stancedual

Washington, District of Columbia is the United States capital. It was founded on July 16, 1790. There were, first, two different cities: Washington and Territory of Columbia, but an act of Congress in 1871 made the two cities into one, know known by the name mentioned above or simply by Washington or District of Columbia. When the Europeans first arrived, around the 17th century, the area around the Anacostia River where Washington is now located, was inhabited by the Algonquian people known as the Nacotchtank. One century later, this Native American people moved from that location. There was a need for a federal district since1783, but only on July 16, 1790, the Residence Act provided for a new permanent capital to be located on the Potomac River, the exact area to be selected by President Washington. On September 9, 1791, the federal city was named in honor of George Washington, and the district was named the Territory of Columbia.

In 2008, the city had 591,833 residents, but during workweeks, with the number of people who work in it, the population increases incredibly in 71.8%. The district is located in the transition between the humid subtropical climate zone and the Humid continental climate. The weather is mainly temperate. During spring and fall, it is mild with low humidity while winter is cold with snowfalls. The annual rainfall is of about 1.400 mm.

The city is of 177 km2. Its territory was granted by the state of Maryland, which is one of the surroundings countries, together with Virginia. Approximately 19.4% of Washington, D.C. is parkland. The major parks are Rock Creek Park, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, the National Mall, Theodore Roosevelt Island, the Constitution Gardens, Meridian Hill Park, and Anacostia Park.

Together with the National Mall are the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the National World War II M.emorial at the east end of the Reflecting Pool, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Albert Einstein Memorial. The National Air and Space Museum is amazing, even for the ones who dislike things related to the space. In it, you can touch a piece from the moon and has the largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft in the world. Other sites to visit are National Museum of Natural History, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Arlington National Cemetery, which, even though is a graveyard, is extremely beautiful and the Kennedy brothers were buried in it. Regarding arts, you may want to visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum (formerly known as the National Museum of American Art) and the National Portrait Gallery. But, of course, I couldn’t forget about the White House, which serves as the President of the United States home and principal workplace, but unfortunately, is closed to the general public visitation.

The main economic activities are services, business services and media (TV channels, newspapers, magazines).

Washington, D.C. is a very important city and great for people involved in politics to live in. But all ages can have fun and learn a lot of history in this enchanting city.

By: Roberta

Stephanie Rieth de Lima – Social Studies and Math – 8th E

Dublin is the largest city and capital of Ireland. It covers an area of 70,000 km2 with 4,000,000 people speaking English as an official language, but Gaelic is widely diffused, though! Many are the attractions for those who love nature: secluded, hidden springs, rocks, cracks and caves. Unforgettable for anybody who loves quiet and peace in communion with nature.

Dublin enjoys a maritime temperate climate characterized by mild winters, cool summers, and a lack of temperature extremes with moderate rainfall. However, contrary to popular belief, Dublin does not experience as high rainfall as the west of Ireland, which receives over twice that of the capital city. Dublin has fewer rainy days, on average, than London.

Originally founded as a Viking settlement, it evolved into the Kingdom of Dublin and became the island’s primary city following the Norman invasion. Dublin is a historical and contemporary cultural centre for the island of Ireland as well as a modern centre of education, the arts, administrative function, economy and industry.

Dublin is a popular shopping spot for both Irish people and tourists. It has a huge structure for shopping. There are a lot of shopping centers, with famous stores. You can´t live this place without visiting the shopping Brown Thomas! It’s architecture is just marvelous.

A north-south division has traditionally existed in Dublin for some time, with the dividing line being the River Liffey. The Northside is traditionally seen by some as working-class (with the exception of a few suburbs) while the Southside is seen as middle and upper middle class (again, with the exception of a few suburbs). One theory explaining this is that since much trade came in by ship on the river Liffey and docked on the North bank, this resulted in dockers and associated labourers making their homes on the Northside while the wealthier merchants and other professionals tended to make their offices and homes on the Southside.

Dublin is served by an extensive network of nearly 200 bus routes which serve all areas of the city and suburbs. The majority of these are controlled by Dublin Bus (Bus Átha Cliath) which was established in 1987, but a number of smaller companies have begun operating in recent years. Dublin Bus had 3408 staff and 1067 buses providing over half a million journeys per weekday in 2004. Fares are generally calculated on a stage system based on distance travelled. There are several different levels of fares, which apply on most services. Certain routes (particularly Xpresso) use a different fare system.

Cardiff is one of Europe’s youngest capitals, with a progressive and confident personality to match. A century ago, it was the busiest coal port in the world. Today those very docks have been transformed into a dazzling waterfront complex of restaurants and visitor attractions. Outstanding museums, theatres and shops with over 330 parks and gardens.

Cardiff is a city of surprises, which is probably the reason why it is fastly becoming one of the most visited destinations in UK. It’s already well known for its sporting, artistic and maritime traditions, but we’re delighted that more and more people are discovering everything else the city has to offer.

The city boasts of its attractions, cultural and leisure facilities and it’s easily accessibility.

In the centre of the city you’ll find brilliant shopping just as close from a fairytale castle, the famous Millennium Stadium and also of the lush parkland.

Just a short walk or ride away is Cardiff Bay, where you can just wait for a few hours over a meal on the waterfront, participating in one of the many attractions or enjoying a show at the Wales Millennium Centre. It’s your choice.

As well as offering a whole host of things to see and do within the city, Cardiff makes a great base for visiting the rest of South East Wales. The visitors can combine a stimulating city break with the rural scenery on Cardiff’s doorstep by the good roads links through Cardiff’s region.

To conclude, I can say that this is a very accessible, good, attractive, beautiful city, which many people of the world enjoy. The tourists and it citizens really like Cardiff way of showing its culture, economy, politics.

by: Priscilla