Wanderlust

The Hebrides are a group of more than 400 islands found just off the Scottish north west coast.  The islands of the Inner & Outer Hebrides have been inhabited since the Mesolithic times and throughout their history the way of life and culture has been strongly influenced by numerous races and today the culture of the Hebrideans is a mix of English, Scottish, Celtic and Norse influences. The majority of folk speak in the Gaelic language and though some speak English, it is commonly their second language. In the past visits to the Inner and Outer Hebrides were only for those with plenty of money and those folk who could afford plenty of time. These days it is far to travel to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, you can travel by car and ferry or take a flight to various airports on the islands. Sadly it is impossible to get all of the way by rail although you can travel to the coast and then catch a bus for the remainder of the journey. Often the only hiccup that can occur is arranging accommodation especially if  you are looking for group accommodation on the Isle of Harris which is often fully booked up.

One of the most common reasons  for visiting the Hebrides is that the the landscape and the culture of the Isles are dramatically unique.  On the Isle of Harris you will find some of the most stunning golden sandy beaches in the whole of Scotland, and many folk believe the whole of Britain. Here and there you will find a standing stone on the Isle of Harris but it is on the adjoining Isle of Lewis that you will see the most astounding stone circle at Callanish not a huge distance from the town of Stornoway the main town in the Outer Hebrides. The Callanish stone circle is said to be second only to Stonehenge in England.

Deciding which island, Harris or Lewis, to stay on is a truly difficult decision and increasing numbers of people are choosing to spend some time on each. B&B accommodation on Lewis is commonly more readily available than Isle of Harris accommodation, so you should try to book as early as possible.

Bed and breakfast in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis is is not too much of a problem to find but again to be safe book in advance. All accommodation in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles is of a very high standard and the hospitality is the best you are likely to witness and the local people friendly and helpful.

Besides the Isles of Lewis and Harris there are several other inhabited islands that are easy to visit. The most commonly visited are the Uists, Benbecula and Barra and you will find a ferry which runs from Harris to North Uist at Leverburgh.

Down in london for the weekend on work and dont really want to spend all the time around the London conference venues? London has plenty to offer the bored -as you can see from this list.

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• The london eye- A modern day version of Vienna’s Prater ferris wheel which stands opposite parliament and dominates the river skyline. Climb into a capsule and get a brilliant view of the city. Check the weather forecasts, as the gloomy days can sometimes spoil the landscape view your given when your up there, and when its hot the temperature in the capsule can be unbearable. Closed for maintenance in January/February.

• Big Ben -What could be the UK’s most famous landmark. Unfortunately not open for the public to go and have a look, but if your near the house of parliament it may be worth getting close for a view. There are cells within the tower clock which are reserved for members of parliament, which havent been used since 1880 -given the Britains financial state, maybe we should look at bringing them back…..

• Buckingham palace- the official residence of Her majesty queen Elizabeth II, it became the official royal palace when Queen Victoria ascended to the throne. Since its owned by the nation, some of the rooms can be viewed by the public daily during the summer months and every other day during the winter. There’s the changing of the guard to see in the forecourt and the palaces state rooms, which have been available to view since 1993 in August and September.

• The tower of London – Residing on the north bank of the river Thames, the tower was once a fortress, a royal palace and a prison. Serving as a place of execution, armory, the royal mint and since 1303, the home of the crown jewels. Dont get locked up in there.

• London zoo -The world’s oldest scientific zoo, was opened on April 27th, 1828 and was opened to the public in 1847, it houses 755 species of animals with 15,104 individuals, making it the largest collections in the United kingdom. The animals range from Komodo dragons to Mexican redknee tarantulas and Tasmanian devils.

You read some odd things about France and in particular Paris from time to time. For example, France is the most visited country in the world by tourists. Another strange one is that the most disappointing tourist attraction in the world in the Eiffel Tower. Who came up with these so called facts is not exactly clear but the truth is that there is plenty to see and do in France and Paris that you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs next time you plan a visit. Here is some must see things while you are there.

To begin, the Eiffel Tower. Just to be a contrarian or have your own opinion, visiting the Eiffel tower has to be ticked off your must see list. Most people would recognize it as the first venue to visit in Paris and it provides a spectacular view when you get up to the top. The view is better if you know what you are looking but locations like Defense and the Basilica Sacre Coeur can be seen from the top. Depending on when you visit Paris, the biggest problem will be the long waiting times. It can take a long time to get up to the top because of the queues. Go in winter if you want to avoid the queues, the view is generally just a good as summer, especially of a dry, crisp day.

The Louvre is one of the most famous museums and art galleries in the world without doubt and a must see when in Paris. Of course everyone wants to see the Mona Lisa and you may have to queue at times, but there are thousands of other paintings and exhibits that you could spend days wandering round.

There are heaps of other museums and postcard locations to see in Paris. One that you might not think of but is thoroughly worthwhile is the Rodin museum. Rodin was the famous sculptor of the late 19th to early 20 th century, that created many famous monuments including the Thinker and the Kiss. The museum is actually set in the home where he lived. Many of the sculptors and statues are in the garden of the home, including the Thinker.

Montmartre is the quirky district in the 18th arrondissment. It became a focal point for many for artists during the 19th century who went on to create art that is now identified as impressionism and surrealism. After that it has become a must see location for tourists and popular location for many films, both French and foreign. You can stop for a bite to eat in the square or if you like nightlife there are many if nightclubs to visit. The heart of the district is the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. From the metro stop, you can walk up the sweeping steps or take the funicular railway to get to the Basilica and the square. 

The metro is all you need to get around Paris and see all the sites and more. Although this is just the tip of the iceberg of places to see when visiting Paris, for a first time tourist they are must see things if you are on a tight deadline.

Make your time in Paris immeasureably better by learning a little French. Visit Rocket French Reviewed for comprehensive reviews on some leading home study French courses that can help you to learn French quickly. You will find a Rocket French Reviews and Rocket French vs Michel Thomas