I write about Australia. Very much it has liked me :)
When Australia Day comes each January 26th, it brings with it a celebration of all things Australian. This celebration has greatly evolved over time, changing both its name and its content to reflect modern Australians and their pride in their country.
Australia Day began as a celebration of the foundation of the Australian colony. On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip (pictured right) took formal possession of the then-British colony and became its first governor. While people throughout the colony informally celebrated this date for the next several years, it wasn’t until 1818 that the celebration was officially celebrated as part of the 30th anniversary of the colony’s settlement by Europeans.
By 1838, the 50th anniversary, it became Australia’s first public holiday. This commemoration was different in that it encompassed everyone, not just those smaller, private events of the past. This early celebration was known as “Foundation Day” and usually included many sporting events. Horse racing was particularly popular, as was sailing. In fact, the Anniversary Regatta (now known as the Australia Day Regatta) in Sydney is the world’s oldest continuous regatta and stems from this early athletic bent to Foundation Day.
When Australia’s centennial celebration came around in 1888, Australia was a very different country than it had been 100 years prior. Gold had been discovered, and Australia was home to nearly three million people. In 1888, all the colonial capitals, except Adelaide, proclaimed “Anniversary Day” a public holiday and each colony celebrated Australia’s 100th birthday.
The 150th anniversary of European settlement in 1938 brought an issue regarding Anniversary Day into the limelight. The highlight of the celebrations in New South Wales was a reenactment of Captain Phillip's landing, complete with the deposition of an Aboriginal tribe. However, aboriginal people in the city refused to participate in the reenactment and instead, several hours prior, Aboriginal activists convened a 'Day of Mourning' conference aimed at securing citizenship and equal status for Aborigines. This was the first time Aboriginal complaints were so prominent on Anniversary Day, but it wouldn’t be the last.
In 1946, the Commonwealth Government, States and Territories agreed to observe “Australia Day” under one name and on the same day. The celebrations continued to have a distinct slant towards the European settlers, and consisted largely of reenactments of the First Fleet’s landing and the events that immediately followed.
Looking to promote a wider celebration of Australia Day, the National Australia Day Council was formed in 1979, with state and territory councils and committees soon after. These groups have worked towards more local and individual involvement in Australia Day, rather than it just being “another holiday.”
When 1988 brought Australia’s bicentennial, it marked two distinct celebrations. The classic reenactment
Sydney Opera House, Sydney Australia
of the First Fleet’s voyage was held. However, alongside the celebrations, 1988 was named a Year of Mourning for Australia's Aboriginal people, who also regarded the year as a celebration of survival. To many people, Australia Day is still best known as “Survival Day.”
Finally, in 1994, it was legislated that all the states and territories endorsed the celebration of Australia Day on the actual day instead of the closest Monday. Universal Australia Day celebrations have been held on January 26th ever since.
About the author:
Jane S. Roseen is the Owner and President of Harmony Sweets. She has taken a small, successful gourmet chocolate shop and made it a name recognized world-wide. Harmony Sweets’ original mission focused on individual consumers purchasing gourmet chocolates from around the world for their friends and relatives as birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day gifts. Roseen expanded that mission to include corporate gift-giving.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
South Wales
Yes. The world is huge. Somewhere there burn woods, which on thousand years. On account of Queen, the God (?) has decided to wash off sins of its citizens. Here awe.
Hardly further people пекуться for vividly. And in Siberia even summer also did not begin. And, what, you ask occurs to the world? And I shall tell - anything! Simply the world varies. It can be too fast for us, but not to us it solve. Though not a small role human nonsense here has played.
Here the person tells about South Wales . Rocks, fresh air, the girlfriend on a rope and you feel the god.
Interestingly from my readers there is somebody from Australia?
Hardly further people пекуться for vividly. And in Siberia even summer also did not begin. And, what, you ask occurs to the world? And I shall tell - anything! Simply the world varies. It can be too fast for us, but not to us it solve. Though not a small role human nonsense here has played.
Here the person tells about South Wales . Rocks, fresh air, the girlfriend on a rope and you feel the god.
Interestingly from my readers there is somebody from Australia?
Monday, June 25, 2007
Australia – A Land of Natural Wonders
The huge monolith known as Uluru – formerly Ayer’s Rock – remains one of Australia’s most mysterious and beautiful natural features. Rising more than 1,000 feet above the flat red center of the continent, "The Rock" is eight miles in circumf
The huge monolith known as Uluru – formerly Ayer’s Rock – remains one of Australia’s most mysterious and beautiful natural features. Rising more than 1,000 feet above the flat red center of the continent, "The Rock" is eight miles in circumference and honeycombed with caves, displaying Aboriginal wall art. Uluru once stood at the bottom of an inland ocean, and is a spectacular sight as it changes color through the day. The sandstone it is composed of contains many minerals like feldspar which reflect shades from deep red to violet, according to the angle of the sun. However, while Uluru is probably the most famous Australian geological wonder, it is certainly not the only one. The amazing Bungle Bungles in Western Australia are huge pillars of sandstone that look like ancient ziggurats. But nature, not man, made these orange and black striped monoliths, situated in Purnululu National Park. The black stripes are caused by lichens growing on the orange sandstone. Known to Aborigines for centuries, it remained a secret to the rest of the world until the 1980s, when the stunning rock formation was spotted from the air. The Devil’s Marbles in the Northern territory are another example of Australia’s geological diversity. The “marbles” are huge roughly hewn ovoid boulders piled on top of one another, some seemingly defying gravity, poised like eggs balancing on end. Made of coarse granite, the marbles have gained their shape by constant weathering. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the few geological wonders that can be seen from space. A spectacular 161 square miles of coral reef, it stretches from New Guinea down the Queensland Coast. Dotted with coral islands, the reef is the largest structure ever built by living creatures. These tiny polyps leave their skeletal remains behind, forming stretches of coral reef. Nullabor means, literally, no trees, and the Nullabor Plain between Adelaide in South Australia and Perth in Western Australia lives up to its name. It is a vast 155,000 mile flat desert that drops with frightening suddenness into the Great Southern Ocean. There are no towns or permanent habitations on the Nullabor Plain – and definitely no trees. Wave Rock is a stunning formation in Western Australia that looks like a breaking wave on land. The smooth curve of the rock was believed to be caused by water erosion. Around 500 million years old, the wave shape was formed by granite flowing in molten form. For more information about travel (airfares, hotels, car rentals, vacations, cruises, etc) to Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns and Brisbane, please visit http://www.icheapairfares.com/Australia-Airfares.htm
The huge monolith known as Uluru – formerly Ayer’s Rock – remains one of Australia’s most mysterious and beautiful natural features. Rising more than 1,000 feet above the flat red center of the continent, "The Rock" is eight miles in circumference and honeycombed with caves, displaying Aboriginal wall art. Uluru once stood at the bottom of an inland ocean, and is a spectacular sight as it changes color through the day. The sandstone it is composed of contains many minerals like feldspar which reflect shades from deep red to violet, according to the angle of the sun. However, while Uluru is probably the most famous Australian geological wonder, it is certainly not the only one. The amazing Bungle Bungles in Western Australia are huge pillars of sandstone that look like ancient ziggurats. But nature, not man, made these orange and black striped monoliths, situated in Purnululu National Park. The black stripes are caused by lichens growing on the orange sandstone. Known to Aborigines for centuries, it remained a secret to the rest of the world until the 1980s, when the stunning rock formation was spotted from the air. The Devil’s Marbles in the Northern territory are another example of Australia’s geological diversity. The “marbles” are huge roughly hewn ovoid boulders piled on top of one another, some seemingly defying gravity, poised like eggs balancing on end. Made of coarse granite, the marbles have gained their shape by constant weathering. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the few geological wonders that can be seen from space. A spectacular 161 square miles of coral reef, it stretches from New Guinea down the Queensland Coast. Dotted with coral islands, the reef is the largest structure ever built by living creatures. These tiny polyps leave their skeletal remains behind, forming stretches of coral reef. Nullabor means, literally, no trees, and the Nullabor Plain between Adelaide in South Australia and Perth in Western Australia lives up to its name. It is a vast 155,000 mile flat desert that drops with frightening suddenness into the Great Southern Ocean. There are no towns or permanent habitations on the Nullabor Plain – and definitely no trees. Wave Rock is a stunning formation in Western Australia that looks like a breaking wave on land. The smooth curve of the rock was believed to be caused by water erosion. Around 500 million years old, the wave shape was formed by granite flowing in molten form. For more information about travel (airfares, hotels, car rentals, vacations, cruises, etc) to Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns and Brisbane, please visit http://www.icheapairfares.com/Australia-Airfares.htm
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Andorra
For 715 years, given by 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lasted under a unparalleled co-principality, found by French and Spanish leaders (derived from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of province retained, however the government metamorphosed into a parliamentary republic. Long detached and impoverished, mountainous Andorra accomplished considerable successfulness since World War II through its tourer industry. Numbers of immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.
The single official language is Catalan, the language of the close Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia, by using which Andorra shares several cultural traits, though Spanish, Portuguese and French are likewise usually spoken. The predominant religion is Catholicism. Andorra's long story has provided it with a rich mythology and an abundance of country tales, with roots originating as far as Andalusia in the south and the Netherlands in the north.
Andorran culture is Catalan in heart, since the inborn population of Andorra is Catalan. Even so, it has given a significant and well identifiable contribution to the conglomerate of Catalan culture.
Two writers famed in Catalonia & the domain, Michele Gazier and Ramon Villero, each came from Andorra.
Andorra is home to folk dances like the contrapas and marratxa, which one survive in Sant Julia de Loria especially. Andorran folk music has similarities to all of its neighbors, however is especially Catalan in character, specially in the presence of dances such as the sardana. More Andorran folk dances admit contrapas in Andorra la Vella and Saint Anne's dancing in Escaldes-Engordany.
The single official language is Catalan, the language of the close Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia, by using which Andorra shares several cultural traits, though Spanish, Portuguese and French are likewise usually spoken. The predominant religion is Catholicism. Andorra's long story has provided it with a rich mythology and an abundance of country tales, with roots originating as far as Andalusia in the south and the Netherlands in the north.
Andorran culture is Catalan in heart, since the inborn population of Andorra is Catalan. Even so, it has given a significant and well identifiable contribution to the conglomerate of Catalan culture.
Two writers famed in Catalonia & the domain, Michele Gazier and Ramon Villero, each came from Andorra.
Andorra is home to folk dances like the contrapas and marratxa, which one survive in Sant Julia de Loria especially. Andorran folk music has similarities to all of its neighbors, however is especially Catalan in character, specially in the presence of dances such as the sardana. More Andorran folk dances admit contrapas in Andorra la Vella and Saint Anne's dancing in Escaldes-Engordany.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
A Visitors Guide To Zurich Switzerland
Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland and one of the only destinations in the world that truly has something for everybody. Most of the city's residents can speak multiple languages, including Zurich Swiss travel German, English, French, and Italian. The city is well known for its banking district, luxury goods, and outstanding universities, but it also provides a vast array of athletic and cultural events. All of these elements add up to a great travel place to live, so it should travel come as no surprise that for five successive years, Zurich has been named the city with the highest quality of life in the world by consulting company William M. Mercer.
Zurich accommodates visitors of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexuality, or social class. Children and their families have many options to choose from, including the outstanding Zurich Toy Museum (Fortunagasse 15, 8001 Zurich), which has free admission and features over 1000 antique toys from all over Europe. Zurich is also one of the world's most queer-friendly cities, with a substantial number of bars, clubs, and cultural events-such as the Pink Apple, a gay and lesbian film festival that takes place every May-that cater to homosexual travelers.
Switzerland's rather posh reputation may give budget-minded travelers pause, but the truth is that a trip to Zurich can be just as affordable as any other European destination. There are a number of stylish and moderately-priced lodging options available to travelers, such as the small and charming Hotel Seehof (11 Seehofstrasse, 8008 Zurich, http://www.hotelseehof.cf). Each of the hotel's 20 rooms (doubles from $215 per night) is simple and elegant, featuring sleek Swiss furniture and wireless internet access. The hotel also contains its own bar and Japanese food restaurant.
One easy way to explore what Zurich has to offer is by purchasing a Zurich Card. This one or three-day pass grants you admission to 40 museums, unlimited access to the city's excellent public transportation system, and special deals at many restaurants and shops. The Zurich Card can be purchased online by e-mailing the orders and information department at contact@zw.ch. A one-day pass costs approximately $12 for adults and $8 for children, while a three-day pass runs around $24 for adults and $16 for children.
The city is home to over 50 museums, which range in focus from art to technology. One of it's most unique is the Circus Museum (Fischmarktplatz 1, 8640 Rapperswil SG). Circus arts travel have a long, proud history in Switzerland, with Knie-the Swiss National Circus-setting up shop in 1919. Zurich also provides its visitors with a huge number of restaurants offering cuisine from virtually every country in the world, including Brazil, Korea, and Lebanon. For a taste of authentic Swiss travel food, head to Adler's Swiss Chuchi (Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zurich) for some of the city's best travel regional cuisine. And of course, no trip to Zurich would be complete without a pilgrimage to the city's most exclusive shopping district: Bahnhofstrasse (Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zurich).
You may publish this article on your website or ezine providing you travel leave the article "as is" and retain the resource box with live link back to the Search Switzerland Hotels website.
Zurich accommodates visitors of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexuality, or social class. Children and their families have many options to choose from, including the outstanding Zurich Toy Museum (Fortunagasse 15, 8001 Zurich), which has free admission and features over 1000 antique toys from all over Europe. Zurich is also one of the world's most queer-friendly cities, with a substantial number of bars, clubs, and cultural events-such as the Pink Apple, a gay and lesbian film festival that takes place every May-that cater to homosexual travelers.
Switzerland's rather posh reputation may give budget-minded travelers pause, but the truth is that a trip to Zurich can be just as affordable as any other European destination. There are a number of stylish and moderately-priced lodging options available to travelers, such as the small and charming Hotel Seehof (11 Seehofstrasse, 8008 Zurich, http://www.hotelseehof.cf). Each of the hotel's 20 rooms (doubles from $215 per night) is simple and elegant, featuring sleek Swiss furniture and wireless internet access. The hotel also contains its own bar and Japanese food restaurant.
One easy way to explore what Zurich has to offer is by purchasing a Zurich Card. This one or three-day pass grants you admission to 40 museums, unlimited access to the city's excellent public transportation system, and special deals at many restaurants and shops. The Zurich Card can be purchased online by e-mailing the orders and information department at contact@zw.ch. A one-day pass costs approximately $12 for adults and $8 for children, while a three-day pass runs around $24 for adults and $16 for children.
The city is home to over 50 museums, which range in focus from art to technology. One of it's most unique is the Circus Museum (Fischmarktplatz 1, 8640 Rapperswil SG). Circus arts travel have a long, proud history in Switzerland, with Knie-the Swiss National Circus-setting up shop in 1919. Zurich also provides its visitors with a huge number of restaurants offering cuisine from virtually every country in the world, including Brazil, Korea, and Lebanon. For a taste of authentic Swiss travel food, head to Adler's Swiss Chuchi (Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zurich) for some of the city's best travel regional cuisine. And of course, no trip to Zurich would be complete without a pilgrimage to the city's most exclusive shopping district: Bahnhofstrasse (Bahnhofstrasse, 8001 Zurich).
You may publish this article on your website or ezine providing you travel leave the article "as is" and retain the resource box with live link back to the Search Switzerland Hotels website.
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