Top Places to Visit in Lima Peru

What comes to your mind when you think of Lima Peru? The ruins of Machu Picchu? Beautiful mountains - historic buildings - Llamas running in the streets? Well, that is Lima, but much more awaits the visitor to this magnificent city. Here are just a few of places to see.

• Historic Center of Lima
• Museo de la Nacion
• Plaza Mayor
• Walls of Lima
• Cathedral of Lima
• Torre Tangle Palace
• Museo de arte Italiano

1. Lima was founded in 1535 and originally called the City of the Kings. Today the Historic Center of Lima still stands in all its wondrous beauty. Magnificent buildings surround this historic site, recognized by UNESCO as a World Historic Site.

2. The Museo de la Nacion (National Museum) is home to thousands of artifacts dealing with the entire history of Peru. The most moving exhibit is located on the sixth floor called Yuyanapaq, which means, "to remember." It is a photographic tribute to the historic struggle of the land between 1980 and 2000.

3. The Plaza Mayor is the true birthplace of Lima. The foundation of the town was laid January 18, 1535 and the city was built around this plaza and the Historic Center of Lima. The plaza is surrounded by the Government House, Cathedral of Lima, Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Palace of the Nation. A spectacular place to visit and not to be missed.

4. The Walls of Lima constructed in 1684 to protect the city from invaders and torn down in 1872 to expand the city. During construction in the 1980's some of the remains of the wall were discovered a today a beautiful park displays some of these ruins.

5. The foundation of the Cathedral of Lima was laid at the same time as the foundation of the city. It has been damaged several times by earthquakes. The church contains beautiful paintings, sculptures and is the burial place of the founder of Peru, Francisco Pizarro.

6. The Torre Tangle Palace is probably the most beautiful building in South America. Two outstanding carved wood balconies are on each side of the building, and the entrance is carved in stone. Currently the Ministry of Foreign Affairs occupies the property. You can book a tour through one of the local tour companies in Lima. It will be well worth the visit.

7. The Museo de arte Italiano (Italian Art Museum) was a gift of the Italian government in 1921. It contains many excellent works of art from over 125 renowned artists.

Read More »

Top Places to Visit in Stockholm

Stockholm, the city of the Nobel Peace Prize, lined with canals and loaded with fabulous restaurants and shops, has so much to offer. Filled with history and culture Stockholm has been populated since 1252. Here are just a few of the wonderful things to do in this great city.

• Gamla stan
• Vassa
• Drottningholm Palace
• Stockholm City Hall
• Fotografiska
• Junibacken Children's Museum
• Swedish National Museum of Science and Technology

1. Gamla stan is where Stockholm began. It is "old" Stockholm; its narrow alleyways are lined with medieval buildings. The cobblestone streets are filled with charming shops and restaurants.

2. The Vassa Museum houses the warship Vassa, which sank on its maiden voyage on August 10, 1628. The ship was rigged with 10 cannons and a crew of 100. Only a few minutes after launching the ship began to list to port, and then continued to list until it sank with 150 people (the crew was allowed to bring families on board for the maiden voyage). At least 30 drowned and when the ship was raised in 1961, 16 more remains were found. The restored ship is on display with hundreds of artifacts. A lovely restaurant and gift shop make the visit a pleasant one.

3. Drottningholm Palace is located on the island of Drottningholm, built in the 1600's, has been the residence of the Royal Family of Denmark ever since. The site is accessible to the public, and the reception rooms are spectacular. A charming restaurant and gift shop top off the visit.

4. The Stockholm City Hall is one of the most spectacular buildings in Stockholm. The way to see this magnificent building is by public tours, offered during the day with licensed guides. A lovely restaurant and gift shop offer visitors a wide selection of food and gift items.

5. Fotografiska houses what is perhaps the largest collection of photos in the world. The exhibitions change and all of them are brilliant. The Museum houses a charming restaurant and gift shop.

6. The Junibacken Children's Museum is one of the most adorable children's museums in the world. There are so many beautiful exhibits that children can participate in, and the Story Train is an absolute delight. Do not skip lunch and the lovely gift shop.

7. The Swedish Museum of Science and Technology contains over 30,000 square feet of breathtaking exhibits of over 50,000 objects and artifacts, over 200,000 drawings, 620,000 images and over 50,000 books. Some of the world's oldest computers are on display, as well as appealing cars and airplanes. Yes, there is an excellent restaurant and gift shop to culminate a pleasant visit.

You must spend a week in this delightful city.

Read More »

Top Places to Visit in Warsaw

Warsaw Poland brings memories of Communist control and heroic acts to promote freedom. The beautiful city of Warsaw offers so much in history and culture. Here are just a few of the things you can do in this fabulous city.

• Warsaw Uprising Museum
• Copernicus Science Center
• Royal Castle of Warsaw
• Fryderyk Chopin Museum
• Wilanów Palace
• Warsaw Citadel
• Museum of Caricature Cartoon Art.
• Krolikarnia
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1. The Warsaw Uprising Museum is dedicated to those heroes who rose up during the 1944 uprising. You will find hundreds of artifacts, photos and memorabilia. There is a lovely shop where you can buy things associated with the museum.

2. The Copernicus Science Center houses over 450 interactive exhibits that the whole family can enjoy. There is a charming Bistro at the entrance and a cafe near the Planetarium. A fabulous gift shop offers souvenirs of this great museum.

3. The Royal Castle of Warsaw offers fascinating exhibits such as, Oriental Carpets, Numismatics, Paintings, sculptures and historical artifacts. The palace was used by the Polish Monarchs. Today it is a fantastic museum.

4. The Fryderyk Chopin Museum is dedicated to the brilliant Polish composer and musician. It contains five levels of exhibits and many artifacts from the composer's life and works.

5. Wilanów Palace, built in the 16th century by King John III Sobieski, today contains artifacts from this rich history of Poland. It is an outstanding cultural center, holding concerts and musical events, especially in the Rose Garden during the summer months.

6. The Warsaw Citadel was built by Russian Tsar Nicholas I to solidify Russian control over the country. During peacetime over 5,000 Russian Troops were stationed there. Cells housed Polish patriots who supported the rebellion. Today you can see some of the cells and discover the fortifications and weaponry of the period.

7. Near the castle stands a museum like no other in Poland, the Museum of Caricature Cartoon Art. It is a fantastic place to visit for the whole family. A fabulous gift shop gives you the opportunity to get some of the cartoon samples. Here is a fun place to spend the morning.

8. Krolikarnia (Rabbit House) is a grand palace was built at the beginning of 1782 by King Augustus II the Strong for rabbit warren! Today it is a lovely museum featuring art and sculpture by Xawery Dunikowski.

9. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the only surviving part of Saxton Palace that was destroyed in WWII. The Changing of the Guard takes place here every day at noon. Since 1925, it has housed the remains of a young soldier who died defending Lwow.

I always hesitate after each article and ask myself why I could not have put more places in the article. The answer is always the same - not enough room. There are many places that are well worth a visit that I just could not include.

Read More »

Top Places to Visit in Berlin

When you think of Berlin, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Berlin Wall - without question is the first thing we think. That is Berlin, but if that is all you see, you have missed so much. Here are some of the exciting things you can do in this historic city.

• Berlin Wall
• Brandenburg Gate
• Reichstag
• Berlin Island
• German Historical Museum
• Berlin Zoological Garden

1. The Berlin Wall constructed in 1961 divided the city into the East and West. It even separated families. Between 1961 and 1989 over 5,000 people tried to escape through or over the wall and over 100 died in their attempt. Barbed wire and barriers stretching 97 miles surrounded three Western sections and 27 miles of barrier divided East and West Berlin. In 1963, President Kennedy gave his Ich bin ein Berliner speech. In 1987, President Reagan challenged Michael Gorbachev to "tear down this wall." We all know the results of these speeches. Today only a small part of the wall remains as a memorial.

2. The Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century and served as one of the city's main gates. Today is the symbol of Berlin standing to maintain independence and probably the most celebrated icon in Germany.

3. The Reichstag was built in 1894 and housed the Diet (government) until 1933 when it was damaged by fire. The building fell into disrepair, and the East German government (volkskammer) held their meetings in East Berlin while the West German government (Bundestag) met in Bonn. After the reunification of East and West Germany the building was restored in 1999, and today is the location of the unified government, the Bundestag.

4. Berlin Island is the location of five leading museums. The Altes Museum (Old Museum) features artifacts from the Greek and Roman period, The Neues Museum (New Museum) features artifacts and papyrus from the Egypt Museum, The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) features works of Classicism, Romanticism, the Biedermeier era, Impressionism and early Modernism., The Bode Museum, features Byzantine art, coins a

nd medals, and the Pergamon Museum, featuring Greek and Roman art, pottery and sculpture.

5. The German Historical Museum features the history of Germany and of Europe. It is a terrific museum of culture filled with historical artifacts.

6. The Berlin Zoological Garden covers 84 acres with over 1,500 species of 19,500 different animals. It is said to contain the most significant collection of animals in the world. After visiting this vast array of animals, you can sit down to a delightful lunch at the Zoo Café and see the lovely gift shop and take home souvenirs of this magnificent zoo.

After each article I finish, I always regret that I could not include more of the exciting places there are to see in this magnificent city. Please allow several days when you visit.

Read More »

Top Places to Visit in Sydney, Australia

When you think of Sydney, you think of Kangaroos, "Down Under," Koala Bears and the Sydney Opera House. Sydney is that, but if that is all you saw, you missed Sydney! Here are just a few of the exciting things to do in this marvelous city.

• Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Harbor Bridge
• Wildlife Sydney Zoo
• Fort Denison
• Queen Victoria Building
• Sydney Sea life Aquarium

1. The Sydney Opera House is the symbol of Sydney and began life between 1957 and 1973 when Queen Elizabeth II opened it. It has been the subject of criticism as well as praise. Cost overruns and controversy brought strong street protests and brought about the resignation of the architect Jorn Utzon. He was later rehired, and the project was finally completed. The venue changes frequently, as the New Year's Eve is outstanding. Several bars and restaurants offer a pleasant visit.

2. The Sydney Harbor Bridge with the Sydney Opera House in the background is the photographer's dream. The Bridge is always seen in the spectacular New Year's celebrations. The bridge called by locals The Coat hanger, because of its arch design. The bridge is the sixth longest span bridge in the world and is the second widest at 160 feet. The bridge carries automobile, train, pedestrian and bike traffic.

3. The Wildlife Sydney Zoo is a lovely family setting. Every imaginable kind of animal exists now from the adorable Koala Bear to the Tasmanian devil. There is a tremendous opportunity for watching the animal feeding, and there is a place for animal petting. There are appealing eating-places and a lovely gift shop.

4. Fort Denison has stood in the Harbor of Sydney for over 150 years. It has served, as a fishing spot, navigational guide, weather station, now is a lovely restaurant and museum. Captain Cook Cruises offer regularly scheduled ferry service to the tiny island. An exquisite lunch is available daily, and a terrific Sunday Brunch is served.

5. The Queen Victoria Building, known to the locals as QVB, has become a grand shopping arcade. Over the decades, this beautiful old property has been threatened with demolition. Fortunately, visionaries saw the future and have produced a mall like no other in the world. Filled with many boutique stores and enjoyable eating-places, QVB is a must see.

6. The Sydney Sea life Aquarium offers over 13,000 animals from 700 species in 14 incredible theme zones. There is a touching area where you can interact with some of the aqua life. A delightful gift shop and various food areas offer a perfect place to visit with the family.

This beautiful city needs lots of time to see all of the exciting places that are available. Unfortunately, short articles such as this only give me the opportunity to show just a few.

Read More »