Cruise Ship Destination Port - Things of Historical Interest in Nassau

Article Source: Disney Cruise Line – http://routebyroad.com

Things To See In Nassau

One of the ports that many cruise ships have as part of their itinerary is the Bahamian town of Nassau. It is a small place but there is plenty to see here. If you choose to get off your cruise ship and want to take a walk around the area, you will discover that there are some great historical monuments to see. Here are just a few of the sites that you will see that are within walking distance from the harbour.

The first thing you will want to do is to pick up a free map from the Port Authority Building. This is the building that everyone has to walk through that opens out into Nassau. All the points of interest are highlighted on these maps for your convenience.

Things of Historical Interest in Nassau

Queens Staircase

If you follow the map and walk along Elizabeth Avenue you will find yourself at one of the main sites of historical interest in Nassau. This is called the Queens Staircase. This is a set of stairs that were cut into the limestone hill by slaves. Sixty six stairs were created which lead up to Fort Fincastle, the fort that was used to protect the island from foreign invasion. Sixty five of the steps now remain. They are very narrow and very steep but you are sure to feel a sense of achievement once you have climbed up them all.

Fort Fincastle

Fort Fincastle is a ship shaped structure that was completed in 1793. It was constructed by Governor Lord Dunmore and overlooks Nassau, Paradise Island and the eastern approaches to the island of New Providence. The design of the Fort was created so that potential enemies would think that it was a large ship from a distance which would hopefully deter them from attacking the island. There are several cannons that have survived over the centuries including two 12 pounder cannons and one Howitzer.

Fort Fincastle used to serve as a lighthouse until 1817, when a new lighthouse was built on Paradise Island. You can take a short guided tour which lasts about 15 minutes and costs only $1. Once you are inside you will see the fantastic views of the town. On a lovely clear day, you will be able to spot your cruise ship in the distance and produce some wonderful landscape photographs.

Water Tower

Opposite Fort Fincastle you will see the Water Tower. It is 126 feet tall and is known as the highest point in Nassau. This is also a great place to see spectacular views of the whole city. It was built in 1928 as a water supply reservoir for the surrounding area.

Once you have spent a little bit of time taking in these historical buildings, you can choose to return to the Queens Staircase and head back down the stairs. This also provides a great photo opportunity. You can then take a look at the wonderful crafts that have been hand made by the sellers in the area. You can pick up artwork, bags and hats that have been hand woven and even statues hand crafted from wood.

Cruise Ship Destination Port - Things of Historical Interest in Nassau

The Historical Cultural and Culinary Delights of South Korea By

TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS – http://routebyroad.com

Nestled between the nations of China and Japan is the lesser-known country of South Korea. Although sometimes overlooked as a destination spot in the region, this area of Southeast Asia is a wonderful place to visit.

Founded in 1948 when it separated from its sister nation, North Korea, the Republic of Korea became a democratic state at the end of World War II. In 1950, the North invaded the South, causing the Korean War until the two sides signed an armistice in 1953. Both the North and the South have similar, long-standing traditions, but South Korea has become a modern, global economic leader that Western culture has heavily influenced over the last half-century.

South Korea is home to roughly 48 million people of whom about 12 million live in and around the capital and largest city of Seoul. The land area is 38,463 square miles, slightly larger than the state of Indiana. The climate of the region is very mild year-round and residents enjoy all four seasons. The landscape of Korea is mostly mountainous and covered with lush forests in the rural areas, but you can also find rice fields, the country?s staple crop, in many of the valleys.

Top Attractions

Many attractions in the country are sure to lure a variety of travelers. One of the most famous is Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. While the location of the palace is over 600 years old, the actual buildings had been rebuilt a number of times due to invasions and hostile takeovers. The present buildings house both the National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum. Once home to kings and rulers, the palace is rich with history, cultural artifacts and architecture, and enjoys a large number of visitors annually.

Those fascinated by the history and culture of the country should also check out the Korean Folk Village located near Seoul. See what life was like for Koreans during the Chosun period (from the 1700s up until 1910) in this 243-acre village. Observe and interact with residents as you encounter them in traditional Korean dress, but do not be fooled. These people are not hired actors. Many of the residents of the village actually live there! Enjoy music, shows, and authentic foods from a long lost but not forgotten chapter in Korean history.

The most popular attraction in South Korea is the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, in Panmunjom. Set at the 38th parallel, this area is where the democratic South borders the communist North. Here you will witness propaganda from both sides of the border. See what the North wants visitors to see as a stable, booming economy, complete with elaborate buildings and highways, but in actuality is a sluggish, repressed society, as shown by the South. Many South Koreans have family and friends still living in the North that they have had no contact with for over fifty years. Travel and communication between sides is prohibited and the hope is that, one day, an end to dictatorial rule will open up the border once again.

On South Koreas west coast, in the city of Incheon, you can visit the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall. This site is a memorial to General Douglas MacArthurs combat operation that led to the liberation of Seoul during the Korean War. There are also a variety of amusements and maritime attractions in the vicinity for visitors to enjoy.

Some festivals that visitors should consider in their itinerary include the Chunhyang Festival, the Nankye Traditional Music Festival, and the celebration of Buddhas birthday. The Chunhyang Festival occurs annually in Namwon. Chunyang is the Korean equivalent of the story of Romeo and Juliet. Many visitors come to this festival in the beginning of May to experience Korean dance, music, and parades. The Miss Chunyang Pageant is held on the last day of the festival. The Nankye Traditional Music Festival is a celebration of Nankye, a Korean composer who is said to have created Chosun Dynasty Korean Music. This type of music is a beautiful ensemble of strings, winds and percussion that produce a sound unique to Korean culture. This event is held annually in Yongdong in September. The celebration of Buddhas birthday is held in May all over the country. Many Buddhist temples hold festivals and parades on this holiday that is celebrated by many Koreans, regardless of faith.

Culinary Delights

While traveling in South Korea, visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary delights. Most dishes are spicier than most Western palates are used to, however. The favorite of most travelers is pulgogi. This is a traditional Korean dish that consists of marinated slices of beef with rice and vegetables that is then wrapped in a leaf of lettuce. Along with rice, another staple food of Korean culture is kimchi. This side dish is typically served with every meal. Kimchi is a mix of fermented vegetables, usually cabbage, and is especially hot and spicy. Since it is eaten regularly, there are many variations of kimchi to choose from. For those less adventuresome, many Western restaurants have made their way to Seoul and surrounding cities, so those who want to experience the culture but cannot handle spicy foods, there’s usually a McDonalds or a KFC around the corner.

Source: www.leisuregrouptravel.com

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The Historical Cultural and Culinary Delights of South Korea By