The Costa Brava was the first of the Spanish “bucket and spade” resorts that started off the major UK fascination with Spanish holidays, however this surge in popularity was accompanied by a surge in high rise building to accommodate the tourists resulting in a severely blighted landscape with hardly an inch of coastline left unspoiled in the major tourism areas – this actually led to revised building regulations in Spain which makes it impossible to happen again anywhere on Spains coastlines.

Over the last few years the local government in this region have been toiling hard to return the area to the naturally rugged “wild coast” of Spain and have made major headway in revamping this resort area into a once again beautiful Spanish holiday destination (this used to be the area that the Spaniards used for vacations!)

Due to the overdeveloped reputation the property prices in the Costa Brava have not risen as high as some of the other regions and therefore now is the time for prudent investors to be thinking about buying (or holidaying) in this area.

Bear in mind however the rock bottom prices that were available in Spain are long gone, prices in the Costa Brava region are cheaper but they are not bargain basement!

The main coastal areas of the Costa Brava are Roses, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Pineda, Santa Susana, Calella, Malgrat and Blanes. Each offers a unique experience on Spains “wild coast” along with great deals on homes within walking distance of secluded and charming beaches.

How to get there;
Barcelona International Airport (BCN) is located just south-west of the Costa Brava in the municipality of El Prat de Llobregat.

Girona International Airport (GRO) is the Costa Brava’s resident airport, & is located some 40 km from the coast & 12 km from Girona itself.

There are many property companies offering discounted inspection trips to the Costa Brava to check out there estate listings, this can be a very cheap way to experience the beauty of the region. Offers available are in the range of 50-100 per person for a 3-5 day trip including hotels and flights!

Are looking to buy a property or home in the Costa Brava region of Spain? is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

With the surge of interest in spas and spa practices like massage, facials, saunas, and acupuncture among landlubbers, it’s no wonder that more cruise lines are starting to incorporate spa services into their normal on-deck beauty amenities. The addition of spa services means that travelers can take a luxury cruise to a far-flung location like Bali without losing the comforts of home, and the refreshing services of their local spa.

Crystal Cruise lines is a chief in spa vacations within the luxury cruise dispatch experience. On timber the gemstone Symphony, the 5,000 straight foot gemstone Spa and store offers beauty, vigor and spa services. The Symphony’s spa adheres to the principles of feng shui and offers ocean views throughout its gathering and gym. Guests can take from aerobic, yoga or Pilates classes, open weights, and private training. gemstone Symphony also offers a specially-tailored food for those who want to keep a exclusive diet during their cruise vacation.

Spa vacations have also been incorporated into cruising post with Silversea Cruises and renown Cruises. The renown Millennium skin an AquaSpa SM aboard the ship, with a 25,000-square-foot service with 16 therapy rooms and a vigor center with panoramic views.Services existing at the spa enter manicures, facials, and massages. At the vigor center, guests can take a vigor class and hire a private trainer.

We have had a lot of fun during the first portion of this article and hopefully you feel as though you have a firm grasp on the topic.

Silversea Cruises’ spa vacations are run by the prominent Mandara Spa, which offers a comprehensive list of fitness, beauty and spa treatments on all Silversea cruise ships. Guests can take from an extraordinary spa menu incorporating exotic, classic and cutting-edge fitness and beauty programs. In this way, passengers get a risk to explore different sorts of spa amenities while they explore the exotic ports of call on their itineraries.

Knowing the ins and outs of this topic will help you to fully understand the importance of this entire subject. http://www.health-spa-vacation-resort.com/

Spa Vacation Staying Zen And Beautiful While Cruising is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Navini is one of the smallest island resorts close to Nadi, on that side of Viti Levu, and it is a private resort, where you can expect a casual and thoroughly relaxed time. The closeness to the international airport makes it an obvious choice for the first few days of relaxation after stepping off a long haul flight from say Europe, before beginning a sweep of the South Pacific.

You will be met by Navini Island Resort staff at the airport and within an hour you will be at Navini, and even swimming off the beach. There are no crowds because there are no trippers on this Fiji Vacation Package.

The island is small, you can wander round it in 10 minutes, because Navini is a coral cay and is only ever a few feet above the sea. It isnt just coral, although of course the beautiful coral sand and the turquoise ocean are an outstanding feature. There are coconut palms, and lots of shade, and masses of tropical flowers.

Navini has only 12 bures including a honeymoon bure, all on the beach and overlooking the coral reef, which makes it the perfect start to your Fiji honeymoon. There are 36 island staff which outnumbers the guests so you will get to know the smiling Fijian staff and appreciate their infectious enthusiasm and laughter, and also appreciate their culture and generous hospitality which is unequalled anywhere.

At Navini Island your time is your own. It may be you decide to go snorkelling on the bright multicoloured reef, visit a local village on a complimentary morning outing, kayak around the island, visit Nadi town on a shopping trip, or perhaps just lie in the shade enjoying the amazing views.

There are other activities but if this is your Fiji Honeymoon, or a Fiji vacation Package to escape the stresses of 21st Century life you may want to do nothing at all. You could of course sail a hobycat, a sailboard, a spyboard or a sea cycle. All these activities cost you nothing. If you feel energetic there is the afternoon volleyball game, or you could read a book from the resort library or perhaps even a massage.

You can of course go scuba diving, para sailing or sports fishing, for which there is a fee albeit a modest one.

As you will realise Navini Island gives you a very laid back exclusive Fiji vacation package and could be a most delightful choice for your Fiji honeymoon.

Apart from accommodation, which is very comfortable if slightly Spartan, food and drink feature highly on any vacation package, and you will not be disappointed.

Navinis dining room is open air beautifully situated between the tropical gardens and the turquoise sea. The food is a mix between traditional Fijian and innovative cuisine. There are choices at all times, and always beautiful fresh fish and local fruit, everything cooked in the kitchen.

Once a week there is a traditional Fijian night with a lovo which is food cooked underground, and then a kava ceremony with Fijian singing by the staff.

You will go to Navini island for your Fijian Vacation Package or that once in a lifetime Fijian Honeymoon, and arrive as a guest and leave feeling you have made many friends.

For more information about Pacific Ocean Hideaways click on http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Pacific-Ocean-Hideways/

A Fiji Vacation Package To Navini Island is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Blackpool is one of Britain’s most popular holiday destinations. It is a town full of roller-coasters, clubs, and even the biggest mirror ball in the world. Add this to the world-class shows, cosmopolitan restaurants, vibrant nightlife, an active sports scene and breathtakingly beautiful scenery on Blackpool’s doorstep you begin to understand why Blackpool is so popular. If you feel you really need to get away from it all, have a leisurely stroll through the leafy Stanley Park, Blackpool’s award-winning horticultural and wildlife treasure. Spot the cute, inquisitive, squirrels and take in the showpiece Italian Gardens or hire a boat and float away lazy summer afternoons beside the swans on Stanley Park’s boating lake.

Places of interest:

A vast range of exciting attractions awaits you in Blackpool. Fill your days with adrenalin pumping thrills at Pleasure Beach Blackpool, or while away the hours at the water’s edge in the subtropical Sandcastle Waterworld. Take a trip up to the top of the famous Blackpool Tower, or visit the menagerie of residents at Blackpool Zoo, come face to face with sharks at SeaLife Centre or hold audience with the Queen at Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks.

Blackpool Tower contains the UK’s best circus, the world famous Tower Ballroom, children’s entertainment plus Jungle Jim’s Playground, Tower Top Ride and Undersea World.

Blackpool Zoo, set amid 32 acres of maturing parkland and lakes, is home to over 1500 beautiful, rare and exotic animals from all around the world. With elephants, lions, otters, zebras, sea lions, tigers, kangaroos, many types of monkeys, plus all your animal favourites. With play areas, crafts, miniature railway, shops, picnic areas, it’s an excellent value family day out.

The Grundy Art Gallery hosts an annual programme of temporary exhibitions including traditional, modern and contemporary art and works from the Gallery’s permanent collection.

Sea Life Centre on Blackpool’s famous Golden Mile houses one of Europe’s largest marine collections with the ‘Lost City of Atlantis’ shark feature as the dramatic centrepiece.

Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks has an all-new CelebCity, where you can mingle with the stars and get closer to the A-list. Once you’ve walked the red carpet, you’ll be immersed in a world of celebrity, rubbing shoulders with Hollywood’s A List and the tabloid’s favourites.

Things to do:

Blackpool is not just about the seaside and the associated funfairs, rides and sideshows. There is another side, as a base for adventure, experiences, shopping and outdoor pursuits. It is only an hour away from the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District and close to the historic city of Lancaster and the shopping experiences of Manchester and Liverpool.

The Blackpool Countryside Experience is a series of nature walks from Stanley Park through the Woodland Gardens, and linking to Marton Mere Nature Reserve. There is a wide variety of walks of differing lengths, ranging from a short stroll around Stanley Park, to a more challenging ramble.

Comed Flight Training based at Blackpool airport gives you the opportunity to control an aeroplane and see the local area. You can take your friends with you, control the aeroplane as much or as little as you like and go where you want.

Blackpool Illuminations – sum up with town with their sheer autumn magic. Blackpool’s most electrifying night is when the Lights are switched on and the ceremony, a real razzmatazz showcase, has been performed by all the biggest names. You can enjoy a grandstand seat aboard a cleverly disguised tram – such as a Wild West Train or Space Rocket – where you actually become part of the display as you travel along the Promenade.

Stanley Park is where you will find stone statues star with formal borders and frothing fountains in the show piece Italian Gardens. There are pathways galore leading to quiet corners, while bridges carry you across the lake, home to a variety of hire boats and bobbing birds. There is a playground for the children and all the family can enjoy the likes of pitch & putt, tennis.

Food & Drink:

Whether it is a pre-show meal or dinner, or fish and chips, fast food or traditional seafood that you want it is all in Blackpool to complete a culinary experience that’s second to none. In Blackpool you can enjoy fine food from around the world with scores of restaurants offering everything from Caribbean to Mandarin, Indian to Italian. And of course, Blackpool has more than 30 clubs and fun-pubs alongside countless welcoming inns ensuring everyone has a great night out.

Autumn Leaves Restaurant serves consistently high quality freshly prepared food, with a wonderfully varied A La Carte menu. The weekly changing specials board always boasts an impressive array of fresh fish and steak specialities. Vegan and vegetarians are well catered for by an imaginative selection of dishes, all coupled with a friendly atmosphere.

Cafe Ambience is a friendly Mediterranean style restaurant specialising in Anglo-European cuisine with all meals cooked from fresh ingredients. Parties are catered for in a professional and comfortable environment. There is a full restaurant license with a large wine list and beers on draught.

Seniors NW LTD is a cutting edge traditional Fish & Chip Shop specialising in increasing fish variety, including turbot and Dover sole, for your enjoyment.

Alabama Showboat is within the Libertys Hotel, this venue featuring an outrageous host. A full floor show with the Kristie Speed dancers and some of UK’s top vocalists appear there most weeknights.

Jaggy Thistle is a goodtime fun bar with a distinctly Scottish flavour. Traditionally a home from home for Scottish visitors to Blackpool, the Jaggy Thistle extends a warm welcome to everyone who enjoys a friendly drink during the day or a fun packed night out.

Mitre Public House is a traditional town centre public house & doubles bar. It is probably the smallest town centre pub though it has a big atmosphere.

Blackpool Hotels & Accommodation:

Blackpool offers a variety of types of accommodation for the discerning tourist including – from four-star luxury to homely bed and breakfasts, flats and apartment, caravan and camping – whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend getaway or an action packed family holiday, Blackpool can offer you the perfect ’short break’ or holiday by the sea. The resort has 120,000 holiday beds, which is more than the whole of Portugal. With over 16.8 million visitors to Blackpool each year, there are now 3500 hotels, guest houses and self-catering units in the resort.

The Danescourt Hotel ( PLEASURE BEACH)
The Carlee
Warwick House Hotel
Warwick Hotel
The Wescoe
Norwood Hotel
Lynmar
Albert Hotel
Claremont Hotel
Ooty Bar Restaurant & Hotel
Arandora Star Hotel
Marlow Lodge (Blackpool) Hotel
Shepperton Hotel
Royal Carlton Hotel
Hurstmere Hotel
Viking Hotel
Leverdale Hotel
The New Guilderoy Hotel
The Mallory Hotel
The Brayton
The Norbreck Castle Hotel
Middleton Hotel
Chequers Plaza Hotel
The Merecliff Hotel
Glenshee Hotel & Leisure
Cliffs Hotel
The Dudley Hotel
Vidella Hotel
The Woodley Hotel
Chelston Hotel
Daniel Hotel
Rutland Hotel
The Imperial Hotel
Homecliffe Hotel
Ingledene Hotel
Brooklyn Hotel
Kingsway Hotel
The Wilton hotel
De Vere Herons’ Reach
Best Western Carlton Hotel
The Big Blue Hotel – Blackpool Pleasure Beach
The Savoy Hotel
Minotel Lucena
Grand Metropole
Carousel Hotel
Clifton Hotel
Staymor Hotel
The Palms Hotel & Apartments
Courtneys of Gynn Square
Revills Hotel
Sherwood Hotel
The New Hertford Hotel
Feng Shui Hotel

Entertainment:

Blackpool has a wide selection of shows, night clubs and pubs available providing a broad range of entertainment to suit most tastes. But don’t think the younger generation has all the fun. Remember, the famous Tower Ballroom has been the perfect partner for more traditional dancing steps for a century.

The Grand Theatre continued success is based on conserving the integrity of the irreplaceable Grade II* Listed Victorian theatre, and welcoming theatregoers by presenting a discerning programme of popular, thought-provoking and progressive theatre for Blackpool and the North West.

Blackpool’s Winter Gardens gilded exuberance makes it one of the most amazing buildings in the world. As if being Britain’s biggest theatre was not enough, it is crammed with bits and pieces from dream palaces of a dozen ages and cultures. The Winter Gardens is partly Tudor England, partly Strauss’s Vienna, partly Seville in its golden age, partly ancient Rome. This four acre site also houses the Empress Ballroom and Opera House.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has something for everyone. There are over 145 rides and attractions plus spectacular shows, including the world renowned Hot Ice at the Arena, the famous Mystique cabaret of magic and illusion at the Horseshoe, and the internationally acclaimed Eclipse at the Globe Theatre.

Blackpool is not just a seaside resort; it offers something for all ages. There is always something going on whether you prefer to do or watch. A perfect place to stay, as a base for touring the North West of England or, as a final destination to enjoy all that Blackpool has to offer.

Blackpool City Guide, Including Blackpool Hotels is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Pesty ants can be a problem at a hummingbird feeder. The best way to prevent ants at your feeder is to use an “ant guard”. An ant guard is a barrier between the ants and the nectar, making them ant proof. These guards are built into many feeders but are also available as an add on accessory for existing feeders.

There are certain ways to attract hummingbirds to your feeder. Red! Red! Red! All hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. Most feeders that are purchased these days have red on them somewhere, but if you are in doubt that there is enough red, try tying a red ribbon on the feeder itself. Another way to attract attention to your feeder is to place it among flowers that hummers like, or hang a basket of flowers nearby the feeder. You will find that feeder activity slows as more flowers bloom in your yard. Do not panic! They prefer natural nectar over what we give them in our feeders, so as the flower start to diminish, you will see them come back again.

Hummingbird Information- Helpful information about the popular hummingbird! is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Since 1920, the tomb of Frances Unknown Soldier has been sheltered underneath the arch. Its eternal flame memorializes the dead of the two world wars, and is rekindled every evening at 6:30. On every Armistice Day, the President of the Republic lays a ceremonial wreath on the tomb. On July 14, the French National Day, a military parade begins at the arch and proceeds down the Champs Elyses. For main occasions of state, and on national holidays, a huge French tricolor is unfurled and hung from the vaulted ceiling inside of the Arch. The last leg of the Tour de France bicycle race also finishes here on the third or fourth Sunday in July.

At the bases of the Arcs pillars are four huge relief sculptures, commemorating The Triumph of 1810; Resistance, Peace; and the Departure of the Volunteers, which is commonly known as La Marseillaise. On the day the Battle of Verdun started, the sword carried by the figure representing the Republic broke off from La Marseillaise. The relief was immediately hidden to conceal the accident, so that it would not be interpreted as a bad omen.

Carved around the top of the Arch are the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. However the names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, can be found on the inside walls.

The first view of this enormous monument will be startling. Naturally as it is the largest arch in the world. The imposing triumphal arch in Paris standing on an elevation at the end of the Avenue des Champs lyses and in the center of the Place de l’toile, which is formed by the intersection of 12 radiating avenues. It celebrates the victories of Napoleon I, under whose decree it was built. Construction was begun in 1806 by J. F. Chalgrin from his own designs and was carried on after his death by L. Goust, J. N. Huyot, and G. A. Blouet successively, who brought the arch to completion in 1836. In 1920 the body of an unknown French soldier of World War I was interred beneath the arch, and a perpetual flame was lighted.

One can climb right to the top of the Arc De Triomphe for a small fee. Any person will have to climb 260 steps up the narrow spiral staircase. Inside the arch, at the top, there is a small museum which has displays about topical events and the background history of the arch. There is a souvenir shop there, too. One can go outside at the top and enjoy the view across the city. There is a special fence to keep everyone safe. When one walks around, one can see all the twelve avenues that make up the star.

Arch Of Triupmh – Paris is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Many cruise ships offer scuba diving as part of their available shore excursions. Some ships even have small dive centers on board for those who want to take introductory sessions in the ship pools. These cruise lines will often have business contracts with local dive operators at each port that has scuba diving. These local dive operators will take certified scuba divers on boat trips on behalf of the cruise lines. Booking and payment will be through the cruise ships rather than the local dive operators. The cruise lines claim that if for any reason the scuba trips run late, the cruise ships will not leave port until all passengers from these cruise ship organized excursions are back on board. They wont wait around for passengers who decide to take their own excursions not booked through the cruise ship. This is how the cruise ships try to convince divers to take their excursions even if the cost is usually at a premium compared to what local dive operators would normally charge directly.

Another way to get some scuba diving in during a cruise vacation is to make arrangements and book in advance with local scuba dive operators at each port you are interested in diving at. Although there is always some risk in missing your port departure if your own outing runs late, just make sure you plan your own dive trips so that you are back on the ship well in advance of port departure. Usually if your cruise ship arrives at port early in the morning, you could book the morning dive trips with the local operator and still have the rest of the afternoon to shop or do other sightseeing. For later arrivals where you would miss the morning dive trips, it is still possible to take the local operators afternoon dive trips but in this case, it is very important to make sure that you confirm what the estimated time of return to the docks are. If you can return to the docks at least two hours before the cruise ships scheduled time of departure, than you will have ample time even if the dive boat returns a bit late. It its only an hour or less, the timing may be too tight. See if the dive operator has a shorter single tank afternoon trip which might get you back to the docks earlier.

Some local dive operators even have special pick up and drop off services to and from the cruise ship terminals to their dive shops. These dive businesses are obviously making an effort to take some dive business away from the cruise ship organized excursions. These particular local dive operators would be ideal if you could find them before your cruise vacation. Otherwise, you may have to take a local taxi to the dive shop if it is not within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal. Of course, this is usually not a problem either and even with the added cost of taxis, the overall cost of going with a local dive operator may still be lower than the cruise ship organized dive excursion.

Some cruise ship passengers have successfully gotten on local dive trips without any advance booking. These divers just walked into a local dive operator once at port. Although this is certainly feasible, it is not recommended especially in a destination that fills dive trips up quickly. With the internet, it is quite easy to make arrangements with many local dive operators in advance of your cruise vacation. Tell them which day your cruise ship will be coming in and the expected time of both arrival as well as departure. Some ports like Cozumel have more than one cruise ship terminal so its important to let them know if possible which one your ship will be docked in. They will then give you your best options for some scuba diving for that particular day.

Scuba Diving During a Cruise Vacation is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

A choice of parking includes on airport and off airport car parks, valet or personal parking. Personal parking is becoming very popular with travellers who appreciate the convenience of unloading the luggage and passengers off at the terminal without the need to arrange the transfer to the airport from a car park. The on airport parking option for Heathrow Airport parking is a little more expensive than the off airport; this is a small price to pay for a quicker more efficient way to arrive at Heathrow. Off airport can involve a lengthy bus ride to the airport and add time to your travel schedule.

Heathrow Airport car parks are very secure with many being awarded the Park Mark industry standard award for safety of vehicles in patrolled car parks. Airport parking prices vary on the location of the facility, length of time and when it is booked. The best and least stressful way to guarantee a parking space at the location you prefer is to book in advance. The turn up rates can be much higher and there is no guarantee of a space available when you do arrive.

Heathrow Airport parking is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

What a Vacation Package, and a phenomenal place to go for a luxury vacation or a Fiji Honeymoon. Wadigi Island is an all inclusive five star private island resort hidden away in Fijis Mamanuca Islands.

Just imagine a private island honeymoon with the whole island resort to yourself, or you can share it with a few friends or family, although there is a limit of six people who can be accommodated in this romantic getaway. If you are looking for exclusivity, total privacy, and the highest possible standards in the South Pacific then look no further than Wadigi.

What can you expect from Wadigi Island?

What you can expect is that it will exceed your highest expectations of a private South Pacific paradise island.
After all when you have a whole island, why on earth book just a hotel room. It is simply unique and unforgettable

This makes it totally right when you are considering a Fiji Honeymoon.

Wadigi is hidden away in the Mamanuca Islands, and just 10 minutes from Nadi International Airport by helicopter, and you wont find anything like it anywhere else in the Fiji Islands, with the winning combination of pristine beaches, total privacy, luxury accommodation and gourmet dining.

Everything you want and desire can be enjoyed thanks to the excellent staff of seven who will pander to your every whim..

You will have two personal gourmet chefs, personal butler, maid and Boat Skipper for your entire stay. Kayaks, Windsurfers, Spyboards, Snorkeling gear, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, and use of longboats are all part of the package on Wadigi Island.

Everything is very well coordinated by your hosts Jeni and Ross.

The accommodation on Wadigi consists of three beautifully furnished and airconditioned suites the Honeymoon Suite, the Sunrise Suite, and the Sunset Suite, plus a large living room with TV, stereo, DVD, Video and library of books, all perched on the edge of a cliff.

Everywhere you look there are magnificent South Pacific views, and total privacy. All the suites are connected by large decks which allow indoor and outdoor living, and have Veranda day beds. The new Honeymoon Suite also has an outdoor shower.

The Sunset Suite which you might be using for your Private Fiji island honeymoon has a large private veranda which is out over the water. The other outstanding feature is the stunning views from the bath!!

In terms of being a romantic getaway, there are few more romantic situation than the view of the ocean, the sounds of the waves, and sunsets you can hardly imagine, as you relax in the infinity pool or sunbathe on one of your two private beaches. Add to this the crystal clear lagoon of Wadigi where there is top class snorkeling

Apart from not needing your mobile phone, your watch or your PC [although there is internet access for work addicts], you can also forget about the diet you have been on, because the food served up by the gourmet chefs befits only the very best of a Luxury Honeymoon Vacation Package on a Private Island.

Their menu is totally personalized to your choice, with superb tropical seafood, and desserts to increase your waistline.

Then there are the very best wines from the cellar including the very best wines from Australia, New Zealand, and France.

You can choose to eat literally where you want on the island, and when you want. This could mean the Dining Room inside and outside deck, the Bure Kalau, the Pool Deck, the Villa deck, and finally a torch lit dinner on the beach.

Wadigi Island will be possibly the finest Vacation you will ever spend, the very best of Fiji Honeymoon Packages.

Check out Pacific Ocean Hideaways at http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Pacific-Ocean-Hideways/

A Fiji Luxury Honeymoon Vacation Package To The Private All Inclusive Wadigi Island is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

In any case Beijing has a lot to offer either for first time visitors, either for veterans.

If you are among the ones that can choose the period to travel to Beijing, be aware that it is exposed to a continental monsoon climate with clear-cut seasons. Best time to go is during Autumn with generous sunshine and fewer tourists are in town. Locals describe this short season as tiangao qishuang – literally ‘the sky is high and the air is fresh. Spring is less pleasant – not many tourists but lots of wind and dust.

Some of the best activities one can indulge in can be the following:
- renting a bicycle and discovering some of the latest preserved hutongs.
- getting into a vision of early morning Tai Chi practitioner at the divine Temple of Heaven starting their day.
- relaxing on an un-expensive foot massage
-seeing a Beijing opera in a typical Tea House

Last tip that can make you say wow, this article rocks! concerns very special lodgings you can experience. Maybe not everyone knows that the word hutongs (from the Mongolian hottog meaning “water well) are narrow streets or alleys formed by lines of siheyuan, traditional courtyard residences. Many neighbourhoods were formed by joining one siheyuan to another to form a hutong, and then joining one hutong to another. The word hutong is also used to refer to such neighbourhoods. In these days hutongs are used to guest travellers and tourists. They will fascinate you with their dcor, atmosphere and pieces of furniture.

Usually, as the traditional architecture imposed, guests rooms face an inner secret garden decorated with marble statues, ponds or fountains and plants. Some hutongs have been transformed in boutique hotels, some others keep the price on a budget and are classified as youth hostels. Just to mention some: the Saga Hostel, the Shongtang hotel, the 9 Dragon hostel, the Houhai Youth hostel, the Temple Side hutong hostel, the Hutongren or Autumn Garden Hotel. They are all well run and will make your stay better.

Following the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949, many of the old hutongs were demolished and disappeared, replaced by the high rises and wide boulevards of todays Beijing. Some of Beijings ancient hutongs still stand as more recently they have been designated as protected areas in an attempt to preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history. The hutongs in the vicinity of the Bell Tower and Shichahai Lake are especially well preserved and attracts many tourists.

Bikes and hutongs in beijing experience chinese tradition is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com