Lisbon and Portugal - History and CultureWritten by Robert Carlton
Portugal has always been known as land to left of Spain on Iberian Peninsula, caught among its traditional way of life - fishing and agriculture. But thanks to technology and integration, Portugal´s 91.985 km2, of which 88.944 km2 correspond to mainland territory and rest to beautiful islands of Azores and Madeira. The country is divided into 11 regions, with 18 districts headed by a Governor and these districts each have their own Town hall and Mayor. Since Early Times At beginning, Portugal was not differentiated from northern part of Spain called Galicia because it was a homogeneous cultural unit. The first boundary stone was initiated in Neolithic period when Castrena Culture began with fortified huts in a circular pattern topped with cone shaped straw roofs. While in fertile southern plains Tartarians, Greeks and Phoenicians started rich colonies, in rough and granate like north of Portugal, Lusitanians presented their resistance. The Roman conquest put an end to this domain and for first time in history, Portuguese territory was separated from Galician. Braga was named first capital of Swabian kings who reigned in Portugal from 408 to 585. Later Visigods, who had been established in Spain expanded their land into Portugal. But as all Iberian Peninsula, Arabs extended their powerful arm and in 711 also reach south. But for unknown reasons, Arabs left Portugal, only leaving behind their culture and architecture. But Henry of Borgona, who was Earl of Portugal and father-in-law of King Alfonso VI of Castilla had his own plans for Portugal and it was his son, Alfonso Henry, after a decisive battle in Guimaraes was proclaimed King of Portugal in 1128. From here, his successors extended territory up until in XIII Portuguese territory was completed. In 1415, King Joao I wanted to conquer more lands and started a campaign into African territories. This impulse also sent Portuguese naval ships to occupy Madeira in 1418 and Azores in 1427. But they did not stop there, as we all know they reached Brazilian coast too. Leaving Portugal without any heirs, Philip II of Spain, who was born from daughter of king of Portugal, was proclaimed King in 1580. But in 1640 with Treaty of Lisbon, Spain gave it its independence. Coming up to more modern times, Portugal joined Atlantic Treaty in 1949 and United Nations in 1955. After having gone through many types of political parties, Portugal nowadays is a stable country open to world. A Quick over view of Portugal Portugal has a seducing enchantment and anyone who surrenders to it will never regret it. The best way to see Portugal is to do it by car and very slowly. By car because it is most comfortable way to stop and see all spellbinding scenery that this amazing place has to offer. It is known as country with 101 castle and we would like to see quite a few. Slowly, because road ways, not main highways, are very sinuous. Lisbon capital and heart of Portugal I would recommend starting out from Lisbon, capital of Portugal and its surrounding towns. Lisbon is a city which makes you feel that time has never gone by, not only because of its architecture but thanks to people themselves and for not being in a hurry. You can begin at center in Plaza do Comercio, set right on River Tajo and either head down towards water and along port promenade or into hub of city to visit numerous churches, monuments and living history unfolding before your eyes.
| | Beach Vacation Photo Tips – Make Your Vacation AND Photos MemorableWritten by Robert Bezman
Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take plenty of photographs. Once you're home and you view or print them out; are you ecstatic, bored, or disappointed? Be honest, now!Does this sound familiar… You arrive at your destination, check place out, and quickly change to go to beach. Happily, you've remembered to take your sun block, nose plugs, and bathing suit. Maybe you remembered your camera, maybe you didn't. Going on a family beach vacation brings up contradicting desires. On one hand, you want everyone to have a wonderful, fun, relaxing, memorable vacation. On other hand, most people don't want to do what's required to preserve memories. We will show you how to have best of both worlds. By providing photography tips, you can capture outstanding beach vacation pictures, enjoy taking photos, and ensure that when you look at photos at home, you won't be thinking: "Was this OUR vacation!?!" Can’t-Miss Beach Vacation Photo Tips 1) Packing Right Equipment When you pack for your dream beach vacation, remember these essential items: Camera, batteries, memory cards, camera case, battery chargers, external flash (if available), tripod, and portable digital storage device. If you have an abundance of memory, you can leave storage device at home. 2) Consider These Purchases I know… you’re already spending more than you want to on vacation. So last thing you want is some stranger suggesting you spend more on photo accessories. But, read on and find out what these low cost accessories will do for you before you skip to Tip #3. Consider purchasing a circular polarizer filter for your lens. STRONGLY consider it! It will be one of least expensive accessories you can buy, and you will LOVE results. What are results? A bluer sky, ability to see objects under water, and creating colors that will “pop” off page. 3) Insurance Do you have insurance on your possessions? Did your camera cost more than $25.00? Then do yourself a big favor and buy a UV filter to place over your lens for protection. If your lens becomes damaged, your camera is ruined. You can probably get a good UV filter for under $20.00. 4) The Magical Landscape Shot
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