A Historian’s Haven: London
A wise person once said that one cannot fully understand the present until one understands the past – and never have truer words been spoken. To fully comprehend the world in which we live in, it is important to know where we came from and how we got here. It is only when studying the development of society that we can understand society itself.
It is for this reason that London, the capital city of England, is such an perennially popular tourist destination. When searching for historical knowledge, the hundreds of years long past are wrapped within the walls of this great city – the foundation of the greatest Empire the world has ever seen. London is a significant historical city, particularly for those interested in politics and monarchy. In many cases, if something has happened in history, it either happened in London or the inspiration was taken from events in the capital.
London is now a thriving metropolis, teaming with the latest avant garde /em> fashions and a night life to satisfy even the most debauched night club goer. Yet behind the current sparkle of fashion, beauty and the high life lies a bloody and violent history of London that has helped shape the fabric of the world today. This is a city that has suffered. London ahs seen horrific acts and witnessed some of the most crucial decisions in history. It is therefore a historian’s haven, and long may it continue.
To try and list all of the sites of historical significance in London would be akin to attempting to count the grains of sand upon a beach. There is, however, a key highlight that should be included in any sightseeing tour of this fascinating city.
The Tower of London, in the center of the city, is a Medieval fortress, royal palace and prison – although perhaps best known for the latter. Having been built by William the Conqueror in 1077 and used as a stronghold for the monarchy ever since, it has served equally as a royal residence and a royal prison. The most celebrated monarch of all time, Elizabeth I, was once held in the tower on suspicion of treason. With nearly 1,000 years of history, no visit to London would be complete without a trip to the Tower.
Dublin: The Fairest of Them All?
Once upon a time, Dublin was the hub of the Irish Republican Army and their struggle to free themselves from the clutches of the British. It was the rallying point for the likes of Podraig Pearse and Eamon De Valera, the capital of Ireland and the scene of some of the most disturbing struggles for freedom in the history of the world. Now, it is a city where drunken stockbrokers go for a stag weekend and the “craic”.
The image of Dublin as, essentially, party central is not incorrect. There is no doubt that the capital of the Republic of Ireland is a brilliant place to have a night out, enjoying the fun – or “craic”, as English and American tourists like to say, while the Irish shy away from this phrase – of the notorious Temple Bar and sampling the world famous Guinness. Yet Dublin is so much more than that, a fact rarely appreciated by the weekend crowd who see it nothing more than a larger night club.
Dublin is one of the most charming cities on the face of the planet, and deserves a little more credit than the booze-fueled weekends it had become synonymous with. As well as the moving stories of the Easter Rising in 1916, where Ireland battled with Britain to be free from their rule, this city has hundreds of years of history dating back to before Christ.
The city is also a hub for fans of literature. Over the years, the city has been the home of many world famous writers, including Oscar Wilde and Dracula author, Bram Stoker. In fact, one can visit the house and street where Dracula, the forerunner to the vampire fiction of today, was actually written.
Dublin is also host to distilleries and museums celebrated that favorite Irish past-time: drinking. Factories and museums of Dublin’s two most famous exports, the stout drink Guinness and whiskey, can be visited and enjoyed. Each tour of the distillery ends with a tasting session; thankfully, a taxi stand is located outside for convenience of the less than sober visitors who must find their way home!
Simply, look beyond the night life and one soon discovers a Dublin of historical and cultural significance… all of which can be taken in with a night on the town, of course.
Nice- A Gateway to Charm
On the south west coast of France, there is a city that’s name should tell you all you need to know. Nice (pronounced nee-ce) is one of the stars of the French Riviera, a glittering gem of glamor and money, akin to the likes of Cannes (famous for its film festival) and Monaco. Even though the pronunciation of Nice means it is not actually being described as pleasant, it is nevertheless a popular holiday destination for tourists from across the world. It is, it would appear, nice to be in Nice.
Nice itself is a bustling city with a beautiful seashore. The architecture is primarily white washed, as the temperatures of the region can easily top 40 degrees Celsius in summer, and stay warm throughout the year. Nice is also famous for its palm trees, many of which dot the pavements and sidewalks, as well as along the main beach and promenade.
The city has become an increasingly popular destination, due in no small part to its place on the budget flight map. Return flights to Nice can, if booked in advance and at the right time, cost as little as £40 or roughly $90 USD. Considering the city itself is stunning, this is all the more advantageous as Nice can also serve as a gateway to France and Italy due to its geographical location. The main airport in Nice is a tourist attraction in itself, with huge sumptuous views across the blue ocean and wide, open glass buildings that maximize on the view.
Unlike many Western tourists destinations, Nice also has the bonus of being a relatively cheap place to stay. To go with the budget air travelers, many budget hotels have sprung up around the airport, making it a perfect place for a quick, cheap, fling in the sun. Flights from the UK to Nice take around an hour and a half from the London airports, making it convenient, too.
Essentially, Nice has it all. It has all the charm and promise of a French city, but without extravagant prices. Getting there and staying there is cheap, and with around 20 flights to Nice departing from the UK every day, it’s easy to travel there, too. Have yourself a nice holiday, that won’t break the bank, in Nice.
