Do It Go

The city of Shanghai is a wonderful city.  Not long ago it was a tiny fishing village on the delta of the Yangtze River, and the name translates to “city on the sea”.  The city has a very long history, dating back in administrative organization to 751 A.D.  Now it is a bustling city filled with night spots, shopping markets, restaurants and 5 star hotels.  Shanghai began this transformation when the location allowed for the development of trade, shipping and commerce in 1292.  This is known throughout history as the beginning of the city.  While the area of the city of Shanghai only accounts for six percent of the total land mass that makes up the country of China, the population is well above twenty million.

The economic growth is by far the fastest that has ever been seen throughout the globe.  For many years the annual growth increases by fifty percent, and it is now considered of the leading cities in business in all of East Asia.  The city epitomizes all that is modern in the country and fast becoming one of the cosmopolitan hubs of art, contemporary architecture and culinary excellence.  All simply great reasons to visit any city.

The city flower symbolizes this enterprising, tough and pioneering spirit of the people and the cultures of the city and that is the Magnolia blossom.  The city experiences all four seasons and while each one is incredible, it is noted that during the early summer months one should plan for a lot of rain and to pack accordingly.  And should you visit later on in the summer, be aware that this is one humid city, and may present problems for those not accustomed.  In my personal opinion, Autumn and Spring are the most enjoyable seasons to visit, however many people travel to this city through the entire year however, for the shopping bargains, the celebrations and the festivals.

Tags: 5 star hotels Shanghai, Autumn, festivals, Spring, Yangtze River
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There are many things to do, to see and to experience in the downtown area of Austin, Texas.  Restaurants and bars line the streets, and great food and incredible music can be found throughout the city every night of the week.  Art galleries and street artists are everyone, with festivals honoring this cultural and artistic city.  The city is steeped with rich history, as many cities in Texas are.

It is sometimes hard to choose when heading out to to sight see, as there are just so many options, however one such site is a definite must see sight, and that is the Governor’s Mansion that is located close to many of the best Austin hotels that are surrounded by landscaped gardens and are located close Capital building.  The mansion is not only historic, but the most historical residential building in the state.

The house was constructed in 1856, and west of the Mississippi River, it has the distinction of being the oldest continuously lived in residence.  Today is has been added to the list of United States National Landmarks.  The architectural design of the mansion is incredible, with expansive hallways, floor to ceiling mirrors and large veranda.  The rooms surrounding the central hallway, and across the facade there were columns that reached close to the thirty feet.

The first family to occupy the mansion was Elisha Marshall Pease, the fifth Governor of Texas, and his family.  Many different families have lived in the mansion over the years, each one adding a bit of their own styles.  By 1979 however, the mansion was in desperate need of renovation, for more than one hundred and twenty years it housed those families continuously.  The Governor of Texas at this time was able to secure one million dollars for a complete overhaul.

A non-profit organization called Friends of the Governor raised another three million to refurbish the interior design.  Now it is not only the government mansion, but houses some of the finest of antiques from the 19 Century.  Many visiting the mansion also come to see the collection of portrait paintings of the former Governors of the state.  This is a beautiful and an historic site that one should visit at least once while in the city of Austin.

Tags: best Austin hotels, festivals, Governor of Texas
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