Chocolate Rave

Australia is well known for its geography, the dialect of its citizens, though of course there are regional differences, which frequently go unnoticed or even acknowledged by foreigners, and certain stereotypical aspects of its culture. The men are frequently considered to be rugged outdoorsmen and many people will immediately get an image of Crocodile Dundee in their heads when Australia is brought to mind. However, what the guests in any Melbourne hotel will immediately find out is that this city, as well as the others in this incredible country, is far more interesting, diverse and dynamic than what the standard stereotypes might indicate.

There is so much to experience in this city that it can be difficult not only to choose among the options, but to also choose between a locally based production or event or see one of the great and famous touring shows or exhibits in one of the museums. Many people who visit foreign countries really want to get a taste of the local culture and tradition while they are there. And while many people have different ways of doing this, enjoying some of the traditional local food is a common aspect of it.

In addition, there are plenty of theatrical productions and musical performances that represent the cultural and arts scene of the city that entice and entertain many of the tourists. One of the great places to visit if you’re wishing to explore Melbourne culture is the Immigration Museum . People from all over the world have immigrated to Australia, and particularly Victoria and of course Melbourne, during the past two hundred years and this museum honors and represents them as well as the various reasons for their major life journeys. The museum is located in the heart of the city, which makes it incredibly easy to get to and the displays it exhibits tell tremendous stories about the people who moved there and their reasons for it. Also included among the displays is a 17 meter replica ship, which is extremely popular with all guests.

One of the Lesser known museums in Miami Beach is the Bakerhouse Art Complex (BAC) , which is dedicated to the mid-career artists in South Florida by providing an affordable workplace, studios, development programs and opportunities at affordable prices. BAC was the brainchild of several accomplished artist in search of a building they could purchase to help prevent artists from being forced out by gentrification or rising land values that often happens when artist find cheap rental studio space. So, in 1984, BAC was established, when the artist purchased an unoccupied building that was built in the 20s in the Wynwood district . The building was originally owned by the American Bakeries Company, hence the name of the art complex, The Bakehouse Art Complex.

BAC is a non-profit corporations, which got its meager beginnings by implementing outreach programs to social service agencies, local schools, family shelters and individuals. They initiated the Children’s Art Workshops, which became very successful and was later recognized by President Clinton’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Ever since then, and due to the vision of its founder, BAC was assured to continually provide affordable rents for artists.

Currently, BAC comprises of two galleries, a print room, a classroom, a jewelry studio, photo lab, woodworking, ceramic kiln and welding areas. There are 70 individual artist studios with extensive facilities allowing artists to discover, integrate or crossover to other mediums and incorporate them into their work. BAC provides emerging and mid-career artists with the opportunity to develop and explore their artistic endeavors. The environment in which the artists get to work in is encouraging, inspiring and engaging. New artists are welcomed and established artist take full advantage of BAC’s educational programs that focus on artist advancement.

Bakerhouse Art Complex is free and is locate at 561 NW 32nd Street. BAC is within walking distance to all local hotels and is truly a ‘must-see’ for any art enthusiast or aspiring artist.

A large number of the attractions and cultural landmarks of the city of New York have become legendary and archetypal basis for their particular social realm. Many people believe that they are myths and just as easily many places that have entered the realm of mythological status are believed to be just that and not really exist. Or at least they’re believed that they won’t be as spectacular and dynamic as what their reputation might lead one to be believed. This is frequently the case with Coney Island and this is one place that many of the visitors of New York are absolutely stunned to rediscover and explore while they are in the city.

Coney Island is located at the southern most part of Brooklyn and exists as a peninsula, which was formerly an island onto itself, hence its name. There is also a beautiful beach that is part of the area and this alone continues to attract numerous guests. And while the legendary history of Coney Island is related to the resort and theme park attractions that were so famous and popular during the early 20th century a recent resurgence in interest and activities has brought it back into popular interest and adventure destination.

MCU Park is one of the recent additions that attracts large numbers of people who come to see the Brooklyn Cyclones , the city’s minor league baseball team. In addition there are various entertainment attractions, unique performances, museums and gift shops that entice, charm and captivate visitors of all ages. There are also a large number of rides and contemporary theme park attractions. And every October people from across the world visit to watch or participate in the annual Coney Island Film Festival. Whatever reason you may be in New York, a trip to Coney Island will not only be some of the greatest excitement adventures you experience but will also add a bit of nostalgia to your trip.

If you’re traveling on a budget in one of the world’s largest cities, you want to find the best places to stay and the best places to see at the lowest cost. In today’s economy, this is especially important, but are there really any free things left to do in New York City? Here’s ten things to do that won’t cost a dime.

Out-of-towners might not realize that the Staten Island Ferry is free, taking commuters from Battery Park to Staten Island; it’s not a luxurious way to travel, but it’s a chance to have some of New York’s best views, including Lower Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor. A walk through Central Park costs nothing either, and if the weather is great, there’s nothing better than to take in the 843 acres of open spaces, including gardens, water and paths. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the city, then Central Park is a great way to go.

Much of the architecture of the city is free to take in, including Grand Central Terminal , a national historic landmark since October 1st in 1998, the New York Public Library, which, in 1911, was the biggest marble building in the United States. You may take a tour, too, of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where you can find out just what the Federal Reserve is and what it does , and a chance to see the gold vault. There are guided tours of the Federal Reserve, but you have to make a reservation in advance to take advantage of them.

At night, you might like to stroll through Times Square. If you’re truly on a no-frills budget, you might not take in a show, but you can soak up the atmosphere of the lights and people.

At Rockefeller Center, you can also take in the Art Deco atmosphere. Built mostly during the Great Depression, the construction of this building brought in a good deal of employment, and today its art and architecture is well worth a look. Another Art Deco triumph is the Chrysler Building. While the building doesn’t have an observation deck, the ceiling mural alone should make it a destination spot.

The biggest decorated Gothic-style Cathedral in the U.S. should be on your lis, toot: St. Patrick’s Cathedral took over 20 years to build and opened to the public in the Spring of 1879. It seats 2,200 people, so there should be room for someone who wants to rest a moment. The biggest Gothic Cathedral in the world, though, is in Morningside Heights, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Here you can see not only the cathedral, but the Biblical Garden and the Peace Fountain.

After all the money you’ve saved, and all the walking you’ve done, you should be able to afford a nice dinner with an abundance of calories, such as America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s, established in 1905.

The Florida Orchestra is the premier symphony company of the Tampa Bay area. The accolades don’t end there as it is also one of the best symphony’s in the state and one of the most highest regarded musical institutions in the country. It makes no wonder that it is extremely supported loved by the community and much of the region. It is also one of the main cultural and entertainment attractions for many of the tourists visit listings. In addition to its great regular season, the symphony has many programs and special engagement events that occur throughout the year.

In 1968 the company was founded and was originally known as the Florida Gulf Coast Symphony. The original founding members included representatives from the Tampa Philharmonic and the St. Petersburg Symphony and the new organization was something of a blending together of the two previous ones. This New venture in great music grew quickly under the guidance of the first Music Director, Irwin Hoffman who came to Tampa from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. With a strong sense of excellence and commitment to the need of great musical programs in an city or community the orchestra has through the decades become the prestigious institution it is today.

The current Music Director is Stefan Sanderling, who assumed the position in May of 2002. The orchestra performs more than 100 concerts annually and presents them throughout the tri-city area. Most recently, crowds just enjoyed at great pops concert in Compton Park. Another one will occur on April 24 and will take place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This upcoming concert will feature a special performance by the Tampa Preparatory School’s Symphonic Winds. The Pops in the Park concerts series is free to the public. These early evening performances are the perfect family activity and young children can move around and play while enjoying the great music and the parents are able to enjoy a fabulous evening of incredible music under the beautiful sky.

Visiting Washington, DC is indeed touching the heart of the beast that moves the world in many respects. There are many of the usual attractions that any great urban center can offer, but add to this some of the most important historical relics in the story of democracy in contemporary times. And then add the rich cultural diversity that has always been at the heart of the capitol. It continues to grow and evolve in fascinating, complex, and sometimes difficult and painful directions. Touching here is touching home.

There are plenty of things, however, to offer those selective tourists who only want the best. Washington hotels can provide luxurious accommodations that fill all sorts of bills, and the only law is to enjoy the moment. A day begins here and then can go in multiple directions. And if you’re feeling peckish, there are lots of choices here, with pretty much anything you could imagine.

The soul food here is particularly good, being close enough to the South for authenticity, and close enough to New York for gourmet touches. Not that gourmet can’t exist with Southern food, and in fact, that’s a point that Chef Art , of Art and Soul, will emphasize, and his most convincing points are in the flavors. This is fantastic and elegant soul food served in a very lavish setting. The meal ticket is surely on the pricey side, but not so very high when compared to other restaurants of its quality. It shines.

On the other side of the priceline, there’s places like Madam’s Organ where staples like pulled pork and fried catfish come served up on the cheap, in a place that has pool and live music. This place has charm and character, and can be good for what ails you, certainly. There are lots of other places, too, like B. Smith’s and Soul Vegetarian Exodus, all worth checking out, while resting your heart and feet in DC.

What might draw in science fiction fans and historian buffs to the neighborhood of Society Hill in Philadelphia? The Samuel Powel House , a stately Georgian mansion, built of brick in 1765, two hundred and forty-one years ago, by a merchant and shipmaster named Charles Stedman.

Even as Stedman finished building the home, his financial difficulties forced him to sell the mansion. Unfortunately, the home’s purchase for 3,150 pounds in August of 1769, wasn’t enough to keep Stedman out of debtors’ prison. The new owner, though, would fare much better, eventually becoming the first mayor of Philadelphia under the rule of the British as well as the first mayor of Philadelphia following the American Revolution.

The new owner, Samuel Powel, was known as the “Patriot Mayor,” and he and wife Elizabeth Willing were known for entertaining many of the founding fathers and other well known guests: George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Benjamin Rush and Marquis de Lafayette all attended functions at the mansion. John Adams described meals there as “sinful dinners” and the house furnishings and decorations as a “splendid seat.”

In the 20th Century, the owners sold much of the interior furnishings and details to museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In fact, a room of this home at 244 South Third Street is recreated at the Metropolitan. The room’s exact purpose is unknown; located behind the ballroom, it may have served together with the ballroom as a place from which to serve drinks, or it may have been the best bedchamber in the mansion.

Science fiction fans may also have an interest to find a room in Philadelphia and visit the Samuel Powel mansion because of author Harry Turtledove’s series of novels that take place in an alternative history, where the Civil War ended differently and the Confederates were allowed to secede from the Union. In the novels, the U.S. government comes to Philadelphia and the Powel House becomes the new White House.

This is the story of when she went wandering, looking for the ghost of Andre Gregory, and found traces of him in Nashville in the form of a rabbit’s foot . Or perhaps it was the rabbit’s hair, or even the hare that lost the foot that started it all. She was asking questions, waking up and asking questions, and wondering how this connects to that, and where things might get crossed, and how this one speaks to that one, even though that one can’t always hear.

The hare hears, however, and this seemed important to her, enough to keep going forward. Somewhere between the cafe and the hotel she lost her plane ticket back home. This is a problem, and perhaps not a simple one, but with a simple solution, and all that she had to do was to find a place to print, and a place to make a few phone calls.

Somewhere outside of the cafe, she heard a voice calling behind her, and when she turned around, there were twins who were staring straight at her, but not looking at her. They were cross-eyed, both, and standing one to a side, as it should be, and hoping she wouldn’t notice their good eyes were focused somewhere behind her, where there were more things to do than she’d imagined when she woke up that morning.

She is back in the cafe, and she is speaking at a table now well covered in cups and memories and contradictions. It’s a long dinner in Nashville, and she is happy that she came. There are always guests here, and the new friends she makes are brilliant and charming, and she sometimes misses the old ones, but here, she is taller and shorter by turns, and that’s something hard to come by. She wonders, however, about the cat , and why it still insists on invisibility, even though it has to become the moon every now and then, bringing the city a light at night.

Known as the largest monument in the United States, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri is more than a symbol of the nation’s territorial expansion to the west. To architect Eero Saarinen, it was his heart and soul and he unfortunately died before he could see his now famous arch completed. It all began with a two-stage architectural competition in 1947 in which there were over 170 entrants. Many of the big name architects of the era had submitted, including Eero’s father, Eliel. Rumor has it, when the telegram was sent out to “E. Saarinen,” the family mistakenly assumed that Eliel was selected as one of the five finalists. Winning the design competition now established Eero as an independent architect, allowing him to step out from his father’s shadow.

Receiving his first commission was the easy part for Eero. Getting it designed and built was another story. The arch is made up of triangular shaped sections that are stacked on top of each other, gradually decreasing in size as the arch gets taller. The inner walls of the triangular sections are carbon steel plates and the outer walls are stainless steel plates with post tension cables and concrete grout filling the spaces in between. As the arch got taller, a creeper derrick was specially designed to lift sections of it into place. When the arch reached about 600 feet, a stabilizing truss was installed to brace each of the legs. To install the final section, jacks were utilized to separate the legs. It would take 16 years for the first triangular stainless steel section of the arch to be installed and another two years for it to be completed on October 28, 1965. The Gateway Arch is known as a weighted centenary curve that stands 630 feet high and 630 feet wide. It cost less than $15 million to build.

A visit to the Gateway Arch is worth including on your next vacation . Museum tours and tram rides to the top are available.

In 1990, the Gateway Arch won the American Institute of Architect’s 25-Year Award. In 1962, Eero Saarinen was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal, the highest achievement an architect can attain. Today, the arch serves as a powerful symbol honoring those pioneers who sought a new life out west.

It was really windy when we left Houston, Texas. We were on our way to San Antonio and we had no idea that Texas could get so cold – 40 degrees! During our drive, we did our best to see the beauty in the flat land, which apparently is great for cattle, cause that’s about all we saw, was cattle grazing on flat land. We wondered how hard it was for the ranchers to find and round up all their cattle. My boyfriend told me cowboys wore chaps to prevent the mesquite trees and live oak from scratching their legs up. He said they even made their horses wear leather from the neck down to the horses chest.

I saw my very first prickly-pear cactus fence (poor mans version of a fence), seems very effective, I certainly wouldn’t even try to walk through them, the prickly-pears were too close together. My boyfriend was very knowledgeable about what we were seeing on our drive. I don’t remember Sky King, the TV show, but he does and he told me it had something to do with the King Ranch in Texas, which covers a million acres. He also pointed out some Santa Gertrudis cattle, saying they were developed in Texas and also the Quarter horse. We past by what Texans call ‘Mexican’ cattle, they have shorter horns and are smaller than the longhorns.

Then we began to see palm trees! This we started seeing billboards advertising a gas station called Buc Cee’s, and each billboard said something different about what we’ll find at Buc Cee’s, like a gift shop, fabulous restrooms, a bakery, a convenience store, a gas station, and every billboard had a beaver on it. We couldn’t resist, so we stopped and they really did have a fabulous restroom, decorated with cowhides and western art. We didn’t stay long, it was just a curiosity for us. Back on the rode, we saw the tall buildings of San Antonio in the distance. We were eager to find a room , and rest for the rest of the day. Later on, in the evening we hoped to do some fine dinning and order some steak, cause we’re pretty sure it will be just as fabulous as Buc Cee’s restrooms.