Bright Travels

A passion for travel, a blog for obsession. This is my research and my experiences about the places I've been and the places I want to visit.

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“Big Ben” is the common nickname for the bell inside this famous clock tower, although it is commonly extended to refer to the entire tower itself, which is actually called the The Elizabeth Tower (or, prior to 2012, simply Clock Tower or St. Stephen’s Tower). It sits in the wealthy neighborhood of Westminster in London, England, United Kingdom.

Built in a Neo-gothic style, the tower was completed in 1859, being the monument that marks the north end of The Houses of Parliament. Inside the tower is the world’s second largest four-faced chiming clock. The tower itself has become an iconic symbol representing London and England, the way the Eiffel Tower represents Paris and France.

Visitors can book tours of the the Houses of Parliament (audio or guided) on Saturdays throughout the year and on most weekdays during Parliamentary recesses. You can also book quaint afternoon tea beside the River Thames in addition to your tour. But be sure to book this early, especially if traveling during high season.

Also in the picture are London’s famous double decker red buses. Notice the one of the far left has an open top while the other two are closed -- an open top signals a tourist bus while the closed tops are generally public transit buses. Fortunately for those who enjoy late nights, buses in London run well into the night, giving you a cheaper option than taking a cab.

[Photo: yours truly]

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The National Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II in Rome, Italy is known by several names, from Vittoriano for short, to Altare della Patria to Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II.

This monument, with a museum inside its massive structure, was built in honor of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a unified Italy. Prior to modern-day Italy’s existence, a number of transformations took place in the region, from empires (Roman and others) to city-states to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Vittorio Emanuele II was victorious in creating peace with Austria and through his successful leadership as King of Sardinia-Piedmont, he became a symbol of the Risorgimento -- a movement in the mid-1800s to create a unified Italy. In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed with Vittorio Emanuele II as king.

The monument itself sits in the middle of a roundabout circle for vehicles. Much like the other historical sites in Rome, this piece of history stands strong against the fast-paced and evolving life we know today. As there are even older marvels in the city, the monument may not be the first stop on a tourist’s list. I actually didn’t even know what it was when I saw it. The design is quite different from everything else in the eternal city with its white marble grandeur, and locals sometimes consider it an eyesore, comparing it to a Victorian typewriter or a wedding cake.

[Photo: yours truly]

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“Galerie des Glaces” or, The Hall of Mirrors, is one of the central highlights at the Palaces of Versailles (Chateau de Versailles) in France. Louis XIV was known for flaunting his economic prowess and superiority, as exhibited by this palace. In the 17th century, mirrors were one of the most expensive and luxurious items on the market, and this hallway boasts 357 of them. This Grand Gallery (”La Grande Galerie”) was used daily by courtiers and visitors passing through, waiting, and meeting people. It was only used for ceremonies on exceptional occasions.

When you actually stand in the hallway, however, it isn’t the mirrors that first catch your attention. The rows of exquisite chandeliers adorning the ceiling immediately bring your eyes to look up in awe at the grand splendor and regal taste of royalty.

[Photo: yours truly]

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My photo from Amsterdam. I blogged all of my travel experiences on my Summer 2013 Europe trip here: http://efcollegebreakstories.tumblr.com/tagged/Alyssa Click "Browse by Trips" then "Europe Up and Down"

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POMPEII by Heleen Kwant on Flickr.

Pompeii was a thriving city during the Pax Romana era until the entire town was smothered by an eruption from Mt. Vesuvius. The lack of air and moisture allowed objects from the period to be well preserved for thousands of years. Voids were created where humans were covered and plaster was inserted to fill these voids which now show the exact position people were in at the time of their death, this photograph being an example. Pompeii displays possibly the most extraordinary preservation of a moment in time.

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Parthenon in Athens by thebaldwin on Flickr.

The Parthenon of Athens began construction in 447 BC and was completed in 438 BC, a time in which Athens was at the height of its domain. This temple on the Athenian Acropolis is arguably the most important symbol from Ancient Greece, representing Athenian democracy and key marks of Greek art. In addition, its location overlooking Athens gives it even more high stature and undeniably incredible views.

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Capri, Italy by INAOSSIEN on Flickr.

Capri is an island located off the south side of the Gulf of Naples, which at one time was part of the mainland. Augustus developed Capri by creating temples, villas, aqueducts, and gardens. His successor, Tiberius, moved to Capri in 27AD and ran the Empire from there. Apparently he was infamous for throwing people he didn't like into the sea. Today Capri is a hot spot tourist destination for it's sensational and breathtaking views.

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Torre di Pisa by Old Stiler on Flickr.

The leaning tower of Pisa, Italy. Construction on this architectural marvel began around 1173 and throughout three stages of construction, took a couple hundred years to build. There’s some controversy regarding the true architect behind this tower and there is a common tale of Galileo Galilei dropping two cannon balls of different masses from the tower to demonstrate that their speed was independent of their mass. It is also said that during WWII the Germans used the tower as an observation post. The tower was recently stabilized in 2008 and is said that it will remain stable for at least 200 years.

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Notre Dame de Paris by RuiPereira on Flickr.

The Notre Dame de Paris (meaning Our Lady of Paris) or the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the greatest examples of French Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1163 and the cathedral was finished in 1345. The cathedral's use of the flying buttress was one of the first in the world. The exterior and gargoyles were once colorful and now appear gray stone. Nonetheless, it continues to be a beautiful sight to see while in Paris, France.

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KAP over the Coliseum in Rome with a Canon S95 by Pierre Lesage on Flickr.

The Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheater, lies in the heart of Rome, Italy. Construction began in 72 AD and the amphitheater opened in 80 AD. It is massive enough for 50,000 spectators and once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles based on classical mythology. The round arches found all over the amphitheater are a clear mark of Roman architecture. At one point in the early medieval era, Romans abandoned the Coliseum, but now it is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome that's centered in an ever growing city for thousands of tourists around the world to come and see.

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ROME BY NIGHT HDR by congiuluc on Flickr.

La mia sesta destinazione è Roma. The Spanish Steps contain 138 steps built from 1723-25. It links the Bourbon Spanish Embassy and the Trinità dei Monti church, both located above, to the Holy See in Palazzo Monaldeschi located below. The eternal city is most famous for its ancient architecture, such as the Coliseum, Forum Romanum, and the Pantheon among others, as well as its less ancient but still classic designs such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and many many more. The city is said to be a unique mix of classic and modern as vespas zoom by ruins of a once dominating powerful empire.

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St. Francis of Assisi Basilica by elatawiec62 on Flickr.

Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi. I'll be making a quick stop here to see the basilica. Construction on the basilica began in 1228 and is comprised of an Upper Church, Lower Church, and crypt containing the remains of the saint. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. The interior of the Upper Church displays an early example of the Gothic art style in Italy. The Upper and Lower Churches are adorned with frescoes by many late medieval painters from Roman and Tuscan schools. This range in art gives a unique view of the development of art in Italy for the time period.

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Florence Duomo by mbell1975 on Flickr.

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Duomo, is an icon of Florence. It marks the birth of the Renaissance. Its construction began in 1296 in a Gothic style, recognizable around the front door and the side of the building. The round ceiling is what really marks the movement into a new era of art.

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Images Florence: Duomo from Piazzale Michaelangelo by YoWangdu on Flickr.

La mia quarta tappa è Firenze. I read some interesting tid bits to know about Florence, Italy in this article. A few of my favorites to know: -Florence is best explored on foot. -While the city is filled with art and the outside of the Duomo is astonishing, the inside of it is rather empty. -Florence has some of the best gelato in Italy. -Shopping in Florence means leather. -Tuscan bread is traditionally made without salt. I also read from Frommer's that the city was built so that all roads lead to the Duomo.

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Paris Métro by Phil Beard on Flickr.

The Paris Métro is the way to get around while in Paris. There are 301 stations (384 stops), and 62 of those stops facilitate transfer to another line. Lines are numbered 1 to 14, simple enough, with two minor lines 3bis and 7bis that were originally part of lines 3 and 7 but became independent. The first line was opened in July of 1900 during the Exposition Universelle (World Fair). The core was complete by the 1920s and the extensions into the suburbs were built in the 1930s. Line 14 wasn’t built until the 1990s. I’ve read it’s an excellent transportation system that is exceptionally easy to navigate. Métro is the abbreviated name of the company which originally operated most of the network (La Compagnie du chemin de fer métropolitan de Paris), which was shortened to Le Métropolitain and then métro, which became a common word for subways everywhere.

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Amsterdam bikes by dranidis on Flickr.

Bikes are known to be the main method of transportation in Amsterdam. The city was built so that the businesses reside on the outskirts. Minor research suggests there are about 1,000,000 bicycles in the city. Each year, about 100,000 of them are stolen and 25,000 end up in the canals. I've also read that if you are a tourist and you aren't quick with a bike in the city, it's probably best you stick to walking.

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Paris by Moyan_Brenn_BE_BACK_ON_JUNE_11TH on Flickr. Copyright by Moyan Brenn

I read that it is important to greet and say goodbye every time you walk in and out of a shop/restaurant in Paris. It's more like walking into someone's home rather than their business. Bonjour! Merci! Au revoir!