West Virginia Capitol building

The most recognizable icon of West Virginia would be its Capitol Building. Settled along the Midland trail, this stately construction welcomes everybody traveling along the I-77/I-60 into Charleston.

Though the Capitol construction was only complete in 1932, Charleston has been West Virginia's capitol for some years, though intermittently. When West Virginia has been declared a State through declaration by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the state Capitol has alternated in the middle of Wheeling, the site of the inauguration of its first governor, and Charleston, the selection for state capital. Wheeling was a fair length from Charleston and to replacement the state records, officials and the capital itself, a extra packet boat was utilized to float all down the Ohio River, through to Kanawha and into Charleston.

Bangkok Tour

That was in 1870. Five years later, someone else legislature was voted in favor of returning the capital back to Wheeling. Back up the river the capitol went, and back into the Lindley design building, where the state's first legislature was convened. Not long after, the capitol moved into a stone construction donated by Wheeling.

After only two years, there was a clamor to move the capital again. The Legislature of 1977 let the people vote for their selection of capitals. Among the cities up for voting was Clarksburg, Martinsburg and Charleston. Charleston won the beloved vote, and the capital moved back into Charleston.

It was in 1885 when the capital moved back into Charleston, to newly built capitol building. The construction served the state for 36 years, until it burned down in January of 1921. The capital moved into a temporary building, while a new capitol construction was being built. The temporary capitol, or the "pasteboard Capitol" as it was called, due to the structure being hastily put together, only served the capital for six years - it too, burned down.

Luckily, the Capitol construction was nearing its completion. In 1927, when the temporary capitol was destroyed by fire, the west wing was already finished, and the east wing was nearing completion. By 1932, the Capitol construction was finished, with the main wing, which along with the dome was finished. The Capitol construction that you see facing the Kanawha River in Charleston today was opened and dedicated in June 20, 1932 by West Virginia Governor, William G. Conley.

The West Virginia Capitol construction in Charleston spans 14 acres of floor space, and features a gleaming golden dome. Built with limestones on a steel frame, the majestic construction was designed by Architect Cass Gilbert, the man behind the Capitols of Arkansas and Minnesota and the United States supreme Court Building. The dome extends at 293-foot high - five feet higher than the United States Capitol in Washington, Dc.

West Virginia Capitol building

National Flower of Thailand

If you did not already know, Thailand is home to some of the most beautifully captivating flora in the world. In fact, there is an abundance of floral species and display almost all year round. The Ratchaphruek is considered as the national flower of Thailand as it represents so much of what Thailand is.

Chosen as the National Flower of Thailand, the Ratchaphruek can be grown anywhere in Thailand for all to enjoy. This means that all Thais know of the flower from this tree and able to admire its beauty wherever they live. The Ratchaphruek is grown easily throughout Thailand and because of this reason it was regarded as the true national Flower of the country. The Ratchaphruek glows with clusters of golden flowers. Streets can be seen to be lined with gold throughout the flowering period. It is also known as the Golden Shower tree because it hangs its long boughs of densely decorated golden flowers down from its very top, so all can admire.

Pattaya

Yellow is a significant color to Thai people as it reflects the importance of their Buddhist belief. It is also the color that represent s Monday, which is the day His Majesty the King of Thailand was born. Colors play an important part in Thai culture, and gold or yellow is a very fortuitous tone.

As the unofficial flower of Thailand, the orchid is more prevalent in Thailand than in any other area in Asia. They are also regarded highly as national significance.

Whilst the Golden shower Tree or Ratchaphruek flowers all through the summer for Thailand, the orchid brightens the winter as it blooms all through this season. The orchid has been a booming trade for the Thai people and the spice Turmeric is cultivated from this flower.

National Flower of Thailand

Thailand - A Trip to This Beautiful Oriental Country Is Worth Your Time and Money

Thailand is a land that has been blessed by nature. The country is constituted by 5 regions - central, south, east, north and northeast. 76 provinces make up these five regional zones. Each of the regions has their own charm and beauty. They follow their own distinct culture and traditions. As part of your Bangkok tour package, you can choose to tour any one of these regions so that you get to explore the land thoroughly. The northern regions of Thailand are rich in natural life with vast expanses of jungles. These dense forests house hill tribes who still follow their ancient style of life. A package Thailand comprising of the northern regions is a must for all nature lovers.

As you travel down south, the central region presents a contrast from the thick forests of the north. The central region is agriculture based and are largely responsible for the name bestowed to Thailand - the Rice Bowl of Asia. On your Bangkok tour package, you can take a trip into the countryside and watch the lush green expanses of rice fields swaying in the breeze. The sight is definitely breathtaking.

Thailand Travel

South is replete with stunning beaches, which have made Thailand one of the best beach holiday resorts in the world. Tourists flock to beaches in Phuket, take a trip to Pattaya and visit Samui for unmatched beach holidays. Every beach offers a different experience and are great for partying or for lounging on the white and golden sands.

Thailand is special for a number of reasons and if you want to experience its charm to the fullest, you need to include some offbeat places in your Bangkok tour package. Also, include visits to local shops instead of malls and branded showrooms that are spread all over the city. Being one of the major metropolitans of the world, Bangkok is endowed with the best of all worlds. However, a little into the less commercialized places can be well worth your money.

Shopping can be a very unique experience in Thailand, be it on a trip to Pattaya, Bangkok or far down south Phuket. You can look for some authentic Thai made articles. Typical ones are Pearl oyster baskets, a huge range of articles made from coconut shells such as bird cages and goldfish baskets and myriad kinds of pottery. A package Thailand in incomplete if you do not take time out to shop for exotoc stuff that you will find no where else in the world. Elephant statues made of various materials is a specialty of Thailand. The mother and child sets are especially cute and beautiful. You can also shop for some exotic Thai clothes that are unique.

Thailand - A Trip to This Beautiful Oriental Country Is Worth Your Time and Money