Thursday, October 4, 2012

CNNGo.com

CNNGo.com

Korean palaces extend opening hours into the night

Posted: 03 Oct 2012 08:57 PM PDT

by CNNGo staff

To take advantage of the precious few days of fall weather left in Korea, two Seoul palaces are extending opening hours from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. this week.

Both Gyeongbokkung and Changgyeonggung will be lit up for nighttime visitors.

While visitors to Gyeongbokkung must stick to the guided paths, visitors to Changyeonggung can wander freely around the palace grounds.

At the latter, various cultural events will also be staged in the evenings; these include changing the guard at 6:40 p.m., 7:40 p.m. and 8:40 p.m. each evening in front of Honghwa gate; a traditional music performance on October 6 at 7:30 p.m.; and a historical play on October 5 and 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Ancient palaces, lighted paths, actual decent weather. Count us in.     

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Nanny state or smart tourism? Rome bans snacking

Posted: 03 Oct 2012 03:50 PM PDT

by CNNGo staff

Rome might be one of the world's best destinations for foodies, but thanks to a new city council ordinance tourists will have to keep their delicious slices of pizza away from certain historical monuments.  

According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, anyone caught snacking around key locations in the city's historic center will face fines of up to €500 (US$645). 

The move follows similar bans in Venice and Florence. 

Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno said the order was issued as part of urgent measures to ensure the protection of the historic center. Because we all know the harmful impact panini crumbs can have on ancient architecture.  

Snack-free zones include the marble fountains of Piazza Navona, the stone walls around the Pantheon and Via dei Fori Imperiali near the Colosseum.

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Tin horses draw crowds to Australia's most colorful bush festival

Posted: 03 Oct 2012 03:05 PM PDT

by Ian Lloyd Neubauer

What to do about Mary?

Some 20 years ago, that was the question on the lips of everyone in the Western Australian town of Kulin.

Second-generation wheat farmer Mary Lucchesi had begun asking friends and neighbors to pitch in and build humorous tin sculptures of horses on the road leading from town to her front yard. Yes, metal horses.

She'd envisioned the sculptures would help promote the annual Bush Races -- Kulin's biggest social event -- hosted every October by the Lucchesis on their property 280 kilometers east of Perth.

Lo and behold, her vision came true.

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Does visiting Hong Kong 'count' as visiting China?

Posted: 03 Oct 2012 02:50 PM PDT

by CNNGo staff

Hong Kong officially returned to China from British rule in 1997. But a big royal farewell shebang and some chops on a piece of paper don't necessarily unravel more than 150 years of history.

Yes, technically, Hong Kong and China are one country, albeit with a Special Autonomous Region stamp on it -- the Chinese government's acknowledgement of economic and political differences.

But from the straight-up tourist point of view, does a trip to Hong Kong "count" as really experiencing China?

How much does that passport stamp really mean?

In case you didn't know, you don't get the official full page China stamp in your booklet when you come to Hong Kong.

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at 9:06 AM