Luang Prabang is nestled in a slim valley by the Mekong and Khan rivers. It exudes tranquility and has been a mountain kingdom for more than a thousand years. The entire city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site during 1995 for the beautiful and historic blending of the traditional architecture with the European colonial authorities of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Together with the historical sites of Haw Kham the former royal palace, Vat Xieng Toung Monastery, there are many natural and traditional delights. The Mekong River for starters, the famous Buddha caves of Pak Ou, the nearby Kuang Si Falls and the holy hill of Phou Si.
The traditional Alms ceremony involves the monks collecting alms of rice each morning from kneeling villagers, and tourists eager to take part and witness an amazing tradition.
Memphis is a large city located in the state of Tennessee in the U.S.A. It is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River and is considered by many to be the true capital of the Mississippi River delta.
Memphis was also the home town for Elvis Presley. Here he recorded his first music at the Memphis Recording Service, also known as Sun Studio. This has given Memphis the name of being the home of Rock ‘n’ Roll and it already held the title of the birthplace of ‘The Blues’. Elvis Presley passed away 16 August 1977 and is buried within his home grounds of ‘Graceland’.
Graceland is a grand, white column mansion build back in 1939. It covers more than 13 acres of manicured gardens. Graceland was opened to the public on June 7, 1982. No trip to Memphis would be complete without a visit to ‘Graceland’.
Elvis Lives – The 25th Anniversary Concert “Live” From Memphis
A guest post provided by New Zealand travel writer, Angela Pearse.
Queenstown is in southern New Zealand and the largest town in Central Otago. It is known as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ and a travel destination where people fly, fall and ride at very fast speeds. Jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, mountain biking are just a few of the popular activities in Queenstown. Being surrounded by mountains has also made Queenstown the ultimate ski destination. Its four main skifields are Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone.
For the weaker-stomached, Queenstown’s stunning scenery can still be viewed safely from the skyline gondola, by taking a trip on the Edwardian steamer TSS Earnslaw around Lake Wakatipu or going out to one of its excellent lakeside restaurants or bars. The costly local pinot noir is reputed to be the worlds’ most southern produced wine.
Queenstown is an excellent base to explore the nearby historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown or scenic Wanaka, just an hours drive over the Crown Ranges. Many locations used in filming Lord of the Rings were also set in and around the Queenstown area.
If you are considering an adventure or ski trip to Queenstown, you might like to consider ‘Avalanche Ski Training’ - Your Guide to Carving Down the Mountain with the Power of an Avalanche.
One great reason to visit Queenstown Queenstown is to soak at Onsen, a luxury spa with automated panoramic windows which, when opened, immerse you into amazing alpine scenery from the comfort of your heated pool.
This list is derived from what I perceive to be the top 7 sites to see in my home city, Melbourne. They are in no particular order and of course there are numerous other sites and attractions I could have mentioned but I have decided to focus on the general city vicinity and stick with the magic 7!
1. Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station
Probably the most well-known, recognised and photographed landmark in Melbourne and found on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets. This site has seen a railway station since 1854 but the current station was constructed during 1910, making it the oldest railway station in Australia and now the busiest in the southern hemisphere. The station also serves as a great meeting spot with people suggesting “meet me under the clocks”, referring to the clocks above the station entrance.
2. Federation Square
Federation Square (or known locally as Fed Square) is located on the adjacent corner to Flinders Street Station and was only completed during 2002 after much controversy regarding its modern design. It is the cultural hub of Melbourne and another socialising destination.
3. Southbank and the Eureka Tower
Eureka Tower
Across the Yarra River from both Flinders Street Station and Fed Square via Princes Bridge, you’ll come across The Southbank Promenade. Always a hive of activity with numerous shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants and the Crown Casino drawing both locals and international visitors. The Eureka Tower also in this vicinity, is a 300 meter tall skyscraper and tallest in Melbourne. Construction commenced August 2002 and the exterior completed on 1 June 2006. A great view of Melbourne is enjoyed from the the Observation Deck.
4. Botanical Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance
The site of the Botanical Gardens was selected during 1845. It is recognised as one of the world’s finest botanic gardens. There are over 10,000 species and 50,000 individual plants in the 38 hectare gardens, including trees and plants of great cultural value. It is one of my favourite city locations, where you can wander the paths, sit by the lake or lie in the sun and enjoy the serenity…yes, in a city! Nearby and by St Kilda Road is the Shrine of Remembrance, a memorial to those that fought in WW1 and other wars.
5. Parliament House
Built with gold rush wealth during the mid 1800s, this imposing building on Spring Street is the centre of the Victorian State Government. However, from 1901 to 1928 it was occupied by the Australian Government whilst Canberra was under construction.
6. The Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum
The Royal Exhibition Building is located in the Carlton Gardens and is the only surviving Great Hall that once housed a 19th-century international exhibition and is still used for exhibitions. It is located next door to the very modern Melbourne Museum and IMAX cinema.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
7. The Melbourne Cricket Ground – MCG
The MCG is Australia’s largest sporting stadium and used for both international cricket, AFL football (with it culminating in Grand Final fever in September where the capacity reaches 100,000), concerts and other large events. The ‘Australian Gallery of Sport & Olympic Museum’ is also housed here.
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