Archive for November 2nd, 2008

A Guide for Uncovering the Secrets of Rome.

When you first get off the plane and set foot in the city that has been dubbed

Castle Douglas is located in the Scottish district named Dumfries and Galloway. During the 18th century the town of Castle Douglas had something like a makeover by William Douglas, a local boy, who planned to make his town into a noteworthy commercial and industrial center. Sadly the enterprise failed, however Castle Douglas benefited a small amount with some lovely buildings constructed from a mix of gray granite and red sandstone and a straight high street called King Street. As Castle Douglas is only 18 miles from Dumfries it has numerous tourist attractions and places well worth visiting and we give details on 3; Threave Gardens, Threave Castle and Castle Douglas Art Gallery:

Threave Castle

located on an island in the middle of the River Dee, is the beautiful Threave Castle. The journey to the castle itself is really thrilling. First one has a ten minute stroll over farm land and through woods, where one stumbles upon a jetty, at the river’s edge. Here you will discover a brass bell that is the sign for the boat man to come and transport you across to the castle. Threave castle was constructed in the 1370’s by Archibald Douglas (Archibald the Grim), soon after he became Lord of Galloway. Threave continued to be his strong hold until his death in 1400. The origin of the name Threave comes from the ancient Welsh word for Homestead, ‘Tref’.

Threave Gardens

A businessman from Liverpool, William Gordon, acquired Threave House and estate, as a summer retreat for his extensive family, in 1867. The twenty four acre Threave Gardens were developed alongside the house, and today are a popular tourist attraction. The National Trust for Scotland continue to maintain and develop the gardens and house, as well as running the tourist center. There are a selection of gardens around the estate, including the
Peat Garden, Secret Garden and Woodland Garden. During springtime, the arrays of daffodils are wonderful, and attract visitors from far and wide. A favorite of children who visit Threave Gardens is the Discovery Garden. It was designed to inspire children, with its mown grass paths leading through meadows of wild flowers.

Castle Douglas Art Gallery

The Castle Douglas Art Gallery is an excellent venue, which plays host to an array of art and crafts throughout the year. Many touring exhibitions are displayed regularly, as well as temporary exhibitions, all running from Easter to Christmas. The art gallery started life in 1938, and was given to Castle Douglas by the artist, Mrs Ethel Bristowe. In 1996 the gallery was upgraded using finances from the National Lottery. A lot of the exhibits in the gallery, including photographs, are for sale. Nearby to the gallery, are two other attractions, Threave Castle and Threave Garden. These are to be found no more than a couple of miles away.

If you are in the process of considering taking a vacation in Scotland and you plan to stay in Castle Douglas you may wish to book your accommodation online and you will discover Castle Douglas hotel and accommodation listings at http://castledouglas.hotelreservationhelper.com.

Are you planning a trip to the Romantic capital of Europe? Planning to don a beret, grow a thin wispy beard and learn a bit of the lingo? First of all, it’s important to book that perfect Paris apartment or hotels in Paris and then tackle the menu… Here is a guide to how to straighten out those tricky words and phrases that confuse the non speaking, but French food loving travelers out there like me…

First of all you’re thinking about ordering the basics. Paris is known for preparing fantastic appetizers and you need to know the best things on the menu. Why not go for the “fruits de mar” or shellfish? My favourite is “oeuf en meurette” which is egg poached in red wine. Other popular first course dishes in the country’s capital are of course, “fromage” (cheese) and this can either be eaten as a starter or desert, and lots of main courses come with the stuff too! It is imperative to try some of Paris’ “galette” which is a delicious round flat cake of flaky pastry, potato pancake or buckwheat savory cr