Latest news with #ChristopherColumbus
Associated Press
2 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
AP PHOTOS: Replica of ship sailed by Christopher Columbus in 1492 docks in London
London (AP) — A replica of the flagship of Christopher Columbus's fleet during his 1492 voyage across the Atlantic has dropped anchor at St. Katharine Docks in London, where it opens its gangways to visitors from May 29 to June 8. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
The 13 best things to do in Gran Canaria
From the Christopher Columbus connection in Las Palmas, to the hike and bike trails of the interior, Gran Canaria is an explorer's dream. The island's dramatic interior hides ancient cave communities, archaeological ruins and chocolate-box hamlets where time stands still, while the waters provide a depth of curiosities accessible through snorkelling, diving, and whale and dolphin watching trips. For those who prefer their attractions more sedentary, there are 37 miles of beaches around its 90-mile coastline. From city culture to natural wonders, and from historical ruins to aquariums and amusements, Gran Canaria packs it all in. Find out more below, or for more Gran Canaria inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants and beaches. Find things to do by area: The north Casa de Colón Explore the explorer Set in a creaking colonial mansion within the historic Vegueta quarter of Las Palmas, the Casa de Colón offers a glimpse into the world of one of history's most famous explorers. It's said that Christopher Columbus stayed here during a provisions stopover on his transatlantic discovery voyage. Its ornate courtyards and galleries also showcase early Canarian life, more the nobility's than the serf's. Make sure you visit the often-overlooked map room upstairs for an insight into how the evolving world was believed to look in the Columbus era.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The perfect holiday in Gran Canaria, the Atlantic's year-round island of adventure
With a gilt-edged southern coast, a capital city sculpted by conquests, and a dramatic interior that sets the heart racing both visually and physically, this 'continent in miniature' offers a veritable pick-n-mix of climates, attractions and activities to keep four million or so annual visitors returning year after year. Relaxation is the number one draw, and there's plenty of that to be had on the sandy beaches and undulating dunes of Gran Canaria 's south, as well as in the picnic and barbecue areas of the mountains, or the sleepy fishing villages of the north. Of course, there's a faster side to the island too. Clubbers are drawn to the 120-bpm pulse of the island's nightlife in Maspalomas and Las Palmas, while bikers, hikers and others of a more salubrious nature wheel and walk between gorgeous hillside villages like Teror and Tejeda. For more Gran Canaria inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, things to do and beaches. How to spend your weekend Day one: morning Grab a granola bowl and a speciality coffee at the Cool Beans café in Las Palmas's Plaza de Abad then stroll over to the Casa de Colón museum for opening time at 10am. At this hour you'll have plenty of space to yourself to get clued up on the history of the city and find out how Christopher Columbus spent his time in Gran Canaria before he hit the high seas on his voyage of discovery. Afternoon Leave time to browse (and taste) the local wines, cheeses and honey at Vegueta Market (closes at 2pm), a tantalising amuse-bouche before a lunch of gourmet Canarian tapas at the excellent Piscos y Buches restaurant within the Mercado de Puerto (port market). Boost the energy levels after a post-lunch slump with a dip in the Atlantic off the almost two-mile-long Playa de Las Canteras, one of four urban beaches in the capital. After drying off, appreciate the marine life without getting wet at the tremendous Poema del Mar aquarium. Head out of town for a visit to the Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park in Gáldar. Excavations in 1987 revealed a village dating back to the sixth century that housed the original inhabitants of Gran Canaria. The showpiece is a beautifully preserved cave house complete with ancient wall paintings. Late For one of the most spectacular sunset views on the island, book a table at the Rooftop & Terrace Aloe bar back in Las Palmas for an aperitif (they do a mean house cocktail – the Aloe Fizz). Opt for a tasting menu at one of the city's three Michelin-starred restaurants; the trendy Tabaiba and the classically elegant Restaurante Poemas add flamboyant spins to Canarian dishes, while the contemporary Bevir serves up seafood stunners. For a nightcap, the Dissareli Club is one of the more sophisticated late-night hangouts featuring shishas and comfy seating. It's also conveniently adjacent to Las Palmas Casino if a flutter floats your boat. There are also bars aplenty along the Playa de Las Canteras boardwalk and around Plaza Farray in the Guanarteme district. Aficionados of the amber nectar might want to head to Te lo Dije Pérez with its range of over 250 beers. There aren't too many nightclubs in the capital, but the two-storey Chester Las Palmas is one of the hottest right now. Bear in mind club life in Gran Canaria doesn't really get going until after midnight, so if you and your partner head out too early you could be the only couple in a two-person rave. Day two: morning Drive along the scenic GC-15 road through the interior of the island to the sugar-cube village of Tejeda. Take in the views of the sacred Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga monoliths with a coffee and an artisan almond biscuit or palmera chocolate (chocolate palm tree) from the naughty-but-nice Dulceria Nublo patisserie. After a walk around the historic centre, drive 10 minutes to the Bentayga Interpretation Centre to learn more about this hallowed area. Take a detour (and a jumper) through the pine forest to the Picos de las Nieves, the second highest point on the island at 1,949 metres (6,394ft). On a clear day you can see Mount Teide poking above Tenerife. Afternoon Head south to Fataga in the 'Valley of a Thousand Palms', another traditional hillside hamlet with narrow lanes, stupendous views and a handful of shops selling crafts, jars of homemade marmalade, and aloe vera. Visit the cave hamlet within the Guayadeque Ravine, then onto the Maspalomas Dunes, a 1,000-acre area of constantly shifting sands, palms and ponds that form the southern tip of the island. Take a dip in the ocean or hop on a camel for a lollop through the sand before wetting your whistle at one of the promenade bars. For lunch, try the award-winning tuna tacos at El Senador beach bar next to the 19th-century lighthouse. Late Explore the beach and harbour town of Puerto de Mogán, arguably the island's prettiest and classiest resort area. In what is known as 'Little Venice', wooden bridges span narrow canals, while bougainvillea arches over the walkways and weaves mauve threads through the balconies of colourful waterfront houses. Here, families huddle around the menus of quayside eateries as yachts and excursion boats jingle in the modern marina. Spot whales and dolphins on a sunset boat cruise from Puerto de Mogán or Puerto Rico harbour, then bag yourself a waterfront table for fresh seafood at locals' favourite La Cofradia de Pescadores or share the renowned paella at Patio Canario. If you're up for pushing the boat out further, you can party till late at Café del Mar or Chester Meloneras, or hit the late bars and gay haunts of the Yumbo Centre in Maspalomas. How to get there and how to get around Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is served by a whole host of airlines including British Airways, Jet2, Ryanair and EasyJet. All offer direct flights from most major UK hubs. The airport is a 20-minute drive from the capital, Las Palmas. Taxis are widely available, but for exploring the island, hiring a car is recommended. The island is also well-connected by buses if driving on the right fills you with dread. When to go Gran Canaria has two peak seasons – December to February, thanks to north Europeans fleeing the cold; summer when the sun worshippers and nightlife crowds arrive in July and August. Prices start decreasing in March and April, and the ocean remains warm during the early autumn months of September and October, when many local festivals take place. May and June are best for bargains and more elbow room. This is when the interior is at its prettiest and most floral, so great for hikers. Get to know the destination Las Palmas and the north: the capital does all that capitals are meant to do, plus some. Yes, you get the culture, the history and the major shopping areas, but you can also take advantage of one of the nicest urban beaches in Europe. The interior: like a cosy mystery, the island's interior entices with the drama of cave homes and canyonesque scenery, the mysteries of ancient monuments, and the picturesque settings of hillside hamlets. The south: Gran Canaria's pop star of beach resorts, including – from east to west – Maspalomas for beach buffs, Arguineguin for that local vibe, brash Puerto Rico, and stylish Puerto de Mogán. Where to stay Luxury living A gentle colonial elegance rules Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, a verdant oasis of sophistication in Maspalomas. Handsome gardens surround a saltwater pool and a serene spa and massage area caters for those seeking hands-on indulgence. The food is as spectacular as the flora while exquisite rooms in two-storey villas ooze tropical refinement. Designer digs Bohemia Suites & Spa is a trendy property overlooking Playa de Inglés beach is a beacon of boutique amongst a swathe of more traditional hotels. The jazzy striped exterior is just a hint of the hip that lies within, where rich purples and reds rule from the basement spa to the rooftop restaurant. Think cool, contemporary and very, very friendly. Budget bolthole If you've ever been to Scotland, you'll understand there's a trade off for all that natural beauty – rain. Much like one of the wettest areas of Gran Canaria, Vega de San Mateo, which is also home to one of Gran Canaria's original boutique hotels, Hotel Rural Las Calas. Know before you go British Embassy/Consulate: C Luis Morote 6, Las Palmas; 0034 928 262508 Tourist office: Calle León y Castillo 17, Las Palmas; Emergency services: 112 Currency: Euro (€) Telephone code from abroad: +34 Time difference: GMT+0 Travel time from London: approximately 4.5 hours by plane Local laws and etiquette: dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Don't drive in flip-flops. Accessibility: Gran Canaria is very accessible, with many hotels and attractions offering facilities for travellers with disabilities. About our expert Author and travel writer Joe Cawley lives in the Canarian hills with his family and other wildlife. He moved there from Bolton in 1991, when, for want of anything else to do, he bought a bar and restaurant before becoming a full-time author and travel writer. He loses no sleep over this.
Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
All aboard for the Lion City Sailors in their quest for Asian glory
The Lion City Sailors are aiming for more after winning the Singapore Premier League title on May 14. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR All aboard for the Lion City Sailors in their quest for Asian glory SINGAPORE – Explorer and navigator Christopher Columbus, who kickstarted Europe's exploration of the Americas in the 15th century, once said: 'You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.' Across the continents and centuries, the Lion City Sailors have adopted the same mentality in football, as the Singapore Premier League (SPL) club stand on the cusp of history. They will become the first Singaporean team to win an Asian club competition should they beat Emirati side Sharjah FC in the AFC Champions League Two final at Bishan Stadium on May 18. Founded in 1945, the Police Sports Association evolved into Police FC in 1996 and Home United in 1997 to play in the local professional league. They won two S-League titles and six Singapore Cups, and were credited with developing many national players. They also reached the 2004 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup semi-final and the inter-zone play-off semi-finals in 2018. Underachievement followed for years after, before local billionaire Forrest Li stepped in to chart a new course by taking over the club in 2020 and transforming them into the Lion City Sailors, Singapore's first privatised football team. The winds, however, were not always in their favour. They won the Singapore Premier League title in 2021 and the Singapore Cup in 2023, breaking local records by spending millions on transfer fees and salaries to attract players from top European and Asian leagues. Though they lost the SPL to Albirex Niigata's Japanese youngsters in 2020, 2022, 2023, and had to offload expensive misfits. But the Sailors have stayed the course. Despite spending big, they steered clear of ageing superstars like Cesc Fabregas, choosing players with plenty of mileage who have established themselves in top European leagues. They also established a strong, data-driven backroom and built their own training centre and football academy, giving young footballers a pathway to professional football and overseas opportunities. In this season's ACL Two, they wobbled and threw away two-goal leads, riding their luck to turn a 6-1 quarter-final, first-leg loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima into a 3-0 win after the Japanese side fielded an ineligible player. But they drew 1-1 in the second leg on merit before rising to the occasion to beat teams from China, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia to reach the final. And the Sailors have since reached uncharted waters – they have won the 2024-25 SPL and are one victory away from unprecedented ACL Two success. A historic treble is on the cards at the ongoing Singapore Cup. Standing in their way are a Sharjah FC side worth €43.63 million (S$63.8 million), over seven times the Sailors' €6 million, according to football website Transfermarkt. Their rivals boast not just oil money, but also future United Arab Emirates national coach Cosmin Olaroiu, Brazil-born Emirati players, and former English Premier League and Serie A star Adel Taarabt. The odds look stacked against the Sailors, but the club and their fans have belief. A local football scene plagued by issues such as dwindling league attendances and the fraternity's complaints about stadium co-sharing facilities and use of artificial turf has been revitalised for a moment. Just this season, the Sailors have defied the trend by selling out Jalan Besar and now Bishan Stadium for the ACL Two semi-final and final. The community has already reaped rewards in a revamped Bishan Stadium, which now has a spruced-up natural pitch, larger capacity – from about 2,800 to 10,000 seats – improved lighting, and renovated away dressing room after a $1 million makeover. The revamped Bishan Stadium has a spruced-up natural pitch, larger capacity, improved lighting, and renovated away dressing room. PHOTO: ST FILE This ACL Two final is more than just a match. This battle could spark a belief in fans and Singaporeans that there is a future in the SPL, and also that local football is worth their time and attention. This is about having the authorities understand the importance of top-notch infrastructure, facilities and natural pitches, the preferred playing surface for most elite football teams. This is about setting new standards to inspire future generations, showing what Singapore football can do if everyone plays as a team. Columbus said: 'By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination.' Are we all aboard? David Lee is senior sports correspondent at The Straits Times focusing on aquatics, badminton, basketball, cue sports, football and table tennis. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hamilton Spectator
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Columbus statue removed from a Connecticut city in 2020 finally finds a home at a new museum
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A Christopher Columbus statue removed in 2020 amid a climate of racial reckoning after the police killing of George Floyd has finally found a home in a new museum dedicated to preserving the history of New Haven, Connecticut. Mayor Justin Elicker and other officials on Friday announced an 'art loan agreement' has been reached with the Lost in New Haven Museum, which plans to display the 1892 monument to the 15th century explorer as part of its wide-ranging collection. 'It is a privilege to be entrusted with the stewardship of New Haven's Christopher Columbus Memorial, an important artifact in the city's history,' said Robert Greenberg, the museum's founder. He said the museum is dedicated to celebrating the immigrants who built the New Haven while recognizing the city was developed on unceded land of the indigenous Quinnipiac people. 'We are committed to presenting this history in its entirety,' he said in a statement. The New Haven Parks Commission decided to take down the statue after it was vandalized multiple times. Many residents demanded its removal, but the decision to do so was controversial. Those who wanted the statue gone condemned the 15th-century Italian explorer as a white supremacist who touched off centuries of European oppression and the decimation of Indigenous peoples. Columbus supporters, meanwhile, called the statue an important symbol of Italian-American heritage. It was located for generations in Wooster Square, which is surrounded by an historically Italian neighborhood. Demonstrators from both sides briefly skirmished with each other when the statue was taken down. An Italian-American group in 2022 sued unsuccessfully to force the statue to be moved back. There was also some discussion about locating the memorial in the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven but nothing materialized. Robert Bonanno, president of the Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee, said he was pleased the statue will now be located in the museum. 'I grew up in Wooster Square, and the Columbus Memorial is an important part our community's history,' he said in a statement 'I am very happy that the statue will be going to the Lost in New Haven museum and that it will be displayed so that people will be able to continue to see it in an appropriate setting.' Last year, the city dedicated a new monument to immigrants to replace the Columbus statue.
