Coffee Cup Stain » Travel

Rockefeller Archaeological Museum in Jerusalem

Gail — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Most Americans may know John D. Rockefeller as the oil magnate and philanthropist who built the New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza and the Rockefeller Center, where NBC’s television program “Saturday Night Live” is taped; fewer people are aware of the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum in Jerusalem. The two buildings, though, began development at approximately the same time, in the late 1920s.

Rockefeller financed the building of the museum with a gift of two million dollars in 1927; the museum opened to the public in 1938, and contains antiquities found in archaeological digs largely from 1919 to 1948.

Any traveler to Jerusalem hotels should investigate the Archaeological Museum, which may be found near Herod’s Gate. The white limestone structure contains thousands of items that range from pre-history to the Ottoman Empire.

Visitors will find here a good portion of the history of the Middle East, from a 9,000 year old statue from the city of Jericho to jewelry of gold from the Bronze Age. You’ll find, too, pottery and tools from a great number of time periods: The Iron Age, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine. Especially of interest to travelers may be the 9th century wooden panels from the Al aqsa Mosque and Crusader stonework which once was part of the entrance way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. There is also a Paleolithic section where you may look upon the bones of Mount Carmel Man.

No matter what period of history is of interest, it seems as if tourists and travelers may find an example of it here.

Rockefeller Archaeological Museum in Jerusalem is a post from: Coffee Cup Stain

Museums in Los Angeles

Gail — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Los Angeles is known for its beautiful weather, among numerous other things, and this is one of the reasons it is such an attractive vacation destination. And the great weather is the perfect compliment to the beautiful beaches that lie across the west border of the city. And while there are some incredible cultural attractions that are associated with Hollywood and the film industry, the geography and location of Los Angeles is enough to draw millions of people to its beaches every year. And in addition to the coast and Hollywood, there are other major attractions in the city that are also popular with tourists.

One of the frequently overlooked aspects of Los Angeles is the amount of and quality of museums that exist there. The Grammy Museum, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Heritage Square Museum are just three of the great establishments in the city though they are representative of the diverse nature of the museums. The Grammy Museum is dedicated to honoring high achievements of musicians and bands and is definitely one of the city’s popular attractions for the guests in one of the 5 star hotels Los Angeles . The 30,000 square feet of museum space includes numerous films, multimedia exhibits and other artifacts of the music industry.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western United States and its collection includes over 100,000 pieces and includes items from ancient periods through the present. In addition to the great art there are various programs, lectures and workshops presented by the museum that consistently engage the community in its efforts. The Heritage Square Museum is an incredible place to visit and preserves the heritage of settlements and life in southern California’s early history. Items that reflect daily life in the region from Civil War days to the early 20th century provide great insight into the history and culture of this region.

Museums in Los Angeles is a post from: Coffee Cup Stain

A Day of Shopping in Philadelphia

Gail — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Most people go to Philadelphia to see all of the historical sights that mark the beginning of America. It is truly the best thing to see in Philadelphia and you would be missing a lot if you didn’t stop by places like the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center and the other many homes and places where the forefathers of your country laid the foundation of the America we know today.

There are some days were it is nice to get a piece of normal on a vacation is just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes we just want to do what we might do at home on a Sunday but in a different city. One of America’s great past times involves shopping and there are some nice places to step away from the tourist filled places and into a few shops. One of those wonderful afternoon walks in the sun can be found in Manayunk . This is a beautiful street filled with lots of little shops and restaurants. There are a few brand name stores like the Banana Republic but most of what you will find are specialty shops like Showing with Style for the pregnant loved one in your life.

If you want to stay in the area of the historical sites but want to through in a few shopping adventures head over to Old City . This is going to be the best of both worlds. You have Betsy Ross’s house in among the shops and restaurants between 2nd and 3rd on Arch Street. There are some areas with some street performers. It is fun to take a load off your feet and take a carriage ride through the area. It is a fun way to get the general feel of the place. This is also the area to go for some great art galleries, restaurants and pubs. There are plenty of boutique hotels. Philadelphia has them located all over the city so find one near the areas you want to spend your time.

A Day of Shopping in Philadelphia is a post from: Coffee Cup Stain

Going Green in Boca

Gail — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Visiting Boca is one of the great moments in any life. It’s such a beautiful city that usually one visit isn’t enough, and there are a number of guests who like it so much that they even decide to live here. If the appeal of Boca hotels becomes so strong that it seems like this would be a place to settle down, then there are a number of people who feel exactly the same. In fact the population has increased tremendously in the past few years, and this has spurred some very positive initiatives all over the city toward making Boca green .

This begins by being more conscious of everything that people do. Taking care to look at the way food is considered is a very important first step, and in Boca, there are a number of local farmer’s markets. These are wonderful places to find great organic produce, and a number of other local offerings. One of the great benefits of shopping this way is that it’s not only a very healthy way to eat, but it also keeps the local economy strong. It also helps to keep the farming traditions alive at a time when they are facing new challenges in competition from mass-produced foods.

Local Harvest is an excellent organization that helps to pinpoint the local farmers in any area, and also provides helpful hints in learning how to eat according to the growing seasons. There are also efforts in place to helping the locals learn ways of growing food as well as decorative plants that are earth-friendly, as well as Florida-friendly . Learning how to raise produce in one’s own living space is an excellent way to keep the carbon footprint softer, and it’s also very educational, and lots of fun. There is a splendid community for these activities in town, and even weekend tourists are benefiting from the efforts, making it more possible to recognize the delicate beauty of the place, and finding ways to preserve it.

Going Green in Boca is a post from: Coffee Cup Stain

Cartwright and the Ten in Philadephia

Gail — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:10:00 +0000

In the history of art, there are moments when things fall together in beautiful ways, where the conjunctions of ideas and people are simply there at the right time and place. It’s sometimes just a matter of connecting the dots. Of course, there has to be someone who’s willing to do the footwork and make the dots connect, and it usually depends on a mutually beneficial support system. That’s not entirely difficult, especially with artists who have had to struggle at least a little bit.

At other times, it’s not necessarily a question of fortuitous moments, but seems driven by a decision to make a moment because there is a need to have something happen. This seems to be the case with The Philadephia Ten , a group of women artists who worked together to promote their works together from 1917-1945. Recent exhibitions have been making the public aware of the group’s work and activities, and making works of their members, like Isabel Branson Cartwright very much in demand once again.

The works themselves are not particularly revolutionary in style, and don’t really break new ground in terms of a high level of experiment, but they’re solid and demonstrate a very consistently high level of skill. What becomes important, then, is the way they organized and exhibited. This is such an exciting idea that it just might bring critics, art lovers, and other young artists to luxury Philadelphia hotels to see what makes this city so terribly interesting.

It doesn’t matter much the time or the place. Safety in numbers is a rule that always works. For artists, then, it can be a means of survival. Because The Ten clearly saw that the odds were very much against them, but if they joined forces, then there might be no stopping them. It caught on, too, over the years they were together. They started with ten painters, and soon involved sculptors, too, and by the time they were at their peak, there were 30 in the 10, and they all recognized the historical moment, because they were also in the process of creating it.

Cartwright and the Ten in Philadephia is a post from: Coffee Cup Stain

Shawcross Blinded Me with Science in Dubai

Mod London: 2010

Gail — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:23:30 +0000

In a city where the broad strokes of history have taken some very bold moves, in the realms of both comedy and tragedy, there are places where it looks as though time stood still. Subculture is a fascinating thing, and one that will never find its most appropriate endgame, because there is no end. And when a new generation decides to adopt a fashion and a sensibility from another time, like the Mods have always done, it’s never frozen in place.

Tourists in London can find a city that is everything they dreamed it was, but there’s always so much more. Although it’s still a place where one can find excellent theatre, and a lovely hotel, London has a series of underground circles that continue to twirl forward into history, and often into visibility in the life on the streets.

When porkpie hats and short jeans are seen, it’s a good indication that this is the middle of another Mod revival . There is a presence in the city of Vespa scooters with lots of mirrors, and people who look like they might be the third generation of children of Marx and Coca-Cola. Unlike some subcultures, this one isn’t based on a blind faith in something unseen, but has always been put forth as a cynical response to the times.

It’s very reasoned out, this Mod world-view, and it’s one that’s actually somewhat enticing. The original manifestation of the Mods started as a kind of across-the-pond version of the Beat culture. They came from the working class neighborhoods of South London, and had a taste for existentialism. The favorite hang-out was the coffee house, not because of any moral choice on drunkenness, but because the cafes were open late. They could hang out and talk about philosophy and poetry into the wee hours.

They were also terribly fashion conscious, looking to Italy for clues about style, and them modifying these answers to fit their own tastes. While they were developing their own codes, which included an egalitarian perspective on sex roles, the music was trying to catch up, and once it did, it never stopped.

Mod London: 2010 is a post from: Coffee Cup Stain

Flaming Lips in Tampa

Gail — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 03:10:00 +0000

The Bay residents, and out-of-town guests, will be getting a very special treat this fall, and it’s one that’s been anticipated, and then disappointed, and now anticipated again. It’s been a twisty road to get the Flaming Lips back to play Jannus Landing again, but when 2010 is over, people will agree that it was all worth the wait.

Band member Steven Drozd was hospitalized this past April, which lead to the cancellation and postponement of several important shows for the band, but the rescheduling here has been successful, and arrangements made so that the tickets bought already will be honored on October 13 . And although it might be an interesting act in terms of sheer performance art effect to keep postponing indefinitely, that’s not like the band. They love to have fun and do crazy things for the sake of absurd effect, but they never like to let their fans down.

They will be drawing fans from all over, too, since their shows are legendary, and it’s been a long time since they’d toured together. The locals will be waiting at the gates, their floors covered by couch surfers, and even the best Tampa spa resorts will have a few old Flaming Lips fans waiting to see the show in style.

Frontman Wayne Coyne has always captivated audiences with his intelligence, sharp wit, and deeply self-effacing sense of backwards humor. One suspects that this mind is a major force behind a lot of the gimmickry that’s characterized the Oklahoma band during their career. It started in 1983, and has lasted much longer than anyone thought it could, combining pop culture with psychedelic sensibility to make music that is more like a dada performance than a concert. Inspired by bands like The Tubes, and Frank Zappa, they play differently and interestingly, and are responsible for a number of innovations in contemporary music in live performance. This will be one for the record books.

Flaming Lips in Tampa is a post from: Coffee Cup Stain

Thai Spirit Houses in Pattaya

Gail — Sun, 30 May 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Visiting Thailand can be an experiment in approaching contradictions, and the test is to see how judgement works in one’s own perceptions. Seeing it take hold, and watching it fade into the background when it becomes clear it does not matter, are great moments in world travel. These are, in fact, the very moments that can make a journey memorable, and to embrace the contradictions there is a kind of breakthrough in understanding.

In Pattaya, one of the most common contradictions that comes to the surface most frequently is that balance between the material world and that of the spirit. It’s a fascinating place, and can be one of the liveliest cities in the world at times. In some places, on most evenings, one can observe, or participate in, great excesses, consuming conspicuously enormous amounts of food, drink, and fun. In the same places, there might be small shrines to Buddhist spirits, and the traditions seem to suggest a release from the hold of all material things.

That the two things can exist in the same space can be a means of opening up a world view to include more things than were once dreamt of in some philosophies. In many places, especially larger buildings like hotels in Pattaya , one might find these shrines outside of the houses. These Spirit Houses are not necessarily Buddhist, and probably come from the animist traditions that precede Buddhism. There are some that will include some elements that are certainly recognizable as such, but these touches are likely to be more contemporary innovations.

In the tradition of Thai Spirit Houses , they are usually constructed so that they fall outside of the shadow of the actual house. They are, in a sense, that house in a miniature, and built so that the mischievous spirits of place will have a place to stay. There, they can be placated with food offerings, so that they will keep to their realm, and leave the living to their own devices. There are many touches all over Thailand that speak to these traditions, and hint at worlds of spirits that inhabit the waking one of the living. It suggests that the plane of experience is much more populated than one may have suspected, and there is much more in the world still to learn.

Thai Spirit Houses in Pattaya is a post from: Coffee Cup Stain

Exploring Molokai

Gail — Sat, 22 May 2010 03:10:00 +0000

When people think of visiting the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is not often the first island on the list. While the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai are the more typical tourist hot spots, Molokai is the most authentic, natural Hawaii. Almost half the states native Hawaiians live on the island as a result of the 1920′s Hawaiian Homestead Act . With agriculture being the primary industry on the island, they were hit hard when the Dole and Del Monte fruit operations closed in the 1980′s; however, it is still a beautiful island with much to offer it’s visitors.
Molokai is unique from the other islands in that most of the large hotel chains do not have locations on the island. Most Molokai hotels are individually and privately owned. Although, they tend to be a little more expensive, it is worth it for the more personal and individualized attention you receive.

History buffs will love exploring the island of Molokai because of its rich and unique history. It takes some work getting there but Halawa features ruins of Hawaiian structures and burial grounds that are the result of a tsunami that swept across the island in the 1940′s. The surrounding area is dense tropical vegetation but it is a truly remarkable sight. Kalaupapa National Historical Park is also an interesting sight to see. It is the site of a former leprosy colony that ran through the 1930′s.

But before you get too caught up in history, don’t forget that you are on vacation in Hawaii. So don’t miss Papohaku Beach Park — a nice place for the family to sit back and relax; as well as the Molokai Lighthouse.
So the next time you are planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, before you jump to the usual tourist spots consider looking into Molokai vacation packages . It may be a small island but it has a lot of exciting new experiences to offer its guests.

Exploring Molokai is a post from: Coffee Cup Stain

Montenegro Capital City is Close to Coast and Great Ski Slopes

Gail — Wed, 12 May 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Montenegro may be a small country but it continually gains recognition and interest by tourists from across the world. Part of its boundary forms some coastland along the Adriatic Sea . Its land boundaries lay next to Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Kosovo. And while this region has been associated with political and human rights difficulties, the country of Montenegro has continually grown in tourist interest and attraction and the small beach towns along the coast are some of the most popular destinations for many vacationers from around the world. In addition, the accommodations offered by the Montenegro hotels is diverse and guests can find everything from comfort in an historic setting to luxury features in newly built and designed resorts. The nightlife and club scene in some of the coastal areas has become more famous in recent years and has increased the country’s popularity as a vacation destination.

The capital of Montenegro is Podgorica and it is also the largest city in the country. It is located conveniently close to important rivers, which were a fundamental aspect of its original development. In addition to this early settlement and development factor, the city offers extremely convenient access to the beautiful ski resorts and mountainous slopes to the north as well as the beautiful coastland beaches and great getaway resorts along the Adriatic. These features alone make it a popular place to base your vacation experience in the country while remaining in close proximity to great beaches or fabulous skiing. The cultural scene in the city is also dynamic and attractive to tourists. There is a lot of great architecture and landmark buildings that entice visitors and the performance venues captivate audiences. The Stadium of Small Sports is one of the most popular concert venues in the city. The theatre and some of the performance establishments located there are also the most significant in the country.

Montenegro Capital City is Close to Coast and Great Ski Slopes is a post from: Coffee Cup Stain