2 . Everywhere I look, there are new buildings being built. The neighbourhoods that I knew as a boy, filled with beautiful old buildings, have mostly disappeared, and in their place, modern, high-rise buildings have appeared. If we continue in this way, nothing will remain of our heritage; soon I will no longer recognize my city. What is left of the city’s traditional buildings and neighbourhoods must be preserved and it is important to begin this process now.

Historic preservation has become popular all over the world in recent years, but many countries have chosen new construction over preservation. There is good reason for this. As the population has become larger, people want the usefulness of modern living. However, the built environment should be more than shiny new buildings with air conditioning and washing machines; it should also show the beauty of our culture and heritage. How can our children understand our culture if we erase so much of the physical evidence (物证) of it?

The reasons for preserving historic buildings are not simply about an emotional connection to the past. There are also good economic reasons in favour of preservation. The repair and preservation of historic sites can become an economic engine, drawing tourists and small businesses to the area. There are several good examples of this in the Middle East. In Dubai, the historic AI Bastikiya district draws thousands of tourists every year from all over the world. It also attracts local people, eager to learn about their city’s past.

Those who are against historic preservation think that it is too expensive. But many recent projects all over the world have told us that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, renovation (翻新) of an existing building can cost about $40 per square metre less than even the most basic new building, while preserving the beauty of the original building. What is more, environmental experts believe that the greenest building is the one that is already built. New building almost always has a more serious environmental influence because it requires the use of all-new materials that must be transported, often over long distances, instead of recycled materials that are already on site. We recycle so many other things. We can and should recycle buildings, too.

3 . Amish Country is one of Ohio’s most beautiful places. In addition to good food and shopping, you can also learn about Amish history and experience their culture through Amish home tours and buggy rides.

a buggy ride

If you would like to learn about Amish life and culture while enjoying a tour of the beauty of Amish country, Amish Heartland Tours can make it happen, offering buggy rides, custom bus tours, and special “Backroad” experiences with meals in the homes of the Amish people. You will learn about the day-to-day life of the Amish from experienced tour guides and the local people themselves.

Tours last between 1 to 3 hours depending on your choice of destination and activities.

If you or your school group would like to learn more about the life of the Amish, a trip to Yoder’s Amish Home might be perfect for you. With guided tours of the house, property, and so on, you’ll learn about the history and lifestyle of the Amish up close.

Pet the animals in the old barn, learn a little German and meet their Amish teacher in their one-room schoolhouse, take a ride in a real Amish buggy, and enjoy a sweet treat from their bakery! Tours are led by local guides and last about 40 minutes.

Experience the Amish Country with a personalized, and custom touch. Troyer’s Amish Tours offers several tours including 2 and 3-hour experiences, dinner in Amish homes, as well as special events. All of the tours are tailor-made with advance notice.

For the most memorable experience, use their online contact forms to plan your visit in advance.

Amish Heritage Tours offers seasonally themed tours including many of the best things to do in Amish Country, with one to multi-day experiences including pick-up from your hotel, dinner, shopping, area theatre, and museums.

Plan your visit online in advance. Their website offers sample itineraries for each tour to make your stay rewarding and unforgettable.

Construction of the Tower of Pisa began in 1173     1     Pisa was a center of power and wealth. But work was stopped several times because of wars. The eight-story tower was not completed until the late 1200s. The tower itself is made of marble (大理石) and     2     (weigh) 16,000 tons. However, the leaning of the tower was not for its weights     3     for the soil underneath. The ground is     4     (soft) on one side than on the other. The south side has sunk 6.1 feet below ground level in the past centuries. The north side has sunk 12.3 feet!

6 . The Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour

The Longji Rice Terraces are the most amazing terraces in China. With a history of around 700 years, the Longji Rice Terraces show both the great wisdom and physical efforts of the Zhuang people.

At 8:00 am, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Guilin and transport you to the amazing Longji Terraces. (* Tourists staying outside of the city center need to pay an extra fee.)

After a two-hour drive, you will reach the entrance to the Longji Terraces, where you will take an eco-sightseeing bus to Ping’an Village. Then the tour guide will show you around the village. Lunch is on your own. Your expert guide can give you some advice on the food choices in the village.

After a short lunch break, walk for 20 minutes to No. 2 Viewing Platform, a perfect place for a wonderful view of the terraces beneath. You will have enough time to take pictures and enjoy the fresh air.

8 . Welcome to our full-day sightseeing tour in the Rocky Mountains, which boast some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. During the tour, you can enjoy round-trip travel from Banff and reach remote attraction including Lake Minnewanka and Lake Louise in comfort, stop at picturesque spots including falls and lakes, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour-limited to 15 people.

Driver/tour guide

Pickup and drop-off

Bottled water

Food

Tips are not required.

9:00 AM     

Please arrive 10 minutes before your selected start time for pickup.

We pick up at all Town of Banff-hotels, hostels and even campgrounds! If travelling from outside Banff, please confirm pickup location with the tour operator. Please note we do not pick up in Lake Louise.

◊ Lake Minnewanka

This is the largest lake in the park and actually used to be home to a small summer village. Today the village lies beneath the pure blue waters of Lake Minnewanka. This stop provides some interesting history of how things have changed in Banff National Park over the years.

2 hours·Ticket Free

◊ Lake Louise

First opened in 1911, the world famous Lake Louise has been bringing guests to experience the clear blue waters for many years. This stop will offer the opportunity to explore the historic hotel.

3 hours·Ticket Included

◊ For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

◊ Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

◊ This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled in advance due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or get the fee you’ve paid.

◊ This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Read more about the tour at https://www.viater.com/.