travel tourism

Visiting Malaysia - Shopping Malls in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:08:23 PST

Shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur (KL) have been one of the main attractions for tourism in the city for a while now. With the increasing trends nowadays, many local and international brands have made it here to suit the local and foreign interest in shopping. Ever since the 70s, shopping has been popular in KL with some of the pioneer malls like Sungai Wang Plaza in the Bukit Bintang area or Golden Triangle which is still pulling the shoppers till this very day.

This list aims to provide you with eight of the top shopping malls along Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur for you to visit with a minor breakdown of what to expect. All the malls here are within walking distance so you can cover them all by foot. The list is in no particular order and random.

1. Sungai Wang Plaza – One of the oldest malls which recently went through a massive makeover a few years ago. The mall is connected to the Bukit Bintang Plaza or BB Plaza and giving shoppers a massive 2 million square feet of shopping ecstasy. Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur, this 6 storey mall never fails to deliver with some of the most interesting choices of shops here. Many speciality shops dominate the mall while there are no top branded outlets here. Younger travellers and guest should check out the 6th floor which is called the T-Zone or Trendy Zone where mini shops cater to current trends worldwide. For IT enthusiast, the 3rd floor has an interesting selection for all things IT including DVD shops, PSP shops and internet cafes. A video arcade which is one of the best in town can be found on the 2nd floor with many choices of games to play. You get a very good mix of choices at this mall. For your added information, Sungai Wang in the Malay language means Money River.

Tip: Great place to shop and hang out for all ages.

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 22:00
Location: Across the street from Lot 10, next to Imbi Plaza and Low Yat Plaza
Sungai Wang Plaza Website
Address: 99 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Telephone: (603) 2144 9988

2. Bukit Bintang Plaza / BB Plaza – The neighbour of Sungai Wang Plaza and connected together, it is translated as Bukit – Star and Bintang – Hill and was opened in 1979 and currently manages general shops with the main anchor tenant – Metro Jaya, a departmental store. The other shops around are mostly goldsmiths, speciality shops and sports shops. A number of stall booths occupy the main floors with dominance of handphone dealers. Many people use this mall mainly as a walk through to get to Sungai Wang Plaza while the main area is dominated by lots of mobile stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs, hand phones and so on.

Tip: Great department store here.

Address: Same as above (Sungai Wang)

Pavilion KL - The outdoor walking area

3. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur – Located at the start of Jalan Bukit Bintang – known as the Orchard Road of KL – this massive mega mall offers seven levels of fashion, dining, entertainment and even luxury retail spaces. Known for their top branded façade with brand names like Prada, Versace, Bulgari, Coach, Burberry, Marc Jacobs and more. A very popular place for locals and foreigners due to the sheer size of it. The outdoor entertainment area provides shoppers a mix of interesting restaurants, bars and cafes while the indoor offers a fantastic cinema, spa and various interesting choices of entertainment.

Tip: The most popular place to see and be seen in town.

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 22:00
Location: Right next to Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur, across the street from JW Marriott and Starhill Gallery.
Address: 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (603) 2118 8833
Pavilion KL Website

Lot 10 at Bukit Bintang - Image by AsiaWebDirect

4. Lot 10 Shopping Mall – Another pioneer shopping mall located strategically at the corner of Jalan Bukit Bintang, this trendy building finished in bright green would definitely catch your eye when walking along the main road here. Catering to speciality shops and retail giant Isetan, the five storey mall houses one of KLs very unique eateries named Hutong which caters to the ‘best’ hawker food from around KL all in one place. It is exceptionally clean and if you always wanted to try out the local KL food, this is the place to do it.

Tip - Head here for the hawker food

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 22:00
Location: At the corner of Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail, next to KL Plaza and opposite Sungei Wang Plaza. The mall is directly connected to Bukit Bintang Monorail Station.
Address: 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail
Telephone: (603) 2716 8615

5. Starhill Gallery at Jalan Bukit Bintang – This uber high end shopping mall houses only the top branded names in the industry and is also connected via a special walkway to the JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur. A total of seven floors, each of the floors have a special name to identify them. A great place to explore as the mall offers shopping, pampering, entertainment and art. Another unique standout here is the stylish modern decorations and designs throughout the building. Check out the lower ground floor if you are seeking something different in food and entertainment. One of the top well known restaurants – Shook is located here.

Tip - If you love luxury shopping, this is the place.

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 22:00
Location: Across the street from Pavilion KL, right next to Berjaya KL Plaza.
Address: 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Telephone: (603) 2782 3855

Berjaya Times Square

6. Berjaya Times Square Kuala Lumpur – Another massive mall located just nearby the monorail stations, this 10-floor shopping centre houses over 700 retail stores where an indoor theme park is also located inside the mall, an IMAX theatre, 5-star Hotel, post office, bank, bowling alley and the list goes on. A popular place for teenagers and travellers as the choices of shops here seem to cater to all walks of life. No exclusive branded shops are available here. A newly opened IT Center with over 100 shops in a total of 80,000 square feet was recently launched on early Nov 2010.

Tip - Bring the kids to the indoor theme park here.

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 22:00
Location: Opposite Melia Hotel and Amoda building. You can exit straight into the shopping mall from Imbi Monorail Station.
Address: No. 1 Jalan Imbi
Telephone: (603) 2117 3111

Plaza Low Yat, the ultimate IT Mall in KL

7. Low Yat Plaza – The best IT Mall in Kuala Lumpur. If you are an IT person or loves technology, cameras and gadgets, this is the mall you should be visiting. Being around for two decades, this mall transformed into an IT Mall in the late 90s when technology finally caught up in Malaysia. A whopping seven floors of products, each floor is almost dedicated to a specific IT section. It lovers can easily spend half a day here as prices are extremely compatible and there are over 500 IT retail outlets here. There is a eatery section on the lower ground floor while a Bank and ATM Machines are available. You never have to leave this place for the hard core.

Tip - Look around and compare prices before committing to buy here.

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 22:00
Location: Behind Amoda Building, which is across the street from Berjaya Times Square, and right beside Bukit Bintang Plaza/Sungei Wang Plaza.
Address: No. 7, Jalan Bintang, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang Central,
Low Yat Plaza Website
Tel: (603) 2148 3651

Fahrenheit88 Shopping Mall - Artist Impression

8. Fahrenheit 88 – The latest mall to hit Jalan Bukit Bintang and currently classified as a trendy/fashion mall. The name comes from the actual average temperature of Kuala Lumpur which his around 29 to 31 degrees Celsius and opened on Aug 8 2010. A total of 280 retails shops are here which include Uniqlo, the popular Japanese brand which is KLs first outlet. The mall caters to slightly more trendy brands so you will not find English cookware or top branded goods. Food and beverage outlets are found here while in future, a pedestrian bridge will connect this mall with the Pavilion.

Previously, this mall was known as KL Plaza or Kuala Lumpur Plaza which was one of the pioneer malls along the famous road. After a long period, the Berjaya Group who owned the building finally sold it to the Pavilion Group who runs and owns the Pavilion Mall opposite.

Green School In Indonesia Attracts Tourist

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:05:42 PST

The school called " green school " and this name didn't come from vacuum ,this school is Eco-friendly ,where it was built from grass and mud , cement wasn't used expect in simple parts of the foundations ,it is located in the island of Bali - Indonesia ,in this amazing school the children learn about the environment and of course there are offices,classrooms and cafe ,about the electricity is supplied from source of environment-friendly is a solar-powered generator!! i hope you like this collection of photo

Make Vacation to Paris

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 18:15:19 PDT

Where your vacation today ? probably around europe is one good idea. if you’ll take a trip in to Europe do not forget to visit one of a beautiful city with known as the City of Light, and it’s one a favorite tourist destination in europe.yes Paris with a variety of cultures and the beauty of the city, is a worth visit made in the main trip in europe.and of course when you will visit Paris, one thing you should consider is find a hotel, because the hotel is a place to stay while we make a trip in paris.

but, maybe you can try other choice for stay in paris, something more cheap and more little than other hotel paris as ussual. A bed and breakfast or B&B maybe is one good idea when you make a travel in paris, it’s a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast, but usually does not offer other meals. Typically, bed and breakfast france are private homes with fewer than 10 bedrooms available for commercial use.many bed and breakfast in Paris that offers a variety of amenities and prices.

there are so many advantages to renting bed and breakfast than stay in hôtels paris as usual, besides the price that much cheaper, of course, we can more closely with communities and citizens paris culture and be able to see a little bit into their lives .

Travel Tips to Visiting Austria

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 18:10:34 PDT

When you say Austria you almost instantly think about winter sports and culture. These are the best two words that can perfectly describe this attractive country. Austria is located in Central Europe, surrounded by Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Italy.Austria is also known for its rich cultural heritage. This could be seen on the pride that the locals have for its brilliant palaces and buildings, their love for the Waltz and their homage to the classical composer and child prodigy Mozart. Whether you are traveling to Austria alone, with friends or with your family, here are just some helpful tips to make you get the most out of your trip to this magnificent country.

Once you travel to Austria, start your travel unraveling the beauty of the Alps Mountains. These mountains are world popular for their unmatched serene beauty and that is why they are referred as eye soothers.Hiring a car and driving in Austria will also make it easier for you and your family to vary your holiday activities. For instance, if you’re in Austria primarily on a skiing holiday, hiring a car will also make it possible for you to drive to nearby hiking trails or go rock climbing. Alternatively, you could drive to one of Austria’s main cities, like Vienna, Innsbruck or Salzburg, and take pleasure in the range of musical, theatrical or artistic offerings in Austria’s centres of culture.

Austria travel endows the visitors with a magical experience, with the snow-capped mountains, its slopes, the Apres-Ski and the Austrian “Gemuetlichkeit”. Of the Austrian tourist industry, the winter sports tourism is now a billion euro industry, with many of the cities becoming flourishing tourist spots. Skiing of the many winter sports is the most popular and Austria has a very high number of ski resorts catering to the needs of the tourists.Hohe Tauern National Park is another popular tourist destination. You can travel up to the site by car. It covers an area of about 1786 sq km and is one of the largest in Europe. Austria’s highest mountain Grossglockner lies in the heart of this protected sanctuary of flora and fauna. Even the road through the park can be said to be most beautiful in the world.

A visit to the mountains of Austria is something you will never forget. Innsbruck is the center of a large skiing area throughout the Tirol region, and is guaranteed to warm the heart of any mountain and snow enthusiast. The best ski season is from Christmas to late February, with good snow available on either side of those months. If you want to see the glory of the mountains in the warmth of summer, then visit in May or June. It will certainly be a lot quieter then.Visiting Austria for a day or two during a whistle stop tour of Europe really doesn’t do it justice. Although I’ve mentioned a few highlights, there are so many more wonderful places to visit if you really want to get a true feeling for this stunning country.

Music Travel and Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:39:05 PDT

At present, music tourism is yet to be clearly defined as a distinct area within the tourism industry and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) does not yet offer any guidelines to what constitutes a music tourist. Music Tourism can apply to all genres of music from Classical to Celtic and to all countries from Britain to the Balkans and to satisfy this growing demand a music tourism industry is forming consisting of specialist music tour operators and general tour operators offering music tours. These tours are pitched at people of all ages from all backgrounds offering music holidays to inspiring and historic locations mostly during summer period.

In Europe however, it is music festivals that dominate with events such as Glastonbury attracting enormous audiences as the UK's live music scene continues to flourish. In a recent speech the Minister of Tourism for Ghana, Mrs. Juliana Azumah-Mensah, proposed using Ghanaian music as the back bone to promote tourism in the country.

It is her belief that music can play a vital role in promoting tourism as she believes the trend in tourism is moving away from mass tourism to niche tourism such as music tourism. As the US turns its music tourism locations into commercial theme parks and European festivals get swamped by corporate sponsorship, is it really possible to promote a 'niche' music while still retaining an authentic experience? And what will happen to Ghana's music if it becomes tampered with for tourism?

Green Travel And Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:35:14 PDT

All About Green Travel

What exactly is meant by a phrase like Green Travel? Green Travel can mean anything from environmentally responsible motor cars to eco-friendly transportation fuels, to responsible eco-tourism options, sustainable travel or stays in hotels and facilities that are environmentally conscious.

Read on to find some great options on the Internet where you, the environmentally-responsible traveler, can enhance your knowledge and continue to seek the smartest, most planet-conscious choices available when you travel.

Why Green Travel Matters

Tourism, in contemporary times, is a tremendously growth-oriented industry, and is among the world's largest, with spending figures estimated at over five hundred billion per year in recent years. Because of the overwhelming size of the industry globally, millions of people are employed within its ranks, and are therefore of great concern when it comes to responsible, eco-conscious decisions.

Such lofty statistics all begin with local, individual choices - where people spend their money when they travel, during their travel and the message that their actions send out to global populations. The impact of global travel, when geared toward the positive, can be terrific - including when tourism's dollars go to the enhancement of local populations, or when travelers return home with a fresh take on other cultures, communities and environments, for instance.

How Tourism and Travel Become "Sustainable Tourism and Travel"

WTTC Associations such as the World Travel and Tourism Council in London, England, offer world travelers a wealth of information on sustainable and green tourism. The mission statement of the organization speaks to their goals: "Raising awareness of the importance of Travel & Tourism, promoting synergies between the public and private sector, generating profit as well as protecting natural, social and cultural environment [these] are the fundamental components of [their] mission, as outlined in the Blueprint for New Tourism."

Whenever you travel, do what you can to extend the extra effort to ask questions about the businesses that service your trip: from hotels to tours to restaurants and more. Find out what you can about the impact of their businesses on the environment, in terms of both the physical and cultural aspects. No set of universal standards or guidelines currently exists to ensure that those in the travel and tourism industry world-wide operate according to environmentally conscious principles.

So What Is Ecotourism and Can It Help?

With a greater emphasis placed on the environment in general, travel and tourism has also felt the weight of the green revolution. The travel and tourism industry has sprung up in places where the natural environment remains in tact and available for one to experience first-hand. At its best, ecotourism is essentially nature travel - tourism of and cultivation of appreciation for the unadulterated vistas and landscapes of the planet.

Resources Available for Green Travel

ResponsibleTravel

At Responsible Travel, find "A hand picked directory of 1000s of stunning eco holidays run by 265 specialist tour operators and 100's of accommodations. Use the site to contact the specialists directly to request more information. Book direct with the specialists to get the best price."

The International Ecotourism Society (ecotourism.org)

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) offers that through "Uniting communities, conservation and sustainable travel," they directly "promote responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."

PlanetA

Debuting in 1994, PlanetA is a pioneering website that provides tips for travelers and locals who share a vision of eco-friendly, people-friendly and place-friendly travel. They take a dynamic wiki view of the Web and appreciate their viewers' helpful editorial suggestions and offer a yearly World Travel Directory.

Sustainable Travel International (sustainabletravelinternational.org)

The organization Sustainable Travel International has the following for its mission statement: "Promoting responsible travel and ecotourism, supporting sustainable development, and helping travelers and travel providers protect the cultures and environments they visit."

Google Green Travel Search (services.google.com/earth/green/)

At Summer of Green, Google's now legendary map service is powered to help Green travelers find what they need to in the way of environmentally conscious global travel, through the work of Earth Day Network. Find tips on traveling green this summer with keyword searches like "environmentally friendly hotel" rather than just "hotel."

Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance says, "With more than 800 million people traveling each year, tourism is a growing source of revenue for people living in areas that are especially rich in plants and animals - and threatened with destruction. While tourism can lead to problems such as waste, habitat destruction and the displacement of local people and wildlife, it also has the potential to provide incentives for conservation." Find out more through the tourism arm of their website.

Travel to Maldives | Travel and Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Fri, 21 May 2010 23:17:13 PDT

The name "Maldives" may derive from Mahal'deeb', and the people were called Maldivian 'Dhivehin'. The word Dheeb/Deeb (archaic Dhivehi, related to Sanskrit dvīp (द्वीप)) means 'island' and Dhives (Dhivehin) means 'islanders' (i.e., the Maldivians). During the colonial era, the Dutch referred to the country as Maldivische Eilanden in their documentation, while "Maldive Island" is the anglicized version of the local name used by the British, which later came to be written as Maldives

The Republic of Maldives, more widely known simply as The Maldives, is an island which is in the Indian Ocean. People may think of the Maldives being an island chain, but it is in fact seen as one island which has 26 atolls that make it up, and lies near the coast of Sri Lanka. There are 1,192 islets, of which only 200 are inhabited, meaning that technically you could get your own little island to yourself for some time, if you chose to explore and take this option.

The Maldives is known for the fish that inhabit the area and the beautiful sites and wildlife that can be seen. If you want to make sure that you take in every drop of nature that you can, then read on for a guide of what can be seen where.

Komandoo Island is a great first place to visit. The beaches there will provide a wonderful start to your holiday, with idyllic white sands and a lagoon that surrounds them, which is literally a perfect turquoise. In the middle of the island is a reef which lets you see the coral and go snorkeling or just get to see a variety of sea life and some invertebrates which scurry around the top. This really is a beautiful site, so should be on your agenda.

Kuredu Island is the other for marine life, with many fish that frequent the area. Be sure to make the most of this by scuba diving or snorkelling to see the resident beauty that will be all around you. There are sharks around the area, but take an instructor with you. Feel assured though that shark attacks are very unlikely. Remain cautious and sensible and you are sure to have a safe and visually stunning dive. There are lagoons that can be explored, or else just have a swim in the warm waters that are located in this part of the world. On the island itself you can see some of the Flora of the Maldives, with much greenery covering the place.

If you are more into the greenery, then Rangali or Makunudu island are lovely and have palms lining the places to walk, as well as vegetation that you would expect in the tropical climate you are in. Combined with the beaches, this is a haven and makes for a holiday that is more about relaxation than anything else.

There are sea birds that are seen around the Maldives, such as herons in particular, but to see one of the most fantastic creatures that is an inhabitant, you will have to be more careful. Sea turtles are now endangered and quite rare, but you can see them on some islands, and if you dive off into the waters from the coasts here. You can take specialist tours with operators or local agencies to see these, which is a wonderful experience and highly recommended. The Maldives is a beautiful place for honeymooners or nature lovers, and there is much to experience as you relax and unwind in a dream setting.

Abu Dhabi Skyscraper | Travel Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:43:10 PDT

Abu Dhabi (Arabic: أبو ظبي‎ Abū ẓabī, literally Father of gazelle) is the capital of, and the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. The city proper, making up an area of 67,340 km² (26,000 sq mi), had an estimated population of 860,000 in 2008.

Abu Dhabi houses important offices of the federal government, and is the seat for the United Arab Emirates Government and the home for the Emirati Royal Family. Abu Dhabi has grown to be a cosmopolitan metropolis. Its rapid development and urbanisation, coupled with the relatively high average income of its population, has transformed Abu Dhabi to a larger and advanced metropolis. Today the city is the country's center of political, industrial activities, and a major cultural, and commercial centre due to its position as the capital. Abu Dhabi alone generated 56.7% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates in 2008. Abu Dhabi is home to important financial institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and the corporate headquarters of many companies and numerous multinational corporations. One of the world's largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify its economy in recent years through investments in financial services and tourism. Abu Dhabi is the third most expensive city in the region, and 26th most expensive city in the world.^[7] Fortune stated in 2007 that Abu Dhabi was the richest city in the world.

History

Parts of Abu Dhabi were settled in the 3rd millennium BC and its early history fits the nomadic herding and fishing pattern typical of the broader region. Modern Abu Dhabi traces its origins to the rise of an important tribal confederation, the Bani Yas, in the late 18^th century, which also subsequently assumed control of the town of Dubai. In the 19^th century the Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches parted ways.

Into the mid-20th century, the economy of Abu Dhabi continued to be sustained mainly by camel herding and the growing of dates and vegetables at the inland oases of Al-Ain and Liwa, and fishing and pearl diving off the coast of Abu Dhabi town, which was occupied mainly during the summer months. At that time most dwellings in Abu Dhabi town were constructed from palm fronds (barasti), with the wealthier families occupying mud huts. The growth of the cultured pearl industry in the first half of the 20th century created hardship for residents of Abu Dhabi as pearls represented the largest export and main source of cash earnings.

In 1939, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan granted petroleum concessions, and oil was first found in 1958. At first, oil money had a marginal impact. A few lowrise concrete buildings were erected, and the first paved road was completed in 1961, but Sheikh Shakbut, uncertain whether the new oil royalties would last, took a cautious approach, preferring to save the revenue rather than investing it in development. His brother, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, saw that oil wealth had the potential to transform Abu Dhabi. The ruling Al Nahyan family decided that Sheikh Zayed should replace his brother as ruler and carry out his vision of developing the country. On 6 August 1966, with the assistance of the British, Sheikh Zayed became the new ruler.^[10]

With the announcement by the UK in 1968 that it would withdraw from the Persian Gulf area by 1971, Sheikh Zayed became the main driving force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates.

After the Emirates gained independence in 1971, oil wealth continued to flow to the area and traditional mud-brick huts were rapidly replaced with banks, boutiques and modern highrises.

property abu dhabi

abu dhabi night view

Abu Dhabi World Trade Center By

dolphin towers abu dhabi

al reem island najmat abu dhabi

Abu Dhabi 2-real estate

Abu Dhabi picture

zha abu dhabi photo

abu dhabi nice view

Masdar Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates | Travel and Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:43:27 PDT

Masdar (Arabic: مصدر‎, maṣdar, literally the source) is a project in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. Its core is a planned city, which is being built by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, a subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, with the majority of seed capital provided by the government of Abu Dhabi.^[1]^[2] Designed by the British architectural firm Foster + Partners, the city will rely entirely on solar energy and other renewable energy sources, with a sustainable, zero-carbon, zero-waste ecology. The city is being constructed 17 kilometres (11 mi) east-south-east of the city of Abu Dhabi, beside Abu Dhabi International Airport.

It will host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency

Design and intent

The project is headed by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC). Initiated in 2006, the project is projected to cost US$22 billion and take some eight years to build, with the first phase scheduled to be complete and habitable in 2009.^[6]^[7]^[8] The city is planned to cover 6 square kilometres (2.3 sq mi) and will be home to 45,000 to 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses, primarily commercial and manufacturing facilities specialising in environmentally-friendly products, and more than 60,000 workers are expected to commute to the city daily.^[7]^[9]^[10] It will also be the location of a university, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), which will be assisted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).^[11]^[12] Automobiles will be banned within the city; travel will be accomplished via public mass transit and personal rapid transit systems, with existing road and railways connecting to other locations outside the city.^[9]^[13] The absence of motor vehicles coupled with Masdar's perimeter wall, designed to keep out the hot desert winds, allows for narrow and shaded streets that help funnel cooler breezes across the city.

Masdar City will be the latest of a small number of highly planned, specialized, research and technology-intensive municipalities that incorporate a living environment, similar to Novosibirsk, Russia or Tsukuba Science City, Japan.

Partners in the project through its Clean Tech Fund are Consensus Business Group, Credit Suisse and Siemens Venture Capital. Construction of the first phase of the project is being managed by CH2M HILL. Infrastructure construction for the city will be handled by the Al Jaber Group and design of the central Masdar headquarters building has been awarded to Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture.

masdar hq image

foster masdar mall

abu dhab imap

foster masdar shopping center

masdar headquarters

masdar city

abu dhabi city pic

abu dhabi image gallery

Travel Tourism - Mumbai to Delhi to Amritsar

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:43:35 PDT

After staying a few days in Mumbai and meeting up with friends ad family we fly to New Delhi to start our journey to the North of India.
Our first stop is Delhi, just for the night. Traffic undoubtadely is again painful, but the Metro Light rail system is already up and running here.
One thing I couldn't get over in Delhi was their obsession with toilets... and that too weird ones.
Look at the two pictures below... The big grey building has sign on it "Toilet Complex". I was so curious to see what it was about, but took the picture from our taxi.
The next one was a very ugly bad toilet at the train station going from Delhi to Amritsar. It is titled "Deluxe Toilet".. nothing deluxe about it!

Amritsar is a sacred city for Sikhs where there are beautiful temples. It falls in the Punjab state, which is huge agricultural land.
The train journey from Delhi to Amritsar was around 7 hours. It does start early, so you can see my mom doozed off and my Dad hoping to fall asleep. :) Tried some color effects in my camera too.

I couldn't fall asleep as the journey was so scenic. The train goes through endless acres of lush green fields. They extend all the way to the horizon.
I believe the picture below is of a rice field. Needless to say the food in the Northern region of India tastes so much better. There is a lot of flavor in the vegatables which is not found at other places.

But then the other factor that makes everything tastes so good in Punjab is the deep frying. Check out these fritters (potato, cauliflower, onion etc..) not fried once but "twice" to perfection. Well known as "Pakoras"
It has to taste good.

Tourism & Travel - Visiting The Gambia

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:43:53 PDT

Responsible tourism policy for Gambia
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Gambian Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Travel Association worked together to form what is referred to as ‘the responsible tourism policy for Gambia’. Its main objective is to increase the contribution of tourism to the economy and to raise the living standards of Gambians by maximising the positive impacts of tourism and minimising the negative ones.

Eco-tourism an emerging trend
Eco-tourism is an important and rapidly growing niche within the travel and tourism industry. Gambia is in a great position to capitalise on this, but recognises the need to develop a sustainable eco-tourism programme since the country has only a few national parks and wildlife reserves that lack accessibility and comfort for tourists. Therefore, in addition to regulating its development and ensuring that real benefits are felt in local communities, it is also aiming at minimising future environmental impact.

Bright outlook for tourism in Gambia
The travel and tourism industry in Gambia has a very bright future, particularly considering the active role being played by the government to grow and diversify the market. The present initiatives that have been introduced by the Gambian Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Travel Association will have a significant positive impact on the industry and domestic economy over the mid to long term. It is also expected that as the tourism industry diversifies, Gambia will become a place to visit all year round.

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.

Travel Fun - Hop on Hop off across the US

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:44:01 PDT

It has been a while since I said Hello here and I blame it purely on travelling, lack of time, low online connectivity and laziness. It has been about 20 days since I landed in New York and then I have been criss crossing the country to see places like Phoneix, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, LA, Santa Barbara, SFO ,Monterey - Big Sur on the coast and now back to NY-NJ. Met a lot of friends and family and its been a great time bonding while travelling around.

Ironically, this has never been my style of travelling. I usually do a lot of research and plan an itinerary before landing anywhere and then see places which are a combo of touristy and non touristy and spend quite a bit of time everywhere. This time though, its been like literally being on a hop on hop off bus across the US and trying to see whatever I can within the short span of time. In most places, we had friends and family giving us company, taking us around and guiding us, except in Vegas where we were on our own. And its been fun either ways.
Im heading to Manhattan in a few hours if the weather holds as its been raining here and the temperature is in single digits..else am planning to snuggle up and read and enjoy the warmth of the heater next to me.

Safari Tips for Thriving on a South African

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:44:17 PDT

1. Layers, layers, layers: Even though temperatures can easily hit over 90 degrees during the summer and 80 degrees in the winter, they can drop to the 40's and 50's in the mornings and evenings. Layering a warm jacket or sweater over T-shirts and tanks can help you keep warm on morning and evening safaris.

2. Consult with your family doctor: Immunization shots for tetanus and yellow fever as well as malaria pills are insisted upon, particularly if your lodge is in a malaria area. Guests traveling to a game reserve like Shamwari on the Eastern Cape of South Africa are in a malaria-free zone.

3. Check your passport: Visiting South Africa requires two completely empty pages in your passport alongside each other. Avid globe-trotters can add additional pages to their passport for a nominal fee.

Travel and Tourism - Travel to Vienna Austria

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:44:27 PDT

vienna catedral

The origins of the word Osterreich (eastern empire, or eastern realm), stretch back over a thousand years to the era when the Austrian lands were joined to the Holy Roman Empire. In AD 966, a document marked the existence of the Ostarrichi domains.

Austrian power on the world stage reached its zenith under the Habsburg dynasty, who reigned from 1298 to 1918. The Habsburgs really got into their stride in the sixteenth century, and the defeat of the Turks at the gates of Vienna in 1683 saved Austria from disaster.

Austria remained a major player on the world stage, with the Habsburgs piecing together a vast swathe of Central Europe. Vienna provided the location for the famed Congress of 1814-15, when the kings, dukes and princes of Europe tried to undo the changes that Napoleon had created. However, in the age of rising nationalism, the Habsburgs struggled to keep their Empire under control - concessions to the Hungarians, Poles and fellow nations were introduced.

After losing the First World War, Austria was divided up amidst the clamour for independence of the nation states. The Austrians voted to be joined to Germany, but the Allies declined, wary of a swift return to power. The 20's and 30's were a trying era, and Austria was ultimately absorbed into Hitler's German Reich in 1938. Hence followed one of the blackest periods in Austria's history.

After the Second World War, Austria was temporarily administered by the Allies, with Vienna itself divided into French, Russian, English and American zones. However, fortune turned in Austria's favour and the country was not subjected to long-term Soviet, or indeed any other other form of foreign rule. In 1955, the Allies agreed for a withdrawal and the Republic of Austria was declared.

Today, Austria is one of the wealthiest countries in the European Union, with a high standard of living. It is a land-locked country, bordered - following the arm of the clock - by the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany. Austria's landscapes endure as amongst the country's leading attractions, and the Austrian stretch of the Alps remains a favourite with skiers. Politically, the country has been a democracy since 1955, but it has not all been plane-sailing. Waldheim's late 80's presidency sparked controversy, whilst the Far Right caused a rumpus in 1999 when they gained 27.2 per cent of the vote. In 2006, the socialists returned to power, with the Far Right vote shrinking to 15%. However, as a democracy, Austria's post-war Human Rights record remains impeccable.

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Travel and Tourism - Yacht Charter in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:44:35 PDT

The best of yacht allotment in Thailand is advanced and includes; bareboat yacht charter, affluence crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, monohull and baiter allotment and both captain and motor yacht charter.

Many of admirable islands of Thailand are abandoned attainable by sea and a yacht allotment is a abundant way to analyze this area. The basic yacht allotment breadth is amidst the islands of the Andaman Sea.

Different aboriginal cultures accept existed in Thailand back the time of the Baan Chiang culture. Due to its bounded location, Thai ability has consistently been abundantly afflicted by India and China as able-bodied as the neighbouring cultures of south east Asia. The aboriginal Thai accompaniment is commonly advised to be the Buddhist commonwealth of Sukhothai founded in 1238. A aeon later, the beyond Siamese commonwealth of Ayutthaya overshadowed Sukhothai's power. Ayuthaya fell in 1767 to Burmese forces. The accustomed era of Thai history began in 1782 afterward the enactment of Bangkok as basic of the Chakri absolutism beneath King Rama I the Great.

European admiral began travelling to Thailand in the 16th century. Despite European pressure, Thailand is the abandoned Southeast Asian country never to accept been colonized by a European power. Despite this, Western admission led to abounding reforms in the 19th aeon and above concessions to British trading interests. This included the accident of the three southern provinces, which afterwards became Malaysia's three arctic states.

In 1932, a anesthetic anarchy resulted in a new built-in monarchy. During the war, Thailand was affiliated with Japan. Yet afterwards the war, it became an accessory of the United States. Thailand again went through a alternation of coups d'état, but eventually progressed appear capitalism in the 1980s

Thailand, Phuket and the Andaman Sea accept acquired a acceptability for actuality a top yacht allotment destination. There is an affluence of islands to visit, some developed but best not. Several civic parks and reefs action abundant opportunities for diving and fishing. Best of these arresting islands of the Andaman Sea are attainable by baiter abandoned and a yacht allotment is one of the few means to see them.

Yacht allotment in Thailand is about accessible and adequate with able-bodied charted waters, baby flat ranges, an absence of able currents, and an affluence of cloistral yacht anchorages with accomplished captivation ground. Sailing altitude are abutting to absolute all year round. Basic aliment like fuel, water, beginning aftermath and accoutrement are readily accessible and may be begin on abounding of the islands. The amnion are abundant with angle which you can bolt yourself or which you can buy or bargain for with fishermen. Best of the islands will additionally accept bargain restaurants area you can adore Thailand's abundant cuisine.

Thai cuisine blends bristles axiological tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, absinthian and salty. Some accustomed capacity acclimated in Thai cuisine accommodate garlic, chillies, adhesive juice, auto grass, and angle sauce. The basic aliment in Thailand is rice, decidedly the jasmine array rice, additionally accustomed as Hom Mali rice, which is included in about every meal.

Phuket has emerged as a baton in Thailand's advancing tourism industry. As the hub of the Andaman Sea and Thailand's better island, Phuket is the absolute abject for a yacht charter. There are admirable alien islands and beaches, bright bright waters, adorable cartography in accession to restaurants, nightlife and abundant shopping. From Phuket there is actual admission to sailing in beauteous backdrop and actually hundreds of abandoned yacht anchorages from which to choose.

The Thai bodies are allegorical for their welcome: Thailand is about alleged the " Land of Smiles". The cuisine of Thailand is apparently one of the best in the apple and bistro out is so bargain that there is no allurement to baker on the yacht. Thailand is a adventurous and adorable destination for any yacht allotment holiday.

The all-embracing airport on Phuket offers absolute access to abounding all-embracing destinations in accession to abutting flights from Bangkok. Thai is the official accent and but English is announced widely. The bill is the Thai. US Dollars are acclimated extensively. Above acclaim cards may be accustomed in hotels, restaurants and some shops.

Thailand has two audible seasons. From November to April the acclimate is consistently brilliant and dry with temperatures at about 30°C degrees. The predominantly ablaze to abstinent northeast apprehension are ideal for sailing. From May to October the southwest apprehension aces up and are sometimes absolutely able with casual squalls. Acclimate altitude during this aeon are about good. Although you can apprehend rain showers but they tend to be abbreviate lived. Apprehension draft from 5-20 knots over the two seasons.

Phang Nga Bay is a archetypal Thai yacht anchorage with the beauteous sea-mountains that acceleration angular out of azure waters. Numerous safe anchorages are accessible in the cloistral bay. Use a breakable or baiter to analyze the baby coves, arresting caves and civil lakes.

The amnion about the islands off Krabi are bright clear. Although Krabi can be crowded, its beaches are stunning. Phra Nang bank is decidedly affecting with its aerial bedrock pillars that belfry over creating one of the best admirable beaches in the world.

The Koh Dam Group is acceptable for an brief stop. Koh Dam Khwan has a admirable albino breach bank that is abandoned appear at mid tide. This is a admirable atom to ballast off and adore a few abandoned hours with annihilation abroad around.

The Phi Phi Islands are amid the best amazing of Thailand with their arresting scenery, abandoned accolade and white albino beaches. Adore the restaurants and alive ball offered on the island.

Langkawi with its 99 surrounding islands is a paradise that longs to be discovered. Tourism has is on the increase. Abandoned 4 of these islands are inhabited. If you are attractive for an arcadian abandoned acquaintance these are the absolute canoeing area for you. A one way yacht allotment from Phuket requires 10 canicule and crew.

Diving in Thailand is great. The amnion of the Andaman Sea are abounding with a admirable assortment of abyssal life, including apricot and some of old shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts to discover. Lots of boats able with scuba diving accessories and abounding diving centres about the Islands.

There are several able-bodied accustomed sailing regattas in Thailand; Appointment in December and accompany in the celebrations surrounding the anniversary Phuket King's Cup Regatta that attracts some of the best world's yachtsmen. With a ambit of yacht classes from antagonism yachts, action boats, cruisers and classics. QBE Phang bay Regatta, captivated annually over Chinese New Year, is Phuket's newest Regatta. It is fast accepting a acceptability as one of the best fun Regattas in Asia.

Amazing Dubai

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:39:25 PDT

Best city to live in Southeast Asia

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:44:53 PDT

Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta: the four main cities of Southeast Asia, although quite close to each other, offer a wide variety of lifestyle. Our relationship with our city is always a love-hate relationship, too much traffic but affordable, safe city but expensive, great weather but polluted, unsafe but very fun etc etc…

So to measure the best urban living experience in this part of the world, a good real estate magazine “Property Report” has published recently it’s own reader’s survey on what they like and dislike about their cities. They have measured and analysed cost of basic necessities, prices of apartments, rentals, and interviewed architects and analysts. Here is a sum up of the most interesting results.

Singapore

Kuala Lumpur

Jakarta

Bangkok

So wich city would you choose to live in?

Basically it really depends on what you are looking for. Singapore has high stability and safety but is expensive, KL is affordable with a vibrant nightlife but KLlites do not feel safe (? I feel much safer than in Paris), Jakarta is facing major problems of urbanisation, and Bangkok is affordable and fun but has a lot of pollution.

Mega Project in Dubai - Top List Mega Project

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:45:03 PDT

Switch Restaurant

2: Museum of Middle Eastern Modern Art.

3: Michael Schumacher World Champion Tower

4: a kilometre-high tower by architects Woods Bagot.

5: Xeritown.

6: Dubai opera house by Zaha Hadid

7: Waterfront City by OMA.

8: 300 metre-tall rotating skyscraper.

9: a cloud-shaped resort on slanted legs to resemble rain

10: Dubai Opera by French architect Jean Nouvel

Travel and Tourism - Green Travel

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:45:11 PDT

What absolutely is meant by a byword like Blooming Travel? Blooming Biking can beggarly annihilation from environmentally amenable motor cars to eco-friendly busline fuels, to amenable eco-tourism options, acceptable biking or stays in hotels and accessories that are environmentally conscious.

Read on to acquisition some abundant options on the Internet area you, the environmentally-responsible traveler, can enhance your ability and abide to seek the smartest, best planet-conscious choices accessible back you travel.

Why Blooming Biking Matters

Tourism, in abreast times, is a abundantly growth-oriented industry, and is amid the world's largest, with spending abstracts estimated at over bristles hundred billion per year in contempo years. Because of the cutting admeasurement of the industry globally, millions of bodies are active aural its ranks, and are accordingly of abundant affair back it comes to responsible, eco-conscious decisions.

Such aerial statistics all activate with local, alone choices - area bodies absorb their money back they travel, during their biking and the bulletin that their accomplishments accelerate out to all-around populations. The appulse of all-around travel, back geared against the positive, can be agitating - including back tourism's dollars go to the accessory of bounded populations, or back travelers acknowledgment home with a beginning booty on added cultures, communities and environments, for instance.

How Tourism and Biking Become "Sustainable Tourism and Travel"

WTTC Associations such as the Apple Biking and Tourism Council in London, England, action apple travelers a abundance of advice on acceptable and blooming tourism. The mission account of the alignment speaks to their goals: "Raising acquaintance of the accent of Biking & Tourism, announcement synergies amid the accessible and clandestine sector, breeding accumulation as able-bodied as attention natural, amusing and cultural ambiance [these] are the axiological apparatus of [their] mission, as categorical in the Blueprint for New Tourism."

Whenever you travel, do what you can to extend the added accomplishment to ask questions about the businesses that account your trip: from hotels to tours to restaurants and more. Acquisition out what you can about the appulse of their businesses on the environment, in agreement of both the concrete and cultural aspects. No set of accepted standards or guidelines currently exists to ensure that those in the biking and tourism industry all-embracing accomplish according to environmentally acquainted principles.

So What Is Ecotourism and Can It Help?

With a greater accent placed on the ambiance in general, biking and tourism has additionally acquainted the weight of the blooming revolution. The biking and tourism industry has sprung up in places area the accustomed ambiance charcoal in acumen and accessible for one to acquaintance first-hand. At its best, ecotourism is about attributes biking - tourism of and agronomics of acknowledgment for the complete vistas and landscapes of the planet.

Resources Accessible for Blooming Travel

ResponsibleTravel

At Amenable Travel, acquisition "A duke best agenda of 1000s of beauteous eco holidays run by 265 specialist bout operators and 100's of accommodations. Use the armpit to acquaintance the specialists anon to appeal added information. Book absolute with the specialists to get the best price."

The International Ecotourism Society (ecotourism.org)

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) offers that through "Uniting communities, attention and acceptable travel," they anon "promote amenable biking to accustomed areas that conserves the ambiance and improves the abundance of bounded people."

PlanetA

Debuting in 1994, PlanetA is a beat website that provides tips for travelers and locals who allotment a eyes of eco-friendly, people-friendly and place-friendly travel. They booty a activating wiki appearance of the Web and acknowledge their viewers' accessible beat suggestions and action a annual Apple Biking Directory.

Sustainable Biking International (sustainabletravelinternational.org)

The alignment Acceptable Biking International has the afterward for its mission statement: "Promoting amenable biking and ecotourism, acknowledging acceptable development, and allowance travelers and biking providers assure the cultures and environments they visit."

Google Blooming Biking Search (services.google.com/earth/green/)

At Summer of Green, Google's now allegorical map account is powered to advice Blooming travelers acquisition what they charge to in the way of environmentally acquainted all-around travel, through the assignment of Earth Day Network. Acquisition tips on traveling blooming this summer with keyword searches like "environmentally affable hotel" rather than aloof "hotel."

Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance says, "With added than 800 actor bodies traveling anniversary year, tourism is a growing antecedent of acquirement for bodies active in areas that are abnormally affluent in plants and animals - and threatened with destruction. While tourism can advance to problems such as waste, abode abolition and the displacement of bounded bodies and wildlife, it additionally has the abeyant to accommodate incentives for conservation." Acquisition out added through the tourism arm of their website.

Travel and Tourism - visiting Lombok ,Gili Trawangan Party Island

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:45:21 PDT

Gili Trawangan is the largest island of the three islands in Lombok Island, also known as Party Island a majority of tourist who comes young, majority resorts (accommodation) located east side of the island. After diving you can be having fun every night in one of the party organizer. Dive center on the floor above the restaurant with a terrace is open, and the tables near the pool or beach straight lane. Bungalow positioned behind diveshop.

After diving you can relax at the pool, or sit above the dive shop with a sea view, or relaxing beach lane.

Travel; and Tourism - Sabah Travel Map

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:46:14 PDT

Sabah Travel Map site is a good guide for the traveler to know or find direction destination for tourist.This maps provide various place for visiting..Site this info is useful to the traveler who wants to pay a visit to Sabah.

Resort Hotel Reethi Rah Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:46:39 PDT

When it comes to luxury hotels no one does it like the One&Only resorts located in the most exotic spots around the world. The One&Only Reethi Rah in Maldives is no exception and features a seductive landscape and interior design that lets you know you are on vacation! I had the pleasure of staying at the Pamilla in Cabo San Lucas Mexico and can personally attest to the special feeling you get from the moment you wake until you shut your eyes at night. Here are some of the glamorous shots from in and around the One&Only Reethi Rah, see the entire resort as well as the rest of their resorts here.

One and Only Luxury Resort Hotel

Travel and Tourism - Gherkin behind the Tower of London

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:46:47 PDT

Gherkin behind the Tower of London

The Tower of London was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1078. In contrast the Gherkin Building, which is actually called 30 St Mary Axe or the Swiss Re Building was designed by the architects Foster and Partners. Construction started in 2001 and the building was completed in 2004.

Travel news - World Healthiest Countries

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:47:18 PDT

There are lots of reasons to envy residents of Northern Europe. Each day they get to take in raw, dramatic landscapes, stunning architecture and world-class shopping. But, more important, they know a thing or two about health and wellness. Forbes.com has found that the region is home to some of the world's healthiest countries, including top-ranking Iceland, Sweden and Finland. Others that fared well include Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Denmark, Canada, Austria and the Netherlands. "Historically, these countries had an ethic of having more of a nationalized health care system," says Kate Schecter, a program officer for the American International Health Alliance, a nonprofit that works to advance global health by helping nations with limited resources build sustainable infrastructure. "There's this mentality that health care should be a given right for citizens." Despite the fact that an estimated 47 million Americans lack health insurance, the U.S . ranked 11. Rounding out the list, were Israel, the Czech Republic, Spain and France. Behind The Numbers To determine our list of the healthiest places to live in the world, Forbes.com looked at the latest available health and environmental statistics for every nation, from sources such as the World Health Organization, the World Bank and the UN. But due to incomplete data, we ranked only the 138 nations with statistics in every measure. That's why you don't see countries such as Monaco, Norway, Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Ireland and Andorra--all of which had a shot of cracking the top 15 were they not missing information. The statistics we examined included estimated air pollution in world cities; the percentage of a country's population with access to improved drinking water and sanitation; infant mortality rates; the rate of prevalence of tuberculosis; the density of physicians--generalists and specialists--per 1,000 people; undernourishment rates; and healthy life expectancies for men. Beyond high marks for drinking water, sanitation and nourishment, which many countries achieved, Iceland and Sweden had some of the lowest levels of air pollution, infant mortality and rates of tuberculosis prevalence. They also both had the highest healthy life expectancies for men: 72 years. Got a health concern? Weigh in. Add your thoughts in the Reader Comments section below and we'll try to address it in an upcoming story. Healthy life expectancy statistics, in particular, say a lot about the welfare of a country's inhabitants, says Yohannes Kinfu, a statistician for the World Health Organization. Those nations with the highest numbers tend also to have high gross domestic products, as well as accessible health care systems and lower rates of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS. Research has shown that long-term exposure to air pollution can affect lung function and lead to premature death. Other nations with estimated low particulate matter concentrations, according to the World Bank, include France and Australia. Countries' success in combating pollution is likely due to a mix of policies addressing the problem, enforcement of standards and the use of clean fuel, says Kiran Pandey, a senior environmental economist for the Global Environment Facility, an organization affiliated with the World Bank, and an author of the research. But some places, such as those located along coastlines, are simply luckier than others, since crosswinds can dilute air pollution, Pandey says. Low infant mortality rates are indications of socioeconomic factors, such as household incomes, which can influence the kind of nutrition and health care a child receives and whether a family is knowledgeable about protection against infection, Kinfu says. The Czech Republic also had one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates. And while a high number of doctors located in an area might not necessarily mean its residents are healthy, due to questions of access, it's generally a positive sign. Israel has a relatively high doctor density rate, according to the World Health Organization's World Health Statistics 2007. While the average resident of any of these countries might take for granted or pay little attention to something like access to health care, these factors make a healthy nation, says Jen Kates, vice president and director of HIV/AIDS Policy for the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit, private foundation focused on major U.S. health care concerns, as well as global health. "Everyone," Kates says, "needs to be aware that how we provide health care to people in a country is a critical issue."

1. Iceland

Icelanders enjoy one of the world's highest healthy life expectancies (72 for men and 74 for women), giving them plenty of time with the country's mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and coastal lands. The country is also one of the world's least polluted. Ensuring Iceland’s top position is the country’s TB prevalence (2.2 per 100,000 people) and infant mortality rate (two deaths per 1,000 live births), both the world’s lowest. The country also has one of the highest physician densities, 3.62 per 1,000 people.

2. Sweden

Sweden's strong environmental policies helped it land the No. 2 spot on our list. Sweden's air is clean enough to place the country in the top three. Its infant mortality rate, three deaths per 1,000 live births, and TB prevalence, 4.6 per 100,000 people, are the lowest in the world. Keeping the country from first place is its physician density (3.28 physicians per 1,000 people), relatively high worldwide but lower than the top-spot country, Iceland.

3. Finland

Thirty years ago, this low-polluting country had the highest death rate from heart disease for men (around five deaths per 1,000). This drove local governments to encourage healthy living. Fruit and vegetable intake more than doubled since then and the number of smokers has dwindled. The death rate from heart disease is now down to one, on average, for the region. The country also has one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates, or three deaths per 1,000 live births, and a low TB prevalence, or 4.8 per 100,000 people.

4. Germany

In Germany there is no waiting for appointments, no need for referrals to see a specialist and, until recently, you didn’t even pay for your taxi ride to the hospital. All this plus state of the art facilities come at a high price. The German health care system, one of the best in the world, is also one of the most expensive. The country’s total expenditure on health is 10.6 % of its GDP and pays for one of the highest physician densities on our list, 3.37 physicians per 1,000 people. Germany’s clean air solidified its position in the top

5. Switzerland

Switzerland spends over 11 % of its GDP on universal health coverage, the second-highest health spending per capita of all the countries considered. It has one of the world’s highest healthy life expectancies, or 71 for men and 75 for women. Its physician density, 3.61 per 1,000 members of the population, is also one of the highest on the list. Preventing the country from ranking higher is its air pollution estimate, the highest of the countries in the top five.

6. Australia

Australia's health care system is one of the best in the world. Got a less than squeaky-clean medical history, numerous past claims or just plain old age? No worries, mate! Down under, insurance companies are required to charge policyholders the same premiums regardless of one's status or past. Australia also received high marks for its air, among the world’s cleanest. Keeping Australia from making into the top five is its TB prevalence: 5.9 per 100,000 people.

7. Denmark

Danes pay between 42% and 59% of their incomes in taxes; about 8% of taxes goes to pay for the country’s universal health care coverage. Sadly, the Danish health care system isn’t super efficient. Long waits to see a doctor are common. The country’s physician density, 2.93 per 1,000 people, is one of the lowest on the list. Preventing the country from ranking higher but solidly placing it in the top 10 is the country’s healthy life expectancy, or 69 for males and 71 for females.

8. Canada

The Great White North has the list's lowest number of doctors per capita, or 2.1 for every 1,000. Still, Canadians enjoy one of the world's longest life expectancies and one of the lowest TB rates, or 3.6 per 100,000 people. A relatively high infant mortality rate, 5 deaths per 1,000 live births, also lands Canada in spot eight.

9. Austria

Austria’s ranking was negatively affected by the fumes and smog polluting its air. The country’s TB prevalence, 8.8 per 100,000 people, also kept the country from scoring higher. Austria did have a good infant mortality rate (4 deaths per 1,000 live births) and physician density (3.38 per 1,000 people) solidifying its position in the top 10.

10. Netherlands

Though the Netherlands is thought by many to offer one of the world's highest standards of living, the country failed to crack the list's top five. Its ranking was adversely affected by high pollution rates. The highly urbanized, densely populated nation suffers from water, air and soil contamination. Working in its favor, the country has a low TB rate, or 5.4 for every 100,000 people. The country’s healthy life expectancy, 70 for men and 73 for women, is average for the countries on the list.

11. United States

The U.S. spends over 15% of its gross domestic product on health care--with little to show for it. In 2006, almost 16% of the population lacked health insurance. Still, of the 15 countries on the list the U.S came out on top when measuring infant mortality rate. The country also has the second-highest healthy life expectancy. What's more, air pollution is relatively low, and the U.S. boasts one of the world's lowest TB rates.

12. Israel

Plagued by respiratory problems or concerned about clean air? Steer clear of Israel. It’s got one of the highest levels of air pollution of the countries on our list. You won’t be lacking vitamin D in this sunny country, however; it's one of the world's leaders in solar energy use. Also working for it: the list’s highest physician density rate, or 3.37 for every 1,000 people. Israel’s healthy life expectancy stood at 70 for males and 72 for females, average for the countries on our list.

13. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has one of the list’s lowest healthy life expectancies--66 for men and 71 for women. The country’s less than stellar sanitation coverage and its TB prevalence rate, 10.8 per 100,000 people, prevented a higher ranking. Working in its favor? One of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates. In 1990, the number of deaths per 1,000 live births stood at 13. It's now 3.

14. Spain

The country's tuberculosis rate is the highest of all 15 countries, at 21.7 for every 100,000 people. Spain also has one of the highest air pollution estimates on the list. Its physician density, healthy life expectancy and infant mortality rate are average when compared with other countries on the list.

15. France

A stellar health care system and clean air landed France on the list. Working against it: the worst wastewater treatment standards of the top 15. Its tuberculosis rate--11 cases per 100,000 people, one of the highest on the list--also held it back. But there's good news for the country's chronically ill; France's high physician density measurement: 3.37 per 1,000 people.

Travel and Tourism - Visiting Dubai and the UAE

noreply@blogger.com (ethan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:47:27 PDT

Tomorrow will be the grand opening of the latest addition to the skyline of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Atlantis Palm Resort, with over 1,500 rooms, will be hosting an opening ceremony with celebrities from around the world tomorrow night. The rapid development in Dubai and across the UAE hasn't all been easy lately, as infrastructure problems (handling rising levels of waste to match massive development), and world financial struggles have slowed progress. Wealthy Dubai continues to grow though, in both land area as new islands are built, and in height as new, taller skyscrapers are planned to best the Burj Dubai, already the tallest in the world.

Camels are seen early morning on a beach in the Marina area of Dubai October 16, 2008.

An Emirati man holds a falcon during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition in Abu Dhabi on October 8, 2008. The annual exhibition has achieved great success both within the Gulf region and worldwide attracting international specialist exhibitors of guns, hunting vehicles, shooting, fishing, falconry, equipment and accessories.

British motorcyclist James West drives his 690 cc KTM Rally bike during preliminary super stage action in Dubai on October, 26 2008, one day before the official start of the UAE Desert Challenge Rally. More than 140 drivers took part in the five day rally.

The Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise liner enters the Firth of Clyde past Cumbrea Elbow lighthouse on October 5, 2008. The ship is making its final journey in November to Dubai to be re-fitted as a luxury floating hotel anchored off Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island.

A sculpture of an ant is seen in front of the Dubai International Financial Exchange October 7, 2008. Gulf Arab stock markets had slumped to multi-year lows as speculation intensified that a five-year property boom had come to an end and heavyweight financing firms would be forced to merge as credit conditions deteriorated.

Heavy fog rolls by high-rise constructions near the Dubai Marina in this November 21, 2007 file photo.

With a background of Sheikh Zayed highway's towers, Muslims of different nationalities perform the Eid al-Fitr prayers at Grand Musalla in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008.

Visitors look at a model of a proposed development entitled "City of Arabia" at the opening of the Cityscape 2008 international real estate exhibition in Dubai on October 6, 2008.

A man walks close to a polluted beach in the popular Jumeirah area in the Gulf Emirate of Dubai on October 25, 2008. News of a serious sea water pollution is causing worries in Dubai, especially after the municipality closed off one of the most popular beaches in the emirate.

With the world's tallest under construction tower, Burj Dubai, background left, vehicles pass by the under construction towers at the Business Bay in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Oct. 27, 2008.

Arab clients smoke waterpipes after breaking their fast at a Ramadan tent in a five-star hotel in Dubai on September 16, 2008. Besides charity banquets for the poor during the fasting month of Ramadan, fancy tents that offer sumptuous meals at relevant prices flourish in the oil-rich Gulf emirate, attracting both locals and foreigners, Muslims and non-Muslims, many of whom exchange normal dinner outings with the sunset 'iftar' meal and late night 'suhur' snacks and waterpipes.

Burj Dubai, the tallest tower in the world, is seen in the background as labourers work at a construction site near the Dubai Mall, October 29, 2008. The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest, has pushed back its opening on October 30 to five days later.

A handout picture made available on October 26, 2008 from the media office of Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed al-Maktoum shows Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, walking through an aisle of the second Emirates Airline A380 superjumbo at Dubai international airport. The rich Gulf Emirate received the second A380 on October 24, 2008. Emirates, which is owned by the government of Dubai, is the largest customer of the A380. It has 58 on order in a deal worth about 18.8 billion dollars based on list prices.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, talks to the audience about the Nakheel Harbour & Tower project, a more than 1 kilometer high tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,

A visitor to the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai holds her baby at the sea shore on October 23, 2008.

Bulls push each other during a traditional bullfight in the Gulf emirate of Fujairah on November 7, 2008.

A couple takes an early morning walk on a beach in the Marina area of Dubai October 16, 2008.

A handout picture made available by the Dubai Desert Challenge shows Russian driver Vladimir Chagin and his co-pilots Sergy Savostin and Antoly Tahin driving their Kamaz 4911 truck through the Liwa desert, south of Abu Dhabi, during the UAE Desert challenge Competition on October 30, 2008.

The scene over Dubai Marina late November 15, 2008. Dubai property shares plunged, last week, and its biggest private developer slashed jobs as the global financial crisis tightened its grip on the tiny emirate, until now synonymous with the Gulf Arab real estate boom.

Visitors looks up as fish swim in the aquarium tunnel in Dubai Mall, which covers the area of 50 soccer fields, November 4, 2008. The Dubai Mall, which officially opened on the 4th, includes the aquarium, one of the world's largest, an Olympic-sized ice rink, a gold souq and shops covering 5.9 million sq ft.

With a background of Sheikh Zayed highway's towers, Muslim women arrive at Grand Musalla to perform the Eid al-Fitr prayers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008.

An Emirati man walks past helicopter models displayed at the Helishow exhibition in Dubai on November 12, 2008.

A handout picture made available by EMAAR Malls Group on October 30, 2008 shows an aerial view of Dubai Mall, one of the world�s largest shopping and entertainment destinations in the booming Gulf state.

An Emirati carries a falcon, one of the tourist attractions at the lobby of the Atlantis resort complex on the man-made Palm Jumeirah island in the Gulf emirate of Dubai on November 18, 2008.

Journalists watch a stingray swimming in the giant aquarium of the Atlantis hotel which is a part of $ 1.5 billion resort in Jumeira Palm Island in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008.

An early evening view of the Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah with residential construction in the foreground late November 15, 2008.

An early evening hazy view of Dubai's skyline, dominated by the Burj Dubai skyscraper, seen late November 15, 2008.

The Burj Dubai on November 7, 2008 - the tallest manmade structure in the world, despite being still incomplete. The skyscraper stands at 707 meters (2,320 ft), with 160 floors and growing, and is scheduled to be complete by September of next year.