Thursday, April 21, 2011

Vancouver, Canada – A Relaxing Destination

Vancouver is blessed with one of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Ocean and mountains surround the city, with stretches of trees covering it.

Vancouver, Canada is also a starting point for exploring British Columbia, from the islands and to the mountains of the interior, located in south-east corner of the province, where the Fraser Valley meets the Georgia Strait.



Vancouver, Canada - Lion Gate Bridge

Vancouver, Canada - Lion Gate Bridge


With the natural beauty of heaven and the city’s role for former hippies and anarchists cultural, it is not surprising that organizations such as Greenpeace and Adbusters have appeared here. But Vancouver is also the commercial and cultural heart of the West Coast of Canada and a major tourist destination.


Vancouver is often called “Lotus Land” by other Canadians, thanks to the temperate climate and reputation of relaxing location. The city boasts outdoor recreation options – kayaking, skating, mountain biking and snowboarding – which attract millions of visitors to the city and surrounding areas.



Vancouver, Canada - Skyline

Vancouver, Canada - Skyline


In the center of the historic Gastown and Yaletown area is modern Burrard Peninsula, as well as the west end residential area (West End) and Stanley Park trees and cedars. Lions Gate Bridge links the city of North Vancouver and the north shore mountains, over Burranrd Creek. Headquarters of China and multi-cultural area is located east and False Creek and Granville Island Public spaces separating the top of the southern city higher.


Multi-ethnic communities enliven the city, starting with excellent restaurants, to a diverse program of cultural events. Many streets curves follow the coast, linking the various districts in Vancouver and Kitsilano and West End, where cafes and watching passers-by are common.



Vancouver, Canada - View of Stanley Park

Vancouver, Canada - View of Stanley Park


Keeping Premiums Down housed various populations (belonging to the Coast Salish linguistic group) when George Vancouver explored the area in 1792. In the 1820s European settlers established a fur trading point and salmon in Fort Langley, east of Vancouver today.


Gold Rush of 1858 multiplied by the local population. The town itself grew around a sawmill and the terminus of transcontinental railroad. For a time the city was called Granville in 1886 but was renamed Vancouver.


Tourism is growing, especially after Expo 86 and increased the popularity of Alaskan cruises, departing from Terminal Canada.



Vancouver, Canada - Olympic Village

Vancouver, Canada - Olympic Village


The attention of the city will grow, with Games and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. There civilian projects that will make Vancouver a city more inviting to visitors until 2010.


Vancouver has a marine climate with mild winters and hot summers, which provide the appearance of the town green throughout the year. Although winters can be very rainy summer sun there are prolonged periods when visitors can explore the natural beauties of the region. In the city snow rarely falls, but the mountains in the north are just right for winter sports.

"

Five Little Pieces Of Haven On Earth

The Christian religion is the ultimate reward of an afterlife in heaven, the ultimate expression of beauty, promised only to those who have followed the rules and biblical teachings in life. Beautiful Heaven was described with its landscapes gardens and dream that many people began to dream of him since the time of life. Let’s dream about it.

It is possible that a divine force to be created this little oasis of beauty in a mundane environment as a preview of Heaven promised celestial? Almost every country in the world boasts of its authenticity, but only a few, very few, have seats that raise the standards of a truly exclusive Heaven on Earth. What we propose is an unusual tourist tour, a journey in various parts of the world in search of earthly paradises. Preview ba have something better, at least glad that we must not leave this world to get there.


Algonquin Park, Canada


Just three hours away from Toronto, a bustling metropolis of Canada, is one of the most beautiful places in the world, an earthly paradise mountain, topped with pine forests, steep cliffs and rivers ran. The quality of mind most of the park is under-representation of the human race. Except for a few campsites and buildings, the park is completely protected from the shortcomings of civilization. Rest and relaxation are just two of the pleasant effects of the absence of human footprints.



Algonquin Park, Canada

Algonquin Park, Canada


What can you do in this park, besides the rest? You can explore the wild surroundings, to make canoes on the lake, swim or just fishing in cold rivers. Basically, you can do just about anything that suits a place equipped with all the mountain, before you turn in your town crowded. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll have a pleasant encounter with moose or beaver, but unless you’re very lucky, you can choose one of the third meeting with one of the park’s 2,000 pandas. Even if you do not you spend the night in the city, including horns and noises, you can entertain your children sleep in the hut in the wood, trying to ignore you oracaielile frogs, owls flashy or clogged the wolves howling. Sleep easy …


Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa


We must recognize that despite the problems of political, social and economic face, Africa has remained one of the most spectacular continents of geographically and biologically. Exotic animals unprecedented anywhere in the world and thousands of miles of wild land in Africa are one of the favorite destinationsthose eager to venture . A possible destination, safe at the same time, Thornybush Game Reserve, situated near the Kruger National Park in South Africa.



Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa

Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa


You can check the Chapungu Luxury camping, keeping an old colonial atmosphere and has an interesting policy: does not get more than 16 guests in a series. A place with spectacular scenery and with few people is a perfect candidate for the title of paradise on Earth. No need to carry a tent at home, the hosts are prepared at the height of the most demanding desires: Spacious tents with large beds, allowing the lifting blade to the top of the bed admiring one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ve seen ever. During the day, you can wander around on board a jeep or you can start a safari trip in anticipation of wildlife sightings. In other words, any other holiday will pale in comparison to last African wilderness.


Patagonia, Chile


A less known region of Chile’s Patagonia is an area that seems to be a country itself. Especially the classic image that we did about Chile in Patagonia come out dense and green forests, fjords, glaciers and islands silent. An unusual earthly paradise at the same time, one end of the world. Located in the south, the region is divided into two halves: the north and the south. This division is purely geographical, otherwise, both are covered by virgin forests and crossed by rivers cold, where there are no glaciers or ice fields Dignified that sparkle in the light of day.



Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia, Chile


But Patagonia does not look very welcoming to guests, so access roads are few. It takes an experienced driver to pass through fjords to arrive to admire the unique landscape. In eastern Andes runs the world’s fifth largest desert and the hot springs here Jacuzzi guarantees the best that I’ve ever tried. With its endless days long, sky blue, polar climate and an abundance of wildlife, including penguins and whales, Patagonia is Chile, but not as we know it.


Cotswolds, England


If this location is good enough for British stars who are dating here every weekend, then surely that is as good for us, those deprived of light reflectarelor. Located in the province of Gloucestershire, Cotswolds reproduces most thoroughly enjoyable and thoroughly genial and slightly aristocratic air of England, successfully kept away from urban environments. Unlike other proposed destinations in the Cotswolds, the countryside beyond the green and fresh air, you will love beyond measure walls, houses, brick, sidewalks, pubs and large, everything that has to do with the old British way of life.



Cotswolds, England

Cotswolds, England


During the day you can relax with walks through the green surroundings, even though a walk through the village where you are staying will not even be an urban experience. Arranged and flower gardens, windows framed by colorful flowers, a peaceful atmosphere and a welcoming population and are a recipe at the same time, unique to forget the sea or mountain resort vacations, busy and modern. At nightfall you can withdraw in front of the fireplace to read a good book while enjoying a glass of wine or, if you already have entered the British spirit, go out with friends in a pub and beer tasting original house. Autumn is the perfect season to walk the land lost in time’s of the Cotswolds, when nature is aligned to the trends of the old luxury lifestyle detained British.

"

Five Places Ideal For Ghost Hunting






Hundreds of places – houses, cemeteries, theaters, patches of forest or desert, mountain peaks and valleys – all over the world have gained, over time, a strange fame: there are some inexplicable things happen, or at least Unexplained (scientific, rational) so far, or explained so that explanation is accepted only by those who believe in the paranormal.


Mysterious appearances, as well as mysterious disappearances, strange sounds, lights, enigmatic … including that most famous and fantastic and famous Bermuda Triangle and Alcatraz, the prison the same name, which Al Capone’s ghost haunts, here is a list 10 places that you might consider if you are passionate about the paranormal. Some of these “locations” have even become tourist destinations, visited annually by thousands of pilgrims are in search of revelation, but researchers in the field of paranormal phenomena. Why not? In an era in which tourism offers to diversify and specialize, to suit different customers’ interests, why did not exist and “paranormal tours, for those eager to know what is beyond knowledge of the world in the spirit of positivism ?


Monte Cristo Homestead, Australia


In an age obsessed with records, the title of ”most” … whatever it is, is at a higher price, the title of “most haunted house in Australia”, awarded a property called Monte Cristo Homestead , has sealed its reputation. Built in 1885 by Christopher William Crawley, it was occupied by the Crawley family until 1948, then remained empty until 1963, when it was bought by Reg and Olive Ryan, who restored it, making it a museum and sightseeing. Bizarre phenomena that are told that they would spend in the house include the appearance of ghosts, strange lights, force fields, sounds and even ghostly animal mutilations.


Idiosyncrasies are attributed to the tragic events linked to residence, among which the killing of one who took care of the home during the period in which it remained unoccupied, and locking for several years, a mentally ill man in Manor Laptaria. It is also told that the days when the family lived in the house of Crawley, a child would have died falling from the stairs, a maid would have fallen from the balcony and killed a groom would be burned alive. In conclusion, the residence of Monte Cristo is a well established reputation as haunted, paranormal but includes all the necessary ingredients, as the curious crowd to visit, and many television shows have filmed one episode.



Monte Cristo Homestead, Australia

Monte Cristo Homestead, Australia


Myrtles Plantation, USA


Former colonial plantation, now a hostel, Myrtles Plantation offers, except accommodation and breakfast, and some special attractions, very tasty for a certain category of clients, while enjoying the well-established reputation as a haunted . It speaks at least 10 murders occurred in that house (although it is documented one, spent in 1871, when then the domain administrator, William Winter was shot on the porch, by an unknown) and at least 12 ghosts circulating there, the most famous character, the ghost is Chloe.


Chloe would have been, it tells a slave to one of the families who owned plantation in the early nineteenth century, the story to her a lot of stories, not historical data are supported too, but it sounds good for a haunted residence: it would have been forced to master her estate to become concubines, that he had tried to kill the owners with a poisoned cake, she was caught listening at the door to capture conversations of his master’s business and sell then estate information other competitors, being caught, was punished by cutting off an ear. To conceal the disfigurement, Chloe would be worn, then, a green turban, so as guess, plantation is haunted by a ghost with the appearance of a woman with green turban.



Myrtles Plantation, SUA

Myrtles Plantation, SUA


Since its establishment in 1794, the house went through several owners, a few decades ago, was bought by James and Frances Myers Kermeen, not only were they convinced it’s haunted, but they also struggled to and strengthen the celebrity, even using a book written by Frances Kermeen Myers and some articles have appeared in various publications devoted to mysteries. Following these advertising efforts, Myrtles Plantation today enjoys the reputation of being “one of the most haunted properties in America. ”


Mapimi, Mexico


After circulating legends, this is an area where the hushed sounds, pure and simple, hence the nickname “silent zone”. Something is happening there, it’s true. The legend that started from here, no radio waves can be propagated easily by air, due to strong magnetic fields. In 1930, a Mexican pilot reported that the board was broken radio in mysteriously, while flying over the land, and thereafter, and others have argued that this radio does not work properly, and compasses to confuse. What these stories add salt and pepper added that the area is located between parallels 26 and 28 degrees northern latitude, among which are – on the other meridians – and other interesting places such as the Egyptian pyramids, sacred cities and the Bermuda Triangle in Tibet. And something happened: in 1970, a U.S. aviation Athena rocket out of control, has deviated from the route, passing in Mexican airspace and landed in this area. The rocket carries two containers with radioactive material as a team of U.S. experts went in haste to recover the cargo.


The operation was apparently very secret – that the reason for this unrest was secret, because vanzoleala the desert and above him as he had to remain secret (it was the Cold War, so that the world was even more hysterical than it is now ). Because at that time was not know why everything happens happens, people are starting to imagine it’s a kind of Area 51 U.S. – also a place where the desert are highly confidential research related aliens or something.


Bringing together all this information and adugand and tendency to speculation, have sprung a lot of stories, but have not been validated by research done until now: how people can not hear them talking to each other, although the distances are small, as can be seen that here quite often glowing balls flying, but also very tall humanoid beings that roam the desert dressed in costumes molded silver;that this is a kind of energy pole – a place where Earth and the energies are concentrated on the opposite side of the planet there was a similar pole … And so, access is not restricted, the area quickly became a top destination for UFO seekers sites, passionate mysteries and all sorts of sect members, who are waiting for aliens and organizes intergalactic rituals designed to facilitate contact.



Mapimi, Mexico

Mapimi, Mexico


The Hermitage, Canada


From this residence located in Ontario, Canada, have never left but ruins, protected in a museum and today has become a pilgrimage site for those truly passionate about ghosts and other paranormal phenomena.


Built in 1830, owes its house is said to be haunted by the fate of a tragic love story in which a man (after a version of a family friend after another – the coachman) in love with one of the women in the family (again, version different: it was a sister or a niece of the mistress of the house) was rejected by the master of his domain, asking the girl’s hand and, in despair, hanged himself. With these painful stories to its credit, the house was just Suitable for being the scene of ghost stories.


Visitors relatateaza strange impression, which is well known if not only confirm the reputation of the place or is generated by it: the collection of tread, of whispers, groans of a man, a terrifying feeling of being watched by someone, and appearances of a man and a woman wandering through the neighborhood, near the remains of the house.



The Hermitage, Canada

The Hermitage, Canada


Heizhu Valley, China


Paranormal Made in China: is it oo strabatura valleys and mountainous region where people have been disappearances, mysterious and tragic. What is interesting in this valley is primarily the fact that some of the tragic happenings that could give rise to disturbing phenomena here are the recent, not a century-old stories two, but for decades. For example, they say that in 1949, when the installation of communist power in China, 30 Kuomintang soldiers entered the valley and did not come out again. In 1976, three members of an expedition of prospectors have disappeared and they are here. After three months of research, they found skeletons.


There are also stories about an anthropoid ape-looking creature, about two meters high, the body covered with yellow hair, a farmer, said in 1974 that he saw with his eyes and speak the local legends about these creatures , which locals call “the ancestors of the mountain god. ”

The most difficult portion of the valley, the ancestors once lived Yi ethnic group – one of China’s many ethnic minority enigmatic. The legend, the valley was denied access to foreigners and those who tried to enter were punished.


One of the most interesting – and dangerous – is that the characteristics of the region is crossed by valleys of numerous rivers, forests covered by very dense and sprayed a large amount of rainfall, so humidity is very high. And this combination of factors has the effect of very frequent occurrence of cups, simply filling the valleys.



Heizhu Valley, China

Heizhu Valley, China


Scientists believe that the mysterious disappearances of people in this land is simply due to the fact that they were lost because of thick fog.


Without vision, losing its landmarks for orientation, poor people were swept out of the way and had wandered for days at random, through the thick forest in the latter fell, exhausted, who knows where.



"

Top 5 Places With Paranormal Reputation

Hundreds of places – houses, cemeteries, theaters, patches of forest or desert, mountain peaks and valleys – all over the world have gained, over time, a strange fame: there are some inexplicable things happen, or at least Unexplained (scientific, rational) so far, or explained so that explanation is accepted only by those who believe in the paranormal.

Mysterious appearances, as well as mysterious disappearances, strange sounds, lights, enigmatic … including that most famous and fantastic and famous Bermuda Triangle and Alcatraz, the prison the same name, which Al Capone’s ghost haunts, here is a list 10 places that you might consider if you are passionate about the paranormal. Some of these “locations” have even become tourist destinations, visited annually by thousands of pilgrims are in search of revelation, but researchers in the field of paranormal phenomena. Why not? In an era in which tourism offers to diversify and specialize, to suit different customers’ interests, why did not exist and “paranormal tours, for those eager to know what is beyond knowledge of the world in the spirit of positivism ?


5. Ben MacDhui, UK


The second largest peak in the UK, Ben MacDhui mountain in Scotland, is considered a creature dwelling msterioase, Fear Liath Mòr I called (Man Cinder), believe in the existence of which surprised many people. Apparently, it would be a large humanoid creature covered with hair – that is a kind of European relative of Bigfoot Yeti in Asia or North America.

Funny thing is that even those have not seen the creature – and I do not believe in its existence – still talk about some strange sensations that you have tried during the ascent on the mountain: the feeling of an unseen presence in the nearby tramp. .. pretty scary when you think, if you’re alone on a mountain shrouded in fog, as is often Ben MacDhui.

True, there are scientific explanations given to these strange phenomena – for example, this was a huge gray interpertata as Brocken spectrum – a phenomenon that occurs when the sun is at an angle above orizonmtului and fog is around or clouds.

In certain circumstances, a person’s shadow on the fog serum can design around, and datprita particular position of the sun, because it’s very long shadow, so that corner of my eye saw when alone on the mountain is already frightened by the memories and stories about the man gray, and you might feel as frightening creature that you just came around.



Ben MacDhui, UK

Ben MacDhui, UK


4. Boy Scout Lane, SUA


It’s a road that passes through a forest, a dead end, which stops abruptly inthe middle of the woods. Historically, there is no record of any tragic accidentoccurred in this area. But bloody legends tell that there have been many scouts end (hence, they say, comes and Scouts Alley name – though the official explanation is that the land once belonged to the Scouts Association of America). The boys were murdered … and here, the information varies – from their instructor, or bus driver, or a fire … – in any case, it’s a number of children who had died a violent death, which conferred aura of the place haunted.



Boy Scout Lane, SUA

Boy Scout Lane, USA


Many of those who passed through here have reported strange impression: the feeling that someone is watching (without anyone around, obviously), I heard the noise of steps and broken branches, I see lights (the lights of torches), moving into the woods, and some drivers who were stopped on this road say it would have appeared on their cars which seemed fingerprints left by some children’s hands … brrr!








3. Ballet Drive, Philippines


Ballet road from Quezon City, Philippines, is the scene of legends about mysterious appearances, particularly about the occurrence of some “white lady”, a woman with long hair, dressed in night shirt and appearing in the dark, in the way of cars passing on the road.

Paranormal specialists say it would be about a woman raped by Japanese soldiers during the invasion of the Philippines in the Second World War. But legend has, perhaps, and some foundations which are related to local cultural traditions. The road is lined by trees ballets (banyan), which I think Filipinos are dwelling of demons, wandering spirits and all sorts of evil entities.

However motorists are advised to avoid that street at night, especially if they are alone in masina.In 1988, was filmed a movie on this subject to Hiwaga Drive Ballet (Ballet mystery Drive), the “heroine” is a ghost women who had died during the Spanish domination of the Philippines (nineteenth century) and who still looking for love everlasting.



Balete Drive, Filipine

Balete Drive, Philippines


2. Alcatraz Island, USA


With a long and interesting history, Alcatraz Island, off the west coast of the United States of America, hosted outside of a lighthouse, a fort and a military prison, a notorious federal prison – now a museum – it was held, among others, Al Capone, the most famous of American gangsters. And the federal prison at Alcatraz is the scene of strange apparitions and strange sounds, all attributed to the fact that this happened some violent deaths, of people who were more on the consciousness anyway, and their spirits have not yet found peace As to not let any people live in peace.

How the former prison island and especially sights are now very popular haunted reputation is maintained in special accounts of visitors, some of whom say they heard people screaming and talking their ears and snapped the door inside the prison. But a few guards and police have contributed to the strengthening of local fame bizarre, reported seeing ghosts and heard, there is a story of a witness who heard a banjo sound coming from the showers (!). However, many people is convinced that his spirit is still Al Capone to Alcatraz, which increases the prison island and the celebrity involved.



Alcatraz Island, USA

Alcatraz Island, USA


1. Bermuda Triangle


Most popular place of mystery, the Bermuda Triangle has become famous especially for the many disappearances “strange ” in the wording or spent. Since 1950, talking about planes and boats that were lost here, and their list is worryingly long. For some of them were found, eventually, rational explanations satisfactory, but some have not yet found such explanations – and it satisfactory situation, moreover, in its way, for those who truly believe that is an area with bizarre traits.

Interventions of aliens? Temporary suspension of the laws of physics? Paranormal character, pure and simple, meaning that every one be?

They are offered various explanations for events that could not be explained by the normal reasons – human error, natural disasters or equipment failures.

Official sources said, on the other hand, in the Bermuda Triangle would not have gone more than ships and planes disappear in other regions of the world ocean as some of the incidents reported were described erroneously or deliberately dramatized, some authors contributing directly and intensively on building a reputation strange triangle.

Because the Triangle is an area that stretches from the Florida Straits, Bahamas and Caribbean Islands in the west to the east of the Azores – so a very wide area, in addition, is one of the most traveled areas of the world, thousands of sailing vessels to tie around each other ports in Europe and America.



Bermuda Triangle, USA

Bermuda Triangle, USA


However, the Bermuda Triangle (or Devil’s Triangle) is itself “paranormal place” par excellence, a prototype model, an epitome of the paranormal at all – at least in the collective mentality.

All other haunted places like parks seem harmless to children, compared with him. But as you’ll see, there are plenty, for those truly passionate about the paranormal, as there may be more appealing.



"

Images of the Dalmatian coast

"A trip to Dalmatia

It's not far to the summer: You drive through the Alps and a few kilometers to the south and is in a Mediterranean landscape of the Adriatic. Actually I wanted to go to Italy. But it is from Klagenfurt to Slovenia and Croatia closer than Venice! Just 65 kilometers as the crow flies to Ljubljana to Rijeka and from there again 80 kilometers. One is already on the Dalmatian coast. Here you can go to Istria in the west (with the old towns of Opatija and Pula), translate to the islands of Cres and Krk. Or drive along a winding coastal road south 500 miles to Dubrovnik, beautiful Dalmatian coast with many islands. Even behind Crkvenica the traffic is much lower than at Rijeka. In the scenic area around Jurjevo very interesting one is often alone on the road. Small towns with Roman and Venetian history, friendly people, clear water, blue skies, white limestone and plenty of sun. Nothing looks more like the dull summer with overcast skies and temperatures in Germanic unfriendly climes.

From the Balkans war is nothing more to see. He found mainly in the hinterland of the Dalmatian coast and barely held in Slovenia and Croatia. The people are friendly and accommodating. In German and English you can easily communicate with them. Many hotels, guest houses and apartments are waiting for tourists. The prices are moderate and often you can pay with the euro. It recommended, however, the local currency to Kuna in the bag (rate 1 $ = 7.2 kuna). Only one problem I noticed: I have not seen an internet cafe in Croatia!

Here, people work less, and north of the Alps. Amazing how big the differences are, if you drive only a thousand kilometers to the south. The people, the scenery, the weather, the architecture, flora ... everything is strange and new. The Romans had invented an entirely different social order, as typical of today's technological civilization. To a certain extent this was certainly also much kinder on the weather. Mediterranean air, siesta in the shimmering afternoon heat, wine and good food, a very different light ... Here one can enjoy life.





"

The seaside sardines: Sun seekers pack the beaches as temperature hits 26.5C

"By DAVID DERBYSHIRE

Sea of people: Brighton beach was rammed yesterday as holidaymakers enjoyed the soaring temperatures and cooled off in the sea


A trip to the seaside in April can be tricky, running the gauntlet of the month’s traditional sunshine and showers. Last year, that was certainly the case, with umbrellas on the beach in Brighton for those brave enough to venture out.

This year, the contrast in the South Coast resort could not have been greater – as these scenes of crowds basking in the sunshine yesterday show.



Spring 2010: This time last year a lone couple of hardy souls shelter from the rain to brave the blustery Brighton beach


And as Britain prepares for the first of its double bank holiday weekends, the Met Office is forecasting four days of glorious sunshine and sizzling temperatures.

And if temperatures top 25C (77F) as predicted, it will be the hottest Easter since records began a century ago.

The ‘barbecue Easter’ follows an extraordinary month of warm, sunny weather in England and Wales which has put this April on course to be the warmest on record.

And while it’s too soon to predict the weather for the Royal Wedding, all the early signs are that the sunshine will continue into next week.

Yesterday temperatures soared to a scorching 26.5 C (79.7F) at Heathrow, West London, yesterday – the hottest this year, making it toastier than the Costa Brava.


Life in the slow lane: Punters take it easy along the River Cam in the centre of Cambridge


Pedal power: People take to the waters of the Serpentine in paddle boats and rowing boats in Hyde Park, Central London


The fine, dry weather is forecast to last until at least Monday, making a perfect end to the Easter holidays for millions of families who stayed in the UK.

Met Office spokesman John Hammond said temperatures could reach 26C (79F) again on Thursday.

The warmest weather will be in the South-East although much of England and Wales will enjoy another balmy day.

Over the weekend, temperatures could reach 24C (77F).

The last time Easter Saturday and Sunday was that hot was in 1984 when the mercury touched 23.7C (74.7F).


Irresistible: The lure of the water proves too much for these two boys who decided to take the plunge from Newquay harbour wall


Thousands of people flocked to coasts and parks around the country to soak up the sizzling weather with St James's Park in central London hitting 25.4C - eclipsing Rome and Athens.

Millions more will make the most of the mini-heatwave over the Easter weekend, which is expected to see the high temperatures continue.

Across the country, wisteria is flowering early, taking gardeners by surprise with its spectacular displays of lavender and violet.

The plant usually signals the start of summer when it blooms each May, but a long, cold winter and unusually warm April mean it has opened up two weeks early.

At Cambridge, visitors have been stopping to admire the wisteria stretching across the outside of colleges such as Magdalene.


In stark contrast to the packed beach, these sun worshippers enjoyed a much quieter patch of grass in the centre of Cambridge yesterday afternoon



Apple blossom is checked by fruit farmer John Bentley in Newent, Gloucestershire after it flowered three weeks early


Off with their heads: The heads of tulips in this 70-acre Norfolk field are cut off so the plant's energy can go into making the bulbs bigger and these can later be sold


But gardening experts say that if the run of warm weather carries on, the blooms may only be around for a few weeks.

The rise in temperatures has also been accompanied by a drop in rainfall. While this is supposed to be the month of refreshing spring downpours, so far, the April showers have failed to materialise.

The parched conditions are also a worry for gardeners who rely on a good soaking in spring to get their flowers, shrubs, fruit and vegetables off to a good start.


Making a splash: Young boys took it in turns to leap from Newquay harbour wall while temperatures hit 26C yesterday


Surf's up: Gwityhian, near Hayle in Cornwall, grew more popular throughout the day as temperatures rose



Tranquil: Walkers enjoy the hazy weather at a lighthouse near Hayle, Cornwall - a far cry from the April showers we are more accustomed to at this time of the year

source: dailymail
"

Adventure Tour to Laos

"Mist-surrounded mountain peaks, jungle-clad valleys, wildlife, and Buddhist culture--this is Laos for you. A 100-km drive north from the bustling capital, Vientiane, to Vang Vieng, an area in the mountains noted for its limestone caves and landscape, will take you through tropical Asian countryside with its lush green vegetation. At Vang Vieng, you can explore the caves. For trekkers, the far northern provinces of Phongsali, Luang Nam Tha and Udomxai offer exciting possibilities and adventures.
Buddha Park

Patuxai

That Luang

si-pan-don

Mount-Phousi
"