Winchcombe, Gloucestershire - Pilgrimages and Walking Trails

Nestled in the rolling hills of south-central England, Winchcombe in Gloucestershire is an ancient village that dates to Neolithic times, as evidenced by the Belas Knap Long Barrow that sits above the town. Current census information shows a population of around 4400 persons. A primary industry in the area is tourism.

A population of Anglo-Saxon people was centralized in the Mercia kingdom with Winchcombe being one of three towns noted by King Coenwulf., who ruled 796 to 821. Winchcombe was once again prominent during a short period in the 11th century when it was the county seat of Winchcombeshire. Winchcombe was a popular pilgrimage site during the early Middle Ages.

The Benedictine abbey founded by a ruler of Mercia in 798 was home to over three hundred monks. Thousands of pilgrims visited the abbey, the burial place of two Mercian princes. In particular, St. Kenelm's tomb was one of the major pilgrimage centers. During its heyday, the Abbey owned thousands of acres spread over a multi county area. There is little left to mark the spot where this famous building was located.

Nearby Hailes Abbey is somewhat younger than Winchcombe Abbey and slightly more evidence of the original structure remains. Hailes was a pilgrimage site for those who came to view a vial of the 'Blood of Christ', donated by Henry III of England to his younger brother Richard. Most of the buildings on the site were demolished under the rule of Henry VIII in 1539.

As a tourist attraction, Sudeley Castle continues to bring visitors for day trips. The castle and grounds are well-maintained today with castle tours three days each week. The inhabited portion dates from the Elizabethan era.

A half-dozen walking trails pass through Winchcombe, making it a spot for refreshment or retirement. Cotswold Way stretches 102 miles through the mountains; Gloucestershire Way is 100 miles; Wychavon Way at 42 miles; St Kenelm's Trail runs 62 miles; Warden's Way and Windrush Way meet the long-distance criteria of 50 miles or more in length.

Synergy Thailand : Convention 09

Synergy Thailand : Synergy Thailand Convention, Pattaya Park. October 23 - 24, 2009



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU0BuEPrgcA&hl=en

A Guide to Southern California Flea Markets

Vacationers love Southern California because there's so much to see and do. But with so many attractions to choose from, many travelers never get around to hitting the flea markets. Southern California has some of the best in the world. So whether you are a serious collector, or just looking for a fun souvenir, chances are you'll find something cool. You'll also experience a slice of local culture and maybe even see a star or two.

If you're here on the weekend, you're in luck, because there's a flea market somewhere every Sunday. Some are good for an hour or so, others can take most of the day. Lather up with sunscreen, bring some cash, and get ready to bargain.

Housed in the parking lot of the Pasadena football stadium, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is the most popular one in Los Angeles. It takes place on the second Sunday of the month. On nice days, more than 20,000 people might show up. There are usually about 2,500 vendors selling everything from old record albums to vintage clothes to fine antiques. There are a couple of food stands, so you can grab a bite and keep shopping.

If you're an avid collector, come early. Your admission fee will vary based on when you arrive. Gates open at 5AM, but a lot of stands don't set up that early. Admission starts at $20 and goes down until the box office closes at 3 o'clock.

Many of the Rose Bowl vendors specialize in one type of antique or collectible. And you can find almost anything here. In addition to the expected, you'll find old typewriters, musical instruments, paintings, rugs, jewelry, old handbags, and more.

You can -- and should -- do a little bargaining here, but don't come looking for steals.

The Long Beach Outdoor Antique Market, which takes place on the third Sunday of each month, is held in Veterans Stadium. It's been going strong since starting in 1982 and has more than 800 dealers. It's good for old furniture, vintage clothes, rugs, lamps, and other items for the home. As one of the biggest markets on the west coast, it's worth the drive.

Trend-setters and fashionistas will enjoy the Melrose Trading Post in the parking lot of Fairfax High School. It takes place every Sunday. About 3,000 people show up to look for vintage clothing, alternative music, 1970s stuff, and kitschy items. Live music and a few food trucks round out the scene. Young celebrities and set designers often visit.

The Santa Monica Airport hosts the Santa Monica Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market on the first and fourth Sundays. The market at the end of the month is more popular, with around 175 vendors. Doors open at 6AM. The goods here are of better quality than at the other markets, and you'll find real antiques, nice carpets, painting, textiles, and decorative objects.

The only market with no admission fee, Pasadena City College Flea Market takes place on the first Sunday of the month. It's the favorite of bargain hunters and others just looking for a low-key afternoon. There are usually around 500 vendors selling everything from costume jewelry to old bicycles.

The Barrier of Spears

The Drakensberg are the largest mountain range in South Africa. Translated, their name means "Dragon Mountains" and the Zulu name, uKhahlamba, means "Barrier of Spears". Stretching for over 600 miles and rising to a height of 3,482m at its highest point in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Drakensberg were declared a World Heritage Site in 2000.

Historically, they were home to the San and Koi people and there are plenty of examples of San Rock art to be found at various places throughout the mountain range with over 20,000 pieces of art being recorded at 500 different sites thought to date back as far as 2,400 years ago.

As one of the jewels in the crown of KwaZulu Natal tourism, the Drakensberg have plenty to offer the visitor. Remote mountain retreats like Cathedral Peak and Cleopatras Mountain Farm House are wonderful places to spend a few days experiencing what this area has to offer. Cleopatras Mountain Farm House is also renowned as offering superb gourmet dining.

As you would expect, a full range of mountain activities are available include walking, hiking, white water rafting, fly fishing and abseiling. It is also possible to take to the air in a helicopter to get a different perspective of the magnificent Drakensberg.

The mountain range is also rich in wildlife with birdlife including the endangered Cape Vulture. Herds of grazing animals and antelopes can also be found as well as chameleons, frogs and other reptiles. Areas such as Giants Castle and Mont-Aux-Sources are two of the most famous peaks in the Drakensberg mountains which are also riddled with waterfalls, streams, caves and the crisp South African mountain air.

walking artery pattaya thailand x-mas 2008

24 dec 20u walking street



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHoLZ2dUziI&hl=en

Russian Bum on Walking Street

Very cute Russian lady on Walking Street, Pattaya.



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Pattaya Apartments - how to find the right apartment

Pattaya know before renting an apartment in Pattaya for the long term. Rent a motorbike or scooter and explore Pattaya for a few days if you are new to Pattaya. Visiting areas you can. You will see which areas you like and which parts of your budget if you're on a budget.

Most apartment complexes will not rent to you for less than 3-6 months during peak season. you want to make sure that you, as the area you live in and willHow many apartments in Pattaya, as the grains of sand on the beaches of Pattaya.

You can find very large apartment complexes with hundreds of houses and small buildings there with 10, 20 or 30 units. You will see so-called Serviced Apartments, mean nothing more than "ready to move on."

Bring a notepad and take notes of the areas that you like best. Stop by apartment complexes and to find the owner, manager or management office. The operator isprobably talk a bit 'of English.

Talking to the tenants and if they live there and if they want to know about problems, if at all. Once you have found and narrows to a plan, you visit the apartment and the surrounding area at different times of day or night. This is important! This is Thailand. They do not want to find bars that stay open all night right outside the door after paying the rent and security.

standard rent deposit is usually one month, but can bemore than if there is a cleaning fee if you move. Rents vary from a minimum of 3,500 baht to 10 thousand per month, depending on size, location, furniture, even if there is a kitchen and much more.

Apartments for less than 3,500 baht a month can not be adapted to most Westerners. I saw very nice and clean apartments for 3,500 baht and I've seen, not so pleasant for the 10,000 baht. For 10,000 baht per month in rent, you should be able, very nice oneApartment-style room with good food and furniture Nice.

Do you understand what you pay for water and electricity. I've heard of cheap rents, but extremely high rates for water and electricity. Make sure you move down the water supply and reading, if you write a copy of the apartment within the rules, if available.

Other things to note:

Verify that the power plant, including lights
Perhaps there is water in the kitchen, bathroom and shower
Youneed for air conditioning?
Are the windows have screens?
Is parking safe?
Make your list ...

Pattaya is not your normal type of city. This is a common part in many areas, and if you want an apartment, check the area during the day and night to choose rent. There are bars nearby? Bars can be fun for someone to come visit for a short period Pattaya. Bar can not be so funny when you garden. Bars in Pattaya oftenis open 24 / 7