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Venice’s Gothic Masterpiece - The Ca’ d’Oro

August 4, 2008 by Jill Kammer · Leave a Comment 

by Jill Kammer

As one of the most amazing works of architecture, Ca’ d’Oro has quite a claim to being world renowned and they definitely deserve the honor.

For centuries, Venice has been a main European trade center and has taken influences from places like the Middle East and others throughout the continent. This cosmopolitan city’s architecture has been affected with a mixture of its influences.

Ca’ d’Oro sits beside the Grand Canal which is known as the main waterway for the city. Constructed during the 15th century, the home was inhabited by the Contarini family after 1430 who were a quasi-noble and well known family. Between 1043 and 1676, the Contarini family gave eight of their own as doges to Venice.

In Venetian Gothic style, the white and pink facade once displayed gold leafing which gave the building its name. It’s complete with arches styled after the Byzantine era, and posts carved with capitals, which don’t much resemble the Greek. Giovanni Bon created what resembles floral designs, and is considered to be a noted architect of the time period.

In a colonnaded loggia accessible from the canal level, you will find the entrance on the ground floor. An awe inspiring enclosed balcony located upstairs can be found right outside the art gallery. Although this view from outside is impressive, once inside it’s even more so.

A sense of peace can be found outside of the bustling city at the inner courtyard, as long as it’s not at a time when many visitors are crowding the area. The Vera di pozzo, known also as the wellhead, is an interesting sight to enjoy when relaxing in the courtyard.

In one room 16th century Flemish tapestries can be found. In another room a collection of 12th through 16th century bronzes are on display, and nearly every time period tells a story through the furniture found on the premises.

Paintings found in the world famous Gallerie dell’Accademia are good examples of the kind of quality that can be found here. By Titian, “Venus at the Mirror” can be found as well as Manegna’s “San Sebastiano”. Other gorgeous paintings displayed are by Giorgione, Carpaccio and Tintoretto among others. Impressively, Van Dyke and Jan Steel made it possible for Dutch artwork to make it to Venice.

The Grand Canal in all its glory can be seen from the balcony outside, where breathtaking views abound. The Quatrefoil windows display intricate carvings worth taking a look at, so get close and personal when taking in all the sights on the balcony. Located on the second floor, the polychrome marble incrustations on the balcony should not be overlooked.

From this part of the gallery, it is easy to gain access to a room filled with intricate ceramics. Fit for the richest of the 15th century in Venice, kitchenware such as cups and plates can be viewed, offering the sense of what life was like during this time period for the wealthy.

The Gold House in Ca’ d’Oro won’t disappoint those looking for a treasure in Venice.

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How to Find Cheap Hotels in New York

August 2, 2008 by Gee Njuguna · Leave a Comment 

by Gee Njuguna

There is an emerging trend that I have noticed in my many months of travel and its that most people like to give up on great bargains even before they start. It looks as if bartering as an art seems to have been forgotten as is the idea of comparison-shopping. Most people do not realize that for every cent that they save while on vacation that they use to buy food, accommodation or transport is money that they can spend on adventure and entertainment.

New York city has a lot to offer you as you go around doing business or perhaps enjoying yourself on a holiday. Its hard to know where to start but one of the things that you can do as you search for cheap hotels in New York city is to save some money before landing in New York. It would be a good idea to take time each evening and reflect on the people that you have come across and had a chance to talk to and remember what they offered you in terms of perks and price for your accommodations.

New York is a competitive city and as a result, many hotels in New York bend over backwards to please potential customers by offering them perks in order to get business from them. Many managers of these hotels aggressively promote the hotels they are managing because they know that the more rooms they sell the more money the hotel makes thus keeping their own jobs secure

For those that are aggressive enough and take the time to make notes of the hotels that they have visited, they will most likely work out a deal with the managers and get a better offer in terms of price than what they were being offered originally.

This method might not work out very well if you try to secure a deal on a weekend that is known to be popular for travel. Therefore i would advice that you don’t search for accommodation in New York on popular holiday dates or on extended weekends for your trip. Apart from these, the rest of the weekends are open to all unless there is a popular event going onthat will attract a huge crowd to stay in the hotels.

Remember when I said that lots of folks don’t like to bargain and would rather give up on good deals? Well, not only are you able to get better deals by doing a comparison of different hotels in New York, but can be lucky to get free perks such as tickets, meals, tickets to shows or even spa packages at hotels and gift certificates at the hotel gift store. Don’t be surprised at the length at which hotel managers will go in order to have you stay at their New York hotel. The manager are willing to incur small losses because they know that they will be will make up more money in add-ons and other purchases that you will make.

Please remember to be a generous tipper as some New York hotel managers can get angry and confuse being frugal or cheap. Being cheap is one thing and being frugal another. If you treat the staff badly they will remember you long after you’re gone! But lets not go there as that is another long story all together. The trick is being polite and nice when dealing with hotel managers over the telephone and going with your best deal.

Do remember that getting the cheapest room does not necessarily mean that you are getting the best deal. There are other ways of looking at it. For example, if you are getting 1 or 2 meals every day that you stay at the hotel, and yet you are only paying five or 1o dollars more, then this might turn out to be a good deal, particularly if one of those meals turns out to be dinner.

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Ecotourism: Is It Good For The Young?

July 29, 2008 by John Bakers · Leave a Comment 

by John Bakers

For many who have an eye firmly on the future, children, ecotourism and personal growth go hand in hand. As families choose a travel destination, whether it is in the more traditional field of recreation tourism or in the growing industry of ecotourism, the adults make choices with the welfare of children in mind.

Of course, how much effect a travel choice has on child development is still a matter of opinion, but not too many people would argue that quality travel choices and environmental education do children a lot of good. When parents, medical personnel and child psychologists discuss personal growth, they often have an image of a new style of “pop” psychology. In response, a segment of the population will look on this concept with derision, even sneering at the idea of guiding the personal growth of a child.

Those who react negatively often cite limited research and suspect information as reasons for dismissing the “pop” psychology movement. Many see this trend as just another way to make money through the sale of books, CDs and other products.

There is certainly some benefit to this psychology, however limited. But there will also be a consistent cloud of doubt as to the legitimacy of such “movements” because of the commercialization inherent in a capitalist society. Ecotourism as a positive influence on child development may be a bit different, however. This new concept in world travel is founded on solid principles that focus on the environment and the preservation of natural resources.

The value system that is at the core of this idea can be a positive influence on all age groups, not just the young. But passing these values on to succeeding generations may indeed be the key factor in the success of ecotourism and the preservation of a fragile environment. Dedication to the cause of preservation can have a long-lasting impact on the way our younger generations view social activity and economic success.

Putting “children” and “ecotourism” together as a concept may be uncomfortable for some. To some ears, it may be an odd mix of words. When most people think of ecotourism, the image is one of progressive adults who are more than average in their sensitivity to environmental issues. Ecotourism, to most, is the combination of progressive beliefs and time away from work.

But for others, this description is much too limited. Ecotourism is not all play or all work. It is, indeed, a great opportunity for education and personal growth. This growth should not be limited to adults, according to proponents of ecotourism, who see this concept as a way to invest in the future of our children. Within the growing ecotourism movement, some have been confronted with the term “children ecotourism gambit,” voiced by sceptics who see the inclusion of children as a tool to get more attention (and money) for the industry.

Sincere proponents of ecotourism, however, see that this new field can help instil values in our children that will lead to serious involvement in environmental and social issues in the future. Activities that combine children and ecotourism can be fun and educational in the present, while building a foundation for responsible travel and tourism in the future.

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10 Things I Like About Kauai, Hawaii

July 29, 2008 by Phyllis Wheeler · Leave a Comment 

by Phyllis Wheeler

Perhaps you are hankering for a sun-n-sand vacation. You might think of Hawaii, but you might have the mistaken notion that it’s too crowded.

If you like less-crowded vacation spots, you should definitely consider Kauai, Hawaii’s least-traveled large island. Here are 10 reasons why:

Put your face in the water (wearing a mask or goggles) at any beach and watch the colorful fish. You don’t even need a snorkel.

2. You can find great surf on Kauai and also tame wavelets. Those are on the sheltered south side.

3. Outfitters on the island offer zipline tours through the treetops and kayaking on scenic rivers and oceanfront.

4. You will see an amazing coast on Kauai’s northwest side. Hollywood directors have found it and used it in movies like King Kong and Raiders of the Lost Ark. You can see it from a boat or helicopter, or even from a kayak if you relish an athletic challenge.

5. Possibly you are a frequent flyer. In that case, you may be able to use your miles to get there.

7. Scuba divers will like the safety factor of diving under U.S. liability laws.

7. Do you like crowds or dislike them? If you want to get away from crowds, Kauai is the place for you.

8. Endangered wild life such as monk seals and sea turtles can be found in or near the beaches. Be careful not to touch! But do bring your camera.

9. You can find out all about Niihau, the neighboring island forbidden to outsiders for nearly 100 years, 17 miles away.

10. Because you can use U.S. currency, your vacation may be less expensive than at other, non-U.S. tropical destinations.

Kauai may be a good place for you to think about.

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Cyprus Holiday Rental Villas Inside Secrets

July 28, 2008 by Tim Martins · Leave a Comment 

by Tim Martins

Cyprus was finally become the top European holiday destination and satellite TV shows are claiming that Cyprus rental villas with an unheard of 24 hour a day help line, incredible surroundings, sea views and with all modern standards included. They are also saying that with the choice between apartments and villas you are guaranteed a personalized problem free holiday.

This largely English speaking island is rich in culture and a mythical history that just keeps tourists coming back year after year. The quality Cyprus rental villas are available at differing budgets but there is absolute attention paid to all minor details regardless. You won’t be disappointed with the accommodation especially because of the guaranteed paradise surroundings and the amazing sites that you will just be dying to explore. The first step to find the right Cyprus renal villa for you is to check out a few web sites that are highly ranked in Google.

There is a really great choice in rental villa properties all over Cyprus and if I had to mention just one place it would definitely be the Coral Bay Villas which are tucked up against the coastline and within a matter of yards from the Mediterranean Sea, turning it into the perfect destination for any lovers of water sports.

Our day to day lives do become a bit stressful to say the least and I cannot think of any where better than Cyprus rental villas to find the peace and tranquility that my daily life totally lacks. The feeling of love at first sight will come back to you as you Cypus unveils it’s total beauty and you will be feeling back to ten again as all those relaxing moments make you feel just perfect.

Anyone wishing to escape grayer, colder climates in winter time may like to try out the heated swimming pools that are offered by Cyprus rental villas and a really special spot is Pervolia and Kato Paphosup. The villas are also fully equipped with large private gardens so privacy won’t be an issue. Golfers will find the local course at Secret Valley Resort quite tough going but it’s a really testing par 72 course. Remember that when you order a hire car that you ask for GPS so that you don’t get lost at all and avoid problems on your problem free Cyprus holiday.

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A Brief Introduction to Boutique Hotels?

July 18, 2008 by Bill Harris · Leave a Comment 

by Bill Harris

For a great many people staying in a quality guest house or lodge is the best type of accommodation to stay in when visiting a city such as London in the United Kingdom. Such accommodation is usually considerably cheaper than even the cheapest hotels while the accommodation’s rooms are usually of a very high standard. Some of us dislike the majority of modern hotels even though there is often a wide choice from various hotel chains and family run hotels. Many consider the modern hotel rather cold, clinical and hardly inviting but for several decades now there has been a marked increase in the number of hotels which describe themselves as boutique hotels but what exactly is a boutique hotel?

“Boutique hotels” originated in North America and such hotels are usually small privately run hotels with a strong and noticeable character offering a most excellent personalized service which is not commonly experienced in the larger, well known, hotel and motel chains.

Roughly three decades ago the culture and style of society was rather different and many liked to fashion a specific lifestyle for themselves. More and more people began to demand hotel accommodation which would fit more closely to their chosen lifestyle. The hotels which where redesigned to meet this demand became known as design hotels or lifestyle hotels.

In 1984, the Morgans Hotel in New York opened, it was owned by Ian Schrager, a famous hotelier, who had commissioned Andre Putman to design it. Morgans Hotel, New York is credited as being the world’s very first Boutique hotel. There are other boutique hotels which lay claim to being the first, such as San Francisco’s hotel Vintage Court which opened in 1983. Vintage Court is part of the Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group Inc. which has many boutique hotels.

While many of the large hotel chains have a distinctive corporate image to uphold, which often translates into their hotels being rather similar, boutique hotels are not so restricted. In fact such hotels more often aim to be as different as possible and many owners choose to design their hotel around a specific theme or style. If you are visiting the city of London and you appreciate the style of Spanish-Americans then you will find the Church Street Hotel very much to your liking. It’s interiors are richly decorated in a Cubano style with matching art work and furnished in superb Colonialist furniture.

London, like many of the world’s largest cities, has a large number of boutique hotels. Best Western have many hotels in the city including the boutique hotel, Shaftesbury Kensington, which has recently been refurbished and offers a huge range of services including broadband Internet access from all rooms. The hotel has all of the amenities of the largest hotels, such as bars, restaurants, conference facilities and a fitness room. The sudden and rapid growth in interest in boutique hotels has led to a little confusion over the true definition of the term and to blur things a little more several large corporations have established boutique hotels to grab a little of this expanding market.

One of the best boutique hotels in London is found opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace at 41 Buckingham Palace Road. The Red Carnation, 41 Hotel is only a few minutes walk from many of London’s finest tourist attractions and only a short distance from Buckingham Palace itself. If you are visiting London you may want to stay here if only to be able to say to friends that you stayed at that address.

While the word boutique may well be used extensively now and there are usually many to choose from the very nature of them dictates that each will be considerably different than the other. They seem to be appearing virtually everywhere these days and there is even a boutique hotel on the Isle of Harris in the extremely remote Outer Hebrides. Now that you have a greater understanding of what makes a boutique a hotel boutique then you may wish to consider booking into one next time you visit somewhere new.

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London Tours Can Be Fun And Cultural Too

July 17, 2008 by Elizabeth Campbell · Leave a Comment 

by Elizabeth Campbell

The largest and most interesting city to visit in England is the capital city, London. The city always has something to do, or somewhere to visit that will suit everyone. The most famous attractions of course are the Royal Family and the Queen, and the traditional ceremonies that are synonymous with them. Travelling around can be quite tiresome and troublesome, as London is a huge city. There are many ways of getting around, the two most popular ways to see London are either the Tube (London underground), or via an organised tour. The Tube is popular as there is a tube station near to every tourist spot.

When visiting London the easiest way to see everything you want is by booking a tour. For the more energetic there is a walking tour. There are also tours specifically for the younger generation. One of the favoured tours is on an open top ‘red bus’ (weather permitting), a rare sight these days. Other interesting tours are those of the taverns, historic monuments and ‘rock and roll’ tours.

London has a population of over 7 million and is one of the most diverse and cultural cities in the world. The different cultures vary in accordance with the many different faiths, backgrounds and countries of origin the people come from. With all the different ethnicities comes different languages, there are more than three hundred different languages spoken within London. The most common of course is English but others include: Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Gujarati and Bengali to name just a few. The only way to really experience these different cultures is to wander amongst them.

London has many markets that are well worth a visit. One of the oldest markets is Billingsgate Fish Market. This market dates back to 500 BC and only moved to its present location in 1962 (Isle of Dogs). The longest street market in the United Kingdom is Walthamstowe Market which is just over a mile long (1.61 km). The smells and sights have to be seen to be believed, and a visit to any one of the many markets in London will not disappoint. If a market is not to your taste then Camden Town has plenty to offer the serious shopper.

The relationship between London and Literature runs deep. One of the most widely known literary figure is poet, actor and playwright William Shakespeare (born 1564, died 1616). Of course most people visiting London will have some knowledge of the works of Shakespeare as he is one of the most important writers in the English Language. For those people studying, or just with a strong interesti in, Shakespeare there are a number of tours which take in the important places associated with Bard with some specially designed to cater for this trade with many including the viewing of a performance, of one of his plays, at the Globe Theatre.

The original Globe was constructed from 1598 to 1609 and William Shakespeare, as well as being a writer and actor there, was one the shareholders. It was during one of the more spectacular performances that the theatre burnt down, apparently a canon set alight the thatch roof. Rebuilding and repair quickly commenced and the theatre was ready for business again in 1614. Sadly it was forced to close for good by the Puritans, and flattened in 1644.

Another celebrated author that comes to mind when touring London is Dickens. He resided in numerous locales across the city, but not all of them are still around today. One home, 48 Doughty Street is still around and is the venue for the Dickens Museum. His earliest residence was 16 Bayham Street in Camden where he stayed a young boy. This residence no longer exists but there is a plaque at 141 Bayham Street commemorating him. In the place where one residence stood is a tower block. That particular home was 1 Devonshire Terrace and the tower blocks address is 15-17 Marylebone Road.

South Bank Book Market, situated at Riverside Walk SE1 is one of the best places to buy books. The market takes place every weekend (saturday and sunday) and is open from 10.30 am to about 7 pm during the summer. In the winter the opening hours are shorter (12 pm to 5.30 pm). There has been a book market here since 1982.

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London Tours Are The Best Way To Take In The Sights

July 17, 2008 by Elizabeth Campbell · Leave a Comment 

by Elizabeth Campbell

One of the most interesting cities in the UK is London. Not only is it the capital city, but it is a city with a vast amount of things to do. London has a colourful history, and a large proportion of tourist attractions are related to this. Of course, the first thing to come to mind when thinking of London is the Queen and Royal Family. London is an enormous city and navigating your way around can be tricky. To take the stress out of this there are plenty of organised tours where one can sit back and relax. If a tour is not to your liking, then the easiest way to get about is the underground or Tube.

When visiting London the easiest way to see everything you want is by booking a tour. For the more energetic there is a walking tour. There are also tours specifically for the younger generation. One of the favoured tours is on an open top ‘red bus’ (weather permitting), a rare sight these days. Other interesting tours are those of the taverns, historic monuments and ‘rock and roll’ tours.

In the world there can be no more culturally and ethnically diverse a city as London. The population of London is more than seven million with over 300 different languages are spoken in London schools. To experience this enormous array of different cultures, one only has to walk about as each culture is generally represented in small, distinct, areas of the city. As you move from one area to the next you will notice small and subtle changes until you find yourself in a completely different environment.

London has many markets that are well worth a visit. One of the oldest markets is Billingsgate Fish Market. This market dates back to 500 BC and only moved to its present location in 1962 (Isle of Dogs). The longest street market in the United Kingdom is Walthamstowe Market which is just over a mile long (1.61 km). The smells and sights have to be seen to be believed, and a visit to any one of the many markets in London will not disappoint. If a market is not to your taste then Camden Town has plenty to offer the serious shopper.

London has many sights and things to do for the tourist interested in Literature. William Shakespeare (1564-1616), the famous poet and playwright has connections with London. His famous Globe Theatre was sited in London, and even though the original theatre no longer exists, it is possible to visit and watch performances at the newly constructed Globe Theatre, which is close to the site of Shakespeare’s original theatre. There are a lot of different tours available with a Shakespearean connection.

Shakespeare was not only a playwright but also an actor. He was also a shareholder in the original Globe Theatre, which was built in the period 1598-1609. Tragedy occurred in 1613 when the theatre was rendered to the ground. The thatch roof of the theatre caught fire when a canon set off on stage hit the thatched roof. The theatre was repaired and opened up again as soon as possible (1614). The doors finally closed on the Globe in 1642 and it was finally knocked down in 1644.

Charles Dickens is another famous person from the world of literature who has close ties with London, and there are numerous tours affiliated with him. When he was a child Dickens lived at 16 Bayham Street, Camden. Today however you will find a plaque at 141 Bayham Street, this is because number 16 has been demolished. Another of his home still stands and that is now the Dickens Museum (48 Doughty Street). Unfortunately the remainder of Dickens homes are no longer standing. One such home is 1 Devonshire Terrace, where Dickens lived in 1839. Today an office block is in its place at Marylebone Road.

Everyone likes a bargain, and if books are ones passsion then the South Bank Book Market is a must see place. Found outside the National Film Theatre at Riverside Walk SE1 the market is open on saturdays and sundays and has been in existence since 1982. In the summer the opening times are 10.30 am - 6.30 pm, and in the winter 12pm to 5.30 pm. There are a great number of secondhand stalls where everyones tastes are catered for.

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What are Boutique Hotels?

July 16, 2008 by Bill Harris · Leave a Comment 

by Bill Harris

The travel industry is huge and there are many huge organizations involved which own numerous hotels with one or more properties in most of the world’s important cities such as London in Great Britain. However there are also a great many individuals and families who run small hotels, guest houses or other accommodation. It is often the case that many of us choose to stay in such accommodation rather than one of the well known, and rather more expensive, hotels which often seem very much the same whichever city you are in. Over the last few decades it has become common for accommodation to be advertised as a “boutique hotel” and this article examines exactly what it is that makes it “boutique”.

“Boutique hotels” originated in North America and such hotels are usually small privately run hotels with a strong and noticeable character offering a most excellent personalized service which is not commonly experienced in the larger, well known, hotel and motel chains.

Roughly three decades ago the culture and style of society was rather different and many liked to fashion a specific lifestyle for themselves. More and more people began to demand hotel accommodation which would fit more closely to their chosen lifestyle. The hotels which where redesigned to meet this demand became known as design hotels or lifestyle hotels.

There are a number of hotels which claim that they were the first hotel be become a boutique hotel. One such hotel is the Morgans Hotel in New York which was owned by a famous hotelier Ian Schrager. Schrager had commissioned Andre Putman to design the hotel which opened in 1984 and is usually credited as being the very first of the many boutique hotels we see today. Another hotel with a reasonable claim to the title is the Vintage Court hotel in San Francisco (part of the Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group Inc.) which opened in 1983.

While many of the large hotel chains have a distinctive corporate image to uphold, which often translates into their hotels being rather similar, boutique hotels are not so restricted. In fact such hotels more often aim to be as different as possible and many owners choose to design their hotel around a specific theme or style. If you are visiting the city of London and you appreciate the style of Spanish-Americans then you will find the Church Street Hotel very much to your liking. It’s interiors are richly decorated in a Cubano style with matching art work and furnished in superb Colonialist furniture.

London, like many of the world’s largest cities, has a large number of boutique hotels. Best Western have many hotels in the city including the boutique hotel, Shaftesbury Kensington, which has recently been refurbished and offers a huge range of services including broadband Internet access from all rooms. The hotel has all of the amenities of the largest hotels, such as bars, restaurants, conference facilities and a fitness room. The sudden and rapid growth in interest in boutique hotels has led to a little confusion over the true definition of the term and to blur things a little more several large corporations have established boutique hotels to grab a little of this expanding market.

One of the best boutique hotels in London is found opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace at 41 Buckingham Palace Road. The Red Carnation, 41 Hotel is only a few minutes walk from many of London’s finest tourist attractions and only a short distance from Buckingham Palace itself. If you are visiting London you may want to stay here if only to be able to say to friends that you stayed at that address.

It would seem that the term “boutique hotel” is appearing here there and everywhere nowadays, even the Isle of Harris (an extremely remote island off Scotland) has a boutique hotel opening soon. However it really doesn’t matter how many appear as each is entirely unique by definition. If you are planning a short city break or vacation soon why not consider trying out a boutique hotel, I am certain that you will find one to match your lifestyle.

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London’s East End

July 16, 2008 by Billy Jones · Leave a Comment 

by Billy Jones

Most folk know that the capital city of the United Kingdom is London in the south east of England. As Europe’s largest city, with a population exceeding 7 million people, there are several areas where different cultures seem to congregate leading to a multi-cultural and rather cosmopolitan society. One of the areas most people associate with true Londoners is the East End of London.

To some people the location of the East End is obvious, but the average tourist is often confused, expecting only a small area. In actual fact the East End encompasses all those districts which are to be found east of the centre. Of course such a large area contains a number of highly interesting places to visit and a number of top class tourist attractions. One thing that you really should make the effort to see is the fascinating collection of dolls houses at Bethnal Green Museum. The collection contains numerous antique houses dating back to the 17th century.

Londoner’s who live in the East End are generally known, and commonly referred to, as “Cockneys”. However, to be a true Cockney the person has to have been born within the sound of “Bow Bells” (the “Bow Bells” are the bells from Bow Church). Strangely the word “Cockney” is derived from the middle English word “cokeney” which is the name given to misshaped eggs or cock’s eggs.

In the grim years of 1348 - 1350 London suffered the effects of the Black Death (Plague), because of the vast number of people inflicted it became necessary for the dead bodies to be piled into huge pits (this was mainly because the number who died was so huge, and the number of fit folk so few). Excavations, near to Tower Bridge, have unearthed over 700 skeletons in one of these pits (known as plague pits).

The main port of London was in the East End with the first being the West India Dock which was completed in 1802. For a long time, from 1788 to around 1960, it was the world’s busiest port. At it’s peak (in the 1930’s) the port’s docks saw 35,000,000 tons of cargo being handled and, at this time, the port employed around 100,000.

Joseph Merrick, or the “Elephant Man” as he is better known, was, for some time, one of the attractions of an East End freak show. Another famous East Ender is the seafaring explorer Captain Cook. He lived in the Wapping area, and in 1762 married his wife who was also from the East End. She was first introduced to her future husband when she was only a child.

During the 1960’s the East End became famous for the gangster operations of the “Krays”. The Kray twins (Ronnie and Reggie) ruled an incredibly lucrative criminal empire which became headline news when they were finally brought to justice. One infamous East End criminal who famously evaded capture was “Jack the Ripper”. In 1888 Jack the Ripper brutally murdered five women then ceased much to the annoyance of the police. There were many suspects but little hard evidence and the debate continues to this day as to who really was the Ripper.

Many assumed that the Ripper was a Jewish person because, at that time, Whitechapel was almost entirely Jewish. The East End had always been where most new incomers first set up home when arriving in Britain. Even today the East End has a massively diverse multi-cultural populous and this is likely to continue for a great many years yet.

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