shopping experience of a lifetime if you have just won the lottery!

If You and Your Partner are into Cultural Activities…

San Francisco has it all! The history, the arts, the sports… it is all there on this romantic getaway in California! And depending upon the time of year, you can actually broker some pretty decent rates at some of the downtown hotels. Or, if you prefer, you can always stay at a bed and breakfast near the city… but far enough away to feel a tad rustic.

There are absolutely endless possibilities for a romantic getaway in California, so plan yours now!

Gabon Is The Ghost Who Walks Territory

Gabon is a country in west central Africa. It borders on Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo and the Gulf of Guinea.

With a vast sprawl of virgin rainforests and teeming wildlife, Gabon is The Ghost Who Walks territory. Its major cities, however, are a sophisticated bustle of glitz, lights, and casinos. Gabon offers a little of everything to just about everyone.

Gabon is an average as far as equatorial climates go hot, humid and cloudy. Throughout the year temperatures hover around the 30 mark and rarely drop below 20 June to August provides slightly cooler days and some respite from the rain.

Libreville with its big ocean view hotels, office buildings, wide highways, fancy shops and cavalcade of taxis, Libreville looks more like a Miami Beach than a major African city. Libreville is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Theres no lack of nightlife, either. The African quarters are full of fairly cheap places to eat and drink. Theyre easy to get to, not half as dangerous or rough as some other African capitals and the hard partying locals are always up for a beer.

The Musee des Arts ET Traditions is one of the best in Central Africa and definitely worth a visit as long as you can find it. The Fang, Teke and Mitsogho masks are some of the best examples around, complemented by the wonderful collection of carved harps, baskets and an authentic Mitsogho temple.

L Eglise St Michel is a landmark church because of its 31 unusual wooden columns, carved by a blind Gabonese craftsman, each with a biblical scene.

The Palais Presidential overlooks the heart of town and is as much Bongos paean to Western culture as it is to Gabon might. Unfortunately photographs are forbidden, and visitors arent allowed inside.

The oil town of Port Gentil is built on an island at the mouth of the Ogooue River. The northern part of the island, Cap Lopez, is full of expatriates, top end hotels and the only decent beach. Port Gentil has more restaurants, stores and clubs per capita than any other African city.

Mayumba would be Gabons premier beach resort if it werent so hard to get to.

The Reserve de la Lope is Gabons most accessible wildlife reserve, where you stand a good chance of seeing forest elephants, buffalos and a variety of primates. Recently the reserve has initiated gorilla walks in an attempt to habituate the gorilla population to the presence of small groups of humans.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota – A Great Vacation and Travel Destination

An absolutely amazing vacation destination in Minnesota is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. There are amazing physical features, like gouged rock, that have been carved into the land from huge glaciers that once existed in the area. The glaciers created canyons, cliffs, hills, crags, huge rock formations, beaches, rocky shores, and thousands of lakes and streams as well as islands and lots of trees. This area is wilderness at its best and it is so peaceful and beautiful that anyone who has the opportunity should stop by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota.

The BWCAW as it is frequently called exists in the northern portion of the Superior National Forest. There are approximately 1.3 million acres and the wilderness extends along the boundary between Canada and its Quetic Provincial Park for 150 miles. There are more than 1200 miles of canoe routes for canoeing enthusiasts to enjoy as well as 15 different hiking trails. Lots of campsites exist in the BWCAW as well and it is believed there are more than 2000 of these.

If you are looking for a vacation destination that is completely different than any one you have ever experienced then you should definitely check out the BWCAW in Minnesota. The wilderness will give you a chance to reflect on your life, see how the environment has been changed over the years and even relax in a way that you have never been able to do before. That’s because there is no TV, cell phones, or any other outside disturbances to intrude on your peace and quite.

This is a perfect place for families because it allows everyone to find something they love while also spending a lot of time together. Many times when families go on vacation they don’t spend much quality time together because everyone is separated doing some other activity. At BWCAW you will have the vacation of your dreams.

There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url:

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Sintra is an Excellent Place

Sintra lies on the eastern side of a range of mountains around 20 miles from Lisbon.

This area enjoys an almost tropical abundance of luxuriant flora and rich vegetation. For this reason it has been made famous by poets and artists such as Byron who described it as a glorious Eden.

At the bottom of the mountain lies the small village of Sao Pedro because of the large numbers of tourists, that Sintra attracts many of the shops and cafes in Sao Pedro are rather more expensive than usual. However, a short walk to the train station takes you to a number of local restaurants and bars that are considerably cheaper.

Scattered amongst the foliage, flowers and fauna of the mountain, are a variety of opulent palaces and castles in contrasting styles. The two huge oat house chimneys which can be seen from miles around Sintra are part of the Royal Palace, now a museum.

The huge kitchen from which the chimneys ascend is one of the most interesting parts of the museum, if simply to give an idea of the complexities of cooking for royalty. The chapel is surprisingly simple and uncluttered, combining Moorish aesthetics with an almost Protestant sparseness. The Manueline room was created later than other rooms, and depicts the style associated with King Manuel, who also comissioned the building of Jeronimos monastery in Belem. The Blazons room is possibly the most elaborate, with the ceiling depicting the coats of arms of seventy two noble families of eighteenth century Portugal. Huge pieces of Oriental porcelian and marbled glass can also be found here, given to Queen Carlota Joaquina by the Emperor of China in 1806.

Above the museum stands Pena palace, towering over the south eastern side of the mountain range. Originally this was the site of an early monastery, it was remade into a palace in 1840. The attempt to fuse Scottish Baronial style with Moorish aesthetics was to the taste of Dom Fernando II. Taking advantage of the exotic oddness of the architecture the 1996 TV mini series of Gullivers Travels was partly filmed here.

The Moorish Castle dates back to the 8th Century and provide a sweeping view of the region. It is believed that the Castle was taken from the Moors during King Sigurd of Norways crusade in the 12th Century. The castle has a wonderfully romantic feel to it, although sufferers of vertigo may find the views from the summit a little frightening.

Sintra is an excellent place to visit if you have a passion for walking and rambling through beautiful countryside. Vast views of Cascais and Estoril and the estuary of the Tagus can be found within a short stroll around the many parts of the mountains.

Somalia is Located in Africa

Somalia is located on the Horn of Africa, and is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the north west and Kenya on its south west. This is a country with a troubled past and the present and future does not look bright either. Civil war, military coups, border disputes and warlords are the general course of events here. The removal of the Islamic Courts from power has created a power vacuum and the situation in Somalia is highly unstable at the moment

The country has been without an effective central government since President Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991. In the main part of the country, a Transitional National Government was elected in July 2000 by representatives of the countrys major clans, political and religious movements. The government is led by Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed and Ali Mohamed Ghedi, who hold the titles of President and Prime Minister respectively. It has UN recognition but, if the 2004 accord holds, will be replaced under a new constitution

Somalia is most emphatically not a tourist destination and not safe for independent travel or sightseeing. Most foreign governments advise against non essential travel. Those visiting for business, research, or international aid purposes should consult with their organization and seek expert guidance before planning a trip.

The simple fact of the matter is that tourism to Somalia is not an option. This is not a country in which tourism can be done with military escorts or carrying guns. This is a country to which tourists should not think about going. The only exception would be the Somaliland area, where travel is possible, although going there still belongs in the bad ideas box.

Subsistence agriculture and livestock rearing occupy most of the working population, although development is hampered by primitive techniques, poor soil and climatic conditions, and a chronic labour shortage. Bananas are the main cash crop and provide nearly half the countrys export earnings, cotton, maize, sorghum and other crops are produced for domestic consumption. Animal products, particularly hides and skins, are another key source of revenue, mainly from Saudi Arabia.

Fishing has dwindled to the level of individual small boats, but there are provisional plans to restore this to full commercial capacity. Oil and gas deposits have been located but their exploitation has been in abeyance due to the lack of an effective central government. There is little industry other than small scale operations to meet domestic needs, mainly food processing and oil refining.

Most economic assets remain in the unstable hands of clan based militias, with frequent competition for control of particular industries.

Delhi Can be Chaotic

The capital of a country with over a billion people, Delhi lies towards the central north of India. Delhi is different things to different people. For uninitiated visitors, a visit to Delhi is worn as a badge of honour. Its not a terrible place, but as a first introduction to India, its not particularly flattering. Delhi can be chaotic and overwhelming at times, and many visitors retreat to the leafy order of the well kept diplomatic enclave.

Although the attractions of Delhi dont match the stunning sites elsewhere on the subcontinent, it does have quite a bit to see. Theres a sprinkling of grand history and depth to the rather flat and sprawling capital, much more than many other big cities in Asia. If you believe all the horror stories you hear about this crossroads of the subcontinent, you might just be pleasantly surprised when you arrive.

Delhi is the symbol of old India and new. Even the stones here whisper to our ears of the ages of long ago and the air we breathe is full of the dust and fragrances of the past, as also of the fresh and piercing winds of the present.

On first impressions, with its jam packed streets, tower blocks and temples, forts, mosques and colonial mansions, can be both disorienting and fascinating.

In Delhi, it is almost impossible to obtain an alcohol license. Most of the swishiest bars and nightclubs are in the five star international hotels with prices to match. Apart from these hotels, the drinking venues of Delhi are located around Connaught Place, with various outposts in the more upmarket southern suburbs.

Wine in Delhi is expensive and often of questionable quality those who wish to drink would be wise to stick to spirits, cocktails or beer. There is no minimum drinking age, however the minimum purchasing age in India is 18 years. The price of a beer in Delhi can vary considerably, depending on the establishment.

There are no casinos in Delhi as gambling in India with the exception of the racecourse is illegal.

There are around half a dozen discos that are regular haunts of up scale Delhiites. Most are in the luxury hotels and several of them have a couples only policy, as well as a dress code.

Most of the cultural centres host exhibitions and concerts, as well as presenting films in English or their native language.

Local newspapers publish daily and weekly listings of all events and are a good reference for anyone interested in sampling the rich cultural life of Delhi.

Jeddah is in Saudi Arabia

Jeddah is the main city of the Red Sea side of in Saudi Arabia the major commercial centre of the country. Situated on the western coast of Saudi Arabia.

The climate is moderated by the Red Sea, Jeddah is located at the heart of the region, positioning the city as the main centre of commerce in the Middle East and North Africa.

Jeddah is a modern city of more that two million people. Another million during Hajj, the time of the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. Along the shores of the with a palm fringed road bordered by villas, palaces, hotels and beach resorts, and developing inland towards the mountains that form a backdrop to the city, Jeddah is a wealthy, thriving cosmopolitan city with every luxury and world class facilities.

Although alcohol is banned and illegal in Saudi Arabia, it can be found in Jeddah. However it will be extremely expensive, as all alcohol is a black market and it is advised to only consume it in the privacy of your home or a private beach club.

Jeddah is seen as Saudi Arabias most liberal city, the restrictions, in particular for women, are significant. Female are required to wear an abaya at all times in public, were barred from the hotel gym and swimming pool and could only take part as passengers in the off road driving event as women are banned from driving in Saudi Arabia.

Arabic is the main language in the country and is the language used in all official departments. English is the second language and can be seen on street signs and advertisements. Most of the younger and many of the older generations speak English moderately well so communication is not a problem.

Traditional markets are found in the alleys of the old town. It is ideal for a stroll to soak up the atmosphere of this ancient city and to hunt for souvenirs. On sale are textiles, jewellery, fruit and vegetables, carpets, camel stools, coffee pots and much more.

May to September temperatures are about 45 or higher throughout the country with slightly cooler coastal temperatures. December to January temperatures will drop dramatically.

Whether Jeddahs tourist industry will get a boost from the arrival of BMI remains to be seen, but whatever the passenger profile, one thing is certain the return of a UK based carrier with a direct flight from London to Jeddah has been warmly welcomed by Saudi Arabian and residents alike.

Just Why Is Denia In Alicante So Popular?

Anyone that visits the Costa Blanca in Spain would no doubt end up visiting Denia that lies just eighty-five kilometers north of Alicante, especially as this city is famous for its many holiday attractions. If you are one of those that love a long drive then you can reach Denia using the N-332 that is a wonderful road that takes you along the coastline of Costa Blanca to the city itself. The other road you may want to use is the A7 highway.

The N332 provides you with wonderful opportunities to discover for yourself the beauty of the area and the views are absolutely spellbinding, which you will be sure to love. An even more suitable way of reaching Denia would be to use the narrow gauge railway that connects Denia and Benidorm as also Alicante. In any case, Denia lies between the southern town of Javea and has Gandia to the north, and is a place most visited during the summertime.

It also is situated just outside the mountain named Montgo and it allows the visitors excellent surfing prospects as well. The weather can become very hot with temperatures reaching forty degrees Celsius in the summertime, though it is only four degrees in the winter. Among the most visited tourist attractions in Denia is the castle that was built between the eleventh and twelfth centuries and from where you can get a spectacular view of the sea, and the city as also the backlands.

The castle itself holds the Palau del Governador and a museum are among the more interesting museums in Denia is the Museo Etnologico that provides visitors with an idea of the rich history and also the culture of Denia. The city also holds much by way of attraction in its many bars and small restaurants and when in Denia, makes sure to taste the very tasty cakes and the abundant sweets made at the local confectionaries and bakery shops because these delicacies are what also make Dernia very famous among tourists.

There are also great golf courses in Denia and you will get occasion to play some very good rounds of golf at the many courses here. Denia is also a place where real estate market is booming in this Costa Blanca region and as you enter the city you will be confronted by many real estate agencies and you also won’t be able to miss the great amount of construction that is taking place, especially on the outskirts.

Also, don’t forget to take a boat round trip to Javea, Benidorm and Altea. If you like, you can also choose to rent a car and do some visiting as there are plenty of great places to see. Among the many other tourist cities in Spain, Denia is perhaps the most frequented by tourists and today it is a very modern city where you can enjoy spectacular views while sampling the cuisine, especially tapas that are very small portions of tasty food. Along with an accompanying glass of beer or wine, you will certainly not have anything to complain about in the beautiful city of Denia.

Ideas for a Family Holiday in Tuscany

Tuscany, the birthplace of Italian language and civilisation is perhaps an obvious choice for a holiday destination. Demand for access to the Tuscan countryside, which has inspired holidaymakers and artists for generations, has resulted in the growth of ‘agriturismo’ in the region: hotels in farm settings, apartments and villas in former agriculture buildings. This extends the appeal of holidays in Tuscany to families, by offering open air activities to complement the culture on offer in the cities. While self catering may suit those on a budget, luxurious country hotels offer immediate access to the Tuscan countryside without missing out on pampering.

The Tuscan countryside is characterized by rolling hills and luscious green valleys, thermal spas and nature reserves, stretching from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Apennines. Tuscany encompasses the historical towns of Florence, Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Pienza, the carefully cultivated hills of the Val d’Orcia and is host to fishing villages of Massa Marittima, Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala among others. As well as and the mountains of the Apuan Alps, the region offers more rugged beauty in the Maremma region in the south, which also offers a variety of options for family hotels.

Some country hotels take pride in serving local produce, often in the restaurant, as well as for sale in the shop. Often this will include organic olive oil, grappa and wines, the region being most regarded for its dry red wines, best known in the form of Chianti. Regional delicacies include tortelli, bruschetta with olive oil, bean and chickpea soups, pecorino with biologic honey, and deserts such as panforte and cantucci.

Family holidays in Tuscany could include horse riding, which may be organized as part of a farm holiday, and cycling around the vineyards and olive groves for those focused on relaxation. There are many sporting and leisure activities on offer, including Golf, swimming and tennis. There are also wellbeing activities on offer including massages and yoga classes to take part in. All sporting and wellbeing activities are made more relaxing being surrounded by the Tuscan countryside.

Visiting Florence you’ll be able to teach your family about the artists of the Renaissance era, and the fascinating story of the Medici family. Grown-ups may want to attend a wine-sampling evening, or a cookery course, which country hotels often organise. If it’s not a family holiday you’re after, Tuscan hotels also offer deals for romantic, ecologically sound weddings.