Browsing Month September, 2009

The mere mention of New York City located in the state of New York brings to mind the impression of the busiest and most popular city of the world.

Being the center of world business, politics, culture and fashion, the city is also the most populous in the U.S.A. Since its inception, the city had been the birthplace of so many events and activities that it becomes increasingly complex for the tourist to plan his itinerary.

All that is significant and famous today in the world can be found here, be it the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange or the ill-fated World Trade Center. The city has stood witness to many revolutionary historic movements like the Harlem Renaissance in literature, Abstract Expressionism in the world of painting, and such landmark contributions in the field of music as hip-hop, salsa, Tin-Pan Alley and punk.

The famous Broadway Theater is also an exponent of this place and as such, it is called as “the city that never sleeps”. A humid subtropical climate ensures that the city remains bustling with visitors all the year round.

The one thing that distinguishes New York City as a major world city is its skyscrapers, architectural masterpieces in their own right. The Woolworth Building, the Chrysler Building, the Seagram building and the Conde Nast building are just some of these masterpieces.

New York City is also distinguished for its beautiful municipal parks and public beaches. The Gateway National Recreation Area, the National Park System, Central Park and Central Park Zoo and Flushing Meadows among others ensure that tourists experience an economical as well as pleasurable outing with family and friends.

Entertainment, politics, art, tourist attractions, fashion and business have together ensured that this city remains an eternal favorite with a wide variety of visitors. Besides, the city has arrangements for catering to tourists with varying pocket sizes; on the one hand, there are wonderful star rated hotels while on the other hand one can never run out of options of cheap bed and breakfast joints.

Located on the banks of the St. John’s River, Jacksonville in Florida gets its name after the seventh U.S. President, Andrew Jackson and is the largest of all cities in the contiguous United States.

Although the city is recognized throughout the world as a leading business hub, it attracts tourists nonetheless, because of its famed park system. Jacksonville’s chain of parks, preservation lands and long stretches of beaches and waterways has made it a favorite amongst tourists and sports lovers.

The city’s hospitality, warm climate year round and inexpensive facilities have further added to its popularity. In fact this is one place where tourists can find hotels ranging along various costs; from cheap and modest ones to star-rated ones.

It is also a major sport-hosting city as well as the location for numerous festivals year round. 111,669 acres of park space and 72 golf courses ensure that visitors never run out of options for activities. In short, Jacksonville can be called the ultimate destination for sand, surf, golf, art and nightlife all condensed together to lend it a unique charm of its own.

Some of the more popular attractions in Jacksonville are the Farmer’s Market in St. John’s Tower Center organized every Friday and the Tree Hill Nature Center, which is an ideal center for family outings and educational tours at cheap prices.

Besides the NBA team of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has in recent days added to the glory of the city and increased its popularity. Beach lovers and those captivated by water sports will surely love the pristine waters and beautiful beaches. In order to add more spice to beach festivities, each year the city organizes sand sculpting competitions. The city can also prove to be a very exotic and economical romantic getaway for all those who love to explore the deep blue seas on idyllic cruises. Another reason for Jacksonville’s recommendation to all tourists is the fact that, it is best place for trendy shopping at affordable prices.

The importance of Buffalo city arises from the fact that it is the second most populous city in New York as well as the seat of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area. Located on the eastern shores of Lake Erie, the city was once a major sea terminal and a steel hub of the world. The city also had a major role to play in the history of automobile revolution.

Although winters can be very cold, the usual continental type of climate has always attracted visitors. The greatest and one of the rarest attractions in the world is spotted in Buffalo as the city is home to a wide variety of greenery. The abundance of trees in the city has ensured that it earns the moniker of “the city of trees”.

In fact, one the greatest attractions of Buffalo are its chain of 20 parks and connecting parkways and circles. The tradition of creating ornate parks began in the city as early as 1868 and took a concrete shape at the hands of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the shapers of the Olmsted Park and Parkway System. In fact, this system of parks has attained historic significance as well and no tourist can deny its aesthetic value. Special steps have also been taken to maintain that these parks remain Buffalo’s heritage for a long time.

Buffalo also has a significant position on the world map of modern art, as it is here that the famous Albright-Knox Art Gallery is situated, the home to several modern and contemporary masterpieces. Besides the presence of several smaller galleries, ensure that the city attracts art-lovers throughout the year. The Buffalo City Hall, Darwin D. Martin House, Kleinhans Music Hall and the Buffalo Central Terminal, which stand out for their architectural value, are counted among the tourist attractions here.

Hong Kong is an ever-dynamic and lively metropolis with one of world’s most recognizable skylines. The city has a stimulating atmosphere that is quite impossible to explain in speech – a person has to see it, smell it and feel it. With fabulous and plentiful options for shopping and dining, the ever-changing landscape of Hong Kong is a beacon of modernity. The vibrant city of Hong Kong is a major gateway to China. The city is considered as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong are based on the impartial rule of law and an independent judiciary. After its handover from Britain to China in 1997, this entrepreneurial, irrepressible and singular trading city is booming again. But along with the beautiful tourist spots and glittering shopping malls; there is plenty of tradition and history to discover too, in its festivals, museums and temples.

Best Time to Visit: Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate, being temperate for nearly half the year, with cool, dry winters and hot, humid summers. The city has four distinguishable seasons. The average Hong Kong temperature is 23°C (73.4F). Spring (March – May) tends to be warm and humid, accompanied by fog and drizzle. In summer (May-September), frequent thunderstorms are the norm. Travelers need a woolen sweater and heavy coat in Hong Kong’s dry and cool winter. The peak travel season in Hong Kong is autumn (October – December). Typhoon season in Hong Kong is possible in September. It’s best to avoid Hong Kong tour during this time of the year.

Tourist Spots in Hong Kong: Hong Kong is a city of teeming streets and empty wilderness, dazzling modernity and traditional observances. Brash, buccaneering and westernized, yet conservatively minded and Chinese to its core, the city surprises, delights and confounds with its cheerful contradictions and energetic inconsistency. Some of the world famous tourist spots in Hong Kong are:

1. The Peak: The Peak is the highest point on the island, playing host to more than 6 million visitors each year. Not only is the view one of the most spectacular cityscapes in the world, it’s also a good way to put Hong Kong and its layout into perspective. Looking down from The Peak you’ll be amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbor and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides. It features the city’s oldest and most reliable mode of public transport, The Peak Tram. It began operating in 1888 and is a funicular railway that carves a steep 373-metre swathe up the lush mountainside. A scenic ride up from the city centre to The Peak takes only 7 minutes.

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3. Victoria Harbor: Victoria Harbor is one of Hong Kong’s greatest assets, a jewel that people marvel at, regardless to how many times they visit the city. People come from all over the world to see and admire it. As the main harbor of Hong Kong, tourist will find clean sea, blue sky, beautiful mountains and charming natural scenes here. Located between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, the Victoria harbor is wide and the water is deep, an ideal natural condition for adventure lovers. The night scene of Victoria Harbor is one of the most charming experiences in the world and the best viewing spot is the narrowest point of Victoria Harbor.

4. Aberdeen: Aberdeen was formerly a fishing village. There are quite a few commercial towers and factories built in this district in recent years. But the area still maintains the characteristics of a traditional fishing village.

5. Repulse Bay: The beach in Repulse Bay is long and broad with clean water, fine sand, calm tide and gentle wave. On the beach there is a park built in traditional Chinese style, the “Zhenhai Building Park”. This park contains a pair of large statues of two goddesses, Kwun Yum and Tin Hau, Bridge of Longevity and some other delights

St. Petersburg, the home to an appealing variety of historic buildings and museums is known as a popular vacation destination for vacationers across the globe. It may be the attraction of the world-famous shores that beckon the travelers to the St. Petersburg, but the city has a lot more to offer. They can take a trip to the museums and discover the rich history and culture of the place or feel the adrenaline rush in theme parks and natural adventure within the pristine park system. They can eat out, shop or simply relax on the lush green or on the water.

Boyd Hill Nature Park is located in the middle of St. Petersburg. This 245 acre park is furnished with a variety of wild habitats including a butterfly garden, a marsh, pine woods and swamp woodlands. There is also a 5 km of trails and boardwalks, campground, a picnic area, small educational center on nature and playground.

The Salvador Dali Museum is a must visit spot in St. Petersburg. The museum has the largest collection of Dali’s work outside Spain, his native land. You can see some of Dali’s sculptures and famous double-image paintings. In all, there are 95 oil paintings and more than 1,000 other artworks and photographs in the museum.

Fort De Soto Park provides a perfect day out with family. There is a fort from the days of the Spanish-American War here. Travelers will also enjoy the campsites, playgrounds, picnic facilities, two fishing piers, boat launches and miles of recreational trails.

Sunken Gardens is a botanical paradise in St. Petersburg city. It is the oldest living museum in St. Petersburg. This 100 year old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Sunken Gardens provides horticultural programs, garden tours, field trips, weddings, private and corporate rentals.

The Pier Aquarium is housed on the 2,000 sq. ft. second floor in The Pier, a five-story pyramid shaped biuilding that houses restaurants and a small aquarium. The place aims to educate and mesmerize the about ocean creatures. Different marine environments are displayed here and the interactive events ensure that information connects to delight and entertainment. (The Pier’s Web site is www.stpetepier.com)

Orlando enjoys the status as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. This is one of the fastest growing cities in the USA and is a center for digital media and bio medicine. This clean and friendly city, with its temperate climate and diverse offerings is considered as a popular getaway for families, seniors, honeymooners and corporate travelers. The City has the 9th busiest airport in USA and its rapidly expanding economy, rich cultural offerings, top class golf courses and most popular freshwater fishing locales makes Orlando the capital of thrills, excitement, and non-stop fun.

Universal Studios Orlando is one of the most popular movies and TV based theme park in the world. This real film and television studio allows the tourists to go behind the scenes and right into the action of their favorite movies. This park has recreated a variety of movie sets, from comedy to horror, that have been tailored to give the tourists a feeling of actually being in those specific events from movies. “Jaws,” “Twister,” “Terminator 2″ and “Back to the Future” are some of the exciting exhibits worth trying. The studio offers something for everyone.

The Orlando Ripley’s is one of several monuments where Ripley’s weird and wonderful collections are gathered from some 198 countries. From a distance, the Orlando auditorium looks like it’s falling into a sinkhole. Once you’re in, you’ll find hundreds of outrageous and fascinating exhibits like a real two-headed calf, a Mona Lisa recreated in small squares of toasted bread or a three-quarter scale Rolls Royce crafted from over a million matchsticks to entertain the entire family.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a park with thrill shows, attractions, rides and a 1930s-style studio with an entertaining overview of how movies are made. Major attractions include the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Star Tours, Jim Henson’s Muppet-Vision 3-D and the exciting Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

The NASA Kennedy Space Center launch headquarters is located on a gigantic island wildlife refuge eight times the size of Manhattan. Each year, millions of visitors from across the world make the trek to this hub of technology and discovery to get the unique chance to see NASA’s launch, interactive simulators, live shows and the massive rockets.

Sea World Orlando is a laid-back, aquatic theme park where the visitors can get an education in marine life, ride roller coasters, see great shows, shop, eat and cool off. The shows include thrilling and jaw-dropping performances by seals, dolphins, killer whales, otters and manatees.

Come to Orlanda Florida and explore !!

1. Hin Daeng & Hin Muang, Koh Lanta, Thailand
   These are my absolute favorites. There’s the big stuff, like Mantas and Whale Sharks, and little critters, like the Harlequin Shrimp. Because of the depth and the sometimes quite strong current both those sites are not really suited for greenhorn divers.
2. Batu Bolong, Flores, Indonesia
   I had a fantastic dive here with three octopus. They were following and holding on to each other while weird patterns were pulsating down their bodies. Looked like an octopoda threesome to me. Just awesome!! The current was just unbelievable; in places so strong that our bubbles went straight down…
3. Shark Point, Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
   Probably the only dive site on earth, where you are surrounded by 15 turtles when doing your safety stop. Loads of different kinds of sharks and a gorgonian fan at around 20 m populated by pygmy seahorses. There can be some current, but here you always dive with the flow, so no worries…

What’s your favorite dive sites?  Read the rest here : Author Boris Glumpler

Guernsey is the second largest isle in the Channel Islands. Guernsey is an amazingly approachable place for family holidays that has plenty of safe and clean beaches. Guernsey has a rich history of 7000 years and the place is full of Old World English charm added to basic elements of French flair. Guernsey is a British crown dependency, but it is not a part of United Kingdom or the European Union. Guernsey’s peaceful environment is sure to reinvigorate the senses of a tourist: they can sit back and appreciate the scent of calmness or the sight of a sunset mirrored in the Atlantic Ocean.

Best Time to Visit: Guernsey is considered as the hottest spot in the British Isles during the summer, but it can get very cool in the evening. The tourists are particularly advised to use plenty of sunscreen in the daytime, particularly up until 3 p.m. Even on the cloudy days, children should always wear shorts and T shirts to avoid the strong UVA/UVB rays.

Accommodation: The islands of Guernsey offer a huge range of places to stay that suit every taste and budget. It might be a four-star luxury or friendly guest accommodation; you are sure to get what you want. But if you want to feel the true beauty of tranquility in Guernsey, the self catering cottages are perhaps the best place to stay. They stand for quality and value. The quiet Guernsey self catering fisherman’s style cottages are located across the beautiful coast of Guernsey. These cottages provide comfortable three or four star family self catering accommodation and are the ideal base for a summer holiday in Guernsey with the children.

Places to Visit:

1. St. Peter’s Port: Guernsey’s capital has been a busy entrepôt since Roman times. Her deep, safe anchorage and relative remoteness from France made St Peter Port the Channel Islands’ premier port. Shopping in St Peter Port is an unforgettable experience. Electronic and photographic equipment, jewelry and perfume are all good, low duty buys, along with wines, spirits and tobacco and of course the famous Guernsey jumper.

2. Saumarez Park: Saumarez Park is the largest public park on the island that has a well-equipped children’s adventure playground and bouncy castle, as well as a duck pond, rose-garden and tea rooms.

3. Tiny Chapel: This charming creation of Benedictine monk, Brother Deodat is a must see for all tourists. There is space only for the priest and perhaps three people that quite possibly makes this the world’s smallest church!

Part one – A taste of the desert

www.kingsafaridahab.com

Our first quick taste of the desert consisted of a one-night ‘Dinner in the Mountains’ trip; one that many visitors to Dahab take. We met our guide on the beachfront and he drove us in his jeep to the edge of town, to the ‘camel station’. Here we got onto our camels, which brought us up to into mountains of Dahab. As soon as we arrived we started to feel the quiet, unhurried atmosphere of Bedouin life in the desert. Even though we were only a few miles out of Dahab and this place had clearly been set up for visitors like ourselves, we started to relax straight into this calm feeling, while the Bedouin were sitting by a large fire, where our meal was being prepared.

Our guide wanted to take us to a nice viewpoint before sunset, so we followed him a bit further into the mountains, where we got a great view of the sea and the town below. Clearly these men are one with this landscape, thin, flexible and agile, our guide skipped across the rocks with no effort at all, arriving at the top way before us…

As the sun started to set, we slowly made our way back to the Wadi, where the Bedouin were sitting around the fire. We sat with them for a little while, sipping the tea that was poured into tiny glasses from a small blackened teapot that sat by the edge of the fire. After tea, a bit of small-talk and trying on some scarves, we were shown to our private hut, where we waited for dinner. Every now and then a man would come up with something to drink and a few candles for us to have dinner by. As the sky turned dark we moved to the edge of our hut to marvel at the amazing number of stars in the sky. I could only imagine what it would be like to move deeper into the desert.

From the edge of our hut we could make out a few more figures in the darkness that had joined the Bedouin group. I walked over to say hello and found out that one of them was a guide for a French yoga group, enjoying a vegetarian meal in one of the other huts. He told us that what we were having just a little sample taste of the desert, and that, if we wanted to experience more we should really think about organising an overnight trip, further into the desert. He said he would ask one of the Bedouin to come and talk to us after dinner.

With that in mind we sat down to a lovely meal of fragrant beef and vegetable stew, rice and freshly cooked Bedouin bread. After the remains of our dinner were cleared and we had been treated to some more tea, a Bedouin man walked up, said hello and sat down beside us.

To us Westerners it seems strange to sit down without immediately explaining who you are and what you want, but as I have experienced before, it is very common in this part of the world to do so. He lit a cigarette, smiled and sipped his tea quietly. At this point my mind was made up. I HAD to spend a night in the desert before we would fly back to Europe three days later. Our guide advised us to visit the King Safari office in town to discuss the practicalities. In part of two Magical Nights you’ll read all about our first real venture into the Sinai desert.

If you would also like to enjoy your Dinner in the Mountains of Dahab, go to www.kingsafaridahab.com, under ‘Short Desert Excursions’.

Sport brings people together and somehow, it makes the world smaller. Different cultures, people, and ways of playing sports: they all flow together giving life to experiences that will become everlasting memories. Following this idea and trying to make real a dream that many athletes have, associations such as “Across the Pond” came to life.

A.S.D Across the Pond is an organization based in Italy, born to promote sporting events, with the purpose of bringing teams from all over the World to Italy to meet with others and participate in an unforgettable journey.

Traveling to Italy to play with Italian and other foreign teams gives the travelers and the athletes the opportunity to experience a vast variety of different lifestyles, using sport as a socialization instrument, while experiencing competition at an international level. Participating in international sport events does not only mean leaving our own country to play against foreign teams. It also gives athletes and families the experience of meeting and interacting with people from across the globe, sharing the same passion.

The intent of Across the Pond is to develop innovative experiences for teams who are opened to new types of competition, that emphasize both the international competition and the power of sport as a way of meeting and knowing other cultures and ways of living life.

Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica
Across the Pond
Via Conventati 1/A
63023 Fermo (AP)
www.acrossthepond.it
Tel +39 0734628282
Cell +39 3392025798