Press releases have used the words glamorous, majestic, and grandeur but the refit is not you greige boutique accommodation. To put things into perspective, expect marble floors, Lalique glass, and copper roofing.

The hotel’s 270 rooms feature an aura of the 1930’ coming with updated 21st century amenities like espresso machines, WiFi, and LCD television in your bath. The toiletries though remain to be traditional with Miller Harris.

The hotel does not have that businessy air which is a plus factor for us. We love the unique sofa and the detailing around the air vents. We just can not understand the attention seeking carpet used. The bathrooms are pristine, luckily.

Guests can choose from six restaurants and bars when they crave for local or international flavors. An exciting edition is the hotel’s spa and the sky-lit swimming pool.

The rates kick off at $355. They are currently running a promo though to last until August 31. Book for three nights and you can get the fourth one for free.

The organizers scheduled the national festival of blueberry from the 12^th to the 15^th of August this year with an expected crowd of 50,000 fans of blueberry. The blueberry is known for its antioxidants and the other good stuff for our bodies, but the celebration will also come with tons of pancakes and other baked blueberry goodies. Everyone is crossing their fingers so the healthy stuff can still rule over the butter and sugar ruling the tables during the festival.

The festival will come with the usual exhibits, parades, and concerts. Food aficionados will also be able to attend cooking demos during the three day event. Local chefs will share their knowledge on how one can maximize the blueberries for different recipes.

We suggest that you should not wear your white shirt for this event. With all the blueberries coming from all directions, it will be difficult to keep it immaculate.

Rescue workers are struggling to aid hundreds of thousands especially those in far-flung villages.

A coverage of the calamity by the Dunya TV in Pakistan showed two old men who were clinging to a fence as raging waters swept over them. The authorities have not yet determined if the two men survived the havoc.

In Swat Valley, people had no choice but to try and cross knee deep water to get to safety. A portion of a dam in Charsadda collapsed while plants and crops are underwater in a lot of areas. There are also reports that at least 10 people did not make it out alive when their homes collapsed in Peshawar.

The list of missing individuals is getting longer every minute. Some Chinese workers were reported missin in Kohistan while 200 more were said to be trapped as Kyber-Pakhtoonkhwa continues to be deluged.

The flooding might be the worst so far since the disaster experienced by Pakistan in 1929 when 400,000 people were isolated and stranded because of the floods in the northwestern portion of the country.

Rescue choppers cannot operate as of now since the weather remains to be very bad. There are only 48 boats that can be use for the rescue operations. According to weather forecasters, the rain might continue to pour in the next day or so.

The monsoon season usually leads to flooding in a big portion of Pakistan, endangering those who live on lower grounds. The poorest of the citizens are those living in the most flood prone zones because they cannot afford to settle on safer areas.

The heavy rains might also be a factor in a recent plane crash in Islamabad. The airplane was transporting 152 passengers.

Sometimes, it doesn’t really take much to be able to separate yourself from the rest of the pack. Take the Rock Paper Scissors Championships, for example, where contestants shake their fists and battle it out for a generous reward of over US9,000 dollars. Former contestant Bryan Bennett says in the world of Rock Paper Scissors, he enjoys some kind of popularity. In 2006, he won the silver medal for the contest and went home with US1,400 dollars. These days, some people who recognize him occasionally challenge him to a battle of the fists and he’s more than willing to accept them to keep himself sharp, as he sets his eyes on the 9,000 dollar prize.

Eating contests, odd and sometimes gross as they may be, will always have a place in our hearts. Man has set a new record in hotdog eating contests recently, clocking in 68 hotdogs in just 10 minutes.

Other wilder competitions that make eating contests sound tame and organized, is the International Birdman Championship. Here, contestants’ skills are tested to see who can defy gravity the longest as they hurl themselves off a pier in their home-made flying machines.

Not all contests are about the prize money, though, just like the Papa Look Alike contest, where the winner who resembles Ernest Hemingway the best is crowned the winner. There is no cash reward being offered, just prestige. Tom Grizzard’s determination and meticulous attention to detail finally paid off after trying out for the title eight times before; he won the contest back in 2008.

In Finland, the Sauna World Championships tests a person’s endurance, as contestants literally heat up, trying to best each other by lasting the longest in a hellish 230 degree heat.

Some winners in the Rubik’s Cube Championships have garnered worldwide fame, so if you think you have what it takes to solve the cube in the shortest amount of time, then have a go at it.

No skill is too small, no attempt is futile when it comes to crazy contests as what we’re about to enumerate below. It’s all about clean, good fun and of course, being able to say, “Hey, I won!”

SAUNA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Where: Heinola, Finland

The Challenge: Make sure you keep your bottom planted on your seat as contest organizers raise the temperature to 230 degrees. The contest is held annually, usually around August.

The Scene: Finland is home to about five million residents who quite like to steam up. Around 1.7 million misty saunas are being shared by the Finns all over the country. The contest is divided into two categories: men and women.

For the gents, there will be five rounds that are spread out for a period of two days. For the ladies, one whole day is devoted to three rounds. Contestants should be ready to sweat it out and concentrate on keeping their tushies in their seats. If you think that five-minute stint in your nearby spa is enough for you, then maybe you’d be better off as a spectator in this contest. As the minutes tick by, no pore will be left unopened, no sweat gland will be left idle as opponents sit in their seats like steamy dumplings (but we’re guessing they won’t smell as good).

Of course, there are rules here much like in any contest. Challengers are required to follow the proper dress code during the contest, so if you’re entering, please be ready to put on a proper bathing suit. During the competition, each person also has to maintain a good posture, so it may be wise to practice some yoga for your preparation. Relax those muscles, and discipline your body so you won’t have a hard time. At the end, each contestant must be able to properly walk out of the gaming area; and no, it does not count when you’re carried out. Needless to say, you have to be healthy to be able to enter the contest; another requirement is a note from your doctor attesting that you are fit enough to participate.

PAPA LOOK ALIKE CONTEST

Where: Key West, Florida, USA

The Challenge: Grow your beard and trim your moustache to be crowned “Papa” in this Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest. This is an annual contest, usually set in July, around Hemingway’s birthday which is on the 21st.

The Scene: The contest is open to anyone who fancies himself a Hemingway doppelganger. However, you’re more likely to win if you’re a bearded, middle-aged man sporting a healthy paunch. It is held at Sloppy Joe’s, a famous watering hole in Key West. Here, contestants parade around in full costume and facial hair. The winner may not receive a cash reward at the end, but it’s enough for them to get recognition from the judges and their fellow contestants.

According to Tom Grizzard, who took the “Papa” title two years ago in 2008, he often keeps in touch with other Papa Wannabees. The competition or pageant of sorts has made previous contestants familiar and quite close to each other that over the years, had led to some sort of brotherhood among them. Gizzard wowed the judges when he patterned his outfit after Hemingway’s picture on the cover of Life magazine. The wool turtleneck was his key to snatching the title. Eventually, he also went on to win the First Annual International Hemingway Look Alike Contest that was held in Pamplona, Spain.

HANGING HIGH WIRE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Where: Seoul, Korea

The Challenge: Be the fastest to walk the wire at a staggering 80 feet above the ground and take home a whopping US10,000 dollar prize.

The Scene: In Seoul, Korea, the grand prize will go home to the most daring, fastest walker of the pack. This year, a wire with a width of only 1.5 inches and a length of approximately half a mile, is set 80 feet above the Han River. Contestants must brave the heights and keep their bodies steady to be able to make it across. With that, contestants also have to bear in mind that their travel time is also being recorded, so jack had better be nimble and quick. There is also a time limit set by the organizers; contestants must make it to the end of the line by 20 minutes, or their daring feat would be all for naught. After all, you’re going to be up there to win a contest, not to savor the view.

So far, the world record is under eleven minutes. Obviously, people hoping to enter the contest had better not have any fear of heights or suffer from vertigo. You should also submit the appropriate papers to serve as evidence of previous experience in high-wire walking, which the organizers will review, for you to be able to qualify for the contest. For those who are a bit anxious about the contestant’s safety, a medical team is always on stand by in case someone falls off.

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Where: Toronto, Canada

The Challenge: Best your opponent in this classic game and be the one to bring home the US10,000 prize.

The Scene: Who says that playing rock paper scissors in the schoolyard for hours and hours each day won’t eventually pay off? In this contest, luck doesn’t play a major role. Instead, you might be surprised at the strategies that contestants apply in order to keep themselves on the top their game. With lots of hours clocked in for practice time, contestants harness the skills that they come to learn and use during the competition. While it’s always good to have lady luck on your side during a competition, practice is still the key to be able to throw out the correct symbol that will either crush, cut, or wrap your opponent.

In Toronto, the championships are held at the Steam Whistle Brewery. Enter this place and you’ll discover that you’ve left the schoolyard and have made it to the big leagues. At the end of the day, it’s all clean, good fun. You don’t need to give someone your lunch money if you happen to be an unfortunate winner; and hey, you can always try out for the next one. There are a number of smaller tournaments being held in different areas, but winning in those tournaments isn’t a requirement to enter the championships. Organizers believe that any person should be given the chance to compete in this sport. Yes, you read it right; in rock paper scissors is indeed a sport. Hmmm, wonder if they’ve heard of Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock.

INTERNATIONAL BIRDMAN COMPETITION

Where: International

The Challenge: Be the most magnificent man in a home-made flying machine hurling himself off a pier. The big winner will take home a hefty sum of US50,000 dollars. In the south eastern coast of England, August is usually the time where man and sea meet in a flurry of flapping wings and a spectacular splash.

The Scene: The stage is set–a platform measuring 15 feet long and set 35 feet high above the sea is the place where contestants must run and take flight hopefully longer than 325 feet. Now, this competition needs contestants who have it all; somewhat of a Renaissance man, you might say. First off, you have to possess the guts to fly, regardless of the notion of gravity, or the prospect of a very chilly salty end to your flight. Next, it is imperative for contestants to have a creative mind because this is the key to making and designing an air-worthy flying machine. Of course, a little knowledge on aerodynamics wouldn’t be so bad. It’s not enough to make a “proper” flying machine, oh no. They have to have style, flair, and originality to ensure the audience that you did your part to overcome the laws of physics and common sense; remember, even if you don’t set the record for the longest time in the air, you might end up winning for Best Entertainment.

The competition has two categories: one is open for the experts and is called the da Vinci class, where contenders will be using their very own home-made and independently designed flying machines; the other category is called the Kingfisher class, for contestants who would rather use hang gliders. Although they use hang gliders, the Kingfisher class is never boring because contestants are still encouraged to inject some of their personal style to the gliders, so don’t be surprised to see people donning chicken suits and bright, yellow feathers. Various prizes are given to contestants who spend the longest time in the air, best entertainment, and who measures the furthest distance in their very short flights. So what are you waiting for? Take to the skies and reach for the stars!

TUG FEST

Where: Le Claire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois, USA

The Challenge: Be the first to get your opponent’s team submerged in a river in this old fashioned game of tug-of-war. The contest is held every year, during the month of August.

The Scene: Two teams will exercise strength and endurance in this contest, as they pull with all their might on a rope measuring 2,400 feet and weighing a heavy 680 pounds, across the Mississippi River. The game is declared over when one team gets all of its members wet. Each year, the Le Claire team is determined to haul the Port Byron team into the river; the Port Byron team, on the other hand is also equally determined to sink the Le Claire team into the depths of the Mississippi.

You’ll be surprised at the amount of work that goes into the preparation for the big day. Both teams keep their members healthy, strong and working as a unit by holding scheduled practices. But they don’t practice on the game-day rope, which is reserved only for that special occasion once a year. On D-day, contestants are ready and set on winning the eagle sculpture made of alabaster so they can be its proud owners and have it on display the whole year round, until the next competition takes place.

WORLD RUBIK’S CUBE CHAMPIONSHIP

Where: Düsseldorf, Germany

The Challenge: Be the fastest contestant to solve the Rubik’s cube using just one hand, or your feet, or even blindfolded. Hah!

The Scene: Solving a Rubik’s cube in an hour won’t merit you a reward in this serious competition. Players from all around the world gather here to show off their skills in solving the cube. Watch the colors come together on each side as players use only one hand to solve the jumble. Other players who claim they work better with their feet can enter still enter the contest and let their toes do the magic. It doesn’t matter whether you’re wearing socks or not, so long as the cube is solved. No doubt, practice makes perfect in this wonderful, geeky competition. Still, masters of the cube can try out-solve each other by being the fastest in the blindfolded category. The first prize? Over US7,000.

Participants in the championships are based on their performance from previous competitions. Organizers are accepting people trying out for the first time on first-come basis.

ONE FOOT HIGH KICK CONTEST

Where: Fairbanks, Arkansas, USA

The Challenge: Contestants are asked to display their balancing skills by kicking an object with one foot and landing on the floor on the same foot. The catch is that the object is actually suspended in the air. This is part of the Eskimo-Indian Olympics held here in July.

The Scene: The high kick comes from ancient traditions that take their roots in surviving in extreme environments. It was used by hunters to send a message to people in the village that wildlife was near the area, or that an animal has already been caught. Another even that is featured in the Eskimo-Indian Olympics is the Eskimo Stick Pull. This event represents the act of pulling out a seal from very hard and tough, not to mention cold ice. The olympics, which started out in 1961, is always held in Fairbanks, except for one year, when it was held in Anchorage, Alaska.

WIENERSCHNITZEL WIENER NATIONAL RACE

Where: San Diego, California, USA

The Challenge: Cheer on the canine contestants to see who can cross the finish line first.

The Scene: Dachshund racing is fun, exciting, and if you happen to be the dog, quite tiring. However, the winner gets a special place in one of the floats in the Holiday Bowl Parade, so pet owners and dogs alike should get their game face on and win the race. The track has a distance of 50 feet, which can be a bit daunting for someone whose legs measure only two inches. Perhaps that’s why some of them have been reported to practice a lot on a special doggie treadmill.

There are many races held all over the western part of the United States to see which dog has the ability to outrun its competition. If you want to enter your beloved pet in a race, the organizers accept any dachshund. Of course, owners are responsible for their pets, so please keep them healthy and as much as possible, employ good sportsmanship. During the day that the Holiday Bowl is held, the Qualcomm Stadium is opened for the race’s final leg, and audiences will see which cuddly brown contestant will be the fasted on the track.

WEATHER

Don’t: arrive in the bitter cold of winter

Temperatures can drop really low and can come as a shock to first-time to tourists, especially if it’s your first time to visit and your hometown was somewhere in the tropics. Even skiers will sometimes find it a struggle to cope with temperatures below zero. Combine that with short days and long, chilly nights and you might not have the experience that you were looking for. If you’re not used to it, you might end up staying indoors, staring miserably out the window. Don’t get us wrong; winter in Norway is a magical time. The snowy peaks and the sunlight disappearing behind the mountains are a breathtaking sight, but it’s more suited for people who are used to cold temperatures. But for budget travelers, winter isn’t exactly the most economical time to visit the country. You’ll be needing a lot more gear such as thermal clothing to be able to go around.

Do: plan a summer escape

Tourists will discover that summer in Norway can be fun and exciting. Long days are ideal for people who want to go exploring. And when we say long days, get ready to take a beak from the sun for an average of just three to four hours every day. Trade in the grey heavens for bright skies. Leave your thick jackets and thermal underwear at home and sport some skin in your summer outfits! This way, you’ll also have the opportunity to blend into the local crowd.

For a bit of romance, spend the night outdoors and sleep under a blanket of stars as far as the eye can see; see who can name and point out the most constellations in under a minute, watch out for a shooting star, and sneak a quick peck on the cheek while your loved isn’t looking. For others who live near the equator, you can opt to travel north of Oslo for a relatively unique experience–stay up a bit late to experience the midnight sun.

GEOGRAPHY

Don’t: underestimate the land area

Norway is home to about 4.8 million people. True, that may not sound as crowded as China or India, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that this country’s size is small. If you measure the distance from the capital Oslo to the town of Kirkenes, it will be about the same as the distance you will cover traveling from Oslo all the way to Italy, in Rome.

Do: plot enough days on your calendar

Norway isn’t the type of place that you can cover on foot. The usual three days and two nights travel package won’t do the trick if you plan on going here for a holiday. It’s better if you spare at least one week to go around. This way, you can spend some time in Oslo, which is as we mentioned before, the country’s capital, and also the largest city in the area.

Oslo is home to many museums, like the Natural History Museum, where you can wonder at the humongous dinosaur bones on display, not to mention the scary dinosaur teeth. You can also visit the National Gallery or the Nasjonalgalleriet where you can put your hands on your face and marvel at Edvard Munch’s The Scream. If you’re craving for more museums, pay a visit to the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower, where you can brush up on skiing history. There’s also the Viking Ship Museum, where you can view authentic Viking shapes made of wood that were built way back in the 9th century.

After taking some time in Oslo, you’ll also need to spare a couple more days to visit the mountains and of course. Don’t forget to see the fjords in the western coast of Norway; you’ll be sure to enjoy the landscape of giant glaciers and massive mountains.

TRANSPORTATION AND ACTIVITIES

Don’t: attempt to cover Norway in a single day

Norway’s landscape has a big role in it’s allure. Like we said earlier, it’s better if you schedule a couple days to completely savor the country and what it has to offer. Admittedly, it can be a bit pricey to go there on a vacation, so that should be all the more reason why you should set aside at least a whole week for your trip. You might be tempted to take the excusrions being offered on Norway in a Nutshell. While it’s understandable for travelers to want to see as many sights as they can, it’s probably better to experience the sights and sounds of Norway when you’re not in a hurry.

Don’t miss out on the magnificent view of the mountains by boarding a plane that will take you thousands of feet in the air, where the only thing you’ll see out the window are clouds. If you’re in Oslo and you’re planning on going to Bergen and other places up north, we suggest you skip the airports. While it’s true that flying will ensure you a quick and easy flight, not to mention being relatively cheaper, it’s not the ideal mode of transportation if you want a good view of the country while en route to your destination.

Do: ride the train or book a cruise

Instead of flying, you can ride the Bergen Line up north, where you’ll cruise across Norway’s moutainous area and go through the Hardangervidda National Park. This is one of the most impressive and scenic journeys that you can take by rail. And compared to the gallons of jet fuel that you’ll have to burn upon take off, traveling by train is more Earth friendly, too. Enjoy the experience as the wheels advance steadily on the polished rails. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some reindeer when you get to Hardangervidda plateau.

The travel time from Oslo to Bergen is about seven hours. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful sights that nature has to offer in this part of the world. It will also pass through Finse, at which point you’ll find yourself 1,222 meters above sea level. It is also the highest point of the entire journey.

The Hardangerdidda is the biggest national park that you can find in Norway, covering three counties namely Telemark, Hordaland and Buskerud. Animal lovers can count on seeing fauna that can only be found in temperate countries, so this is a nice surprise for travelers who will be coming all the way from the tropics. Wild reindeer with their large antlers and warm, cozy fur roam these areas in large herds. Others say even Rudolph likes to visit this area when he’s not on duty (okay, that’s a pretty lame joke, but it is a good idea to keep rowdy kids quiet and focused for a while). The plateau is also home to the extremely cute Arctic fox, which is also goes by the name White Fox, because of its pristine, white fur. If you consider yourself a pretty active person, the park is a nice place to visit for hiking, fishing, and even canoeing. You can even take your bike and go exploring for a bit. Traditional food is also served in their cabins, so after burning calories in the trails, sit down to a delicious traditional Norwegian meal.

The Hurtigruten, on the other hand, is also a good idea for travelers who wish to book a cruise instead of riding a train. You can choose from a number of routes that Hurtigruten offers. But if you take the seven day classic voyage north, you can feast your eyes on the sensational coastline and landscapes that can be found in the northern area near the Arctic Circle.

The cruise will start in Bergen and will travel to Torvik. From April 15 up to September 14, fortunate guests will be able to visit the UNESCO world heritage site, Geiranger, where the beautiful seven sister waterfalls is located. From there, the ship will call at Molde and then dock at Kristiansund. Day three will bring the ship in Trondheim, which was the first capital of Norway. It’s an old city featuring the gothic Nidaros Cathedral, and other restored buildings. The fourth day is somewhat of a momentous occasion, because you will actually cross the Arctic Circle. You will pass through Bodø and then Svolvær. Day five will have a stop at Tromsø, considered to be the Paris of the North. The last two days of the cruise will take you to Finnmark, where you can also see animals like puffins and even some orca out on the hunt for some herring. At the end of the journey, guests will finally arrive at Kirkenes. Take note that there are optional shore excursions that you can enjoy, so don’t think you’ll be locked up in your cabin for the entire week. The price for each person on this particular voyage is a little over 100 euros; you can book your trip online or phone in if you have any questions.

ACCOMMODATION

Don’t: confine your choice to hotels

We all know how inviting a nice, comfy hotel can sound to a weary traveler. At the end of the day, your feet ache, your shoulders hurt from the weight of your backpack, and you long for a warm bath and a clean bed with crisp sheets. While that does paint a good picture, it doesn’t really give you the complete Norway experience. You must remember that the outdoors plays a big role in the locals’ day to day lives. It is a contrast to the common outdoor scenery that’s common to individuals who grew up in the city with skyscrapers by the handful, crowded motorways, and stinky sewers. Aside from maxing out your credit card with their expensive rates, hotels can sometimes cheat you a bit by taking you away from the outdoors, which in Norway, is exactly where you should be. So, in line with this premise…

Do: consider staying in a cabin

An alternative to hotels that travelers can opt to stay are mountain cabins. They not only provide the basic roof over your head, they’re also cozy and quite comfortable to stay in. For couples who are traveling together, this is also an intimate choice for accommodation. Compared to hotels, cabins are relatively cheaper because you have the choice of cooking your own food. Some cabins are fully equipped with a working kitchen, where you can even try to whip up your own Norwegian meal. If you like cooking outdoors, others have grills set up outside. This way, all you have to do to be one with nature is to open the door and step outside your quarters. After letting the chilly air cool your nose and fingers, step back inside and start a fire in the fireplace. Snuggle in front of the crackling flames and enjoy a hot beverage.

For backpackers out there who are looking for an even cheaper alternative to cabins, feel free to pitch a tent anywhere you like. You can even blend in as one of the locals who often camp out with just their tents. In Norway, there’s something known as the Outdoor Recreation Act, or the Allemannstretten, which basically grants any person right of entry to uncultivated land regardless of the issue on official ownership. These properties include beaches, lakes, mountains and even forests. Happy campers can stay out and set up camp for two nights in a row; if you’re planning to stay a bit longer, all you have to do is ask permission from the property owner. If you’re staying in the mountains though, you can stay as long as you like. A reminder for campers: you have to maintain a distance of no less than 150m from the closest cabin or house in the area.

Of course, camping out means cooking and eating out. To add some grub on your plate, go berry-picking or hunt for some mushrooms. Just make sure you’re able to identify the edible ones otherwise it’s best to leave the fungi alone, no matter how yummy the prospective taste may be; you certainly wouldn’t want your holiday to have a dose of some nasty food poisoning. Does the label on your bottled water say the contents came all the way from some distant mountain? Well, you can try that yourself by sampling the water from the mountain streams. There’s no better way to quench your thirst than to drink cool, clean water from a running stream.

FOOD

Don’t: get supplies from kiosks or eat out at Karl Johan St.

Kiosks are a handy place to get groceries, especially during emergencies. But keep in mind that prices in these establishments are usually higher than other places. At the end of the day, you end up spending almost three times as much, for food that you can get cheaper someplace else. Chains like 7-Eleven and Deli de Luca aren’t exactly economical when you’re shopping for groceries. If you plan on staying in Norway for quite some time (and we hope you do, because that means you’re following our advise earlier), consider kiosks only in emergencies.

When you’re on a budget and you want to eat out, it’s best not to stray down Karl Johan St. Duck into any of the numerous restaurants here and you’ll find one thing in common: high prices.

Do: visit the supermarket

Travelers can shop for groceries at local supermarkets which offer products usually at less than half the price of what you would pay for in a kiosk.  Visiting a supermarket is also a way of getting a taste of the local life. Here, you are presented with many options on what you may have for lunch or dinner, depending on your mood or budget. Supermarkets may not always be just around the corner, but it does save you a lot of money and technically, you’re getting a fair bit of exercise while walking one or two extra blocks. This way, you can also buy in bulk if you don’t want to keep on coming back all the time.

Kiwi, a supermarket that is popular with the locals, is a good place to visit if you need some groceries. You can be sure that the fruits and vegetables you get here are fresh and clean. Plus, they also offer postal services here, so after your food run, you can send a postcard home to your loved ones. Rema 1000 is also another supermarket or discount store that is a good place to get groceries. It’s a simple, no-frills store that sells basic food products for your basic food needs.

Rimi is another discount store popular in Norway. You can shop for groceries here during the day and cook a nice meal when you get back to your mountain cabin at night. Any of these stores are pretty is a pretty good choice if you need to address some appetite issues. Aside from having pretty much whatever you need in terms of food, they’re fairly popular so it shouldn’t be a hard time trying to find one.

If you’re not in the mood to cook and would like to eat out, try wandering around Grønland where you can find lots of restaurants serving Indian food and also Pakistani. Not only do they serve delicious food, you don’t get that pang of indigestion after looking at a bill that can burn a hole in your pocket. Vegetarians need not worry because they can always stuff themselves silly at Vegeta’s vegetarian buffet.

SHOPPING

Don’t: go shopping crazy at Bogstadveien

In Oslo, you may be lured by the elegant designs displayed in the windows at Bogstadveien or the Aker Brygge. Warm coats, leather bags, shoes and scarves in any color you can imagine! If you can’t command yourself to ignore the boutiques, perhaps it would be wise to get items that are tagged “tax free”. This way, you can save about 25 percent of the value added tax or the sales tax. The Aker Brgge used to be a shipyard before it was rebuilt as a shopping area that now attracts hundreds of tourists from all parts of the globe.

Do: venture into Grünerløkka and Grønland

It’s normal for travelers to want to go shopping on holiday. Seeing the sights is important, but shopping and experiencing the city life has a kind of fun completely on its own. If you want to take a short break from mother nature, you can venture into Grünerløkka, where restaurants and nightclubs are situated. This area in Oslo is also popular with cafes and lounge bars, so if you’re in the mood for a drink, this is the place to be.

Boutiques selling trendy clothes can also be found here. The upside is that the stuff sold here is much, much cheaper compared to those in big commercial shopping malls. You may even find some tables neatly set up  in small streets, where colorful accessories are on display. There is a Sunday market at Blå, where you can get pre-owned clothes and other crafts. Not only will you be saving money which can go a long way on your holiday, you also get one-of-a-kind pieces in the shops here. Aside from small Norwegian boutiques, you can also find some Asian shops in the area.

Yellowstone is the first national park having been declared by President Ulysses Grant in 1872. Over a hundred years later since that time, there are now 58 national parks in total, each with their special features and natural formations.

Since there are a lot of national parks to cover, we’ve picked out 11 with the most stunning views.

Acadia National Park: Cadillac Mountain

Acadia National Park holds a symbolic place because its mountain peaks are the first places to taste sunlight every single day in the United States. In order to enjoy this spectacle, hikers are led to walk of two miles leading the top of the Cadillac Mountain. Once reaching this height, people get to see the views around the Atlantic coast. Bar Harbor appears in the distance along with the beaches in the area. When you arrive early enough, you might get the honor of watching the ceremony of the Wabanaki honoring the sun. This particular ceremony is symbolic of the Native American tribe’s efforts to reclaim and strengthen their heritage.

Arches National Park: Park Avenue

Anyone who encounters Park Avenue will be given a lesson in geology. These natural sandstone arches and towers make one feel like they were formed to resemble Park Avenue in New York, hence the site’s name. Looking closely at the walls of the sandstones, people can see geological layers. These layers sometimes contain the imprint of several hundreds of years of earth formation. The hike yields sights of rock pools, animal footprints and some sagebrush. The Park Avenue Hike is considered an easy one by the rangers but visitors are still advised to bring hats, water and supplies. With the right pace, hikers can finish walking around Park Avenue in one hour.

Click on the video below to know about the must-sees at this national park.

Badlands National Park: Sheep Mountain Table

The Badlands National Park has seen its share of history. Prior to the colonization of the modern day Americans, tribes of the Lakota and the Sioux Nation have used the Badlands as hunting grounds for bison and other herd animals. During the period of American expansion, the Badlands played the setting for the very last of the ghost dances of the Native Americans. The Battle of Wounded Knee which resulted in the massacre of over 200 Native Americans was the last conflict of such kind and is an even currently remembered to this day for the lessons it imparts. To enjoy the Badlands, travel southwards to the Sheep Mountain Table and keep going until you reach its end where you will witness the various other rock formations in the area like Brule and Sharps.

Channel Islands National Park: Inspiration Point

For an experience in the rich biological diversity of the North American continent, a trip to the Channel Islands National Park is a must. These pristine and untouched islands compose the Channel Island group and each of them hosts an ecology of 150 animal species which can only be found there. The harbor fox makes these islands its home and the waters surrounding them are the roaming grounds of the blue whales. The point is called as such because of its inspiring beauty so much so that a group of poets meet there to discuss their works every month. To get to the islands, you will need to take an hour’s boat ride by the company Island Packers which uses Ventura as its harbor. Unfortunately, camping or overnight stays are not allowed. The boat will wait for you until you’ve gotten your fill of nature.

Crater Lake National Park: Watchman Peak

The Crater Lake National Park is a large caldera on the tip of the Cascade range in southern Oregon. According  to experts the cataclysm that caused this formation was the eruption around of a large volcano called Mount Mazama some 7,700 years back. Measuring 12,000 feet in height, the mountain’s eruption was so violent that its walls collapsed thus paving way for the cration of the crater that holds the national park. Hike up the mountain and into Watchman’s Peak where a lookout tower has been monitoring volcanic activity since the 1930s. In the middle of the lake, there is another island called Wizard Island that looks like a wizard’s hat.

Trace how the Crater Lake came to be by clicking the video below.

Denali National Park: Sable Pass

One of Alaska’s natural best kept secrets,  Denali national park hosts one of the more interesting hikes in the North American continent in the Sable Pass. Since the sun does not set in the area until midnight, there is a significant amount of walking that can be done in order to quickly advance on the trail. The sights in this particular walk include grassy terrain containing willow brush. Once the party crosses the Igloo Creek, the Cathedral Mountain comes into view. Hiking through the pass is never a solitary experience even when undertaken alone as there are animals within the area you will be walking in. Prepare to share space with some moose, sheep, wolf, caribou and grizzly bear. To make your hike easier, wait for a shuttle bus at the center and ride up to within 38 miles away from Sable Pass.

Appreciate the beauty of the Sable Pass by clicking on the video below.

Glacier National Park: Hidden Lake

Experts predict that the glaciers responsible for the beauty of Glacier National Park are melting away.  By 2010 not a trace of these glaciers will be left by 2010 which is earlier by 10 years than predicted. It is best to take advantage of the park’s views now while it is still there. Travelers recommend a hike to the park’s Hidden Lake. The trail will lead hikers through interesting flora and fauna like monkey flowers and bear grass and the occasional mountain goat. This walk is relatively short, around 1.5 miles with a few challenging paths. Speak with the ranger before going on the trail as grizzly bears are known to cross them once in a while.

Grand Teton National Park: Leigh Lake

Grand Teton National Park is another experience of the Great American Outdoors. The park’s treasure is the Teton Range with eight peaks going over three thousand miles and the highest, the Grand Teton, reaching over 4,000 miles. The foot of the mountains hosts lakes with several more at the back country. One of the recommended spots to visit is the Leigh Lake where visitors can get a view of Mount Moran and the Paintbrush Canyon. Aside from the earth and water formations, you will see the bald eagle, the elk, moose, bison and pronghorn as well as some black and grizzly bears.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Mount Herard

The sand dunes of this national park have been built after a lengthy process of wind erosion that spanned 12,000 years. Now they form  the terrain surrounding the area around Mount Herard. The mountain itself is a host to a variety of environments from the sandy area at the foot to exquisite flower beds blooming on the mountain’s shoulders. People also encounter a variety of wildlife from bighorn sheep and pikas munching on the vegetation on the cliff faces along the mountain trail. When hikers reach the mountain peak, they are astounded by the view of the state of Colorado unraveling beneath their feet. The sand dunes below become visible as does the spine of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Park visitors go ahead and park up at the Medano Lake Trailhead and enjoy the free campsites on the grounds. Hiking starts from there and continues five and a half miles ahead to the top of the mountain.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park:Clingmans Dome

Home of the 70 mile Appalachian Trail, the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the largest national parks in the US. The mountains and the remains of the Appalachian culture are the major draws of the park. Rangers recommend that the park be visited around autumn when the mountains drape themselves in hues of brown, brick red, orange and gold. There are plenty of waterfalls in the area and wildlife as well. For a short visit, try going up Clingmans Dome. The dome provides views of the national park and its verdant hills. Climbing up the tower on top of Clingmans Dome provides an added effect.

Yosemite National Park: Sentinel Dome

President Abraham Lincoln drafted a resolution that Yosemite Valley is to be preserved for the public in 1864. Thanks to him the rapids, geological stone formations and the sequoia towering over the area have been saved. Today, people meet around Glacier Point, easily the most famous spot to enjoy the view in the park. However, for a less traveled destination that offers a 360 view of the features of Yosemite, the Sentinel Dome is a viable alternative. From the overlook of the hill, people will be able to see the Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGxGpib-yHw

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According to the CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Company, Lindiwe Kwele, they’re very honored to play host to this prestigious sporting event. It’s certainly a first in the history of South Africa. Kwele said that it’s more than just playing host to polo tournaments. Because the sport is known, first and foremost, for its stylishness, they’re also looking to see improvements in their culinary styles, and even the country’s fashion trends.

A new brand of “Afro-fusion Chic” is anticipated by the people. It this becomes a signature event in Johannesburg, it will certainly make its mark in history.

It should also be noted that the sport has been played in South Africa for over a century, now. It just hasn’t been publicized. The long years out of the spotlight, though, prepared African teams for a likely success. Their horses are highly trained to succeed in the game, and there are over 320 polo players registered in South Africa.

The sporting authorities are further taking steps to extend the game’s reach to the public. They’ve opened polo coaching clinics for junior players, and even offered bursaries to development players.

Joburg is fast developing a sort of “polo tourism” with venues being opened everywhere. These venues also offer value-packages for polo aficionados who also love travel.

The first day of the tournament is slated on August 1. This is expected to be attended by the cream of all of Gauteng’s social elites, opening with the display of the horses racing against the king of all horsepower, Aston Martin. An after-party will follow, complete with festivities and a glam-continental ambiance.

Aside from representing the affected cabin crew members, Unite said that it’s also going to extend services to those who were affected by BA’s decision to dock pay because of the strike. BA made its “final” offer to Unite, which the union immediately rejected. Their main concern was to protect the rights of BA employees.

Despite the charges and the threat of a legal suit, BA insisted that it didn’t do anything wrong. The move, according to the airline, was only appropriate. They insisted that they’re free to withdraw staff travel perks at their discretion. According to the airline, the cabin crew members also knew that they would lose this benefit if they joined the strike.

BA continues to fight for its position. This dispute actually started when the company began changing work practices. The so-called staff travel benefits were supposed to compensate the heavier workload. This consisted of significant discounts in traveling fees outside the work sphere.

Just recently, the travel concession was reportedly reinstated to cabin crew members who went on strike. The airline said, though, that this won’t last for long. They will eventually remove these travel perks permanently. Unite union leaders have scheduled a meeting with the airline executives to resolve this dispute.

This finding was reported by the Post Office in their Family Holiday Report. They compared the cost of about 12 different holiday vacations, adding up the cost from the lodgings to the sunscreen. Among the best value-for-the-money destinations were Bulgaria, Portugal, and Spain. A beach vacation in Portugal would cost £68.80 (30% lower than last year), while one in Bulgaria would cost £73.32 (4% lower than last year).

Mainland Spain does a bit better than Bulgaria at £78.28, which is at least 9% less than what it would have cost in 2009. Ironically, Turkey turned out to be among the more expensive travel destinations at £114.47. This used to be among the cheaper alternatives before the fall of the Euro. According to the detailed report of the Post Office, beach items in this location are more expensive this year by at least 12%.

Another observation made by the Post Office is how unaffected France seems to be with the Euro’s fall. Spain and Portugal are obviously lowering their prices to attract tourists, but France even raises its prices, seemingly confident about the influx of tourists despite the price hike.

Experts say, though, that the lowering of vacation prices by most European cities won’t attract travelers later than 2012. While Mediterranean resorts might be able to retain its clientele in the next two years by lowering the price, it can be a totally different story after that.

Further findings reveal that bookings for vacation in the West Mediterranean have decreased by at least 11.6% this year. Another agency, Co-operative Travel, forecasted that Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt will be gaining more travelers by 2012 compared to Italy, France, and Spain.