Lost in Europe» Roman Empire

THE ROMAGNA SUBREGION : TOUR OF ITALY

Lost in Europe — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:27:05 +0000

If you are hankering for a Europe destination, you should really consider the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Emilia-Romagna may be the only region of Italy that is named for a road, one constructed by the Ancient Romans almost 2200 years ago. This article describes the Romagna subregion, some of its many tourist attractions, local food, and local wine. A companion article presents Emilia, the inland western “half” of the region that borders the Lombardy, Liguria, and Tuscany regions of Italy.
Our Romagna tour follows the highway from east to west, going slightly southward along the way. Start by visiting Rocca Sforzesca (Sforza Castle) in the village of Dozza whose wine shop, Enoteco Regionale, boasts an excellent collection of local wines. Formula One auto racing fans will want to visit the town of Imola in mid-April. Other attractions include shopping for fancy ceramics and eating at San Domenico’s, a world-class restaurant with a three thousand item wine list.
Pottery fanciers will enjoy the city of Faenza, a center for faience pottery since the Twelfth Century. Guess what’s on display at the Museo delle Ceramiche. If you like spas be sure to visit the neighboring city of Bagno di Romagna with its hot springs.
Ravenna, north of the highway, was once the capital of the Roman Empire. Check out the Basilica di San Vitale (Church of Saint Vitale) with its famous mosaics. If you are up to it you can visit a historic mausoleum and the tomb of that great Italian poet Dante. For some reason Ravenna is home to many sites with historic mosaics.
Rimini on the Adriatic coast an important European holiday destination is really crowded during the high season. Its Grand Hotel was featured in Fellini’s 1973 movie Amaracord.
Perhaps it is no accident that the founder of Italian cuisine Pellegrino Artusi was born in this region. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy – The Romagna Subregion for a sample menu and more information on Romagna wines as well as an in-depth examination of Romagna’s tourist attractions. It is the home of the controversial Albana di Romagna DOCG, Italy’s first white DOCG wine. The G stands for Garantita. While one can guess what that word is supposed to mean, many feel that this honor was far from deserved. I have never tasted this particular wine, but from my readings I have no great desire to do so, except to set the matter straight.

Rome: Powerful Empire, Great Tourist aim

Lost in Europe — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:28:52 +0000

Rome was founded as distant back 753 BC by the twins, Romulus and Remus. It grew considerably until it became the Roman territory which was govern by an Emperor from the year 27 BC.

The Roman Empire became a political and monetary center for the Western World. Its influence stretched far and wide and it was said that “all roads lead to Rome.” This most powerful Empire, however, fell in 476 AD. It had a bumpy history next its fall. The city preserve its status as the capital of the Papal States and later on it became a center of tradiation and imaginative activity which it has somewhat retained to this day.

Over its restless history, the inhabitant in the area has risen and fallen depending on the trend of the time. In modern times, Rome seems to once again be on an upward scale in terms of its lasting population.

It is a very admired tourist destination seeing around ten million tourists through its city every year. The city is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, tourists will find busy thoroughfares and classy prices. On the other hand, it is full of small sheltered parks, fountains and piazzas. It is full of ancient ruins, famous monuments and fascinating museums. You can view the remains of ancient times, see the extraordinary architecture from the rebirth period, enjoy a gastronomical treat in a traditional Italian restaurant or relax in the gardens of European royalty.

Due to the huge number of tourists that visit Rome per annum there are a vast number of holiday accommodation options to choose from. From the traditional to the unique, visitors can choose the place that allure to them most. Hotels are a popular accommodation choice in Rome. They range greatly in price and quality. You can choose to stay in luxury hotel or you can easily find a funds hotel often in the area surrounding Termini Station.

Holiday apartments or villas can be found to rent. These are a good option for small groups or families as they provide more space and seclusion than a hotel. Bed and breakfasts are fast becoming popular in Rome. If you go for this option be prepared that they may simply be a room in some-one’s house.

Travel destinations: Rome, Italy – Part 3

Lost in Europe — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:51:08 +0000

On both banks of the Tiber river and its affluent, the Aniene between the Tyrrhenian Sea and Appenine Mountains lies the “city of civilization”, “the Eternal city”, “the Capital of the world”, the unique Rome.

Everybody knows that Rome is one of the world`s richest cities in history, art and culture. It was for centuries the capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, the Roman Empire, today it is the capital of Italy. It attracts many tourists because of its rich history, famous squares, architectural sites, medieval cultural heritage, extraordinary museums and monuments. There is always no time enough to visit all the sightseeings in this imposant city.

A must see is the magnificent Coliseum, the largest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire. It is not only one of the symbols of Rome but also one of the most famous landmarks. I was very impressed by the words of Bede: “While the Colosseo stands, Rome shall stand, but when the Colosseo falls, Rome shall fall and when Rome falls, the world will end.” The biggest and most imposing in the Roman world, the Flavius amphitheater, known as the “Colosseum”, or “Coliseum” or even “Colosseo” attracts thousands of people who come here to feel the spirit of ancient times.

Another interesting Roman monument is the Pantheon which is situated on the place where the founder of Rome was seized at his death by an angle and taken off into the sky. Located in the historic center of Rome, the Pantheon is the best preserved Roman monument in the city. The Pantheon is very beautiful at night.

There are many other sightseeings in Rome: the Roma Forum, the Domus Aurea, Trajan`s Column, several catacombs, the Arch of Constantine, basilicas which represent the medieval heritage (Santa Maria Maggiore), the National Museum of Rome, the Borgese Gallery, the National Gallery of Moderbn Art , the Palazzo Madama (today the Seat of the Senate).

The squares in Rome are majestic. Many of them were built in the 17th century. I liked Piazza of via del Tritone because it is special. Probably because of its beauty and superstitions that surround it. I saw that many tourists from all over the world tossed a coin into the watery. And, of course, I did the same. According to the Roman custom doing this is for good luck and my next coming to Rome. I did this because Rome is splendid, glamorous and proud in its richness and beauty and because I want to come here one day again.

Rome Strong Empire Great Tourist Destination

Lost in Europe — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:38:06 +0000

Rome was establish as far back 753 BC by the double, Romulus and Remus. It grew substantially until it became the Roman kingdom which was govern by an Emperor from the year 27 BC.

The Roman Empire became a political and economic center for the Western World. Its influence stretched far and wide and it was said that “all roads lead to Rome.” This most powerful Empire, however, fell in 476 AD. It had a uneven history following its fall. The city retained its rank as the capital of the Papal States and later on it became a center of tradiation and creative activity which it has somewhat retained to this day.

Over its violent history, the inhabitant in the area has risen and fallen depending on the trend of the time. In modern times, Rome seems to once again be on an upward climb in terms of its lasting population.

It is a very popular tourist destination seeing about ten million tourists through its city every year. The city is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, tourists will find busy thoroughfares and classy prices. On the other hand, it is full of small sheltered parks, fountains and piazzas. It is full of ancient ruins, famous monuments and fascinating museums. You can view the remains of ancient times, see the fantastic architecture from the Renaissance period, enjoy a gastronomical treat in a traditional Italian restaurant or relax in the gardens of European monarchs.

Due to the huge number of tourists that visit Rome per annum there are a vast number of holiday lodging options to choose from. From the traditional to the unique, visitors can choose the place that appeals to them most. Hotels are a popular accommodation choice in Rome. They range greatly in price and quality. You can choose to stay in luxury hotel or you can easily find a funds hotel often in the area surrounding Termini Station.

Holiday apartments or villas can be found to rent. These are a good option for small groups or families as they provide more space and soltitude than a hotel. Bed and breakfasts are fast becoming popular in Rome. If you go for this option be prepared that they may simply be a room in some-one’s house.

A Rapid Tour of Italy – the Romagna Subregion

Lost in Europe — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:48:50 +0000

Our Romagna tour follows the highway from east to west, going slightly southward along the way. Start by visiting Rocca Sforzesca (Sforza Castle) in the village of Dozza whose wine shop, Enoteco Regionale, boasts an excellent collection of local wines. Formula One auto racing fans will want to visit the town of Imola in mid-April. Other attractions include shopping for fancy ceramics and eating at San Domenico’s, a world-class restaurant featuring a three thousand item wine list.

Pottery fanciers will enjoy the city of Faenza, a center for faience pottery since the Twelfth Century. Guess what’s on display at the Museo delle Ceramiche. If you fancy spas make sure to visit the neighboring city of Bagno di Romagna with its hot springs.

Ravenna, north of the highway, was once the capital of the Roman Empire. You should check out the Basilica di San Vitale (Church of Saint Vitale) with its famous mosaics. If you are up to it you can visit a historic mausoleum and the tomb of that great Italian poet Dante. For some reason Ravenna is home to many sites with historic mosaics.

Rimini on the Adriatic coast is a major European holiday destination, and is quite crowded during the high season. Its Grand Hotel was featured in Fellini’s 1973 movie Amaracord.

Perhaps it is no accident that the founder of Italian cuisine Pellegrino Artusi was born in this region. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy – The Romagna Subregion for a sample menu and additional information on Romagna wines plus an in-depth examination of Romagna’s tourist attractions. It is the home of Albana di Romagna DOCG, Italy’s first white DOCG wine. The G stands for Garantita. While one can guess what that word is supposed to mean, many feel that this honor was quite undeserved. I never tasted this particular wine. From my readings I have no great desire to do so, except perhaps to set the matter straight.

Diamonds Inspire, Diamond Eyes Light The Way

Lost in Europe — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:32:31 +0000

Diamonds seem to be entering jewelry stores of New York in new net ways. As we speak, some famous name stores have a slice of the new trade action. And you could too. In this past few years with the extensive additional diamond finds in Australia, and up half way near where Santa works, diamond mines every which way but loose. And now every other major diamond merchant is now a part of the action as one of these new syndicates as the old cartel scrambles to join back in.

Yet so as with a new diamond pipe discovery, there is a scramble to production, and all new investors were welcomed. So this is all good news for us all with new supply comes new wealth. For as you likely well know, honest diamonds were getting more scarce, as in bloody from wars in Africa. God has been filled with mercy, or mother earth as you wish. What does please us each and every one, is that more substantial supplies does mean more chance of a bargain price that was before unlikely. This would not be possible unless you were as one of those who knew someone who knew a friend who bought in these gems.

Well, we wish no more black market alley ways. Nowadays you can have honest brokers on site, who can give you the score. If that is so, more and more, then as before, we say encore. Back to these diamond minds we have listened to on recent BBC talk shows. Those diamond minds with voices of Berlin or Paris or Stockholm, all talked to a rough diamond of a Serb as if he would soon be in the Europe Club. A coal black eyed Russian sat with a glare, but the Serb did smile and seemed to say, all you want are those two war criminals for fair trial.

When the fine minded men from civilized Europe nodded, the Russian went pale. And almost as to compound his fright, the men of Europe said they could see all the great sea, all of the old Roman Empire all back in the club. And these men seemed to have earlier all spoken in private and were all in prior agreement, it was big unwelcome news to Russia at that table to the Serb and to the man from the BBC. The three European gentlemen all seemed wise to me, and we can think of the three wise men and Jesus as these seemed to Serbia and us.

They remind us that this area is only one small corner of Europe, with Kosovo as well, was on the road to Istanbul and perhaps on to Georgia. And we think that this is edging into a likely scene of future diamond exploding reality. It is far richer to be inside the Club of Rome then out at sea with no paddle. And so while black ant Jew, back on a red ant Jewish Christian Islamic hill does not see the forest desert for the sand. Alexander frightened the Greek men when he left them to build Alexandria to be a new grander, Athens at the sea.

This greatest city on earth would transfer year round food produce forever from the Nile to feed his Macedonian people in their winter storms. Alexander had placed seeds which the birds ate, so then he placed stones to mark out his great new city. But the soldiers only knew that Alexander went west and risked his life and wandered. Alexander staggered west until he found an oasis in the Sahara far to the west. We suspect this uninhabited depression is still the lost promised land, as did Alexander.

If you gaze on a map of the middle east you can easily see the hellish Quattara Depression. Near but below sea level, this rift down under the sea could take a century to fill with sea diverted river Nile fresh water. This empty space could solve so many problems if a reasoning trade could be arranged. Think on it.

This Quattara Depression could be a new Nile Valley Garden of Eden. It is needing only diversion of the Nile just before that life giving fresh water enters the sea. It is historical fact that Alexander did meet a holy man in the far western desert at an oasis, who was alone and content: the fruits dropped from the trees, he had all he did need. Alexander spoke little about this experience, but he felt he and this holy man discussed the one God, which few in 230 BC did agree. The Holy Man had no sword, and his faith had brought him from far east, and as Alexander knew, such followers from great Buddha had also been to Greece.

The Holy Man blessed Alexander and Alexander in turn blessed the Holy Man. Alexander felt that in his wisdom like others in the region Alexander came he was more chosen than all others. Alexander began to see himself as a god, like mad Romans much later, except for this diamond of divinity placed him in contrast to Socrates to Aristotle. One diamond God of divinity would welcome kind people, but not those lumps of coal as those 30 who had him so opposed. Soon after they killed Socrates with his hemlock wine.

We can question who that holy man was in the desert; and If we could divert half the Nile far upstream, slave master Egypt could grant poor out cast that far desert. That hot spot on earth is the Quattara Depression, where out casts as we know, if they had only had a map along with those ten commandments, could create a true chosen land, where now no body stands. We fear that Moses read the map all wrong. Sinai sand in eyes we missed the turn off to Eden. Eden could be still created out west. Out to the west, at a blissful burning desert oasis perhaps it was or could be yet.