Austria Travel Guide @

Austria Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org Car Hire Cruises Flights Hotels Tours Vacations About Travel Notes™ Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Search Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Austria Austria Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org About Austria , Austrian Cities , Austrian Culture , Austrian Media , Austrian Tourism , Budget Accommodation in Austria , Map of Austria , Regional Austria . Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail Flag of Austria Austria , sterreich in German, is an Alpine country; once you get out of Vienna. Local Currency Convert your currency into euro . Buy a Map of Austria Countries neighbouring Austria are: Hungary , Slovakia , Czech Republic , Germany , Switzerland , Liechtenstein , Italy and Slovenia . National Anthem of Austria. Food Travel Fiction Health Kids Bios Humor Mags Software Gifts Tech Business Other Your Ad Here Travel Notes Mailing List News Headlines World News Directory of newspapers and news sources from around the world. Hotel City Search : Hotels in Austria Find and Book a Hotel in Austria Hotels in Austria by City : Graz , Innsbruck , Kirchberg in Tirol , Linz , Salzburg , Vienna . About Austria The Danube runs across the north of the country, from Passau through Linz and Vienna and out towards Bratislava. The rest of the country is very mountainous, especially in the south and west. Of Austria's numerous lakes, two of them form borders with her neighbours. In the west, Lake Constance, or Bodensee, is shared with Germany and Switzerland , while the Neusiedlersee, south-east of Vienna, adjoins Hungary in the east. Austria's Bodensee town is Bregenz, in Voralberg, and the region is popular with cyclists in the summer; crossing between Germany and Switzerland. There's also some cycle activity around the Neusiedlersee -- Fert, in Hungarian. The area makes a great escape from the capital in the summer, and it's also a bird sanctuary. Austrian Tourism Enter Austria : Getting to Austria, and other information for tourists. Regional Austria Austrian Regions : Austria is divided into nine provinces. Austrian Cities Austrian Cities : The main attractions for visitors to Austria. Austrian Culture Austrian Culture : Austria's illustrious history leaves a lot of memories behind. Uncover the delights of former glory. The official language of Austria is German , although many people speak English. Learn German in Vienna : Alpha Sprachinstitut is a private language school specialised in German as a foreign language for visitors to Vienna. Austrian Media Austrian News : News from Austria. A selection of Austrian news resources online. Europe Travel Forum : From Albania to Vatican City, Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, Europe is culturally eclectic and full of lavish history. Join us in the travel forums if you have a question about Europe or would like to share your experiences about travelling or living in Europe. The Internet TravelNotes.org Travel Through The Back Door: Germany and Austria Flight Tickets : Save money on Round The World flight tickets. Travel News : Get the inside scoop with the latest travel features and tips. Past Articles . Airlines & Airports : This travel article points you to airlines and the three letter airport codes with links to their websites. Cyber Cafes : The Internet Caf Guide. Travel Guides : Travel guides are a Godsend and a tremendous amount of research has gone into them; but which one is best for you? Weather Outlook Car Hire Cruises Flights Hostels Tours Vacations Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Meta-Travel Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Travel Directory : Europe : Austria Travel Guide -- Submit to Travel Notes | Advertise on TravelNotes.org | Favourite Destinations | Magun'sCompass | Travel Articles | Writers | | Airlines | Airports | Car Hire | Cruises | Flights | Hotels | Online Reservations | Vacation Rentals | | Casinos | Olympics | World Cup | General Disclaimer | Meta-Travel | Search Resources | | TravelNotes is a Trademark of TravelNotes.org | Travel Notes Blog | Add URL | Add to Favorites The URL for this page is: http://www.travelnotes.org/Europe/austria.htm

European Vacation Planning Map

Your European Vacation - Want Healthy Coffee with that Tramp Steamer?  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Your European Vacation - Want Healthy Coffee with that Tramp Steamer? Europe for Visitors Blog « Damme! This Belgium Village may be the Perfect Flemish Travel Hub | Main | Assisi - In the Footsteps of St. Francis - Walks to Sacred Places » March 08, 2004 Your European Vacation - Want Healthy Coffee with that Tramp Steamer? What's good about Europe? Those wonderful health institutes for leisurely living called bars, that's what. You can sit outdoors at a Parisian one, sipping some vin rouge and watch the world go by as your arteries unclog themselves of all the cream sauces you've consumed the night before, thanks to the "French paradox." Or you can pop into an Italian one for that healthy dosage of strong coffee known to Americans as "espresso" but to Italians as just coffee. I don't use the word "healthy" lightly. According to a Dr. Trombetti of the Humanitas Gavazzeni Institute, who hates the stuff, "Coffee contains tannin and antioxidants, which are good for the heart and arteries." Not only that, but a few cups a day can help prevent cirrhosis and gallstones. There's even more . Doncha just love it when research actually links healthiness with your baser desires? And speaking of leisure, do you know that tramp steamers are not an artifact of the wild 70s, but that it's still possible to take a leisurely jaunt on a steamer to cross the pond? Sure, most people wanna see Europe in 9 days or fewer, but maybe some of you have the time to fritter on a freighter . Email a Friend Display Latest Headlines Read Archives Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Asia travelfish.org Online guide

Travel to Asia. Asian travel and tourism guide. Destination information. Home Destinations Asia Travel Guide Travel Directory Search Travel Directory Notes From the Editor Travel Blog Travel Photography Travel Photos Destination Guides • Africa • Asia • Europe • Latin America • Middle East • North America • Oceania TRAVEL ASIA DESTINATION GUIDES Asia Destinations Directory. Find travel information for every country in Asia. Click on a country below to find official and independent websites for each country. Afghanistan Azerbaijan Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Hong Kong India Indonesia Japan Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Laos Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Pakistan Philippines Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Vietnam ALL ASIA SITES asiasource.org AsiaSource cultural-tour.net Introduce places, traditions, art forms, celebrations andexperiences that reflect the diversity and character of various countries in south-east asia. Cultural-tour.net discoverasia.org DiscoverAsia.Org: Read about the culture, the people, the land of Asia that lies undiscovered; learn how to travel through Asia on only what you can afford while enjoying each minute. Welcome to Discover Asia lotusasiatours.com An inbound tour operator with five offices around Asia. We offer an extensive range of FIT and incentive travel services at highly competitive rates. Lotus Asia Tours - Your Travel Agent in Asia travelfish.org Online guide for travellers and backpackers to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Travelfish wandesta.com Wandesta's Asia travel guide offers free travel tips andinformation on Asian countries. Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand,Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and others. wandesta's asia travel guide - explore asian countries Airfares | Car Rental | Hotels | Rail Europe | Travel Insurance Home | About us | Contact us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Add a travel site

Japan Travel International Travel

Metropolis - Tokyo Japan Travel: God speed JAPAN TODAY | METROPOLIS | CLASSIFIEDS | PERSONALS | JOBS Issue Index Original Features Features Mini Features Cultural Features Life in Japan Big in Japan Rant & Rave Cars & Bikes Health & Beauty Interiors Practical Jobfinder Money Talks Tokyo Tech Web Watch Food & Drink Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Bar Reviews Word of Mouth Travel Travel Features Japan Travel International Travel Travelogue Style Art Artifacts Fashion Tokyo Talk In Store Buyline Music Japan Beat CD Reviews In Person Concerts Clubbing JAPAN TRAVEL Photos by Mary King The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine is the spiritual home of the Japanese nation. Mary King takes a pilgrimage. D own the ages various rumors and tales have circulated about the sacred mirror of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. It was once said that whoever laid eyes on the mirror would immediately be struck blind, a possible deterrent for would-be thieves. Others have claimed to have seen the mirror and reported that it is inscribed with ancient Hebrew lettering, reading “eheyeh asher eheyeh,” the name of the Judaic-Christian God written in Exodus 3:14 and meaning “I AM THAT I AM.” Heavenly abode Japan’s sacred mirror, one of three items of the Imperial Regalia, is kept in the Inner Shrine (Naiku) at Ise Grand Shrine, a sanctuary that many visitors to the Mie Prefecture city of Ise are astonished to discover they are not allowed to enter or even see. Ise Jingu, popularly known as “O-Ise-san,” or officially “Jingu,” holds the most honored position among the more than 100,000 Shinto shrines that are scattered throughout the breadth of Japan. The site of the nation’s most Holy of Holies, and boasting some of the world’s greatest architectural monuments, Jingu is also home to some of the simplest and most mysterious structures. Described as the “starting point for all journeys in Japan,” Ise is regarded as the spiritual home of the Japanese, a place to which most wish to make at least one pilgrimage to in their lives. In fact, more than six million pilgrims and worshipers come to Jingu each year, crossing the Uji Bridge spanning the sacred Isuzu River to symbolically leave behind the temporal world and enter a “pure world” of kami (gods and spirits) and the ancient mythology of the land. Odyssey Passing through the second huge torii at the end of Uji Bridge, a long gravel approach leads you through a natural cathedral of towering cryptomeria. Pilgrim and tourist alike are taken on a divine journey toward the Naiku and Geku, where Amaterasu and Toyouke (God of Abundant Food) are respectively worshipped. It is an unforgettable odyssey, one that spirits you back to the country’s earliest recorded “history” that tells of the “Age of Kami,” the creation of Japan and the origins of its people right through to the Imperial line and succeeding generations of emperors and empresses. The auxiliary shrines resemble ancient granaries The Geku (Outer Shrine) was dedicated to the grain deity Toyouke, possibly in a bid to bolster the new imperial cult that started, according to the myth, when Amaterasu sent her grandson, Ninigi no Mikoto, down to earth to rule. The Sun Goddess handed her grandson the mirror that had lured her out of her cave, along with Susano’s sword, and a curved jewel. The mirror (yata no kagami), along with the jewel and sword, remain the Three Imperial Regalia, symbols of divine authority, and to this day the emperor conducts rites to ensure a bountiful harvest as well as secret rituals in which he symbolically mates with the Sun Goddess. The high priestess of Ise, meanwhile, has traditionally been an Imperial princess, reflecting the nation’s early history of shamanesses, priestesses and ruling empresses. Having passed through large open grounds and crossed over a small bridge (hiyokebashi), you gradually move towards the more sacred area of the Naiku. To the right of the main pilgrimage path is located a font for the ablutions made by pilgrims prior to proceeding toward the main sanctuary grounds. Beyond the daiichi torii (first sacred gateway) are steps that lead to the Isuzu River, where since ancient times pilgrims have purified their body and mind by washing their hands in, and rinsing their mouths with, the waters of this sacred river. According to Shinto thought, one’s pure mind and body given by the kami must be ritually cleansed so as to return to a state of purity. Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined in the main sanctuary building, the Goshoden, of the inner sanctum of Naiku, in which the august mirror, her symbol or goshintai, is kept and worshipped. As they are considered most sacred, pilgrims or other visitors may see neither the mirror nor the main sanctuary. In fact, the only people allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, according to my guide, are members of the Imperial Family, although on one occasion, it is rumored, Queen Elizabeth was invited in. Restoration Except for the exalted mirror, all of Jingu’s other sacred shrines and objects must be reconstructed in synch with each 20-year Shikinen Sengyo cycle. The elaborate transference procession and ceremony involves the remaking of some 491 holy treasures, 1600 accessories and 125 kinds of sacred apparel that are then put in their proscribed places by the priests. Formerly used objects are kept in the nearby Jingu History Museum, which is open to the public. It is possible to find two absolutely identical Naiku and Geku standing side by side-one old, one new. In time the older one will be deconstructed and its wooden parts, now forever consecrated, recycled as repair pieces for other shrines around Japan. The newer one-once the transference of holy objects has been consummated-hence replaces the old as a locus of veneration. The shrines themselves are thought to resemble ancient granaries or storehouses and are built from Japanese cypress (hinoki) from the Kiso forestry preserves extending between the Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. Befitting the reverence accorded to these sanctified building blocks, death, loss of a limb, or imprisonment have, over the centuries, been the penalties for felling these jewels. A visit to the majestic Ise shrine allows one to understand why. Where to stay: Oaken, tel: 059-622-2589; Hinodekan, Tel: 059-628-2954; Saekikan, tel: 059-628-2017; Okubun, tel: 059-628-2231. Ise City Tourist Information, tel: 059-623-9655. TRAVELOGUE WORLD TRAVEL TRAVEL FEATURES JAPAN TRAVEL: SEPTEMBER 389: God speed The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine AUGUST 385: Hattoji Highland hamlet JULY 380: Nagasaki Remembrance of things past 378: Kawagoe From modern Tokyo to "Little Edo" 376: Tottori Tottori's stunning landscapes JUNE 375: Kyushu Bed and bath under the volcano 373: Ryogoku Land of the giants 372: Osaka Universal Studios Japan MAY 371: Osaka Amerika-mura: Osaka's funky town 369: Mie Mikimoto Pearl Island 368: Takarazuka Hyogo-ken's all women theater group APRIL 365: Kawasaki Kawasaki's annual fertility festival 364: Aomori A day on Fear Mountain MARCH 362: Nagano Chill out snowboarding 361: Asuka One foot in the grave FEBRUARY 356: Yamanashi Hakushu's hidden treasures 355: Waseda Tram Trip A streetcar named... 352/3: Aomori Jesus in Japan 351: Kumamoto Under the volcano in Kyushu 350: Sado Island Explore the forgotten charms of Shukunegi ISSUES 348- ISSUES 298- TOP

Family Vacations Travel Travel

Florida vacations - for families  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > Florida Family Vacations Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids > Florida Family Vacations Florida Vacations Resorts, beaches, theme parks-- so many choices for Florida vacations for families. Subtopics Florida Family Resorts @ Orlando Vacations (38) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Florida Vacations for families: Overview LOTS of ideas, roughly clockwise around the state. Florida has many different areas for families! Florida Vacations - Deals Check this page for current bargains for Florida vacations. Top 10 Things to do in Orlando The highlights are many, in this town! Florida Vacations: Walt Disney World Still in a class of its own as a Florida vacation -- and even globally-- is Disney World, with its four giant theme parks and two waterparks. Walt Disney World: Top Ten Tips With four major theme parks and an area as big as Boston, Walt Disney World is a vast, complex, and costly holiday: see tips to help you have the best possible time. Amelia Island: Northeast Florida Vacation Amelia Island, not far from Jacksonville, has lots to offer as a beach getaway; historic town and fort also. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay This 335-acre theme park has thrill-ride roller coasters, great water-rides, lovely grounds, attractive African theming, and opportunities to view elephants, rhinos, giraffes, etc. A fun, pretty park that's manageable to do in one day. Clearwater Beach-- St. Petersburg Dubbed "Orlando's Beach", this affordable west coast area two hours from Orlando has nature outings, cultural gems, and miles of top-rated beaches. Read about local attractions such as the (free) Seacoast Seabird Sanctuary; fun outings such as dolphin-spotting, shelling, and Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise; and three resorts that welcome kids. Florida Vacations: Everglades National Park The legendary Everglades are a wonderful place to visit, and can be a "learning vacation" too. Sanibel Island - Florida Vacation Off the west coast near the bottom of Florida are Sanibel Island and Captiva Island: two beautiful islands for nature lovers. The beaches are famous for shelling, and several resorts welcome families. Space Coast: Cocoa Beach, Cocoa, Kennedy Space Center... 45 minutes east of Orlando is 72 miles of shore known as Florida's Space Coast: where the moon launches blasted off, and the space-shuttles launch today. Big draw is the Kennedy Space Center, and beautiful beaches. Less known are the eco-tours: this area has estuaries, marshes, and 250 sq. miles of wildlife refuges. Some cute town main-streets, too. Manatees - swim with Manatees Manatees - swim with Manatees in Florida. Wakulla Spring In the Panhandle near Tallahassee is one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs. State Park; swimming; hiking; river boat rides; old lodge-- neat place to visit!        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...