English-speaking world

14 May 2023

WORCESTER

 At the entrance to the Hex River Valley, surrounded by mountains that are often snow-capped in winter. The main town of the fertile Breede River Valley, notable for the production of wine and food. Scenically beautiful, it lies on the main Johannesburg - Cape Town route. Worcester has done much to assist the handicapped, including the installation of traffic lights which emit audible signals.
The Worcester Museum, housed in three historic buildings, contains fascinating exhibits. Also of interest is the former home of the artist Hugo
Naudé, the old drostdy (magistrate's residence) with its fine Regency façade and the Karoo National Botanic Garden.
Hex River Pass 964m above sea level and built in 1875. A gateway to the Great Karoo, the road runs 10 km along the escarpment.

Worcester

 

06 May 2023

LABRADOR

 UNIQUE AND EXOTIC...

  
Labrador is the mainland portion of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is 300,000 square kilometers of trackless wilderness, and includes some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. From the peaceful fishing communities along the south coast to the sweeping panorama of the northern fjords, Labrador will delight, inspire, and enchant you! This land of boundless beauty and endless adventure. Anglers will think they're in heaven. Salmon, char, pike and other fish are big and plentiful. Here, where the world's largest herd of caribou roams. Only 30,000 people live in the area, so there's plenty of elbow room. Labrador remains a land of mystery and intrigue, a land that beckons adventurers. It remains as it has always been: a land where nature prevails.

 
Labrador

Labrador, Cape St. Charles
 
  

29 April 2023

DOVER

     The Gateway to England

 To millions of vacationers, Dover is no more than a large, workaday port below white cliffs which constitute an evocative first and last sight of Britain. While wartime bombs deprived the town of much charm, it has been the most significant cross-Channel port since Roman times and there are a number of interesting historical sights. Magnificent Dover Castle looks out to France, just 17 miles away and easily visible on a clear day. Its 12th-century keep is surrounded by Victorian barracks and ramparts. Within the castle walls is the shell of the pharos, a Roman lighthouse used as a bell tower.


Dover
 

Castle from Market Square * The Beach * The White Cliffs of Dover

 

Plunging hundreds of feet into the sea, Dover’s chalk-white cliffs are an inspirational site and a symbol of England. They stay white because of the natural process of erosion. Because of this, you must be cautious when walking along the cliffs — experts recommend staying at least 20 feet from the edge. Cliffs has 5 miles of walking trails with some spectacular views.

22 April 2023

HOT SPRINGS

 Hot Springs has always been a special place. President Andrew Jackson made Hot Springs the first Federal Reservation in 1832, the first piece of America protected for future generations. It is America's favorite spa, a world-famous resort built around the thermal waters. Surrounding Hot Springs like a jeweled necklace are five shimmering lakes with a wide range of experiences and atmospheres. From pristine mountain shoreline and crystal clear blue water to the excitement of water sports, lodging and restaurants in a high-energy environment. There is boating, touring, fishing, diving or just cruising around to see stunning homes or private islands. Hot Springs is a dream vacation for people who love history, natural beauty and lots of fun for everyone.

THERE IS NO OTHER PLACE SO UNIQUE AS HOT SPRINGS! 

Hot Springs

Hot Springs Lake Hamilton


 

08 April 2023

BALLARAT

 In 1851, the cry of “Gold!” shattered the tranquility of this pleasant, pastoral district. Within months, tent cities covered the hills and thousands of people were pouring in from around the world, eager to make their fortune. The gold rush petered out in the late 1870s. However, the two decades of wealth can still be seen in the lavish buildings, broad streets, ornate statuary and grand gardens. Today, Ballarat is Victoria’s largest inland city.

Ballarat

Panning for gold - Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, Victoria

Sovereign Hill is the gold fields’ living museum. Located on the outskirts of Ballarat, it offers visitors the chance to explore a unique period of Australia’s history. Blacksmiths, hoteliers, bakers and grocers in full period dress ply their trades on the main streets, amid the diggers’ huts, tents, old meeting places and the Chinese Village.

02 April 2023

SLIGO

 Sligo, well situated on a wooded plain between Lough Gill and the sea, is north-west Ireland's most important town. The port of Sligo sits at the mouth of the River Garavogue, sandwiched between the Atlantic and Lough Gill. The appearance of Sligo today is mainly the result of growth during the late 18th and 19th centuries. Sligo is perfectly situated for touring the ravishing countryside nearby, and it is also a good centre for traditional music. While at first sight it can seem a bit sombre, the town is thriving as the arts capital of Northwest Ireland.

 

Sligo

1973


Sligo’s link with the Yeats family is the main source of the town’s appeal. Yeats Memorial Building houses the Yeats Society, who are dedicated to commemorating the life of the poet. The town’s sole surviving medieval building is Sligo Abbey, founded in 1253. A short distance west from the abbey is O’Connell Street, with the town’s main shops and Hargadon’s bar – an old Sligo institution complete with a dark, wooden interior, snugs and a grocery counter.

21 March 2023

REPENTIGNY

 Just east of Montreal, on the north shore of the majestic St. Lawrence River, lies the vast region of Lanaudière. Within Repentigny's largely urban setting lies a gem of nature along the River. The Chemin du Roy will enchant you with its history, heritage and scenic views of the river. Discover the importance that culture plays in Repentigny at Espace Culturel with Centre d'art Diane-Dufresne and Theatre Alphonse-Desjardins. A site for major festivals. 

Repetingny

REPENTIGNY, P.Q., Fresh Fish Fry


Parc régional de l'Île-Lebel is a meeting point for sports and nature enthusiasts. In the heart of Repentigny bordering the St. Lawrence River, this park is a 15.7-hectare haven of peace. Its 3-km pedestrian trail is ideal for walking or running. Strength training and exercise modules, picnic areas and games for children, pétanque (a type of lawn bowling).


11 March 2023

FARGO

 North Dakota's largest city, Fargo is a bustling metropolitan area in the midst of farm riches. Fargo has the state's only children's museum (Yunker Farm) and the biggest mall (West Acres), housing the Roger Maris Museum, which is dedicated to the Fargo native who hit more home runs in a year than did Babe Ruth.


Fargo

Broadway Looking North. Fargo, N. Dakota, 1960

 
The well-preserved historic downtown is where you can find the Fargo Theatre, a 1926 vaudeville and silent film-hall with a working "Mighty Wurlitzer" pipe organ. The art modern interior is a fitting place for art films, stage plays and second-run movies.
Attractions in Fargo include the Plains Art Museum, among others; great public and private golf courses; parks; pools and, on summer weekends, a variety of live performances at Trollwood Park.


04 March 2023

ELGIN

 Elgin is the largest town in the district of Moray, a commercial and administrative center serving the whisky country around the Spey River, and the personnel of the nearby air bases. It has been rebuilt many times over the centuries. However, its original central street, now filled with a large church (the "muckle kirk"), as well as the series of alleyways leading off, can still be made out. Look, too, for the arcading dating from the 18th century, which still fronts a few stores. With its cobbled marketplace and crooked lanes, the popular town of Elgin still retains much of its medieval layout. The 13th-century cathedral ruins are all that remain of one of Scotland’s architectural triumphs. "The Lantern of the North", as it was known, was founded in 1224 and burned down in 1390.

 

Elgin

 Elgin, High Street

25 February 2023

FRANSCHHOEK

 Originally known as 'Le Quartier Français' - the French Quarter. Between 1688 and 1690 land was apportioned to some 200 Hugenots who fled persecution in France. Many had been winemakers in France and finding the cold climate of Franschhoek similar to that of France, they introduced refinements into the early industry.

HUGENOT MONUMENT
At the foot of the Franschhoek Pass and set in a formal garden with a mountain backdrop. Built to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Hugenots.
HUGENOT MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Exhibits are housed in a replica of the stately home. The museum covers the history and genealogy of the Hugenot families.

 Originally settled by the Hugenot refugees (1688) this picturesque valley of wine farms remembers its past in the impressive arched monument, its museum, and historic church.


FRANSCHHOEK PASS
From both engineering and scenic aspects, this is possibly one of the finest mountain passes in South Africa, with its views over the valley.