Posted by Jackie Hewett on Tue 10th July 2007 at 03:43 AM, Filed in Far East, August
If pyrotechnics are your thing you should put a visit to Tondabayashi City on 1st August on your ‘to do’ list. They claim to host the largest annual firework display with some 100,000 fireworks let off in just one hour – usually starting at about 19.45. The grand finale sees some 7000 fireworks launched simultaneously.
The event started in 1953 at the request of the founder of the PL religious group (or Church of Perfect Liberty) and is staged on the area known as the PL Hills. The Japanese word for firework is ‘Hanabi’, and they even have a hanabi ‘season’ – basically every summer lakes, rivers and even ski resorts all over Japan let off a barrage of explosions with up to 5,000 displays taking place throughout July and August. About 250 of these are large scale events and 50 are held around Tokyo. The Tondabayashi display is famed for its ‘Niagara’ which rises to some 50 meters and stretches nearly a kilometre across the sky to represent a waterfall.
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Tue 3rd July 2007 at 02:50 AM, Filed in Europe
The imposing 15th century Genoese Citadel dominates the picturesque town of Calvi. When you pass through the archway to explore the interior you are immediately steeped in its atmosphere and history. This is the upper city, the ‘Citadalia’ the heart of the Genoese city. Originally constructed in the 13th century and solidly fortified in the 15th. You will see the well-constructed houses along streets and alleyways, a lasting testament to the builders’ expertise. Visit the church with its altar decorated in marble, and the sculptures that adorn it. The views from the citadel are superb – have your camera at the ready! The lower town is a maze of enchanting twisting streets; full of restaurants to tempt you, and little shops encouraging you to part with your euros.
Calvis’ beach is 6km stretch of sand with warm clear seas, safe for swimming, perfect for families. Of an evening dine at one of the numerous restaurants (many specialising in fish) that line the harbour whilst looking in awe at the size of the opulent yachts! There are several boat trips leaving the harbour each day, take a hat and sun protection, the views of the coastline from the water are certainly worth seeing.
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Sun 1st July 2007 at 02:09 AM, Filed in
Yes, honestly there is such an event! Frequently I feel like throwing other peoples mobile phones into the nearest large stretch of water when they ring in restaurants, cinemas, theatres. Actually, I’ll let you into a secret…I hate the things, I find them intrusive, always amazed at the amount of money people spend on the latest ‘must have designer’ ones. A ridiculous fixed appendage to peoples hands…. and those stupid things a lot of folk have stuck to their ears…. what do they look like! Spock in Star Trek!!! Do I own one? Yes, an ancient model that I might use three times a year.
So maybe I’ll join the hundreds of people each August (this year the 25th ) who gather from around the world in Savonlinna, Finland for the annual Mobile Phone Throwing Championship.
This event has been arranged every year since 2000, and is now spreading worldwide! The record stands at the present time at 82.55 metres for the ‘original’ over the shoulder throw.
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