Travels - Musics - Movies - Sports - News Blog

Travel to America - NewYork

2009-09-25T19:12:00.002+04:00

Shimmering from the desert haze of Nevada like a latter-day El Dorado, Las Vegas is the most dynamic, spectacular city on earth. At the start of the twentieth century, it didn't even exist; at the start of the twenty-first, it's home to well over one million people, with enough newcomers arriving to need a new school every month.

Las Vegas is not like other cities. No city in history has so explicitly valued the needs of visitors above those of its own population. All its growth has been fueled by tourism, but the tourists haven't spoiled the "real" city; there is no real city. Las Vegas doesn't have fascinating little-known neighborhoods, and it's not a place where visitors can go off the beaten track to have more authentic experiences. Instead, the whole thing is completely self-referential; the reason Las Vegas boasts the vast majority of the world's largest hotels is that around thirty-seven million tourists each year come to see the hotels themselves.

Each of these monsters is much more than a mere hotel, and more too than the casino that invariably lies at its core. They're extraordinary places, self-contained fantasylands of high camp and genuine excitement that can stretch as much as a mile from end to end. Each holds its own flamboyant permutation of showrooms and swimming pools, luxurious guest quarters and restaurants, high-tech rides and attractions.

The casinos want you to gamble, and they'll do almost anything to lure you in; thus the huge moving walkways that pluck you from the Strip sidewalk, almost against your will, and sweep you into places like Caesars Palace. Once you're inside, on the other hand, the last thing they want is for you to leave. Whatever you came in for, you won't be able to do it without crisscrossing the casino floor innumerable times; as for finding your way out, that can be virtually impossible. The action keeps going day and night, and in this windowless – and clock-free – environment you rapidly lose track of which is which.

"Little emphasis is placed on the gambling clubs No cheap and easily parodied slogans have been adopted to publicize Las Vegas, no attempt has been made to introduce pseudo-romantic architectural themes or to give artificial glamour or gaiety."
– WPA Guidebook to Nevada, 1940

Las Vegas never dares to rest on its laurels, so the basic concept of the Strip casino has been endlessly refined since the Western-themed resorts and ranches of the 1940s. In the 1950s and 1960s, when most visitors arrived by car, the casinos presented themselves as lush tropical oases at the end of the long desert drive. Once air travel took over, Las Vegas opted for Disneyesque fantasy, a process that started in the late 1960s with Caesars Palace and culminated with Excalibur and Luxor in the early 1990s.

These days, after six decades of capitalism run riot, the Strip is locked into a hyperactive craving for thrills and glamour. First-time visitors tend to expect Las Vegas to be a repository of kitsch, but the casino owners are far too canny to be sentimental about the old days. Yes, there are a few Elvis impersonators around, but what characterizes the city far more is its endless quest for novelty. Long before they lose their sparkle, yesterday's showpieces are blasted into rubble, to make way for ever more extravagant replacements. The Disney model has now been discarded in favor of more adult themes, and Las Vegas demands nothing less than entire cities. Replicas of New York, Paris, Monte Carlo and Venice now jostle for space on the Strip.

The customer is king in Las Vegas. What the visitor wants, the city provides. If you come in search of the cheapest destination in America, you'll enjoy paying rock-bottom rates for accommodation and hunting out the best buffet bargains. If it's style and opulence you're after, by contrast, you can dine in the finest restaurants, shop in the most chic stores, and watch world-class entertainment; it'll cost you, but not as much as it would anywhere else. The same guidelines apply to gambling. The Strip giants cater to those who want sophisticated high-roller heavens, where tuxedoed James Bond lookalikes toss insouciant bankrolls onto the roulette tables. Others prefer their casinos to be sinful and seedy, inhabited by hard-bitten heavy-smoking low-lifes; there is no shortage of that type of joint either, especially downtown.

On the face of it, the city is supremely democratic. However you may be dressed, however affluent or otherwise you may appear, you'll be welcomed in its stores, restaurants, and above all its casinos. The one thing you almost certainly won't get, however, is the last laugh; all that seductive deference comes at a price. It would be nice to imagine that perhaps half of your fellow visitors are skilful gamblers, raking in the profits at the tables, while the other half are losing, but the bottom line is that almost nobody's winning. In the words of Steve Wynn, who built Bellagio and the Mirage, "The only way to make money in a casino is to own one"; according to the latest figures, 85 percent of visitors gamble, and they lose an average of $665 each. On top of that, most swiftly come to see that virtually any other activity works out cheaper than gambling, so end up spending their money on all sorts of other things as well. What's so clever about Las Vegas is that it makes absolutely certain that you have such a good time that you don't mind losing a bit of money along the way; that's why they don't even call it "gambling" anymore, but "gaming."

Finally, while Las Vegas has certainly cleaned up its act since the early days of Mob domination, there's little truth in the notion that it's become a family destination. In fact, for kids, it's doesn't begin to compare to somewhere like Orlando. Several casinos have added theme parks or fun rides to fill those odd nongambling moments, but only ten percent of visitors bring children, and the crowds that cluster around the exploding volcanoes and pirate battles along the Strip remain almost exclusively adult.

(from yahoo travel)

Travel to America - SanFrancisco

2009-09-25T19:09:00.001+04:00

SAN FRANCISCO proper occupies just 48 hilly square miles at the tip of a slender peninsula, almost perfectly centered along the California coast. Arguably the most beautiful, certainly the most liberal city in the US, it remains true to itself: a funky, individualistic, surprisingly small city whose people pride themselves on being the cultured counterparts to their cousins in LA – the last bastion of civilization on the lunatic fringe of America. It's a compact and approachable place, where downtown streets rise on impossible gradients to reveal stunning views of the city, the bay and beyond, and blanket fogs roll in unexpectedly to envelop the city in mist. This is not the California of mono-tonous blue skies and slothful warmth – the temperatures rarely exceed the seventies, and even during summer can drop much lower.

Palace of Fine Art II

Golden Gate

Palace of Fine Art II

The original inhabitants of this area, the Ohlone Indians, were all but wiped out within a few years of the establishment in 1776 of the Mission Dolores, the sixth in the chain of Spanish Catholic missions that ran the length of California. Two years after the Americans replaced the Mexicans in 1846, the discovery of gold in the Sierra foothills precipitated the rip-roaring Gold Rush. Within a year fifty thousand pioneers had traveled west, and east from China, turning San Francisco from a muddy village and wasteland of sand dunes into a thriving supply center and transit town. By the time the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, San Francisco was a lawless, rowdy boomtown of bordellos and drinking dens, something the moneyed elite – who hit it big on the much more dependable silver Comstock Load – worked hard to mend, constructing wide boulevards, parks, a cable car system and elaborate Victorian redwood mansions.

In the midst of the city's golden age, however, a massive earthquake, followed by three days of fire, wiped out most of the town in 1906. Rebuilding began immediately, resulting in a city more magnificent than before; in the decades that followed, writers like Dashiell Hammett and Jack London lived and worked here. Many of the city's landmarks, including Coit Tower and both the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, were built in the 1920s and 1930s. By World War II San Francisco had been eclipsed by Los Angeles as the main west coast city, but it achieved a new cultural eminence with the emergence of the Beats in the Fifties and the hippies in the Sixties, when the fusion of music, protest, rebellion and, of course, drugs that characterized 1967's "Summer of Love" took over the Haight-Ashbury district.

In a conservative America, San Francisco's reputation as a liberal oasis continues to grow, attracting waves of resettlers from all over the US. It is estimated that over half the city's population originates from somewhere else. It is a city in a constant state of evolution, fast gentrifying itself into one of the most high-end towns on earth – thanks, in part, to the disposable incomes pumped into its coffers from its sizeable singles and gay contingents. Gay capital of the world, San Francisco has also been the scene of the dot.com revolution's rise and fall. The resultant wealth at one time made housing prices skyrocket – often at the expense of the city's middle and lower classes – but the closure of hundreds of start-up IT companies has brought real-estate prices back down to (almost) reasonable levels. Despite the city's current economic ebbs and flows, your impression of the city likely won't be altered – it remains one of the most proudly distinct places to be found anywhere.

Most Beautiful places of the world - 1

2009-09-22T03:15:00.002+04:00

Nature reveals its beauty in various forms; deserts, mountains, cliffs, forests, caves, valleys, rocks, islands, waterfalls, springs, oceans and others. Hope you enjoy this tour of beautiful places that take us into a different world – the world of mother nature.

In fact, we had done an article on Ten of the most beautiful places in the world a few days earlier; however, based on the response of our visitors showing interest in other places, we felt there is a lot missing and decided to bring more beauty your way.

Amazon Rainforest – Amazon Basin, South America

Amazon rainforest is the thickest rainforest that spans over a billion acres and encompasses areas in Brazil (60%), Peru (13%), Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Bolivia, French Guiana and Suriname. The concentration of wildlife is very high and new species or subspecies of existing species continues to be discovered almost all the time. The majestic beauty and timelessness of this awe-inspiring tropical rainforest is indescribable in words and should be experienced.

Sognafjord (Sogne Fjord) – Norway

The second longest fjord (an inset of the sea between steep slopes) in the world and the largest in Norway, the magnificence of this has to be experienced for the magnitude to be understood. Reaching to more than 1,300 meters below sea level and above 2,000 meters above sea level, the sparkling water, the beautiful cliff faces and the picturesque villages make this a must visit place for nature lovers.

The Himalayas – Asia

This spectacle of awesome dimensions …the 3000 kilometer long towering mountain range with tiers of rock, ranges upon ranges, sky scraping peaks and canyons, is the planet’s highest mountain system and includes the world’s highest peaks; Mount Everest and K2. It stretches through Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. This is where earth meets the sky!

Tallest Buildings in the World

2009-09-21T15:14:00.003+04:00

Today we’ll speak about the tallest buildings in the world based on statistics prepared by About Architecture team. The buildings from today are really “buildings” not the towers and not just some other tall structures. These are visited daily by thousands of people and not only to look at the scenery. Lots of people work in numerous offices doing their daily job and don’t even pay attention to the magnificent view from above. But for me, all these building are “WOW”! I mean how can one calculate and build a structure that is so high? That’s amazing and that’s so thrilling.

With every new tall building we are getting closer to the sky…and say in several hundreds years the Earth from the space will look like tangle with threads

Taipei 101 Tower in Taiwan.

Built in 2004, 101 stories, height 509 meters.

Taipei 101 Tower is currently the world’s tallest building – if you count its massive 60-foot spire. Its design borrows heavily from Chinese culture. Both the building’s interior and exterior incorporate the Chinese pagoda form and the shape of bamboo flowers.

Shanghai World Financial Center, China

Built in 2008, 101 stories, 492 meters.

The Shanghai World Financial Centre is a soaring glass skyscraper with a distinctive opening at the top. The ground floor of Shanghai World Financial Centre is a shopping mall and an elevator lobby with gyrating kaleidoscopes on the ceiling. On the upper floors are offices, conference rooms, hotel rooms, and observation decks.

Petronas Towers 1 & 2, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Built in 1998, 88 stores, 452 meters.

Traditional Islamic design inspired the floor plans for two Petronas towers in Kuala Lumur, Malaysia. Each floor of the 88-story towers is shaped like an 8-pointed star. At the 42nd floor, a flexible bridge connects the two Petronas Towers.

A trip to Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach

2009-09-21T12:01:00.002+04:00

On weekends I was on dinner with friends in a restaurant means it can be said that we were on get together. In the restaurant we meet with our college friend who also came for dinner and he was alone so he joined our company. Recently he came here to celebrate holidays on beach and told us about trip. By hearing one of our friend feel jealous and after going that guy told us this holidays we celebrate on beach. He said and all of us like these thoughts.

Then all of us decided to celebrate beach holidays. Early next morning we went for a travel agent for knowing about packages to celebrate holidays on beach because we make our membership through that travel agent in travel industry. They showed us so many packages but we choose to go for Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach because it was more beneficial to us. We have group membership in travel industry which provides us hotel deals for enjoying holidays. We get these offers only in holidays, weekends, festivals, events, or any other special occasion. But the decision of us we like to go there or not. By taking this package we wait for sometime to start this trip and at last that day has been reached to us for leaving home town to Myrtle Beach . We leave our home town in the month of 17^th may 2008 at 10:00 AM and fly by American airlines at 12:45 PM .

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular and major destination in united states of South Carolina . We know about this by visiting this city but a very little familiar about beaches before going there. By air we get this city within 11 hrs because it takes two stops. by leaving airport we take a beautiful behold of this city, take taxi for check in our myrtle beach hotels for which choosing was very difficult from the list of hotels in myrtle beach in all rages. We take a comfortable stay at this hotel with all modern facilities and get continue with our trip.

First day, we went on beach for which we came here. At beach we enjoy all beach activities. But an important thing we miss on beach because of our laziness that sunrise but sunset we see it which was very interesting. But location of our hotel closer to beach we see it with a very little view. Full we enjoy at beach and lying in sand was interesting. Nearer to beach broadways we enjoy nightlife where a lot of eating shops, bars, and theater were there.

Second day, we went to Ripley ’s Aquarium which was very large. Here we see animal exhibits and shows which were very nice. Barefoot landing was another major attraction in this city for enjoying live entertainment in night. In this area we also saw a blue movie and for eating so many eateries were there.

Third day we spent at state park and travel around this area. This park was a nature loving place with a lot of water activities and speedway was another area where we saw car racing that’s was an event organizes weekly.

Fourth day we went to brookgreen garden and brant’s fishing adventure for enjoying fishing and water sports.

Fifth day, we see sunrise at beach and leave this city at noon by taking lunch to Virginia Beach by taxi.

At least within seven hours we get Virginia Beach city in United States of Virginia. In way we take only two or three stops. While continue driving we get this city. We get this at night 08:00 pm. In this city the first option was that we should go to our booked cheap hotels in virginia beach which we choose from a list of hotels and showed us images and facilities. After taking a little refreshment we came outside for taking juice and fruits and then came back to our hotel for enjoying this city.

First day, in this city we see only sights of this city. This day we see aquarium, science center, and wildfowl heritage museum. All these attractions were very interesting. To see aquarium we take a nature trail.

Second day, we went to convention center and ocean breeze water park where special events, fests, trade shows, water slides, and water shows can be seen. At these places we also enjoy water activities and this day we also enjoy nightlife of this city at these places which was so interesting.

Third day we spent for activities. This day we went to state parks and wildlife refugee where we found a lot of adventures like golfing, surfing, walking, and birding where we saw songbirds, shorebirds, butterflies and more. This day we can enjoy all activities because rests were day activities and after sunset they were not enjoyable.

Fourth day, we go for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, dolphin, swimming, boating, and whale watching which give an interactive view of this city.

Fifth day, we also went to see birding one time more because it was an interesting place to see all types of birds. This day we find something different like whale swimming, waterfowl, and first lading state park which were most visited park in this area. This park was interesting place to enjoy hiking, trails, ocean beach and more.

Sixth day we collect all our memorize moments and up to time of noon we leave this city for our hometown.

While traveling to hometown all of us make fun of each other to remember all moments and promise for next holidays to make a get together. All of us enjoyed very much these destinations.

(from yahoo)

Travel to America - San Diego

2009-09-21T07:55:00.005+04:00

San Diego, CA

Relatively free from smog and byzantine freeways, SAN DIEGO, set around a gracefully curving bay, represents the acceptable face of southern California. The second biggest city in California may be affluent and conservative, but it's also easygoing and far from smug. Although it was the site of the first mission in California, the city only really took off with the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad in the 1880s, and in terms of trade and significance it has long been in the shadow of Los Angeles. However, during World War II the US Navy made San Diego its Pacific Command Center, and the military continues to dominate the local economy, along with tourism.

(from yahoo)

Travel to one of the most beautiful mountain in the world

2009-09-11T13:36:00.007+04:00

The Swiss Alps and Switzerland.

St. Moritz. Switzerland. By ianlord

The Alps, the greatest mountain system in Europe, is stretching from Austria in the east, through Switzerland, to France in the west. This spectacular range, with its sharp peaks always covered with snow, is a stunning travel and sport destination in both summer and winter.

A big portion of this rocky cake belongs to Switzerland, one of the richest countries in the world, with a unique blend of cultures and people speaking four languages (Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansh).

St. Moritz. By ForsterFoto

The place that can hardly escape attention in the Swiss Alps is St. Moritz, one of the world's oldest mountain resorts. The town, backdropped by the magnificent alpine walls, lies at the foot of a crystal-clear lake and enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year.

St. Gotthard Pass. By mikael miettinen

The Swiss Alps in all their glory. Anzere. By Robert Thomson

15 Most beautiful islands and beaches-part4

2009-09-10T19:58:00.000+04:00

Binningup Beach, Western Australia

Credits: Photos by Ormsbyka69 on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Wuppies on Flickr

Credits: Photos by JonathanDevlin on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Gramarye on Flickr

Blue Bay Beach, Kiwengwa – Zanzibar

Credits: Photos by Callumscott2 on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Jules1651 on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Emeryjl on Flickr

Clifton Beach, Tasmania

Credits: Photos by Jayjay04 on Flickr

(from Dir Journal Info Blog)

2009-09-10T19:57:00.002+04:00

15 Most beautiful islands and beaches-part2

2009-09-10T19:55:00.000+04:00

Aruba, Netherlands

Credits: Photos by AGMaynard on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Wirralwater on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Shane Stroud on Flickr

Credits: Photos by AGMaynard on Flickr

Baros, Maldives

Credits: Photos by Ashmieke on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Nattu on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Sallylondon on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Kimbo2000 on Flickr

La Dique island, Anse Source D’Argent beach, Seychelles

Credits: Photos by Pbrun on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Elsadegeus on Flickr

Bottom Bay Beach, Barbados

Credits: Photos by Maranguns on Flickr

Credits: Photos by JP in-Focus on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Jonny_wood on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Greg and Lori on Flickr

15 Most beautiful islands and beaches-part1

2009-09-10T19:51:00.000+04:00

When I think of summer, I think of vocation and when I start dreaming of vocation I see beautiful sunny islands, with golden beaches, tanned bodies, warm ocean water and a cocktail with mint. This sounds so delicious! Being inspired with these dreams I decided to make a photostream of the most beautiful islands I could found. I didn’t use any comparison lists to choose the best of them, I have just found about 35 or so islands loved by tourists, reviewed about 10 photos of each of them and have chosen those those that reminded me of the island in my dreams.

So if you’ve been on some other island that should be added to this list and have some “hot” photos let me know, and I’ll add it to our collection. So here we go!

Bora Bora, Polynesia

Credits: Photos by Ireyon on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Totalisator on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Tensaibuta on Flickr

Credits: Photos by H!ghTower on Flickr

Bermuda, Church Bay Beach

Credits: Photos by Jason Duncan on Flickr

(from Dir Journal Info BLog)

Queen Of The Moutain

2009-09-09T12:04:00.000+04:00

Summer is definitely changing to autumn here in Zürich. There is a crispness to the air in the morning, yet still a bright blue sky and people hanging out by the lake, trying to take in every last ray of sun. With this beautiful fall weather on its way, it seems like a perfect time to go for a hike in the mountains.

I had heard about Rigi, “the Queen of the Mountains,” known for its breathtaking panoramic views over the Alps. So Olivier and I set off, hiking boots on and picnic packed, of course. Only what was supposed to be a beautiful day with moderately cool weather, turned out to be a real scorcher! As we made our way past farms with grazing cows, fields of wild flowers, up and around winding dirt paths, jumping over mini streams and rocks, I slowly peeled off layer by layer of clothing. We made it to the summit in record time, whizzing past those yellow signs with arrows to follow. But that was probably because I was sprinting towards every patch of shade we saw! We passed plenty of fellow hikers on the way up, of all ages, some with hiking poles but all with bottles of water.

We took a train from Zürich to Küssnacht am Rigi (about an hour long and CHF 40 roundtrip), then a short ride on a local bus to Weggis. A cable car then took us up to a point where we could start the hike. You’ll see the summit far, far off in the distance, and it’s fun to think that within just a few hours, you’ll be standing at that very spot. Even more, once you return back to the bottom at that same spot, be sure to turn around and say, “wow, we did all that?!” It can be a bit strenuous at times, pretty steep paths and rugged terrain, but also plenty of easier, flat trails to follow and catch your breath. It’s a great day’s activity either from Zürich or from Lucerne, and you can go at any pace that works for you. We reached the end of the hike after climbing a total of 800m in altitude (about half a mile) in under 2 hours, where you are rewarded with restaurants and children’s playgrounds, plenty of benches to sit and relax, have your picnic and take in the views.

But that’s not quite the summit yet…

Keep going up towards the antenna, where the real views are. The top of Rigi reaches 1798m (about 5900 feet) and divides the lakes of Lucerne and Zug. You’ll look out at the mountains that seem to be floating mid-air and you’ll gaze in awe at the vivid blue water below. There are numerous panels that indicate the names of the assorted mountains and lakes you’ll be looking out at. You’ll see people paragliding, or coming in off the train… There are so many ways to take advantage of Rigi, and all year round too. We may have to make another visit this winter, with all those extra layers and snow-shoes too!

And for sure another picnic! Wondering what was in our backpack? A fresh Paillasse Rustico baguette, my favorite from Steiner (they have a stand at Jelmoli and at the airport), cherry tomatoes, radishes with salted butter (using my technique of freezing it the night before we left), a few types of charcuterie, nectarines that ripened perfectly on our way up the mountain, strawberries and homemade chocolate chip cookies. That left room for a refreshing ice cream on our way back down before hitting the trails again. The Restaurant Bahnhöfli is worth a visit, if not just to walk inside and see the crazy ceiling covered in what seems like 100 cow bells of varying sizes. It’s quite a sight! And then off you go, the downhill hike always more fun than uphill!

(from MyKugelhopf blog)

10 Most Scenic National Parks in the United States - Part2

2009-09-08T20:01:00.000+04:00

5. Denali National Park. Alaska.

Magnificent summit of Mount McKinley towering above the landscape is a landmark of the Denali National Park, Alaska. McKinley or Denali, which means "the great one" in the Athabaskan language, the highest mountain in the North America, is only one of many features that give the park its scenic beauty.

Denali Park is wild, dramatic, and vast. It is home to grizzly and black bears, moose, gray wolfs, foxes and lynx. Savage tundra covered with ferns, grasses and mosses stretches through the park. Only 300 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the park's ecosystem is sub-arctic, with cold winters, so the best time to go is summer, when the days are long and temperatures are warmer.

Fall in Denali National Park. By Alaskan Dude

Denali National Park. By heartonstick

Grizzly bear in Denali National Park. By Alaskan Dude

Mount McKinley. By mefdada

4. Yosemite National Park. California.

There must be a reason why over 3.5 million people a year visit the Yosemite National Park. It is the grandeur of the park that attracts crowds, tempting visitors with its spectacular cliffs and rocks, waterfalls, mountain streams, clear lakes, sequoia and oak groves and abundant wildlife.

The park that was inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 contains five vegetation zones that are home to rare plants and diverse fauna: the black bear, mule deer, bobcats, marmots and chipmunks.

The park is an all-year destination, but to avoid crowds it is better not to go during weekends and public holidays.

Yosemite National Park. By irene

Yosemite National Park. By ground.zero

Fall in Yosemite National Park. By ground.zero

Yosemite National Park by Francois Roche

3. Zion National Park. Utah

The promenade of reddish and white colors captured in Navajo Sandstone formation constitutes the beauty of the Zion National Park, the first national park established in Utah (1909). Navajo's rocks form the Zion Canyon, the main feature of the park. The canyon is 15 miles (24km) long and it can be viewed from the bottom (in contrast to Grand Canyon). Crystal streams, amazing rock formations and diverse plants can be seen along a 6 mile long road that leads into the canyon.

The Zion is home to a broad collection of plants, birds (289 species), mammals (such as the mule deer and mountain lions) as well as reptiles.

It is also an all-year destination, but spring and fall is perfect for hiking and strolling around.

Zion National Park. By Wolfgang Staudt

Eroded rock formation along Mount Carmel Highway. Zion National Park. By vteen

Zion National Park. By Alaskan Dude

Zion National Park. By ReneS

2. Glacier National Park. Montana.

Glacier National Park is often called the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem" or "Backbone of the World". It is an intact land of lakes and mountains where hundreds of plants and animal species have their kingdom.

In 1932 Glacier Park and the neighboring Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada were declared the first International Peace Park. The parks cooperate in research and wildlife management.

The park has several hundred lakes, of which only 131 have been named, and two hundred waterfalls. The site is covered with 1,132 plant species from amazing trees to wildflowers. The park is also home to the grizzly bear and the Canadian lynx - the world's threatened species.

Glacier National Park. By stuck in customs

Lake MacDonald, Glacier National Park. By Plassphoto

Glacier National Park. By JP Shooter

Glacier National Park. By backpackphotography

1. Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming. Montana. Idaho

People have been fascinated by the exceptional beauty and unique natural phenomena of Yellowstone National Park for centuries. In 1872 it became the world's first national park, and since then it has been attracting thousands of visitors each year (which strongly worries environmentalists).

Among distinctive features of the park are hot springs and around 300 geysers. The park houses the world's largest active geyser - Steamboat Geyser that is able to throw water more than 300 feet (90 m) into the air.

What's more, Yellowstone Park is a land of mountains ranges, lakes, waterfalls, deep canyons, wild forests and abundant wildlife. Among most prominent representatives of the park's fauna are the endangered gray wolf, lynx, and grizzly bears as well as the bison, elk, moose, mule deer and many many others...

Upper section of Lower Falls, Yellowstone National Park. By Savannah Grandfather

Grand Prismatic Spring , the largest hot spring in Yellowstone. By Alaskan Dude

Clepsydra Geyser in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. By Zaniac

Elk. Yellowstone National Park. By NDomer73

Bisons. Yellowstone National Park. By jmenard48

They're like the Taj Mahal of India or the Eiffel Tower of France. When in the US, you simply feel compelled to visit one of those. Adore their wildlife and marvel at their beauty to your heart's content, but respect their rules and appreciate their uniqueness because the chances are slim that nature will produce such stunning beauty once again.

10 Most Scenic National Parks in the United States - Part1

2009-09-08T19:54:00.002+04:00

10. Death Valley National Park.

California, Nevada.

Death Valley National Park is the hottest and the driest spot in the United States. It is a place where the record-breaking temperature of 134 °F (56.7 °C) hit on 10 July 1913. It was the hottest day ever reported in the country. Moreover, it is also the lowest place in North America - 282 feet (86 m) below sea level (at Badwater).

Rock formations, salt pans, desert and "skeletonized" ranges (mountains with very little soil on them) are the main features of the park's dramatic landscape.

Zabriskie Point, Death Valley. By km6xo

Death Valley. By purpletwinkie

Full Moon in Death Valley. By Picture taking fool

Death Valley. By mismisimos

Ubehebe Crater, Death Valley. By captspaulding

9. Kenai Fjords National Park. Alaska.

Kenai Fjord National Park is the smallest national park in Alaska covering an area of 2,833 square kilometers, but it is home to one of the largest ice fields in the United States - Harding Icefield. The park's beauty consists in a vibrant blend of glaciers, bays and coves, fjords, and abundant marine wildlife. The park is home to such animals as black bears, moose, humpback and orca whales as well as northern sea lions and sea otters.

Bialik Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. By Dan Hershman

Humpback Whale, Kenai Fjords. By Just B Cuz

Kenai Fjords National Park. By Asane

Kenai Fjords. By the queen of subtle

8. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii.

Key personalities of the stunning landscape of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the world's most active volcanoes. Mauna Loa (Long Mountain) is the largest shield volcano - 18,000 cubic miles (75,000 km3) - in terms of area covered on Earth. It measures 13,679 feet (4,169 m), while Kilauea is four times smaller and it has precisely 4,091 ft (1,247 m).

A blend of lava remnants, volcanic ash, black sand mixed with tropical lush rain forest and exotic beaches are the park's main characteristics.

Hanauma Bay. Hawaii. By sethladd

Mauna Loa. Hawaii. By prawnpie

Kilauea's lava flowing onto the black sand beach. By Hawaiian Sea

7. Arches National Park. Utah.

The uniqueness of the Arches National Park's landscape is undeniable. The park is home to around 2,000 natural sandstone arches that form amazing rock sculptures of many different shapes and sizes. It is the largest concentration on natural arches in the United States.
Among highlights of the park is Balanced Rock - the big rock on top is the size of three school buses!

The best time to visit the Arches is spring, when the temperatures are moderate and the wildflowers cover the landscape.

Red sandstone formations of Arches National Park. By vteen

Balanced Rock. Arches National Park. By Creativity + Timothy K Hamilton

Three Gossips in Arches National Park. By StefanB

Arches National Park. By itspaulkelly

6. Virgin Islands National

Park. St. John.

Virgin Islands National Park, a little paradise on Earth, is almost completely surrounded by the turquoise waters of the ocean and amazing coral reefs. The park has 14,689 acres (59 sq km) and it takes up around 60% of the Saint John island.

The white sand beaches, crystal waters and exotic plants make the park an excellent destination for hiking, diving, snorkelling, or just strolling around and relaxing.

The park also features ruins of sugar plantations that emerged on the island in mid-18th century.

Trunk Bay. Virgin Islands National Park. By 50%ChanceofRain

The Bananaquit is the official bird of Virgin Islands. By DEQ

Trunk Bay. By AlexDodd

Pelican. Virgin Islands National Park. By DEQ

(from Open Travel)

Travel To America - San Francisco

2009-09-08T19:33:00.003+04:00

Palace of Fine Art II

Golden Gate

Palace of Fine Art II

Travel To America - New York

2009-09-08T19:22:00.003+04:00

The most beguiling city in the world, New York is an adrenaline-charged, history-laden place that holds immense romantic appeal for visitors. Wandering the streets here, you'll cut between buildings that are icons to the modern age – and whether gazing at the flickering lights of the midtown skyscrapers as you speed across the Queensboro bridge, experiencing the 4am half-life downtown, or just wasting the morning on the Staten Island ferry, you really would have to be made of stone not to be moved by it all. There's no place quite like it.

TimeSquare

While the events of September 11, 2001, which demolished the World Trade Center, shook New York to its core, the populace responded resiliently under the composed aegis of then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Until the attacks, many New Yorkers loved to hate Giuliani, partly because they saw him as committed to making their city too much like everyone else's. To some extent he succeeded, and during the late Nineties New York seemed cleaner, safer, and more liveable, as the city took on a truly international allure and shook off the more notorious aspects to its reputation. However, the maverick quality of New York and its people still shines as brightly as it ever did. Even in the aftermath of the World Trade Center's collapse, New York remains a unique and fascinating city – and one you'll want to return to again and again.

LowerManhattan

You could spend weeks in New York and still barely scratch the surface, but there are some key attractions – and some pleasures – that you won't want to miss. There are the different ethnic neighborhoods, like lower Manhattan's Chinatown and the traditionally Jewish Lower East Side (not so much anymore); and the more artsy concentrations of SoHo, TriBeCa, and the East and West Villages. Of course, there is the celebrated architecture of corporate Manhattan, with the skyscrapers in downtown and midtown forming the most indelible images. There are the museums, not just the Metropolitan and MoMA, but countless other smaller collections that afford weeks of happy wandering. In between sights, you can eat just about anything, at any time, cooked in any style; you can drink in any kind of company; and sit through any number of obscure movies. The more established arts – dance, theater, music – are superbly catered for; and New York's clubs are as varied and exciting as you might expect. And for the avid consumer, the choice of shops is vast, almost numbingly exhaustive in this heartland of the great capitalist dream.

(from yahoo travel)

Travel To America - Las Vegas

2009-09-08T19:09:00.004+04:00

The telephone area code for all phone numbers in the text, unless otherwise indicated, is 702.

(from yahoo travel)

The world's best restaurants

2009-09-07T15:19:00.002+04:00

No.1: El Bulli, Spain

Accolade upon accolade has been heaped on this foodie haven on the Costa Brava. This is the fourth year in a row that Spanish chef Ferran Adrià’s innovative cooking has scooped the top spot. You’ll have to be dedicated if you want to eat there: 2009 is fully booked, so check the website in December to find out how to grab a table in 2010 – and how to get to the out-of-the-way location.

What’s on the menu: You’ll pay around £145 for the tasting menu and there’s a long procession of dishes, some of which you’re given instructions on how to eat. They include coils of olive oil which dissolve in the mouth, and “Parmesan air” sprinkled with dried fruit.

Post-restaurant: The restaurant is near Roses, a holiday resort, and from here you can head out to beaches and coves, as well as checking out the local Salvador Dali connection.

Get there: Compare prices on flights to Girona, the nearest airport at 75km away. From there, hire a car to get to Roses. See the El Bulli website.

No.2: The Fat Duck, UK

“Culinary alchemist” Heston Blumenthal has been working his magic in his kitchen in the Berkshire village of Bray since 1995. His innovative food combinations, including the likes of snails and porridge, have won him numerous accolades, including three Michelin stars.

What’s on the menu: The £130 tasting menu includes dishes such as roast foie gras “benzaldehyde”, with almond fluid gel, cherry and chamomile; pine sherbet fountain; and nitro-scrambled egg and bacon ice cream.

Post-restaurant: The picture-postcard village of Bray is also home to another Michelin star winner, The Waterside Inn. Windsor is only a few miles away so stop off to explore the grand castle.

Get there: From London Paddington, take the 40-50 minute train ride to Maidenhead and then a five-minute taxi ride. Alternatively, get driving directions to Bray. See the Fat Duck website.

No.3: Noma, Denmark

This Copenhagen restaurant has shot up seven places from last year. Head chef and owner Rene Redzepi’s approach is to source Nordic ingredients and serve them with a twist.

What’s on the menu: A three-course lunch menu costs around £89, and includes dishes such as fresh duck egg from Gotland and wild watercress; skate and vegetable stems; and baby rhubarb and beetroot juice.

Post-restaurant: Noma is located in the Christianshavn area of Copenhagen, at the edge of the quay – a lovely place for a stroll. The area also has a number of cool pubs for chilling out in.

Get there: Compare prices on flights to Copenhagen and see the Noma website.

No.4: Mugaritz, Spain

San Sebastian has become Spain’s gastronomic capital and molecular gastronomy is on the menu courtesy of Andoni Aduriz, who served his apprenticeship at El Bulli.

What’s on the menu: Don’t miss the foie gras – Aduriz has studied the stuff for two years. His weird and wonderful creations include chocolate cake with chocolate bubbles, and dishes that incorporate the flavours of local flowers and herbs. Expect to pay around £89.

Post-restaurant: Book a surf course – but not just after your massive tasting menu! Or take a walking tour around the city.

Get there: The restaurant is in a village 30 minutes outside San Sebastian. Compare prices on flights and see the website.

No 5: El Celler de Can Roca, Spain

The Rocas (Joan “the savoury mind”, Josep “the liquid mind” and Jordi “the sweet mind”) are the folk behind this chic restaurant that aims to “delineate a scenario where emotions and sensations excite and fill the palate”. Er, quite. But their approach has won them a legion of fans and they’re making the Costa Brava a foodie Mecca, along with El Bulli.

What’s on the menu? Dishes might include pigeon bonbon with Bristol Cream; or kid belly with goat’s milk parmentier. Around £84 will get you the menu degustacion.

Post-restaurant: Don’t miss the impressive Baroque cathedral, and be sure to take a stroll around the old Jewish Quarter with its maze of streets.

Get there: Compare prices on flights to Girona and see the restaurant website.

(from http://www.orange.co.uk/travel/holidayideas)

Top SeaFood Restaurant in the world

2009-09-07T14:31:00.002+04:00

Bountiful seafood in a beautiful setting at The Boathouse Inn

Mul Yam – Tel Aviv, Israel
The seafood here is the freshest and most exotic in Israel, jetted in from all over the world, expertly prepared, and served in a comfortable setting.

The Boathouse Inn – Phuket, Thailand
Phuket has the most amazing seafood including giant lobsters and shrimps that look like lobsters. So legendary is the Thai and Western cuisine at the Boathouse, that the inn where it resides offers popular holiday packages for visitors who wish to come and take lessons from its chef. A large bar and separate dining area sport nautical touches and through huge picture windows diners can watch the sun set over the watery horizon. Cuisine combines the best of East and West and chefs use only the finest ingredients. If you're in the mood for the works, the Phuket lobster is one of the most expensive dishes on the menu, but is worth every baht. The Boathouse also has an excellent selection of international wines --750 labels (of a stock of 6,500 bottles) and has received the only Wine Spectator BEST OF Award of Excellence in Thailand since 2006. And if that doesn't tickle your taste buds, there are now five Mom Tri restaurants in Phuket which serve similar fine cuisine.

Chef Mavro – O’ahu, Hawaii
George Mavrothalassitis, who took two hotel restaurants to the top of the ranks before founding this James Beard Award-winning dinner house, admits he's "crazy." Crazy because of the care he takes to draw out the truest and most concentrated flavors, to track down the freshest fish, to create one-of-a-kind wine pairings that might strike others as mad. But for this passionate Provençal transplant, there's no other way. The menu changes quarterly, every dish (including dessert) matched with a select wine. Fresh flowers, wood floors and contemporary island art decorate the serene interior. Reservations are essential.

Succulent scallops at C

Satyricon – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Some of the best seafood in Rio can be found at this eclectic Italian seafood restaurant, which has impressed the likes of Madonna and Sting. The pargo (fish baked in a thick layer of rock salt) is a specialty, and the sushi and sashimi are well loved.

C – Vancouver, Canada
At C (yes, "C" is the name of the restaurant), the creativity of the chef, the quality of the ingredients, and the freshness of the fish all combine to make this contemporary restaurant overlooking False Creek the best place in Vancouver for innovative seafood.

Quinzi & Gabrieli – Rome, Italy
In the heart of ancient Rome, Quinzi & Gabrieli serves the city's finest and freshest seafood from a restored and elegant building dating from the 1400s. The fish is simply cooked and presented, and it's heavenly. Expect everything from deep-sea shrimp to sea urchins and octopus.

Le Grand Véfour – Paris, France
Amid the arcades of the Palais Royal, this has been a dining spot since the reign of Louis XV, attracting such notables as Colette, Victor Hugo, and the forever-loyal Jean Cocteau. Jean Taittinger, of the champagne family, runs it today, and his kitchen brings originality to French classics -- everything from pigeon in the style of Rainier of Monaco to French-roasted sole and sea scallops in velvety pumpkin sauce. Bon appétit!

Luxurious decor at Le Grand Véfour

Vox at the Hilton Nordica – Reykjavik, Iceland
Vox specializes in recreating comforting Icelandic flavors with 21st-century preparations -- a piece of foie gras covered in celery foam, for instance, ends up seriously reminiscent of traditional Icelandic lamb-and-vegetable soup. Fried tempura vegetables and a soy-based sauce provide a gentle counterpoint to a salmon filet, and arctic char is surrounded by a mild foam that makes the fish look a little like a life raft adrift on Icelandic seas.

Ryotei Kagetsu – Osaka, Japan
Although expensive, a kaiseki feast, consisting of dish after dish of artfully displayed delectables, may well be the most beautiful and memorable meal you'll ever have. Splurge at least once on the most expensive kaiseki meal you can afford, and you'll feel like royalty. Kaiseki is the epitome of delicately and exquisitely arranged food, the ultimate in aesthetic appeal. It's also among the most expensive meals you'll ever find. A kaiseki dinner can cost ¥25,000 ($238) or more per person; some restaurants, however, do offer more affordable mini-kaiseki courses. In addition, the better ryokan (Japanese inns) serve kaiseki, a reason for their high cost. Kaiseki, which is not a specific dish but rather a complete meal, is expensive because much time and skill are involved in preparing each of the many dishes, with the ingredients cooked to preserve natural flavors. Even the plates are chosen with great care to enhance the color, texture, and shape of each piece of food. Kaiseki cuisine, both in selection of food and presentation, is based on the four seasons. The kaiseki gourmet can tell what time of year it is just by looking at a meal. A kaiseki meal is usually a lengthy affair, with various dishes appearing in set order. First come the appetizer, clear broth, and one uncooked dish. These are followed by boiled, broiled, fried, steamed, heated, and vinegared dishes, which are finally followed by another soup, rice, pickled vegetables, and fruit. Although meals vary greatly depending on what's fresh; common dishes include some type of sashimi, tempura, cooked seasonal fish, and an array of bite-size pieces of vegetables.

e'cco bistro – Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Simple food, elegantly done, has won this small but elegant bistro a stack of awards, and you'll see why when dining here. Not least among its titles is Australia's top restaurant award, the Remy Martin Cognac/Gourmet Traveller Restaurant of the Year. Booking ahead is essential.

Top 10 Beaches of the world

2009-09-07T14:20:00.001+04:00

Online magazine askmen.com has come up with its top ten list of the world’s best beaches – outside the United States.

The elite beach accolades went to blissful locations loved by celebrities and discerning tourists alike, situated in destinations such as the Caribbean, Vietnam, Turkey, Australia and Spain.

10. China Beach, Danang, Vietnam

This idyllic 20-mile stretch of beach near the coastal city of Da Nang has plenty of negative history but nowadays the views are gorgeous and the facilities excellent. In fact the American soldiers airlifted here for R&R wouldn’t recognise the place.

China Beach, Vietnam (Credit: Paradissa.com)

9. Nikki Beach, Marbella, Spain

Nikki Beach can be found in the chic Spanish resort of Marbella, one of the leading locations for jet-set living in Spain, and this luxury beach club brand is renowned as “the sexiest place on earth”.

Nikki Beach, Marbella, Spain (Credit: Marbellas.com)

Sun worshippers can soak up the Mediterranean sunshine on the Balinese sun beds while foodies tuck into the very best of beachside dining - all played out against a utopian backdrop of swaying palms, alcoves of teepees and exotic bamboo beds.

8. Akyarlar Beach, Bodrum, Turkey

Forbes magazine has called Akyarlar beach on the Bodrum peninsular one of the most luxurious beaches in the world with white powdery sand and great windsurfing.

It’s a 45-minute flight from Istanbul to Turkey’s Aegean coast and Bodrum’s nightlife is legendary.

7. Bahia Beach, Trancoso, Brazil

The area of Bahia on Brazil’s east coast is one of the best places to head to enjoy miles and miles of the country’s beautiful coastline, with its lush rainforest backdrop.

Bahia Beach, Trancoso, Brazil (Credit: Discoverbrazil.com)

The beaches here are long, broad and lined with coconut trees. The beach slopes gently into the water, making it ideal for swimming and family holidays. The barracas huts that serve food and drinks day and night are an attractive feature of Brazilian beaches.

6. Castelo Beach, Albufeira, Portugal

For those looking for a quiet beach holiday in Portugal’s popular Algarve, Castelo Beach is perfect. Just a little bit isolated and made up of a series of small cove beaches, Castelo is also well known for its amazing rock formations.

The ruined castle on the headland gives the beach its name and has been converted into a restaurant. There are stunning coastal walks and a number of lovely hotels and villa accommodation. The Algarve resort town of Albufiera is eight kilometres away for nightlife and shopping.

5. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Bondi has to be one of the world’s most famous beaches, with its Australian surfing culture and upmarket shopping and hotel choices.

The great sandy beach has grown into a modern and trendy coastal resort with plenty of cafes and restaurants so you can watch the world go by on the promenade.

4. Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Clear blue water, white sand beaches and perfect sunny skies – everything you dream of in a beach holiday. The Islands of Turks and Caicos are in the North Atlantic Ocean and askmen.com describes Grace Bay as like the Caribbean but without the obnoxious tourists.

Luxury hotels and villas with top spas and fine restaurants complete the package on this beautiful, uncrowded beach.

3. Las Minitas Beach, Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic

The pristine La Minitas Beach in the Dominican Republic is only a ten-minute shuttle bus ride away from Casa de Campo resort and is filled with bars and restaurants.

There are plenty of water sports opportunities with kayaks, windsurfing and paddleboats, and you can even have a massage right on the beach.

2. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Renowned for its pink sand beaches, this is the best beach area in the Bahamas. The famous three-mile pink sand beach is the place to go for natural beauty and water that is perfect for swimming year round.

Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas (Credit: Pinksandsresort.com)

After a day on the beach swimming and snorkelling, watch the sunset from the deck of one of the bayside restaurants.

1. Plage de Pampellone, Saint Tropez, France

Decadent and trendy, Saint Tropez is one of the most famous beach spots in the world and the Plage de Pampellone is the best beach in Saint Tropez.

This historic nude beach is in a magnificent location and with busy and energetic cafes and sun worshippers on the white-sand shoreline, this is the place for a glamorous South of France beach holiday.

(from Britannica Blog)

Top Highest Moutains in the world

2009-09-06T20:49:00.002+04:00

The greatness of nature has no bounds. From the smallest grain of sand to the highest mountains, each has a sense of meaning and destination. Scientists say that mountains were created as a result of the shifts of the earth’s crust, but I believe that there is some force that knows what it’s doing and has some plan for all of us. I envy people who got a chance to see the magnificent beauty of these mountains (the world’s tallest) with their own eyes, but I want to thank every photographer whose photo we are showcasing today for giving us a chance to visit the places they’ve been and see the wondrous sights they’ve seen.

The Himalayas are among the youngest mountain ranges on the planet (about 50 million years old), and they are the home of the world’s highest peaks. In Nepali, “himal” means “snow-covered mountain” which in a single word beautifully describes what a traveler sees. The mountain range stretches across six countries: India, Bhutan, China, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Pakistan. No matter which of those countries you travel to, you’re sure to be charmed by the Himalayas forever.

The Himalayas have served as a natural barrier between different cultures for ages, and at the same time they have had a tremendous impact on South Asian teachings and beliefs. Many Himalayan peaks are sacred in both Hinduism and Buddhism and there are many folk tales about these graceful mountains that are passed on from fathers to sons.

1. Everest

Everest is the highest mountain in the world. It was named after George Everest, a geographer who studied India in the 19th century. The mountain is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet, and its height is 29,035.44 feet (8,850 meters) which is like 17 Taipei Towers! Everest is the sacred dream of all the mountain climbers. Every year despite all the dangers and high costs, hundreds of people try conquering the mountain.

Photo by rosskevin756

Photo by craigkass

Photo by Oriol Gascón

2. K2

K2 peak, located on the territory of Pakistan, is 28,169 feet (8,611 meters) high and is the second highest mountain in the world. People also call it the “Savage Mountain” since the ascent is very difficult. The death statistics are terrifying — for every four people who have reached the summit, one has died trying.

Photo by Aitor Las Hayas

Photo by Ilyasansri

Photo by Hamid Omar

3. Kangchenjunga

In the Nepali language “Kangchenjunga” means “The Five Treasures of Snows.” That is because the mountain has five peaks which are believed to represent the 5 repositories of God — gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books. Elevation of the highest peak is 28,169 feet (8,586 meters).

Photo by Wim Yedema

Photo by timabbott
(from Dir Joujnal info blog)

Ten of the most beautiful places of the world- Part3

2009-09-06T20:05:00.001+04:00

The Pyramids, Egypt

The Egyptian pyramids are massive monuments with a square base and four triangular sides rising up to a point. There was a lot of curiosity associated with the pyramids as to their formation, whether it was natural.

However, the Egyptians started constructing them after 2700 B.C. and were built as tombs for the Pharaohs. The most well-known and the largest pyramids of Egypt are the Pyramids at Giza which are said to be the largest ever built, and the Great Pyramid at Giza took 23 years to complete for about a work force of 30,000. About 118 pyramids have been identified and are very popular with people from all over the world.

Petra, Jordan

Described by the UNESCO as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage, Petra is an archeological site on the slope of Mount Hor. It is one of the new wonders of the world and is famous for its rock cut architecture.

This site was kept hidden till 1812 when it was discovered by a Swiss explorer. It was said to have been prepared by God for the Jewish people. Petra once flourished under the Roman empire but a rapid decline began with the Arabian trade being taken elsewhere. Then an earthquake caused a lot of destruction. Tourists throng the place to get a glimpse of the ruins of this beautiful city.

Great Wall of China, China

One of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China is a man-made structure that was constructed over two thousand years ago and took about 100 years to complete. The vastness of this project brings to light the immense capabilities of man.

The constructions started in the 5th Century B.C. It is actually many walls put together and stretches over 4,000 miles and was constructed to protect the Chinese Empire from the Xiongnu people in the north. The wall was initially built of stone, grass, earth and wood, but bricks were used once the production started. It is believed that about 2-3 million Chinese died as part of this project.

The Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina-Brazil Border

Heralded as the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, the Iguazu Waterfalls are a true wonder of nature. They are located at the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. While the Argentinean side allows visitors to walk right around the water or explore the National Park; the Brazilian side is known for its panoramic views and splendor.

First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, upon seeing these falls is claimed to have exclaimed “poor Niagara.” The area of the falls provides ample opportunities for rock climbing as well as water sports. Iguazu has the distinction of having the greatest annual flow when compared to any other falls in the world.

With all these and many more beautiful places that exist in our world, we are lost for choice and the only way to decide on the places to visit is to follow the heart. While some may love the tranquility of water, others may bury themselves deep in the architectural miracles or the serenity of a small town.

(from Dir Journal Info Blog)

Ten of the most beautiful places of the world- Part2

2009-09-06T19:56:00.001+04:00

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal in India is one of the wonders of the world and is one of the most beautiful mausoleums constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Located in Agra, white marble is used in the creation of this symbol of love and is considered to be the pinnacle of the famous Mughal architecture.

Story goes that the emperor was grief stricken when he lost his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took several thousands of craftsmen, artisans and about twenty years to construct it. The masons, stonecutters, carvers, inlayers, calligraphers, painters and others were brought from the entire empire as well as from Iran and Central Asia. Semi-precious stones were used for inlay ornamentation. It later became the mausoleum of Shah Jahan too. This is a huge tourist attraction with one to two million tourists visiting it every year.

Canadian Rockies, Canada

The majestic Canadian Rockies are the Canadian segment of the North American Rocky mountains. They are a visitor’s wonderland and the playground for western Canada. They are older than the American Rockies and are formed from over thrusting.

The Canadian Rockies house five national parks, out of which four of them along with other provincial parks form a combination of a single UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of beautiful mountain landscapes, lakes, canyons, waterfalls, glaciers, peaks, limestone caves as well as fossils. Mount Robson is the highest peak of the Canadian Rockies and climbing it is considered a challenge. These beautiful mountains are a haven for hikers and walkers alike.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu in Peru, which means ‘Old Peak,” is one of the most enigmatic ancient sites in the world. According to legend, Machu Picchu was a long time ago considered to be a sacred place. The credit for the creation of the extraordinary city goes to the Inca people who have erected many stone structures and turned the place into an art form.

Two thousand feet above the Urubamba river, these ruins consist of baths, temples, palaces and about 150 houses, all very well preserved. These gray granite structures, some of which weigh more than 50 tons are so perfectly sculpted that they are nothing less than architectural genius. They were rediscovered by a Yale archaeologist in 1911. The ethereal beauty, the workmanship and history of the place attracts millions of tourists each year.

(from Dir Journal Info Blog)

Ten of the most beautiful places of the world- Part1

2009-09-06T19:52:00.001+04:00

We live in a world blessed with sights that are beautiful beyond words. Every human being dreams of and possesses a desire to visit those places in their lifetime. Living in modern cities with high-rise buildings, we tend to miss out on what mother-nature has to offer and some of the man-made structures par excellence.

Look at these places and you will see beauty that fills the eye and warms the heart. It is not only inappropriate to just pick a few places from the huge expanse of the world but also humanly impossible.

They say that ‘beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder,’ and there are perhaps other places that have touched your heart. For this reason, we do not claim that these places we are bringing to you are the best, but they are certainly among the most beautiful places of the world.

The Grand Canyon, United States

A steep gorge by the Colorado River, Arizona in United States, this has the most enjoyable scenery. It is 277 miles in length, 4 to 18 miles in width and about a mile in depth. Scientists are of the opinion that the canyon has been created by the Colorado River over a six million year period.

Native Americans built settlements in the caves within the canyon before the emigration of Europeans. It was also considered to be a site of pilgrimage by the Pueblo people. The first recorded visit to the Grand Canyon by the Europeans was in 1869. Although, it is not the deepest canyon in the world, it is known for its extremely huge size and beautifully intricate landscape. The Grand Canyon National Park is said to be one of the first National Parks in the United States and attracts more than five million visitors a year. Weather conditions in the Grand Canyon vary a great deal between seasons as well as elevation. While winter snow is experienced by the higher elevated forested rims, the inner gorge has a desert temperature because of the low elevation.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

One of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Australia is the world’s largest coral reef. It has the distinction of being placed in the World Heritage as well as the National Heritage lists.

With more than 600 islands and coral cays, the reef covers more than 300,000 sq. km. Corals make up the several reefs and cays and are responsible for a huge variety of sea life in the reef; including green turtles, several varieties of whales and dolphins, dugong, about 4000 types of mollusk, 1500 different species of fish as well as a beautiful colored bird life with 200 species. The Great Reef Marine Park is a huge tourist attraction with more than a couple of million tourists visiting the area each year. Sporting includes activities such as reef sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling amongst several others.

Cape Town, South Africa

Aptly called “heaven on earth,” this beautiful town at the tip of the African continent, with small roads surrounded by huge mountains, makes a person feel small; showing how marvelous and dominating nature can actually be.

The Cape Dutch style buildings depict the architectural heritage of the place. Beauty abounds in the black clouds that seem to pay homage to Table Mountain at all times. Cape Point, Signal Hill, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Robben Island, Rhodes Memorial and the beaches are some of the famous tourist attractions. Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town is famous for its natural floral kingdom as well as its harbor. This town is one of the most popular tourist attractions of South Africa, with its wine tasting day trips, whale watching and dolphin watching.

(from Dir Journal Info Blog)

Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America

2009-09-05T22:11:00.000+04:00

1. Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america

Galapagos Islands are an isolated cluster of 19 volcanic islands of varying sizes in the Pacific Ocean located around the equator. It is a territory of Ecuador and located about 600 miles off from it. Galapagos Archipelago (a scattered group of islands cut off from mainland) is well known for its bio diversity and Charles Darwin; the renowned scientist stayed there to do his researches on biological evolution.

2. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america

Machu Picchu (means old peak in the local language) is the most amazing remnants of the Inca Empire and great civilization that engulfed the whole of South America. It is located in the Eastern Slope of the Andes Mountain overlooking the Urubamba River-Valley about 70 kilometer north-west of the Peruvian town Cusco.

3. Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america

These torrential falls about 275 of them within a distance of 2.7 km some of them about 82 meters in height, the deafening sounds of all combined, all closely accessible has such an impact that anyone who has a heart gets overwhelmed. ‘Iguazu has a daily beauty in it which makes Niagara ugly!’ it made Eleanor Roosevelt who remarked with a sigh “poor Niagara” comparing Iguazu with Niagara of her native land.

4. Amazon River

Amazon River: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america

By the total volume of water delivered per second Amazon is the god of all rivers; it is the life-blood of Brazil as Nile is to Africa. The Nile of Egypt is historically accepted as longer than Amazon. Recent study conducted by scientists taking Nevado Mismi as the source proved that Amazon is 6259 to 6800 km long; that means that Amazon must be about 110 km longer than Nile.

5. Easter Island Statues

Easter Island statues: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america

Easter Island is not just fascinating but it is undoubtedly the most intriguing place in the World. This little island dotted with gigantic and weird looking human statues; is in the Oceania (the groups of islands around Australia) in the South Pacific Ocean. The Easter Island is the most isolated place with human inhabitation as the nearest inhabited places are (Tahiti or Chile) at least two thousand miles away!

6. Harbour of Rio De Janeiro

Harbor of Rio de Janeiro: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america

When the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro itself is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, The Statue of Christ the Redeemer, the 38 meter giant of a statue that stands upon the Corcovado Mountain - which it self is 710 meters high- also is one of the Seven Manmade Wonders of the World! A World Wonder itself is rare but one such overseeing another World Wonder is rarer still.

7. Carnival in Rio

Carnival in Rio: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america

There are many carnivals observed in Brazil as well as all over the world; of which the most noted one is undoubtedly that held in Rio de Janeiro; the Capital of Brazil; Rio Carnival is also acclaimed as the greatest cultural event in the world. Though commercialized to the extreme; it still retains much of the spontaneity of the care-free people who live around Rio.

8. Angel Falls

Angel Falls: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america

If the height and ferocity of a waterfall is taken as its greatness, undoubtedly Angel Falls of Venezuela is the greatest waterfall in the world. For a viewer who looks from the front; the falls may seem as it is poured directly from the heaven! Massive quantity of water plunging from a height of 979 meters (3212) feet is not a common sight that we can see elsewhere in the world!

9. Nazca Animal Figures

Nazca animal figures: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america

These Nazca Lines are very large sketches made on earth’s surface by carving out the upper layer there by exposing the inner surface; they include humanoids, monkeys, birds, insects and even aliens! Straight lines, angles, triangles and rectangles, and all sorts of geometrical shapes. Potteries recovered from the area contains the prototypes of these figures hence it is presumed that the creators had observed these figures from the sky!

10. Torres del Paine

Torres del paine National park: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america

Torres Del Paine National park is a UNESCO certified ‘World Biosphere Reserve’; which is also undoubtedly the most renowned, un-spoilt and remote places in the world. It is located 2500 km from Santiago; just 112 km northwest of Natales Chile. Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas remain as the nearest towns and act as stop-over spots for tourists to this national park.

(from the Kerala Articles)

Travel To France - AIX-EN-PROVENCE

2009-09-05T17:44:00.005+04:00

AIX-EN-PROVENCE would be the dominant city of central Provence were it not for the great metropolis of Marseille, just 25km away. Historically, culturally and socially, the two cities are moons apart and the tendency is to love one and hate the other. Aix is complacently conservative and a stunningly beautiful place, its riches based on landowning and the liberal professions. The youth of Aix are immaculately dressed; hundreds of foreign students, particularly Americans, come to study here; and there's a certain snobbishness, almost of Parisian proportions.

From the twelfth century until the Revolution, Aix was the capital of Provence. In its days as an independent county, its most mythically beloved ruler, "Good" King René of Anjou (1409–80), held a brilliant court renowned for its popular festivities and patronage of the arts. René was an archetypal Renaissance man, a speaker of many languages (including Greek and Hebrew), a scientist, poet and economist; he also introduced the muscat grape to the region – today he stands in stone in picture-book medieval fashion, a bunch of grapes in his left hand, looking down the majestic seventeenth-century cours Mirabeau.

Vegetables, Aix Market

(From Yahoo Travel)

Travel To France - Toulouse

2009-09-05T17:23:00.007+04:00

TOULOUSE, with its beautiful historic centre, is one of the most vibrant and metropolitan provincial cities in France. This is a transformation that has come about since the war, under the guidance of the French state which has poured in money to make Toulouse the think-tank of high-tech industry and a sort of premier trans-national Euroville. Always an aviation centre – St-Exupéry and Mermoz flew out from here on their pioneering airmail flights over Africa and the Atlantic in the 1920s – Toulouse is now home to Aérospatiale, the driving force behind Concorde, Airbus and the Ariane space rocket. The national Space Centre, the European shuttle programme, the leading aeronautical schools, the frontier-pushing electronics industry… it's all happening in Toulouse, whose 110,000 students make it second only to Paris as a university centre. But it's not to the burgeoning suburbs of factories, labs, shopping and housing complexes that all these people go for their entertainment, but to the old Ville Rose – pink not only in its brickwork, but also in its politics.

This is not the first flush of pre-eminence for Toulouse. From the tenth to the thirteenth centuries the counts of Toulouse controlled much of southern France. They maintained the most resplendent court in the land, renowned especially for its troubadours, the poets of courtly love, whose work influenced Petrarch, Dante and Chaucer and thus the whole course of European poetry. Until, that is, the arrival of the hungry northern French nobles of the Albigensian Crusade; in 1271 Toulouse became crown property.

Travel To France - Marseille

2009-09-05T09:12:00.003+04:00

The most renowned and populated city in France after Paris, MARSEILLE has – like the capital – prospered and been ransacked over the centuries. It has lost its privileges to sundry French kings and foreign armies, recovered its fortunes, suffered plagues, religious bigotry, republican and royalist Terror and had its own Commune and Bastille-storming. It was the presence of so many Marseillaise Revolutionaries marching from the Rhine to Paris in 1792 which gave the Hymn of the Army of the Rhine its name of La Marseillaise, later to become the national anthem.

Today, it's an undeniable fact that Marseille is a deprived city, not particularly beautiful architecturally, and with acres of grim 1960s housing estates. Yet it's a wonderful place to visit – a real, down-to-earth yet cosmopolitan port city with a trading history going back over 2500 years. The people are gregarious, generous, endlessly talkative and unconcerned if their style seems provocatively vulgar to the snobs of the Côte d'Azur.

(from Yahoo Travel)

Travel To France - Cheap Hotel in France

2009-09-05T08:34:00.002+04:00

Paris Hotels
1.Hotel Astor Saint-Honore
2.Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg
3.Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
4.Castille Hotel
5.Hotel de Crillon
6.Hotel la Tremoille
7.Hotel Marignan Champs-Elysees
8.Le Meurice
9.Raphael Hotel Paris
10.Ritz Paris
11.Le Bristol Hotel

With it's romantic imagery, priceless artifacts and ageless works of art, Paris, France, seems like it is one of the most expensive places in the world to visit. While it is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels, it also makes itself accessible for those visitors who are traveling on a budget. With many Paris France attractions offering free admission on certain days of the week or month, it's quite possible to see the best the city has to offer and not break the bank. With cheap hotels in Paris, France, you can even reduce the amount of your accommodations to free up some money for a shopping excursion on Rue du Cherche-Midi.

Grand Hotel Nouvel Opera
With only ten rooms, the Grand Hotel Nouvel Opera may be small, but so is its price. With rooms starting around $76 per night, it's a no frills, amenity-free place to rest your head. It's located in the 11th district of Paris, close to the Bastille, the P S Sre Lachaise cemetery and Rue de Lappe.

The Nord et Champagne Hotel
The Nord et Champagne Hotel is within walking distance of the Montmartre and ideally located near some of the best Paris France shops. With 43 rooms starting around $85, you'll be glad to have the extra money to spend! The Nord et Champagne Hotel combines affordability and privacy in a comfortable and well-decorated setting.

More Budget Accommodations in Paris, France

The Altona Hotel
Located in the heart of Paris, the Altona Hotel is a quaint hotel with only 6 rooms. The staff is highly visible and hospitable. The rooms are comfortable and make for a relaxing place to settle down after a hectic day of sightseeing, and your room will only cost around $83 per night!

Express by Holiday Inn Porte D Italie
The Express by Holiday Inn Porte D Italie is one of the most popular budget hotels in Paris. The fact that guests can enjoy a comfortable room, along with the usual Holiday Inn quality in the most romantic city in the world, all for only around $93 per night is simply too hard to resist. With a 24-hour front desk, a complimentary breakfast buffet and a prime location just a few miles from the best attractions, the Express by Holiday Inn Porte D Italie offers an unbeatable value.

These hotels are only a select few of the cheap hotels found in Paris, France. As with most popular tourist destinations, if you know how to prepare early and make your reservations in advance, you will be rewarded for your efforts with a cheap hotel, even in the city of lights. With a little effort, it's not that difficult to find the best deals on Paris France hotels.

(from AOL Travel)

Travel to France - The Best of France - Video (next)

2009-09-05T08:22:00.002+04:00

Travel To France - Paris - Video

2009-09-05T08:17:00.003+04:00

The world's happiest cities

2009-09-04T20:01:00.003+04:00

Top 5 World's Happiest Cities
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2. Sydney, Australia
3. Barcelona, Spain
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
5. Melbourne, Australia

Ten urban centers closely associated with unmitigated joy.

Ever since Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers appeared in the 1933 film Flying Down to Rio, the world has been fascinated with Rio de Janeiro. Popular perception of the city is infused with images of starry-eyed youngsters dancing into the dusk, backed by imposing mountains and dark sea.

That view has propelled Rio to the top of our list of the world's happiest cities. Famous for its annual Carnaval festival (starting Feb. 13 next year), the second-largest metropolis in South America finished first among 50 cities in a recent survey conducted by Simon Anholt, an author and policy adviser.

"Brazil is associated with all these qualities of good humor and good living and Carnaval," says Anholt. "Carnaval is very important--it's the classic image that people have of Rio, and it's an image of happiness."
In Pictures: The World's Happiest Cities

Next on the list is the top city from Down Under: Sydney, Australia. Known for balmy weather, friendly locals and an iconic opera house, Sydney fared well in Anholt's survey because of its association with a popular brand--Australia.

"It's where everybody would like to go," he says. "Everybody thinks they know Australia because they've seen Crocodile Dundee. There's this image of this nation of people who basically sit around having barbecues."

Rounding out the top five are third-ranked Barcelona, Spain, which Anholt calls "the classic Mediterranean city"; fourth-ranked Amsterdam, Netherlands, because Anholt's young respondents "know you can smoke dope in the bars"; and Melbourne, Australia, which makes the list simply because it's in Australia.

"People know it's in Australia, and that it's full of Australians," says Anholt. "Therefore, it must be fun."

Behind the Numbers
The data Anholt provided for our list is part of his Nation Brands Index, which he developed in 2005. The latest incarnation, the 2009 Anholt-GfK Roper City Brands Index, was released in June. The data was compiled from online interviews with 10,000 respondents in 20 countries.

Happiness is difficult to quantify, and Anholt acknowledges that his data is less an indicator of where local populations are happiest than a reflection of respondents' thinking about where they could imagine themselves happy.

"This is a survey of perception, not a survey of reality," he says. "People write me all the time and say 'that's not true.' It probably isn't true, but it's what people think. The gap between perception and reality is what interests city governments."

The French historian Fernand Braudel wrote that "Happiness, whether in business or private life, leaves very little trace in history." But a perception of happiness leaves a strong trace on the balance sheets of cities that depend on conventions, tourism and an influx of talent.

The Pursuit of Happiness
Anholt notes that the results of his survey reflect the longstanding reputation of Mediterranean and Latin American cities as non-stop party locales.

"It's pretty much the expected bunch," says Anholt. "Though I'm a little surprised about Spain outdoing Italy. It's interesting that the Spanish are perceived as being happier than the Italians--I find the Spanish rather gloomy."

Still, Barcelona--Spain's highest-ranked city--has plenty of supporters.

"The beauty of the city and its environs, along with affordable housing and business opportunities, is the fantastic lifestyle," says Michelle Finkelstein, a vice president at travel agency Our Personal Guest. "There's not the stress of getting a child into the best preschool--the public ones are good and close by. And they have the top soccer team and some of the best weather in Europe."

Other places in the world that lack the metropolitan flair of the cities on this list are often identified with the notion of happiness. "Anyone lucky enough to visit the magical Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan would know that there is no competition: There can be no happier place," says Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. "This small Buddhist nation of incredibly stunning beauty follows a unique guiding philosophy of GNH--Gross National Happiness. You can see it in their open faces--they smile from the heart. Barcelona has nothing on them."

Global rivalries notwithstanding, Anholt notes that his findings more or less support historical trends, with one notable exception.

"The cities on this list would probably be the same if I'd been running this survey in 1890, aside from Sydney and Melbourne," he says. "Australia is kind of a branding miracle."

See the full list of The World's Happiest Cities

More From Forbes.com:
World's Friendliest Countries
World's Best Places To Eat Well
World's Best-Paid Cities

(from Yahoo)

Travel To France - Cannes

2009-09-04T13:36:00.003+04:00

The film industry and all other manner of business junketing represent CANNES's main source of income in an ever-multiplying calendar of festivals, conferences, tournaments and trade shows. The spin-offs from servicing the day and night needs of the jetloads of agents, reps, dealers, buyers and celebrities are even more profitable than providing the strictly business facilities. Cannes may be more than its film festival, but it's still a grotesquely overhyped urban blight on this once exquisite coast – a contrast reinforced by the sublime Îles de Lérins, a short boat ride offshore and the best reason for coming here.

The old town, known as Le Suquet after the hill on which it stands, provides a great panorama of the twelve-kilometre beach, and has, on its summit, the remains of the fortified priory lived in by Cannes' eleventh-century monks and the beautiful twelfth-century chapelle Ste-Anne. These house the Musée de la Castre (daily except Tues: April–May & Sept 10am–1pm & 2–6pm; June–Aug 10am–1pm & 3–7pm; Oct–March 10am–1pm & 2–5pm; €3), which has an extraordinary collection of musical instruments from all over the world, along with pictures and prints of old Cannes and an ethnology and archeology section.

You'll find non-paying beaches to the west of Le Suquet, along the plages du Midi and just east of the Palais des Festivals. But the sight to see is La Croisette, the long boulevard along the seafront, with its palace hotels on one side and private beaches on the other. It's possible to find your way down to the beach without paying, but not easy (you can of course walk along it below the rows of sun beds). The beaches, owned by the deluxe palais-hôtels – the Majestic, Carlton and Noga Hilton – are where you're most likely to spot a face familiar in celluloid or a topless hopeful, especially during the film festival, though you'll be lucky to see further than the sweating backs of the paparazzi. Alternative entertainment can be had buying your own food in the Forville covered market two blocks behind the mairie, or by wandering through the day's flower shipments on the allées de la Liberté, just back from the Vieux Port.

Strolling on and off the main streets of Cannes – rue d'Antibes, rue Meynardier and the promenade de la Croisette – is like wading through a hundred current issues of Vogue. If you thought the people on the beach were wearing next to nothing, now you can see where they bought the sunglasses and swimming suits, the moisturizers and creams, the watch, the perfume, and the collar and leash for little Fou-Fou.

Travel To France - Frence Food

2009-09-03T19:53:00.003+04:00

France is blessed with sunny weather, beautiful countryside, a nice selection of beaches, historic cities, ornate churches, picturesque chateaus, and some of the best food and wine in the world. The French take there meals seriously, although don't let that deter you from having a relaxed, impromptu meal. Show up to one of the many restaurants in France with a little enthusiasm and you'll be treated to a culinary tour de force. If culinary delights are you thing then a holiday in France is defiantly the way to go. From bustling markets with the freshest selection of goods, to intimate stores devoted to bread, cheese, and wine, the gastronomic perfection of food in France is spectacular.

There are thousands of great restaurants in France. All of them seem to boast about one chef or another, which is good, but for most of us we want to get down to eating. Walk around the city, peruse the menu, and sit down for a meal. Parisians eat lunch at noon, and take their dinner late, around eight o'clock. Restaurants in France can be a pricey affair, but fortunately French law dictates that prices must include service. Rounding off the bill and leaving some change is good practice.

Eating in France is an exciting and rich experience. Food in France has many different styles. There are staples, like bread, cheese, and coffee. Bread, especially the baguette, is very common, but there are dozens of different styles and sizes of bread. Each with their own name, own texture, and varied use. As it is with cheese. Hundreds of varieties are produced all over France, including delightful ones by small factories. Then of course there is wine, produced in the seven distinct wine regions of France. Food in France goes so far beyond the basics, where sometimes a simple meal can stretch on for hours, or maybe a dinner that last past midnight. Such is the passion of the French palate.

As France is known for culinary delights, Paris is the capital. Choices for food in Paris are all over town, from upscale hotels to intimate restaurants. Paris has a lot to offer. It's important to note the time when dining. A typical breakfast includes coffee and a bagel or fruit. The serious food in Paris isn't served until lunch, from about noon to two o'clock. Walk out of a museum at three, and you'll be hard pressed to find a full meal. Many restaurants close to prepare for the evening after two or two-thirty. They open again for dinner around five or six.

In addition, food in Paris is not restricted to traditional French delights. Cuisine from all over the world can be found in Paris, including Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and other international tastes. Fast food chains are rising in popularity due to convenience and there family oriented style.

Parisians take their meals seriously, and when dining in Paris it helps to show up in a relaxed frame of mind, and not be in too much of a hurry. Plan your meal times, don't rush, and dining in Paris and France will be a pleasant and tasty experience.

Travel to France - Champagne Country - The Beautiful Domaine Ployez-Jacquemart

2009-09-03T19:50:00.000+04:00

We are extremely pleased to welcome Domaine Ployez-Jacquemart to au Château ~ our first member in the Champagne region and a producer of superb Champagnes. It is just recently that the proprietors of the Domaine, the Ployez family, made the decision to create guest rooms in their château at the suggestion of many visitors to their vineyards.

The soul of the estate is characterized by the Champenois terroirs, now in the capable hands of the third generation: Gérard and Claude Ployez, who carry on a family tradition. Ployez-Jacquemart Champagne can be found at many of the best restaurants of France and in fourteen countries. Visitors to the estate will experience tastings in fine vaulted caves, some 75 feet deep, as well as enjoy these fine wines and elegant dinners organized at the Domaine. Harvesting and sorting by hand, cold deep cellars, and traditional yeasts produce a Champagne with very fine bubbles ~ a Champagne that is very aromatic, fruity, rich, fresh and that offers a fine balance between alcohol and acidity.

Three double guest rooms and two suites, all with en suite bathrooms, are awaiting guests at Domaine Ployez-Jacquemart. All rooms are non-smoking. Guest can not only enjoy fine Champagne, wines and cuisine at the Domaine, but also experience the many activities offered in the area from hot air balloon rides to golf, visits to the great city of Reims or to the center of Champagne country, Epernay, and the charming village of Chalon-sur-Marne.

Visit their pages on our site today to see the beautifully decorated, spacious accommodations, the lovely salon and dining room, and read all about this unique destination and the exquisite wines awaiting you in Champagne country!

Travel To France - Bordeaux Wine Tours: Experience the thrill of visiting the world's most famous estates.

2009-09-03T19:45:00.001+04:00

Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste at some of the world's most famous chateaux, including First Growths like Chateaux Margaux, Latour or Lafite Rothschild. At these exclusive estates you'll be welcomed for private VIP tours and tastings. Learn from insiders about the people, power and politics that have shaped Bordeaux's past and continue to influence it today. Along the way, you'll enjoy first-class accommodations, and sumptuous meals prepared by the region's best chefs at fabulous Michelin-starred restaurants.

"Staying at Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron was magical. We watched the sun rise over the vineyards of Chateau Latour from the windows of our room. We enjoyed dressing for dinner, sharing an aperitif with new friends in the sitting room recalling memories of the day while nestled among the vineyards. Dinners at the Chateau were more intimate and memorable than at even the finest restaurants." -- Tom & Lynda Mays, Bluffton, SC

Choose your tour:

Bordeaux Prestige Tour, May 11-16, 2009 or June 1-6, 2009

The ultimate wine and culinary immersion for the Bordeaux enthusiast!

Limited to 12 guests
Stay in accommodations as exceptional as your tastings: five nights in the luxurious, old-world charm of the private residence of world-renowned Second Growth Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron in Pauillac, one of the Médoc's most prestigious and beautiful wine estates (reserved exclusively for our guests)
Enjoy VIP tastings at all five First Growth chateaux, Chateau d'Yquem in Sauternes, and legendary estates of Saint Emilion and Pomerol
Visit with chateau owners and cellar masters as you explore the upper echelons of the Bordeaux wine business as an insider
Indulge with gourmet meals and private chateaux dinners paired with the finest library of wines to complete your oenological immersion
US $5,800 per person, double occupancy
Request Full Itinerary & Reservation Forms

Pre-Packaged, Private Bordeaux Wine Tours

We offer short, value-priced, pre-packaged private tours in Bordeaux.

Private and flexible-you choose when to go
The itineraries cover the most important vineyards, and feature the region's top estates, best 4-star hotels, and finest restaurants
Hosted by one of our wine expert guide/drivers throughout in deluxe, air conditioned vehicle
A great value, just choose your package, choose your dates, and we’ll take care of the rest!

One Day Wine Tours and Shore Excursions

Experience our exclusive service for the day.

Travel to France - Entre-Deux-Mers - The Wines and Hospitality of Château Soussac

2009-09-03T19:42:00.000+04:00

The wine growing region between the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers of southwestern France is called Entre-Deux-Mers ('between two seas'). and it is here that you will find Château Soussac, a gorgeous 19th century château producing fine wines grown in natural conditions without added fertilizers or chemicals. Joe and Nell Beattie, your hosts and the vintners, have a web site that states, "Château Soussac ~ where the great wines of Bordeaux and we are waiting to welcome you." That sums up the warm hospitality you can expect at the château.

Beyond the fine guest rooms for your comfort and an on site masseuse who can help you to relax and forget the stress of day-to-day living, guests can also take cooking courses with a professional chef and have free wine tastings at the château. However, the feature attraction for wine lovers is the opportunity to take organized Wine Courses to discover the world of great wines and to taste and learn about them as you stand in the vineyards among the vines. As Château Soussac is in the heart of Entre-Deux-Mers and close to St-Emilion and Sauternes, they have on hand a team of experts who will introduce the novice wine drinker to the delights of wine and show them how to differentiate between wines. For the serious wine lover, the château's experts will explain the complexities of the grand crus and how a really great wine is created.

Wine Tours to the great Chateaux of Bordeaux are available to guest of Château Soussac, including St-Emilion/Pomerol, Sauternes and the Médoc. Tours are priced based upon the number of guests in the party and the regions visited. The Beatties will be happy to arrange tours to their guests' preferred regions and put together an itinerary. Only one region is possible per day.

We hope you will visit Château Soussac on our web site to see this beautiful wine producing estate for yourself, for contact information, to learn more about their offers, or to arrange participation in a Wine or Cooking Course. The château is the perfect venue for weddings and family gatherings in a region of France that has so much to offer both the wine connoisseur and the novice, as well as other visitors who are happy exploring castles and small villages, the Atlantic beaches of the Médoc and the stimulating city of Bordeaux.

Travel To France - Nice

2009-09-03T16:30:00.006+04:00

The capital of the Riviera and fifth largest city in France, NICE scarcely deserves its glittering reputation. Living off inflated property values and fat business accounts, its ruling class has hardly evolved from the eighteenth-century Russian and English aristocrats who first built their mansions here; today it's the rentiers and retired people of various nationalities whose dividends and pensions give the city its startlingly high ratio of per capita income to economic activity.

Their votes ensured the monopoly of municipal power held for decades by the right-wing dynasty, whose corruption was finally exposed in 1990 when mayor Jacques Médecin fled to Uruguay. He was finally extradited and jailed. Despite the disappearance of 400 million francs of taxpayers' money, public opinion remained in his favour. From his Grenoble prison cell, Médecin, who had twinned Nice with Cape Town at the height of South Africa's apartheid regime, backed the former National Front member and close friend of Jean-Marie Le Pen, Jacques Peyrat, in the 1995 local elections. Peyrat won with ease, and, re-elected in 2001, he has lately made no secret of his desire to have the new public prosecutor, Eric de Montgolfier – who made his reputation fighting white-collar crime and political corruption – removed from his post, before his investigations into the Riviera underworld put yet another city magistrate into prison.

Politics apart, Nice has other reasons to qualify it as one of the more dubious destinations on the Riviera: it's a pickpocket's paradise; the traffic is a nightmare; miniature poodles appear to be mandatory; phones are always vandalized; and the beach isn't even sand. And yet Nice still manages to be delightful. The sun and the sea and the laid-back, affable Niçois cover a multitude of sins. The medieval rabbit warren of the old town, the Italianate facades of modern Nice and the rich, exuberant, fin-de-siècle residences that made the city one of Europe's most fashionable winter retreats have all survived intact. It has also retained mementos from its ancient past, when the Romans ruled the region from here, and earlier still, when the Greeks founded the city. In addition, its bus and train connections make Nice by far the best base for visiting the rest of the Riviera.

Travel to Alaska

2009-09-03T16:17:00.002+04:00

Outside Tent & Breakfast, Seldovia, AK

When going to Alaska for my summer vacation I had a lot of ideas in my mind of how the trip would be. I even had a tarot card reader at a Google party tell me months in advance that I would be "naturally enlightened" during the summer, to my delight. But, in my time there I quickly discovered that things don't always go the way you plan them and enlightenment can mean many unpredictable things.

Trail to the Ice Climb with Ascending Path outside of Girdwood, AK

Unpredictability can come in many forms, like, for instance, the weather. Alaska had the coldest summer on record since 1980. This meant that it stayed pretty cool most of the days I was there and almost freezing in the evenings. It was actually nice because it meant there was no excuse to not light a fire and sit there for hours, or to pile on as many blankets as possible, comforted by the weight.

Eric & Brett in Homer, AK

Wildlife is naturally unpredictable as well. Managing expectations is a phrase we commonly use in advertising to make sure clients aren't expecting more than what we're realistically able to offer. One of the things I really wanted to see while in Alaska was a bear. I saw a moose (very rare in summer), elk, reindeer, mountain goats, otters, husky puppies and even some jellyfish. All of these animals were absolutely incredible to see, but yet, I still wish I had seen a bear. Were my expectations unrealistic? Maybe, maybe not, but until next time this live bear cam will have to do.

Food is definitely something I include on a list of things that can be enlightening. However, I didn't really expect to find anything better than what I could get in Seattle. Salmon and halibut are common foods in both locations, and many places do a great job with them. The Mad Fish Restaurant in Seldovia was one of the two places open for dinner on Sunday night, so we showed up as their first guests of the evening. Both me and my friend agreed that they had the best fish we had ever eaten.

Edge of the Glacier we climbed

The most important form of enlightenment I (re)discovered was how important it is to trust the right people. When glacier hiking and ice climbing you place your life in the hands of those skilled enough to protect you, make sure you enjoy your experience and get home safely. Without the proper attitude, gear and knowledge it is likely that mistakes can be made and injury will result. But with a little research, the use your gut feeling and faith in your peers you can do just about anything.

Alaskan Nightlife: Humpy's, Brown Bear Saloon, The Salty Dawg

Destination Reading: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Destination Listening: Into the Wild Soundtrack by Eddie Vedder

My friend Brett's Official Alaska Weather Report

(from Travel Blog)

Travel To Paris - The Second Day

2009-09-02T00:03:00.000+04:00

Also my last day on mainland Europe for this trip. I have now been escaping my guide duty towards my family for the the last 3/4 days and I knew that I had to spent at least half of today showing them around the famous sites in Paris. So in the morning I headed out early to see two buildings that you can't not go when visiting this great city. Not because I had not seen them before, in fact I've been to them more than once and I'm also quiet familiar with them but I just had to see them again!

The first of these is also apparently Paris' most visited attraction - Centre Georges Pompidou.
This centre houses the Bibliothèque publique d'information, a public library, the Musée National d'Art Moderne, and IRCAM, a centre for music and acoustic research.The building was designed by the architects Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Sue Rogers and engineers Peter Rice and Edmund Happold after they won a huge international competition for its design.
This project propelled both Piano and Rodgers to the elite world of starchitects and introduced the high-tech style with its exposed skeleton of brightly colored tubes for mechanical systems to a global audience.
There is little doubt that the Pompidou 'revolutionized museums,' in fact it prompted a critic to declare that the design of the Centre "turned the architecture world upside down".
It's amazing how a building that seems to have no relation to the architecture of its surroundings is still soo contextual; the proportion and section of the plaza in front of it is pure genius!

And the other must see building is probably the most impressive work by local architect Jean Nouvel.
L'Institut du Monde Arabe is a museum of sorts whose purpose is to spread knowledge and research the Arab World’s language, and its cultural and spiritual values to the West.
The design of the building clearly reflects this ambition. Jean Nouvel successfully plays with symbolic items like the traditional wooden 'moucharabiehs' screens used in most Arab cultures.
But instead of using them literally he creates a contemporary mechanized version of it in metal with polygons of varying shapes and sizes creating a geometric effect that reminds of great Arab buildings like the Alhambra.
(Sadly the mechanism which was suppose to regulate the amount of sunlight within the building is no longer working!)
And to end here's three photos of the Citroën showroom on the Champs-Elysées designed by Manuelle Gautrand .

(from Sahil's Travel Blog)

Travel To Paris - The First Day

2009-09-02T00:01:00.001+04:00

We first headed to see Jean Nouvel's Foundation Cartier where the external façade was designed as a glass screen running parallel to the boulevard and would prolong it’s perspective.
From there we went to see the Bibliotheque Nationale.
My sis was in disbelief that this massive complex of 4 identical 'open book' towers and its huge forested courtyard was all one huge library!
The stop was Corbusier's Cité de Refuge.
This project was the great master's first opportunity to create accommodation for the urban poor.
The compact site provided the chance for a radical approach both to bringing in light and space and to laying out the entrance halls to accommodate the Salvation Army's reception process.
However we didn't feel very safe around there with my camera and stuff and made a quick dash out of there
catching the closest metro straight to the Louvre museum.
If you've been reading my blogs you would know how big a fan of I M Pei I am.
His extension and new entrance halls to the Louvre is undoubtedly a great piece of architecture yet there is something horribly wrong with its symbolism.
Though like in his other buildings I love his choice of materials and its beautiful detailing, I am unable to agree with its overall form.
Yes I like the idea of the non-building
(everything neatly tucked away below the huge plaza),
yes I like the generosity of it's entrance spaces,
yes I like how he has dealt with proportions as one sequentially enters the original Palace but the Glass Pyramids I do not get!And clearly it isn't the glass that's bothering me.
(I have added only one photo of the inside of the museum - the one above- clicked at the Mona Lisa exhibit to show the sheer amount of people who are in here everyday of the year! It's really crazy..)
How or rather why did Pei use the Pyramid so literally here. Yes, I am aware of his inclination towards this geometry but surely this wasn't the right place for using it soo purely - Or is it?

(from Sahil's Travel Blog)

Travel To France - The Cliffs at Etretat

2009-09-01T22:26:00.000+04:00

The cliffs at Etretat are part of the Alabaster coast in France. In this seaside town you can have a great view of the white cliffs and the natural archways that reach out into the sea. You can enjoy the view of the 70 m high limestone cliffs with a walk on the paths leading from the beaches.

(from Beautiful Places)

Travel To France - Caen

2009-09-01T22:13:00.001+04:00

Caen is the capital of the Lower Normandy region of France. It was William the Conqurer’s favourite city and where he married his cousin Matilda of Flanders. The city is located 238km northwest of Paris.

View on the Saint-Pierre Church from Château Ducal.

Maison des Quatrans opposite Château Ducal.

View on Rue Ecuyère.

Postal Museum in the Rue Saint-Pierre.

Statue of Bertrand du Guesclin at Place Saint-Martin.

The old St. Etienne Church close to the Abbaye aux Hommes

The Leroy Tower, close to the Saint-Pierre Chur

(from Beautiful Places)

Travel To France - Amines-The Cathedral Of Our Lady in Amiens

2009-09-01T22:08:00.000+04:00

The Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady in Amiens is the tallest cathedral in France. Work on this beautiful religious building started in 1220 and was completed in 1266. The front of the cathedral has a gallery of 22 statues of kings. The three portals are decorated with sculptures of biblical figures and saints. In the interior 126 pillars support the 42,3 m high vaults. The Cathedral of Our Lady has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

(from beautiful Places)

Travel To France - Versailles

2009-09-01T22:00:00.000+04:00

This famous castle in Versailles was designed by the Sun King Louis XIV. Inside the castle you can see the most beautiful decoration you can imagine. In the back you can admire the garden that took about 20 years to complete. Versailles is easy to reach from Paris by train, the journey can take up to 40-50 minutes.

(from Beautiful places)

Travel To France - Jump the queue! Get straight to Europe’s classic sights.

2009-09-01T21:56:00.001+04:00

Summer can spell trouble for the traveller in Europe. The weather may be gorgeous, but queues for popular attractions start to stretch.

That’s where a bit of savvy reaps tremendous rewards. A few tricks will let you stroll past the sweating hordes on your way to your highlight of choice. Here are some of our favourite ways to pack in the classic sights without sweating it out in line.

Louvre, Paris

Many tourists take the long queues at the Louvre’s funky pyramid entrance as a given. It doesn’t have to be this way. You can buy tickets online in advance for general admission and specific exhibitions. Unfortunately you can’t do much about the crowds around the Mona Lisa.

Vatican excavations, Vatican City

Really get under the skin of St Peter’s Basilica. This hidden classic takes you along ancient narrow streets and through a pre-Christian necropolis, complete with excavations, to what might be the resting place of St Peter himself. Email or fax as far in advance as you can - and keep your fingers crossed. With only 120 spots a day, this is a seriously hot ticket.

La Sagrada Família, Barcelona

Two weeks before you go to Barcelona, do two things. First, book your ticket for La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s ever-expanding cathedral. Next, check the batteries in your alarm clock to make sure you don’t oversleep after a traditionally huge Catalan night out.

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, Milan

Only those who have prebooked can guarantee a glimpse inside the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie Dominican Convent - making the Last Supper one of Europe’s most-missed masterpieces. Groups of 25 get 15 minutes with the painting, leaving the rest of the day to chuckle at the numerous conspiracy theories surrounding it. Book on the Cenacolo Vinciano website.

Alhambra Palace & Generalife, Granada

Six thousand people swarm over the Alhambra each day in peak season, many queuing before dawn. Steal a march by booking online. Book in advance also for a magical night visit to the Palace. In a nifty trick, you can collect your tickets from La Caixa cashpoints across the city.

Tower of London and other royal palaces, London

Until recently the best way to beat the queues on the banks of the Thames was to commit an act of treason. Now you can avoid making small talk with mobs of schoolkids and march right to the front. It’s still worth going early to the Tower and Hampton Court to escape the big summer crowds.

Corridoio Vasariano, Florence

The Vasari Corridor is a covered passageway that links the Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery to the Palazzo Pitti, via the top of the Ponte Vecchio. It’s spectacularly lined with thousands of rarely-seen works of art, including the Uffizi’s self-portrait collection. The catch is that it can be visited only at certain times of year in small, prearranged groups. Florence’s Polo Museale has more details. Try not to look too smug if you do get in.

Museo del Prado, Madrid

Enthusiasm for visiting Madrid’s premier art museum can wane once you’ve experienced peak-season queues. Book ahead online. More time for crawling the Sol and Huertas districts, less time standing around.

Sleeping accommodation for trains

Mark Smith, also known as the Man in Seat 61, recommends booking sleeping-car accommodation as far in advance as possible. Space is available from 90 days in advance for western European trains, 60 days for eastern European ones. This goes double if you are travelling with a rail pass. This will help avoid having to bed down outside the toilets on the Berlin-Prague night train with everyone else who’s missed out on a bed.

Travel to France - Paris Highlight

2009-09-01T21:52:00.004+04:00

Paris highlights

1 Eiffel Tower

The view of the ‘city of light’ by night is mesmerizing from the tip of the city’s iconic spire, with its 360-degree panoramas over Paris.
Over 250 million people have ascended the tower to date. Most visit its three platforms (57m, 115m and 276m) in daytime hours, when, on a clear day, views from the top extend up to 60km. Far fewer visitors make the pilgrimage after sunset, when queues are significantly shorter. Night-time at the top can be breezy – bring a jacket.

2 Musee d’Orsay

The home of France’s national collection from the Impressionist, Post-impressionist and Art Nouveau movements is, appropriately, the glorious former Gare d’Orsay Art Nouveau railway station.
On the ground floor you’ll find earlier works of the era, while the middle level has some stunning Art Nouveau rooms and sculptures. On the skylit upper level, masterpieces include Manet’s On The Beach; Renoir’s Ball at the Moulin de la Galette; Degas’ ballerinas and Van Gogh’s scenes of Auvers-sur-Oise just outside Paris (where he died and is buried).

3 Jardin du Luxembourg

The merest ray of sunshine is enough to draw apartment-dwelling Parisians outdoors. You’ll see locals unwinding throughout the city: in parks, on bridges and on the banks of the Seine. But the Luxembourg Gardens have a special place in the hearts of Parisians.
Napoleon dedicated the gardens to the children of Paris, and many residents spent their childhood prodding little wooden sail boats with long sticks on the octagonal pond, watching marionettes perform Punch & Judy–type shows, and riding the carousel (merry-go-round) or ponies.

4 Markets

Nowhere encapsulates Paris’ village atmosphere more than its street markets. Not simply places to shop, the markets are social gatherings for the entire neighbourhood, where residents toting quintessentially Parisian canvas shopping bags on wheels chat with stallholders and pick up culinary tips.

5 Mosquee Parist

Built between 1922 and 1926 and topped by a 26m-high minaret, Paris’ art deco–Moorish mosque is a treat off the beaten track. Provided you’re modestly dressed, you can wander through the colonnaded courtyards – with incredible acoustics during the Call to Prayer – and leaf through ancient Arabic texts in the library.

6 Shakespeare & Co

A kind of spell descends as you enter this cluttered, charming bookshop opposite Notre Dame. Its enchanting nooks and crannies overflow with new and secondhand English-language books, while amid handpainted quotations and a wishing well, a miniature staircase leads to an atticlike reading library.
The bookshop is the stuff of legends. The original shop (12 rue l’Odeon; closed by the Nazis in 1941) was run by Sylvia Beach and became the meeting point for Gertrude Stein’s ‘Lost Generation’. Beach published James Joyce’s Ulysses there in 1922, when no one else would.

7 Île St Louis

The Île St-Louis’ tiny streets – where you’ll still see the odd Citroën 2CV among its few cars – are a quiet respite from the city’s hubbub. Quaint shops are dotted around the island, while its riverbanks and bridges are idyllic for listening to buskers or just watching the riverboats glide by. A stroll here is a favourite pastime for Parisians as well as visitors, but it wouldn’t be complete without a cone of Berthillon ice cream in hand.

8 The Louvre

Stretching a whopping 700m along the Seine, it’s estimated it would take nine months just to glance at every artwork in the world’s largest museum.
But – with a bit of planning – it doesn’t disappoint.
Save time by purchasing your ticket from the Louvre’s website, ticket agencies, or machines in the Carrousel du Louvre beforehand. Museum tickets are valid all day, so you can take a break any time.

9 Promenade Plantee

Climbing the stairs from the busy Bastille quarter’s av Daumesnil brings you out on top of the viaduct that has been turned into the tranquil Promenade Plantée. Planted with a fragrant profusion of cherry trees, maples, rosebushes and lavender, it’s a haven that feels far from the madding crowds four storeys below.

10 Cimetiere di Pere Lachaise

Paris is a collection of villages, and this 48-hectare cemetery of cobbled lanes and elaborate tombs the size of small houses qualifies as one in its own right.
Among the cemetery’s celebrity residents are the composer Chopin; writers Molière, Apollinaire, Balzac, Proust, Wilde, Gertrude Stein (and Alice B Toklas) and Colette; artists Delacroix, Pissarro, Seurat and Modigliani; singers Édith Piaf and rock god Jim Morrison.

For further tips on what Paris has to offer try our city guide or our Pick and Mix chapters.

(from Paris Travel Information )

Tomato-armed revelers turn Spanish town red

2009-08-29T22:56:00.002+04:00

Up to 50,000 revelers descended on the small Spanish town of Bunol near Valencia Wednesday, collectively throwing, squishing, and pummeling 100 metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes in what has grown to be the world's biggest annual food fight.

The Tomatina festival began in 1945, but there is no official explanation of how it started.

Theories of its origins range from a practical joke on a bad musician to the anarchic aftermath of a lorry spillage to a local food fight among friends

Travel To France - Affordable Paris

2009-08-29T22:38:00.002+04:00

Paris has more to offer than haute couture and Michelin-starred restaurants. It is city built by strivers and schemers, who continue to show that classic Parisian indulgence doesn't have to cost a fortune. And one of the great democratizing institutions of the summer is a picnic on the Pont des Arts, left.

Sandwiches for sale at a bakery in the Marais.

Dining on the terrace of the Bistrot Victoires, where the décor is just as classic as the food. Order the grilled rib-eye (11 euros), topped with burning thyme, and the crème brûlée (5 euros).

Dinner at Le Baron Rouge, a bar in an old working-class neighborhood where most of the nearly 50 wines cost less than 3.50 euros.

On Thursday nights, many galleries, especially in the Marais, have openings where wine flows freely.

The Place des Vosges is one of the city's many majestic (and free) spaces.

A room at the Hôtel des Arts Bastille, a fine old seven-story building with a mansard roof, Juliet balconies and an elevator. Doubles are from 59 euros.

The bookstore Shakespeare & Company lets aspiring writers stay on its second floor free in exchange for a few hours of work a day.

Picnicking on the banks of the Canal St.-Martin.

Travel to France - The Affordable Paris Bistro

2009-08-29T22:21:00.003+04:00

The Paris bistro is still cozy, but now it has the added twist of serious, inventive food at fair prices. Left, the 20-seat dining room at Le Gaigne, where the food is hot, good and interesting. A five-course meal is 39 euros.

Photo: Julien Goldstein for The New York Times

Spring vegetables with spinach purée and thyme at Le Gaigne.

Les Papilles, the provisions and wine shop and bistro in the Fifth Arrondissement. The menu offers no choices -- everyone gets the same soup, main course, salad and dessert -- but the food is often Michelin-star quality.

Photo: Julien Goldstein for The New York Times

A dish with cucumbers, goat cheese, radishes and croutons at Les Papilles.

The main courses at Les Papilles are served family style and often out of copper gratin pans. Left, farm-raised poultry garnished with vegetables.

A biscuit topped with cream and strawberries at L'Epigramme. The restaurant serves a three-course prix fixe for 30 euros.

The food and the prices (36-euro prix fixe) at Itinéraires are appetizing. Good smells assault you instantly upon your arrival.

The mackerel at Itinéraires. The food here can be mysterious, but the experiments are restrained and flavor remains paramount.

The menu at Itinéraires in the Fifth Arrondissement. It features a handsome dining room with 60 seats.

Travel to France - Arc de Triomphe

2009-08-29T21:44:00.000+04:00

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the Champs-Élysees. It is 51 metres high, 45 metres wide and is the second largest one in the world. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories.

View location on map

(from Beautiful Places)

Travel To France - Place De La Concorde

2009-08-29T21:15:00.004+04:00

The Place de la Concorde is a the largest square in Paris, it is situated between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Gardens. On the square are two colorful fountains and the 3300 year old Obelisk of Luxor. From this square you can see the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

View location on map

(from Beautiful places )

2009-08-29T21:15:00.001+04:00

y juka14 Labels: France - Paris

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous monuments in the world. There are 3 levels where you can have a look at the centre of Paris. The first 2 levels you can reach by stairs, or elevator if you prefer. And for the last one to the top you have to buy an extra ticket for the elevator. But it's worth it for the view you get there.

View location on map

Travel to France - The Notre Dame

2009-08-29T21:14:00.000+04:00

The Notre Dame is a beautiful Gothic cathedral in the centre of Paris. It took 182 years to build it and give place to 9000 people. The building has beautiful stained glass and gargoyles on the walls wich give it a special look. There's a metro stop at the Ile-de-la-Cite wich will bring you very close to the cathedal.

Travel to France - The Louvre

2009-08-29T12:43:00.007+04:00

No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Louvre.

A visit to the Louvre in Paris could be a vacation all in itself. One could spend days, if not weeks, walking though the vast halls of the museum soaking in the thousands of years of the amazing art that resides within its walls.

The collection of art and antiquities in the Louvre are divided into 7 departments: Oriental Antiquities and Islamic Art; Egyptian Antiquities; Etruscan and Roman

Antiquities; Objects d’art; Sculpture; Graphic Arts; and Paintings.

It could take a half a day just to walk the total area the Louvre covers, and that would be without looking at the art. So one should consider spending two or three half days to truly appreciate the museum and its treasures.

Some beautiful places in Paris , France

2009-08-29T12:37:00.003+04:00

PARIS, France is without question, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And it’s beauty can be found everywhere.

There are museums, art galleries, gardens, monuments, the Seine, the beauty of the every day life and the everyday streets of Paris, and then there is Paris ‘at night’.

There are restaurants to eat in, parks to sit in and outdoor cafes scattered about the city where you can sit and watch as the Parisian life passes by you.

The beauty of Paris is one of the reason so many people chose to visit this amazing city. However it’s beauty, is also one of the problems a visitor need to deal with.

How does a traveler explore all the beauty Paris has to offer? And how do they explore this amazing city if their time is limited to a few days or even a few weeks.

Well the truth is, they can’t. It’s just not possible to explore or enjoy all the beauty Paris has to offer in a few days, weeks, or even months for that matter.

But with proper planning, a traveler could maximize their time in Paris to enjoy much of the beauty Paris has to offer.

With that in mind, here are some beautiful places to visit on your next trip to Paris.

Travel to France ( continue)

2009-08-29T01:13:00.000+04:00

More Latin Quarter Love

These buildings are located in the Latin Quarter. Really each building there had enough detail and embellishment that I could have stared all day. I imagined the girls of the Madeline books of my youth traipsing about inside. Open doors and windows seemed to ignite speculation of who might live within.

This well known fountain (minus graffiti thanks to the photo editing talents of my mother!)was striking even without flowing water. We did pass it on occasion when it was fully operational, but I loved the gargoyles in any state of existence.

(from parisphotoproject.blogspot.com/)

Travel to France

2009-08-29T01:11:00.000+04:00

After our brief jog around the Latin Quarter (more of a slump, I guess, but it felt like a jog to me!) we returned to our hotel... and still no rooms ready.

Just in case you didn't believe me about being able to see the side of the pantheon from the lobby... here is a shot of the hotel banner in front of the pantheon, taken from a fancy bench in the lobby.

Hunger taking over we stumbled (read: I stumbled, Karen sprighted)the few short steps to a cafe. And wouldn't you know it... you could see the Eiffel tower from my seat. In hindsight and closer examination of the photo - I really love the guy in the top hat sitting on the sidewalk. A side note on Parisians: they are much more accepting of two things (at least) than any other group of people I have encountered. 1. The homeless's right to be homeless, and 2. dogs :)

First French Breakfast. I just want you to know that this croissant had such a profound effect on me that I see it in my dreams sometimes.

And all American coffee tastes like water next to this. I miss this.

And as we walked away from our first cafe I turned and... sigh.
I think that guy might be afraid of pigeons.

(from parisphotoproject.blogspot.com/)

Travel to Luxembourg

2009-08-29T01:01:00.001+04:00

We spent a decent amount of time in these gardens. Grab a sandwich for lunch - go sit in the gardens, have an hour before dinner? take a stroll through the gardens. It helped that the road our hotel was on dead ended into the gardens after about a quarter of a mile. I love these photos in particular because they feature a really broody Paris sky. The skies were so fickle. One moment they were blue, the next stormy.

See what I mean? the palace looks almost superimposed onto those mythic skies.

Oh the benches. Remember the saying? if you can decorate it, do!

This huge sculpture... while interesting... seemed really out of place. Luckily, it was only a temporary exhibition.

Palm trees? for a second I thought I might be in Florida!

On a nicer, less threatening day every one of those chairs would be filled, sometimes more than one person would be forced to occupy on chair... or maybe they just did that because love was in the air!

RIO CARNAVAL IN BRAZIL

2009-08-29T00:18:00.005+04:00

One of the greatest elements of the Rio Carnaval is that it not only provides entertainment for many people around the world but it also gives a chance to learn about the true culture of Brazil. Carnival is very important to the Brazilians, it sums up their culture.

It is a euphoric event where people dance, sing, party and have tons of fun. There are many parties that take place before, during and after Carnival all night and all day. It allows someone's true heart to come out and have as much fun as possible.

Rio Carnival is the result of months of preparation. People eagerly anticipate the start of each year's Rio Carnival. It begins with the crowning of the Fat King (King Momo), who is presented with a giant silver and gold key by the city's mayor.

Then it is Carnival all over the place, in the streets and squares, bars, clubs and all other venues, taking over the whole city of Rio and culminating in the Rio Carnival Parade also known as the Samba Parade.

Coming to Rio Carnival means a bit of preparation. You should not only book ahead your flight and accommodation but buy your Rio Carnival tickets in advance, too. Study the Rio Carnival 2010 event calendar and pick the ones you intend to attend. Learn when and how to buy your tickets.

Try to organize your accommodation well in advance and get your costumes for the Samba Parade.
After all the preparation work just come, dive in and enjoy it all!

Motorhome News from Europe 9.

2009-08-28T23:45:00.000+04:00

Motorhome News from Europe 9.

First of all, I have to add a footnote to the last newsletter, which omitted one particular birding day. When heading south from Monfrague to Aracena, where we spent a whole day driving along potholed narrow back roads, hunting for bustards. We saw loads of red kites, buzzards, black shouldered kites, great grey shrike, hoopoes and EIGHT LITTLE BUSTARDS - yes, they really do exist!
More recently, here on the south coast of Spain, our usual bird sightings are of Flamingos, Egrets, Stilts and more Kingfishers. We’ve found wetlands on the border between Portugal and Spain and again in the Donana National Park, around the estuary of the Quadalquivir River, between Huelva and Cadiz. Aren’t these some lovely names? Add Seville, Jerez, Tarifa and Tangiers to those and you have an overview of the area where we are now.

Seville. We loved Seville for its delicate structures and vibrant colours. Sauntering through a maze of cobbled strees and tiled arcades we walked until our feet ached, savouring its culture, history and many different districts. Seville has the most amazing

Seville
a delightful mix of architectural images

cathedral, impressively huge and packed with art treasures, and the alcazar, a palace built in a mixture of styles but predominantly mudejar (or muslim) with wonderful plasterwork, arches, tiles, and lovely cool gardens. There is a certain magic to this city, a charming, warm-hearted haven in an area rich in its outstanding beauty, and history ringing in its bones.

Before moving on to yet another city, Cadiz, we took a day off to seek out more of the local birdlife. Beyond the city boundaries the parched fields of olives and glowing rustic buildings offer tranquil surroundings for many of the local species satiating our desire to seek out the true rural nature and culture of this area we love so well. The sun shone as we entered Cadiz the next day, the white buildings gleamed dazzling white the sea reflected the azure blue of the sky. Cadiz is on a headland and the sea views all around are fabulous. There were many grand buildings, narrow, balconied alleyways, a domed baroque/neoclassical cathedral, two castles, palm trees and flat-roofed houses echoing nearby North Africa.

The coast just south of Cadiz suited us rather well we discovered. It wasn’t too

Seville
The Alcazar.. wonderful plasterwork arches, tiles, and lovely cool gardens

developed, had an excellent campsite and offered the chance of golf that didn’t require a mortgage, so we stayed for three days; most unlike us, but we could get used to it. In addition to a round of golf (to keep the hand in, you understand), we walked barefoot on deserted beaches and made the truly British pilgrimage to Cabo de Trafalgar. This completed the hat-trick of visits this year linked to Nelson - we went with Aussie friends Brian and Kathryn to Burnham Thorpe, his birthplace, whilst they were with us at home in Norfolk, England, and whilst in Portsmouth en route by ferry for St Malo earlier this year we visited his ship, the Victory. Now we were honoured to look out on a tranquil sea that had once witnessed the great battle in which he was killed. We dreamed a while, contemplating the past and how that man and that day changed the history of Britain. Apart from a rather nondescript lighthouse, there is nothing at Cape Trafalgar; no plaque commemorating the battle, or souvenir shops, or museum. I suppose one doesn’t celebrate defeat. There were numerous Sanderling and Ringed Plovers dodging the waves and some interesting

Seville
Plaza Espagne

rock formations. Perfect, enhanced by the hazy view of Africa, stretched on the horizon across the Strait, in the distance.

Before leaving this area, we had to go to Jerez, where the sherry comes from. This time, we gave the bodegas (sherry factories) a miss and headed for the Andalucian Riding Academy. We missed the similar spectacle of horse and rider in Vienna when were last there - the horses were on tour in London!There in Herez, we made up for it; sitting on the terrace amongst the applauding crowd as we watched a display of dressage type horsemanship demonstrating the dexterity and enormous control between riders and horses. It was quite something to see, even though we’re not riders ourselves. We also needed enormous control and teamwork to get both in and out of Jerez. The town centre road was being dug up, so it was closed, as were numerous other side-streets, with no diversion signs (the signing was appalling). It took us about an hour and a half to find the riding school - and then the same again to find our way back out of town after the show! It was worth every moment.

Cadiz
...echoing nearby North Africa

Moving on to Tarifa, we were at the point where Europe is closest to Africa, Morocco to be precise ....and Tangiers to be exact. We just had to go, didn’t we? Tickets booked, our day trip was everything we have learned to hate about organised tours, but nevertheless it was an experience and an eye-opener. Suffice to say that within about four hours we witnessed everything from camels to the royal palace, from snake charmers to mosques, spices to carpets, couscous, kebabs, mint tea and endless “hawkers” trying to get us to buy bags, bracelets, baskets and brass camels. I now know what is meant by ‘Come with me to the Casbah’ and I also understand what is meant by ‘shopping’ in North Africa. Having had our senses battered by the Arab traders s in Tangiers, we were battered by the huge waves on our crossing back to Tarifa. The surrounding hills are covered with wind farms because it is a notoriously windy area and there was quite a gale blowing outside the motorhome later that evening. It was Guy Fawkes Night, November 5th, and Todd was missing the fireworks back home. C’est la vie. I wonder if they will

Cadiz
the town hall

be having fireworks in Gibraltar, our next port of call. Janice will be there to meet you in Marks and Spencers, at around 12 O'clock. OK?

David and Janice
The Grey Haired Nomads

Cabo de Trafalgar
a serious battle took place off the doast here, but it's not celebrated

we walked barefoot on deserted beaches
Janice dipping her weary feet in the water

Tangiers
a real charmer!

Tangiers
away from the bustle

Tangiers
....lovely carpet for madam?

( from Travelblog)

Caribbean Hotels

2009-08-28T13:39:00.000+04:00

Anguilla recommended hotel

MALLIOUHANA HOTEL & SPA

'A little piece of the French Riviera', Malliouhana was really responsible for putting Anguilla on the map when it first opened its doors in the early eighties. And it is still wowing its guests over two decades later, British owners, Leon and Nigel Roydon, managing to maintain its chic European ambience whilst injecting it with all the recreational 'must-haves' expected today.

Guests rooms are a minimum of 720-square feet in size, with outdoor Jacuzzis and private pools readily available in the junior suites and suites. Yet it is still dining that is the priority here, its restaurant under the guidance of the Michelin-starred restauranteur, Michel Rostang, whose gourmet presentations are very much in tune with the chвteaux wines from the 25,000 bottle wine cellar.

Go to the Anguilla Hotel page to see all the recommended hotels.

Antigua recommended hotel

CARLISLE BAY
Recently named Tatler magazine's "Hotel of the Year", Carlisle Bay combines contemporary style with a breathtaking natural setting on a pristine white sand beach making it one of the best Caribbean hotels. Only open since December 2003 and the brainchild of Gordon Campbell Gray (he of One Aldwych London), its right up there with the most stylish resorts anywhere in the tropics.

Go to the Antigua Hotel page to see all the recommended hotels.

Barbados recommended hotel

SANDY LANE
This superstar hotel ranks amongst the most famous of all the Caribbean hotels. It's elegant Palladian-style architecture is beautifully complimented by its setting on a prime west coast beach, It's elegant Palladian-style architecture is beautifully complimented by its setting on a prime west coast beach, whilst is recreational facilities are the envy of the tropics - a lagoon-style swimming pool with waterfall, a 47,000 sq. ft. spa, first-class tennis facilities and Tom Fazio-designed golf courses.

Go to the Barbados Hotel page to see all the recommended hotels.

Grenadines recommended hotel

Mustique - The Cotton House
The Cotton House attracts most visitors to the island of Mustique, this romantic hotel consisting of just twenty guest rooms perched on a lush hilltop. The colonial-style interiors (think 'shabby chic') go perfectly with the panoramic island views, whilst general resort facilities include a spa, an infinity-edge swimming pool, an informal beach grill and elegant verandah dining.

Go to the Grenadines Hotel page to see all the recommended hotels.

Jamaica recommended hotel

Half Moon Rose Hall - Montego Bay
This impressive 419-roomed resort has been welcoming discerning guests for over fifty years. And whilst a distinct air of colonial elegance prevails, prospective visitors can rest assured that this sprawling low-rise resort has kept up with all contemporary requirements. Nowhere is this more evident than in the collection of stately 3 to 4-bedroom villas that hug the coastline and boast their own private pools.

Go to the Jamaica Hotel page to see all the recommended hotels.

St. Barth recommended hotel

Eden Rock
This Relais & Chвteaux gem has just been re-styled and expanded by English owners, David and Jane Matthews. Comprising just 31 highly-distinctive cottages, suites and villas, much of it is perched on a rocky promontory surrounded by crystal clear waters. A number of the guest rooms do spill out onto the two adjacent beaches, however. In every way it's a labour of love, Jane's design skills displayed in rooms that range from the ьber-glamorous Garbo Suite to the beachfront Waterlily House, complete with its own infinity edge pool.

Go to the St. Barth Hotel page to see all the recommended hotels.

St. Lucia recommended hotel

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
Right up there amongst the Caribbean's finest resorts, Mediterranean-style Windjammer Landing tumbles down a panoramic hillside on St. Lucia's north coast. Whilst the guest rooms here are the epitome of the Caribbean hotels style, most visitors treat themselves to one of the resort's oversized villas or luxury Estate Houses.

Go to the St. Lucia Hotel page to see all the

Caribbean Holiday Guide

2009-08-28T13:38:00.001+04:00

THE CARIBBEAN is the world's playground. To most people it conjures up visions of palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear waters. Every day the tropical sun beats down, every evening boasts a vermilion sunset and every activity is carried out at the slow pace synonymous with island living.

And whilst these clichés are true in many respects, the reality is far more complex … and interesting. The Caribbean archipelago actually consists of many different islands spread over thousands of miles of ocean. And whilst most of these islands boast the scenic attractions and way of life that epitomize relaxed tropical living, all of them have their own history, culture and traditions. Not to mention completely different standards of resorts, restaurants and recreational possibilities.

They are also quite different scenically. Some are volcanic in origin and very lush and tropical, whilst others are coral formations which rely upon their pristine white sands to attract their visitors. Some are little more than undeveloped islets with a few coconut palms, whilst others are cosmopolitan countries boasting fashionable shops and exciting nightlife. Some proudly retain their French or Spanish traditions, whilst others revel in a West Indian lifestyle only slightly influenced by their English heritage.

So when planning your Caribbean island holidays, it's important you choose the island and resort that's right for you. Or at least right for you at that particular time.

If you're going on honeymoon, you're probably looking for a romantic getaway where little will intrude upon your time alone together. If you're travelling with your family, you'll feel more relaxed if there's plenty to keep the youngsters occupied. If you tend to get bored with beaches, you'd do well to ensure the island has enough places of interest and also that it's easy and safe to get around. Trying out different restaurants on your Caribbean holidays may be one of your passions, so make sure culinary variety is one of the islands plus points and as nightlife can vary from international floorshows to listening to the treefrogs, make sure you do your homework before you get on the plane.

Similarly if golf is important to your island holiday, check there's an 18-hole course with recognised standards. Scuba-diving, sailing and windsurfing are definitely better in some islands than others and whilst spas are gradually being introduced throughout the Caribbean, they do vary in quality, as well as the range of treatments on offer.

In general, however, the standard of holiday hotels are improving every year. Long gone are the days when hoteliers relied upon the quality of their beaches to attract their visitors. Or when they felt a luxurious room and a spectacular view could make up for average food and sluggish service. Competition from the Indian Ocean and Far East has put paid to such complacency and nowadays its luxury resorts live up to their tropical settings and can vie with the best in the world.

We hope this guide will provide all the information you need to make the correct decisions when deciding the destination of your Caribbean holiday.

Choosing a Resort to Match Your Personality

2009-08-28T12:58:00.000+04:00

There is that old saying "you can tell a lot about a person by the shoes they wear." Whatever truth that may carry, and my best guess is not very much, it goes without saying that your vacation is a reflection of who you are. College kids travel in hoards to the beaches of Mexico in search of relaxed laws. Some of us, we flock to opposite poles of the world for different flavors of cultural experience. In Punta Cana, the variation between hotels offers a similar range of diversity, truly offering something for everybody.

Punta Cana's resorts span from the personalized,all-about-you services of smaller hotels to the overwhelming extravagance of the chains and boldnamers. What remains constant throughout most of the country and trend to most of the Dominican Republic's hospitality industry are the all-inclusive packages that fulfill almost every demand of a successful vacation. That covered, identifying a hotel that matches your personality, or your shoes, is the next step to finalizing your retreat.

For traveling families, TheStreet.com recommends nothing but the all-inclusives, as they tend to offer special family rates and activities to keep children to tweens occupied. The site suggests booking a reservation at larger reputable hotels.

"Sol Melia's Paradisus Punta Cana gets consistently good reviews." TheStreet.com said, "The sprawling but stylish property has four swimming pools, four tennis courts, a spa and health club, and on-call medical staff. For meals, there are eight a la carte and two buffet restaurants to choose from. Family activities include horseback riding, dance classes, snorkeling and scuba diving. The Family Concierge Suite starts at about $400 per day, including meals and activities. Kids are given t-shirts, floaters and walkie talkies to communicate with their parents."

Vacation planning with a golfing or fishing agenda should look not further than Casa de Campo, home to 3 courses designed by Peter Dye. The greens host international tournaments year-round and are frequented by professionals. Beside the golf, the hotel has over 300 rooms, 9 restaurants, 3 pools, and charters deep-sea fishing expeditions that see its visitors hooking tuna, kingfish, marlin, and barracuda.

In North-East Dominican Republic, the little town of Cabarete, population 20000, attracts a kiteboarding and windsurfing following. Velero Beach Resort, situated on a corner of the main beach, is a minute's walk out the lobby to all of Cabaretes' wind-sports. In the evening, a younger crowd invades the shoreline as the clubs open their doors and DJs spin their records.

To escape the hotel genres and wane to semi-seclusion, Casa Colonial, a hotel that resembles a manor, offer 50 modern luxury-resorts stocked with flat-screen televisions, high-speed internet, mini-bars, and a beach you can walk to just by stepping out your front door. Its spa features 13 treatment rooms and an assortment of massages and facials.

Contrary to popular pigeonholing, Dominican resorts are casually veering from the gimmicky nature of the all-inclusives of yore. Long past is the cattle-hearding of buffet lines and the screaming children darting wildly through the corridors. Hotels now opt for the serene and assimilate what comes naturally to the Dominican Republic as their sole theme.

A Private Island for the rest of us...

2009-08-28T12:54:00.000+04:00

There are the private islands we wish to visit... like Cayo Espanto off Belize, or Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands... but someone once we tallied the total, these islands are usually out of reach for most. Enter Cayo Levantado - actually, Gran Bahia Cayo Levantado, a primo resort off the quiet North Coast of the Dominican Republic.

There are postcard perfect beaches...

Tempting swimming pools by day...

And night...
Stately rooms with genuine Caribbean flare...

Gourmet dining... and so much more...

(Caribbean Travel News)

Introducing Scrub Island

2009-08-28T12:46:00.000+04:00

Scrub Island, a private island resort in the British Virgin Islands is open for business! Come and explore one of the hottest new hotel openings slated for 2010! Book before August 30, 2009 for great early booking rates starting at $450/night inclusive of breakfast...

Wouldn't you love to do this all day?

And return "home" to a gourmet meal on this terrace?
Or watch the sunset from your living room... cool drink in hand?
You might even retire early because these rooms are just so alluring...

While Scrub is a private island, it welcomes yachtsman and boaters alike to come ashore and dine at any of their 7 restaurants. What else can you do besides enjoy the fine cuisine and the 3 pristine white sand beaches? Plenty...

Lagoon-style, multi-level pool with 15-foot waterfall and swim-up bar
Boat Rental
Fishing Charters
Water Sports
Nature Trails
60-slip Marina
Retail Shops
Island-wide Wireless Internet
Spa and Fitness Center

Caribbean Travel News

New Rooms at the Hyatt Aruba!

2009-08-28T12:44:00.000+04:00

Let the hypnotic sounds of the ocean gently lull you to sleep each evening in the luxurious comfort of the newly remodeled Aruba accommodations. Situated on the upper floors of the Hyatt Regency Aruba, these spacious 380-sq.-ft. rooms offer a private step-out balcony, perfect for enjoying views of the ocean, three-level pool, lagoon and tropical gardens. Complementing the view is the delightful decor, with sophisticated yet warm colors of the Caribbean creating a serene setting for your visit.

Awaken each day refreshed from an exceptional rest in our signature Hyatt Grand Beds, fitted with luxurious linens, fluffy down pillows and a colorful throw over a pillow-top mattress. All King rooms include a shower while the Queen/Queen guestrooms include a bathtub. Enjoy the deluxe amenities in our air-conditioned, beachfront Aruba lodging including refreshing ceiling fan, Portico bath products, iHome clock/radio, coffeemaker, minibar, 32" LCD TV, high-speed Internet access and daily newspaper.

Photo 1: Partial Oceanview King Room Photo. 2: Pool/Oceanview Two Queen Beds. Photo 3: Family Suite Living Area

(Caribbean Travel News)