The Museum of London's Pre-historic wing tells the story of pre-historic London in its permanent gallery (newly created around 2002.)

The gallery's objective is to take its visitors back to a time wherein enormous pre-historic animals like the mammoth were found in locations now belonging to recognizable London landmarks like Trafalgar Square.

Men of the time period, respectively, travelled along the river (as opposed to the inter-belt) seeking out fish as a form of food supply along the many waterways.

It is hoped that the gallery will leave the patron enlightened to the fact that the city's true beginnings did not come into focus with construction of Roman style architecture, but rather was pre-dated, in such manner, as to suggest there was life in London before London was truly London (as we know it.) One significant example exists with the finding of a pre-Neanderthal skull within London's perimeter, historically noted as the “Swanscombe Lady” or the city's, of record, oldest lady.

In theory, “Swanscombe Lady” is part of a group that found their way to Dover nearly 400,000 years prior. Additionally, since the discovery of “Swanscombe Lady's” skull in final fragmentation as to making a reconstruction possible (1955 by John Wymer); other hominids, have, as well, been found.

The fragments, or a representation of the discoveries by way of plaster mold are prominently exhibited within the gallery walls. (The true remains are safely “tucked away” at the Natural History Museum.

Such (excavated) representations tell us the tale (of the days) of pre-historic London.

The first Londoners were a hearty lot, and most clever in the art of survival. The Thames River served as their main waterway.

There are other interesting items on display at the “new” gallery. In example, there is a life-like recreation of a woman from the Neolithic period (which is said to have been recovered from a rare burial mound at Staines Road, in Shepperton.)

Also noted, are images of a temple dating back to the Iron Age and round houses found at Heathrow, in the year 1944.

In conclusion, whether you have an interest in archaeology or paleontology or not, prehistoric displays, such as the one mentioned, will open your eyes to the theories of a London before London in new and surprising ways.

More information may be gleaned by going to: www.museumoflondon.org.uk.

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 wall served well throughout the centuries, but when the Qing Dynasty hit, the Manchurians were able to gain power because of the weak government and poverty in the people. The Manchurians seized the throne and combined forces with other tribes, and drove some out of the land to other distant plains. The emperor then had control over both sides of the wall. In 1912 a two year old boy named Pu Yi became the last emperor of China when a movement led by Sun- Yat put the Manchurians out of power. From then on China was led by a president, and there were no more emperors or dynasties.

Today, The Great Wall of China has lost its military importance, and has become a main tourist attraction. The Wall is in great shape and holds many events such as The Great Wall Marathon. It can be seen from the Earth's orbit, but not from the moon. The Great Wall is a universal symbol of China, as the Statue of Liberty is to the United States. The wall is about 5,000 kilometers, and travels through many different areas. The Great Wall of China is a beautiful historical monument that is a pleasure to see.

I, along with my family, planned a visit to Nehru Planetarium. This name was derived after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's late Prime Minister. It is erected at Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli. It was inaugurated by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru on 12th December 1976.

This scientific center seeks to inculcate in the people the spirit and temper of Science. The planetarium offers a new opportunity for fostering the scientific temper. They illustrate about space exploration via sky shows.

This helps visitors to learn astronomy and it was surely a pleasant experience. The shows combine entertainment with instructions and provide a new experience in cosmic awareness. The narration music, sound effects and special slide projections create sense of total participation in the show. They help expand the frontiers of knowledge of the universe.

The imposing Nehru Planetariums building has already become a landmark in Mumbai. It has three floors with a total area of 5000 square metres and is fully centrally air-conditioned.

There is provision in the basement for lecture halls and library of books on astronomies and space sciences. A hobby workshop will cater to the need of children and enthusiastic amateurs who wish to build their own telescopes and models. You can innovate their own pattern of study.

It has a circular sky-theater with a seating capacity of about 600 in the middle of the sky theater is giant planetarium projector. It's a night-sky as seen from any place on earth at any time, past, present and future.

We came to know that latest modern machinery and equipments are being bought to attract the people and lot of new science programs will be introduced You must not miss the opportunity of getting invaluable scientific information. It's really a must for every Indian and foreign visitor to pay a visit to Nehru Planetarium. So, don't forget to plan a visit to Nehru Planetarium

Originally the land of Pasadena City was inhabited by the Hahamogn Tribe of Native Americans, who lived on game and vegetation, in small villages dotted along the Arroyo Seco down to South Pasadena area. Then in 1771,with the arrival of the Spaniards, who established the San Gabriel Mission. The Hahamognas converted and became labour for the mission this was the fourth mission and it grew to be very prosperous having its own orchards, vineyard and cattle.

By 1883 the town was growing and built banks and hotels. In 1886 the railway arrived this then connected Pasadena to Los Angeles and turned the town into a winter resort. Then in 1886 Pasadena became a city, this brought streetlights, paved streets and a sewer system.

The first flower covered horse and carriage went down the high street on January 1st 1890, this has become a yearly celebration known as Tournament of Roses. Huge floats are covered with flowers both fresh and dried, plants and seeds. 1902 the people of Pasadena decided to include a game in the festivities and that game was football, this did not go to well so they decided to change football for Roman Chariot Games, eventually in 1916 football was brought back.

More and more settlers came to live in Old Pasadena, and the orchards gave way to residential areas. Now however Old Pasadena is growing into one of the premier travel destinations.

Accommodation:

There are at least 17 hotels in Pasadena City so you have a vast choice to choose from, big names like The Ritz and Hilton are represented there as well as some smaller hotels.

Recreation:

You have a wealth of museums and things to see and do in Pasadena City, choose from Art centre college of design, Norton Simon Museum, Pacific Asia Museum, Descanso Gardens, Pasadena Museum of Californian Art, The Old Mill, Museum of History, The Gamble House, Historic San Gabriel Mission District, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Tournament House and Wrigley Gardens, Kidspace Children's Museum, and of course we could not miss L.A County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens.

The Future:

As the City looks towards the future it tries to balance Historic Character, a safe healthy place for all its residents to live and thrive in, and to make sure that as a city it grows but keeps the community needs as a priority. Keeping in with the past the Colorado Street Bridge designed in 1913 as a work of art, has been renovated and brought the past and future side by side.