Travel
To England - A Setting Sun, A Dawning Era by Frank Johnson
The sun may have set on the
English Empire of history books, but by no means is England's worldly cultural
influence waning. The cosmopolitan hot-spots of sophisticated London and
avant-garde Manchester speak to the global future while the Roman remnants
in Bath and Celtic heritage at Stonehenge stand as monumental tributes
to a time past but not forgotten.
Experience England - Culinary
Intrigue
The Brits may not traditionally
be known, or even praised, for their gastronomic heritage; however, England
has recently experienced a culinary renaissance of sorts and can proudly
boast 14 of the world's top 50 restaurants. Erase thoughts of porridge
and stodge - the British dining experience has abandoned its starchy past
and embarked on a journey through multicultural and international cuisine,
particularly in the South. England's colonial history comes forth in London's
exquisite choice of Indian restaurants. Despite this new food wave, make
sure not to pass on the Yorkshire pudding and Beef Wellington when traveling
through the North, which offers exceptional renditions of more traditional
dishes.
From London to Land's
End
Upon arrival in the English
region of this massive island, it is important to include travel outside
of London for the full British experience. England's most southwestern
tip of Cornwall is home to the legendary sea-cliffs below Penzance and
the dramatic peninsula of Land's End where a 25 mile trail will take you
along some of the most beautiful stretches of ocean. Cornwall is also known
for its architectural landmarks, including Cotehele, a most impressive
Tudor mansion and museum along the river Tamar. Travel northeast to encounter
ancient towns nestled in the picturesque countryside of The Cotswolds.
This region is extremely popular for a glimpse into the idyllic English
lifestyle with its 14th century stone and thatched roof cottages and cobblestone
alleys. Keep in mind that the southern regions are heavily traveled in
the months of July and August by locals and foreigners alike due to the
warmer weather.
Farther north, the ancient
spa town of Bath is famous for the 2000 year-old Roman bathhouses, which
are still open to the public, in addition to Saxon ruins and the history
of local Christianity told by the Heritage Vaults. Shakespeare buffs should
not miss Stratford-upon-Avon, his home town located in the Midlands. Shakespeare
and his family are buried at the Holy Trinity Church in the heart of town.
While visiting the most northern regions, travel through York to see Europe's
largest Gothic cathedral, York Minster, and walk along the immaculately
preserved medieval street of The Shambles. Even more enchanting are the
still-standing city walls that enclose a magical mix of history and modernity
in a city that was once the Danish capital of Viking England.
A Region of Global Heritage
Aside from England's ancient
history, no other nation has had such a hand in human progress in the modern
era. At one time the English Empire encompassed stretches of the globe
from Australia and India to Canada and America. England helped push the
world stage into Industrial Revolution; the Midlands are home to the world's
first industrial cities. The land of Chaucer, Shakespeare and Dickens,
Saxons, Celts and Normans, is an intriguing and essential journey for anyone
interested in the formation of contemporary global culture.
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