Blue Flag beach & marina

The 2009 Blue Flags have been awarded. When a beach has a blue flag it simply means that the water is clean, in compliance with specific standards.

According to Wikipedia “A Blue Flag beach is a maritime or freshwater beach that has met stringent quality standards during the whole of the previous bathing season. Blue Flag status is also applied to marinas.

Blue Flag status is awarded to beaches in more than thirty countries in Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean based on standards and criteria owned and managed by an independent non-profit organisation, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) Campaign.

Compliance with Blue Flag criteria requires adherence to water quality standards, safety, the provision of services and general environmental management. Clean and safe bathing is provided in a dog-free environment.

In Europe, the water quality standards are enshrined in the EC Bathing Waters Directive.
The right to fly a Blue Flag at a beach or recreational water is a strong indication of high environmental standards and is a much sought after accolade by local authorities and providers of water-based recreational facilities.

For 2007, Spain had 576 Blue Flag Beaches.
For 2008, Spain had 455 Blue Flag beaches, Greece is second at 430, and Turkey is third at 258. Greece has the most flags in the Mediterranean sea.
For 2009, Spain leads the ranking once again with 493 Blue Flag beaches. Greece keeps following with 425 Blue Flag beaches.»

A detailed list of blue flag beaches and marinas can be found in the Blue Flag organisation site

Photos from Wikipedia

Ermoupoleia festival

The Ermoupoleia Festival in Syros island, Cyclades, Greece is organized each year by the Ermoupolis Municipality Cultural Centre from July until September. This year the rich in festivities programme includes the following:
5th Aegean Festival, 1-11 July
16th Classical Guitar festival, 12-16 July
3rd Independent Rock festival, 23-25 July
5th International Classical Music festival, 19-29 August
2nd International festival & animation forum animasyros, 24-27 September

The full programme of the events can be seen on the Ermoupolis Cultural Centre website, http://www.pkde.gr/

Photo by Dr. Andreas Eliadis

Must-See Natural Wonders for Caribbean Exotic Vacations

By Ron Harper

Unknown to many, the Caribbean Islands actually have more to offer than just white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. In fact, some of nature's best kept secrets are found here. Here's a handful that you might want to know about.

Pitch Lake - Not all famous natural wonders are pleasing to the eyes. The Pitch Lake of Trinidad is probably one of the most unsightly places you'll ever set foot on. This 100-acre lake is the largest body of liquid asphalt in the world. Parts of it are made of crusty material where you can walk on. As with practically all places mentioned in this list, a guided tour will allow you to learn more about this unusual site.

Soufriere Hills Volcano - Montserrat or the "Emerald Eye of the Caribbean" is known for this active volcano. The volcano's latest eruption was in 1995, which buried the entire capital of Plymouth. This temperamental geographical behemoth can be seen closely from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and is visited by many adventurous tourists every year.

The Pitons - Gros Piton and Petit Piton are two volcanic plugs towering above coral reef beds that are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. You don't have to get wet to experience the splendor of the place though. For laid-back-style exotic vacations, you can tour around the drive-in volcano, Diamond Botanical Gardens, and the mineral baths which are found within the area.

Bonaire National Marine Park - Unlike the previous one, this is one place where you would definitely have to get wet to appreciate its hidden grandeur. Around 200 feet below the water's surface is the most protected coral reef system in the entire Caribbean. Although swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing are also performed here, the best experience can be obtained underwater. Thus, be prepared to include snorkeling or even scuba diving in your luxury Carribean vacation planning.

El Yungue Rain Forest - Inject some fun and excitement into your Caribbean family vacations. Go hiking, fishing, and camping in this rugged tropical rain forest. Due to the volume and diversity of its wildlife, the El Yungue Rain Forest draws in 600,000 visitors into its jungles every year.

Photograph by Phil Thebault

International Animation Festival - Animasyros 2.0

The International Animation Festival & Forum AnimaSyros 2.0 will take place in Syros island, Cyclades, Greece from Thursday, September 24th to Sunday, September 27th 2009.

Copying from animasyros 2.0 site :
"...The International Animation Festival & Forum is an annual festival dedicated to the art of animation...The festival is an initiative of PLATFORMA- Urban Culture Co and is organised in collaboration with the Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Hermoupolis and produced by mscomm company.
The scope of the festival is to present and promote Greek and foreign animation films, to familiarize the Greek audience with quality animation and to decentralize cultural events.

During the festival a variety of animated films from all over the world, representing a significant number of animation techniques will be screened in the competition section as well as in special screening tributes to international animation film festival such as Annecy International Animated Film Festival (France), Internationales Trickfilm Festival (Germany), Bradford Animation Festival (Great Britain), Anifest (Czech Republic) και Magma Short Film Festival (Italy).

In parallel, the festival organizes two media literacy programmes, a hands-on animation lab with the participation of students from the Technological Institute of Athens- Faculty of Graphic Arts & Design department of Graphic Design and a audiovisual workshop by young creators aiming at the audiovisual documentation of the Festival & the Forum.

The Forum
This year, animasyros 2.0 introduced the new dimension of a professional forum. The forum is a two-day meeting of professional networking, collaborations, presentations and seminars, with the participation of representatives from international animation organizations, educational institutes, creators, production companies, animation studios and other relevant organizations. The forum sessions start on Thursday September 24, 2009 and conclude on Friday September 25, 2009 with the Grand opening of the animation film festival and film screenings.

The indicative programme of the professional Forum includes the following sessions:
Thursday September 24, 2009
BRAVE NEW ANIMATION
Animation as a tool of public service advertising and social messages.

An open discussion on case studies of animation films and tv commercials, which have succeeded their goal to overwhelm and motivate the audience on crucial political and social global issues.

ANIMATION VS EDUCATION
Animation in education- Animation as an educational method
The presentation by audiovisual education and research organisations of formal and informal educational schemes based on animation.

Friday September 25, 2009
PITCHING ANIMATION SHELLS

A Pitching session, which includes the presentation of 4 animation films to representatives of distributors, TV stations and professionals of the audiovisual sector. The works screened will be thoroughly presented by their creators and will be evaluated on a technical, artistic and commercial basis.

PRESENTATION OF A HIGH-END ANIMATION STUDIO
More details will be announced soon.
Please note that the detailed programme of the Forum including the participants will be announced shortly.

WHEN
...The event starts on Thursday September 24, 2009 with the Forum sessions, which are concluded on Friday September 24, 2009 late afternoon. It is then the time for the opening ceremony of the Animation Film Festival and the screenings of the animation films participating in the competition and special tributes sections, the parallel events and of course the parties! will conclude on Sunday September 27, 2009 with the announcement of the winning films and the closing party!

Entrance is free of charge to all festival screenings and parties..."

For further information click here.

7 Strange Everest facts

By Jude Limburn Turner

What's in a name?

Everest, previously known just as Peak XV, was confirmed to be the highest mountain in the world in 1856. It was named after Sir George Everest (a previous Surveyor General of India) due to the fact that Tibet and Nepal were sealed off at the time, and so the local names couldn't be discovered. In Tibetan it is known as Chomolungma (mother goddess of the universe), while the Nepalese call the mountain Sagarmatha - goddess of the sky.

To put that in perspective...

The summit of Mount Everest stands at 8,848m - the equivalent of twenty Empire State Buildings, just below the cruising altitude of a jet. The Burj Dubai will be the tallest building on Earth once it is completed, but Everest will still be over twelve and a half times its height. Even Everest Base Camp (5,300m), the staging point for attempts on the summit, is higher than any of the Rocky Mountains.

Big, but not so tough

It may be the highest mountain in the world, but Everest is not the most dangerous. About 3000 people have made it to the top of Everest, and over 200 never made it back to the safety of Everest Base Camp - it is estimated that about 9% of Everest climbers do not survive their journey. This may sound like a daunting percentage, but compared to some other mountains, this is tame stuff - K2, known as the Savage Mountain, claims a quarter of its climbers, and Annapurna I has a staggering 40% mortality rate due to its frequent avalanches.

Rest in peace...

Anyone who is climbing from Everest Base Camp to Everest's summit must prepare themselves for the gruesome sight of the climbers who never made it back. At the higher altitudes, the corpses do not decompose due to the cold, and removing them is too dangerous. It is believed that over 120 bodies remain on the mountain, many of which are visible from the standard summiting routes. Anyone on an Everest Base Camp trek needn't worry - all the bodies are further up in the so-called "Death Zone".

The fastest way down...

There are plenty of speed records associated with Everest, but one of the most impressive is that of the fastest descent. In 1988, Jean-Marc Boivin of France went off the summit in a paraglider, making his descent in just eleven minutes.

You may kiss the bride

Couples are always trying to find ways to make their wedding day memorable, but few would think of holding the ceremony at 29,000 feet. On May 30th 2005, the Nepalese couple Mono Mulepati and Pem Dorje Sherpa became the first people to tie the knot at the highest point on Earth. Presumably, they had to find a Buddhist priest who was also a master mountain climber to perform the ceremony!

You're never too old...or too young

Keen mountain climbers who hope to one day go beyond Everest Base Camp and on to the summit itself may be embarrassed to discover the age of Everest's youngest summiteer. Temba Tsheri made it to the top in 2001 aged just 15. Then again, it's never too late to make it to the top - Min Bahadur Sherchan was 76 when he reached the summit.

Photo by Luca Galluzzi - Wikipedia

The white island: Visiting Mykonos

by GeorgiosK

The island of Mykonos is part of the Cyclades, -Greece-, a group of islands nestled in the southern and central Aegean Sea. In recent years, Mykonos has positioned itself as a trendy place to visit, rivaling even some of the swishiest locales such as Capri or Hawaii. The island's recent fame is thanks in part to the fact that some of the world's most beautiful people have been flocking here, including Madonna and Mick Jagger.

Among the best reasons to visit Mykonos is that it is a feast for all of the senses. The iconic white architecture, the extremely amenable climate, proliferation of archeological and historical hotspots are all among the many reasons to spend your vacation days on Mykonos. And let's not forget about the
magnificent beaches of Mykonos! The island is dotted with stunning beaches to suit the needs of every tourist, even those who prefer to take advantage of the "clothing optional" rule that some beaches have in place.

Of all the beautiful beaches on Mykonos, by far the most popular are Platis Gialos, Psarou, Paranga, Kalafatis, Elia and Agrari. Platis Gialos offers vistors an excellent choice of water sports, while Psarou is home to a first-rate diving center. Kalafatis is the island's largest beach, and Elia is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. On Elia Beach, you'll find many secluded hiding spots, perfect for a romantic moment or just some alone time.


On Mykonos, every street is a postcard image in the making, and around every turn is a new adventure. The scenery here is a study in contrasts, from the stark whitewash of the buildings to the sapphire blue sea, the rainbow-colored windows. The personality of the island bleeds through into its nightlife, too: When the sun goes down, many of the island's taverns, restaurants and discos come alive and are flooded with people, tourists and locals alike. The air is filled with a tangle of music from driving rock to soothing jazz. There's something for everyone.

If you fancy a little retail therapy, Mykonos can accommodate you, too. There are many shops on the island selling all kinds of local and tourist-aimed products of just about any category you can imagine. To soak in a little culture, the island of Mykonos has many museums for your enjoyment.

For a fun day trip from Mykonos, head to nearby Delos. There are organized tours leaving daily from Mykonos for Delos, an island that at one time was the cultural and religious epicenter of all of the Cyclades and for Greece as a whole. (For you legend lovers, the story goes that Apollo, god of the sun, and his sister Artemis; goddess of the hunt, were born on Delos. These days, it's an idyllic island with a very interesting museum and some breathtaking architectural monuments to see. While you're visiting Mykonos, you might as well take a day and see Delos, as well. (Oh, and as a note, the name "Mykonos" has a legend attached to it, too. It is named for Apollo's grandson. Legend also says that the rock terrain of Mykonos was formed by the bodies of giants being turned to stone by Zeus!)

Whether your perfect getaway involves nothing more than lounging on a beautiful beach while you take in the fresh sea air or whether you want to soak up a little culture and history, the Greek island of Mykonos has something to make your vacation the most memorable it can be. Be sure to bring along your camera and lots of film or extra memory cards when you go. Mykonos is a shutterbug's paradise!

The 2nd photo is provided by Wikitravel

Sagrada Familia - the unfinished masterpiece

By David Brydon
Visitors to Barcelona, -Spain-, flock to the city centre neighbourhood of Eixample with one main aim; to visit perhaps Europe’s strangest cathedral - the “Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia”. Easily seen from the air, towering above the square neighbourhood blocks, the Holy Family Cathedral is one of Barcelona's nine World Heritage sites, and a masterpiece designed by Antonin Gaudi, the famous Catalan artist, whose keen eye and gifted hand was also responsible for 6 of the other UNESCO Sites. In 1883, Gaudi was commissioned to continue a project already started one year earlier by diocesan architect Franciso Villar.

What makes the visitor figures even more bizarre is that despite dedicating the latter part of his life to the construction of the looming edifice, it is actually incomplete. Gaudi died tragically in 1926 while working on the “people’s Cathedral” and is buried in the crypt. The Cathedral is a stunning example of Modernista Gothic architecture, and currently has two facades, often mistaken for the front and the back. The Nativity Facade was the first to be built and completely overseen by Gaudi himself and is an intricate depiction of the birth of Christ. Comparisons have been made to a melting candle and no words on paper can do this part of the Cathedral justice – especially seen illuminated at night.

The opposite side is the Crucifixion facade, which was completed after Gaudi’s death. Original plans were destroyed by rioters and antagonists during the civil war, and although this has been used as an excuse by current planning officials, one suspects that an architect never works with the same enthusiasm if it’s not their own work. As a consequence, this facade has been designed by various leading world architects and pays homage to the rooftop chimneys of Casa Mila (also known as La Pedrera), which was another of Gaudi’s unmistakeable constructions across town.


The fascinating museum in the crypt of the Cathedral included in the entrance fee has photos, details and, more importantly, scale models of what the Cathedral will look like when finished. With 18 towers, the highlight will surely be the central tower dedicated to Jesus, which will have a huge stained-glass window, giving an impressionable light to the altar, 170 metres below.


Sagrada Familia is a controversial building, and indeed has various organisations headed by extremely influential authorities in the world of Arts, culture and architecture who object at the variations in Gaudi’s plans. Gaudi himself said that "The expiatory church of La Sagrada Familia is made by the people and is mirrored in them. It is a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people.” And it is this very point that angers protesters. Rumours exist of many foreign corporations offering to finish the work due in rapid time, but all have been rebuffed, as this would go against Gaudi’s wishes.

The current funding comes from the foundation, donations and money from all other works by Gaudi in the city after overheads. For this reason progress is slow, and speculation about the completion date is a daily topic around the coffee shops and parks of Barcelona from residents and tourists alike. What is strikingly clear however, is that you absolutely must visit this unfinished masterpiece when you visit the city of Barcelona so that you can decide for yourself.

About the Author
David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 9 years
Photo of Sagrada Familia by night (Nativity facade) from Wikipedia

Summer vacations in Milos

By Nick V.
The Greek isle of Milos, a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, is a beautiful and little-known vacation spot in one of the most gorgeous locations in the world. Known as "the island of colors," Milos has a long history that is evident in the surrounding countryside and architecture. Near the ancient town of Milos stands a theatre dating back from the days of the Golden Age of Rome, and there are still remains of buildings and town walls. Milos is possibly best known as the site where the Venus de Milo was discovered, which now stands in the Louvre today.

Milos truly is a profusion of colors. Arbutus, orange, olive, and cypress trees decorate the island between fields of cotton and barely. Vines grow throughout the island, creating an enchanting and beautiful landscape. The island is truly "in bloom" in the months of April and May, a time that also offers beautiful weather for tourists. Every July Milos hosts a huge festival of cultural events and music, and this month is seeing more and more vacationers.

Traveling to and from Milos is easy, with daily flights to Athens and daily ferries to other shores. The island offers everything to attract tourists to vacation in Milos: pastry shops, discos, cafes, supermarkets, and jewelry stores are scattered throughout the island in convenient locations.
If you vacation in Milos, you will have more than seventy different beaches to choose from. Surrounded by water and sands of all colors, it is on the coast that you will understand why Milos is known as the island of colors. The sands range from white to black, and the waters range in various shades of deep blues and greens. The beaches are quiet and restful, with no restaurants, bars, or stereos (except during the season, in July and August).


The cuisine makes any vacation in Milos a true experience, and the variety of restaurants will tempt any tourist palate. Local delicacies include dishes made from cabbage, garlic sauce, eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and pork. Cheese made from goat milk is a mainstay of the island, and the locally-made thyme honey is sold in shops throughout the island. If you vacation in Milos, you will be able to taste locally-made wine, as well as wine imported from the island of Crete.

Any vacation in Milos will thrill and delight the senses. Milos is an island filled with colors, cuisine, music, and ancient mystery. The culture and sights of Milos, not to mention the glorious beaches, make a vacation in Milos perfect for anyone wanting to experience beauty and culture in an exotic and serene location. But be warned! One vacation in Milos often leads to another...and another...and another.

Happy birthday Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, turns 120 and the Mayor of Paris organized a gigantic fireworks’ spectacle on July 14th, Bastille Day.
Copying from the Eiffel Tower’s original site:
«...On May 15, 1889, the Eiffel Tower opened its door to the public, a few days after the inauguration of the Universal Exposition, and was the uncontested attraction of the event. 120 years later in 2009, the Mayor of Paris and the operating company, Societe d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, have organized a series of events to celebrate the Tower’s anniversary...

* «...“Tales of the Eiffel Tower”, Exhibit-Visit, from May 15 to December 31, 2009...
On the first floor and stairs of the Eiffel Tower“Tales of the Eiffel Tower” invites people from around the world to discover the beginnings of the Tower, its successful image, its highlights, replicas and souvenirs, what goes on behind the scenes. Visitors are invited to take a tour of the Tower, bone up on what they know and take a new look at the monument as seen through the many objects, posters, photos, engravings, illustrations and also films and interactive displays.

More than 100 illustrious panels, certain complete with monitors, games, and interactivity take the visitor into the heart of the monument, the passageways and the stairs of the Tower. A big tent has been installed on the platform overlooking the Champ de Mars which houses a cinema theatre and its bar.In the Ferrie Pavilion, more than 300 reproductions of the Tower of all shapes and sizes fill a curiosity display while the gallery room is showcasing works of art which drew inspiration from the “Lady of Iron.”

*120 classes for 120 years – In partnership with Fondation EIFFAGE
120 classes or groups of children in schools participating in the “priority education” program in Paris and the surrounding suburbs are invited on a complete guided tour of the Tower especially conceived for them. At least 3,500 students are expected to go on this VIP visit between the months of April and December.

* “Rispal, a Collector’s Passion”, Exhibit from July 20 – August 23
The Gustave Eiffel Room located on the first floor is presenting the Josette Rispal collection (in part), including various objects, engravings and other items revolving around the Eiffel Tower and the Universal Expositions (1889 et 1900). It was her father Antonin Rispal (1920-2003), an art collector/dealer passionate for modern art, who constituted this impressive collection over the years which reveals the technological and industrial boom of the period through such items as photos, engravings, dishware, posters and more.

* Largest towers in the world meet for a conference in September at the Eiffel Tower.
Honoring the Eiffel Tower on its 120th anniversary, a conference exploring sustainable development and the role of large towers is to be held from September 28 to October 1, bringing together 20 participants representing the 20 largest towers in the four corners of the world.
Eiffel Tower Magazine

* A 52-page magazine will be published for the occasion, to be sold in the Tower shops and at the Paris airports.

* Special ticket design for 120 years
Entrance tickets for Tower visits have joined in on the celebrations and have changed to the Tower’s anniversary colors since May 15 and throughout the year 2009...»

«...EVENTS ORGANIZED BY THE MAYOR OF PARIS
As the Eiffel Tower belongs to the City of Paris, the Mayor is proposing two important events for the occasion:

* “Gustave Eiffel, Iron Magician”, a magnificent exhibit on display in the St Jean Room at the Hotel de Ville, from May 7 through August 31, 2009. As the first ever retrospective exhibit devoted exclusively to the great engineer, it presents Eiffel’s career milestones that are spread all over the continent.

* The traditional Bastille Day firework display
celebrating this French national holiday will exceptionally use the monument to send up an Eiffel Tower-themed firework display...»

Hermoupolis guitar festival, Heitor Villa-Lobos

The Hermoupolis 16th guitar festival is officially over for this year. It took place in Syros, the "Lady of the Cyclades", Greece, from July 12th to July 16th 2009 with exciting concerts, interesting classes, valuable workshops...

Copying from the festival's official web site"...The festival was organized by the Hermoupolis Cultural Centre and this year it was dedicated to to the life and work of the famous Brazilian Composer Heitor Villa-Lobos (March 5, 1887 - November 17, 1959). 50 years from his death.
"the single most significant creative figure in 20th-century Brazilian art music".
He wrote numerous works for orchestra, vocal and instrument ensemble, as well solo instruments. Typical for his work is the incorporation of Brazilian folk music, but he also used style elements from impressionism, expressionism, baroque, and classicism.
Villa-Lobos is the best known classical composer of South America.

"Homaggio a Villa Lobos", have a look at the interesting workshops!
Also, have a look at the section with previous years videos, from the festival's archive..."

Mysterious Edinburgh & Harry Potter

By Michael Drewell
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. It is beside the Ben Nevis mountain and Loch Ness .With beautiful scenery and wet climate, it is judged to be one of the most beautiful city in Britain and there is a special name for it “Northern Switzerland”. The Edinburgh castle is the mark of Edinburgh city. It attracts many visitors because of the special enchantment. With the birth of Harry Potter, more mysterious feeling was added to this famous castle.

You will feel it is the middle ages of Europe when you are walking on the street of Edinburgh, and you will pay much respect to this city because Edinburgh is the witness of the history filled by iron and blood. There are many stories between England and Scotland, and you can find many cannons, circumvallation, battle memorials and museums. Edinburgh is built on the highest place of urban area. You can see all sights of this area by it.

Edinburgh castle was used as service stronghold, palace, and national prison until the sixth century, and then it was used as royal fortress from the sixth century to middle-ages. With the built up of Holy Rood Palace, Edinburgh was replaced, but it is still fond by Scotland royalty. Royal Mile is a famous street of Edinburgh where there are many royal building. The sculpture of St. Giles' Cathedral is just like a Scotland crown whose colorful glass and exquisite woodcarving are all amazing. At the end of the street is the Palace of Holy Roodhouse where the Scottish Queen Mary had lived before.

Edinburgh is the focus of the world in August to September every year. There are many performances such as music, opera, drama and dance. The Edinburgh arts festival was founded in 1947 as after a devastating war, an optimistic expression was needed to the European to restore their life. Every year, artists from Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bosnia, Georgia, Lebanon, Turkey, Palestine, Israel and Iran come there together with particular challenges on their own domains and they bring a lot of happiness to visitors.

Visit New York City For The Nature Fan In You

You probably don't realize that New York City is in fact the greenest city in America. Of nearly 200,000 total acres, more than 50,000 of those acres are of park or open space. While Central Park is the most famous of green spaces in New York City it is only number five of the top 10 largest parks in the city.

For those who love nature, New York City may not seem to be the oasis for wildlife that it actually is. There is plenty to do in New York City that will enhance your appreciation of nature and/or allow you opportunities to educate yourself about nature or simply be out and about enjoying it.

New York is home to some 1,700 parks and playgrounds where you can enjoy activities such as bike riding, inline skating, ice skating (seasonally), row boating, basketball, skate boarding, softball, soccer, tennis, Frisbee, or even a rousing game of tag with the little one that lights your eyes. Be sure to bring a blanket so that you can lie on your back and watch the clouds roll by. While you're at it, see if there's a stray bird or two that you can identify.

For those who love nature there are plenty of places to get close to it in New York City. For those who are interested in bird watching New York Botanical Garden offers guided tours. Blue Heron Park is another great place to watch birds. Some of the varieties you'll see her include: Woodpeckers and Warblers. Clove Lakes Park not only offers bird watching but also fishing, row boating, paddle boating, and outdoor ice skating when the weather permits.

For those who prefer nature activities that require a little more action than bird watching (well sometimes), there are plenty of excellent opportunities to go fishing in and around New York City. Central Park's Charles A. Dana Discovery Center is a great place to go 'catch and release' fishing. They'll even lend you a pole. You can also go fishing in Willowbrook Park. While you're there be sure to let the little ones ride the Carousel, it will net you a tremendous amount of smiles for the small price (in today's world) of $1. Other activities available at Willowbrook park include: archery, ice-skating, an archery range, football, soccer, tennis, and horseshoes.

If plant life is more your speed or you just enjoy seeing the more obvious signs of nature, then there are plenty of chances for your to observe the amazing wealth of plant life and greenery in and around New York City. Central Park Conservatory Garden offers six acres of beautiful plant life to enjoy. You can see three distinctive patterns in the gardens here. The North Garden is meant to be a formal French inspired garden, the central garden is meant to lend an Italian atmosphere, while the south garden is styled after a traditional English garden. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers another opportunity for enthusiasts to enjoy the finest in greenery that New York has to offer. This garden even has a special club designed to help youngsters bring out their inner green thumbs. Be sure to check it out.

Another area of Central Park that bears mentioning is Belvedere Castle and the turtle pond that runs below it. Belvedere castles is a great place for bird watching and the other wildlife surrounding it only magnifies its appeal. Be sure to stop by the Central Park Conservatory at Belvedere Castle in order to borrow a backpack that contains binoculars, a sketchpad, and a map of the park to help you bird watch like a pro. You must provide ID and children under the age of 6 cannot borrow.

If you love nature, don't fret, there's plenty of nature to be shared and enjoyed in New York City. Make sure that you take the time to enjoy several of the parks that are available to your during your stay in this wonderful and exciting city.

The new Acropolis Museum

The new home for the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, is ready and open in style. You can visit it virtually clicking here. In case you need further information you can click here.

New Acropolis Museum

Greece

A very interesting article on Greece was recently published in Wikitravel.org

«Greece (Ελλάς, Hellas) is a country in Southern Europe, on the southernmost tip of the Balkan peninsula, with extensive coastlines and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. It shares borders in the north with Albania, the FYROM, Bulgaria, and Turkey. It has an ancient culture that has had a significant influence on the arts, language, philosophy, politics, and sports of western society, including the genres of comedy and drama, western alphabets, Platonic ideals and the Socratic method, democracies and republics, and the Olympics. Furthermore it's a geographically appealing place to visit, with a mountainous mainland and idyllic island beaches.

Understand
Greece is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, ranking in the world's top 20 countries. According to the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the nation received about 17 million visitors from January to mid August 2007, a large number for a small country of 11 million. Visitors are drawn to the country's beaches and reliable sunny summer weather, its nightlife, historical sites and natural beauty.

Over 90% of visitors who come to Greece come from other European countries, although in recent years there have been growing numbers of tourists from other world regions. The vast majority of visitors arrive during tourism season, which is April through October. Peak season is July through August, and most of the tourists and tourism industry are concentrated in Crete, the Dodekanese, Cyclades, and Western Greek Islands, and to a lesser extent: the Peloponnese, and the Halkidiki peninsula in Macedonia. There are still many rewarding areas in the country free of large-scale tourism.
Many first-time visitors arrive in Greece with specific images in mind and are surprised to discover a country with such regional and architectural diversity. The famous whitewashed homes and charming blue-domed churches only characterize a specific region of the country (the Cyclades Islands). Architecture varies greatly from one region to the next depending on the local history. Visitors will find Neoclassical architecture in the cities of Ermoupolis and Nafplio, Ottoman-influenced buildings in Grevena and Kozani, whitewashed Cycladic homes on the island of Paros, and pastel-colored baroque homes and churches on Corfu. The nation's terrain is just as varied as its architectural heritage: idyllic beaches, towering mountain ranges, wine-producing valleys, vast stretches of olive orchards in the south, and lush forests in the north. Greece's historical sights are just as varied; the country is littered with just as many medieval churches and castles as classical ruins and temples.

History
Greece boasts a very long history, with the Greek language being present in the country for nearly 4,000 years.
　
Major destinations
Here is a quick list of the most popular destinations:
Athens - capital, acropolis, major museums and many nearby sites
Corfu - large island with many attractions
Crete - island with varied attractions
Delphi- site of the famous oracle of Apollo, major archeological site
Meteora - hilltop monasteries
Ithaca- famous home of Odysseus and the greek gods
Mount Athos - semi-independent ecclesiastical republic
Mykonos - world famous sophisticated vacation center
Olympia - sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, site of the ancient Olympics
Rhodes -island with ancient monuments, as well as beaches
Santorini - great natural wonder and Greece's major honeymoon destination
Skiathos -the pearl of the Aegean,the most green little island with 68 great beaches

Get in
Passport and visa requirements
Greece is both a member of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). All EU nationals (including citizens of new member states) may enter Greece with a valid national ID card; this includes non-member states affiliated with the European Union, such as Monaco and Andorra. Citizens from EEA states that are not members of the EU (such as Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland), may also enter Greece with a valid national ID card.
A valid passport is required of all non-EU and non-EEA nationals, and most are also required to obtain a visa. Citizens of select countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States, are allowed a 90-day visa-free stay. Citizens of Brazil and Uruguay are allowed a 60-day visa-free stay. For the most recent information on entry requirements, contact your nearest Greek consulate.
Greece is a signatory of the Schengen agreement along with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia Spain, and Sweden. There are no passport checks when traveling between any two Schengen countries. A non-Schengen national who plans on visiting multiple Schengen countries -and who needs a tourist visa to visit them- may do so on just one visa from one Schengen country; but he is best advised to specifically obtain the visa for the first country he will be visiting.
For detailed regulations applied to your country, refer to Greek Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Money
Greece's official currency is the Euro (€), which replaced the drachma in January 2002...
Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most items, usually included in the item's price tag but some shops offer "Tax Free" shopping to non-EU residents. This means that non-EU residents can ask for a VAT refund at their port of exit in the EU. Be sure to ask for your voucher before leaving the store and show that along with your items to the customs officer upon departure from the EU.

Eat
Greek (horiatiki (village) salata) salad
Moussaka
Greek cuisine is a blend of indigenous traditions and foreign influences. Neighboring Italy and Turkey have left a major impact on Greek cuisine, and there are shared dishes with both of these nations. The traditional Greek diet is very Mediterranean, espousing vegetables, herbs, and grains native to the Mediterranean biome. Being a highly maritime nation, the Greeks incorporate plenty of seafood into their diet. The country is also a major producer and consumer of lamb; beef, pork, and especially chicken are also popular. Olive oil is a staple in Greek cooking, and lemon and tomato paste are common ingredients. Bread and wine are always served at the dinner table.
　
Popular local dishes
The traditional fast foods are gyros (γύρος, "GHEER-ohs", not "JIE-rohs" as in "gyroscope"), roast pork or chicken (and rarely beef) and fixings wrapped in a fried pita; souvlaki (σουβλάκι, "soov-LAH-kee"), grilled meat on a skewer; Greek dips such as tzatziki (τζατζίκι), made of strained yoghurt, olive oil, garlic and finely chopped cucumbers and dill or mint; and skordhalia (σκορδαλιά), a garlic mashed potato dip which is usually served with deep fried salted cod.
With its extensive coastline and islands, Greece has excellent seafood. Try the grilled octopus and the achinosalata (sea-urchin eggs in lemon and olive oil). By law, frozen seafood must be marked as such on the menu. Some fresh fish, sold by the kilo, can be very expensive; if you're watching your budget, be sure to ask how much your particular portion will cost before ordering it.
Greek salad (called "country salad" locally, "HorIAtiki"), a mix of tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese and onion – all sliced – plus some olives, and occasionally green bell pepper or other vegetables, usually garnished with oregano. Traditionally it is dressed only with olive oil; vinegrette or lettuce are added only in the most tourist-oriented restaurants.
Also consider:
moussaka, a rich oven-baked dish of eggplant, minced meat, tomato and white sauce
pastitsio, a variety of lasagna
stifado, pieces of meat and onion in a wine and cinnamon stew
spetzofai, braised sausage with pepper and tomatoes, a hearty dish originally from the Mt. Pelion region
saganaki, fried semi-hard cheese
paidakia, grilled lamb chops, are also popular. They tend to have a gamier taste and chewier texture than North American lamb chops, which you may or may not like
Fried potatoes (often listed on menus as chips) are a naturalized Greek dish, found almost everywhere. They can be very good when freshly made and served still hot. Tzatziki is usually a good dip for them, though they are still good on their own.
For dessert, ask for baklava, tissue-thin layers of pastry with honey and chopped nuts; or galaktoboureko, a custard pie similar to mille feuille. Other pastries are also worth tasting. Another must-try is yogort with honey: yoghurts in Greece are really different from what you used to see at Danone stores: to start with, genuine yoghurt in Greece is has 10% of fat. Fruit such as watermelon is also a common summertime treat.
For breakfast, head to local bakeries (fourno) and try fresh tiropita, cheese pie; spanakopita, spinach pie; or bougatsa, custard filled pie, or even a ""horiatiko psomi", a traditional, crusty village type bread that is a household staple, and very tasty on its own too. All are delicious and popular among Greeks for quick breakfast eats. Each bakery does own rendition and you are never disappointed. Have this with a Greek coffee to be local.
A popular drink is a frappe made with instant Nescafe, water, sugar , and sometimes milk. It is frothed and served over ice.”
Re-print from Wikitravel.org