Texas is a land rich in its own brand of myth and lore, a state proudly known as The Lone Star State. The independent people who live there are the descendants of cowboys, ranchers and oilmen who founded this, the 2nd largest US state long ago. Now it has three huge cities and is loaded with natural resources that its people are proud of.
Bluebonnets
Perhaps one of its finest natural wonders is a flower known as the bluebonnet. It's the state flower of Texas and a wildflower that literally lights the country side in blue while it's blossoming. Although the bluebonnet hasn't become a major pick for gardens, it's a wildflower that you can recognize by its blooms which are bold blue at their base, fading to a whiter shade at the tip.
The star shaped leaves remind one of the Lone Star State that they're named after and many Texans are pleased to see visitors take pictures of the flowers while they pass through their state. It's a breathless sight to see the sea of brilliant blue that the bluebonnets bring to the land as they flow from hillside to open field.
The blooming season for bluebonnets only lasts through the spring months and by summer they've faded out. If you drive through during the springtime you can expect to see the flood of blue for yourself. They seem to wave on forever and ever, but if you want to pick one be careful. Many Texans will tell you it's illegal to do so, but don't worry, they're only telling a typical Texas tall tale. You're welcome to take a few home for yourself, but you might get a few strange looks for doing so since the natives are so used to them.
Growing Bluebonnets
Even though the bluebonnet is one of the most hearty plants in Texas, they aren't typically found in gardens due to the amount of sunlight they require. As long as you plant the seeds or transplants in Fall then you just might see them bloom in the spring if they established a good root network. Make sure the soil you plant them in is well drained if you want them to really take off.
Sunday 19 July 2009
Romantic Locations to Visit in Russia
Russia is fast becoming one of the most exciting destinations in the world. Since the fall of Communism, Russian traditions that were mysterious for decades have come back and are frantically making up for lost time. Though Russia, the most enormous country in the world by physical size, offers countless other options, most first-time visitors to Russia start at Moscow and St. Petersburg. Here are four spellbinding places to visit in Russia.
Abramtsevo is an estate north of Moscow. It was a colony for artists and writers in the 1800s. Initially owned by Sergei Aksakov, writers and artists like Nikolai Gogol honed their craft there as guests. They wanted to purge Russian art of Western influences to create a more genuinely Russian ethos. In 1870 it was taken over by Savva Mamontov, and under his influence, Russian art thrived there. Abramtsevo contains a beautiful church, winding paths through woods, and a rather bizarre house straight out of a fantasy story. The main building may have been the origin for Chekhov's setting for The Cherry Orchard.
Gorky Park, Moscow is a beautiful place to visit near Christmas. The footpaths ice over turning much of the area into a skating rink. Skating together with your mate is one of the most sweet ways to experience Moscow. If you go when it’s warm, you can enjoy the dozens of rides, cafes, and market stalls where you can shop for souvenirs. First opened in 1928, Gorky Park had been the gardens of an adjacent palace. Whether you go in cold weather or when it’s warm, you will find many things to delight you and your love. Located by the Moskva River, it is a beautiful setting you shouldn't skip when visiting Moscow.
The Hermitage Winter Palace is the most famous place in St. Petersburg. With its abundance of architectural details, this magnificent monolith has over 1, 000 rooms. Formerly the residence of Russia's czars, it also was the place where in 1917 Bolsheviks commenced their coup d'etat. While that specific event of the Revolution was not as brutal as it was later reported, it did precede civil war and the Bolshevik dominance in 1921. Today, the Winter Palace contains the Hermitage Museum, the biggest art gallery in Russia. Artwork by da Vinci, Andrey Cherny, and Rembrandt are some of the works in this enormous art collection.
The Grand Hotel Europe is a luxurious delight, with delectable food in seven restaurants, and a long and rich history. Among the Grand Hotel Europe's numerous historic visitors was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky From this center of luxury, visitors can easily get to St. Petersburg's most essential sites. As a background for love, Grand Hotel Europe cannot be equaled. It is like returning to an earlier time, with opulence and elegance complemented by 21st century perks.
While Russia is blessed with many enchanting sites, these four are excellent choices for first-time visitors. The spectacular architecture of Eastern Europe combines with a 20th century largely filled with stories that are unknown to Westerners make Russia a nontraditional, but unforgettable backdrop for romance.
Abramtsevo is an estate north of Moscow. It was a colony for artists and writers in the 1800s. Initially owned by Sergei Aksakov, writers and artists like Nikolai Gogol honed their craft there as guests. They wanted to purge Russian art of Western influences to create a more genuinely Russian ethos. In 1870 it was taken over by Savva Mamontov, and under his influence, Russian art thrived there. Abramtsevo contains a beautiful church, winding paths through woods, and a rather bizarre house straight out of a fantasy story. The main building may have been the origin for Chekhov's setting for The Cherry Orchard.
Gorky Park, Moscow is a beautiful place to visit near Christmas. The footpaths ice over turning much of the area into a skating rink. Skating together with your mate is one of the most sweet ways to experience Moscow. If you go when it’s warm, you can enjoy the dozens of rides, cafes, and market stalls where you can shop for souvenirs. First opened in 1928, Gorky Park had been the gardens of an adjacent palace. Whether you go in cold weather or when it’s warm, you will find many things to delight you and your love. Located by the Moskva River, it is a beautiful setting you shouldn't skip when visiting Moscow.
The Hermitage Winter Palace is the most famous place in St. Petersburg. With its abundance of architectural details, this magnificent monolith has over 1, 000 rooms. Formerly the residence of Russia's czars, it also was the place where in 1917 Bolsheviks commenced their coup d'etat. While that specific event of the Revolution was not as brutal as it was later reported, it did precede civil war and the Bolshevik dominance in 1921. Today, the Winter Palace contains the Hermitage Museum, the biggest art gallery in Russia. Artwork by da Vinci, Andrey Cherny, and Rembrandt are some of the works in this enormous art collection.
The Grand Hotel Europe is a luxurious delight, with delectable food in seven restaurants, and a long and rich history. Among the Grand Hotel Europe's numerous historic visitors was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky From this center of luxury, visitors can easily get to St. Petersburg's most essential sites. As a background for love, Grand Hotel Europe cannot be equaled. It is like returning to an earlier time, with opulence and elegance complemented by 21st century perks.
While Russia is blessed with many enchanting sites, these four are excellent choices for first-time visitors. The spectacular architecture of Eastern Europe combines with a 20th century largely filled with stories that are unknown to Westerners make Russia a nontraditional, but unforgettable backdrop for romance.
Friday 10 July 2009
Wednesday 1 July 2009
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