The Art of Looking Up surveys spectacular ceilings around the globe that have been graced by the brushes of great artists including Michelangelo, Marc Chagall and Cy Twombly. From the floating women and lotus flowers of the Senso-ji Temple in Japan, to the religious iconography that adorns places of worship from Vienna to Istanbul, all the way to bold displays like the Chihuly glass flora suspended from the lobby of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas: this book takes you on a tour of the extraordinary artworks that demand an alternative viewpoint. History of art expert Catherine McCormack guides you through the stories behind the artworks – their conception, execution, and the artists that visualised them. In many cases, these artworks also make bold but controlled political, religious or cultural statements, revealing much about the society and times in which they were created. Divided by these social themes into four sections – Religion, Culture, Power and Politics – and pictured from various viewpoints in glorious colour photography, tour the astounding ceilings of these and more remarkable locations: Vatican Palace, Rome, Italy Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK Louvre Museum, Paris, France Dali Theatre-Museum, Figueres, Catalonia Museum of the Revolution, Havana, Cuba Capitol Building, Washington, DC, USA Four eight-page foldout sections showcase some of the world's most spectacular ceilings in exquisite detail. First and foremost, this is a visual feast, but also a desirable art book that challenges you to seek out fine art in more unusual places and question the statements they may be making.

Insider advice on the Caribbean's most stunning--and most secluded--beaches; accommodations ranging from lavish honeymoon resorts to family-friendly motels to isolated ecolodges; and the choicest spots for snorkeling, sailing, and scubadiving. Where to find the most delectable garlic shrimp, the tastiest tuna tartare, and the best deals on local handicrafts and duty-free goods. Up-to-the-minute reviews of the hottest nightlife on each island, from glittering casinos to sizzling reggae clubs to funky beach bars. Opinionated reviews. No bland descriptions and lukewarm recommendations. Our expert writers are passionate about their destinations--they tell it like it is in an engaging and helpful way. Exact prices listed for every establishment and activity--no other guides offer such detailed, candid reviews of hotels and restaurants. We include the very best, but also emphasize moderately priced choices for real people. User-friendly features including star ratings and special icons to point readers to great finds, excellent values, insider tips, best bets for kids, special moments, and overrated experiences. Comprehensive coverage of Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saba, St. Barthélemy, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A lively survey of Cuba's past and present, and a "must-have" companion to any Cuba travel guide "Cuba has the same effect on American administrations that the full moon has on werewolves." -- Wayne Smith, former head of US Interests Section in Havana "Cuba for the Misinformed is extraordinarily educational and enlightening." - Midwest Book Review For more than 50 years, the US government and mass media have misrepresented, hidden or ignored the truth about Cuba. In Cuba for the Misinformed, Mick Winter brings together a fascinating array of facts and anecdotes about Cuba's history, its government, its people, and the actions that the United States has taken against the well-being of those people. Citizens of other countries do know many of these facts. That is why every year at the United Nations almost every country on the planet (the 2012 vote was 188-3) demands that the United States end its embargo of Cuba. As you read this book, you will recognize that for more than fifty years something very interesting has been happening just ninety miles offshore from the United States. You may not agree with everything-- or even anything-- that has happened since the Cuban revolution, but you will likely admit that this small island country of eleven million people has had a global effect that reaches far beyond its size. This book presents information that is little-known (particularly to most Americans) about Cuba and its relationship with the United States. It offers this information clearly, succinctly and in a style that's enjoyable to read, and backs it up with helpful footnotes and links to resources. Whether you're a student, educator or journalist; planning a trip to Cuba (this book is an essential companion to your Cuba tour book); anticipating future business dealings; or simply want to know more, you'll find Cuba for the Misinformeda treasure of interesting--and often fascinating--information, facts and anecdotes about Cuba and its people.

Frommer's Costa Rica Day by Day features regional and city itineraries that will help you maximize your time while touring the country's top sights. Tour the fabulous scenery of the Nicoya Peninsula, lose yourself amid the cloud forests of Monteverde, surf your way down the Pacific Coast, or witness the awesome splendor of the Arenal Volcano erupting at night. Personally researched by a longtime resident, Frommer's Costa Rica Day by Day provides in-depth coverage of this fast-changing country, with recommended accommodations in every price category. You'll visit rugged wilderness preserves and sleepy beach towns, spectacular orchid gardens and mineral hot springs at the foot of a steaming volcano. There are adventures here to suit all ages and abilities: swooping from treetop platform to treetop platform on a canopy tour, taking a dip in a jungle swimming hole, spotting playful spider monkeys as you hike through lush foliage, or watching endangered sea turtles nest on the beach. You'll also get coverage of shopping and nightlife in the San Jose; detailed full-color maps; 500 full-color photos, a full chapter on Costa Rica's intriguing history and culture, information on special-interest tours, and advice on planning a successful Costa Rica vacation. Frommer's Costa Rica Day by Day also includes a color fold-out map, and a full-color wilderness guide.

Meticulously researched by a team of expert residents who know this region intimately, Frommer's New York State, 3rd Edition is an extraordinary and highly personal guide to one of America’s most diverse regions. Frommer’s New York State is packed with candid opinions on everything about New York City, but also on the beaches, antiques shops, wineries, skiing, hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures that make up the rest of New York State. We’ve covered all the perennial favorites, from the Hamptons to Niagara Falls, but we’ll also take you off the beaten track to discover New York's best small towns and natural escapes. Whether you want a romantic getaway in an upstate B&B or family fun on Long Island's best beaches, Frommer’s will help you design the trip that’s right for you.

The Rough Guide to Havana is the ultimate guide to this lively city in Cuba. The full-color section introduces the best Havana has to offer. This first edition is full of informed descriptions and accurate listings of the best bars, restaurants and music venues to be seen at with maps and plans for every area. This guide also takes a detailed look at the history of Havana. From the Museo de la Revolución and other must-visit museums and galleries to splendid architectural gems including the Catedral de San Cristóbal,the Rough Guide steers you to the best restaurants, stylish bars & cafés, and hottest nightlife across every price range. The guide provides comprehensive coverage of hotels as well as private homestays, the best places to stay for an up-close experience of life in Cuba. Extensive coverage of the outer boroughs La Lisa and Marianao complements an unprecedented level of detail for the main four city neighborhoods, Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, Vedado and Miramar.

Frommer's South America is the premier guide to the continent, with complete coverage of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. You'll get details on Carnaval, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Galápagos, the hang gliding in Rio, the ice cream in Mérida, and much more. Whether you're an archaeology buff, an outdoor adventurer, or a partier in search of a good time, South America presents so many diverse travel options that it'll make your head spin. Frommer's South America will help you plan a memorable trip, starting with our highly opinionated lists of the best experiences the continent has to offer. Now with more maps and expanded Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay coverage.

For Americans, Cuba has been the forbidden fruit—a skin of Detroit sheet metal covering a center of tasty rum, swirling cigar smoke and sandy beaches. Pointed prose, and over 200 pictures, tempt you to take a bite out of major cites and nibble on hidden beaches. Unvarnished opinions, with a uniquely American perspective, guide you to warm accommodations, fine food, stirring sights and sizzling salsa. As in Larry Stein’s three other books in the Traveler on a Rope series, 4 Americans in Cuba targets value options for readers with cash flows wider and thicker than a shoestring.