The 25-ft pencil exists in a horizontal position in the ancient market town of Keswick, Cumbria, in the north of the English Lake District. At 7.91m and some 446 kg (884 pounds) in weight, it is not only the longest coloured pencil in the world but one of the heaviest too. It graces with its volume and height one of the Cumbria's hidden gems, the Cumberland Pencil Museum which claims for itself the title of the world’s only museum dedicated to the History of the Pencil. And with good reason. This was graphite country.

The Longest Coloured Pencil in the World

Legend has it that after a violent storm hit the Borrowdale valley sometime around 1500, a shepherd who chanced by a bunch of uprooted trees discovered a strange black material underneath.  It looked like coal but it wouldn’t burn and it was perfect for marking sheep! It was not long until graphite mining began in Borrowdale and a cottage industry producing handmade pencils was born in Keswick. At first the graphite was roughly cut and wrapped in sheepskin but later a wooden holder was developed. The Cumberland pencils were popular with the Italian art schools and “wad” (as graphite was called locally) became so valuable that it was carried to London protected by armed guards. Although the mine started drying out by the mid-19^th century, the Cumberland Pencil Company which started in Keswick in 1832 is still going strong and it is the home of the reputable Derwent Pencils.

        

Today the Pencil Museum situated right next to the factory is a delightful place for young and old. Entering through a replica of the Seathwaite mine, the visitor can stroll through the manufacturing process of the pencil, marvel at the quaint displays of vintage pencils and old machinery, watch an informative video and last but not least feast their eyes on the longest coloured pencil in the world, which was completed in 2001.

An amazing selection of artists’ pencils waits at the gift shop –it is claimed to be the most comprehensive range of Derwent and Lakeland products anywhere in the UK. And what a gem of a place the Kids Drawing Zone is with plenty of materials to experiment with and walls covered with masterpieces. Artists' demonstrations and drawing workshops happen frequently too -check the museum's website before you visit.

There is no denying that Oxford is dominated by the academic spirit. University students everywhere, especially in England, are renowned for their need to party and to live it up. For some that and showing up to the occasional lecture is all they really do. In Oxford, however, you find that most elusive of specimens, a student that actually studies. Even in pubs you see them alone with a quiet drink poring over their notes, and the rowdiness that you come to expect of student pubs is simply not there.

For the tourist the students are part of what is interesting to look at, but there are also many good shopping streets, museums, pubs, and of course the colleges themselves.

Where to Stay: Burlington House is a luxury Bed and Breakfast in North Oxford, about 10-15 minutes walk from the city centre, but there is also a regular bus service. The rooms are beautifully decorated and for the price (starting at £85 for a double room including a luxurious breakfast) you get infinitely better value for money than you would at one of the more central hotels. http://burlington-house.co.uk/

Eating: For such a wealthy town, Oxford is actually a little poor in dining out options. Restaurants are pricey and not always up to the standard you would expect. We were disappointed with our meal at the much touted Fishers restaurant, where our order was not properly cooked. The best food we had was actually at the famous Eagle and Child Pub in St Giles, just across the road from the Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museums. Soak up the atmosphere and find a nice little nook where you can enjoy big portions of honest and very good Pub grub washed down with a pint of ale. For some fresh produce or food on the go visit the Covered Market, which was established in 1774. It is home to one of the best fishmongers you will find anywhere, and you can even eat some fresh and reasonably priced oysters at their counter.

Watering Holes: As well as The Eagle and Child, which has been open as a pub since 1650, there are many other good historical Pubs in Oxford with a great atmosphere, especially in Winter. The White Horse on Broad St is favoured by locals and serves very good ales, while the Kings Arms on Holywell Street has a much livelier atmosphere and serves reasonably priced food.

Museums: Oxford has arguably the best museums in the UK outside London. I particularly enjoyed my visit to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, which is housed in a spectacular neo-gothic building. It is very family friendly with stuffed animals out for the children to pet, and a wonderful collection of specimens. Make your way to the back to enter the Pitt Rivers museum, which is likely to be one of the most interesting and bizarre places you’ll ever visit. There, shrunken heads sit alongside weapons from every historical period, early prosthetics, armour, jewellery, and just about every other artefact imaginable that will have you leaning forward with a frown to look at the label. Unlike in other museums, objects are grouped together according to type rather than period, so you get a lot of variety as you walk around, and there is a feeling of exploration about the whole thing. There are also several other museums in town housing collections of Archaeology, History of Science, Painting, Drawing and Musical Instruments. Whichever cultural branch tickles your fancy, you are sure to find it here. For more information visit: http://www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_university/museums_and_collections/index.html

Colleges: These are at the heart of what makes the city special, and a tour around them is mandatory. It is easy, however, to get lost and not know which places are open for the general public. The best option is to try the City Sightseeing Oxford Tour, which will take you around all the colleges and give you all the juicy history behind them. http://www.citysightseeingoxford.com

There are also many guided tours departing from the Oxford Information Centre which will take you through specific parts of the city that are relevant to the many characters – real or imaginary - which have made it their home over the years such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Inspector Morse, C.S. Lewis and Harry Potter.

Botanic Gardens: This compact garden manages to combine an extremely interesting array of species in several acclimatised glasshouses with an extremely attractive walled garden next to the river, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The 1849 lily tank is worthy of note, and in summer it provides the rare opportunity of seeing the Victoria water lily blossom, while for fans of Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials Trilogy – the first book of which was recently filmed as The Golden Compass – the garden is a mandatory stop, as it is the setting of the final poignant scene of the saga is set

New York City has quite a colorful history that actually can trace back its original roots to the Lenape inhabitants prior to the arrival of Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524, however then the city had not been named “New York City”. Under Dutch rule in 1625, the city was named “New Amsterdam” and later renamed “New York” in 1664, after the English took control of the area. Interestingly, New York City experienced a major leap forward in 1898 after the city consolidated the “Five Boroughs” that once divided the landscape and the peoples living there.

Quick Fact: Number One

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New York City once served as the first capitol of the United States from September 13, 1788 to 1790.

Quick Fact: Number Two

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General George Washington was inaugurated at the Federal Hall on Wall Street on April 30, 1789 to become the first President of the United States.

Quick Fact: Number Three

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It is illegal to forage for food in New York City parks without having a permit.

Quick Fact: Number Four

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In 1853, the City of New York purchased 768 acres of land that once contained old sheds left behind by colonists, pig farms, quarries and swamps. This land was added to the land that the city had already owned to create an 843-acre city oasis that was named “Central Park”.

Quick Fact: Number Five

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In 1876, the French Government gave America the Statue of Liberty in honor of America's 100th birthday celebrating the country's independence. The Statue of Liberty was designed by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, which her face was modeled after his mother and the body modeled after a prostitute as the story is told. Gustave Eiffel, who is most famous for building the Eiffel Tower in Paris, built the steel framework of the Statue of Liberty and the completed 305-foot statue with pedestal was fully erected in 1886 on Liberty Island outside of New York City.

Quick Fact: Number Six

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Chinatown located in the lower part of Manhattan was established in the 1870s by Chinese immigrants who decided to settle in New York City and brought their ancient traditions creating one of the largest Chinatowns in the United States. Visitors can shop until they drop at one of the hundreds of shops or stores scattered throughout the city within a city. Chinatown is chalk full of historical landmarks including a statue of Lin Ze Xu and The Church of the Transfiguration, the oldest Catholic Church building in New York City built in 1801.

Quick Fact: Number Seven

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Grand Central Station was designed by John B. Snook a world famous architect that Cornelius Vanderbilt commissioned to design the railway station in 1869. In 1902, a horrific accident occurred in the Park Avenue tunnel taking the lives of seventeen people, because the smoke from the increased steam engines traveling through created poor visibility that led to the accident. In 1910, the use of steam engine trains were outlawed and replaced with electrified railway system that is still in use today.

Quick Fact: Number Eight

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Ellis Island was originally built just off the southern tip of Manhattan on 27 ½ acres of land, just prior to the War of 1812. Later in the island's history it was used as the gateway to freedom and a new life in the United States, where more than 12 million people from around the world immigrated into the US. Now, Ellis Island is an Immigration Museum that is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and hosts an enormous archive of documents, photos and artifacts that tells the story of new beginnings of the men, women and children that passed through its gates, so to obtain the promise of freedom that America has offered to millions of people then and since.

Quick Fact: Number Nine

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The Empire State Building is a towering 1253 foot skyscraper that has 73 elevators and took only one year and forty-five days to build from bottom to top. The classic film King Kong made in 1933, immortalize the Empire State Building in movie icon history and since then it has been featured in dozens of films and movies that only further cements its legacy in architectural history.

Quick Fact: Number Ten

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The United Nations Headquarters is located on Manhattan's eastern border on an eighteen acre plot of land that was purchased and later donated to the United Nations by billionaire John D. Rockefeller Jr. The entire area was eventually used to build the International meeting center and is actually considered International territory that does not officially belong to the United States and is governed by the International body of the UN.

The Rideau Canal

In winter, a skate or walk on the Rideau Canal is a must. The Rideau Canal is the longest outdoor skating rink in the world, and the Winterlude Festival turns it into a fairytale on ice. In summer, take a lazy stroll to the locks, and visit the Canal Museum.

Ottawa Theatre

If theater is your thing, go to the National Arts Centre, just west of the Rideau Canal. The Arts Centre is the Grand Duchess of theater in Ottawa, and hosts dance, music and international theater events such as the smash "Wicked" and the popular comedy "Beer". From the intimate Fourth Stage to the splendor of Southam Hall, the National Arts Centre has theater shows to suit your tastes.

For an artsy flair, go immediately east of the Rideau Centre, to Arts Court. The stone heritage building was once the Ottawa Courthouse. Arts Court is home to arts groups, modern art galleries, and a theater. The Arts Court Theatre runs popular art and music events all year. The 2008 fall lineup includes the Animation Festival, Le Groupe Dance Lab, and the original musical comedy, "Making Necrophiliac".

Arts Court also features a progressive artist-run gallery and performance space, in the basement.

The Ottawa Jail

Right next door to Arts Court is the old Ottawa jail and gallows. Condemned prisoners could walk from the courthouse, straight to the hanging! The jail is now a hostel, and offers tours for the brave. Many claim it's haunted. Death row is sure to send shivers down your spine.

The Ottawa Byward Market

The historic Byward Market runs for several blocks, just north of Rideau Street. Restaurants, bars, shops and buskers abound. Seasonal fresh vegetables, maple syrup, arts and crafts are available from the outdoor vendors. In the evening, many bars and venues have live entertainment. In summer, the Market parties every night!

The Rideau Centre

For mall shopping and window-gazing, visit the Rideau Centre on the south side of Rideau Street, at Sussex. Sussex Avenue runs north, between the Byward Market and the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Behind the Chateau Laurier, you can stroll among the flowers in Major's Hill Park, until you arrive at the National Art Gallery.

The National Art Gallery

The Gallery has free admission on Thursdays, from 4-9pm, and half-price admission on Sundays. It houses a vast collection of Canadian and world art, from ancient to modern. From there, it's a ten-minute walk over the picturesque Interprovincial Bridge, to the National Museum of Civilization. As you cross the bridge, you enter the province of Quebec. Bienvenue!

The Museum of Civilization

The Museum of Civilization features special exhibits, along with its permanent collection. For children, educational activities run throughout the day. Arrive early for IMAX Theatre shows -- there's always a lineup. Have a coffee on the Museum's cafe patio, overlooking the Ottawa River. Like the National Gallery, the Museum is free on Thursdays after four, and half-price on Sundays.

Trolley Tours, Bus Tours and Boat Tours

There's no shortage of Ottawa tours. You can even take a Harley motorcycle tour! Popular tours include Paul's Boat Tours, along the Rideau Canal; double-decker bus tours, heritage trolley tours, or a trip into the Ottawa River on an amphibious bus. The Haunted Walk offers a walking tour of Ottawa's spookiest places.

Parliament Hill

You can't miss Parliament Hill! The Peace Tower, with its immense clock, is visible from most of downtown Ottawa. Tour the seat of government in Canada. Watch the Changing of The Guard, every day at 9:45 am. Parliament Hill also features the RCMP Musical Ride. The Parliament Buildings are rich in art and political heritage, and are a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture.

Tourist Info

The Capital Infocentre at 90 Wellington St (www.capcan.ca), is directly opposite Parliament Hill, and has a wealth of tourist information, facts and tips. From Rideau Street, follow Rideau west past the Chateau Laurier, where it turns into Wellington.

For nightlife and entertainment, pick up a copy of the free local paper, the Ottawa Xpress.

Language

In Ottawa, services are available in both French and English. Quebec is officially French-speaking, but all services are available in English. Many residents speak English and French.

Enjoy your visit to Ottawa, Canada!

Part of getting ready to visit an unknown country is doing my homework stating the places of interest of the people traveling. My daughter and I put on a piece of paper which points of interest we desired to see and then compared notes.

Needless to say, many of the same ideas were on both lists. After compiling the final agenda, we had more to do. Locating the contents of the list on the map of Ireland, was next in line to schedule.

Since the entire country was to be seen, we decided to rent a car, so nothing was left out on our travels. It took 2 of us to drive the car. No kidding! One to sit in the driver's seat that is opposite from our cars and the other to shift and remind the pilot of the car to remain on the “wrong side of the road”. We are such creatures of habit; we determined early on, that the motoring was a 2 person venture. Signs were in the native tongue with some sporadic English language on the street signs too. We both learned much from our enjoyable mistakes.

Cliffs of Mohr, is splendid, but takes some getting to before you view the beauty. The trip to the cliffs was pleasant and enlightening. We passed many tourists, who were seeing the country from mini campers. Yes, they were on the roadway. Animals are permitted to roam free, so an occasional cow or goat alerted the co-pilot to inform the captain of the vessel to be alarmed to animal in the road. Bed and Breakfasts are plentiful and our selected rest and relaxation at the close of each day's events. We got to visit with locals and see interiors of some homes as well. We were fed very well in some, while others were skimpy for the first meal of the day. A Castle had to be one night's stay, which we were glad we only did for one night. The price was extremely high and the abode was cold. Everything was a-la-carte which meant no free breakfast during that one evening of feeling like Princesses.

Kilarney should not be overlooked. The countryside ride in a one horse buggy is a must, not only to see the sights, but to enjoy someone else driving you along with other benefits. I won't spoil the other great things that ride provides so you can be surprised as we were.

The Blarney stone, Bunraty castle, a caveman meal, seeing the church where Christopher Columbus prayed before setting sail to discover America and your heart's desire might be on your Points of interest list. The Abbey, museums; large and small along with Waterford Crystal Factory might be included on your “Must See” agenda.

Even if you do not drink alcohol, going to a pub at about 11AM, is an experience I will never forget and perhaps you might not either. Plan on walking if you are going to

sample anything alcohol. The bartenders serve delicious tasting concoctions that go down easily, and then kick you in about 20 minutes. I recommend Mead wine and asking the bartender for suggestions. Plan a meal in the pub if at all possible. Enjoy the locals there.

Many happy memories are mine from my trip to Ireland. You can write about yours when you return.

The Ottawa of today is a beautiful little city (one can walk across the city centre quite easily) with its parks, architecture and the Rideau Canal. There is something for everyone, as the saying goes. For the more culturally inclined, Ottawa has the National Art Gallery, the National Art Centre and the Bytowne Cinema. One can keep the kids (and parents) amused at the Bytown Museum, the Currency Museum, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Experimental Farm and the Aviation Museum. For a spot of reflection, visit the War Museum and the Canadian War Memorial. Elgin Street and the Byward Market are full of restaurants and bars. Athletes can run or bicycle to their hearts’ content along the Rideau Canal or boat on Dow’s Lake. There are plenty of hotels that cater to all types of people and many have suites, which include a kitchen (the Byward Market sells fresh local fruit and veg in the summer… time to fry up a fiddlehead).

Technically, Ottawa is in a temperate climate and therefore has four seasons. I have been visiting the capital of Canada for years and I think of it as having two seasons – weather- wise and culturally. Currently, I am in summer – the time of Open Doors Ottawa, Canada Day and – if you stretch the season a bit – the Tulip festival. Music and cultural festivals rule the summer season in Ottawa. At times, the list seems endless: Chamber Music, Bluesfest, Folk Festival, Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Capital Pride, Ottawa Fringe, CHIN Picnic, Carnival of Culture ….

In 1953, the Ottawa Tulip Festival became a date on the city’s calendar. The Tulip Festival occurs each May and brings to Ottawa colour so desperately needed after the long (exceedingly long) grey winter. It brings in visitors from all over the world (a sight in themselves). The tulips are planted all over the city but the majority are to be found along Dow’s Lake, which is part of the Rideau Canal. Other main sites are Parliament Hill, the Capital Infocentre, Commissioner’s Park, Major’s Hill Park and the banks of the Canal. At City Hall can be found wooden four-foot tulips, each painted with a different motif. The Tulip Festival owes its beginnings to World War II. Princess Juliana of the Netherlands and her family were evacuated to Ottawa and here she gave birth to her third daughter in a hospital room declared Dutch territory for the day. In gratitude, tulips were sent and are still being sent.

Ottawa’s Open Doors Day is a yearly event that I attended for the first time. Over one weekend in June, buildings of historical or architectural significance open their doors to the public and volunteers lead tours. One of the most popular places to enter is the Ottawa Hostel, probably because of its appearance on the TV show Creepy Canada. Formerly the Carleton County Jail, this hostel (yes, you sleep in a cell… really) is noted for being the execution place of Patrick James Whelan for the murder of Thomas D’Arcy McGee, a member of the first Canadian Parliament. It is thought Whelan was framed, so his rather perturbed spirit is said to still reside within the thick walls on this 19^th Century structure. If ghost sighting is not for you, there are plenty of other places to see like the Cartier Square Drill Hall, the Laurentian Club, the Conference Centre, the Heritage Building of City Hall – hmm, there is a ghost there too.

Canada Day is the country’s birthday celebrating Canada’s becoming a self-governing Dominion on 1 July, 1867. The city is covered in red and white and maple leaves – on people as well as places! The main part of the celebration takes place on Parliament Hill where one can see the Mounties perform the Musical Ride, the raising of the Queen’s Flag, the presentation of the Ceremonial Guard to the Governor General (Queen Elizabeth’s representative), various musical acts and, to me the most stunning and dramatic event, the flyover of the Snowbirds. In addition, at Rideau Hall, a select group of immigrants attend a special citizenship ceremony. A recent addition to the day is the CHIN picnic. The CHIN multicultural radio station is the creation of the late bandleader Johnny Lombardi.  His experiences in World War II led him to believe that by learning about other peoples’ cultures through music and dance we could develop understanding and acceptance. One mustn’t forget the fireworks – the best place to see them – the new Corktown Footbridge.

Summer is not to be outdone in Canada’s capital. Winter boasts its own attractions in the Christmas Lights, Winterlude and the frozen Rideau Canal. As long as one is bundled up (winter is indescribably bitter and not for the fainthearted – frostbite awaits the unprepared), there is no stopping one enjoying an Ottawa winter.

From early December to early January, Parliament Hill is as colourful as it is during the Tulip Festival but with colour of another kind. As part of the Christmas Lights Across Canada, the Hill is festooned with thousands of bulbs. Varying images and hues are cast against the Parliament buildings themselves. There is nothing quite like standing in the queue for the free hot chocolate and the pastry known as Beavertails, while you wait for the illumination opening ceremonies with its dignitaries and choir.  Afterwards there is the chance to toast marshmallows on the Hill and munch on popcorn at the Infocentre (a good place to defrost fingers and toes). Get to the Hill by way of Confederation Boulevard, also a sea of colour in lights.

February sees the arrival of Winterlude and often then the Rideau Canal Skateway is at its best. Winterlude was created to celebrate the northern climate and culture. The best parts of Winterlude are in the city centre. At City Hall, the visitor will find musical entertainment and an ice cafe. During the day, head to Confederation Park to see the ice sculptures in progress – try to guess what they will be when finished and check back a few days later. Artists from all over the world create the sculptures and they range from the hilarious to the fantastic to the poignant. At night they are illuminated and the park takes on an ethereal atmosphere – it truly is a Crystal Garden. More musical events occur in the Snowbowl and if you are lucky you will get to see waiters on skates compete in races on the canal.  In winter, part of the Rideau Canal is lowered and it freezes creating the “world’s largest skating rink” – 7.8 km (4.8m) from Dow’s Lake to Parliament Hill. Once the ice is thick enough and the temperature is low enough, the ice is prepared for skaters (and we walkers). At night, holes are drilled through the ice to allow water to flood the surface and provide a fairly smooth skating ice sheet. Stalls (those Beavertails once again) are set up along the canal’s length for Winterlude. Once the canal is officially open, everyone is on it (including me, but rarely do I stay upright on the ice for long)!

With so much to do – summer and winter – check out the National Capital Commission’s and the city’s websites. You never know what you might be missing!

Streets are lined with busy kiosks, architectural landscapes, gothic century cathedrals, and opera theatres. The Armenian and Orthodox churches manifest the cities ambience and depict a potently evolving history. No doubt the city is officially included to the UNESCO List of World Monuments of Architecture. Lvov has always been a significant educational portal housing the famous Ivan Franko National University where I learnt to speak, read and write Russian from amiable tutors.

Lvov has one small welcoming international airport (UKLL/LWO) located a mere 6Km from the Cities hub. I personally recommend taking the Railway as it has all the comforts of traveling, tourists die for. I recall a modestly priced journey from Lvov to the Ukraine's Capital Kiev. I was immediately impressed by their railway cabins, which were amply stacked with soaps and towels, fresh smelling, scrupulously white and cozy pillows, blankets mattresses. An attendant checked on us every 2 hours to offer tea, biscuits and other local desserts.

The most comfortable hotels are located in the heart of the city and tourists are offered cheaper initiatives such as renting an apartment. The "Downtown Lvov Apartments" are only meters away from theatres, cathedrals, museums, restaurants cafes and shops. A lot of ancient fortification and religious buildings are situated around the city- Olesko castle and Pidgirtsi castle. Not far from the city itself there are balneology centers in Truskavets, Morshyn and Skhidnytsia and ski-centers in Slavsko and Tysovets. The cities inhabitants are friendly and warm towards tourists and often invite Polish tourists as till date the city houses Polish architecture. Tourists are advised to buy mineral water and speak in Russian, Ukrainian, German or even English dialect.

The market place is havoc with fresh supplies arriving from the suburbs and rural plantations in the day time. Women are often seen employed as compared to men who would rather play dominoes within the city's central square. Ukrainian women are well known throughout the world for the arduous jobs and active spirit. You will see them tediously working in restaurants, medical centers, kiosks, bars, postal houses, hostels, messes and universities. Streets are also lined with young talented artists who make paintings out of charcoal and sketch portraits for passer-bys.

A famous club known as "Split" is one of the most privileged and prestigious entertainment zones consisting of casinos, restaurants, pubs and show-bars. Busses, railways, Tramps and Taxis run throughout the day and a tramp is the most convenient and cheapest mode of transport within the city preferred by university students and employees.

A personal favorite local starter is the Russian salad and "Smitana", a drink made of rich curd-pure in quality and excellent in taste. The salad is served in various Restaurants such as "Kapriz" and "Darwin" and the "Smitana" can be purchased locally from Kiosks or the Market place. I have till date not relished upon the original salad elsewhere. Many restaurants within the city offer smoking, non-smoking areas, special family room for larger families and a warm but busy ambience.

The climate in Ukraine is temperate continental, mainly characterized by plentiful precipitation and cloudiness in winter and fall where winters are usually long and cold. Summers are short but can be pretty hot. In winter the kiosks close by 5pm as it becomes really dark and the streets become deserted. At this time it is advisable not to venture off alone and to take a taxi while traveling within the city. My overall stay for 6 months in the city only warned me about staying out doors at nights as it can be dangerous for tourists and students to wander off alone. The cities inhabitants usually retire to bed early and begin the day as soon as the cock crows. Being a winter-bird myself, I would travel to this city often during December and January. Summer-birds are advised to wear carry minimal clothing as it can become very hot and sweaty during summer. The city has forestry reserves and various natural resorts; you will be thrilled by the beauty and natural forestry throughout the city.

Before you go do not forget to learn some basics in Russian language. Some phrases like "Thank you", translated as "Cpaciba", "Excuse me", translated as "Pajalysta", "Do you speak English?" translated as "we gavariti pa angleesski?", and a handy Phrase book will help you move about the city more conveniently. Till then "La re vedere" (translated as good-bye).

Museums

Many museums have children areas where the kids can learn science, history, and anthropology. The prices are pretty inexpensive and unless you live in an extremely rural area, you can find a museum close to you. When I lived in Vernal, Utah, we used to visit a small museum filled with bones. We would visit this museum one or two times a year. The museum would change some of its exhibits about once a year.

Libraries

Many of the libraries across the nation are trying to get more customers for their services. You can find music, books, and computers. Many of the libraries hold free concerts. Also you can find pamphlets and other notices of festivals, rendezvous, etc in your area.

Community Centers/Swimming Pools

Another inexpensive center for swimming and other community offerings is at your community center. Many centers have indoor swimming pools where you can get swimming lessons for your little ones.

Hobbies

Summer is a great time to catch up on your hobbies. If you like to knit, crochet, or sew, shops like Michaels provide classes. The local newspaper print organizational meetings for hobbies such as politics, amateur radio, trains, and etc If you don't know where to find others who like your favorite hobby, you might go to a store that sells supplies. The owners/managers can help you find others with the same hobby.

Garage Sales

If you are into antique shopping or even looking at other people's junk, searching out garage sales is for you. The best time is early before anyone else has picked over the stuff. You can see other parts of your city and meet new people. Sometimes groups of people will get together to do jumble sales. For instance, the Lutheran Church in our area does a huge jumble sale in their parking lot every Saturday during the summer months.

Local Tourists

Be a tourist in your own city or town. For instance, I am thirty minutes from Lake Tahoe. We go up and walk along the beach, watch the birds, and collect fir cones. So look around you. What can you do in your area? Do you live near the ocean? Are you close to the capital building? Go see that tourist trap that you have never seen because you were to busy traveling somewhere else.

So even though it is going to be a rough travel year, take some time and enjoy where you are. At the very least, catch up on your T.V. shows. Sit in your backyard with a hammock and enjoy the birds. It will save you time, money, and stress.

Everyone has to go see the art in Paris. The culture and ideas are so unique. Therefore, one of the top places to visit would have to be the Centre Pompidou. Here are several things to do. You can visit a large library, a museum of modern art, and/or listen to music. The building was uniquely designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Center Pompidou opened in 1977 and was named after the President of France (1969-74)

The Arc de Triomphe is another monument in Paris. This Arc gives one an opportunity to take great pictures of the city along with being able to admire its great architecture. Napolean Bonaparte had commissioned it be built in 1806 after a victory at Austerlitz. The Arc was in honor to those that fought in wars for France.

If you have children with you then you may want to visit the infamous Disneyland Paris. It is the largest theme park in Paris. Another theme park to visit is Park Asterix which has 27 attractions along with 6 shows and of course multiple rides for the adventurous and daring. There are a number of museums as well that your children may enjoy. There's the Grevin Wax Museum and a doll museum.

After an entire day of site-seeing one needs to visit the Eiffel Tower. The nightlife is fantastic. Have dinner in the Tower and enjoy the view of a beautiful city. This is definitely one of the top places to visit when in Paris. The tower was considered one of the tallest buildings in the world in 1889. Originally the tower was meant to be only temporary. It was built to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. Yet, it remained standing and has become a symbol of France. Did you know that the tower is the main transmitter for television in Paris? Gustave Eiffel made the design of the tower as part of a contest and won. The Eiffel Tower has three floors and at each level you must pay to see it. If you want to enter it is about $6 and to get to the top you pay about $20.

Other places to see in Paris are The Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Picasso Museum, the Paris Aquarium, and Versailles. All of these places will give you view of history and beauty while appreciating the arts and finding new-found appreciation for the architecture.

A group of Houston parents founded the museum with the hope of making early childhood development into a community-wide priority; and it now offers a variety of learning and educational services to a wide range of families.

The museum houses 14 multi-disciplined and bilingual exhibits and an auditorium seating 166, as well as a resource library for parents to aid with early childhood learning and development and also maintains programs reaching into the local schools, social service agencies, day care centers libraries, and community centers. It boasts of serving more children than any other youth museum in the U.S. per square foot.

Admission is only $5 per person, with special Free Family Nights every Thursday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.