Shanghai International Circuit

The Chinese Grand Prix is just one of the many events held at the Shanghai International Circuit. The track is over three miles long and notorious for featuring one of the most difficult corner combinations of any circuit.

The country’s first ever Formula One race was held here in 2004, and it was won by Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello. In 2005 the circuit hosted the final round of the Formula One championship. 2012 will see the circuit feature in the third round of the Formula One World Championships, with races running between 13 and 15 April.

Zhuhai International Circuit

Motorsport in China began in the city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, when it hosted a race in 1993 on its street circuit. Three years later, Zhuhai International Circuit was constructed in Jin Ding town in Zhuhai City, becoming the country’s first permanent motor-racing track.

Between 1 and 3 June 2012, the circuit will host round two of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia – one of a number of one-make sports car racing series. Interested parties can purchase a day gift at ExperienceMad.co.uk for a taste of what it’s like for the drivers of such cars.

Ordos International Circuit

The relatively new Ordos circuit is situated in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia. It covers over two miles of track and features 18 corners. Between 6 and 8 July 2012 it will play host to round three of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.

This will be directly followed by round four of the China touring car championship – a touring car racing series consisting of two classes – one for 1,600cc cars and another for 2,000cc cars. Round five will also be held at the circuit on 19 August.

On 2 September round six of the GT1 World Championship will be played out at Ordos – one supercar driving experience no visitor to the country should miss.

Chengdu Goldenport Circuit

Chengdu Goldenport Circuit is a permanent circuit found in Chengdu – known as the ‘City of Abundance’ and the country’s fifth most populated city. The track is just over two miles long and famously bumpy. On 17 June it will host round three of the China Touring Car Championship.

Guangdong International Circuit

Situated between Zhaoqing and Sanshui city, Guangdong International Circuit is approximately 45 minutes by (regular) car from Guangzhou. The circuit, which is less than two miles long and contains 13 turns, was thought up by Chinese designer Qiming Yao. 23 September will see the track host round six of the China Touring Car Championship.

Shanghai Tianma Circuit

Situated on Shenzhuan road in the Sheshan Songjiang district of Shanghai, the Tianma Circuit is part of a vast resort that contains a 4×4 course, a 10,000m² proving ground, a media centre and grandstand, VIP rooms, a cinema, a gym, a supermarket and a multi-functional hall.

The circuit will host round seven of the China Touring Car Championship on 14 October and then round eight on 4 November. On 2 and 4 November it will host round seven of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. It will also play host to round 11 of the World Touring Car Championship on 4 November.

Where to Find the Best of China’s Driving Events is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

Although Spanish stopped being the official language in 1973, there are a number of distinct linguistic communities within the country’s 7,107 islands that continue to speak some form of the language. For those hoping to visit the Philippines and who are taking Spanish classes London provides regular flights to the country from either of its two major airports.

Chavacano

Derived from the Spanish word for ‘common’, the chavacano language is Spanish-based creole. Having survived for more than four centuries, chavacano is on of the world’s oldest creole languages. Six distinct dialects have developed, one of which (Ternateño), is now extinct.

Zamboangueño

Spoken by the inhabitants of Zamboanga City, Zamboangueño Chavacano is the city’s official language. Situated on the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula, the city is the 6th most populous in the Philippines.

It was founded between the late 12th or early 13th centuries and was invaded by the Spanish in 1520. Almost two thirds of the city’s inhabitants consist of native families who were greatly influenced by Spanish lifestyle and culture.

Zamboangueño Chavacano is most commonly spoken by those descended from Spanish military officers in the area, though it is also spoken in Basilan Province, Tawi-Tawi Province and parts of Sulu Province.

While other creole dialects are thought to be in danger of extinction, Zamboangueño has been steadily evolving. In the past 50 years it has experienced an infusion of words from English, Tagalog and other languages from around the world.

Castellano Abakay

The City of Davao is the island of Mindanao’s largest city, and one of several that are independent of any province. It’s a population destination for tourists, being served by an international airport and boasting both beach and mountain resorts. Visitors will be able to hear the Castellano Abakay dialect, which itself has two-subdialects – one further influenced by Chinese and known as Catellano Abakay Chino, and one borrowing some words from Japanese and known as Castellano Abakay Japon.

Cotabateño

Speakers of the Cotabateño dialect reside in the City of Cotabato in Mindanao – the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. Students of Spanish ancestry should pay a visit to the city’s oldest church, Tamontaka. Built in 1872, it is the oldest in the city and noticeable for it Spanish architecture and design.

Cotabateño is a derivative of the Zamboangueño dialect and has a vocabulary derived from Hiligaynon, a Central Visayan language. The Cotabateño dialect has also borrowed words from the Tiruray and Maguindanao languages.

Ermiteño

For those about to take a holiday from punching numbers for IBM or studying at UIC London provides direct flights to Manila – most holidaymakers’ first port of call. Within the city, the Ermita district is a major cultural area.

Named from the Spanish word for ‘hermitage’ (‘la hermita’), Ermita was founded in the 16th century and played host to a hermitage containing an image of the Virgin Mary. The Ermiteño dialect was the lingua franca of the district up until the end of WWII. It can still occasionally be heard spoken today.

Caviteño

The City of Cavite is in the province of Cavite and can be found situated on a hook-shaped peninsula stretching out into Manila Bay. The Caviteño dialect, which can be hear din the city, has Tagalog as its substrate language.

The Spanish-speaking Communities of the Philippines is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

Approaching the temple from the east, the long winding road passes beautiful terraces where flowers grow in neat little rows. Wayan pulled the car over at one of his favourite spots so we could gaze out across the fields and take in the island before moving on. In the far distance we could just make out Denpassar airport where a steady stream of Bali flights shuttled people to and from the island.

Arriving at the temple car park we were greeted by the obligatory tourist stands which seemed to buckle under the weight of all the sarongs. The touts here were far more professional than those we encountered in the south of Bali. They had a cornered market and were truly a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately for them, Laura had decided this was a great time to make a purchase and with a little help from Wayan, a ‘fair’ price was painfully negotiated.

Pura Basakih is the most sacred place in Bali. Buildings all over the island are made to face the Hindu temple on Mount Agung. The temple is constructed from black volcanic rock and the individual buildings, with their rush roofs, are intricately decorated with colourful paints.

Over the decades, successive kings have commissioned compounds that have been added to the complex. These are arranged over a series of parallel terraces and in total 23 compounds line the volcanoes south slope.

Mount Agung last erupted in 1969 producing lava flows which narrowly missed the temple complex; I’ve read that it’s now well overdue another eruption. This point really hit home when the earth quake struck later in the day!

Having tackled the tourist stands and now being frightfully aware of the steep trek all the way up through the temple; we arranged our tour guide and paid the entry fee.

Our guide, a man called Made, was extremely knowledgeable about the entire complex. He was very happy to answer questions about Basakih and he allowed us to see a large funeral celebration that was happening in one of the central compounds that day.

One of the many temple dogs followed us around on our tour and fortunately, no monkeys were to be seen.

When we arrived at the top of the temple, it was now getting on for mid afternoon. Clouds were beginning to gather around Mount Agung and sadly obstructed our view of the island. Made told us that if you arrive on a clear day, or early in the morning, you can see all the way across Bali to the sea in the south. I’m guessing that would have been quite spectacular.

If you’re a little more adventurous than me you can arrange a hike to the summit of Mount Agung. This takes in the region of 6 hours. Hikers depart at midnight to arrive at the top in time for sunrise or sleep at a small base camp on the slopes, rising early to finish the climb. I’m reliably informed that Basakih sits at a height of 1000m and the summit at 3142m.

Hot tip: The official price for entry to the temple is 8,000 Rp and a guide should cost you no more than $2. When we visited, the price was not advertised and people were being asked to bid for their guides. Luckily we were forewarned by a friendly Australian couple who had seen too many people paying over the odds that morning.

Admiring the Architecture at Pura Basakih, Bali is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

When it comes to travelling in the USA it is unsurprising that Florida is an extremely popular choice, with its gorgeous weather, sandy beaches and world-famous theme parks drawing in myriads of tourists.

While some visitors to The Sunshine State will no doubt be up for a relaxing holiday consisting mainly of lazing on the beach with a cool drink, many will want to make the most of its numerous attractions.

The Florida Everglades National Park is one must-see for travellers who appreciate natural beauty. The sub-tropical wilderness features a variety of breath-taking scenes, from open Everglades’ prairies and mangrove forests to fresh and saltwater areas. Animal-lovers will be in paradise in the Everglades as numerous tropical birds and animals have made it their home, with crocodiles and alligators existing side by side. Visitors can enjoy walking trails and tours by way of tram, boat or even by canoe.

One of the most famous attractions in Florida is Universal Studios, which is an ideal attraction for anyone with a love of film, or who is holidaying with their children or grandchildren. Visitors can go behind the scenes of their favourite movies and jump right into the action on a number of high-tech roller coasters based on popular films including Men In Black, Shrek and The Simpsons.

Among all the fun-filled theme parks and natural attractions are a number of cultural gems, including the Orlando Museum of Art. The museum hosts a number of fantastic collections, primarily celebrating American and African art, regularly putting on talks for art buffs who want to know more. Florida is full of such galleries and museums that are well worth a visit for any culture vultures.

There are also some fantastic shopping opportunities in Florida, ranging from high-end designer outlets to quirky flea markets where shoppers can unearth many a bargain. Top department stores include Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales, while downtown Orlando is well-known for its cute boutiques, antique shops and rare clothing labels. The state also features a number of notable flea markets, where visitors will be able to find almost anything they are looking for. Waldo Farmers’ and Flea Market is situated about 15 minutes northeast of Gainesville, and encompasses around 550 stalls. Meanwhile, Sumter County Farmers’ Market is a sight to see, being held each week in the small town of Webster, with thousands of visitors coming from near and far to view the wears presented on around 2,000 stalls.

Visitors to Florida who are seeking a high-octane holiday, on the other hand, could opt for an adventure vacation filled with water sports and extreme activities. Daredevils of all ages will love hiking, biking and camping in the wilderness of Florida, while true adrenaline junkies can opt for hang gliding and parasailing.

However, before tourists get caught up in the moment and embark on an adventurous trip to America, they will want to make sure they have USA travel insurance. Typically, people who are planning on partaking in particular activities during the holiday will be able to tailor their insurance policy to their itinerary. Travel insurance is likely to be the last thing they are thinking of when jumping aboard a jet ski or being strapped into a hang gliding harness, but making sure they have a policy in place before they jet off provides peace of mind, and means they can indulge their daredevil side worry-free.

Florida Offers Family Fun, Natural Beauty and Adventure Sports is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

If you are anything like me, you will have a long list of places you still want to travel to. Whilst some are a priority, there are others I want to travel to but I’m in no hurry about it.

For the first time in my travelling life though, I have started to look at exchange rates before choosing where to go on holiday.

Last year saw the British economy take another beating and whilst we are tipped to drop into another recession, the Pound has strengthened against a number of other currencies. There has been a lot of talk about the Euro and at present the Pound is standing around a 16 month high against it, meaning Europe is cheaper than it has been for over a year! Whilst that is great news, there are some places you can travel to where the Pound will stretch even further. Check out these places below where the Pound is rallying making your holiday budget stretch further!

Istanbul, Turkey – The Pound will go 25% further than it did 12 months ago against Turkish Lira.

Cape Town, South Africa – The Pound has rallied against the SA Rand over the last year, it’s up 15%.

Mexico City, Mexico – This year you will get 10% more tequila for your Pound in Mexico City.

Krakow, Poland – The Pound has strengthened by 10% in the last year against the Zloty.

As well as making the most of the Pound by travelling to places where my money will stretch further, I am also using a prepaid currency card which I can load with currency whilst the rates are so good. There are loads to choose from but I found FairFX.com usually offers the most competitive exchange rates.

So I have my card loaded with currency, I have a list of places that are cheaper than ever before; now I’d better get booking my annual leave….

Planning Your Holiday to get the Most for Your Pound is a post from: Adventure Bimbling