Chile, The Republic of Chile is a country located in South America. Chile occupies a long coastal strip between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. To the East It shares borders with Argentina, and to the North Peru.

Several theories exist to the origin of the world Chile. One theory, the Incas of Peru, who had failed to conquer the Araucanians, called the valley of the Aconcagua by corruption of the name of a tribal chief called Tili. Tili who ruled the area during the time of the Incan conquest. One more theory points out the similarities of the Aconcagua valley with that of the Casma in Peru. In Casma Peru there was a town and valley named Chili. Others think that Chile may have derived its name from the indigenous Mapuche word chilli, which may have meant where the land ends or the deepest point of the Earth.

Approximately 10,000 years ago, Native Americans migrating from the North settled in fertile valleys of South America which is now Chile. The Incas for a while extended their empire into what is present day northern Chile, but because of the area’s remoteness, and the strong opposition that existed at the time extensive settlement was prevented.

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Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Pixibot. Which is a great web directory and information center for information on all types of topics.

The Oriental Bangkok, the world-renowned luxury hotel, is the oldest hotel in Bangkok, has a legacy of famous writers and a long and famous history. She celebrates her 130th anniversary this year.

Two Danish sea captains founded the Oriental in 1865 during the reign of King Rama IV when Thailand opened up to trade as a result of the Bowring Treaty signed ten years earlier.

The founders saw the need for a hotel by the Chao Phraya to cater for the seafarers and traders who sailed upriver. They didn’t realize then that the hotel they started would one day be a celebrated luxury hotel graced by the rich and famous.

Unfortunately the original building is no longer standing. The history of the Oriental Bangkok, the first hotel in the city, is taken from 1876 when the old wing was built. This building is still there.

The tradition of famous writers dates back to 1888, when Konrad Korzeniowski, a Polish merchant navy officer, sailed up the Chao Phraya and docked next to the Oriental Hotel. Nicknamed Polish Joe by his shipmates, he later became known to the literary world as Joseph Conrad.

Others were to follow in Conrad’s footsteps. In 1923, Somerset Maugham, an English writer stayed at the Oriental Bangkok and wrote the children’s tale, Siamese Fairy Tale while sitting in the river terrace gazing out at the Chao Phraya.

Noel Coward, another English writer, stayed at the Oriental Bangkok in 1929. Conrad, Maugham, Coward and the American, James Michener, four literary giants, became the founding fathers of the Authors’ Wing.

The Oriental suffered damage, disrepair and looting during World War II, when it was taken over by the Japanese army. After the war, Allied officers waiting to return home made the hotel their living quarters.

In 1945, another legendary figure entered the scene. Jim Thompson, the American who later made his name in Thai silk, became one of the owners of the Oriental and a resident as well.

Thompson with five others, foreigners and Thai, pooled their funds in an attempt to revive the hotel. Owing to personal differences, Thompson left the group a year later.

The hotel went through a second major construction when the Garden Wing was completed and opened in 1958. In 1967 there was another change in ownership. It was then that Kurt Wachtveitl became General Manager.

The turning point came in 1974 when Jardine Matheson set up the Mandarin Hotels Group and bought a 49% stake in the Oriental Bangkok. This provided the impetus for a major expansion with the new 376-room wing, ballroom and multi- level car park.

The new River Wing opened in 1976, with suites honoring Barbara Cartland, John le Carre, Gore Vidal, Graham Greene and Norman Mailer. John le Carre was said to have finished The Honourable Schoolboy here.

In 2006, after another major facelift, the Oriental Bangkok celebrates its 130th anniversary with Kurt Wachtveitl still at the helm after 39 years, backed by his faithful and long-serving staff.

At a 130, the charming grand dame still holds court by the Chao Phraya. The tradition of famous writers lives on.

The Oriental Bangkok is an icon that evokes memories of authors like Conrad, Maugham and Michener.

This article first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies, a historical travel site on renowned places preserved for posterity, the momentous events surrounding these places and the legendary figures who left these legacies in the landscape of Bangkok. The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

Spain has a super selection of hotels and you will surely discover something to suit all tastes and pockets.

Whilst most visitors holidaying in Spain from abroad tend to stick to the stereo-typed hotel chains for their vacations, Paradores make a fantastic alternative. Quality accommodation and food guarantee a stay that is remembered for comfort, style and value for money. And, through them, you will gain a better and deeper knowledge of Spain.

Right from their beginnings in 1928, the aim of the state established Paradores Spain was to offer high standards, at reasonable prices, in a noteworthy building or location, and to help preserve the traditions of regional cooking, by serving the best of local cuisine in the Parador restaurants.

Equally important objectives of the hotel chain were to help preserve the country?s national and artistic heritage and to promote tourism in areas which had been overlooked by the private sector.

Today, Paradores can be found in converted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other traditional buildings throughout the mainland and its islands. The group has also built new hotels in unspoiled areas of the country in magnificent locations.

The origins of Paradores go back to 1910, when the Spanish Government assigned the Marquis de la Vega Incl?n the task of creating a hotel infrastructure for vacations which would house travellers and improve Spain?s image abroad.

In 1926, through the Royal Tourism Commission established in 1911, the Marquis de la Vega Incl?n initiated the establishment of a hotel in the Gredos Mountains in Castilla La Mancha, making the wonders of the area?s landscape accessible to tourism.

King Alfonso XIII of Spain was very enthusiastic about the idea and he, personally, chose the location. Construction began in August 1926 and was completed on the evening of 9 October 1928. The hotel was inaugurated that same day and became the first establishment of the future Paradores Spain network, the Parador de Gredos.

After the opening of the Parador de Gredos, the Board of Paradores and Inns was formed and efforts were channelled into perfecting the original idea and into making use of selected historical/artistic monuments and beautiful landscapes for the establishment of new Paradores Spain.

So, why not consider making your stay in Spain rather unique by picking a Parador?

Linda Plummer is webmistress of http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com Top Tour of Spain providing comprehensive information on Spain be it for travel, food, language or living.

Portland is often called the model of a well-planned city. This is doubtless a consequence of Oregon’s practical land-use policies, especially the 1974 set-up of an urban growth boundary. This move conserved land in the style of farming practices of the 1800s. This was uncharacteristic in a period when many areas neglected their major cities for expansion along highways, satellite cities and suburbs.

However, there are real estate investors and developers who do not quite concur with the urban growth boundary. They reason that the boundary has been a double-edged sword. In other words, it has given not only benefits, but a stark rise in housing costs. Yet housing costs are distinctly less than in metropolitan areas in Washington and California. Furthermore, the inhabitants enjoy the benefits of a compact area that has a well-organized public transportation system and less traffic. Also, the city?s Development Commission has a big hand in Portland?s growth. Established in 1958, it offers economic development and housing programs in the city.

The thickly inhabited parts of Portland are rather uneven, with the West Hills bordering the west side, while the east is much flatter and spans about 170 blocks until Gresham. They stretch from the start of East Portland to the periphery of Gresham?s suburbs. Beyond that lies rural Multnomah County.

Greater parts of inner Portland, as well as downtown Portland, have narrow streets and compact city blocks. Each block is 60m square. Twenty separate combined blocks, each measuring 80m long, align one mile of road. Most streets are 20m wide; the mix of narrow streets and compact blocks makes downtown Portland pedestrian-friendly. In comparison, Manhattan’s east-west streets are separated into blocks that measure 180 to 240m long; Seattle has city blocks that measure 70 by 100m.

Portland Oregon provides detailed information on Portland Oregon, Portland Oregon Restaurants, Portland Oregon Hotels, Portland Oregon Real Estate and more. Portland Oregon is affiliated with Poland Tours.

The history of Prague is reflected in its hotels. The city dating back to the 9th Century, has been historically, and is today, a crossroads between ancient and modern worlds. It?s a city that has throughout its existence continually reinvented itself. As a result, Prague offers an array of historical hotels representing each of its bygone eras.

Historical Sites Reinvented Into Hotels
Many of Prague?s hotels were once historical sites that have been refurbished to meet the increasing needs of international travelers. For example, a 14th Century building, dating from the time of Bohemian King, Charles IV, is now the Iron Gate Hotel Prague.

Another example is the Castle Steps Hotel that is actually three separate 16th Century buildings that set at the foot of the ancient Hradcany Castle. Especially interesting is the Pension U svateho Jana (Hotel on the Saint Johns) that is a former monastery and a historical monument that is now the Waldstein Annexe Hotel.

These hotels have been renovated to meet current need, but reflect the rich history of the area. From the time of the original Bohemians throughout the history of Prussian, German and Soviet Union occupation to the current day, a reshaping is constantly taking place in Prague that points the way to a new era. Historical sites being reinvented into hotels, is one way where the old world meets the new.

Late Nineteenth Century and Early Twentieth Century Hotels
Built during a time of increased travel to Prague, a number of hotels from this era reflect the Art Nouveau architectural style, then popular throughout Europe. With the coming of a new century, the city had reinvented itself again into a worldlier destination.

For example, in 1906, it was common to find European politicians meeting at the Hotel Palace Praha. By 1920, travelers could enjoy ultra modern facilities, including a casino, at the Ambassador Zlata Husa.

All of Prague?s historical hotels of this time, although reserved for the elite, were a response to the needs of a more sophisticated European traveler that demanded great luxuries. Sadly, this era ended with the coming of Communist occupation from 1918 until 1989. Today, many of these hotels, have been renovated and restored to their original glory.

Historical Prague
Prague is in a picturesque river valley that surrounds the Vltava River. Many ancient bridges connect the east and west banks of the river and provide valuable links for maneuvering about the city. Old Town Prague originates back to the 13th Century while New Town developed in the 14th Century.

Hradcany Castle, previously mentioned, was built in the late 9th Century. Historically, it was the residence of kings but now houses offices and is the official residence of the current President of the Czech Republic. Another way the old is preserved while room is made for the new.

Prague is known for the various architectural styles contributed by each culture and era that has influenced it. It?s known as an intersection in Central Europe where East meets West. Where innovation takes its shape from the foundation of the ancient.

Historical Hotels ? 21st Century View
As many historic buildings have been turned into hotels and an array of century-old hotels have been remodeled in Prague, it?s interesting to note what shape newly built hotels are taking. Today, the contemporary architectural styles of these hotels beckon back to the past. Many of these hotels are lovely 19th Century-type structures with all the amenities. What else could be expected from versatile Prague.

Fionn Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering hotels in cities around the world. To find out more about hotels in Prague visit http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/CZ–Prague.

Cape Cod (named in 1602, by Bartholomew Gosnold of England because of its abundant wealth in cod fish) is the historic first landing place of the Pilgrims. That makes it a place of great historic significance, but it doesn?t end there. Geologists believe that Cape Cod was formed by shifting glaciers that pushed it into its unique sixty-four-by-sixteen-mile hook-shaped dimensions.

The tourists that throng to Cape Cod as many as three times each summer probably couldn?t care less about these finer points of the area?s background. What appeals to them are the rustic small town culture and the beaches, and every visitor eventually chooses a favorite place to enjoy these in a vacation at Cape Cod. The 27,000 acres that constitute the Cape Cod National Seashore are nothing less than a national resource for the amount of tourist revenue generated every year.

A majority of Cape Cod tourists come here for their health and for the uniquely romantic setting. The adventurous also find the place the ideal vacation spot. Considering such a vast range of tastes, Cape Cod is amazingly equipped to provide accommodations to every kind of tourist.

One of the most popular variants of tourist residency at Cape Cod is the bed-and-breakfast-style hostelry. Apart from that, fully furnished cottages and national chain hotels are also available. The hotel industry in Cape Cod also includes full-fledged resorts (some even equipped with a golf course). For those of a more economical bend of mind, rustic inns and motels offer ideal countryside weekend getaways.

Cape Cod also features spas that offer a complete range of health-oriented therapies, resorts that cater to whale-spotting and fishing enthusiasts, and hotels that offer sports like kayaking.

Cape Cod provides detailed information on Cape Cod, Cape Cod Times, Cape Cod Hotels, Cape Cod Vacations and more. Cape Cod is affiliated with Newport Rhode Island.