Travel

The Many Names of Istanbul

Posted by: Barry K. Rothman

Today, we call it Istanbul but if we traveled back in time and asked for directions to Istanbul we might get funny looks. This is because the region has changed dramatically over time, both in who claimed ownership and what the people themselves thought of the area.

Byzantium

Also called Byzantion, Byzantium is the European settlement of Istanbul. The city was formed through several tribes that were loosely connected.

Lygos

The city was founded by ancient Greeks known as Thracians. Some structures and walls from this period still survive today, but the city has largely moved on. The names of Lygos and Byzantium are more like regions, but they mark portions of what is today known as Istanbul.

Augusta Antonia

When Rome laid siege to the city in AD 196, they left it heavily damaged and in need of repair. To celebrate their victory, they rebuilt the glory of Byzantium and stuck the Roman name of Augusta Antonia in honor of the emperor’s son.

Constantinopolis

Constantine was said to have been attracted to the region of Istanbul thanks to a prophetic dream. When he settled in the city, he decided to declare it as the new capital in Rome. As a result, it was one of the busiest and largest cities throughout the ancient Greek and Byzantine world.

Origins of Istanbul

After the city fell to the Turks in the 1450s, the invaders adapted Constantinople to their own language. The name stuck for 500 years until the administration of the city adopted Istanbul from the Greek phrasing for “in the City.”

 

 

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About the Author: Barry K. Rothman is an elementary school teacher in Houston, Texas. he is originally from NYC. He loves travelling to new places and taking pictures.

Sightseeing on Vacations

Everyone needs a break. We all need sometime away from all the stress that our daily lives presents us; we need a time to just unwind and forget about the world we’re used to. Vacations have always been the source rest and relaxation and a way to refresh ourselves and see new things. What would be a good option to go to as a vacation destination though? Europe has always been a worthy choice, but with its many countries, it is still hard finding the right place to go to.

Italy vacations have always been fun and there’s always much to see in the beautiful country. There are a plethora of possible regions and cities that one can see such as Florence, Sicily, Sardinia, Cinque Terre, Venice, and of course, the ever popular Rome. Italy sightseeing never gets boring as there are always other great tourist attractions to see. In Rome alone, we have many popular locations such as the Coliseum, the Trevi fountain, the Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Besides Rome though, many other locations serve as great tourist attractions such as Venice with its gondolas. The food in Italy is also something special with its tasty cheeses, delicious pizza and pasta, and delectable gelato.

Article submitted by ItaliaTours, your trusted companion and guide for a Rome vacation.

After the Flood: the Cinque Terre

By Phin Upham

Nobody likes to lose their luggage on a trip abroad, but some people consider it a stroke of luck. That’s how the New York Times article “Treasures of the Cinque Terre,” begins. Writer Liesl Schillinger loses her luggage on the way to Italy; however, she doesn’t see it as a bad thing. The incident allows her to explore the “jewel box villages” on Italy’s Ligurian coast with the only her eyes and feet.

“Treasures of the Cinque Terre,” is a pleasant read, taking the reader to Cinque Terre two years after it was struck by torrential rainfall. When the storm hit the area two years ago, it nearly destroyed the villages of Monterosso and Vernazza. But Schillinger gets to see the villages in person and witness how the land that was once flooded has recovered, “though restoration continues.”

Schillinger writes, “Looking around us at the bustling restaurants, sun-dappled loggias, boutiques and focaccerias (and the long table 10 feet from ours, where a dozen priests were making merry), we could scarcely believe that disaster had so recently blighted this idyll.”

To read the entire article, please visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/06/travel/treasures-of-the-cinque-terre.html?_r=0

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Phin Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or Facebook page.

Poconos Vacations for Couples and Families

The Pocono Mountains resorts and hotels have incredible facilities and the accommodation is tailored to meet the budget or need of the visitors. The accommodations provided in these lodges are as varied as the landscapes of the Poconos. Visitors can get an opportunity of having bed and breakfast at the peak of the mountain overlooking the coves or in inns nestled amidst scenic and picturesque mountains. Couples can also stay in Pocono’s historic boutique hotel and sample the boutique’s warm hospitality and charm. Vacationers can also elect to pamper themselves in the luxurious and exotic spas at the Poconos.

Couples looking to spend a romantic gateway in romantic resorts can treat themselves to excellent accommodation at the couples’ only resorts. Each of the Poconos Resorts has its own form of relaxation and authentic hospitality. Aside from the couples’ only resorts, the Poconos also have family friendly resorts that offer activities for the enjoyment of the whole family. The family centred activities at the family resorts include hayrides, sing-along, weenie roasts, and campfires to the enjoyment of the whole family. Visitors staying at the family resorts can participate in fun filled activities such as horseback riding and fly-fishing. The Picturesque scenic beauty of the Poconos affords a great vacationing experience to all who visit the Poconos.

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This article was authored to recommend Poconos hotels as vacation destination of choice. The Poconos hotels offer a variety of packages to its visitors. Vacationers can also take time to relax and sample the exquisite Poconos Spa.

Symbol of Peace in Japan

By Samuel Phineas Upham

Japan is one of my favorite countries to visit. The culture is fascinating and unique, particularly because the country is very homogenous. Due to the fact that this country is an island, its culture has existed in a vacuum for a long time. This translates into a distinctive culture and people. Fresh sushi where it all started is hard to beat as well. However, a trip to Japan is unique and special for another reason. The country has a turbulent history. There is a place that no one should miss while in the “Land of the Rising Sun.” I’m referring to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

While seeing a memorial that honors the death of nearly 250,000 innocent people might seem like a depressing way to spend a vacation, it’s a very important piece of world history. I was reluctant myself at the idea of going to the museum, but I don’t regret it.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum commemorates the explosion of the first atomic bomb. The memorial sits in the beautiful Hiroshima prefecture. The museum houses all different types of photos from the war, the blast, and the impact on the people. There are many pictures and some drawings done by the victims and survivors of the blast.

In addition to the stories of victims, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is significant for another reason. This place is truly a symbol of the need for world peace. A portion of the museum is completely dedicated to promoting world peace and the complete eradication of nuclear weapons. Spending the day at this tragic place is quite sobering.

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About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.

Going on a Cayman Islands Holiday? Rent a Car for Worry Free Travel

Driving yourself around the countryside is nothing short of a liberating experience. Driving yourself around the shoreline on your next holiday will be an unforgettable experience. Experience nothing short of extraordinary the next time you find yourself on Holiday in the beautiful Cayman Islands. Contact a Grand Cayman rent a car to help you find your perfect vehicle during your next stay in the Cayman Islands!

Article submitted by Andy’s Rent-A-Car, providing you the best rent a car in the Grand Cayman area since 1987.

Samba Adventures in Brazil

By Phineas Upham

When I took a trip to Rio de Janeiro in the colorful country of Brazil, I was drawn to dance. Everywhere I went, I saw Brazilians dancing so wildly and with such grace. Despite the individual styles, I saw a certain uniformity in the type of dance –Samba!

Samba is an old Brazilian style of dance with African origins. It has many different variations, but it’s fairly easy to identify because of the specific rhythm involved. At Carnival, street performers moved their bodies in the rhythmic Samba dance.

The basis of Samba involves rapid steps taken on a quarter of a beat as well as a swaying and rocking motion. It’s particularly difficult to learn how to dance with a partner because it’s so fast paced!

I arrived at a Bossa Nova late in the evening as most Brazilians don’t show up until almost midnight. I was surprised to find that the version of Samba that most people did at the nightclubs was very different than the stiff classroom style.

I highly recommend taking Samba lessons next time you visit Rio de Janeiro. You will be completely intoxicated by the South American flair…even if you do trip all over yourself in the process.

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Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or Facebook page.

Visit Florida’s Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

There’s more to see in Florida than the Epcot Center and Walt Disney World. The Sunshine State is home to a wide range of exotic wildlife and beautiful scenery. If you’re planning a family vacation to the Sunshine State, consider spending a day or two exploring the state’s outdoor offerings, and we don’t mean the beaches. If you want to see animals and plants that most people only get to see in zoos, consider visiting the Merritt Island National Refuge.

Located near Cape Canaveral, this natural sanctuary features a whopping 140,000 acres of various habitats, including coastal dunes, saltwater estuaries, pine flat woods, and freshwater impoundments, to name a few. The entire refuge is home to over 1,500 species of flora and fauna, making it the ideal place to see Florida’s unique plants and animals.

Visitors to this large refuge can take part in many recreational activities, ranging from wildlife drives to fishing and boating. The Black Point Wildlife Drive, for example, takes guests on a seven-mile drive through marshes and pine flatwoods, making it possible for people to get up close and personal with various birds as well as alligators, river otters, bobcats and snacks.

Other popular activities available at the refuge include bird and wildlife observation, the manatee observation deck, and canoeing. The Manatee Observation Deck is especially pleasant; a viewing platform on the northern side of Haulover Canal, the deck makes it possible for visitors to see these endangered gentle giants. The refuge also offers fishing and hunting, with plenty of lagoons and rivers to choose from, including Mosquito Lagoon and Banana River. Hunters can enjoy waterfowl hunting.

Travel blog post sponsored by Plan B International, a boutique real estate agency with professional real estate associates with college degrees and experience in the local and international markets. To get more information, or buy or sell through this real estate company, please visit Planbinternational.com.

Forests in Brazil

By Phin Upham

If you’re a fan of Mother Nature, then you should definitely check out an nature tour in Brazil. Brazil is a huge country that offers amazing nature unlike anywhere else in the world. One of the best parts of the natural world of Brazil is the beaches. The beaches are very clean and offer plenty of great surf.

In addition to the beautiful beaches, Brazil offers spectacular national parks. The Amazon Rainforest is out of this world! By far it’s one of my favorite places in the world. The flora and fauna are truly something to see. Despite the fact that the rainforest is beautiful, it’s also dangerous and very difficult to navigate by yourself. For this reason, I highly recommend that tourists sign up. Ecotourism is growing in popularity in this South American country.

Ecotours are a great option for a few reasons. Ecotour guides are very knowledgeable; it’s like having your own National Geographic magazine with you.

There are many tours, including some that involve overnight camping in the middle of the rainforest. Make sure to do your research to find a reputable ecotour group. Only some groups require that their guides undergo extensive training and study before leading groups into the wild.

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About the Author: Phin Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or Twitter page.

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