Nineteenth Century Exploration of Australia

Although Australian coasts were charted in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and the first permanent European settlement established in New South Wales in 1788, exploration of the interior of the continent was entirely a nineteenth century phenomenon. During the 1800s a great number of intrepid (but sometimes foolhardy) adventurers, prospectors, surveyors and naturalists crisscrossed the continent in all directions, more than a few of them losing their lives along the way. This website comes about as something of an accident. While involved in research on the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913), I happened upon a wonderful map published in 1893 for inclusion in Wallace's regional study Australasia, Volume 1: Australia and New Zealand. Prepared by the master London atlas-maker Edward Stanford, it neatly summarizes the routes taken by the period's major explorers of the Interior. The map was so charming that I decided to make it the central feature of an Australia exploration-focussed service; to reveal its detail we have reproduced it in three overlapping panel sections that, hopefully, retain most of its original feel. The three sections of the map can be accessed by clicking on the thumbnail versions below. Each map section includes a copy of the key used to distinguish the explorers' routes. One can move directly from section to section by clicking on the arrows placed at the top of their left/right margins. We have also sought out Web-based information on the explorers. Links to such appear both in the left-side panel on this page, and at the bottom of each map section (for those explorers whose routes are actually found on that particular section). Since so little online material exists for some individuals, however, we have supplemented this information with related text from 1893 Wallace included in the part of his book reviewing Australian history. A caveat . . . History has of course moved on since 1893, and in the interim additional information has come to light regarding both the routes taken by these explorers, and the details of their travels. Thus, don't think that the story ends here! --C.H.S.

"Fasching", "Fasnacht", "Karneval" 2009

"Fasching", "Fasnacht" or "Karneval" are all terms used to describe carnival, an ancient tradition which is celebrated all over Germany but particularly in the Rhineland and in the strongly Catholic regions of Germany. Mainz, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn are hotbeds of carnival fun. In southern Germany the traditional Alemannic Fasnet is celebrated. The "fifth season" begins on 11 November and ends on Ash Wednesday. Carnival season reaches its climax in the week from "schmutziger Donnerstag" (literally: "dirty Thursday") to Ash Wednesday. There are major street processions on the Monday of that week, known as Rosenmontag or Carnival Monday. People dress up in humorous costumes or in traditional dress and masks, and join in processions and street festivals. The tradition stems back to the ancient custom of driving out winter.Thursday, 19 February: "Womens Carnival Day" Monday, 23 February: Rose MondayTuesday, 24 February: Shrove TuesdayWednesday, 25 February: Ash Wednesday
Carnival in Cologne - "Alaaf!"The word Karneval - thought to come from the medieval Latin carnelevare: "to take away meat" - is used for the Carnival in the Rhineland. Karneval was established as an autonomous Carnival form by the Organising Committee founded in Cologne on 10 February 1823. Its uniformed guards and female soldiers hark back to the municipal guards of the Napoleonic era. The Cologne Carnival traditionally starts at 11.11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Besides the many Carnival gatherings with their lively speeches, the highlights are the women's Carnival on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, the Rose Monday procession (the highlight of the street carnival) and the burning of the Carnival spirit on Shrove Tuesday, when life-size straw effigies are burned.http://www.koeln.de/tourismus/karneval/Carnival in Düsseldorf - "Helau!"The Düsseldorf Carnival has its roots in medieval tournaments and fancy-dress balls at court. The key figure here is Hoppeditz, a typical Carnival fool, whose awakening at 11.11am on 11 November in front of the town hall marks the start of the annual festivities. The first highlight of the Düsseldorf Carnival is on New Year's Day when the new season's Carnival king and queen are chosen. The city's first Carnival king was elected in 1825. Other Düsseldorf highlights are the old women's Carnival, during which the town hall is stormed by Möhnen (old women), the street carnival on Carnival Sunday and the Rose Monday procession, when it's time once more for cries of "D'r Zog kütt!" (the parade's on its way).http://www.duesseldorf.de/top/thema010/events/veranstaltungen/karneval/index.shtml Mainz CarnivalThe Mainz Carnival has a long tradition believed to date back to crazy goings-on in the 16th century, although the city's first Carnival societies were not founded until the 19th century. The Mainz Carnival Society was established in 1838 to bring order to the colourful, unrestrained jollity and increase its aesthetic appeal. The Mainz Carnival Society is traditionally accompanied by its own uniformed guards, the Ranzengarde. Every year Mainz's "fifth season" begins with the reading of the eleven Carnival laws at 11.11am on 11 November. Other highlights are the Rose Monday procession, the children's masked parade on Carnival Saturday and the numerous Carnival gatherings, which traditionally begin on New Year's Day after the fools' parade.http://www.mainz.de/WGAPublisher/online/html/default/MKUZ-5VPCY6Swabian-Alemannic Carnival - "Narri-Narro!"In south-west Germany, celebrations take the form of the regional Swabian-Alemannic Carnival, which also has its roots in medieval festivities designed to use up perishable foods before the start of Lent. Dancing, parades and plays also became Carnival customs in the 14th century, and wearing simple Carnival disguises became fashionable during the baroque era in the 17th century. Although the tradition disappeared for a time in the wake of the Enlightenment, it was revived at the beginning of the 19th century. The Swabian-Alemannic region looked to return to long-established traditions to distinguish itself from the Rhineland Carnival, which it saw as dominated by the educated bourgeoisie. Having previously been restricted to the three days before Ash Wednesday, the Carnival season was extended in the 19th century. Twelfth Night came to mark the start of Carnival in many locations. The Association of Swabian-Alemannic Carnival Guilds was founded in 1924. One special feature of the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival are its Carnival characters. The masks are made mostly of wood, but also use cloth, paper and even wire. It is traditional for the costumes to be handed down through generations. Devil figures and fools are among the oldest-established characters. The Carnival witch, a totally new character for the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival, was introduced by the Witches' Guild founded in Offenburg in 1933.http://www.narren-spiegel.de/ Carnival in Thuringia - "Woesinge Ahoi!"Wasungen on the river Werra in southern Thuringia has one of the oldest Carnival traditions in Germany. Established in 1524, the Wasungen Carnival is still unique despite the passage of time - instead of a Carnival king and queen, it has a prince escorted by two female pages. The prince's reign begins on Carnival Saturday and ends on 11 November. The highlight of the Wasungen Carnival is the colourful historical procession on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, which has a reputation, even today, for upholding popular local traditions.

Greece to Turkey Ferry Map and Travel Information

Notes on Greece to Turkey FerriesSome ferries run only during the summer tourist season, while others have a drastically reduced winter season. Note also that port taxes are astronomical.You can find general information on ferries from Aegean Ferry Services. Many tourists make ferry reservations on the run, stopping in a port city, going to the port or to a travel agent and booking a ferry trip. Aegean allows you to book online, if you find that necessary in the heart of tourist season.Turkey Map and Travel PlannerFor more information on vacation activities on western coast of Turkey, see our Western Turkey Map.Turkish Ferry Port CitiesIf your destination is Turkey and you like visiting ancient sites, The Samos to Kusadasi route might be your best bet, as the extraordinary sights like Ephesus, Pamukkale and Aphrodisias are easily accessable from Kusadasi. There is lots of lodging available in Kusadasi, and nightlife is lively.The Kos to Bodrum route might be my second favorite route. Bodrum, a modern resort town built on the ruins of Halicarnassus in 1402, features a 15th century Crusader Castle (which now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology), an airport, lots of shopping and a very lively nightlife.I enjoy the island of Rhodes, so my third route preference might pass through it. Fethiye is known for its beaches and yachting. You can take a 12 island Yacht cruise from the harbor at Fethiye.Chios to Cesme brings you to a pleasant sun and beach town with good beaches and good restaurants along the waterfront and along the main street.The Lesvos (Lesbos) to Turkey Ferries are more popular with Turkish tourists and those folks who like seaside resorts (Foca is popular with windsurfers).

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Editorial ProfileA visit to Black Creek Pioneer Village is a step back in time to 19th-century Ontario. Forty authentically restored homes, workshops, public buildings and farms recreate the atmosphere of life in a rural Victorian community of the 1860s. Craftspeople and workers wearing period costumes demonstrate skills such as open-hearth cooking, bread-making, looming, milling, blacksmithing, sewing, printing and more.Walk through the village and into the homes and buildings, visit the inn, and stroll through farms and forests. The Hands on History Centre lets kids try their hand at traditional trades and pioneer survival skills like building a log cabin or weaving cloth. During the holiday season in November and December, the village offers many special events to celebrate Christmas as it was 130 years ago.The Event Pavilion opens its doors to a host of possibilities for Black Creek Pioneer Village. The covered pavilion includes a stage, seating for up to 300 people and a snack bar. In the past it was home to the Métis Arts Festival and the Celtic Sounds Festival.Getting There:By Car:The Village is located one set of lights east of Jane Street, on the South side of Steeles Avenue (follow the Village signs). It is easily accessible from Highways 400, 401 and 407.By Transit:Using public transportation is quick and convenient from the Finch subway station using the Steeles 60 West route, or from the Jane Station using the Jane 35 route.DetailsKid Friendly: YesSeasonal: YesHistoric Site: Yes

Iceland

Wild, rugged and colourful, Iceland, ‘the land of ice and fire', is a country like no other: a contrasting landscape of black lava fields, red sulphur vents, boiling blue geysers and green valleys. Bays and fjords dot the coast, while in the interior rivers and waterfalls abound.Iceland's volcanoesA large island in the North Atlantic close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Hekla, in the south of Iceland, has erupted no fewer than 16 times, and was once described by clergymen as the gateway to Hell. Certainly, Iceland's seething mountains contribute to this sense of otherworldliness.ReykjavíkAround the coastal regions, Iceland is a bustle of activity, particularly in the capital city, Reykjavík, where more than half of Iceland's population lives. Reykjavík is set on a broad bay, surrounded by mountains, and is in an area of geothermal hot springs, creating a natural central heating system and pollution-free environment. It is a busy city combining old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings. Despite being a relatively small capital city, Reykjavík has managed to forge a reputation for partying, and its nightclubs and bars are regularly filled with hordes of fun-loving citizens.Icelandic activitiesWhether you wish to quietly watch for birds or whales, or prefer to get active and ski, glacier skidoo or horse ride, Iceland amply provides for both.