www.worldagogo.com http://www.worldagogo.com Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 Sightseeing In The Historical Center Of Paris http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/10/02/sightseeing-in-the-historical-center-of-paris/ http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/10/02/sightseeing-in-the-historical-center-of-paris/#comments Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.worldagogo.com/&p=11 Paris is the city of love, a place where people go for romance. However, outside of the inviting romance atmosphere, there is a historical side to this old city, which is captivating. Of the most famous historic buildings is the Eiffel Tower. This tower was built in 1889, by Gustave Eiffel for the Worlds Fair that year. This building contains observation decks, which makes looking at the city breathtaking from such levels.

If one prefers Gothic architecture, then the 12th century Notre Dame Cathedral will impress. This historic building sits in a part of town that is known as the heart of the city. Sainte-Chapelle, is another beautiful church that has deep historical roots. The awe-inspiring architecture of this building is taken very seriously. Anyone who enters must go through various security measures, including passing a metal detector. Located in the Palais de Justice area compound, this church is a tourists hotspot.

When thinking of Paris, most people think of gondolas and rich foods, but there is a whole other side of the ancient city that people do not realize. This is a city steeped in historical architecture, which is second to none. The French are the people of love, but they also maintain beautiful cities that enchant tourists every day.

]]> http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/10/02/sightseeing-in-the-historical-center-of-paris/feed/ 0 The Cultural History Of New Orleans http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/10/01/the-cultural-history-of-new-orleans/ http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/10/01/the-cultural-history-of-new-orleans/#comments Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.worldagogo.com/&p=10 Up to a point, New Orleans was the largest city in all the vast territory purchased from France in 1803. It was settled by peoples from many different regions” white people from France, Spain (and later Mexico), and the United States, as well as blacks” both slave and free” and, in recent years, refugees from Vietnam. All these peoples have contributed to one of the richest cultures anywhere on the continent.

Cajun music and its related genre, Zydeco, have their roots in the French music of New Orleans. Some of the earliest pioneers include Leo Soileau, Amadee Ardoin, and the Hackberry Ramblers. The latter’s song “Jolie Blon” became popular through Moon Mullican’s version in English.

New Orleans has also long been a haven for jazz. In fact, the city has been called “the cradle of jazz”" though the style did not originate in any particular city.

There are also many foods from New Orleans that have become famous. Jambalaya, a mixture of meat, vegetables, rice, and stock, is among these, as is fillet gumbo; both are mentioned by Hank Williams in the chorus of his song “Jambalaya (on the Bayou).” Crayfish is also widely eaten, as are other seafood dishes.

]]> http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/10/01/the-cultural-history-of-new-orleans/feed/ 0 The Traditions Of Mardi Gras And What They Mean http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/09/27/the-traditions-of-mardi-gras-and-what-they-mean/ http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/09/27/the-traditions-of-mardi-gras-and-what-they-mean/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.worldagogo.com/&p=9 The Traditions of Mardi Gras
In the traditions of Mardi Gras lies roots of Christianity and symbolisms of paganism. Mardi Gras is celebrated the week preceding Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras traditions are widely embraced in the deep south, particularly New Orleans where Mardi Gras is synonymous with the atmosphere of gaiety, frivolity and tradition.

The Traditions Of Mardi Gras And What They Mean
During Mardi Gras, the traditions are masquerading, gala parades, crowning of a Mardi Gras King and Queen and feasting upon a special Three Kings Cake baked with a special coin or doll inside. The individual receiving the slice of cake with the coin or doll is said to have good luck the year through.

In New Orleans, streets are lined with masked crowds wearing traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold and green. These colors symbolize Baltazar, Melchior and Gaspar, the Three Kings bearing gifts to the Christ Child on Twelfth Night. In New Orleans, wearing strings and strings of beads in these colors is also a tradition. As the raucous days of Mardi Gras dwindle down to Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, another tradition emerges: pancake eating contests before Lenten fast and abstinence begins.

]]> http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/09/27/the-traditions-of-mardi-gras-and-what-they-mean/feed/ 0 The Louvre Residence Of French Kings http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/09/25/the-louvre-residence-of-french-kings/ http://www.worldagogo.com/2011/09/25/the-louvre-residence-of-french-kings/#comments Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.worldagogo.com/&p=8 Built in 1190 by King Phillipe Auguste it was used as a defensive fortress, to protect Paris from foreign attack. By the 14th century it had become the home of the kings and emperors of France, and served in this capacity for the next 700 years. The first building of the existing Louvre was built in 1535 after the old fortress was taken down. King Henry IV loved the arts and during his reign built the Grande Galerie. He invited hundreds of artists to live and work in the lower floors.I found some more information here. The Denon Wing begun by Catherine Medici in 1560 was completed by Louis XIII, he also built the Richelieu Wing, which housed the Ministry of Economy of France. After the Ministry was moved, this wing was opened to the public as a museum in 1793 during the French Revolution. Napoleon I built the famous Arch de Triomphe to commemorate his victories. Napoleon III built a wing full of sculpture and art. When the French court moved to Versailles, the kings lost interest in the Louvre, and in 1793 it became a museum. Today the Louvre’s collection of fine art numbers in the 380,000 piece range. One of the most visited museums in the world.

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