Destinations

I have lived in San Jose for the more than 30 years and I have recently discovered an untouched treasure that this wonderful city has to offer. Tucked away in the outskirts of downtown is Kelley Historic Park. Located right of the freeway the park contains 27 original and replica’s of homes and businesses that have historical significance in the construction of the city of San Jose. Their mission:

“History San José aspires to provide innovative national leadership in preserving and sharing regional history by engaging diverse audiences in exploring the varieties of human experience that contribute to the continuing history of San José and the Santa Clara Valley.”

The park provides a whimsical way to view and appreciate local history and has something for all ages. What makes the park even more unique is not only do you get to see the buildings but you can also walk through them. Each building contains its own historical theme from San Jose’s first hotel to the first Chinese temple. All through the week different buildings are opened for viewing and each include its own exhibit. The buildings and the exhibits are center around expressing certain important cultural aspects that contributed to San Jose diverse past. Some of their most recent exhibits: Becoming American in San Jose which focuses of telling the stories of local teenagers experiences of being American and foreign and how it effects their personal identity. It is on display in the Pacific Hotel Gallery through June 29th.

The park is also a great place to just stroll and take in the outdoors with friends and family. And if you get hungry for a snack O’Brien’s Candy Store, open from Tuesday through Sunday 11 to 4, is a quaint little place to treat yourself. The Park also hosts many cultural and private events giving the community access to many of the beautiful facilities that are found within the park. There is also a charming gift shop to browse while there. The park works only on donations so it is free to enter. This is a prefect place to go when looking for something to do, it’s a weekend getting away right in your own backyard.

Also coming soon: A Breath of Plein Air, The exhibit will be open to the public in the Leonard and David Mckay Gallery at History Park from May 4 - Sept 30,2008.

Spain’s Up Coming Events:

All over Spain there are events that will satisfy any and all travelers tastes. At the center of all the commotion is Zaragoza. The city of Zaragoza is where the International Expo will be taking place starting June 14th through September 14th, the theme being “Water and Sustainable Development”. There will be more than 100 countries participating and an expected six million visitors will be attaining. Non-stop entertainment has been planned to keep the masses busy. More then 3,000 shows featuring some of the world’s finest artists, including an everyday parade put on by Cirque du Soleil that will take place on the Expo grounds.

Spain is also having a countrywide Museum and art expansion.

Exhibitions to catch while in Spain:

• Madrid’s Cultural Center, CaixaForum is a seven-story complex that will present art exhibitions, music and poetry festivals, film screenings, conference and workshops.

• “Goya in Times of War” exhibition at The Museo del Predo, April 15th to July 13th

• “Portraits of the Renaissance” also featured in The Museo del Predo, June 3rd to August 7th

• “Modigliani and His Time” exhibition at The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum through May 18th

• “Collection of the Musee National Picasso in Paris” exhibition at the Renia Sofia through May 5th

• “MAXImin: Maximum Minimization in Contemporary Art,” a collaboration of works with the Damier Art Collection through May 25

Performing Arts:

• Barcelona’s Palau de la Musica celebrates its 100th anniversary with year long events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural projects.

• Valencia’s Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia starts its season with “Homage to Puccini” with the Valencian Regional Orchestra performing, Placido Domingo conducting February 20th.

Sporting Events:

• August 24th, formula one cars will be racing trough the Valencia’s city streets in the European Grand Prix. In addition there the motorcycle Grand Prix.

• Barcelona is holding the Eurogames 12th annual European Gay & Lesbian Championships August 24 to 28.

• The Volvo Ocean Race starts in Alicante on October 11. The race is 39,000 nautical miles and will stop in 10 ports all around the world.

Cambodia is a truly unique and stunning country that will inspire you with its beauty, history, and people. The experiences you have here will leave you a changed person. Everywhere you go there is something unexpected to see, taste, and feel.

Since the end of the Khmer Rouge Regime tourism has become an important element in the rejuvenation of the country and so most hotels are relatively new. They are reasonably priced, and the rooms are quite beautiful. Many of the hotels include spas that offer many different services. I recommend taking advantage of their massage services they’re cheap and leave you feeling refreshed. Although I would caution those who prefer a soft hand because most of these massages tend to be on the rougher side. For those who are night dwellers there are not many options but there is a bar district on Psar Chaa & Bar St in Psar Chaa area. There you have your choice of low-key beer and wine bars to hip and trendy cocktail bars.

The Temples of Angkor are the most essential sites to see in Cambodia. They were built about 600 years ago and they are a striking exhibition of the Cambodian religion. Of these temples Angkor Wat is the most well known for it is the best preserved. As you step through the inner causeway you find yourself surrounded by exquisite cavings and architecture. For a more unique experience of the temple I recommend that you take the sunrise tour. If you are an early raiser it is simply breath taking. One thing all visitors must do is climb the steps of the middle tower to get a panoramic view of Cambodia’s unique jungle landscape that surrounds the temple.