Derwent Water: Jewel Of England’s Lake District

Derwent Water: Jewel Of England’s Lake District
Word Count:
411
Summary:
Perhaps what surprised me more than anything was the number of foreign tongues I heard about town. Keswick was more cosmopolitan than I had imagined. It had moved with the times, but retained many of its old values. Many well-known retailers are present, but Keswick maintains deep roots to ancient past.
As appealing as Keswick is however, it’s not the main attraction in this part of the world. That title goes to a place of stunning natural beauty which has inspired artists...

Keywords:
accommodation, keswick, ambleside, derwent, grasmere, hotels, b&b, derwent water, hotels in keswick

Article Body:
Perhaps what surprised me more than anything was the number of foreign tongues I heard about town. Keswick was more cosmopolitan than I had imagined. It had moved with the times, but retained many of its old values. Many well-known retailers are present, but Keswick maintains deep roots to ancient past.
As appealing as Keswick is however, it’s not the main attraction in this part of the world. That title goes to a place of stunning natural beauty which has inspired artists and poets for centuries, compelling them to return again and again.
Derwent Water lies just outside Keswick town centre in the north of Lake District National Park, England. Its picture postcard looks have captivated audiences for centuries. Hire a boat and view the lake from a different perspective. It’s dotted with enticing little islands yearning to be explored. Boat hire is inexpensive and great fun for all the family.
The journey approaching Derwent Water incorporates an array of green, rolling hills separated by deep, lowly valleys. As I travelled northwards from Windermere along the A591, the clouds suddenly broke and bright sunlight flooded the valley, chasing away dark shadows settled over the vast ground. The valley seemed peaceful and content.
Rydal Water passed serenely by; the road ran adjacent to the north shore of the lake. Across the water, families picnicked beside the grassy banks; parents and children paddled in the cool, shallow waters.
The route advanced towards the mass of Helvellyn and its 950-metre summit. Its huge presence a magnet for hikers and ramblers attracted to the Lake District throughout the year. I remember conquering the summit myself one summer’s day many years ago on a school trip, staying over in Patterdale. I looked in awe, in the same way as when visiting as a child.
Lake Thirlmere was reminiscent of some of Canada’s great lakes, if a little smaller. Enveloped by tall trees, brief openings offered a tantalising glimpse of an exquisite stretch of water. As the road snaked alongside the eastern shoreline, several small boats were visible cruising the open water.
The elevated mountain road broke from the undulating hills and offered a glimpse of Keswick. The entire town sat snug amongst the gentle knolls, guardians of the village.
For centuries, those hills and mountains have overlooked Derwent Water and its neighbouring town of Keswick, evolve from medieval beginnings. Modern touches are evident throughout, but Keswick will always retain its ancient roots.

American cemetery in Florence

American cemetery in Florence
Word Count:
435
Summary:
In Italy there are only two american cemeteries. One of these was built in Florence, to commemorate the thousands of lives who died in Tuscany during Warld War II.

Keywords:
hotels in Florence, accomodation in Florence, bed and breakfast Florence, B&B, bed & breakfast, townhouse suites, Florence apartments, guesthouses

Article Body:
Florence! The heart of the art! Located in the middle of Tuscany, it has represented for centuries the cradle of art, in all its forms and expressions. This enormous and priceless heritage has attracted people from all over the world, making of Florence one of the most popular tourist destinations. This has not always been the case though, at least for some years.
Thousands of soldiers were sent to Europe, and Italy, during the Second World War and Florence became a land to conquer and then to defend. Museums, churches, cathedrals, piazzas and other beauties of Florence were no longer the aim of those who came from far away. Sadly, many would not make their way back home and thanks to their lives, Florence, Italy and Europe could find again its previous freedom.
For those who want to pay homage to these lives, they can visit the Florence American Cemetery, located on the west side of Via Cassia, about 10 km south of Florence. The Rome-Milan motorway passes nearby and its Certosa-Florence exit is about 3 km from the cemetery. The "SITA" bus station provides a frequent bus service along Via Cassia. The bus stop is conveniently located just outside the cemetery gate.
The site covers seventy acres and is duly kept in perfect order, with a variety of beautiful trees and bushes around immaculate lawns, on the west side of the Greve River. Between the two entrance buildings, a bridge leads to the burial area where the headstones of 4.402 American military are arrayed in symmetrical curved rows upon the hillside. Most of them died in the fighting occurred after the capture of Rome in 1944, including casualties of the heavy fighting in the Apennines shortly before the end of the war. Above the burial area on the topmost of three broad terraces stands the memorial marked by a tall pylon surmounted by a large sculptured figure depicting the spirit of peace. The memorial has two open atria joined by the Tablets of the Missing upon which are inscribed the names of 1.409 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves. The architects of the cemetery and monument were McKim, Mead and White. The landscape architects were Clarke and Rapuano.
The cemetery is open to visitors all year round. In Summer (16th April- 30th September) from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, every day, and in Winter (1st October - 15th April) from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, again every day.

Alberto Scarsi is a staff writer of  <a target="_new"  href="http://www.florencedirecthotels.com%22%3eflorence/ Direct Hotels</a> a resource for Florence hotels bookings