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The region of New England, USA has been called America's
attic, for it was here that the first cries of the American
revolution were heard and the movement to abolish slavery
began. From pilgrims to the Kennedy's, from the Boston tea
party to Martha's vineyard, this is the place where the fall
turns the landscape into a giant patchwork quilt. New England
is situated on the east coast of the USA, it spans 6 states,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island.
It was 1520 when the first settlers on American soil arrived
from England. It's pretty safe to assume that they had no
idea that their values and their ethics would shape the foundations
of the United States. |
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The historic wooden architecture of New England isn't just
confined to buildings, scattered throughout the region are
other unique structures like covered bridges, which
were designed to protect the wood from rotting away. You will
find them dotted all over New England which is also the home
of the longest covered bridge in the United States.
It was christened New England in 1614 by an English explorer,
John Smith, and it is here that the spirit of the early
settlers and old colonial America still reigns. Picturesque
villages, lakes, granite mountains, rocky coastlines with
a rich wealth of history characterise New England past and
present. It is a quasi Europe set in the very un-European
continent of the USA. Cosmopolitan Conneticut, nature loving
Vermont, the epic White Mountain Forest of New Hampshire,
forests and beaches of Maine, the tiny but beautiful Rhode
Island and the commerce and tourism capital of Massachusetts
make for a varied trip packed into a small geographic area.
If you want to see the side of the USA that packs a punch
of beauty, history, and old romantic America, then New England
is the region to visit.
Climate
Weather varies from hot and humid summers where the temperature
can saw to 90F, to best avoided icy winters. Spring falls
around May and is typically short before the heat of summer
kicks in. Winter (from November to March) is severe and only
good time to visit if ski-ing is your choice. However, Autumn,
known in America as the Fall, is the season to visit
New England, with warm temperature of around 60F and an opportunity
to experience the beauty of the fall when the trees and nature
are in their colourful element. Tourists resort are open throughout
September and October which are the finest and most popular
months to visit.
Cash
The local currency is the US Dollar.
Only a few banks, mainly in Boston, in the region will be
willing to exchange foreign currency so bring your bank card
to get the best exchange rates from a cash machine.
The cheapest way to do New England is to go camping and rent
a car if you're taking on the outdoor experience. You can
get by on as little as $25 a day, but expect to pay up to
$100 a day if you are staying in beach resorts and cities.
Travel
The best way to get around if you're planning on taking outdoor
trips is to rent a car. You need to be at least 21
to do this with a valid international driving license. You
can take advantage of Drive Away agencies who drive
people's cars long distance for them, and if you happen to
be taking that route you could find yourself with a free car
on your hands. Remember to bring your driver's license and
relevant paperwork with you if you intend to hire a car.
People
As a right wing land, most of the population are white Americans
of early British and French descent rather than recent immigrants.
Eastern Maine and North Vermont are still rich in French influences,
where many of the people are bilingual. There are also other
immigrants from recent years from Cambodia, the Caribbean,
Brazil, Ireland, Portugal, Italy and Greece. The region is
still home to a population of 36,000 Native American Indians,
who live on old ancestral reserves and their history and homelands
have been well preserved. Most of the population are Christian,
and some from extreme pious groups descended from the first
English settlers like the Mormons and Quakers.
Food
In the states, expect mighty portions and less hungry travellers
are advised to go with a starter in a diner, café or
restaurant before tackling the huge portions of main courses.
Situated around the coast, the local specialities are seafood
like Maine lobster, oyster, clams and prawns, as
well as maple syrup on top of your pancakes which is
produced in Massachusetts. Maine is also the historic home
of the hamburger. Whatever kind of food is your fancy,
guaranteed it will be prepared and served in immaculate style.
Visas
Most national outside of the USA and Canada will require a
passport and valid visa. A visa exchange programme is carried
out with Europe. Look at the USA
State Departments website for up to date visa info.
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