tourism travel

Getting Started As a Travel Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:56:00 -0700

What is needed to effectively begin the road to journey into freelance writing? What skills, experience, equipment, education, and temperament are best suited for a successful journey as a writer?

Requirements to start your career in freelance travel writing quite basic.

Most of us have heard the slogan from the popular athletic shoe maker - "Just Do It". That applies here. You just have to start writing. If you are not interested in writing, if you can not discipline yourself to write regularly, then you should not try to be a travel writer. Yes, that's the hard truth of travel writing - you have to write. But you do not need to write a novel, you only need to record, observe, and write regularly.

You need to have an opinion, a voice. When you regularly write about your trip, or just your daily experiences, your voice will begin to develop in the words you put down on paper. By maintaining and developing the voice, the articles you submit will stand out and become more attractive. Editors will be more likely to notice and publish your work. Tell the reader what you really think! (Well, within reason)

Working hand in hand with the emergence of your written voice are your observation power. When you walk down the street near your house, try to look like your visitors and never seen it before. What do you consider the things that have escaped your attention in the past? Learn to train your power of observation every chance you get. Seeing people, seeing subtle changes in daylight as autumn turns to summer, take nothing for granted.

You have now entered into the habit of writing regularly, you are developing a unique writing style and voice, and expressing that voice with your thoughts and observations about the world around you. You've got a good start to becoming a successful freelance travel writer. There are some things you need to complete the picture of a candidate travel writer.

You should be able to do research. Today, most of the pre-trip research can be done online in the comfort of your own home. But you should not need a computer, you can always go to your local library to do your research. But research is a must. For example, if you plan to go to Costa Rica, you'll want to know the basics like climate and weather, population and culture, major attractions, industry, government, and the additional information that may be associated with what you plan to write about. You want to get a feel for the country or region and the people before you leave home. Once you arrive at your destination, you'll want to find unique and interesting aspects of the region and its inhabitants. Try to find things that the average tourist would find interesting and unique - dig a little deeper. Find and talk to the locals, read local newspapers, arrange to interview people who can help bring articles to life - business people, historians, tour operators - Or perhaps just people on the street to get the local color. That more research like this you can collect more behavioral and unique your articles.

The last thing is the willingness and desire to learn. Reading books and taking a course of travel writing. Many good books are available on the subject. There are college-level courses available as well as several trips home study courses are very well written.

You'll want to get your hands on travel writing as much as you can. Subscribe to one or two travel magazines, read the travel section in the local newspaper, buy travel books. Find out what editors look for in a travel article. See if you can see the basic structure of a well written travel article. In particular, note that the lead article, how do you attract? How good is the country with the theme? After a few sentences, if you are motivated to read more? After the lead and set the theme, how well does the article prove that theme and paint a picture. Do you have a sense of place as you read the article body? Once again, is the author of your images through an article in exciting and interesting? If so, how does he do it? If not, what is lacking? Finally, how well does the author bring this article to a close? Does he effectively reflect on the lead and restate the theme? Did she leave you with an urgent feeling inside of you to visit a destination or try an activity or find out more?
Simak
Baca secara fonetik

Getting Free Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:51:00 -0700

There's a reason why it is very important Travel Industry is looking for reliable Travel Coordinators. One of the main reasons is the 'International Travel Safety' has become a major concern.

Travel Industry has long provided a way to help Americans travel more secure. Again, this is an ancient old method of travel. Even the wagon train walk to the west were not exempt from this method.

Group Travel

Travel Agency looking for addicts, I mean all the time Coordinator. I guess you're wondering why a Travel Agency Travel Coordinator will be looking for? Most people would say that the work will be a Travel Agent. Wrong! Most Travel Agents do not travel that often. They are busy booking travel for their clients. They lose money every time they leave the office or computer. Its Travel Coordinator for frequent travelers.

Travel addicts are people who arrange their lives to accommodate last minute travel. Travel addicts usually will pay the rent or mortgage, but 401k or any savings or investments imposed to finance the trip at a certain time.

A Group Travel Coordinator will have the following attributes: commitment, love to travel, like people, have confidence in marketing themselves and their travel destination, to give attention to detail, love to coordinate, and to use common sense, then you qualify Travel for FREE.

This opportunity works best when you start out as a hobby and turned it into a part-time job and full time business. No need to recreate the wheel - do what others have done before you. I know one retired person who started selling exotic travel party in the Caribbean every year. Word of mouth took over, because people really enjoy themselves, and now he does not have to work 9-5 jobs. Commission from ordering 300-500 people per year into a 5 star resort on the island each year, paid off BIG.

I suppose you are wondering how a Travel Coordinator just starting the journey FREE? Easy, when you order 6 or 15 people or what ever the sum of all sellers Travel sets, one person goes FREE.

Example: Say you have 9 people who want to go to China. You have a mark-up from 15% in wholesale prices, plus you get free one hotel and air if 6 people sign up. Mom and dad, sister and cousin, your girlfriend and her husband wanted to go and women in the church want to go. And when other women in the church found out from the Father that Mrs J was going on, so he decided to leave. (Your husband said if he wanted to see China he would go to Chinatown!) So, you now have 8 people, 9 to calculate its own. You get a free travel pass and you can decide to lower the price of the package at the last minute because you do not need an additional 15% mark-up, or you can save it for emergencies during the trip or you can use it to market next trip. It's up to you!

Travel Trivia Coordinator. If you can see problems already with the group on a trip, then you really understand Group Travel. Think about how you would handle the above situations before problems occur.

Travel Agency Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:49:00 -0700

Travel industry is a billion dollar industry and is
grow significantly each year. In the past, Travel Suppliers would sell their travel packages to travel agents and travel agents will sell the package
directly to the public. It's changed!

Because the Internet and a positive response to the Internet by Travel consumers, Travel Suppliers are now placing their products online for ALL to see. Many travel suppliers have set up their own web sites, however, hundreds of Travel Suppliers, Consolidators and Travel Wholesalers have been working with the Travel Industry Association of Commerce. For example OSSN (Outside Sales Support Network) is the # 1 Travel Industry Trade Association representing and supporting the Home Based Travel Agency, Independent Contractor Seller Travel and Foreign Sales Travel Agent. There are more than 100,000 members in OSSN.

Because of this large number of outside travel agency - Travel suppliers overwhelmed in our basket with travel transactions. Most of the agents select a particular region, destination or type of travel such as honeymoons, travel Bay Cruises, Ski or what ever area they feel comfortable with. Travel suppliers when newly introduced to the members, members often discuss their products in a private members only message board. Travel Agents then present a big trip is in relation to their clients
database and the rest of the consumers are left to find this true not trusted travel transactions. (If you want to see an example of what I'm talking about, find the "catch all" the fax machine at your workplace. Ask about the Travel Fax incoming? Because the information is unsolicited fax no, no, you may not see the actual transaction on a consistent basis)

Travel consumers can view the e-holiday catalog without
to speak with a travel agent. Not only can you read and see what
See a travel agent, you can view videos, online, from your chosen destination.

Travel Suppliers have come a long way. Go to http://www.travel360degrees.com
site and click on the Holiday Catalog to see what the Travel Agents to see.

Some Travel Agents Travel markup if possible, others will only charge you a price that Travel Supplier is charging them! There is much debate about how to expose people to this great travel deal. There is also, apparently, be quiet encouragement from the U.S. State Department for Americans to travel in groups when traveling to rise. Well Travel Suppliers, received the unspoken message. The tour group consensus was never heard and individuals, select a date, vacation packages
very affordable.

Insurance Travel to Different Countries

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:38:00 -0700

Insurance Travel to Different Countries

High travel season is around the corner now. People from all walks of life throughout the world today is busy looking for offers the best of land and air travel, accommodation, holiday packages to suit their dreams, needs and budget. Some of them even begin to make reservations.

Here I want to emphasize one very important thing, which is a necessity to keep in mind when booking travel, but ignored by a large number of tourists.

Much has been written about the importance of having insurance coverage while you are on the move, away from home. This is an issue that is still somewhat ignored by many tourists. After all, they have traveled frequently over the years, and nothing happened so far need to worry. So, to buy travel insurance should not be a necessity. Optional only just in case!

But, reality compels us to believe travel anywhere in the world without protection today, is a vital mistake. Regardless of where you travel in this world, you must have insurance to survive the unexpected attack and disaster, especially after the attacks of 9 / 11 in America

Say, you have to plan your dream trip for a long time, you finally found the opportunity to make your dream a long time a special trip into reality.

You are so excited! You have thought about all the details. You have been actively preparing for this trip, thinking, programming, shopping. . . spend much time, money and energy! You proud of yourself that you have finally succeeded in realizing your dreams!

Your trip can truly be an unforgettable experience from beginning to end, with one condition.

When booking your travel, you must remember that, like the most exciting events in our lives, the trip has some significant risks as well. For example, the potential medical and / or financial risks associated with travel, can suddenly turn all the fun and excitement of travel into a nightmare.

Your luggage and / or your handbag with your money, passport, credit cards, can be stolen leaving you desperate and frustrated in a foreign country.

No one can guarantee that the natural disaster will not happen in a place you will stay during your trip.

Unexpected accident, injury or sudden illness will destroy everything. In fact, in recent years health costs have increased dramatically, all over the world. How you can pay for emergency medical expenses, expensive hospital bills if you require urgent care, or surgery and care during your trip when you lose money, credit cards, and passport? Would not a real nightmare?

In such frustration, the only thing that would be needed to survive is a reliable medical and travel insurance policy, is not it?.

Especially in light of the terrible threat and after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the war against terror, another cruel terror attacks in Istanbul, Spain, Egypt and London, which is often disruption and cancellations of flights, airlines' bankruptcies, and more. In addition, travel suppliers such as tour operators and airlines around the world have made more strict cancellation policy.

Therefore, if you must cancel the trip, it is likely that most of your pre-paid travel costs will not be refunded by the travel supplier.

Recent SARS and the threat of bird flu have also been urged travelers and tourists to seriously consider purchasing travel and health insurance.

Travel insurance and the price of one type of delay from the other travel insurance providers.

You have to review, compare and choose the best offer for your personal needs.

For example, some insurance providers do not provide coverage outside the U.S. Some companies do not provide emergency medical coverage and care, while others do.

Some airlines do not accept to be responsible for acts of God, weather problems, natural disasters, riots and civil commotion, SARS, bird flu, and similar outbreaks.

This type of insurance you will need a travel review below:

Last Minute Cancellation Insurance

With last minute cancellation and / or interruption insurance coverage you will get a non-refundable deposits you've made when you purchase your travel insurance. Reading the fine print on the policy carefully when buying this insurance. You should discuss your personal needs with an insurance agent before you buy it.

Health Insurance

This is one of the most important insurance policies you should have. Buying health insurance and medical should be regarded as an important part of your travel budget. You can deal with health problems or accidents anywhere and at any time during your trip. Make sure medical and health insurance policies covering illness, accidents, surgery, hospitalization bills in the countries you will visit, emergency medical transportation to your home country. Please remember to have your policy with you when traveling, leaving a copy of your insurance policy with a relative in your home country, in case your policy with you are lost.

Comprehensive Insurance Policy

This policy generally covers emergency medical transportation and trip cancellation and interruption, plus other needs that you expect. This insurance cost 5-7 percent of total travel costs. You must have it for your safety.

Types of insurance policies we need for full protection?

Important types of insurance offered by most providers Travel, Last Minute, Medical, Health, Life, Hotel, Cruise, Air, Vacations, Luxury, car insurance, sports, and Spa Insurance policy.

Some travel insurance companies also offer affordable coverage for a variety of winter sports including Ski, Off-piste and Snowboarding.

We may not need one, but several types of insurance policies in accordance with general conditions in the destination we are going.

If your children will be with you, many travel insurance providers to let them go free with adults.

Some companies provide policies for students, backpackers, cheap travel, holiday insurance, length of stay, international, family travel, single trip, annual travel, annual multi-trip, and more. It's good to know that in this cyber age, you can buy insurance policies that you need online, without even leaving your home.

Most travel insurance policies also cover losses Koper.

But you should really ask about what is covered and what is not when choosing a travel insurance policy to buy. Do ask questions, all questions you may have in mind, until you get all the information you need. It's much better to ask questions when buying insurance than sorry later.

How can I find a type of insurance that best fits my personal needs or family?

When choosing a travel insurance policy to buy, you must obtain information about insurance offers a variety of providers to compare.

Knowing how time consuming is to search, compare and choose the best travel and health insurance type and price that suits your needs and your budget, we advice to visit web sites where you can find a list and information about various offers, then compare them, and select which best suits your needs.

You have to remember that buying your travel insurance through travel insurance providers, and are not travel agents, will save money in many cases.

In light of terrorist attacks, natural disasters are unpredictable such as earthquakes, tsunamis, deadly storms, floods, epidemics, accidents, disease, SARS, bird flu, claiming hundreds of thousands of people in many places around the world, especially in recent years, each traveler should seriously consider purchasing a travel health and medical insurance, and several other insurance policies, if necessary, provide a reliable full coverage against both expected and unexpected threats.

Travel With Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:36:00 -0700

Why Travel Blogs

A "Blog" is short for web-log. A Travel blog thus is a travel website that has entries relating to a particular travel topic / subject or person's journey, similar to a journal or diary. Travel blog content is generally displayed in reverse chronological order to show the latest entries are made.

Travel Blogs normally deal with one subject of travel and provide the latest travel news, comment or opinion on the subject of travel. Subjects may be different such as food, politics, Alaskan fishing or Japanese pearls. Content also can travel blog so diverse, and usually consist of travel images, text, travel links to other blogs or travel websites and anything related to the topic. Most blogs consist of text, but many blogs focus on a picture (Photoblogs), video (Vlogs), and audio content (podcasts).

Travel blogs popularity

Lately, travel blogs have become the most sought after by Internet marketing professionals to get goods across or to describe their products in detail. Many global service industry use blogs as a tool to promote and distribute information on their services by asking their clients to put their comments on their services. This helps them to market their services through word-of-mouth publicity at the same time relevant and distribute information from the client experience.

Professional moving and jet setters who travel the world can find lots of information built into the travel blog especially relevant information that may not be available in standard printed travel brochures. First hand information about the location could come in very handy ordinary traveler, especially when it comes to local travel, hotel and food information and local weather information. These facts have facilitated the popularity of travel blogs around the world.

Travel Blogs loss

However, the downside of blogsploitation have been observed and all the facts are laid on the blog could lead to become closer to fiction. Blosploitation has resulted because of the use of blogs as an advertising medium. For example, as the author of several travel companies have paid me to write blog entries about the possible Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and the Fiji Islands, I will be able to write them with ease, but as people who have never been to these places, I may be a form of distant the facts. Entries that I pen this blog will be posted on the blog just to market travel companies and the people who read it can be misled into believing everything said there.

How to use the travel blog

It is important to check the credentials of the author before you draw conclusions from the blog entry. One trip a dream vacation rental may be another mosquito-filled shack. Search and check the profile pages of people who make a blog entry for travel experience and personal qualities.

Does not depend on one blog for travel information. Use an indispensable tool Google, blogsearch.google.com to find alternative blog to the subject. Many travel blog entries make high claims but they may never live up to it.

How to create a travel blog

There are various ways to make your own travel blog. Creation and maintenance of this blog is very easy travel and even free at times. A large number of blogging software available to install on your web server and start. Managing software really is almost zero, there are a number of web applications dedicated to achieve this. Many systems are available where one does not even need a web server, and a blog can be made from every nook and corner of the world. Tools like bring, w Ecto bloggers and facilitate the users to have a web host travel blog and even write and edit posts offline. Many websites offer creating a blog, blog hosting equipment and facilities such as a tripod, AOL, Google and Yahoo 3600. Custom blogging tools can be created using server-side script with password protection and management built in.

European travel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:37:00 -0700

Rudesheim was next on our Rhine River Valley tour. Rudesheim is a little town on the Rhine River that is rather overrun with tourists, but still quite cute with its very German looking buildings and the vineyards and castles surrounding it.

The busy alleys of Rudesheim.

Rudesheim, sans tourist hordes.

The local castle.

We took a ferry across the Rhine and drove alongside it on our way to the castle where we intended to eat dinner – the Schoenberg Castle in Oberwesel. There seemed to be castles positioned at every bend in the Rhine, now surrounded by forests and vineyards. We arrived at the Schoenberg Castle just before dark.

The view of the Rhine from the Schoenberg Castle.

The Schoenberg Castle (I borrowed this from their website, as ours didn't turn out - too dark.)

The castle was very nicely decorated inside and was actually cozy and warm. There were lots of little doorways and passages, and dinner itself was quite good.

Claudia sittin' pretty in the castle.

Pat relaxes in his castle home.

Val is a dork. Alexander knows this to be true.

Back in Frankfurt that night, we met up with friends of Alexander and Claudia's for drinks first at the apartment and then at a wine bar. We definitely had our fare share of wine today. Pat also discovered his appreciation for pernod, a French spirit made from anise. Claudia is a big fan of pernod and had some on hand for us to try (Claudia and Alexander totally spoiled us on this trip).

The next morning we explored Frankfurt a bit on our own. Everything seemed to be closed because it was Sunday, but it was nice to be outside in the mild weather and enjoy the changing colors. Frankfurt also has a few cool sites to visit, so we made the rounds.

An artistic entry to the Frankfurt subway.

The Old Opera House.

The soccer game between Frankfurt and Nurnberg was one of the highlights of our trip. Decked out like true Frankfurt fans (wearing jerseys courtesy of Alexander), we all piled into the stadium-bound bus with crowds of other fans. The stadium was huge and very well-designed; we were sitting in the last row but still had a great view of the entire field. Through the glass wall right behind our seats, we could see the Frankfurt skyline. The stadium was packed with fans (I think it was sold out) and everyone was up and cheering or singing the entire time. It wasn’t a great game (the play was a bit sloppy), but the whole game was high energy and a lot of fun. Last but not least, the stadium food was great and not overpriced; Pat and I both had beers and bratwursts.

Our trip to Hamburg and Frankfurt seemed to come to an end so quickly; early the next morning we were on a train bound for Budapest. Despite our protests, Alexander and Claudia woke up early and drove us to the train station; Alexander sent us home with the Frankfurt jerseys we had worn to the game. We had a great time in Germany, in large part due to the endless hospitality and great company provided by Claudia and Alexander. I’m hoping they come visit us in Budapest or in San Francisco so we can return the favor.

Frankfurt central train station.

The 10-hour train ride back sucked because we studied for our Comparative Freedom of Speech final the entire way (except for an hour when our train caught on fire – we were a bit too distracted until the fire was out and we were safely on our way again). However, studying on a train is much nicer than studying in a library – at least you get to enjoy the passing scenery every time you lift your eyes from the book. In addition, we spent only 10-hours of finals week actually studying, the rest of the time we were gallivanting around Germany. Study abroad rocks!

European cities that has a skyline

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:32:00 -0700

We got into Frankfurt after dark and headed straight for dinner at a very Thai restaurant (they had the whole place decorated as if you were in Thai jungle hut). The food was good though - I haven't seen any Thai restaurants in Budapest and this was perfect to satisfy my monthly craving for pad see iew.

We began exploring Frankfurt that night by walking to the Main River, which is only a five minute walk from Alexander and Claudia's apartment. There are several pedestrian bridges that cross the river, all of which are lit up in the evening. The downtown financial district is close to the Main River, so you can see all of the lights from the tall office buildings as well.

European cities that has a skyline

Frankfurt is one of the few European cities that has a skyline that includes skyscrapers. I thought it was standard for big cities to have a cluster of skyscrapers, but it's actually more American than European. Many European cities have a height limit imposed on buildings, where no building can be taller than a certain church or monument. It was only after looking up at the Frankfurt skyline from the river that I realized I hadn't seen many skyscrapers since being in Europe. Alexander further informed me that the tallest building in Europe is in downtown Frankfurt.

The next morning Claudia and Alexander had grocery shopping to do so we took off on our own across the river to the Rathaus. The Rathaus is set on a square lined with other uber-German buildings, perfect for tourists like me to snap pictures of.

European cities that has a skyline

The square was full of people due to union demonstrations that were to take place that day. Just as we were leaving, the parade of union demonstrators began emptying into the square, still chanting, beating drums and waving flags. Police were on hand for the event, but they didn’t appear too concerned, and the locals lounging outside the Starbucks looked on lazily while they sipped their coffees and puffed on cigs.

Democracy in action.

The polizei are way too cool in sexy leather jumpsuits.

We watched awhile before venturing into the shopping area, which had several malls and gallerias. We didn’t really want to do any shopping, but were more interested in getting to the top of the biggest galleria to look down at the city (in a literal, not snooty sense). We were successful.

European cities that has a skyline

We made our way back through the crowds of demonstrators to Alexander and Claudia’s apartment, where lunch was being prepared for us. I had noticed fried brie on the menu at Oma’s Apotheke in Hamburg and had been tempted to order it, but hadn’t after Claudia said, “It’s so easy to make at home.” So fried brie was what we were going to have for lunch. It’s made by coating a wedge of brie with egg and breadcrumbs and then pan-frying it. The finished product is served with fruit preserves and toast. Of course, it tasted amazing, although I think if I ate like this all the time, I would be the size of a small car.

Alexander and Claudia's Apartment.

All four of us were going to go to the Frankfurt v. Nurnberg soccer game after lunch, but discovered that the game was actually on Sunday. Alexander suggested that we “go find a castle” instead. How cool is that? You certainly can’t go spontaneously looking for castles in the States. We drove to the Rhine River Valley, which is the wine region only about an hour drive away from Frankfurt.

On the way out of the city, we encountered another protest – this time college students protesting the new German policy of requiring payment of college tuition. College has traditionally been free for German students, but the country can’t afford such a policy anymore and is requiring payment of a low tuition fee. I can see how that could suck if you weren’t expecting to pay anything, but what they’re being expected to pay is less than what you would pay at your average American community college. I suppose it’s all relative.

"No way, we won't pay!" (I'm guessing. You know I don't speak German!)

Our first stop in the Rhine River Valley was the Eberbach Monastery, where monks produced wine for hundreds of years. There are no longer monks living at the monastery, but the wine-making tradition continues. The historical buildings were undergoing some renovation, but it was a nice place to visit. Alexander and Claudia also bought us a bottle of wine from the monastery for us to enjoy later. Yum!

Eberbach Monastery

Greenery around the monastery - I love fall!

German buildings

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:30:00 -0700

German buildings

Venice, Italy - Romance Or Ruin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:25:00 -0700

This was my first time across the pond, so to speak. When taking the train into Italy from Munich, Germany, I noticed how the landscape had changed, from urban sprawl, to towering jagged mountains, to soft rolling hillsides. In Italy, the land seemed lush, and the buildings were...well....lets just say...well loved. Well loved is a maternal term. Mothers use it to describe their children's preferred toy, favorite pair of jeans, beloved blanket, etc. The child's favorite item was once a picture of perfection, beautiful and clean, and now, it looks like something you would fetch out of the garbage. But in your child's eye it's as beautiful as the day they received it. That sums Venice up for me.

When walking through the modern train station and down the sprawling steps to the vaporetto (water taxi) I was very tired and hungry. Then boarding the boat, I noticed how packed it was. So many travelers, business people, families, all crammed on to a wet, smelly boat. The stench of fish encompassed the boat. That pretty much stifled any appetite I had brewing. The murky water was nasty looking and the weather was rainy. Not what I had in mind for the most romantic city in the world. As we floated down the Grand Canal, I noticed that the buildings looked, for lack of a better term and using my 6 year-old daughters terminology, gross. Yes, gross. They appeared to be in a severe state of decay. The mortar is falling out from between the bricks. The plaster is crumbling and exposing the bricks underneath. The paint is peeling. My first impression was the city looks like a sea-side slum. I was in a state of complete and utter shock. I couldn't believe for a moment that this sight I was taking in was supposed to be romantic? Are you kidding me? I've seen neighborhoods in Gary, Indiana that looked more romantic than this place. Much less, I'm on a stinky, smelly boat, packed in with 100 other people who look so depressed that at any moment they may decide to take matters into their own hands and jump overboard. I felt I was drifting along on a pointless journey in a glorified slum.

When we reached our stop, I trudged off the boat and began walking through an endless maze of sidewalks, alleyways and narrow corridors. Oddly, my mood was lightening with every step. As evening arrived, I was completely in love, with Venice, of course. My husband, his sister, her husband and I took an evening stroll through the streets of Venice on our way to dinner. This special city had definitely grown on me by this time of the day. My spirits were lifted, and my mood was perky. The weather had shaped up as well. It had stopped raining, although the streets were still wet. I can't help but call the sidewalks, streets and vice versa. For the record, there are no cars, bicycles or scooters in Venice. There are only two modes of transportation: feet and boat. That's it. Because of this the city is so quiet. You can hear someone cough several blocks away. Venice is built on an archipelago, a chain of 118 islands, formed by approximately 150 canals in a shallow lagoon. The walk ways (a.k.a. sidewalks and/or streets, whatever you choose to call them) are built above the water, all the while they're seamlessly attached to the buildings that they travel to. By walking the streets, you would never know that you were only feet, sometimes inches above the water. You can't see it, you can't hear it. The only time you see the water is when crossing a bridge or when you're on the bank of a canal, unless, of coarse it's high water season, which is when we visited.

In the fall, the water levels of Venetian Lagoon rise, flooding most of the outlying streets. The city provides risers on which to walk to avoid the water. Many tourists, however, enjoy rolling up their pant legs and walking through the water anyway. There is a much debated topic in Venice as to whether the city is sinking or the waters of the lagoon are rising, perhaps a bit of both. Although seeing old staircases under water on the Grand Canal suggest the city is sinking.

As my first day was drawing to a close, my scowl was a smile. My looming grey cloud of grouchiness was pleasantness. I even spoke a bit of Italian to a Venetian. I held my head high, straightened my back and smiled as I asked him, "Dove il bagno?" I felt so impressed with myself. I have spoken Italian to an actual Italian. How sophisticated am I? That was until he answered me in a seemingly endless stream of words that to this day I can not decipher. But for a moment I felt Venetian! Then as I walked a few yards down, I asked another man the same question. This time my back was not so straight and my head not so high, but I managed to utter "Dove il bagno?" He kindly answered in English, pointing and saying that there was a bathroom on the next street over.

The previously decided "severe state of decay" has rapidly become in my mind a vision of beauty, almost too beautiful for words. I can't describe the feeling I had when I was walking around the city. I began to realize that Venice had to literally fight for all that it is today. Due to its geographical location, on the rim of the Adriatic Sea, Venice was invaded numerous times over hundreds of years. And she has remained in tact. Sure a few walls have paint peeling and a little mortar missing, but she is still here as one. It's almost as if the deteriorating walls say to all who see them, "You may try to invade me, take my riches, and capture my people, but I will still stand."

The endless shops in Venice are such a treat. Every popular fashion designer has a modern, sleek store, which is in contrast to the ancient facade of Venice. The city is known for handmade Venetian masks, as well as so many other trades like glass making, handmade lace and hand crafted paper. Venice is famous for so many things; the gondolas, St. Marks Basilica, Venetian Film Festival, The Venice Art Biennale, simple yet elegant foods, and yes, romance. But, I believe the most treasured aspect of Venice is the architecture. At first it was the architecture that put me off, but in the end it is what draws me back and tugs at my heartstrings. Venice may be sinking, crumbling, peeling and falling to the lagoon, but the rustic, romantic nature of the city will take your breath away.

Hong Kong Disneyland

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:23:00 -0700

Whether you are old, young or kids but love Disney a lot, Hong Kong Disneyland is the right place for you if you have a travel to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Disneyland is the first theme park inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is owned and managed by the Walt Disney Company and the Government of Hong Kong. The park opened to visitors in 2005. The park consists of four themed lands similar to other Disneyland parks: Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventure land and Tomorrow land. The capacity of the park is approximate 30000 visitors per day. The new classic Disney attraction, "it's a small world", opened in this 2008. I like the Sleeping Beauty Castle very very much. It’s so real like in the fairytale. What're you waiting for...? Let's Have a good time together with your family here...

China The Terracotta Warriors Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:22:00 -0700

The Terracotta Warriors are the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Shi Huang Di the First Emperor of China. Of note is that fact that the terracotta soldiers are life sized and that no two are alike. Most researchers believe that each statue is based on an actual soldier of that time. The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant sensational archeological discovery ever. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. It has put Xian on the map for tourists. You can check out the opening hours: 08:00 to 18:00.At the entrance of the museum, you will face a huge modern structure right ahead. It is the Pit No. 1; it is the largest of the three pits .There are more than 6,000 terracotta warriors and horses in Pit No. 1, marshaled into battle line formation. Pit No. 2, was found in 1976 contained over a thousand warriors and 90 chariots of wood. Pit No. 3 also was found later with 68 warriors, a war chariot and four horses, and now has become multiple service halls where the visitors can have meal, do shopping and take a rest.

Happy Travel : Disneyland Resort Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:19:00 -0700

DisneylandHappy Travel: Happy Travel : Disneyland Resort Paris Paris is a holiday and recreation resort

Disneyland Paris is a holiday and recreation resort

Disneyland Paris is a holiday and recreation resort

Disneyland Paris is a holiday and recreation resort

Disneyland Paris is a holiday and recreation resort

Disneyland Paris is a holiday and recreation resort in Marne-la-Vallée, a new town in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France. The complex is located 32 kilometers (20 mi) from the centre of Paris and lies for the most part on the territory of the commune of Chessy, Seine-et-Marne.
Disneyland Paris comprises two theme parks, a retail, dining and entertainment district, and seven Disney-owned hotels. Operating since April 12, 1992, it was the second Disney resort to open outside the United States (following Tokyo Disney Resort) and the first to be owned and operated by Disney. With 15.3 million visitors in the fiscal year of 2008, it is one of Europe's leading tourist destinations.
Disneyland Paris is owned and operated by French company Euro Disney S.C.A., a public company of which 39.78 percent of its stock is held by The Walt Disney Company, 10 percent by the Saudi Prince Alwaleed and 50.22 percent by other shareholders. The senior leader at the resort is chairman and CEO Philippe Gas.
The complex was a subject of controversy during the periods of negotiation and construction in the late 1980s and early '90s, when a number of prominent French figures voiced their opposition and protests were held by French labour unions and others. A further setback followed the opening of the resort as park attendance, hotel occupancy and revenues fell below projections. Partly as a result of this, the complex was renamed from Euro Disney Resort to Disneyland Paris in 1995. In July of that year, the company saw its first quarterly profit.
A second theme park, Walt Disney Studios Park, opened to the public March 16, 2002.
In August 2008, Disneyland Paris was the most visited attraction in Europe.

Source : Wikipedia.com

dubai hotels underwater

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:16:00 -0700

dubai hotels underwater

Dubai Airport 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:10:00 -0700

There is something terribly wrong with dubai international airport I find myself destined to spend many endless hours in this place. At first i thought it was cool and liked their whole duty free stores but after a 7 hour trip from London to dubai with some guy snoring on your right and another guy that keeps on shoving on your left, compounded by the fact that you got on the airplane at 10:00pm after waking up at 9:00am, and DIA (Dubai International Airport) becomes this vortex for nothingness. The next available flight to Riyadh on emirates is at 6:30pm emirates time and they almost have one flight everyday(they don't have flights everyday) but it just makes no sense to me ?!?!?! Why would Emirates not run 2 flights daily (like they do between Dubai & NewsYork) Dubai is growing based on Saudi investment (recent calculations are at 62Billion Dollars in investments spent from saudis in dubai in 2005 alone) which means that a grat investment oppertonity would be to try and simplify access for saudis. But what you see is that they have the worst Riyadh to Dubai flight schedule of the day (leaves Riyadh 9pm arrives at dubai 11:30pm) forcing people to spend a night in the crappy millennium Airport Hotel (ironically it's 10min from the airport) and you end up with the situation that I am in right now all because I'm on this stupid emirates skywards frequent flyer program.

I admit I'm pissed but man I've been in dubai from 9am until now 6pm (9 hours)and I am so tired. I've been awake now for around 30 hours and I have 2 huge bags so excuse my whinnying, anyway the flight is boarding now so I'm off to KSA, hopefully we will leave on time.

Dubai Airport

Borobudur Temple is very beautiful in this world

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:06:00 -0700

Borobudur is a ninth century monument which is a legacy "Syailendra dynasty" that follow Mahayana Buddhism, is located in magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. This square-shaped monument consists of six platforms topped by three circular platforms, and decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. there is one main dome, which is located in the middle of the top, surrounded by 72 Buddha statues sitting in the hollow Stupa.

Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year in Indonesia celebrates Buddha "Waisak" the monument, and Borobudur in Indonesia is one of the most visited tourist attraction

BOROBUDUR STUPA

Borobudur Temple is very beautiful in this world

Australia Coffs Harbour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 20:04:00 -0700

Coffs Harbour is a town on the north coast of the Australian state of New South Wales, approximately two thirds of the way from Sydney to Brisbane. Coffs Harbour is largely a family destination, but also attracts some travelers between Sydney and Brisbane. I can tell you that the view in this area is so pretty. Besides that, you also can hang out with your buddies or families to enjoy walking along the harbour and feel the cool breeze. In here also available clubs and pubs with counter meals and entertainment; exotic Asian, Indian, Thai and Chinese and fresh creative cuisine, coffee and cakes from cafes and restaurants. when the sun shines brightly, you can catch amazing scene from the harbour.

subway new york city

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Jul 2010 11:02:00 -0700

subway new york city

new york city subway entrance

new york city underground train

new york city subway station

new york city photos

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Jul 2010 10:50:00 -0700

new york city photos and pictures

new york city photos

new york city skyline blue

Travel Picture New York City

things to do in new york city

new york city times square

new york city pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Jul 2010 10:44:00 -0700

the new york

new york night view" border="0">new york night view

new york

new york city

new york night

Lake Tahoe at Sierra Nevada Mountains of The United States

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Jul 2010 10:34:00 -0700

Lake Tahoe at Sierra Nevada Mountains of The United States

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains of the United States. It is located along the border between California and Nevada, west of Carson City, Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, with a maximum depth of 1,645 feet (501 m), trailing only Oregon's Crater Lake at 1,949 ft (594 m). Tahoe is also the 16th deepest lake in the world, and the fifth deepest in average depth. It is about 22 mi (35 km) long and 12 mi (19 km) wide and has 72 mi (116 km) of shoreline and a surface area of 191 square miles (490 km2). Lake Tahoe is a major tourist attraction for both California and Nevada. It is home to a number of ski resorts, summer outdoor recreation, and tourist attractions. Snow and skiing are a significant part of the area's economy and reputation. Mountain and lake scenery are attractions throughout the year. The Nevada side also includes large casinos. Highways provide year-round access from Reno, Carson City and Sacramento.

Philippine Tarsier

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Jul 2010 10:30:00 -0700

Smallest monkey in the world

The Philippine Tarsier and the Tarsier in general is believed to be the world’s smallest monkey.

This cute little Philippine Tarsier Monkey will fit very comfortably in your hand. Being nocturnal hunters, the Tarsier has huge eyes which are just perfect for night vision and has oversized ears, any movement will be heard. Another unique characteristic the Tarsier has, is the ability to swivel it’s head 180 degrees, pretty clever little things.

It lives in the lowland and coastal forests, coming out at night to hunt small insects, birds, bats and reptiles. It keeps itself hidden amongst the branches of trees which is where it lives. During the day the Philippine Tarsier will sleep in hollowed out logs or branches in the trees which it lives.

So visit Philippines now and see one of the amazing thing on earth!

I present to you the worlds smallest monkey:

Rotating Building – Dubai, UAE

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Jul 2010 10:03:00 -0700

Rotating Building – Dubai, UAE

The “Dynamic Architecture”, is a newly introduced by Florentine architect David Fisher. The project has generated considerable interest all over the world. It will have 68 floors and will be 313 meters (1,027 feet) high. It will function as a 6-star hotel, offices and apartments of various sizes besides five villas on the top floor. Each of the villas will have designated parking on the same floor with vehicles brought up and down in special elevators. The roof of the “Penthouse” villa will also have a swimming pool, a garden and an Arabian majlis.

Clearly, Dubai will be a dream place for many architects and place for innovative skyscraper designs. The new concept of rotating building where it will keep changing its shape and generate surplus energy from the wind as well as the sun.

dubai rotating building

It will be the first skyscraper “produced” with industrial systems process: in fact, 90% of the building will be constructed as modular parts which later on it will be assembled on the central core.

dubai rotating building

These units will then be shipped to 11 other major cities including Moscow, Milan, New York and Tokyo.

dubai rotating building

In addtion to that , this project is considrered as “green” architecture – sustainable architecture. This building will generates electricity for itself and five other equivalent buildings. The building has 48 wind turbines mounted horizontally between one floor and the next, and the photovoltaic cells located on the roofs of the individual apartments to absorve solar energy.

Each floor of the tower will consist of 12 modules that will arrive at the job site completely finished and with electrical, plumbing as well as air-conditioning systems ready for use. The building system will allow the tenants to rotate the view so that they could enjoy the surrounding.

UAE Pictures and Wallpapers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Jul 2010 09:56:00 -0700

UAE golf

Hot sun, desert fairways and plenty of unique challenges await golfers planning UAE golf vacations. Where else would golfers be given their own personal piece of grass to set under their ball on the brown fairways? Dubai of course! Dubai and the rest of the UAE has shown great advancement in everything tourist-related, include UAE golf courses. Where once golf was a questionable sport receiving more shakes than nods, it’s now a growing enterprise and offers one of the most unique landscapes to get your game on.

UAE

The Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton is an excellent choice in luxury UAE golf resorts and is conveniently located close to Dubai and Sharjah. The golf club creates an outstanding first impression, shaped like a falcon descending on a golf ball. If you like to practice before starting a game, there are chipping and putting greens as well as practice bunkers with an 1150-foot driving range. The Gardens Course, at 6498 yards, and the National Course, at 7204 yards, are each 18 holes, par 72 and floodlit when the sun sets.

UAE burj

The National Course was designed and built in 1992. After plenty of time naturally cultivating itself, the course was open to the public in exceptional condition. It’s characterized by numerous bunkers and lakes, large swaying palms and flourishing fairways for lots of challenges and rewards. In addition to the golf course, guests on UAE golf vacations can enjoy an outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art gym, sauna and steam rooms, tennis and squash courts, a Jacuzzi, snooker room and stadium court.

UAE mosque

Dubai (UAE) amazing pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Jul 2010 09:50:00 -0700

Let`s move into the City now and see why this Country has been made so famous, well if you like sun, shopping, fine dining and a very high level of luxury this is the place to be seen. I chose this image as it shows the built up areas close to the coastline and also the projects offshore such as Palm Islands and the World.

Here`s what most people do in their leisure time, relax at the pool and take in the sun and why not!

Here is a close up of the heli pad on Burj Al Arab this was made famous when Agassi and Federer played a game of tennis up there a few years ago and was aired all over the World for the highest game ever!

Lastly in this section a road sign to Abu Dhabi as thats where we`re heading next in the background of this image is the Emirates Towers it`s also an amazing design and was a first for the City on such a grand scale.

Abu Dhabi

Everyone assumes that Dubai is the capital of the U.A.E. but it`s not actually Abu Dhabi is. This very oil rich neighbor down the road hardly get`s any attention that was until one of the City developers recently bought Manchester City football club!

The City is not as big as Dubai and there is a real shortage of quality housing there something which is about to change with the announcement of freehold property.

The City boasts an amazing golf club that attracts many of the Worlds best players, it`s amazing how they keep the grass so green in such ultra hot conditions.

There is a new hotel there called Emirates Palace here is an arial shot of it`s grand gardens, again another hotel trying to take luxury to another level, I think they may have done just that.

Burj Dubai

This is now officially the Worlds tallest building and has been the talking point of many conversation in Dubai over the last few years, its not surprising as you can usually see it from wherever you are located.

Here is a shot later on in the construction cycle and from above.

And lastly a more recent shot with the glass panels intact and the final shape of the tower which is like a needle.

Dubai Hotels

I would say the City now has arguably some of the finest modern hotels in the World right now and that is no mean feat considering the Global competition.

First up is the Fairmont.

Next is the Emirates Towers as mentioned before.

Next is Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the smaller sister of the Burj Al Arab

And finally when I mentioned luxurious before here is an example of what I mean an interior room

Dubai Homes

Since the Dubai property market was announced as freehold in 2002 there has been a frenzy of buying, selling, flipping properties to make it the most dynamic market in the World.

There are a range of villas and apartments that are springing up all over the City to pave way for the influx of residents.

Many come with private pools or are beachfront properties.

Others come with golf course views or lake views in nice communities these homes are great for families with kids as there is so much to do.

Dubai Jobs

In the past few years everyone has seemed to want to get a job in Dubai as it seems such a good place with tax free earnings and excellent weather year round.

If you are looking for a job in Dubai it is best to search online first if you are overseas.

If not buy a book! There are many out there that are a really good read.

Travel Chicago Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Jul 2010 09:45:00 -0700

Travel Chicago Pictures 1

Travel Chicago Pictures 2

Travel Chicago Pictures 3

Chicago, tomorrow I come to you with much love and admiration, except for your frigid winters that make me a highly volatile woman. Other than wanting to hurt a kitten during the cold season, every other moment with you is true bliss–invoking a desire within me to save all animals, not just kittens, but Bengal tigers too.