Black Mountain

Black Mountain is a Canadian rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia. The band is composed of Stephen McBean, Amber Webber, Matt Camirand, Jeremy Schmidt and Joshua Wells.

Overview

Since forming in 2004, Black Mountain has released three LPs, Black Mountain (2005), In the Future (2008), and Wilderness Heart (2010), and two EPs, Druganaut (2004) and Bastards of Light (2008) on the Jagjaguwar label. A split single with Destroyer was released in Fall 2004 on Spirit of Orr Records. The "Stormy High" single was released in 2006 on Suicide Squeeze Records. A vinyl single was released in April 2007 named "Surrender Sound Session: Unkle vs. Autolux/Black Mountain" with a remix of "No Hits" on the B side.
Their self-titled album was chosen as one of Amazon.com's Top 100 Editor's Picks of 2005. In the Future was a finalist for the 2008 Polaris Music Prize and was also nominated for "Best Alternative Album" in the 2009 Juno Awards. The song "Stay Free" from In the Future was featured on the Spider-Man 3 soundtrack.
In 2005 the band opened for Coldplay on their Twisted Logic Tour for three weeks, with their final opening in San Diego.
In September 2010 Black Mountain performed in an amphitheater located in the woods of Oisterwijk at the Incubate (festival) in Tilburg, Netherlands.
Leader Stephen McBean also heads another similarly named band, Pink Mountaintops, who are the more experimental side of McBean's musical abilities. Black Mountain is the front line band for Black Mountain Army, a collective of musicians, artists and friends in Vancouver. In an interview the band said "Black Mountain is just the five of us. The Black Mountain Army… which has kind of gotten blown out of proportion, it was kind of just a joke, because everybody thought we were this hippie collective, like we all lived in one house. But it’s basically just our friends at home in Vancouver, just our extended family of creative people that we know." [1]
Several members of the band have, for as long as a decade, worked for organizations that meet the basic living requirements of the chronically poor, drug addicted and mentally ill in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighborhood, such as Insite.[2][3] In an interview, the band said: "After work we all try not to think too hard about the effect it has on our lives. It keeps us grounded."[4]
Wilderness Heart was named as a longlisted nominee for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize.[5
Since the Cherokee Indians settled here more than 10,000 years ago, folks have come seeking rejuvenation, contemplation, and introspection. The beautiful mountain scenery, variety of recreational activities, and friendly hometown feel, continues to attract many each year. Take a walk through historic downtown and discover numerous unique gift shops, galleries, and Appalachian-style craft stores, with local craftsmen often demonstrating iron works, dulcimer making, and throwing pottery. Enjoy a wide variety of nightly music at one of our famous venues.
From the most upscale cuisine, to country cooking and BBQ, the area is home to over forty restaurants sure to please any palate. Dine inside or outside, while enjoying the local flavor or celebrating a special occasion.
Activities abound - from a round of golf at Black Mountain's famous 747 yard par 6 course (one of the longest in the world), to hiking and biking along the area's numerous scenic trails. The area hosts many renowned festivals: Sourwood Festival, L.E.A.F. Festival, Black Mountain Art and Crafts Show, and Art in Bloom to name a few. Don't miss the Swannanoa Valley Museum and Black Mountain Center for the Arts.
Make Black Mountain, North Carolina, in the lovely Swannanoa Valley, your vacation headquarters. Stay at a historic B&B, quaint cottage, country inn, or hotel while visiting some of the region's greatest attractions. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore Estate, Lake Lure and Chimney Rock State Park, are within a short drive. Sit and rock on our "Front Porch." Stroll around Lake Tomahawk. Drink in the ever-changing mountain views. Luxuriate in the peace and fresh air. Visit Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley to discover the best that Western North Carolina has to offer.




source//    http://roadtothesaarc.blogspot.com

The Brine Trail

Hotels in Salzkammergut

  

The Salzkammergut, the old salt-mining region of Austria, is one of those rare parts of the world where mankind has managed to leave its mark without blighting the natural environment. Now designated as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape, the region is not only scenically breathtaking but also architecturally beautiful. Historic palatial buildings and picturesque villages nestle around clear-watered lakes under the silver crags and green forested slopes of the Dachstein Mountains as though they belonged naturally as an integral part of the landscape.

 

Of all the many charming villages, the old salt-mining town of Hallstatt is the most enchanting - a cobble-stoned lakeside town straight out of the pages of a picture book.

Its fairytale 16th and 17th Century houses are squeezed into every square inch of space on a precipitous mountainside, expanding upwards on terraces and outwards into Lake Hallstatter, on piles driven into the lakebed.

 

The 10 km (6 mi) walk from Hallstatt to the quaint market town of Bad Goisern follows the course of a historic pipeline used for transporting brine from the salt-mine to the trading to the trading town of Ebensee on Lake Traunsee, 40 km (25 mi) away. The path, known as the Soleweg (Brine Trail), is cut into the rock face 200 m (650 ft) above the western bank of the lake. As you amble through romantic countryside of woods and pastures, spotting wildlife and breathing pure mountain air, you are accompanied by a heart-stopping view of the opposite shore - the towering crags of the Sarstein Ridge mirrored in the water. The beauty of the pastoral surrounding induces a sensation of mild euphoria and by the time you reach Bad Goisern you will be completely smitten with this glorious part of Austria.

 

HOW

On foot

WHEN TO GO

June to September

TIME IT TAKES

Three hours

HIGHLIGHTS

A tour of Hallstatt salt mine.

Gosauzwang Bridge - impressive 38 m (125 ft) bridge built on enormous stone piles over the rushing torrent of the Gosau River.

Breathtaking views of the Dachstein Mountains.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

This is a straightforward family walk for young and old. The Salzkammergut is wonderful hiking and cycling country. There are hundreds of trails of all lenghts and levels of difficulty leading around and between the lakes and up into the Dachstein Mountains.

Hotels in Salzkammergut

 

A Trip to Anak Krakatao

Hotels in Java

  

Anak is the offsping of the vanished volcanic island of Krakatao (sometimes incorrectly called Krakatoa). Located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, the parent island famously blew apart in the great eruption of 1883, ensuing tsunamis killing tens of thousands after a "big bang" that was heard 5000 km (3000 mi) away. Starting in 1929, the new island of Anak Krakatao emerged from the sea as the centre point of three encircling islands - the remains of the original Krakatao.

 

It is an active volcano that is growing steadily. It lies within the remote Ujung Kulon National Park in West Java, created by the Dutch in the late 19th century, and it is possible to find a good selection of cruises that include Anak Krakatao on an itinerary designed to explore this fascinating refuge, which comprises the western tip of Java. This is both rewarding and the easy way to go - Ujung Kulon is an extraordinary wilderness with no tourist infrastructure, so a do-it-yourself journey to this magical place is a real backpacking adventure.

Even so, those who are interested only in vulcanology can make a dedicated journey to Anak Krakatao. Depending on current volcanic activity, it is possible to land and camp on the vegetated eastern shore of this young volcano before scrambling to the cone's summit - a demanding hike up a steep slope covered in lightweight ejecta (pumice-like-rocks) that will take around two hours. But this is not a simple enterprise - the jump-off point is the port of Carita, a 120 km (75 mi) drive from Jakarta that alone takes the best part of half a day. From there, it is possible to hire a dilapidated fishing boat out to the Krakatao Islands, for the unique pleasure of exploring the world's most violent volcano.

HOW

By boat

WHEN TO GO

Dry season (May to September) is best.

TIME IT TAKES

Carita to Anak Krakatao and back (including a climb to the edge of the caldera) can be done in a day.

HIGHLIGHTS

The islands of Rakata (another name for Krakatao), Panjang and Sertung - for a chilling perspective on the size of the explosing that reduced the original large island to these three outlying fragments.

A side trip to Welcome Bay in the mainland portion of the Ujung Kulon National Park - don't miss the white rhino skeleton at the ranger station.

A canoe trip along Ujung Kulon's Cigenter River through dene tropical forest teeming with wildlife.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Hollywood geography isn't all it should be - the 1969 adventure movie featuring Krakatao's 1883 eruption was title Krakatoa, East of Java when in fact the volcano is due west of Java. 

Hotels in Java

 

Blue Voyage

Hotels in Bodrum

  

With rocky coastlines backed by dramatic forested mountains and waters of heavenly peacock hues, this is an idyllic region for a leisurely sea-voyage.

Gulets are the graceful traditional Turkish motor-yachts, still constructed locally of the red pine that covers the hillsides. Most are now built for the tourist business and they're comfortable and well equipped. They may be chartered by group, or a cruise can be an alternative "package" holiday.

 

A typical Blue Voyage will sail from Bodrum to Marmaris by way of pretty Gokova, mooring here or at one of the neighbouring fishing villages or coves, and along the north of the narrow Datça Peninsula, doubling back to Datça, with its busy harbour and waterfront. Fjord like Keci Buku Bay provides anchorage on the journey east to Marmaris, at the traditional fishing village of Selimye, or Bozburun, renowned for its boat building. Just short of huge, hectic Marmaris lie the more tranquil bays of Turunc and Kumlubuk.

 

The gulet will be at sea for several hours each day - possibly under sail - anchoring for swimming, visiting fishing villages or, for those withan interest in history, archaeological sites. The captain will establish his passengers preferences. Scattered around the Gulf of Gokova are the remains of several ancient towns; at the tip of the Datça Peninsula the ancient city of Cnidos, and on a promontory south of Bozburun, are the ruins of Loryma, with its sheltered harbour.

 

HOW

By gulet

WHEN TO GO

Late April to June, September and October.

TIME IT TAKES

One week

HIGHLIGHTS

The Crusader castle of Saint Peter dominates Bodrum Harbour; it contains the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaelogy.

Cnidos is an important site in a wild and beautiful location. A steep street flanked by the remains of houses, a temple and theatre, overlooks ancient twin harbours.

Swimming from the gulet in deep, transparent, cool, blue sea.

At anchor is a quiet bay - watching shooting stars and listening to the lullaby of gently lapping waves.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Children under 12 are not usually allowed on gulet cruises.

Hotels in Bodrum 

 

amazing hotel in London

Hotels are designed with a touch of Malaysian Style Living  with a blend of modern contemporary technology to provide a comfortable setting for both business and  leisure  travellers. All of our rooms are completed with attached bathroom, satellite TV, air-condition, hot water shower and broadband internet WiFi access. For your ease and convenience, beverages are also available from our counter.

London amazing hotel

It’s not the comfort you’re usually accustomed with, but the dasparkhotel is an innovative hospitality tool many people are starting to enjoy. Located in Ottensheim, Austria, the offbeat hotel offers three 10-ton segments of drainage pipe, each 6.5 feet in diameter for you to stay in.

uk amazing hotel

Perhaps one of the most luxurious places you can stay in is the Hotel Everland in Paris, a one-room inn on the roof of the Palais de Tokyo museum. The hotel includes bathroom, a king-size bed and a lounge, being only available one night. The view is one of the most magnificent – Seine and the Eiffel Tower shining bright at night. You can only make reservations online, just one random hour a day

amara hotel

Also located in Turkey is the Cappadocia Hotel, a building literally carved into the Yunak Evleri mountain cliff. It offers cave houses, just like the Flintones had, and a 19th century Greek mansion – complete with 30 rooms dating back to the 5th and 6th century.

uk hotel in water

Where do you want to go? We can find and book the very best deals at some of the finest hotels in the Waterloo. Find hotels near WaterlooWhether you're looking for a romantic weekend retreat in the serene countryside, or a business hotel in the centre of Waterloo, we can help you get the best rates at the best hotels. Enjoy an unforgettable break at a bargain price! Book hotels in another Waterloo destination with our accommodation search above.

amazing hotel in water

With 2 beaches with excellent swimming conditions, 3 restaurants to choose from, 2 swimming pools to lounge by (one adults only), 3 Jacuzzis to soak up the bubbles, sun and fun, water sports, kid’s club, a well equipped gym and spa, what more could you ask for in a vacation!

Nestled on a secluded corner of the south coast of Barbados, Sea Breeze is fortunate to have access to two beaches as well as a spectacular view of Oistins Bay.

Recently renovated, Sea Breeze is a 4 star, all-inclusive resort that offers guests superior accommodations, amenities and dining options while maintaining the friendly and relaxed charm of Barbados.

hotel in sea

Sea Breeze has access to 2 separate beaches; one beach has umbrellas, sun loungers and water sports while the other is more private and has a rugged, natural charm.

Available to all guests are 2 swimming pools with one being designated as Adults only; 3 jacuzzis that are also Adults only.

Sea Breeze has access to 2 separate beaches; one beach has umbrellas, sun loungers and water sports while the other is more private and has a rugged, natural charm.

beautiful hotel in hills

Bhutan: a magical land with Buddhist traditions. The Uma Paro Hotel is a unique hotel overlooking a valley of green trees. Zen and spiritual, the hotel is in harmony with the nature around. 29 rooms to stay in the heart of the Himalayan region in a 5-star luxury and environmentally friendly hotel.
In the south, India and in the north, Tibet. The Uma Paro Hotel is an amazing destination, to relax physically and spiritually. Spa with cares and ayurvedic massage, yoga, baths with hot stones from the forest, your body is balanced and thanks you.

Best & beautiful hotel

beautiful hotels

Avari International Hotels offers the modern business traveler every comfort and convenience at its market leading properties, which includes the award winning and recently renovated 5-star Avari Towers in Karachi, and the 5-star Avari Lahore. The group also owns and operates the historical and legendary Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi, in operation since 1944, and manages the 4-star contemporary and chic Avari Dubai Hotel, the newly opened cozy and comfortable Avari Xpress guest house in Islamabad, and the well appointed Avari Dubai Al Barsha apartments and residence, close to the Mall of the Emirates.

Balinese dance in Paris

Balinese dance brought the young artist from Gianyar Bali Chedi, stunning fans who had attended the show gig in Bray Dun tourist area, North of Paris.

"Lenggak sway women dressed in typical Balinese dancer on stage is a rare type of dance in the country, got a standing ovation the audience," said Dewa Rai Budiasa, group leader of the arts from Paris on Wednesday (13/07/2011).

Bray Dun tourist area, North of Paris, has a white sandy beach, the conditions are not much different from Sanur beach on the island of the Gods, only cleaner and much visited by foreign tourists who vacation in the country.

Dewa Rai Budiasa explained, the coastal tourist areas of Paris is a population of about 100,000 people, but able to receive the visit of tourists to eight million people a year, certainly more crowded than Bali.

Balinese arts groups who only a week abroad have held a strike capability in the field of dance and percussion at two locations ie other than in the northern Paris is also in the coastal city of northern Belgium.

"Coastal white sand and clean environment is visited by many European tourists but is very rarely the international community that the Asian countries including Japan," said Dewa Rai, the man who once lived in Germany.

A total of 30 artists who are members of Yayasan Putra Yasa Sedana Payangan Gianyar, Bali, flying around Europe since July 8 until August 22, 2011 was at the invitation of the Committee Forklores Festival in France.

The main purpose of the dance and percussion artists from Bali was followed culture festival parade and workshops in eight cities in France. "During a week in the country received a warm welcome the local community," he said.

Dewa Rai explained, the Government of Indonesia to support the efforts of young artists from Bali, to be followed Forklores Festival in France, as well as the Indonesian tourism promotion event. "The government must dare to increase tourism promotion activities to France, considering the countries in the European region is the country's tourist potential and loyal dollarnya spend time traveling abroad," said Rai.

He hopes that with the participation of artists from the town of Gianyar Bali to the domestic arts in that mode, able to provide a new atmosphere for the world of Indonesian tourism, in addition to inspiring young artists.

source: antara

Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London

A region officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can’t possibly be a bad place to spend a day. On this 10-hour day trip from London, you’ll visit this so-named English area, the Cotswolds, as well as Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle. Immerse yourself in England’s history and scenery as you travel through rolling hills, admire picturesque villages, visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare and tour one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Highlights

Guided day trip from London to Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle
Guided walking tour of Oxford
Scenic drive through the picturesque Cotswolds
Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare's birthplace
Medieval Warwick Castle and gardens
Free souvenir guidebook
First-class luxury coach and services of a professional Blue Badge guide
Pickup from selected central London hotels

Recent Photos of this Tour

Browse the gallery of recent Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London photos submitted by actual, honest-to-goodness travelers on Viator.

Depart London and head northwest to three of England’s most-visited places – university town Oxford, a famous Tudor-era home in Stratford-upon-Avon and medieval Warwick Castle.

Oxford
Your day trip from London begins with a journey across the Chiltern Hills to Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires and home of the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Oxford's elegant, timeworn buildings and courtyards have inspired generations of scholars (including Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, Hugh Grant and Kate Beckinsale). During your walking tour, you will see the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, where Harry Potter scenes were filmed and where Albert Einstein studied. Tour also includes admission to Christ Church.


Stratford-upon-Avon


Next, you'll travel through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, an area steeped in gentle English beauty, history and heritage. Look out the window to admire the thatched-roof cottages and charming inns. You’ll arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of the famous playwright William Shakespeare. You will visit Shakespeare's Tudor-era home, with its typical parlor, bedrooms, kitchen and buttery.


Warwick Castle

Then it's a short drive to medieval Warwick Castle, whose magnificent towers and ramparts remain mostly intact. You'll travel back through 1,000 years of history as you cross the footbridge to a bygone world of banquets, battles and ceremony. Climb the winding staircase to the Princess Tower, or, if you're feeling brave, visit the spine-chilling dungeons where prisoners were tortured. You might wish to take a stroll through the castle's lovingly tended gardens, where archery, falconry and jousting take place in the summer months.

Depart London and head northwest to three of England’s most-visited places – university town Oxford, a famous Tudor-era home in Stratford-upon-Avon and medieval Warwick Castle.

Oxford

Your day trip from London begins with a journey across the Chiltern Hills to Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires and home of the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Oxford's elegant, timeworn buildings and courtyards have inspired generations of scholars (including Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, Hugh Grant and Kate Beckinsale). During your walking tour, you will see the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, where Harry Potter scenes were filmed and where Albert Einstein studied. Tour also includes

admission to Christ Church.

Stratford-upon-Avon
Next, you'll travel through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, an area steeped in gentle English beauty, history and heritage. Look out the window to admire the thatched-roof cottages and charming inns. You’ll arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of the famous playwright William Shakespeare. You will visit Shakespeare's Tudor-era home, with its typical parlor, bedrooms, kitchen and buttery.

Warwick Castle

Then it's a short drive to medieval Warwick Castle, whose magnificent towers and ramparts remain mostly intact. You'll travel back through 1,000 years of history as you cross the footbridge to a bygone world of banquets, battles and ceremony. Climb the winding staircase to the Princess Tower, or, if you're feeling brave, visit the spine-chilling dungeons where prisoners were tortured. You might wish to take a stroll through the castle's lovingly tended gardens, where archery, falconry and jousting take place in the summer months.

Schedule Details

The Cotswolds, England


Departs:


Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.


Departure Point:
Tour departs from Victoria Coach Station. Hotel pickup available from selected located London hotels.
Departure Time:
8:45am

Duration:


10 hours (approx.)

Return details:


Concludes at Victoria

Tour and Pricing Options
Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible - we 100% guarantee it. Your currency is set to USD. Click here to change your currency.

Additional Information


Inclusions:


Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)
Entrance fees
Walking Tour of Oxford
Blue Badge guide
Transport by air-conditioned coach (maximum 50 people)
Tour includes admission to Christ Church

Exclusions:


Gratuities (optional)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel drop off
Additional Info:
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult
Voucher Info:
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Local Operator Information:
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.