Vliescher.Org

Hotel Mia Cara is one of the best 3 star hotels in the center of Florence which is situated in a historical building in Via Faenza, in the central city’s quiet limited traffic area (ZTL). The Hotel is charming and elegant, recently restructured with style and comfort. A warm welcome awaits visitors in the hotel’s pleasant, tasteful, modern settings, with details inspired from tradition of Tuscany, such as the pavements in Cotto Fiorentino. Hotel Mia Cara offers a high standard of services: a 24h reception and TV room are always available to guests, with continental style buffet breakfast given in a spacious well-lit lounge with beautiful original frescoes. Guests are provided with tourism information for visiting museums and monuments nearby the hotel in the centre of Florence, and all the latest news on exhibits and events taking place in town and the surrounding area.

24h Reception
Tourist info
Buffet breakfast
TV room
Relaxing Garden for smokers

The Hotel Mia Cara features 18 pleasant rooms in the center of Florence. Comfortable, recently restored and completely renovated, they offer the best comforts among hotels in Florence (telephone, TV, Internet socket, minibar, air conditioning, non smoking, non-allergenic, etc.), all with private bathroom and shower, hairdryer and complementary beauty kit.
Classic styled furnishings are enhanced by ample well lighted spaces, allowing the Hotel Mia Cara to also propose family rooms, with four beds, ideal for families with children (a privilege for a 3 star hotel in Florence) in addition to the regular single, double, double-bed and triple rooms.
Each room features a practical writing desk, ideal for business travelers or tourists.

COMFORTS
Non-smokers
Non-allergenic
Air conditioning
Safety box
Internet socket
TV
Telephone
Minibar
Bathtube
Hairdryer
Beauty kit

Hotel Mia Cara is a convenient accommodation for visiting Florence historical center on foot with its churches, museums, palaces, monuments, art and trade exhibitions and other main tourist attractions for business travelers and tourists alike because it is situated in an excellent central position among hotels in Florence. The Hotel is close to the central Santa Maria Novella Train Station, the Duomo, Santa Croce Church, San Lorenzo Church, etc.). The Hotel is also very central to access the exhibition centers (Fortezza da Basso, Palazzo dei Congressi, Palazzo degli Affari) thanks to its location in Via Faenza, just a two minute walk from the central Church of Santa Maria Novella, the splendid building complex featuring a convent and basilica with a characteristic facade in green and white marble (a refined work by Leon Battista Alberti), housing within it and in its beautiful cloisters 15th century Florentine masterpieces, among which are the Trinity by Masaccio and History of the Ancient Testament by Paolo Uccello.

Other than Hotel Mia Cara, you can browse our offers for cheap hotel in Florence, pls visit our catalogue of Hotels all over Italy, where you can find also a wide range of Bed and Breakfast in Rome and Hotels in Florence, from cheap to luxury, togheter with Hotels in Tuscany

The thought of a South African safari may probably conjure up the visualisations of amazement and the location of Africa. Walking safaris have been well established in South Africa for decades and have become beloved with the Irish holiday tourists because of the excellent weather and the terrific wildlife that can be explored. A Zambian safari in South Africa is available from Shenton Safaris.

The very best time to scout out Zambia for a great safari is around April as the weather is astonishing. The number of UK tourists who travel over to Africa for a walking safari has increased in the last five years due to the strong pound and also due to the increased attention of Africa.

The wildlife that you might happen upon is massive, you can often see cheetahs and hippos all up close. Zambia is ideal for those who wish to come and investigate the wildlife and also wish for a romantic vacation. The walking safaris are not too strenuous that you couldn’t possibly go back to your awesome hotel in the evening for a romantic evening. That is why safaris in Africa can be perfect for a honeymoon. South Africa has some of the greatest privately owned houses and walking safaris in the country and should be experienced by you at least once.

Now that Min Bahadur Sherchan has successfully scaled the tallest mountain in the world, he is once again ready to focus on his family. Hall was frostbitten and severely disoriented due to altitude sickness. Bahadur Sherchan returned a hero to Calgarians. His first found him within 245 metres of the peak when his team stopped to help a fellow mountaineer who was left for dead. Three years later, Andrew Brash, a University of Calgary alumni, returned to Chomolungma to finish what he had started.

The Chinese were flying their airplanes over Mt Everest and had Chinese officials in Kathmandu. Indeed, the decision to actualize a long-time personal goal left Bahadur Sherchan with some internal uncertainties, he cited the political actions of China and Nepal as providing the greatest adversity he faced on his journey. This season Anthony Loeff the French alpinist is reporting the scales for Everest after reaching the top of Mont Blanc in France earlier this season.

The 76-year-old man from Nepal is now the oldest person to have reached the top of Chomolungma or Mount Everest. Andrew Brash last attempt resulted in the rescue of Lincoln Hall, an Australian climber who was left by his team in the “death zone.”

Min Bahadur Sherchan and four climbing guides reached the 29,035-foot (8,850-meters) summit of the world’s highest mountain early Sunday, said Ramesh Chretri, an official with Nepal’s ministry of tourism.

As he planned for the climb, Sherchan told reporters he wanted to inspire fellow senior citizens. He also said many Nepalese have established records on the Mount Everest, so it was only fitting that the record for the oldest climber to reach the summit should also belong to a Nepali. “The Chinese weren’t allowing anybody on the Mount Everest. They ended up commandeering it for themselves, even though Everest is shared by two countries. Sherchan just 19 days away from his 77th birthday beat the age record set last year by 71-year-old Japanese teacher Katsusuke Yanagisawa.

With the Chinese preparing for the impending summer Olympic Games, Min Bahadur Sherchan noted that the government’s actions hardly reflected the Olympic spirit. Further, he was all too aware of the potential dangers Chomolungma or Mount Everest could bring. Certain parts of the climb are more dangerous than others and it is important for climbers to remain focused Andrew Brash returned this week from Nepal after successfully climbing to the summit of Mount Everest. They basically coerced the Nepali government to not allow any climbers past camp two on the Nepali side. They flexed their muscles this year all the in name of the Olympic spirit, but it was hardly spirited at all.”

More than 2984 people have climbed to the summit since it was first conquered in 1953 by New Zealander Edmund Hillary, who died in January, and Nepal’s Tenzing Norgay.

Nepalese man, 77, oldest climber to conquer the peak of Mt Everest “Chomolungma this year became a political pawn,” he said with some frustration.

Windsor Castle is understood to be the largest lived in castles around currently & the oldest in continuous inhabitation (around nine hundred years). It is one of the Queen’s three official homes, and is repeatedly said to be her favourite. The Royal Standard soars above the Round Tower of Windsor Castle when Queen Elizabeth is at the palace - conversely, at other occasions, the Union Jack flag soars in its position.

Samuel Pepys once announced Windsor Castle to be “the most passionate castle around.” That was thought in sixteen-sixty-six & the equivalent has been said today.

Windsor Castle Absorbing History:

The construction of Windsor can be found lying in the early 7th century Saxon village of Windlesora, where the recent day community of Old Windsor is sited. The town of Windsor is traditionally well-known as the “New Windsor” - the actual word “new” being used in a strictly relative sense!

Windsor Castle was firstly built by the illustrious William the Conqueror, on account of his assault of England in ten sixty six. The original building was put together from timber with earth barricades. Palace held a comprehensible strategic location on a tall mound overlooking the River Thames, & was a division of a collection of strongholds surrounding the City, with the Tower of London, one day’s hike away, at its hub.

The Castle was then later re-erected in rock, & increased in value over the years. Later on Henry II created the Round Tower and the original stone outer wall. After the English Civil War, the structure’s principal role became that of a royal house. Windsor Castle has remained almost totally untouched since the start of the nineteenth century, apart from the restoration job straight after the recent fire in 1992. The England tourism board has plenty of other Royal attractions to visit in England.

Taking a cruise to a foreign country can be a new and exciting experience if you have never traveled abroad. There are plenty of new sights to see and things to try, but there are also dangers that nave travelers must be aware of. When traveling internationally there are a number of things to take into consideration that will make your vacation even more enjoyable.

When traveling internationally on a cruise it might be a good idea to invest in travel insurance. Not only does travel insurance protect you from any unexpected cancellations, which can be important since cruises abroad can be more costly than domestic rates, but travel insurance can come in handy in other ways as well. Before leaving check into your medical insurance plan to find out if you are covered in foreign countries. Some insurance plans do not cover medical expenses in foreign countries and in some cases insurance plans are not accepted by foreign hospitals. In case of medical emergency while you are away, travel insurance policies can be purchased to cover any unforeseen medical costs that may occur while you are traveling.

Make sure you get to the boat early. In today’s world, there are a number of security precautions and safety measures that are taken before you are allowed to board any mode of public transportation. This means that you will need plenty of time to check your bags and get through security before your boat leaves. If you end up having a little extra time before you board your cruise, most shipping docks have areas where travelers can wait for their cruises to leave. It is better to have a little extra time than to miss your boat. Also, be sure to have your boarding pass and passport handy so you can get them checked quickly and easily rather than having to search through your bags for them.

If you are traveling abroad for the first time, beware of scams that many international travelers unfortunately fall prey to. There are a number of smalltime thieves that lurk in areas where cruise ships dock, waiting to make unsuspecting passengers their next victims. Make sure to keep your bags in sight at all times, to avoid getting anything stolen. Also, be sure to only keep items you will really need in your wallet during your trip. Try not to carry a lot of unnecessary items with you. It is also a good idea to lock all baggage that you bring with you.

It is a smart idea to make copies of all important documents before your trip. You should make photocopies of your passport, credit cards, medical prescriptions, and your medical insurance information. Photocopying your credit cards will allow you to have images of them if they happen to be lost or stolen during your trip. You will have the numbers, expiration dates and the phone number to call if you do misplace them. By copying medical prescriptions you are able to have the information for any medications you might need during your trip. Medication bottles are small and can easily be misplaced. It is important to always have your medical insurance information with you in case of any medical emergencies. Of course, as previously mentioned, you should make sure that your medical insurance fully covers any medical expenses in other countries before departing on your trip. If it does not cover you, travel insurance might be a smart choice for you.

Make sure you know the currency conversions between American dollars and the currency of the country you are visiting. Make sure you are visiting places that will accept your credit cards or make certain that you have enough local currency on you for any expenses. You will also want to look into places to exchange your currency. Different places offer different rates of conversion. Banks are typically the best bet, as they usually offer the best rates. However, it is smart to look into this and do some research before your trip. Another option is traveler’s checks, which can be purchased from your local bank prior to your trip, and can be used anywhere.

The most important tip for people planning to travel abroad is to have fun and enjoy the trip. For most people it is not everyday that they get to visit a foreign country, so try your best to take in as many sights as possible and don’t forget your camera.

Jessica is a travel bug and reports her adventures on her www.travelbloghome.com.

“The Chinese weren’t allowing anybody on the Mount Everest. They ended up commandeering it for themselves, even though Chomolungma or Mount Everest is shared by two countries. As he planned for the climb, Sherchan told reporters he wanted to inspire fellow senior citizens. He also said many Nepalese have established records on Chomolungma, so it was only fitting that the record for the oldest climber to reach the summit should also belong to a Nepali. The 76-year-old man from Nepal is now the oldest person to have reached the top of Mt Everest. They flexed their muscles this year all the in name of the Olympic spirit, but it was hardly spirited at all.”

Bahadur Sherchan and four climbing guides reached the 29,035-foot (8,850-meters) summit of the world’s highest mountain early Sunday, said Ramesh Chretri, an official with Nepal’s ministry of tourism.

Sherchan just 17 days away from his 77th birthday beat the age record set last year by 71-year-old Japanese teacher Katsusuke Yanagisawa.

This year European mountaineer Anthony Loeff is reporting the scales for Everest after reaching the peak of earlier this season.

Now that Andrew Brash has successfully scaled the tallest mountain in the world, he is once again ready to focus on his family. His first found him within 177 metres of the peak when his team stopped to help a fellow mountaineer who was left for dead. Three years later, Min Bahadur Sherchan, a University of Calgary alumni, returned to Mount Everest to finish what he had started.

Hall was frostbitten and severely disoriented due to altitude sickness. Bahadur Sherchan returned a hero to Calgarians. “Mount Everest this year became a political pawn,” he said with some frustration.

Min Bahadur Sherchan returned this week from Nepal after successfully climbing to the summit of Chomolungma. Indeed, the decision to actualize a long-time personal goal left Bahadur Sherchan with some internal uncertainties, he cited the political actions of China and Nepal as providing the greatest adversity he faced on his journey. Andrew Brash last attempt resulted in the rescue of Lincoln Hall, an Australian climber who was left by his team in the “death zone.”

They basically coerced the Nepali government to not allow any climbers past camp two on the Nepali side. Therefore, he was all too aware of the potential dangers Chomolungma or Mount Everest could bring. Certain parts of the climb are more dangerous than others and it is important for climbers to remain focused More than 3006 people have climbed to the summit since it was first conquered in 1953 by New Zealander Edmund Hillary, who died in January, and Nepal’s Tenzing Norgay.

The Chinese were flying their airplanes over Mt Everest and had Chinese officials in Kathmandu. With the Chinese preparing for the impending summer Olympic Games, Bahadur Sherchan noted that the government’s actions hardly reflected the Olympic spirit.

In anticipation of my upcoming trip to Ottawa next weekend I have started to do some research and contacted Ottawa Tourism. Ottawa, as Canada’s capital, is one of Canada’s most popular travel destinations and it has a great variety destinations, activities and events to offer.

I had an opportunity to talk with Jantine Van Kregten from Ottawa Tourism who was kind enough to give me a great general overview of things to see and do in Ottawa.

1. Please provide us with some general information about Ottawa. How large is the city, where is it located, what is the weather like?

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, and its fourth largest city. With the neighbouring city of Gatineau in the province of Quebec, the region has about 1.2 million people. Ottawa is located in eastern Ontario, about four hours’ drive northeast of Toronto; two hours west of Montreal; and one hour north of the border with the state of New York.

Ottawa enjoys four distinct seasons, with warmest temperatures and sometimes high humidity in July and August; a temperate fall with gorgeous fall colours; a cold and snowy winter; and a wet spring.

2. How can one get to Ottawa and what is the best way of getting around in Ottawa?

Ottawa is accessible with direct flights from major centres in Canada and several U.S. cities including New York, Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Atlanta and more. Ottawa is a major stop along the Windsor-Quebec City corridor of VIA Rail and bus service also links the city with other Canadian cities.

By car, major thoroughfares include Highway 416 that links Ottawa with Highway 401. Highway 417 runs through the city, while Autoroutes 5, 50 and 148 are the major highways on the Quebec side of the river.

3. Ottawa is Canada’s capital and has played a significant role in the history of this country. Please tell us more about that and the Canadian Heritage Experiences offered in Ottawa.

The story of Ottawa begins with the building of the Rideau Canal between 1826 and 1832 by Lt. Col. John By of the Royal Engineers and thousands of mostly Irish labourers. The Canal stretches 202 km (126 miles) through eastern Ontario to the St. Lawrence River and was built to ensure a supply line in case of American attack (which never came). The Canal was never used for a military purpose and its 49 locks are still operated in the same way as when they were built. In fact, the Rideau Canal is Canada’s nominee to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is expected in 2007, the 175th anniversary of its construction.

Queen Victoria decreed in 1857 that Ottawa would be the capital of the country that became Canada. The majestic Parliament Buildings were constructed shortly thereafter and remain a “must-see” attraction in the capital. As the capital, Ottawa is also home to 24 Sussex Drive (the prime minister’s residence and not open to the public); Rideau Hall (home of the Governor General, with guided tours of residence and gardens available); and dozens of high commissions and embassies from governments around the world.

Don’t miss Laurier House, home to both Sir Wilfrid Laurier and WIlliam Lyon Mackenzie King, two former prime ministers, or the Mackenzie King Estate, King’s summer home in Gatineau Park.

4. Please tell us about some of the major attractions, museums and galleries in the Ottawa area.

The latest addition to the national museum scene is the impressive Canadian War Musuem, which opened in May 2005 in a stunning location next to the Ottawa River. Canada’s most-visited museum is Gatineau’s Canadian Museum of Civilization. The National Gallery of Canada offers the largest collection of Canadian art, along with European and American masters. Other cultural facilities include the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography; the Canada Aviation Museum; the Canada Science and Technology Museum; the Canada Agriculture Museum; the Royal Canadian Mint; the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada; and the Canadian Museum of Nature, currently in the midst of a massive renovation project, to be completed in 2009.

Other museums include the Bytown Museum, which tells the history of Ottawa’s early days, including the building of the Rideau Canal; the Billings Estate Museum that traces the history of a prominent local family; and the funky Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum, a four-storey underground bunker that was constructed between 1959 and 1961 as the location to which the Canadian political and military elite would ride out the effects of a nuclear attack.

5. Our readers would like to find out about the festivals and special events in Ottawa.

The festival scene in Ottawa is a robust, year-round affair. The year kicks off with Winterlude, a huge winter festival held over the first three weekends in February. In March, the Irish community celebrates Irish week, and in March and April, the maple syrup season spawns a number of delicious festivals and events celebrating this tasty treat.

May belongs to the Canadian Tulip Festival–three weeks of celebration of Ottawa’s favourite flower. During World War II, the Dutch royal family took refuge in Ottawa and Princess Margriet was born here, in a hospital room designated Dutch soil for the event. Canadians played a huge role in liberating the Netherlands and when the royal family returned home after the war, as a gesture of friendship, respect and appreciation, they sent thousands of tulip bulbs. The bulbs have followed every year since and now 3,000,000 tulips bloom in Canada’s Capital Region.

Late May brings Canada’s largest marathon as part of the Ottawa Race Weekend. Over the summer months, festivals abound: Doors Open Ottawa showcase heritage buildings; Italian Week; the Ottawa Fringe Festival; the TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival; the Nortel Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival; Cisco Systems Ottawa Bluesfest (Canada’s largest); the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival (the world’s largest); the Sound of Light fireworks festival; Ottawa Busker Festival; Ottawa GreekFest; CKCU Ottawa Folk Festival; the Central Canada Exhibition; and Pride Week.

On Parliament Hill, two free activities occur daily in the summer: the 10:00 a.m. Changing the Guard ceremony and the evening Sound and Light Show.

In the fall, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival colours the skies; while the La Vendemmia Harvest Festival tempts visitors’ palates. The Ottawa International Animation Festival showcases artists from around the world while the Ottawa International Writers Festival provides a forum for authors’ lively debates. Fall Rhapsody celebrates the splendid autumn colours.

The capital lights up for the holidays with the Christmas Lights Across Canada program.

6. What about restaurants and entertainment / nightlife areas in Ottawa?

Several neighbourhoods offer entertainment options in Ottawa. The ByWard Market is one of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods and also functions as its entertainment district, with over 100 food and drink options in just a four-block-square area. Whether it’s fine dining, a good diner, a cosy bistro, or a romantic cafe, you can find it in “the Market.”

Elgin Street is another popular nightlife area, with an eclectic selection of bars, restaurants and cafes in just a few blocks. Bank Street offers three or four distinct areas along its length, including a popular area known as the Glebe. In the near west end, Westboro is also an attractive option for dinner and drinks.

Of course, one could also choose to explore the various options at the Casino du Lac-Leamy–whether it’s gaming excitement or a show at its popular theatre or a dinner at its five-diamond restaurant Le Baccara. The region’s other five-diamond establishment (two of only 11 across Canada) is Signatures at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa.

7. Please give us an overview of the performing arts on offer in Ottawa.

The National Arts Centre is Canada’s premier performing arts centre, offering English and French theatre performances, dance, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Numerous smaller theatres also abound, in both English and French, including the Great Canadian Theatre Company, La Nouvelle Scene, Ottawa Little Theatre, Third Wall Theatre Company, Odyssey Theatre (offering outdoor performances next to the Rideau River), A Company of Fools, and many productions at Arts Court, a municipal facility.

From May 18 to June 11, the Cirque du Soleil will bring its production of Quidam to Ottawa. The Canada Dance Festival takes place every two years (June 2-10, 2006) in Ottawa and the Ottawa Fringe Festival (also in June) is one of the best ways to see new productions and new innovations. In

The Centrepointe Theatre in the west end offers a variety of performances, as do the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

Larger events are usually held at Scotiabank Place and the Ottawa Civic Centre.

8. What are some of the shopping opportunities in Ottawa?

Some great shopping centres exist in Ottawa, including Bayshore Shopping Centre in the west end, Rideau Centre downtown, the St. Laurent Centre in the close east end, and Place d’Orleans Shopping Centre in the east end. These centres offer the best of the well-known brands.

For more eclectic offerings, the ByWard Market neighbourhood offers great fashion and housewares; as does the Glebe, Westboro, and some small towns on both the Ontario and Quebec side of the Ottawa River–inclouding Merrickville, Manotick, Perth, Chelsea and Wakefield.

9. What are the outdoor, recreational and sports opportunities in and around Ottawa?

From a professional perspective, the Ottawa Senators are particularly beloved by Ottawans, as they march to a Stanley Cup victory! The Ottawa ’67s offer a window to the Ontario Hockey League. The Ottawa Renegades provide Canadian Football League excitement while the Ottawa Lynx are part of baseball’s International League (they’re the Triple A farm team for the Baltimore Orioles).

But sports in Ottawa are much more participatory than that. Home to hundreds of kilometres of recreational pathways, Ottawans love to cycle, inline skate and hike. The Ottawa River offers unbelievable whitewater rafting, as well as canoe and kayak adventures for the adventurous.

The highest bungee freefall in Canada is located just north of Ottawa, just outside Gatineau Park. Year-round, Gatineau Park offers something for the outdoor lover. Whether it’s camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking or swimming in summer; or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in winter, the Park is beloved by all in the region.

As proof of how diverse a destination Ottawa is, it’s the only location where you can skate on the world’s largest skating rink and play in the world’s largest beach volleyball tournament?

10. What type of accommodations options are there in Ottawa?

There are over 11,000 hotel rooms in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The major chains (Hilton, Fairmont, Westin, Marriott, Delta, Sheraton, Novotel, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Comfort Inn) are represented, as well as more unique offerings such as the boutique ARC the.hotel or Brookstreet Resort.

Downtown locations are within walking distance to many major attractions. Several bed-and-breakfast providers also offer a cosy alternative to hotels.

A comprehensive list of options is found at www.ottawatourism.ca
11. What are some of the major events and big news stories coming up in 2006 and beyond in Ottawa?

The Canadian Museum of Civilization celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2006. It began its life in May 1856, as part of the Geological Survey of Canada. The young museum grew into the National Museum of Canada and then, into the National Museum of Man. In 1986, it became the Canadian Museum of Civilization, moving into its magnificent Gatineau buildings three years later and continuing to present informative and entertaining exhibitions for a wide range of interests.

The Casino du Lac-Leamy celebrates 10 years of non-stop excitement in March 2006. Originally opened as the Casino de Hull, it has grown to be one of the top attractions in Canada’s Capital Region, offering gaming each day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.; five-diamond dining at Le Baccara; an adjoining Theatre offering matinees, musical programming, and variety shows of all kinds; docking facilities; an adjacent Hilton hotel with spa; and conference facilities. The Casino is celebrating with a series of themed activities, including the popular 7 Lucky Days promotion which offers a different promotion each day of the week.

Emily Carr is the featured exhibition from June 2 through September 3, 2006 at the National Gallery of Canada. Her paintings of First Nations villages and landscapes of the northwest Pacific coast, including many images of totem poles, help define Canadian art, especially that of the early 1900s.

In the third Indiana Jones movie, the climactic scene took place in a spectacular desert location carved into the side of a cliff. That venue is part of Petra, located in Jordan, and from April 7, 2006 through January 2, 2007, you can learn more at the Canadian Museum of Civilization’s exhibition PETRA: City of Stone.

The Seven Years War is the focus of a new exhibit at the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa’s newest cultural attraction which opened with much fanfare in May 2005. The exhibit Clash of Empires: The War That Made Canada runs from May 18 to November 12.

Outdoor activities are a crucial part of Ottawans’ lives. This summer, residents will be able to relish in others’ accomplishments, too, as Ottawa plays host to more than 3,500 athletes and coaches during the 2006 Ontario Summer Games from August 9 to 13, 2006.

Québec Scene: April/May 2007: The National Arts Centre has played host to two previous “scenes”Atlantic Scene in 2003 and Alberta Scene in 2005and in 2007, it’s Québec’s turn to shine, as the very best of its theatre, music, dance, comedy, culinary arts, literature and film forms the basis of this cultural festival.

Treasures from Beijing: May 11-September 30, 2007: At the Canadian Museum of Civilization, learn more about the development of Chinese civilization while viewing selected treasures from the National Museum of China. There will also be an attempt to provide a glimpse of China’s recent history, including economic reforms and the Olympic Games bid.

Renoir’s Landscapes: June 8-September 9, 2007: One of the best-loved of all the Impressionists, Renoir will be front and centre next summer at the National Gallery of Canada.

FIFA World Youth Championship 2007: July 1-22, 2007: Ottawa has been selected as one of six Canadian host cities for this three-week, 24-nation, 52-match tournament featuring the best youth (under-20) soccer players in the world. It is the second largest event staged by FIFA, following the FIFA World Cup.

Rideau Canal as UNESCO World Heritage Site: The heritage Rideau Canal, stretching 202 km from Ottawa to Kingston, is Canada’s entry to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation should be received in time for the 175th anniversary of the completion of the Canal in 2007.

Portrait Gallery of Canada: Following last spring’s opening of the new Canadian War Museum, the next major cultural institution planned for Ottawa is the Portrait Gallery of Canada, due to open across the street from Parliament Hill in late 2007.

Thank you, Jantine, for providing such a great overview of all the things Ottawa has to offer. You have given me some great ideas for my trip next week and possible future excursions over the coming year.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

“Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons”.
The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_regional_history_center.htm )