Roman Catholic Religion

catholic bible verse finder

catholic books on prayer

Compiling a Catholic prayer book...?

Hi everybody!
Ok,I go to a Catholic high school, & I'm thinking about doing a prayer book for a project. I was going to include traditional prayers, write my own, and ask faculty and students for submissions. Any suggestions on what else to include or resources I can use? I don't want to use copyrighted materials, but I'd like to know about any prayer books that I could use as inspiration.
Thanks & God Bless!

Stations of the Cross
Some Novenas
Definitely a Prayer for Vocations
There are so many prayer books out there, I think you have a really good idea though about getting prayers from faculty and other students.
Maybe you could but short inspirational paragraphs about saints or religious in you community and how their prayer life has been an asset to them

It's your project have fun with it.

catholic books

Four books in Bibles used by Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christans?

Four books in Bibles used by Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christans are attributed in whole or in part to King??

Who was the king that had these 4 books written about him and what were the books?

The 4 Old Testament books of Kings (rather, Kingdoms) [known as I/II Samuel and I/II Kings in protestant bibles] are about the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Many kings are mentioned in the books. Kings Saul and David, along with Solomon, are featured highly in these books.

They are the official records of those countries, not books commissioned by a king to be written about him.

Blessings.
/Orthodox

catholic book of knowledge

why is the vatican against the da vinci code film when in fact there are books released all over the world?

writing is really a powerful tool when it comes to sharing the facts about things which people need to know.i really appreciate the works of dan brown.the da vinci code and the angels and demons.i can't wait for the upcoming movie and the release of the third book which is the solomon's key.it's not that dan brown is against the roman catholic.after you have read the books of him it's up to you if your faith will be changed or will be lessen.the works of dan brown inspires people like me.it's better to have knowledge about these things so that you'll not be ignorant.i say it's a nice and good reading material 'cause the author used the facts about our religion to make a good and sensible novel.

You're right that writing is indeed a powerful tool not just in sharing facts but on stirring other peoples minds and inject senseless claims that he himself can't prove.

The book has strayed you from the facts after you are claiming that what he used are facts. You gave me an impression that you believe Dan Brown's misrepresentation of the Church as a murderous institution and also that the Christian faith is utterly false.

Now, you should know why the Vatican is against it. Brown was deaf tone to the feelings of millions of Christians. It is irresponsible and offensive for Brown to impugn the faith of countless Catholics in this fashion. He has no solid evidence to support these contentions, and in the absence of such evidence it is unacceptable to smear the faith of millions with these charges.

A comparable smear would be saying that Lutherans have been murdering the descendants of Luther or that Jewish leaders have been murdering the descendants of Moses. If such charges were made, particularly with no evidence, they would be regarded instantly as vicious and bigoted slanders against what other people hold sacred.

Claiming that Catholics have been killing the descendants of their God is a vile and unacceptable assault on their faith. People of all faiths should regard Dan Brown as the viciously bigoted man that it takes to make this kind of charge.

catholic book of worship

The Biblical Graven Image- No Foolin!

Much of Christianity have violated the first and second commandment by making a GRAVEN IMAGE out of the Bible. I know, it's April 1st, but I'm not kidding, and this isn't an April fools joke. Many have elevated the Bible into an idol, otherwise known as Bibliolatry. Before I go on, let me remind you that I cherish the Bible and see it as sacred to the Christian community to which I belong.  

Bibliolatry (Greek biblion "book" + latria "worship") is the worship of any religious book, but in the case of Christianity, the term bibliolatry is used toward those who either have an extreme devotion to the Bible, or hold to a high view of total biblical inerrancy and infallibility. A Christian's model should be JESUS.

The GRAVEN IMAGE that Exodus 20:4 speaks of isn't limited to a statue carved in stone, but a mental image and a mindset that comes from a lower level of consciousness that sees any outer form (Bible, creed, doctrine, confession) as perfect and absolute.

A GRAVEN IMAGE is any mental out-picturing wherein people believe that they possess the complete understanding and instructions of and from God. That is the role of the Spirit that dwells within us- the divine that is within all of us. It is our EGO that has elevated the Bible to a place of infallibility and yet we then must ask- which Bible (Catholic, Protestant, or dozens of others), and which translation (dozens more)?

The answer of course is the Bible and translation that I (we) USE! 

The very things that Jesus came to reveal are voided by placing the Bible on an altar to be worshipped. Listen, not even Jesus wanted to be worshipped, simply FOLLOWED! It's man's duality-created world that's brought the Bible to such an unsupportable position. Bring the Bible back to it's sacred place, throw off the shackles of infallibility and inerrancy, and seek the Spirit of God (Consciousness) for the gems of truth that are scattered throughout the various books of the library of books called the Bible: whichever one you use.

No foolin! 

About the Author

As a spiritual-futurist, I have a BA degree majoring in history. One cannot know the future without knowing the past which holds clues to what is on the horizon. The world is in such a rapid expansion of knowledge that we are close to entering a tipping point that will forever change earth as we know it.

catholic book of saints

The Origin About The Sweet saint valentine's Day

 

Valentine's Day, also known as St. Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14 in each year, is one of the traditional festivals in western countries. {p2}> As to the so-called Valentine's Day today, its roots can be traced back to Ancient Greece. The adoration and fear to the Pan was very popular at that time.Kate Moss Adore

Pan is a God of fertility and is described as a combination of man and goat; he is bad in temper and moody that makes people tremble when he was mentioned. In fact, english word panic means literally of Pan, this extended meaning is very vivid. Pan was supposed to blow his syrinx and guard his herd. However, he was easily distracted and had amorous affairs with many fairies and goddesses. A sculpture described Pan close to Eros Aphrodite, while Erose circled above their head with wings, the situation is like today's Valentine Day greeting cards on which the same as depicted Cupid.Recession Chic â€[ How to Be Trendiest on a Budget

Many Romans also worship a God for a similar, named Faunus who was described as half-man and half-foat look. Romans will revel to worship Faunus on Lupercalia on February 15 every year. During the holiday, some man with some thread on their body would run round the hill, with whips in their hands.

Any woman who wants to have children just need to stand beside the runway. The Romans believe that if a man beats a woman with whips, her infertility will be cured without medicine. In the Catch Phrase and Fable Dictionary, by Brewer, it is said that St. Valentine served as a priest at the temple during helping the martyred Christians. He turned to Christian later, and was beaten to death by sticks on February 14."

Valentine's Day getting involve in relationship with Valentine is actually a purely coincidence. In fact, this festival may be related to ancient Rome Faun festival or birds mating season as likely as not. The Characteristic of Valentine's is to exchange gifts for lovers. People would like to express their affection by valentine cards till now. The card usually depict Cupid, the heart hit by an arrow and other things.

Regarding the connection of Cupid and Valentine's Day, the dictionary we mentioned aboved records Cupid, the god of love in Roman, is identified with the Greek god Eros.

He usually the representative of by a cute little boy, there are two wings in the back, eyes under a piece of clothes, hand-held bow and arrow. "World Book Encyclopedia" provides further information, which shows that there are different opinions about the origin of the Valentine's Day. The encylopedia points out: it is said that the Roman emperor Claudius II prohibit the young men from marriage during the period AD 200. He believed that unmarried men can become much better soldiers, a priest named Valentine violated the emperor's command, and priested over the wedding for young men secretly.

According to the The Catholic Encyclopedia, in AD 496, St. Gelasius I, abolished Lupercalia, and set aside February 14 the Valentine's Day. And the Valentine's Day has prevailed as a festival for lovers. People began to commemorate it before 14 century. Valentine's Day originate from the ancient faith regardless of the true origin and is named after saint of Christian country. Valentine's Day is also exploited by the business community and become another excuse of money grabbing.

About the Author

catholic book of bible stories

Catholics, how do you feel about this statement written by a Catholic?

Why is this directed at the catholics? most catholics are aware the bible is just a book of stories and poetry meant to teach and not necessarily True in all aspects. Even the Church attest to the fact that the bible has no science in it and it mostly good stories and that is all. this should be directed at the Evangelical christian nut jobs.

Christians know that the bible is the word of God.

catholic art

Catholic Boarding Schools and Your Teen

Many teens today are troubled. It might be growing pains or being annoyed with their parents or other things ranging through dabbling in drugs and alcohol to running with the wrong crowd and getting into trouble with the police. The question of why kids go off the rails will always be asked and the answer probably varies from teen to teen. But worried parents will do almost anything to help their troubled teen and one way is to choose a school where the kids get every chance to do well as a student and as a young adult.

Catholic boarding schools are one type of educational institution where young teens can get an excellent and all-round education. Academically these schools are first-class and on top of that they offer fine sporting and performing arts opportunities. But best of all and overall Catholic boarding schools teach the difference between right and wrong. They give their students the chance to develop a moral compass. Of course there is the religious side and as many parents are Christians, this makes a Catholic boarding a highly sought-after school.

But if any student who attends a Catholic boarding school is troubled, the school has a program in place to assist this student. Obviously they want the student's academic studies to continue and to prosper, but they also wish to tackle the issue which is causing the teen trouble. Good mental and physical health is an aim for every child to attain.

This means a series of assessments to find out the cause of the problem and then setting up the appropriate therapy and counseling to get the teen back on track. A Catholic boarding school aims to help turn out all its students as well-educated and well-rounded young people with a clear knowledge of what is right and wrong. It is often the case that a teen has a grudge. It may be against their parents or teachers or just at life itself. The teen years can be difficult times and careful handling of the teen and the right encouragement are vital ingredients. That's another strength of a Catholic boarding school - the staff seeks to understand the difficulties being experienced by the troubled teen and work as a team to help them grow in self-esteem and confidence.

The extra-curricula activities are also a major benefit to the students. Sporting opportunities abound as do those in the performing arts. Because the students are boarders, they have many opportunities to work on their areas of expertise be it athletics, ballet or playing an instrument. Academically they have extra time too with scheduled study sessions after school which are compulsory and supervised. Parents looking for an all-round education for their child will do well to examine all that a Catholic boarding school has to offer.

Parents can take heart not just in the wide-ranging programs available at their child's Catholic boarding school but also in the fact their son or daughter is safe. They are boarding schools and there is security 24/7 giving peace to both parent and teen.

About the Author

Having trouble in finding the best boarding high school for your teens? Worry no more just visit www.teen-boarding-school.com for more information.

catholic music book

Wedding Locations and Venues in Spain

Spain is the second most visited country in the world. History oozes from every corner and in southern Spain you are practically guaranteed warm weather year-round. Spain gives you the opportunity to have an outdoor wedding surrounded by beautiful landscapes as well as a chance for all your guests to holiday, take some time out and have fun!!

With so much choice across the country, here is a review of the most outstanding spots for me. The location you choose will pretty much depend on the kind of destination wedding you have in mind, although if you still haven’t decided, this mini guide may help you get some ideas.

Malaga as a wedding destination

Malaga is an ideal choice if you are looking for a sun and sea wedding and vacation, although it has many beautiful rural spots to offer. Malaga has stunning beaches, modern facilities and great weather, not too hot – not too cold! The sea winds are not too strong in this area either, compared to further down the coast such as Cadiz.

As Malaga is mainly geared towards tourism, there are many hotels to choose from, although the entertainment options are slimmer than in other Spanish cities such as Seville or Granada. The main historical monuments can only found in the main city, whilst the coastal towns offer bars and beaches. There are, on the other hand, plenty of sea activities: taking a small cruise across the coast, scuba diving, jet skiing or simply having dinner at a restaurant on the beach…... Malaga is glamour and class.

Ideas

Malaga offers its Botanical Gardens for weddings. You can have the blessing, banquet and reception here. The Botanical Gardens used to be the home of a rich merchant family and features a stunning pergola overlooking the entire state. A great bonus is that you can do evening/night weddings, perfect in the summer when the sun doesn’t set until 9 – 10 pm.

Benalmadena, a coastal town, offer its Bil-Bil castle. This is a newly constructed castle however its charm lies on its location – practically on the beach. You can have your ceremony, banquet and reception all within the castle grounds.

Marbella boasts some amazing beach restaurants/lounges where you can have a jet-set glamorous wedding. Many of them are large enough to have a blessing in the same grounds, such as Pangaea Prive.  The amazing Finca La Concepcion can also be found in Marbella and it is one of the best wedding venues I have ever seen. The finca itself is beautiful, with a remarkable entrance. Although it is only a short drive from Puerto Banus, as soon as you arrive to the Finca you feel like you are in the middle of the countryside, where the only sounds come from birds singing.

The Byblos hotel in Mijas is truly amazing and is available for weddings. The hotel is set within the Mijas Golf Course, with its stunning lakes and peaceful surroundings. Byblos is “Andalusi” inspired, combining Spanish and Arabic decoration. This is a wonderful place to have a banquet and reception as the building itself is beautiful. The restaurant is set near the pool and you can have live music until late. Speaking from personal experience, this is an amazing hotel to have your honeymoon. The rooms are luxurious, the staff make you feel like royalty, it is quiet enough to sleep-in and stay in bed as long as you want, and some of the rooms have gigantic baths!

On the other side of the coast we find Nerja, a favorite amongst many couples. Although a little far from the airport, Nerja has some fantastic views, restaurants and still keeps that bohemian look about it. There is plenty for guests to do here, including some unique caves where you can watch ballet shows in the summer. The most stunning part of Nerja is the Europa Point, fantastic for pictures. Right next to it is a great restaurant, Casa Luque, where I have attended a couple of weddings. The restaurant features a gigantic terrace on the edge of a cliff, looking right out to sea, where you can celebrate the blessing, banquet and reception.

You can create your wedding theme around the venue: For example a vintage 40’s – 50’s theme, a style that can provide a lot of entertainment and fun. Swing was in and the "cool cat" sounds of Benny Goodman, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin were being heard in ballrooms and nightclubs everywhere. If you love the jumpin' and jivin' sounds of the 1940’s, along with glamour, then why not plan your wedding theme around this fascinating era?

A wedding in Spain does not have to mean you are limited in choice. Live music agencies such as The Tribute Band provide all styles of party entertainment, with professional musicians from all over the world. Have a look at some videos so you can start getting an idea of what atmosphere you want to create during the reception.

Pros

• Clean, accessible beaches
• Near Airport
• Excellent weather
• Many English speakers

Cons

• Not much historical heritage in the coastal areas
• A car is needed to go pretty much everywhere - alternatively, hire a mini-bus with a chauffeur.

Seville as a wedding destination

Seville used to be the capital of Spain until, for strategic reasons, it was moved further inland to Madrid. This is the city where Columbus set sail from, scene to the romantic Carmen opera, and is in my opinion the most Spanish of all the Andalucian capitals. Surrounded by monuments dating back thousands of years, gigantic parks and a stunning river, it will give your guests (and yourselves) the chance to enjoy Spain in all its splendor. Culture and folklore emanate from every corner; Seville has the highest quality flamenco shows.

The city is very near Malaga, where there is a denser population of English speakers, therefore having a blessing in English or any other language will be no problem at all.

Ideas

Holding the wedding at a Spanish “Cortijo” or “hacienda”. “Cortijos” are the typical farmhouses of southern Spain. This may not sound very glamorous at first but these are in fact the most refined and noble of all. Families became rich over centuries breading horses and bulls. Photo of Cortijo.

Many of these “Cortijos” specialize in celebrating weddings. This could be a great option as you can have the blessing, the banquet and the reception all in one place. Some have even been turned into hotels and have accommodation with a suite for the bride and groom, spas, additional restaurants….

Having your destination Spanish wedding in a “Cortijo” sets the scene and theme easily. You and your guests will be in out-of-the-ordinary surroundings, making it a magical and memorable experience

Adding your touch

Having your destination wedding with a Spanish theme does not mean you have to miss out on adding your personal touch. Quite the opposite, use the theme as a canvas and make the wedding truly yours. I think a wedding should reflect the personalities of the bride and groom. Live music and entertainment can help you a great deal here.

A Gospel choir or even a classical guitarist, playing during your outdoor ceremony …  Once the ceremony has finished a great way to greet all your guests is over a “cocktail”. You can have it very close to the blessing grounds and have the waiters serve appetizers and drinks. With a jazz and swing band playing in the background, you will keep your guests from getting bored until you arrive back from taking photos, and what more can you ask for: sipping on champagne, outdoors in the sun, while you listen to Sinatra’s “LOVE” played live!

A wedding in Spain does not have to mean flamenco dancers and Spanish songs. Live music agencies such as The Tribute Band provide all styles of party entertainment, with professional musicians from all over the world. Have a look at some videos so you can start getting an idea of what atmosphere you want to create during the reception.

Pros

• Clean, environmentally friendly city
• True Spanish feel to it
• Lots for guests to do and see
• Superior quality restaurants and products, not much more expensive than the rest of Andalucia.
• Near Airport
• Great for honeymooning

Cons

• Very hot during July & August
• Not near the sea
• Not many English speaking service providers so communication can be hard – although Malaga is just a short drive and many can be booked from there.

Granada as a wedding destination

Granada was the capital of the “Andalusi” world, the Moorish kings who conquered and lived in Andalucia for over 700 years. With the Alhambra forever present, this city is a true blend of Jewish, Catholic, Moorish and modern Spanish culture.

Choosing Granada as a wedding destination offers many possibilities: Snow, City and Beach. The city of Granada is set inland although the province runs all the way down to the coast. There is also a ski resort, Sierra Nevada, with the longest skiing season in Europe.  This gives you plenty of options to organize guest activities and lots to do for your own honeymoon.

Eating out in Granada is extremely reasonable and fun. It is a tradition in many bars across the city to get a free “tapa” each time you order a drink. Granada University is one of the most prestigious in Spain and therefore the city has a vast array of live music venues for all ages.

Ideas

Quite obviously, the ideal choice is to have your wedding near the Alhambra such as in the old town, the “Albaycin”. The noble people who lived in ancient Granada had homes in this part of the city, right next to the Alhambra palace. Many wonderful restaurants in the area have terraces with views to the beautiful labyrinths of narrow streets running across the “Albaycin”.

Within the forests of the Alhambra, next to the “Albaycin”, and the “Generalife” (residence of the sultans who lived in Spain) there is a wonderful Hacienda, “Carmen de los Chapiteles” ideal for weddings. Enchanting gardens and fountains and views of a city you will not forget easily.

Another fantastic option is the “Parador de la Alhambra” located within the Alhambra palace itself.

Pros

• Beautiful monuments, buildings and gardens
• Easy to move around without a car – Taxis are very reasonable
• Mix of landscapes & activities: beach, snow and city
• Mixture of interesting cultures

Cons

• Very hot in July & August and very cold during December, January & February
• Not many English speaking service providers  – so it is hard to communicate. However Malaga is just a short drive and many can be booked from there.

About the Author

I am an experienced live music manager and entertainment planner. I am Spanish although I speak fluent English as I went to an international school. Currently I live in Mijas, Malaga, Spain in the Costa del Sol. I am happily married to a renowned drummer, who works alongside me creating unique personalized live music performances. I have attended and coordinated numerous parties, award celebrations, weddings, product launches for clients across Spain and Portugal including the Costa del Sol, Algarve, Gibraltar, Madrid, Granada ...
http://www.thetributeband.net

catholic music project

Fantastic Things to see in San Francisco

 

San_Francisco Airport Rent-A-Car

Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge is probably the most recognized San Francisco landmark. Since I moved here many of my friends come to visit and because of this I have the chance to go to Golden Gate Bridge maybe 10 times a year. But I never get tired of walking on the bridge which is about 2 miles long. On a sunny day you are rewarded with great views of Alcatraz, San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. But foggy days can be interesting too. I usually stop at one of the vista points at the two ends and walk all the way to the center where you can touch the main cable and be impressed by the magnificent engineering that went into building the bridge. If you stop at the vista point before the tolls you can find a section of the main cable. After crossing the bridge make a U-turn at Alexander exit and continue up the hill for beautiful views of the bridge and San Francisco.

Sea lions at Pier 39
Frankly I consider Pier 39 with its carnival-like atmosphere a tourist trap, but I like the sea lions. They started arriving here in 1990; they used to be seasonal and come every January but now they're here all year round. They're smelly and noisy but so fun to watch.

Alcatraz
Everybody heard of Alcatraz as the maximum security prison but it only served this purpose from 1934-63. Before 1934 it served as a fort for the US military until 1907 when it became a military prison. Unoccupied from 1963 to 1969 the islands was taken over by members of the American Indian Movement. Today Alcatraz is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. To get to Alcatraz you need to take a Blue & Gold Fleet ferry which departs from Pier 41. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer.

Inside Alcatraz
Most buildings on the island are now in ruins but the cellhouse is intact and can be visited. Rent one of the self-guided audio-tours available at the entrance; they are well made and a good value for the money. While you stroll through the corridors between the blocks you get to hear former inmates talking about the harsh life on Alcatraz and you listen to details about different escapes tried by the prisoners. Some of the cells are open so you can enter and look around. We went there on a cold day (which is every other day in San Francisco) and the wind blowing through the corridors and the freezing temperature gave this place an even more depressing look.

Cable Cars
Cable cars are considered one of the San Francisco signatures. This public transportation system was invented in 1873 and was designed to deal with the city's steep slopes. Presently there's only three lines left (Powell-Mason, Powell-Hyde, and California Street). The concept is quite simple. Under the city streets there's looped cable which is powered from the central powerhouse. When the cable car gripman operated the handle the grip grabs the cable and the cable car is pulled along by the moving cable. So hop in and enjoy the ride.

Cable Cars Barn and Museum
The massive brick building located at the junction of Mason and Washington Streets is San Francisco's only surviving cable car barn. Although the building's main function is as a powerhouse and barn, it also houses a small museum which offers insight into the inner workings of the cable car system as well as historical tidbits regarding cable cars. On the upper level there is a balcony which offers a view of the huge wheels over which the continuous loops of cables are revolving. It's quite an impressive sight, especially when you realize that the entire cable car system is run from here (the signs above the huge wheels read "California" "Mason" "Hyde" "Powel", the only remaining cable car lines). The museum's exhibits include the Car No 8, the only survivor of San Francisco's first cable car line, which began operation in 1873. The museum also includes explanatory displays, historical tools and photos. Downstairs you can take another look at the "sheave" (wheel) room where the thick steel cables enter the building before being routed up to the main sheaves. Address: 1201 Mason St. at Washington.

Baker Beach
Baker beach is to me the best of SF's beaches. It not a good place to swim because of the strong currents but if you tried to swim in the Pacific Ocean around San Francisco you'll know the water is too cold for swimming anyway. But you can sunbathe and fish and walk along the beach looking at the Golden Gate Bridge. At the end of the beach there are tables and grills for barbequing.

SF Museum of Modern Art
This is the place to see modern art in San Francisco. SF MOMA's collection includes major works by the 20th-century artists from post-impressionists to latest contemporary art. The beautiful building designed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta has a central skylight which gives the atrium a theatrical feel. The museum was created in 1935 but moved to its current location in the South of Market neighborhood in 1995. Works by the 20th-century European artists are located on the second floor including paintings by Matisse, Braque, Picasso and a beautiful sculpture by Brancusi. There are three paintings that I really enjoyed and I believe should not be missed: "The flower carrier" by Diego Rivera, "Frieda and Diego Rivera" by Frida Kahlo and "Guardians of the secret" by Jackson Pollock. The two upper floors are dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Address: 151 Third Street (between Mission and Howard Streets).

Chinatown (I) : The Gate
The Chinatown gate can be found at the intersection of Bush St. and Grant Avenue. It has three beautifully ornated arches and is guarded by two lions. Its design was inspired after ceremonial entrances of Chinese villages. The materials were provided by the Taiwan government and the design belongs to Clayton Lee. The gate opened in 1970. Once you pass through it, you'll find yourself surrounded by a multitude of shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, electronics, artwork etc. Address: Bordered by Broadway, Bush, Kearny, Stockton St.

Chinatown (II): Grant Avenue
Grant Avenue, between Bush Street and Broadway is the main tourist street of Chinatown. The avenue is lined with dragon-entwined lamp posts and buildings that borrow elements from Chinese architecture, with towers and curved rooftops. Grant Avenue is an odd mix of souvenir shops for tourists, restaurants, banks etc. The parallel Stockton Street seems to cater more for the local Chinese community.

Twin Peaks
This point offers a great panorama of downtown, the bay and the two bridges and the views are beautiful both at the daytime and at night. There is a parking lot at the top but you can also get there by bus (No. 37) followed by a little hiking. Climb one of the two hills and you'll get a 360 degrees view of the city. It's better if you bring a light jacket, otherwise the wind will make you leave too soon.

Fisherman's Wharf
I believe that Fisherman's Wharf is San Francisco's number one tourist trap but in a way getting there is unavoidable for the San Francisco's tourist. The sea lions at Pier 39 are located here; the Alcatraz ferrys or the bay cruises have Fisherman's Wharf as a starting point. But the place is a tourist trap. Think about it: Fisherman's Wharf has a Ripley Believe It or Not! Museum, a Wax Museum and a Rainforest Cafe. Plus a great number of souvenir stores where you can buy anything from bumper stickers to t-shirts reading "I left my heart in San Francisco" or "I escaped from Alcatraz".

Fisherman's Wharf has lots of seafood restaurants and sidewalk stands where sea products are sold. Try to sample some of the food; it's not exactly fine dining but it's good. Some restaurants offer nice views of the bay along with food. Be warned that this place is very crowded; Fisherman's Wharf has its share of street performers with their mine and music acts; one of the funniest acts is the "Bushman" (you'll recognize him right away).

Transamerica Pyramid
The Transamerica Pyramid is the most remarkable presence in San Francisco's skyline. Located in the financial district, it's the tallest building in the city, measuring 853 ft (256m) from the street level. It was designed by William Pereira as an office building for Transamerica corporation, a financial institution. The building opened in 1972. The public is not allowed at the upper floors. Address: 600 Montgomery St

Japanese Tea Garden
Located in the Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco. It was established in 1894 and for many years it was tended by the Japanese gardener Makota Hagiwara. The garden is made of a maze of winding paths lined with Japanese trees, shrubs and flowers, a few ponds and a wooden pagoda. The Moon Bridge takes its name from its form and close to the tea tables one can find a large statue of Buddha that was cast in Japan in 1790. The open teahouse offers tea and cookies and is a perfect place for relaxation.

Muir Woods
At the base of Mount Tamalpais is the Muir Woods National Monument, a forest of old coast redwoods, one of the few remaining in California. The woods are named after John Muir, a naturalist and conservationist who fought for the creation of national parks. The Main Trail is paved and is very crowded especially on weekends; it features one of the tallest trees in the forest. If you follow one of the trails branching from the Main Trail you can leave the crowds behind and enjoy a nice hike. Muir Woods is accesible by car. There is no public transportation but you can find some tour companies that go there.

Alamo Square
You've probably iseen an image of the Alamo Square Victorian houses long before coming here. When a director of a movie or sitcom wants to give the audience some hints that the action takes place in San Francisco, they show a few opening shots which are almost always the same: the Golden Gate Bridge, a cable car, the Coit Tower, a steep street and the Victorian houses at Alamo Square. This image is one of the San Francisco signatures, appearing on postcards and on the covers of many guidebooks. It's also one of the most photographed views of the city. I guess what makes this viewpoint special, besides the six beautiful houses, is the background of the city downtown with its skyscrapers. The six Queen Anne-style houses were completed in 1895. They are very similar, I believe their beauty also resides in the little differences (it would have been less interesting to have 6 identical houses or 6 totally different houses). Address: At the intersection of Steiner and Hayes streets.

Lombard Street
Lombard Street is another postcard perfect San Francisco attraction. Because of that it's also very popular and no matter the day of the year you'll find numerous people taking pictures here. The attraction is advertised as the "crookedest street in the world" with eight curves in one block descent from Hyde to Leavenworth. The street wasn't always crooked (evidently) but its natural grade of 27 degrees made it harder for the earlier automobiles to climb it. Around 1920, the switchbacks were added and in the process the curve incline was reduced to 16. Cars can only go downhill while on the two sides there are stairways for pedestrians. The views from the top of the section are beautiful (towards the Coit Tower and the Alcatraz). It's nicer to visit in the summer when the flowers are in bloom. Address: Lombard Street. Descent begins at Hyde Street.

North Beach
North Beach is known today as the Italian neighbourhood although many immigrant settlers of different ethnic background called this place home before the Italians. North Beach is one of the touristy parts of San Francisco that I visit often, the reason being the joyfull atmosphere and the fact that you can dine outside in numerous places. It's a nice place to stroll and a good place to eat. At one point in time North Beach used to be the bohemian neighbourhood of San Francisco, home for the San Francisco's Beat counterculture so a walking tour of the neighbourhood must include the Vesuvio Caffe, the City Lights Bookstore, the Tosca and Trieste Caffes, all places of gatherings for the "beatniks" like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Another highlight of this area is the Washington Square Park lined on one side by the Saints Peter and Paul Church, a beautiful Gothic Revival church. And finally, no tour of San Francisco will be complete without seeing the Coit Tower, which sits on top of Telegraph Hill. At night this place becomes even more vibrant, with numerous bars, saloons and lots of jazz clubs. Really nice. And I almost forgot about Broadway Street, also part of North Beach. It's the "adult entertainment" zone.

Union Square
Union Square is the heart of the city's shopping district. Many of San Francisco's largest department stores can be found here, names like Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Levis. On the west side lies the famous Westin St. Francis hotel. The square is named after the big pro-Union rallies that were held here during the Civil War of 1861-1865. In the center of the square there is a statue of Victory, on top of a tall column. It's called the Dewey Monument, which commemorates Admiral Dewey's victory at Manilla during the Spanish-American war of 1898. The square has been redesigned recently; now it's almost only concrete and stone, with a few green touches. There is one caffe in the square where you can buy a coffe and sip it in the sun while enjoying the display of architecture around you and the people going by. On weekends local artists display their paintings here.

Coit Tower
Coit Tower represents another San Francisco signature landmark, one that appears in all the movies when we're supposed to understand that the action will take place in San Francisco. It sits at the top of Telegraph Hill, in a great location with gorgeous views all around. It's a popular tourist attraction and if you come here by car and on a weekend you'll wait ages to get to the parking lot at the top. I prefer to hike up Telegraph Hill and do some little exercise along the way - well, weather permitting There's also a MUNI bus that goes to Coit Tower, the #39. The tower was built in 1933 with funds left by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, an eccentric San Franciscan. Inside, the lobby is decorated with murals (since I like their story I'll write a separate tip about them). A short elevator ascent will take you to the observation deck where you'll find the gorgeous views I was talking about. There's Bay Bridge to the east, downtown San Francisco with Transamerica to the south, Marin County to the north and Russian Hill and the Golden Gate Bridge to the west. The tickets for the observation deck are sold in the gift shop (to tell you the truth, I think $3.50 is too expensive, but hey, you're on vacation). I almost forgot; the architect was Arthur Brown, who's done quite a bit of work in the San Francisco area including the San Francisco City Hall.

The story of the Coit Tower murals
The murals in the lobby of Coit Tower have an interesting story of their own. They were commisioned in 1934 by the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), a government funded program designed to keep artists employed during the Great Depression. The murals depict life in modern California and they were painted by 25 local artists, students of the famouse Mexican communist artist, Diego Rivera. Scenes range from the busy streets of the Financial District (with a robbery in progress) to factories and the Central Valley wheat fields. Seeing the murals you can sense the social commentary. The work criticizes the economic inequities of life during the Great Depression, and that made the murals highly controversial when the project was finished. Many where upset with the work's political content, seeing the murals as Communist inspired. Responding to pressure the San Francisco Art Commision delayed the opening of the Coit Tower and considered destroying the murals. After numerous debates Coit Tower was finally opened to the public in October 1934. What amazed me is that the murals are remarkable close in style despite the fact that so many different artists created them.

Mission Dolores (I)
Mission Dolores is San Francisco's oldest building, dating from 1791. Its formal name is Mission San Francisco de Asis but it became known as Mission Dolores from a nearby pond (long gone), La laguna de los Dolores (Lake of Our Lady of Sorrows). The small chapel was preserved almost intact, its 4 ft (1.2m) thick walls having survived two major earthquakes. When the Mexican government secularized the missions in 1834 to acquire their lands, Mission Dolores was transformed into a tavern and dance hall until finally in 1859 was reacquired by the Catholic Church and reconsecrated. Along the years the Catholic Church erected a series of larger churches alongside the old chapel to accommodate a growing congregation. The last of these, the basilica that can be seen next door was added in 1913. The facade of the basilica is highly ornated, which brings out even more the simple beauty of the mission chapel.

Touring the Mission Dolores (II)
I really enjoyed my tour of Mission Dolores. I visited on a Wednesday morning when only a few people were around, and most of the time I found myself alone during the tour. The tour starts with the small chapel, beautifully washed in yellow light. The wooden altar was hand carved in Mexico and brought to the mission in 1780. The beamed ceiling is covered in multicolored motifs which are said to resemble the local Ohlone Indian decorative patterns. On the floor of the chapel there are a few plaques marking the burial sights of prominent locals. As you exit the chapel there is a diorama of the mission as it appeared in 1799. From there you can go into the new basilica which has some beautiful panels and stained glass windows. Next you'll find the small museum which houses different religious artifactsy or things found during the restorations of the chapel. Inside the museum, on the left as you enter, a section of the wall plaster is cut away to show the thick adobe bricks. The last stop of the tour is the cemetery, where many local notables from the early times of the city are buried. If you read the names on the graves you'll recognize the names of many streets in San Francisco. The cemetery also holds the remains of more than 5000 Native Americans most of whom died in the measles epidemics of 1804 and 1826. The cemetery was green and peaceful and I saw a few hummingbirds. The entrance fee is $3 and $2 more if you want the audio tour.

The Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is the most engaging science museum that I've seen so far. Their philosophy is to teach science through hands-on participation and that's what makes it interesting. You'll have to push buttons, rotate wheels or perform a wide variety of other actions to set the experiments in motion. Each experiment has instructions and explanations nearby so you can understand what it is you're setting in motion. We spent 3 hours there and only got through half of the museum before the closing hours (well, we are geeks so maybe we were enjoying it more than other people). It is incredibly fun. Exhibits are located on the main floor and mezzanine level being divided into 13 subjects areas Electricity, Motion, Weather, Vision, Light, Color and Sound. The Exploratorium was established in 1969 by physicist Frank Oppenheimer who was the one that embraced the philosophy that it's best teach science through hands-on participation. The museum was full of kids, so if you travel with kids this is one of the places in San Francisco that would be nice to visit. The top attraction of the museum is the Tactile Dome, a totally dark sphere in which you crawl your way along, touching sensorially stimulating objects and textures (not for claustrophobes). You'll need reservations for the Tactile Dome.

Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is San Francisco's most dramatic piece of architecture. Despite the name is not an art museum or a palace for that matter but rather a Classical style ruin at the edge of a beautiful lagoon. It was designed by the Bay Area architect Bernard Maybeck for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915 and built with the intention to last until the end of the exhibition. When the buildings of the fair were torn down, citizens lobbied to spare the Palace of Fine Arts. And spared it was but by early 1960s the building which was made from such materials as wood, plaster and burlap started to crumble and became a ruin in the true sense of the word. Finally, the money for reconstruction was found and in 1962 the building was rebuilt using reinforced concrete. The lagoon is the perfect spot for an afternoon walk, watching the swans gliding on the lake in front of the rotunda.

Castro
The Castro district is the center of the San Francisco's gay community. I live nearby and often come here to eat, there are many good restaurants in this area. The neighborhood centers around the intersections of Castro and 18th streets. It's a lovely neighborhood, alive at all times of day. Castro started emerging as a gay district in the early 1970, when gay San Franciscans began buying properties in this area and gay bars started opening here. The side streets are also worth exploring, lined as they are with rows of beautiful Victorian houses. You'll notice many of the windows displaying the rainbow flag. One of the area's highlights is the Castro Theater, a beautiful building where you can catch some interesting films (let's just say that you won't find the latest Hollywood blockbuster here). On Halloween the streets are closed to car traffic and a big costumes party takes place here.

Japan Center
The Japan Center is a large shopping and dining complex centered around a five-tiered concrete pagoda called the Peace Pagoda. The complex dates from the 60's when blocks of Victorian houses in this area were demolished, Geary Boulevard was widened and the five building structure of Japan Center was built. Inside the complex there are numerous Japanese restaurants, art galleries and antiques shops, music and video stores as well as a big Japanese bookstore (they sell titles in English as well). The AMC Kabuki Theater is one of the places that hosts the San Francisco International Film Festival (every year in April).

Conservatory of Flowers
The Conservatory of Flowers is a beautiful glass structure which shelters more than 20000 rare and exotic plants. The oldest building in Golden Gate Park, the conservatory is modeled after a greenhouse in London's Kew Gardens. It was manufactured in Ireland for a San Jose millionaire, James Lick, who died before its arrival. The disassembled structure was purchased by a group of businessmen and donated to the Golden Gate Park. The building was severely damaged by a severe storm in 1995 and it was closed for repairs until 2003 but today you can visit it daily from 9am to 4.30 pm ($5 admission). They have two rooms dedicated to the tropics and one of them has many delicate orchids, very beautiful. I also remember an aquatic plants section and a room with potted plants which really appealed to my mother-in-law who has a passion for potted plants.

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