Friday, April 29, 2011

AllExpeditions Travel, Africa Safari, To Namibia Africa

About Namibia, Africa

Namibia is a vast country, even by African standards, covering an area approximately four times the size of the United Kingdom but with a population of a mere 2 million - one of the lowest densities in the world. It is also an 'ageless land'; visible through our heritage of rock art created by stone-age artists and geological attractions such as the petrified forest where fossilised tree trunks have lain for over 280 million years.

Added to the space and silence, these all contribute to a feeling of antiquity, solitude and wilderness.

The region offers some of the best diversity in Africa including
the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the
Victoria Falls in Zambia. Nambia, Botswana and Zambia offer some of
Africa's 'last frontiers' - pristine, adventurous and pioneering of new age travel.

The climate is typical of a semi-desert country. Days are warm to hot and nights are generally cool. Temperatures are modified by the high plateau in the interior and by the cold Benguela Current that runs along the Atlantic coastline. Except for the first few months of the year, the country is generally dry with very little rain.

"A pristine land of untouched natural beauty; of vastness, of
awe-inspiring contrasts and mystical splendour such that it touches
the soul! You take it with you forever." (NTB)
This above is an apt description for this truly wonderful country.

Namibia has rapidly become a well-known safari destination, offering the discerning traveller one of the most diverse African experiences possible.

From the wildlife of the huge national parks, to the vastness and emptiness that stretches to the horizon of the Namib and Kalahari deserts, where you forget your cares and lose yourself in a landscape where time looses its meaning, to the desolate Skeleton Coast and to a cultural diversity unlike any other, Namibia celebrates an abundance of space and big blue skies in one of the most natural and spiritual places on this planet.
Namibia is not merely a safari destination, but an experience where you can be yourself, be alone or just be.

All this is in interesting juxtaposition with the expansive landscapes that surround the cities. The many national parks and game reserves boast a huge variety of wildlife in a kaleidoscope of diverse environments: giraffes amble across the blinding white
saltpans of Etosha National Park, oryx plunge headlong up impossibly
steep red dunes at Sossusvlei, and seals in their multitudes colonize lonely beachheads along the Skeleton Coast. Astonishing contrasts are everywhere for the visitor to savour, enjoy and photograph.

Namibia has rapidly become a well-known safari destination with a difference, known for its remote and intimate lodges, interaction with the indigenous people as well as the wildlife, and offering unique opportunities to become involved with the cultural heritage of all its peoples.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Beijing - The Forbidden City

If there is one place in China you have to see, it is the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is an imperial palace that was the home to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Mere words alone simply cannot describe how impressive the Forbidden City is and how it was and still is an integral part of Chinese culture and history. A visit to the Forbidden City should be ranked high on every travellers bucket list.

One mere blog post cannot do justice to the awesomeness of the Forbidden City so I will humbly cover the basics, throw in a few pics of my last visit and give you the basics to help you with your visit which you must make.

Background and History

Name - People were only allowed to enter and leave with the emperor's permission so it was called "forbidden". "City" comes from the translation of the a part older Chinese name cheng which means walled city. Now common Chinese name for the the Forbidden City is gu gong which directly translates into old palace.

History - After moving house a few times, the Ming Dynasty emperor Zhi Di decided to head back to Beijing and needed a suitable residence so work on the the Forbidden City began in 1406 and finished in 1420. The Forbidden City was the home for the royal family until 1912 when Puyi abdicated the throne to Sun Yat Sen and the newly formed Republic of China.

Facts - The world's largest palace complex (eat your heart out Buckingham Palace) covering 74 hectares, over 8500 rooms (number vary depending on who you talk to). The encircling wall is over 8 meters wide at the base and over 6 meters wide at the top and has a circumference of over 3,400 meters.

Description - Is divided into two parts, the outer court and the inner court. The outer court was used for ceremonial purposes (impress guests) and the inner court housed the emperor and his extended family and served as the emperors offices.

Trivia - All except for two roofs in the Forbidden City are made with glazed yellow tiles because yellow is the color of the emperor. The north south central axis running from the "Gate of Dine Might" at the north to the "Meridian Gate" at the south is the actual central axis of Beijing. Starbucks opened a store there in 2000 and did not close until 2007 when sanity finally prevailed. Chairman would never have let that happen.

Going there - You want at least half a day to see the Forbidden City properly. I took over 6 hours and had to be dragged out by companions with less refined taste. Start of early in the morning at Beijing Train Station which is major tourist destination in its own right. Then walk north along Beijing Station street until you hit Jiang Guo Men street and then head west and keep going till you see the entrance to he Forbidden City. You can't miss it. You'll have Tian An Men square to your left and an enormous portrait of Chair Man Mao to your right. The walk it self is a delight and a great way to see the center of Beijing.

Where to stay - Any where in central Beijing within walking distance of Tian An Men is ok. My favourite is the Beijing City Central International Youth Hotel which is across the road from the Beijing train station. Prices are reasonable, staff friendly and location ideal.

Opening hours are from 8:30am to 4:30pm during the low season from November to March and 8:30am to 5:00 during the high season from April to October. Tickets are not sold during the last hour and entry is not allowed during the last 50 minutes. According to my most reliable source (disclaimer here) entry fee during peak season is 60 RMB and 40 RMB for low season.

My Take - You MUST go to the center of the Hall of Supreme Harmonyand stand there. Why? Because that spot is the center of the Forbidden City which makes it the center of Beijing which is the center of China which is from a Chinese persons point of view, the center of the universe. So stand there, take a photo (like mine below) and savour the experience of being at the center of the universe. The Australian equivalent (from a Melbournians point of view) is standing on the steps of Flinder Street train station.

Then spend hours wandering through the buildings, lane ways and court yards where the rulers of China lived, ruled, played, plotted and died. Countless Chinese TV series are based on the Forbidden City and life there during the Qing and Ming dynasties.

This article is Written by Brendon Lang from China Travel Go, an expert blog on travel and life in China.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Florida Sailing - Become Your Own Pirate of the Caribbean!

If you want to discover some of the best sailing and cruising areas in the world, then you must head to Florida. Florida sailing boasts so many good features you will never want to sail anywhere else again. Be it the lovely fishing villages or sheltered coves to moor, the open blue-water sailing or convenience of the Caribbean sea; there is something for all sailors to experience and enjoy!

Whilst offering so many great locations to sail, sailboat rental in Florida also allows you to pick exactly the type of sailing you want to match your sailing experience. Florida sailing allows you to go:


    * Skippered sailing (sailboat rental with a skipper or a full crew)

    * Bare back sailing (sailboat rental without a crew)

    * Flotilla sailing (sailing within a group of yachts led by a professionally crewed lead yacht.)

    * Day sailing

    * Short haul sailing

    * Long haul sailing

    * ... In fact any type of sailing you can think of is offered in Florida!


And you won't be alone in your Florida sailing adventures, you can guarantee that you will be joined by dolphins, rays, sea turtles and endless tropical fish, all wanting to make your Florida sailing experience magical!

With so many great locations, choosing where to go sailing in Florida is probably the most difficult decision! Here are just a couple of suggestions that may help you decide;

Charlotte Harbour Area
Charlotte Harbour provides diverse sailing opportunities to keep everyone happy. You can island-hop, day sail or head off shore. And for those non-sailors there are plenty of opportunities with Burnt Store Marina offering a fine restaurant, store, swimming pools, golf course and tennis courts.

Fort Lauderdale
Sailing from Ft Lauderdale allows you to experience the Florida Keys, where there is a national and state park, and then onto the Bahamas. For the more experienced, Ft Lauderdale offers a great spring board to sailing the Gulf Stream to Bermuda and then onto the Caribbean.

Fort Myers
Often described as the best place in America to charter a sailing boat, Fort Myers has impressive natural scenery and is renowned for its navigation simplicity. Everyone can enjoy something in Fort Myers with so many stunning areas to discover from Marco Island in the south to the Venice inlet in the north.

Tampa Bay Area
This area offers a great mix of coves and beaches on which to anchor. There are plenty of services and facilities to use; this is sailing in Florida at its most convenient! Head out to Tampa Bay and you will find a group of barrier islands with idyllic white sandy beaches beckoning you to stop. For the more adventurous, head out into the Gulf of Mexico for open water sailing.

Miami Bay and Key West
The Miami Bay area or Key West area, 4-5 hours drive away, are both great areas to start sailing. Biscayne Bay is a particularly good area for novice sailors to start. Seven miles offshore from Key West you will find North America's only living coral reef, home to more than 350 species of tropical fish as well as snails, jellyfish, crabs and lobsters.

With so much variety, sailing in Florida can never be called 'mundane'. It offers something for everyone with amazing experiences to be remembered for years to come. With year round sun, consistent temperatures and stunning scenery why not experience your own Florida sailing adventure?

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Spain - Medieval Extremadura

This Spanish arena comprises alone Caceres and Badajoz provinces. Its basic is Merida in Badajoz. This arena is an absorbing actual afterimage of Roman ruins. It was the Romans who placed Extremadura arena into history as Merida was fabricated to be one of the Roman Empire's a lot of basic cities. However, the arena fell into the easily of the Moors afore alteration easily to the Spanish Christians. This toggle of administration amid the two admiral connected for absolutely some time.

Through the ages of ability struggle, it was alone afterwards the analysis of America that this arena accomplished a new activity and splendor, as added acclaimed conquerors came to this region.

Beautiful Landscapes of Extremadura


Extremadura has absorbing abundance ranges confined as its landscapes, as apparent by the Cordillera Central range, Sierra Morena ambit and the Montes del Toledo range. It aswell boasts of abundant plains like the Low Extremadura, and valleys which are watered by the Tajo and Guadiana rivers.

With a continental altitude of 30 degrees, it adventures balmy summers, but its winters can be absolutely cold.

There are a few admirable accustomed backwoods affluence and parks in Extremadura, which can be adequate with a walkthrough. These ecological affluence are served by Extremadura's rivers.

This arena is still advised 'undiscovered' by many, although it has abundant to action the tourist. Something altered is in abundance for you, if you are searching for acceptable community and culture, acceptable accoutrements and top handiworks of ceramics and metal with outstanding aerial adornment works. This arena aswell serves as adorable ambit of gastronomy specialties of beginning trout, sausages and bold and a advanced alternative of cheeses, which go able-bodied with the accomplished wine alternative of the region.

Highlights of Extremadura

Merida has managed to bottle monuments which are of Roman architectonics and culture, such as a huge amphitheater and an amphitheater with 2 aquaeductus, which are basically bizarre villas with their own garden space. Merida aswell has an invaluable accumulating in the Museum of Roman Art for accessible viewing.

Caceres is serenely amidst by Moorish walls, calm with huge watchtowers. It is the basic of arctic Extremadura with amazing palaces from the Renaissance era.

Trujillo is the bearing abode of Pizarro, one of Spain's acclaimed conquerors, boasting of a able-bodied maintained boondocks walls which has 7 entrances, and a ample medieval alcazar with a admirable square.

Guadalupe boondocks is absorbing as it is loomed over by a huge abbey of Mudejar architecture, which houses abounding admired art pieces.

Plasencia may be a baby town, but one can acquisition a basilica of Gothic-Pateresque assemble as able-bodied as palaces and boondocks walls from medieval times.

Badajoz is the basic of southern Extremadura with Moorish watch building and boondocks walls to be explored.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Madrid - Palacio Real

Second only to Versailles in size and splendor, the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid is an architectural marvel along with a treasure trove. Nearly three thousand rooms, with 240 balconies and over forty staircases, this magnificent work is one of Madrid's main tourist attractions.

Despite the fact that less than 10% of the room is open to the public, there is still far far more than a visitor could see in a single day. Everywhere the eye looks can be seen fine rococo decoration, lush tapestries, bejeweled clocks, delicate porcelain and thousands of other precious objects.

Long the property of Spanish monarchs (it was conceived by Phillip V, and occupied until Alfonso XIII in 1931), this palace was once the center of power for a dynasty that ruled half the then-known world.

Sited at the former Moorish fortress, Alcázar (built inside the 9th century, but burned down in 1734), the palace itself is an outstanding example of French classical architecture. But beyond the constructing there are actually statuary and grounds that total the work.

The stone statues of an Inca prince, Atahualpa, and the Aztec king Montezuma are only two of the a lot of unusual touches around the palace grounds.

The two-hour tour of the palace consists of the Salón de Gasparini, where it is possible to see astonishing ceramic walls and sparkling chandeliers. It also covers the magnificent banquet hall, which can seat over 100 guests for dinner.

Twenty-five years in construction, the palace contains the throne room and armory of one of the world's superpowers of the 18th century. Both are on display nowadays.

Within the throne room are the two seats occupied by a succession of Spain's rulers, from which they issued edicts that influenced significantly of the world's history for centuries. The Armeria Real (Royal Armory) shows quite a few weapons and armor, together with a range of medieval torture implements utilised inside the Spanish Inquisition.

But you can find also on display examples of Spain's more exalted aspects.

You'll have an opportunity to see the famed Biblioteca Real (Royal Library), too. Not a serious competitor compared to the Vatican collection, but well worth a go to. You will see a initial edition of Don Quixote, Cervantes magnum opus, and various Stradivarius stringed instruments.

The Royal Pharmacy displays a lot of of the instruments utilized to treat the members of the royal family, and gives some insight into the medical understanding of the day. It is still in use, and consequently is closed in the course of official functions.

Visitors can witness the changing of the guards outside, although taking in a view of one of the most effective of Madrid's numerous fine gardens. Stand on the Patio de Armas and take pleasure in the view of the Manzanares River.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Discover Why All Inclusvie Resorts Should be the Desitnation of Choice for Girlfriend Getaways

Year after year, I've found myself quite fired up and, might I add, ready for a girlfriend getaway. In this economy, it is important that you find a vacation where your precious and hard earned money will be well spent. To assure that you getting the best bang for your buck, all inclusive vacations should be your top choice. You will find that it is the most economical way to travel because you truly get to reap the benefits of all the money you put out to pay for the trip. Want to learn why? Continue reading.

The good thing about having everything covered in advance has to be the very best factor why all inclusive resorts would be the way to go. Generally, you pay for a trip and you have extra cash just for meals, drinks, entertainment and so on. With the all inclusive plans, all those goodies and others are generally covered and spending money is really discretionary.

Across the board, the resorts offer similar perks for their all inclusive packages. Meals, drinks, entertainment, land sports and use of amenities like the pool and the fitness club are pretty much the standard. You have the option of lying on the beach and sipping on a nice cold pina coloda, refilling it as many times as you wish, every waking minute of your stay and it will cost you nothing extra. Some resorts even extend your package to include amenities at nearby affiliated resorts. That would really be great because you may find that you enjoy the other resort better and would much rather stay there on your next trip.

The staff works so hard around that clock at these resorts and would you believe that there is a rule that the resorts have that says that there is no tipping allowed. You will soon learn that it is not a policy that visitors follow very much. Breaking that rule is certainly optional. After all, you did pay for their services when you paid for your trip.

If you want a vacation where you do not have to spend tons of money, while still getting the luxury that resorts provide, then spend your girlfriend getaway at an all inclusive resort. You will be glad that you choose this way to spend your time away. You ladies are going to have a ball.

Friday, April 22, 2011

The palace called the Forbidden City

The Ming dynasty, emperor yongle, is the third generation of zhu yuanzhang the fourth son.A.D. 1402 years, yongle inherited the emperor place under the edict of Beijing, after construction in the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City covers 720,000 square meters, including palace floor of the building, 786 kind, is the world's largest buildings.The Forbidden City take purple in world center of some of Italy, says it is the world's center, "purple" refers to the unit in transit, ancient is purple, in addition the symbol of heaven and earth, and forbidden palace heavily guarded, so called the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City is the palace of Ming and qing dynasties, there have been 24 emperors in the residential, the Forbidden City houses legend has 9999 half, only between the emperor between 10,000 fewer than half, according to the modern ancient building between the scientific statistics, the imperial palace expert, temple, big challenge, floor, pavilion hall between such common housing more than pane shows.

The hall of supreme harmony is the outer court, commonly known as the main JinLuanDian, now people see the hall of supreme harmony is kangxi thirty-four years reconstruction, before the house square area more than 30000 square meters, is the emperor to reign, married at major celebration of place.When the ceremony, held nearly thousand military guard here, in orderly rows waiting audience emperor, because too broad, ministers say don't see in the temple, that the emperor and the emperor of the converging JinLuanDian sight of mystery.

The steps to the hall of supreme harmony extensions of the clouds and dragon stand to carve, such steps can only allow emperor one through.It is the golden throne of Chinese folk said.Just above the throne "panlong sunk panel".Sunk panel carved on a dragon, the dragon mouth is holding a finger under the ball, called the xuanyuan mirror.It's said to be ancient Chinese ancestors "XuanYuanShi" manufacturing, can distinguish true and false one, because the guilty yuan shikai was afraid of shaft mirror will drop down to hit his dead and ordered will move back several inches dragon chair.

Yongle emperor layouts in the Forbidden City, will handle all kinds of e-government business place toward the outside of the emperor and personal life place NaTing separate, in Baohe Palace is the NaTing, also is north of emperor dwellings.The import and export of NaTing qing door, placed at the dry each a male golden lion.

Although the yongle emperor at the palace made extremely tall, defensive very heavily, or even to use these cast-bronze stone beast tremendous his subjects, but the 1911 revolution of 1911 shook the world, has also changed the fate of the Forbidden City, xuantong emperor puyi became the last emperor of the Forbidden City, is also called the last emperor.The Forbidden City is located in the centre of Beijing, today people called it the palace, meaning the past the palace.The palace things 750 meters wide, long from south to 960 meters, area reaches 72 million square meters, is the world's most;The palace of the whole building is two way fortified defenses, periphery is in the midst of a wider 52 meters, deep 6 meters, the river; around the moatThen there is the wall of perimeter 3 kilometers high nearly 10 meters, wall 8.62 meters wide, bottom.The wall has four door, south have wumen, west with the gate xihua, wall, still stands 4 corners of the watchtower, watchtower three sockets layer eaves, 72 ridge, exquisitely carved, modelling is chic, careful layout unmatched is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture,.

In the entire palace is reflected in Chinese culture.The palace can be divided into two parts, aso, namely for the south toward;NaTing living in north, namely.NaTing outside all building toward something arranged in north-south axis, symmetrical, orderly.You must go toward outside of the main building is: taihe palace, zhonghe palace, Baohe Palace.Three house building in 8 meters high all the huge platform, with a total area of 85,000 square meters.One of the most high, brilliant. The hall of supreme harmonyThe hall of supreme harmony and temple is the emperor after attending before major ceremony rest and accept a place of worship, the most northern side Baohe Palace is the emperor of DianShi give feast and draft places.NaTing including dry qing, hand over tai, sansheng ningxia three Palace Museum and things on both sides of the east and the west, this is emperor and museum PinFei place to live, commonly known as the "surrounded by concubinesand placated by everyone.North and a cabinet in residential imperial garden, it is chic, the royal personnel play.The Ming dynasty and qing dynasty emperors were living in dry palace, queens live into tai kun ning palace, the house is the queen's activity places.The later, the emperor and empress have moved to the west to the museum.The most famous is yangxin temple, from yongzheng emperor up, here becomes emperor of Daniel lie in politics, in testimony also for the empress dowager cixi administered, lasted for more than 40 years.

More interesting is, the palace idealds are some symbolism, embodies the essence of ancient Chinese culture."The Forbidden City" with this name on ancient Chinese philosophy and astronomy relevant.Chinese believe that "telepathy between heaven and man" or "nature and humanity", so the structure of the imperial palace is an imitation of the legendary "paradise" structure.The stars are divided into three ancient astronomy, surrounded by walls BaSu 20, including purple walls (north), is all the stars under zhongtian the center.The Forbidden City is the purple, the purple walls midline "purple, meaning the palace is the human" midline "."Purple" is refers to the royal residence, dignity and clinking, forbidden intrusion.Careful visitors will find the names in the imperial palace, there is "benevolence", "and", "medium", "Ann" words, such as tiananmen, taihe palace, the meaning of the word is the core of Chinese Confucianism, namely "CKS", "benevolence and", highlighting the traditional Confucian philosophy.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Palace of decline

The reason of the decline of wang, both external and internal.But more or internal reasons.The fundamental reasons, is caused by the change of social nature.
The opium war in 1840, marking the beginning of the semi-colonial and semi-feudal society of China, is also the Chinese people's struggle for independence, namely the beginning of democratic struggle opened up China's modern history of the old democratic revolution.
From the opium wars, foreign powers, China invaded China continuously "victim, also make progressively more poverty, and labor people undermined the self-sufficient natural economy.This will inevitably give China the emergence and development of capitalism has provided an objective condition of the Chinese people, but also promote the awakening.
Taiping revolution sports, though failed, but the influence of the northern expedition is profound.It also powerful impact to the qing dynasty rulers, also roiled ching royalty, maharajahs mind.
1860 the second opium war ended, Beijing weathered the plunder, Britain, France, Russia and other countries also forced the ching court signed unequal "Beijing treaty.Its reparations, GeDe, open trade port, build concession etc one-sided most-favoured-nation treatment, making the world powers to follow.To 1900, eight coalition took Beijing.After looted and burned, and forced the qing government to sign the unequal "national conditions".DongJiao MinHang become foreign embassy.Many palace was foreign aggressors occupation and burned down.Become the external causes of wangfu decline.
In 1861, empress dowager cixi and GongQinWang Wilson of the coup, conspiracy to Beijing hinton get western cooperation and support to the "victim, the regime direction development, also become the students-interpreters Wilson hin, become a representative figure of the support of foreign forces compradors bureaucracy.Capital appear corruption, luxury fashion spectacle. The last days
At this time, oppose capitulation, calls for reform in the reform movement in Beijing.Although the reform and was only empress such old school scold killed the garden.empress dowager cixi.But objectively, after reform movement for the spread of bourgeois ideology played open role.
In 1900 the boxer movement in Beijing, powerfully hit imperialist invasions and carve up China's dream.Become the Chinese people the anti-imperialist and anti-feudal revolutionary one of the cornerstones of victory.Since then, people's anti-imperialist patriotic movement soaring.
Along with the development of national capitalism, bourgeois constitutionalists launched a petition campaigns five times.Bourgeois revolutionists, establish organization founded in Beijing newspaper, and carrying out the assassination activities.
The revolution of 1911 outbreak, make the qing government acupuncture chaos.PengGuZhen FuYu WanKang to assassinate the revolutionary party party chief LiangBi the Pope clubs, make the cut off the glamorous people a glimmer of hope.Have to declare XunWei.
Revolution overthrew the rule of feudalism, and make the economic basis on wangfu existing disappeared.The privilege of wangfu have no.Therefore, it is the fundamental reasons. Wang decline
The internal factors, wang decline lies in the qing dynasty rulers give their various privileges nobility, that they formed being waited on hand and foot eat not to bother farther parasites habit.These clan from nobles, laziness, had no skills, the qing government and don't allow them to do business farming, many people formed the habit of idle, doing nothing.When privileges lost, and they still don't change after the clover vices, accustomed to the playboys still lavishly.Some food and drink piao wager integrity, dissolute take out.Some crickets, game play fights win as thousands of two silver that.And since the ", "a large sum of money at expense.More is in no bread, also big ornament, after ZuoChiShanKong, compare, killing corroborating deficits, finally can only rely on living sell house.This is cause wangfu during the qing dynasty perish quickly after just decades of decay, the main internal causes.
Republic of simvastatin infighting between military situation, make the warlords mountain as king, usurpations accounted for.This is an external causes of wangfu decline.
Since then, the kuomintang regime and the corruption of the Japanese aggressors occupation period, accelerate the economic plunder the dilapidated house.Such as harmony prince mansion become dive dragon mansion and change to the lama temple, the most explanation.In 1939, Japanese invaders will yonghegong wooden arch gold-rimmed nanmu with beam-column tear down the back after the Japan.They are only robbing, whatever repairs.On the other hand, colonial rule in any case, the lama temple made monks were to eat into question.Monks were had to small business and family to maintain the unity of temples maintenance, weak wind erosion have to let it rain baptism.So, on the eve of the peaceful liberation to beiping already is quite down, the lama temple.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Enjoy the Gorgeous Gardens in Brixham

If you want to your Brixham holidays to be unforgettable, make a list of the places you want to visit and the things you want to do. Stay at one of the upscale holiday cottages for maximum comfort and luxury. Many of the holiday cottages are a short distance away from the popular tourist destinations in the south of Devon. Its well-trained staff will treat you like VIPs here. Brixham is a charming fishing town in the French Riviera coastline. During your Brixham holidays, you can enjoy relaxing days at beaches, gardens, museums, and nature trails. Furthermore, your children will also have tantrum-free moments if you bring them to wonderful amusement parks, animal sanctuaries, and recreational centres. Have the best Brixham holidays with your family as you experience the laid-back setting and warm climate of the region. Take time to appreciate the fascinating flora, fauna, and wildlife in these gorgeous gardens near the holiday cottages.

Brixham Gardens

Leave the comforts of the holiday cottages and enjoy the beautiful sceneries at the Brixham Gardens. It belongs to the list of England's 200 National Nature Reserves, which makes it an important wildlife site in the country. Located off Gillard Road or Berry Head Road, it is just in close proximity to the holiday cottages. It would be nice if you can get some exercise during your Brixham holidays so enjoy a walk in the gardens. Brixham Gardens is home to rare and threatened plants like the Early Gentian, White Rock-Rose, Small Hares Ear and Goldilocks Asters. Rangers on patrol can give you interesting information about what is growing in the garden or what kind of creatures are living here. If your family Brixham holidays are between April and October, you will have the chance to see eight fascinating orchid species here. But it is a good thing that the gardens are open all year round and no admission fee is required. This is a perfect setting for family picnics and picture souvenirs for loved ones back home. Visit the caves around the area which is a sanctuary for the endangered Great Horseshoe Bats and other birds and bats.

Battery Gardens

Another gorgeous garden you can visit during your stay at the holiday cottages is the Battery Gardens. It is located on North Furzeham Road and Fishcombe Road and is a popular tourist destination during Brixham holidays. The garden is sprawled on a 14-acre site and is a traditional observation point for Brixham trawler races both in the past until the present day. Its main purpose in the old days was to defend the beaches of Brixham from foreign invasions. During the war between England and Spain in 1586, it was first used as a battery. Then in the 1870s, it became the gunnery-training site for the Coast Guard. Take time to relieve the history as you walk amidst colourful flora and fauna. Breathe the fresh air as you explore some of the army's viewpoints and different hideouts. This is a must-visit place for the whole family during your Brixham holidays.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Exotic wine trips in San Francisco

The city of San Francisco is filled with many joys and wonders. In fact it is one of the beautiful places in the world. And especially if you are wine lover, you ought to visit the place. San Francisco attracts many tourists every year all across the 4 seasons. Some tourists visit the place just to experience the brilliance of most exotic wineries. In fact San Francisco is known for producing the most exotic wines all across the globe. You can travel to either Napa valley or Sonoma Valley for tasting these exotic wines. All together the wineries in these areas provide you with mouthwatering experience.

The state government for the city provides several attractable packages as they heavily rely upon the tourism department for revenue. All the wine tour packages have been designed in a versatile manner that it tends to cover most of the attractive spots along with the wineries. It is an enjoyable 4 or 5 hour journey and in the end everybody is a winner as I am sure that not everybody in your family is wine lover. Napa valley is known as the America's capital for gourmet food and wine. It offers picturesque and panoramic views and one of the ideal places to unveil wine making tradition.

Personalized winery tours are offered for all tourists. Beringer Vineyards is one of the oldest and historical winery operating in Napa Valley. You ought to visit this place at least once. Culinary Institute of America which was earlier the home of Christian brothers is also located in the Napa valley.

The Robert Mondavi winery offers an insight into the cutting edge technology of wine making. You need not stick to original standard tour packages for visiting Napa Valley. You can opt for an exclusive tour package and customize your tour as well. This allows you to choose only the best sites in your package that meets your requirements and desires. It gives you an intimate and personal experience at the wineries. However, customized packages are more expensive than the traditional standard ones.

These packages are not just meant for a single day though the tour might last only for 4 or 5 hours. You can extend your stay at these places and have a pleasant time. All types of accommodations are available in these places. An extended stay allows you to experience beautiful small quaint towns such as Oakville, Rutherford, Yountville, and Calistoga. Calistoga is world famous for its medicinal waters and spa treatment.

When you visit Napa Valley, you also ought to visit American center for wine, Food and the arts. You can witness wine making techniques and purchase highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignons.

When you come out of your vacation after making these visits, you'll have a personalized experience which will allow you to understand the aroma, texture, color and taste of a wine. There are lots of websites dedicated for giving more details about these places and tour packages. Do feel free to take time and look into such sites.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

King Fahad Causeway – A Marvelous Construction

The Kingdom of Bahrain lying in the Persian Gulf is a modern nation home to a multitude of ethnicities and having a myriad of attractions for the travellers to explore, from the traditional houses of Muharraq and the excellent National Museum in Manama to the unique burial mounds at Sar. With an ever growing economy, places like the wonderful Bahrain World Trade Centre serve well for the visitors who adore modernity. Attractions like the gorgeous Al Jazzaier Beach add some contrast to the excursion of a traveller to this region. The history of the city dates back to more than five thousand years making it no surprise that it abounds in valuable archaeological places.

One of the most spectacular road constructions in the world, the King Fahad Causeway is a bridge connecting Bahrain and the Saudi Arabian mainland. It is a highway with four lanes, a width of 25 metres and a length of 26 kilometres facilitating easy passage between the two countries. Constructed with the intention of developing the bonds and links between the two regions, the causeway was officially opened to the public in 1986.

An elaborate combination of several dams and bridges, the causeway was completely financed by the government of Saudi Arabia. The five bridges that were constructed under this project have a combined length of over 12,000 metres. A project that took over four years to be concluded, the bridge is hailed as one of the modern engineering's technical marvels.

The bridge will be put through a renovation in the near future that will include the construction of a commercial centre on side of Bahrain. Several coffee shops, restaurants, telephone stalls, a grocery shop and a special shop catering to the needs of travellers are planned to be added to this expansion with the intention of providing them with convenience.
When it comes to the finest in Bahrain Accommodation, the unanimous option is Somerset Al Fateh. Located in the beautiful Juffair residential area, the hotel has been designed meticulously with the discerning individuals on a Business Travel Bahrain in mind, offering a tasteful experience of the region's history, cultural and diversity.

Friday, April 15, 2011

A Top Of Things To Do In Alicante

Alicante and its attractions
If you are in search of a nice tourist destination in Spain, Alicante might be the right place for you. Alicante is the type of Spanish city that has modern shopping centers but also historical buildings that tell the story of its past, exquisite restaurants which serve a delicious, traditional meal and a perfect weather that allows you to enjoy the narrow and cobbled streets of the Old Town and the beauties of the city's centre. When you reach Alicante, there are five things that you are obliged to do: go on a tour of the city by Segway, visit the Castle of Alicante, go shopping in the famous El Corte Ingles, have lunch in one of the restaurants of the Alicante Marina and last but not the least go for a walk along the spectacular tree lined promenade.
A tour of Alicante
The tour of the city by Segway is a very fun activity because it is not the conventional way of seeing a city. The Segway, for those who do not know it already, is a two wheeled scooter which allows you to ride and see the city along the pavement. If the day is sunny, you also have the chance to enjoy the wonderful breeze, so put this on your ''must do'' list.
The Alicante Castle
The castle dates back to the 10th century and it is one of the exquisite examples of Moorish architecture in Spain. The castle guards the city from the top of the mountain, so the view is breathtaking. However, it is not a good idea to walk your way up; instead take the lift that you will find at the cliff edge.
El Corte Ingles
This is one of the modern features of Alicante, a huge department store with several floors where you will find everything from souvenirs for those back home to clothes, music, cosmetics and toys.
The Alicante Marina
This is the place where you have the chance to see boats that cost more than your house, a lot of extravagance and luxury. The restaurants are a big attraction of the Marina, especially for the gourmet ones; the dishes served here are delicious, containing only fresh seafood. Try them! You will love it!
The market
This is another big attraction of Alicante, especially because the promenade with lined trees stays right behind it. The market is the perfect place from where you can buy souvenirs from the crafts shops.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Fethiye, one of the most popular resorts in Turkey

Anyone planning a holiday in Turkey would do well to begin what is likely to become the first of many great and memorable adventures from an apartment or villa rental in Fethiye, particularly if they have never visited this unique country before. A picturesque coastal town steeped in history and nestling amongst landscapes that are not only diverse but outstandingly beautiful, Fethiye has something for everyone, all of which awaits discovery under the kind of Mediterranean sun that never seems to stop shining, even during the winter months that so many people seek to escape from in other areas of Europe and beyond.
In a destination so full of character, colour and charm, and where so much breathtaking scenery can be found whichever way you look out from your bed and breakfast or holiday villa in Fethiye, you'll be spoilt for choice of all the things that you simply must see and do if you want to be sure not to miss out on the incredible wealth of history, culture and natural beauty that has been crammed into this fascinating corner of Turkey.
Choosing to use self catering holiday lettings in Turkey affords you complete flexibility with regard to your holiday. You could book a villa direct from the owner at an amazing price and take advantage of a private swimming pool, or terraced bbq area and enjoy the fantastic holiday that you deserve.
Apartments and villas in Fethiye are highly sought after by an increasing number of travellers from all over the world, many of whom return year after year after realising what they have actually been missing by not choosing Fethiye for their holidays before!
Remember that no matter how large your holiday party might be, we at lupain-holiday-rentals.com can accommodate it; choosing self catering holiday villas would fit all your needs and could be the best choice for your holiday letting.
Also, make sure that you don´t spend too much time in your luxurious holiday accommodation as you don´t want to miss the stunning sunsets and all the fun Turkey has to offer.
Take control of how you enjoy your holiday with self catering villa rentals and holiday lettings from londondestination.blogspot.com

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Myrtle Beach Attractions for Kids- Where to Take Your Kids on Myrtle Beach

Treat the whole family with a visit to South Carolina. It is never new to hear about the great things being said about a South Carolina Myrtle Beach visit. But the destination should also be considered as a great choice to bring the kids to as Myrtle Beach have got lots of fun in store for kids.

As for Myrtle Beach, there is so much fun that a kid can have after building a sand castle. There are of course amusement parks, and cool adventures with mom and dad.

Exciting Myrtle Beach Attractions for Kids

If your kids are after a really great time and the beach and the South Carolina sun Are but parts of the whole fun, then it should be a great thing to know that a crazy adventure await them nearby. Here are Myrtle Beach Attractions for kids who know better that fun from the sand and sun.

Myrtle Beach Family Kingdom. One very exciting ride that the kids will find nowhere but in this adventure-packed amusement park is South Carolina's largest Ferris Wheel. The ride is twice the excitement and the fun. One, it takes you and the kids to some really exhilarating heights and two, it gives you a great view of the whole white sand beach stretch of Myrtle Beach. If your kids are up to a really great time on the rides, then try purchasing ride-all packages and surely they will have more that enough out of their Visit to South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach Aquarium. Surely you can tell the kids about the creatures that live in the ocean but, nothing beats being close to these colorful and lovely creatures. Ripley's Aquarium or Myrtle Beach Aquarium would be another great family treat and it will, by all means make the South Carolina visit whole. How cool will it be to be close as possible to creatures of the deeps? How fun will it be to see them swim about you? Above all, what a great educational experience will it be for your kids in the end?

Alligator Adventure. If the kids meeting with the creatures of the seas had been much fun, then it will be awesome to take the fun further. After meeting sea creatures, reptiles should come next. Take the family to Alligator Adventure and see with your own eyes how humans feed the ferocious alligators using their hands. Next reptile to meet and greet would be the Giant Green Anaconda. What an exciting visit would this be for the kids?

Nothing beats a great adventure when in comes to the thrill of a vacation. These ideas are but some of the many you can do for when you visit South Carolina with the kids. While Myrtle Beach's sun and sand are the classics, these exciting add-ons in the itinerary will surely give them a vacation they won't ever forget. So, take the time to visit these Myrtle Beach Attractions for kids and never miss out of these ones.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Visit Agra on India Travel Tours

Are planning to go on India travel and tours? Looking for destinations where you can see some of magnificent monuments of this country. Well, you should visit Agra, the city of Taj Mahal. Agra is an important and historical city which is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of sacred Yamuna River. It is a land where you can see perfect amalgamation of modernity and tradition. It is a land where you will have a wonderful opportunity to visit and explore some of magnificent monuments of India including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Itmad-Ud-Daullah Tomb. Travelers from all over the world visit Agra to visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daullah. The matchless architectural beauty of these magnificent monuments never fails to lure visitors coming from different parts of the world.

On Agra visit you will visit major historical and heritage sites such as Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daullah and Fatehpur Sikri.

Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is built in graceful white marble and located on the banks of Yamuna River. It is India's star tourist attraction and renowned with matchless architectural beauty. It is also a cultural world heritage site declared by UNESCO. This beautiful white marble monument was built by great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the commemoration of his most darling wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This is the reason it is often described as the Symbol of Love. It is also one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Agra Fort: Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, the Agra Fort is a magnificent fort complex built in red sandstone. The fort complex houses many beautiful structures and architectures. This splendid fort was built by great mughal emperor Akbar. It is also a cultural world heritage site declared by UNESCO.

Itmad-Ud-Daullah: The Itmad-Ud-Daullah is a beautiful tomb monument. It is known for its beautiful interiors. The interiors of the tomb monument is considered as more beautiful than of even the Taj Mahal. This is the reason it is also described as the Baby Taj or the Little Taj Mahal or the Draft of the Taj Mahal. This beautiful monument was built by mughal empress Noor Jahan in the memory of his father.

Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is also a UNESCO world heritage site. It is an abandoned city located in the outskirts of Agra City. It is home to many monuments including Buland Darwaza (the largest gateway in the world), Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace, Birbal Mahal, Salim Chisti Mosque, etc.

You see that you have many magnificent monuments and historical sites in and around Agra city. So visit Agra on your India Travel Tours and treasure unique experience to cherish forever.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Book Flights to Kuwait City to Have Ideal Middle Eastern Holidays!

Beautiful architecture of the city combined with its warm and rich hospitability has landed Kuwait City as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. This city will surely fantasize you with it tradition, age-old culture, and prosperous heritage. Yet, the city has also extended its arms as an open tourist spot attracting many to book cheap flights to Kuwait City. Here, it this article, we have come up with some of the places to dine and shop while staying in the city.

Best Season to Visit Kuwait City


To book Kuwait City flights in advance, it is very important for you to take care of city's weather. As the city features an arid climate, avoid making reservations during the summers, which prevails from the months of April till September. Winters, however, are much gentle, giving you a perfect chance to roam around the city without any worry of scorching heat. During the months of February and March, city is all covered in beautiful Petunias which make it gloom like a newly-wed princesses.

Places to Visit in Kuwait City

Kuwait City has always pleased those who have come here to spend some quality time. Plethora of tourist attractions in the city lets you enjoy every moment in the town. Here is a list of the most visited tourist spots in the city for those who have planned.

The Kuwait Towers

The Kuwait Towers hold same importance in city's tourism industry what Taj Mahal hold for India. Wonderfully designed and erected, the Kuwait Towers is a set of three towers that have been bejeweling the city since their completion during 1970s. Within the main tower, there is a restaurant and an observation deck to dine while sitting at the top of the city. You can board flights to Kuwait City without any hassle if you book tickets with the help of an online travel agent.

Oil Display Center

Situated approximately 20 miles from the main city, the Oil Display Center fascinates every visitor who has booked expensive or cheap flights to Kuwait City. Kuwait owns major oil wells and is a leading exporter of the crude oil. The Oil Display Center is owned and run by Kuwait Oil Company and offers the visitors to see a replica of the parent oil station. Have an insight on how oil processing is done.

Zoological Garden of Kuwait

Amongst the top sightseeing destinations in Kuwait, the Zoological Garden stands at the top. Beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained, this garden is also a center for preservation, education, propagation and research.

While touring in Kuwait, you can never fall short of places to be visited. So, if you have booked Kuwait flights, plan your itinerary in such a manner that you get to visit maximum tourist spots with in limited time frame.

Shopping and Flavoring

To have a rewarding shopping experience in thecity, you can visit any of the souks, malls, or the local flea markets spread across the city. Low duties implied on the products make your shopping a heavenly experience.

Kuwait City has always met the gastronomical cravings of its visitors. Food available in the city is not only finger licking good but exceptionally cheaper as well. To have an awesome middle-eastern holidaying experience, avail the services of an online travel agency and ask it to book flights to Kuwait City.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Exotic Wildlife in India

Wildlife or life of jungle is very fascinating for an adventure tourist. one can feel the earth shaking as rhino charges past, hear the roar of a lion is amazing, seeing herds of elephants, deer in their natural habitat is an amazing experience one can't forget. Imagine living in an open tent and safari on elephant back what an amazing experience. Wildlife in India is just not to visit national parks it means to take back home memories bag full. Memories of lion, tiger, elephant, peacock, panther and much more.

The wildlife of India is a mix of species of diverse origin and it is preserve in 80 national parks and 441 wildlife sanctuaries across the country. The common name for wilderness in India is jungle. India is home to a number of rare and threatened animal species like Tiger the big cat. India hold over half the world's tiger population commonly known as Bengal/Royal Bengal Tigers. There are many qualities in tigers which makes them popular all over the world. Jim Corbett once said that they are the large hearted gentleman. They are the most magnificent, rare, endangered, powerful and charismatic species. To save them Government of India started 'Project Tiger' in 1972 and a fresh movement 'Save the Tiger' started in 2009 due to this population of tiger increased from 1411 in 2008 to 1706 in 2011. One can enjoy wildlife in its full adventurous experience while on safari be it on elephant back, in an open jeep, from a boat. India has some famous wildlife sanctuaries like Bharatpur bird sanctuary for birds, Jim Corbett park for tigers, Gir National park for lion and many more, one can see gigantic elephant, charming peacock, graceful rhinoceros.

The wildlife tour in India is amazing in any season but to experience migrating birds, tiger and other rare species, winter is the best season. India has unmatches variety of flora and fauna. To get away from urban jungle and explore the real wilderness there are wildlife resorts in India there are jungle lodges, open tent, luxury tents and heritage palaces to stay and enjoy the wildlife at its fullest.

Friday, April 8, 2011

American Cities

The Statue of Liberty and White House, Disney World and Hollywood, Broadway and Wall Street - these images come to mind when thinking of the United States. The third largest country in the world has many amazing cities and plenty of natural attractions to put on must-see list. And this list could stretch on forever.

NEW YORK, everybody would agree that New York is one of the most fascinating cities not only in the USA, but in the entire world. The “Big Apple” is best described as the world in one city - whatever your taste, however big or small your budget and whatever your age you will be sure to find plenty to delight, amaze and amuse you.
WASHINGTON DC is the capital city and home of the White House, Pentagon, Supreme Courts and more museums than you can visit in a whole lifetime of holidays.
BOSTON, while New York is defined by its skyline, Boston is distinguished by its vibrant neighborhoods. From the fashionable Back Bay to oldest Beacon Hill to colorful Chinatown to historic North End - all neighborhoods of Boston has its own personality and distinct appeal. A stroll around this old city is like reading an American history textbook.
MIAMI, America’s Riviera with 10 miles of wide white sandy beaches, delightful art deco architecture, trendy hotels, chic restaurants and hot party scene - this is Miami.
ORLANDO being home to the largest amusement park in the world has to be on a list of must-visit in America.
LAS VEGAS, a gambleville with luxury resorts and five star hotels, outstanding dining and acclaimed shows, exclusive spas and world-class golf courses – you have to party in Vegas at least once in a lifetime. Las Vegas’ proximity to unique treasures of nature such as Red Rock and Grand Canyon, Colorado River and Death Valley makes Sin City attractive travel destination not only for party goers but for nature lovers as well.
LOS ANGELES, Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Malibu and Sunset Boulevard – these places have to be on must-visit in America list, and all of them are in Los Angeles. Who wouldn’t like to take a ride down Sunset Boulevard in a convertible or watch sunset on Malibu beach with a glass of California Pinot? If you’ve never done it, you should! Besides famous attractions and intensive nightlife, Los Angeles has great surroundings to explore. Just take a road trip to Santa Barbara and you’ll witness a breathtaking beauty of South California.
SAN FRANCISCO, the city's famous steep hills and trolley cars, astonishing bay views, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, lively Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown, numerous beautiful gardens and delicious food make San Francisco very unique and the most beautiful city in America. When in San Francisco, take a trip to Napa Valley for a glass of wine or two while enjoying breathtaking scenery of a wine country.

Visiting the Black Pyramids in Tenerife

A wonderful sightseeing spot

The Black Pyramids are situated just 26 kilometers away from the beautiful Santa Cruz city in Tenerife, in a place known as Guimar. In order to reach Guimar, you have to follow the TF-1 motorway and when you get to the 19 km point, follow the exit to Arafo. It is not difficult to reach the pyramids and they are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., so there is nothing to stop you from visiting them.

The history of the pyramids

It was just in the 1990s that the Pyramids caught the attention of the public thanks to an article published in one of the popular local newspapers. The anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl studied them and says that they resemble the pyramids in Mexico, Peru, Mesopotamia or Polynesia. It is not known for sure when the Pyramids were built, but the anthropologist believes that they were on that land prior to the appearance of the pre-Hispanic civilizations. 1991 was the year when Thor Heyerdahl ordered some excavations that showed the fact that there is a certain rule according to which the pyramids were built: they are aligned in such a way that they follow the summer and winter solstices.

Many cultures at one place

Specialists carried out excavations under the Pyramids known as the Pyramid 1. They found a cave measuring 8 meters in length where remains dating back to the Guanches helped to raise enthusiasm among the scientists. They found bodkins, goat bones, fish bones, stone objects and even necklaces. The Carbon-14 method dated the remains to a period between 680 and 1020 AD. When you finish visiting the pyramids, try not to miss the Exhibition Areas. There are two such areas at your disposal where you have the chance to see ancient crafts such as the totora-papyrus boats. Lots of temporary exhibitions containing photographs or objects are there to entertain the public and to teach history lessons, so make sure that you take advantage of these. The Pyramids are surrounded by breathtaking gardens that contain species of plants found only in the Canary Islands. If you go there with your children, do not worry about the fact that they will get bored of the history lessons; they have a playground at their disposal to use their energy. You should allocate some of your holiday time to visiting the Pyramids because I am sure that you will love them!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

USA Tours in the Mid-Atlantic Region

From the welcoming arms of New York and the dazzling casinos in Atlantic City to reliving America’s history in Philadelphia, the Mid-Atlantic Region is a one-stop-shop for culture, history, outdoor and urban adventures.

When most people think of New York, they think of New York City: the lights of Broadway, the buzz of Times Square, the majesty of the Empire State Building. But New York State is so much more than the city: it is larger in land mass than England. New York state means also: cruises under Niagara Falls, visits to “The Grand Canyon of the East - Letchworth State Park”, tours of renowned vineyards in the Finger Lakes, horseback rides at dude ranches, snowboarding in the Adirondacks, and it is museums, theatres and cultural centres.

Uncover the diversity, beauty and excitement that defines New Jersey - the Garden State - a crown jewel of the Northeast. Submit to the irresistible lure of the Jersey Shore, a natural landscape of enchanting blue skies and 127 miles of beautiful, white sand beaches; enjoy boating and deep-sea fishing, surfing the waves and leisurely boardwalk strolls. Follow the bright lights to Atlantic City and enter the exciting, fast-paced world of casino gaming thrills and unparalleled nightlife, award-winning restaurants, luxury retail and world class entertainment.

As the birthplace of American Independence, it’s no secret that Pennsylvania is loaded with history: your Pennsylvania vacation should start definitely in Philadelphia, the birthplace of our nation and the home of Benjamin Franklin. Another great Pennsylvania city is Pittsburgh, home to the six-time NFL Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and such American icons as Andrew Carnegie and Andy Warhol. Then drive across the famous Route 6: it won’t take long to see why it’s called one of the most scenic drives in the country.

We hope to see you soon. Have a great trip in Mid-Atlantic Region. America Starts Here.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Leh and Ladakh-Exotic Tour Destination

Ladakh, the snow desert bordered by two most serene mountain ranges, has plenty of attractions to fascinate tourists towards its pristine beauty. Feel the cold waves from sky reaching mountains, calmness of beautiful lakes and religion imbibed in the air passing through magnificent monasteries. There is a long list of places travelers must visit while touring this northern most part of India. Ladakh along with its capital Leh offers a variety of regular as well as adventure activities to every individual.

Natural Aura
Nature is at its best in this region which has a kind of hypnotism that mesmerizes senses of the visitors and it becomes difficult for them not to fall in love with it. High Mountain passes like Zoji La, Khardung La, Namika La, Lachulung La and Taglang La takes tourist to some of the hidden destinations. Here one can find some of the world's highest navigable passes that provides a scenic view of this exotic region. Indus Valley, Nubra Valley, Markha Valley- gorgeous valleys enclosing even more beautiful rivers provide amazing locations for camping etc. Power of nature is evident on the magnetic hill where vehicle move with their engines off, towards the hill at a speed of 20km per hour.

Monasteries- Example of Living Buddhism
During Leh Ladakh tours discover age old heritage of Buddhism by visiting the beautiful monasteries. This barren snow covered land is dotted with magnificent monasteries/Gompas that add to environment a divine power that can be felt on the mere entrance to this region. Hovering flags, prayers carved on walls, enchantment of mantras and a lot more represent the unchanging beliefs of Ladakhis. Alchi, Thiksey, Likir, Spituk, Hemis, Khalsi, Mulbek, Shankar and Lamayuru are among the most visited monasteries that reflect beautiful architecture inspired from Tibetan culture. These gompas contains large statues of Buddha, wall paintings and thangkas. Also, every year various monasteries serve as venue to colorful festivities of the region.

Adventure Activities- Experience Life on the Edge
In Ladakh adventurous activities are really exciting and one can have the most thrilling experience of their life with mountaineering, trekking, jeep safaris, biking and cycling. Trek to the highest mountain ranges and enjoy beautiful views from top. Stay overnight in camps and get into a deep slumber beneath the far reaching sky. Passionate travelers do not let go even a single moment without ecstasy so they come to this land to explore their daring side. Other activities include river rafting, archery and polo competitions.

Shopping Extravaganza
In Ladakh various popular places are their where shopaholics will find some of the unique and beautiful Ladakhi items. These markets are full of Tibetan handicraft products like prayer wheels, Thangka paintings and Buddhist masks. Tibetan silver jewelry and traditional Ladakhi jewelry are on the hit list of most of the women visitors. Pashmina shawls, locally handmade woolen rugs, carpets sweaters, caps, gloves and socks are the usual things people buy during their tour.

A beautiful region integrated with natural beauty that offers incomparable excitement as well is definitely a place worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. One should go on a tour to Leh and Ladakh with plenty of time in hand and a lot of preparation as this place has a lot to offer which can be enjoyed whole heartedly.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Find Rio De Janerio Travel and Tourist Attractions

Rio de Janeiro is a city-limits acclaimed for its beauteous mural and no appointment to this amazing city-limits is complete after seeing the skyline in its entirety. The two best viewpoints aswell appear to be the two a lot of acclaimed landmarks in Rio, and for acceptable reason. It's a boxy choice, but the actual best angle in the city-limits can be had from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.

Rio De Ganerio Travel Guide

The endure anniversary accident that will be organized in Rio this April is traveling to be the St George's Day at the Abbey of Saint Goncalo Garcia and Saint George. The abbey will bless this appropriate day with a Mass and a acuity to the saint. As it is acceptable with a lot of of the saints in Brazil, there is aswell traveling to be a advance and stalls commercializing food, alcohol forth with assorted religious items. The abounding abode of this accident is: 382 Rua da Alfândega, Centro 20061-022.

If you are not absorbed in these account or account events, there are added things that you could do as the city-limits has added to offer. If you are a soccer fan, you can appointment the acclaimed Maracana football amphitheater that captivated the 1950 Apple Cup Final. At the moment, the amphitheater is ability renovations and extensions in alertness for the accessible 2014 Apple Cup as able-bodied as the 2016 Olympics.

Another actual accepted abode a part of tourists would accept to be the bronze of Christ the Redeemer, aerial over Rio on Mount Corcovado. This arty 30-metre-high battleground is a postcard best admired and is one of the city's a lot of important symbols. It was inaugurated aback in 1931 and it was created by sculptor Paul Landoviski and congenital by architect Heitor da Silva Costa. You should apperceive that it is amid in a attributes reserve, accouterment admirable ambience as able-bodied as absurd angle over the blow of the city. A few years ago you had to ascend 220 accomplish in adjustment to get to the top, but luckily now there are three across-the-board elevators and four escalators that will get you to the top with no effort.

The additional best appearance in Rio can be had from the anxiety of Rio's a lot of photographed landmark, the bronze of Christ the Redeemer, the better art deco bronze in the world. In 2007 this 120 ft alpine bronze was called one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Travelers can ability this acclaimed bronze by auto or by a breathtaking alternation ride that leads through forests. It's important to appointment this admiration on a clear, brilliant day, as if the clouds cycle in it is difficult to see annihilation at all. However, if the day is bright you will be advised to one of the a lot of admirable angle in the world.

Rio De Janerio

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Apple is Rio de Janeiro Harbor, on Guanabara Bay, so this should accommodate abundant affidavit for accepting a quick attending while in the city. The harbor's aphotic dejected amnion are brindled with bouldered outcrops; the a lot of accepted one would accept to be the Sugar Loaf Mountain, sitting at 404m high. A little bit college at 710m you will be able to see the Corcovado askew peak. At the apex, there is an iconic 38m bronze and attribute of the city, the above Christ the Redeemer.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Yu Yuan Garden Shanghai Travel Guide And Tips

Located in northeast of Ancient Chengxiang,north to Fuyou Road,east to Anren Street,Yu Yuan Garden is connected with Town's God Templem.It is the only garden of Ming Dynasty.

In the 400 years of its existence, Yuyuan Garden had taken great changes. During the late Ming Dynasty, it became very dilapidated with the decline of Pan's family. In 1760, some rich merchants bought Yuyuan Garden and spent more than 20 years reconstructing the buildings. During the Opium War of the 19th century, Yuyuan Garden was severely damaged. The Yuyuan Garden you see today is the result of a five year restoration project which began in 1956. The garden was opened to the public in September, 1961.

The true treasure of Yuyuan Garden is the Exquisite Jade Rock. Located across from Yuhua Hall, it is o­ne of the three famous rocks in the southern region of the Yangtze River. (The other two are Duanyun Feng in Suzhou and Zhouyun Feng in Hangzhou.) The rock is 3.3 meters (about 10.8 feet) in height and has 72 holes. What is interesting about this rock is that if you burn a joss stick just below the rock, the smoke will magically float out from all of the holes. Similarly, when you pour water into the rock from top, the water will flow out from each hole creating a spectacular sight to see. Pan Yunduan was very fond of the Exquisite Jade Rock, and he built Yuhua Hall facing the rock so it was convenient to sit in the hall and admire it. The furnishings in the hall were made of top grade rosewood of the Ming Dynasty, appearing both natural and graceful.

The Inner Garden was a separate garden built in 1709, but is now a part of Yuyuan Garden in the south. The Inner Garden is compact and exquisite, and the rocks, pavilions, ornamental ponds and flower walls offer some of the most attractive sceneries in Yuyuan Garden.

Yuyuan Garden occupies an area of 20,000 square meters (about five acres). However, the small size is not a representative of the attractions of the garden. The pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters all have unique characteristics. There are six main scenic areas in the garden: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall and the Inner Garden. Each area features several scenic spots within its borders.

Address:
132 Anren Street,Huangpu District, Shanghai, China. Zip code: 200010.

Traffic:
To get here, you can take the city bus line 11,26,64,71,145,581,715,730,736,801,926,929,932,969,980 to the bus station named Yuyuan. It is about 2 km from the downtown of Shanghai to Yuyuan, 246 km from Hangzhou to Yuyuan, 313 km from Nanjing to Yuyuan.

Admission fee:
40 rmb for the peak season and 30 rmb for the slack season. 10 rmb for the students.(need to show a student ID) Free for the kids shorter than 1.4 meters. Free for the aged (>70).

Opening hours:
8:30-17:00.(You will not be able to buy tickets after 16:40)

Best season to visit Yuyuan:
Any time.

What to buy here:
Yuyuan Cangshuhuace(250 rmb), Yuyuan Fengguanghuace(280 rmb), Yuyuan Cenyinpu(220 rmb), Yuyuan Fengguang CD(25 rmb), Shanghai Xiaodaohuiqiyijieshao(1 rmb), Yuyuan Intro(6 rmb), Wenyixingyou(2 rmb), Mingxinpian(20 rmb), Yuyuan Dianchunshuhuaji(108 rmb), Yuyuan Daoyoutu(1.5 rmb), Shanghai Wenwubowuguanzhi(120 rmb), Mingqingshanmianxuan(300 rmb).

Shopping centers around Yuyuan Garden:
Yuyuan Lvyoushangcheng (19 Wenchanglu Street), Yuyuan Baihuogongsi (24 Wenchanglu Street), Shanghai Lvyougouwushangcheng (239 Fuzuolu Street), Kuaizidian (33 Yuyuanlaolu Street), Xiaoshijiegouwushangsha (234 Fuzuolu Street), Yuyuan Shangchenggongyipinggongsi (265 Fangbingzhonglu Street), Yongqingjiafashangdian (15 Yuyuanxinlu Street).

Copyright belongs to Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM . You can find more information about china travel,airlines,cheap flights,non-stop flights,direct flights from our web site. (This article written on 04/02/2011).

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Some Of The Best Travel Spots to Head To In Bolivia

Listed here are a couple of fantastic regions that anyone who is intended on going to Bolivia may want to experience. Generally there are a variety of many other activates too although, all of these are generally the most impressive 3 for almost all holidaymakers and visitors. These places will let you explore just what exactly Bolivia can offer in completely unique ways.

El Pantanals

This unique region is a outstanding region to witness many of the most breathtaking swamplands across the world. This expanses all through a few nations where there is a lot of incredible animals, aquatic shrubs, in addition to wide swamplands of mother nature's charm that could be a special spot for photography fans to venture to. You will find a local zoo found in the vicinity dependent upon most of these swamplands which lets you experience parts of it considering the fact that exploring these places in Bolivia could take a lifetime.

Tiahuanaco

This is really a long lost pre-Inca site in the middle of Bolivia. This stands out as the most historical destination around more or less all of Bolivia. The Tiahuanaco culture is certainly unique in plenty of different ways, such as the choice of stone these tribes used in order to establish this long lost region. Truth be told there rumors that the actual ruins continue even a lot more within that lake. You actually will probably be able to visit almost all of these ruins and even find out all of the traditional as well as cultural encounters which these kind of ancient women and men had back in the days previous to the Incan Empire.

Yungas Road

Visiting in Bolivia can certainly get a little fun whenever you are traveling in the right position. This unique road is usually as the Death Road. This unique avenue elongates right up inside the actual Andes mountain tops and conforms without warning on numerous different places which makes it challenging when it comes to seeing the actual brink of the road and also oncoming cars or trucks. There happen to be a large number of people that travel this particular road and have died from it.

Although this should in no way stop adventurers from traveling down this risky road.

Friday, April 1, 2011

A small trip to lefkada's, greece religious tradition, churches and monasteries, part b

1) Temple of Agia Mavra

Agia Mavra is located into the catle of Agia Manvra. The castle is located exaclty at the entrance of Lefkada, beside the floated bridge.

2) Temple of Agios Ioannis (Angousis)

Basically, this church is a cave beside Agios Ioannis shore rocks, which is modified into a scenic small temple. We can say for sure that is the anciest christianic monument of the island. The tradition mentions that Apostles Paul and Acyllas talked about Jesus Christ. Anesis Village Studios and Apartments is only a few km away from these churches, so you will not have a problem about the access.

3) Temple of Panagia Vlahernon

This church has a great historical value, because in 1821, the period of Greek Revolution against the Turkish Empire, the members of Filiki Etairia (a revolutionary organization) promised to give their lives for the delibaration of their nation (Greece).

4) Temple of Koimisi of Theotokos (Mother of God)

This church is located in Nidri, a touristic, cheerful village, where you can enjoy your lunch, dinner, drink, or even buy some souvenirs.

Anesis Village Studios and Apartments is siuated only 15 minutes from this village. http://www.lefkada-anesis.gr

5) Temple of Agios Donatos

This chapel is located in Englouvi, amountainous village (900m altitude). During the ceremony day of the chapel, on 7th of August, traditional local products are delivered for free to visitors.

6) Temple of Agia Paraskevi in Agios Ilias village

If you visit this place, stop fro a few minutes to feel the calmness of the nature and admire the view of south Lefkada, Ithaca and Kefalonia from this "natural" balcony.

7) Temple of Agios Dimitrios in Katohori village

Situated in the centre of the village, this church has many old wall paintings in the interior.

8) Temple of Agia Kiriaki

Another small church just opposite from Nidri, at Geni peninsula. You can reach there from a path or by boat from, Nidri. The small cruise also offers a great view to Scorpios, th private island of Aristotle Onasis.

As we have mentioned before Anesis Village Studios and Apartments is located only 15 km from Nidri. http://www.lefkada-anesis.gr

9) Temple of Koimisi of Theotokos (Mother of God)

This church is located in Vasiliki, a south village. Vasiliki offers to the visitor a scenic small port, water sport acivitiesn adn nightlife. In addition, from Vasiliki you can take the ferry-boat to Ithaca and Kefalonia.