Top Ten Largest Cities in the World and Chongqing, China

Do large cities appeal to you? Are you excited to check out the urban scene of your travel destinations. I thought it would be a great idea to share the 10 largest cities in the world. This quick video lists these cities with their giant-sized populations. I found it particularly interesting that I had not heard of Chongqing, China and yet it is HUGE! So pick your favorite top ten, but for today I thought I would focus on Chongqing.

The lesser known, but extremely large Chongqing, China

When you ask people internationally about China's hubs and hotspots, Beijing, Shanghai and, to a lesser extent, Guangzhou typically come up as the most regular names. Far fewer people are familiar with the inland city of Chongqing however, and yet today this burgeoning municipality of 32 million people is cementing its position of one of China's most important new hotspots for trade and investment, having been referred to by The Economist as 'China's Chicago'.

The building is called "Urban Forest".

 

It’s not completed yet, but MAD Architects is taking a stab at what could be one of the coolest buildings, ever. The 700k+ sq ft, 1264 ft tower for Chongqing, China is designed to reflect a hillside landscape. Not only does it appear to defy gravity with its unconventional building structure, it will incorporate numerous gardens, trees, and other green environments.

 

What an awesome architecture landmark this will be when completed! I love the idea for an urban residential building. The incorporated gardens make a huge difference in the quality of life for apartment living in a large concrete jungle.

  

The Fengdu Ghost City is a tourist attraction in Fengdu County, Chongqing municipality, China. It is situated about 170 kilometres downstream from Chongqing on the north bank of the Yangtze River. The Ghost City is modeled after Diyu, the concept of hell in Chinese mythology and Buddhism. It was built over 1,800 years ago.
 

Happy Exploring!

Castles and Cathedrals ~ Countances, France

"The Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Coutances"



The Village of Coutances~  
  

Coutances is built on a narrow height that stretches from north to south to the altitude of 91 meters.

The south, west and east sides of the hill are quite steep, and down quickly to Prépont valleys east of the Soulle Bulsard south and west, which are the three rivers that surround the site the city.

 

Cultural and historical capital of the Cotentin, Coutances, dominated by its Gothic cathedral, invites you to discover and to linger. The churches of St. Peter and St. Nicolas, garden plants, old streets and mansions give the city a charm that has not diminished the reconstruction of post-war. Close to the city's museums Saussey manor and Castle Gratot are an invitation to wander off the beaten track.

 

Castle Gratot~

Just a few miles outside of Coutance you will find the Chateau de Gratot.
The first Château de Gratot was built during the 14th century, but underwent many transformations until the 18th century. It was constructed by the family of Argouges, barons of Gratot: they sold the castle in 1771. The castle is built in a number of styles, the most recent addition being a pavilion built in the 18th century.

The castle was neglected in the 19th century, and was used as a fodder warehouse for local farmers. It was definitively abandoned at the start of the 20th century. Since 1968 it has been recovering its past glories owing to a team of volunteers who restore it lovingly. The main restoration work took place in the late 60's and 70's, requiring tonnes of rubble to be removed from the cellars and ground floor, and the castle grounds to be cleared of undergrowth. Since then some buildings, including two of the towers, have been rebuilt, including adding wooden roofs to the towers and some buildings.

Historical documents and 19th century paintings showing the castle as a romantic ruin were used to guide reconstruction efforts. The 18th century pavilion has been fully restored with roof, floors, a staircase, windows and electricity, allowing it to be used for exhibitions and cultural events. It is open year round to the public.

The Legend of the Fairy~

The Fairy tower (French: La tour de la fée) was constructed at the end of the 15th century, and is supported by strong buttresses. The base is octagonal, and is finished by a rectangular room: the roof has two panels. The top is decoreted by balusters and gargoyles.

Long ago, the Lord of Gratot, returning from hunting, was attracted to the fountain by the beautiful voice of a young woman, it was the fairy Gratot.
Seduced, he married her.

But their union was possible on one condition. It was necessary that he never pronounce the word DEATH! A beautiful day ... If you want to know the thrilling sequel to the legend, you must go and discover the Castle of Gratot!

Where's it at?

Newdegate Cave with Eye See Personalized Tours

One of my favorite things are caves. Today I am going to spotlight Newdegate Cave located in one of my favorite places I am dying to visit...Tasmania. Also in the spotlight today is Eye See Personalized Tours.

 Gorgeous Foot Path to Newdegate Cave!

 Steps Down Into Newdegate

Illuminated Interior of Newdegate

"These underground caves are believed to have been formed more than 40 million years ago, but only discovered as recently as 1917 by timber workers.
The most famous of the caves is the Newdegate Cave and is only one of two dolomite caves available for viewing in Australia."~Eye See Personalized Tours

Highlights~
 Travel through the beautiful fruit growing region of the Huon Valley
• Enjoy a guided tour of Newdegate cave
• Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites
• Experience the majesty of the Cave formations
• Take a swim in the thermal springs pool surrounded by lush vegetation and ferns
• Indulge in a homemade lunch showcasing Tasmanian specialty natural foods including local, organic fruit and vegetables.

Eye See Personalized Tours has many tours to choose from. They have Full day, Half day, Extended tours, Cruise Ship tours, and Customize your own tour! Prices start at $90. Check out Judy's website at http://www.eyeseetasmania.com.au.

Kangaroos, Koalas, and Tasmanian Devils of course!
Live your dreams and travel!

The Harbour View Inn , Mackinac Island, Michigan

The first thing you will notice when you step foot onto our beautiful Island is the absence of automobiles.* (Some find this ironic, seeing how Michigan revolutionized the world with the automobile.) Initiated in 1898, this ban on automobiles has resulted in clean, noise-free air and a quaint, village ambiance filled with the soft clopping of horses. Just like yesteryear, you’ll get around by foot, bike, horseback or horse-drawn carriage. Dock porters at the ferry lines will usher your luggage to your final destination.

The Harbour View Inn

The Mackinac Island Carriage Tour Company owns and operates all horse drawn carriage
transportation on the island and charges a fee for their service.  You may choose to ride a horse drawn taxi, ride a bicycle or walk.  Our property is only a short ten minute walk from the ferry docks.
Bicycle rental is also available through many different vendors including our hotel.

Immerse yourself in the historic charm that has made Mackinac Island famous when you stay at the Harbour View Inn - a hotel with a fascinating history of its own.

Located only a short walk from the best attractions on Michigan's Mackinac Island, yet away from the bustling traffic of downtown, this relaxing hotel complex offers the perfect romantic retreat. Wander to the nearby docks and watch yachts sail into the tranquil harbor or take a short stroll along historic streets where the finest shops and restaurants on Mackinac Island await.

Harbour View Inn
6860 Main Street,
Mackinac Island, MI

Telephone: (906) 847-0101
Fax: (906) 847-3998
http://www.harbourviewinn.com

  

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Don't forget to tour the old lighthouse while you are on the island!

Mackinaw Point marks the junction of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Founded in 1889, the Old Mackinac Point Light Station was in operation from 1890 until 1957.

Gypsy Style Traveling

Have you ever considered traveling the more affordable "gypsy-style"? You don't need to be a part of a caravan of gypsies to enjoy this inexpensive bohemian adventure. Here are a few affordable options for planning your  trip...

Owner description~

“Made entirely from birch, douglas fur and cedar. Hand-made Stained glass windows. Electric heat with a thermostat, 110 power, upper and lower bunks. We are only ten minute bus ride from down town Seattle. Bathroom and shower inside our home just a few steps away! The bus is just a half block away . We say accommodates four but really two adults and two children is best. We are located pretty close to the city and a main road so it can be kinda noisy if you’re not used to that kinda thing. On that note, though everything is close by and convenient. The beds are new from Ikea. They are made from High density foam And so far people say they are great to sleep on. The second bunk is four feet off the ground so if you have trouble climbing you might wanna consider sleeping below, lol!

The bathroom is located in our house feel free to shower and use the facilities any time you like. The dogs will bark at you when you come in but will get better as they get to know you. We are so happy to able to share this space with you, as we have seen the joy it brings to so many people when they see it. We make sure to wash all the bedding every time it is used and thoroughly clean the space so it if fresh, clean and warm for your arrival. Clean towels are always available.”

 

http://tinyhousevacations.com/property/tiny-hand-crafted-vardo/

For a gypsy-style getaway in Mexico~ 

Casa del Encanto is a character gypsy caravan set in a secure, private garden in the center of the colorful village of Ajijic. The delightful, hand-crafted wooden caravan has a king-size bed, bathroom (shower only), cable TV and a DVD player. Valet parking is included.

Ajijic is a 20 minute drive from the Guadalajara airport. A variety of galleries, boutique gift shops, international restaurants and traditional Mexican eateries are within walking distance of the caravan.

Ajijic is a place to get inspiration – the tiny village is home to a large ex-pat population of artists, writers, photographers and otherwise interesting people that have chosen to live in a special part of Mexico – a place where they can live amongst and experience the rich culture of the locals.

Cathy Chalvignac, the owner of the Casa del Encanto, is a talented artist who was born in Paris, France, in 1954. Her childhood years were spent in Montreal. At age 19 she returned to Paris to study art. She developed her love of ethnicity and culture while traveling Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Maldive Islands, India and Mexico, where she has lived for the past 25 years.



Only $49 a night or $285 a week. For booking details and all the information you need go to https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/170175?af=1255102&c=direct_link

Historic St. Augustine, Florida

The Nation's Oldest City
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. Forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St. Augustine this nation's first enduring settlement.

This photo of Inn at Camachee Harbor is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Looking for a true waterfront experience? The Inn at Camachee Harbor stands above the rest of St. Augustine waterfront hotels. In most of St. Augustine’s other waterfront hotels your view of the water is actually across the road. Not at the Inn at Camachee Harbor. Nestled in a quiet cove of the Camachee Harbor Marina, this hotel fronts directly on the water. Your balcony and the fresh salt air are the only things that separate you from the delicious waterfront views!

Review of the Inn at Camachee Harbor~
"We have stayed with Inn at Camachee Harbor several times, with and without dogs. Each time was a pleasant experience,Always clean, always peaceful. We stay with a view of the marina, you just never know who will be there in the morning...one morning the pirates were parked outside our balcony. Where can you go and wake up to pirates?"

 Rates range from $99-$159 a night depending on the suite and the day of the week. For more details and booking information go to http://www.camacheeinn.com/.

Along Florida's Historic Coast, history comes alive in red-brick lanes leading to centuries-old churches, in forts where soldiers still walk the grounds, and on horse-drawn carriage rides through time. Head just out of town and back to nature along 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches.

 

 

Climb to the top of the lighthouse tower for a majestic view of the nation's oldest city and the Atlantic Ocean while a historic interpreter tells about the changing coastline and its impact on ships over the city's long history.  View traditional wooden boat building (call for specific times) and learn about the different types of vessels used in the area.

Kids* can play in our walk-in kaleidoscope and learn the science of how the lighthouse works, learn to tie sailor's knots, and be the captain of their ship in our play shipyard.

One of their special tours~

The Dark of the Moon Tour is the only paranormal tour that gets you in the Lighthouse and Keepers' House at night!Don't get stuck looking over the fence! Take the only tour that lets you investigate the most haunted place in the city!

This is the real deal! All ghost no gimmicks! Guides share paranormal history and experiences of people who have visited, lived, or worked at the Lighthouse. Then you are given time to investigate on your own, with only a glow stick lighting your way.

For all the tours, prices, and more information visit http://www.staugustinelighthouse.org.  

 

 

The Pirate Store

Plan on visiting The Pirate Store while on your trip. They also sell tickets for Pirate Tours.
Check out the friendly Pirate Store on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pirate-Store/349181005098171

162 St. George Street, Saint Augustine, FL. (904) 217-7246 

  

Alligator Farm Zoological Park
 

Zip Line Over Alligators!

Explore The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park at new heights.

 Zip across Alligator Lagoon.
Conquer sky-high obstacles. Surf the treetops eye-to-eye
with tropical birds. climb,clip, zip!

There are also many exhibits and shows!

 

St. Augustine Alligator Farm is located at:
999 Anastasia Blvd
St Augustine, FL 32080
(904) 824-3337http://www.alligatorfarm.us/
 

St. Augustine Tours and Sightseeing

Guides narrate tours of St. Augustine from charming open-air trolleys, trains or horse-drawn carriages. Guides in period costume also lead walking tours. On the water, observe wildlife on a leisurely kayak ecotour or take a high-speed boat tour for more adventurous sightseeing. Or take a nighttime tour of our haunting (and some say haunted) past, walking among the dead in our cemeteries and mansions.
Enjoy visiting historic St. Augustine, Florida!

http://www.floridashistoriccoast.com

Charters, Tours, or Guides?

My travel blog is new, but from the few reader I might have at this point I would like to ask..."Do you have or know of a Charter, Tour, or Guide company that you would like me to blog about? I love learning of fun and exciting new places and the different ways to explore them. Plus, being a small independent business owner, I know how important it is to spread the word! I would love to feature other small business owners in the travel industry on a regular basis.

Today I am going to feature Moore Charters operating out of Juneau, Alaska. A little over 10 years ago I sold most of my stuff down in Tucson, Arizona and ran away to Alaska for a couple years! What an adventure! I met some great people in Haines, Alaska. Grant Moore was one of them. He now lives in Juneau and has his own fishing and whale watching charter business. What a great day job!

I highly recommend going to Alaska. It is unbelievably beautiful. I remember thinking the snow-capped mountains looked computer generated because they were so sharp and clear. I haven't been able to see all of the Inside Passage yet, but I have been to the top. Juneau, Haines and Skagway are at the top of the passage. Being a map lover, I made a map of the region...

If you haven't noticed yet I am also a pirate lover. Traveling that far north can feel like the "end of the world". I actually drove the whole way from southern Arizona and all the way up through Canada. I couldn't afford the ferry route at the time. Coming over the pass in the Yukon down into Alaska I really felt like I was at the top of the world. The distant orientation of the sun plays a large part in the far away feeling.

There are a lot of whale to see from your charter boat!

Look at the beautiful colors in that glacier at Tracy Arm!
You can book a private charter with Moore Charters to Tracy Arm. Whales, seals, icebergs and glaciers!

Fresh King Salmon anyone?

Meet Capt. Grantley  Moore with some fresh catch of the day.

"Most of our visitors are folks on Alaska cruise ship shore excursions and our trips are tailored to get you to the heart of the action quickly and then back to your boat in a timely fashion."

 

Check out his website for more pictures, prices, and videos.

http://www.moorecharters.com/

907.723.8472