Europe Travel

Europe Travel: Destination guides, hotels and news at TripSpot.com Back to Home General Guides Destination Guides City Guides (48) State Guides (50) International Business Travel Specialty Travel Deal Finders Best Fares Travel Auctions Cruise Bargains Hotel Bargains Last-Minute Bargains U.S. Airlines Int'l Airlines Airports Frequent Flyer Rental Cars Road Trips Road Warnings Rail & Subway Buses & Shuttles Cruises Packing Tips Hotels Bed & Breakfasts Resorts Vacation Rentals Camping Hostels Spas Sports/Recreation Arts/History Outdoors Dining Cyber Cafs Maps Languages Weather Photo Galleries Travel Headlines Travel Magazines Travel Sections Travel Agents About TripSpot Free Newsletter -- Link to TripSpot Helpful Tips Suggest a Site Advertising Info Contact Us Free Newsletter Enter your e-mail address below: -- Back to HomePage Search Site Free Newsletter -- Link to Site City Guides Anchorage Atlanta Austin Baltimore Boston Charlotte Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Dallas Denver Detroit Ft. Lauderdale Hartford Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville Kansas City Las Vegas Los Angeles Memphis Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Montreal Nashville New Orleans New York Oklahoma City Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland Raleigh Sacramento San Antonio San Diego San Francisco San Jose Seattle St.Louis Tampa Toronto Vancouver Wash. D.C. State Guides AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY StartSpot Network BookSpot.com CinemaSpot.com EmploymentSpot.com GenealogySpot.com GovSpot.com HeadlineSpot.com HomeworkSpot.com LibrarySpot.com MuseumSpot.com TripSpot.com Europe Countries | City Guides | Specialty Travel | Hotel and Dining Guides | News Destination Guides European Visits - Magazine about traveling. Lonely Planet - Maps and descriptions of every country. Rick Steves - Europe Through the Back Door. Trotty - Tourism links for many countries. VisitEurope.com - Guides include events and activities. World Travel Guide - Comprehensive information. Countries Austria Czech Republic Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Norway Poland Russia Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom City Guides Cityvox - Profiles of 24 cities. Fodor's - Guides for dozens of European cities. TravelPage.com - City guides and home pages. Specialty Travel BUG Europe - Backpackers Ultimate Guide to Europe. Eurotrip.com - Backpacking and student travel. GORP - Adventure and vacation ideas. Hotel and Dining Guides ASE.net | HotelWorld | restaurantsOMH.com News HeadlineSpot: Europe News Advertisement More to Explore TripSpot Articles Lists Questions & Answers Destination Ideas City Guides State Guides Bargains Deal Finders Best Fares Hotel Bargains Last-Minute Bargains Related Spots GourmetSpot.com MuseumSpot.com ShoppingSpot.com Back to Home Page Find more useful resources in popular areas of the StartSpot Network ... Today's Headlines Bestselling Books Online Museums State Government Jobs by State Click and Give Genealogy How-To International News Recipes Dictionaries Libraries Maps -- © 1997-2005, StartSpot Mediaworks, Inc. Advertising Information | Privacy Policy | Contact Us

Vacation Guide: Sign up

Taos, New Mexico Vacation Guide Wednesday, December 28, 2005 FRANCAIS | ESPANOL | DEUTSCH | RELATED LINKS | SITE MAP Taos is actually a blend of several close-knit communities that, together, provide visitors with a world of infinitely varied experiences. Visit Taos Pueblo, an ancient living Indian village that has stood unchanged for centuries. Or explore historic Taos Plaza and its side streets. Many of the old adobe buildings that now house shops and galleries were once the homes of some of Taos' leading citizens -Kit Carson, among them. Set off on a mountain trail on skis, horseback, bike or your own two feet. Or ride the bucking Rio Grande in a raft or kayak. With four seasons and five life zones, your recreational options are wide open.Our Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures are proudly preserved through art and architecture, music and dance, and food and festivals for all to enjoy throughout the year. Join us and discover the many different sides of Taos for yourself. The staff at the Taos Visitor Center is ready to help you get started. Search all of Taos Vacation Guide: Sign up to receive Taos Vacation e-News. For complete reservation information call: 800-816-1516 Published by Taos County Lodgers Association TellMeMore@taosvacationguide.com Also see TaosGuide.com for more websites about Taos. This site is part of the TaosWebb community. -- Lodging | Events & Activities | History & Culture | Skiing & Recreation | Arts & Shopping | Day Trips | Photo Album | Getting to Taos | Meetings Photo Credits | Top

London Vacation Date last

London Vacation - Apartment London Vacation Property Owners Join us VRBO ® is Vacation Rentals by Owner ® Home Europe United Kingdom England Greater London London Edit Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #57918 Harrods Village Wrenn House Central West London 25mtr Swim P Location: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe (West London 10 min Museums of South Kensington) Accommodations: Apartment - 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s) - 1 Bath - (Sleeps 2-4) Photo 1 - London, England Vacation Luxury One Bedroom Apartment in Luxury Harrods Village Private Residential Estate Super King Size Bed Marble Bathroom Sofa Bed Washer Dryer & Microwave Home Choice Cinema Broadband Interent Playstation 2 25 mtr Swimming pool, Gym, Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Solarium, Business Centre Gardens, Parking. 10 minute walk to tube. Maid service available, Babysitting available, High Chairs and Travel Cots available on request. No smoking No pets Amenities: Phone, Air Conditioning, Cable TV, Stereo, CD Player, Full Kitchen, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Cooking Utensils provided, Linens provided, Washer & Dryer, Sauna, 25 meter Pool (shared),Parking, No Smoking, No Pets Activities (on site or nearby): SIGHT SEEING TOURIST SHOPPING BUISNESS MUSEUMS THEATRE Rates (in Pounds Sterling): Personal Currency Assistant ™ Credit Cards Accepted: £100 per nightNote: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice. Links to more information: Click Here to see All My Rental Listings Note: Each property is individually owned or managed. Dates available:  Year Round Phone: +44 1225 42 65 84 or +44 7930 544 790 (United Kingdom) Please say: "I saw your listing #57918 on VRBO" Home Europe United Kingdom England Greater London London Edit Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #57918 There have been 1619 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset on June 15, 2005 This listing was first published here on March 16, 2005. London Vacation Date last modified - December 26, 2005 VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® - The largest and most popular vacation rental site. Specializing in BY OWNER vacation rentals, homes, condos, cabins, villas and apartments ALSO privately owned properties offered thru rental agencies and management companies. To report any problems with this site contact webmaster@vrbo.com URL: http://www.vrbo.com/57918 ©1995-2005 by VRBO International LLC - all rights reserved

Hotel Travel

Omni Hotels - Travel Agents Home | Sign In | Contact Us Welcome Travel Agents At Omni Hotels, we value our relationships with travel agents all over the world. If you should need assistance, please visit our Help Desk . You can be assured that Omni Hotels maintains rate integrity  throughout our system and pays commissions  regularly. Also, please be sure to see our FAM Rates  and learn how to access Omni Hotels' index pages on the GDS . Sign Up For Omni Hotels eNews For Travel Agents Stay up-to-date on all the latest developments for making travel arrangements at Omni Hotels. Omni Hotels eNews is also a great way to stay current on new promotions, hotel openings and special contests. We've made it as easy as checking your email. To get started, click here. GDS & Commissions FAM Rate Print Hotel Brochures Help Desk Find a Hotel Select by City -or- Select by City Atlanta Austin Boston Cancun Charlotte Charlottesville Chicago Corpus Christi Dallas Denver (Broomfield) Detroit Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville Los Angeles Miami (Coral Gables) Montreal New Haven New Orleans New York Newport News Orlando (ChampionsGate) Philadelphia Pittsburgh Puerto Aventuras Richmond San Antonio San Diego San Francisco St. Louis Tucson Washington Select by Hotel Select by Hotel Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Omni Berkshire Place Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas Omni Charlotte Hotel Omni Charlottesville Hotel Omni Chicago Hotel Omni Colonnade Hotel Omni Corpus Christi Hotel Bayfront Tower Omni Corpus Christi Hotel Marina Tower Omni Dallas Hotel at Park West Omni Detroit Hotel at River Place Omni Hotel at CNN Center Omni Hotel at Independence Park Omni Houston Hotel Omni Houston Hotel at Westside Omni Interlocken Resort Omni Jacksonville Hotel Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza Omni Majestic Hotel Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas Omni Mont-Royal Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale Omni Newport News Hotel Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate Omni Parker House Omni Puerto Aventuras Beach Resort Omni Richmond Hotel Omni Royal Crescent Hotel Omni Royal Orleans Omni San Antonio Hotel Omni San Diego Hotel Omni San Francisco Hotel Omni Severin Hotel Omni Shoreham Hotel Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa Omni William Penn Hotel Find RATES & RESERVATIONS Make a Reservation Hotel Directory Reservation FAQs Sensible Luxury | FIND A HOTEL USA Arizona Tucson California Los Angeles San Diego San Francisco Colorado Denver Connecticut New Haven District of Columbia Washington Florida Orlando Jacksonville Miami Georgia Atlanta Illinois Chicago Indiana Indianapolis Louisiana New Orleans Massachusetts Boston Michigan Detroit Missouri St. Louis New York New York North Carolina Charlotte Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pittsburgh Texas Austin Corpus Christi Dallas Houston San Antonio Virginia Charlottesville Newport News Richmond Canada Montreal Mexico Cancun Puerto Aventuras | SPECIALS & PACKAGES Hotel + Air + Auto Special Offers Search Offers Offers By Email (eNews) | MEETINGS & EVENTS Meetings & Groups Weddings Social Events Find a Location RFP & Inquiries National Sales Contacts Select Rewards | SELECT GUEST PROGRAM Member Benefits Earn Miles News Join Now My Account Contact Select Guest About Omni Hotels | Employment | Press | Omni Store | Travel Agents | Language | Site Map | Contact Us © 2005 Omni Hotels | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

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