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The Best Algarve Wines

2013-11-17T18:39:00.001-08:00

The Algarve is better known for its thriving tourist industry than its wine. The truth is that many wine producers in this area have been awarded prizes for the excellence and quality of their products. Wines and vines have been in the Algarve for thousands of years. Its mild climate is easier on the vine than the heat just a little further north. The Algarve features the Denominações de Origem Controlada (DOC) of Lagos, Lagoa, Tavira, and Portimao.

Here is a short list of the best Algarve wines:

Muska (2005)

Muska is a dry fortified wine produced by Quinta dos Lopes. Germany and Holland are regular clients for this organically produced wine. It has a very concentrated flavor and a complex, intense aroma with notes of flowers. Its appearance is clear and bright. Muska goes well with semi-hard and hard cheeses.

Quinta dos Lopes (2003)

Quinta dos Lopes is a savory red wine with a special flavor that lasts well in the mouth. It is made from native grape varieties in the hinterland of Lagos. Combine this fine drink with elaborately prepared white meats and traditional Algarvian dishes.

Terras do Catalão (2005)

Another popular red wine is Terras do Catalão. It has a rounded, smooth flavor and a very intense fruity aroma that reflects the region's warm climate and the sea air. This wine accompanies harmoniously any kind of red meat and game dishes.

Lacóbriga (2006)

This fabulous white wine is elegant in the mouth with refreshing acidity that is gained during the five months being aged in used oak. Lacóbriga is produced by Herdade dos Seromenhos. It goes well with elaborately prepared fish and shellfish dishes.

Monte da Casteleja (2007)

Monte da Casteleja is a white wine with complex notes of apricot and honey. It is produced by Monte da Casteleja. This fine wine has a fresh aroma, good acidity, and prolonged finish. It accompanies all types of fish and shellfish dishes, as well as white meat dishes. It can be served as an aperitif.

Rosé TSN (2007)

This rose wine is produced from three grape varieties and has a special aroma of wild fruits and country flowers. Its flavor is smooth and pleasant. You can drink it with a variety of salads composed of fish or white meat with selected dressings.

Quinta do Francês (2006)

Quinta do Francês is an elegant red wine. It has a charming bouquet and a refreshing aroma of red fruits. Quinta do Francês can be consumed with dry cured ham, smoked sausage, salt cod, game dishes, and regional dishes based on pork and lamb. This wine was aged for 17 months in oak barrels.

A Quick Guide to IstanbulA Quick Guide to Istanbul

2013-11-17T18:38:00.001-08:00

Istanbul is one of the most well known cities in the world. This guide gives some of the history of the city and also outlines some of its most exciting features.

History

The earliest known name of Istanbul is Byzantium as it was founded in 660 BC by King Byzas and his colony. In 330 AD it was made the capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great and he gave it the name Constantinople. Since this time the city had been given many different names and some believe that the name Istanbul came from the word 'Islambol' which means 'city of Islam', however the name Istanbul comes from a Medieval Greek phrase which translates to 'in the city' and this reflects the fact that Istanbul was the only major city within a large area of Turkey. This name became the official name of the city in 1930.

Geography

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey with a total area of 5,343 square kilometers, and with a population of just under 14 million it is regarded as one of the largest cities in the world in terms of population to area.

The city lies over either side of the Bosphorus which is a river connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, and it is this river which divides the European side and the Asian side of Istanbul.

Climate

As a generalisation, Istanbul has cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers and often has fog because of the high humidity. However due to the vast size of the city the climate varies between the different areas.

Things to do

This is by far the largest part of this article. There are so many things to see and do in Istanbul that it would probably take a whole book to mention everything in detail, and it would take a good few weeks holiday to be able to cover everything in the city. However we will briefly outline the most popular tourist spots so you won't miss out on anything that is a must-see or a must-do.

The blue mosque is one of the most memorable pieces of architecture in Istanbul and is seen on most books, leaflets, brochures, advertisements and images of Istanbul. Although it still runs as a mosque it is open for the public to view it's amazing interior.

Following this in stunning architecture is the Hagia Sophia (in Turkish Ayasofya) is a former church, and later mosque, which now runs as a museum.

Topkapi Palace is another major tourist feature and is a museum of what once was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Out of their 624 reigning years, they lived there for 400 years.

Moving on from the amazing historical attractions of Istanbul, there is of course an array of shopping experiences. From the famous Grand Bazaar, where shopping meets real Turkish style and culture, to the ultra modern malls such as the Istanbul Cevahir Mall which is one of the largest malls in Europe.

These two extremes of shopping sites reflect the overall attraction of Istanbul, which is the combination of old and new, traditional Turkish past times as well as experiences of nationalities all around the world such as the little Parisian town. Wherever you go in Istanbul you are guaranteed to find a large variety of restaurants and cafes offering delicious cuisine, all in different styles and again where the traditional meets the modern.

Moving to Portugal: Top 5 Algarve Beaches

2013-11-13T18:41:00.001-08:00

The Algarve is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. From quiet beaches that are almost hidden by cliffs to crowded beaches ideal for holiday makers, there is a dream beach for everyone. If you are planning to move in this region, consider renting or buying a property at the seaside. This way you will be able to go to the beach and enjoy crystal the clear water whenever you have some free time. Here are the most impressive beaches in the Algarve:

Praia da Marinha (Lagoa)

Praia da Marinha is famous for its rocky outcrops and calm waters. Nestled below orange limestone cliffs, this beach is ideal for snorkeling, boat trips, sightseeing, and water sports. Described as one of the most emblematic and beautiful beaches in the country, Praia da Marinha has received the prestigious "Golden Beach" award from the Portuguese Ministry of the Environment.

Praia da Arrifana (Aljezur)

This beach is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds of the Algarve's south coast. Protected by tall cliffs, Praia da Arrifana is a small yet exceptionally beautiful beach that attracts surfers, water sports enthusiasts, and families with children. Those who come here can visit the 12th century ruins of Castele Arrifana, which are located on the northern headland above the beach.

Praia dos Pescadores (Albufeira)

Praia dos Pescadores is often featured on local postcards and advertisements. Facilities are available within easy reach. The beach has a picturesque appearance, featuring golden sands, cafes, bars, great waves, and interesting cliffs. It also boasts water sports facilities and plenty of sunbeds.

Meia Praia (Lagos)

Due to its convenient location, this beach enjoys a lot of popularity among surfers. Classified as a Blue Flag beach, Meia Praia is one of the longest beaches in the Algarve. There are several snack bars and restaurants in the area. Visitors can also go to the beautiful Palmares golf course, which is located within walking distance to the beach.

Praia da Rocha Baixinha (Faro)

Praia da Rocha Baixinha is a favorite choice for actors, politicians and celebrities. It features warm waters, golden sand and vibrant nightlife. Its environmental quality has been recognized by the annually achieved Blue Flag. This beach is also known as "Praia dos Tomates." Many water sports enthusiasts come here for surfing, banana boat rides, parasailing, jet skis and windsurfing. Praia da Rocha Baixinha is classified as an "accessible beach," so it's perfect for families with children.

Living in Portugal: Historical Sites in the Algarve

2013-11-13T18:41:00.000-08:00

Locals and tourists can explore the history of the Algarve by visiting the castles, forts and ruins in this area. There are numerous historical sites and monuments going back to the roots of Roman and Moorish culture. Castelo de Silves, Cerro da Vila, Fortalezza de Sagres, and Caldas de Monchique are well worth a visit. These attractions reflect the country's historical heritage and celebrate its past.

Here are some of the most interesting historical sites in the Algarve:

Tavira Castle

The ruins of this former Moorish fortress were rebuilt in the 13th century when the Christians conquered the Algarve. The castle offers beautiful views of the town of Tavira and its surroundings. This historical site features an octagonal tower, two square towers and walls on three sides. Many people come here for sightseeing.

Igreja de São Lourenço de Matos

Igreja de São Lourenço de Matos was built on the site of a ruined chapel in the 18th century. Its interior is covered by blue and white glazed azulejos (tiles). This lovely church is one of the finest examples of baroque decorative tile work in the Algarve. It features 18 panels that depict angels bearing garlands of flowers, as well as billowing curtains and various phases in the life of St. Lourenço, creating a highly theatrical composition.

Cerro da Vila

Cerro da Vila is an archeological site situated at the northern corner of the marina of Vilamoura. These Roman ruins are the remains of a historical villa constituted by two residences, necropolis, baths, and fish salting stations, with a water supply system connected to a dam built approximately two kilometers away. This historical site dates back to the first century.

Fortalezza de Sagres

Fortalezza de Sagres is a monument of national importance. This huge fortress probably was the place of the legendary school of navigators built by the Infante D. Henrique. Its presence endowed Sagres with a unique role in country's history, conferring international recognition to the site.

Nossa Senhora de Guadelupe

Built in the 13th century, this chapel is dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, which is also referred to as São Gens. It is considered one of the oldest examples of Gothic architecture in the region. The main facade has a simple Gothic style, with a rosette on the top and an azulejo panel dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Mary. Its interior has one nave. The church was integrated in the Raposeira Estate, property of Henry the Navigator, in the 15th century.

5 Romantic NYC Sightseeing Places!

2013-11-12T18:41:00.000-08:00

If you and your loved one are visiting New York City on a romantic break there is so many fun things to see in the Big Apple. Walk the streets and enjoy the "New Yorker" culture. From hotdogs to subways you both will really feel the true energy of a metropolitan city like New York.

Here are some fantastic romantic ideas for sightseeing while in NYC:

1. Empire State Building:

Whether your celebrating an anniversary or planning a proposal there is no better place to tell someone you love them then at the Empire State which also happens to be one of New York' tallest buildings. The color of the lights which light up the Empire state building at night change every evening as a representation to events happening across the city / world (example: green lights for St. Patrick's Day in NYC, Red for Valentine's Day in NYC).

2. Highline:

New York's famous re-designed highline which opened in June 2011, is beautiful and definitely worth seeing. New York high line was built on an old historic freight railroad which also happens to be situated over some of Manhattan's streets on the west side of the city. Read about the various sections of the highline along your walking journey. Benches are located along its path too - so if you get tired, take a break and enjoy some people watching. You both can start at the west village at Gansevoort street and walk all the way to west 30th street.

3. Brooklyn Bridge:

You both cannot leave NYC without seeing the amazing Brooklyn Bridge. This bridge is world famous and connects the borough of New York (Manhattan) to the borough of Brooklyn. It was opened for use on May 25th, 1883. This bridge runs over the east river and offers beautiful views of both Manhattan's Financial District and Dumbo in Brooklyn. Make sure to have a camera as you will both certainly get some amazing photos. You can both walk or rent bikes and cycle over the bridge.

4. Grand Central Terminal

Or as many New Yorker's like to still call it Grand Central Station - is an amazing historic building to see in NYC. With beautiful architecture and a warm feel, you both have to stop by and check one of the most famous train stations in the world. Grand Central Terminal is actually the world's largest train station with 44 platforms & 67 tracks. You both can enjoy some shopping and dining from the various venues that are located within this incredible train station.

5.Central Park

No romantic trip to NYC would be complete without a stroll through New York's famous park Central Park. Depending on what time of year you both are visiting New York City for a romantic break there is always some fun entertainment to enjoy in the park. In summer time there are many live concerts and street performers to row boats and bike riding. In the winter time enjoy the fun ice skating rink, Central Park Zoo or a horse

Northern Colorado Living

2013-11-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

I live in a smaller town called Windsor, Colorado, located west of Greeley and East of Fort Collins. When I moved here in 1998 it was a population of 6000, today it is almost 16,000. It still has the small town feel, but the one stop light, one grocery store town that is now gone. We now have several new chain grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. I believe we are up to 7 traffic lights.

Windsor still has the small town feel, 4th of July, Memorial day celebrations with fireworks, annual Thanksgiving day early morning runs, and loads of other small town activities. We have 3 elementary schools, 1 junior high and still 1 high school.

There are lots of activities here including miles of walking trails on the Poudre Trail taking you from Greeley to Fort Collins.

One big landmark was the tornado of 2008. I watched it out my window, the hail made the lakes of Water Valley where I live look like they were boiling, as the hail was softball size. The tornado was half a mile wide, it look like a big dust storm to me. It was not loud, because all I could here was the hail. It came and went so fast, but stayed with our town for months. It was so amazing how all the people wanted to help, the football team got together helping people displaced out of their homes and it was so awesome to see the town come together to help others, something you just don't see anymore.

All in all it was a great town to raise kids and great people. There is the oil industry coming in and lots of opportunities coming in and hopefully will reboot this little town.

Today there is a lot of big industry coming in, some of the employers are Vestas, Ice enegy, Noble energy is a new company actively hiring oil pump monitors and fracking monitors. UNC is a very large employer as well.

Climate here in the Northern Colorado is quite dry. Fall is absolutely colorful, oranges, browns, tans. Spring is awesome. I love we actually have 4 seasons here, but fall is by far the most awesome with the aspen trees turning. Glenwood springs is my favorite spot for fall. Elk are everywhere. Hot springs are great and the healing spas of glenwood, all in our back yard for us to enjoy!!!

The Philippines' Best Destinations

2013-11-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

The Philippines is an archipelago with 7,107 islands and a coastline that is more than double than that of the United States. But it is hard to cover every area of interest in this tropical paradise. When you desire to visit all the best places in this country one might end up in a dilemma on where to start, especially that one might be overwhelmed with the choices presented. In this list we will ease out the confusion on your end and narrowed down your choices to help you get the best experience possible while visiting the Philippines for the first time.

Boracay

When it comes to world class beaches the island of Boracay always seem to end up on the list of many tourist. Well, for me this came as no surprise. Its powdery white sand is one of the finest in the world with turquoise blue water to compliment it. If that is not enough then check out the various activities that the island offers. Once the night arrives and you still have energy left in you then hit a couple of clubs or bars for some party.

Camiguin Island

What really placed this small island on the map is its popular Lanzones Festival. But it has something more to offer visitors than their famous festival. Expect great diving spots and sights that will take your breath away. This pristine island is gaining more attention from tourist as many of them already had their first encounter. Their famous sand bar, White Island is a personal favorite by many who had the chance to visit.

Hundred Islands National Park

An island that is surrounded by local legend, this archipelago is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. Only three of its islands are inhabited and developed for both locals and foreigners.

Palawan

The last Philippine frontier, Palawan is blessed with so many beautiful sights, wonders, and beaches. Surrounding the mainland of Palawan are many small islands with pristine beaches and powdery white sand. It is definitely a paradise.

Bohol

Never forget to make a trip to Bohol which is currently the number one tourist destination in the country. It is home to the smallest living mammal, great beaches, great sights, and a number of adrenalin inducing activities. Many tourists who visit Bohol could never get enough of it and I guess you just have to come and visit and know exactly why that is so.

A Wine Enthusiast's Guide to Oshawa, Ontario

2013-11-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

Looking for the prefect getaway place for that wine tasting you've been wanting to try? Oshawa in beautiful Ontario offers some of the best attractions for wine enthusiasts that could ever be asked for.Here are a few of the many places Oshawa and the surrounding area has to offer wine lovers.

Riverbend Inn and Vineyard

This beautiful resort is right on the lakeside and dedicates 12 acres of pristine land to the making of their wine. Starting in 2002, the vineyard offers an extremely unique experience, according to the owners, because no two years are the same. This results in different and plentiful options to choose from and makes this a perfect destination for ambitious wine tasters.

Pelee Island Winery

Take tour at this wonderful vineyard for the best of the best. Samples of wine and cheese are offered here, as well as an informative video of how things are done and a complementary Pelee Island Winery tasting glass. The founders and main wine makers are both originally from Germany, a place known in the world of wine for its fine winemaking regions, and are considered pioneers of their trade.

Eerie Shore Vineyard

This fine estate celebrates ten award winning years of their services. Concentrating on red and specialty wines, Eerie shore offers an abundance of tours, special events and dinners. One of the things that make them special is due to the fact that they offer newly released wines frequently, which results in a broad and satisfying tour for wine lovers of all preferences.

Archibard Estate Winery

Complete with apple orchards ripe for your picking, a large and beautiful golf course, and chances to buy exquisite differently themed gift baskets, this winery prides itself on their freshly made and finely prepared wines. When you go on this wine tour, you will get to speak to the wine maker, apple grower and founder himself, as well as sample his specialties with a variety of beefs and cheeses, making this opportunity perfect for everything from both a wonderful tasting to planning ahead for what wine to serve with your next turkey dinner. They also specialize in making new designs as well as keeping up with the time tested ones.

Ocala Winery

Renovated from an one hundred year old dairy farm barn, Ocala Orchards Farm Winery was founded in 1995 and has been going strong for over a decade. Not only do they have their own vineyard, they also produce various kinds of apples, pears, plums and cherries, allowing them to produce ninety percent of everything that goes into their wines on site. When you visit this charming winery, you may do so through activities such as 'Dine in the Vines' meals, picking harvested fruits, going on an extended tour, or simply by going to one of their delectable wine tastings.

Markham Heritage Wines

This quaint store offers a variety of handmade wines that are brought off the vineyard for your viewing and tasting pleasure. They first opened in 1965 and have been making fine wines ever since. Although their wines can be found elsewhere, your experience at the store will surely be an amazing one. You can taste samples of different flavors and varieties, speak with and learn from the knowledgeable employees there and if you are feeling particularly confident with your wines, you may choose to make your own wine. This process is not only fun, but completely guaranteed and nearly immediately drinkable. However, as with all wines, your creation will only get better with time. Who knows, after your trip here, you might take up winemaking officially.

All About Visiting Hong Kong

2013-11-06T18:36:00.001-08:00

Hong Kong is surrounded by many Asian countries and most of its neighbors never fail to list it down on one of its top places to visit. Although Disneyland is one of the main excuses for most of Asia to come and visit Hong Kong, it is not the only thing that makes it the primary choice of most tourists to drop by and explore this highly populated Asian region. So if visiting Hong Kong crosses your mind and you are about to make your maiden voyage to its shores then here are some of the places that should end up on your list.

Disneyland

A tourist guide or a map is something that is highly recommended if you visiting Hong Kong for the first time. Although going around is not that difficult since there are various mode of public transportation it is likely that you might get lost if it is your first visit. The Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the main attractions in Hong Kong and definitely lands on the top spot since most tourist expressed that it is one of the main reason for their visit in this region. Entertainment and luxurious accommodation awaits any visitors who opt to visit and stay in this highly popular theme park.

Ocean Park

The world class aquarium is the main star of the Hong Kong Ocean Park. Once you are exploring the huge aquarium one will surely be amaze by the many interesting water creatures and the beauty that lie beneath our oceans. But if that is not enough then Ocean Park also offers thrill rides for all tourists who opt to visit it.

Avenue of Stars

Indeed this is the avenue of stars for while you are enjoying the magnificent view of the harbour tower the icons on the movie industry of Hong Kong lie beneath your feet. Most tours always never fail to make a stop at this famous tourist attraction when visiting.

Clock Tower

This former British colony has a clock tower that stands proudly as a gentle reminder of the Age of Steam as well as its colonial heritage. One should never miss to visit this historic monument and have a few clicks as a remembrance of your visit.

Ladies Market

Well buying of souvenirs always comes into mind of any tourist and there is no better place to buy it than in the Ladies Market which is a kilometer long. It is located in Tung Choi Street. One will find many bargain items that would certainly not be a burden on your budget. They also sell clothes and other accessories.

An Ideal Getaway Destination For People In Need Of Beauty And A More Relaxed Pace

2013-11-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

Work demands, home demands, and other life demands often have people dreaming of a faraway place to escape to where none of the hassles they're accustomed to dealing with exist. Such a place is Skiathos in Greece; stretched-out beaches surrounded by exotic trees and rock formations draw people from all over the world in great need of a change of pace and scenery. And in Skiathos, visitors learn it's easy to find their own private setting in which to bask under the sun.

Composed of 65 beaches, Skiathos spans just 19 square miles of land and it takes just 20 minutes to drive from one end of the island to the other. In this tiny island, there's a bounty of accommodations that all reflect the unique and luxurious Grecian architecture. Certain accommodations can be a tad upscale as they were developed to be a prime destination for people who demand something out of the ordinary, but there are some that are very casual and ideal for those who wish to really dig deep into the local vibe.

Restaurants? A lot of them are delightfully local and delectably good, such as Maria's Pizza which has been consistently reviewed as one of the best restaurants on the island. Now, for island visitors who are searching for a place that serves fusion fare, Infinity Blue is also a great restaurant to visit, offering exceptional ocean views. Aside from the extensive menu and wine choices, diners get a grand view of the sunset and all the seafaring vehicles docked or drifting lazily through the waters.

As for shopping, there are definitely none of those incredibly busy strip or big malls in Skiathos - just nice little shops that sell the most unique wares like Galerie Varsakis whose owner, Harry Varsakis, designs beautiful jewellery. The shop likewise sells to collectors of antique ceramics and wooden objects. Another jewellery shop that's a pride of the island is Simos Jewellery which sells intricately designed gold and silver jewellery accented with colourful precious stones. And apart from these two, there are several tiny shops that offer locally made handicrafts and souvenirs that never fail to attract tourists.

Xiamen - China's Hidden Treasure

2013-11-05T23:19:00.003-08:00

In the mid-2000s I had heard of Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guagzhou hitting the world headlines but had never heard, or knew of Xiamen. It was during a chance visit to this island city that was my first introduction to mainland China.

My flight connected me from Hong Kong International airport to Xiamen via a smooth short journey. There were actually 5 connections daily from Hong Kong. Landing at the airport, one was reminded of the large scale socialist type architecture but still impressive. Xiamen is a city which maintains special status from the government so it has more relaxed laws on commerce and it is considered a green garden state. It is part of the Fujian Province and Fujian seafood is the main cuisine there.

My hotel (Crowne Plaza Harbour View, now known as the Millennium Harbour View) was located at the Southern tip of the island. There are two approaches, one through the city and one around the island which is a longer and scenic but takes a shorter time. This longer route is well worth it if one wants to enjoy the first glimpses of the natural beauty of the island which is reminiscent of Classic Chinese Landscape art. Beautiful outcrops of mountain on the land side and smooth sandy beaches on the other. The taxi system, like in most of large Chinese cities is very systematic and safe. Due to this special status, there are also laws on no honking and strict speed limits so the city is literally very peaceful.

My first trip was to the extremely serene and beautiful Wanshi (Xiamen) Botanical Park. It is only a ten minutes taxi ride from the Hotel. The place should be best visited during the day time to early afternoon. The Garden/Park is a carefully designed heritage site in the central part of the city - the best part about the trip is starting at one point and ending in another part of the city! The Oolong Tea ceremony should not be missed while catching a breath.

One of the key features of the city is the artificial inland lake/canal system in the Northern Central part of the city. Once again it takes 20 minutes to reach there. This like, the rest of the city is beautified with a park running along the length of it. During this walk, one can catch the famous Amoy Maiden Statue. In the evenings the walk from the western end to the end of the canal and choose from a variety of restaurants as well as nightclubs and bars. Binlang Road and the Bailuzhou area are the best bet for some riveting nightlife.

The South Eastern Coast of the Island is the part of the island with sandy beaches which are scenic and beautiful but better left for driving along, cycling or going for walks rather than swimming. The best and possibly the highlight of Xiamen is a trip to the Gulangyu island literally across the Southern coast. It can be crossed by regular ferries for $2. Gulangyu island requires at least a day or half to really enjoy. The Islet is famous for producing China's most famous pianists. Once again it has been developed in majestic landscaping form. The typical tour is to walk all around the island which will take a good 2 hours. The Islet was also famous for Colonial Embassies which are now preserved buildings which add to the charm. Great seafood, fresh from the aerated tanks is the choice of the cuisine in the famous subtle Fujian style. Walking into the islet, one eventually reaches the highest point from where some great views of the Southern Xiamen coastline can be seen. Do not forget to buy the famous mooncakes, the meat ones are terrific! For the enthusiasts of nature, there is also a large open air aviary.

Xiamen is small city with a population of 2 millions and is mostly untouched by the concrete development as in other larger cities of China. For someone traveling to the main cities, it is a perfect place to drop by and relax and soak in some authentic Chinese culture in a very relaxed and non-commercial way. It may be small, but the infrastructure is fantastic and shopping and cuisine are at amazing prices.

The Travel From Beijing to the Great Wall of China

2013-11-05T23:19:00.001-08:00

Beijing being the capital of People's Republic of China has got a great historical and cultural background to represent. It has been more than 800 years since Beijing has been declared the capital city of China. In the year 2008 when Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympics Games, it started inviting tourists and travelers from different countries. Beijing travel became famous at international level.

If you have come for Beijing Travel thing don't forget to visit the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China is easy to visit even if you have come to Beijing for a day's trip. You can travel in a tour bus, public bus or hire other vehicle to get to the see the Great Wall. The Badaling section is the most popular spot from where the Chinese tour group departure. It is most nearest to Beijing that is why it is preferred.
The Beijing travel can begin from the Tiananmen Square where the great Mao declared the foundation of the country. This area is large enough to accommodate 1 million people. It is the heart where the urban Beijing lies.

For exploring the ancient architect of the city, explore the Forbidden City. This was a Chinese imperial Palace which served as a home to the Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasty.

Beijing offers four seasons. This makes it easier for people to tour Beijing at any time of the year. The spring season starts from April to May and it is warm. The temperature in the day as well as night is different. Summer starts from the mid of June. It is the hottest time of the year. Rainfall is also common during summers. Next comes autumn which starts from the mid of September and goes till October. It is the best time to come to explore Beijing. You will find plenty of tours during this time of the year. The temperature is found mild and enjoyable. Winter is the last season of the year of course which starts from November and lasts till March. Visitors love coming during the winters to enjoy winter games in Beijing.

There is a lot to discover and explore in Beijing. There are almost 7,309 cultural heritage sites whereas 200 scenic spots in the city. After exploring the city, it is easy to find a bus and travel towards exploring the Great Wall of China. The Great wall as we all know was built for the protection of the Chinese Empire. Initially it was made from rammed earth but later as dynasties changed and time passed, changes were made in the material. There are plenty of myths about the
The Travel From Beijing to the Great Wall of China

By Billy M Harris

Beijing being the capital of People's Republic of China has got a great historical and cultural background to represent. It has been more than 800 years since Beijing has been declared the capital city of China. In the year 2008 when Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympics Games, it started inviting tourists and travelers from different countries. Beijing travel became famous at international level.

If you have come for Beijing Travel thing don't forget to visit the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China is easy to visit even if you have come to Beijing for a day's trip. You can travel in a tour bus, public bus or hire other vehicle to get to the see the Great Wall. The Badaling section is the most popular spot from where the Chinese tour group departure. It is most nearest to Beijing that is why it is preferred.
The Beijing travel can begin from the Tiananmen Square where the great Mao declared the foundation of the country. This area is large enough to accommodate 1 million people. It is the heart where the urban Beijing lies.

For exploring the ancient architect of the city, explore the Forbidden City. This was a Chinese imperial Palace which served as a home to the Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasty.

Beijing offers four seasons. This makes it easier for people to tour Beijing at any time of the year. The spring season starts from April to May and it is warm. The temperature in the day as well as night is different. Summer starts from the mid of June. It is the hottest time of the year. Rainfall is also common during summers. Next comes autumn which starts from the mid of September and goes till October. It is the best time to come to explore Beijing. You will find plenty of tours during this time of the year. The temperature is found mild and enjoyable. Winter is the last season of the year of course which starts from November and lasts till March. Visitors love coming during the winters to enjoy winter games in Beijing.

There is a lot to discover and explore in Beijing. There are almost 7,309 cultural heritage sites whereas 200 scenic spots in the city. After exploring the city, it is easy to find a bus and travel towards exploring the Great Wall of China. The Great wall as we all know was built for the protection of the Chinese Empire. Initially it was made from rammed earth but later as dynasties changed and time passed, changes were made in the material. There are plenty of myths about the Great Wall of China and that is one reason why people are curious to see it

The Travelling Psychologist Series 2 - Down in Kampala

2013-11-05T23:18:00.002-08:00

Introduction:

Your first site of Uganda is usually Entebbe airport in the far south of the country lying close to Lake Victoria. I had prepared so many documents at the visa office in Beijing (where I travelled from) yellow fever certification, bank statements, photocopies of various forms. After getting in the line for immigration and visa extension I faced a rather large lady behind the bullet proof glass. She said, "passport" Stamp, one month extension, "thank you sir have a good stay" I pushed all the papers at her, she looked at me, no need, bye! I was so disappointed if she had known the sweat and tears getting all that together in China before I came, surely she would just look to make me feel better?

Kampala

The capital of Uganda is Kampala, sprawling, dirty, on a hill, crowded and downright smelly. Is it exciting for the visitor, are there fascinating things to see, do you feel you are in deepest Africa, perhaps not, but you have just arrived and are starting to discover pavements are full of holes, cracks and uneven. So walking meant a constant eye on your feet, the person coming at you and the many obstacles in your way. I remember seeing a photo of a temple (Hindu), in the brochure from the Ugandan consulate in Beijing, looking so magnificent and white. Yes here it was, dirty looking, damaged in many places and worn down by time. This was to be a common occurrence in Kampala between tourist photos and the real thing, this is a city that is in ruin, and even the new buildings that seem about 10 years old look worn and tired. Damage is everywhere, in the road, streets, buildings and general environment. As a city centre goes it is amongst the worse I have seen. The best thing they could do with the place is tear it down and start again. Can I say anything complementary well to be honest no? However this is East Africa, deserted by colonialism in 1962 and run from tribalism ever since. Where HIV and polygamy are still the main social concerns, where religion is based on missionary zeal and Old Testament hell-fire, where women are still third class citizens in the minds of men, where railways tracks are over-grown and deserted, taxis disguised as buses run around in confusion and terror for both pedestrians and passengers. Suicidal motorcycle riders are everywhere weaving in and out of the chaotic traffic vying to sell the back seat to anyone willing to risk their lives behind them as they try and manoeuvre ahead of the bus/taxi and cars. Every car is scratched or dented in some way, so buying a new car in Kampala is probably not the best decision you can make. The roads have tarmac that is so soft in the heat that much of it just melts down and leaves huge holes in the road breaking down many cars through violent ups and downs as they try to drive over or around the damage. In some places they have what we in England call, sleeping policemen, a hump in the road to calm the traffic. In Uganda these humps are so high and large the bottom of any car with some laden scrapes along the top of the humps with a scream of metal against tarmac. As a passenger in the back seat it means a jump to the ceiling, bouncing your head off and abrupt sit down again. In addition to this they have some parts that have several smaller humps of four together so driving over them is the joy of being shaken to death and talking funny for a few moments.

The wildlife, after all this is Africa is hiding and I am not sure where? Lots of exotic birds are around but not much else. My landlady tells me every evening and morning the monkeys come over the house roofs and chatter loudly. The dogs go mad trying to catch them. However after three weeks I still have not seen them once, despite getting up early with camera in hand to go looking for them. My landlady swears they are there every day - but I am now suspecting the troop has gone on holiday to Kenya for the rainy season. Also a green snake was in the garden but by the time I got there with my camera (seconds) it had gone? The locals tell me that if you want to see the animals now you have to go to the Wildlife Park and pay. I think I saw more wildlife in Shanghai than Kampala. However it is early days and I need to be patient and wait.

My purpose being here is of course is to work. The Uganda counselling association has invited me to give a speech at their conference and a local counselling company has offered me a partnership to help them streamline their operations and bring them up to date. In addition to this I will teach some psychology courses in the local universities. There is a large expat community in Kampala and everyone of course speaks English so unlike my time in China at least I can understand everyone apart from when they talk in the local dialects. I have done a tour of the hospitals here, (very poor quality most built in the 1940's by the British and then in the hands of the Ugandan government left to go to ruin) most mental patients are locked behind high fences with barbed wire to keep them from escaping. In one hospital the staff told me they were terrified to even go in the mental illness block as the patients are unsupervised and wander around freely. I saw this for myself and thought back to Bedlam hospital in London 200 years ago - and that is here now! No Quaker humanism in Uganda to treat mental illness with compassion and moral healing. I was offered one post in such a hospital in Ishaka, about 5 hours outside Kampala, but the owner had just come out of prison being held on tax-evasion charges and he was so arrogant I decided perhaps not best to get involved. The shame is I would have enjoyed the challenge of bringing the mental part of the hospital into the 21st century and saving the misery of all those patients who are trapped in an endless cycle of 1950's psychiatric thinking and methods. Drugs, confinement and punishment - still the only thing psychiatry understands. However you cannot help them if the boss is in and out of prison and likely to disappear for good at any moment throwing the whole thing into disarray.

Soon I will have to decide if I will stay longer or move on. I have a two month visa that is about to run out and have to pay $850 to renew for one year. If I do that I will make a three year commitment to improving Uganda's counselling, training and psychology via the local companies and see how the penny falls.

What To Do in Manhattan

2013-11-05T23:16:00.001-08:00

Learn about New York's history at Ellis Island

One of the main attractions of New York City is the Statue of Liberty. It's located on Liberty Island, just off of the southern tip of Manhattan. The Statue of Liberty was unveiled in 1886 and stands on Liberty Island, where it greeted immigrants to the United States.

After visiting the Statue of Liberty, be sure to hop on over to Ellis Island. The boat which takes you from Battery Park to Liberty Island also stops at Ellis Island as one of its destinations, so it's on the way back. Amazingly, over 33% of Americans can trace their ancestry back to immigrants who set foot on Ellis Island. The immigration station here was active from 1892 to 1943. The record day of April 17, 1907, saw over 11 thousand immigrants being registered here. Although the station is now closed, there's a museum where visitors can learn more about the nation's history.

Visit Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock

Many tourists will first think of the top of the Empire State Building as the best view of Manhattan. There is, however, a great alternative with a shorter line. Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center offers a fantastic 360 degree view of the city. It also includes something that the Empire State Building does not, an actual view of the Empire State Building itself. Standing at Top of the Rock, you'll be 872 feet high above the ground. Top of the Rock is the observation deck of the GE Building in Rockefeller Center.

When you're finished taking in the views, spend a bit of time at Rockefeller Center. This commercial plaza is where television shows like The Today Show and Saturday Night Live are filmed. It's also home to Radio City Music Hall, where stars like Sinatra and Fitzgerald performed.

Stop by Times Square

Originally called Longacre Square, this intersection was the meeting spot of carriages in 1872. In 1904, the New York Times moved into this square and the city renamed the intersection after the newspaper. The New York Times is still there at One Times Square. Their building is used for the Times Square Ball Drop event that occurs ever New Year's Eve.

No trip to Manhattan is complete without a visit to Times Square. Stand at the intersection and watch the fast paced life of taxis, New Yorkers, tourists, and businesses. Above your heads will be gigantic electronic billboards. Some of them are even interactive, showing videos of the crowd walking by. Over 39 million tourists come see Times Square every year.

Watch a Broadway Show

Times Square is actually an intersection in the Broadway Theater District. A great way to end the night is with a show on Broadway. If you're planning on seeing a show, I recommend selecting a show and purchasing tickets ahead of time to get the best seats.

There is no single Broadway theater. Broadway is a district made up of 40 theaters performing shows every night. Over 12 million tickets are sold every year.

Expat Guide: Living in Portimao

2013-11-05T18:40:00.000-08:00

Portimão is located in the district of Faro, in the Algarve region. Many British expats have moved here to start a new life and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This area is mainly known as a popular tourist center with fabulous beaches and stunning rock outcrops. Its attraction lies in the amazing diversity of tourist-friendly establishments and countryside. The beaches in this area feature water sports facilities, golden cliffs, bars, restaurants, and plenty of animation.

Overview

This city offers a unique mix of modern apartment blocks and late 19th, early 20th century buildings in the older part of the town. Portimão covers a total area of 182.06 square kilometers and has 55,818 residents. It is the biggest city in the western Algarve. Its main beach - Praia da Rocha - attracts tens of thousands of tourists and holidaymakers every year. Other local beaches include the Marina Beach, Praia de Alvor, Beach of the Three Brothers, Praia do Vau, and Beach Careanos.

Locals and tourists who visit this town can indulge in various water sports such as diving, sailing, and windsurfing. They can also go fishing or play golf. Portimão is a place where people live in communion with nature without having to give up the comfort of living in a cosmopolitan area.

History

The area where the city is now located was settled in prehistoric times. Archaeologists have found vestiges of the Celtic, Greek, Phoenicians, Roman, Visigoth, and Moorish occupation. The present town was founded by King Alfonso V. The city was conveniently placed to enjoy the fruits of the boom in international trade. Many local products, such as olives, figs, fish, wine, and oil were regularly exported in the port of Portimão.

The town suffered damaged following the 1755 earthquake, but was reconstructed in the next few years. In the 20th century, Portimão become populated by chalets and houses built for tourists.

Attractions

The city features a large number of museums, theaters, art galleries, shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants. It also offers a complete sporting agenda throughout the year, including windsurfing competitions, kite surfing, yachting, Formula 1 speed boats, and the world famous Dakar rally.

Locals can also visit the marina, which boasts designer shops and international restaurants. If you love art and culture, head over to the Museu Municipal Manuel Teixeira Gomes, Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, or Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição. These cultural attractions reflect the city's past and offers valuable information about its history and traditions.

Welcome to Akihabara Electronic Town

2013-11-05T18:36:00.000-08:00

Japan needs no introduction. It is a world destination and trend setter in many departments. Tokyo, the capital is so huge, that the term metropolis sounds small to describe it. Every small bit of space is used in the most diligent manner so as to avoid waste.

Tokyo has many attractions - both of historical significance as well as of course, commercial. One of the modern wonders is the area called Akihabara - the Electronics City of Japan. It is easy to reach - the best way is the Tokyo subway which will take one to the location of same name.

The first sight which greets the traveler is the explosion of neon lights and advertisements covering entire buildings along the main avenue of Akihabara. The place is almost always teeming with people of all ages. There's an absolute 'electric' atmosphere, why not - it's only apt! The main street of course, houses the biggest retailers in the country but the real charm and value of the place is in the secondary streets in and around. One needs to set out a plan and check these streets one by one to find something eye-catching.

Laox - Duty Free Home Electronics Chain

For foreign travelers, the Laox franchise of shops is a good bet for tax-exempt products of all types. Along the streets, one will be surprised with literally mountains and pyramids of hard ware accessories - all on special discounts and more often than not, made in Japan. In the back streets, there is a more specialized variety of niche products like older add-on lens or perhaps some vintage cameras like Leica and Nikon for the pros. Equally distributed with these shops is the ever dominating presence of anime and manga themed gaming and product shops, as well as restaurants. The cosplay-themed restaurants should be visited by the non-fan at least once! Be prepared to be greeted by Anime/Manga clad waitresses offering their restaurant menus.

Highlights in Akihabara

Apart from the theme restaurants, there are the more traditional ones - dig into the local food at the regular teppanyaki and ramen eateries. The menus are varied and great prices by the Japanese standards. Many of the best restaurants are the smaller and quieter ones with a dedicated clientele and excellent service; these are located just left of the main entry area to Akihabara.

Another highlight of the place are the second-hand stores which generally sell barely used or almost new electronic products, DVDs & the likes for amazingly competitive prices. Everything comes with a receipt, history and guarantee in many cases, so it's very hard to turn away!

Top 5 Things To Do In Derry In Northern Ireland

2013-11-04T23:17:00.000-08:00

1. The Walls

The Walls surrounding the old city of Derry were built between 1614 and 1619. Remarkably, they remain almost perfectly preserved. They were built by the London-based businessmen responsible for the Plantation of Derry to defend the city from the local Irish rebels. A number of sieges against Derry took place, the biggest of which was in 1689. However, the Walls stood firm and were never breached, an honor very few cities in Europe can claim. It is this fact that earned Derry the nickname, The Maiden City.

Derry's Walls are a circuit of almost one mile (1.5km) and are over 5 meters wide in places. There are guided tours or you can simply walk them yourself. Derry has obviously changed remarkably since the walls were first built so the modern elements of the city - shopping centers, theaters, offices, shops and restaurants - are interwoven with the intact historical structure of the walls. The Walls themselves, and the view they offer across Derry City, are spectacular.

Visiting the Apprentice Boy's Memorial Hall is highly recommended as part of a trip to the Walls, in order to get a fuller understanding of the history and makeup of the city. Also look out for the stunning St Columb's Cathedral, Derry's most historical building.

2. Tower Museum

The Tower Museum is located within Derry's historic walls and is one of the best places to learn more about the rich heritage of the city. There are many exhibitions put on throughout the year, but the two main ones tell the story of Derry and the story of La Trinidad Valencera.

The story of Derry is all about the city, from the time before it was settled, to the construction of the magnificent walls, to the conflict in Northern Ireland.

The La Trinidad Valencera is something completely different. It was one of the tallest ships belonging to the Spanish Armada. It sank close to Derry in 1588 and was found by divers from the city in 1971. The Tower Museum displays artifacts from this great ship and tells its story.

The other thing to do while at the Tower Museum is to go to the top floor viewing platform. There you will find some of the most spectacular views of Derry.

3. Murals and the Bogside

The Bogside of Derry is a very built up and populated neighborhood just outside the Walled area of the city. It was an area that played host to some of the most horrible - and significant - events of Northern Ireland's Troubles. Those events, their background, and meaning can be further explored at the Museum of Free Derry. Its interactive, multi-media displays are essential viewing for anyone wanting to get a full understanding of this often complex city.

The Bogside is an area that is also famous for its wall murals. In fact, the murals are as much a part of the heritage and recent history of Derry as anything else.

4. Guildhall

The Guildhall is at the center of all civic life in Derry. It is located just outside the Walls and was first opened in 1890. It is where the city's council sits and is a beautiful and striking building. Look out for its numerous and stunning stained glass windows.

Immediately outside the building is an area known as Guildhall Square. It plays host to many events, including civic occasions, festivals and concerts. Day-to-day, however, it is a great place to just soak up the atmosphere of the city with its hustle and bustle and buskers and characters, all in the shadows of the magnificent Guildhall and historic Walls.

5. The Playhouse

The modern city of Derry is fast gaining fame as being a European center of art and culture. The Playhouse theater plays a significant role in that. It is a community orientated art center, so if you are looking for something homegrown and homogeneous, this is a good place to look. The program runs all year and features theater, comedy, dance and music.

The Many Faces of Nainital

2013-11-04T18:38:00.000-08:00

The country known as India is typically considered to be one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. People may only see India as the country with overcrowded trains and absurdly packed roads, but the reality is that is just a very small part of the country. Look beyond the common pitfalls that afflict any densely-populated nation, and people will see that there is indeed abundant beauty that exists within this country. The ideal tourist destinations are numerous, and people are sure to enjoy getting to know each and every one of them. Nainital holiday packages are widely available for tourists looking to see one city in particular that is emblematic of India's natural appeal.

There are numerous tourist destinations to be found in Nainital but, of them all, the most famous one is the lake that shares its name with the city itself. Nainital Lake can be found deep in the heart of the city. For quite a number of years, it has served as one of the city's most popular and most visited destinations. Nainital holiday packages make it a point to include the lake on their travel itineraries. People can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the lake either through just a relaxing walk or even while they are sailing along the lake waters. There is also a bridge to be found within the lake that connects the lake's two opposing banks. People can even do a little shopping as they enjoy the sights. All of this serves to make Nainital holiday packages even more appealing to people from all walks of life.

The city of Nainital, however, is known for more than just its beautiful lake, as there are a number of religious sites located in the area which tourists shout not miss out on. Devout Hindus will find one of the more sacred sites of their faith, the Naini Devi Temple, when they visit this place. The Naini Devi Temple is a wonderfully designed religious site that serves as one of the more significant destinations for people of the Hindu faith. Nainital holiday packages enable visitors to access this unique site, but there is another religious site of note to be found in the city. St. John in the Wilderness can also be found in this city and it is well worth the trip for visitors seeking a dose of spirituality while on vacation.

The religious and natural sites are obviously very attractive, but they are not the only places people can visit when they sign up for Nainital holiday packages. The Raj Bhavan, also known as the Governor's House, is one of the more famous architectural sites to be found in the city. Also located within the city is the Gurney House. It contains several items from Jim Corbett, and it is just another one of the destinations people can visit with their Nainital holiday packages.

Top Indoor Venues In Kingston, Jamaica

2013-11-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

Here comes the rain again... While for some this is just another rainy day, for event hosts this can be a major problem. We have all heard about the events that get canceled or postponed due to this kind of weather, and considering the climate we have here in Jamaica, we never know when it's going to rain. The easiest way to ensure that your event won't be affected by uncertain weather is by hosting it at an indoor venue. Luckily, in Kingston, there are several indoor venues that accommodate indoor events. Here, we recommend our top five indoor venue picks for hosting events such as weddings and birthday parties (in no particular order):

Terra Nova Hotel

Location: 17 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10

Why we recommend it:

The Terra Nova has several indoor spaces perfect for accommodating events such as the El Dorado Room, the Pavilion by the pool and the Venetian, where brunch is usually held. They also have special packages for weddings and receptions, so both can be held at the same venue, and offer complimentary one night accommodation to the bride and the groom.

Knutsford Court Hotel

Location: 85 Chelsea Avenue, Kingston 5

Why we recommend it:

Central location which boasts two entrances (one closer to Half Way Tree, the other closer to New Kingston), the Knutsford Court hotel also has our seal of approval for best indoor event location. Along with the seven individual conference/function rooms they have available, they are known for the Blue Mountain suite, a banquet room upstairs overlooking the lush garden courtyard.

Wyndham Hotel

Location: 77 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5

Why we recommend it:

Centrally located in the heart of New Kingston, this is also another perfect location for indoor events. World-renowned, the Wyndham is known for the quality of its events and they even offer planners to assist. Their Grand Independence Ballroom can be divided into six rooms for smaller events, all fully air-conditioned.

The Jamaica Pegagus Hotel

Location: 81 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5

Why we recommend it:

Very close to the Wyndham Hotel, the Jamaica Pegasus is also centrally located for ease of access. They have a variety when it comes to choosing indoor locations. Their Grand Jamaica room, similar to the Grand Independence Ballroom of the Wyndham, can be divided into smaller rooms. They also have one of our favorites, the Talk of the Town on the 17th floor, which gives a lovely view of the city.

Devonshire, Devon House

Location: 26 Hope Road, Kingston 10

Why we recommend it:

The Devonshire is a beautiful venue surrounding a small garden and pond which can be viewed from all rooms. With the option to stay indoors or move about outdoors, you can have the best of both worlds and not have to worry about how the weather will affect your events. One has the option to rent the entire venue or to select from one of the three interconnected rooms.

Best part about all these venues? They are all perfect for the Uru Multimedia 45K and 55K packages. So you get a beautiful worry-free venue at an affordable cost with guaranteed quality. With that, we say, let the rains come.

Tourism Committees and Why Your Town Needs One

2013-11-02T23:17:00.000-07:00

We all know that the trade deficit of the United States is not good. When we trade with other countries, we need to make sure that they are buying something from us as well, or that we are doing triangular trade where we buy something from one country, they buy something from somewhere else, and those people in that third location turn around and buy stuff from us. That keeps the money flowing in the global economy, and it's good for jobs, good for industry, it is good for inefficiency and free-markets. It prevents scarcity, helps to feed the world, and does wonders for international relations.

Okay so, that's how the global economy works on a macro scale, but let's talk about your own town on a micro scale. Cities and towns also have trade surpluses or deficits. Consider if you will when a city is along a freeway. People traveling from one place to another stop off and spend money in that town before continuing on. Towns which have tourism or a strong hospitality industry, or even significantly good weather during the winter time will pick up additional dollars from snowbirds.

If your town has more money coming in than then going out, that means you have a trade surplus, and it also means that your local business community does better. When that happens you have more jobs, and you can better weather downturns in the business cycle. This doesn't mean you won't be hurt when fuel prices go up or the economy goes down, but if you have a constant flow of tourist dollars coming in you can do better than other cities and towns in the US. Because of this it makes sense to have a tourist committee as part of your economic development plan.

What I would suggest is that you get with the local Chamber of Commerce and you help pool the resources of all the businesses in town which would generate income from those who travel into your city. The obvious ones are hotels, airports, taxicab companies, casinos, museums, shopping districts, and various attractions that you might have. Even towns that are quite out of the way can figure out some sort of tourist play. Some reason to get people to come in and spend money.

Sometimes it takes a little bit of branding, a little bit of marketing, and strong word-of-mouth, but the sooner you get started, the sooner you can get that cash flow coming in to your town, then you can allow it to circulate around providing jobs for everyone. Please consider all this and think on it.

Capture The Secrets of Jindabyne in Australia

2013-11-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

Known as the Gateway to the Snowy Mountains, Jindabyne has many things to offer to its curious visitors. Being a town closest to Snowy Mountains, the place is normally used as a preferred stop over location for everyone on their way to Snowy Mountains. The town initially built on the shores of the beautiful lake presents a scenic view to the tourists with magnificent mountains as the backdrop. Weather is Jindabyne is pleasant with chilly winters and cool summers.

Accommodation in Jindabyne varies from motels, BnBs, cottages, caravans and farmstays. One of the best places to eat in Jindabyne is Café Darya.

Come summer or winter there are many things to do in Jindabyne. Snowy Mountains, being one of the top tourist places in Jindabyne, the options for skiing and sports are galore. The place is close to the Lake Eucumbene which is situated in the Snowy Mountains. The lake being one of the largest and best fisheries in Australia has many outdoor activities and sports like fishing, skiing and many more.

If you are going to Jindabyne during the month of December then do not miss out the Snowy Mountains Muster which is a sport festival for the Snowy Mountains Muster Stockman's Challenge title. The 3 day festival scheduled for the year end always ends with a grand New Year bash. For the art lovers, the area has its Lake Light Sculpture exhibition held during the month of March and April. Held on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, the show exhibits various sculptures with a beautiful mountain backdrop and illuminated stops during nights as its key elements.

The Snowy Scheme Museum is also just a drive away from the town. The main attraction of the museum is the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme. It shows how the scheme was built and also the life on it. There are displays of most of the machinery and materials used for the construction and also many art works based on the same.

If you are a nature lover, do visit the Kosciuszko National Park, as Jindabyne is the closest town to reach the place. The park offers many things to do in Jindabyne for people. For the adventure lovers, the park offers various activities like canoeing, archery, mountain biking, mountaineering and so on. If you are more interested to take a walk through the nature then there is the Auswalk and Park trek Walking Tours. The park also offers many horse treks and fly fishing lessons for fishing and riding enthusiasts.

Some places not to be missed in the park are the Ramsar Wetlands and Yarrangobilly Caves. If you do not want to go for fishing and just learn about fish breeding then do visit the Gaden Trout Hatchery situated on the Thredbo River. As the main centers for breeding cold water sport fish, the area offers picnic and barbeque facilities also.

Place De La Bastille Square in Paris and the July Column

2013-11-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

Place de la Bastille, or otherwise known as Bastille square is well known for the fortress which once stood in its place, the storming of Bastille and various other occurrences and moments throughout the years.

One of the now lasting monuments is the Colonne de Juillet, or the July Column when translated, which commemorated the overthrow of King Charles X is located at this square in Paris, as well as being home to a new opera house in Paris, known as Opera National de Paris Opera Bastille.

To top it off, Place de la Bastille is also one of the many very busy intersections throughout Paris, with a fair few well known roads cutting into it, such as the Place de Charles Gaulle, which is the road where the Arc de Triomphe stands.

Others that may be recognised include, the Rue Saint-Antoine, Rue du Faubourg, Boulevard de la Bastille and the Boulevard Henry IV. As well as the many streets it also joins together three different Arrondissements, being the 4th, 11th and 12th Arrondissements.

And although the history of Bastille is intriguing, the original fortress turned prison is not to be found. Except for some special stones which have been placed in place of where the fortress once was, which can now be seen for anyone visiting this place.

Before much attention was brought to this area, there stood an old train station, called Gare de Vincennes, which had been there since 1859 but closed in 1969. Yet until it was demolished in 1984 for the new opera it held many art exhibitions within its building.

In July 1989, celebrations for the bicentenary of the French Revolution were to take place, which meant the newer and more modern Opera Bastille was constructed, and this was inaugurated on Bastille Day on the 14th July.

It also included various improvements of the surrounding area and streets and those improvements made the area an increasingly popular place, with numerous galleries, theatres, clubs, bars and restaurants in the surrounding area proving to be very popular with both tourists and the local people.

Another reason the place is very popular is for the Colonne de Juillet, or July Column as it is more commonly known in English, which is one of the monuments in Paris located at the Bastille square.

After the Bastille prison was demolished following the Storming of Bastille which led to the French Revolution, an idea was to construct a statue at Place de la Bastille. And Pierre-Francois Palloy, who was an accomplished building contractor was able to demolish both the Bastille fortress and prison.

Although it was Pierre who wished for a memorial to be built that idea never turned into reality, even if he did lay the first stone from the demolished fort. But a lot of the stone did go to building the bridge which spans the River Seine, going between from Place de la Concorde on the right side to the Quai d'Orsay on the left.

Eventually, in 1793, there was a fountain built there, but not long after in 1801 Napoleon Bonaparte I had an idea of a great monument, and yet of all the things he chose an elephant, one which people could go up and inside. On top of that, it was to be constructed out of bronze, but like other such ambitions the project was never created.

However, some years later, in 1830 there was another French revolt, leading to King Charles X being taken from the thrown and King Louis Philippe coming to the thrown instead with a more constitutional monarchy.

Thus, in 1833 after the revolt died down the king decided to create a monument, much like the original ideas of Pierre-Francois Palloy to commemorate the French Revolution of 1789 alongside the storming of Bastille as well as the French Revolt of 1830, also known as the three glorious days, which coincidentally also took place during July.

Therefore the name for the new monument was chosen to be Colonne de Juillet, or in English, July Column, and in 1831, the first stone was laid by King Louis Philippe himself. And in addition there was also a ceremony at the Pantheon with a poem, by Victor Hugo, sung.

When fully finished the Colonne de Juillet at Place de la Bastille in Paris measured 47 metres in height and was made from 21 cast bronze drums that lay on a white marble base with ornamented bas reliefs, which were designed by an architect called Jean-Antoine Alavoine, under the direction of King Louis Philippe.

The July Column also has an internal spiral staircase which when it was first constructed allowed visitors to climb up inside, unfortunately now though, the staircase is now closed to help preserve the monument for years to come.

But in addition to the large structure there are also names engraved into the column as well a plague at the bottom of The Colonne de Juillet, which shows the Parisians who died in 1830 revolution and one to commemorate those who fought during the three days of revolt, respectively.

Back to Place de la Bastille, you can find that there are concerts, festivals and more which also holds as a popular meeting place as well. With a skating park with moveable ramps set up most of the time to the south, popular with the younger generation, and the rich history and political demonstrations which can appeal to other people as well.

And finally, underneath the Bastille square there is the Metro station which is, for obvious reasons, called the Bastille stop which can be accessed via lines 5 and 8, and proves to be a very easy access to the square that is a suitable place for all to visit while on holiday in Paris.

Bacolod City's New Government Center

2013-10-22T02:03:00.004-07:00

The dream of a new government center was initiated by former Mayor Evilio "Bing" Leonardia. The 5 hectare lot located at the Circumferential Road Area was donated by the family of Don Padoc Gonzaga in 2006 and construction immediately started in December 28, 2006, exactly 6 months after the finalization of the papers. Over the past years, it has served as a venue for special holiday events and entertainment shows sponsored by the city government. In fact, the former Mayor made his state of the city address (SOCA) last September 8, 2008 in NGC. More recently, a government sponsored mass wedding was held last Valentine 's Day and also the celebration of the annual Masskara festival was held here.

The New Government Center (NGC) is a grand spectacle in Bacolod one should not miss as a travel enthusiast visiting the city. The magnificent view of the old Renaissance inspired edifice is best appreciated at night as the soft lights complement its cream-colored walls and the synchronous spewing of water at the fountain area gives a finishing touch to its splendour. The panorama gives an atmosphere of serenity to the populace strolling along the esplanade and to the sports enthusiast jogging around the perimeter of the structure. Surely, it is a perfect spot for quality time with friends, family, and loved ones. The wide Bermuda grass area is often filled with young people playing games and students practicing dance routines. Typical games often seen include Frisbee as well as football and other ball games.

Food stalls, restaurants, and coffee shops are also easily available across the New Government Center for the starving stomach and for those who have the appetite for an authentic Bacolod style dish. These food stalls and restaurants include a Shawarma kiosk, an Inasal restaurant, Cookies and Crumbs, Greenos Pizzeria, and greasy spoons. The Chicken Inasal restaurant offers not only the famous Bacolod chicken inasal but also Baticolon (grilled chicken gizzards), Isaw (grilled chicken intestines), and Atay (chicken liver) at an affordable price. A cup of coffee or tea and a sweet cookie can also be enjoyed at Cookies and Crumbs coffee shop. For comfort food worshipers, a trip to Greenos Pizzeria is the way to go. These food havens are usually chock-a-blocked by government employees and call center agents after office hours to relax after a stressful day at work. Street food vendors and costermongers are also found in the area selling chicharon, peanuts, sour mangoes, pancakes, fruits and beverages for those who are on a tight budget.

Does Your Chamber of Commerce Have a 'Fun Things To Do' Website Page?

2013-10-22T02:03:00.002-07:00

Not long ago, I was discussing Chamber of Commerce website designs with a website consultant. He had an interesting take on all of this, first he noted something I've always thought; "most of the chamber websites and internet presence is lacking clarity, direction, simplicity, depth, and they clearly don't understand the realities of social networking. For all of these reasons they end up doing a disservice to both their members and to the consumers who come to those websites hoping to support community minded companies. Okay so, let's talk.

What should chamber websites have on them? Surely they need a directory of businesses, but why not all businesses, both members and non-members (potential future members). Further, why not have things for the community, regardless of the chambers involvement. Why? Well, how about to support tourism. I'd like to focus the remainder of my time on two main concepts. These are two things that every chamber of commerce website ought to have;

1.) Activities
2.) Events Calendar

If a chamber has an airport nearby they ought to list such things as Airplane Rides and "Learn to Fly" activities along with pictures and phone numbers, with a map of how to get there. If your city has a harbor, why not consider having boat rides, sport-fishing trips, para-sailing, sailing lessons? If your city has museums, they should all be listed. In fact, whatever your city is known for the Chamber of Commerce should help with tourism and direct visiting consumers to those locations.

Further, if there are big events going on in your town, they should be listed too. It is amazing how many people, especially business people - when they travel to another city - always look at the Chamber of Commerce website to find information. If you do not list the activities and events, you will miss a huge number folks and a large chunk of the traveling public. Consider if you will that 10% of Americans own their own company. It may be a small company, maybe it is a one-person entrepreneurial business they operate out of their home. Either way they are business people.

If you have festivals, rodeos, art events, or even speaking engagements, events at the library, or nonprofit fundraising events, they should all be listed. In fact, the chamber website should be a place to go for the local community, and also anyone visiting. That's the least you can do, and something that not all chambers do. You have to ask yourself why this is - because it just doesn't seem right. People want information, and they trust the Chamber of Commerce to give it to them. Don't let them down. These people are spending real money. Please consider all this and think on it.

Let's Get To Know More About Dubai's Cultural Essence

2013-10-22T02:03:00.000-07:00

Tourism to Dubai has escalated considerably in the recent times. Not only are people, from close-by countries, visiting this city to gape at its unbelievable infrastructural development, but tourists from the developed world are also thronging this city. What could be the reason for this? Few people would want to believe that Dubai's infrastructure is what attracts people from the developed world. With regions of Canada, USA, UK and other countries being embellished with top notch infrastructure, sky scrapers can compel tourists to take a long distance flight. So, what is it? What differentiates Dubai more than its visual appeal is the undeniable essence of its culture. This is that element of Dubai that would never leave your memories.

Explore the culture of Dubai through a City-ride!

If one delves into the history of Dubai, one would realize it was anciently known to be a trading centre for spices and jewellery. It was occupied by people who were pearl divers and the ones who traded spices, silks and other precious metals. It was such trading which would bring many business travellers to the city. They used to come here to consummate their transactions. However, as time passed by, Dubai transformed itself from ancient spice trader to a modern city which boasted of infrastructure which wasn't less than any other developed country. Tall sky scrapers were matched with great roads and some impregnable systems. It was at this time that Dubai converted itself into a tourist destination, one which is still very popular because of the same reasons.

There are various things that you can do to understand Dubai better. These things can help you get close to the culture of Dubai and be fascinated by the same. Following is a brief account of such things:

Jumeirah Mosque: The first thing that you can do is to visit the Jumeirah Mosque. It is a representation of Dubai's culture, which has remained uncompromised, right since its inception till now. You can also decide to take a guided tour to this mosque where you can also involve yourself in a question and answer round. Therefore, you can clear all those doubts that you might have about the culture of this city.

Bastakiya District: This is another place that is worth visiting if you wish to know about Dubai, its ancient culture and how it has remained constant even now. You can take a walking tour which would give you the opportunity of appreciating the immense beauty and spirit of this place at peace.

Desert Safari: This is one of the major tourist attractions in the city. You start this with a jeep drive through the sandy landscape of the city. It is an adrenaline rushing experience that you would not be able to forget in a hurry. This is followed by certain camp based activities as henna art, belly dancing, eating barbecue and others.

Yacht Cruise:Finally, after you have known the culture of Dubai, it is a good idea to understand the luxury that punctuates its modern existence. You can visit websites like Dubai Marina Yacht Club to book yourself an experience called luxury or may also find some agents online to reserve the same online.