Visitors Guide to Florence, Italy
The city of Florence is actually the capital of Italy’s Tuscany area and stands alongside the scenic banks of the Arno River, close to the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas. Bustling with local industry, which includes arts and crafts, commerce and tourism; Florence is a particularly historic location, steeped in heritage.
One of the most desirable places to visit in Italy, Florence was originally founded by Romans during the first century and grew dramatically between the 1200s and 1600s. Of particular importance, the Medici family, who ruled over Florence during the 15th century, were responsible for many of the city’s most spectacular landmarks, buildings and monuments, most of which remain in excellent condition.
Florence Travel:
The Florence area features a well-structured public transport network, comprising of main railway lines, orange ATAF buses and local taxis that congregate at various taxi ranks and around the piazzas. Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to travel around the Tuscany area and the A1 Motorway connects Florence to many major Italian cities, such as Bologna, Milan, Naples and Rome. Also the A11 Motorway links Florence to Lucca, Pisa and a number of coastal resorts.
Florence is easy to reach from around the world and the city’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport is nearby. Just 5 km / 3 miles from the city center, the Florence Vespucci Airport offers modern facilities and is home to a number of important international and Italian airlines
Florence Commerce:
With a thriving commercial city centre and many businesses supporting the services and financial sector, Florence is a wealthy city. Nowadays, with tourism being an equally important industry in the city, many local crafts boost the economy, such as jewellery, leatherwork and ceramics, together with hotels. Florence contains a number of notable, medium-sized companies, including engineering firms, publishing and textile businesses.
Florence Hotels:
Hotels in Florence are often fairly expensive throughout the year and many are centrally located, although a number of popular cheaper alternatives are available. Accommodation during the peak season quickly becomes fully booked in the most popular hotels and it can be advisable to book at least two weeks ahead. If you decide to rent a car, ensure that the hotel has car parking space available before booking. Hotels can be found all around the city centre, in the green Viale dei Colli area, close to the Santa Maria Novella train station, alongside the Arno River and on the city outskirts.
Florence Tourism:
Tourism in the Florence area is important and thousands of people choose to visit this part of Tuscany each year, to enjoy the scenic views, historical buildings, stunning architecture and famous works of art. Must-see attractions in Florence include a number of magnificent palaces, such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and Palazzo Strozzi. Other attractions include the Piazza del Signoria, the Teatro Comunale (theatre), the arched Ponte Vecchio bridge, the historic Campanile di Giotto and the world-famous Duomo / Santa Maria del Fiore also known as the ‘Cathedral of Florence’.
Top museums in Florence contain many important art exhibitions and outstanding exhibits. Worth a visit are the National Archeological Museum, the Uffizi Gallery and the Academy Gallery, amongst many others. Also, the Chianti area, which is situated between the city of Florence and nearby Siena, features one of Italy’s most stunning countryside landscapes and is also home to a number of famous vineyards.
Florence Restaurants:
Restaurants in Italy are known as ‘Ristoranti’ or ‘Trattories’ and are widespread in Florence, with many different kinds of cuisine readily available. Menu prices do not usually include service charges and these are added to the bill, together with any further cover charges (‘coperto’). Therefore, tipping in Florence restaurants is not strictly necessary, although always very much appreciated. Lunch in the city is generally taken around 13:00 and is the main meal of the day, with dinner being eaten between 20:00 and 21:00.
Florence Weather:
The city of Florence features fairly temperature weather, with notable hot, sunny summer months and cooler, breezy winters. Temperatures between the months of July and August are at their hottest and reach highs of up to 32C / 90F. January tends to be Florence’s coldest month with daytime temperatures only reaching 9C / 48F, although lows of 1C / 34F may be experienced.
Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam is a country deeply scarred by war and yet its outlook is forgiving and forwardlooking. Its people believe last centurys occupations, battles and political influences have enriched the nation.
Washed ashore above the Mekong Delta, some 40km north of the South China Sea, Ho Chi Minh City, known also as Saigon, is a city on the march, a boomtown where the rule of the dollar is absolute. It is a testament to its wartorn past. Its history has made it resilient, effervescent, charged with initiative and roaring with trade.
The centre of Ho Chi Minh is compact and ideal for wandering around. It boasts fine restaurants, immaculate hotels and glitzy bars amidst its colonial villas and venerable pagodas.
There are many interesting places to visit including the markets, cathedral, riverport, Presidential Palace (perfectly preserved for some unknown reason!) and the nearby park which also houses a museum of Vietnamese History and Culture and a small zoo.
Ho Chi Minh City started life as a fishing village known as Prei Nokor and during the Angkor period (the 15th century) it flourished as an entrpot for Cambodian boats pushing down the Mekong River. Cargo ships still to this day jostle with rice barges and fragile sampans (an Oriental boat propelled by a sail or oars), whilst porters sweat in the humidity loading the boats.
During the 18th century, the Khmers by now had been ousted, Prei Nokor was renamed as Saigon and was made a temporary capital between 1772 and 1802, after which the Emperor Gia Long used it as his regional administrative centre.
The French seized Saigon in 1861 and set about a huge public works programme by building roads and draining marsh land. The war against the French lasted thirty years after which Saigon was finally designated the capital of the Republic of South Vietnam.
American troops withdrew in 1973 and two years later Saigon had been renamed as Ho Chi Minh City.
This is a port that is steamy hot and searlingly stylish. The streets are lined with imaginative oneoff boutiques, design stores and busy cafes where you will be able to meet the local people on an informal basis. Dong Khoi and Le Thanh Ton streets are favourites for elegant silk clothing, hand embroidered scarves, and lacquerware. (Many stores will provide a service of organising a container to ship purchases home) In many ways Ho Chi Minh City is far more cosmopolitan and hedonistic than the capital, Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh is also full to bursting point with people for whom progress hasnt yet translated into food, lodging and employment, so begging, stealing and prostitution are very much in evidence. Petty crime, unfortunately, has increased in the last few years so much care should be taken when walking the streets or travelling on bicycles or motorbikes, especially after dark and around tourist nightspots.
For more information on Vietnam, or any South East Asian topic, please visit http://www.Sticky-Rice.com
Why Romania is a Holiday Must This Summer
Planning a vacation? Well Romania is the place to beit is the most diverse country in terms of climate, terrain, flora and fauna; snow capped mountains and a sultry coastline- you can ski on snow or on water!
It is located in southeastern Europe. Romania is surrounded by Ukraine to the north, Hungary to its north west, Moldova to the north east and Bulgaria in the south. The famous river Danube flows through Romania from the northwest to the east into the equally famous black sea after forming a picturesque delta- the famous Danube delta!
Romanians are known to be very friendly and hospitable people. The national language is Romanian and others include Hungarian and German. Most Romanians can also communicate fluently in English.
How to get to Romania?
If you are in Europe you can get to Romania by train, road or a sea cruise!
If you are in another part of the world then the most convenient airline is the AUSTRIAN. For the flight details, you can either visit an international travel agent in your area or book your tickets online the latter is preferable if you want to move about and discover the place on your own and of course if you have done it on previous vacations to other places. You can opt for a tour package if you are not too sure of going on your own.
Places to stay once you are there:
Why not try the 4 Star Hotel Europa in Eforie Nord. Situated in a dramatic setting overlooking the bay in the scenic Efories Nord.
Or perhaps spend your holiday at the 3 Star Vox Maris Club Resort Hotel an ideal short haul summer destination. In Costinesti the Vox Maris is a self-contained club resort and is a perfect location to enjoy the Black Sea.
Or finally why not stay at the excellent value Raluca Hotel in the beautiful Black sea beach resort of Venus.
Places to Visit
Looking for leisure?
The beaches along the black sea coast of Romania are your best bet. Romania has a 225 miles stretch of the most beautiful pristine white sandy beaches dotted with hotels and natural spas. The lakes and rivers of the Danube delta are another place for leisure and for the romantic at heart!
For the history enthusiast
There are a number of ancient castles and fortresses and still intact medieval towns for the history buff to visit. The most famous castles are Peles castle, Bran castle, Corvinesti castle and the Royal Palace Bucharest. Among the best preserved medieval towns are Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara. One of Sighisoaras most famous attractions is the Clock Tower also known as Council Tower built in the 14th Century; another famous attraction is Vlad the Impaler or Dracula House. The painted monasteries are another very interesting must see place in Romania!
Looking for Natural Therapeutic Remedies?
Spas are said to have been started by the Romans and Romania is home to a third of Europes mineral and thermal springs. Romania’s main spas are located at Mangalia, Neptun, Eforie Nord, Covasna, Slanic Moldova, Vatra Dornei, Borsec, Sovata, Tusnad, Calimanesti, Govora, Herculane, Buzias and Baile Felix.
Activities:
Given Romanias diverse terrain, climate, flora, and fauna you can choose from a number of activities such as Bird watching, camping, cycling tours, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, skiing.
Visiting Puerto Rico? Stay in a Parador
Next time you are visiting the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, instead of just concentrating your trip around the metro area and it’s surrounding historical places, take a trip around Puerto Rico’s country side and discover it’s beauty and culture. You can start by staying at a Parador.
A Parador in Puerto Rico is a small country inn participating in a government program. This program certifies the quality and hospitality of the inn. The inns in this program that also have restaurants serve traditional Puerto Rican food. These Paradores are usually located close to historic areas or popular attractions.
Some of the most popular paradores include:
In the hearth of downtown Mayaguez, the town with the only zoo on the island, The main place of the west side of the island and home to one of the biggest universities in Puerto Rico.
In between a coffee and a sugar plantation on the south east coast of the island, at the start of a panoramic road with some of the most interesting views on the island.
At the shore, just minutes away from the Bioluminescence Bay, with tours and local attractions, one of the most attractive Paradores in the island.
These are some of the locations of The Paradores in Puerto Rico, explore your options for an unforgettable adventure, sightseeing beautiful places in the tropical island of Puerto Rico.
Varanasi, India The City of Death
Travel to the city of Varanasi and you will travel back in time. No other city in India will impact you more than ancient Varanasi.
Varanasi
One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is located in the upper east area of India and is not far from the border with Nepal. Sitting on the Ganges River, the city is an overwhelming display of crowds, colors and ancient Indian architecture. Roads are packed with people, cars, cows and the pavement is more or less dirt and mud depending upon when you are there.
Architecturally, Varanasi is a typical of India itself. Youll find shanty towns and run down homes laying in contrast to stunning temples and homes of the Maharajas. If you want to be impressed, simply walk down to the Ganges River and look up and down the river. The structures lining the river will remind you of Venice, Italy, without the glitz. The towering structures are both beautiful and ancient.
Following this view, a visit to the Darbhanga Ghat is an eye opener. The massive structure is home to the Maharajas of Dharbhanga of Bihar. The Ghat reeks of power, mysticism and long ago ages. Youll know what I mean when you see it.
Ganges
The Ganges is the hub of life in Varanasi. The holiest of cities, Varanasi is known as the city of light, but is really the city of death. Believed to have been founded by the Hindu goddess Shiva, the city is a mecca for those seeking religious enlightenment. Thousands of Indians seek to cleanse themselves in the waters each morning, which makes for an explosion of activity and colorful dresses. The rest of the day will amaze you even more.
As the holiest Hindu city, many of the Hindu faith believe dying in Varanasi brings enlightenment. Thousands upon thousands of Hindus travel to the city in their later years for this purpose. Charitable institutions and Hindu temples take in the multitude of elderly. Although not as prevalent as in the past, many of the deceased are cremated in the open on pyres overlooking the Ganges. It is truly a site to be seen.
In many ways, Varanasi is a microcosm of India. If you visit only one place in India, Varanasi should be the destination.
Visitors Guide to Venice, Veneto, Italy
One of the jewels of Italy, Venice is known throughout the world for its stunning architecture and miles of canals. Consisting of 117 separate islands linked by a series of historic bridges, canals and pavements, Venice is visited each year by many thousands of tourists. Home to some of the world most stunning buildings, impressive museums and art galleries, and a large selection of top restaurants, Venice has much to offer and rarely disappoints.
Central Venice consists of six main regions, Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Polo and San Marco, each full of local charm and appeal. One of the most famous landmarks in the city, San Marco Square is the only public square in Venice and offers a rich heritage, with the magnificent buildings of Doge’s Palace and the Basilica San Marco nearby. Castello is the most historical area of the city and is known for its Arsenale ship-building yard.
On the northern side of Venice, Cannaregio contains the Santa Lucia Railway Station, with nearby Santa Croce linking the city to Italy’s mainland. The smallest area of the city is the San Polo district, which offers many local eateries and inns. On Venice’s southern side you will find the district of Dorsoduro, which contains the notable 17th-century Dogana da Mar.
Transport in Venice:
Central Venice is easy to traverse on food, being generally well pedestrianized. Popular methods of transport include inexpensive water buses and more pricey motorboat taxis, both of which offer a convenient and extremely scenic way to travel around the canals. Connected by rail to many large cities in both Italy and Europe, Venice stands on the A4 Autostrada.
The city is home to a large and busy airport, which is located around 8 miles / 13 km from the centre and caters for many international airlines. Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport is easy to reach by a range of transportation, such as buses, cars, taxis, boats and rail.
Venice Tourism:
No trip to Venice would be complete without a trip in a traditional gondola and the city is geared up towards the tourist trade, with many must-see sights and attractions. Some of the most popular things to see in Venice include the numerous palaces and historic structures, such as the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the Palazzo Mocenigo, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and a host of churches. The city is also home to countless trendy shopping areas, which are lined with local boutiques and specialist shops, together with a number of colourful markets.
Some of the most outstanding art galleries and museums in the city include the Marciano Museum, the Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico), the Accademia Gallery and the Contini Gallery. The watery city of Venice is also home to a surprising number of green spaces and parklands, such as the Royal Gardens (Giardinetti Reali) and the Giardino Giusti. Nearby Venice you will find a many interesting and appealing towns worth a visit, such as Burano, which is just a short trip by ferry and is known for its lace making.
Throughout the year, many major events are held in the Venice area and consist of religious festivals, cultural events and sports. Events not to be missed include seasonal carnivals, the Festa di San Marco at the end of April, the Festa Medioevale del Vino Soave Bianco Soave each May, the Vogalonga rowing regatta in May, the Venice International Film Festival at the end of August, and also the New Year’s Eve masses in the city’s Catholic churches.
Venice Shopping:
Full of elegant and trendy boutiques, independent shops and vibrant markets, the city could be called a ’shopper’s paradise’ and offers plenty of genuine bargains. The best shopping areas in Venice are around the San Marco region, the Mercerie and also close to the Calle dei Fabbri. Also, regular fish markets are held alongside the Grand Canal and are popular with both locals and visitors to the city.
Venice Restaurants:
With a vast selection of restaurants, cafes and eateries, Venice offers many traditional Italian dishes, which include freshly made pizzas, pastas, paninis, cheeses and salads. Many other types of cuisine are also available aimed at tourists visiting the city, such as fast-food outlets and bars. Al fresco dining is particularly popular in the city and around the San Marco area, known locally as the ‘Piazza San Marco’.
Visit West Palm Beach Florida
Just accross the Lake Worth Lagoon from Palm Beach sits the city of West Palm Beach, Florida, a 55 square mile city with a population in excess of 82,000 situated on the Intercoastal Waterway.
Staying in West Palm Beach puts you right in the middle of things but costs less than staying in Palm Beach. You are right next door to Palm Beach with it’s luxurious resorts and beaches, minutes from Boca Raton and just over a one and one half hour drive north of Miami Beach.
Stay at the West Palm Beach Marriott, 1001 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, (561) 833-1234, or the Crowne Plaza West Palm Beach Hotel, 1601 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406, (561) 689-6400 (Note: At this time the Crown Plaza is closed due to damage from Hurricane Frances, but will be reopening soon.), or the Courtyard By Marriott West Palm Beach, 600 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407, (561) 640-9000, or the Hilton Palm Beach Airport (A 100% non smoking hotel.), 150 Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33406, (561) 684-9400, or the Radisson Hotel Palm Beach Airport, 1808 S. Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, (561) 689-6888. There are also a large number of even less expensive hotels in and around the city.
Play tennis on one of the thirty six tennis courts throughout the city, play golf at some of the best golf courses in the country (There are dozens of clubs and courses in the area.), visit the Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, Florida 33405, (561) 547-9453 with it’s Over 23 acres of lush, tropical landscaped habitats that are home to over 900 animals from Florida, Central and South America, Asia and Australia, visit the Norton Museum of Art, 1451 S Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, (561) 832-5196 with it’s distinguished permanent collection featuring 19th and 20th century European and American art, Chinese, contemporary art and photography, or visit the South Florida Science Museum, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405, (561) 832-1988 with its dozens of fun, hands-on interactive exhibits, natural history exhibits and it’s Planetarium. Dine in one of West Palm Beach’s or Palm Beach’s fine dining establishments. Shop at West Palm Beach’s trendy boutiques or shop in Palm Beach at some of the finest shops in the world. Cruise the Intercoastal Waterway or go saltwater or freshwater fishing. If you just want to laze around on the beach and soak up the sun or play in the warm clear waters, you will find miles of beautiful public beaches in the area. Take in the Clematis by Night, free fountainside concert series, where visitors and locals mingle among arts and crafts vendors while enjoying live entertainment. Check out SunFest, Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival, which takes place in West Palm Beach each May. If you like night life you will find numerous night clubs and dance clubs right in West Palm Beach.
West Palm Beach, Florida has everything you could want and more, except high prices.
For more information about the city of West Palm Beach, Florida see: http://westpalmbeachfl.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to the city of West Palm Beach, Florida guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, real estate brokers, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.
Vacationing in Anchorage, Alaska
For all those who desire to bask in the glory of nature along with an adventurous vacation, anchorage in Alaska is just the ideal destination. Bordered by snow-capped mountains Anchorage is one place that is the home for four seasons that offer pleasant atmosphere. These seasons make enable the residents as well as the visitors enjoy their work. Mother nature has bestowed the place with almost everything possible. From huge water bodies and glaciers to seals, whales and sea bears Anchorage has it all.
To know about the tradition and culture of Anchorage, Alaska, make a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. At the outdoor area of the center there are five traditional permanent village exhibits and a talking circle where traditional games are paraded. While in the indoor visitors are entertained with a short introductory film about the Native cultures. There are also various educational performances such as dancing, singing, storytelling etc. Also worth visiting is the Anchorage museum of history and art that is located quite close to the heritage center. The museum displays more than 20,000 archaic pieces that have great historical significance. The Alaska Zoo is a definite pull of Anchorage, Alaska. The zoo has different species of polar bear, Arctic fox, reindeer, lynx etc. In order to confront ferocious grizzlies, bisons, musk ox and other wildlife Alaska Wildlife Conservation is just the right place. The Chugach National Park in the northeast area of Alaska is famous for hiking and wild animals such as wolves and bears. Other places worth visiting are the Elmendorf State Hatchery and Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.
People from all over the world take keen interest in being a part of the celebrations in Anchorage, Alaska. For instance the month of January is swarming with people because of the Annual Anchorage Folk Festival, February is recognized for Ski for Women and Anchorage Fur Rendezvous events.
Anchorage, Alaska is a place for people of all ages. The place offers a plethora of activities for instance the Nordic Skiing, Alpine Skiing, Snowmobile etc. Besides these fishing, river rafting, canoeing, kayaking, sail boarding, sailing and other motorized water sports can be relished here at ease. Along with these the H20asis Water park that lies in the southeast of Anchorage and includes a 43-foot high water coaster is a round the year pull of this place. Also people frequently visit anchorage because of the numerous sports events held here. Baseball, basketball and hockey are the most cherished sports here.
The nightlife of anchorage is quite thrilling and enjoyable. There are many bars and dinner theatres here. The Rumrunners Old Towne Bar & Grill downtown located at the corner of 4th and E Street are eminent night-out joints. Also known is the Fly By Night Club, a non-typical dinner theater that features non-politically correct political humor.
Another wonderful feature of Alaska is that luxury as well as budget travelers can have a gala time here. The accommodation and lodging of all sorts is readily available. Besides this camping can also be conveniently done at this place.
Visitors Guide to Rome, Lazio, Italy
One of the world’s most historic and fascinating cities, Rome is famous for its rich heritage and important buildings. Many magnificent monuments and truly ancient ruins reside in Rome, together with numerous vibrant shopping areas, restaurants and sightseeing opportunities. The city has much to offer tourists and also offers a selection of nearby beaches.
Standing alongside the scenic River Tiber, Rome has a population of almost 3 million and experiences hot summer weather and particularly mild, pleasant winters. With year-round attractions, many people choose to visit Rome between November to February, when the city is at its quietest.
Rome Hotels:
Being one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, it is hardly surprising that Rome is full of hotels, catering for all tastes and budgets. Ranging from impressive hotels in the Centro Storico (historic centre), to more modern accommodation around the Campo dei Fiori, hotels in Rome quickly become fully booked, and so be sure to reserve your room in advance. Bed and breakfasts in Rome are known as ‘pensioni’ and often provide particularly good value for money, with a number being located close to the ‘Stazione Termini’ railway station and Trastevere area.
Rome Tourism:
Rome has long been a major tourist destination and its historical attractions and important ruins are known throughout the world. However, the city is also an exciting and vibrant place to visit, with many impressive shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and seasonal festivals. Some of the most popular places to visit in Rome include the Circus Maximus, the Coliseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, Janiculum Hill, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the vast Vatican City, the official residence of the Pope, head of the Roman Catholic faith. The Sistine Chapel at the Vatican City is particularly awe-inspiring, together with the city’s numerous art galleries and museums.
Popular events in the city include many operas, ballets and concerts at Rome’s numerous theatres. Other seasonal highlights include regular football matches at the Stadio Olimpico, the Rome Marathon each March, religious events throughout Easter, concerts at the Teatro Olimpico, June’s Pesaro Film Festival, and also the Festa della Madonna della Neve, held every August.
Rome Transport:
With good rail connections to a number of major cities, including Florence and Venice, Rome is well-connected by highways, which provide easy access to nearby towns. Rome’s Metro subway network, public buses and trams all provide inexpensive ways to travel throughout the city. Car rental is one of the most popular ways to travel out of the city and is perfect for day trips and excursions.
Located around 18 miles / 29 km from the city centre, Leonardo da Vinci Airport, also known as Fiumicino, is an important air transport hub. Dealing with large numbers of domestic and international flights each day, ground transportation at the airport includes buses, trains and car hire.
Rome Shopping:
Known for its chic fashion boutiques and expensive department stores, shopping in Rome is a major attraction. With many bustling shops clustered around the Piazza Di Spagna, other popular stores can be found around the city’s Via Del Governo Vecchio area, close to the Spanish Steps, along the Via Sistina, and on Via Borgognona. Also, the pedestrianized Via Frattina is the perfect place for some serious window shopping.
Rome Restaurants:
Home to one of the greatest cuisines in the world, Italian restaurants are known for their superb local specialities, which include freshly made pizzas, pasta dishes, paninis, salads, a selection of cheeses and many other types of food. Al fresco dining is particularly popular in Rome, with an array of cafes, bars and superb ice cream shops clustered around the piazzas.
Travels Through Yorkshire, England
Of course, the castle is haunted you know, teased the waitress as she served up tea and scones.
In Knaresborough everything stops for tea and scones, but only when topped with a healthy lashing of fresh cream and raspberry jam.
They say the ghosts of several family members walk the halls of Allerton Castle, she continued in a tone that suggested she had told this story before and obviously enjoyed it.
Her manner was exemplary. Her advancing years were of little consequence to her appearance; she maintained an air of elegance. She was born in the village and had lived here all her life.
The village of Knaresborough sits in the northern county of Yorkshire, around thirty miles north of Leeds.
The journey north along the M1 was instantly forgettable. Wrathful clouds followed me everywhere. The sky was a mishmash of drab greys, an incessant resource for the torrential downpour.
How old is the castle? I asked, eager to discover more of this historic landmark.
I think it was built sometime around the seventeenth-century. I know it was recently damaged by fire. Many of the rooms are off limits during repair and restoration. Is it a social engagement?
My partners cousin is getting married there tomorrow, I replied. Ive got a room on the high street for tonight.
The caf was sat on the banks of the river that had cut through the landscape for centuries. The riverbed was now part of a great gorge that snaked through the outskirts of the village.
Just before passing out of view, the river ran through the giant support pillars of the old railway bridge.
Directly overhead lay the ruins of the old Knaresborough Castle. Overlooking the river and the gorge, the abrupt drop of the land must have provided the inhabitants of the castle a wonderful natural defence.
Today, a monument stands in the corner of the castle grounds depicting the names of those who lost their lives in more recent conflicts.
I made for the high street and quickly found myself back in the modern world. The pace quickened as shoppers scurried in and out of shops seeking the latest bargains.
Back at the hotel I thought about what the old lady had said. Was the castle really haunted?
I lay in bed wondering about spooks and spirits. As the clock passed midnight the shadows in the room seemed more dark and sinister.
I felt my imagination getting the better of me before thankfully, I nodded off.
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