Planning your first holiday especially on a cruise liner is always a challenge. You could get together with your family and friends and discuss your travel and vacation plans so as to get a better idea of what needs to be done. The best way is to book with a travel agent who will not only advice you on which cruise liner and destination you should be going to but also plan your entire itinerary including air travel to the port of embarkation. But before you proceed, let’s first answer some questions that are bound to pop up while planning your cruise.

What kind of cruise is suitable for your age group?

Typically, there are different kinds of cruises suitable for different age groups. You will find a cruise designed for all individuals, from the toddler to the teen to the retired. All you need to decide in who is going and then select the cruise best suited for you. There are fun-filled holiday cruises for the family, singles, newly-weds and even for the slightly older and matured.

What kind of budget are you on?

Typically, the minimum cost of per person per day is about $100 on an average cruise liner. Many ships charge extra for certain items and of course air-fare is not included in this. You can decrease the cost somewhat by sharing the cabin with another person, booking way in advance, like almost six months prior, or taking a risk and booking late, less than two months prior to departure.

How many days can you spend on your cruise?

If you have less than a week, then the options would be closer to home and restricted to Mexico, Bahamas or simply a weekend cruise to a port in the ocean and back. A complete week gives you more time and options range from the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and even the South Pacific, depending on of course your current residential location. Anything longer than that would be suitable for any kind of cruise vacation across the globe.

When would you be most likely to travel?

Obviously, cruise tickets are cheaper in leaner times like spring or fall and most expensive during the summer holidays. Winter is also considered high season when travelling to warmer locations like the Caribbean. Some locations like Alaska, Scandinavia and the Baltic have a shorter cruising season and will be open only between May and September. While Antarctic cruises are on between November and February, Mediterranean cruises can be taken all year round.

Where would you like to go?

With the earth being covered with 75% ocean, cruise ships today can reach any of the continents and traverse all across the globe. From the Americas to Austral-Asia, Africa to Antarctica, Bahamas to Bermuda, Europe to Canada, there are plenty of cruise destinations to choose from. Even land locked locations such as central Europe, Russia, or the Yangtze River in China can be reached on a river cruise. Always a challenge to decide your destination, it is important to keep all other factors like type of cruise, budget, length of vacation among others in mind.

What are your interests?

Although cruises provide all kinds of on board activities, your destination should be based on your interest. While European tours offer a good dose of culture for the history buffs, tropical destinations like the Caribbean and the South Pacific are for the beach lovers. Whether it is glacier watching in Alaska, deep sea diving in Australia or experiencing the fjords in Norway, you have to decide what you like to do best before you choose your cruise destination. Many cruises also offer a list of off-shore activities before you book, so make sure that you are well researched on that as well.

What kind of accommodation would you prefer?

Cabin selection typically depends on what your budget is. Sea view cabins are obviously more expensive than the lower deck ones. Also, if you are travelling to scenic places like Alaska or Scandinavia it would be preferable to have a view. Deck plans are available in hard copy, so make your decision after doing your homework and planning your budget.

What are your dress styles and eating habits?

In a move away from only formal wear, most cruise ships today are more relaxed and have only one or two nights of dress-up nights. The rest of the time, it is usually casual or country club style dressing. Typically there are two seating arrangements for dinner, one starting at 6:30pm and the other starting at 9:00pm. While early seating allows you plenty of time for late shows, it may rush your off shore excursions. Late seating on the other hand gives you time to relax but may hamper your late evening activities. Also, table seating is usually for four to eight persons and very rarely for two. If you do want a dinner for the twosome, you will have to make a prior request.

How do you get to the cruise ship?

Flying there or driving down if its close by are two of the most preferred options. Sometimes the cruise lines offer you a fly-cruise package, which is easier, but may be a trifle expensive than independent booking. These include transfers between the ship and the airport, which can again add up to the cost.

What are the documents needed?

Cruise vouchers and travel itineraries should typically reach you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly advised as a carry along document in case of any mishaps. Passports are needed for all international destinations.

About the author

Smith Chen is an author and internet marketing consultant.
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We are into the latter part of summer, but that doesn’t mean many of us are not still traveling on vacations. Here are a few last minute tips to help you out.

First and foremost, figure out if you will need a passport for your trip. Recent regulation changes have been implemented that require you to have a passport to reenter the US from practically any country. This includes Mexico and Canada. The new regulation has led to a massive backlog, so make sure you have a current passport. If you need a new one, find out how long it will take and any exceptions that might apply to your destination.

A second issue to take into account is the end of summer weather. Mentally, we all usually equate the end of summer with cooling temperatures. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is not true. August is one of the hottest months and September will bake as well. Only in the latter half of September can you expect things to cool down. Plan and dress appropriately for the heat.

Electricity is the same everywhere except when it is not. If you live in the US, you should know the rest of the world for the most part run their electronics on a different voltage. If you are heading outside of the country, make sure you have a power converter. There is no better way to ruin a trip than to plug in the old laptop, here a crackling noise, smell a bad odor and know something very, very bad has happened!

If your wallet is light, try to look for charter air flights. These airlines offer intermittent flights through the summer. As summer comes to a close, the ticket prices can get super low. Once you buy a ticket, try to upgrade when checking in. I once paid $75 for an upgrade to first class on a flight from Paris to Los Angeles. Best $75 I ever spent!

Finally, avoid the doom and gloom. For some reason, we have become a species of complainers. Yes, the summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you need to sit around and complain about it. Doing so is not going to make time stop, so don’t! Get out there and enjoy yourself.

About the author

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of writing journals for the outdoors

There’s only one place where you can wear practically next to nothing, in the middle of the day, in public, and get away with it. Where sipping an alcohol laden fruit cocktail mid-afternoon comes guilt-free. Where it’s easy to cast an eye over the beautiful bronzed body stretched on a towel near you. But not all beaches come with these devilish pleasures. Some are labelled ‘family-friendly’ ie busy with hoards of screaming kids. Others are packed wall-to-wall with the flab-ridden, pasty-white set.

But, if you choose well, the right beach makes a super adult playground. OK, you want to join in with the fun, so be sure to put in some serious preparation time. The fair sex will be familiar with the routine. Diet off those surplus pounds. Get waxing. Hit the shops for a serious session of wrap and bikini buying. Start applying the fake bake. If you’re a man, pump some iron to turn your pigeon-chest into rippling pecs, and your pot belly into abs of steel. You’re aiming to cut a swathe through the pot-bellied throng with your adonesque-like physique.

Now let’s quickly discount some also-rans, in our search for the sexiest beaches in America.
Daytona, Florida. It’s a simple choice - do you prefer to feed your gas-tank, or feed your passions. Uum, a no brainer.
Revere Beach, Boston. Choose brains before beauty? You might get lucky and find a spotty skinned MIT prof to flirt with. But not a genuinely attractive option.
Stinson Beach, Northern California. A truly happening place - well, maybe, about once a year when the icebergs drift away from shore.

Moving on to the top 3 serious contenders, in reverse order:

#3
South Beach, Miami South Beach is world famous as a party playground for the rich and famous. The beach itself is wide and made up of whitish (imported) sand, which can be a little coarse and hard on the feet in places. But who cares about the texture of the sand. Pick a sunbathing spot where you can clock some gorgeous hunks lifeguard training. Or watch the babelicious beauties playing beach volleyball in almost-disappearing bikinis. If life’s truly fair, a modelling scout from one of the numerous agencies will soon be over to sign you up. Take the opportunity to catch up on some ZZZs - because one thing’s for sure, you won’t be getting to bed early. For Miami Beach is home to some fantastic clubs. If you’re insanely rich, or stunningly good looking, try getting into one of the swish ones like Mynt. But you’ll have just as much of a good time at one of the less exclusive venues. A favorite of many is Crobar, popular and fun.

#2
Laguna Beach, Los Angeles It’s popularity has soared thanks to the glitz and glamour portrayed in the hit MTV series Laguna Beach, the real OC, and in many ways the location lives up the hype. Laguna Beach attracts a happy mix of serious A-crowd types, and sexy surf dudes. So hire a sweet-looking board, find a busy spot on the beach, and lounge back in the sand by your board. Break out a cold bottled bear from your cool box, and look friendly - a good tip is to temporarily lose your sunnies. You’ll have to blink furiously in the bright sunshine, but soon the opposite-sex will be round you like bees to a honey pot. Come up with a good line in hip sounding surf talk. If the worst comes to the worst, and you’ve no alternative to venturing into the ocean in a face-saving exercise, just bob about on your board beyond the break.

The Winner
Panama City Beach, Florida THE place to go, especially for Spring Break, but it’s pretty good many other times of the year too. During the day (if you manage to get up before sundown) just lie on the beach, soaking in the rays. Amble out for the occasional swim. Or try one of many sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, kite-surfing, snorkeling, or windsurfing. Most of the action is around the trendy and busy City and Bahama beaches. Here discreetly check out the hotties throwing frizbees. Watch some buff bodies playing beach soccer. Make new friends, and arrange to hook up with them later on in the evening. For this is when the resort comes alive - the bars are super lively, and the clubs really buzzing.

Panama City Beach wins hands down because it’s where absolutely everyone can go and have a good time. No need to look around you and feel your self-esteem ebbing away as you cast envy-ridden glances at the minted and bling-ridden. It’s just a wicked place to party.

About the author

Andy Woodspot loves travelling, meeting people and hanging out at the beach. Discover Andy’s other favorite beaches at Best Beaches.

Are you thinking about tours and travel in India. Travel in India mentally prepared. It has more than a tourist can ask for which will surely surprise with its unparalleled treasures. India is a land of tourism escapade and an oldest & greatest civilization from where every tourist has the will of tour through. Every year a large folk of tourists come for India travel tours. They come to travel in India for its prosperity of sights, heritage monuments, cultural excitement and diversity of picturesque backdrops. They come to India in the hunt for extraordinary something and an extra punch that only India tour offers and promises.

These days India tourism is in the stage of flourishing and its recourses are vast. There is a wide variety of tourism taste in India. It provides unique taste of history and culture. It is said that a country is best known by its culture and civilization and India has unique culture and civilization dating back approximately 5000 years. India is perhaps the world’s oldest and greatest civilization. During India tours one can observe India’s greatest civilization and culture. During your tours to India you will observe that India allures at every step with something new and something extra.

There are several scenic places to visit in India. During your tours in India you can visit many heritage monuments and picturesque locations weather they are world heritage Taj Mahal, beautiful hill stations, magnificient forts & palaces, golden beaches or perhaps one of the most alluring tourist circuit - golden triangle tour. These places to see in India will surely allure you.

When you are in Rajasthan tour, your fascination with its magnificient forts & palaces, blazing desert, enthralling wildlife etc will definitely increase and be everlasting. But your Rajasthan tour will be incomplete without taking part in one of the most important tourist circuit - golden triangle tour. This tour takes you Delhi to Agra & Jaipur. All these three important cities (Delhi - the capital of India, Agra - famous for world heritage Taj Mahal, and Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan, also known as the Pink City) of north India have its own charm. Apart from this alluring tourist circuit of north India, there are also many fascinating places to visit in north India.

Many travel agencies organize day trips from Delhi to Agra and Jaipur. Also there are domestic flights in India to cover entire major picturesque locations. If you are in India travel tours and wish to travel around more of it, internal flights in India fulfill your dream. Flights within India have a wide network to make easy your tours of India. Indian domestic flights make you enable to explore entire subcontinent of India.

If you have beach-mania, Goa tours of India will be surely much stunning. If you are interested in backwater and ayurveda & yoga, Kerala tours will be too much fascinating. With the boom in India tourism industry, many travel agencies have started offering attractive India travel packages. These tailor-made India tour packages are also very affordable and beneficial for tourists.

Come and Tours to India with its unique fascination and discover its unparalleled treasures. The charm of India awaits you.

About the author

Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on North to South India Tours and Places to Visit in India. Now he is rendering his services to http://www.avisittoindia.com/
 

The Worlds Best Dive Sites #1 - The Yongala Shipwreck

The wreck of the SS Yongala in Australia is widely acknowledged to be one of the worlds best dive sites, and has long been a mecca for fans of wreck diving. Every year, large numbers of scuba divers come to this part of Australia, purely to sample what many consider to be of the finest examples of wreck diving to be found anywhere in the world.

The SS Yongala sank in a cyclone on the 24th March 1911, as she was heading on her usual route up the Queensland coast to Cairns. Undiscovered and undisturbed for over half a century, the wreck of the SS Yongala has gradually become home to a wide variety of marine life, including Giant Groupers, large schools of Trevally, and numerous different types of sea snakes, turtles and rays.

The Yongala shipwreck is located approximately 8 miles off Cape Bowling Green, and now lies in between 15-30 metres of water. Several dive operators from both Townsville and Airlie Beach offer trips out to the Yongala on a daily basis, and they will also be able to assist you in obtaining the mandatory permits for diving in the protected zone.

Upon arrival at the Yongala shipwreck, the dive boats attach themselves to the permanent mooring lines coming off each end of the hull, and your dive begins with a slow descent down the line until the hull comes into view. From this point, the true beauty of the Yongala really comes into play, and it is here that divers begin to see why people rate this dive site so highly. Large amounts of soft and hard corals have gradually made their home on the wreck of the Yongala, and a huge variety of marine growth has slowly taken over the hull, making the Yongala highly popular amongst fans of the macro.

What really makes the Yongala stand out though, is the marine life that surrounds it, in particular the size of everything, which seems to be far larger than anywhere else. Huge Groupers and Bull Rays are particularly notable at the wreck, and when you add to this the large numbers of Batfish, Trevally and sea snakes, it is easy to see why the Yongala wreck has a special place amongst the hearts of scuba divers.

Debate will always rage amongst scuba divers, as to which are the worlds best dive sites, and undoubtedly it is a subjective issue. However, the Yongala shipwreck consistently delivers exceptional diving experiences, and leaves the vast majority of scuba divers eager to return.

About the author

Mark Burns is a Director of the Scubaworld.tv web site, a large scuba diving web site which offers specialist scuba diving holidays and vacations, as well as scuba diving courses and diving equipment
 

The Alaskan cruise is often overlooked when shopping for a cruise. Most people contemplate on a warm destination first. Some popular ones are the Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas. The itinerary is also an important factor to consider and contemplate on. These cruises can be quite a treat for first-time cruisers.

However, for regular cruise aficionados, they might be searching for an idea of a cruise that is a little different from the usual destinations previously mentioned. If the itinerary is still the same although they are sailing with different cruise line, the element of uniqueness and excitement is not present in their cruise vacation.

If you are one of those vacationers who are looking for a different cruise experience, then a cruise trip to Alaska is what you are looking for. You can expect a different landscape and culture that you will not forget.

If you are ready to do something unique, then try the Alaskan adventure. It has everything that will suit your needs. It is indeed a perfect getaway either for a short excursion or for a long vacation.

Alaska is the biggest expansive state in the United States in terms of land area (570,374 square miles); if superimposed over the map of the country, it can cover the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. Although having an enormous land area, it is one of the largely unpopulated areas in the world, with animals outnumbering human settlers.

Its boundaries are marked by natural expanses like mountain ranges and streams. The largest attraction in Alaska is its ice glaciers, which makes it a perfect destination for cruising. Sailing along its expansive coastline allows you to observe these spectacular sights.

If you select a cruise that will bring you in Glacier Bay, you will witness the glaciers calving. Calving is the process by which the rivers of ice drop breaks off the edge of the cliff into the sea. Larger mass of glaciers can perform this several times an hour. It is one of the breathtaking aspects of an Alaskan cruise.

After seeing these glaciers calving, you may also have the urge to touch a glacier. Lucky for you, there are cruise lines that provide helicopter rides and hiking which permit you to step on one of these ice glaciers. This is one of the many unique options that an Alaskan cruise provides.

If you take an Alaskan cruise vacation, you may also want to check Tracy Arm Fjord, which is a stretch of water that ventures inland and away from the shoreline. It will allow you to experience the power of the granite walls, mountain peaks, and majestic waterfalls from an unusual vantage point.

Perfect months for getting an Alaskan cruise are May through September. You can expect a decrease in temperature at over a hundred degrees in the South during summer season.

There are two very popular Alaskan cruises. The first one is the Inside Passage cruise, which normally runs a length of about a week. It includes itinerary stops at Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau. Different sights and side trips can also be expected when you take this cruise.

The second one is the Gulf of Alaska cruise, also known as the Glacier Route Cruise. You can expect to see the Glacier Bay, which is previously mentioned in this article, and possibly the Hubbard Glacier.

Whichever cruise you prefer, cruise lines will provide you options on the ships that you want to board. There are smaller excursion ships that can carry an average of 150 passengers. You can take a closer look at a glacier rather than using the larger cruise ships (see what happened to the famous Titanic vessel).

The selections are all dependent on you. If you are really an adventurous individual, you want to book a smaller cruise vessel although it is quite expensive. If sightseeing for you is enough, then a bigger cruise ship is good for you. Don’t worry, though, whichever you choose, always expect the unexpected!

Alaskan cruising might seem like a strange choice at first. However, it will surely be an exciting vacation and an unforgettable time for you. If you’re looking for something a little different, embark on an Alaskan cruise.

About the author

For free ezines, ecourses, and ebooks see Free Info Products and Mitchel Mason Website.
For more info, see Travel.

Copyright 2007 Win-Win Marketing. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

 The name Kottayam is derived from the word “Kotta” which means “Fortress” in Malayalam. The old town of Kottayam was originally founded on the hilltop now known as Kunnumpuram. The small hamlet developed within the walls of the fort and thus was derived the present name from the words “Kottackk Akam” which literally means “Inside the Fortress”. It is commonly believed that down the ages this gradually assumed its present form, Kottayam.

Kottayam has the distinction of being the first fully literate town in the whole of India. The first English school was started here by the missionaries of the Church Mission Society of the erstwhile Anglican Church. Kottayam has been a centre of learning and in recognition of this fact the Government established the Mahatma Gandhi University here.

Places to see in Kottayam:

* Bharananganam
An important Christian pilgrimage centre, the town of Bharananganam is known as the site of the internment of Sister Alphonsa (1916 - ‘46) in a chapel next to the St. Mary’s Church. This millenium-old church features an attractive grotto of Virgin Mary.

* Valiyapalli Church
Dedicated to St. Mary, the Valia Palli is a church built in 1550 for the Knanaya Orthodox Syrians situated in Thazhathangadi, 2 km from the centre of the town. It is famous for its 8th century Persian cross and the Pahalavi inscription on the cross.

* Cheryapalli
Located near the Valia Palli, the smaller church of Cheria Palli, also dedicated to St. Mary, built in 1579, has some Murals and paintings of Biblical and other themes.

* Mannanam
Housing the famous St. Joseph’s Monastery, Mannanam is an important Syrian Christian centre. The town is associated with the name of Father Kuriakose Elias of Chavara (1805 - 1871), one of the saintly figures of the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. Established in 1844, St. Joseph’s Press is one of the oldest printing presses in India, where one of the oldest of Kerala’s newspapers was printed.

* Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple
The temple built in the indigenous style is situated in the heart of the town of Kottayam. It features several murals and is thronged by a large number of devotees during the annual festival held in the third week of March.

Excursion of Kottayam:

* Vembanad Lake
16 kms from Kottayam town is a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vemanad Lake, which is situated in Kumarakom village. The lake is an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourist destination. It provides boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom tourist village also offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.

* Ettumanoor Temple
A famous Hindu pilgrimage, Ettumanoor Temple is known for its unique and original architecture, wooden carvings and murals. The one that truly deserves a special mention is a statue of Shiva as Nataraja in a stunning pose. The temple is also famous for its 10 day long annual festival held during February-March.

* Grampi Hill
A great place to relax and unwind, the Grampi hill station is a beautiful place to visit and rest in nature’s lap.

* Champakara (Ayurvedic Centre)
18 kms from Kottayam is Champakara, which is an important Ayurvedic Centre for ‘Thirummuchikilsa’. Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram attracts people from all over India and abroad.

* Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Kottayam town, this bird sanctuary is known to be home to local as well as migratory birds.

* Peerumedu
A small hill station located at a height of 914 meters above sea level, Peerumedu derives its name from the famous Sufi saint, Peer Mohammad.

How to get There:

By Air
Nearest Airport is at Cochin, 76 kms away. The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is 152 kms.

By Rail
Kottayam Railway Station 2 kms. away from the Central Bus Station and is connected with major cities and tourist centres.

By Road
Kottayam is connected to major cities of South India by good motorable roads. There are two bus stations, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus station on TB Road and a private bus stand near the railway station. Buses to major centers operate from the KSRTC bus station.

For more details on Kottayam Travel visit www.times2travel.com

About the author

Vinay Chaubey
SEO Manager
vinay.choubey@mobilex.in
 

Are you tired because of working so hard and need to take some rest in the lap of nature with everything of your choice? If yes than there is nothing as relaxing as Bahamas golf vacation. Most of the people in Bahamas play golf as it is very popular out there. Beautiful sceneries, beaches and golf are the perfect stuff to make a vacation fabulous. This great combination doubles your enjoyment as it relaxes your mind and body both. This beautiful island offers vacation for every class of society and even people who can not afford to spend their hard earned money on a vacation can also have a memorable time by taking a Bahamas golf vacation.

Bahamas golf vacation, as its name suggests, not only offers excitement of golf but many other activities like swimming, beach basket ball and many other thrilling water sports. A Bahamas golf vacation has all that luxurious stuff that makes a complete vacation. Facilities over there will relax you from all tensions and worries. The Bahamas golf vacation package will take you to the islands that is considered one of the most stunning places i.e. high mountains, dense forests, unusual string of beaches and green golf grounds. As far as the Bahamas golf vacation rentals are considered, rentals will be within your budget. If you are looking for a cheap golf vacation then you can search it on internet as many websites deal in organizing vacations. Bahamas golf vacation also offer a lower-price airline ticket so that you may not miss a chance to visit the land of golf and exotic pink and white beaches.

To spend the best time in Bahamas with golf the cheap Bahamas golf vacation would be a better option as it does not put extra burden on your pocket. You can enjoy not only the affordable airfare with this package but also exciting golf along with the finest hotel accommodations and additional facilities. Unless you have had prior experience with a vacation in the Bahamas, the assistance from a travel agent or Bahamas golf vacation organizer would help to get rid of many of the unknown burdens by booking everything yourself. They can also provide insight into some of the more popular attractions so that you may not miss a single moment to grab a view of this beautiful island.

Plan your vacations to Bahamas with Bahamas golf vacation packages and enjoy your vacation to the fullest without putting an extra financial burden on your pocket. Now you don’t need to be hard pressed to enjoy the amenities found with a golf vacation in the Bahamas. The Bahamas golf vacation packages offer you a wide range of facility to make your vacations memorable with golf. If you are planning to leave immediately or planning a vacation months in advance, it is always a good idea to purchase golf vacation package on-season so that your vacation will not get spoiled because of bad climate. The Bahamas is no longer a vacation destination only for the well-to-do now it’s within the reach of every person who wants the full utilization of their hard earned money and precious time. Thanks to Bahamas golf vacation organizers who provide cheap deals to suit any budget.

About the author

Suzane Gray has been offering Bahama travel and vacation packages advice for quite some time.To find bahamas golf vacation,freeport bahamas,cheap bahamas vacation package that best suits your needs, visit www.gobahama.com

 Fortezza da Basso, called also Fortezza of Saint John the Baptist (the patron saint of Florence), was commissioned by the Medici family and built in 1533 in the northern area of the historical city centre of Florence.

The architecture and design of the Fortezza

The complex of the “Fortezza” was built like those of a mediaeval city thanks to the idea of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, one of the greatest architects in Florence, with the help of Pierfranceco da Viterbo: the facade of the dungeon are designed with spherical spearhead made of stones, to resemble the symbol of the Medici family. At the time of the demolition of the Florence city walls dating back to ‘300, during the brief period of Florence capital of Italy, the fortress was isolated and its walls were levelled.

Once a house of correttion, nowadays the ,most important exhibition space in Florence

Under Piero Leopoldo Fortezza da Basso was used as house of correction: today, Fortezza da Basso is the largest exhibition centre in Florence, with an area of 34,000 metres, to hosts the most significant exhibitions and fairs of the city (Pitti Immagine, Florence Gift Mart, EuroCamper, Prato Expo, International Craft and Trade Fair).

All the main events in Florence are staged at Fortezza da Basso

All the main events in Florence are staged at Fortezza da Basso, even the “strangest” ones, like “do-knit-yourself”, a national meeting of fans of knit-bars, the new fashion that broke out in USA and Japan, or “Terra Futura”, and international meeting about sustainability in the future world.

This year “Terra Futura” in Florence

Terra Futura, born during the World Social Forum in Nairobi, is coming back to Florence at Fortezza da Basso. 3 days for a project promoting a more sustainable development of social, environmental and industrial issues: alternative energy, international cooperation, ethic finance. Institutions take part to the event that stages meetings, workshops, other than exhibitions and pure entertainment.

About the author

I stayed at Lorenzo il Magnifico is a luxury hotel in Florence near Fortezza da Basso Expo center for the International Craft Fair

Bai Yun, a Giant Panda, has given birth Friday at the San Diego Zoo, after two and a half hours in labor. After birth, the cub was immediately taken into the arms of its mother.

Bai Yun has had three other cubs, Hua Mei, 1999, Mei Sheng, 2003, and Su Lin, 2005.

The newborn cub’s gender is not yet known - zookeepers want to avoid going close to the cub for a few days, and are watching on a closed-circuit camera.

While Bai Yun has been relatively fertile in captivity, other animals have had difficulty mating. Since these pandas posess extremely low hormonal desires for sex, scientists in China have recently developed a method involving “panda porn” to induce the animals into mating.

Bai Yun, however, seems to be getting along just fine, producing her previous two cubs with a male panda named Gao Gao.

Dr. Ron Swaisgood, who helped deliver the newest cub, has said that “Gao Gao is a very proficient mater.”

Source: WikiNews