Tuesday 31 August 2010

The Last Supper in a Different Light

Discover why The Last Supper is one of the most famous religious images in the world. This article explains The Last Supper’s appeal and why it has been the centre of so much debate. It will highlight the elements that can so easily be missed and how being in its presence will make you reassess the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci.

If you are a lover of Leonardo da Vinci then you must buy Last Supper Tickets. This is the most breathtaking paintings produced in the Renaissance. The mural was commissioned by the extremely wealthy, art loving Duke Ludovico Sforza and his duchess Beatrice d’Este. Its purpose was to decorate the refectory in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie just outside Milan. Leonardo was famous amongst the Renaissance Court circles and was highly sort after by this point in his career.

Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous artist of all time and his work continues to intrigue fans from across the world. Leonardo da Vinci was as much a scholar as he was an artist. It is difficult to understand the power of his work without seeing it first hand. The Last Supper Ticket give you access to this master piece up close.

Controversy around this image has escalated over the years, suggesting Leonardo was conveying alternative meaning to the religious narrative. The condition of the mural has only aided fuel this debate. Leonardo’s experimental technique resulted in the painting to crack and crumble away during his own lifetime. Leonardo was a fantastic inventor and experimenter resulting in him making ground breaking discoveries. The Last Supper however, was certainly not a success! His experimental use of medium resulted in disaster and later restoration has only added controversy suggesting figures have been manipulated to change the images meaning.

Fresco painting was the typical medium of the Renaissance artists. The technique was painting onto wet plaster; the drawback was its time limitations. Work had to be completed before the plaster dried and could then not be changed. Leonardo used tempera made up of egg yolk and vinegar plus oil painting on dry plaster. He was able to alter his painting as and when he wished. Leonardo’s adaptations were an excellent idea but the paint didn’t mix with the plaster, and quickly decomposed.
The Last Supper’s crumbling surface has however not reduced the impact the image gives when seen on site. Its impressive size, standing at 15x29ft transforms the room bring it to life. This was not accidental. Leonardo has created a revolutionary form of perspective. Despite the image being well above the spectator’s head we feel like we are eye level with Christ. Furthermore the food, cutlery and glasses on the table are visible. The underside of the table should only be visible from as standing position. He has adapted our perspective so we can engage with this religious scene. Leonardo’s unique uses of perspective can only truly be appreciated when view on site, reproductions lose the fantastic achievement of the world greatest artist.

Leonardo da Vinci was fascinated with the idea of connecting the viewer with the scene and blurring boundaries Small element such as the table cloth and the cutlery would have matched the same used in the hall. It would appear that the nuns shared the same space as the holy figures as they too ate their supper. The painting would appear to be an extension of the room.

When visiting The Last Supper all pervious preconceptions will vanish. Your orginal understand of Leonardo da Vinci will certainly be challenged. When considering the painting’s decomposition and its relation to the view within the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie you will realize why Leonardo da Vinci is consider being one of the world’s greatest masters. But decide for yourself, buy a Last Supper ticket and make up your own mind!

What Makes Venice so Special

Glide underneath bridges, alongside cafes, under balconies and through the atmospheric Venetian streetscape as your singing gondolier escorts you down the Grand Canal for a gondola ride like no other. A relaxing Venice gondola ride unmasks all the beauty that characterizes Venice.

The magic of Venice will come alive as you glide by gondola through the shimmering Grand Canal and turn down inner canals spanned by small bridges that make up a labyrinth of land and water. Gondolas have been a tradition in Venice for centuries. At first, they were used for transporting goods through the narrow canals of Venice, today gondolas are primarily used for sightseeing and ceremonial functions. Taking a gondola ride in Venice offers a totally different view of the city than experiencing it by walking. The best time for a gondola ride in Venice is in the evening when the waterways are no longer crowded with other boats.

A gondola ride down the Venice’s Grand Canal is believed to be one of the most romantic experiences in the world. Two people can fit snugly in the seat at the back and enjoy the sights along the Grand Canal.

Having a gondolier propel your gondola down the Venetian canals and sing beautiful Italian songs is and unforgettable experience. On your romantic gondola trip you will pass stunning buildings, historic churches and cozy cafes that Venice is known for.

Unfortunately, the gondoliers may try to scam you. The rule of thumb in Venice is that a gondola should be painted black and that the gondolier should be a local Venetian to have learned the techniques and trades of this profession.

You must still decide to go through with a romantic gondola ride, despite the scams. Seek out the Tronchetto, or the Piazzale Roma to the Ponte di Rialto and the Doge’s Palace. At any one of these places, you will most likely find gondoliers that offer that special Venetian experience.

The cost of a gondola ride in Venice varies. You can expect to pay at least €70. However, these so-called official rates are not usually followed, so you will most probably end up paying €100. This doesn’t even guarantee you the promised 50-minute gondola ride. Price hikes may also occur if you request some live entertainment from the gondolier. This occurs because gondoliers invest a large amount of money in their gondolas. It costs about €20,000 for a hand-built wooden gondola that can last up to 20 years. Aside from having to make a profit off of their investment, their means of living is also relatively higher, as living in Venice can be quite expensive.

Tips for an idea Barcelona Vacation

When you first step out of your hotel on the first day of your holiday there is often an overwhelming feeling of where do I begin? If you are only visiting for a limited time or you’re staying for a while a Hop-on Hop-off tour is the ideal way to see the city.


Hop-on hop-off Barcelona bus tours is no acceptation, it is the only way to see the city! Sightseeing has never been so easy. Regular buses mean you don’t waste time waiting at the bus stop. This flexible way of traveling is perfect for whole family. Go at your only pace hop-off when you want, as many or as few times as you want. Alternatively sit back, relax and absorb the cities sprawling street without the hassle of getting lost.

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Unlike many cities that have a small nucleus of attractions in compacted area, much of Barcelona’s attractions are scattered. This make the Hop-on hop-off tour ideal to get the most out of your trip.


Barcelona has so much to offer. The more you see of Barcelona, the more you’ll understand why it was voted of the world’s most popular places to live.


In just one day on this tour you can visit the bizarre architecture of Antoni Gaudi at the Casa Mila. The city’s architecture is a feast for the eyes, as a world heritage site the variety of styles will blow you away. From Medieval, Art Nouveau to Modern the buildings sit side by side creating a complex array of interest. Discover the fascinating Catalan culture that still lives so strongly within the people of Barcelona in the Museum of the History of Catalonia. You must shopping till you drop in the innovate L’illa Diagonal, a fantastic shopping centre that was designed to look like a skyscraper lying on their side. Then take a walk in the beautiful Jardin de Miramar with its spectacular views of Barcelona Harbor. Alternatively visit one of the beautiful sandy beaches such as Nova Mar Bella which has over 500 meters of pristine white sand, perfect to top up your tan.

Everywhere you look the city has something new and exciting to offer and with the Barcelona hop-on hop-off tour you can see it all. Barcelona will not disappoint. This tour insures that you don’t miss a thing yet you take it at you own pace so you can relax and enjoy your stress free holiday.


Wednesday 18 August 2010

Jerusalem - 3 of its best tourist attractions

Jerusalem is today’s capital of Israel. It is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world, presenting a special combination of ancient antiquity, religious piety and vivid traditions. Only a few places inspire as much as Jerusalem.



Jerusalem is the Holy City to the world's three most practiced religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Jerusalem’s tourists are left touched and inspired by the shining glow of they city’s religious sites, picturesque scenery and brilliant golden limestone.



Jerusalem tours will reveal the can’t miss sights of Jerusalem. Here are Jerusalem’s top three highlights.



The Western Wall Tunnels are a labyrinthe of underground tunnels that make up a ceaseless chain of history. They snake under the Western Wall known to non-Jews as the Wailing Wall which is a surviving section of the wall encircling the Temple Mount and ist he most sacred site of prayer in the Jewish religion.



Temple Mount, aka Mount Moriah, is a site of tremendous religious significance to Muslims, Jews and Christians alike. It is one of Jerusalem's most famous landmarks and can be found within the walled section of the Old City. The glinting golden dome of the Dome of the Rock rises impressively above Jerusalem's skyline and has become the city's most distinguishable aspect.



Church of the Holy Sepulchre also referred to as the Church of the Resurrection is a Christian church housed inside the walled Old City of Jerusalem. The land on which the church stands is worshipped by many Christians as Golgotha, the Hill of Calvary, where, according to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified. It is said to also contain the Jesus’ burial site (the sepulchre). The church has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century. Today it is the centre of the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Catholic Archpriest of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.

Tuesday 10 August 2010

The Top 5 Water Parks Across the World

One of the best things to do to escape the sun while on vacation is to go to a water park. Seeking a refuge from the heat on your vacation? Go to a water park! Kids adore them. They are a paradise for kids, and if you’re an adult and the idea of a water park isn’t necessarily your thing so appealing, did you think about the fact that a water park is the perfect place to get your kids off your hands for a few hours, or even an entire day, if you’re lucky! There are a lot of incredible water parks across the world, but here are the top 5.



1. Aquapolis – Spain

Aquapolis water park Costa Dorada is located in the town of La Pineda on the Costa Dorada of Spain. Some of its highlights include its best attractions the Aquamania triple slide, white water rapids, a wave pool, a 50km per hour slide, and sealion shows.



2. Tropical Islands – Germany

Tropical Islands is the largest indoor water entertainment paradise in the world’s largest indoor water park. Located 60 km away from Berlin, it is contained in a former airplane hangar which spans just over over 700,000 square feet and is the largest freestanding building in the world. Up to 7000 visitors can enjoy the water park at a time. It boasts an indoor beach, a entire Tropical Village with restaurants, and Germany’s highest water slide. It’s open 24 hours a day and you can even spend the night there in anything from a tent to a hotel!



3. Chimelong – China

Chimelong is the biggest water entertainment paradise, covering an impressive almost 1,000,000 sqaure feet. It is also the most advanced water park in the world. You don’t have to be a germaphobe here as Chimelong has the world’s most advanced ozone water purification system. The water system annihilates germs and keeps the water clean while ensuring safe PH levels. It was expanded and reopened in 2008, featuring the Behemoth Bowl, latest pieces of water entertainment equipment a slide that offers an experience completely different from all existing equipment offering clients a unique slide experience.



4. World Water Park – Canada.

This water park is located in a shopping mall in Edmonton, Alberta one of the largest shopping malls in the world, which is located in. It offers a wide selection of rides from the Tropical Typhoone to the world’s largest indoor wave pool.



5. Wet n’ Wild Water World – Australia

While there is also a famous Wet n’ Wild water park in Orlando, Florida, this is the biggest water park in Australia. Located in Queensland, which is known for its superb weather, this exterior water park is open all year! Among its best attractions are the Extreme Tornado Zone, which is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the Kamikaze, which uses multi-million dollar technology, and the Surfrider, on which you spin around on a giant surfboard.

Thursday 5 August 2010

The Best of Abu Dhabi

If the foreign notion of Abu Dhabi evokes nothing more than thoughts of camels and luxury in your mind, then you should really read this article. It will provide you with some background info on Abu Dhabi and outline the can’t miss attractions this wonderful city has to offer.


Abu Dhabi is the second most populated of the 7 emirates that make up the UAE, it is also the capital. It is the biggest city in the UAE, covering over 85% of its total land area. Abu Dhabi is a very modern city and boasts beautiful weather all year round – if you like hot, sunny weather, that is – temperatures between June and September average 40°C and temperatures between October and May rarely reach 15°C, even during the night.

There is so much to do in Abu Dhabi, but here are some of the best attractions.


-Take an Abu Dhabi dhow cruise. What is a dhow, you ask? Well it is a traditional Arab sailing vessel that was once used by traders sailing the Persian Gulf to carry heavy items like fruit. These beautifully decorated boats are also used as a venue for profuse dinner cruises. This is the perfect opportunity to include some romance in your holiday, while enjoying a delicious feast.


-Walk along the Corniche. This waterfront area paralleled by a main road is the heart Abu Dhabi. If you shy away from any form of exercise, not to worry, the Corniche can just as readily be enjoyed from one of the cafes, picnic grounds or beaches that are scattered about the promenade. While there are several beaches to pick from, a new beach opened in 2008, and is worth a visit.


- Explore the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. This recreation of an ancient Bedouin village is located near the Abu Dhabi Breakwater and showcases Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage. The Marina Mall is nearby, to address your must-do retail therapy. And if you can’t take the heat anymore and are looking for any excuse to escape the everlasting sun, the Marina Mall has an indoor ice skating rink.

Wednesday 4 August 2010

Highlights of the Barcelona Bus Tour

Barcelona is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. The most convenient way to see this city is to embark upon a Barcelona city hop off tour. Here are some of the attractions that are on most tour routes.

Plaça Catalunya: Placa Catalunya is likely the most well-known square in Barcelona. It is centered at the heart of the Bari Gòtic area of Barcelona, at the top of Las Ramblas, where tourists assemble to watch street entertainers. The large, open square offers seating and the ornamental gardens house statues.

Catedral-Barri Gòtic (Cathedral Gothic Quarter): Located in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona Cathedral houses the tomb of Saint Eulalia as well as several paintings and valuable metalwork. The Cathedral is the most significant structure in the Gothic Quarter.

Port Vell: Port Vell is a scenic old marina slash entertainment centre, which is a much loved tourist area with many attractions, including an aquarium.

Barceloneta: Barceloneta Beach is the closest beach to the city center of Barcelona. It is frequented by tourists and locals alike, for its abundance of restaurants and nightclubs which are located along the boardwalk.

La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Cathedral): The Sagrada Familia is the fantastical but unfinished masterpiece of the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi.

Park Guell: Park Guell was designed by Gaudi and is considered a Heritage Site by UNESCO. Amazing stone statues, brilliant tiling and fascinating buildings can be found in this fairytale park.

Tuesday 3 August 2010

Why The Last Supper is a Must-See Attraction (Last Supper tickets)

Why The Last Supper is a Must-See Attraction

1. The Last Supper, or Il Cenacolo, as it is called in Italian, is one of the most popular things to do on the Milan tourism circuit. So buy your Last Supper tickets now to ensure you are able to see the painting and don’t miss out on this incredible experience.

2. Since it is painted on the wall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan,you’ll get the chance to enter one of the world’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, which has existed since the 15th century.

3. It is one of the most famous artist in the world’s most famous masterpieces.

4. As a result of Da Vinci’s artistic experimental mural painting methods combined with years of neglect, the painting has already undergone several restorations. See it before it deteriorates beyond recognizability!

5. It depicts an important moment in religious history – Jesus’ last meal with his disciples – which also marks the first communion service.

6. Decide for yourself about the controversy surrounding the person sitting to Jesus’ right, made famous by Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code. Is the Apostle John, or Mary Magdalene?

7. Unlike the Mona Lisa, which is deceivingly tiny in real life, the true magnificence of the Last Supper, which measures 450 by 870 cm, cannot be properly appreciated unless experienced first-hand.

8. The Cenacolo is located in the dining area of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. There is nothing more surreal than staring at the painting, while picturing the monks dining in its shadow, in the very place that you are standing.

9. While the scene has been painted before, Il Cenacolo is the first to show real people acting like real people.

10. It's arguably the greatest example of one point perspective ever used in a painting.