Archive for May, 2010
May 27th, 2010 | 
Author: The Fortress Of Louisbourg Nova Scotia: Step Back Into Time
The Fortress Of Louisbourg. The book said to spend an entire day there. As the crow flies the Fortress is only twenty miles across the Island from Baddeck. The island however is bisected quartered and diced by Bras dOr Sea an inland salt water sea with many bays extending from it. An hour later we arrived at the visitors center for the Fortress. From there we boarded a shuttle bus for the two plus kilometer ride to the fortress itself which sits on a spit of land jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. Be warned to bring somthing warm with you because the temperature at the Fortress is about ten to fifteen degrees cooler than at the visitor center.
You will be stopped at the gates by armed guards in 18th Century uniforms demanding that you provide some rum for them while visiting the fortress. They also explained the rules and regulations about visiting the fortress. The fortress was founded in 1713 by the French to provide protection for the cod fishermen and trappers in the area. By 1744 the civilian population grew to over 2500 permanent settlers and a garrison numbering about 700. At this time it rivaled both Boston and Philadelphia in size. Commerce between these cities was quite expansive; Louisbourg exported salted cod while importing goods for living day to day. The government even tried to entice some of the Acadians to move there to farm the land around the area. A few did with great hardship. The French knew how to build a magnificent fortress but chose a miserable place to build it. Get lucky and be there on perhaps one of the best days of the year. Even with the sun shining there is a stiff breeze. Generally the area is ten to fifteen degrees cooler than inland and is frequently shrouded in fog or is very windy. During the winter it is pure hell.
What makes the place so remarkable is that there was nothing there before the French built the fortress in 1713 and after the English destroyed it in 1760. The only thing which remained were the foundations for the buildings and more than 8000 pages of documents kept by the French. These contained blueprints detailed inventory of the houses and gardens of the deceased after probate. The records were so meticulous that when the government of Canada decided to reconstruct one fifth of the original Louisbourg they were able to do it with impeccable accuracy. The interior of the buildings which they could not reproduce they made into exhibition spaces. There are three restaurants: one for the wealthy one for the commoners and a pub for the sailors. The soldiers at the fort could not afford eating out.
Reenacters give demonstrations of musket shooting and cannon firing. Throughout the various buildings people in period costumes explain the contents of the building and the lives of the people who lived in them. There were captains of the military merchants engineers ship captains accountants and the Sisters of Notre Dames school for girls. The Bastian the barracks is the second largest building built by the French in North America the largest is in Artillery Park in Quebec. There the governor lived in splendor and the soldiers were garrisoned in squaller. The chapel there was used as the church for the community with four Masses said on Sundays.
Try the bread which can be bought at the bakery. Baked daily you have the choice of soldiers bread made of rye and wheat the wealthy persons white bread or a combination of both. Choose the soldiers bread: 2.75 for more than two pounds worth. Nibble on it for the entire day. One of the reenactors was extremely remarkable. He has portrayed a soldier for over twentyfive years. He looks and has the mannerisms of Mel Gibson. Not only is he very knowledgeable but loves his work and has a great time talking with the people. If you “tweak” him the right way he might have a present for you. He is worth the trip all by himself.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a fulltime RVer who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and like the migrating birds seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music. A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures links and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org.
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The Best Places On The Top Greek Islands
There are about 1400 islands in Greece but only 227 of them are inhabited with 78 of these having more than 100 people living there. When you plan a visit to the Greek Islands you have many options to choose from but you should do your research to find the best places to visit on the top Greek Islands. Some of the islands are not geared up for tourists although all of them are beautiful locations to visit.
There are four main islands: Skiathos Skopelos Skyros and Alonissos. Much of the island of Skiathos is forested and contains more than 70 beaches one of which is a nudist beach. There is an airport on the island and links to the mainland of Greece by ferry service. There is only one major road that connects the four settlements on the island. Skiathos town is the main town and is a haven for tourists. The villages on the outskirts are mainly farms and there is a bus that runs from one end of the island to the other and cheap taxis.
If you want to visit an island of legends then Skopelos is the one for you. According to legend Dionysus and Princess Ariadne founded the island. Here you will see vestiges of the vitaculture introduced to the island by the Cretans. Since the economy is fully dependent on tourism you will find a wealth of accommodations and attractions. The town of Skopelos is a Traditional Settlement of Outstanding Beauty and there aer more than 300 churches and chapels on the island.
On Skyros you will have an excellent view of Mount Olympus. You can also visit a castle that dates back to the 13th century a Byzantine monastery and a archaeological site of a Bronze Age settlement at Palamari. There are many beaches where you can enjoy the sun and the sand as well as see the unique breed of horses on the island the Skyrian ponies.
Alonissos is one of the Greek Islands where you can visit a protected area for monachus seals in the Alonissos Marine Park> there is one main road through the island that will take you to the farming villages when you leave the main port. There are several unused roads if you want to enjoy walking without any danger of traffic. The old settlement of Patitri which was destroyed in an earthquake has been rebuilt as a tourist attraction. While there are many beaches on the island they are most pebble beaches.
Syros is one of the main islands of the Cycladic group of Greek Islands. The capital of the island Ermoupoli is a natural amphitheatre and has numerous buildings dating back hundreds of years. There are numerous outdoor cafes and seating areas. Visit the magnificent churches in this city which ahs been nicknamed the “City of Hermes”. The second largest city is the medieval city of Ano Syros where the medieval atmosphere still prevails. You can walk the steps from the harbor to the top of the town and while the medieval part of the town is not accessible by car it is serviced by marble steps.
Any of the Greek Islands will provide you with the vacation you are looking for. It really depends on what you are looking for in a vacation when you decide which of the islands are the top ones.
About the writer: For more information on the top Greek islandsthings to do in Santorini and the best island vacations visit http://www.TropicalIslandVacation.net
The Beauty Of New Zealand Tours
New Zealand is an absolutely beautiful country with some of the most exquisite scenery you have ever seen in your life. One of the best ways to experience this place is with one of the many New Zealand tours where you can see the highlights of its history and culture islands parks wild reserves and phenomena. There are different New Zealand tours for every type of person so depending on your activity level or interests there is something for you in New Zealand.
Many of the New Zealand tours range in their activity level so it is important to figure out what is going to be best for you and those who you are traveling with. Probably the first thing to keep in mind is what type of trip you are on and who your fellow vacationers are. People who go to New Zealand on a family vacation with small children are most likely going to take a different type of tour then young college aged students who are traveling with their friends. There are some New Zealand tours that are designed specifically for families because they are not too long and they have a nice blend of walking and riding on trams buses or boats. Trips to New Zealand and Australia are also very popular destinations for young twenty somethings who are either in college or have just graduated because it is a great chance to blow off some steam in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Most of the tours in New Zealand are designed for this type of traveler; someone who has a high energy level and enjoys being active in the great outdoors.
New Zealand is pretty much divided into two areas: the North Island and the South Island. Both spots have a very large variety of outdoor adventures so it really gives you a great chance to experience everything that this country has to offer. While there are tours that involve many outdoor sports there are also some that include some of the most beautiful hikes you could even imagine. The scenery that you can walk through on these New Zealand tours is unlike anything else in the world so be sure to bring a camera so you can make memories that will last a lifetime.
New Zealand is the type of place that truly offers something for everyone so get online now and book your adventure down under today.
About the writer: To know more about New Zealand tours please visit our site