Built in the 1820s, the Royal Mews at London’s Buckingham Palace is not only one of the finest working stables in the world, it is the department responsible for all road travel by Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal Family, whether by historic carriage or modern car. Throughout the day, guided tours are conducted by wardens in scarlet and navy livery.
“Breaking the Chains,” an exhibition about Britain and the slave trade, opened in Bristol in April 2007 and will run for two years. It occupies one floor of the city’s British Empire & Commonwealth Museum.
Naypyidaw, the new capital city of Myanmar that was built at the behest of the military ruling party, was opened to journalists for an Armed Forces Day parade in March.
Through the Thailand Longstay Company, travelers can arrange with the Thai government for stays of up to a year after a standard 30-day tourist visa expires.
Through Oct. 31, 2007, Laguna hotels in Phuket, Thailand, have a “Golf Unlimited Package” offering unlimited daily rounds at the Laguna Phuket Golf Club; breakfast, and free transport between all six Laguna hotels, the golf club and shopping center.
Per-night prices range from a suite at Allamanda Laguna Phuket for $85 single or $100 double to a villa at the Banyan Tree Phuket for $370 single or $380 double.
The German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber features old-time Santa Clauses, nutcrackers and Christmas decorations and describes the history and customs of the holiday. Entry €4 ($5). Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April to Dec. 23 and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 24-31. German Christmas Museum (Herrengasse 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany).
In Tewkesbury, England, the 16th-century half-timbered property known as The Hat Shop is now a Tourist Information Centre and the hub for all events, walks and tours. Visit www.tewkesbury.gov.uk or www.cotswolds.com.
The town of Serpa, in southern Portugal, has a clock museum housed in a former 14th-century convent. The collection includes more than 1,700 watches and clocks dating from the 17th century, including many rare Portuguese watches.
Contact Museu do Relógio (Convento do Mosteirinho, Rua do Assento, 7830-341 Serpa, Portugal; phone 284543194).
“The Paris Shopping Companion” by Susan Swire Winkler with Caroline Lesieur (fourth edition, 2006, Cumberland House Publishing, Inc. ISBN 13978581825121 — 257 pp., $14.95 paperback).
Celebrating the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII’s accession to the throne, Hampton Court Palace, London, opened on June 28 a permanent exhibition telling the story of his early reign. There are historic paintings from the Royal Collection plus audiovisual and hands-on displays.