| Feb 13, 2012 |
| Five Must-Sees in Istanbul |
 |
| “Historic” barely begins to convey the intricate layers of ancient past that weave their way into Istanbul’s present. As a way for new visitors to get to know Turkey’s capital city, we’ve invited one of our Istanbul guides to share his Top 5 things to see and do there. Faruk is one of the youngest guides on ToursByLocals; he’s also one of our must popular! |
(click to enlarge) |
Top 5 things to see in my city:
1. Hagia Sophia Museum: Hagia Sophia was the most important and biggest church all over the world around thousands years and then when the Ottoman Empire conqured the city from Byzantium Empire, they converted it to a mosque. In 1935, by the order of Ataturk who is founder of modern Turkey it converted to a museum.
2. Topkapi Palace Museum: The first buildings of the Topkapı Palace, the primary and official residence of the Ottoman sultans, were constructed after the conquest of İstanbul in 1453, between 1460 and 1478, by order of Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror (Fatih Sultan Mehmet). The palace was built on the site of the acropolis of the ancient city of Byzantion located on the Seraglio Point (Sarayburnu), at the end of the historic peninsula of Istanbul between the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
3. Istanbul Archaeological Museums: The İstanbul Archaeological Museums are located on the hill that hosted the Ottoman throne for hundreds of years, on the way leading to the Topkapı Palace. And the slope leading to those museums is named after their founder, Osman Hamdi Bey.
4. Suleymaniye Mosque: The Suleymaniye Complex, consisting of a large number of courtyards and a caravansarai, was constructed starting on June 13, 1550 through October 15, 1557 by Architect Sinan (the grand old master of Ottoman architecture). A total of 3,523 workers were employed during the construction of the complex.
5. Turkish Bath Experience: The Çemberlitas Historical Bath is located next to the Çemberlitas Column, near the Grand Bazaar. It was built by architect Sinan with the wish of Nurbanu Sultan, the mother of Sultan Murat III and the wife of Selim II, in 1584.
Thanks Faruk! If you're planning a trip to Istanbul in 2012, consider getting in touch with Faruk and getting insight into Turkish life from a local. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Feb 11, 2012 |
| ToursByLocals Adds Guides in Two New Countries |
|
| With the recent addition of new guides in two countries, travelers booking through ToursByLocals can now find guides in 108 countries around the world! |
(click to enlarge) |
Each new country and region that we add brings us closer to our goal of being able to offer travelers the ability to make authentic, local connections in any destination they choose to travel. Our two newest countries are Tonga and Namibia, both adventurous destinations for any globetrotter.
The tourism brochures for Tonga boast that it is “the place where time begins” – alluding to its nifty position barely a degree to the west of the International Date Line. Have breakfast in Tonga on Saturday while your “neighbour” in Hawaii is reading Friday’s newspaper with their morning orange juice! Tonga is the only Kingdom in the South Pacific, and an excellent spot for any water sport you can imagine, but especially snorkelling and diving amidst the colourful and abundant marine life. Your guide here is Hepi, who has grown up admiring the rich culture and history of her island.
Namibia, of course, is an altogether different (and magnificent!) experience. The African nation neighbours Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa, with the Atlantic Ocean kissing its western coast. Namibia is frequently recognised as a “photographer’s dream” with its wild seascapes, rugged mountains, lonely deserts, stunning wildlife and evocative colonial cities. There’s no one better to have with you when exploring this vast nation than a fully qualified Safari Guide like Kent.
Which country will be next to join our growing local guide network? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Feb 10, 2012 |
| Atlanta's Top Five Must-Sees: tips from a local guide |
|
| Ever been to the sunny, booming "Capital of the South"? That would be Atlanta, Georgia. This city of five million draws many visitors each year with its charming streets, riveting civil war history and family-friendly attractions. Our local guide, Martina is here today to tell you the Top Five “Must-Sees” she recommends to visitors to Atlanta. |
(click to enlarge) |
1. Piedmont Park
This park is in the middle of Atlanta and offers garden paths, vistas and sweeping lawns. Clara Meer invites you to pause to feed the fish and take in the park from a different angle. While walking in Piedmont Park, have your camera ready because you will find many photo opportunities with the city as a backdrop. After your park visit, try one of the many restaurants that line the park’s perimeter!
2. Georgia Aquarium/World of Coca-Cola
Depending on your interest, you can visit the Georgia Aquarium or the World of Coca Cola, both are on the north end of Centennial Park. The Aquarium offers many different exhibits and the tunnel is a must see with huge fish swimming over your head or in front of you behind a giant acrylic wall. Plan your visit and get tickets online to make sure you avoid a long wait outside (remember: it's hot in Georgia). The World of Coca Cola is a family friendly affair where you can find out about the beginnings of this company and test drink 60 different beverages. Bring some time, there is lots to see in both places!
3. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
A tour of Dr. King’s boyhood home is available; the site itself is self-guided and you can visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church, The King Center and the Peace Plaza. The Sweet Auburn neighborhood where the historic site is located was a thriving African-American center of commerce and culture at the turn of the 20th century.
4. Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain is a geological feast- there are several large granite mounds in the Metro Atlanta area but Stone Mountain is the most spectacular. Once you take the cable car to the top you will be rewarded with a splendid view over the countryside and the city of Atlanta. The park surrounding Stone Mountain is very family friendly.
5. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge
If you have time for a day trip out of the city, head to Amicalola in the North Georgia mountains. You will find a splendid waterfall and hiking trails, a lodge and a visitor center. After your visit, head to Dahlonega with its gold rush past and small shops and restaurants along a square that invites you to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Thanks for the great suggestions, Martina. If any travelers are headed to Atlanta anytime soon, consider getting in touch with Martina to help you make the most of your time there. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Feb 7, 2012 |
| Irish Guide on Cover of National Newspaper |
|
| "His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead.” |
(click to enlarge) |
Our guide Joe in Dublin sent us this photo (right) a few weeks ago. I was remiss about getting it up on our site sooner (to better coincide with the January 6th date) but better late than never!
The photo, from the cover of the Irish Independent newspaper is of Joe sitting and reading in front of a famous Dublin literary landmark, Sweny’s Pharmacy. The 150 year old apothecary is featured in sumptuous detail in James Joyce’s Ulysses. In the photo, Joe is reading a copy of one of Joyce’s most famous short stories (almost a novella, really) entitled “The Dead.” The story, recognised as one of the most accomplished short stories in the English language, takes place on the evening of the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th, 1904, at a dinner party in Dublin’s Gresham Hotel.
In honour of this Irish masterpiece, Sweny’s and the Gresham Hotel teamed up on January 6th of this winter to host the first ever “Dead Dinner.”
If you’re traveling to Dublin, a bit of Joycean history is a must! Consider getting in touch with Joe the next time you’re there to learn more about this greatest of 20th century Irish writers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Blog home
Submit an item
Archives
May 2012 (8)
April 2012 (12)
March 2012 (11)
February 2012 (13)
January 2012 (12)
December 2011 (12)
November 2011 (13)
October 2011 (14)
September 2011 (12)
August 2011 (14)
July 2011 (16)
June 2011 (16)
May 2011 (17)
April 2011 (16)
March 2011 (16)
|