World Reviewer Staff

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Member since
6th November 2007

World Reviewer Staff's activity

  1. 02 Jul 2009
  2. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Italian classes in a Converted Italian Monastery in Marche, Italy

    If you're going to learn Italian, or brush up on your linguistic skills, Italy is obviously the best place to do it. And if you can combine classes with a stay somewhere scenic, maybe with a slightly monastic feel to it, then you might have a better cha…"

  3. 09 Jun 2009
  4. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Lake Lucerne in Switzerland

    Only the fourth largest of Switzerland’s lakes but no less surrounded by old and pretty towns and sweeping alpine scenery. Long and spindly with narrow sections coming off like octopus legs, Lake Lucerne is shaped by the mountains it hugs the bases of, …"

  5. 06 May 2009
  6. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Pico Turquino in Cuba

    This peak is the highest point in Cuba. It rises out of the Sierra Maestra range to 1,972metres. Castro camped out on the jungle slopes of these mountains during the Cuban Revolution, and in the area now called the Turquino National Park which surrou…"

  7. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Malecón in Havana, Cuba

    The Malecón de La Habana is both a road and a sea wall running eight kilometres along Havana's coast between the river mouth in Havana Harbour and Vadado. Along the road are monuments to General Maximo Gomez, Generl Calixto Garcia and Antonio Maceo, as …"

  8. 30 Apr 2009
  9. World Reviewer Staff reviewed State Historical Museum in Moscow, Russia

    This narrow wedding cake of a building in dark pink stone is wedged between Red Square and Manege Square, and presents visitors with a huge range of national historic artefacts from the remains and tools of the prehistoric tribes who are the first human …"

  10. 29 Apr 2009
  11. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Dostoevsky's Grave in St. Petersburg, Russia

    (11th November 1821 - 9th February 1881) Dostoyevsky's final resting place is under his rather severe, sold stone monument and bust in the Tikhivn Cemetery within the Alexander Nevsky Monastery. An acclaimed author at only 25, for his first novel Poor …"

  12. 28 Apr 2009
  13. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Yusupov Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia

    Felix Yusupov murdered Rasputin, the notorious advisor to Tzar Nicholas II, in the basement of this palace in 1916 – which is supposedly one of the acts that brought about the Russian Revolution. The pale yellow building was built in 1770 but added to…"

  14. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Izmailovsky Bazaar in Moscow, Russia

    The Izmailovsky Bazaar is drolly referred to as Russia's earliest attempt at capitalism – because it has the kind of bustling commercial activity of any flea market. At one end it's become a bit of a souvenir centre, sporting an army of nesting dolls an…"

  15. 22 Apr 2009
  16. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Borodino Panorama Museum in Moscow, Russia

    This museum's main exhibitions tell the story of a battle, that though it only lasted one day, was a huge event in Russian history. This was the battle between Napoleon's troops and the Russians under Field Marshall Kutuzov in August 1812, who is the on…"

  17. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow, Russia

    It used to be that if you were visiting Moscow from the west it was considered good manners to bow to this hill to pay homage – the name of the hill comes from the Russian for 'take a bow'. These days much of the hill is covered by the tanks and other…"

  18. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia

    This theatre and the companies that share its name are synonymous with Russian artistic excellence – among the oldest and most respected opera and ballet companies in the world, but the name Bolshoi actually means 'grand', implying that these are the gra…"

  19. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Gorky Park in Moscow, Russia

    Mostly famous in the west for the cold war novel, and film, by the same name, or its mention in the song 'Winds of Change', Gorky Park is actually an amusement park, complete with a HUGE Ferris wheel, other rides and one of the test units from the space …"

  20. 20 Apr 2009
  21. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Craters of the Moon in Rotorua, New Zealand

    These steaming and brightly coloured volcanic craters are part of the huge geothermal field spreading out from around Lake Taupo on New Zealand's North Island. The rocks have been stained by sulphur and other colourful minerals which makes them appear m…"

  22. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Waitomo Glowworm Cave in North Island, New Zealand

    Looking something like big glowing maggots, these glowworms are a New Zealand home grown speciality, and this cave is the best place to see them doing their gently, and beautifully, glowing thing. The guided trip though the cave system starts from t…"

  23. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Pohutu in Rotorua, New Zealand

    The Maori translation of this name is 'big splash' – which says it all really. It's not just a big splash – the geyser shoots up about 30metres – it's also a fairly regular splash – it goes off about once an hour. These two facts make it one of the bes…"

  24. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Colonial Cottage Museum in Wellington, New Zealand

    This charming little wood cottage comes complete with white picket fence, original fireplace and chimney, red roofed verandah and matching attic windows for eyes – but it's not for sale. This is Wellington's oldest building and was built (to last) in 18…"

  25. World Reviewer Staff reviewed One Tree Hill in Auckland, New Zealand

    Not topped by a single tree but by a single memorial tor – to Sir John Logan Campbell, who was the first white owner of the land and was the one to bequeath it to the rest of us as a park – this hill was once the cone of an active volcano that spewed lav…"

  26. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Aotea Square in Auckland, New Zealand

    Auckland's main public space, where they hold bid public concerts and events, rallies, protests, markets and any other kind of major gathering you can imagine. The square is surrounded by the Edwardian era Auckland Town Hall, the city's main theatre v…"

  27. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Wellington Zoo in Wellington, New Zealand

    This is the oldest zoo in New Zealand, it was built in 1906, but the real reason it's interesting – beyond being a zoo that is, is for its conservation programs and its collection of local creatures. For the rare and endangered team there's the Sun Bear…"

  28. 17 Apr 2009
  29. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Canterbury Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand

    If you want to know about Christchurch history this is the place to come – from the Maori groups to the settlers to the great Antarctic explorers Scott and Shackleton, to more modern adventurers and recent events in the city's history – here are over two…"

  30. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Fiordland National Park in South Island, New Zealand

    The southern tip of New Zealand may seem cool now, but it used to be much cooler – covered in glaciers, which are what created this breathtaking landscape that best resembles a heart monitor read out of troughs and peaks. Scenic treasures, the Milford S…"

  31. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Mitre Peak in Milford Sound, New Zealand

    This mountain is probably famous and well photographed because of its name, which in turn is because of its shape – that of a Bishop's Mitre. The location, just behind equally photogenic Milford Sound, probably helps as well – photos where the peak's re…"

  32. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Lake Wakatipu in South Island, New Zealand

    From the air this long, thin lake looks like a thunderbolt of dark blue surrounded by green and brown mountains. It's almost like a wide zig-zagging river – it runs for 30 kilometres then turns east, then for another 20 kilometres before turning south a…"

  33. 15 Apr 2009
  34. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Masjid Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    This mosque is Malaysia's most important – the headquarters – and has a capacity of 15,000 to reflect that importance. The relatively modern design reveals the mosques relative youth – it went up in 1965 and is a miracle in reinforced concrete and steel…"

  35. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Masjid Jamek (Friday Mosque) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    At the convergence of two rivers, this quiet and graceful mosque is one of the most important in Kuala Lumpur. White stairs curve down to the waters edge, the roof is beautiful onion shaped domes, the walls are topped with minarets and cupolas and there…"

  36. 14 Apr 2009
  37. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia

    In Malay this name translates to National Park National Park – when it was created in 1938 it was called the George V National Park. The park is large – it covers area in three different states – and includes multiple attractions, Gunung than, the highe…"

  38. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Kuala Lumpur has a few pockets of colourful green – in some guides it's referred to as 'the garden city', but this is the city's oldest and most central park, in the middle of the city spreading out around two large lakes. The grass is bright and well…"

  39. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Kuala Lumpur Central Market (Pasar Seni) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia, is a pretty multicultural place, and this market represents many of the nationalities of the people who share this city, down its Lorong Melayu, Straits Chinese and Lorong India. This is pretty much the place to come to get w…"

  40. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Kuala Lumpur Bird Park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    This covered bird park is within the lush and scenic boundaries of the Lake Gardens, and would be quiet if it wasn't for the 3000 or so birds hopping and winging it around under the cover. Flamingos, stocks, ducks and swamp hens wade in the ponds made t…"

  41. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Dandenong Range in Melbourne, Australia

    Since the 1870's the Dangenong Ranges have been a popular place for walkers and people wanting to escape the towns and cities for the bush. Scenic, and forested in thick green, the ranges peak at Mount Dandenong, 633 metres above sea level, so these are…"

  42. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Grampians National Park in Victoria, Australia

    These sandstone cliffs and mountains were named after the Grampians in Scotland, by the early 19th century, Scottish born, Surveyor General of New South Wales. The range looks something like a choppy ocean – covered in trees, its green ridges cut away t…"

  43. 12 Apr 2009
  44. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Aurlandsfjellet Mountain Road in Vestlandet, Norway

    The 30 mile stretch from Aurland to Laerdal is short, but one of the most spectacular in Europe. The road climbs above 4000 feet past mountain lakes and stunning views of the Aurlandsfjord. The place to stop here is the Stegastein viewing platform - brea…"

  45. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Frøya in Norway

    Outermost island off the coast of Trøndelag, boasting over 5000 islets and skerries, populated by seals and sea eagles. Ideal for a sea safari and wildlife adventure, by land or sea kayak. The world's deepest road tunnel connects Frøya with Hitra."

  46. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Stokkøya in Ostlandet, Norway

    Stunningly tranquil beaches on the island of Stokkoya, part of the beautiful archipelago north west of Trondheim. Sensational mountain views compete with wild shores and seascapes."

  47. 09 Apr 2009
  48. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Naveta dels Tudons in Balearic Islands, Spain

    There are a couple of prehistoric sites on this island, but this monument, best described as being a stone structure about the size and shape of a large, upturned yacht. Thought to be a funeral monument, there are several similar navetas on the island b…"

  49. World Reviewer Staff reviewed S'Albufera des Grau in Balearic Islands, Spain

    This is a nature reserve of sand dunes, wetlands, traditionally farmed farmland and coastal scrub centred around a huge, mirror smooth wetland lagoon. Within its boundaries are Roman, and earlier, ruins and the habitats of more than 100 species of bird,…"

  50. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Son Bou Beach in Balearic Islands, Spain

    Son Bou has the longest stretch of uninterrupted beach on Menorca, a smooth arc of pale sand backed by sand dunes sprouting grass like alfalfa sprout hair. A raised wooden path links the three beach bars that share the customers along the coast who are …"

  51. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Cala Turqueta in Balearic Islands, Spain

    This line of white sand and clean water is kept in as pristine natural state as possible – there are no facilities and the charge for car parking is supposed to make people appreciate it a bit more. It's only open between 10:30 and 18:00 – apparently yo…"

  52. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Cala Galdana Beach in Balearic Islands, Spain

    This is one of Menorca's nicest bays and has the local title of 'Queen of the calas' to show for it. Pine lined, white and sandy this is a beach to welcome the many and has the facilities, the beach bars, restaurants, shops and gear hire places to a acc…"

  53. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Es Freginal Park in Balearic Islands, Spain

    Es Freginal Park shades the centre of the island's largest town in cool greenery. Soft, neat grass and flower displays are nice as far as those things go but in the summer when there's live jazz to be heard this park is really worth spending the afterno…"

  54. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Daffodil Way in Midlands, United Kingdom

    The Daffodil Way, on the border of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, winding through the picture, and poetry, perfect Leadon Valley, is surrounded by a plush pile carpet of daffodils during March and April The best time for daffs is the first and secon…"

  55. 07 Apr 2009
  56. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Dunk Island in Queensland, Australia

    This smallish island is home to over 100 species of bird, the kinds who like rocky shores, rolling dunes, sparse forests and open beaches. During the summer months the island is a breeding ground for some quite rare sea birds, so most of it has been mad…"

  57. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Airlie Beach in Queensland, Australia

    Airlie Beach is almost slap bang in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Just across the ocean from the paradisical Whitsunday Islands, so benefiting from the same tropical weather, Airlie Beach is one of the get out points to get out on the Great Barr…"

  58. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia

    The M.C.G. is one of the most famous sports grounds in Australia – home of the Melbourne Cricket Club and scene of some tense sporting show downs. Not just cricket, 'The 'G'' hosts stadium shows, football, rugby and Aussie Rules etc. It can seat around…"

  59. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Luna Park, St. Kilda in Melbourne, Australia

    On St. Kilda's prom, this was the first Luna Park, the one in Sydney came after. Its slightly sinister open mouthed entrance has been welcoming people in since 1912, towards the Scenic Railway, the world's oldest continually operating roller coaster, a …"

  60. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Melbourne Museum in Melbourne, Australia

    Phar Lap was Australia's greatest ever race horse – or at least the most famous. He came from that era of great race horses where horse races literally stopped nations. Was, because he's sadly long gone to the great winners 'Winner's Circle' in the sky…"

  61. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Australia

    On the Yarra's south bank, these gardens are a lush and lovely oasis of green just out of the centre of town. The grounds are expansive, with some landscaped and some wild gardens and some natives and some exotics – though some of the natives are pretty…"

  62. World Reviewer Staff reviewed National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia

    The National Gallery of Victoria's prized works include Australian classics 'The Pioneer' and 'Lost by Fredrick McCubbin, 'A mountain scene' by Turner, Rodin's 'Balzac', Constable's 'Clouds', Man Ray's 'Kiki with African Mask' and 'Railway Guard' by Sidn…"

  63. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, Australia

    Ballarat was a gold town. Gold was in them there hills. And in the rivers and creeks which run though it. And people came from all over Australia in the 1850s to try their luck at getting rich, for this was the richest stream of alluvial gold in the …"

  64. World Reviewer Staff reviewed Melbourne Zoo in Melbourne, Australia

    This zoo, Australia's oldest, was modelled on London Zoo and completed in 1862 – so there was originally too much concrete and too many tall iron bars. This was also Australia's quarantine area, and domestic animals were brought here to acclimatise afte…"