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From earliest times, man has decorated
his living space. First, it was simply painting the caves we took refuge
in, then as we evolved into builders, we have gone from simple
functional shelters, to magnificent castles and palaces, to modern
skyscrapers and elaborate homes. Not only our living spaces, but also
our houses of worship, museums and commercial buildings are all designed
not only for function, but also to be pleasing to the senses.
This month's issue, celebrates the art of
design and highlights famous as well as obscure, yet no less dramatic,
architecture. From the Greeks, Romans and early Italians, to the
magnificent mud mosque of Djenne, Southern Spain's Moorish architecture
to the modernism of the 20th century, form not only follows function,
but frequently creates the space, that function needs to fit.
All our Tour Hosts, are leaders in
proving travelers the best possible experience is visiting these various
works of construction arts, and to introduce the inquisitive into the
conservation and design techniques needed to create and maintain these
masterpieces for future generations.
I fear that we have only scratched the
surface of all the wonders available, but hopefully, this introduction
will inspire our readers to venture forth, to discover and explore the
unlimited possibilities available in our wide and varied world.
This
month's tour hosts review:
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National Trust Tours
Pick of
the Month |
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Location: Worldwide |
| Specialty:
Land, rails and cruise tours, to destinations of historic
significance |
| Why
We Like Them: After 35 years of offering tours, National Trust
Tours, a divisions of the Nation Trust for Historic
Preservation, the leader in preserving our national
heritage, has been taking us to the far corners of the world
to explore the national treasure of our countries. |
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Anglatin Ltd.
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Location: Latin America, Europe, So Pacific |
| Specialty:
Arts, humanities, cuisine and nature tours |
| Why
We Like Them: Bridging the Anglosaxon and Latin
cultures, Anglatin has a wide selection of short trips, fully guided tours
and self drive packages throughout Latin America and beyond. Whether you are
looking to add a few days on to a prescheduled journey, or looking for a
fully escorted group trip, Anglatin's knowledge of its destination, allows
them to help you add an additional component to your journey. Arranging
social gatherings and meetings with locals, your enjoyment is sure to be
increased by getting in touch with local hosts. |
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Article:
Pablo Neruda: The Architect and His Houses, Thirty Years
Later |
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Guerba World Travel Ltd. |
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Location: Africa,
Asia Europe So America |
| Specialty:
Adventure trips to cultural destinations |
| Why
We Like Them: Great guides and specialized trips insure the
culturally adventuress travelers a perfect trip. Travel
style is primarily adventure, but some trips offer softer
adventures and a bit more comfort. Guerba subscribes to responsible tourism principles and gives back
to their destinations at every opportunity. Small group size assures
individual attention and special opportunities not available on larger
departures. |
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Article:
Mud brick mosque of Djenne,
Mali |
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Circa Tours |
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Location: Spain, France |
| Specialty: Escorted and
independent tours focusing on art, architecture, heritage, gardens, wine and
cuisine |
| Why
We Like Them: Whether you are looking for Roman and Moorish ruins
or the marvels of modern architecture, fine food and wine,
or mixing the the locals to gain a deeper understanding of
the culture and location, Circa Tours can lead you on your
way. Dozens of fabulous tours to gardens and castles, and
art and architecture, cruises and cuisine, for independent
travelers or groups, Circa Tours is a leader to France and
Spain. |
|
Article:
Art and Architecture
of Modern Spain |
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Art Deco Trust |
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Location: Napier, New Zealand |
| Specialty:
Walking tours of Napier |
| Why
We Like Them: The Art Deco Trust was created to protect and promote
the spectacular architecture of this unique city. Rebuilt
after a devastating earthquake in the 1930's
Napier is an astounding example of Art Deco and 1930 architecture. The Trust
organizes walking tours year-round and a special deco weekend annually. |
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Article:
Deco Down Under |
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Natchez Pilgrimage Tours |
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Location: Natchez,
Mississippi |
| Specialty:
Historic homes tours |
| Why
We Like Them: A perfectly preserved antebellum city, Natchez is a
great place to experience the pre-civil war splendor of the
South. Many of Natchez homes are open all year, but a
special Pilgrimage takes place in the Spring and Fall with a
number of other special events. Whether you visit during
these special events, or anytime through the year, Natchez
Pilgrimage Tours can assist in planning all your sightseeing
as well as accommodations in the areas historic hotels. |
|
Article:
The Story of the
Pilgrimage in Natchez Mississippi |
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Scottish Dream Tours |
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Location: Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England |
| Specialty:
Custom designed and small group tours. |
| Why
We Like Them:
Whether you are 2 people wishing a custom
designed tour or prefer a group tour limited to 15, Scottish
Dream Tours can accommodate your needs. With over two dozen
scheduled tours to some of the most spectacular sites in the
United Kingdom, the Yorkshire dales and Scottish Highlands,
and such themed tours as Castles, Whiskey, Pubs and Tea
rooms, Shannon Tate and his team of agents, will create the
perfect trip for your needs. |
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Heritage Conservation Network |
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Location: United States and International locations |
| Specialty:
Historic preservation and conservation workshops |
| Why
We Like Them: Dedicated to preserving less well know and
private structures, this non-profit origination has been helping conserve
architectural wonders by placing volunteers side-by-side with professional
conservationists. These workshops create an environment for learning about
the local cultures as well as helping preserve sites of historic interest. |
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Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation
Trust |
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Location: United
States, Europe and Japan |
| Specialty: Architectural tours
to Wright designed and inspired locations |
| Why
We Like Them: Wright Way Tours offers a selection of International
tours as well as domestic trips and walking tours of homes
and other designs by the famous architect. His home and
studio in Oak Park is open daily and walking tours of the
neighborhood and nearby Chicago and his work there are
highlights of the Trust. |
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