1. Speicherstadt

The historical Speicherstadt in Hamburg is largest warehouse complex in world, and one of Hamburg's landmarks and indisputably sightseeing highlights.

The century-old Speicherstadt is located in Free Port between Deichtorhallen and Baumwall. It was built at turn of century in red brick, typical of northern Germany, with gabled roofs and small towers, which are beautifully reflected in canals they border. And during night it's even more beautiful, because buildings, bridges, and canals are lighted. The illumination makes warehouse complex an impressing place of mystery and dream.

You should plan to go on a harbour tour to see all details. There is a Captain. His name is "Pruesse," and he takes off daily from Landungsbruecken (landing stages). Inform yourself in advance if ebb and flow allow tour, and when he does start.

2. Town Hall

The Hamburg Rathaus (Town Hall) was built 1886 - 1897 with a splendid sandstone construction in Neo-Renaissance style. After Town Hall burnt to ground in 1842, town council moved into temporary quarters in former orphanage, after that into building of Patriotische Gesellschaft. This temporary solution lasted over 55 years!

The new Rathaus was inaugurated in 1897. It stands on over 4000 oak posts. Very much in contrast to Hanseatic style, Town Hall gleams with an elaborately ornate façade which is graced by a total of 20 statues of Kaiser. It dominates city centre with its impressive architecture. It is seat of city senate and municipality of Hamburg and has 647 rooms!

The grand banquet hall in Rathaus is 46 metres long, 18 metres wide and 15 metres high. Five huge paintings depict history of Hamburg from 800 to 1900. The three chandeliers, each with 278 bulbs, weigh 1500 kilos apiece!

3. Jungfernstieg

This story is amazing: In old days, families went here for a walk on Sundays and brought out their unmarried daughters (Jungfer - virgin)!

Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/calif/psprings/korakia/korakia.html

Palm Springs is home to a world famous collection of modern architecture, immaculate golf courses, gated communities, a bustling night life, trendy shopping, and a brand new casino. However, Palm Springs also has a very eclectic side which stems from its rich history. There was a time when this sun-drenched desert valley was a cultural center for artists, musicians, dancers, and literati.

In spite of all new resorts, old Palm Springs is making a new comeback. Guests are choosing smaller, more intimate hotels, allowing them to live destination instead of just visiting. They enjoy other side of Palm Springs, side set to a beat of chamber music and a time when writers and artists traded their works in Bohemian manner.

Like generations before us, people from around globe flock to this desert oasis to retreat. Perhaps we withdraw to escape routine and stress of everyday life. Maybe it’s to gain renewal through creativity, meditation, study, getting back to nature, or just to chill and have a good time.

To escape means to step into another pattern, a different time, and an unknown world. If this is side of Palm Springs that you want to experience, then I have perfect hotel for your great escape!

To get to it, you have to take a back street, just a short walk from main strip of restaurants and shops, but far enough away that you are tucked into shadow of San Jacinto mountain peak where you can hike trails that leading into alp.

I appear at Korakia Pensione after one adventurous week of rock climbing and slumbering in a pitched tent on desert floor. Blackened from sun and soil of my last climb before trip into town with beaten and dismantled luggage surrounding my dusty feet, I can only envision thoughts that flash through minds of hotel staff as they greet me. I am quite a sight! However, their hospitality is as warm as heat of Palm Springs and owner Douglas Smith compliments my tan.

Arch you glad you checked in!