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VPG-DVD-116 - SINGAPORE Singapore is a city of gardens and the heart of South East Asia. Its history began in 1819 with Stamford Raffles, a young official who worked for the British East India Company. Raffles estimated that the natural harbour was perfect for trading ships and so he bought the land from the Sultan of Johor and founded a trading settlement. As a free port, Singapore attracted trading ships from all over the world and today four million people live here on an area that covers 640 square kilometres. In June each year there is an exciting boat race in Marina Bay known as the Dragon Boat Race that features magnificently painted dragon boats with hand-carved heads and tails accompanied by the sound of frenetic drumbeats. Dating back to colonial times, British influence is omnipresent, whether the Cricket Club or the Parliament, traditional English spirit rules despite Singapore's Independence. The World Famous Raffles Hotel is situated in the Colonial District near to the Singapore River. In the hotel's Ashanti Bar it was customary to throw expired peanut shells directly onto the floor and at the same time to reverently sip a Singapore Sling, the national drink. The Singapore Zoo is one of the finest in the world in which the animals can roam freely, their territory being surrounded by a landscaped ditch. Approximately 2800 animals live in the spacious enclosures and even those from the world's coldest regions can be observed both below and above water, thanks to cleverly designed viewing areas. A complete mix of ethnic cultures, there's Chinatown, Little India and the Arab Street Quarter in which there are mosques, women wear burqas and there is all the hustle and bustle of a bazaar. Singapore is an exotic city of skyscrapers, a cultural melting pot and the exciting gateway to South East Asia!
Vista Point SINGAPORE
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m42s
Views: 34  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-112 - MONTREAL Canada's second largest city, Montreal is a fascinating blend of European charm and the American way of life. In Vieux-Montreal, narrow lanes and small houses recall the past and also the lifestyle of the original settlers. In the old fire station at Place D`Youville - one of the oldest markets in Montreal -- is the Centre D`Histoire in which the 350 year cultural history of the city is on display, from the development of the Irokese Settlement, its prolific fur trade, and right up to today's shining, energetic Metropolis. Although Montreal is located 1600 kilometres from the open sea, it owes its wealth to its waterways which stretch from the country's interior, to the ocean. A trip on the Saint Laurence River with the pleasure boat, BATEAU-MOUCHE, contrasts old, historic warehouses with the highly contemporary apartment block of the Cite Du Havre Habitat. Le Tour Olympique, Montreal's " Crooked Tower", offers panoramic views which extend more than 80 kilometres from its 175 metre tall viewing platform. Next to the Olympic Stadium, the Biodome, in which exotic animals from many corners of the world roam among waterfalls and tropical forests. Next to the gleaming skyscrapers of the inner city, there are museums, churches and art galleries and, in the old quarter, there are more historic buildings than in any other North American city, not forgetting the parks and the romantic harbour. Montreal is a gem!
Vista Point MONTREAL Canada
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m32s
Views: 38  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-217 - WACHAU Our journey across Wachau begins in Stein, a town district of Krems, one of the oldest cultivated landscapes in Austria. The sole 'Gateway Into The Wachau' is a unique region of the Danube between Krems-Stein and Melk. A total of a hundred and thirteen houses encapsulate the medieval city that was built along the Steiner Road on the banks of the Danube. Today the town's facades and entrance-ways are decorated in traditional style and compliment the impressive Renaissance splendour of the buildings. A little further on and the river valley narrows and becomes even more beautiful. The blue-white church tower of Dürnstein proudly welcomes those who visit the town. It is a landmark of the Wachau. This small medieval town nestles picturesquely along the rock walls above the Danube and it lives and breathes the history that made it world famous. The beauty of the landscape is overwhelming. Colour dominates the soft hollows between the rocky slopes that flank the Danube Valley and the shining green of the summer months leads to a spectacle of colour that leads up to the wine harvest, a true spectacle of nature! Thirty-six kilometres of the Danube Valley with magnificent cities, castles and historic ruins, a Baroque monastery and an old vine-growing culture. The Wachau, a priceless gem situated alongside the far-stretching waters of the Danube.
Vista Point WACHAU Austria
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m20s
Views: 32  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-212 - TAIPEI Taipei is a pulsating metropolis in the north of the South Asian island state of Taiwan, a land of gods, spirits and temples. With around three million inhabitants it is the largest city in Ilha Formosa, a beautiful island that is located a hundred and thirty kilometres from the Chinese mainland. The famous Grand Hotel is the most impressive building in Taipei and is in the typical Chinese palace design of the Ming Dynasty. The large interior hall of the fine building is supported by massive red pillars and it features a magnificent open staircase with marble banisters. The south western edge of the city was where wealthy trader, Lin An Tai, once had a huge residence. It is one of the most well preserved examples of a building in the style of a classical southern Chinese residence and designed according to the strict rules of Feng Shui and Chinese Geomancy. The Confucius Temple is a place of contemplation and a replica of the Temple Of Qu Fu, Qu Fu having been the home town of Confucius. A large wall surrounds both the temple and its inner courtyard. This silent place is one of five temples in Taiwan dedicated to the great Chinese philosopher who founded a religion that even today has many followers. Taipei is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, a modern Asian metropolis that is full of ancient traditions as well as futuristic flair.
Vista Point TAIPEI Taiwan
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m22s
Views: 23  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-209 - SIEM REAP Siem Reap is a relatively small town three hundred and fifteen kilometres north of Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia. Here, growing tourism has created a boomtown because Siem Reap is close to Angkor, the ancient capital of a huge and mysterious jungle realm. The Temples Of Angkor are the remains of various religious buildings that were built by more then ten kings of the Khmer realm between the 7th and 16th centuries A.D. The gigantic roots of kapok trees cling to the moss-covered walls of the temple complex and everything is dominated by the encroachment of nature. The monastery was once home to five thousand including more than two thousand monks and over six hundred female dancers who played an important part in the sacred rituals and ceremonies of that time. The fishermen on the tributaries of the Tonle Sap live peacefully together in large families. They are not particularly interested in commerce or trade as their lives are dominated by Buddhism. In the Middle Ages Angkor was the largest city in the world. The majestic silence amid the temples and dense jungle vegetation seems to highlight Angkor's immortal splendour and its magnificent contribution to Asian history and culture.
Vista Point SIEM REAP...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m27s
Views: 26  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-147 - SHANGHAI Shanghai is a gigantic city that is a meeting point of both east and west. The shoreline is without a doubt the city's main focal point. The city is a combination of the past, present and future and contains the historic monuments and eye-catching buildings of a great metropolis. It was once referred to as 'the whore of Asia': capital of crime, the Paris of the east and the centre of Maoism. But today the city is ruled by modern-thinkin communists and the Yangzi Delta is not only China's largest port but also its new shining star of capitalism. The Oriental Pearl Tower is a mighty four hundred and sixty-eight metre high television tower that contains an entertainment centre, futuristic luxury hotel, fine restaurant and offers the most superb views across the city. In the centre of the city's labyrinth-like shopping alleys a zigzag bridge extends across a small pond to a famous tea house. The bridge was designed thus in order to fend off evil spirits who, it was believed, could walk only in a straight line! Located in the countryside, Suzhou is above all famous for its gardens. The 'Garden Of The Policy Of The Common People' is one of China's four most famous gardens. The complex was built between 1522 and 1566 at the command of an important mandarin and designed according to his wishes. South of Suzhou is Zhou Zhuang that is said to have been the first water village in China. A journey on its canals is certainly worthwhile as the surrounding area is covered with thousands of canals and rivers and many villages in the area are only accessible by boat. Shanghai and its surrounding area has now freed itself from its early growing pains and from the restrictions imposed by Chairman Mao and today enjoys the rich rewards of capitalism.
Vista Point SHANGHAI China
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m34s
Views: 30  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-210 - SAIGON: HO CHI MINH CITYSaigon, an exotic trading post of bygone times, derived its name from the banks of the river upon which it is located. In 1859 the French arrived and transformed it into the capital of French colonial Indochina. With nearly six million inhabitants Saigon is also known as Ho Chi Minh City and, although large, is no longer the capital of Vietnam.Following the eventual withdrawal of both the French and the Americans the city has prospered once again with a lively trading spirit and a special flair that has helped it to become known as, The Paris Of The East. The Post Office, a mighty colonial building of 1883, highlights the splendour of old Europe and with its colourful glass windows and cast iron gratings and balustrades it is more like a European train station. The History Museum was built in 1929 according to Neo-Vietnamese design and features a large range of fascinating exhibits from each epoch of the country's history. Statues, pottery and other artefacts of various epochs are on display in various atmospheric rooms and they range from the Bronze Age culture of the Dong Son to the Funan, Chenla, Khmer and Cham periods as well as various Vietnamese dynasties. Although past, present and future live side-by-side in this richly cosmopolitan city, today Saigon is experiencing a massive property boom and its city centre premiums now match those of both Singapore and Jakarta. Saigon's dramatic past began with it being a small fishing village followed by its development as the 'Paris Of The East' and then as an American garrison city until it eventually became South Vietnam's modern metropolis of today.
Vista Point SÀI GÒN Ho...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m20s
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VPG-DVD-128 - PORTO Situated in the north of Portugal, Porto is a cultural capital of Europe and birthplace of the nation. The Torre Dos Clerigos is the symbol of the city and was built in the middle of the 18th century on a rock at the city's most elevated point. Two hundred and twenty five steps lead to a stunning view across the picturesque old harbour town and its carpet of red rooftops that nestle against the city's hills. Porto has one of the most beautiful markets in Europe that contains a large inner courtyard completely encircled by arcades. The narrow, deep river valley of the Douro is spanned by five bridges of which the most impressive is the Ponte Dom Louis. The Frenchman, Gustave Eiffel, constructed the gigantic two level bridge that connects Porto with its sister town, Vila Nova De Gaia. Five bridges connect the banks of the River Douro and two of them are monuments that date back to the Industrial Revolution. The river has always been the city's lifeline and a trading route to the whole world. The entire river valley was designated as a vine growing area because it is where the world famous port wine is grown. With all of its picturesque districts including its Baroque splendour and the palatial houses of its elite, Porto has well and truly survived the march of time.
Vista Point PORTO Portugal
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m19s
Views: 34  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-194 - PALERMO Once known as the stronghold of the Mafia, Palermo, the capital of Sicily, has gradually improved its image and the joie de vivre of its inhabitants has turned it into one of the most lively cities in Italy. The monumental Palermo Cathedral is located on the edge of the Piazza Cathedrale, throughout the centuries a place for rendezvous, celebrations and justice. Following the city's conquest by the Saracens an ancient cathedral on this site was transformed into a Friday mosque and was later used for Christian ceremonies. When in 1072 the Normans conquered the island they were so captivated by this 'paradise on earth' that they were careful to preserve it. They admired its oriental splendour and Arabian-Norman architecture but when the kings of Aragon attained power the golden age of Palermo came to an end. The Castello Della Zisa is the largest building of Arabian design in Palermo and in former times it was a residence situated within a regal park that was used for the royal sport of hawking. In a mountain area close to Palermo is the picturesque town of Monreale, a townscape that for more than eight hundred years has been dominated by a single building: Monreale Cathedral was built due to a struggle for power between the Bishop Of Palermo and the Norman King, William The Second. The Sicilian metropolis of Palermo has been both feared and loved but it most assuredly remains 'a flower within a golden shell'.
Vista Point PALERMO Italy
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m28s
Views: 29  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-162 - MEXICO CITY Mexico City is a vivid metropolis and cosmopolitan city situated on a plateau in the central highlands at an altitude of 2, 286 metres - where the food is spicy and the Tequila flows freely! The city's fascinating history is reflected in both its art and architecture with age old charm, Indian roots and elegant buildings. Until the Spanish conquest the Templo Mayor was the setting of coronations and human sacrifice. The remains of the walls within which thousands of priests once lived are only a few steps from the buildings of the country's former Spanish conquerors. Construction of the country's largest cathedral, the Catedral Metropolitana, took two hundred and fifty years. The lower section is quite plain but the upper section is of Baroque and Neo-Classical design. Spanish administrative buildings and private houses in the heart of the city have replaced the temples of ancient Mexico and has resulted in a synthesis of both old and new architectural styles. An elevator ascends the Torre Latino America, an earthquake-proof tower that was built in 1958. A viewing platform provides a wonderful panoramic view that includes the Palacio De Bellas Artes and the Juarez Monument. Located fifty kilometres from Mexico City are the ancient remains of Teotihuacan that was once a centre of trade, art and ritual ceremonies. At its zenith in 500 A.D. it was as large as Rome and its Sun Pyramid is one of the greatest building achievements of ancient times. In 1988 Unesco attributed this complex as being 'one of the most important cultural centres of Mankind'. The author Pablo Neruda once said: 'No other land on Earth possesses such remarkable human profoundness than Mexico and its inhabitants'. For surprises, sights and history galore, Mexico has to be at the top of the list!
Vista Point MEXICO CITY...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m5s
Views: 21  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-150 - MEKNES Meknes is one of Morocco's four royal cities and became famous due to its megalomaniac monarch, Sultan Moulay Ismail who is also known as Morocco's Sun King. The cruel and despotic sultan made Meknes the mightiest fortified city in North Africa. Moulay Ismail had an army of a hundred and fifty thousand men who were stationed at each of the country's main strategic points. Included in his royal household was a harem of six hundred wives of various races as well as countless children and a large retinue of African slaves. His former residence, the Heri and Dar El-Ma Complex, contained fifty palaces that were divided by way of gardens, barracks and stables in which there were twelve thousand horses. The Medina of Meknes is a World Heritage Site and contains both medieval and modern architecture. The old town consists of the Ville Imperiale, the ruins of the palace complex and also the Medina with it residential and commercial districts. It also includes the former Jews Ancien district and the Nouveau Mellah that is now known as Riad. The Medersa Bou-Inania is one of the most important buildings in the Medina. Its courtyard contains a shell-shaped well that is used for ritual bathing. The ground marble and alabaster stuccowork is decorated with objects made with fine spatulas. The Great Mosque was founded by the Almohads but was altered during the time of the Meridis and provides a close insight into the world of Islam. The Berber tribe of Meknassa first gave this city its name but following thousands of years of dramatic history the former royal city of Meknes remains an enigma to the present day.
Vista Point MEKNES Morocco
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m18s
Views: 23  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-134 - LOS ANGELES Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood, and Beverly Hills is its famous suburb with neat parks and blossoming flower beds. There's also the Sidewalk of Fame, Mann's Chinese Theatre and Rodeo Drive, the most exclusive shopping mile in the world. Everything in Hollywood is different, including a cemetery of the famous. Even in the funeral hall with its larger-than-life religious figures it is as though it is all part of a fantastic film set. Universal Studios is the largest and most active film and television studio in the world as well as a popular family day out being one of the most successful amusement parks in the USA and its many famous film sets are instantly recognisable. Since its opening in1955, Disneyland has become a worldwide phenomenon. The world's original and longest surviving theme park provides an enchanting mix of shows, attractions and well known cartoon characters and the journey through Toontown on its bumpy tramway is a stimulating experience for both young and old. At weekends, those who want to see but, above all, be seen, make for Venice Beach. The sandy beach is relaxing and its many pavements are popular with joggers and roller skaters alike. Even by Los Angeles standards, the performers on Muscle Beach are quite outrageous and while some body-builders lift thousands of kilos, others shamelessly display their supreme egos by strutting like conceited peacocks! Built in 1908, Santa Monica Pier is reminiscent of the hazy lazy seaside resorts of the 1920's. Extending into the water some 300 metres, the pier's amusement park is constantly bursting with life, with its big wheel, swings and richly- decorated carousel. Once the most celebrated residential area of the rich and famous, today Sunset Boulevard is a busy main traffic artery. At night, when brash neon signs shine out their colourful animated messages, this famous boulevard still possesses a unique atmosphere. Los Angeles is the enormous multicultural city on America's West Coast in which film stars, earthquakes and joie de vivre are essential to life itself!
Vista Point LOS ANGELES...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 247 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m26s
Views: 24  | Comments: 0
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