Tag: military

Su E Z

Su E Z? Per I Ponti: A Charity Walk

This year’s poster is simple and exhaustive: a pair of tennis shoes through which you can see Venice. It’s right this, in fact, the spirit of the “non-competition”: a march through Venice, during which you can run, if you wish, or simply walk through the calli, passing bridges, campi and sotoporteghi of the city, having a wonderful walk in a unique city, among the most beautiful in the world. You can choose one out of two paths, depending on your capabilities and on how much you wish to walk; the standard route is the 10 km one, the reduced route is 5 km. The starting point for kindergarten and primary schools is at the Santa Lucia railway station, while all the other participants will start their walk from Piazza San Marco, which is also the arriving point for everyone, where anyway there will be no winners nor losers: the victory is in everyone’s participation, and a medal will remind the event to everyone. There are some prizes, though, reserved for specific categories: for example, for the first primary school, the most numerous group, the most numerous stranger group, etc. Walking, watching, looking at the city: a day, the 18th April, dedicated to all Venice lovers, but also to those who still don’t know it; dedicated to the sports lovers, but also to those who prefer contemplative walks.

The event is officialised by the presence of the city’s politic, religious and military authorities, and promoted by an association headed by the kind-hearted On. Gianfranco Rocelli, granting dedication and transparency in all the editions. The cost of the inscription is 6 Euros, and the proceeds will only be used to cover the costs of the event; any revenues, following what has become a tradition, will entirely be donated to a charity mission.

Joining the event is very simple: if you are alone or in a group of less of 20 people you can simply join on the same day of the event; groups from20 to 50 people will need to inscribe before the 15th April, and groups over 50 people before the 8th April. Su e z? per i ponti is a march that welcomes any kind of participants: today’s and yesterday’s children, scholar and friends groups, associations of various kinds; the participation gives the chance to spend a nice day walking through Venice and, more, to make some charity.

It’s a perfect occasion for tourists as well: together with the subscription, they can book a hotel and take a chance to visit the city following the path of the event, sure to see the main monuments of the city surrounded by natives with which share the experience. The offer of hotels in Venice is huge, but the thing to see are even more: joining the Su e z? per i ponti will be the starting point that will help the participants to have their first taste of the city.

The event motto is “together again, friendlier than before”; it’s right this the spirit that will amalgamate all the participants, wherever they come from; as they say, the important thing is to take part: there will be no winners nor losers, but everyone will have the chance to have a ride through Venice. On the 18th April in Venice will triumph the will to stay together and the will to know a little bit more this beautiful and welcoming city, that is made more lively by this kind of events that amalgamate and welcome everyone, creating the occasion to make some charity as well: you only need to be there.

The History of Public Transport in Vietnam

The History of Public Transport in Vietnam

Until the end of 19th century, mandarins were carried in hammocks, officials rode in palanquins, horses were only used by postmen, and most common people were only able to travel by foot. I have read an article of Do Hung who traces the history of public transport in Vietnam?

Saigon-Colon was the first urban area to take shape, in 1862, with the arrival of French colonists. More than twenty years later, in 1884, it was Hanoi’s turn when both gravel and asphalt roads with a proper drainage system replaced old footpaths. Urban transport was born then, too. Those early years saw the appearance of caliches (coaches driven by two horses) which belonged to colonial civil and military officials. Others used a coachmen came from the French colonies in Africa.

In 1885, there was only one of each of these types in Hanoi; a macabre  belonging to Bishop Purifier who built Hanoi’s St Joseph’s Cathedral, and a rattan caliches owned by Lieutenant Colonel Henri Riviera. Things were different in Saigon, however, where there were 84 Melbas in 1868 and 449 of them by 1900. The Malabar was known by Saigonese as “the glass coach” (it had two large windows) and by the more popular name, “matchbox coach” due to its rectangular shape. Later on, a smaller but simpler coach appeared called the gig (or buggy) which could transport ten passengers and cargo on the roof at the same time, rapidly becoming the main means of transport in the city and between southern provinces.

After the Second World War, carts mushroomed in Saigon with thousands of them parking in the crowded market areas of Cau Muoi, Binh Tien and Cholon. Cart trading and repairing became a good business. Typical was Gay Freres’ establishment. He set up in 1879 at 34b and 36 Ls Grandiere road (now Ly Tu Trong Street).

The first so-called public transportation, a tramway pulled by three mules, was introduced to Hanoi in 1885. Not until 1912 did Hanoi get a real tramway running on rails and powered by electricity. The old tramway was powered by steam for years before this, and was in existence far longer than in the southern city. It ran right throughout the war. To make up for its slow speed, the tramway could carry bulky goods and costs little, which was suitable for small traders who accounted for a rather large proportion of the city’s population at that time. The clang sound of the tramway disappeared in 1985, leaving only nostalgia for the past for many city dwellers.

The rickshaw made its appearance in the late 19th century. Two were imported from Japan by Hanoi’s Mayor, Bonal, but the number had only increased to six by the time 395 of them were operating in Saigon. The average income of a coachman was one piaster per day, which was equal to the salary of a skilled worker. The rickshaw soon spread to almost all urban areas and was commonly used until the end of Second World War in 1945.
HEY! CYCLO!

No one know who invented the country’s unique vehicle, in Saigon in the 1830s, it was called cyclo-push, a bicycle accompanied by a person carrying goods or passengers. Though simply designed, it could transport astonishing loads of goods and people to distance destinations. The cyclo-push gradually disappeared in urban areas, paving the way for the birth of the present pedicab, the cyclo.

After taking some time to establish itself in Hanoi, it quickly becomes widespread in the country’s cities. The cyclo had the advantage of being able to transport heavy and cumber some items and was very energy efficient. Between the 1950s and 1980s, it was the main means of transportation in Hanoi and Saigon.” Everyday, I would take my goods to market by cyclo, “says Mrs. Hoa, a 60 year old trader at An Dong market. According to Mr. Chu who has lived in Tran Quoc Thao Street, District 3, HCM City for about 70 years, cyclos were used to make leisurely trips around the city during Tet holiday.

It’s interesting that the cyclo design varies with locations. While Saigon’s cyclo is narrower and higher, the Hanoi version is lower and wider and carries two people comfortably. Hue’s version is a combination of the two, narrow and low, whereas the vehicle in Haiphong is longer and curvy, resembling a boat.

The invasion of power-driven vehicles started by 1930 with the introduction of the first car in Saigon. Rapid urbanization and the development of modern vehicles put the cyclo under threat. Today it is being banned from more and more streets, especially during rush hour. Its slowness and cumbersome shape obstructs traffic in city streets which are narrow and have high population density. Gradually. motorbikes and busses are replacing the cyclo.

Less in demand by commuters, cyclos have now become tourist attractions and a means of transport to a wedding. The sight of five cyclos following one another, each carrying an old and a young woman and a big red wooden box on their way to the bride’s house for the betrothal ceremony can still be seen during the wedding season. But the most important function of cyclos in Hanoi is as vehicles for tourists around the capital’s old quarter. Cyclo groups can be found outside many famous hotels and travel agents in the downtown area.

This unique three-wheel vehicle has had its day, and is now just a reminder of the rudimentary transport of the city’s past. It is indeed a living museum, still in working order and vivid on display.

www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

Getting acquainted with Niagara Falls Tourism Areas

Getting acquainted with Niagara Falls Tourism Areas

What most tourists don’t fully understand before visiting the falls, is that the falls themselves are only a fraction of the things to see and do in Niagara.  Niagara is not only famous for its falling water; it’s also famous for its wine, history, canal waterways, and vintage services.  In among the variety of sights, there is something for everyone to discover.

Niagara Falls is the most common and will obviously attract the largest volume of tourism. While they are truly magnificent, there are many other areas that you should consider seeing. Follow the river downstream where you will find some of the most ferocious class 5 rapids anywhere. Hikers of all ages spend time carving their way down the trails of the gorge to sit by the rushing water, or just have a picnic.  Check out the tours of the large electric plants that produce electricity for 1,000’s of home across Canada and the US.  Find excitement at Clifton hill which has served as the entertainment complex for family fun for decades.  Check out cheaper accommodations, loads of souvenir shops, and a variety of fast food and dining options down Lundy’s Lane.  There’s a lot to discover if you know the right places to look.

If you have more elegant taste, then it would serve you well to head over to Niagara on the Lake. Following the Niagara Parkway into another world, as you will find yourself in a late 1800’s old world town.   Known for its vintage hotels, quaint Bed and Breakfasts, fine dining, specialty shops, and historical sites, it would make an ideal couples spot. Enjoy theatre at the Shaw Festival, or explore old world artefacts and history of the war of 1812 at the military Fort George Historical Site.  Feel like you’ve stepped back in time by touring the streets by horse drawn carriage, and sample world class wines created from the many vineyards in the region.  Located right where Lake Ontario and the Niagara River meet there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery and photo ops at every turn.

Once again for those with expensive tastes, a little known gem in the Niagara Region exists just west of St.Catharines. A small village called “Jordan Village” is about a 20 minute drive outside of Niagara Falls. Capture a breath of fresh air in this little town with flare! Located in the heart of Niagara’s Twenty Valley Wine Country you’ll find yourself delighted with fine dining, posh accommodations, and all the high class wine you could imagine. Although the setting has been built around the wine industry there is plenty to see and do from hiking the famous Bruce Trail through the Niagara escarpment to shopping at the exciting boutiques.  Among the main inn accommodations on the main street, you’ll also find an array of Bed & Breakfast style settings that will be sure to please. This would be another great venue for couples to get away and enjoy the finer things of life.

St.Catharines is a major hub as the larger city in the Niagara Region. Although it is not primarily tourism destination there is plenty to see and do here as well.  It is home to the Welland Canal, which connects two of the Great Lakes. Ocean liners and cargo ships from all over the world travel through the locks and carry goods into the United States without issue. Watch as giant ships climb hills as the locks hoist them 80 feet up.  As well as the canal, you’ll find another hot spot right on Lake Ontario called Port Dalhousie. Port Dalhousie is known for its world class rowing competitions and a summer time fun time! Hundreds of people come to dock at its oversized piers to watch the sunset or go for a ride on the historical carousel still in operation today for 5 cents.  A great destination for families with kids of all ages.

Living in Jacksonville

Living in Jacksonville

If you are looking at reasonably priced homes, Jacksonville is the place to look.  Not only are the homes affordable with Jacksonville home mortgage facilities, the other costs relating to maintaining a home and raising a family are likewise at levels that are easy on the pocket.  The cost of living in Jacksonville is almost 10% lower than the nationwide average cost of living.  Job prospects in Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city are on the uptrend with a recorded job growth of about 10% in the past year and an unemployment rate of 3.2%.  The median family income of those living in Jacksonville is pegged at about $58,858 during the past year.

The city’s strategic location has spurred the city’s and its business environment’s growth.  The largest deepwater port in the southern part of the east coast is located in Jacksonville.  This port is the leading port in the entire country which is the gateway for numerous automobile imports, as well as the hub for most transportation and distribution companies in Florida.  Among the other industries that play important roles in the city’s development include:  financial services, biomedical technology and research, consumer goods, information services, and manufacturing among others.  There also three military bases in the city.
It would not be difficult to have a Jacksonville home mortgage company finance your home purchase as the median home cost in Jacksonville comes up to about $265,200 ? a good investment considering the rosy projection in home appreciation.  In the past year, the home appreciation of homes in Jackson is at 2.19%.  Neighborhoods in the community are composed of a balance of males and females, and singles and married couples.  About 13.2% of the community’s population are divorced and about 20% have children.
A number of good schools are situated in Jacksonville.  Four of the city’s schools are ranked among the best high schools by Newsweek Magazine in 2008.  Among these schools are the Stanton College Preparatory School and the Paxon School for Advanced Studies.  Private schools, colleges and technical schools are also dispersed throughout the city.  Over half of the city’s population has had some college education.  100% of school-aged children in the city are all attending school.  The city’s public school system spends about $5,080 per student per year, just a $1000 short of the average U.S. school expenditure.
Those looking for Jacksonville homes and Jacksonville home mortgage facilities would be glad to validate their choice of city with Forbes 2007’s ranking of Jacksonville as the third top city in the United States to relocate to and to find a job in.  The city is also considered to be one of the top ten fastest growing cities in the country.  Both commercial and residential zones of the city could be considered in your house hunting.  Living in Jacksonville is not only just about home prices and job opportunities.  Living in Jacksonville also spells hours of entertainment and leisure for you and your family.  
Jacksonville is a healthy place to live with a nearly 85% air quality index rating.  The weather is generally tropical with highs of 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and lows of 44 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.   Entertainment and recreation facilities abound in Jacksonville.  There are thousands of restaurants to choose from depending on your particular gustatory craving.  There are also hundreds of bars to hang out with your friends in.  Two fully enclosed shopping malls, as well as a couple of “open air” malls, in the city can indulge the shopaholic in you. 
Jacksonville is home to the Jaguars.  Jacksonville is also home to the restaurant made popular due to its array of voluptuous girls in skin-tight white t-shirts and derriere-hugging red hot pants — Hooters.  Personal crime rates are at .8% while property crimes are at 5%.