Are you a globetrotter? Do you love travelling and learning about new places, people, and cultures? If so, join us as we travel the globe to discover what lies behind the destinations of our postcards.
Destination: Beijing,
China
Beijing,
also known as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of
China. It's one of the most populated cities in China. It has a lot
of universities.You
can visit the Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden
City and Tiananmén Square.
Lake
at the Summer Palace in Beijing, China
Photo
by Domingo Leiva (www.flikr.com)
Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. The Acropolis was the « high city », a characteristic place in most of the Greek cities that had a defensive function, in addition to serving as headquarters of the main places of worship.
The Parthenon is the main building in the architectural ensemble of the
Acropolis and the biggest symbol of beauty of ancient Greece´s classical
architecture. Built between 477 and 432 B.C., the imposing Doric-style building was
created to shelter a colossal sculpture of Athena Parthenos made of wood, ivory
and gold, which was twelve meters high.
Although most of the buildings of the Ancient Agora are not preserved in
very good conditions, today we can still see the former looks of the building
of the Stoa of Attalos, the old commercial centre of Athens, which currently
houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Hephaestus, one of
the best preserved ancient temples. It was built between 460 and 415 B.C. he Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olimpeion, was a great
temple built between the sixth and the second centuries B.C in honor of the god
Zeus Olympic.
Greek cuisine, which is Mediterranean, is rich and varied. One of
the most famous dishes is moussaka.
(By Diana González and Judith Viqueira, Intermediate 1 English students)
Destination: Litomsyl, Czech Republic
Litomysl is a city in the northwest of the Czech Republic. It was
famous for its commercial and religious activities in the past.
If you travel to Litomysl, you should visit Litomysl Castle. It is an
incredible building where there is the oldest theatre in Europe. The
famous composer Bedrich Smetana was born there. The castle is World
Heritage and there are concerts and other shows.
The Town Hall square is also an interesting place because it is very
long and the houses are different colours.
Finally, Portmoneum is a museum of Josef Vachal, who was a painter,
graphic artist and writer. There, you can see fantastic pictures on
the ceiling and walls.
Litomysl has an important traditional culture. The people there celebrate two important festivals: Rettigovà´s Food Festival in May, where the most important chefs in the country cook local food, and Smetana´s Festival in summer. It is an opera festival to remember Bedrich Smetana.
Some websites with useful information are:
By Beatriz Vázquez and Laura Vieites
Destination: The Netherlands
The Netherlands (Dutch:Nederland) is a country located in Western Europe. In English the country is called the Netherlands, or frequently Holland. The people and the language are called Dutch. In Dutch the official (and predominant) terms for these are Nederland for the country, Nederlanders for the people and Nederlands for the language, although they are occasionally and colloquially called Holland, Hollanders and Hollands respectively.
Netherlands, literally means lower countries, influenced by its low land and flat geography, with only about 50% of its land exceeding one metre above sea level. The Netherlands has a long history of social tolerance and is generally regarded as a liberal country.
Beer and the gin are some of the most consumed alcoholic beverages. The meals are varied.Breakfast includes orange juice, tea, coffee, biscuit, hot chocolate, bread, cheeses, sausages and butter. Lunch is fast, usually a sandwich. Dinner is the main meal, which they have about 6:00 pm. The typical dinner dish is "Rijsttafel". This dish includes a variety of rice, vegetables, minced meat, fowl and fish. In winter, the favorite dish is "Stamppot"; a potatoe and vegetable stew.
The 17th century, in which the Dutch Republic was prosperous, was the age of the Dutch Marters,such as Rembrant, Vemeer. Famous Dutch painters of the 19th and 20th century were Vincent Van Goh and Piet Mondrian. M.C. Escher is a well-known graphics artist.
The Museum Van Gogh is the most visited site in Amsterdam. Vincent was Dutch. His family was from a small village in the Netherlands. When he was 27 he started to work as a painter. Today Van Gogh is very famous and his paintings are very expensive, but he was poor. When Vincent was alive, he wasn´t famous and his paintings weren´t popular. He was never really happy. When he was only 37, he ended his life.
Destination: Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa.Its capitals are Pretoria
(administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cap Town (legislative)
and it is known for its diversity of cultures, languages and
religious beliefs.
President
Nelson Mandela was the most important person in the recent history of
South Africa. He finished with the regime of apartheid (1948-1993).
Cape Town is the second city
with more population in South Africa after Johannesburgo. It is one
of the three capitals of this country. Cape Town is the most tourist
destination in Africa, but you have to be careful with pickpockets. It has amazing beaches.
Driving is difficult and many vehicles are in poor condition. In Cape Town you can play golf, go surfing, go on a safari or whale watching.
Their clocks are two hours ahead of ours and the official currency is Rand.
Destination: Taipei, Taiwan
WHERE
IS THE CITY?
We
are speaking about Taipei (Taiwan). Taipei is a small island next to
China, so it is around the Pacific Ocean, in East Asia. It´s been
part of the Republic of China since 1949. Taipei is quite crowded.
THIS
CITY IS FAMOUS FOR…
Taipei
is famous for the mix of cultures. It is a cosmopolitan city. In this
city traditional Chinese culture and modern Western culture coexist.
We can find great avenues with huge buildings, lots of people,
cars... but also small,
quiet and even uninhabited streets that lead to colorful Buddhist
temples with their particular incense smell.
Taiwanese
traditions, beliefs, customs and religious rites mark the passage
from one continent to another. Taipei stands out for its gastronomy.
We can find street stalls, where many different flavors and smells
mingle. We cannot forget the important ecological value, highlighting
the great Yagmingshan National Park.
LANDMARKS
 |
Yangmingshan National
Park
|
 |
National
Palace Museum
|
LIFESTYLE
Taipei
was a typical city in Asia with fast development in the 80’s and it
has become a city known by creativity and slow lifestyle. From
the late 90’s municipal government was focused on improving the
city’s quality. Taipei is a famous city because it has kind people
and a fast development on technology.When
words like “slow” and “simple” are buzzwords, a lot of people
have discovered that Taipei is turning into an interesting city
thanks to that atmosphere.
This
city was considered the sixth most livable city in Asia.
SOURCES
www.vagamundos.com/taipiei-ciudad-monumental/
www.spanih.taiwan.net.tw
Destination: Leipzig, Germany
WHERE IS LEIPZIG?
Leipzig is a city
located in Northwestern Germany. It’s got 544.479 inhabitants, and
it is the second most populous city in the east of Germany after
Berlin. It is the most important city in Saxony and offers to the
traveler a lot of cultural experiences. Only its 90 min. by train
from the German capital.
WHAT IS IT FAMOUS FOR?
Leipzig is famous because it has a
great musical tradition: great musicians, conductors and
composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner and Felix
Mendelssohn. It also has one of the oldest boys' choirs in the world. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leipzig
WHAT CAN YOU VISIT IN LEIPZIG?
When you go to
Leipzig don’t forget to visit the following places:
MARKT is the main square of Leipzig
and there is the old city hall and other historical buildings. The
streets around are empty of people and cafés for have a drink in
summer.
Near Markt is the Cathedral, called Thomaskirche, with very high roofs and a white steeple. Here, Bach worked as a choirmaster. (photo from es.dreamstime.com).
Another important area is AUGUSTPLATZ where there are some points of interest: the Leipzig University, Egypcian Museum and the Opera.
But
the most important attraction in this place is Panorama Tower, the
highest building where you can see the entire town. If you are hungry,
don,t worry, on the top floor there is a restaurant.
By Pilar Robles and María Teresa López (Int 1-9)
Destination: Jackson, South Carolina (USA)
Jackson is a town in Aiken County, South Carolina,
United States. The population was 1,625 at the 2000 census. It is part of the
Augusta, Georgia metropolitan area. Jackson is located at 33°19′50″N
81°47′24″W.
Jackson doesn’t have any historical houses and
monuments. The most important places are Audubon
Society, Jarrett Rifle Museum and Redcliffe State Park.There
is a military installation near
Jackson town and nothing else.
References
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson,_South_Carolina
Town of Jackson Official website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson,_South_Carolina — City-data.com
Destination: Hangzhou, China
Hangzhou
is the capital and largest city of Zhejiang province in the People's
Republic of China.It is situated on the banks of the Qiantang River,
near its mouth. Its area is 16,847 km² and its population is close
to 9 million
It
is one of the most beautiful cities in China, so it is the favorite
destination of Chinese newly-weds on their honeymoon.
West
Lake is the main attraction of Hangzhou, around which are
concentrated most of the tourist spots. The lake is in the shape of
square, a little irregular, 3km on a side and is divided into 3
parts: the Outer lake, which is the main part; the Inner Lake, to the
north, separated by the dam of Bai which is a narrow strip of land
planted with willows and several stone bridges; and the West Outer
Lake, on the western shore, separated by its dam. Within the lake
there are four islands.
The Temple of the Hidden Soul, also in Hangzhou, is one of the most important temples in southern China. Before arriving at the actual quarters, is "The Peak Flown from Afar", with impressive Buddhist sculptures in stone.
The
Tomb of General Yuefei led, in the northwest corner of West Lake, is
visited by the Chinese because they admire this hero, unjustly
accused and executed.
The
House of Guo is located on the western shore of the lake and is one
of the best places to enjoy its beauty with tranquillity.
The
Pharmacy Museum, in the middle of the last remnants of the old town,
is recently restored.
The
traditional industries of Hangzhou are silk and textile machinery.
Also the electronics industry. The city has become one of the most
visited tourist destinations of the country, which has generated a
part of the economy devoted to the service sector. The area also
produces green tea.
Webgraphy:
Destination: Taiwan
Taiwan,
officially part of the Republic of China (PRC), is a sovereign state
in East Asia. Neighboring states include the People’s Republic of
China to the west, Japan to the East and northeast, and the
Philippines to the south. The island of Taiwan (previously known as
Formosa) is one of the most densely populated in the world, and
Taipei City is its capital city.
PLACES
TO VISIT
TAIPEI
101:Situated
in Xinyi District, Taipei, the building was officially classified as
the World’s tallest in 2004 until the opening of Burj of Khalifa in
2010. The tower has served as an icon of modern Taiwan ever since its
opening.
CHIANG
KAI- SHEK MEMORIAL HALL ts
located in Zhongzheng District, Taipei. It is a Taiwanese national
monument erected in memory of Chiang Kai-Shek,
former President of the People’s
Republic of China.
Sun
Moon Lake Is
the largest lake
in Taiwan as well as a tourist attraction. The area around the Sun
Moon Lake is home to the Thao
tribe, one of aboriginal tribes in Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake surrounds a
tiny island called Lalu. The east side of the lake resembles a sun
while the west side resembles a moon, hence the name.
GRAN
HOTEL in Taipei, situated in Zhongshan District, Taipei. The
main building of the hotel is one of the world’s tallest Chinese
classical buildings.
NATIONAL
PALACE MUSEUM in Taipei.
It is one of the national museums of the Republic of China and has a
permanent collection of more than 696,000 pieces of ancient Chinese
imperial artifacts and artworks,
making it one of the largest in the world.
Ching
Tai Chan Monastery This
is a Buddhist monastery located in Puli Township, Nantou County. It
is the largest Buddhist temple in Nantou County. Opened in 2001, the
building has 37 floors and is divided into two floors: one religious
and the other completely western.
Taroko
Gorge is an impressive 19-km-long
canyon, situated near Taiwan's east coast. The area of the gorge is
also identified as Taroko Gorge
National Park. The
name, Taroko,
means the "magnificent and splendid" in the language of
Truku,
the aboriginal tribe who resides in the area.
The Love River or Ai River or DPP river Is a river or a canal in southern Taiwan. It originates in Renwu District, Kaohsiung City, and flows 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) through Kaohsiung to Kaohsiung Harbor. Love River is the spine of Kaohsiung, playing a similar role to the River Thames of London. It is of great cultural significance to the people of Kaohsiung and plays an important role in its economy and tourism. A riverside park, the Love River Park, runs along the riverbank in downtown Kaohsiung City. A night market operates in the park, and there are three outdoor cafés, often with live bands. Boats which hold about fifteen people take tourists up and down the river.
The Love River or Ai River or DPP river Is a river or a canal in southern Taiwan. It originates in Renwu District, Kaohsiung City, and flows 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) through Kaohsiung to Kaohsiung Harbor. Love River is the spine of Kaohsiung, playing a similar role to the River Thames of London. It is of great cultural significance to the people of Kaohsiung and plays an important role in its economy and tourism. A riverside park, the Love River Park, runs along the riverbank in downtown Kaohsiung City. A night market operates in the park, and there are three outdoor cafés, often with live bands. Boats which hold about fifteen people take tourists up and down the river.
Lifestyle
of Taiwan
The
food in Taiwan is varied. This is because they
experienced the invasions of
Portuguese, Dutch, and Japanese.The
locals have their own food and then
they incorporate the ingredients
from
different countries.There
are night markets where you can buy different meals. They are one of
the places which Taiwanese love
because there is lots
of delicious food. Normally, the location of the night markets is
in the city. Therefore, the transportation is convenient.
TAIWAN
IS FAMOUS FOR:
Stinky
tofu named for its strong smell and BUBBLE TEA, a sweet tea with tapioca pearls
