English-speaking world

25 December 2021

DARTMOUTH

 CITY OF LAKES

Dartmouth is Nova Scotia second largest city. Founded in 1750, Dartmouth is linked by two bridges to its twin city, Halifax. Known as "The City of Lakes" because of the 23 lakes found within its boundaries offering warm water swimming, boating, canoeing and water skiing. Nearby are the salt water beaches of Lawrencetown and Cow Bay. Tourist attractions in Dartmouth include Shubenacadie Canal, dating from the 1850's, now a public park with walking trails and interpretive signs along the canal banks; the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia which chronicles the history of  Nova Scotia's black Settlers; and Lake Banook, location of canoe races, wind surfing venue and two public beaches. On the Dartmouth side is Alderney Landing Park, a strip of green that looks out to sea and is the location of music concerts during the summer months.


DARMOUTH

GREETINGS FROM DARTMOUTH, Nova Scotia


19 December 2021

SPALDING

Spalding is a bustling Georgian Market Town set around the picturesque River Welland and situated within the South Lincolnshire Fens, approximately 105 miles north of London. The settlement’s name is derived from an Anglian tribe, the Spaldingas, who settled in the area during the 6th century. Surrounded by dikes and streams and counting seven bridges in its town center, it has a Dutch feel, reinforced by tulip fields in Springfield Gardens and its Flower Parade in early May. The parade celebrated the region’s vast tulip production and the cultural links between the Fens and the landscape and people of South Holland. Spalding has a surplus of small but worthwhile attractions, like Britain’s tallest windmill, an authentic blacksmith’s forge and Medieval churches. It is quite a special part of Lincolnshire and most definitely worth visiting numerous times.



SPALDING

SPRINGFIELDS GARDENS


Received from Thomas, Northamptonshire

11 December 2021

PERTH

 Western Australia’s pretty capital is the most isolated city in the world. The city of Perth lies on the Swan River, just 20 km from where it flows into the Indian Ocean. The coastal plain on which it stands is bordered to the north and west by the Darling Range, beyond which lie the region’s wheat fields. To the south is a diverse landscape: forests with some of the tallest trees on earth, mountains that dramatically change colour during the course of each day and a spectacular coastline. The history of Perth has been one of building and rebuilding. Perth is a relatively small and quiet city compared with those on the east coast. Its main commercial and shopping areas can be easily explored on foot. The city’s atmosphere is brisk but not hurried. The city centre is bordered to the south and east by a wide stretch of the Swan River known as Perth Water, and to the north lies Northbridge, Perth’s restaurant and entertainment centre.


Perth

PERTH SKYLINE FROM KING'S PARK W. A.
In this view, the rapid development and progress of this flourishing city is symbolised by dramatic modern skyscrapers which dominate the city line.

Established at the end of the 19th century, King's Park is 400 ha of both wild and cultivated parkland. Situated on Mount Eliza, it offers views of the city and the Swan River. Most of the park is bush land, which can be seen from the DNA Tower. A landscaped parkland area on the eastern side includes the 17 ha Western Australian Botanic Garden. Treetops Walkway, a 629-m-long elevated walkway, gives another perspective of the garden. The State War Memorial on Anzac Bluff is dedicated to the Western Australians who died in the two world wars. 


Visit Perth

04 December 2021

AUSTIN

 In 1839 five mounted scouts ranged over a broad area of wilderness seeking a site for a new capital city for the Republic of Texas. Location on north bank of Colorado River was chosen, where rich blacklands meet scenic hills. Name honors Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas". The city bills itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World". Austin has it all - blues, country/Western, reggae, jazz, conjunto, Tejano, swing and rock. Performed in various clubs around city and  at night spots along Sixth Street. Austin is home to  many computer chip makers and other computer industries. The city is home to nation's largest urban bat colony found under the Congress Ave. bridge during the summer.


AUSTIN

CONGRESS AVENUE and the STATE CAPITOL

State Capitol Building, a massive, classic statehouse of famous Texas pink granite, dominates the 46 acre, park-like area. It was completed in 1888. The handsome building underwent major renovation during 1993-1994 when it was restored to original splendor. Striking state office buildings surround the Capitol. 
 
 
Visit Austin: Live Music Capital of the World