Travel, Cruises and Hotels

The Iroquois New York

2010-08-28T13:43:00.000-05:00

Fifth Avenue, Times Square, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center … the excitement and bustle of the city vanishes into a sanctuary beautifully finished as an elegant private mansion. The front of the 1900 original limestone and copper carriage lamps that measure five feet, which surround the framework of the mahogany doors are a proper welcome to the European decor is inside.

The same luxurious detail is evident in the 113 rooms, recently remodeled to include every possible modern amenity. From the Frette linen, towels to Anichini Italian marble bathrooms, you will feel pampered. The amenities like wireless Internet and flat screen televisions 32 inch LG satisfy any need for modern convenience.

The award-winning cuisine and specialists in art mixed drinks tempt and delight your palate in Triomphe – the famous French restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. In regard to the city beyond our doors, the concierge will assist you plan your days and nights, advising on the most noted sites as well as little known sites that New Yorkers kept secret.

Source: Official website The Iroquois New York

Amirandes: A Luxury Grecotel

2010-08-28T13:24:00.001-05:00

Designed in keeping with the grand palaces of the Minoan kings, Amirandes is an exclusive beachside resort that epitomises Crete’s most inspiring features: beautiful architecture, warm hospitality, excellent cuisine and stunning land and seascapes. Just 20 minutes from Heraklion Airport, the Resort also offers good sea links and is just a short drive from attractions including the Palace of Knossos and Crete Golf Club.

Themed around the lagoons that swirl through its centre, the Resort’s 70,000 sq m expanse comprises six restaurants, private beaches, Elixir Spa with indoor pool, outdoor Olympic-size seawater pool, over 60 private pools and extensive children’s facilities. The 212 guestrooms feature indulgent details such as private gyms, home cinema and state-of-the-art bathrooms with colour-therapy and aromatherapy Jacuzzi bathtubs. Refined and considerate service mirrors the Resort’s meticulous attention to detail and utmost respect for the privacy of its guests.

Elixir Spa

Amirandes’ Elixir Spa offers a true sanctuary for the senses where simplicity is key. Six individually designed treatment and massage suites offer signature treatments and Ayurvedic therapies using organic plants and extracts from Crete’s rare, aromatic herbs.

The spa also contains an indoor pool, relaxation lounges serving complimentary tea and juices and separate men’s and women’s changing rooms with sauna and showers. Also contained within the spa is a state-of-the-art cardio-fitness gym and Beauty Centre with two manicure / pedicure rooms and hair salon. In-room treatments are available on request.

Double room prices range from US$ 200.00/night. For more information visit http://www.amirandes.com/

Burj al-Arab: Seven Star Hotel in Dubai

2010-08-28T13:11:00.000-05:00

The Burj al-Arab is a luxury hotel in Dubai, the second largest city of the United Arab Emirates, and was briefly marketed as “the world’s first seven-star hotel”. It was designed by Tom Wright of WS Atkins PLC. At 321 m (1053 feet), it is the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel. It stands on an artificial island 280 m (919 feet) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It is an iconic structure, designed to symbolize Dubai’s urban transformation.

Rooms and Prices

Despite its size, the Burj al-Arab holds only 28 double-storey floors which accommodate 202 bedroom suites. The smallest suite occupies an area of 169 square meters (1,819 square feet), and the largest one covers 780 square meters (8,396 square feet). It is one of the most expensive hotels in the world to stay in. The cost of staying in a suite begins at $1,000 per night and increases to over $15,000 per night; the Royal Suite is the most expensive, at $28,000 per night.[10] Suites are around the same size as average houses, ranging in floor space from 1800 to 8400 square feet.

Suites feature design details that juxtapose east and west. White Tuscan columns and a spiral staircase covered in marble with a wrought-iron gold leaf railing show influence from classicism and art nouveau. Spa-like bathrooms are accented by mosaic tile patterns on the floors and walls, with Arabian-influenced geometries, which are also found elsewhere in the building.

Restaurants

One of its restaurants, Al Muntaha (Arabic meaning “Highest” or “Ultimate”), is located 200 metres above the Persian Gulf, offering a view of Dubai. It is supported by a full cantilever that extends 27 metres from either side of the mast, and is accessed by a panoramic elevator.

Another restaurant, the Al Mahara (Arabic “The Oyster”), which is accessed via a simulated submarine voyage, features a large seawater aquarium, holding roughly 35,000 cubic feet (over one million liters) of water. The tank, made of acrylic glass in order to reduce the magnification effect, is about 18 cm (7.5 inches) thick. The restaurant was also voted among the top ten best restaurants of the world by Condé Nast Traveler.

Sidney Opera House

2010-08-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

The Sydney Opera House is an expressionist modern design, with a series of large precast concrete ‘shells’, each taken from the same hemisphere, forming the roofs of the structure. The Opera House covers 1.8 hectares (4.5 acres) of land. It is 183 metres (605 feet) long and about 120 metres (388 feet) wide at its widest point. It is supported on 580 concrete piers sunk up to 25 metres below sea level. Its power supply is equivalent for a town of 25,000 people. The power is distributed by 645 kilometres of electrical cable.

The roofs of the House are covered with 1.056 million glossy white and matte cream Swedish-made tiles,though from a distance the tiles look only white. Despite their self-cleaning nature, they are still subject to periodic maintenance and replacement.

The Concert Hall and Opera Theatre are each contained in the two largest groups of shells, and the other theatres are located on the sides of the shell groupings. The form of the shells is chosen to reflect the internal height requirements, rising from the low entrance spaces, over the seating areas and up to the high stage towers. A much smaller group of shells set to one side of the Monumental steps and houses the Bennelong Restaurant. Although the roof structures of the Sydney Opera House are commonly referred to as shells (as they are in this article), they are in fact not shells in a strictly structural sense, but are instead precast concrete panels supported by precast concrete ribs. The building’s interior is composed of pink granite quarried in Tarana and wood and brush box plywood supplied from northern New South Wales.

Performance venues and facilities The Concert Theatre and Grand OrganThe Sydney Opera House contains five theatres, five rehearsal studios, two main halls, four restaurants, six bars and numerous souvenir shops.

The five theatres making up the performance facilities:

The Concert Hall, with 2,679 seats, contains the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ, the largest mechanical tracker action organ in the world with over 10,000 pipes.The Opera Theatre, with 1,547 seats, is the main performance space for Opera Australia; it is also used by the Australian Ballet Company. The Drama Theatre, with 544 seats The Playhouse, with 398 seats The Studio Theatre, with 364 seats Besides theatrical productions, venues at the Sydney Opera House are also used for functions such as weddings, parties and conferences.

The Great Wall of China

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The Chinese were already familiar with the techniques of wall-building by the time of the Spring and Autumn Period, which began around the 8th century BC. During the Warring States Period from the 5th century BC to 221 BC, the states of Qi, Yan and Zhao all constructed extensive fortifications to defend their own borders. Built to withstand the attack of small arms such as swords and spears, these walls were made mostly by stamping earth and gravel between board frames.

Qin Shi Huang conquered all opposing states and unified China in 221 BC, establishing the Qin Dynasty. Intending to impose centralized rule and prevent the resurgence of feudal lords, he ordered the destruction of the wall sections that divided his empire along the former state borders. To protect the empire against intrusions by the Xiongnu people from the north, he ordered the building of a new wall to connect the remaining fortifications along the empire’s new northern frontier. Transporting the large quantity of materials required for construction was difficult, so builders always tried to use local resources. Stones from the mountains were used over mountain ranges, while rammed earth was used for construction in the plains. There are no surviving historical records indicating the exact length and course of the Qin Dynasty walls.

Most of the ancient walls have eroded away over the centuries, and very few sections remain today. Later, the Han, Sui, Northern and Jin dynasties all repaired, rebuilt, or expanded sections of the Great Wall at great cost to defend themselves against northern invaders.

A section of the Great Wall near Beijing during winterThe Great Wall concept was revived again during the Ming Dynasty following the Ming army’s defeat by the Mongols in the Battle of Tumu in 1449. The Ming had failed to gain a clear upper-hand over the Mongols after successive battles, and the long-drawn conflict was taking a toll on the empire. The Ming adopted a new strategy to keep the Mongols out by constructing walls along the northern border of China. Acknowledging the Mongol control established in the Ordos Desert, the wall followed the desert’s southern edge instead of incorporating the bend of the Huang He.

Unlike the earlier Qin fortifications, the Ming construction was stronger and more elaborate due to the use of bricks and stone instead of rammed earth. As Mongol raids continued periodically over the years, the Ming devoted considerable resources to repair and reinforce the walls. Sections near the Ming capital of Beijing were especially strengthened.

Towards the end of the Ming Dynasty, the Great Wall helped defend the empire against the Manchu invasions that began around 1600. Under the military command of Yuan Chonghuan, the Ming army held off the Manchus at the heavily fortified Shanhaiguan pass, preventing the Manchus from entering the Liaodong Peninsula and the Chinese heartland. The Manchus were finally able to cross the Great Wall in 1644, when the gates at Shanhaiguan were opened by Wu Sangui, a corrupt Ming border general, after being bribed. The Manchus quickly seized Beijing, and defeated the newly founded Shun Dynasty and remaining Ming resistance, to establish the Qing Dynasty.

Bellagio: Hotel and Casino

2010-08-28T12:29:00.001-05:00

Bellagio is a hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It is owned by MGM Mirage. Inspired by the Lake Como resort of Bellagio in Italy, Bellagio is famed for its elegance. One of its most notable features is an 8 acre (32,000 m²) artificial lake between the building and the Strip. The fountain shows on the lake are a major free attraction and provide a romantic ambiance for couples walking along the strip.
Hand Blown Glass Display by Dale ChihulyInside Bellagio, Dale Chihuly’s Fiori di Como, composed of over 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers, covers 2,000 square feet (610 m²) of the lobby ceiling. The hotel also contains a Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Bellagio was conceived by Steve Wynn and built by his company, Mirage Resorts, Inc. following the purchase and demolition of the legendary Dunes hotel and casino in 1993. Bellagio was designed by Marnell Corrao Associates and Jon Jerde. Bellagio is home to Cirque du Soleil’s aquatic production of “O”, only the second permanent production show for the world-renowned troupe.

The Bellagio employs approximately 10,000 people. In the fall of 2006, the casino floor was remodeled and new uniforms were issued, changing the original color scheme to a more contemporary blue tone.

Film history

Bellagio was featured prominently in the film Ocean’s Eleven (2001). The curved staircase that Tess Ocean (played by Julia Roberts) so impressively descended was removed during a 2006 remodel to accommodate the entrance pathway from a newly built hotel tower, called The Spa Tower. New shops and restaurants fill the space. The vault for the three casinos that were robbed (MGM Grand, Mirage, and Bellagio) owned by Terry Benedict (played by Andy Garcia) was located beneath the Bellagio. There is no confirmation whether in fact the vault exists as portrayed in the movie.

Poker Room

Many professional poker players prefer to play at the Bellagio poker room, calling it their home base due to the high table limits. Poker professionals refer to the high-limit table as The Big Game. Bellagio has also partnered with the World Poker Tour to host several of their tournaments.

Fountains

The Fountains of Bellagio attraction consists of an intricate water fountain display set to light and music. The display takes place in front of the Bellagio hotel and can be viewed from the Strip. The fountain show takes place every 30 minutes in the afternoons and early evenings, and every 15 minutes from 8 pm to midnight. Exceptions: a single or string of shows may be withheld when winds prevail; a single show may be skipped to avoid interference with a planned event.

The Fountains were created by WET Design, who specializes in creating intricate water shows. The design incorporates an array of underwater pipes with over 1,000 nozzles that makes it possible to stage fountain displays coordinated with over 4,000 lights and music.

Cancun: Beach and Relax

2010-08-28T12:11:00.000-05:00

Cancún (pronounced can-koon) is a coastal city in Mexico’s easternmost state, Quintana Roo. It is the municipal seat of Benito Juárez municipality and a world renowned tourist resort with modern beachfront hotels surrounded by the Bahía de Mujeres (Bay of Women), the Caribbean Sea, and the Nichupte and Bojorquez lagoons. The mainland downtown commercial section (Cancún City), connected to the island by two bridges, has broad avenues lined with whitewashed shops, restaurants, and hotels.

In Cancún there are about 140 hotels with 24,000 rooms and 380 restaurants. Four million visitors arrive each year in an average of 190 flights daily. The hotel zone is one of the most exclusive internationally, with upmarket restaurants, bars, and the like which have catered for quite a number of the rich and famous. The hotel zone tends to be rather expensive as it is aimed at visitors and relies on the all inclusive hotels to keep them all in this area allowing prices to soar. Downtown is home to less expensive places to shop like Walmart, Comercial Mexicana and Soriana, not to mention several flea markets like the one in the hotel zone. On the opposite side of the island from the Caribbean Sea is the Nichupte Lagoon, which is used for boat and snorkelling tours of the area.

Nightlife

The City night club, Mexican Independence Day 2006Most clubs normally sell a wrist band ticket for entry inclusive of “free drinks”, however to get “free drinks” requires tipping the waiters regularly. The main large clubs in the Hotel Zone include “The City”, “Daddyo’s” and Coco Bongo. Mexican Independence Day will offer distinct entertainment throughout Mexico and this extends to Cancun, night clubs will provide live entertainment such as traditional Spanish guitar players, cock fighting etc.

Downtown Cancún offers a more cultural aspect, there are cuban/salsa type bars/restaurants. There are also many clubs for all types of people, including gay clubs like Karamba or Glow, but the hotels are more accessible to all types of travellers, including some with lower rates. International brands in Downtown area include Radisson Hacienda Cancún, Best Western Plaza Caribe, Oasis America.

Marine life

There are many opportunities and organised trips for speed boating, scuba diving etc. Cancun hosts many geological parks with lush marine life. Cancún’s hotel zone also has an interactive aquarium where visitors can see the marine diversity of the area. There are also a variety of locations where visitors can “swim with dolphins” and feed sharks.

Weather

The temperature of the city is warm, moderated by the marine breeze which circulates through its avenues. The temperatures are typically between 26°C and 36°C (78.8°F and 96.8°F) all year round. Hotel rooms with air conditioning are essential. Terrific lightning illuminates the night sky and hurricanes remain a rare hazard.

South Africa: A country for all tastes

2010-08-28T12:01:00.000-05:00

South Africa is an ideal destination for tourists in search of variety. Beautiful beaches, lakes, forests and mountains, interspersed with virgin bush and desert, the Kalahari.

Nature lovers will appreciate the high priority given to conservation of nature, priority clearly manifested in the vast amount of reserves and national parks like the world famous Kruger Park, Pilanesberg, Saint Lucia, Blyde River, at Route Overview Mpumalanga, Tsitsikama in The Garden Route.

But nature is not the only attraction that the country offers to tourists:

The diversity of its population can not but fascinate those interested in culture, music and art in all its manifestations, and an opportunity to meet people of various origins, including ancient African tribes, Zulu, Xhosa , Ndebele, etc.. sharing with them their customs and traditions.

Add to this the charm of its cities: the idyllic beauty of Cape Town, with its strong Dutch influence and the scenic route of the Vineyards, the vibrancy of Johannesburg, “the forest city”, the richest in the country, which should its existence to the discovery and exploitation of vast deposits of gold, the dynamism of Soweto, birthplace of resistance to apartheid, now a vibrant example of black urban Pretoria, “the garden city and administrative capital of the nation, Durban, modern seaside resort on the Indian Ocean with beautiful beaches and warm waters and enjoy throughout the year.

All this served by a modern communications infrastructure, roads, transportation and hospitality, which ensures an unforgettable stay.

Mandola Rosa: A True Paradise

2010-08-28T11:53:00.001-05:00

Mandola Rosa is a boutique hotel that occupies an exclusive stretch of one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. The Hotel lies at the centre of its own private estate within the Olympia Riviera Resort and comprises just 54 suites and villas, steeped in old world charm and effortless elegance.

In addition to benefiting from an abundance of resort activities, Mandola Rosa offers easy access to the world famous archaeological site of Ancient Olympia and the many other natural, historical and cultural attractions of the Western Peloponnese. VIP services and high security standards make the Hotel the perfect retreat for couples and families seeking quality time in an exclusive environment.

Elixir Thalasso

A Sanctuary for the Senses, a Balm for the Soul: Inspired by the Rotunda at Olympia nearby, ‘Elixir’ Thalassotherapy Center is designed like a complex of Greek temples. Illuminated in the evening, it harks back to the sanctuaries of Classical Greece. This luxury retreat combines the ages-old wisdom of the Greeks, who valued the healing properties of the sea, with modern wellness regimens to relax the body and rejuvenate the spirit.

The ‘Elixir’ Thalassotherapy Center has three wings. The central building is a rotunda, inspired by the temple Alexander the Great built at the sanctuary at nearby Ancient Olympia. A grand staircase sweeps up guests from the reception area into the spa’s inner sanctum – a suite of thirty elegantly-appointed private massage rooms, changing areas, showers, saunas, exercise rooms, steam rooms, and luxurious indoor and outdoor lounges where you relax between treatments.

The sanctuary design is part of the escapism of this fantasy setting and it’s hard not to feel like a goddess when you’re seated in an open-air whirlpool under the dome of a small temple. Spoil yourself completely with an open-air massage on the temple porch, discreetly screened by billowing curtains of filmy voile. The spa’s showstopper is the Aqua Elixir Thalasso Pool – more opulent than the grandest Roman thermae. Simply Divine!

Double room prices range from US$ 200.00/night. A Villa Delo Private Pool price is US$ 990.00/night. For more information visit Mandola Rosa Suites and Villas.

Distrikt Hotel New York

2010-08-28T11:42:00.000-05:00

New Yorkers are defined not just by the city they call home, but also by the neighborhoods in which they reside. These unique “districts” are worlds in and of themselves, and together they define an icon. The Distrikt Hotel New York City celebrates the individuality of these melting pots and the island of Manhattan itself through architecture, design, style and service.

Located in the heart of Manhattan on West 40th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan, Distrikt Hotel New York is steps away from The New York Times Building and Times Square. Part of the Ascend Collection, Distrikt Hotel New York offers a dedication to detail with impeccable service, cutting edge technology, comfortable yet luxurious guestrooms, four -star amenities, and fresh cuisine with locally grown ingredients. Each of the 155 guestrooms are designed for the comfort and needs of the guest to include relaxing Simmons Beauty Rest pillow top mattresses, decadent Frette bed and bath linen, a 37” LG flatscreen television, a business desk with ergonomic chair, Ecru New York soaps and amenities, and wireless internet in every room.

Source: Official website Distrikt Hotel

Extended Stay Hotels: A very good option

2010-08-25T11:48:00.000-05:00

There are several reasons why people may need to spend an extended stay in a place far from home. They may be business travelers or they may be subject to a corporate relocation in connection with their employment. You can visit someone in another city, but can not stay with this person. Whatever the reason, an extended stay hotel provides a comfortable and affordable place to live for a short time. Extended stay hotels, differ from other hotels, as these are designed to provide people with accommodation for more than a night or two. Hotels that attract visitors who are going through a town and need only a bed and a meal before resuming your trip, tend to have fairly small and basic rooms. For an extended stay, however, people need more space and amenities. As well as extra space, extended stay hotels also offer kitchen and laundry. Although not necessarily a permanent residence, hotels try to make your stay pleasant and comfortable.

Search for hotels extended stay and take advantage of options offered.

Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean

2010-08-14T14:35:00.004-05:00

Enjoy the most innovative and creative ship from Royal Caribbean: Oasis of the Seas. This marvel of engineering offered for the first time the concept of neighborhoods. All guests can experience the unique one of seven neighborhoods on board. For example: Central Park, a public space combining nature with nautical; Boardwalk, fun ride on the family, which includes entertaining AquaTheater, Royal Promenade, the focus of many of the ships of Royal Caribbean, far larger and interesting than ever. With 28 modern loft suites and 2,700 spacious staterooms, this wonderland covers 16 tells us that the impossible is possible.

The prices of cabins are from US$ 729.00. Must reserve in advance.

Source: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/

The Lowell New York

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Located in a quiet tree-lined street near Madison Avenue, the hotel Lowell is in the heart of New York in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods is high side. With only 49 individually decorated suites and 23 deluxe rooms, the sumptuous hotel welcomes guests with personal service and attention to detail. Amid generous considerations and complimentary beverages upon arrival, Fiji water find, and a selection of them elegant amenities. Most suites have fireplaces, some with terraces, and almost all are equipped with kitchenettes.

Source: The Lowell website

Geneva: World’s Smallest Metropolis

2010-08-12T19:50:00.003-05:00

The symbol of the “world’s smallest metropolis” is the “Jet d’eau”, a jet of water 140 meters high on the shore of Lake Geneva. On the right bank of the lake is most of the big hotels and many restaurants. Above the left bank lies the old town, the heart of Geneva with its shopping and commercial district. This is dominated by the Cathedral St-Pierre, while the center of the old town itself is the Place du Bourg-de-Four, as the oldest plaza in town. Wharves, coastal walks, abundant parks, lively streets of Old Town and elegant shops invite you to stroll. One of the best preserved ancient street is the Grand-Rue, which was born Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The ‘Mouettes “, a kind of water taxi, allow navigation from one side to another. There are large ships that call to launch cruise on Lake Leman.

Geneva is the most international city in Switzerland, as is the UN European headquarters. Also the International Red Cross monitors from its humanitarian operations here. Geneva is not just convention center but also of culture and history, for trade fairs and exhibitions. The «Horloge Fleuri», the flower clock in the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is a world-renowned symbol of the Geneva watch industry.

A cultural level, the city in the Far East of Switzerland has much to offer. At the Grand Théâtre, Geneva Opera, presents internationally acclaimed artists, and various museums such as Musée international de l’horlogerie, a watch museum with a collection of watches and jewelry, or the Music Museum International Red Cross and Red Crescent, which provides information on the work of the humanitarian organization, they invite a visit.

An attractive destination is the mountain Salève, located in the nearby neighboring France. In less than five minutes the cable car takes visitors to an altitude of 1100 meters and can enjoy a unique view to the town, the Alpine mountains, the Jura and Montblanc.

Top Events

- International Automobilsalon – shows the largest car manufacturers in Europe around the world presented their latest (March).

- Le Bol d’Or – a sailing regatta largest lake in Europe and the beginning of the summer in Geneva (June).

- Escalade – Memorial torchlight parade and costumes of that time to commemorate the soldiers refused to attack the Savoy December 11 of 1602 (December).

Cape Sounio: A Wonder Athenian

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Cape Sounio embodies a world of privacy and natural beauty basking in the glow of one of antiquity’s most celebrated monuments, The Temple of Poseidon. Arranged amphitheatrically to maximise the views of the Temple, elegant, terracotta villas with private gardens and pools rise along shaded, stone paths framed by olive trees and fragrant pines descending to two private beaches.

The location of the Cape at the tip of Attica – and similarly, as the Gateway to both Athens and the Aegean – made it a place of great strategic importance. The Cape also holds legendary significance as the place where the Aegean was named; it was here that Aegeus, the King of Athens, plunged to his death upon spying the dark sails of Theseus’s ship and mistakenly believing that his son had been slain by the Minotaur.

Rising on the slopes of the bay, above Cape Sounio Grecotel Exclusive Resort, lies the Sounio National Park, revered for its scenic beauty and rich geological history. The ancient mines within the park are reputed to have supplied the marble for the building of the Temple of Poseidon.

One of the few Athens Riviera hotels, Cape Sounio The park and Resort overlooks the deep blue waters of Cape Sounio Bay – home to some of the cleanest and clearest waters in the Saronic Gulf. Protected from winds and rough seas, the crystal depths teem with life and are home to a thriving colony of Poseidonias Seaweed, one of the most important ocean biotypes in existence.

Double room prices range from US$ 380.00/night. For more information visit http://www.capesounio.com/

Big Ben: The clock of London

2010-08-12T19:15:00.001-05:00

Big Ben is the name that is known to the Great Bell of Westminster, the largest of the bells inside the tower and part of the Great Clock of Westminster, as well as (erroneously) to the Clock Tower of the Palace Westminster, located in London. The tower is located on the northwest corner of the building that houses the headquarters of the two Houses of the British Parliament.

The clock tower

The tower was built as part of the new building designed by Charles Barry, after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire the night of October 16, 1834. The tower is designed to Victorian Gothic style, and is 96.3 m high. The Gothic style was eventually chosen by the British Empire’s need to differentiate from other nations in those days, they felt less strong, where parliaments are governed primarily by the classical style.

The body of the tower (61 m) consists of a brickwork with stone cladding, and the remaining 35 meters form the needle cast iron which is crowned with the tower. The tower is seated on a base of 15 meters square and has a weight estimated at 8667 tons. The four watches are located at 55 meters tall.

Because of the land where the building is built, the tower leans slightly to the northwest, about 220 mm. Also a few millimeters annually ranges east and west, due to thermal effects.

The clock and its faces

The clock tower was the largest in the world in its time, capable of every hour with the precision of a second. The clock mechanism was completed in 1854, but the tower was not fully constructed until four years later.

The four sides of the clock and its fields were designed by Augustus Pugin. Each side has a spherical structure of iron, 23 feet in diameter containing 312 pieces of opaque glass. Some of these pieces can be removed to check the hands of the clock. At the base of each face of the clock there is an inscription in Latin: ‘DOMINO Sálvame FAC Reginam NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM’ ( ‘God save our Queen Victoria I’). The hand that marks the hours measured 2.7 meters long, while the minute mark that measured 4.3 meters.

The name “Big Ben” was the original 16-tonne bell in the tower, cast in 1856. Since the tower was not yet finished, the bell was installed in the “New Palace Yard,” but the bell was broken, and was remade into a campaign of 13.8 tons, which is used today. The new bell was mounted on the tower in 1858 with four more bells, which are responsible for providing quarters.

On September 7, 1859 the clock went into operation. Today is one of the tourist attractions of the city of London. Millions of people visit it each year. It is an emblem of the city.

Bora Bora: A True Paradise

2010-08-12T19:04:00.001-05:00

Bora Bora is an atoll in the Society Islands, part of French Polynesia located northwest of Tahiti, about 260 km northwest of Papeete. It covers an area of 29.3 km ². Formed by an extinct volcano, surrounded by a lagoon separated from the sea by a reef. The highest point is Mount Otemanu to 727 meters. Bora Bora is one of the world’s most exotic destinations.

News

Today’s economy relies on tourism, mainly from Japan and the U.S.. The island is surrounded by Motus, small islands often have elongated some width and vegetation.

One of the most beautiful and photographed motus of Polynesia is the Motu Tapu, which offers truly spectacular photos, especially those made before a hurricane bears part of the tongues of sand which had at its ends.

Both the airport and major hotels are located in Motus. Since they are transport services boats come and go regularly from the hotel to the main island.

From Bora Bora we can see the nearby islands of Tahaa, Raiatea and Maupiti

Empire State Building

2010-08-07T00:07:00.006-05:00

The Empire State Building is a skyscraper of 102 floors, the tallest building in New York City, a magnificent example of Art Deco architecture of the period since its completion in 1932, with observatories on floors 86 (air terrace free) and 102, which provide spectacular views of the city.

Every night, the 31 upper floors glow with a color representing the four seasons. On the second floor with the New York Skyride, a flight simulator that takes visitors on a journey around and above the attractions of the city.

Built during the Great Depression and so-called labor at very low costs. The time required were lifted only 410 days, which worked at the same time more than 3000 workers. The foundation began to excavate the January 22, 1930 construction began at a rate of 4.5 floors per week until its grand opening on May 1, 1931.

The number of steps that need to climb to reach the plant 102 are no less than 1860, they performed in the famous marathon New Yorkers, in a promotion that may require between 30 minutes and two hours. Located in the Midtown area at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 34 West Calkle, this colossus has become the symbol of power in the U.S., surpassing the Chrysler Building. However, it is no longer considered a symbol of power in 1974 with the opening of the Sears Tower in Chicago.

Having been displaced as the tallest building in town with the construction of the Twin Towers, returned to this place after the tragedy of September 11. Although it has now been surpassed by many other high skyscraper, remains a symbol of New York and his image has appeared in over 100 films, including “King Kong”. Skip to the Empire State observatory provides one of the best views of the island and it is precisely that which leads to more than 3.5 million people visit each year.

Facts and Events

The building has 73 elevators that travel at a rate of 366 meters per minute. The structure required the use of a 60,000 tonnes of steel and 10 million bricks. The coating includes 20,000 m2 of Indiana limestone and marble of 1000 m2 and the total area is 204,385 m2.

The price of entry to the observatories are:

Adults: US$ 19
Students (12-17 years) and Pensioners: US$ 17
Children (6-11 years): US$ 13
Children under 5 years: Free

Machu Picchu: Land of the Incas

2010-08-06T22:34:00.002-05:00

Machu Picchu was constructed around 1462, at the height of the Inca Empire. It was abandoned less than 100 years later. It is likely that most of its inhabitants were wiped out by smallpox before the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the area, and there is no record of their having known of the remote city. Hiram Bingham, the credited discoverer of the site, along with several others, originally hypothesized that the citadel was the traditional birthplace of the Inca of the “Virgins of the Suns”.

Another theory maintains that Machu Picchu was an Inca “llacta”, a settlement built to control the economy of these conquered regions. Yet another asserts that it may have been built as a prison for a select few who had committed heinous crimes against Inca society. Research conducted by scholars, such as John Rowe and Richard Burger, has convinced most archaeologists that rather than a defensive retreat, Machu Picchu was an estate of the Inca emperor, Pachacuti. In addition, Johan Reinhard presented evidence that the site was selected because of its position relative to sacred landscape features—such as its mountains, which are purported to be in alignment with key astronomical events that would have been important to the Incas.

Intihuatana Stone

The Intihuatana stone is one of many ritual stones in South America. The Spanish did not find Machu Picchu so the Intihuatana Stone was not destroyed as many other ritual stones in Peru were. These stones are arranged to point directly at the sun during the winter solstice. Intihuatana also is called “The Hitching Point of the Sun” because it was believed to hold the sun in its place along its annual path in the sky. At midday on March 21 and September 21, the equinoxes, the sun stands almost above the pillar—casting no shadow at all. Researchers believe that it was built as an astronomic clock or calendar.

Tourism

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As Peru’s most visited tourist attraction and major revenue generator, it is continually threatened by economic and commercial forces. In the late 1990s, the Peruvian government granted concessions to allow the construction of a cable car and development of a luxury hotel, including a tourist complex with boutiques and restaurants. These plans were met with protests from scientists, academics, and the Peruvian public—all worried that the greater numbers of visitors would pose tremendous physical burdens on the ruins.

Extras: A tour for Cusco and Machu Picchu is about US$ 600.00, not including airfare. In addition, Machu Picchu was considered one of the seven wonders in the last election few years ago. The experience is unforgettable.

Atlantis The Palm: 7 Stars

2010-08-06T22:12:00.004-05:00

Atlantis, the Palm is a resort at Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is a joint venture between Kerzner International Limited and Istithmar PSJC and was opened on 24 September 2008. The resort is modelled after the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in Nassau, Bahamas.

The seven stars resort also includes a water Aquaventure theme park (160,000 square meters), a conference center, and 20,000 square feet (1,900 m2) of retail space. The resort also has a Dolphin Bay (45,000 square meters) in which guests can swim and interact with dolphins at Atlantis. The Palm Jumeirah itself is one part of a trilogy including the larger Palms Jebel Ali and Deira, which are still under construction.

Visit the official website of the hotel and knows its attractions closer: http://www.atlantisthepalm.com/

Gramercy Park Hotel - New York

2010-08-06T21:56:00.002-05:00

The Gramercy Park Hotel’s Haute Bohemian heritage has been honored and renewed in the transformation by Ian Schrager. It is still the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City but better! It represents a sensuous vision of artful diversity. Bohemia reinvented for the 21st century with an original combination of styles, with great pieces of furniture and art and the extraordinary use of color.

It is a balancing act which only Ian Schrager could pull off, as well as a fresh approach which represents a new departure for him. It brings together a number of creative forces, not chosen for their compatibility, but for their shared commitment to the modern lifestyle.

This luxury Manhattan hotel has been created by Ian Schrager’s long time partners, Michael Overington and Anda Andrei, with a little help from some of Ian’s friends, including the painter Julian Schnabel.

The Gramercy Park Hotel’s idiosyncratic, eclectic vision offers a perfect modern alternative to the institutional approach one now finds in even the most high-end boutique design hotels. As Morgans marked a paradigm shift in hotels twenty years ago and created a new industry, so the new Gramercy Park Hotel NYC will accomplish the same impact today. It will be the most spirited and charming hotel in New York, reflecting a fabled heritage and the lively, adventurous spirit of an emerging age.

A great hotel is not just a building, its an individual, with personality, spirit and authenticity.

It’s original, romantic, surprising, poetic and whimsical. It evokes an emotional response like a work of art. Ian Schrager’s unique approach and vision has made him the most imitated man in the business.

Source: Gramercy Park website

AQUA: Amazon Cruise

2010-08-06T20:50:00.002-05:00

Aqua is the first luxury cruise ever seen sailing through the Amazon. Has 12 finely decorated suites with panoramic windows that offer a wonderful view from the outside. 4 suites are interconnected for greater comfort for passengers traveling with family.

The social areas are in the dining lounge at the interior and exterior, located on the observation deck and the boutique.

Accommodation:
Up to 24 passengers with private facilities
(Additional accommodation for a child in each cabin)

Cabins:
12 suites:
- 4 Master Suites 240 square feet / 22 m2 each
- 8 Suites from 230 square feet / 21 m2 each
- All with panoramic windows and exterior view
- All with air conditioning and seating area where
- 4 interconnecting suites for families
All cabins include: area, internal communication system and hot water 24 hours a day.

AQUA 800

Others:

Electricity: 220 volts
Water Treatment Plant 7000 liters of water

Safety radio communication system with separate battery, satellite phone, life jackets, flare signals, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in each cabin.

Boats: Three auxiliary aluminum boats equipped with four stroke engines with low emissions, constant radio communication with the boat. Each boat has a capacity of 8 to 10 passengers.
Crew: 16 plus 3 naturalist guides, bilingual (English-Spanish).

The price of this cruise goes from US$ 2100.00 for 3 nights, per person. The cruise travels 3, 4 and 7 nights, the most expensive of US$ 4900.00. These prices are in the basic suite. The ride is incredible and worthwhile if the pocket allows. For more information, visit www.amazonriverexpeditions.com

Paris: City of Light

2010-08-06T20:45:00.000-05:00

Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The Eiffel Tower was a “temporary” construction by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exposition but the tower was never dismantled and is now an enduring symbol of Paris. It is visible from many parts of the city as are the Tour Montparnasse skyscraper and the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur on the Montmartre hill.

The Historical axis is a line of monuments, buildings and thoroughfares that run in a roughly straight line from the city centre westwards: the line of monuments begins with the Louvre and continues through the Tuileries Gardens, the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe centred in the Place de l’Étoile circus. From the 1960s the line was prolonged even further west to the La Défense business district dominated by square-shaped triumphal Grande Arche of its own; this district hosts most of the tallest skyscrapers in the Paris urban area.

The Invalides museum is the burial place for many great French soldiers, including Napoleon, and the Panthéon church is where many of France’s illustrious men and women are buried. The former Conciergerie prison held some prominent ancien régime members before their deaths during the French Revolution. Another symbol of the Revolution are the two Statues of Liberty located on the Île des Cygnes on the Seine and in the Luxembourg Garden. A larger version of the statues was sent as a gift from France to the United States in 1886 and now stands in New York City harbour.

The Palais Garnier built in the later Second Empire period, houses the Paris Opera and the Paris Opera Ballet, while the former palace of the Louvre now houses one of the most famous museums in the world. The Sorbonne is the most famous part of the University of Paris and is based in the centre of the Latin Quarter. Apart from Notre Dame de Paris, there are several other ecclesiastical masterpieces including the Gothic thirteenth century Sainte-Chapelle palace chapel and the Église de la Madeleine.

Carnival Splendor

2010-08-06T19:20:00.002-05:00

The largest and most innovative ship to date, Carnival Splendor, is now sailing out of Los Angeles weekly. She’ll dazzle all cruisers with a host of new features, including: staterooms with flat screen TVs; a spectacular 21,000-square-foot, two-level spa and gym facility; 5,500-square-foot children’s playroom; and a mid-ship pool covered with a two-deck-high Sliding Sky Dome. She’s yours to experience on a variety of wonderful itineraries, including South America. Book your cruise aboard the Carnival Splendor today.

The cruise departs from Los Angeles. The price for 5 days is US$ 329.00. It is an option to consider.

Visit www.carnival.com for more information

Walt Disney World: The Magic Begins

2010-08-05T22:32:00.006-05:00

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For many years one of the most important destinations for tourism and entertainment is Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida.

This world of fun whose main character is the famous Mickey Mouse, has several parks within their areas, each with a different atmosphere and style, but always giving great importance to the magic and excitement familiar details that will has earned during its entire existence.

Cinderella Castle is the hallmark of this brand, and is located on the first park created by Disney, called Magic Kingdom. It hosts a recreated world of magic and memories, which surround us with their classical and modern attractions, bringing to mind the early days of animation, along with memorable characters that have accompanied our childhood and youth, and lasting until today.

Over the years they have created three parks within the Disney area. Epcot was created to recognize the advances in technology, to show that Disney was no stranger to this development and also contribute their quota to the growth of technology. It also has a visit to some of the most important cities in the world, to know their habits and engage at least a few hours, with everything related to each of the countries shown. After the park was built cinema, which was formerly called MGM, now called Hollywood Studios, which involves the classic world cinema, with the most memorable films of all time and the glamor that is the U.S. show. A very fun park for those who enjoy the film in all its stages. And the last one created by Disney park is almost new Animal Kingdom, which combines life in the jungle with the customs of different cultures, separated by continents.

In this post will mention some of the major attractions of each park, but soon also commented on the outskirts of each park and the hotels that Disney has, which is a separate story. Now we know the most incredible attractions.

Magic Kingdom

- Pirates of the Caribbean: Jack Sparrow Includes (Classic)
- Splash Mountain (Classic)
- Big Thunder Mountain (Classic)
- The Haunted Mansion: Include the bride remastered (Classic)
- Space Mountain (Classic)
- Phillarmagic (4D attraction)

Hollywood Studios

- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Classic)
- Rock and Roller Coaster, Starring Aerosmith
- Toy Story Mania
- Star Tours (Classic)
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (Classic)
- Journey into Narnia
- Lights, Motors, Action! (Show)
- Voyage of a Litlle Mermaid (Show)
- The Great Movie Ride (Classic)

Epcot

- Spaceship Earth (Classic)
- Ellen’s Energy Adventure
- Mission Space
- Test Track
-The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Soarin ‘

Animal Kingdom

- Expedition Everest
- Dinosaur
- The Boneyard
- Kali River Rapids
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- Primeval Whirl
- The Tree of Life
- Kilimanjaro Safaris

Most attractions have the Fast Pass system, which allows you to not expect much in the ranks and be able to maximize the time. Ticket prices for a single day is US$ 80.00, but the low price when purchased packages of several days. For more information, visit http://www.disneyworld.com/