Traveler's Advisory
By Leora Moldofsky
Europe
London
Built
in 1826 to commemorate the Duke of Wellington's victory at
the Battle of Waterloo, the Wellington Arch is one of London's
most recognizable landmarks. But decades of abuse and neglect
(the neoclassical stone arch was topped by a large statue;
dismantled and moved to allow for road widening; used as a
police station; and marooned in traffic after Hyde Park Corner
was remodeled as a roundabout) took their toll: in 1997 English
Heritage declared the arch a "monument at risk." After a $3
million restoration, visitors can now enter the arch to view
(Wednesdays to Sundays) three floors of exhibitions on London
memorials, and, from an external gallery, magnificent vistas
of nearby parks and the city skyline.
Zurich
The
staff aren't wearing clown outfits, but a new venture by the
Swiss arm of the world's biggest fast-food chain lets visitors
eat-and sleep-under McDonald's distinctive double arches.
Located near Zurich airport and at Lully, near the French
border, the four-star Golden Arches hotels are aimed at business
travelers during the week and families on weekends. Amenities
include adjustable beds, high-speed Internet access and ensuites
providing "separate spaces for immaculate hygiene." Naturally,
the hotels have McDonald's restaurants, as well as Aroma Cafés
(the chain bought by McDonald's last year) and bars. For details
and to book see www.goldenarchhotel.com.
North America
Midway
Islands
For budding Charles Darwins, a breakthrough
experience could be a nature-writing workshop on the Midway
islands, a national wildlife refuge in the Hawaiian archipelago.
In addition to the usual holiday luggage, participants in
this Oceanic Society expedition (May 19-26) will bring what
they need to document the islands' abundant fauna, which includes
endangered monk seals and spinner dolphins. For those lacking
confidence in their writing, journalist Pam Frierson will
be on hand to give pointers on style. The $1,190 price includes
air fare from Honolulu and all meals. See www.oceanic-society.org.
Australia
Canberra
When
Australia flopped at the 1976 Montreal Olympics-winning just
five medals, none of them gold-dejected citizens urged the
government to pour more money into sport. Its response was
to set up the Australian Institute of Sport, which played
a key role in Australia's record haul of medals at the 2000
Games in Sydney. Sports lovers visiting the national capital
can now tour the 65-hectare facility in the company of champion
Australian athletes like volleyballer Tammy Curtis and Paralympian
power lifter Richard Nicholson. For details, tel. +61 2 6214
1444.
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April 16, 2001 | No.
15
COVER
STORIES
The
City Of God
No other city is as venerated as Jerusalem, a source of conflict but the
hope of pilgrims from Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Archaeologists
are reconstructing the way the city appeared to Jesus when he entered
it on his way to martyrdom
SOUTH
PACIFIC
HIGH
SEAS : City Afloat...
The length of three football fields, the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Constellation
is a floating fortress, with more than 5,000 men and 72 planes. Time tours
America's flagship
THE
ARTS
ART: In Paris, Picasso's erotica doesn't
quite excite...
SHOW BUSINESS: The action heroines
MUSIC: A silenced Iranian sings again
TRAVELERS
ADVISORY
PEOPLE
TO WATCH: Novelist Elizabeth Knox...
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