While we have been to France several times, neither my husband Dave, nor I had been to Provence, so it was new territory for both of us. We decided to rent a house for a week in the small village of Bonnieux and our subsequent explorations from there covered only approximately 50 kilometers and only included small villages – mostly the hill towns of the Luberon.

We rented our house from Christine McConnell through Holiday Rentals . The cost was $965 for the week. With the dollar so weak against the Euro, this would prove to be a fantastic deal! Because the house had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, we decided that we couldn’t let that second bedroom go to waste, so we invited my parents to come along with us”¦and they accepted!

Dave and I arrived at Charles de Gaul Airport at around 10:00 on Sunday morning. We had reservations on the TGV at about 2:00 so we had plenty of time to people-watch and guess which travelers were from what country. (The shoes give it away!)

The TGV zoooomed us down to Avignon where we picked up our rental car. Dave had downloaded the France roads onto our Tom-Tom, but it too must have been jetlagged as it didn’t pick anything up for the first several miles as we proceeded to get lost in the suburbs of Avignon. Eventually we stopped at a bakery/pizzeria to ask for directions to a grocery store to get a baguette, cheese and wine for that night (and to find out where we were) we also discovered that no stores would be open since it was Sunday night. Fortunately, they had baguettes and Dave bought two, as well as a slice of very greasy pizza”¦not the best place to get pizza, but the baguettes were good. About this time, Tom-Tom woke up and told us the correct road to take to get to Bonnieux. The Tom-Tom turned out to be fantastic for navigating the back roads of the Luberon”¦don’t leave home without one!

Our home for the week was located on Rue de la Republique (#40), which is one of the main roads in the village of Bonnieux. The street is barely wide enough for two cars to pass, thus parking on the street is not an option! We were lucky though that there are about 8 parking spots just down the road from us and often one was available, but unfortunately not the first night when we needed one to unload our suitcases. So we quickly unloaded curbside and Dave was off to the large parking lot up on the hill by the Old Church.

I took a look around the house and started to panic”¦the room that we were going to have my parents stay in required doing the “limbo” to get down into it! These old houses were built for much smaller people and we had to duck under a large wood beam. We decided it best for Dave and me to take the lower bedroom and have my parents sleep in the upstairs bedroom. However, that meant that they had to negotiate another staircase for their bathroom which was on the 3^rd floor. They and we survived and no one bumped a head or fell down the stairs so all was good!

We arrived in Bonnieux on Sunday night and went down the street to Le Cesar for a bottle of wine and a salad with goat cheese. Perhaps it was something that he ate, but Dave had a very upset stomach the following day. No more goat cheese for him for a few days, but he made up for it later!
All in all, a good start to a wonderful vacation.

]]> http://cittours.com/euro-tours/exploring-provence-for-the-first-time/feed/ 0 http://cittours.com/islands/bermuda/bermuda-travel-guide/ http://cittours.com/islands/bermuda/bermuda-travel-guide/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:27:08 +0000 admin http://cittours.com/bermuda/bermuda-travel-guide/

Caribbean near Tulum

Bermuda is a chain of 138 islands and 42 coral islets in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean about 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. It is famous for its cerulean blue waters, fringed by white and pink sandy beaches, and cozy bays and inlets. Subtropical in climate, Bermuda has an impressive array of flora, totaling 165 plant species including 25 that are endangered. Old-growth forests of cedars also dominate the interior.

Bermuda was originally discovered in 1506 by a Spanish sailor by the name of Juan de Bermudez, but was not claimed or settled. The British were the first to claim the chain of islands in 1609 and colonize it. For the next two hundred years, the colony thrived on an interchange of agricultural production of tobacco, the logging of cedars, shipbuilding, salt trading, and whaling. During the Civil War, Bermuda was used by the Confederates to evade the blockades of the Union and bring goods and supplies to the South from England. Since the early 20th century, Bermuda has turned its attention to tourism. The main issue facing Bermuda these days concern independence. The island chain was granted self-government in 1968, although not over its foreign policy and control of defense. Debate persists over whether Bermuda should choose full independence with the majority of residents opposing it. This is not surprising, as Bermudans to this day, despite being thousands of miles away from the UK, still retain a strong sense of British customs and culture in their everyday life.

Attractions
Bermuda’s claim to fame is its pink beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. It is also known as the “Shipwreck capital of the Atlantic”. In addition to the beautiful coral reefs and abundant underwater marine life – home to more than 650 fish species – there are also over 400 historic wrecks that date as far back as the 15th century. And the underwater visibility in Bermuda is among the best in the world. All this adds up to some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage designated St. Georges, where the waters are shallow at around 35 feet yet teem with coral reefs and shipwrecks. Some of the centuries-old sunken ships you can explore include the Apollo, Blanche King, Caraquet, Constellation, and Cristobal Colon.

Because no point on Bermuda is ever more than a half-mile away from the sea, water activities and aquatic adventures also define the tourist experience. Boating, parasailing, water-skiing, and deep-sea fishing are particularly popular. Bermuda is, in fact, one of the premiere boating destinations, and hosts major boating events every year like the Newport to Bermuda Ocean Yacht Race and the Bermuda Ocean Race.

Ecotourism is also a big deal in Bermuda. There are crystal caves and underground caverns with stalactites, stalagmites and saltwater pools that can be explored. There are also lush nature reserves that nurture more than 360 species of birds, 4500 marine creatures, and 1,000 plant varieties.

Perhaps Bermuda’s most popular attraction is the Bermuda Maritime Museum, set in a six-acre fortress near the Royal Naval Dockyard. You’ll find eight historic buildings, including the restored Commissioner’s House and several old munitions warehouses. The museum retraces and illustrates the naval history of Bermuda.

Golfing is also a major draw for many of the well-to-do who visit. Bermuda is actually host to the season-ending PGA Grand Slam of Golf on Atlantic Island at the Mid Ocean Club and the Fairmont Southampton. In total, there are eight championship golf courses in Bermuda set amid stunning ocean views and breathtaking island scenery – all designed by famous golfing architects like Robert Trent Jones.

]]> http://cittours.com/islands/bermuda/bermuda-travel-guide/feed/ 0 http://cittours.com/islands/cape-verde/cape-verde-travel-guide/ http://cittours.com/islands/cape-verde/cape-verde-travel-guide/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:27:26 +0000 admin http://cittours.com/cape-verde/cape-verde-travel-guide/

Wreck

Cape Verde is comprised of 10 volcanic islands and five islets off the coast of Senegal. The islands were first discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century and were uninhabited at the time. They named it “Cape Verde” for its verdant landscape. Unfortunately, the islands are no longer as lush as perhaps they once were. But visitors, nevertheless, are still enchanted by Cape Verdes’ beautiful mountain scenery, deserted white beaches, and amazingly-clear blue waters.

Cape Verde’s archipelago of 15 islands and islets forms a crescent shape in the Atlantic Ocean. The main inhabited islands are Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista, Santa Luzia, Maio, Santiago, Brava, and Fogo. Each of the islands has its own distinct character; Santiago is lush and lively; Sao Nicolau is characterized by its volcanic and mountainous terrain; Sal is sandy, salty, and fishing-oriented; Boa Vista is a famous scuba diving destination; Fogo Island is home to the active volcanic crater shaped like a half moon – the Pico do Fogo – which rises to a height of more than 9,280 feet; and São Vicente is known for its lively festivals, parties, and nightlife including the exuberant Carnival and traditional Baia das Gatas.

Overall, the islands have little plant life in the higher regions and coasts. The interior valleys, however, feature tropical vegetation. Wildlife on Cape Verde is limited to farm animals and several varieties of birds. The waters, though, abound with numerous fish species and whales, providing opportunities for underwater fishing and whale-watching.

The people in Cape Verde are mostly mixed Portuguese-African, with a minority of Europeans. Originally, workers were brought in from the African mainland to work the plantations set up by the Portuguese. Eventually, the Africans and Portuguese intermarried. Each island has developed its own customs and traditions. Roman Catholicism remains the dominant religion and Verdean Creole is the country’s official language.

Attractions
Cape Verde is best visited for its spectacular white sandy beaches. The islands with the best beaches are Santiago and Sal. Sao Nicolau is also notable for its black sand beaches. These beaches offer swimming, sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing, and sailing. Surfing is particularly popular in Sal where the waves are rough and enticing to advanced surfers. Boa Vista and Sal have a number of popular dive spots, as well as the best personnel and equipment. There are a number of shipwreck sites that can be explored and water temperatures are warm year-round.

In the interior of the islands, you’ll find a more lush landscape. The plant life on Brava, for example, is diverse and unique. Hiking into the interior of Brava also offers scenic views of the coasts from higher elevation plateaux. An even better hike or climb is the rugged coast of Santo Antão, which is one of the greener islands and dominated by forested hills, tropical flora, flat-bottomed valleys, and craters of extinct volcanoes. The highlight of Santo Antão is the Ribeira Grande Mountain, which takes a day to climb. The island of Fogo offers a great hike as well, featuring an active volcano.

For historic ruins, visit Cidade Velha in Praia which is the site of the first Portuguese settlement in Cape Verde. You’ll find the old Fort Real de San Felipe and other ruins, including the Pelourinho square, which used to serve as the center of slave trade on the islands. The fishing village of Tarrafal on the northwest end of Santiago features an old colonial prison where dissidents of Portuguese dictator, Salazar, were held during his reign in the 20th century. Mindelo on São Vicente has a line of old colonial buildings.

The best nightlife in Cape Verde is in the islands’ capital, Praia, and São Vicente which is famous for its Carnival and traditional Baia das Gatas Festival in August.

History
Cape Verde was discovered in 1460 by the Portuguese. The archipelago was uninhabited then. For 300 years, the islands enjoyed prosperity with its plantations and crops. Since the late 19th century, however, drought, crop failures, and famine have plagued the islands, though Cape Verde has regained its importance as a refueling stop for Atlantic ships. Cape Verde remained part of Portugal until it was granted independence in 1975.

Climate
The climate in Cape Verde is generally warm; temperatures average 75°F (24°C) throughout the year. The rainy season usually runs from July to November.

]]> http://cittours.com/islands/cape-verde/cape-verde-travel-guide/feed/ 0 http://cittours.com/euro-tours/see-szczecin-poland-in-a-day/ http://cittours.com/euro-tours/see-szczecin-poland-in-a-day/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:27:39 +0000 admin http://cittours.com/euro-tours/see-szczecin-poland-in-a-day/ Szczecin, Poland’s seventh largest city (population 406,000) and the capital of West Pomeranian Province, is a charming maritime city worthy of a day trip. The city is only a two-hour train ride from Berlin, and is also accessible from Warsaw and smaller cities in Germany’s Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Due to its small size, the entire city can be explored in less than a day. Taking the early morning train from Berlin and returning on the evening train provides  more than enough time to see what the city has to offer. Note that many residents do not speak English, but some restaurants will offer menus in either German or English. Euros are generally not accepted, so changing money at the Glówny (Central) train station is probably one’s best bet, as many of the ATMs do not offer an English language option. Poland will switch to the Euro in 2012.

Due to its location near the border between Germany and Poland, as well as its access to the Baltic Sea, Szczecin has been incorporated into several different countries since the town was founded in the 8th Century. Poland, Germany, Denmark, Prussia, Sweden and even Napoleonic France have all laid claim to the city over the centuries. Starting in the 18th Century, Szczecin and its port on the Oder River were under German control. When Soviet forces invaded Nazi Germany in 1945, Poland annexed lands up to the Oder and forced the expulsion of German residents. Szczecin thus once again became a Polish city. The city is now known primarily for its maritime industry, as well as the distinct urban planning it adopted in the 1880s, which features wide avenues and roundabouts.

With its complex past, the city now boasts an eclectic mix of architectural styles, such as: the Neo-Renaissance Post Office Building near the train station; the Gothic influenced New Town Hall; the many, stark Communist era apartment complexes; and the modern glass PAZIM Tower. Though 65% of the city was destroyed during allied air raids in 1944, restoration efforts have reconstructed many of the historic buildings throughout town, thereby preserving and revealing the many layers of history in the city’s skyline.

Szczecin is divided into two parts, the Lewobrzeze or Left Bank and the Prawobrzeze, Right Bank. The city center and most of the tourist attractions are found in the Left Bank. Trams and buses cover most of the city, but visitors can walk to all of the historic sites from the train station. Taxis should be avoided, particularly at the train station, as drivers are known to take advantage of unknowing tourists. A red dashed line on the sidewalks connects forty-two noteworthy sites in town from the Glówny Railway Station. The line continues throughout the Lewobrzeze for seven kilometers, leading back eventually to the train station. The sites are numbered successively. Upon arriving in Szczecin, visitors can purchase an English language map from the currency exchange that provides an illustrated view of the city as well as additional information on the sites included in the red line tourist route. The red line is the best way to maneuver around Szczecin as there is not a central part of the city and many of the sites are spread out.

A few sites are worthy of being singled out. The Pomeranian Dukes Castle, built in the 16th Century, houses a museum and tourist information office, as well as restaurants and cafes. Operas are often hosted here. Just north of the castle is Waly Chrobrego, a picturesque promenade situated along the Oder River. Many cafes can be found along the promenade where visitors can have a light meal or sample a glass of Bosman, a locally brewed beer. Also along the promenade is the Marine Museum, which exhibits the history of Pomerania and various ethnographic collections.

Walking west from Waly Chrobrego will bring visitors to the modern PAZIM Tower, a glass structure near the Galaxy Shopping Center and major hotels. Café 22, on the top floor of the tower, boasts the best views of Szczecin. From the tower, visitors can follow the red line to the Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle, the largest religious structure in Pomerania. The impressive church was built in the 16th Century, but destroyed during World War II. The interior of the church is accessible for only 4 zloty and a small exhibition space details the history of the structure. Perhaps most interesting, the church has many small chapels devoted to various groups, including one to West Pomeranian Dukes, another to the victims of Nazism and Stalinism, one to soldiers of the Resistance movement, as well as many more.

Also noteworthy, is the New Town Hall, located close to the train station. This neo-gothic building has a few cafes nearby where one can dine under shady trees while looking out on to a decorative fountain. Just beside the town hall is the Turzyn Market, a large open-air market selling everything from farm fresh vegetables, to inexpensive clothing, to bootlegged DVDs, to antiques. The market opens early and typically closes by mid-afternoon.

Szczecin is a lovely and safe city, but it is not a major tourist destination. A day trip is really all one needs to take in this port town. Arrive by train, exchange Euros for zloty, buy a map, and follow the dashed red tourist route line to see much of what has made this city famous.

The downtown area of Calgary is among the newest urban playgrounds of Canada and offers amazing attractions to the tourists. It is a paradise for those who love to explore the modern day architecture and historical sandstone buildings that are still alive for almost a century ago. One of the major examples of this is the Stephen Avenue Walk National Historic District. So do not miss this golden opportunity to head towards downtown if you are planning to visit Calgary.

The Calgary Tower will offer you spectacular views of the city and the Canadian Rockies. The tower has an elevation of 189 meters. The Glenbow Museum will offer you a lively journey inside of Canadian West and a stimulating exploration of other cultures. Head to the Youthlink Calgary, which is the Calgary Police Service Interpretive Centre. This will provide you interactive facility, with educational hands-on exhibits and games on criminal issues. Well, Calgary Alberta Tourism has much more to offer than this.

While exploring the city, do not miss to try the shopping experiences as well. Calgary Eaton Centre/TD Square, Stephen Avenue Walk, Inglewood District, 4th Street and Mission district, and Uptown 17th Avenue are the best locations for shopping. Here you will get a bustling experience of shopping in Calgary with variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, stores, pubs, and others.

Those who are art lovers or music lovers should visit the Art Central, Art Gallery of Calgary, Artists of the World Gallery, Cantos Music Foundation, and EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts. These are the must-see sites in Calgary. So get fascinated and explore as much as you can. The climate, natural beauties, and the breathtaking attractions make Calgary a magnificent place.

Calgary Alberta tourism will never let you feel bored, as it disseminates breathtaking attractions and wonders worth visiting.

By 1790, Litchfield was the third largest town in the United States, with a population of over 20,000, following only New York and Philadelphia. Boston was fourth at this time with over 18,000. Today, Litchfield has a population of fewer than 1,500 residents.

Litchfield is the birthplace of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, whose equally famous father Lyman Beecher, was a minister here. For historical background the Litchfield His­torical Society Museum has a fine selec­tion of paintings, documents, furniture, decorative arts and exhibits about Litchfield and is located at the corner of East and South street.

In 1774, America’s first school for the study of law was erected in Litchfield. Tapping Reeve House and Law School educated future Vice Presidents Aaron Burr and John C. Calhoun, six Cabinet member, 26 U.S. Senators, over 100 Congressmen, 16 Governors, and three Supreme Court Justices. It is now open to the public and is located off of route 63 south.

]]> http://cittours.com/north-america-2/united-states/litchfield-travel-guide/feed/ 0 http://cittours.com/europe-2/france-2/cherbourg-travel-guide/ http://cittours.com/europe-2/france-2/cherbourg-travel-guide/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:28:29 +0000 admin http://cittours.com/france-2/cherbourg-travel-guide/

bonjour, je suis dilbert

Cherbourg is located in the northern coastof the Cherbourg peninsula and faces westwards towards La Hague and eastwards towards the Saire Valley, two areas that are quite different from each other. Upon first glance from its hilltop, the Montagne du Route, or from street-level at the town’s center, Cherbourg appears to be absent of any architectural interest. And thanks to the famous French film, “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”, it is often seen as a very rainy town. Even if these unfavorable associations are true, Cherbourg is still the French province of Normandy’s fourth largest town and an important strategic port.[1]

Attractions
There are a number of cultural sights in Cherbourg, including the remains of the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Abbey of Notre-Dame-du-Voeu. The most impressive of the attractions, however, is the Thomas-Henry Museum. This museum boasts 33 paintings by Francois Millet, as well as works by Chardin, Fra Angelico, Murillo, Greuze, and Poussin. There is also the Emmanuel Liais Park, a botanical park named after the naturalist and former Mayor of Cherbourg. The park contains about 4,600 different plant species with many of them being tropical in origin.[2]

The Tourlaville Castle is also near Cherbourg. It is a beautiful house of Renaissance architecture, echoing the memories of Julien and Marguerite Ravalet, who were the grandson and grand-daughter of the castle’s founder. Accused of engaging in incestuous relations, Julien and Marguerite were decapitated on the Place de Greve.[3]

La Hague
Near Cherbourg is the region of La Hague, an attraction by its own right. Many people compare La Hague to Brittany or Ireland. La Hague is a pretty portrait of medieval houses, castles, manors, dry stone walls, cliffs carved by coves, stumpy wind-bent trees, and long wild grass grazed by abundant livestock. Some of the castles and mansions worth visiting include the Nacqueville, the opulent Flamanville.[4]

For scenic views, between Cherbourg and Flamanville or Querqueville to the Nez de Jobourg are the best places to check out. In Goury, you can see the roaring sea gashing hard the shores of the Cherbourg Peninsula. The Gros du Raz lighthouse stands only a few yards from the harbor. Dielette, which is located further south, gets drenched by waves just as much as Goury. For many years, Dielette was an underwater mine of iron deposits but now houses a nuclear power station.[5]

In La Hague is the little village of Gruchy, famous as the birthplace of the French artist, Jean-Francois Millet. This artist often made La Hague the subject of many of his works.[6]

The small but beautiful village of Omonville-la-Petite is also located in La Hague. This village is the site of the grave of the famous French poet, Jacques Prevert who spent most of his life in this region where he got inspiration for most of his poems.[7]

Saire Valley
Northeast of the Cherbourg peninsula, you’ll find the Saire Valley, named after the Saire River which flows through it. It is quite different from La Hague. Sheltered from the winds and its accompanying chilly temperatures, Saire is a fertile region where vegetables are grown. For great views of the Saire Valley, the Pernelle Hill and the Gatteville Lighthouse offer panoramic vantage points.[8]

History
Cherbourg has been protected over the years from naval attacks, especially from the British. The city owes a debt of gratitude to Louis XVI, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Napoleon III. Louis XVI commissioned Vauban to design ambitious fortifications for the city. Napoleon Bonaparte resumed these efforts, and Napoleon III completed them. The 2-mile long, 88 feet high, Grand Dyke, the Hornet and Dutchmen’s Dykes, and a line of forts make up the town’s primary protection. Ironically, however, it was the Germans who were the first to use these forts in 1944. Before the city was liberated, it witnessed the Battle of Cherbourg, which caused substantial damage but freed the town of Nazi occupying forces. On the west bank of the R. Divette, you’ll find an armaments depot, a reminder of the town's designation as a naval base. This bank is home to a shipyard that builds missile-launching submarines. The first one built was the famous Redoutable.[9]

Today, Cherbourg is an important port and fishing town. It also has one of the largest yachting marinas in France, second only to Cannes. This marina also serves the last ocean liner in the transatlantic terminal, perpetuating an old tradition. It is, however, the ferry links to England and Ireland that yield the largest influx of traffic. On Place Napoleon, a statue of the emperor pointing his arm in the direction of “perfidious Albion” sits on display, smiling ironically at the invasion of peaceful British tourists.[10]

References:
Gaudez, René, Hervé Champollion, and Angela Moyon. Tour of Normandy. Rennes: Éditions Ouest-France, 1996. ISBN: 2737317185.

[1] Gaudez, 24
[2] Id. at 25
[3] Id.
[4] Id.
[5] Id. at 26
[6] Id.
[7] Id.
[8] Id.
[9] Id. at 24-25
[10] Id. at 25

]]> http://cittours.com/europe-2/france-2/cherbourg-travel-guide/feed/ 0 http://cittours.com/africa/liberia/liberia-travel-guide/ http://cittours.com/africa/liberia/liberia-travel-guide/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:27:12 +0000 admin http://cittours.com/liberia/liberia-travel-guide/

Young woman, Zleh Town, Liberia, 1968

Liberia is a land of beautiful tropical beaches and pristine wildernesses. Unfortunately, it is also one of the poorest nations in Africa and has only recently emerged from a long civil war that witnessed more than 250,000 people die. Travel to Liberia is currently not recommended.

Liberia is situated on the western bulge of Africa just slightly north of the equator. It has an Atlantic coast that stretches for 350 miles between Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire. Liberia was once known as the “Grain Coast” because of its melegueta peppers, which attracted European traders back in the day. The land is well watered and streamed by numerous rivers, including the Mano, Cestos, St. John, St. Paul, and Cavally. Much of the country is also covered in thick forests. The northwest is primarily grassland. The coast is rather flat. The interior, meanwhile, is elevated and dominated by the Nimba Mountains, where elephants, leopards, buffalo, pygmy hippos, monkeys, and duikers populate.

Attractions
Liberia’s main attraction is its beautiful sandy beaches, most of them near the capital, Monrovia. Swimming, boating, and other water sports are popular around the beach areas, which include Bernard’s Beach, Cedar Beach, Elwa Beach, Kenema Beach, Caesar’s Beach, Cooper’s Beach, Kendaje Beach, and Sugar Beach. Robertsport probably has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Skinny-diving season takes place from December to May when the sea is the clearest. Fishing is also great anytime of the year along the coast. In the interiors, good fishing can also be found along the St. Paul and Mesurado rivers, as well as at Lake Piso, which is surrounded by traditional fishing villages. Lake Piso offers facilities for water sports.

Liberia’s jewel is the Sapo National Park, which is located in Sinoe County. This pristine rainforest wilderness, streamed by the Sinoe River, fosters tropical plants and a range of wildlife species that include elephants, giant forest hogs, leopards, and the rare pygmy hippo. You can enjoy the game viewing by taking a boating trip along the Sinoe River. The park also has the distinction of being the largest untouched tract of rainforest in Western Africa.

If you have time, consider checking out the Kpa-Tawe Waterfalls, which is about 4.5 hours away from Monrovia. The capital itself is sprawled on a coast that features rocky headlands, inlets, and lagoons. In Monrovia, you’ll find the country’s best nightlife and restaurants.

History
Liberia was first inhabited by people who moved into the region between the 12th and 16th centuries. In the early 1820s, freed slaves from the United States arrived and colonized the area; they founded Monrovia. The settlers eventually proclaimed Liberia’s independence in 1847. These former American slaves and their descendants, called Americo-Liberians, controlled the government and economy of the country until 1980, governing it under the U.S. constitution. U.S. support enabled the settlers to withstand European encroachments and resistance from the indigenous groups.

For more than a century, the original inhabitants had little control over political affairs. In 1980, however, a group of young military officers from the interior seized control of the government. They killed President William Tolbert in a coup led by Samuel Doe, who was subsequently elected as president under a civilian government in 1985. Opposition against Doe mounted. Charles Taylor led rebel forces in a war against the government in 1989. Doe was killed in 1990, which only exacerbated the fighting. The civil war lasted until 1996 and caused the deaths of more than 5% of the population. An estimated 700,000 Liberians fled the country. Democratic elections were finally held in July 1997 and Charles Taylor was elected. Taylor, however, ruled under a brutal regime best defined as autocratic and dysfunctional. Ultimately, another rebellion was launched in 1999, which grew into another bloody civil war. American and international pressure eventually forced Taylor to resign. He was extradited in 2006 to face war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The civil war ended in 2003 and presidential elections were held in 2005. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was elected and has become the first female ruler in Africa. Sirleaf has worked hard since to rebuild the country.

]]> http://cittours.com/africa/liberia/liberia-travel-guide/feed/ 0 http://cittours.com/euro-tours/adventures-in-the-fairy-tale-town-of-bled-slovenia/ http://cittours.com/euro-tours/adventures-in-the-fairy-tale-town-of-bled-slovenia/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:27:46 +0000 admin http://cittours.com/euro-tours/adventures-in-the-fairy-tale-town-of-bled-slovenia/ It looks like a fairy tale. Out of the lake rises a stone staircase. Step delicately over the edge of your rowboat, and mount the stairs. The little island at which you’ve docked barely has enough space for a few trees and your destination: the medieval Church of the Assumption. The solemn peal of a bell and thin iron spire are made even more dramatic by the fact that you are standing in the middle of Lake Bled.

Bled, Slovenia has long been a pilgrimage site for Slovenians; now it has also emerged as a tourist destination. With its dark mountain water and setting high in the Julian Alps, the lake resembles a Disneyland fable. Rowboats make thin, vanishing wakes; swans pick at reeds along the shore. A genuine castle completes the picturesque scene.

The town of Bled sits below the castle. Carved wooden shutters spill with flower boxes, and the streets curve without design or destination. Despite the rush of tourists, both foreign and Slovenian, the town seems able to accommodate holiday crowds. At mid-day, most visitors have found their way up into the mountains, to hike, cycle, or swim, leaving the lulled town to the ice cream vendors.

Outdoor adventures draw many visitors in the region. Tour companies based in Bled offer canyoneering day-trips, complete with waterfall leaps and rappelling.  For the more independent traveler, cycling is an easy way to see the surrounding countryside; many visitors spend an afternoon climbing roads through bucolic farm-towns or along the river in Triglav National Park.

Built in the 11th century, Bledski Grad castle offers one of the finest views of the surrounding countryside. From town, a short climb through the woods leads to a steep cobblestone entryway. In a small chapel once reserved for nobility, 500-year old frescoes leap from the curving ceiling in ochre and lazuli hues. A small but informative museum provides an anthropological history of the castle and it’s surrounds, from Paleolithic times through the present. The castle ramparts overlook a swimming dock, where divers make tiny white splashes in the water below; towels tucked around their necks, families pedal bikes along the shore. Mountains rise from the banks, fir-covered, bluish-green.

Only an hour outside the capital of Ljubljana, Lake Bled is an easy weekend getaway for urban Slovenians. But while neighboring Croatia has capitalized on its coastline to draw foreign tourists, Slovenia remains largely an unknown factor for many euro-trekkers. The Julian Alps are often overlooked in favor of their Swiss or Italian cousins, but they offer a similar alpine experience.

Tracing the water’s circumference, a path connects Bled town to the outlying villages and a campground. Shaded by large old trees, the path serves as both transportation and recreation. In the evening hours, as the water darkens and clouds of gnats tie knots around each other, the lake draws Bled’s visitors to its shoreline. An old woman sits on a bench, savoring forkfuls of kremna rezina, sweet custard cake. Kids on in-line skates zip past. On a veranda overlooking the water, a couple enjoys a cup of chilled blueberry liquor – a traditional Slovenian drink – and the last of the summer sun.

References:
Muller, Kal, and David Pickell. East of Bali: From Lombok to Timor. Lincolnwood: Passport Books, 1991. ISBN: 0844299057.

[1] Muller, 72

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