The Mediterranean Island of Corsica is located between Italy and mainland France and is known for its incredibly beautiful shores and almost paradise setting. It is legally part of France and has been for almost two and a half centuries. It was at one time it’s own Republic. However, these are minor details and are probably less interesting than the numerous attractions and various cultural elements on the island that continually draw greater numbers of tourists to its shores every year. And for the guests in some of the Corsica hotels, they are much likely way more interested in the great attractions, beach activities and entertainment options than the details of when it officially became part of France.
And that’s well and good because the island is interested in satisfying the needs and interests of its guests, and there are plenty of both. Some of the most popular things to do on the island are outdoor recreational and water sport oriented. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy beautiful hikes and leisurely afternoons on the beach. Each area of the island is known for particular geographic features and various attractions and people are interested in specific areas accordingly.
The western coast of the island is incredibly popular and is known for the number of boats and docks along its shores. This region is known as Ajaccio, which is also the main town. This part of the island enjoys mild winters and relatively stable weather throughout the year. That’s just one of the reasons it’s so popular with tourists. There are also some great cafes, restaurants and clubs found here, which accounts for some of the vacation highlights. In addition, the town has a history that dates to the ancient period and was originally a Roman village/town . There are some ancient relics and ruins located just to the north of town and touring the area can be one of the great afternoon activities available. Another one of the reasons this part of the island is famous is due to its being the location of the birth of Napoleon Bonaparte. The house in which he was born is a museum today.
Copenhagen’s ARKEN is a place where you can experience contemporary art, modern are and striking, awe invoking architecture that alone is worth a visit. Currently, the installation ‘UTOPIA’ by Katharina Grosse is bringing in rave reviews. Come see her 3 dimensional painting – ‘Hello Little Butterfly I Love You What’s Your Name’. This beautifully creative piece allows the viewer to step into it and around it. Katharina manages to pull out colorful clouds of paint, a 200 cubic meter earthen mound, arc’s paintings 12 meters high that fills the Art Axis, which makes her work extremely tangible and all-encompassing.
When you enter the ARKEN and see her installation, her paint strokes take your eyes for a ride across the floor and walls. Katharina’s stunning work changes the shape of the room, creating a space that will make your mind go beyond concepts and think outside of what you know to be real. Step into her painting and explore how a brush stroke feels, how a blob of paint forms, observe it from fresh angles and experience the monumental painting unfolds all around you. According to Katarina, her creation ‘UTOPIA’ refers to the positive, poetic aspects of the universe and as the title expresses, it’s a game of transformation, which is a part of the work and a basic element of utopia; a desire for something different, something better. Afterwards, viewing her extraordinary installment, a 2-dimensional painting might just leave you flat.
You should book reservations at one of the local hotels around Copenhagen soon, because her installation ‘UTOPIA’ runs through to November 7, 2010. While at the ARKEN, you can also see the exhibitions ‘MIRO – I Work Like A Gardener’ and ARKEN’s Collection of contemporary art that includes Olafur Eliassons exquisite work ‘Your Negotiable Panorama’ and a wonderful collection of Damien Hirst. Head for the museums shop where you can borrow an IPod and listen about the art, also while you’re there, take a look at the Koge Bay from the shops cafe, or buy an exclusive Danish design.
The island of Sentosa has undergone many different names over hundreds of years. It originally the name Pulau Blakang Mati which means Island of Death from Behind. There is still wonder as to why the island got its first name. It could have been from the history of murder and piracy that took place a long time ago. It could have been the because of the warrior spirits that were buried there at Pulau Brani which is another name for the island,in the early 1800s, that meant, Island of the Brave or Home of the Warriors.
The main use of the island has also changed many times. Some of the war history of the island can be seen on a visit to Fort Siloso . This is one of four British military forts that were built along the coast to fend off the Japanese in WWII. Singapore became quite the busy port area as the business of trading became the business to be in. This always meant there was a need for protecting interests and the British were the big power guns back then. So take some time to enjoy some history while visiting.
Now Sentosa island, other surrounding islands as well as the mainland of Singapore have become a major tourist attraction. The name Sentosa means peace and tranquility which is one of the draws to coming to this area. There are long sandy beaches, lots of Sentosa Island hotels and many attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Many enjoy the Sentosa Monorail system that takes them from Sentosa to the main land of Singapore. This island was one of the first fantasy islands with many theme parks that have come and gone. Visitors can get a really amazing view of the whole area from the Tiger Sky Tower . It is the tallest free standing building in Asia and it gives some breathtaking views of the whole area.
Right across from the famous Rockefeller Center and down the street from the Museum of Modern Art and the Trump Tower and many other amazing sites in New York City is the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral . One of the best ways to see the whole building is from the window of one of the Rockefeller Center Buildings. It is such a historical, ornate, presence among so many modern giants. It is a well known and the largest Neo-Gothic Catholic Church in America. This amazing building is the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese on New York.
In 1810, the site was bought to be a school for young Roman Catholic men but the school was closed and bought by the diocese shortly after. It became a space for exiled French monks and orphans in 1814 and stayed that way until the late 1800s when the Trappists resettled else were. The first Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was then to be replaced with the new cathedral which was completed in 1878 and was finally dedicated in 1879. During that time, this building was absolutely massive. It was considered far from most of the activities of the city and there weren’t any great hotels such as this to be found in the area. Now, of course, there are many luxurious hotels in the neighborhood.
Since it was erected, this Cathedral has been an active local parish and the home of many prayers. The inside is absolutely stunning with its towering architecture and massive pipe organs. The high altar has a crypt below with many notable Catholic figures entombed. Some of the famous people who have been to masses here include U.S. Senator of New York Robert F. Kennedy (future U.S. President), some baseball greats like Babe Ruth as well as Billy Martin. Famous singer Celia Cruz as well as football great Vince Lombardi.
