4000 BC: Early Peoples For many years, the popular version of history was that Hong Kong was a “barren rock” devoid of people when the British arrived. In fact, archaeology now shows that scattered primitive clans had settled by the seaside on Hong Kong Island and the New Territories six millennia ago. Their diet was … Read more
The sea pervades nearly every aspect of Boston life, so it’s appropriate that the New England Aquarium is one of the city’s most popular attractions. What sets this aquarium apart from similar institutions is its commitment to presenting not only an exciting environment to learn about marine life, but also to conserving the natural habitats … Read more
The National Museum of Rome, with its excellent Classical art collection, grew too vast for its home in the Baths of Diocletian, which closed in 1981. In 1998 the collection was split between various sites, becoming a truly modern, 21st-century museum. The Ludovisi, Mattei and Altemps collections of sculpture moved into the gorgeous 16th-century Palazzo … Read more
Further Features of El Escorial El Escorial Floorplan Cenotaphs These superb bronze sculptures on either side of the high altar are by an Italian father and son team, Leone and Pompeo Leoni. On the left is Carlos I (Emperor Charles V), shown with his wife, daughter and sisters; opposite is Felipe II, three of his … Read more
Some of the most storied battleships in American naval history began life at Charlestown Navy Yard. Established in 1800 as one of the country’s first naval yards, Charlestown remained vital to US security until its decommissioning in 1974. From the 200-year-old wooden-hulled USS Constitution to the World War II-era steel destroyer USS Cassin Young, the … Read more
Eats like royalty on a vegetarian cookery course in Turkey with the ultimate sea view. Sweet, syrupy, soft and with a textured, nutty finish – you haven’t tasted proper baklava until you’ve experienced Yediburunlar Lighthouse’s fresh and utterly delectable homemade version. With layers and layers of paper-thin pastry painstakingly rolled out by expert hands, it … Read more
Enjoying a suitably majestic setting in the southern foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial was commissioned by Felipe II as a mausoleum for the tomb of his father, Carlos I. The name commemorates the victory over the French at St Quentin on the Feast of St … Read more
Rose Center for Earth and Space Hayden Planetarium The Building Opened in 2000 to explore inner earth and the outer universe, the dramatic exhibit building is a huge glass cube enclosing a three-story, 87-ft-wide sphere containing the new Hayden Planetarium. Hall of the Universe Exhibits, divided into the universe, galaxies, stars, and planets, show the … Read more
Anassa, a glamorous thalassotherapy spa decorated with Roman mosaics and Venetian frescoes, nestles on one Cyprus’ fitnest beaches. It’s good for families, couples and singles wanting to escape to peace and nature. The hotel The five-star spa has a Byzantine theme, reflected in its fountains, archways and cobbled courtyard; it even has a tiny … Read more
Often overlooked by visitors, this is one of Madrid’s best museums. The collection comprises more than 20,000 items recovered from the Americas, including textiles, ceramics, tools, paintings and sculptures. The star of the show, by general consent, is the fabulous Quimbayas treasure, presented to the museum by the Colombian government in the 19th century. The … Read more
Few city children grow up without visiting the dinosaurs, the life-size dioramas of animal life, and other natural wonders in this popular museum patronized by over 4 million people each year. Since its founding in 1869, the museum has grown to 45 permanent exhibition halls spanning four city blocks, 13 of them opened in the … Read more
Once a humble house built by three monks to worship Buddha, Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is now a large and important temple. Its crowning glory, the giant Buddha statue facing the monastery, is an object of veneration for devotees and one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist sights. The statue dominates the area … Read more
Mongol horsemen The Science and Technology Museum includes an exhibition of Chinese inventions 500,000 BC: Peking Man hunts and gathers Unearthed in the 1920s from a cave at Zhoukoudian, 30 miles (45 km) SW of Beijing, 40-odd fossilized bones and primitive implements were identified as the prehistoric remains of Peking Man (Homo erectus Pekinensis), who … Read more
One of the great architectural achievements of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1959 spiral design alone would make this museum a must. Solomon Guggenheim’s core collection of Abstract art has been widened by donations of several important collections. The museum owns a host of work by Brancusi, Calder, Klee, Chagall, Miró, Leger, Mondrian, Picasso, … Read more
This tiny, charming island, a half-hour ferry ride west of Hong Kong, makes a great escape from the heat and hassles of the city, except maybe at weekends when everyone else has the same idea. The sense of an older, traditional Hong Kong is pervasive among the narrow streets, tiny shops and temples of this … Read more
National Museum of Mexican Art The largest Latino museum in the US explores the culture sin fronteras (without boundaries), showcasing works from both Mexico and Mexican-American communities. Pre-Columbian ceramics, Day of the Dead candelabras, and prints by such luminaries as Diego Rivera are highlights of the permanent collection. 1852 W. 19th St 10am–5pm Tue–Sun Free … Read more
London’s great riverside fortress is usually remembered as a place of imprisonment, but it also has a more glorious past. Originally a moated fort, the White Tower was built for William I (the Conqueror) and begun around 1078. Enlarged by later monarchs – including Henry VIII, who famously sent two of his wives to their … Read more
National Air and Space Museum The 20th century’s love affair with flight, from its intrepid beginnings to the mastery of space travel, is explored in this wonderful museum . National Air and Space Museum National Museum of American History Mixing the “America’s Attic” approach with fine contemporary interpretive exhibits, the museum offers a fascinating look … Read more
St Maria in Ramersdorf Visitors should view church interiors only when no services are taking place. Artists buried in St Georg’s cemetery include Liesl Karstadt, Erich Kästner, Oskar Maria Graf, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and others. Frauenkirche Munich’s 15th-century cathedral dominates the city silhouette with its twin . Emperor’s tomb, Frauenkirche Frauenkirch Asamkirche Dedicated to St … Read more
The spiritual and political heart of the city, the Palace of Westminster was built here a thousand years ago as a royal household, seat of government and abbey. The square was planned as part of the rebuilding programme following a fire that destroyed the Palace in 1834. Usually known as the Houses of Parliament, the … Read more