Constable Country is a mainline train journey from London, through beautiful green countryside. The artist John Constable captured its beauty on canvas and today you can still see Willy Lott's cottage in all its glory.

There are taxis at Manningtree station that will take you on the short journey into the heart of the county of Suffolk countryside bordering with Essex.

If you do not want to go further than Manningtree then take a short walk or taxi ride (approx 10 minutes by foot for able bodied) into the town, it is the smallest town in Britain, it is also famous for being the hunting ground of The Witch Finder General, Matthew Hopkins. The narrow streets and old buildings that border the river Stour makes for a refreshing break from the hub bub of the city. There are rooms available in the local eateries and pubs. There is an award winning curry house and a Chinese take away should you wish for the spicier things in life. Should you wish to self-cater there is a large supermarket next to the river walk, a great place to sit and eat a sandwich.

The author Catherine Cookson chose Manningtree as a refuge when in troubled times, walking along the linking river road towards Mistley, known as the walls, you will also find time to unwind and clear your head. There is a small animal sanctuary along the road that welcomes visitors daily and is a great treat for children. The day out should give you a little piece of the Essex and Suffolk countryside to add to your collection of memories of when you visited Great Britain, it is tour guide free leaving you independent and a little richer in the pocket, there is a public library housed in a grand building in the centre of the high street where you will find more places to visit another day.

image source

When driving by Red Deer on Highway #2 you would not expect that it is cultured or has major public works of art. In fact you may think all Red Deer has to offer is fast food restaurants, gas stations, and RV sales lots. This is because Red Deer's city planners, to avoid downtown congestion, created an area called Gasoline Alley. This strip effectively keeps Highway traffic out of its' downtown area. However, if you take the time to venture into downtown Red Deer there is a thriving cultural community and the city has invested in public works of art.

What I refer to are the statues affectionately referred to as The Ghosts of Red Deer. These incredibly well detailed, life size, sculptures are scattered throughout down town Red Deer. All these ghosts are of real people, with a couple of exceptions, which are real animals. There are plaques explaining the stories behind the statues.

image source

 

The first Ghost I saw was an older gentleman sitting on a bench downtown, he had a briefcase and was remarkably well done, I admired the sculpture, but until I saw another, I had not realized that this was a special feature in the city. I soon discovered many more. I have not included a photo of this chap, you will have to discover him for yourself.

There are two sculptures that I was especially drawn to, one because of its magnificent size, attention to detail in an action pose, and the other because of the story behind it.

image source

 

The Ghost of a horse drawn fire wagon is truly impressive. The expression on the horses as well as the two human figures is very strong. No question about it, this is an intense moment caught in time. It is the largest Ghost Sculpture, complete with two frightened horses, one driver in the fire wagon, and a man who is trying to control the horses. A rein has broke and they are loosing control of the team, who typically are used to charging full speed to the fire.

image source

Francis the Pig is my other favorite. This little guy made an escape on route to the slaughter yard, he evaded capture for quite some time. During this time Francis made himself a town celebrity and earned this statue from his days on the run.

All in all, seeing these lovely works of art, in an unexpected location gave me quite an thrill. Red Deer is about one hour north of Calgary, and one and a half hours south of Edmonton, should you find yourself passing through Red Deer, I suggest you turn off the highway, and go into the downtown area and look for these ghosts yourself. Bring a camera.

Contemporary Gallery has been born with the exhibition, “Whimsy: Celebrating the Power of "Why Not?"” The temporary contemporary art gallery opens June 11 at 230 Harrison Street in Downtown Syracuse, thanks to the support of J.F. Real Estate. The opening reception is on Friday the 13th in conjunction with the opening of the Everson Biennial down the street. Designed as an afterparty for the Biennial, the reception will run on June 13th from 7 - 10 PM. The exhibition will continue through Friday, July 18 with plenty of special events to be announced on the gallery's website.

The art featured in “Whimsy: Celebrating the Power of "Why Not?"” includes art books, drawings, fabric art, film, illustration, installation art, intaglio prints, works in mixed media, paintings, photo etchings, photography, sculpture, and video art. The majority of artists represented come from the New York State area. The theme “whimsy” is inspired by its definition: 1. The quality of being quaint, odd, or playfully humorous, especially in an endearing way; 2. An idea that has no immediately obvious reason to exist. Since the gallery itself was created on a whim as a labor of love, it seemed appropriate for the theme of the exhibition to exemplify these characteristics. A series of film screenings will share the same theme with films curated by John Craddock, Assistant Director of the Syracuse International Film Festival.

Contemporary Gallery Co-Founders Roslyn Esperon and Courtney Rile met in February of 2006. Esperon was interning at Delavan Art Gallery when Rile was invited back to Syracuse from traveling by Bill Delavan to be the Gallery Coordinator. Over two years later, the two have continued to work together at the Gallery in various capacities and have also become friends. They both thank Bill Delavan for his guidance and support.

When it comes to the timing, Rile says, “It worked out well because Delavan Art Gallery is closed for the summer and Roslyn will be moving away in the fall. We had a perfect window.” Roslyn Esperon just graduated this May with a BA in Art History from Syracuse University, where she received wide recognition as a Coronat, Remembrance, and Syracuse University Scholar. Esperon will be attending New York University in the fall to earn a Masters degree in Arts Administration.

Courtney Rile is currently Marketing and PR Coordinator at Delavan Art Gallery as well as Director of Communications at the Cultural Resources Council. She is also a freelance writer, curator, photographer, video editor and video professor at ITT Technical Institute in Liverpool. Rile earned a BFA in Video Art from SU in 2004 and went on to coordinate the “Greenberg In Syracuse: Then & Now” 2005 exhibition at ThINC's Company Gallery and curate video art at Ohm Lounge in Downtown Syracuse before traveling.

Contemporary Gallery will be open for regular business hours on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 AM - 7 PM with film screenings every Wednesday at 7 PM. There is an ambitious schedule of special events, including film screenings, a book launch, official Th3 afterparties in June and July as well as a healthy variety of surprises along the way. For a list of artists, more information about the gallery and to see an up-to-date list of events, visit the gallery online at http://contemporarygallery.wordpress.com.

Slippery yet beautiful trails, high rivers and washed-out bridges offer a spectacular ambience of lush countryside. Captivating sounds of gamelan, the traditional Balinese musical instrument, provide a terrific "bonus" at the end of your day in the colorful mountainsides of Bali. So take your next holiday beyond the ordinary, beyond the beaches and sprawling night clubs, beyond shopping and themed resorts, beyond the trappings of modern life… and step into the mythical landscapes, rich with enthralling beauty and charming rituals.

Delightful Ubud Art Scene

High on the slopes, just around one hour drive from Denpasar, the capital of Bali, Ubud is not only a delightful mountain getaway but also the center of art and culture in Bali. Dozens of art galleries, workshops, boutiques and cute novelty shops, big or small, locally-owned or internationally-owned, adorn every bit of the main streets in Ubud. Just easily stroll down this trendy neighborhood and you're going to want to stop at every shop and every stall you pass!

What's more, artists from all over the world regularly exhibit their work here in Ubud. One of the most popular galleries that regularly show masterpieces from well-known artists is Puri Lempad. This is actually the family residence of Mr. I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a celebrated painter and sculptor best known for his famous ink drawings of Balinese Hindu scenes. In this house, Mr. Lempad dedicates the spacious front foyer of his house as a gallery initially to display his family collections and also as a creative space for him to paint or sculpt. Lately, the gallery is often rented to conduct various public exhibitions and art events. What's more remarkable, Puri Lempad is always open because the family still lives there. So as long as you visit at reasonable times, you are always welcome here at the Lempad's house. With so many fancy galleries that cater to modern tastes, the Lempad's house continues to carry on a simple yet captivating art tradition as if nothing has changed!

Puri Lempad Bali

Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Bali

Phone: +62 (0) 361 - 975618

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Open daily from 8 AM to 5.30 PM, the Monkey Forest or Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana is a vast 8-hectare forest in the heart of Ubud, occupied by lots of adorable monkeys. An undemanding trail festooned with towering trees presents an easy 30-minute walk around this forest while listening to the calming sounds of nature and watching the monkeys playing blissfully among the green and flourishing branches along the trail. Bananas or rambutan can be bought at the entrance to feed the monkeys. A small reminder however, even though these monkeys are quite friendly, you should be careful when you are carrying a bag of bananas or other treats for them as they can be very insistent to get them from you. Also make sure that you don't wear any accessories, such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The monkeys love to get their hands on these!

Monkey Forest

Jl. Monkey Forest

Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali

Phone: + 62 (0) 361 - 971304

Email: info@balimonkey.com

www.balimonkey.com

Exotic Bird Park

Take the opportunity to use your arm or shoulder as a place for birds to land and rest their tired wings. At Bali Bird Park, this is the perfect place to do so. Enjoy around 1,000 vibrant multi-colored birds singing wildly and flying freely from branch to branch, and sometimes briefly land on your arm or shoulder. Located not very far from Ubud, an early morning visit to Bali Bird Park offers a chance to have breakfast in its open-air restaurant while being enlightened by songs of paradise performed personally by the birds. For families with young children, this is definitely the place you don't want to leave out of your itinerary. Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Bali Bird Park

Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir

Singapadu, Batubulan, Gianyar
Phone: +62 (0) 361 - 299352

The Spiritual Bedugul

Cold winds blow gently over the fertile land around still dark green waters of Lake Bratan. A Balinese temple, Pura Ulun Danu, soars arrogantly at its side, an architecture representing constant struggles to eternal enlightenment. Its "sister" lakes, the twin Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan, sit quietly in a nearby grassy landscape. In a striking combination of beautiful scenery and rich heritage, whether you choose an effortless walk around Lake Tamblingan or a 25-minute canoe trip across Lake Tamblingan to Lake Buyan or a more rigorous hike in the vicinity of Lake Bratan or a visit to the temple to silently chant a solemn prayer, an afternoon trip to the lavish countryside of Bedugul can turn into centuries-old spiritual voyage into the deepest soul you didn't know you had.

Harmonious Village Life of Penglipuran

Set in the midst of Bangli District, 45 Km from Denpasar, Penglipuran Village has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Bali. The ancient village provides a time-capsule vision into the harmonious Bali before it became Bali as we know now. Bali Aga, as they call themselves, literally means Original Bali. This village consists of communities that still practice their old traditions and rituals, as practiced by their ancestors since long before teachings of Hinduism came to the island. Therefore, Penglipuran Village is the only village in Bali that does not recognize the caste system, the pattern of social classes in Hinduism.

All of the houses in the village are neatly structured on a leafy hillside and very clean, each with bright red brick fences around it. Every house also features a traditional kitchen surrounded by bamboo walls, which is separated from the main house, while most of the main houses now have adopted semi-modern styles. Your visit to the village will be warmly welcomed and you can even drop in to each of their houses. Explore the narrow ancient pathways and the down-to-earth characteristics of the people will charm you to death and you can't help falling in love with them. This is the true Bali!

Recommended Museums & Art Galleries

Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

Pengosekan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-976659

Email: info@armamuseum.com

www.armamuseum.com

Gaya Fusion Of Sense

Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-979253, 979252

Email: gaya@gayafusion.com

www.gayafusion.com

Museum Puri Lukisan

Jl. Raya Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975136, 9711159

Email: museumpl@indo.net.id

www.museumpurilukisan.com

Neka Art Museum

Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975074

Email: info@museumneka.com

www.museumneka.com

Puri Lempad Bali

Jl. Raya Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975618

The Blanco Renaissance Museum

Campuan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975502

Email: a-blanco@indo.net.id

www.blancobali.com

This is the world's largest public square but is dotted with political offices instead of any pretty flowers or plants. This area serves as the final resting place for the communist chairman Mao Zedong. This square is famous for the 1989 pro-democracy demonstrations in China which ended in bloody civilian deaths at the arms of Chinese soldiers. In many regards, this is the center of Chinese political power and the birthplace of communist China. The long name for the square is Tian'an Men Guangchang or the Square of the Gate of Heavenly Peace. In this area, you can visit the numueros government offices, monuments and the Chinese National Museum.

The Forbidden City

The city of the emperors once reserved for only members of the imperial court now is open to visitors from near and far abroad - the largest and greatest of palaces complexes from the “old” China. Over 24 emperors issued their edicts from the halls of this grand monument for over 500 years and still serve as the symbolic center of the universe for the children of Han (China). The palace has since been converted to a “Palace Museum” and opened to the public since 1949. Another many things to see is the Imperial Garden and the hall of Supreme Harmony (the throne room). This collection of buildings takes all of its visitors back to ancient china and even see places where historic moments were made.

The Great Wall of China

Within 40 miles from Beijing, the Great Wall of China is the most famous and visible of China's cultural and ancient history. The wall was created by numerous rulers after the unification of China into one empire by Qin Shi Huangdi in 221 BC. Most hotels in the region offer tourists the visit to the Great Walls and to the Ming Tombs that house the dead emperors of China's forgotten era. You can visit the four sites that have been preserved from the damage that have occurred to the walls and check out the Great Wall Museum which shows the history of the area from the Neolithic time period. Overall, this trip is an adventurers and a archeologists wet dream.

The Lama Temple

One of Beijing's most attractice places of worship is the Buddhist Lama Temple. It is made up of five different sections or halls, where each section or hall is taller than the pervious. Thus walking through the temple represents walking from earth into the heavens. The temple was originally the home of Yongzheng who became the Qing Emperor in 1722. There are many sites to visit including the Hall of the Wheel of Dharma, which shows the statue of Tsongkhapa who is the founder of Yellow Hat Sect of Buddhism led by the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama of Tibet. The temple has gone through extreme persecution at the hands of the Chinese authorities but slowly it is coming back. Now over 70 monks serve in the temple which was built to house over 1500 monks.

Hou Hai

The area is the cental hub for the city life in Beijing and the shopping center. Hou Hai has traditionally been the home to nobles and the wealthy in aristocratic China and most of the houses here offer a glimpse back in time. Many of the lakside restaurants, bars and vafes offer attratice views and waterfront terraces for visitors. There are many activities to do including Boating, Skating, and a cheap Rickshaw tour of the entire city. During the day time, it is perfect to visit the area to shop, visit the historic landmarks and homes. But at night, it is a romantic sight to behold. Candles are lit and floated into the waters while you enjoy your romantic dinner at the waterfront glimmering in the night's beauty. Hou Hai really captures the essence of modern China trapped within its past.

The Belgian capital of Brussels offers the traveler many things - history, culture architecture… However, for many visitors a trip to Brussels is a chance to see some of its internationally-renowned comic art up close.

Belgium's Comic History

Belgium's massive contribution to international comic culture should not be underestimated. A formidable rival to the US Marvel Comics business, Belgium has produced some of the most enduringly popular comic book characters.

Of these one stands out above the rest: Tintin. Written by George Reni - under the nom de plumes, Hergé - the Adventures of Tintin have been translated into over 50 languages around the world, and sold more than 200 million copies.

There are various attractions dedicated to the crime-solving, quaff-sporting reporter across the city. Just off the Grand Place on Rue de la Collin, La Boutique Tintin is a good place to go and buy a book or some related memorabilia, while in 2007 a mural dedicated to him was unveiled at Brussels Midi train station to go with those at Stockel, Porte de Hals and Ribaucourts Metro Stations.

Indeed, the whole city is positively covered in street art, murals and vibrant graffiti - most of which has a decidedly "comic" slant. The best way of seeing this side of the city is to pick up a copy of the "Comic Book Trail" guide from the tourist office.

Within Belgium, though, the longest running comic strip is Spirou and Fantasio, which dates back to 1938 and is still in print today.

Brussels Comics Centre

The Brussels Comics Centre, or Centre De La Bande Dessinee as it is known locally, is one of Brussels most unique and fascinating attractions.

Carefully detailing the history of Belgian and European comic culture in a thorough and entertaining fashion, it is filled with rare and hilarious comic snippets and contributions that will keep any fan entertained for hours.

Luminaries such as the notorious Baden Powell Jije, Victor Hubinon of Buck Danny and Redbeard fame, and Maurice de Bevere - or Morris as he's affectionately known - are just some of the features in its permanent show.

It also has a comic book shop offering a blend of touristy knick-knacks and rare comic collector finds to entertain visitors. In short, comic fans traveling around Europe should be clamoring at the doors of Brussels hostels to get a glimpse of the city's special artistic heritage.

Topkapi Palace

It's construction started in 1459 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Mehmet II is one of the important sultans of Ottoman Empire since he was the the conquerer of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was the home and official residence of Ottoman Emperors from 1465 to 1863. The historical tissue of Topkapi Palace damaged because of big earthquakes and fires. Currently, Topkapi Palace is museum. It is under administration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When you visit Topkapi Palace Museum, you can see a large collection of Ottoman art and architecture, Ottoman miniatures, weapons, shields, armor and a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Dolmabahce Palace

It is located at the European side of Istanbul. After 1853, it was used as the official residence of Ottoman Emperors. It was also the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Dolmabahce palace is the first European style palace in Ottoman Empire history. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid II between 1842 and 1853. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and the first president of Turkey Republic, spent his last years in this palace. Ataturk died in November 10, 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace.

Yildiz Palace

It was built in 1880 and used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Inside Yildiz Palace, there are apartments, pavilions, theatre, opera house, museum and a porcelain factory.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Unlike Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace is located at the Assian side of Istanbul. It was built between 1861 and 1865 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed in baroque style. It was mainly used as a place to entertain visiting heads of state. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his last years of captivity in Beylerbeyi palace. He died in Beylerbeyi Palace in 1918.

Ciragan Palace

It is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy at the European side of Istanbul. It was built between 1863 and 1867 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed by famous Armenian architect Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. In 1910, it was destroyed by a great fire. However, the ruined palace was restored in 1991. It was designed in Baroque style during restoration. Currently, it is used as a five-star hotel.

Top 10 Sights

The Duomo

Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo or Cathedral, is the very heart of Florence, dominating the city with its massive dome. The dome, designed by Brunelleschi was the largest of its time, completed in 1436 without the use of scaffolding. The Duomo is clad in Multi-coloured marble and is visible all over the city - towering over the neighbouring buildings, or glimpsed looming at the end of a narrow medieval street. If you have the energy, climb the 463 steps to the top and enjoy magnificent views.

Baptistry Doors

There are 3 sets of beautiful and artistically important baptistery doors, the most significant being the east doors commissioned by Ghiberti in 1401, and depicting scenes from the New Testament. Seven leading artists of the time entered a competition to create the doors, and some of these examples are regarded as the first products of the Renaissance. Michelangelo named these doors "The Gate of Paradise". However, the ones in place are copies; the originals can be seen in Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (just behind the Duomo).

Ponte Vecchio

This famous bridge, literally the "Old Bridge", was built in 1345, and is the oldest in Florence. It has always accommodated workshops of one kind or another, though by 1600, the butchers, tanners and blacksmiths, who polluted the river with their offal and waste and caused a choking stench over the city, were evicted. The shops were renovated and rebuilt, and leased to the inoffensive jewellery trade. To this day, the bridge is lined with pretty shops selling modern, classic and antique jewellery to suit every budget. The bridge escaped the bombs of WW2, some say as a direct result of an order from Hitler, while others say the bomber pilot approached the bridge at sunset and could not bear to destroy such an ancient and beautiful structure. So he dropped his bombs elsewhere, out of harms way.

Galleria dell'Accademia

This is the Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1563, and the first European school to teach the techniques of drawing, painting and sculpture. Many of Michaelangelo's important works can be found in the Accademia, including a statue of St Matthew and the "Four Prisoners", dramatically depicting muscular figures struggling to escape from blocks

of stone. The most dominant work is the "David", Michaelangelo's magnificent, massive, nude classical statue of David, the biblical hero who killed Goliath. David, sculpted in marble in 1504, has recently been beautifully restored.

Palazzo Pitti

Started in 1457 for the banker Luca Pitti, this enormous building was intended to show the powerful Medici banking family that it had a worthy rival. Ironically, ongoing building costs bankrupted the Pitti heirs and the palace was bought by the Medicis who made it their main residence. The rooms are lavishly decorated and, today, exhibit many treasures from the Medici collections. The Renaissance style Boboli Gardens, are laid out behind the palace.

Uffizi Gallery

Originally a suite of offices for Duke Cosimo1, this is probably the oldest art gallery in the world. From about 1580, Cosimo's heirs began to use the building to exhibit art treasures belonging to the Medici family. Today, the gallery is laid out in such a way to guide the visitor through the development of Florentine art from the Gothic period to the High Renaissance, and beyond. A number of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures are also displayed.

Church of Sante Croce

Legend tells us that St Francis founded this church himself. The current building, started around 1294 to replace an older construction, is the biggest Franciscan church in the world. The beautiful, austere Gothic structure contains the tombs of several famous Florentines, including Michaelangelo and Galileo. There are also sixteen chapels, many of them decorated with frescoes by Giotto and his pupils.

Piazza della Signoria

This unique, spacious square is enhanced by the majestic Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall (1322), and the Loggia dei Lanzi (1382), a graceful, airy loggia, housing famous statues by Cellini and Giambologna and ancient Roman statues of priestesses. Further sculptures in this unique square include an heraldic lion by Donatello, the spectacular Neptune Fountain by Ammannanti, Giambologna's statue of Cosimo 1 on horseback and a copy of Michaelangelo's David, all dating from the 1500's..

Piazza Michelangelo

The piazza is situated on a hill slightly south east of the city centre. It dates from 1860 and is home to copies of Michaelangelo's famous statues. There are far reaching views over the rooftops, spires, towers and domes of Florence, the largest being the rich, red dome of the Duomo itself. Beyond, lie the misty purple hills of Fiesole.

San Lorenzo Market

This outdoor market has an excellent selection of good quality and reasonably priced goods, such as leather gloves, jackets, belts and bags of all descriptions; scarves, pashminas and ties; painted trays; costume jewellery and Florentine souvenirs of every type.

Back For More

Bargello

Superb collection of beautiful Renaissance sculpture, including works by Michaelangelo, Donatello, Giambologna, Cellini and others.

Medici Tombs

 Adorned with some of Michaelangelo's finest works.

Casa Buonarotti

Michaelangelo's house for a short time, housing some of his personal belongings and works.

Palazzo Davanzati

Typical home of a wealthy Florentine family of the 1500's.

Church of Santo Spirito

 Augustinian church dating from 1250, with beautiful colonnaded aisles.

Church of San Lorenzo

 Parish church of the Medici family.

Church of Santa Maria Novella

 Gothic church housing important artworks.

Convent of San Marco

Beautiful, simple setting for a superb collection of devotional frescoes by Fra Angelico.

Brancacci Chapel

Frescoes depicting the life of St Peter, commissioned around 1424.

Mercato Centrale

Big, covered food market tucked away in the depths of the San Lorenzo market.

There are numerous exciting features and attractions at Atlantis, however one of the most compelling is the art, which is found at every turn: in landscape designs, paintings, color schemes, architecture and sculptures.

The art of Atlantis is as much a part its mystique as the Marine Habitat, the Aquaventure or the Mayan Temple. And of all the art found on Atlantis, the artistic hand of the sculptor seems to have left one of the most lasting impressions.

Because the stunning public sculptures seem synonymous with Atlantis' theme, on this trip, that is where we will aim our focus.

The Architectural Sculptures

There are six residential towers and a resort at Atlantis that range from the Beach Towers, which is the oldest, to The Cove, the newest. The most lavish accommodations are found at The Royal Towers, which includes:

• The Great Hall of Waters

  Located off the lobby of The Royal Towers The Great Hall of Waters is characterized mainly by... water. An aquarium wraps around a part of the area; there are pools; and gushing fountains that soar up several stories.

• The Dig

  The famous aquarium is partly located on the lower level of the Great Hall of Waters and underneath the Royal Towers lobby. Connecting passageways and chambers wend through what are the simulated ruins of the city of Atlantis. Approximately 20,000 deep reef fish swim on both sides of the passage, and in certain areas, they swim in the waters above the heads of visitors.

• The Casino

  Lavishly designed as buildings representing a Mayan Temple of the Sun and a Temple of the Moon, all set to the music of about 1,000 clanging slot machines.

• The Bridge Suite

  Located in the connecting bridge of The Royal Towers this suite rents for $25,000 per night, requires a 4-night stay, and has a five year waiting list.

Aside from the sculpted pieces designed and built around and even into the architecture, The Royal Towers, when viewed from a distance, might be said to resemble a gorgeous sculpture.

The Royal Towers in Early Evening Light

And then, there are the massive doors opening onto the lobby of The Royal Towers with its bas relief figures and symbols.

Entrance Doors to The Royal Towers

The entire Royal Towers lobby is an unbelievable work of art. From the paintings to the sculpted posts, and a gold scalloped ceiling, there's a continuation of the marine theme.

The Royal Towers Lobby

Sculptures such as Sea Horses, the Dolphins and other sea creatures represent a marine life theme frequently and beautifully repeated in the architecture and almost every aspect of the property.

Sea Horse Sculpture

Twin Dolphins

The Casino

This is the only casino in the world built above a body of water. The lavish and elegant gaming area is designed around replicas of two Mayan temples representing a Temple of the Sun and a Temple of the Moon. The towering glass sun and moon radiate from atop the temples, which stands at key locations in the casino. A third piece, Crystal Gate stands impressively at the casino's entrance.

One of the world's greatest glass blowers, Dale Chihuly was commissioned to lead the team that crafted these massive and magnificent sculptures. The sculptures were commissioned at one million dollars each. Later, Chihuly would add a fourth piece, the Atlantis chandelier.

• Temple of the Sun

  More than 2,300 red, yellow, and orange elements radiates like a fiery sun.

• Temple of the Moon

  Cobalt blue and opalescent white glass globe glows as the light of a rising moon.

• Crystal Gate

  A tower of glittering crystal that rises 20 feet into the air welcomes visitors to the casino.

• Atlantis Chandelier

  An elegant chandelier in shades of gold, silver and amethyst displaying a wild array of glass that suggests figures of jellyfish, anemones, tentacles of squid , seaweed and more.

Temple of the Moon

Temple of the Sun

Dragon Statue at entrance to Dragon's Disco in casino

These are just a fraction of the many interesting and beautiful public sculptures that grace Atlantis. Not included are the sculpted fountains, and the many additional pieces located around the property. Next trip, a look at the incredible fountains of Atlantis.

Glasgow is not the gritty, working-class metropolis of legend. It never was, and there are many attractions and things to do in this Mecca of the North.

Glasgow, in fact, is one of the UK's most visited cities. It hosted the Great Exhibitions of 1888 and 1901, became an industrial powerhouse in the twentieth century, and has returned as a place of culture since the Second World War. The city hosted the popular Glasgow Garden Festival in 1988, and was designated European City of Culture in 1990. In 1996, it hosted a spectacular Festival of Visual Arts. More than two million tourists visit from within the UK and from Europe and more distant areas every year.

The Old and the New

Glasgow is home to many of Scotland's principal performing arts organisations:

• The Scottish Opera
• The Scottish Ballet
• The Royal Scottish National Orchestra
• The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
• The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland
• The Citizen's Theatre

In addition, there are many new small and "experimental" venues and lively pubs and clubs, especially clustering around the Glasgow centers of learning. Since the city's first university was established in 1451, Glasgow has been hailed as a powerful seat of learning. Lord Kelvin, Adam Smith and James Watt are just some of history's great thinkers associated with the city's academic past. Today's educational establishments include:

• The University of Glasgow
• Strathclyde University
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• The Royal Scottish Academy of Music
• Glasgow School of Art
• College of Commerce
• College of Building and Printing
• College of Food Technology
• Glasgow Hotel School (Strathclyde University)

Visitors are often surprised to learn that Glasgow has the largest retail sector outside of London. Residents and visitors from around the UK and overseas are drawn to the city's expanding shopping outlets, which include:

• Shopping malls like the chic and trendy Princes Square, the enormous St Enoch Centre, Sauchiehall Street Centre, Parkhead Forge, the historical Argyle Arcade, and the Buchanan Galleries (opened 1999)
• The main pedestrian shopping thoroughfares of Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street. .
• The unique and colorful Barras weekend street market
• The smaller, character filled outlets of the city's bohemian West End
• A wide range of top class cafés, restaurants, pubs and wine bars

The city of Glasgow is proud of its tough industrial past and current vibrant economy. The city employs City Centre Representatives to help shoppers and visitors around the city, and a comprehensive City Watch close-circuit TV scheme keeping a watchful eye on the streets.