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When you think of “Paramus” do you automatically think, “shopping malls?” If you do, you are not alone. On a recent trip to the west coast, I was asked, “where in New Jersey do you live?” When I mentioned near Paramus, the person nodded her head in recognition. She knew that the town was a shopping mecca on the east coast.

Paramus’ origins and even recent history, belie the shopping mecca label. As recently as the 1960s, the borough was dotted with farmland; indeed Paramus is derived from the Lenni Lenape name Perampsus, meaning: “where there is worthwhile or fertile land.” Where there was fertile land, maize or corn was grown and wild turkeys were also found in abundance. Thus, the meaning of Paramus . . . “A fertile land where corn was grown attracting wild turkeys”. For kicks, go to the Paramus Park Mall and observe the Indian riding the turkey [Route 17 entrance near Macy's]. It looks odd to the visitor, but with your new knowledge of Paramus’ name origin, it explains much.

Clifton could easily be called Cliftside or Underclift due to its proximity to Weasel Mountain, now called Garrett Mountain. Acquackanonk Township was an earlier name for Clifton, which at one time also included the cities presently called Passaic and Paterson. Acquackanonk was part of Essex County until its residents, unhappy, with the preferential treatment Newark was receiving, asked to leave the county and be joined to Passaic County.

In Essex County, the name Bloomfield suggests bucolic farmland. While the farmland part may have at one time been true, Bloomfield was named for a New Jersey governor who served from 1803-1812; Gov. Joseph Bloomfield also served as a U.S. Senator. The present day township of Bloomfield was originally part of Newark, which was settled in 1666.

Vienna Austria is the countrys capital and is located on the scenic River Danube. This city was the political center of the Austrian Empire and is home to ornate palaces and museums. Many of these were built for or by the Hapsburg family and trace the family history as well as the countrys history.

Visiting Vienna

The city has many hotels and other accommodations near the airport and in surrounding areas. There are hotels in every price range. The inner city is home to monuments and parks that are popular tourist attractions. Old, ornate churches can be found here as well as other building such as Parliament, the University and Opera house.

When planning your trip, be aware that most attractions are closed on public holidays in the city. Public holidays include: January 1, January 6, the Monday after Easter, May 1, Ascension Thursday, The Feast of Corpus Christi, August 15, November 1, December 8, December 25 and 26. Just about all museums, palaces and many shops are closed on these days.

Museums

o Kuntshall Wien is a museum with a collection of modern and contemporary art. The artists are both Austrian and International artists. This museum is run by the city of Vienna.

o The Sigmund Freud Museum is dedicated to the Father of Modern Psychology. It is run by the Sigmund Freud Society and traces the doctors life and work.

o Austrian Gallery Belvedere was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy as a summer home. It is now open for tours and contains art work and historical information. The gardens are spectacular and are also open for touring.

Palaces in Vienna

Vienna is home to several palaces built for the Hapsburg family. The Imperial Palace is located in the inner city and it was from here that the Hapsburgs ruled for seven centuries. It was constructed in the early 13th century. The Gothic chapel on the site is still open on Sundays for services. The Vienna Boys Choir sings here. The palace is open for tours during the week.

The Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephens is located near the Imperial Palace. Construction on this ornate cathedral was started in the thirteenth century and completed in the fifteenth century. The steeple of St. Stephens can be seen from all over the city.

Schonbrunn Palace was built as a summer residence for Empress Sisi. The grounds include a park, zoo and large labyrinth that are open for tour as well as an ornate, Baroque style palace. There is so much to see at this palace that you should plan an entire day here.

The Belvedere Palace is also built in the Baroque style. This palace was the heart of the former Hapsburg empire. The Austrian Gallery Belvedere is located here. In addition to viewing the artwork, you can tour the palace and gardens.

The Imperial Burial Vault is located below the Capuchin Church and is open for tours. This was the burial place for members of the Hapsburg family. The vault contains 146 aristocrats, 12 emperors and 19 empresses.

There are many wonderful and beautiful places to visit in the world. If you are blessed enough to get frequent vacations then you are well aware of the fact that it can be hard to choose what kind of vacation to go on and where to spend your days away from work. Do you want to vacation somewhere warm or somewhere cold? Do you prefer a bit of an isolated vacation or do you like the busyness of being surrounded by many people? As my family and I have been vacationing for the past few years, we have determined our favorite spot that we just cannot get enough of: the Caribbean islands.

I knew the Caribbean islands were something special the first time we took our children there. There was a magic and a wonder in their eyes upon seeing the water that even Disney World didn’t evoke the year before. Our kids were absolutely hooked on the sheer beauty of the Caribbean islands. I didn’t mind the relaxed pace or the daily agenda of just being by the water and swimming if we felt like it.

One of the great things about the Caribbean islands is the variety of locations and feels there is to choose from. If you are looking for an island with a lot of activity, you can find it in the Caribbean islands. If, however, you are looking for a quiet and secluded feel for your vacation, it is not hard to find a Caribbean island that fits your needs. Few places in the world offer such flexibility for any kind of vacation. You can stay on a Caribbean island that offers a lot of tourist attractions or you can stay somewhere that only offers the beach. It’s up to you.

Another obvious thing to love about the Caribbean islands is the sheer beauty that surrounds you. I have never been to a place more beautiful in all my travels. From the moment we stepped off the plane we were struck by just how full of beauty the Caribbean islands were. The water held a variety of shades of blue and green. The sand was nearly angel hair white and the sky was bright blue and full of sunshine every day. The landscaping was immaculate and I have rarely seen as green of grass and plants. The Caribbean islands are simply unmatched for this kind of beauty.

So, if you’re looking for a great place to vacation, look no further than to the Caribbean islands. You can experience any kind of vacation you want to, but all in the midst of the beauty and wonder of the Caribbean islands. What could be better than that?

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina smashed into a heavily populated part of the USA, specifically the city of New Orleans in the state of Louisiana.

The city was ruined. Over 1,100 people died.

Known as the “Crescent City”, the city of New Orleans, in the US state of Louisiana, had a population of just under half a million people, with Greater New Orleans bringing the figure up to 1.3 million. One quarter of the population was under the age of 18, according to the 2000 census, and one-third was aged under 25.

“New Orleans” is usually pronounced by locals as “Noo Aw-lins”.

It was home to some of America’s poorer citizens – more than one quarter of the population was considered to be living below the poverty line. Household income was 35% below the national average, and individual income 20% below the national level.

The US federal government has a significant presence in the area. The NASA Michoud Assembly Facility is located in the eastern portion of Orleans Parish. Lockheed-Martin also has a large manufacturing facility located in the Greater New Orleans area that produces external fuel tanks for space shuttles.

New Orleans is in the Mississippi River delta and has always had a history of flooding. The first levees were built by French prison labour around 1718 and were only three feet tall.
The founding site was a rare selection of higher ground along the flood-prone lower Mississippi. Still, much of the city is located below sea level between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain.

Despite its economic and geographical disadvantages, New Orleans was famous for being a city of entertainment and excitement, both exuberant and hedonistic. It was a genuine world-class tourist destination, attracting visitors with the annual Mardi Gras (held on the iconic Bourbon Street) and the college-level “Sugar Bowl” gridiron match. Areas of the French Quarter and Central Business District in recent years began catering to booming tourism rather than residents and local businesses. The city’s charm increased when streetcar upgrades in Canal Street were completed as recently as 2004.

The city is also world-famous for its food. Specialties include beignets, square-shaped fried pastries that are sometimes called French doughnuts (served with coffee and chicory “au lait”), Po’boy and Italian Muffaletta sandwiches, Gulf oysters on the half-shell and other seafoods, etouffee, jambalaya, gumbo, other Creole dishes, and the Monday evening favourite of red beans and rice.

Only time will tell if the desire exists to resurrect this famous city. The hurricanes, the flooding and the problem of the disappearing wetlands have not been defeated.

Palm Beach, Florida, a barrier island, is approximately one hour’s drive north of Miami, Florida. Palm Beach is a beautiful city, filled with lush colorful gardens, palm tree lined streets, large beautiful homes, clean well maintained beaches, luxury hotels, fine dining establishments, high end shopping and a safe, virtually crime free environment.

If you are searching for a safe, beautiful, luxurious, destination for a vacation or getaway, it’s hard to beat Palm Beach. Be pampered and spoiled at great hotel resorts and spas like the Breakers, a Five Diamond hotel resort on 140 acres of oceanfront land, with a 36 hole championship golf course, 10 tennis courts, a luxury oceanfront spa, a Mediterranean-style beach club, a broad selection of distinctive restaurants and an array of on-site high end boutiques, the Four Seasons Hotel And Resort, another Five Diamond luxury hotel, with it’s beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, spacious sitting area, comfortable, well-equipped work space (with two-line telephones and high speed internet access) and luxurious marble bathroom featuring L’Occitane bath amenities, it’s award-winning fitness center and spa offering a full range of massages and body treatments and it’s three Har-Tru tennis courts or the Ritz-Carlton, again, a Five Diamond luxury hotel and resort, with it’s rooms and suites which have have private balconies, marbled baths and Frette bed linens, it’s extensive spa services and onsite tennis.

Play on the beautiful beaches and swim in the clear warm Atlantic water. Dine in one of the many fine dining establishments like The Restaurant At The Four Seasons, the Cafe Boulud, L’escalier, the Leopard Lounge And Supper Club, the Palm Beach Grill, the Polo Restaurant, the Trevini and more. Play golf at The Palm Beach Golf Course or one of the many top rated golf courses surrounding Palm Beach, go big game or sport fishing or go shopping on Worth Avenue, one of the world most prestigious shopping districts filled with some of the best designer shops anywhere, like Louis Vuitton, Emilio Pucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo, Cartier, Escada and more. Note: Surrounding Worth Avenue you will find many additional prestigious shops.

Palm Beach is a place to relax, wind down and live elegantly, and if you want more, remember, Miami Beach is just a short gorgeous, scenic drive down the highway.

For more information about the city of Palm Beach, Florida see: http://palmbeachfl.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to the city of Palm Beach, Florida guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, real estate brokers, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

Yogyakarta or simply Yogya, is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. Located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano, Yogyakarta was in the 16th and 17th centuries the seat of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram., from which present day Yogyakarta has inherited the best of traditions.

The city is divided into 14 districts (kecamatan). 1. Gondokusuman 2. Jetis 3. Tegalrejo 4. Umbulharjo 5. Kotagede 6. Mergangsan 7. Ngampilan 8. Danurejan 9. Kraton 10. Wirobrajan 11. Pakualaman 12. Mantrijeron 13. Gedongtengen 14. Gondomanan

Museum Sonobudoyo

This museum, founded in November 1935 and designed by the Dutch architect Kersten, is built in traditional Javanese architecture. It exhibits weapons, leather and wooden puppets of wayang theater, masks, statues, textiles, curios and old Javanese gamelan instruments. The museum is situated on the northern side of the city’s main square in front of the Sultan’s Palace.

Kotagede

Kotagede, about five kilometers southeast of Yogyakarta, is a neat little town which was once the seat of the mighty Mataram empire. In this old palace town with its walled-in houses, the graves of the first rulers of Mataram are still to be found. Since the 1930s, however, Kotagede has become famous for being the center of the Yogya silverwork industry. Kotagede is easily reached by andong, the four wheeled horse-drawn cart, by taxi, bus, or car.

There are a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch silver being transformed into beautiful works of art known as Yogya Silver.

Affandi Museum

On the main road between the airport and the city stands the Affandi Museum (1907 – 1990) in a lush garden next to his peculiar private home on stilts. He was Indonesia’s foremost impressionist painter who built a private museum for his own paintings and of those of his daughter Kartika. Affandi’s grave (died in May 1990) lies in the backyard next to the museum.

The average daily temperature range between 26 degree and 28 degree Celsius with its minimum 18 degree C and maximum 35 degree C respectively. Average humidity is 74% with its minimum of 65% and maximum 84% respectively.

One of the biggest metropolis in India, Delhi is home to whopping population of millions of people. The historical, cultural and the political center of the country, Delhi has gradually emerged as the industrial hub of the Northern India. A heady mix of the old and new, Delhi retains the old heritage and glory and is one of the most modern cities in India with skyscrapers and neon lit malls. A city with its antiquity dating back to more than 2,000 years, Delhi is the one of the oldest places in the world. From street bazaars to plush shopping malls and from historic monuments to contemporary buildings, Delhi is full of surprises!

Delhi has witnessed the ascent and descent of several mighty empires, this is why you will find a number of historical monuments in the city, each one representing a different era. Many of the interesting sites found in and around the city are the ruins of the buildings and areas that played a crucial role in the history of India. This is merely a reason why thousands of visitors take flights to delhi. Some of the most popular venues in Delhi include; the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the quaint streets of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, and Lotus temple, Humayuns Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the newly constructed Akshardham temple in New Delhi.

The center for tourists hordes coming to Delhi is Cannaught Place. Here you will find plenty of shops, top class restaurant, and pubs too. Walking through the lanes of Cannaught Place, you will come across the largest collection of art and trade stores, where you can haggle for native crafts. If you have flexible travel plans then do spend some time visiting this place. You will surely have a good time over here. Another such place offering traditional Indian crafts is ‘Dilli Haat’, a modern craft bazaar resembling the original village market. While you are here, don’t forget to enjoy the assortment of culinary delights available at the ‘Food Brasserie’.

Whether its shopping or eating out, Delhi offers a plenty of options to its visitors. Wear your shoes, put some cash in your wallet and get ready to shop and haggle as much as you can in Delhi’s markets. From the visitors first preference, the street market at Janpath road to the fashionable market at South Extension and from the export market at Sarojini Nagar to expensive boutiques in shopping malls, there is so much for you!

The ideal time to explore Delhi is from October to November and from February to March, when the temperatures are mild. There are numerous tour operators that provide half and full day guided tours for attractions in and around Delhi. Being the National capital, Delhi is conveniently connected to all the major cities of the world, with almost all the major airlines operating out of here. If you are planning a trip to Delhi, then check out the discount delhi india airfare at Onetravelindia.com!

The Monaco Grand Prix ranks among the top sporting events in the world, and for good reason.

The combination of Formula One cars street racing and the influx of celebrities to the playground of Europe make a heady mix for the annual event, and is viewed as part of the social calendar for the worlds top sports stars, actors, models and businessmen.

The circuit takes in Casino Square and passes by the renowned Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, making it one of the most recognisable hotels in the world.

The race started in 1929, organised by Monte Carlo resident and founding president of the Automobile Club de Monaco, Anthony Noghes, and the Grand Prix has made the worlds second smallest country a destination of choice for many.

While Monaco enjoys the attention of the worlds media for one weekend every May, she also attracts many people long term to become residents due to her tax haven status, and residents enjoy a zero rated income tax.

In recent years Monaco has attracted the wealthy for another visit. The annual Monaco Yacht Show in September has the most exclusive yachts in the world moor at the harbour in Fontvieille, and the hotels in Monte Carlo and Monaco are booked full nearly a year in advance.

For both events, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Yacht Show many visitors stay in nearby Nice and travel in, and the hotels in Monaco enjoy full occupancy at premium rates.

Monaco Real Estate

Once a European backwater, Prince Rainier turned Monaco into one of Europes best known locations, combining glamour with an income tax free policy that has attracted millionaires and billionaires to the principality for the last forty years.

Real estate prices reflect the prestige and tax advantages of living in Monaco. One local Monaco estate agency report that currently they have a one bedroom apartment, with no sea views, available at 880,000 Euros. And by the time closing costs are taken into account this rises to around a million Euros.

A two bedroom two bathroom apartment in Monte Carlo is available for 1,900,000 Euros.

And a five bedroom four bathroom apartment, recently featured on the BBCs Money Programme No tax please were rich, in Fontveille, the same area of Monaco where the Hotel Columbus, part owned by Grand Prix driver David Coulthard, is situated with Mediterranean views is available for ten million Euros.

With demand from clients worldwide the prices of real estate in Monaco is likely to be among the highest in the world for the forseeable future.

Commenting on the local property market, several estate agents have reported good sales for Monte Carlo real estate and for Monaco generally in the first quarter of 2006, with the top end of properties in Monaco doing particularly well compared to the same quarter last year.

And there are rumours among the owners of the hotels in Monaco and Monaco Real Estate industry that two islands could be built with bridges to connect them to Monte Carlo which would allow some 5000 new low rise properties and a hotel to be built.

If the rumours become true of more availability of properties and a new hotel in Monaco the possibility also exists of an extended or changed circuit for the Monaco Grand Prix in years to come.

Vietnam is a country deeply scarred by war and yet its outlook is forgiving and forwardlooking. Its people believe last centurys occupations, battles and political influences have enriched the nation.

Washed ashore above the Mekong Delta, some 40km north of the South China Sea, Ho Chi Minh City, known also as Saigon, is a city on the march, a boomtown where the rule of the dollar is absolute. It is a testament to its wartorn past. Its history has made it resilient, effervescent, charged with initiative and roaring with trade.

The centre of Ho Chi Minh is compact and ideal for wandering around. It boasts fine restaurants, immaculate hotels and glitzy bars amidst its colonial villas and venerable pagodas.

There are many interesting places to visit including the markets, cathedral, riverport, Presidential Palace (perfectly preserved for some unknown reason!) and the nearby park which also houses a museum of Vietnamese History and Culture and a small zoo.

Ho Chi Minh City started life as a fishing village known as Prei Nokor and during the Angkor period (the 15th century) it flourished as an entrpot for Cambodian boats pushing down the Mekong River. Cargo ships still to this day jostle with rice barges and fragile sampans (an Oriental boat propelled by a sail or oars), whilst porters sweat in the humidity loading the boats.

During the 18th century, the Khmers by now had been ousted, Prei Nokor was renamed as Saigon and was made a temporary capital between 1772 and 1802, after which the Emperor Gia Long used it as his regional administrative centre.

The French seized Saigon in 1861 and set about a huge public works programme by building roads and draining marsh land. The war against the French lasted thirty years after which Saigon was finally designated the capital of the Republic of South Vietnam.

American troops withdrew in 1973 and two years later Saigon had been renamed as Ho Chi Minh City.

This is a port that is steamy hot and searlingly stylish. The streets are lined with imaginative oneoff boutiques, design stores and busy cafes where you will be able to meet the local people on an informal basis. Dong Khoi and Le Thanh Ton streets are favourites for elegant silk clothing, hand embroidered scarves, and lacquerware. (Many stores will provide a service of organising a container to ship purchases home) In many ways Ho Chi Minh City is far more cosmopolitan and hedonistic than the capital, Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh is also full to bursting point with people for whom progress hasnt yet translated into food, lodging and employment, so begging, stealing and prostitution are very much in evidence. Petty crime, unfortunately, has increased in the last few years so much care should be taken when walking the streets or travelling on bicycles or motorbikes, especially after dark and around tourist nightspots.

For more information on Vietnam, or any South East Asian topic, please visit http://www.Sticky-Rice.com

Valencia is famous for its wine production; many of its wines are exported overseas for use in restaurants, or for personal use. Valencias weather climate and soil consistencies form the perfect conditions for wine production.

Wine is a delicacy to be served with meals and on special occasions. Valencia is well known for its fiestas and celebrations throughout the year, so wine is often a part Valencias lifestyle.

Knowing which type of wine to select with your meal, or to give as a present is important, as you will want to compliment your dinner with the right wine, or surprise your guest with a wine that suits their tastes.

Essentially, there are types of wine and all of some of these are more suitable to certain types of foods than others. White wines usually go well with white meat dishes, such as fish and chicken, while red wines traditionally go with red meat and pasta dishes.

Generally, there are sweet and dry wines, which can be found in both white and red wine varieties. If you are looking for a sweet white wine you might choose a Riesling. Leaving the grapes on the grape vines for a longer period of time makes sweet wines.

When looking for a sweet red wine you might try a merlot, or a cabernet sauvignon, both of which a delightful sweet red wine varieties. If looking for a dry white wine, you might try a Pinot Noir, or Sauvignon Blanc and if looking for a dry red wine you might try a Shiraz.

All wines should be chilled either in a fridge, or bucket of ice, prior to drinking, as this allows you to derive the most benefit from the wines flavors and experience. Also, most consumable wines are designed to be drunk within a few years from being made, so if you are buying wine for your cellar, keep this in mind.

Well, now that you know a little bit more about wines, you can enjoy Valencias wines by making the right choices. Valencia wines can be sampled in its many restaurants and also at the Spanish Wine Festival, known as the La Rioja Wine Festival.

The La Rioja Wine Festival Wine Festival is a celebration of Spanish wines and, during this time, there are events and wine tasting, dinners and lots of merriment. Valencia also holds many fiestas throughout the year, which feature food and wine, such as the La Tomatina Fiesta and the Fiesta Fallas de San Jose.