Saturday, January 31, 2009

Pasadena: The Best Three Nights of Your Life

By James Gilbert Pynn

With the proliferation of beautiful towns in Southern California, its easy to see why so many people pulled up stakes and went west. It is easy to see why so many settlers and immigrants eventually settled down in sunny Pasadena. The city as we know it today was born, in essence, when Benjamin Wilson became the first Anglo settler in the region in 1841. Wilson would later become the mayor of Los Angeles and a California senator. But is Wilson was the seed, Dr. Daniel M. Berry as the water that would grow this City of Roses.

In search of a miracle, Dr. Daniel M. Berry came to the Arroyo Seco. An asthmatic, Berry had been looking for a suitable place to relocate his loyal group of similarly asthmatic patients. He would characterize his sojourn to the area by say, It was the best three nights of sleep in my life. Eager to keep the area a secret, he created the Southern California Orange Grove Association and began to sell shares for a massive 4,000 aces bid. In 1874, the Indiana Colony was born. Pasadena would soon follow.

Within a decade, the colonys warm reputation slowly drew settlers from the East. Soon, especially in the years prior to the Great Depression, Pasadena had become something of a fashionable winter resort for cold-weary Midwestern and Eastern families. This migration brought with it artists, actors, and scientists. The citys cultural wherewithal began to multiply. In 1917, the famous Pasadena Playhouse opened its doors. The Norton Simon Museum was founded in1922 and the Art Center of College and Design in 1930.

Now designated as the Old Pasadena Historic District, this part of town was once the focus of commerce and industry for the entire San Gabriel Valley. Today visitors and aficionados can marvel at historic facades along the rich and bustling Colorado Boulevard. Another remnant of Pasadenas rich history is the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. First begun in 1890 as a showcase for Southern Californias warm climate, the Parade has been held on new years Day ever since. Though it had been followed by chariot races and teams sports, its first association with football began in 1902 and the "Tournament East-West football game. Though the next game was not played until New Year's Day 1916, it has since been firmly associated with the Rose Bowl.

This rose-shrouded gem continues to draw settlers, students, and artists. From the Historic District to Caltech to the Rose Bowl, Pasadena has something for anyone. Plane, train, or automobile, however you arrive, youre sure to be greeted with broad smiles and perfect sunshine. Theres a tremendous selection of Pasadena hotels to choose from, and even more restaurants, attractions, sights and sounds. The colony Dr. Berry built stands ready to embrace all comers.

About the Author:

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Short Breaks in Cork

By Craig Wilson

Cork has a great selection of hotels and guesthouses ranging from small family owned properties to the five star Hayfield Manor Hotel a pleasant ten minutes stroll from the city centre. You can get great priced flights from Newcastle with Jet2 and make your own short break on direct flights from Newcastle to Cork.

Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and is the principal city of County Cork. The city's name comes from the Irish word corcach which, means marshy place. The River Lee flows through the city into Lough Mahon, which creates one of the world's biggest natural harbours. It is no surprise that Cork is a major seaport with quays and docks.

Cork was first founded in the sixth century by St Finbarr and became a city much later when it received its royal charter by King John in 1185. Having a large natural harbour meant that Cork became a major trading port and particularly with the merchants from the Scandinavian regions. However this also attracted attention from the less friendly visitors and Cork was attacked by Vikings and Norsemen.

The climate in the Cork region is mild, moist and changeable with lots of rain however it does not usually face extreme temperatures and weather. Cork is a foggy city and has an average of around a hundred days of fog a year. Despite the fog Cork is also one of the sunniest cities in Ireland with an average of nearly four hours of sunshine every day.

Attractions to see in Cork include Blarney Castle and Charles Fort or even a visit to the Greyhound Stadium. Should you wish to explore the surrounding countryside and beautiful coastline then it would be a good idea to hire a car. One of the more famous buildings in Cork is the Church Tower of Shandon, which is in the northern part of the city. There are some great historic walks you can do in and around the city as well as some interesting ones a short drive away.

There are lots of different shops from boutiques to markets offering a range of products to cater for all budgets. There are a few large shopping centres and the main shopping street is St Patrick's street. There are lots of different restaurants catering for the more refined palate to the fast food restaurants seen in most cities around the world.

About the Author: