Thursday 31 May 2012

WARSAW -- CAPITAL OF POLAND




WARSAW

Warsaw rose from the ashes inflicted by the Nazis and communism. It is now a bustling cosmopolitan city. It can show off to the tourists a proud nation, its history and wonderful culture.

However, a visit to the Museum of Uprising and Palace of Culture of Science will bring back the past and their enormous struggle for freedom.

It is thought that Polish people feel close to the United Kingdom because many of their pilots flew for the RAF. It is not quite so. Polish people feel betrayed by the West at the beginning of the war in spite of a pack with the United Kingdom. Warsaw was destroyed and 800,000 of its people dead in 1939. Most of the Jewish population were sent to Treblinka and died there.

The Old City of Warsaw is the only the Unesco-listed heritage site in the world which had be reconstructed. The Royal Castle was only rebuilt in 1984.

The Warsaw Uprising Museum tells the sad story of their fight when Hitler ordered to kill the remaining residence. The city had 1.3million of which 800,000 were already killed.

In the following 63 days of absolute heroic street fighting around 200,000 civilians were killed. During this time the Red Army was waiting by the River Vistula. When the rebellion was crushed they moved in. In the museum you can see the recreation of the under-sewage system which was used by the Polish citizens. It makes you realize, when you climb into it, you realize how claustrophobic it must have been and that without the sewage and rats.

After the Yalta agreement in 1945 Poland felt betrayed again because the West gave it to Russia’s Stalin who was just as ruthless.

Communism gave Warsaw the Palace of Science and Culture. When Communism fell people were debating whether to knock it down or not. Today it became a tourist attraction. At night it is illuminated. A terrace on the 30th floor gives an incredible view over the new Warsaw and £300,000 National Stadium.

The main street of Nowy Swiat which leads from the castle to the heart of the city shows the modern European centre.

Polish people have contributed to art of the world. Nicolaus Copernicus and Frederic Chopin to name just the most famous of their people.

Poland is a beautiful country with ancient woodland, great wildlife still in abundance and as the saying goes all roads lead to the wonderful Warsaw which lies in the middle of it.




Monday 28 May 2012

VARNA -- BULGARIA



Varna is located on the northern end of the Black Sea. The city has a horseshoe shaped natural harbour. At the back of Varna are the limestone cliffs with the Frangen Plateau. Varna enjoys a mild climate, a long autumn, short unpredictable winter, spring and a hot summer.
Varna is amongst Europe's oldest cities. It belonged to many great Empires in its time. The Milesians founded it as a trading colony in 570 BC and named it Odessos. It was on a trade route for the Ionians and Thracians. By the 4th century it was a Greco-Thracian community.
Alexander the great captured the city and his successor Diadochus Lysmachus later on ruled over it. In 339 BC Philip II of Macedonia unsuccessfully besieged the city. Odessos was an early Christian centre and the ruins of early Basilicas and Monasteries are testimony to that.
The Romans conquered the city around 5 AD. You can still find evidence of the Roman's occupations. The largest remains are the Romans baths, the Thermae.


ROMAN THERMAE RUINS

The Slavs conquered the Balkans and the city was named Varna
In the Middle Ages, Varna turned into a thriving centre. Ships came from Genoa, Venice and Ragusa. The export was wheat and other products. The import was Mediterranean food and luxury items. Varna became the most important seaport between Constantinople and the Danube Delta. The Navy had its Headquarter there.
In 1453 Varna and Bulgaria were conquered by the Ottomans and was under the Ottomans' domination for over four centuries.


AN OTTOMAN ERA TOWN HOUSE
The turbulent times for Varna continued. In 1773 the Russians took it over. After a long siege they handed it back to the Ottomans. The British and French in 1854-56 used Varna in their campaign against Russia in the Crimean War as their Naval Base. Soldiers died of cholera and the city burned down.
Russia liberated Varna in 1878 and in the treaty of Berlin it became part of Bulgaria.
Varna has a population of 530,000 and is the country third largest city. It is 20 km away from the famous Golden Sand and thermal mineral waters. In the main square, Nezavismost Square, is a refreshing fountain, pavement cafes and restaurants all a round. Off the main square you will find boutiques and shopping will be a pleasure.
The Varna Archaeological Museum had the oldest cache of gold in the world. It was discovered by accident and excavated in 1972. It dates back to 4600-4200 BC and occupies three separate exhibition halls. There are many interest exhibits from the Thracian culture.
A very impressive ruin of a Roman bathing complex which was built in the 2nd century, it measured 7000 square metres.
The Ethnographic Museum located in an Ottoman-period compound shows the Bulgarian custom and culture.
The National Revival Museum housed in the former Church of Archangel Michael and the premises of Varna's first Bulgarian School, displays the life of 18th century Varna's.
The Museum of Medical History tells you of the Bulgaria's inheritance of medical wisdom from their predecessors and transmission to the rest of Europe.
The Palace of Culture and Sports was built for business and scientific meetings and international sports.
The Cathedral of the Assumption is an impressive copper domed Bulgarian Orthodox Church, built 1866. Ukrainian designed, it resembles St.Peterburg Cathedral. It contains iconic art, the bishop's throne and murals.
The Sea Garden is a must to be visited. A sensational view of the sea and 14 kms of beautiful manicured parkland which follows the coastline with many beautiful gardens and tree-lined pathways. Opposite the Sports Stadium is a Monument to Fighters against Fascism. This huge, carved stone monument depicting faces of peasant, partisan men and women of Bulgaria looks nobly out to sea. Within the park is an amazing open-air Theatre. A Summer Arts and Music Festival in June and July include Classical, Jazz, Folks Music, Opera and Ballet. In the Natural History Museum, Observatory and Planetarium and Naval Museum you will find nothing but interesting knowledge.
If your children bored by now, take them to the fun fair with bouncy castle and many rides. You also find a number of play areas and cafes there. A dolphinarium with regular performances should be loved by all the family. A zoo should add to their fun.
Varna has an International Airport. A Varna Cruise Terminal with destination to Istanbul and Odessa. A Central Train Station offering travel to and from many European destinations. A Bus Station offering coaches to destination all over Bulgaria. The City itself is easy to explore on foot. However, taxi fare is very reasonable.
Where to stay:
DALLAS BUSINESS CLUB set in a 6000 sqm of parkland. 200 m from the beach and four kilometres from the thermal bath.
ART HOTEL CAPITOL exquisite, luxury in Art Nouveau style situated off the main square.
SPLENDID HOTEL situated at the very centre of the city. Cosy atmosphere with facilities to satisfy all needs of business travellers and guests.
MUSALA PALACE HOTEL impressive architecture echoing the spirit of the 1920's
DIVESTA HOTEL situated in the city centre. Helpful staff, clean rooms and good food at reasonable prices, wireless Internet, lobby and bar.
Shoppaholics will be spoiled for choices in three big shopping centres.

Sunday 27 May 2012

HERRENCHIEMSEE -- KING LUDWIG PALACE


HERRENCHIEMSEE
Herrenchiemsee palace is made up of several royal buildings on the island of Chiemsee in Bavaria, Germany. The lake is the largest in Bavaria.
On the island was first an Augustin monastery which was redesigned into a palace. King Ludwig II bought the island in 1873 and decorated the rooms for his private use. Then he built a new palace which was designed by Christian Jank, Franz Seitz and George Dollman. It was built between 1878 and 1885.
King Ludwig admired King Louis XIV of France and therefore the palace was very much built in the style of Versailles. It was not meant to be a perfect copy and yet in some way it superseded.

The great Hall of Mirror is even longer than the hall of mirror in Versailles. Herrenchiemsee's hall of mirror has 44 full size candelabras, 33 chandeliers and is lit by two thousand candles. The reflection of seventeen arched windows are reflected by hugh gilded mirrors.
The dining room has such a large chandelier of Meissen porcelain that it is the largest in the world.
King Ludwig loved Meissen porcelain so much that he commissioned an entire room to be decorated by Meissen and delicate flowers made from Meissen porcelain are so perfect you think they are real.
Versailles has no toilets or bathrooms nor running water. Herrenchiemsee has toilets and bathtubs. It is famous for these technological progresses. A huge marble Roman bath covered with frescoes of Venus which is another evidence of King Ludwig's imagination and romantic nature.
The formal gardens have fountains and statues. Some statues are copies of statues of Versailles. The other statues tell you of the romantic nature of King Ludwig II. The maidens, dragons, winged warriors and giant lizards.
In the nearby museum are more pieces from master craftsmen to be admired. There are also photographs which follows his life from a happy and carefree childhood to a really handsome young man. King Ludwig II was finally a solemn and withdrawn recluse.
Since Herrenchiemsee was built on an island it is only accessible by boat
KING'S BEDROOM

STAIRCASE

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Friday 25 May 2012

LINDERHOF -- KING LUDWIG II PALACE


LINDERHOF

Linderhof is in the south-west of Bavaria, Germany and the smallest of the palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It was the only one Ludwig saw finished. Ludwig use to go there with his father on hunting trips. At first it was a very small building and nicknamed 'Koenig's haeuschen' (small king's house).
King Ludwig enlarged it and built it in 1874 in the style we see it today. King Ludwig idolized the French King Louis XIV and loved the style of Versailles. Therefore, Linderhof became a copy but in a much smaller version.
The symbol of the sun was in every decoration of the rooms. Furthermore, in copying the style of Versailles the bedroom in Linderhof is the larges and faces north. It emphasis the night-King Ludwig which was the opposite of the sun-King Ludwig XIV.
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Linderhof is in the south-west of Bavaria, Germany and the smallest of the palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It was the only one Ludwig saw finished. Ludwig used to go there with his father on hunting trips. At first it was a very small building and nicknamed 'Koenigshaeuschen' (small kings house).
King Ludwig enlarged it and built it in 1874, in the style we can see today. King Ludwig idolized the French King Louis XIV and loved the style of Versailles. Therefore, Linderhof became a copy but in a much smaller version.
The symbol of the sun was in every decoration of the rooms. Furthermore, in copying the style of Versailles the bedroom in Linderhof is the largest and facing north, it emphasis the night-king Ludwig which is the opposite of the sun king Louis XIV.
Another interesting fact, Linderhof was build in barock style because it compliments the Ettal Abbey where the 'Holy Grail' is preserved.
Linderhof has a more private atmosphere because there are only four rooms there which were really used.
The Hall of Mirror was used by King Ludwig as a living room. He used to sit and read, sometimes all night. King Ludwig used to sleep during the day and stay awake at night. The mirror gave the illusion of endlessness by reflecting the candles a thousand times.
The middle table has been inlaid with laps-lazuli, amethyst quartz and chalcedon and with the Bavarian coat of arms in glass mosaic. The carpet was made with ostrich feather, ivory candelabra with 16 branches and two mantelpieces with la pis-lazuli and gilded bronze ornaments.
An eastern and western tapestry chambers which are identical, only for the western chambers has an Aeologion (piano and harmonium in one).

The audience chamber which does not live up to its name because it was too small for an audience to be held there. King Ludwig used it as a study where he developed his building projects. There are two round tables with malachite tops, a present from Czarina Maria Alexandrowna to King Ludwig.
The throne baldachin was with ostrich feather (an oriental symbol of royal power).
The Dining room is located to the east and on the side are a pink and blue cabinet. They were used by the king as a robin room. The dining room is also famous for its disappearing dumbwaiter. The table was installed because the king wanted to dine alone and yet it had to be laid for four so he would think he had guests.
A Meissen porcelain centrepiece with china flowers is a masterpiece.
The bedroom was rebuilt in 1884 and not completed till two year after the king's death.
The bed is on steps in the alcove and closed off by a gilded balustrade. Glass candelabra with 108 candles and two console tables of Meissen porcelain which were the king's favourite china
The garden of Linderhof is the most beautiful creation of historic gardens.
The palace has formal gardens and is in five sections.
Toward the north it has a cascade of thirty marble steps which end into a Neptune fountain and at the top of the cascade is a Music Pavilion.
On the west side is a basin with a gilded 'Fama'. Also on the west side is a pavilion with a bust of Louis XIV and a fountain with sculpture of Venus and Adonis.
The water parterre in front of the palace is a large basin with a gild fountain group of 'Flora and puttos'. The fountain is about 25 meter high.
The eastern parterre has a wooden pavilion with a bust of Louis XIV. The 24 steps down is a fountain basin with a gilded sculpture of Amour shooting an arrow. Further sculptures of Venus and Andonis are between the fountain and palace.
In the south side terrace gardens are a 'Naiad' fountain with three basins and sculptures of water nymphs, a bust of Marie Antoinette of France and a temple with a statue of Venus.
The landscape garden has an area of 50 hectare (125 acres) and blends well in with the natural alpine surrounding.
In the park is the famous Venus Grotto. It was built to bring the first act of Wagner's 'Tannhaeuser' into reality. Ludwig loved to be rowed across the lake in his golden swan-boat. He also loved the blue grotto of Capri. Therefore 24 dynamos were installed and it is possible to illuminate the grotto in changing colours.
Another building in the park is the Hunting Hut which was inspired by Wagner for the first act of the "Valkyrie". Ludwig used to have German feasts there.
A building called Gurnemanz Hermitage where Ludwig came on Good Friday to contemplate.
Ludwig was also a great admirer of oriental architecture. The Moorish Kiosk was designed by a Berlin Architect Karl von Diebitsch for the International Exhibition in Paris 1867. Ludwig wanted to buy it but the railroad king Bethel Henry Stromberg was quicker. When Stromberg went bankrupt Ludwig bought it and had it decorated more royal.
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Monday 21 May 2012

BOURGAS, BULGARIA


The second largest city on the Black Sea coast is Bourgas. It is also the fourth largest city in Bulgaria. It has a population of 200,000 people. It also has an airport and lies on main transport routes which are ideal for tourist who want to hire a car and explore the southern Black Sea coast.
The Museum of History houses a large collection of archaeological items. The area has a long history with an ancient tribe ‘The Thracian’. They were incredible craftsmen and artefacts found are incredible. The building itself is very impressive.
In the centre of Bourgas you find the lovely St Cyril Church and St Methodius Cathedral which contain some beautiful frescoes.
ST CYRIL CHURCH
The ethnographic Museum is located in a house built 1873 and is now a protected monument. Some fabulous exhibits are kukeri masks, traditional costumes, fabric and embroidery.
The museum of Nature and Science has an exhibition of plants from the Strandzha region and houses over 1,200 exhibits of insects and reptiles.
In the Art Gallery you will find painting from well known Renaissance artists.
All along the sea up on the hill is a beautifully laid-up Sea Garden. The park is a few kilometre long and you will find walks along shaded paths, flowers and sculptures. It also has an open air theatre, small zoo, casino, several cafes and restaurants. When you go down the garden steps it will lead to the Bourgas beach. All this will give nothing but pleasure.
BOURGAS' HARBOUR 
AND SEAFRONT
In Bourgas are plenty of hotels with various prices to suit every pocket. As for eating out you will be spoilt for choices, especially fish dishes. Many restaurants and bars have live music and traditional dances. The cafes along the tree-lined Aleksandrovska Street will make sit there and watch the world go by.







ALEKO BOGORIDI BOULEVARD
North of the city is the Atanassovo Lake which is popular for swimming and fishing. The lake is part of the nature reserve. It measures 10 km long and there is no chance of being overcrowded. You also can watch the pelicans and herons.
Mandren Lake is about 10 km south from Bourgas and rowing tours can be arranged. The lake has an enormous amount of water birds, especially in summer.
Pomorie Lake which is 20 km north of Bourgas is surrounded by salt mines.
During the Ottomans' rule Mineral Baths were built on an old Roman town in the 16th century. These Baths offer treatments for various ailments. The water in the baths is chemically similar to those at Nessebur and Sunny Beach but the temperature is slightly cooler. They are located 15 km from the city.
As you can see there is plenty to do to suit everybody's taste. The surrounding country side will also give you so much pleasure as well as the beaches and therefore a holiday in Bourgas is definitely an unforgettable experience.

Friday 18 May 2012

UNITED KINGDOM

LONDON AND THE RIVER 
THAMES IN EVENING GLOW
The great British Empire is no more as such but Britain turned the whole incredible change over into British Commonwealth and it was the only colonial power which dealt with it without hardly any bloodshed. No doubt the era of colonies and empires had to come to an end.

Today it is called the United Kingdom which includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, there are still further 4,000 islands under the British flag. It represents still quite a significant power in Europe today. These islands are the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and other islands around the world such as the Falklands, Gibraltar and Bermuda are just a few. Islands close to the mainland are the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands, the Outer Hebrides and the Scilly Isles.

The UK has the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the North Seas on the east and the English Channel separates the UK from Europe.

Between the UK and Ireland are the Irish Sea and the Celtic Sea.

The country scenery in the UK is largely rolling hills which in crease to wards Scotland and end in quite mountainous. The mountain range The Grampians has the highest mountain Ben Nevis, at 1344m. Most of the UK has ancient hilly sceneries like the Lake District in the North-West and the Cambrian Mountains in Wales. The highest mountain there is the Mount Snowdon at 1085m. Other beautiful sceneries with magnificent hills are the Pennines, the Cotswolds and the Chilterns. Further south the Sperrin Mountains and the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland.

Climate
The Climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream which makes it warmer but changeable and wetter.  The summers can be quite cool and the winter rarely has snowfall for long in the south but longer in the midlands and North but more in Scotland.

The country is covered with 9 per cent with trees, thickest, scattered cops and conifer plantation. Some of the woodlands are quite ancient. One-third of the land has heath and moor land. The moor lands are mostly in wet, upland areas. The wildlife has changed greatly since their habitat is claimed more and more. It mostly is of foxes, badgers, rabbits and weasels. The biggest is the red deer which are mainly in Scotland. There are also a few wildcats. At Exmoor, Shetland Islands and the New Forest are semi wild ponies. It has been recorded that 200 species of birds either live here or passing through.

Economy
Although only a small country but the UK was one of the leading commercial and industrialized countries. Only in recent years, due to political mismanagement it lost almost most of its top industries for which was famous for and the envy of the world.  It had great mining industry and could have provided coal till the 2400 but due to the ex-premier minister Margaret Thatcher stating it was not profitable any more, most of the mines were closed down. The big industries were privatised and went from bad to worse because shareholders just want to have their dividends and next to nothing put back into the industry.

Today the main manufactured products are food, drinks, chemicals, light engineering goods, textiles, electrical and electronic goods. Scotland is the main producer of computers.  The main cereal crops are wheat, barley and oats. The livestock industry produces cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry. Fishing industry includes deep sea fishing and fish farming. The major ports are Hull, Grimsby, Plymouth, Aberdeen and Portavogic. Fishes are mainly cod, haddock, plaice, mackerel and herring. Since the UK is an island the shipping industry was most important. The export is mainly oil and gas but ferries for tourism. This industry employs 7 per cent of the workforce.

The UK enjoys a great tourism and is on the six places in tourist’s destination. It has 19 million overseas visitors annually.

History of the United Kingdom
The Unification of the United Kingdom started in 1301 when Edward I conquered the independent country of Wales. However, Wales was not officially included till 1536. The two kingdoms of Scotland and England were united when King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England in 1603. However, politically they state separate till 1717 with the Act of Union the British Islands became officially know as Great Britain. In 1801 Ireland joined the Union and the title changed to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. From there on the Irish demand for independent became more lauder and in 1922 the Irish Free State was declared. The six counties in Northern Ireland demanded to stay with the UK and the title became than United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1927.

The UK is a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II. She is the head of state but has not political power. The country is poorly run but her Government and the minister.

Party Politics
The UK is a democracy with number parties and whichever party won the election will be the government. General elections are held every five years. People over 18 years of age are entitled to vote. The head of the government is the Prime Minister. He selects a number of ministers to form a Cabinet and they will be his chief advisers. The people who are elected all over the country on a local election will sit in the House of Commons and their title is Minister of Parliament or for short MPs. They vote on the country’s law and then pass it on to the House of Lords to be approved.  The House of Lords are peers, law lords, archbishops and senior bishops of the Church of England. They are not elected and receive no salary. The three main parties are the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal-Democrats

The country joined the European Community in 1973. Britain has a troublesome time ever since the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty in 1993. From there on it was named European Union or EU.  It is working towards a political and monetary union of every member. The British politicians feel it unmade democracy and cost more and more money,

The Troubles
Since 1922 when Northern Ireland was established it never ceased to have confrontations between Catholics and Protestants. The Irish Republic wants a united Ireland. The Protestants who are the majority wants to stay with the UK. In 1969 the troubles really flared up and British troops were deployed.
Northern Ireland has its own parliament in Belfast and deals with all problems and laws. In 1972 when the troubles went out of control the parliament was suspended it came under direct rule from London.
The main party fighting for independence is Sinn Fein. The military site is Irish Republican Army or IRA. They caused a lot of trouble such as bombing and murder in Northern Ireland and on the mainland of Britain. The main part in Northern Ireland is the Democratic Unionists and in spite of the name cause also bloodshed.

In August 1994, the IRA and opposing ‘loyalist’ declared a ceasefire. The ceasefire collapse in 1995 when the IRA refused to hand over weapons.  Sinn Fein’s leader Gerry Adams declared the ceasefire over. When Tony Blair came into power he took up the negotiation again and eventually achieved for the Sinn Fain to hand over weapons and peace was declared in Northern Ireland.

Politics in Scotland and Wales
Scotland is self-governed but has no parliament. Scottish MPs are in the House of Commons. They have five government departments in Edinburgh. They are called Scottish Office and deal with domestic affairs. The five departments are Agriculture and Fisheries, the Development, the Industry Department, the Education Dept., and Health and Home. Scotland has their own legal and education system.
Wales has no parliament. The Welsh Secretary of state is part of the Cabinet and so is the Scottish secretary.

Thursday 17 May 2012

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC



THE NATIONAL PALACE

IN SANTO DOMING
History
The Dominican Republic and its people were the first in history to be a European colony.

The island belongs to the group of island of the Great Antilles. Two-third of the island Hispaniola makes up the Dominican Republic.
Spain ruled the Dominican Republic from the time Columbus's discovery till 1795.

After that it had been occupied by France, Haiti, Spain and the USA. However, since its independence in 1844 it was free. 

ULISES 'LILIS' HEUREAUX PRESIDENT FROM 1882  TO 84 AND 1886 TO 99



1916 OCCUPATION BY US MARINES 
Trujillo was its most famous dictator and ruled from 1930 until he got assassinated in 1961. 


SANTO DOMINGO
The capital is Santo Domingo is the oldest colonial city in the western hemisphere. The city is a picture with its palm-lined street and many fine historic buildings on the banks of the Ozama River. It can be proud of its oldest university in the Americas. It was founded in 1538. San Domingo roots can be traced back to Bartholomew Columbus who was Christopher's brother and started the city in 1496.
The plain alongside the coast are then backed by rugged mountains which are covered with dense tropical forests. In the west are the main mountain ranges of the country. The Pico Duarte rises a 3175m high and is the highest in the Caribbean.
Many Farmers live on the plain in palm-thatch huts and grow sugar, coffee, cocoa and tobacco. Cibao Valley has the most fertile soil.
Economy
Along the coast there are large quantities of Mahogany and pine trees are being cut for shipment. Gold, silver and bauxite are being mined. However, the main export is nickel which adds up to 40% of the country exports. The development of manufacture is being encouraged. At the moment there is sugar, rum and cigarette production. Tourism is very much at the forefront of development. Visitors from the USA are on the increase to spend a holiday there.



Holidays / Vacations
It is a perfect country to spend a holiday / vacation. The beautiful cities with palm trees swaying in the wind and the many old building will be great for sightseeing. The country itself has beautiful mountains covered by thick forests. It invites you to climbing, water rafting, walking tours and bird watching, Furthermore, there are beautiful beaches begging for sunbathing and swimming. All in all a great country for having a great time. 


CAYO LEVATADO IN SAMANA BAY


SOUTH SHORE OF LAKE ENRIQUILLO AND THE SIERRA DE NEIBA

Monday 14 May 2012

MEXICO -- Most Ancient History



               
MEXICO CITY
VIEW OF THE AVENUE OF THE  DEATH
FROM  THE  PYRAMIDE OF THE MOON
                                                                          
Mexico borders in the north on the USA. In the south it borders on Guatemala and Belize. The Pacific Ocean lies along the west of the country and on the east are the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
The climate of the country is dry with its desserts in the north. In the south-east, it has a tropical jungle. Two great mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada in the west and the Rockies in the east extending from the USA into Mexico. There they are called Sierra Madre Occidental on the west and Sierra Madre Oriental on the east. It separates the hot coastal lowlands. Most of the mountains are extinct volcanoes. The highest mountains are Pico de Orizaba with 5,700m. Popocatepetl with a height of 5452m is one of the most known volcanoes.

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Earthquakes are experienced often and in 1985 Mexico City had a lot of damage and it cost 20,000 lives




 NATIONAL PALACE

                 MEXICO CITY --  HISTORIC SITE -- UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE 

The capital Mexico City was built on the site of the ancient Aztec Capital Tenochtitian. The newly built capital is now the financial and industrial centre of Mexico. It lies on a plateau, 2240m high, and has a cool dry climate. The capital has a high pollution and is overcrowded which causes a lot of problems and endurance to the people. People still moving from the countryside, looking for jobs. However, the unemployment is high in the city and many have to live in shanty towns which are on the edge of the city.


ONE OF THE PYRAMIDS -- YAXCHILLAN



OLMEC'S  COLOSSAL  HEAD

HISTORY
The Aztecs were the last of a long line of Indian civilizations. There were the Olmecs, Mayans, Toltecs and Chicimecs which were there since 1200 BC. The people of Mexico were conquered by the Spanish conquistadors in 1521. Most Mexican People are now of mixed blood which is Indian and Spanish. However, there are still some people which are pure Indian.

In 1821, Mexico won the independence from Spain

In 1846 they lost over half of their territory, Texas, New Mexico and North California. Mexico had a war with the USA when they lost all those territories.

In 1863, Mexico could not pay their debts to foreign governments. The French decided to march into the country and seized control. After four years later the French withdrew but the bloodshed was enormous

In 1910, the peasants who had no land were called campesinos. They joined the middle-class called Reformers and the Mexican Revolution began. The reformers won but the cost was high. Two million people were killed. The new constitution was putting great improvement forward. It was a long and painful process.

                                 MAYAN ARCHITECTURE AT UPMAL.


FORESTRY AND FISHING
23 percent of Mexico is cover with forest, mainly pine and spruce. Some areas have mahogany, logwood and rosewood. Commercial forestry is on the Sierra Madra Occidental. Chicle which gives you the chewing gum is harvested in the Yucatan.
The fishing industry catches and processes over 1 million tonnes a year. They are shrimps, prawns, tunny and shark.
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AGRICULTURE
One third of the people live on the land which is not very mechanized. Agricultural land is either a communal holdings called ejidos where many families share the land. The large estate called haciendas are owned privately and by one owner. They grow crops like Maize, beans, coffee, wheat, cotton, sugar, vegetable, citrus fruits and tobacco. A specialty is the Agave tequilero from which the fiery national drink, tequila, is produced. The fleshy rootstock is distilled to make this special drink.
Only 13 percent of the land can be used for agricultural purposes such as crops. 39 percent is pasture and some of it of very poor quality. It had been improved by irrigation projects. The Rio Grand and Colorado rivers are very important in the north where farms are growing fruit, vegetables and cotton; it gets exported mainly to the USA. On the plateau, farmers growing maize and some wheat, sorghum and beans. In the Gulflowlands, which has wetter climate, sugar cane and fruits are grown.
A large herd of beef cattle are reared and mostly in the north of the country.
MINERAL DEPOSITS
Mexico has big mineral deposits. There are zinc, sulphur, silver and manganese, huge oil deposits were found in 1970 in the Bay of Campeche. At the time the country's economy was booming. A wealth was generated from the oil. Then the oil price dropped, revenue slumped and the country faced great debts from huge loans made by foreign banks. President Salinas had to introduce harsh reforms in 1988 to keep the country from bankruptcy.
Uranium is mind in the states of Chihuahua, Durango, Sonora, Cherentator, and Nuevo Leon. 150 million tonnes of oil minded; 37,160 million cubic metres of natural gas and 9 million tonnes of coal.
In spite of all that wealth many Mexicans have a bleak future and live in poverty and are unemployed. They try to immigrate to the USA to get a better life. Great and very powerful cartels developed dealing with drugs and shootings and murders are high.
TOURISM
The tourist industry is very encouraged and grows rapidly. One of the main attractions is the Aztec remains near Mexico City but also the coast of Mexico is favoured by tourists. One famous area is Acapulco and the beach resorts have developed there greatly. At Yucatan with its Mayan remains have a high number of visitors. Altogether there are 5 million visitors mostly from the USA and Canada.
TRANSPORT
Mexico built 19,906 km of railway line which are the vital links for freight and passengers. They are mainly linking towns but there is also one link to the USA and one to Guatemala. 225,000 km of roads and mostly hard surface. Internal air travel has grown enormously. Of 1000 airport 18 are international.
POPULATION
Two thirds of the population live in urban areas with some of them living in shanty towns. About half of the people of Mexico are mixed blood of Amerindian and Spanish. One third is purely Amerindian and 9 per cent Spanish descent. They mostly speak Spanish but there are also 50 distinctive native Indian dialects still spoken.
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, second biggest city is Guadalajara and the third is Monterrey.
                          


               ACAPULCO -- PLAYA MANZANILLO -- 
                     BEACH IN THE TOURIST AREA.

Although the glamour and glitz still exists but there is a great influx of unemployed.  They sell anything from newspaper to massage which can be irritating to tourist who wants peace and relaxation. Police are reluctant to move in because of the high unemployment.   In the late 20th century drugs gangs move in.
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