Travel Destination - Europe

Europe is like a time machine, every country having a slightly different flair of old and new. Triumphs of past centuries are often intermingled with modern skyscrapers and architectural wonders. Elaborate palaces, gothic churches, and many historical spots and modern marvels are seen throughout Europe.

The Tower of London is a good example and a popular starting point. This metropolitan city has one of the world's largest international airports and, as the capital of England, is serviced from all points world-wide. Formerly used as a prison, the Tower of London now secures the Crown Jewels of England, making it one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. Also throughout London are the Yeoman of the Guard (aka "Beefeaters") who still wear the uniforms that date back from the rule of the Tudors.

The Houses of Parliament (collectively, the New Palace of Westminster) is the seat of British legislature. Three towers, the Victoria Tower, Middle Tower, and Saint Stephen's Clock Tower (housing the world-famous Big Ben) are the hubs of the complex.

France is the world's favorite sight-seeing spot for European vacation goers. The Musee de Louvre houses many of the world's most famous art, including da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Paris' Eiffel Tower is another world landmark along with the nearby Avenue des Champs-Elysees. The Notre Dame Cathedral cannot be missed and families will be interested in visiting Disneyland Paris.

The Dutch city of Amsterdam is also extremely popular as a destination, housing more attractions than can be seen in just a day or two. The house of Anne Frank, the Rijksmuseum (housing the world's largest collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings), and the works of Vincent van Gogh.

Italy, while usually associated with fashion, also offers some of the world's greatest old-world charm. You're sure to want to visit again and again as the mixture of tradition, culture, and architecture dating from the Roman Empire all the way into the middle ages and into today's modern age will delight. Make sure to toss a coin into Rome's Trevi Fountain, which will assure you're return, according to tradition.

Visiting Italy means seeing old Roman buildings, such as the Pantheon and the Colosseum, both world landmarks and very impressive feats of ancient architecture. These fascinating structures are home to ancient stories of gods, battle, and glory.
Milan, Italy's fashion and shopping haven, is also a major center for art and architecture. Traversing Piazza del Duomo and seeing the Duomo itself, a huge Gothic cathedral of white marble are virtually requirements for any visitor to Italy.

If you're an art lover, you'll definitely want to visit Europe, especially Madrid, Spain. Some of the finest museums in the world are found here, including the Museo del Prado. Spain holds too many museums of renown to name and will surely delight anyone who loves art.

By Emma Geller

July 14th - Bastille Day Celebrations in France

Standing on the Champs-Elysses, you watch as a huge military parade marches down the road from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. In an impressive display of national pride, you are caught up in the celebrations as the people of France observe Bastille Day! Remembering the excitement and fun you experienced the night before as fire stations all over town opened their doors, allowing for the numerous balls that are a staple of the Bastille Day festivities, you are amazed at how the citizens support this national holiday.

Led by the President of France every July 14th, the grand parade is a highlight of two days of celebrations, commemorating French Independence and the day that French citizens stormed the Bastille, sparking the French Revolution. The parade also features firefighters from all over the city, smartly dressed in their uniforms and providing another example of French pride. The parties continue throughout the day with dancing and picnics all over town and through the countryside. In the evening the sky lights up with fireworks being set off from the Eiffel Tower.

Not only do the people of Paris take great satisfaction in this annual event, but villages and towns all over France get involved in local celebrations as well. Each town commemorates the day with dances, fireworks, block parties and picnics. It is indeed a national day of celebration.

If you don't happen to be in Paris during Bastile Day, here are a few other ideas you might enjoy:

Tour De France
A fascinating side note is that the Bastille Day celebrations take place in the middle of the Tour de France race. On July 13th and 14th, the cyclists are usually riding from Pau through Hautcam. If cycling interests you, this could be an added benefit to the festivals.

Carcassone
If you are intrigued by Medieval Architecture, come to the village of Carcassone. You will still experience the national celebrations while visiting ancient structures in this picturesque town. The evening is filled with free theatre presentations as well as music throughout the village.

Visit the French Countryside
Take in the atmosphere of some of the smaller villages during the Bastille Days. You will find people in the countryside will make you feel a part of the celebrations and provide you with a more personal experience.

By C.A. Pruit