London Cinemas - Capturing Classics to Recent Flicks

From classics to recent released Hollywood films, London cinema theatres which are known for comfort, style and service play all kind of films. If you try to find out cinemas all over Greater London, you will surely encounter numerous multi-screen venues. Cinemas around Leicester Square offer you great options for first-run and independent films.

Odeon Leicester Square

The Odeon Leicester Square is a cinema theatre stands on the eastern side of Leicester Square, London. Built on the site of Alhambra Theatre, Odeon Leicester Square is black polished granite building and is by blue neon. It is one of the most renowned cinemas in Europe and is popular for playing many European and World film premieres. With ticket prices ranging in between 14 pounds and 19 pounds, it is considered to be the most expensive theatre in the world. The Odeon Leicester Square is the largest single screen cinema in UK. With all modern technologies, the cinema has the seating capacity of approximately 1700 people and is arranged in Royal Circle, Rear Circle and Stalls.

Odeon West End

Odeon West End was built in 1930 on the south side of Leicester Square, London and was known as the Leicester Square Theatre. Until 1988, it operated under the name of Leicester Square Theatre. In the year 1968, it was renovated and the stalls and the single circle were remodeled. Today, the Odeon West End theatre features two screens, one with 500 seats and the other with 832 seats. The cinema theatre is often used for smaller film premieres and also for hosting the BFI London Film Festival.

Empire, Leicester Square

The Empire is a large cinema which is located on the northern side of the Leicester Square, London. The Empire Theatre was designed by Thomas Verity and first opened on 17th April 1884 as a theatre as well as ballet scene. It was renovated by MGM and opened in 1962 with three screens. Later two more screens were added to the theatre and are equipped with latest sound and light systems. The theatre is used for film premieres and first runs.

Prince Charles Cinema

Designed by Carl Fisher and Associates Architects, the Prince Charles Cinema was opened in 1962. It is located in Leicester Place in the West End of London. The price of the tickets for the shows in Prince Charles Cinema starts as low as 1.50 pounds. It plays all kinds of films from classic to recent released Hollywood films. It plays 10 movies on a single screen in a week. The single screen has the seating capacity of 472 seats.

National Film Theatre

National Film Theatre now known as BFI Southbank is located on the southern end of Waterloo Bridge, London, UK. The BFI is operated by the British Film Institute and specializes in showing classic, independent and non-English language films. National Film Theatre was opened in 1951 on occasion of the Festival of Britain. In 2007, the National Film Theatre was re-launched in a larger premise. The site of BFI Southbank now includes three pre-existing cinemas, a studio, a mediatheque, a shop and a bar and restaurant.

London IMAX

London IMAX, designed by Avery Associates Architects, stands on the South Bank district of London, UK. Completed in May 1999, the London IMAX cinema is operated by the British Film Institute. London IMAX in the South Bank is renowned for featuring the largest screen in Britain and also has the seating capacity of 500 people. It has also been awarded with a Design Council Millennium Products Award, Civic Trust Award and several other awards after its opening. The cinema is located just north of the Waterloo Station thus making it easily accessible. The other IMAX cinema is at the Science Museum in South Kensington Albertopolis.

London has a fantastic array of cinema theatres. People of all genres can visit the theatres and have a far better experience of watching cinema in London.

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Fantastic Five of Paris

Paris often referred to as "City of lights" is one place to break free. There are many places which will make you happy and your trip a journey of a lifetime. If somebody wants to choose one place in Europe to visit, then Paris would definitely be one of the best places to visit. From the Eiffel Tower to Arc de Triomphe, everything is marvelous. If a list has to be made (which is very tough) about 5 must see places in Paris which one must visit, then the list must include the following:

Eiffel tower

Standing 300m tall, this is one of the modern architectural masterpieces. Designed and built by Gustave Eiffel to commemorate the centenary of French revolution in 1889, it has two restaurants in the lower level while there is a bar, replica of Gustave Eiffel and a souvenir shop on the top platform. If you will go into figures then it weighs 7000 tons but there is more into it than these figures. Eiffel towers look awesome in the night with all the lights on.

The Louvre

Being the largest art museum in the world, Louvre is another must see in Paris. The Louvre's collection is overwhelming in size which includes many paintings, coins, antiques and sculptures. The famous painting of Mona Lisa by Picasso is also kept here. It has a long list of items which is from ages and also of different origin and civilization. The museum pass cards work here and the tickets are half priced after 3 PM and on Sunday's.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, is arguably the most stunning gothic athedral in the world. Its construction was started in 1163 and it took almost 200 years to complete. It has witnessed many events related to big wigs like Napoleon, Pope John Paul II and others. This place had witnessed some of the greatest moment in the history of the city. Come to this place and see how the beauty and the ambience impress you.

Arc de Triomphe

It was commissioned by Napoleon after he won the battle against Austerlitz in 1806, but it was finally built in 1836. Major victories are written on the top of the arc and the small ones are written on the inside walls. You can go to the top through staircase or by taking an elevator the view of Paris from here is beautiful. This is one of the places in Paris which is always on the top of the list to visit.

Sacre Coeur

Last but not the least in my list is Sacre Coeur/Montmartre. This church is not painted as it appears to be but the whiteness is through the liquid secreted by the white stone. This place will have a grand effect on you because of its size and location. This is a beautiful place to go and remember the good days once you are back to your home.

Go and see how the beauty of these places mesmerizes you. Paris is and will always be a tourist hub and center of attraction for its monuments and museums.

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Hawaii Vacation With the Top Maui Show Activities and Best Dining Places

Once upon a Maui time, evening entertainment meant luaus and dinner cruises. Not anymore. Today, Maui offers highly artistic shows and theatre presentations. However, the top Maui shows below will not only bring you to a high artistic level; they also bring you to a deep appreciation of Maui’s colorful past by combining modern art with Maui history, legend, myths, and culture.

One of the most reknown Maui show is Kupanaha, a dinner show that combines spellbinding illusions and magic, hula, Polynesian dance, and chant in order to weave Hawaiian myth and history. The show is a family performance of the famed Baran family in collaboration with the award-winning Kanoeau Dance Academy. The Baran family includes the award-winning illusionist Jody Baran, his wife Kathleen, and their daughters. Kupanaha is 2 ½ hours long, and is held weekly from Tuesday through Saturday at Kaapanali Beach Hotel’s Kanahele Room Theatre.

Part of the show is a three-course dinner. There are no illusions when it comes to food here— the scrumptious appetizer, entrée, and dessert are all for real. Menu includes Grilled Jumbo Garlic Shrimp, pork egg rolls, tofu, and pineapple cheesecake. There’s a different menu for kids, which include hamburgers, cheese fries, and vanilla ice cream. There’s also an open Lava Bar which churn out magical concoctions such as their Flashing Mojito.
In West Maui is the island’s biggest show, the Ulalena. Ulalena provides ultimate theatrical experience with its state-of-the-art venue, 8-channel surround sound, original music and amazing choreography, talented casts, and traditional Hawaiian chant and dance. Rich costumes, acrobatics, stage design, and lightning are all wonderfully blended to bring Hawaiian legend and history to modern audience. This musical extravaganza explores relationships between people, nature, mythology, and history. If you want to see the show, you have to make reservations in advance. The show is 75 minutes long, and is held at the Maui Myth and Magic Theatre located at 878 Front Street, Lahaina.

Surrounded by an ocean abounding with marine life, it is not the least surprising that Maui also has a plethora of oceanfront restaurants bringing “foods of the sea” right to the dinner table. Expect these Maui sea food restaurants to offer the best Pacific fishes, shrimps, lobsters, crabs — cooked in a variety of ways.. But if you want to taste the best way fishes and other seafood are prepared, head to the top Maui seafood restaurants below.

Kimo’s is a two-story, ocean side restaurant located at 845 Front Street in the coastal town of Lahaina. The oldest restaurant on Front Street, Kimo’s is found amidst shops and other restaurants.

Kimo’s has a dining room and a lanai, which gives a view of the ocean, and the islands of Lanai and Molokai. Open since 1977, the restaurant’s main dining room upstairs show a strong New England architecture reminiscent of Lahaina’s missionary days. Kimo’s serve mouthwatering dishes that include prime rib, prime steaks, and hula pie. You can select from their list of fresh fishes, and have it cooked the way you want it to be. Kimo’s offer three types of fish preparation: you can have teriyaki-glazed broiled fish, parmesan cheese-coated fish, or baked fish with ginger and orange zest.” Kimo’s is always full so you should make reservations in advance to avoid waiting in line.

Lahaina Fish Co at 831 Front Street offers nothing less but great food and spectacular ocean views. The restaurant is literally set right on the ocean, and opens for lunch and dinner. If you want excellent food with a small budget, Lahaina Fish Co serves affordable seafood-pasta dishes. Lahaina Fish Co’s menu also includes different kinds of burgers, tacos and chips, shrimp baskets, pupus, calamari, salads, and steaks “from the land and the sea.” There are other gustatory delights like seafood puttanesca, Alaskan king crab legs, and local fares that include stir-fried dishes and teriyaki. The restaurant’s specialty, of course, is fresh seafood. There are four types of fish available for dinner, in three types of preparation. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 12 midnight.

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Booking Your Holiday

There are many ways to go about planning and booking your holiday. You can go into a travel agent and get a package deal, which included flights, car rental, hotel accommodation, and maybe even some of the activities that you would like to do when you get there.

Booking Online

A slightly more adventurous way and time consuming approach is to go online and find out what is available. Book your own flights, find your own hotel, arrange your own car rental, and do what you choose. This method of holiday planning requires a lot more effort from you. You have to be prepared to come with your own destination, then research on the various flight offers that are available and make sure you a get a good deal, you also have to look up hotels in the area and find a good hotel at a good price that is in the area and with the amenities you want.

Then car rental will also have to be arranged separately. Also you should not forget the need to book travel insurance and find out if there are any medical procedures that are required if you are going to a more exotic or tropical location. The good news is that many website now specialise in helping you to do all of this for yourself and will be a good source of information on every step of the process. These days you will probably be able to book all of the necessary elements of your holiday from the same website.

You will also have the chance of saving a considerable amount of money since you will be able to seek out special deals and offers and take advantage of discounts that are available. You will also have the freedom to completely personalise every aspect of your trip. If you’d like to fly into one airport and out of another, or stay part of the time at one hotel and part of the time at another, or any other personalisation will be completely possible since you are arranging every aspect of the trip to your own requirements.

Be Aware

There are a few things you should remember if you are planning your own holiday. First of all, you should make sure that the plans you have come up with actually are saving you money when compared to package deals, then you should also make sure you are dealing with trustworthy websites and that you have got proper travel and health insurance.

The other option is always just to go to the airport, hop on an available flight and see where you end up!

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Which Disney Holiday Is Right For You?

You’ve decided that you’re going to go on a Disney holiday. But where should you go? Which Disney experience is best for you and your family? There are several options to choose from so its not surprising if you’re feeling confused about which Disney holiday is right for you. Before getting down to the details on timing, pricing and length of stay, here is an overview of your Disney options:

Disney Cruises
There are two cruise ships – Disney Magic and Disney Wonder – with Castaway Cay, a private island in the Bahamas, designed as an exclusive port of call for Disney ships. There are weekly cruises that depart from Port Carnaveral, Florida to the Bahamas, and the Eastern or Western Carribbean. There are other special cruises that go up the west coast of the United States and through the Panama Canal.

Disney Vacation Club
If the idea of returning to Disney locations over many years to come then you might want to consider joining the Disney Vacation Club. More than 90,000 families have already joined this real estate investment plan which allows them to use their annual allotment of Vacation Points for accommodation at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in Paris, France or on a Disney Cruises. There are other member benefits including a discount on park tickets.

Disneyland Resort Paris
This resort is located 19 miles east of Paris, France. As well as the regular rides and attractions that you can expect at any Disney park location (Main Street, Fantasyland, Discoveryland, Adventureland and Frontierland), Disneyland Resort Paris also has a special theme park called the ‘Walt Disney Studios’. It features 10 main attractions including the Rock-n-Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, Animagique, Armaggedon Special Effects and a Studio Tram Tour to take you behind the scenes.

Disneyland Park Resort, California
The first Disney theme park established in 1955 is the only one designed by Walt Disney. There are two main theme parks at Anaheim, California – Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park. Disneyland Park is the main park with all the locations you would expect to find plus a whole heap of rides and attractions you may not have heard of. The Adventure Park has four themed lands – Hollywood Pictures Backlot, Golden State, Paradise Pier and ‘a bug’s land’. There is also the Downtown Disney District, a shopping, entertainment and dining precinct, located between the two theme parks. There are 3 Disney Hotels to choose from if you want a complete Disney experience.

Hong Kong Disneyland
At the Disneyland Park in Hong Kong spread over 310 acres are a range of rides and attractions from other Disney locations which have been adapted with the local culture in mind. The themed lands you will find include Main Street, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. There are 2 Disney hotels located next to the Park on Lantau Island, 20 minutes by ferry from the International Airport.

Tokyo Disney Resort
This resort was the first Disney resort to be opened outside the US. In Tokyo there are two theme parks side by side - Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Park – together with 5 Disney Hotels. There are seven themed lands at the Park – Fantasyland, Critter Country, Toon Town, Tommorrowland, Adventureland, Westernland, World Bazaar. The DisneySea Park also has seven separate lands – Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Port Discovery, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island, American Waterfront, Mediterranean Harbor. The park complex also has a dedicated shopping, dining and entertainment area, Ikspiari, which also features a children’s play-and-care
center.

Walt Disney World
Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Walt Disney World was the second of the Disney theme parks but it is the largest, stretching over 47 square miles. With four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park), two water parks (Typhoon Park and Blizzard
Beach), six golf courses, a sports complex, an auto race track, Disney Downtown area, more than twenty resort hotels, and numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings you will find more than enough to keep you entertained for many days.

Whichever experience you choose, where Disney is involved it’s sure to be a fun and exciting time. Make sure you read up on your choice so that you can get the most out of your Disney holiday.

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Holiday Spending Tips - Ten Ways To Keep From Having A Holiday Spending Hangover

Ah the holidays… a time for parties, over eating, and over spending. Americans routinely overspend during the holidays, often resulting in increasing credit card debt to go along with that increasing waistline from too much pumpkin pie.

The holidays are stressful enough. Don’t add to that stress by overspending your holiday budget. Here are ten tips to help you save time, money and stress this shopping season:

1. Make a list. Decide how much you can afford to spend this year and write it down. Decide who you want to buy for, and how much you want to spend on each person. Take this list with you when you go shopping to ensure that you don’t buy on impulse or exceed your spending limit. Also, don’t forget to include wrapping paper, decorations and shipping costs. These can add up fast!

2. Pay cash for your holiday gifts. It’s much harder to spend cash than credit, so this tip alone could save you hundreds of dollars this holiday season. Also, avoid credit card offers or store charge card offers that offer you a discount if you sign up. These cards usually have high interest rates, and could end up costing much more in the long run than the discount you receive when you sign up for the card.

3. Do your shopping online this year. Buying online could result in discounts not available in stores. Just remember to include the shipping cost when buying online. Even if you don’t actually buy online, the time you can save by doing comparison shopping before you go to the malls could be invaluable.

4. Have a Secret Santa gift exchange, where you put names in a hat and each person draws one name to purchase for. If you have a large family, this could mean tremendous savings! You should set a dollar limit so each person knows how much to spend. That way no one overspends and relatives with smaller budgets won’t feel bad about not spending a fortune on a gift.

5. Another alternative for those with large families is to do a group gift. Have several relatives go in on one big gift instead of each person buying a separate gift. You will probably all save money and you can buy the recipient one big, cool gift that they really want.

6. Start early! Shopping early allows you to comparison shop and to catch pre-holiday sales, which could mean huge savings. This also curbs impulse shopping, which can be very expensive. Another benefit to shopping early is lower shipping costs if you need to mail a gift. Waiting til the last minute can be expensive because you’re more likely to pay full price for the gift, and you may have to pay extra to ship it if you want to guarantee it arrives in time.

7. Make your holiday gifts. If you have creative talents, such as cooking, crafts, etc., making your own gifts can be very special. If you’re not very creative, consider giving your time. Offers to baby-sit or to do something special for someone can be very personal and appreciated gifts. How many parents do you know who wouldn’t love to have free babysitting?

8. Purchase wrapping paper, holiday cards and other decorations right after the holidays. Seasonal items are usually offered at deep discounts after the holiday, and they never go out of style. Stock up on clearance-priced items for next year, this year!

9. If you’ll be traveling this holiday season, book your travel plans early. Airline flights, train tickets and bus tickets usually go up significantly during the holidays, so booking your travel plans early can save you money and stress.

10. Start a Christmas fund in January for next year’s shopping. Many credit unions and banks offer special accounts just for this purpose. A CD is another great way to save for next year’s holiday expenses. It never hurts to sock away a little money every month between now and the next holiday season. You’ll earn a little interest and you’ll have cash to spend on your holiday gifts and other expenses when the holidays roll around.

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Some Of The Many Holidays In Spain

A great time to visit Spain is during the holidays when a visitor can truly experience the Spanish culture. There are many celebrations and holidays in Spain during every season. Since most of Spain is Roman Catholic, most of the public holidays are religious. The many festivals and celebrations associated with these holidays, in both large cities and smaller cities, are great activities to experience during your stay.

Some of the holidays celebrated during the spring and summer include Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Corpus Christi and St. John’s Day. Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday and is a very important holiday in Spain.

Many cities have parades or large festivals and many areas hold these processions throughout the entire week. Some events also include re-enactments of the crucifixion. In addition, many of these festivals extend to the Easter Sunday holiday. It is another very important holiday throughout Spain and is meant to honor the Resurrection of Jesus. The holiday of Corpus Christi, meaning the Body of Christ, is celebrated in late sprint or early summer. This holiday is very important to the Catholic religion.

The feast of Corpus Christi celebrates the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and is honored on the first Sunday after Trinity Sunday. It is usually in May or June, but varies each year. St. John’s holiday is on June 24, but it is on June 23 that St. John’s Day is celebrated in June 24 but the celebrations tend to begin the evening before.

During the evening of June 23, bonfires are built and effigies are burned. Many individuals jump over ht bonfires, as it is thought that jumping over the fire three times will cleanse them of sin. However, jumping over the bonfire is only one aspect of the celebrations, as different areas celebrate this holiday in a variety of ways.

Holidays during the autumn and winter seasons include Columbus Day, All Saints Day, Constitution Day and Christmas. Columbus Day is also the National Holiday of Spain and is celebrated on October 12. It is to honor Christopher Columbus’ arrival to America. Many festivals are held in his honor. The Catholic holiday of All Saints Day is celebrated on November 1 in honor of all saints and martyrs.

This holiday began in the fourth century as a day to remember the martyrs. Today, the play Don Juan Tenorio is often performed during this holiday and people usually make offerings and may visit graves of those who have passed. Constitution Day is a very important holiday celebrated on December 6. It celebrates Spain’s transition to democracy after its constitution was approved in 1978. January 6 marks the end of the Christmas season in Spain.

This holiday, known as the Three Kings Day or El Dia de los Reyes, celebrates the wise men’s visit to Bethlehem. According to Spanish tradition, the three kings represent Arabia, Africa and Europe bringing gifts to baby Jesus. There are often large processions or festivals celebrating this day.

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Driving in Mexico

Driving to Mexico can be a fun trip to take with some friends or family. But before you head out of the country there are some things that you should make sure are in place first. Crossing from one place to another can involve a lot of legal aspects. If you fail to have them all in place you risk not being allowed into Mexico. Also, if you neglect certain requirements you could find yourself in trouble or facing a fine. Get all of the necessary information before you plan your trip so that you have no delays holding you back.

Look up the traffic rules and laws in Mexico before you go. Driving in Mexico is not like driving in the United States. If you don’t know what to expect you may find it to be an overwhelming experience. Many people opt not to drive in Mexico because they find it intimidating. It doesn’t have to be. You just need to know what to expect. Browse traffic signs and their meanings online and make any notes if you feel it is beneficial. If you know how the rules work you will have little to worry about.

You will need to take out some form of Mexican auto insurance. Most American insurance policies are not recognized in Mexico in the event of an accident. You must have insurance provided by a Mexican company. Many people do not realize this and then when an accident happens they are left with a huge bill to pay. Look up reputable Mexican insurance agents that deal with American visitors often. They will be able to serve you quickly and get you on your way so that you can focus on enjoying your time in Mexico.

Make sure to bring all of your legal identification information to Mexico with you. You will need a valid driver’s license from your own state and country to drive there as well as proof that you are who you claim to be. In many cases you will be required to apply for temporary importation of your vehicle. This is something that has to be done as you are crossing into Mexico. You will have to have all of the legal documents for your vehicle with you for this. There will be a fee associated with this so be prepared to pay it. The fee is based on the age of your vehicle. Newer cars are subject to a higher rate.

Be careful when you drive in Mexico. Livestock is known to wander on to the road at times and other drivers can occasionally be aggressive. It’s best not to drive at night if at all possible. It is not always safe, especially for those from other countries. Visitors have been known to be robbed while driving in their car at night or in unsafe locations. Stay safe at all times and stay alert regarding what is going on around you. Driving in Mexico requires planning, patience and making sure that everything is legal.


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Driving in Canada

Driving in Canada has changed in recent years. Changes to the way border crossing is done has been recently undertaken in order to increase and enhance security. You need to know about driving in Canada before you set off. Ignorance could get you sent right back home if you fail to gather all necessary information first. If you are not familiar with the laws and border crossing regulations, there are many sites that supply this information for free. Be sure to look them up.

You must bring your photo identification with you to Canada as well as your driver’s license and your passport. Recent changes require everyone to bring a passport when crossing the border from either side. This allows officials to verify that you are who you claim to be and that you are not a breach to security. Make sure that your driver’s license and all other I.D. is up to date. Any expired information will need to be renewed before you can enter Canada. Check that it will not be expiring while you are there either.

Everyone that is travelling with you inside the car will need to provide the same information. Border control has to verify every person that wishes to cross the border, not just the driver. Even children will be required to show a passport so get this type of information gathered before your planned trip. It can take time to get a passport if you do not have one so factor the timing for that in as well if necessary.

The rules regarding what you can and cannot bring into Canada tend to change so make sure you are up to date on the latest. This information will be listed online so check it out and make notes of anything important. It would be unfortunate to pack things you can’t take and then have to dispose of them at the border.

You will always be asked for the legal information for your vehicle. Have everything on hand to show border patrol. They are always on alert, watching for stolen vehicles which many criminals attempt to bring over the border to flee authorities. Have your information up to date so that you can get through that much faster. When you are organized and ready to show information, the process will go much faster and smoother.

If you buy anything while you are in Canada make sure that you keep all of the receipts. The border guards may ask to see them when you pass through on your way home. It’s just another way of making paperwork help you get through the line that much quicker. You can also look up border wait times online to get an idea which crossing will be the quickest. Some are longer than others so consider that.

Keep in mind when driving in Canada that some of the traffic rules may vary. The speed limit is posted in kilometres rather than in miles so remember that too or you may find yourself with some speeding tickets. Driving in Canada can be beautiful and exciting if you take care to arrange it accordingly.

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Caribbean Holidays

Have you ever heard of Peppercorn Day? A holiday in Bermuda, Peppercorn Day may be the oddest holiday in the Caribbean. Its history dates to 1797 when a group of Freemasons began renting the Old State House in St. George, for the sum of one peppercorn. In 1816, the holiday tradition began. Every year on the Wednesday closest to April 23, amidst pomp and circumstance, a horse-drawn carriage brings the governor to collect the peppercorn.

While Peppercorn Day is exclusive to Bermuda, many Caribbean islands share similar holidays. Perhaps the largest number of holidays in the Caribbean are of religious origin. Days venerating patron saints can be found throughout the islands, but nowhere to the extent of Puerto Rico. Even Puerto Rico's cities have their own patron saints with attendant holidays. However, the most important is St. John's Day, celebrating the island's patron saint and namesake of its capital city, San Juan. Beach parties end with people walking backward into the ocean and falling into the water to honor the tradition of baptism by St. John.

Christmas in the Caribbean may be more enthusiastic than anywhere else in the world. The twelve days of Christmas are still celebrated on many islands, culminating in Epiphany on January 6. On Guadeloupe, Epiphany marks the beginning of Carnival season, which continues until Lent. The carnival reaches its peak on Shrove Tuesday, when businesses close for five days so all can participate in the parades.

Islands also celebrate their heritage with national holidays, though the specifics differ from place to place. In Dominica, late October ushers in Creole Week. Part of Creole Week is Heritage Day, held in a different village every year and paying homage to that village's unique aspects and important citizens. Island-wide, the biggest celebration of the week is Creole Day. Everyone dresses up in traditional Creole fashion and enjoys Creole style parades, music, and food.

Similarly, Jamaica's Maroon Day (January 6) pays tribute to the Maroons, freed slaves who fled to the South coast of Jamaica to start their lives anew. Their ancestors still live there and host the biggest celebration of the holiday, the Accompong Maroon Festival. Drawing visitors from all over the globe, this huge affair had an attendance of 16,000 people in 2005. The feast includes traditional dancing, singing, and ceremonies.

Then there's Indian Arrival Day (May 30) in Trinidad and Tobago. Although it was only made official in the 1990s, the island's sizable Indian population has celebrated the holiday for many years. It commemorates the arrival of indentured servants from India.

Many Caribbean countries celebrate their independence from conquering nations, such as Spain, the Netherlands, or France. Holidays honoring national heroes who fought for independence are common, like Errol Barrow Day in Barbados. But the islands also retain holidays from the conquerors, like Bastille Day, Queen's Day, and the Prince of Wales' Birthday. Emancipation and slavery abolition holidays are also national holidays on many islands.

Even the weather has a place on the holiday calendar. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the fourth Monday in July is Hurricane Supplication Day. Marking the beginning of their hurricane season, it's a low-key day for people to go to church to pray that hurricanes pass them by, or at least spare lives and buildings. If all goes well, Hurricane Thanksgiving Day follows on the third Monday of October.

Holiday celebrations contribute greatly to the vibrant culture in the Caribbean. If you're planning a trip there, consider going when you can take part in one. There's no better way to truly experience island culture.

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Blackpool Holidays

Extending from the North Pier towards Morecambe Bay, Blackpool's North Shore has a character all its own. Here you'll find a quieter, gentler pace of life and a pleasant counterpoint to the bustle of the town centre, which is still just a short tram ride away.

Offering breathtaking views of the Bay and the Lake District beyond, North Shore is a favourite haunt of walkers and families who can enjoy the North Shore Cliffs, the promenade and a landscape that has inspired poets for centuries.

But the walks, the wildlife and the spectacular scenery are just one aspect of Blackpool's North Shore. Here, you can also take in a variety of shows and concerts, the North Pier with its Merrie England Comedy Bar, and an almost bewildering choice of restaurants, shops and cafes.

And finally, as its southern border merges into Central Blackpool, North Shore offers one more surprise. Close to the town centre, the Funny Girls cabaret club and a variety of clubs and bars have helped to make the area around Queen Street the focus for a thriving gay community.

Popular with 'straight' visitors and especially hen parties, this lends the area a great sense of liveliness, entertainment and fun.

Blackpool Tower, the Golden Mile, the Tower Circus, the Big Wheel... if you're picturing the town, you're probably picturing Central Blackpool. It's a hive of tourist activity and you'll struggle to find a postcard of the town that doesn't show something of this vibrant area.

If you love activity, choice and excitement, then you'll almost certainly be looking for a hotel, a guesthouse or self catering accommodation in Central Blackpool. It is the place for nightlife, varied entertainments and many of the town's most famous attractions.

Here, on your doorstep, are the Sea Life Centre, Louis Tussauds, the Tower Ballroom, the Winter Gardens Opera House & Theatre, Jungle Jim's, amusement arcades - the list goes on. The best advice is probably to get out there and see it all for yourself.

Great for family entertainment both day and night, Central Blackpool boasts a world famous beach, fairground rides on the Central Pier, family bars, art galleries and theatres, musicals and a host of cafes, restaurants and bars. It's ideal for adults too, with a fantastic choice of pubs and clubs that will keep you occupied well into the night.

In short, if you want to play hard, keep busy and never run short of entertainment, Central Blackpool is the place for you!

Blackpool's South Shore is all about family fun and entertainment. Who could come here for a holiday without visiting the famous Pleasure Beach? A wonderland of rides, stalls and arcades, it's the place that children talk about long after their holiday is over, and when you see rides like the Pepsi Max Big One or the Revolution, you'll find it impossible to forget, too.

With thirteen roller coasters and a whole section designed exclusively for smaller children to enjoy, the Pleasure Beach promises real family fun. But it's not all about white knuckle rides; it also hosts the Mystique Cabaret Group, bars, cafes and 'Eclipse' - a show that provides an enchanting mix of fantasy, theatre and airborne acrobatics.

Beyond the Pleasure Beach, there is the South Pier with its many rides, a free sculpture trail along the Prom and the Solaris environmental centre with its giant wind turbines and interactive exhibits. And whatever the weather, there is always the Sandcastle Waterworld - a giant water park with facilities for children of all ages - from quiet shallows for toddlers to hair-raising water slides for the very, very brave...

Stay in a Blackpool guesthouse or hotel on South Shore, and you have all this and more within easy walking distance.

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Holidays To Bulgaria

A lot more people these days are choosing Bulgaria for their summer holiday. As more and more people are discovering Bulgaria as holiday destination the tour operators and flight companies are starting to expand their service into this country. There is still an awful lot for Bulgaria to do before they get accession into the EU ( which is currently set for 2007 ).

Bulgaria has a lovely coastline and there are 2 main holiday destinations one in the north called Golden Sands and one in the south called Sunny Beach. These 2 destinations are where the main hotels accommodations are located.Large tour operators are based in these resorts the likes of First Choice. When having a holiday in Bulgaria there is two options to choose from. The first being the normal package holiday from travel agents which you will be staying in the normal hotel at half board or all inclusive. The second option would be a private villa or apartment booked directly with the villa or apartment owner. After that you will have to book your own flights to the country.

The second option of the private villa or apartment in Bulgaria is a very cost effective option. Lets have a look at the process.

There is a few websites offering villa or apartment Holidays to Bulgaria. Your first point of contact would be the internet to search for the options available to you. Now because the private rental market in Bulgaria is in its infancy the prices of villas or apartments are very reasonable. This would cost you a lot less than booking a private rental in the likes of Spain. Once you have chosen the property you are wanting to book you would contact the owner directly to either check availability or to book the property.

Flights is the harder bit there is a few companies that have just come on the market offering cheap flights to Bulgaria the likes of wizzair but with this company it is not a directly flight you usually have to stop off in Budapest. The main company is First Choice which offer the best deals I have seen on the internet to date. As Bulgaria gets more and more popular with British tourists then more of the cheap flight companies will introduce regular flights to the country making it an easier option for people. Generally a private rental Holiday done through the internet yourself should save you roughly about £100 - £150 per person.

Lets have a look at the destinations for Bulgaria. Golden Sands is the smallest of the 2 big resorts it is found about 20km outside Varna and is a beach resort to rival any of the european resorts and with the prices of things in Bulgaria it is likely that you would not spend as much on a holiday to Bulgaria as you would to other European resorts.

Sunny Beach is the southern resort and is 4 times as big as Golden Sands. Again Golden sands is a beach resort like any european resorts with a multitude of hotels apartments and villas for rent. The restaurants are delicious and the friendliness of the locals always make you feel at home.

There are other not so well known smaller resorts the likes of Albena, Kranevo, Sozopol, Sinemoretz, Balchik that are worth visiting and all within easy reach of either a City the likes of Varna or Bourgas or one of the bigger resorts.

What is becoming more popular these days is the rural holidays to Bulgaria where people just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life and want a more relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Staing in a rural area and experiencing the real Bulgarian way of life is a must. The locals are so friendly and are only too happy to invite yo to experience their way of life. Village life in Bulgaria is recommended if you are looking for relaxation or de-stressing as nothing is more calming than life in a real Bulgarian Village.

In Summary as Bulgaria gets more popular with british tourists there is an abundance of private rental property for holidaymakers to choose from. Bulgaria is a lovely country which is waiting to be explored. It is an unspoilt country with plenty to offer holidaymakers that are looking either for a busy nightlife or the peace and quiet rural life of the countryside. So why not have a look at what is on offer in Bulgaria and book your Holiday to Bulgaria now.

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