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Reuters  Published: Friday, August 15, 2008

With the ruins of ancient Rome, the Vatican and countless Renaissance art treasures, what does Italy’s capital lack to attract tourists? The answer, say city officials, is a Disneyland-style theme park. "The model is Euro-Disney in Paris," said Mauro Cutrufo, the deputy mayor, announcing plans to build an ancient Rome theme park just outside the city. This would provide family-friendly attractions to show visitors what life was like here 2,000 years ago. The park, to be built on an as-yet-unspecified 500-hectare site, would put a Roman twist on such rides as Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean. "You would relive scenes from the Colosseum, from ancient Rome, gladiators or maybe Julius Caesar or other things," said an official. The plan has already run into opposition. "I say no to Americanization," said Claudio Mancini, a member of the Lazio region council, who hopes the project will be stopped.

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Belize formerly British Honduras is a country in Central America. Once part of the Mayan and Spanish Empires, it was most recently a British colony, gaining its independence in 1981. The country is bordered to the south and west by Guatemala, to the north by Mexico, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea.

Getting There and About

Getting Around by Air in Belize: International travelers fly into the newly renovated and expanded Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. From there, connections can be made to various destinations within Belize, including: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Dangriga, Big Creek, Placencia and Punta Gorda; as well as to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, etc. Travelers already in Belize City should utilize the smaller Municipal Airport for in-country flights, as costs are much lower.

Belizean Airlines Offering In-Country Service:

Tropic Air: Belize International, Belize Municipal, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Placencia, Punta Gorda, Flores ( Guatemala)

Climate

Climate: Belize weather is characterized by two seasons: a rainy and a dry season. Belize annual rainfall: most of the year’s rainfall occurs during the period June to November, that is, the rainy season. It is noted that the transition from dry to the rainy is very sharp. Belize annual rainfall ranges from 60 inches (1524mm) in the north to 160 inches (4064mm) in the south. Except for the southern regions, the rainfall is variable from year to year.

The onset of the rainy season begins in the early May in Toledo, (where the Belize annual rainfall is highest) progressing north to the Stann Creek, Belize, Cayo and Orange Walk District in late May, followed by Corozal District in early June. The mean temperature varies from 81°F/ 27°C along the coast to 69°F/21°C in the hills. The coldest month is January while the highest temperatures are experienced during the month of May.

Rainfall

Annual rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the North to 170 inches in the south. Although the rainy season is usually between June and August and the dry season is between February and May, Global weather changes are making historical predictions somewhat invalid. At the end of October the weather does become cooler, and from November to February, it is pleasant with showers of rain. Average humidity is 85 percent.

Area & Population

Size: Approximately 8,866 square miles. Belize’s mainland is approximately 180 miles long and up to 68 miles wide. Belize also consists of over 200 cayes (islands), ranging in size from a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and four miles wide; most of which are located inside the 200 mile Belize Barrier Reef.

Population: The population of Belize is approximately 320,000. There is a great deal of ethnic diversity among Belizeans, who include Hispanic, Creoles (African-European), Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Mennonite, Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian. The largest single group is Hispanic.

Language

English is the official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country.

When to Go

The best months to visit Belize are the drier ones (December to May), but this is also the busy winter tourist season when prices rise and hotels fill up. The tourist hordes are out during the couple of weeks either side of Christmas and Easter; some accommodation will be priced even higher during this period. The rainy summer season (June to November) is cheaper and isn’t so wet that you can’t do anything (except at times in the south, which has two to three times as much rain as the rest of the country).

Places to see

The Cayes

Caye Caulker (pop 800), 32km (20mi) north of Belize City, is 6.5km (4mi) long and only about 600m (650yds) wide at its widest point. Actually, Caulker is two islands since Hurricane Hattie split it just north of the village in 1961. Mangroves cover much of the shore and coconut palms provide shade.Ambergris Caye (pop 4500), 58km (36mi) north of Belize City, is the largest of the country’s cayes. It’s 40km (25mi) long and almost connected to the Mexican mainland on its northern side. Like Caulker, it has an engaging, laid-back atmosphere. There are a host of excursions offered to diving and snorkelling spots and to other cayes in the region.

Belize City

Belize City’s urban scenery is not just odorous old canals and grungy slums. There are also handsome colonial houses, seaside parks, bustling shopping areas and sailboats bobbing at the mouth of Haulover Creek. Walking the city’s streets can be very hot, and occasionally threatening, but never dull.

No longer the political capital, Belize City is still home to a quarter of the nation’s population. A haven for creative minds, boasting the best of Belizean arts and entertainment, shops and restaurants, it’s also the perfect base to explore the country’s stunning ancient and natural wonders.

Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center

The Belize Zoo was founded in 1983 as a retirement home for natural history "movie stars." It has since become a refuge and rehabilitation center for injured wildlife, as well as a home for abused and abandoned "pets." Because there are healthy populations of certain species of wildlife in Belize, it is easy (though also illegal) for people to acquire birds and animals which they attempt to domesticate for their own personal pleasure. People are most often unable to tame these animals, or they grow tired of their "pets." The Belize Zoo has played a major role in saving the lives of these animals by providing a new home for these orphans who are most often unable to return to their natural home in the wild.

St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park

The St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park (inland Blue Hole) is located twelve miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway. The Blue Hole is a popular recreational spot, where water on its way from a tributary to the Sibun River, emerges from a collapsed karst sinkhole. The pool, from which the park receives its name, is a beautiful sapphire blue that is about twenty-five feet deep. After a short run through a natural jungle setting, the stream disappears into a large underwater cavern.

Five Blues Lake National Park

Five Blues Lake National Park is located in a most impressive setting in the forest-covered foothills of the Maya Mountains. It is a pristine tract of karst terrain, honeycombed with unexplored cave systems and teeming with spectacular wildlife. The park was established in 1992 as a showcase for the region’s amazing biological diversity and rich cultural heritage. It encompasses over 4,000 acres of prime tropical forest and preserves a wealth of natural and archaeological features.

A notable feature of the park is the karstic lake. The lake was a cenote, a collapsed cave system also known as a blue hole. The lake showcased five unique shades of blues hence the name Five Blues Lake. It is believed that the lake was formed as the result of some blockage of an underground water way, which is a normal feature in karstic landscapes.

The Blue Hole

The "Blue Hole" is located in the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, which is about fifty miles due east of Belize City. Originally a cave, the roof fell in some 10,000 years ago as the land receded into the sea. Visible from outer space, the Blue Hole is nearly a perfectly circular hole 1,000 feet in diameter and 412 feet deep.

Half Moon Caye Natural Monument

Half Moon Caye, located at the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, was the first reserve to be established by the Natural Parks System Act of 1981. One of the main reasons that the natural monument was created was to protect the Red-footed Booby bird and its rookery. The Magnificent Frigatebird shares the rookery with the Red-footed Booby, and both species coexist in apparent harmony. Some ninety-eight species of birds have been recorded on the Caye, of which some seventy-seven are migrants. Regular winter migrants include Ospreys, Mangrove Warblers, and White-crowned Pigeons.

The Iguana, the Wish Willy, and the Lizard are permanent residents on the island, while the Loggerhead Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle come ashore annually to lay their eggs.

Altun Ha – Water of the Rock

The Maya site of Altun Ha is located near Rockstone Pond Village in the Belize District. The entrance to the ruins is approximately one mile from Mile 32 of the old Northern Highway.

Altun Ha, the most extensively excavated Maya site in Belize, was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period, as well as a vital trade center that linked the Caribbean shores with other Maya centers in the interior. The site consists of two main plazas with some thirteen temple and residential structures.

Caracol – Snail

The Maya site of Caracol is located in the Vaca Plateau of the Cayo District. Caracol Camp, adjacent to the ruins, is located at approximately Mile 46 of the Chiquibul Road which connects the Western Highway with the western slopes of the Maya Mountains.

Currently, Caracol is one of the more inaccessible sites in Belize, especially during the rainy season. Plans are underway to improve the access road as it provides one of the most scenic drives in Belize.

Things To Do

Activities

For the outdoor enthusiast and adventure traveler, Belize presents unlimited opportunities to participate in a wide range of sightseeing, cultural, and outdoor activities. You might say that Belize is the outdoors. Listed below are some popular activities in Belize.

Scuba/Snorkeling Windsurfing & Watersports Fishing Sailing

Birding Caving Canoeing/Kayaking Golfing

Accommodations

Most hotels in Belize are small and full service offering unique opportunities for added activities for children in a safe, friendly environment. Many accommodations have swimming pools, beach or river access, gardens and trails onsite, with a selection of games including board games, darts, volleyball and even table tennis allowing members of the group to be entertained within easy reach of the rest of the family.

Useful & Affiliated Links:

Belize Travel Guide

Belize Hotels

Rebate Coupon

Vacation Rental in Belize

Source and full official information Guide: http://www.travelbelize.org

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Olympic 2008 Guide | WCities Destination Guide

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BEIJING

Evolution from half-million-year-old Peking man to 20^th century technologists is spanned within Beijing�??s history.  A city for 3000 years, capital for seven centuries, it is China�??s second largest city and heart of the nation�??s government and economic life.

Typical sightseeing reveals legacies of the nation�??s illustrious past juxtapose with symbols of progress.  Tian An Men, the world�??s largest plaza lined with monumental public buildings, fronts the legendary once-Forbidden City, whose acres of splendid 15^th century halls and pavilions graced with imperial treasures now comprise the Palace Museum.

The Summer Palace presents a breathtaking arrangement of lake and landscape, pagodas and pavilions, and the Temple of Heaven is consummate expression of the philosophy that architecture is �??music in space.�??

Soul-stirring is the Great Wall, winding dragon-like across northern China¾the only earthly evidence of man visible from space.  A memorable day excursion combines a visit to the Wall and a drive along the Sacred Way , guarded by sculpted stone animals both real and fabulous, which are a photographers delight, to the Ming Tombs.

Beijing, Jing for short, is the nation’s political, economic, cultural and educational center as well as China’s most important center for international trade and communications. Together with Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Nanjing and Hangzhou, Beijing is one of the six ancient cities in China. It has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore Beijing’s ancient past and enjoy its exciting modern development.

As the capital of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing is located in northern China, close to Tianjin Municipality and partially surrounded by Hebei Province. The city covers an area of more than 16,410 square kilometers (6336 square miles) and has a population of 14.93 million people.

Beijing is a city with four distinct seasons. Its best is late spring and autumn. But autumn is taken as the golden tourist season of the year since there is sometimes in the spring of recent years, a yellow wind. We suggest tourists visit Beijing during the months of May, September, and October when people can enjoy bright sunshine and blue skies. An abundance of international class performances are presented in May. If you like winter, you will have other chances to appreciate another landscape of Beijing. After skiing in Beihai and viewing the snowy sights on West Hill, enjoying the steaming hotpot is the best choice, which is really the fun of tour in Beijing. Please keep warm and remember to bring your down garments and sweaters when you visit Beijing in the winter.

KUNMING

As one of the renowned historical and cultural cities in China, Kunning is a hot tourist destination located near the southwest border of China. In the ancient times, Kunming which connected Sichuan, Yunnan, Tibet with Myanmar and India was an important city on the South Silk Road; at the same time, Kunming was the meeting point of the world renowned Nanshao Culture, Tufan Culture, Dongba Culture, Islamic Culture and Central Plains Culture.

The city is surrounded by mountains on three sides, leaving one side facing Dianchi Lake. The climate here is like spring all year round, with flowers in blossom in every season. Thus the city has been called ” Spring City”. Kunming is known for its rich tourist resources comprising beautiful natural scenery, magnificent countryside views and colourful folklore.

Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, with a history of more than 2400 years, owes its importance to the fact that it was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India. Today the city is the political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan and the provincial center for transport, science and technology and consequently has become the most popular center for tourism in Southwest China.

Kunming enjoys a pleasant climate and does its best to live up to its title of ‘the City of Eternal Spring’. Whenever you are planning to go, the temperature is always pleasant. With its convenient transport links in and out of the city, Kunming welcomes and sees off tens of thousands of tourists every day.

For first-time tourists Kunming city center is an attraction with its two squares and five interlaced roads - Jinma Biji Square, Dongfeng Square, Dongfeng Lu, Jinbi Lu, Zhengyi Lu, Renmin Lu and Qingnian Lu, among which Jinbi Square has the most eye-catching architecture. Qingnian Lu, Zhengyi Lu, and Renmin Lu are the main commercial areas in Kunming; the most popular pedestrian streets are Nanping Jie, Jingxing Huaniao Shichang, and Jinma Biji Fang.

Kunming is the focal point of Yunnan minority culture. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, Hani and more inhabit the region. Each group has its own featured festivals such as the Torch festival of Yi people, the Golden Temple Fair and so on. The hugely successful 1999 International Horticultural Exposition enhanced Kunming’s influence in the world resulting in a snowball effect upon tourism as more and more foreigners come to discover this enchanting part of China.

Kunming has more than one hundred star rated hotels and a variety of a thousand or so guest houses. These provide tourists a wide choice of somewhere to relax after whole day’s tour.

Kunming is also renowned for many delicious local dishes; the most famous ones are Across Bridge Rice Noodle and Xuanwei Ham. You can enjoy them both at local famous restaurants or the night market. In the night markets you will find many pubs, bars and cafes that serve good quality meals.

LIJIANG

Lijiang is a beautiful shining jewel on the Northwest Yunnan Plateau neighbouring the southeast side of the Tibetan Plateau which is considered to be the “Roof of the World”.

Lijiang boasts of breath - taking wonderful sights such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xue Shan) and its modern maritime glacier, the only one of its kind in the southern end of the Northern Hemisphere; Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiaoxia); the world - famous grand canyon; Lugu Lake, the cultural cradle of the “Matriarchy” of the Yongning Mosuo people in Ninglang; the Old Town of Dayan Lijiang, which is referred to by European and American tourists as the “Oriental Venice”.

It is said there is a fairyland beneath the colorful clouds of southern China. A place blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow-capped mountains, and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by a friendly group of people. Life in this fairyland is so peaceful, a fairyland called Lijiang, located at the hub of Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces.

While the geographical position of Lijiang City is remote, it has the advantage of ensuring a pleasant year round climate and a wide variety of tourist resources in the 20,600 square kilometers area. The earliest recorded history of Lijiang can be traced back to the Warring States Period (476 BC-221 BC) but with the advent of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the local economy reached a peak with the development of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road which made a great contribution to both commercial and cultural communication between Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.

At present, Lijiang City is an attractive tourist destination in Yunnan Province that exercises jurisdiction over four counties and an Old Town District. Lijiang is the main region inhabited by Naxi Group, one of China’s 55 minority ethnic groups. In its long history, the local residents have established their splendid Dongba Culture which has absorbed aspects of the culture of Tibet and the Central Plains along the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. The various souvenirs marked with these Dongba hieroglyphs are very popular with visitors from home and abroad.

Lijiang has the best preserved ancient town in China - the Old Town which has been listed in the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1997. The Old Town was once the center of Lijiang and continues to maintain the original flavor of the local lifestyle, the typical groups of buildings and the profound cultural heritage of the region. When wandering along Square Street or any other streets in the Old Town, you will be struck by the peaceful surroundings. From enjoying the sight of the setting sun from historic hotels to local farmsteads, there are many favorable things here for travelers. Naturally, there are a number of tour destinations to enhance your visit as well. Among them, the most famous is Mufu (Mu’s Palace) which should not be missed during your trip.

Around Lijiang, there are a number of splendid natural beauty spots that will certainly astonish you. If you like to see superlative natural scenery, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain which provides a majestic backdrop to the Moon-Embracing Pavilion at Black Dragon Pond will fulfill your desire. For those seeking an exotic experience in Lijiang, a visit to the Mosuo People beside Lugu Lake is a must. They are called the last ‘ Kingdom of Women’ on earth. If you would like to experience the local lifestyle, then come and participate in one or more of their various festivals that are held throughout the year.

Lijiang does not have a direct rail link and is reached by travelers by air or by coach. However, having got to Lijiang, visiting round and about is easy with the help of the city buses, taxis or for the more energetic by bicycle. However, please don’t forget to save some time to walk in Lijiang. Along your way, you must visit some of the souvenir shops and taste some local dishes and snacks. At night, the famous bar street in the Old Town is really worth a visit. No matter where you go, you will find a harmonious combination of tradition and fashion in Lijiang City.

YANGTZE RIVER

Yangtze is one of the great river journeys of the world. Receives water from 700 tributaries as it sweeps almost 4,000 miles across the country to empty its muddy waters into the East China Sea, for thousands of years it has been China’s lifeline, in reality as well as legend.  A cruise on this river is a journey back in time, as its busy cities give way to small villages, terraced fields still worked by oxen, water buffalo, and the bent backs of barefoot peasants - scenes of Chinese life unchanged for centuries.  Dramatic gorges sharp peaks with fanciful names and ancient temples will captivate you and show you a world you have only seen in painting.

Originating from Tangula Mountain Range in Qinghai Province, the Yangtze River is the largest and the longest river in China and the third longest in the world.

You can enjoy the terror of the Ghost City of Fengdu, the spectacle of the Three Gorges, the fun of drifting on Shennong Stream and the wonder of the Three Gorges Dam. You will not miss the culture and history of Yangtze River while cruising as well.

SHANGHAI

Largest city in the nation, if not the world, Shanghai is at the core of China�??s industry and commerce.  Here the pace quickens; people move faster, energetically shaping the future.  Sprawling along the Huangpu River near the Yangtze River delta, the municipality of Shanghai embraces cacophonous urban life and peaceful agrarian communities.

Nanjing Road�??s goods-filled emporiums bustle with local shoppers; the waterfront Bund is lively with Shanghainese enjoying their leisure.

Typical sightseeing embraces past and present, visiting 400-year-old Yu Yuan gardens, an oasis in the crowded Old Quarter; the excellent Museum of Art and History; a Children�??s Palace where gifted school children entertain; perhaps factories crafting carpets and jade carvings.

Now over 300 of the world�??s top 500 enterprises have opened branches in Shanghai, while many have their research and development centers or headquarters there. Pudong New Area has developed in just five years, and Lujiazui in Pudong has become one of the foremost world class financial and trade zones in Asia. Skyscrapers such as Jinmao Tower and Shanghai Global Financial Center dominate the skyline, while landmark constructions like Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Pudong International Airport and Shanghai International Convention Center offer the finest and best of modern facilities.

These economic achievements are due to Shanghai�??s progress in the fields of politics, finance, trade, culture, science and technology. Various important international events have held in Shanghai, including political conventions, commercial conferences, academic forums, sports events, cultural exhibitions, film festivals and fashion shows.

Shanghai�??s rapid development has come as a great surprise to many in China and has international recognition. Shanghai has grown from a provincial city into an international metropolis on par with New York and Paris in just ten years. No other city in the world has done this - it is unique!

Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world throng to Shanghai to see for themselves its great economic impulse, distinctive attractions and to savor its blend of Eastern and Western cultures. In the eyes of westerners, Shanghai has special oriental charm; while in the eyes of Chinese, Shanghai has a fresh western style. The old say that Shanghai is modern and fashionable, while the young say that Shanghai is old and reminiscent. Wherever you come from and whoever you are, you will find Shanghai an ideal tour destination.

GUILIN

Guilin�??s landscape of jutting, mist-caressed peaks marching in ghostly procession beside the lazy Li River has been celebrated with brush and pen through the ages. Enduring memories are created on a day-long cruise on the meandering river, where vignettes of old villages and pastoral life are glimpsed through stands of feathery bamboo against the backdrop of the preposterous pinnacles.

Secluded valley caught between the peaks can be viewed from atop Piled Silk Hill; in subterranean chambers, the lace-work pattern of stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colored lights is an iridescent fairyland.

Located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin is considered to be the pearl of China’s thriving tourist industry on account of the natural beauty and historic treasures. Covering an area of about 27,800 square kilometers (10,734 square miles), the city is rather compact when compared with other leading cities in the country. However, situated within this area one may find green mountains, crystal clear waters, unique caves and beautiful stones.

Major attractions include Elephant Trunk Hill, Li River, Reed Flute Cave and Seven-Star Park that boasts a Stone Museum where amazing geological finds are displayed. Believe that each of these places and many other attractions will leave you the lasting memories.

The many ethnic minorities represented here that include the Zhuang, Yao, Hui, Miao, Mulao, Maonan and Dong enrich the cultural life of the city. Each minority has its own unique customs and festivals and this means that they are much more abundant here than in many other places elsewhere in China. Travelers can enjoy these pageants at the Li River Folk Customs Center.

XIAN

Xian is an archeological treasure trove.  Shaanxi Provincial Museum boasts a fabulous collection, including the Forest of Steles, China�??s oldest and richest assembly of ancient stone tablets.  As well as Qin Shi Huang�??s Mausoleum and the museum, typical sightseeing includes 1300-year-old Dayan (Big Wild Goose) Pagoda, Huaqing Hot Spring and, time permitting, Banpo Museum, and site of a Neolithic village from the Yangshao culture (circa 6000 BC)

Xian is the capital of Shaanxi province, located in the southern part of the Guanzhong Plain. With the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Weihe River to the north, it is in a favorable geographical location surrounded by water and hills. It has a semi-moist monsoon climate and there is a clear distinction between the four seasons. Except the colder winter, any season is relatively suitable for traveling.

Traditional downtown Xian refers to the area encircled by the city wall, this has now been expanded to encompass the area within the second ring road (Er’ huan Lu). The Bell Tower is the geographical center of Xian and the four main streets are respectively Dong Dajie, Xi Dajie, Nan Dajie and Bei Dajie which are also the main commercial streets. Xiao Zhai, the busiest commercial area is in the southern part of the city and is popular with both youths and students since many universities are located here. Shuyuan Men and the still under construction Luoma Shi are must-visit pedestrian streets in the city. Xian is also famous for its quantity of colleges throughout China. The old campuses of many colleges and universities are massed in the southern suburb of Xian, but most have established new campuses in far southern suburb - Chang’an District due to the lack of space within the city.

Xian has been rich in the delicious Shaanxi snack, delicate Guangdong Cuisine, various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies, and popular Sichuan Cuisine such as the hot pot. Among all the delicacies, the most famous and popular one is the Muslim Snack Street.

Xian is the most important city in northwest China, and so there are a lot of shopping outlets for locals and tourists alike. There are many big shopping centers, department stores and supermarkets in and around Xian city - the biggest and most comprehensive being Kai Yuan Shopping Mall and Century Ginwa Shopping Mall.

The night life in Xian has a unique glamour. Traditional ways include enjoying the night scenery around the Bell Tower, taking part in a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, strolling on the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda Squareand watching the music fountain performance. More modern and fashionable ways include singing in the KTV, hanging out in a bar, or dancing in a Disco. All in all, any experience in this ancient city will bring you fun and possibly a little surprise!

Major attractions include Elephant Trunk Hill, Li River, Reed Flute Cave and Seven-Star Park that boasts a Stone Museum where amazing geological finds are displayed. Believe that each of these places and many other attractions will leave you the lasting memories.

The many ethnic minorities represented here that include the Zhuang, Yao, Hui, Miao, Mulao, Maonan and Dong enrich the cultural life of the city. Each minority has its own unique customs and festivals and this means that they are much more abundant here than in many other places elsewhere in China. Travelers can enjoy these pageants at the Li River Folk Customs Center.

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Mexico is a great destination, and has a lot to offer to travellers. Whether you decide to visit the beautiful beaches famous around the world, historical cities from the time of the Spanish colony and archeological sites of cultures such as the Maya, Olmeca and Azteca among others, beautiful national parks in deserts, mountains and forests, or just hang out in one of the modern cities, you will enjoy it.

Highlights in Mexico are the capital city of Mexico City, Monterrey, with its beautiful colonial buildings and Guadalajara. For colonial cities one should visit Oaxaca, Morelia, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Merida in the Yucatan peninsula, among others.

For beaches, some of the best, most unspoiled are located on the Oaxaca coast, particularly Zipolite and Puerto Escondido. Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen located at the Riviera Maya, Mazatlan, Manzanillo, Ixtapa and Puerto Vallarta among others, are the place to be for all fun loving creatures. The peninsula of Yucatan offers an ideal mix of Maya culture, great weather and some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving in places such as Cozumel and Cancun located at the Riviera Maya. For a truly Mexican experience, the city of San Crist�?bal de las Casas in Chiapas offers a view of the indigenous Mayan peoples in a beautiful colonial city. Los Cabos in Baja California Sur has been a favourite get-away for Mexicans and Americans for years.

Archeological sites in Mexico are vast, one should keep in mind Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, Palenque, El Tajin and Monte Alban among just a few.

For those looking for an active vacation, Mexico offers golf courses, scuba diving and lots of mountains to go hiking in, including cloud rainforest in Chiapas.

Cancun

Cancun occupies an area of about 50,000 square kilometers that can best be described in two words: jungle and sea. Their white smooth sandy beaches and the infinite scales of blue give a wonderful landscape. And the natural beauties of Quintana Roo don´t end here, because the calm of the water on its surface becomes nonstop movement underwater, with its intricate coral forests are home to inestimable aquatic species.

In the walls of the archaeological sites one can almost hear the voices of those who built the history of one of the most significant Pre Hispanic cultures: the Mayans. Amongst the Mayan cities are Kohunlich, it host more than two hundred buildings; Tulum, the walled city of the Mayans; the imposing Coba (meaning: water shaken by the wind), that is one of the bigger Mayan cities of the region.

The history of the state of Quintana Roo is at the same time old and modern, for several years it remained forgotten by the western world. The Spanish not even planed it in their campaign of colonization, because there were very few people. The first Spanish who arrived were two survivors of a shipwreck who lived on the coast from 1511.

Visit the surrounding places if you prefer other possibilities; there are many mysterious Mayan archaeological sites of Tulum, Coba, Chichen Itza or Uxmal with boat trips to the nearby islands of Isla Mujeres, Cozumel and Contoy are well-liked and available to do.

The City of Cancun
Barely 30 years ago was not more than a long virgin island, Cancun is not just a Mayan name, a deserted, sun-drenched island off the northeast tip of the Yucatan peninsula, the splendid resort city of Cancun now offers visitors over 25,000 rooms in four and five star hotels as well as all including everything accommodations that offer package deals including food, drink and rooms. Some hotels are internationally renowned, but there also small family style hotels that offer first class service and accommodations.

Acapulco

Acapulco was christened as �??Santa Lucia�??, is one of the principal tourist destinies on the world and it is the mayor Mexican sea port located in the state of Guerrero, southwest from Mexico, but its official name is �??Acapulco de Juárez�??.

You can admire in Acapulco a natural beauty environs; mountains give the access to the town, though not difficult to access particularly since the construction of a 2-km-long tunnel to the waterfront from the remote areas in the 1990s. An earlier effort to get the cooling sea breezes by cutting through the mountains a passage called the Abra de San Nicolas had some beneficial and comforting effect.

In the coordinates latitude 16.85° to the north and longitude 99.92° to the west is located Acapulco. According to the census of the year the 2005 municipality had 717 766 inhabitants, according to the INEGI in Acapulco is 24% of the population of Guerrero. Account with a territorial extension of 1.882,60 km ² what represents the 2,6% of the state surface and its coast (62 kilometers in length) occupies the 12,3% of the coast of the state.

Acapulco has been well known as a traveler’s crossroads for at least a millennium. Its name is a Nahuatl word, meaning “plain of dense reeds”. The earliest local remains, stone metates and pottery utensils, were left in the 3rd millennium BC. Much later, sophisticated artisans fashioned curvaceous female figurines. Other artifacts resemble those found in highland Mexico. Although influenced by Tarascan, Mixtec, Zapotec, and Aztec civilizations, sometimes paying tribute to them and frequented by their traders, Acapulco never came under their direct control, but instead remained subject to local caciques until the Spanish conquest.

The City of Acapulco
Acapulco harbor arises when Cortés arranges that the ship San Miguel and San Marcos, in Diego Hurtado de Mendoza�??s authority, they go to explore the coasts of the Pacific Ocean. The villa or village that arises in consequence of this exploration, Acapulco did not have a similar birth to other populations.

Mexico City

Mexico City (in Spanish: Ciudad de México, México, D.F. or only México) is the capital city of Mexico. It is the principal economic, industrial and cultural center in the country, and the most populous city with 8,720,916 inhabitants in 2005, sometimes considered the world’s largest and most peopled city. On the other hand, forms a rough oval of about 60 by 40 kilometers, on the dry bed of Lake Texcoco, surrounded on three sides by tall mountains and volcanoes such as the Ajusco, the Popocatepetl and the Ixtlacihuatl. In 2005 Greater Mexico City had a population of 19.2 million. The city is located 2200 meters above the sea level. Some people not used to high places have experienced difficulty when breathing; however these symptoms fade a few minutes after arrival.

The Distrito Federal part of the city, which is where most visitors will spend the greater part of their time, is separated up into 16 delegations, like the boroughs of New York, which in turn are divided into “colonies” (colonias), of which there are about 250. As with many very huge cities, the organization is moderately decentralized, with numerous parts of the city having their own tiny “downtown areas”. Nevertheless, the real downtown areas are Centro, the old city center, and Zona Rosa, the new business and entertainment district. In addition, Mexico is the city with the largest quantity of museums in the world.

Mexico City Hotels

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Thailand, the Land of Smiles, is a fascinating and exotic country where tradition and modernity mingle in perfect harmony. Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the main reason for this popularity is its diversity; the country offers an irresistible combination of spectacular natural beauty, friendly local people, fascinating cultural heritage, untouched hill tribes, exquisite food, relaxing spas, and historical attractions like ancient temples, royal palaces and museums. Thai people are blessed with a very welcoming attitude towards visitors; you will habitually be greeted by Thais with a warm smile.

Thailand offers an almost infinite number of unforgettable travel experiences and tourist attractions; you can enjoy a relaxing holiday in beach resorts such as Pattaya, Phuket, Ko Samui or Ko Phi Phi; visit the ancient cities of Sukhothai and Ayuttahaya; receive an authentic Thai Massage or trekking to hill tribes in Northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai or in Chiang Rai. Thailand has something for everyone, whether you are an intrepid adventurer or you are seeking a luxurious vacation.

Thailand has abundance of natural resources: white sandy beaches, coral reefs, clear-blue waters, islands, tropical jungles, high mountains, green fields. Outdoor sport opportunities abound: sailing, paddling, diving, and snorkeling over coral reefs; trekking to villages; riding the rivers or practice the classic martial art of Muai Thai. There is much for you to discover in Thailand.

Thailand is probably one of the most exotic countries from a Western point of view, and receive more visitors than any other Asian country. With amazing landscapes, an original cuisine, ancient monuments and a well-know hospitality, Thailand gathers a mix of elements that make it one of the most pleasant destinations to visit.

Probably the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, because the weather is kind and the beaches can be better enjoyed. At this period you will also find the most important national and regional festivals in the country. It’s better to avoid the rainy season, between July and November, because Thailand’s monsoons arrive bringing an umconfortable weather.

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and also its biggest city, with a population of over 9 million people. It is experiencing an impressive economic growth, becoming an important regional leader like Hong Kong or Singapore. The easiest way to travel around Thailand is choose from the several cheap flights to Bangkok you can find in Internet and then go to the other Thai cities.

Bangkok

Bangkok was founded as Thailand’s capital in 1782 by King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. By far is the largest city of Thailand with an estimated of about 10 million, more than 10% of the country�??s population, however the city receives continuously a great number of immigrants. Bangkok covers an area of more than 1500 square kilometers spread across a flat alluvial plain divided by the Chao Phraya River.

Over the last decades, Bangkok has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city, combining successfully its ancient traditions and the modern progress. Today, Bangkok is one of Orient’s most cosmopolitan cities, the city has become the country�??s spiritual, diplomatic, industrial, commercial and educational centre, it is the usual residence of the Royal Family, it is the seat of Government and administration, it is the main port of the country.

Bangkok  is also the principal gateway and prime tourist attraction, the city has attractions to stimulate both domestic and international travelers; it is one of the Asia�??s jewels.

Its proper name is Krung Thep, which can be translated as �??City of Angels�??, it is the first two of more than fifty syllables that properly define the place; the full name of Bangkok is listed by Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest place name. To the Thais, Bangkok is the spiritual and symbolic heart of its nation.

Thailand was never colonized and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact, Bangkok preserve its cultural heritage especially in the old areas around the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Dawn and other historic shrines. The influence of the past continues to color daily life, for example, monks keep their traditions since centuries ago.

The City of Angels has a feast of attraction to offer, major tourist attractions include Buddhist Wats, golden temples, canal scenes, zoos, floating markets. The most spectacular sights are Wat Po, the temple where the large Reclining Buddha is located; Wat Traimit where you can see the large solid gold Buddha, the National Museum which serves as a introduction to the county�??s history, the Red Cross Snake Farm, the Jim Thompson�??s House, the Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn, the Rattanokosin Isle, Banglamphu district and the majestic Wats that flank the Grand Palace in which the temple of the Emerald Buddha is found; a worth of visit is the market at Chatuchak Park, near Northern Mo Chit Bus Terminal which is open weekends.

Bangkok embraces modern development and has everything the modern traveler could enjoy. The city has world-class hotels, glittering shopping centers, restaurants serving authentic Thai specialties, and an amazing nightlife which offers a wide range of entertainment �?? concerts, go-go bars, cinemas, discos, and shows �?? almost everything you want is available in Bangkok. The Bangkok’s red-light district is Patpong, the area is a couple of blocks between Silom and Suriwong Roads near the Sala Daeng Skytrain Station. Patpong has also a vibrant night market and very good dining options.

In Bangkok you can at one moment be in the 21st century and the next walking through the past.

Pattaya

Pattaya is 165 kilometers southeast of Bangkok , located on the east coast of Thai Gulf, placed in the province of Chon Buri is the center of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area.

Pattaya (pronounced �??Patti-yah�?? and means �??south-west monsoon wind�??) is a popular resort known as the capital of fun in Thailand, a hedonist paradise, with a nightlife that is legendary.

The city is just about two hours by road from Bangkok, because of its easy accessibility; its convenient location from the capital, make Pattaya one of the most popular weekend gateways.

As one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, Pattaya attracts hundreds of thousand of pleasure-seeking tourists. Its relaxing tropical ambience (good beaches, offshore islands) is synonymous of a memorable holiday.

Formerly a fishing town, Pattaya was used as a Rest and Recreation center by the American forces during the Vietnam War, since that the city was grown into a sun, sea and sex destination. In recent years environmental improvements have been made and the city is working very hard to clean up its bad reputation.

There are many tourist attractions at Pattaya, by example: Phra Tamnak Hill, which provide a panoramic view of Pattaya View; the Coral Island (Koh Lan); the Wat Yansangwararam; the Bottle Art Museum, with over 300 miniatures in bottles; the tropical garden and cultural shows at Nong Nooch Village; the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum; the Million Year Stone Park which has ancient flora and animal species; the SriRacha Tiger Zoo; and the Mini Siam, a replica in miniature of renowned temples and palaces.

There are many sporting opportunities in Pattaya, visitors can practice water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, game fishing, scuba-diving, jet-skiing, water skiing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, or just take a sunbath. Pattaya has more than 30 islands from Si Racha in the north to Sattahip in the south, most island have fascinating dive sites with exceptional coral species and tropical fish. Sporting opportunities on land include golf courses, bungee jumping, badminton, shooting, horseback riding and carting.

After dark, Pattaya offers a lively nightlife with a spectacular variety of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, karaoke, discotheques, night clubs, cabarets, go-go bars and etc. The majority of these diversion places are concentrated in Central and South Pattaya.

Pattaya is also a shopping paradise; there are malls, bazaar-style markets and fashionable boutiques where you can buy garments, silk, clothes, handicrafts, gemstones, jewelry, paintings, sportswear, souvenirs, and etc. These shops are located mostly around the main street of South Pattaya and in the vicinity of major hotels. Beware of buying fake goods.

Pattaya offer incredible alternatives of accommodation, from luxury hotels with private beaches to simple guesthouses.

Pattaya is able to offer an excellent range of eating choices; visitors can find various International cuisines and fresh seafood in several specialty restaurants. One can choose between Thai, French, Italian, Swiss, German, Hungarian, Russian, American, Mexican, Korean, Scandinavian, English, Indian, Moslem, Japanese, Chinese Cuisines and more.

Phuket

Phuket (pronounced �??Poo-get�??) town has been recently upgraded to city status, Phuket city is often overlooked in favor of the beaches, but actually the city is treasure full of surprises with many things to do and see.

Phuket town was largely founded by Chinese and Malaysian merchants to service the nearby tin mines, Phuket town grew and prospered to become the commercial, social and political centre of the island.

Nowadays with a population of fewer than 100,000, Phuket City is an easy going blend of old and modern, simple and sophisticated, peaceful and pulsating, and a result of Thai, Chinese and Muslim influences, there is always something for every taste and every budget.

Its charming architecture which reflects its rich cultural heritage is perhaps the foremost of attractions of Phuket city, the city features century-old mansions built in the Sino-Portuguese style; visitors can find also interesting architectural examples of Chinese style. There are plenty of shop houses that are virtual museums of old Chinese traditions, at Phuket city you can also visit some Chinese shrines, such as Put Jaw and Jui Tui which are just off Ranong road (near the fresh market).

Phuket City has a fascinating and attractive commercial hearth; visitors can find many shopping opportunities at gleaming shopping centers, department stores, hypermarkets and small noodle shops. In Chinatown’s Thanon Thalang you can find numerous boutiques and galleries selling handicrafts and antiques from the region.

The Vegetarian Festival held in October and Loy Krathong in November are the most important festivals of the city. During Phuket Vegetarian Festival, locals of Chinese ancestry observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet.

Most of the stuff attractive to travelers is within the area circumscribed by Ratsada, Yaowarat, Thung Kha and Thepkasatri Roads. But if you want get a glimpse of the island�??s history by taking a walk along Dibuk, Krabi, and Thalang Roads where you can find lovely examples of ancient buildings such as the Government House. Other attractions include the Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insectariums (located near Tesco Lotus supermarket), The Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village.

While most accommodation and food locate themselves on the beaches, Phuket city has a number of good value hotels and guesthouses; there are also great restaurants, discos, and bars at very reasonable prices.

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                                                                                          Will be the First Marriott brand in Bahrain

Located near the financial and diplomatic areas, the Marriott Executive Apartments in Bahrain is perfect for relocations, business trips or long holidays. Furnished apartments are 10 minutes from the international airport and 20 minutes from the Bahrain International Circuit.

With its bridge connecting the two towers lending a distinct silhouette to the Manama skyline, the twin towers, consisting of 188 spacious and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, overlook the Kingdom skyline and the Persian Gulf.

Each apartment at the Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Bahrain, is furnished to be a home away from home: elegantly appointed bedrooms with ensuite bath, an entertainment centre, a fully equipped kitchen and the convenience of high-speed Internet, satellite television, DVD and CD players.

Business amenities include dual-voltage electrical outlets, direct incoming and outgoing telephone line, cordless speaker phones, private voice mail accessible from outside, interactive TV, wired and wireless internet connection, housekeeping services , room service, grocery shopping and dry cleaning service.

These fully serviced apartments also offer its residents a private area �?? the Resident�??s Lounge �?? to unwind or socialize with other residents. The monthly residents�?? hospitality events and social activities will allow guests and their family to develop a sense of community in their home away from home. The executive apartments recreation and leisure facilities includes the Residents lounge, fully equipped health club �??Sky Fitness�?? and roof top swimming pool, steam room and sauna.

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Classic cruise posters from 1895 onward are now available at Holland America’s online shop. They’re 24 inches by 36 inches and include scenes promoting Paris-New York crossings, the Statue of Liberty at the end of a crossing to New York, and widely-remembered others. Prices and details are available at www.hollandamerica.com

Ever wondered how many origami animals you can make from towels? Well, Holland America’s cabin stewards are experts at the subject, often surprising passengers with bed-top figures they find when they return to their cabins. Now Holland America has published an 88-page book entitled “Towel Creations �?? Holland America Line 40 Designs” �?? a step-by-step guide on how to shape seahorses or frogs just like the pros… Looking ahead to 2009, Holland America reports that its ships will sail some 500 cruises to 320 ports on all seven continents. Of those, 20 will be brand new to Holland America. Of the company’s 35 home ports, 11 are in North America. Cruises will range from two to 117 days in length. The 135-year-old company operates a fleet of 14 ships… Three new ports in Quebec �?? Gaspe, Baie-Comeau, and Sept-Iles �?? will be on the schedule during 21 Canada and New England cruises this summer and fall. They’ll sail primarily from Boston, Montreal, Quebec City, and New York on the just-launched 2104-passenger Eurodam and the 1258-passenger Maasdam… Holland America’s Culinary Arts Center Program is flourishing. It recently marked the seventieth chef, restaurant critic, culinary educator, or cookbook author to appear at demonstrations, tastings, cooking classes, and talks… Free workshops about digital photography will be offered by Holland America and Microsoft aboard each ship in the fleet.