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City Heritage Indiana USA Walking

Indiana

We want to visit Indiana and in particular the state capital of Indianapolis. The most famous event in the Indianapolis year, is the Indianapolis 500 motor race, which including practice and qualifying takes up most of the month of May.

The Greatest Spectacle in Motorsport.

If you are contemplating attending next year’s race, it might be wise to start making plans now, and book your flights, hotel and race tickets. Compared to the price of tickets for say, the British Formula One Grand Prix, tickets for the Indy 500 are very reasonable. Tickets for a practice day start at $10, whilst general admission on race day starts from $35 and reserved seats from $50.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Indiana – USA

If you don’t manage to get to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for race day then a visit to the track museum is still a must for any motorsport fan. The museum has one of the largest collections of racing, antique and classic cars in the world including 30 that have one of the Indy 500. Treat yourself to the 2 hour private golf cart tour for just $20. (All prices are correct at the time of writing July 2021).

Central Canal – Indianapolis – Indiana – USA

After you have been to the track you may well be asking what else is there to see and do in Indianapolis. The answer is that there is plenty. Check out the White River State Park. Here you will find 250 acres which contains the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians, the Indiana State Museum, a zoo, a canal with gondolas, Indianapolis Indians baseball, an IMAX cinema, an amphitheatre, the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Indiana Cultural Trail, plus many cycling and walking trails.

White River State Park – Indianapolis – Indiana – USA

If you are taking children, then do not miss out on a visit to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It is reputedly the largest museum in the world devoted to children. It us rated as one of the best museums in the USA. Founded in 1925, it has almost half a million square feet of exhibition space and includes an outdoor sports area, where children can try out amongst other things, basketball, golf and pedal race cars. The museum is designed to be as hands-on and inactive as possible.

For history lovers, there are museums and several memorials in the city commemorate armed forces or conflict, including the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza. Indianapolis is the home to the largest collection outside Washington DC of monuments dedicated to veterans and war casualties in the USA.

Indiana World War Memorial Plaza – Indianapolis – Indiana – USA
Categories
Activity Central America City Costa Rica San Jose Sun Walking

Costa Rica

Over the past few years Costa Rica has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. It’s not difficult to see why. It seems to have it all. Rainforests, beaches and volcanoes are just the start. Costa Rica literally means “Rich Coast” and most tourists will base themselves on the coast. With its many soft sandy beaches and swaying palms you might be forgiven for thinking that you were in paradise. With 800 miles of coastline adjoining the Pacific and the Caribbean you are sure to find one that suits you.

Sandy Beach – Pacific Coast – Costa Rica

Home to over 20 National Parks, Costa Rica has really developed itself as an Ecotourism destination. The Corcovado National is internationally renowned for its biodiversity and visitors can expect a wide range of wildlife including all four Costa Rican monkey species. Costa Rica is the first tropical country to have stopped and reversed deforestation.

White-headed capuchin Monkey – Panama

We like volcanoes here at Travellogs, especially when they are connected with thermal spas. There are 6 active and over 60 dormant volcanoes in Costa Rica. You could do worse than stay somewhere like the “Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort. The hotel consists of just 54 rooms with great views of the volcano and a less than 5 minute walk from the Eco Termales Fortuna thermal pools.

EcoTermales Fortuna – Costa Rica

Amongst those volcanoes is Arenal Volcano, about 56 miles northwest of the capital city of San Jose. The volcano is 5,358 ft (1633 m) high. After being dormant for many years it erupted in 1968 destroying a nearby town. It continued to erupt until 2010 since when it has been dormant again. It is one of the countries’ most popular tourist destinations and is very popular with hikers.

Arenal Volcano – Costa Rica

In those many National Parks you will find over over 500,000 species of animals, including scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, colourful butterflies, humpback whales, iguanas, sea turtles, and sloths.

According to the Happy Planet Index, Costa Rica is ranked as the Number 1 happiest country in the world. It states “Strong social networks, investment in health and education and a deep connection to nature may help explain why Costa Ricans are happier and live longer than the residents of most rich nations. A national commitment to environmental protection and use of renewable energy also keeps Costa Rica’s Ecological Footprint small.”

Categories
Activity City Massachusetts USA

Boston, MA

Known as the “Cradle of Modern America, Boston was the birthplace of the American Revolution, therefore one of the first places that you will want to head off to, is the location of the Boston Tea Party.  Here you will find a multi-sensory experience that includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels! You can recreate your own Boston Tea Party by throwing tea into the water.

Boston Tea Party, Massachusetts, USA

Most of Boston’s historical sites can be reached by following what is known as the Freedom Trail across the city.  Keeping with a nautical theme, 2nd stop on your trail could be a visit to the USS Constitution, which is the oldest commissioned warship afloat and earned her nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812, she captured a number of merchant ships and defeated five British warships including HMS Guerriere which is where she earned her nickname.

USS Constiution, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
USS Constiution, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

A visit to Boston wouldn’t be complete without an outing to watch one of the cities top class sports team play.  Visiting from April to September a trip to Fenway Park to watch the Boston Red Sox is must.  Since 1912, Fenway has been home to the Red Sox and is the oldest Baseball Arena in the USA if not the world.  Unlike some of the newer arenas, the compact design of Fenway takes you back in history and gives you a spectator experience that you will not find anywhere else except maybe Wrigley Field in Chicago.  If there are no games scheduled, then a stadium tour is recommended.

Sunset over Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox
Sunset over Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox

On a more cultural level, Boston is home to over 60 museums of which the most famous is the Museum of Fine Arts, which is the 5th largest museum in the USA and one of the top 50 most visited museums in the world.  It is home to over half a million exhibits, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.  The 1888 painting by Vincent Van Gogh’s Postman Joseph Roulin, is one of the museum’s best known works in its collection. 

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Activity City Europe Iceland Rejkjavik Uncategorized

Iceland

Iceland is on the UK government’s green list and might seem like a strange destination for a summer break.  Many people view Iceland as a winter destination with the northern lights and various cold related activities to pursue. However, in the summer you will be able to benefit from the long almost endless days.  The average day starts at 3am and ends at midnight.  Plenty of time to get more done.

Sunset – Iceland

The summer will also give you better access to the Highlands which can be impossible to access in the winter due to the icy conditions.  You will be almost wandering into the unknown so double check the weather before you set off in your 4×4. Even if you are not heading for the Highlands, then why not hit the Ring Road, which Icelandic style will take you round the country rather than round a city.  The roads are well maintained and in the summer, they will be snow free!  Travelling the Ring Road will give you access to parts of the country might not otherwise see.

Iceland by road.

Summer is a prime time for hiking and Iceland provides routes for both beginners and experienced hikers alike. Every region of the country has something different to offer, whether its waterfall, beaches or volcanoes that take your fancy.  For serious hikers look out for the Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, the Fimmvörðuháls hike between Skógar and Þórsmörk and Hornstrandir in the Westfjords.

Vesturland – Iceland

If you are not that brave you will find a number of escorted tours that will take you to see the best of the Iceland and this can be just what is needed to give you the confidence to head out on your own. Iceland is sometimes known as the land of Fire and Ice. You can take an escorted trip out to one of the glaciers where you can glacier hike, snow mobile or ice climb is you have the nerve and energy.  On the fire side, after a hard day exploring why not visit one or more geothermal baths and natural hot springs. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular but there are so many other interesting pools to discover.

Blue Lagoon – Iceland
Categories
Activity Camping Hiking Uncategorized Walking

Grand Canyon, AZ

The Grand Canyon is over 270 miles in length, at some place up to 18 miles across and a mile deep.  Located in Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is managed by the US National Park Service and is an officially designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Grand Canyon – Arizona – USA

Around 6 million visitors will head for the Canyon and yes it can get busy, but the majority of those will head for the Southern Rim.  Here you will find the Grand Canyon Village and the Bright Angel Trail.


Grand Canyon Village holds some of the best scenic overlooks in the park, including Yavapai Point and is the focal point for most people who are visiting the Southern Rim.  From here you can access the many activities on offer, including helicopter tours, horseback rides, a scenic train ride, and mule trips. If you are planning to hike and camp, then you will need to purchase a permit.  Most of the trails are permit free if you are just hiking for the day.

Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

The Bright Angel Trail in one of the most popular trails and originates in Grand Canyon Village and descends 4380 feet down to the river.  It is regularly patrolled by Park Rangers so help and assistance is never far away should you need it.  You don’t have to walk the whole thing, you could turn round at 1.5 or 3 miles along the 9 mile plus route if you just want to hike just for a day. Should you choose to do the whole trail, then you will need to camp or rent a cabin at the bottom.  It takes a good 5 or 6 hours to hike and its slower coming up than going down.

Grand Canyon – South Rim, Arizona, USA

For visitors who aren’t up for a hike into the canyon and driving round winding roads and seeking out parking space and finding change for the parking fee sounds like stress. You might be better off relying on the park’s free shuttle buses, they transport visitors along the rim of the canyon, stopping at many vantage points, giving you great views along the ways. Many of the restaurants in the area also have fantastic views of the Canyon.

Whilst the Southern Rim is open all year, the quieter Northern Rim is only open for the summer. The Northern Rim is where you will find hardy campers and hardcore hikers.  There is a lodge and one camping ground.  If you are not a hiker, then you can take the scenic Northern Rim drive which includes a visit to Point Imperial which is the highest point of the Northern Rim at 8,803 feet.

Grand Canyon – North Rim, Arizona, USA
Categories
Activity Asia Bangkok City Heritage Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

You cannot spend a day in Bangkok without a visit to Wat Pho.  It is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples. The temple complex known as the Wat Pho complex consists of two walled compounds. The larger northern walled compound, is open to visitors and houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and very famously the 46m long reclining Buddha. The southern compound, contains the living quarters for Buddist monks and a school.

The Temple of the Reclining Bhudda – Wat Pho – Bangkok – Thailand

Next on your list and be prepared to set aside a good few hours for this one, is a visit to the Grand Palace. The palace at one time was the king’s home (1782 -1925) as well as the place where the government of Thailand carried out their work.  The Great Palace is not a single building but a collection of buildings divided up into four main courts: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Some buildings are open to the general public, whilst others are still used by various government departments.

Grand Palace – Bangkok – Thailand

For contrast take yourself shopping.  At one end of the scale head for Chatuchak Market which is open on Saturdays and Sundays.  With over 8000 stalls and at local prices you are bound to find a bargain or two here.  At the other end of the scale head for Siam Paragon.  You will only find 250 shops here, but they are high end brands and even include car manufacturers including Bentley, BMW and Porsche.  You will also find South East Asia’s biggest aquarium and numerous food outlets.

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Activity Bulgaria Europe Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia was founded over 3000 years ago and was at its pinnacle in terms of regional power in the 4th century. The Bulgars who give this region its current name did not arrive until the 9th century.  Unfortunately, much of the legacy of this period disappeared during the Turkish occupation, that lasted from 1396-1878.  However, it doesn’t detract from what the city has to offer today’s visitor.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral by Night – Sofia – Bulgaria.

The majority of Sofia’s tourist attractions are centrally located and you can easily walk between them.  In the city centre, you will find the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.  This Eastern Orthodox church was built in honour of St Alexander Nevsky, a prince famed for 13th century military victories over Germany and Sweden.

One church that does survive from before the Turkish Occupation is the thirteenth-century Boyana Church which is now on the UNESCO heritage list.  The church is actually a collection of three buildings, the first built in the 10th century. The frescoes in this second church, painted in 1259, make it one of the most important churches housing collections of medieval paintings. This site is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art.

Boyana Church – Sofia – Bulgaria

Mosques were an important feature of old Sofia, the Archeological Museum is housed in a 15th century mosque and you can unofficially visit the The Banya Bashi Mosque built in 1576 by Mimar Sinan, who also designed the great mosque at Edirne in Turkey. Behind the Mosque are Sofia’s mineral baths.  Sadly it no longer operates as public baths, but the Sofia Regional Historical Museum is housed in part of the building.  It is still possible to taste the hot, sulphurous water from public taps nearby.

Russian Church – Sofia – Bulgaria

Whilst in Sofia, you should not pass up the opportunity to visit the Russian Church or to give it, its full title, The Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. Built on the site of a mosque in the early twentieth century, the Russian Church is a stunning golden-domed building with an emerald spire and an exuberant mosaic-tiled exterior, which conceals a dark, candle-scented interior. Construction started of what was the church on the Russian Embassy in 1907 and completed in 1914. The Russian government takes on the responsibility for the upkeep of the church and its renovations. The church remained open even after the Russian revolution and all through the Communist era.

Categories
Activity Heritage Music Nashville Tennessee USA

Nashville, TN

“Welcome to Nashville, man what a great day / The first stop we’re gonna take you is a place called Broadway “ that how the comic duo that are Austin and Colin start off their funny, information and catchy song about Nashville.  They take us on a journey through the sights and sounds of Nashville.

Welcome to Nashville – Austin and Colin.

Their first stop is Broadway and it’s a good place to get acquainted with the city. Located in the downtown area, it includes Lower Broadway which is renowned for its honky tonks and live country music as well as restaurants and a number of tourist attractions.

Honky Tonk Central – Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Austin and Colin are seen queuing outside the 100 year old former grain store, that is now the Acme Feed & Seed restaurant and music venue.  Head for the rooftop bar with its views of the Cumberland River, the Nissan Stadium, the home to the Tennessee Titans of the NFL and the Broadway strip.

Next on their list is Demonbreun, the area and the street are named after a French-Canadian fur trader who is known at the “first citizen of Nashville”.  You can continue to follow their list which then takes you to Belmont, Hillsboro Village, Vandi, Green Hills, Frothy Monkey etc.  However, you will probably be visiting for its musical connections and the museums.

Acme Feed & Seed Restaurant & Music Venue – Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Throughout the city you will find numerous music venues playing something to suit everyones taste, it’s not just country music that you will hear in Nashville.  In addition you will probably want to head over to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  The museum’s core exhibition “Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music” tells the story of the origins of country music and its main contributors using artefacts, photographs, recorded sound, vintage video, and interactive touchscreens. You might want to also visit Music Row’s Historic RCA Studio B, the oldest surviving recording studio in Nashville, where landmark recordings by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, and many others were made.  Due to its size pre-booking is advised.  Personally, I would be off to the Johnny Cash Museum by day and will be spending an evening at the Tribute to Elvis Show.

Johnny Cash Museum – Nashville, Tennessee, USA

For car nuts, just over an hour’s drive out of town will take you to Bowling Green, the home of the National Corvette Museum. On display are over 70 Corvettes displayed in periodic settings.

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Activity Bucharest City Europe Heritage Romania

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is home to the world’s biggest parliamentary building.  Originally at The Palace of Parliament but more commonly known today as the People’s Palace construction started in 1984 and took thirteen years to build. An area of s (2.7 sq mi) of the old city centre was flattened to allow the construction including monasteries, factories and a hospital. One engineer set out to save as much as he could.

Moving Churches to Safety – Bucharest.

Today the People’s Palace, both houses of the Romanian Parliament., along with the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Communist Totalitarianism and the Museum of the Palace.

The People’s Palace – Bucharest, Romania.

Prior to the Second World War Bucharest was known as the “Paris of the East”.  The war, the Communist era and an earthquake in 1977 robbed the city of many or the art nouveau buildings. Here and there are places where that former sophistication. The Cantacuzino Palace which now houses the George Enescu museum is one such example which was built between 1901 and 1903 by architect Ion D. Berindey. 

Paris of the East, Bucharest, Romania

Berindey was responsible for a number of famous landmarks during this time including the Bucharest observatory that was built between 1908 and 1910. George Enescu incidently is regarded as one of the greatest musicians in Romanian history. You might even choose to stay in the elegant Athenee Palace Hilton hotel designed by the French Theophile Bradeau. Around and about you will find more examples that listed here.  Remember to look out for Bucharest’s copy of the Arc de Triomphe.

Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest, Romania.

Personally, I would recommend seeking out the beautiful churches and chapels that fuse Byzantine, Greek, Ottoman and Renaissance styles.  On your list head for The Stavropoleous Church in the old city, St Apostle’s and the Doamnei Church.

Orthodox Church, Bucharest, Romania

If you are interested in looking back in time, you might be interested in watching the TV series “Comrade Detective” on Amazon Prime. Set in 1980s Bucharest it tells the story of two police detectives investigating the murder of a colleague. There is more to this story than meets the eye!

Categories
Activity City Fly Drive Road Sioux Falls South Dakota USA

Road Trip, South Dakota

A good starting point for any trip to South Dakota is a road trip based on I-90.  I-90 is the longest interstate highway in the USA and the longest east-west road across South Dakota.  Although it doesn’t pass through the South Dakotan capital of Pierre it does provide the focus on a great holiday in this part of the world.

The route will take in a number of impressive geographical features starting off with the Sioux Falls after which the state’s largest city is named.  Over 7000 gallons of water cascade down every second.  That’s a lot of water by anyone’s standards.

Sioux Falls - South Dakota USA
Sioux Falls – South Dakota USA

The striking landscape of Badlands National Parks features a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. The native Lakota people gave this land its name, “mako sica,” meaning “land bad.” Erosion of the Badlands reveals sedimentary layers of different colors: purple and yellow, tan and grey, red and orange and white. Bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mule and whitetail deer, prairie dogs, coyotes, eagles and hawks are amongst the wildlife you are likely to see.

Badlands - South Dakota USA
Badlands – South Dakota USA

If Native American history and culture is your cup of tea then at Mitchell you will find a  Prehistoric Indian Village that is more than 1,000 years old. On-going excavations and laboratory analyses are discovering more about how these people lived.  A trip to the  Akta Lakota Museum on the campus of the St Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain provides history and learning about Native American life in a unique way. Check out the mini-theater, interactive displays, English-Lakota descriptions, and its beautiful gift shop.

Finally there are a few attractions that you will want to check out that you might not have expected. Whilst visiting the Akta Lakota museum take in the Dignity Monument.

Dignity Monument - South Dakota USA
Dignity Monument – South Dakota USA

The sculpture was erected in 2016 near I-90 in honour of the 125th anniversary of South Dakota statehood.  It depicts an indigenous woman in plains style attire.  If you enjoy sculptures, then head to the Porter Sculpture Park at Exit 374 and spend time viewing the sculptures made by Wayne Porter who makes his sculptures mainly from junk metal.

If you are visiting South Dakota as a road trip that a trip to the Pioneer Auto Show at Murdo is a must. There are more than 30 buildings displaying it’s unrivaled collection of cars, motorcycles, tractors, scooters and bicycles.  Plus other automobilia including gas pumps and antique toys.  In case you are in the mood, they also have classic American cars for sale.

Rapid City is South Dakota’s second-largest city and this is the place to head for to see the Mount Rushmore Memorial, the Custer State Park and the Crazy Horse Memorial.  Which is where we started.  We have run out of space to do justice to everything South Dakota has to offer, we will be back again.

Mount Rushmore - South Dakota USA
Mount Rushmore – South Dakota USA